Reformissionary

2nd (and 3rd) Opinion Update

Here's what happened at our epic meeting at the University of Chicago yesterday.  It was a long day but a good day for us.

We were seated in our appointment room at 3:30pm, within 30 minutes of Molly's appointment time, so we thought there was no way we be there until 8pm as they suggested was possible.  Yeah, we left at 7:35pm.  Way early! :)  It again took nearly 3 hours to get to the hospital.  At least I didn't make any wrong turns this time.

We first met with Dr. Yassari.  Who is Dr. Yassari?  Another neurosurgeon who we didn't know Molly would see.  He went through the entire exam just as we did with Yamini, checking every movement and symptom afresh.  He was funny too.  After a long visit with Yassari, he came to the same basic conclusions about the Chiari and felt surgery was needed.  He left the room and said he would consult with Dr. Frim and they would return together.  They did, over 1 1/2 hours later.  Wowwy, that's a long wait after a long exam. 

By the way, Dr. Frim is the big cheese.  This is the guy we originally wanted to do the surgery way back just after the diagnosis.  He is the guy our neurologist highly recommended as the expert/specialist on Chiari.  "David Frim, MD, PhD, chief of pediatric neurosurgery and an expert in congenital anomalies of the nervous system," which means Chiari (via).  And we have come to understand that getting an expert at pediatric Chiari on the case is a huge bonus.

So Frim comes in with Yassari and a surgical resident (can't remember that dude's name, but he looked really smart and didn't really say anything).  Frim took Molly through the whole dealio again: tests for balance, numbness, and other symptoms.  He asked questions about the extent of the problem, pain, and effect on life.   He looked at all the MRI film again and explained the details to us again.  These guys are thorough.  Frim told us all the symptoms are very consistent with Chiari, which was the thing that had us confused.  Confusion is totally gone.

Remember I said there were three basic reasons that surgery with Chiari is a must: drop attacks, a syrinx (spinal cyst), or swallowing issues.  Frim added a fourth, something about experiencing other neurological effects from Chiari.  When these larger problems aren't present then surgery may be offered but not required.  For example, the most common Chiari symptom is terrible headaches, migraines, etc.  Sometimes people will have headaches with no other major issues, so they simply manage the pain and press on.  I've even met a person who has/does this.

But Molly has some of the neurological effects Frim mentioned, including problems with finishing thoughts, remembering things, and mental overload when being spoken to.  Frim felt this basically would qualify her for the more necessary camp in surgery, even though they felt surgery was important for the balance and weakness issues as well.

Then Dr. Frim told us that he would be happy to do the surgery if we want him to.  Now get this.  We originally tried to get with Frim but were told we couldn't even have a surgical consultation until August 30th.  So Yamini took on Molly's case instead, and that is what got our foot in the door with Frim.  Our meeting with Frim took only two days after they decided it would be best to meet with him.  Good stuff.  Providence.

Truth is, this is as good as we've felt since the diagnosis.  We are really thankful for the large amount of time they have spent making sure they understand Molly's Chiari.  We are totally confident in Frim and his expertise.  We feel like the fog we were in has lifted completely.  He even said that he felt good that the surgery would relieve "all or some of her symptoms."  Bout time someone said that. :)  We know that there is still plenty of chance that some of the symptoms may remain, but Frim said that because Molly's Chiari is sizable, the odds of a good surgical result are very good.  Great news.

So what's next?

1. We have a call in to Frim's nurse to schedule surgery.  He said it shouldn't be too long to get Molly in.  Maybe a few weeks???  Recovery will be slow and painful, a full 24 hours in the ICU after the surgery and probably another 3-4 days in the hospital.  He showed where the scar will be on Molly, and it will be almost completely above her neck hairline (less visible).   We also discussed accommodation options for me while she is in the hospital and a handful of other things.  Maybe I'll talk about these at a later date.

2. We have canceled our Mayo trip.  We were all prepared to go, but we looked at each other after leaving the hospital and knew that Dr. Frim was the way to go.  We were downright giddy on the drive home.  Chiari is not so much about right diagnosis and making the right decision about fixing it.  At least not in the less complicated cases like Molly's.  It's about having the right people do the work when it's necessary.  Frim is the guy who writes the articles in the journals on this stuff.  Plus, we have had three different neurosurgeons do complete exams on Molly with complete agreement on what needs to be done (and they have consulted with others at the University of Chicago as well as outside, all in agreement).  We are so thankful to know (finally) exactly what the deal is, what needs to be done, and have a plan to take care of business. 

We'll keep you up to date when we know a surgical date or if anything changes.  We are thankful for all of your prayers. 

Brewing Battle

Christianity Today has a short article recapping the situation with Missouri Baptists: Brewing Battle.  Nothing terribly new or informative to those who have been keeping up, but concise with some helpful external links at the end for those needing to catch up.

The policy addresses an ongoing SBC debate. Baptists have championed alcohol abstinence since the late 1800s, but a growing number want the SBC to reexamine the issue, said Timothy George, dean of Beeson Divinity School.

"There is growing discontent, people saying that we shouldn't be mandating things that aren't spoken clearly about in Scripture," George said. "It's hard to argue that the Bible requires total abstinence."

Phriday is for Photos 6.29.07

Lots of seeing doctors this week. The first is on the trip to Chicago for a neurosurgeon appointment. This blur was taken in an urban I90 tunnel. The second is Elijah waiting for staples in his cranium. See the rest of my photography.

Keller on Idolatry

(New link to Keller's "Talking About Idolatry in a Postmodern Age.")

I can't find a way to link to it directly, but you can read Tim Keller's "Talking About Idolatry in a Postmodern Age" at the Gospel Coalition site.  I don't think I have it linked elsewhere.

Start on the Gospel Coalition articles page, click on "authors," click on "Tim Keller" under the "Contemporary Authors" section.

Personally, I don't understand why sites are built so you can't link directly to everything.  But at least it's there.  Maybe they will eventually add permalinks to everything.

UPDATE: They have added url's to all the articles. Good work guys. "Talking About Idolatry in a Postmodern Age."

Gopsel Coalition Site is Online

The Gospel Coalition

Family Health Update

Ugh.  Important news...

1. Molly's surgery has been postponed.  When? Dunno.  They wanted to cancel until we talked with the main neurosurgeon at the University of Chicago, Dr. Frim.

2. We are meeting with Dr. Frim tomorrow (Thursday).  We just found out Tuesday, the same day (I think) we had the surgery cancelled.  Why did they cancel the surgery with Yamini when the Frim meeting would happen so soon?  No honking idea.  Are they planning on Frim doing the surgery?  Are they unsure of something they haven't explained to us yet?  Are they just trying to make us MORE frustrated?  Dunno.  But our appointment is at 3pm tomorrow and we are about to find out.

