FEBRUARY 2015

In the Conference Room each Wednesday night,

volunteers are helping our friends in the community
obtain the freedom we all take for granted!

Shannon Miller, 2435 Kinwest director

WHY ARE WE HERE?

IBC is a community that exists

because we believe Jesus Christ
transforms lives. We want to be fully
alive as followers of Jesus, and we
hope youll join us on this journey.

HOW DO WE DO THIS?
GROWING IN CHRIST At the
heart of our journey is the gospel of
Jesus. We trust Christ as our Savior
and find ourselves becoming more
like him as we deepen our relationship with him.

CONNECTING IN COMMUNITY

The way of following Jesus is not a

path we walk alone. The gospel story
draws us into a community of people
whose lives are being transformed
by Jesus.

JOINING THE MISSION Followers

of Jesus arent just saved, theyre also

sent. Believers become witnesses to
the grace of God as they take part in
his mission to rescue and redeem the
lost and broken.
For more about growing in Christ,
connecting in community, and joining the mission at IBC, please contact
info@irvingbible.org.
CONTACT IBC
2435 Kinwest Pkwy
Irving, TX 75063
(972) 560-4600

irvingbible.org
irvingbible
TWITTER @ibcvoice
ELETTER irvingbible.org/eletter
WEB

FACEBOOK

New to IBC? Turn to page 18.

It really
warmed
my heart
to know
that
kindness
still
exists in
the world.
Charlene

CITIZENSHIP CLASS
& PARTNER PINES

In January, IBCs Citizenship

Class celebrated two new
graduates, Isaiah and Rosa,
who passed the U.S. Citizenship exam after five months of
hard work. In December, IBC
collected hundreds of gifts,
supplies, and resources for our
partners through the Partner
Pines initiative. Charlene
(pictured, with son Semaj) was
given a complete baby shower
from this years donations to
Mercy House. (Mercy House
provides help and hope for
at-risk pregnant moms.)

a letter from Chatter

Chatter is
Editor Julie Rhodes
Art Direction, Design & Goodness
Josh Wiese, Lindsey Sobolik, JD Lemming

Sometimes, when I catch a glimpse of my daughters caterpillar eyelashes and see her mouth pull wide
in joy, my heart melts all down the front of my shirt.

Admin Extraordinaire
Victoria Andrews

There is such beauty everywhere. Such heartbreaking beauty that pours me full with equal
parts joy and heartache.

Pastor to Hashtags
Scott McClellan, Communications Pastor
Photography
Evan Chavez (Lent)*
Katherine Ivey (Smiles)*
Writers
Jason Fox (Idle Chatter)*
Peggy Norton (Love)*
Ryan Sanders (Next Steps)
Shawn Small (Where is Jina?)*
Editorial Assistance/Proofing
Summer Alexander*, Annie Stone*
Thoughts, comments, ideas?
Contact Chatter at chatter@irvingbible.org.
Need Chatter Digitally?
Chatter is on the web at
irvingbible.org/chatter.
Are you a media socialite?
Like Chatter on Facebook. Its so likeable.
*Most beloved and indispensable
Chatter Volunteer.

The warmth of a big bell, the filtered light through

squash-colored leaves, a shadow spread across
grass. Its all so unapologetic. So very much itself.
Beauty will just be.
But what do I DO with it?
Beauty can be hard for me. In my grumpier moods,
it represents a different, bigger beauty for which
Im always waiting the not-yet beauty I want in
a right-now form. It deepens my bruise, pressing
into the pain that throbs along the timeline of my
conscious life, reminding me of everything that is
still ugly.
And yet it insists on drawing out joy. Its so
spoiled and stubborn that way. Its so dadgum
SURE of itself.
Heres the vaccine beauty carries a for me: any
beauty, even if its not the beauty I need in my own
personal landscape at this particular moment, is,
at very least, someone elses redemption. Someone
elses tree regaining a once-held majesty; someone
elses family sewed whole with a surprise birth;
someone elses smile restored with some variant of
provision. Beauty anywhere means beauty is possible everywhere. Even for me.

In the New Testament, Jesus did many signs, many

acts of surprise beauty. He healed the lame and the
blind and the sick and the dead. He gave children
back to their parents. He didnt heal every single
person in the ancient world, and those people he
did heal still died, eventually. But his point wasnt
to bring the ultimate, all-encompassing beauty.
His point was to, well, POINT to it. Point to himself
as its herald.
And today, things are still ugly and beautiful,
redeemed and broken. Jesus still heals people and
also, sometimes, just lets them be. Why do green
shoots come up through certain cracks and not
others? Why are particular lives remodeled here in
time and space and others have to wait til heaven?
This scattershot beauty bothers me. It speckles the
sidewalk with light and shadow.
But I try to thank God for whats-to-come, and
the meantime-beauty that cannot be denied or
ignored. Some Christians want to skirt the pain
and difficulty of life, but Im tempted to downplay
its beauty. Its a harder message.
Not today, though. Lord, give me the strength to
revel and melt.

Beauty is a sign.

C HAT TE R FA C T I CON K EY
CULTURE

LANGUAGE

FOOD

LIFE

GENERAL

SCIENCE

GEOGRAPHY

TOMFOOLERY

HISTORY
Cogon grass and Bermuda
grass are the worlds most
abundant grasses.
(virtualherbarium.org)

The word caterpillar

derives from the Latin
meaning hairy cat.

The melting point of Aluminum

is 1,221 F. Chatter was unable
to ascertain the exact melting
point of face.

Chatter | 3

WHERE
IS
JINA?
WITH THE BACKDROP OF A PINK SKY, I distinctly remember the look on

her face that morning.

