Drama Drama Drama

The House did not pass the 700 billion dollar bailout package and the dow is going nuts. Stay tuned to a news source for the lastest craziness in America's financial systems. Isn't it good to know God is in control?

My Bank Was Bought

I woke up to the news with morning, along with everyone else, that the banking operations of Wachovia are getting bought by Citigroup. This is who I bank with. They are one of the biggest banks in America. Apparently they can tie all of this back to bad mortgages just like all of the other financial failings we have seen. It is crazy to think about where this will all end up. Here is an article if you are interested.

Cash Crate?

Has anyone ever tried things like Cash Crate? I read on www.moneysavingmom.com that you can use things like this to make a little extra money just by filling out forms and things like that. I was wondering if any of you have done it or anything like it.

"What the Heck is Fireproof" haha!

Fireproof debuted at number 4 this weekend and made 6.5 million dollars. Now that may not seem impressive but it is because it was shown in less than 1000 theaters. It is number 2 this year (behind the Hannah Montana movie) in movies shown in less than 1000 theaters. Not only that, it only cost $500,000 to make. Kirk Cameron reportedly donated his money from the movie to a charity that him and his wife run.

What I think is hilarious is how Hollywood executives are sitting around yesterday and today saying "what the heck is Fireproof" (www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com) except they would use another word. Also secular media outlets and bloggers are either shocked, sarcastic about it, or try to explain the success away. But the numbers speak. The world is always shocked with something with a Christian theme does so well. They sometimes try to recreate it and make films that they think will reach Christian audiences (just to make money) but it usually doesn't work. But one thing that makes this movie stand out is that the story is compelling and many people can relate to the problems these characters are facing.

I am so happy that this movie did so well. I pray that many are touched by it's message.

Spending Time Together

I took this picture yesterday:) Stephen and I are enjoying these last few weeks together as we await the arrival of our son. We know things will not be exactly the same again (even though we are excited about the transition). But we are enjoying as much together time as we can get and I can say that after 3 1/2 years I love marriage as much or maybe even more than when we first got married. And now I am looking forward to seeing Stephen as a father. I know he will be a good one.

"Fireproof" was great!

Last night Stephen and I went on a "Birthday Date Night" (today is my birthday but we have plans with my family tonight) to see "Fireproof". It was the opening night and the theater was packed. I wanted to support this Christian movie and I thought it would be a good date movie, but I really didn't know what to expect. But I have to tell you, I was really impressed. The quality of the movie and acting was even higher than "Facing the Giants" and the writing was great. There were funny scenes, dramatic ones, sad ones, moving ones, and romantic ones. It had all of the elements for a great storyline and Kirk Cameron's acting was great. I was in tears for several of the scenes. I don't want to write too much about it because I don't want to spoil you if you are planning on seeing it. I would encourage you to go out this opening weekend and see it and support the great work that has been done in this movie. Also, along with helping marriages there may very well be people who get saved because of this movie because the gospel is presented in it. So pray for this movie to have an impact in our culture. I hope you guys have a great weekend!

Gas Shortage?

OK I probably shouldn't even post about this because in doing so I inadvertently may be adding to the problem of panicky drivers. But it is something I am thinking about right now so I will:)

I do not understand why we are having a "gas shortage". I know they say that some supplies were halted because of the hurricanes, but these hurricanes didn't do large damage to refineries. After Katrina the price of gas went up but there weren't all of these empty gas stations and lines for gas.

Some people say it has all just gotten out of hand because people have been panicking and all going out and getting gas. Either way it is pretty crazy. Here in Greenville it is not nearly as bad as places like Asheville where they are having huge shortages. But it is weird to drive by gas stations and see all the pumps covered up because they are empty. I am trying not to add to the problem. Yesterday I was on empty so I did need gas but I only filled up half way. But it does make me not want to drive at all so I can conserve what I have. They say it could be weeks before this supply problem is fixed.

It makes me wonder if there is anything else going on behind the scenes adding to this problem. But I am sure we will never know therefore I guess I will just have to be patient like everyone else.

Have any of you had a hard time finding gas?

Kirk Cameron

The above video is an interview with Kirk Cameron on the Today show and here is an article talking how how he will only kiss his wife. When there was a kissing scene in the movie it is really his wife dressed up as the actress of the movie. It is cool to see Kirk taking a stand in the movie industry for the Lord. The movie "Fireproof" comes out this weekend.

Facebook Facelift

CNN ran an article today about how they have had lots of complaints about the new Facebook. What do you think? If you use facebook do you like the new version that separates people's profiles into tabs and has the wall right on the front of the page? Or did you like the old version better? There are things I like better about both versions. One complaint of mine is that the new version seems like it runs slower on my computer. Also, I liked being able to see more information on one page before, but it sometimes was a pain scrolling through people's profiles who had tons of applications. Also I am sure that no matter what they do, it takes people awhile to get used to change. Hopefully they can tweak it some to please the largest number of people and make it as user friendly as possible.