3. Dr. Frim's nurse told us he is one of the slowest doctors, so that we may not leave our 3pm appointment until like 8pm.  Say what?  Yep.  So that means we leave at noon tomorrow and will arrive home maybe past 10pm or so.  Fortunately one of our babysitters isn't working tomorrow and can help all day.  Nice.

4. We are still going to Mayo Clinic on the 2nd of July.  We will take the kids to my family in Pontiac, IL on Saturday, come back to Woodstock so I can preach on Sunday, and then head up to Mayo.  We will be there, according to their information, for 2-4 days.  So if it lasts more than 2 days we will be stuck there over the 4th of July and have to wait until the 5th for more tests, meetings, or whatever they require. 

5. Just when you thought our family has had enough, the hits just keep on coming.  Elijah busted his head open today.  Just when I sat down to start doing a whole pile of work, I got a call and had to rush home.  It seems the dresser in our room jumped in front of him when he was being chased around our bed by his brothers.  So the next three hours were spent at the Emergency Room looking for some staples to get that scalp back together.  Seven staples later he was just fine.  And let me just say that I didn't see one tear from my six year old, even as I held him tight and the doctor treated him like a paper product.  After a good initial cry when it first happened, he was pretty tough and even found time to root on the Cubbies.

Redeemer: #1 Multiplying Church

I don't get into church lists very much.  Seem to me to be mostly a waste of energy.  But since I'm a Kellerophile I figured I should mention that Redeemer Pres in NYC has been named the #1 on the Top 25 Multiplying Churches in America list by Outreach Magazine.  In other news, my local church didn't make the list.

Keller @ Gospel Coalition Conference

Here's Tim Keller's Gospel Coalition Conference message: "Gospel-Centered Ministry" (also video). You should already have it if you subscribe to the Resurgence podcast.  Check out the rest of my Tim Keller resources.

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Music Monday 6.25.07

Three words: The Innocence Mission. 

The Innocence Mission is Karen and Don Peris and Mike Bitts.  Karen is the vocalist, and her voice is like something out of a dream.  It's lovely and broken and hopeful.  Their musical style is a delicate and simple folk. 

I picked up their newest, We Walked in Song, after falling in love with Sufjan's live cover of "The Lakes of Canada" (though that isn't on their newest album).  We Walked is amazing with songs like "The Brotherhood of Man" and "Into Brooklyn, Early in the Morning."  (Paste and Pitchfork Reviews)

From "Colors of the World"...

Blue could be a winter coat
or the sea, Lake Maureen, a window
or a downpour on my street.
This bit of yellow could be a leaf
or a beam of light, a girl in a taxi.

And I think of you in the colors of the world.
And I did meet you in the brotherhood of man
when I was traveling a long way from my home
and you are a friend of mine.

Black is the piano you play at school in the lobby,
looking out at the gray and orange,
green grass on your feet.

And I think of you in the colors of the world.
And I did meet you in the brotherhood of man
when I was traveling a long way from my home
and you are a friend of mine.

My second purchase was Now the Day is Over.  This is an album of lullabies, highlighted by several notable and beloved songs like "Over the Rainbow" and "Edelweiss."  Lovely stuff handled gently, with a continued sense of fragility and gentleness.  Hard to believe these songs, which I would never look for on CD, are done this well. (Paste Review)

The third album I found was Birds of My Neighborhood, which is very new to me and just starting to get time in my rotation.  It contains "The Lakes of Canada," which is a beautiful song.  Through a listen or two, it's just as wonderful as the others. (Pitchfork Review)

Go over to The Innocence Mission's MySpace to hear more.

Phriday is for Photos 6.22.07

Man, I just don't have anything new.  But here is an oldie I love.  Check the rest of my photography, including the 10 pictures most people have added as a "favorite" on Flickr.

$5 Books at Desiring God

From Abraham at the Desiring God blog...

Every book in our store  will be $5 on June 27-28, Wednesday and Thursday next week.

No limits, so spread the word.

(This sale is online only.)

Surgery Scheduled

We are planning on going for a 2nd opinion at Mayo Clinic on July 2nd, but we also have surgery scheduled at the University of Chicago at the first possible opportunity: July 13th, a Friday.  Yes, Friday the 13th.  Awesome.  Enjoy this (for mature audiences only)...

The Chiari Call

Dr. Yamini called today, and yeah, that's him on the right.  Really like him so far. 

He has agreed to do the surgery.  He consulted with a handful of other neurosurgeons and Molly's neurologist and pretty much everyone agreed that surgery is at least recommended.  Problem is that they are only giving Molly a 50/50 chance that the surgery will help her.  Actually, Yamini thinks the odds are better than that.  But the general consensus is that they aren't extremely confident in good results, meaning that there is a chance Molly could have surgery and still be suffering some, most, or all of her symptoms.

Yamini said that Chiari surgery is only absolutely necessary when the symptoms include 1. problems swallowing, 2. drop attacks (sudden spontaneous falls followed by quick recovery), or 3. syrinx (cyst on spinal column).  In these cases an operation is crucial and urgent.  Molly doesn't have these.  Now that's a good thing because these things are bad, but it makes surgery seem more optional. 

Yamini's greatest concern, and ours as well, is Molly's struggles with balance and walking.  He feels these can be serious enough to warrant surgery, which is why they have agreed to do it.

But the odds of a favorable outcome feel too low, and concern us.  So we are considering a 2nd opinion from Mayo.  We still have an appointment on July 2nd and may keep it.  We can even keep it and have the surgery at the University of Chicago with Dr. Yamini if their opinion matches the other doctors since Dr. Yamini would probably not do the surgery until at least July 6th, and maybe even the 13th. 

So now we are praying and trying to decide what to do.  I think we are leaning toward Mayo.  When your wife is about to have her brains opened up, you just want to be as sure as possible that you are taking necessary risks based on the best opinions.

Geez, this is tough.  Thanks for your continued prayers for Molly.

On a more positive note, you may have noticed the "brain donation" button on the top right of the blog.  Please pray about donating your brain, or the brain of a loved one. 

We figured since Molly's brain is just to big that we might get a smaller one donated to us.  If you have the ability to donate a brain, please do so asap. 

When you click the above link you will find a map of all the drop boxes around the country for brain donations, such as this one (though the actual drop boxes may vary in color).

Thanks for considering this.