As we drove down the rutted road, kicking up dust in our wake, we knew we
were taking her away from everything shed ever known. Her eyes reflected
ecstatic joy and heart-rending sorrow all in the same moment. In a mere ten
days, we had watched this slight, intelligent, and resourceful twelve-year-old
girl go from an existence of backbreaking labor, to the hope of a bright future.
Jinas whole world had been turned upside down, simply because we were
determined to shoot a documentary.
In early 2010, our small team of three met with Steve Roese, president of
Water is Basic, with a solid plan. Cinematographer Joel Smith, assistant director and photographer Jason Wendel, and I would travel to South Sudan with
Water is Basic. The film, in a visually pleasing style, would show how this gift
of clean water changed peoples lives.
The war-torn southern region of Sudan had been plagued by civil war for over
50 years. As a result, the south had only ten miles of paved roads, one doc-

Chatter | 4

tor for every sixty-six thousand people, and rampant hunger and sickness. It
was more probable for a teenage girl to die in childbirth than it was for her to
complete the 8th grade. But the most devastating reality was that 90% of the
population of 8 million was without clean water.
Without safe water, 80% of the people in hospitals were being treated for
water-borne illnesses. Clean up the water source, and you clean out the
hospitals. And who carried the primary burden of water collection? Women.
Walking more than ten miles a day with forty pounds of water on their heads
made water collection physically harmful. Women were kept from getting an
education, and industrious ladies were sidelined from starting small businesses. But worse yet, these long journeys to collect water, often done alone,
put these women in constant danger of assault by sexual predators.
Our film needed to capture the life-threatening burden of unsafe water in a
way that gripped the hearts of those watching. The plan for our video was laid
out months ahead of time. We would follow a young girl for a week with the
goal of capturing on film how her life was dominated by the gathering of water.
At the same time, we would record the process of drilling a well in her
Approximately 114
languages are native
to Sudan.

village from beginning to end. As we boarded our

flight to South Sudan, we wondered who that young
girl might be.

As we traveled across America to

show Ru: Water is Life in schools,
churches, theaters, festivals, and
even the United Nations, the number one question we received was,
What happened to Jina?

We had barely driven through the gates at Bishop Tabans complex in Yei, Sudan when we were whisked into
his office to meet our potential film subject. Jina Teji
politely stood from her chair and shook our hands. Her
shy smile reflected intelligence beyond her twelve years.
Her home, Hai, was the village that the Water is Basic
team had targeted as the ideal spot for a well. The local
population of 3,000 souls dredged most of their water
from a festering ditch filled with grey-green water that,
if not boiled, was undoubtedly lethal.
Jina was the primary caretaker for her family.
Her mother had died of a water-borne illness when
Jina was six, and her father was in the army working
to send home a few dollars a month. She cleaned the
house, took care of the livestock, and cooked all the
meals for five brothers and sisters, while also caring for
a blind grandmother. But the majority of her daytime
was spent collecting water from the ditch. Three times
a day Jina walked to the waterhole. Two miles there
and two miles back.
One hour there and one hour back. 1,000 steps there
and 1,000 steps back. Jina walked twelve miles a day,
six hours a day, 6,000 steps a day just to bring her family
enough water to live one more night.
As we filmed Jina doing her daily chores, we picked up
on her quick wit and peaceful demeanor. She knew four
languages, including English, French, Arabic, and her
local dialect. Jina even tutored her school friends in
math. It came easy for her, although we never discovered how she knew math so well. She longed to go to
school, but Jinas never-ending collection of water kept
her from attending. That meant her projected future
was the one that most girls in her situation experienced:
married by 14, child by 15, and forever bound to domestic survival and the non-stop water trek.
As we began our filming, we knew Jina represented her people well: strong,
ingenious, hopeful, joyous and passionate in her faith. The South Sudanese
had survived a half-century of horror, and they were stronger for it. Jina was
the key to our story.
Our film shoot went well. The footage was beautiful, Jina was a natural in front
of the camera, the well was a gusher, and the village was overjoyed with their
new source of life. In just a few days, Hai became a place of hope and life.
A year and a half later, Ru: Water is Life (Ru means life-giving water in the
local dialect of Hai) premiered at Irving Bible Church. Over the next two years,
Ru screened at 17 film festivals across the U.S. We even picked up a few awards
along the way. Tens of thousands of people watched Jinas story, and they have
given tens of thousands of dollars to help relieve the water crisis in South
Sudan. Ru: Water is Life exceeded all our expectations. But the achievement
that caused our greatest joy was how the down-to-earth visual storytelling of
the film translated across all languages and cultures. Anyone anywhere could
watch the film and understand the worldwide need for clean water. And Jina
had become the key to our storytelling.

Only 2.5% of Sudans

population lives to be
65 years old (Sudan.net).

The answer to that question is the

key to the mission of Water is Basic.
The well in Hai freed Jinas family from the all-consuming task of
collecting water. With clean water
came a general increase in health
amongst the community. Jina, like
many girls in her village, was freed to
attend school.
By the end of filming, our team had
fallen in love with this special little
girl. This caused us to ponder her future. Steve met with Bishop Taban to share
our concerns. With the permission and blessing of her family, we all kicked
in enough funds to send Jina to a local Christian boarding school so that she
might receive an excellent education.
This brings us back to the morning with the pink sky when we drove Jina away
from her village. She cried as her prayers were answered beyond measure,
knowing that she left her family in Gods hands. Although her grandmother
passed a few months later, Jinas extended family took in the other children
until they were ready for school.
In a few weeks, I will travel back to South Sudan with Water is Basic to catch
up with Jina, who is now 17 and about to graduate from school. A few months
ago, Jina asked to be baptized. Her faith has also been the most defining thing
about her. She wants to be an accountant or a pastor at a church. She wants to
go wherever God may will for her life. She is alive, hopeful and free.
Jina wants to see the rest of South Sudan experience the gift that clean water
brings. Water is Basic continues in their goal of bringing clean water to South
Sudan. They have served over a million people so far. All it takes is a few people
caring, praying and giving to bring living water to their brothers and sisters in
South Sudan.
May Jinas prayer come to pass while she is still young.
While filming Ru in South Sudan, older children would bring babies to Shawn
Small just to see how loud the babies would scream in fear. Shawn does not endorse using his face to scare babies.
Shawn is an avid adventurer, author, pilgrim, husband, and father of three. He is the founder of Wonder
Voyage Missions and Boundless Expeditions. You can catch more of Shawns mental gymnastics at
ShawnSmallStories.com.

As we began our filming, we knew Jina

represented her people well: strong, ingenious,
hopeful, joyous and passionate in her faith.

Since 2006, IBC has partnered

with Water is Basic to bring clean
water to over 1,000,000 people.

Chatter | 5

rsell
a
e
56 Y ow

Jo arri
& J ed
im 41 Y
Ke ea
nn rs
edy

d Bill H
e
i
rr &
Ma ern
v

La

We have always supported and complimented each

other in everything that we do, and that is how we
got to the point where we are now. We love God,
Church, family and each other. Life is good.
Pat and I almost couldnt agree on one bit of
marriage advice! But what we could agree on is
forgiveness is key. We have and will hurt each
other, not intentionally, but inevitably. It means
not holding on to those moments when you get your
feelings hurt or dont get your way. What Jesus did
on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins is a daily
reminder of how we should let go of our offenses and
take it to prayer. Forgiveness almost immediately turns to
gratitude for what we do have in our marriage. So try this:
I forgive you, and Thank you, Lord.

