tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162667272024-03-07T22:00:49.579-05:00Couch FamilyView pictures and information about Rob, Crystal, David, and Ethan Couch! Make comments or send greetings by clicking "comments."Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-58738192487814055272013-02-02T13:09:00.001-05:002013-02-02T13:15:24.150-05:00Pinewood DerbyDavid and Ethan raced in their Pinewood Derby today! This was Ethan's 1st race. They both did well. Ethan's car won "Fan Favorite" of the entire Pack! David's Car is Lego Ninjago Kai. Ethan's car is Luigi from Mario-Kart. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5j4wIPHAIcHOBzQs-Sxmh1W0JEG2yLYaiqQnjUvczZZkAmT6dUlzMgkPl5mOEiv7oKAvHgwr5ZoCVxTG-rvUa9OFDYT_Gmz2Ye88sNq2WedPOrILan71K33o-BYJLEZYZtQW/s640/blogger-image-219031903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5j4wIPHAIcHOBzQs-Sxmh1W0JEG2yLYaiqQnjUvczZZkAmT6dUlzMgkPl5mOEiv7oKAvHgwr5ZoCVxTG-rvUa9OFDYT_Gmz2Ye88sNq2WedPOrILan71K33o-BYJLEZYZtQW/s640/blogger-image-219031903.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnW_2DlIXYiC9b6v2CLim060pk0bY-a8J4DbECPES3j98ZcEAmIa4FTswmyeSxHQ1L42TnMTcOQ1uqIkhXdcg4x6NNus4Q3Wu70a5-BZDOLiSOUmrUn0BZghhonUseNZ_2W7oz/s640/blogger-image--1871862454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnW_2DlIXYiC9b6v2CLim060pk0bY-a8J4DbECPES3j98ZcEAmIa4FTswmyeSxHQ1L42TnMTcOQ1uqIkhXdcg4x6NNus4Q3Wu70a5-BZDOLiSOUmrUn0BZghhonUseNZ_2W7oz/s640/blogger-image--1871862454.jpg" /></a></div>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-5260579164254529902008-05-14T22:44:00.003-04:002008-05-14T23:08:09.896-04:00Beach Trip 2007<div><embed src="http://apps.rockyou.com/rockyou.swf?instanceid=112768131&ver=102906" quality="high" salign="lt" width="426" height="319" wmode="transparent" name="rockyou" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"/></embed><br><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/?type=slideshow&refid=112768131"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/logo.gif"></a><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/slideshow_create.php?refid=112768131&source=cyo"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/create_own.gif"></a><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery.php?instanceid=112768131"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/view_all.gif"></a><a style="padding-right:1px;" target="_BLANK" href="http://www.rockyou.com/slideshow-viewplaylist.php?instanceid=112768131"><img style="border:0px;" src="http://apps.rockyou.com/link/get_songs.gif"></a></div>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-60630972266714367382008-03-17T23:43:00.003-04:002008-12-09T01:43:13.119-05:00New Pics of the Boys<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOJroY_fF8OSr3JDhs5TR10_5DuJm1nPbqGIpeSSBuYnRPJuRJ_HE-N_nQO5lFaRPQsllmSYYl6wmMe-T4vhDarPGnCBM8G1gx96mHsnSn0C5-Dt-mt3U3HcI2u3UzfCxBmLK/s1600-h/boys+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOJroY_fF8OSr3JDhs5TR10_5DuJm1nPbqGIpeSSBuYnRPJuRJ_HE-N_nQO5lFaRPQsllmSYYl6wmMe-T4vhDarPGnCBM8G1gx96mHsnSn0C5-Dt-mt3U3HcI2u3UzfCxBmLK/s320/boys+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178923470548810786" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ethan in his Mountain Man Jacket<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kGP2yR5WsYxTzuLDdvfe8t8aeCzf2-o8vxrWBxGjbQbDs65S3bO_s-82chpO7LkTVRI56oo8gcDUXaMxJirX-7NA1OJ8KnlDGqTps8nvQyas3uw_QkbFPC5NEKXnBFpX6R1P/s1600-h/boys+002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kGP2yR5WsYxTzuLDdvfe8t8aeCzf2-o8vxrWBxGjbQbDs65S3bO_s-82chpO7LkTVRI56oo8gcDUXaMxJirX-7NA1OJ8KnlDGqTps8nvQyas3uw_QkbFPC5NEKXnBFpX6R1P/s320/boys+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178923479138745394" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />David in his "Buzz Lightning Head Outfit" -- he has no shortage of imagination.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_L9p2aqc4RV79MEwQsO9ztv9PuRIYk9OVaQeXAF-rQSMn8xZgVZTAUwPpwjsjoNaaWQOsVfZ8PR1lu6fVTXO2azXkDfMzzZGTKnkHY-b2MuH7WuZt93fhUsgN00_c1sziI6xu/s1600-h/boys+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_L9p2aqc4RV79MEwQsO9ztv9PuRIYk9OVaQeXAF-rQSMn8xZgVZTAUwPpwjsjoNaaWQOsVfZ8PR1lu6fVTXO2azXkDfMzzZGTKnkHY-b2MuH7WuZt93fhUsgN00_c1sziI6xu/s320/boys+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178923483433712706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />"Big" brother teaching little brother how to rock!Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-20824115358411038122007-11-26T12:28:00.000-05:002008-12-09T01:43:13.268-05:00Walking Where Jesus Walked<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kVXDajd0UHQ_1U4lzpABvSKkODM5nqXuQDRCmH9in2XBXQkHiUUmT_6YKXS3SvW1uepz1e-1XTe4KocwR-ZaltDOh6v83bRkG6yA2k4nYeRTRYd8FiDlbNEbLp9EuYKK3fxM/s1600-h/Holy+361.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kVXDajd0UHQ_1U4lzpABvSKkODM5nqXuQDRCmH9in2XBXQkHiUUmT_6YKXS3SvW1uepz1e-1XTe4KocwR-ZaltDOh6v83bRkG6yA2k4nYeRTRYd8FiDlbNEbLp9EuYKK3fxM/s320/Holy+361.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137204118478513010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Rob and Crystal with Bishop and Deborah Goodpaster at the Jordan River<br /><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This is Reprinted from the Saraland UMC Newsletter "Cornerstone" November 2007:<br /></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Dear Church Family,<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">As most you know Crystal and I traveled with our Bishop, Larry Goodpaster, and 45 or so others from our Annual Conference. As you can imagine, it was an incredible experience to see the lands where the Bible was lived. We flew into <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Amman</st1:City>, <st1:country-region st="on">Jordan</st1:country-region></st1:place> and spent our first two days touring the area where Moses and the Israelites spent 40 years wandering around. One of the most meaningful places we visited was <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Mt.