The Simple Way, 7 Alarm Fire

Please pray for The Simple Way community is Philadelphia (Shane Claiborne and the rest) who are suffering from a fire that leaves several families homeless as well as possession-less.  Read more at TheSimpleWay.org.  More...

This morning, a 7-alarm fire consumed an abandoned warehouse in our Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia. The Simple Way Community Center at 3200 Potter Street was destroyed as well as at least eight of our neighbors’ homes. Over 100 people were evacuated from their homes, and 400 families are currently without power. Despite this developing tragedy, we are incredibly thankful to share that all of our community members and every one of our neighbors is safely out of harm’s way.

This fire will forever change the fabric of our community. Eight families are currently homeless, and in many cases have lost their vehicles as well as their homes. One of our neighbors, the Mahaias Family, lost their three cars as well as the equipment one family member uses for her massage therapy business. Teenager Brian Mahaias is devastated not because he has lost his belongings, but because he fears that this fire will force him to move away from this neighborhood that is his family as well as his home.

The Simple Way has lost a community center that was home to our Yes! And… afterschool program, community arts center, and Cottage Printworks t-shirt micro-business as well as to two of our community members. Community members Shane Claiborne and Jesce Walz have lost all of their belongings, Yes! And…’s after school studio and library were ruined, and community member Justin Donner’s Cottage Printworks equipment and t-shirts were destroyed.

We are thankful that we are able to help each other during this time of need, and we will continue to keep your informed about today’s events.

We have established funds to support the families who have lost their homes, the Yes! And… afterschool program, and the Simple Way community.

A fund to support the families has been established through a partner organization, EAPE. Tax-deductible donations can be made at https://www.tonycampolo.org/online_donation.php. Please make sure to put “Kensington Families Fund” in the memo section.

Donations to the Rebuilding Fund can be made via PayPal to contribute@awip.us.

-The Simple Way Community

9 Marks Blog: Church Matters

9 Marks, the very helpful ministry of Mark Dever and Matt Schmucker from Capitol Hill Baptist in DC, now has a blog. Check out Mark Dever’s introductory post.  From a 9 Marks email...

Our intended audience, as with most of 9Marks material, is pastors, church leaders, and seminarians. At the same time, we hope that all Christians become more interested in church matters, because we believe the local church is the focal point of God’s plan for displaying his glory to the nations. That includes all of us who profess faith in Christ.

Blog contributors will consist of Mark Dever, Matt Schmucker, Jonathan Leeman, and the 9Marks lead writers, as well as several like-minded pastors and occasional guests. For the time being, we thought we’d try opening the blog to public comments. Hopefully it can be used as a place of honest inquiry and discussion regarding pastoring and leading local church life.

The Clintanos

This is a funny spoof on The Sopranos ending by Hillary and Bill Clinton for Hillary's campaign.  It's a set up to announce her campaign song. I wouldn't vote for Hillary if she were a close relative or the only candidate, but I still like the idea for this video.  Oh, and don't miss the "Johnny Sack" cameo.

Music Monday 6.18.07

I haven't felt very musical today, but that won't stop me from posting this Music Monday.

First I want to mention the movie Once (trailer).  Man, I want to see this so bad.  It stars Glen Hansard of The Frames, and has received a great response from both critics and fans.  The movie is supposedly thick with music, good music, "10 quietly brilliant songs, each built around piano, acoustic guitar, violin, cello and the two headliners' soft, sweet voices" (via).  What I've heard sounds great (hear the central song, "Falling Slowly," on their website, hear more at Once MySpace).  Here's where you can pick up the soundtrack.

With all my wife's issues, this song has been in my head.  Here are three different versions of "Fix You."

Consultation & Confusion

I wish I could say all went well today and the next step is clear.  It wasn't all roses and the way forward isn't clear yet. 

The neurosurgeon, Dr. Yamini, seemed like a great guy.  Lacking the quirkiness of so many doctors, he was friendly, laughed at my jokes, seemed genuinely concerned, and responded with wisdom to the situation at hand (as best we can tell).

I'll try to stay within the nutshell.  He agreed she has Chiari I Malformation (knew he would), but didn't feel we should schedule surgery just yet.  Not because Molly might get better, but because of at least a couple of things...

1. There is no evidence on the MRI films of any major effects from the Chiari, though the Chiari itself is evident.  Often Chiari sufferers have developed one or more cysts in the spinal cord called a "syrinx."  At the least there are often spots on the chord that show problems occurring in and around the spinal column.  Molly's spinal chord is "pristine" according to Dr. Yamini, meaning it looks just fine and has absolutely no noticeable effects from the cerebellum pressing on the spinal column.

Because of the lack of noticeable trauma on her spine, Dr. Yamini is curious about whether or not the symptoms are coming from the Chiari Malformation or something else.

2. Molly's symptoms don't seem to match what Dr. Yamini has seen many Chiari patients.  Often people experiencing dramatic Chiari symptoms have had some lesser symptoms long before.  Things like chronic, bad headaches.  Molly's symptoms just started a month ago, and she went from very healthy and feeling good to awful symptoms. 

Dr. Yamini was also concerned for Molly's unbelievable balance problems, and wasn't exactly sure her symptoms would be this dramatic when the Chiari hasn't produced noticeable effects on the spine.

Because there is no trauma and the symptoms are not quite aligning like typical Chiari, Dr. Yamini is questioning whether there might be a different problem causing Molly's symptoms.  He said he assumes that Chiari is still the heinous culprit (see this at minute 3:40), but he isn't confident enough to perform such a dangerous surgery without ruling out some other possibilities.

Next Steps

Dr. Yamini will be consulting with his two colleagues at the University of Chicago, Dr. Curry and Dr. Frim.  All have performed a number of Chiari decompression surgeries; Dr. Frim has performed the most.  He will also talk with our neurologist. We are waiting for a phone call sometime this week (hopefully early this week).

Our Thoughts

We are exhausted and frustrated.  It took nearly 3 hours to get to the hospital this morning (rush hour + a 4 car pile-up = Steve yelling at cars). 

We feel both better and worse about things.  We feel better because we like the neurosurgeon and are thankful for his advice, cautiousness and candor.  We also feel better because we had assumed this surgery was a near-emergency situation.  He says it isn't, and we believe him.  We are thankful that we have a chance to make sure we don't do this surgery on too little info and regret the pain, suffering, and risks later. 

We feel worse because we felt this was a cut-and-dry situation.  "It's Chiari, it's not treatable by pain meds, so we plan to operate and make things better."  Now we feel a like we are being re-enveloped in mystery.  "Is this really the Chiari?  Or could it be something else?  And if/when she has surgery, will it really be the solution or will major symptoms remain?"