In the spirit of Cupid and all

things Russell Stover this month,
Chatter wanted to hear from some
young-at-heart lovebirds with real-world marriage advice. Whats
their secret? Glad you asked.

The compensation you receive for the work you do

in your marriage out-paces any reward for any other endeavor you might pursue; but compensation
can never be the goal. The work is itself the reward.
You very quickly find that the love you experience
from the relationship is something you can never repay. What we find is the work simply becomes easier.
Also, it is never 50-50 in the marriage relationship. You
should give 100%, even if the other side gives 0%.

Do arr
nn ied
a& 4
Pa 0 Ye
t O ar
Re s
illy

Chatter | 6

The Vulcan word for life partner is adun.

(This is not a joke. Vulcans do not joke.)

Next Steps:

FORGETTING MYSELF

Chatter asked IBC pastors to weigh in on their next steps for the
coming year personally, spiritually, or ministry-wise. Heres Ryan.

or 2015, my next steps are all about forgetting myself. In fact, I

think forgetting ourselves is a crucial next step in spiritual growth.

In the last few months, I have had several meetings with IBC
staffers about our churchs vision for discipleship. We have felt
God leading our church to emphasize spiritual formation and
mentorship in 2015, and so we started having discussions about
how that should work. What does a mature disciple look like? What milestones
do we expect IBCers to cross on their growth journey? We identified quite a
few regular time in the scriptures, a vibrant prayer life, authentic community, sacrificial giving, and a lot more. And then we did something that brought
me to my next step; we put them in order. We created a growth plan a map of
sorts and plotted it with those milestones in the order that we would expect
people to find them. Stepping back from
that exercise, Im remembering something key about spiritual growth:
The farther you go on the path of discipleship, the less you focus on your
own progress.
The most mature believers I know
men and women I respect and even envy
for their friendship with God are not
focused on themselves. Their spiritual
walk has ceased to be about them. They
are focused on others.
The pathway for growth we devised in
those meetings began with personal and

Henry IV adopted the forget-me-not

flower as his symbol during his exile
in 1398. Jolly good.

private disciplines like scripture reading and prayer. We expected people to

attend church regularly and develop a habit of worship. These are foundational
steps that can be engaged from the prayer closet or the back row. But a mature
disciple doesnt stay there. She steps out. She forgets herself. She declares with
John the Baptist, He must become greater, and I must become less.
Theres an old saying among pastors that the goal of discipleship is to move
people from come and see to come and die. As we grow in faith, we lose
concern for the outcomes of our own ambitions and become increasingly concerned with the welfare of those around us. We become increasingly willing to
die to ourselves for the glory of God. In 2015, I want to spend less of myself on
myself and invest more in others.
Theres another sense in which I want to forget myself in 2015; the idiomatic
sense. When we say that someone forgets himself, we mean he forgets his place,
he loses his reserve or his self-restraint. His passion overcomes his prudence.
The temptation for me in my current station is to go along to get along, to take
my ease, to demure. But Im haunted by the idea that no one ever changed
the world with diffidence. None of my faith heroes are remembered for their
unflinching stoicism. I realize its easy to overplay the iconoclast, but in 2015
I want to take a next step toward passion and away from riding-it-out, to take
risks for the sake of the gospel, to lose myself so I can gain Christ.
I think a habit of forgetting myself might map the way for a journey thats
unforgettable.
Ryan Sanderss past can be like sidewalk chalk if he will dance and pray for rain.
Ryan serves on the IBC Lead team overseeing Small Groups and Stephen Ministry.

Colonel Sanders was many things before he became

the worlds most famous cook, including an army muletender, a locomotive fireman and an insurance salesman.
(colonelsanders.com)

Chatter | 7

A Love that Led to Jesus

AN UNLIKELY LOVE STORY BETWEEN A HINDU
AND A CHRISTIAN SHOWS THE POWER OF FAITHFUL PRAYER.

It was during this long separation that

Swetha became ill. She began suffering
from headaches and unusual fevers.
She also suffered from depression, but
doctors could not determine the cause
of her illness.

his is a story about

love a love that
survived separation, discord and
distance; a love between a man and a
woman; and a love that led to Jesus.

It started as a school girl crush.

Phani and Swetha tie the knot November 7, 2012.

Swetha was a young girl growing up in India, and a young man named Phani
caught her eye. As with most school girl crushes, her admiration for Phani went
unrequited and eventually the two no longer attended school together.
But that was not the end.
Eight years later, Swetha and Phani met again at a class reunion. Swetha could not
believe it, but her feelings were still there. Before long, that schoolgirl crush blossomed into something much deeper.
In a country where most marriages are arranged, Swetha had a mind of her own
and professed her love for Phani. And it just so happened that Phani felt the
same way.
There was just one problem.
Swetha had grown up in a Christian family, which was very unusual in India where
Hinduism is the dominant religion. And like the majority, Phani was Hindu. But
like Romeo and Juliet, they set aside their families differences to see if they could
make this relationship work.
A short time later, Phani was set to leave India to study in the U.S., but even this
did not drive the couple apart. For five long years, they sustained a long-distance
relationship.
Every night I would pray for Phani, Swetha explains. My mother was a woman of
great faith and even when I had doubt, I remembered her telling me that through
God all things are possible.

Chatter | 8

Naturally, Phani was concerned. I

was in New York working at the time
Swetha was ill. I walked past St. Patricks cathedral, and I thought maybe I should
go in there and pray to Swethas God. Maybe He could help her.
Sure enough, Phani kept praying and Swetha started to get better.
I had no idea what I was doing, Phani says. I did not know how to pray to Swethas
God but I just prayed that He would make her well again.
Swethas illness only made the couple more determined to get married, but family
prejudice was also coming from the other direction: Phanis family was against the
union. After all, Swetha was a Christian.
Because Christians in India are treated as outcasts, Phanis father felt his marriage
to Swetha would bring shame to the entire family. Not only that, but it would make
Phanis sisters dream of an arranged marriage almost impossible. No one would
want to marry into a Hindu family where the son had abandoned his faith and married a Christian woman.
In order to appease his father, Phani went to Swetha and told her some bold news:
she should not expect he would convert to Christianity once they were married. It
was the only way Phanis parents would even consider the marriage.
Swetha kept praying. She soon became ill again and was eventually hospitalized,
and once again Phani prayed for Swethas health.
While Swetha was getting stronger, Phani felt something changing inside him. I
didnt exactly know what was happening, Phani explains. Even though I didnt
understand it, I kept praying.

80.5% of Indias population

identifies as Hindu.

As Swethas health returned, the couple continued to plan their future together.
After much debate, Phanis parents knew they could not prevent the marriage and
reluctantly gave their permission.
Everyone thought our wedding ceremony and our marriage was impossible,
Swetha explains. But I never lost hope. I remembered the Bible story about faith
as small as a mustard seed and how God can move mountains. I knew this was a
mountain God could move.
And Swetha continued to have a powerful ally in her mother. My mother has
always been so faithful. Even when we were growing up and times were difficult,
she never lost her faith.
Everyone was worried about the wedding. Would there
be fighting? Would all the guests attend the event?
For eleven days before the wedding, Swethas mother
fasted and prayed.
When the wedding day arrived, it was a wonderful celebration and everything went perfectly. Again, Phani
was witness to faith and the power of prayer.

I prayed every day that Phani would come to know Jesus, Swetha said, summing
up her years of faithful prayer.
Phanis transformation continued.
The couple moved to Irving and began looking for a church to attend.
Eventually, they visited IBC in the spring of 2013. We started attending every
week and I was very impressed with the teaching, Phani explains. Hearing the
sermons each week taught us how to live to pray and to give thanks.
Finally, the day came when Swethas prayers were answered.

BUT I NEVER LOST HOPE. I

REMEMBERED THE BIBLE STORY
ABOUT FAITH AS SMALL AS A
MUSTARD SEED AND HOW GOD CAN
MOVE MOUNTAINS. I KNEW THIS WAS
A MOUNTAIN GOD COULD MOVE.

Phani wanted to accept Jesus as his savior. On November 16,2014, Swetha and Phani were baptized together in
the Town Square.
Of course, their journey is not over. I am still learning but I can strongly say that God gives us the courage
and strength to overcome any difficulties we face, says
Phani. I am also very thankful to my wife who has been
patient with me on my journey to know God.

After the wedding in India, Phani returned to the U.S. but this time with his bride
by his side. It was not an easy move, and the couple soon began facing many difficulties in their new life, but through all the troubles, Swetha remained faithful and
Phani was inspired.

As for the future, they are taking it one day at a time. Swetha would like to eventually return to India and help the poor. My mother always told me we should help
others know Jesus, Swetha says. It is my hope that one day I can be a woman of
great faith and a disciple like my mother.

Every day, Swetha would tell me stories of the Bible and explain to me great things
the Lord has done, Phani recalls. These stories began to give me strength and
courage to face my trials.

This writer thinks that Swetha is well on her way.

Swethas faithfulness and example were beginning to take hold of Phanis heart.
She could see a change in him from the inside out.

Peggy Norton will be remembering her love story in May when she celebrates 30
years of marriage.
Peggy is a communications professional at a gloabal security company.

Swetha and Phani are baptized November 16.

6 in 10 Indian
marriages are
arranged.

The name Swetha is derived from a

Sanskrit word meaning a lady
adorned with white-colored clothing.

Chatter | 9

SMILES FOR MILES

Theyre called the Hospitality Team at IBC, but you know
them as the friendly faces that help you park on Sunday,
greet you at the door, hand you a worship folder, and pass
the offering basket. Recently, they took their warm hearts
and big smiles outside the IBC walls and into the community
for a unique challenge.
Since IBCs team of ushers, greeters, and parking attendants
is 135 people strong, getting them together for team-building
activities is tough. Enter the genius of Sherri Sharp, Hospitalitys intrepid leader, who suggested a fun challenge: give
every team member some money and task them with making
someones day a little brighter.

Pay It Forward
peeps are
all smiles.

THE CHALLENGE:
Everyone gets $5

Everyone gets a note that reads: I hope this makes your day a little
brighter! I am on the Hospitality Team at Irving Bible Church!Hope
you have a wonderful day! www.irvingbible.org. Paying it forward. . .
Everyone is tasked with finding one person who could use a little
encouragement, and giving them the money and card.

Here are just a few of the MANY stories from Hospitalitys Pay It Forward challenge. (If you want to hear more,
just ask Sherri. Shed be glad to fill you in.)
New Neighbors
I used our $5 to buy ingredients for a big batch of cookies to take to our new neighbors. When we moved in our house, a neighbor did the same for us. While having
coffee and cookies with our new neighbors, we offered our knowledge of things
they might need in the area such as doctors, dentists, and Irving Bible Church.
They seemed receptive, so we offered to pick them on the following Sunday.
Linda

Family
As I drove through the parking lot at Toys R Us, I saw a couple with two small
children. I stopped and gave them the card with the $5 and invited them to visit
IBC. Trelby
Pharmacy Tech
I gave my Pay It Forward gift to the Kroger Pharmacy Tech who waited on me
at the drive-through Rx window. When she came to the window, she looked sad,
didnt smile, and didnt offer much of a greeting. I thought she looked like she could
use some encouragement, so after receiving my Rx, I sent the note and $5 to her on
the clipboard she had given me to sign for my Rx. I told her I was giving her a gift
and explained who it was from and that I wanted her to know she was loved. As I
drove off, she had a big smile on her face! Suzie

Target Mom
There was a mom with two kids in a Target parking lot. She seemed very surprised
when I handed her the bill with the note, and then said she was a follower of Jesus
and that maybe I should give it to someone else. I told her that we (IBC) wanted to
bless her with this reminder of Jesus love. She smiled and kept it. Debra
Restaurant Hostess
There was a wonderful hostess who greeted us at Olive Garden. After I sat for just
a minute to catch my breath, I got back up, walked over to her, and handed her the
bill with the piece of paper attached. She couldnt believe it! She kept saying thank
you, thank you! Mindy
Hosea

I gave the $5 hospitality team gift today to Hosea, the guy who works at the
South Irving recycle station. His car broke down recently and he has been
unable to replace it yet, so hopefully this was a little encouragement for him.
John

Single Mom

I used the $ 5.00 + $ 65.00 of my own money to help a single mom get her air
conditioner fixed in her car. I have a friend who is a mechanic and who agreed
to help if we purchased the materials. He didnt charge much only $70.00.
Renee

For more stories, visit the Hospitality Facebook page.

You can make a difference at IBC by lending us just one thing:

your smile. Join the Hospitality Team as a greeter, usher, or parking
attendant, and make visitors and IBCers feel right at home.
Contact Sherri at ssharp@irvingbible.org.