</st1:PlaceType> <st1:placename st="on">Nebo</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> where God gave Moses the opportunity to peer over into the Promised Land. Crystal and I got to stand where Moses stood thousands of years before and look into the land God promised to his chosen people. From there we could see the Jordan River, the Dead Sea, the City of <st1:city st="on">Jericho</st1:City>, and the fertile <st1:place st="on">Jordan River</st1:place> valley. Had it been a clear day, we could have seen all the way to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:City>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">We spent five days touring in and around <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:City>. We visited Lazarus’ tomb in Bethany, saw an ancient sycamore (like the one Zaccheus climbed) in Jericho, prayed at the birthplace of Christ in Bethlehem, viewed the desert community of Qumran where the Dead Sea scrolls were found, and got to float in the Dead Sea. In <st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:City> we walked the Via Dolorosa, visited the <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Bethesda</st1:City></st1:place> pool, prayed at the Western (Wailing) wall, saw the traditional sites of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial on which the Church of the Holy Sepulcher stands. Toward the end of our trip we toured the <st1:place st="on">Galilee</st1:place> area. We visited the spring in Jesus’ boyhood home of <st1:city st="on">Nazareth</st1:City>, walked the streets of Cana where Jesus’ first recorded miracle was performed, and toured the ancient ruins of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Capernaum</st1:place></st1:City> where Jesus lived during his three years of ministry. We had the opportunity to take a boat ride across the <st1:place st="on">Sea of Galilee</st1:place> where we recalled Jesus’ calming of the storm, and his walking on water.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">It will take some time before I fully appreciate all that we got to see and experience during our trip. However, my faith was strengthened in several ways. First, visiting these Holy sites reminds me that the faith we have is a historical faith. The things we read about in the pages of the Bible are about real people and real places where God met people and showed himself to them. What we read in the Bible are not myths and fables, they are the real stories of the living God in love with his creation. Secondly, this trip has made me want to jump into the Scriptures with a renewed excitement and joy. Strange names of places that I in the past have just glanced over will now take on a new significance. Finally, our trip has renewed my desire to pray for the peace of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:City> (Psalm 122:6). As you know, <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> is a very divided country. In order to reach the birthplace of the Prince of Peace, located in the <st1:place st="on">West Bank</st1:place>, a person must travel past armed gunmen on both the Israeli and Palestenian sides of the newly built wall that now physically separates the children of Abraham. I am reminded of the song we learned as children: “Father Abraham had many sons…and I am one of them and so are you, so let’s all praise the Lord.” I pray for the peace of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:City></st1:place>, and that all people would come to know Christ – let’s all praise the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">We thank you for the opportunity to go on this spiritual pilgrimage. We look forward to the day we can share the many pictures and stories we have from our experience. Please be on the look out in the New Year when we will take a Wednesday night to share these with you. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Peace,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Rob <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-82200722705380659912007-05-13T22:24:00.000-04:002008-12-09T01:43:13.352-05:00New Pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUD5Tm3MpOmcO7WajgAYtiaVbMDqQFiF5YYRezLMcs2rlPhpRmMq08v23VLZBSO3r8-Q28t3Suz8L0-RgV89jVXZtLKvXYo-LFkS6w5-R0VE8PeyaEOQIlJfVGaUIod1sFsm4g/s1600-h/davidethan.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUD5Tm3MpOmcO7WajgAYtiaVbMDqQFiF5YYRezLMcs2rlPhpRmMq08v23VLZBSO3r8-Q28t3Suz8L0-RgV89jVXZtLKvXYo-LFkS6w5-R0VE8PeyaEOQIlJfVGaUIod1sFsm4g/s320/davidethan.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5064237072271804546" border="0" /></a><br />David and Ethan had their pictures taken recently at a local photo studio. We paid to have them "retouched" (who touched them the first time?) so the ones we paid and arm and a leg for look better than this -- but they are still pretty cute. Crystal made Ethan's blue pin-strip seersucker jon-jon and David's seersucker pants. She is so talented!Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-6254954495868854292007-01-26T22:14:00.000-05:002008-12-09T01:43:13.462-05:00Brother<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK87w6Y4mG4ntDwI1jSv4tgVqQQM5rbPeDaK3Bas_A9nWLmNmQNRrLepLfr-wPJFSL5_3mnlnE4Tvgh_P0V4mIm1Vo0GX-0MAwSWOdOUYfJoZ5qZAfCx7DO7AZzIRx14mBzTbK/s1600-h/pics+083.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK87w6Y4mG4ntDwI1jSv4tgVqQQM5rbPeDaK3Bas_A9nWLmNmQNRrLepLfr-wPJFSL5_3mnlnE4Tvgh_P0V4mIm1Vo0GX-0MAwSWOdOUYfJoZ5qZAfCx7DO7AZzIRx14mBzTbK/s320/pics+083.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5024544672208968658" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />David and Ethan show off their stylish new clothes they got from their family in Tennessee.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-1164503058858751292006-11-25T20:01:00.000-05:002006-12-16T23:29:25.093-05:00Halloween Pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3487/1392/1600/437038/clarklois.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3487/1392/320/82335/clarklois.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3487/1392/1600/30251/clowns.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3487/1392/320/719459/clowns.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The boys wore clown costumes -- while Crystal and I tried to live up to our billing as Clark Kent and Lois Lane.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-1157681200166151372006-09-07T22:03:00.000-04:002006-09-21T12:31:43.326-04:00Ethan and Baby Suri<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/1600/Ethan2.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/320/Ethan2.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Surprisingly, Vanity Fair did not contact us about publishing pictures of Ethan. We suspect it is because we have not tried to keep his image from being taken by the paparazzi for the first four months of his life. As you may know Ethan and Baby Suri Cruise (the daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes) share the exact same birthday. Here is a re-creation of one of the Suri shots with Crystal playing the part of Tom Cruise. Stay tuned to see pictures of Crystal jumping on the sofa.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-1157680911665173182006-09-07T21:53:00.000-04:002006-09-07T22:02:48.683-04:00Baby Ethan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/1600/Ethan.0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/320/Ethan.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Ethan is is now 4 1/2 months -- and is gargantuan! He is close to 18 pounds, and continues to pack it on. He just started eating rice cereal, and his first tooth has broken through. Our "little" baby is growing up.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-1152183904042862412006-07-06T06:44:00.000-04:002006-08-05T20:25:19.216-04:00Of Neighbors and Strangers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/1600/pie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/320/pie.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>This pie was brought to us by one of our neighbors just yesterday. They are a young couple with two small children (something we have been praying for in our neighborhood). The picture, though good, does not do this pie justice. It is absolutely delicious. Even better, though, is the fact that it came from neighbors who wanted to meet us and welcome us. Suddenly we feel even more blessed to live in this house and in this neighborhood because of this act of kindness and hospitality. Unfortunately many people in America do not know their neighbors. The advent of clam-like garages with automatic doors, and fortified privacy fences in our back yards have largely cut us off from knowing or even seeing our neighbors. Sadly, though I have often thought I would like to, I have never baked a pie (or done anything else) to welcome new neighbors. The Lord, and now this pie, have inspired me to do better. Crystal and I soon plan to host a get to know our neigbors party for our street and some surrounding houses so that maybe, in our corner of the world, neighbors will no longer be strangers. We may even bake a pie.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-1151704281155185002006-06-30T17:40:00.000-04:002006-07-07T09:28:57.166-04:00Ethan's First Swim<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/1600/ethanweb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/320/ethanweb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Ethan took his first swim at a neighbor's pool. Here he is in his new terry cloth hooded towel his Gan-Gan gave to him. Ethan is now 2 1/2 months old and is doing great. He already weighs just over 14 pounds!Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-1150567903161584362006-06-17T13:56:00.000-04:002006-06-18T11:16:57.630-04:00VBS 2006<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/1600/piesmall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/320/piesmall.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We have just completed VBS 2006 at Saraland UMC. You might think that after five years of Rob getting pies in his face, kissing a frog, and dressing up like a chicken at Christ UMC for VBS all that would be over -- think again. On Friday Rob got to put a pie in our VBS director's face since the boys defeated the girls in their attendance competition. Then Rob put it in his own face for good measure. We all had a blast and feel like we are now ready for our first Sunday.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-1148960353619502352006-05-29T23:33:00.000-04:002006-08-01T15:12:12.993-04:00Moved In<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/1600/Familyswing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/320/Familyswing.