Ricky Gervais Takes his Emmy Back

I only watched a couple minutes of the Emmy's last night. Usually these awards shows are very boring and have awkward moments due to the live coverage. But I saw this clip today on the Internet. To set it up, Ricky Gervais is the actor who played the boss in the orginal "Office" that was British. When they brought "The Office" to American TV everyone thought it would flop. Steve Carrell had huge shoes to fill. But he has done a great job with the part.

During last year's Emmy's Steve and Ricky were actually nominated in the same category. (Ricky was the lead actor in another American comedy last year.) Ricky won but he wasn't there to accept it. And since Stephen Colbert and John Stewart are such good friends with Steve they decided to turn it into a joke and "give" the Emmy to Steve. It was totally improved and was so funny. So this video is what happened last night when Ricky wanted his Emmy back.

Moving Organs

I feel like this baby is moving every organ around in my body around to make room. It is the weirdest feeling!

At my appointment a few days ago they said baby Burch was all stretched out; from my ribs down to my pelvis.

When she was using the Doppler on my stomach to get his heart beat he didn't like it and kept moving away from her. I thought that was funny.

She said she thinks he is 5 1/2 lbs now and will be 7 or 8 lbs at birth. I guess that is just a guess but it is good to know.

I have about 4 more weeks. It is coming so fast. I am trying to get ready!

The Office is Almost here

September 25th one of the funniest shows on television will be back for Season 5. The Office is returning for a whole new season.

There are not many shows that will make me laugh out loud but this one does. Sometimes the episodes are funnier the second time you watch them because the writing is so witty and quirky that you may miss some of the jokes if you are aren't on your toes. But also it is written in satire. There is no live audience or laugh machine. There isn't a lot of slap stick comedy. It is very suttle, and because it is shot documentary style the actors actually look at the camera and have talking heads which makes it even funnier to me.

If you have ever worked in a boring office setting this show is even funnier because it takes characteristics of people you could totally know in real life, and exaggerates their flaws, insecurities, comedic sides, and day by day actions. Throw in there office pranks and an insane boss and you have a hit show.

Then we also have the running sweet little love story of Jim and Pam. What will happen to them this year?

This is a great scene from last season


Jim and Pam

Free Stuff

Everyone loves to get things free. Here are three things I have gotten free lately.

1. Are you signed up for visa rewards points for your debit card? Every time you use it and it is put through like a credit card (when you can't put your pin number in) or pay a bill with it you get points. I try not to pay like that when a business gives the option of the pin number because I know it saves the business money if it goes through as a debit transaction. But sometimes there is no option for that. And I do pay a couple of bills with my debit card. Anyway I recently had enough points to get a free battery charger for my digital camera. I was going to buy one anyway so I was thrilled how easy this was to order. It came in 3 business days.

2. Shutterfly (www.shutterfly.com) sent me a coupon in my email for a free photo book. I had seen these at CVS a few months back and several of you commented on how you had made them and liked them. I hadn't put any pictures from 2008 in an album yet so I went online and made a photobook with all my pictures from this year. I now am all caught up and can start a new book with baby pictures. I did have to pay for shipping but that is all. I will let you know how it turned out when I get it in a few days.

3. I ordered checks for free yesterday. Because Stephen has a business account with our bank, we get free checks for a year on our regular checking account. I didn't even have to pay for shipping.

4. Our church gets pastries every Sunday from Atlanta Bread Company. ABC donates them because they are a day old and they can't sell them. But they also give them loaves of left over bread, so every Sunday I get one or two loaves of good bread for free to use throughout the week.

What about you? Do you have any tips on things you can get for free?

Jury Duty

Since I turned 18 (I am almost 28) I have been summoned for jury duty 6 times! This is more than anyone I know.

But I have gotten out of it almost every time. The first time I was in college and it was during exams. The second time I was in Poland. The 3rd time I had just started a new job and my boss asked me to try and get out of it and I did. The 4th time I actually went to serve but the case got thrown out. The 5th time I got out of it because it had been less than 2 years since I served.

But a few days ago I got summoned again! And the date is just a few days before my due date. But here is the kicker, my mom got summoned for the exact same day in the same court! What are the chances of that happening? We of course both wrote letters to try and get out of it. I am sure I probably will but I am hoping and praying that my mom will too. It was be terrible if she was serving when the baby is born. Plus she is supposed to be taking care of me afterwards. So if you are reading this right now lift up a little prayer that she will be excused.:)

Does anyone have any interesting stories about jury duty? I also have to add, although jury duty can be a pain I am thankful that our country has a system where we can have a jury.