Chatter | 10

Around 20% of the population has

dimples when they smile.

passingnotes

Mr. Sean is really nice. He is helpful because he helps me read. Mr.

Sean has been my reading buddy
since 1st grade. We have a very
special connection. He has helped
me read a lot of words. I look forward to him coming each week.

SchoolWorks kids, in their own words

IBCs SchoolWorks matches up lunch buddies and

reading buddies with at-risk elementary, junior high,
and high school students. And theres a reason
theyve been dubbed half-hour heroes just
listen to what kids are saying about them.

~Joseph

Miss Beth has taught me a lot about

comprehension and helped me learn
about new things.I like the book
named Boxcar Children that has
mysteries. She brings that book with
her and we read it a lot.I feel happy
when she comes to visit.Most people
in this school dont have reading
buddies. Im kind of lucky because
Im one of the ones that has a reading
buddy. I like that she gives me books
for presents when the ceremony
comes. And I thank her very much.

Ms. Tiffany is nice and kind. She helps

me read and spends time with me. I
like that she comes each week. This
is the first year I have had a reading
buddy and Im very lucky my buddy is
Ms. Tiffany.

~Alex

~Madelin
You dont need a cape or a lot of free time to be a hero.
If youre interested in being a Reading Buddy or Lunch
Buddy, contact Lindsay Hamilton at lhamilton@irvingbible.org.

Hey Small Groups:

Get excited for Share-a-Like!

Interdependence is cool.
Just ask Bob and Donna Gooding.
Instead of making a little money
by selling their old fridge, they
were able to answer the prayer of a
couple their own small group, Joe
and Sandy, who were needing one.
According to Bob, it was the best
sale we never made.

You know you love it. The babysitting-swapping. The cups of sugar,
the warmth of community. Share-A-Like is a contest where IBC sermonbased small groups compete for how interdependent they can be. For
one 10-week session, group members keep track of little ways they rely on
one another things like babysitting and rides to the airport. They assign
a fair market value to each item, and the group who saves the most money
wins the contest (And gets dinner with Andy and Alice McQuitty!).
Share-a-Like starts March 22, so start brainstorming now.
Questions? Get the details from your small group leader.

The average price at a

yard sale is 85 cents.

Chatter | 11

Nothing to lose. Nothing to prove. Nothing to hide.

FEBRUARY 20-21
THE BIG MAN PARTY is an 18-hour experience encouraging men to stop down, lower the masks and seek
authentic transparency before God, self, and others. Its
an invitation to honestly evaluate where you are and
make courageous decisions to follow the call of Christ
more closely.
Be challenged, eat well, laugh hard.
By February 1: $39. After February 1: $49

Breakout topics include

Bring more harmony into your marriage
Grow in prayer
Gods plan for dealing with stress
Begin a spiritual conversation without being cheesy
Help your children be better followers of Christ
How to deal with shame
Seek your identity in Christ and not in what you do
Flourish during your halftime stage of life

Register at irvingbible.org/men/big-man-party

Chatter | 12

The tallest man alive is Sultan Ksen,

measuring 8 ft 3 inches. He lives in
Ankara, Turkey.

Ash Wednesday at IBC

LENT BEGINS AT IBC

SHROVE TUESDAY

ASH WEDNESDAY

FEBRUARY 17

FEBRUARY 18, 7 P.M., WORSHIP CENTER

As early as 1,000 A.D., Christians gathered

on Shrove Tuesday to encourage one another and to eat perishables. Since the most
common Lenten fasts were from foods like
milk, butter, eggs and meat (and since those
things wouldnt keep until Easter), those
soiree-seeking ancestors of ours saw Shrove
Tuesday as an excuse to party and make
pancakes.

Technically the first day of Lent, Ash

Wednesday is a time for somber reflection
and repentance. According to the gospels,
Jesus spent a period of 40 days in the wilderness. Ash Wednesday represents the first
day of prayer and fasting that is generally
associated with the 40-day season of Lent.

At IBC, Shrove Tuesday is a time for family and fellowship. Make pancakes. Invite
the crew over. Thank God for the food and
friends, and ask him to use the sacrifices of
Lent to draw you closer to him.
Download the Shrove Tuesday Discussion
Guide at irvingbible.org/lent for helpful
questions, prayers, and reflections.

At IBC, there will be a contemplative service on Wednesday, February 18, at 7 p.m.

to prepare our hearts and minds for spiritual renewal. The black cloth will be available
for those who would confess and record
their sins, as well as stones to keep as reminders of the need to depend upon God.
Imposition of ashes will close the service.
KidZone is available for Preschool and under (those born September 2010 and later)
with prior registration. Register at irvingbible.org/kidzone.
Interested in more information on
IBCs celebration of Lent? Visit
irvingbible.org/lent.

On Shrove Tuesday 2013, competitive eater Hayden Wilson ate

80 pancakes in 17 minutes and 26
seconds. Thats 5.5 lbs.

Chatter | 13

UPC O M I N G

February
FEBRUARY 4

FEBRUARY 15

FEBRUARY 26

Cancer Ministry at IBC

Fostering Hope 5 p.m.

Griefshare 6:30 p.m.

Join us for a 4-week class designed to provide ongo-

A foster care support group, contact Ryan at

Join a caring group of people who will walk along-

ing equipping and support for those with cancer.

rnorth@irvingbible.org.

side you through one of lifes most difficult experi-

Visit irvingbible.org/hopeandhealing for more info.

FEBRUARY 7

ences. More info at irvingbible.org/hopeandhealing.

FEBRUARY 17
Shrove Tuesday

FEBRUARY 28

Bible Reading and Reflection Class

8 a.m. West D

See pg. 13.

Respite Care

Come learn six key practices that will help make your

Empowered to Connect Prepare Course

needs, and a night of rest for their parents. Contact

time in Gods Word more effective, enjoyable and

Join us for this 6-week course for those preparing

Shannon at smiller@irvingbible.org for more info.

transformative. Register at irvingbible.org/explore.

to adopt or foster. Contact Ryan at rnorth@irving-

Respite Care is a night of fun for children with special

bible.org

FEBRUARY 8
Parenting Shop Talk 6:45 p.m.
The Commons

FEBRUARY 18

March

Ash Wednesday Service

7 p.m. The Worship Center

MARCH 1

Join us for Listen Up 2.0 featuring a panel with a

counselor, youth pastor, parent, and student. More

Join us for the beginning of Lent. More info at

info at irvingbible.org/parenting.

irvingbible.org/lent.

Baptism Orientation
12:30 p.m. West C
Register for our next Baptism on Easter Sunday at

Heart Box Sunday all day

Help us bless our local partners in a tangible way.

irvingbible.org/baptism.

Email tkinsman@irvingbible.org for the list of needs.

FEBRUARY 19

Propel 10:45 a.m. West A

Empowered to Connect
Connect Course

MARCH 27-29

If you want to find your place at IBC join us for Propel. More info at irvingbible.org/propel.

Join us for this 9-week course for those who have

Womens Oasis Retreat

adopted or are currently fostering. Contact Ryan at

See ad, pg. 16.

rnorth@irvingbible.org

FEBRUARY 13
Single Parent Valentines Dance

FEBRUARY 20-21

See ad, pg. 17.

Big Man Party

Be challenged. Eat well. Laugh hard. Register at

FEBRUARY 13-15
High School Winter Retreat
Join us at Sky Ranch.

irvingbible.org/men. See ad, pg. 12.

FEBRUARY 22

Details at irvingbible.org/students

Townsell Book Drive

See ad, pg. 17.

FEBRUARY 14

Small Groups Registration Closes

See ad, pg. 17.

Writers Workshop 10 a.m.

Commons Annex
Join a community of people who are honing their
writing skills. Contact doreilly@irvingbible.org.

Chatter | 14

ON G OI N G

BIBLE COMMUNITIES

Groups on Sunday

Synergy

9 a.m. The Alcove

Multi-generational

The Tree

9 a.m. West D
20s & 30s, married & young families

Crossroads

10:45 a.m. West C

Couples & Families, late 20s to 40s

Journey

10:45 a.m. The Alcove

All Welcome

MEALS

Family Grace Group

Monday nights, 6:30 p.m. West A

For families/caregivers of those
with mental illness. Contact Buzz
Moody at myrabuzz@gmail.com.

NAMI Family-to-Family Class

Mondays, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

West C/D
Contact Joey at joey@netbreezeinc.
com or Debra at eumoore@yahoo.com.

Stephen Ministry at IBC

One-on-one ministry for hurting

people. Contact stephenministry@
irvingbible.org or call (972) 560-4636.

Spousal Abuse Recovery

Contact Kym at kyeichner@irvingbible.org.

On Track

10:45 a.m. Conference Room

Single Parents

Thrive

10:45 a.m. West D

Singles in their 30s & 40s

Legacy Builders

6:45 p.m. West A

All Welcome

SINGLE PARENTS
Community and Resources
Sit with us on Sunday!

9 a.m. service, lowest right-hand section,

Rows 5 & 6, facing the stage. Visit irvingbible.org/singleparents for more info.

SPECIAL NEEDS
Community & Care

Small Group for Moms

Sundays, 10:45 a.m.12 p.m.

SonShine Pals and Room

Contact specialneeds@irvingbible.org
for more info.

Pre-Marriage Mentoring

Infants Through 5th Grade

MyZone

Wednesdays, 6:308:15 p.m.

The Zone
Activities, friends, and slime.
No registration required.

Community and Resources

First Watch

Fridays, 6:22 a.m. The Commons

Contact Nat at npugh@irvingbible.org.

First Watch Replay

FAITH & BELIEF

Events and Resources

The Table

Starts January 18
The Living Room
A place to explore Christianity. Visit
irvingbible.org/thetable.

Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.

Training Center
Contact brianarrington1@yahoo.com.

Visit irvingbible.org/men for more info.

Community Care

Abortion Recovery Counseling

Contact Kym at (972)560-4632 or
kyeichner@irvingbible.org.

Recovery at IBC

Thursdays, 6:308:30 p.m.

West Wing Youth Lounge
A group for hurts, habits, and hangups.
irvingbible.org/recovery

Shelter from the Storm

Sexual abuse support group, shelterfromthestormibc@gmail.com

or (214) 725-0898

The Living Grace Group

Monday nights, 6:30 p.m.

West B, bi-weekly.
For those with mental illness. Contact
Heath at heathmurry@yahoo.com.

MISSION

Local and Global

Prayer Meeting

2nd and 4th Wednesdays

6:458 p.m. The Chapel

Laundry Love

First Saturday of the month

9 a.m.12 p.m.
Contact sdhubb@aol.com.

and Brats, salad bar

2/22 Giant baked potatoes,

chili and all the fixings,

salad bar

WEDNESDAY
MIDWEEK MEALS
56:20 P.M.

High School Sundays

IBC College Ministry

If youd like to serve on a Wednesday

night meal team, please email bdowney@irvingbible.org.

Life Groups Sundays, 6:458 p.m.

Student Ministries area
Sundays, 3:30 p.m.
The Commons Annex
Contact college@irvingbible.org.

2435 KINWEST

Wednesday Nights at IBC

Wednesdays, 78:30 p.m.

IBC Worship Center
Contact Crystal at celwell@irvingbible.org.

Next Gen Choir

Wednesdays, 5:406:30 p.m.

Contact Crystal at celwell@irvingbible.org.

ESL: English as a
Second Language

Wednesdays, 6:308:30 p.m.

AZ17, 18 and 19

FREE Citizenship Class

IBC Career Transition Ministry

Events and Resources

Wednesdays, 6:308 p.m.

The Gathering Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Visit 2435kinwest.org.

Join other young adults for a time of

teaching and community. More info at
irvingbible.org/youngadults

2/15 All American Burgers

As of press time, the Wednesday night menu was unavailable.

Please visit irvingbible.org/meals
for the menu

Wednesdays, 6:308 p.m.

IBC Conference Room

YOUNG ADULTS

Fajita Madness, salad bar

Middle School Sundays

Life on Life Sundays

10:30 a.m.12:20 p.m.
Student Ministries area

IBC Choir

HOPE & HEALING

2/8

Cost is $3/meal or $10 max./

family. PB&J sandwiches are
also available.

First Watch Xtra

Wednesday, 6:30 a.m.

Training Center
Contact bcope@huntoil.com.

NO MEAL!
Journey On Sunday

STUDENTS

Middle/High School and College

MEN

If youd like to serve on a Sunday

night meal team, contact Pat OReilly
at (214) 289-6176 or sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org.

Marriage at IBC

CHILDREN

2/1

Small Group for Parents

Care during Sunday ministry.

Visit irvingbible.org/marriage.

Meals are $3 per person or $10 max./

family.

Sundays, 6:307:45 p.m

Growing Together
Sundays, 9 a.m.
High School Room

6 p.m. Town Square

In His Image Bible Study

Wednesdays, 6:308:15 p.m.

MARRIAGE

SUNDAY
COMMUNITY MEALS

DONT FLY THE COOP.

If youre feeling lost in the crowd, sermon-based small groups are a great way to connect at IBC this spring.

Small Groups at IBC exist to cultivate deep relationships that advance the kingdom
of God in dark places dark places in our world, in our relationships, and in our
hearts. Groups meet weekly in homes to eat, pray, and learn. The curriculum, based
on each weeks Sundays sermon, invites members to dig deeper into Scripture and
share viewpoints and life experiences. Group sessions run 10 weeks.
Session begins March 15 (Register at irvingbible.org/smalgroups by February 22).
For more info, contact Katie Geurin at kgeurin@irvingbible.org.

Keynote Speaker:
Annie F. Downs, author of Lets All Be Brave
Annie F. Downs is an author, blogger, and speaker based
in Nashville, Tennessee. Flawed but funny, she uses her
writing to highlight the everyday goodness of a real and
present God. Read more at anniefdowns.com and follow
her on Twitter @anniefdowns.
March 2729, 2015 camp copass, denton
Like a stream in the desert, an oasis can refresh your
mind, body and soul. Join other women for a weekend
like no other that will include lots of laughs, delicious
food, space to think and rest, and a breath of fresh air.

Cost:
Varies based on number of people per room
(includes 2 nights of lodging and 5 meals).
Register:
For more information and to register,
visit irvingbible.org/women.
Registration closes on March 19 or earlier if full.
Questions?
Contact: Jennifer at jlewis@irvingbible.org
or (972) 560-4657.

you are cordially invited to

A Valentines Dinner Dance

for single-parent families

Friday, February 13
69 pm in The Commons
dinner and dance horse and carriage rides
limo rides family photos more
$20 per family (you may pay online or at the door)

TOWNSELL
BOOK DRIVE

FEBRUARY 22

rsvp at irvingbible.org/singleparents
(choose the kids night out tab)
Questions? Email Jennifer at jerlenbusch@irvingbible.org.

Last year, IBC provided a book for

EVERY CHILD at Townsell Elementary School.
Lets do it again.
Through the annual Scholastic Book
Fair Drive, IBC collects book donations for children grades K-5 at Townsell Elementary School in Irving. Our
Goal: to show Jesus love in a tangible
way by providing a book for everyone
(thats 900 books).
Ways to get involved:
Purchase a book to donate at
the book fair in Town Square on
Sunday, February 22. Books will
be available after each service.
Purchase a book for personal use.
Townsell will receive a portion from
every purchase in order to buy
more books.
Questions? Contact Lindsay
at lhamilton@irvingbible.org.

The Gathering
Young Adults at IBC

The Gathering is an outreach-minded Bible study

for 20s and 30-somethings. Come connect with
others, get challenged by Gods word, and learn
what Young Adults are doing at IBC, in our city, and
around the world.
Current series: Romans 12
Thursdays, 7 p.m. in The Commons

For more info on this and our monthly service and

social events, contact youngadults@irvingbible.org
or go online: irvingbible.org/youngadults.

HOW DO I GIVE?
My Time, Talents & Skills

HOW DO I GET
CONNECTED AT IBC?

Childrens Ministry Leaders

Each Sunday, IBC helps about 800 kids grow in
Christ and connect in community. We are in need of
people of all ages to invest in the next generation
of nursery, preschool, and elementary kids. We have
opportunities for all skill sets. Contact Melody at
mparlett@irvingbible.org.

Were glad you asked. Here are the steps to take for
having your questions answered, figuring out the
IBC story, and, if youre feeling ready, plugging in.

Great Days of Service Coordinator

Each spring a group of churches in Irving puts on an
event called Great Days of Service to help families
that need help with home repairs. IBC needs a
leader for our volunteers. Contact Tricia at tkinsman@irvingbible.org.

Start

JOIN IN WORSHIP

Local Partner Board

Mission at IBC is currently looking for 4-5 people
that would be interested in serving on an advisory
board for Local Partners. This team would meet 3-5
times per year to evaluate partnerships alongside
our Mission Team. Contact Tricia at tkinsman@
irvingbible.org.

So you found the address, a place to park, and a breath

mint on the way in. Good work! If youre reading this,
youve probably already taken the first step attending a
worship service. This is the first and most important place
to start, so keep coming. Become a regular. Make sure to
fill out a Newcomer Card. Tell us a little about yourself and
let us know how we can engage with you. Somebody will
reach out to you this week. Visit irvingbible.org/connect.

Meal Team Volunteers

IBC makes meals available both Sunday and
Wednesday nights. These fun teams could use
some additional volunteers to serve together. For
Sundays, contact sundaynightmeal@irvingbible.org.
For Wednesdays, contact bdowney@irvingbible.
org.

CHECK OUT THE NEWCOMER GATHERING

Medical Professionals Needed

Our weekly medical clinic needs professional health
care providers (MD, PA, FNP) to provide treatment
for our patients. Volunteers serve on a rotating
basis and do not need to serve every week. Contact
Charles at cpierce@2435clinic.org.

So youre kicking the IBC tires? Good! Were so glad youre

here. The Newcomer Gathering is a great opportunity to
meet church leadership, learn what IBC is all about, and
connect with other newbies in a fun, relaxed environment.
Next Newcomer Gathering: April 16

Mentor Kids in Single-Parent Families

Men and women are needed for gender-specific
mentoring of children from single-parent families.
Contact Marsha at mtribbett@irvingbible.org.
Mercy House Liaisons
Do you have a heart for single, pregnant women?
Use your gifts and talents to support Mercy House,
our partner who empowers pregnant women with
hope, help, and a future. Contact Tricia at tkinsman@irvingbible.org.

SIGN UP FOR PROPEL

All right! Youre feeling the IBC vibe and want to see
where you might get involved. Propel is a 4-week class that
explores the IBC calling and culture, and how your unique
personality and passions fit in. Meet many of our pastors
and directors of ministries at IBC. Next Propel: February 8

JOIN A COMMUNITY

Safety Team
Do you have a desire to serve and protect others?
Contact Chris Rose at crose@irvingbible.org. Please
include any credentials and relevant experience.

Youre firing on all cylinders but something is missing. And

that something is a someone, or a group of someones.
Enter sermon-based Small Groups, Womens Bible Study,
First Watch, and more. We encourage you to find a group
and connect authentically with others.
Visit irvingbible.org/adults.