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We are now officially in Saraland. This is us sitting on our swing on our back carport. The woman Rob is sitting with is still Crystal with a radically new look! Rob's first Sunday preaching in Saraland will be June 18th. We have already had an amazingly warm reception with lots of great help moving in, and food galore! We are eagerly anticipating God's work in us and through us as we enter this new mission field. If you would like our new information you can e-mail me at robctennis@aol.com and I will send it to you.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-1145988729230410712006-04-25T14:09:00.000-04:002006-05-07T23:21:17.296-04:00Couch Boys<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/1600/EthnDav.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/320/EthnDav.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here are the two Couch boys of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, soon to be of Saraland, AL. As you can see, growing hair is not a problem. Feel free to make up captions for this photo, if you'd like.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-1145395419573403082006-04-18T17:12:00.000-04:002006-04-26T11:43:17.786-04:00Ethan Fox Couch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/1600/ethan1.2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/200/ethan1.1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ethan Fox Couch was born at 7:59 A.M. today. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 4 oz. and measured 19 inches. He and Crystal are both doing well. These are a couple of shots. One taken just a few minutes after he was born(above), and the close-up taken this afternoon(below). Thanks to everyone for their love, prayer, and support<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/1600/ethan2.1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/200/ethan2.0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-1144358715317437602006-04-06T17:22:00.000-04:002006-04-06T17:26:13.303-04:00Baby UpdateLast week we scheduled the birth of our second son. Crystal's c-section is scheduled for 7:30 AM on April 27th. Please continue to pray for their well being. We are also purchasing a house in Saraland, Alabama. It is scheduled to close in mid May. We are excited about our new ministry in Saraland. We can't wait to get started.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-1142291676963399952006-03-13T17:59:00.000-05:002006-03-13T18:14:37.870-05:00Irresistable Influence<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/1600/irrinf.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/320/irrinf.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>A few weeks ago Crystal and I travelled, along with one other Beeson Pastor, to Little Rock, Arkansas to visit Fellowship Bible Church. This large and growing church has been an irresistable influence in Little Rock for over 30 years. The term irresistable influence was coined by one of Fellowshship's founding pastors, Robert Lewis. Their goal as a church is to be an irresistable influence for Christ in Little Rock. They base this on the passage in Matthew where Jesus says to his Disciples "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." They want to be such a light in Little Rock that people will praise God because of the way they serve the Lord.<br /><br />With some 4,000 or so in attendance on a Sunday morning, you would think they had arrived. But in January, Fellowship sold it's main campus to a neighboring school, and is planning new and innovative ministry in multiple locations around Little Rock. We were impressed that a "successful church" like Fellowship would be willing to innovate to this extent. It would be so easy to just remain as they are, but God is calling them to be an even greater irresistable influence.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-1140987315010488422006-02-26T15:48:00.000-05:002006-02-26T15:55:15.026-05:00Johari Window<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/1600/johari.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/320/johari.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>My friend <a href="http://nolandonald.blogspot.com/">Nolan</a> had this on his blog, and I thought it was interesting. Please go to <a href="http://kevan.org/johari?name=skipperdog">http://kevan.org/johari?name=skipperdog</a> (if you know me) and help me fill out my "Johari Window." This personality test helps you to "see" how others perceive you vs. how you perceive yourself. If you would like to start your own window go to <a href="http://kevan.org/johari">http://kevan.org/johari </a>.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-1138915163504428812006-02-02T16:15:00.000-05:002006-02-02T22:39:29.973-05:00ME Church<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/1600/mechurch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/320/mechurch.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.ignitermediagroup.com/mechurch.asp">Click Here</a> to link to a hilarious video about "Me Church" the church "Where It's All About You." This video shines a light on churches who have gone overboard in "meeting needs" instead of inspiring mission. Has "The Church" lost its focus on the Mission of God, and made it all about "us." If so, when did this happen, and will it ever get turned around again?Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-1137667435739086602006-01-19T05:43:00.000-05:002006-01-24T15:14:43.353-05:00Strange Icy Substance<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/57/7742/320/Picture%20006.jpg"><img style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 2px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/57/7742/320/Picture%20006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We awoke yesterday to this beautiful scene outside our front door.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/1600/snowmen.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/320/snowmen.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br />David, Crystal and I made these two tiny snowmen! A few moments after this picture was taken, David decapitated both of them.</p>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-1136870019949477052006-01-10T00:05:00.000-05:002006-01-10T00:13:39.970-05:00Ministry in the Image of God<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/1600/imageimage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/320/imageimage.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>We had the good fortune of reading Steve Seamands new book, <span style="font-style: italic;">Ministry in the Image of God: The Trinitarian Shape of Christian Service</span> even before the book was published. It has to be one of the most practical descriptions of what it means to do ministry as trinitarian Christians. I had never really thought the Doctrine of Trinity could impact <span style="font-style: italic;">how</span> I think about the practice of ministry, like this book has challenged me to think. In the book Seamands describes part of his big idea in this quote, "The ministry into which we have entered is the ministry of Jesus, the Son, <span style="font-style: italic;">to</span> the Father, <span style="font-style: italic;">through </span>the Holy Spirit, <span style="font-style: italic;">for</span> the sake of the church and the world." The focus of our ministry changes when we take our trinitarian faith seriously. Though I recommended another book earlier on this blog -- I recommend this one even more!Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-1136259935020157992006-01-02T22:38:00.000-05:002006-01-05T16:34:57.523-05:00It's A Baby...BOY!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/1600/crystal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/320/crystal.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Crystal is now 21 weeks pregnant and everything seems to be going well. We went to the OB today and found out that we are having a BOY! This picture was taken just the other night to chronicle the changes in Crystal as time goes by. The baby, provided all goes as we are praying, will be delivered via C-section at the end of April. Please pray that everyone is healthy and safe. Feel free to submit name suggestions. We are also opening up to selling the naming rights to the highest bidder! What do you think about Target Couch, or Hyundai Couch.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-1135190123224977122005-12-21T13:22:00.000-05:002006-01-19T10:27:45.910-05:00The Abolition of the Laity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/1600/sixdays.1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/320/sixdays.1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I seldom recommend books to people. There are a couple of reasons I don't: 1) Books are usually not that great, and 2) Even if I think a book is great, I don't presume what is great to me will be great to others. However, today I want to compel anyone keenly interested in the Church to read <span style="font-style: italic;">The Abolition of the Laity</span> (Whose US title is unfortunately <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802848001/qid=1135189778/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-4061756-8577556?n=507846&s=books&v=glance"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Other Six Days</span></a>) by R. Paul Stevens. This book is an amazing call for the people of God (laos) to be the Church. The bifurcation of God's people as "lay" and "clergy" has damaged the church, its mission and more importantly the Kingdom of God. Stevens presents a compelling theological vision of a church filled with all of God's people doing the work of the ministry.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-1134968178890123642005-12-18T23:53:00.000-05:002005-12-21T15:32:07.233-05:00Merry Christmas!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/1600/snow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3487/1392/320/snow.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This is our Christmas Picture (umm I mean...Holiday Picture) for the year. We had a dusting of snow early in December, so we were fortunate to have this unprecedented shot. Snow is forecast for Christmas day here, however, Crystal and I will probably be golfing in Alabama that day.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16266727.post-1134410641398051872005-12-12T11:54:00.000-05:002005-12-12T13:04:01.450-05:00The Fully Online ChurchToday during one of our discussions, a fully online church was discovered. One can join this church, be baptized in it, and take communion -- ALL ONLINE! It claims to have over 7,000 members. Go to <a href="http://www.alphachurch.org">www.alphachurch.org</a> to find out more. <br /><br />Question? Can real community happen on the internet? Is a fully online church, really a church?Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06015389271820421451noreply@blogger.com6