A colleague of mine sent this to me (Thanks Sue!), and I think it could be very helpful for a lot of people. It is a dictionary/thesauras that displays everything in a connected image – check it out
This is a graphic video that really tells a story that happens all too frequently today. Please – do not text while driving. This not just for your sake, and others riding with you, but for others driving as well. Think about it. . . beyond their own lives they may also have kids in the car, and those kids – need their mommies and daddies alive.
Please . . . it is not worth it!
Thanks DC Curry for the heads up
A colleague of mine sent this to me, and I have enjoyed thinking about it, and will soon be presenting it to my class for a discussion, but wanted to open it up to your thoughts first 
As I am getting back into professor mode, I wanted to share a little story with you that I came across earlier today. Most people have heard about Autism, but not many have heard of Asperger’s, which is a form of high-functioning autism – even though it affects almost 1 in 300 births a year. This is a great story about someone who has succeeded to great heights with this developmental condition.
If you want to know more about this form of high-functioning autism go HERE
If you are a parent of someone with Asperger Syndrome – click HERE for a great resource
Seriously. . . . growing up waaaaayyy to fast. You would think with this being our 4th that we would be used to baby’s growing up so quickly. . . .just not the case. Here are a few pictures of the last few weeks, and several videos of Dane laughing now – very cute!!!
He loves the backpack!! So do we
Here is his first eating experience with “yummy” squash!!
Yeah – he liked it!!
First hair cut – yes, I know. . . crazy that he needed a hair cut at 4.5 months old!
Getting some love from Papa at Kya’s 4th birthday party
Videos of Dane’s giggle box
Same night, but this time with Kya being the entertainer:
I decided to interview Elliana on her first day of Kindergarten tomorrow. We had a great time at the open house tonight – this should be quite an adventure for our little lady
I happened to turn on the TV yesterday right as history was being made- 9.58 seconds for 100 meters. God says in Hebrews 12:1 – “. . .let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Symbolically, this is fascinating to me when comparing to Usain Bolt – feel the excitement build:
Here is what is amazing:
1. If Bolt had a running start heading to the 40 yard line in football – he would have made it into the endzone in 3 seconds – that’s one one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one thousand – WOW!
2. Recently a track and field expert made the comment that for someone who is 6′5″ and 200 lbs – it should be impossible – to run this fast. I think the power of God has the same potential in our lives. I want people to look at my life and say – wow – “Ted. . . really, no – . . . that can’t be possible” -
3. At the peak of his speed, Bolt is running 30 miles an hour. . . . WHAT!!
4. The biggest increase in his performance has said to come from working out his Core Muscles – Abs and back. . . . - Maybe God is waiting for us to work on our core before we can perform at our record levels.
5. He is the only man to run under 9.70 seconds (last year at the olympics), and now the only man to ever run under 9.6 seconds – there is something special about that phrase “the only man to ever. . .” - and I love the fact that my Savior has done a lot of them!
6. In a recent ESPN: The magazine article – there was a story about Bolt, and how he was bringing hope to the entire nation of Jamaica in amazing ways. How violence and crime slows down, and how enemies have been seen to be embracing after watchin him run to a new WR at the Olympics. . . . . I love it when just a little taste of the Hope that Jesus brings can be seen in a mere human accomplishment – how much greater is the hope of Jesus to all of mankind!
My brother-in-law and Sister-in-law (Ang’s sister) have been missionaries in Southern Africa since the beginning of 2009, and I couldn’t be more proud of them. They are pursuing Christ with everything that they are – through their struggles of heart, mind, body, and soul – they are tirelessly running the race set out before them. Here are a couple of videos from their blog about their recent stint in Zimbabwe:
Here is a video of some really good times – God’s creation is amazing!!!
If you want to know more about their journey, and be able to keep up with all that they are doing check out their BLOG
So, Kya’s birthday celebration was actually a series of 3 days – it takes some time to really get in a good celebration
6. Having a great time on the Go karts – Elli and Kya got to drive by themselves first, then we hit the big track together
5. Great times with Ang’s parents at the riverwalk and the splashpad in Elkhart – birthday cupcakes
4. We give Kya some Wedgets (picture caption. . . don’t mess with me wedgets!), and he has been playing with them ever since – loves them! Ok. . . .I have spent some time there too
3. Some fun family pictures before heading off to the GCC arts picnic, which was great. . . sorry, no pix from that.
2. We were sitting at the dinner table, and in between bites of his dinner – Kya, out of nowhere, asks. . . “So, how does Jesus get into my heart anyway?” - I love when God throws in some surprises, just to remind us that He is always with us.
1. Birthday singing from Elkhart, Indiana, USA
to Capetown, South Africa
WOW – it has been awhile, and I will say that I have enjoyed a little time away from the fast-paced work life. I feel so blessed to have summer’s “off” in a sense (though greenLockers is keeping me busy). We have had some great memory makers this summer, and I just wanted to share some of our summer fun with everyone. Summer is now officially over for me, but here is a quick look back – the full screen option is at the bottom right of the slideshow – just FYI
10 Highlights:
1. Dane just getting so big!! – the kids love him so much!
2. A little project work with my Dad and just a great visit with my parents
3. Dakota REALLY likes his ice cream!! – who does he get that from??
4. 4th of July at the Thursby’s – always a great time!
5. Camping out with the whole family (backyard first!), then to the KOA in Granger. . . . we spared no expense – ha! – But Thomas the Train and all of his friends were having a party most of the night. . . making memories. First time Putt Putt golfing though!!.
6. Tennis camp with the kids
7. A sleep over with the Nashville Bryant’s kids (My oldest brother’s children – Maleah, Micah, and Jaren)
8. A little show with Jars of Clay – Man! they sounded great unplugged!
9. Lots of sandbox time this summer – good thing I built such a big one!
10. At my middle brother’s house/farm in Brookville, Indiana (they have a son, Benjamin) – time in the creek, 4-wheelers, campfires, making Christmas ornaments, playing with their bunny, and camping out
We had a great summer, and I hope that you did as well!!! Let’s see what adventure God has for you and us in the next few months!