Senior Citizen Volunteers

Do you have a heart for senior citizens? MacArthur
Hills, a neighborhood senior living facility, is completed. Contact Tricia at tkinsman@irvingbible.org if
youd like to serve.

My Resources
Laundry Soap and Dryer Sheets
Laundry Love is collecting laundry soap and dryer
sheets for its monthly events in Irving. Please bring
these to the Laundry Love box in the donation area
by the Training Center. For more info visit llpirving.
org or contact info@llpirving.org.
Online Giving Option
If you would find it more convenient to donate to
the ministries of Irving Bible Church online, visit
irvingbible.org/give.

FIND A PLACE TO SERVE

Youve come a long way since that first breath mint. Youve
been busy worshipping, learning, relating, and committing.
And its at this point that you might start looking around
at all the people who help create those events ushers,
greeters, meal team members, table hosts, small group
leaders, and the like. Your next step now is to join them!
Consider your passions, talents and spiritual gifts and then
ask about a place to serve. Visit irvingbible.org/serve.

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT IRVINGBIBLE.ORG/CONNECT OR LOOK

FOR THE NEWCOMER GUIDES AT THE INFORMATION DESK.

Chatter | 18

Good Housekeeping named the

Starbucks After Coffee Mint the best
at covering up odors.

THE SMOOVER SIDE

OF FELLOWSHIP

ating is hard. And by dating I mean the physical act of pitching

and catching woo (dont worry, its non-toxic) and not messaging
kissy-faced emoji to thy weekly soul mate until you accidentally
text your mom that shes your rib match. It requires thought,
planning, no small amount of cash or credit, and someone willing
to voluntarily endure your natural musk (this applies to you, too, ladies) for
an hour or six. And therein lies the most formidable challenge of todays dating
world acquiring the datee.

Now, in todays modern world with its eHarmony.coms and FarmersOnly.

coms and ChristianFurries.coms, one might be prone to thinking that todays
single-and-evangelical-and-ready-to-mingle have it made. Just a dub-dubdub-dot-clickety-click-clack and youve found yourself a contemporary Samson or Bathsheba. Sorry, I just accidentally Googled LonelyBacksliders.com.
To quoteth The Oprah, Dont go there, sister.
Regardless or irregardless of todays techno-matchmakery, the difficulty in attracting a suitable candidate to determine if he or she is a suitable soul mate is
equal or greater to (I never said there wouldnt be math) the difficulty of doing
so in less-evolved epochs such as the 70s. (Lets not forget how flattering the
leisure suit really was just do an image search for one easy piece to refresh
grandpas mind.) And leaving it to the Lord to rock your world with a cart collision in the frozen foods aisle isnt the most spiritual of strategies. Because we
all know Jesus hates broccoli.
The main obstacle most folks in the dating world have to overcome is fear. And
not just fear itself. In the olden days of my twenties, lo, those one score minus
five or six years ago, that meant the fear of rejection. Few things shake ones
self-esteem to the core and/or bone like having a fellow human being tell you
she would rather spend an evening alone with nothing more than a broken
dial-up internet connection, a collection of Pauly Shore VHS tapes and a bag of
Reagan-era Jelly Bellies discovered under the throw rug in the guestless guest
room than be seen in public attempting to make small talk with you while her
Frappuccino goes flat. It hurts, man. Or so Ive been told.
But, as I alluded to in a much shorter sentence, fear of rejection is but one
of the myriad fears hammering the already flummoxed hearts of would-be
snugglebunnies for Christ. Some fear accidental cross-denominationalizing
(irrational). Others dread discovering the objects of their affections cannot not
cry at a Pentatonix video (rational and, verily, hard to avoid). Still others worry
about stumbling into an episode of 19 Kids and Counting (also rational and
even more difficult to avoid). As the DC Talk cover of the Three Six Mafias
Oscar-winning ditty would have gone had DC Talk not broken up in 2000, its
hard out here for a proselyte. Especially when they inadvertently get jiggy wit
it at Hammer time.

knowledge ever before stopped you from offering serious advice? Touch,
Elder Utley. Touch.
To that end, I will tender a couple of tender missives meant to break down
the walls of suspicion, the barriers of detached bemusement and the legally
generic fortresses of solitude we are all wont to erect around our hearts. Some
may crassly refer to them as pick-up lines. Some may be right.
First, one for the gents:

Are you an angel? Because that would be a bona fide miracle since
the Bible doesnt actually mention the existence of female angels.

Not only implies that you find your PCS (potential Christian snugglebunny)
to a be unique creature within Gods pantheon of created beings, but also that
you have moved past the milk of noob Christianity into the realm of nit-picky
doctrinal swamps that drive the ladies wild.
Now for the ladies:

Ill let you misquote and misapply Ephesians 5:22 to me once a year
on Super Bowl Sunday, unless youre rooting against my team.
No explanation required, am I right?
Finally, something more universal:

Howdy.

Surprisingly effective. Even outside of Texas.

As always, use at your own risk. Then again, Im the guy whos been married for
over a decade and got the woo-pitching rolling with references to Richard Simmons and a (lack of a) Wessonality sheen, so maybe go ahead and roll the dice.
Thats just a metaphor, Elder Utley. Please, no wagering.
Jason Fox is forty-five percent nougat, forty-five percent chromium steel and ten
percent fro.
Jason writes from Omaha, Nebraska, for no good reason.

Yet, I fear Ive been nothing but a non-pharmaceutical Debbie Downer for the
past 500 words. Painting a picture of Christian dating that is more Jackson
Pollock after a day with the turpentine than a sunlit-dappled cottage lovingly
rendered by the Thomas Kincade, Inc. plant in Shenzhen, China. To be honest,
Ive been married for over 11 years and have long since buried the harsh, bitter,
lonely, bitter, fried-food filled, bitter days of singleness in the darkest recesses
of my mind. Except for the fried-food part, of course. But, I hear you think
because Im secretly one of the X-Men (The Pasty Afro), when has a lack of
Broccoli originated in Italy.
(But so did PENNE, so give
em a break.)

The blueberry flavored Jelly Belly

was created for Ronald Reagans
presidential inauguration in 1981.

Chatter | 19

Elizabeth Dickey manages to land a rare

Chatter-fish while diving at 5 Rocks in the
Dampier Straits of Raja Ampat, Indonesia.

Chatteryou CAN take it with you. Send us

your Chatter photos on location, and you may
see yourself in an upcoming issue. Email us
at chatter@irvingbible.org.