Beginning of the Nursery

I have started getting the nursery together. This is all I have done so far.

Wall hanging.

Changing area.

Here is the crib and the pictures hanging above it.

Here is a side view of the crib and the chest of drawers.

Inside of the crib

Trusting in the Lord

I blogged about this verse awhile back but I thought of it again today.

Psalm 112:6-7 For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.

I don't know if you follow the news, but the financial news today out of Wall Street is not good. There seems to be a domino effect of financial markets. The housing crisis has lead to government bail out of 3 major financial firms recently (dramatically increasing our national debt). Now over the weekend another major financial firm filed for bankruptcy (there was no government bailout), another one was bailed out by another bank, and one of the largest insurance companies in the country is on the brink of disaster. The stock market is down almost 240 points on this news and no one knows where the end will be. (update: it fell 504 points today)

For some this will put them into a tail spin of emotions. Don't get me wrong, these things are not to be taken lightly. They will almost surely get worse.

But praise the Lord, as Christians our hope and our security is not in money, and assets. Praise the Lord that we do not have to fear bad news. Praise the Lord that we know that he works all things to our good.

Let us as a church pray for our country. Let us pray that as people's worlds are shaken that they will look to the rock of Jesus. That we will help our brothers and sisters when they have needs and the world will see how we love each other. Let's pray we will wise and be an example in how we conduct our own personal finances and debt management. Let us pray for revival to sweep through this nation and for people to come to know the one true and Living God.

Week 35

Only 5 more to go, Lord willing!

Good Week

It was great having Tara here this week. I enjoyed catching up with her so much. I was able to go up to North Greenville with her for the mission's conference on Monday night and hear Dr. Tom Grassano speak. After being involved with this ministry for a year and seeing first hand what their ministry is doing it was good to hear updates. I haven't seen his family since I got pregnant and so it was great to catch up with them. Tara and I sat together on the front row and it was so funny because I felt like we were in college again sitting together in chapel or BSU or something:) I have so many memories of worshipping together with her. My junior year of college we prayed together with some other girls almost every morning before class. I think that is why after almost 7 years of being continents away I still feel close to her.

At NGU I also saw several friends from college who are on the mission field and were back for the conference or had just gotten back from Journeyman terms (2 year assignments with the International Mission Board).

Wednesday night Tara and I went to Leslie and Perry's house to eat dinner with them and their two little girls. Leslie is a great friend of mine and Tara knows her from college. Their daughter Lilly is so fun to be around, she gets excited about everything. She liked looking at Tara's pictures from Africa.

I should have taken pictures of us all together. I have kind of been a slacker about that. Maybe because I am gearing up for all the picture taking that will soon be taking place when the baby comes. Oh well.

Last night my mom and I went to the "Weecycle" Sale in Easley. It was huge. I got a few things but I think it will be more beneficial for me in the spring after I see how big our son is and what kind of clothes I need to buy for that season. But I did get some baby equipment that I hadn't gotten yet.

I have my last shower on Sunday. I am excited about seeing the women who will be there. Many of them I don't see very often. After that the count down will have really begun. I did take some belly pictures today and will post them when I get home later. I am 35 weeks! 5 more to go! I have been feeling some strange pains lately and can tell the time is getting closer. He is very active. Also yesterday I had to stop wearing my wedding rings. I was afraid they would get stuck on my hand. This is kind of sad and I feel weird not wearing them. How long does it take after birth for your fingers to go down?

I am going to listen to this sermon today called "Shepherding a Child's Heart" for ages 0-5, by Paul Tripp. Stephen listened to it a couple of days ago, said it was really good, and asked me to listen to it. Maybe I will post about it later. I hope everyone has a great weekend! Pray for those in the path of the hurricane. It looks like it is going to be a huge one.

Funny video

Sometimes in the political season you just have to laugh. All politics aside this is a pretty cleaver user generated video. I don't know where these people the the ideas and time to make these things.

On the mend & time with a great friend!

As I mentioned in my last post, I have been battling a cold. Then Friday morning Stephen woke up with a full blown virus in his eye. I know it sounds weird but he found out in January that he has the same virus that causes cold sores in his eye. Most of the time it is dormant but something unknown can trigger it, and that happened this week. His eyes was swollen, red, running, blurry, and very painful. I left work Friday to rush him to the doctor to get a prescription. So Friday night we were a pitiful sight:) sitting there in front of the TV doctoring our illnesses. I have to say though that I am thankful we have these things now and not after the baby has arrived. I made some yummy homemade chicken soup Friday and we tried to rest.

Saturday I had to go run errands because we were out of groceries so I got up with my sister and brother-in-law and braved the crowds of the sidewalk grocery sale at Sav-More. Nate carried my big box for me and we got a bunch of stuff for only $6.00.