We hate the "worse" part of this.  It was a long, difficult drive home as we thought through the situation and wondered how long Molly would keep suffering like this.  I think Molly is more depressed about things now.  But in the end I think we are ready for whatever comes and look forward to doing whatever is necessary. 

Oh, and the best part of the day was eating at P.F. Changs on the way home.  Orange Peel Shrimp, baby!

Consultation Coming Tomorrow

Tomorrow (Monday the 18th) is Molly's consultation with Dr. Yamini at the University of Chicago.  It's at 11am. A little nervous, but mostly thankful it's finally here.  I'm probably most anxious about driving into the city and making it on time.

Molly has had a good week, considering.  She had about 2 good days where she regained her balance and lost some of her weakness problems.  She was having more headaches and other symptoms instead, but the most serious symptoms were not so bad and for that I'm very thankful.  Then it turned bad again, at least at times.  Laying down for another MRI really was painful on Wednesday and made the rest of the day miserable.  Sitting for a 2 hour movie was fine on Friday night, but when she got up it was a nightmare.  She could barely walk out of the building, and only did with a lot of help.

By the way, my back issues seem much better the last 4 days.  Still some stuff going on, but nothing big at all.  Working on posture while on my laptop and sleeping in the right positions has helped.

Please pray that Dr. Yamini will take Molly on the right course of treatment, which we assume will be surgery.  And pray that we will continue to trust that God is teaching us to trust Him more during difficult times.

Reasons Why I Hate Us - 6

Phriday is for Photos 6.15.07

The first is my lovely wife's feet at the pool.  Dangit, even when her face is out of focus she rocks my world!  The second is a favorite of my kids from last summer with their feet firmly planted on the bean.  I'm thinking of them a lot as Father's Day approaches, and as their mother is suffering right now.  Check out the rest of my photography, especially this delicious photo of my family, which I had forgotten about until a couple of days ago.

Salt and Light

God intends us to penetrate the world.  Christian salt has no business to remain snugly in elegant little ecclesiastical salt cellars; our place is to be rubbed into the secular community, as salt is rubbed into meat, to stop it going bad.  And when society does go bad, we Christians tend to throw up our hands in pious horror and reproach the non-Christian world; but should we not rather reproach ourselves?  One can hardly blame unsalted meat for going bad.  It cannot do anything else.  The real question to ask is: Where is the salt?

John Stott in The Message of the Sermon on the Mount, p 65.

StetBC

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Live Blogging Nowhere Near the 2007 SBC - The End

Joe Thorn has finished a day of photoblogging, and it's time for me to close out my day of live-blogging (which, by the way, was lived nowhere near the SBC in San Antonio).  I'm still nowhere near San Antonio.  I'm not getting closer to home, or farther from San Antonio.  I'm just here, where I've been.

I heard a movie podcast tonight, worked on Matthew 5:13-16 for next Sunday, and still haven't had a Double Stuf Cool Mint Creme Oreo.  Right before bed is the wrong time to have my first, so I will close the day with an empty stomach.  Maybe I will savor my first tomorrow.

I was reminded tonight, through the most ordinary of circumstances, that I really love my wife deeply.  Man, so much.  I love her and my kids so much that sometimes it hurts.  I'm continually gripped with the feeling that the loss of any of them would rip my heart into so many pieces that it may never function properly again.  But that's love, isn't it?  If life weren't so good now, and if these jewels in my breastplate weren't so priceless to me now, the pain that might ever come my way should they go missing would not be all that bad.  It has taken brain surgery to make that clearer than ever, and I'm very thankful for the scalpel that is hovering on our horizon.

Geez that sounded cheesy.  But the cheese here is without question not nearly as cheesy as the 2007 SBC in San Antonio must have been in the eyes of those who have eyes to see.  Our denominational affairs are so self-important.  Our denominational decisions are so over-hyped.  So I'm grateful to God that He allowed me the chance to live-blog here, which may as well be a million miles from ballots and reports and messengers and SBC celebrities. 

May God help us all to vote for the right things, at the right times, for the right reasons.  And may we vote first for Jesus, our Prophet, Priest, and King.  And then for our families, our local congregations, and our local communities, who need to the kind of preaching that reveals a spiritual poverty that will lead them to follow Jesus with heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Signing off, from anywhere but San Antonio, good evening.

Live Blogging Nowhere Near the 2007 SBC - Part 7

As I put up my seventh post today, I want welcome you to the most perfect live-blogging post ever.  It's not perfect like Johnny Hunt's tan perfect, or Bobby Welch's F.A.I.T.H. acronym perfect, or Bobby Welch's bus perfect, or Bobby Welch's dead frog illustration perfect.  Those are actually perfect.  This is just perfect because I like to imagine I do something perfect from time to time.

We went to Wal-Mart tonight to load up on essentials so that when Molly heads to surgery we will be well stocked.  I was looking for a good outdoor chair to buy, something comfortable for our backyard.  But I just couldn't decide.  They also had an $80 little gazebo canopy that looked simple to build and tear down.  But I just didn't have $80 to spare.  It was blue, in case you needed to picture it in your head.

Here are a few things we purchased...

- Five packs of Scott's Moist Wipes (or as we call it, "butt wipe")
- Two packages of IAMS cat food: Indoor Weight and Hairball Care for Calvin (had a $5 off coupon)
- Got2b Glued Hair Glue (for me, and Elijah's "shark" hairdo)
- Country Crock Churn Style
- DoubleStuf Oreo Cool Mint Creme

Ahh, a good day of shopping.  Then we let the boys ride those $.50 horse or car rides that the kids seem to love so much.  You know, the ones that break the bank and they barely move.  For $.50 the bull Jack was riding should buck him right on his keister.  But alas, it was too tame.

Molly was dragging by the time we were done, and wondering if her two better days were all she would experience.  Hopefully tomorrow will be another.

I just received the latest list of articles from Baptist Press and can't help but remember that after a few years of attending the SBC (and this year being nowhere near the SBC in San Antonio) I have never felt BP did a good job of reporting.  They help you know what those in power want you to know.  They give you the majority spin.  But they aren't about the real news.  I honestly don't mean that as a cut-down to BP.  I just wish they would say what they are and be ok with that.  As it is they don't seem genuine, and that hurts my feelings.  Ok, it doesn't.  But it should.

This year I have been getting my SBC in San Antonio news from BP & ABP (grain of salt) and from friends who are calling me with info (which is usually both funny and right on).

Let me also say that as I sit here far from San Antonio, I'm not thinking of Tim Ellsworth, or Marty Duren, or Scott Lamb, or Scott Slayton, or any of my SBC blogging friends.  I'm not thinking of Al Mohler, or Russ Moore, or Danny Akin, or O.S. Hawkins, or Ed Stetzer, or Frank Page, or that guy who finally won an election in the SBC and then abused some letterhead.  I'm not thinking of how many great books are on the LifeWay discount tables because SBC'rs don't buy good books.  I'm not thinking of how we pass resolutions thanking the President of the United States for liberating Iraq or sharing appreciation Ronald Reagan and brush off thoughtful, biblical and important resolutions by Tom Ascol.  I'm not thinking about reasons why I love us, but reasons why I hate us.

Honestly, with all truth, I'm thinking of my Double Stuf Cool Mint Creme Oreos that my wife has set next to me.  And I'm thinking that if I were in San Antonio, and I'm not, I'm nowhere near San Antonio, I wouldn't be enjoying 2 cookies at 150 calories and 7g of fat.  I just might eat 4.

See Joe Thorn's dinner pic.

Live Blogging Nowhere Near the 2007 SBC - Part 6

Wow, it's just after 5pm and there is still so much of the day left!  Ladies and Gents, I'm coming to you live from my backyard via home-based wifi which just happens to be not even slightly close to the SBC messenger clapfest in San Antonio, Texas.  I'm swatting the flies and enjoying the heat of the sun on a perfect summerish day.  Looks like Joe Thorn is doing the same in his backyard.

Question: Is this the first time the SBC has been held outside the U.S.?  Question: How hard was it for those of you who traveled to Texas to get a visa?  I've never had to get one.

Speaking of flies, I'm so glad I'm not down there swatting the flies of legalism and jerkwadism.  I'm glad I'm not hearing the seminary presidents, those "hornets," buzzing in my ears.  I'm glad I'm not getting the life-blood sucked out of me by every silly motion and discussion.  I'm glad I'm nowhere near the 2007 SBC and very near to my family (including my wife, who is smokin' hot), close to my church, and in the rays of pleasant sunshine. 

I'm also glad I'm not reading many of "the bloggers."  You know, I don't think a single blogger who is detailing the SBC is in my Google Reader.  I just realized that.  Honestly, while I call some of "the bloggers" friends, I'm just not like them.  I don't want what they want, I don't want to get it they way they want to get it, etc.  When most who aren't bloggers in the SBC talk about "the bloggers," I know they aren't really talking about me.  Maybe a few are from time to time, but for the most part they are talking about guys who are very much not like me.  Some guys (and gals) are trying to change the SBC with newsy posts and political pressure and insider information.  I'm just not that guy.  Enough on that.

After leaving "the bucks" at 3pm I came home and changed into some shorts.  Actually my blue shorts, my Dr. Pepper T-shirt (which I've worn at some point in each of the last three days), and my Dr. Martens flip-flops.  Oh, and my Cubs hat, worn with pride. 

At the church I delivered up some burgers and dogs on the grill for Market Day workers and their kids.  For a bit longer they are delivering goods to folks who are buying food and supporting local schools.  I enjoy finding new ways to serve my community, and always feel like I could/should do more.

I currently have this song stuck in my head, so I've had a direct IV of The Album Leaf to cure me.  Delightful music, worth checking out.

I also have been dealing with a full email inbox today. Lots of folks with encouraging, prayerful emails for me and for Molly.  Those have really helped me.  It's also been helpful today to see my wife walking without help.  She has been using a cane or holding my arm when walking for several days (nausea, numbness, balance, weakness issues).  Yesterday and today has been her first opportunity to walk on her own for a while.  And she also drove to Aldi!  She hasn't driven for a couple of weeks because of fear that she would not be able to react or be strong enough to do what's necessary.  It's been a good day.

And now I'm sipping a Coca-Cola from a can and heading over to the church to help them finish up in the next 30 minutes or so.  More later.

Live Blogging Nowhere Near the 2007 SBC - Part 5

Heyo!  I'm live, just about on my way out of a Starbucks that isn't anywhere near San Antonio or fat SBC'rs in little coats.  I'm not leaving any Crossover San Antonio tracks on the tables here, and I'm not reporting the many spurious conversions that have happened in Starbucks since I sat down here late this morning.  And unlike what's happening in San Antonio I'm not judging the post-punk-ish music on the loudspeaker, the Mitch Albom book for sale, the girl with the multi-colored hair or the pastor working in his blue jeans (oh wait, that's me!).

It's been a hard workday here with many interruptions.  All good interruptions.  But still didn't get enough done.  I'll do more tonight.  The interruptions have included good friends wanting to get up to date on Molly and future surgery, and a woman in town who is helping organize aid for victims of a local (non-San Antonio) apartment fire.

Headed now to our house to get our grill and drag it to our church.  We are letting our local schools use the church this summer to distribute Market Day stuff and they want to cook out for the volunteer workers. 

For the record I've talked to Joe Thorn on the phone 4 times in the last 4 hours.  Pretty normal really for me and my "boyfriend." 

More updates on this amazing, life-changing, non-SBC attending day coming soon.  And I'm certain to encounter no southern accents, no chicken fried anything that isn't chicken, no Soul Force protesters, and no pastor's wives wearing more makeup than Marilyn Manson.

Live Blogging Nowhere Near the 2007 SBC - Part 4

Once again, I'm coming to you live from not San Antonio, not from the SBC.  I'm not filing through lines of guys waiting for a urinal.  I'm not wondering where to get a vending machine Coke for less than $3.  And I'm not looking through the crowd to catch of glimpse of some SBC celeb.  I'm not looking Mark Dever with his 400 disciples.  I'm not searching the myriad of hair impaired to catch the twinkle Ergun Caner's cranium.  I'm just not because I'm not there, I'm here. 

Just before my devotional time I was interrupted by another pastor in town who came into Starbucks for his fix.  We talked about his new church building and all the problems they are having.  We talked about my wife and all the problems she's having.  He's a good guy and I'm glad to know him.

After my devotional time I got a call from my wife.  She has been doing much better with her balance issues in the last two days and wants to try to drive to Aldi.  I gave her the "ok" and we'll see how she does.  Glad to hear she's moving a bit better.

I'm still finishing up some busy work now, all that stuff they don't teach you in seminary.  I'll be working straight through 3pm and then I'll be at my church.  But I'll be sure to keep you up to date with stuff there too. 

And as I work I'm not thinking about San Antonio.  I'm not thinking about what they will vote on that will once again make it more difficult to be a "Southern Baptist."  I'm not thinking about last year's alcohol resolution or my similar tendency to be a jerk-hole fundamentalist.  I'm not thinking about how I wish I could pose with Joe Thorn for another photo. 

And since I'm live-blogging not in San Antonio, I'm definitely not thinking about how much I miss my family.

Joe Thorn is still live photoblogging his day.

Live Blogging Nowhere Near the 2007 SBC - Part 3

Hi there.  Steve here, once again live-blogging nowhere near the SBC in San Antonio.  Yep, that means as lunchtime approaches I'm not waiting for a table at a chain restaurant (Lone Star or something similar) with 75 other messengers hoping to get a ginormous loaded baked potato.  Instead I am still at Starbucks, now headed into a devotional time. 

I have a small ESV Bible that I use for devotional reading and sermon work.  I also carry a pocket Moleskine for journaling.  I will read my sermon passage (Matthew 5:13-16) as well as from Proverbs, Psalms, and 1 Thessalonians.

By the way, today is a gorgeous day here in non-San Antonio.  No clouds, brilliant blue sky, barely a breeze, temps in the 80's.  Gotta love it.  When I walked out of the house this morning I took a deep breath, looked into the trees and smiled.  No, seriously.  I do that a lot on beautiful days.

Off to my Bible.  Nothing new from Joe at the moment.  Coming soon I'm sure.

Live Blogging Nowhere Near the 2007 SBC - Part 2

Hey, I'm absolutely nowhere near the SBC in San Antonio as I write this.  I'm nowhere near people saying LifeWay should not sell the Narnia books, or resolutions created merely to make a point that isn't actually stated in the resolution, or evangelists in canary-yellow suits, or shofars. 

But I am near a piping hot cup of coffee (well, it's a grande skim 3 pump extra-hot with whip mocha actually).  I also received a free, large piece of Starbucks classic coffee cake because they couldn't fit it in the display case (photos via my camera phone).  I'm not sure if I'm going to eat it or not.  I already tried to give it to someone, but they weren't hungry.

On the way here I started up some Miranda Lambert in the car, but then realized I should call Joe Thorn and see what he's doing.  In case you were wondering, Joe is much more important than country music.

Right now I'm working first on some "busy work" like creating our weekly church bulletin and PowerPoint.  After that I expect to do some sermon work on Matthew 5:13-16 for this Sunday.  I'm listening to The Innocence Mission: We Walked in Song.  Wonderful music.  Talk with you again soon.

Joe has another entry as he photoblogs his day.

Live Blogging Nowhere Near the 2007 SBC

Hello!  Thanks for reading as I live-blog all day today.  I'm absolutely nowhere near the SBC in San Antonio, but I knew that some of you who have gotten use to me and Joe Thorn blogging the SBC (2005, 2006) would be in withdrawal.  So we have decided to live-blog throughout the day so that you have some relief from the absurdity of what is happening in San Antonio.  I'm live-blogging my day, and Joe Thorn is photoblogging his day (Joe's first and second and third post).

I woke up late today with no meetings to go to, no sessions starting, no hotel wake-up call to get me out of my bed.  I was a little tired because I stayed up late last night to watch Letters from Iwo Jima.  Some movie.

And Molly postponed waking me because she wanted to wake me up to the smell of bacon and eggs on the table.  Yeah buddy.  Molly and Sarah made the goods, and Elijah and Daniel wanted to sneak a bit of bacon early, so Mom had them set the table for a strip apiece.  Then we all sat together, sang a song of thankfulness, and devoured eggs, bacon, english muffins, and a fruit bowl (pineapple, apples, bananas).  Delicious.  We also played "20 Questions," a favorite table game for our family where we take turns thinking up a person, place, or thing and then ask questions to figure it out.  When we sit at the table we often take our time and enjoy one another.

I took an extra-warm shower to provide me some relief from my back issues, and it felt good.  Oh, and I washed myself too.  I put on some jeans and a button up short-sleeved shirt and and am leaving to go to my local coffee shop to get some work done.  I spent a few minutes talking with Molly first, to see how she is feeling today.  She is doing worse than yesterday, but better than two days ago.

Off to the coffee shop.

John Piper is Cheap!

Nice deal.  Get on it.  From Abraham Piper at the Desiring God Blog...

We would like to offer the book What Jesus Demands from the World for $2.97 to our readers. (It retails for $19.99 and we usually sell it for $12.49.)

This may be the first post you've seen here at the DG Blog or you may be a regular reader. Either way, we appreciate your interest and we would be very happy for you to take advantage of this special.

To get the discount, add the book to your cart in our store. Proceed through the checkout and on the payment page there will be a field to enter a coupon code. Enter the word blog and then click on "Apply Code."

Small print: This special is only available online. One discounted book per order. We've set aside 500 books for this, so it is a while-supplies-last kind of deal.

I also ought to add that you can always download  this book for free (PDF) along with a bunch of our other books if you don't mind reading a couple hundred pages on your computer screen.

Video of Chiari Surgery

If you are interested, here's video of a Chiari 1 Malformation surgery.  I've seen the whole thing, Molly has seen much of it, and all of our kids have watched pieces (they especially like the part where they can see the brain.  Pretty cool really.). 

It's video of a live surgery, so it's not always easy to watch.  Probably not best to watch before a lasagna dinner.

Music Monday 6.11.07

A Couple of Links Worth Clicking

New New Pornographers in August, including an interesting sounding boxed set that you can preorder. 

Get the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's old, out of print EP from 2001.

A Couple of Albums Worth Hearing

Camera Obscura: Let's Get Out of This Country

Gorgeous.  I could listen to Tracyanne Campbells voice all day and into the night.  A great, heartbroken album.  My favorite track, "Tears for Affairs," can be heard on their MySpace.  Or watch the video...

Miranda Lambert: Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

I do have a (mostly hidden) soft spot for country music.  Probably has something to do with what kind of music I was listening to when Molly came on the scene and rocked my world.  It also has something to do with finding good country music by someone who is young and fresh.  I think I found some in Miranda Lambert, who is burning up my iPod.

Honestly, it was hard for this guy to pick up the album and pay for it.  It's called "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" for crying out loud.  I felt like I was buying Kotex.  But it's good, new country music by a girl with a striking and sassy voice.  Check her MySpace songs.

The Village Voice comments,

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is a conceptual wonder. "Famous in a Small Town" makes wise about "the telephoto lens of fame," while "Guilty in Here" recalls the self-conscious aggression of Elvis Costello and the Attractions playing country on Almost Blue. Lambert turns the Rolling Stones on their heads when she sings, "I don't think I have any more room underneath my thumb." Her distracted, sexy vocals glide over an overstated drum attack and an amusing selection of sound effects, and she sounds cooled out on Carlene Carter and Susanna Clark's "Easy From Now On," which proves this wild child is big-town savvy.

AllMusic reviews,

...these are lean, hard-hitting, tuneful country songs, delivered with a classic outlaw strut and a vicious modern punch. If Lambert has a thin, almost girlish voice, she's hardly girly -- there's an edge to her delivery that leaves no doubt that she possess nerves of steel. But for as strong as she sounds on the plentiful rockers here, Lambert also lets her guard down on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, as she as she soaks her "Love Letters" with tears, sweetly sighs in "Desperation," and sadly wishes she was "More Like Her" as she looks on as her ex-lover returns to his old love. This last song provides a neat flip side to the rampaging title track, which also hints at this album's complexity. There are songs that are larger than life, songs that are achingly intimate, and they all add up to rich artistic statement of purpose that is also a hell of a lot of fun.

[...]

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend would have been impressive if it was just a showcase of her strengths as a singer or as a songwriter, but since it is both, it's simply stunning, a breakthrough for Lambert and one of the best albums of 2007, regardless of genre.

Warning: the following videos include a non-ugly girl in non-baggy clothing singing great songs.  Nothing terribly provocative, but I know that some who read my blog are pretty sensitive about that stuff.  Enjoy.  See other videos at the CMT website.

"Famous in a Small Town"

"Kerosene" (from her debut album)

Molly's Email Address

I've said a lot about Molly, what she is going through, what she is going to go through, and so on.  I thought it would be good to let you know her direct email address.  Anyone is free to contact her and send any encouragement her way.  She checks her email often, more than once a day. 

By the way, if you email her to tell her how absolutely stunning and hot she is (that's my job), I will hunt you down and rip your face off (that's my job too). 

mollymccoy [at] gmail [dot] com

Weekend Update About The Chiari Challenged

Quick update on Molly, upcoming surgery, and the rest.

Molly's health:  Please continue to pray for her.  She is now experiencing nausea at times and is having some issues with her vision.  I believe neither are too surprising with Chiari, but as the symptoms mount so does her pain, discomfort, frustrations, and tears.  She is really struggling emotionally with all this.  Just in case, Molly will talk to the Neurologist on Monday to keep him up to date on her new symptoms.  That way if he notices anything odd we can deal with it right away.

Kid Story: Jack, our 8 year old autistic son, is one of those kids who just never seems to notice the problems of others.  He lives in his little world and is rare to have compassion.  Tonight, completely on his own initiative, Jack was helping Molly walk around, hand around her waist, looking at her face to see if she was in pain, asking if she was doing ok, etc.  It really touched Molly.  What a great kid, and what a wonderful experience for us during a difficult time.

Spirituality: Now is one of those times that John Piper's "Don't Waste Your Cancer" takes on a special meaning.  I mean, I thought it was "special" enough to have my Mom die of cancer in April and learn my lessons there.  But God is continuing to use pain and difficulty and fear to teach us about His goodness and mercy, so we read on and continue to trust Him.  I'm thinking of writing a "Don't Waste Your Chiari" article, but who knows???

Place?:  As Molly's surgical consultation with Dr. Yamini at the University of Chicago approaches on the 18th, we have also heard from Mayo Clinic in MN.  They have her scheduled to be up there on July 2nd for a consultation.  They would schedule a surgery several days after that.  That means we would have to make one trip for the consultation, return home, and go back up at a later date.  With that news, we are most certainly planning on going with the University of Chicago unless the consultation there doesn't go well or we feel uncomfortable with them.  Then we would go to Mayo as a backup.

Stocking Up: We went to Sam's Club yesterday to stock up on paper plates and "even-Steve-can-make-that" food for post-surgery time at home.  I've heard of the nesting idea with child birth, but Molly seems to be experiencing it with surgery. 

Steve: You aren't going to believe this, but about a week before Molly started to experience symptoms from Chiari 1 Malformation I was at the doctor with back pain.  The doctor thought it was just muscle issues.  It almost completely went away and then returned, and it's worse.  I now have significant pain.  On the day we went to Sam's I started to experience numbness in my left arm.  I made it to the doctor again yesterday and he thinks I have a pinched nerve.  Unbelievable.  When it rains it pours.   Neither of us have a history of any major medical issues, and now we are getting it all at once.  I have really battled the idea of telling anyone about my stuff because I can deal with the pain in order to help my wife.  But I thought it was stupid of me to be quiet about it when some could be praying for me. 

Next: Molly has to have another MRI next week.  She is dreading it, as expected.  If anything new pops up, I will let you all know.  Thanks again for praying.

Phriday is for Photos 6.8.07

Some Milwaukee Zoo photos, as well as one of Danny looking as if someone peed in his Capri Sun.

My Photography ||  Flickr Friday Photo

VOTE NOW!!!

I don't normally do this!  My sister, who is a pretty good singer, sang in the Bartonville Idol contest and after the event had a huge lead in the online poll.  The winner goes on to amazing fame (or some cash, or something).  But it appears that some others on the list are enlisting all their friends to vote for them (rather than those who have actually listened) and it's now tied.  SHE NEEDS OUR HELP! 

Please go to the Bartonville Idol website and on the right side vote for Julie Legner.  You must do this immediately before they take the poll down in the next couple of hours.  Since you didn't hear her sing (and I can't seem to access the singing online) I wouldn't normally ask for something like this.  But it seems clear from some who were there that her big lead has been erased by the friends-n-family voting, not by those who have honestly listened.  So do me/her a favor and help her get her lead back!  Thanks.

UPDATE: The audio is working now on the website and there is no comparison between Julie and the others.  She can belt it.  Puleeze vote.

Coming Neurosurgery Meeting

After talking with Helen in the Neurosurgery Department at the University of Chicago, we have set an appointment with Dr. Yemini on June 18th, the soonest possible date.   This is the initial consultation about Chiari Malformation 1 surgery to detail what will happen, answer questions, make sure Molly isn't faking it for sympathy, etc. 

If all goes well we then set a surgery date, which they said should be very soon after the 18th.  So it's very likely that in late June Molly will have brain surgery.  Yikes, that sounds serious. 

U of C isn't our only option.  We are still awaiting word from Mayo Clinic (maybe on Friday) about whether or not they can get us in soon.  If we hear good stuff from Mayo we may take that option.  We'll let you know when we know which way we are going for sure.

Nice facts: The University of Chicago Hospitals are #16 on the U.S. News & WR list of top neurology and neurosurgery hospitals.  No surprise, Mayo Clinic is #1.  Both good options.

Five ways to exploit your Chiari Malformation (we need to laugh or we are going to go crazy)...

5. "Twenty miles over the speed limit, Officer? Sorry, my Chiari makes it hard to tell how hard I'm pushing the pedal." (numbness of limbs)
4. "Honey, I just can't do/lift/work on/bathe/clothe/wash/clean/cook/find/ vacuum/dust ___________.  Can you do it for me?" (muscle weakness)
3. "I'm so smart my head can't contain all my brains!" (see MRI film, or diagrams)
2. "Can we just go to sleep tonight honey?  My Chiari is acting up again." (headache)
1. "I haven't been drinking officer, it's just my Chiari." (dizziness, problems with balance and coordination)

Visit to the Neurologist

Thanks for all of your prayers.  We need them. 

We got back from the neurologist a little bit ago.  It's confirmed that Molly has Chiari I Malformation.  Surgery is not only a must, but the neurologist also encouraged a sense of urgency.  If it isn't taken care of soon there can well be more permanent damage done to her body. 

Basically the lower back of her brain, the cerebellum, is pressing into her spinal column and putting pressure on her brain stem.  Note in the Molly's MRI film on the right (click it for a larger version) the dashed line "T."  That is the bottom of the cerebellum part of the brain where it shouldn't be.  It's causing her both physical problems (limbs going numb, significant back and neck pain, balance issues, dizziness, etc) as well as some problems with her thinking.  She is struggling to track well in some of her conversations and has difficulty coming up with the right words to say.

First thing tomorrow morning we are going to speak with a neurosurgeon at the University of Chicago.  He is gone for the day or we would contact him today.  U of C is well recognized for this kind of surgery and comes highly recommended by Molly's neurologist.  We considered the Mayo Clinic, but with four kids it's difficult to go farther away (they likely will stay here in Woodstock with friends). 

As we understand it, this surgery should really help to straighten things out.  Many recover from most of their pain and difficulties.  The hospital stay should be 3-4 days. 

You would be right to guess we are concerned and a bit stressed over all this.  Molly is doing pretty well knowing surgery is coming, but I have to admit I'm starting to freak out a little bit.  We know God is in control and that we can trust Him with all our circumstances.  And I do feel all will turn out just fine in the end.  But I'm really starting to feel the weight of what's coming.  The next few months are going to be very stressful.

I love my wife so much.  As difficult as this will be for her, and for us, in many ways I'm looking forward to caring for her.  Please pray that we will get this surgery in the works asap.  And thanks again for all your prayers.  I will post any updates when I am able.

Please Pray for My Wife

My beautiful wife, Molly, has had some severe back/neck issues for a few weeks now.  It has been causing her tremendous pain, significant muscle weakness, numbness in her arms and legs, dizziness and loss of balance, and more.  We assumed it was a pulled muscle or a pinched nerve, but a visit to the doctor said otherwise.  He said the symptoms didn't match something all that simple.  He gave her a few days to see if it started to improve.  It didn't. 

So our doctor sent Molly to get a battery of MRI's for her back, neck, & head.  He called on Saturday to deliver some bad news.  Our doctor told Molly she has Chiari (pronounced kee-AR-ee) Malformation, which is a "developmental anomaly at the base of the brain which results in the downward displacement of some of the brain's structures into the spinal canal" (via).  "The resulting pressure on the cerebellum can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (the liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord)" (via).  Molly has had this neurological issue her whole life, but as often happens with this problem, the symptoms don't develop until adulthood (via).

Though we don't see the neurologist and get his thoughts and official diagnosis until tomorrow (things may be a little different in the eyes of a specialist), I thought it would be helpful to explain to my readers what Chiari Malformation is and the possible treatment my wife faces. 

If the diagnosis is correct there are two courses of possible action as we understand it.  1. Treat the symptoms, or 2. Surgery.  Merely treating the pain seems absurd at this point since her limbs go numb all through the day, she has come close to falling from balance issues, etc.  Pain treatment won't do anything for these problems.  So it would seem that surgery is the only option. 

"Surgery is the only treatment available to correct functional disturbances or halt the progression of damage to the central nervous system" (via).  The key is "creating more space at the region of the foramen magnum to allow the spinal flow in this area to return toward normal" (via). To do this the neurosurgeon would make an incision into the back of Molly's head and upper neck, remove some of the very back of the skull and possibly C1 and maybe even C2 (picture at right), and create space among the membranes in that area (via).  Learn more details of the surgery here, and a helpful series of illustrations here.

We are going to the neurologist tomorrow at 1pm (central time) to hear his diagnosis and approach to treatment.

Though our doctor seems quite confident of the diagnosis and we trust him, we are being a little reserved until the neurologist gives us his opinion.  I've heard too many stories of misdiagnoses.  Stay tuned for more info tomorrow after the appointment.  And if you think of it would you please pray for Molly.

Music Monday 6.4.07

A smattering of recommendations, videos, and audio.  All mind-blowing stuff...

1. Audio of Andrew Bird in concert in D.C.  Wonderful.  I have it on the NPR's All Songs Considered podcast.  You can also get it here.

2. The Battles' "Atlas" song and video is really great.  They are getting amazing reviews.   

.

3. Anyone need some free Wilco?  Here you go.  You are most welcome.  (My sources say these are legit free downloads, so enjoy without guilt.)

4. On my iPod: I'm liking the last two albums by The National quite a bit: Alligator and Boxer.  Stylistically interesting stuff, with some quirky lyrics.  Sufjan contributed to Boxer.

5. On my iPod: The Avett Brothers new one, Emotionalism, is really great.  A little more accessible, more reserved as a whole than their crazier stuff.  I love their crazier stuff, so it's all good to me.  Let me make my case...

Insanely crazy, from Four Thieves Gone...

Less crazy, from Emotionalism...

Bonus, from Emotionalism...

6. On my iPod: I'm thoroughly enjoying Loney, Dear's Loney, Noir.  May need to take up an entire Music Monday post someday soon.  Please introduce yourself...

7. I told you two weeks ago that I'm really digging the new Brand New album.  Here's a video from the Late Show...

Phriday is for Photos 6.1.07

A few photos of non-family members.  Both are the children of church members.  The first is Mitchell, who played his trumpet during the Memorial Day parade in Woodstock.  This photo is obviously after the parade.  The second is Kimmy, who was running around in the field behind our house after a small group cookout. 

My Photography ||  Flickr Friday Photo