I went home and unpacked and went downtown to the "Farmer's Market" and to "Creative Health." It is a health food store in downtown Greenville and my friend Talitha works there. She happened to call me the night before and I had told her about Stephen. She told me about some herbs they sell that help treat viruses. I was willing to try anything so I went and bought them along with some herbs that are good to take for the last 5 weeks of pregnancy to help prepare your body for delivery.

So Stephen has been regularly taking his medicine and the herbs and is starting to turn a corner although he still is having problems today and wasn't able to return to work yet. He has a follow up doctor's appointment tomorrow. Please pray that this will clear up soon because if prolonged it can damage eye sight. I am feeling much better today and should be 100% soon.

Last night we had a great treat because my friend Tara came to stay with us for several days. She is here for the "Global Missions Conference" at North Greenville. It was amazing getting to spend so much time with her, hear about her life in Africa, and look at her pictures. I literally cannot even comprehend many of the things she talks about our what her life was like there but I find it so fascinating. Her pictures look like something straight out of a movie. She literally lived in a African hut in a village for long periods of time. The people in her village in Niger only eat one thing everyday (millet mixed with milk) except for special occasions. She learned the language and her and her team worked tediously to translate about 25 bible stories in the people's language to be recorded on cassettes. Although the people can't read, now they can hear the stories in their own language. The chief and his wife have become Christians and that along with the recorded stories opens the door for more of the village to come to faith in Christ. I can't wait to spend more time with her and hear more about her life there. I am praying for her as she transitions back to live in America (at least for a couple of years) after almost 5 years overseas.
Stephen and I may go up to North Greenville tonight for the missions conference and hear Dr. Tom Grassano speak. I worked for him and his ministry for about a year as his administrative assistant. They have a great ministry in the Bronx, and also do ministry in downtown Detroit.

Well that is all from the Burch clan. I hope you all had a great weekend. We now are under the six week mark till my due date. The time is flying by.

Sick

The past two days I have experienced something new. I have had a cold on top of being pregnant. I am so thankful that this has not happened earlier because I have felt terrible. I feel like I have been such a baby, but I literally have felt like I have no strength. This is hard when you are already not sleeping good at night. But thankfully today I am starting to feel a little better so hopefully I am on the mend. Also when I don't feel good it is so hard for me to pray and read my bible so the enemy has been using that to beat up on me the past few days. I keep reminding myself that His grace is sufficient. That through the tiredness, the hormones, stopped up head, and stress, He is there and he loves me and knows what I need. I have a breast feeding class scheduled at the hospital tonight and I am praying I won't pick up any extra germs while my immune system is still weak. Thankfully my sweet husband has done extra things around our home so that when I get home from work I can just rest and not have to worry about cleaning.

Baby update: I had an appointment this week and everything still seems to look good. The baby seems to already be turned head down, this heart beat is strong, he is moving like he should, and my blood pressure is "perfect" (that is what she told me at least). For all of this I am very thankful. I will start going for appointments every two weeks now until the baby comes. I have 6 1/2 weeks until my due date. The time is just flying by! It will be here before I know it.

Silent Blog

Sorry my blog has been silent the past few days. Recently I have been just trying to get ready for the baby, trying to finish up the books I wanted to read before the baby comes, writing "thank you" notes, and resting a lot.

This weekend I spent time with my family, Stephen, Stephen's family and ran errands. It was nice to have the long weekend. I have had some moments where I didn't feel good (when I push it too hard) but as long as I rest enough, get enough sleep, and do light exercise I feel pretty good. We are now under the 7 week mark so it is getting so close. I am only working about 5 1/2 more weeks.

I also was watching a lot of the news this weekend about the hurricane and the election. I am glad the hurricane wasn't as bad as people thought it would be. I am glad my friend Joy and her husband evacuated safely. I pray that nothing they own was damaged. They have already gone through all of this once with Katrina.

Monday morning Stephen and I got up and went out to eat breakfast. I don't know why but I love to eat out breakfast. Maybe it is because I rarely do it. But for some reason I think it is so fun. I love American breakfast food. You can't beat it. (Although it's not all very healthy so I guess it is good that I don't eat like that all the time.)

I have a baby appointment today. Now I will start going every couple of weeks until the baby is due. I am hoping for a good report!

I confirmed this weekend that my friend from college, Tara, is going to stay with me a few days next week while she is here for the North Greenville Mission's Conference. I am so excited. She was one of my best friends in college but after school I was in Poland for 2 years and she has been serving the Lord in Africa for about 4 years. I cannot believe that we will (Lord willing) have so much time together. I will update more on her later since I know some of my readers know her.

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend!