I’LL HAVE A BLOODY MARY, A STEAK SANDWICH AAAND A STEAK SANDWICH
Easier than writing lots of individual emailsArchive for July, 2006
MY FLATMATE & MY MATES
I can not resist sharing this…how can Zach possibly know what a great life he has…look at us…we’re freakos and he thinks it’s completely normal…see Zach’s blog for the full story. Also, please note Jennene’s face and Zach’s immodesty.
HOW LONG O LORD?
Last year I had lunch with one of my former RAs, Courtney, and she was telling me about an amazing family in their church, The Turnbulls. A family committed to Christ by serving and caring for others. I believe the husband is a deacon/elder (?) and the wife is a mother of their, then, 6 chidlren. She was pregnant with their 7th. During her 7th pregnancy, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Courtney told me of a web site they started to share their journey of faith, trust, and grace.
I’ve thought of them often, and thought of them again yesterday after I read Todd Bolen’s blog, Hard Summer, about the summer of serious physcial maladies that his friends were/are experiencing and how he grieves for them.
I then thought of Beirut, India, Uganda, Oregon, Valencia…all around the world people are hurting for all different reasons. Reasons of maybe death, physical/verbal/sexual abuse, financial ruin, chemical addiction, war, divorce, disease, abandonment, persecution, Read the rest of this entry »
THE SWEAZY COUCH FOUND A GREAT HOME!
The eggplant couch has been blessed to find a new owner. They’re newlyweds that met at TMC. In fact, she had her RA interview in my Sweazy Apt while the RDs sat on this very couch and assessed her qualifications. She was hired as an RA in CW Smith, wherein she enjoyed many other couches for a seaon. But she has been reunited (and it feels so good) with the couch that started it all. I should say, on behalf of all Sweazy occupants & visitors, that this iconic couch could not be going to a better home: a home where truth, laughter, biblical counseling, tears, grace, music, etc. will all take place…those are the things the couch is used to…thank you for making the transition seamless. Please send pictures throughout the years and let us know how the couch is doing.
THE ARCHERS IN AFRICA
Ok, I don’t really know the Archers…I think I met them at Kerry Drew’s graduation party. They now live in South Africa and they have a blog. Lots of people have a blog, however, of the African based peeps that we know, the Archers seem to update it regularly…so I like it. I see more of Kerry Drew on the Archers blog than on her own. Check them out!
BABY JACK MALCOLM LEE: SQUEALS OF LIFE
Danny & Krista had their son…
per Danny, “The anticipation is finally over and all is well. Here are some pics of our new baby Jack Malcolm Lee! He was born Sunday, July 23 at 10:11am. He was 6lb.3oz. and 21 in. long.His cry is between the squeal of a pig and a pony.
He will bring balance to the force…”
NEW KAWAGUCHI LIFE…MAIA GRACE!
Per Tony, “born 11:53pm on 24th, 6lbs 15oz 19.5inches.
perfect health, came out in one push!”
SOMEONE WAS BORN TODAY-July 25
Today is Miss Holly Ann Worsham’s Birthday. Good job for still living!
SARAH VERNELL DYER AT S.O.S
Sarah Dyer and a few girls from her church went to Uganda…back to SOS ministries (where Rose of Uganda lives). Click on her name and read her thoughts. Dyer and I spent 4 years at TMC together…Iwish we could have gone to Uganda together! Next time!
MATT FLOREEN-MAN CAN HE SHOOT!!!!
Sure, I like pictures just as much as the next guy. But, I LOVE really well thought out and executed art. Ok, I have maintained the following claim for about 2 years now: Matt Floreen is one of the best photographers out there. With that innocent persona and blinding smile, the boy can capture essence like other few can. He’s got a website and a blog where you can get on board: you can also buy his shots for wallpaper or whatever, you can hire him for weddings etc. The best part is that he loves God and serves him internationally. I love this guy.
AJAY & HIS NEW SON!
Our dear sweet little Ajay is a dad again (not that he ever stopped being a dad). Joshua Jai was born on June 10th. His name means “Yeshua Jai or the victorious Jesus“.
Soo, now it’s Ajay, Joel Paul (3ys old), Heather and Joshua Jai.
Ajay is the stateside director for India National Inland Mission…where we were this last March/April.
KERRY DREW & SOME FUNNY STUFF AT LAMBANO
I have to go, so this will be fast…I just stumbled upon 
something reallyfunny on the Lambano site…Lambano is the South African facility for children (many with HIV) that Kerry Drew administrates & Beth Mack does Biblical Counseling. Please click here and watch the video clips, especially the JESUS LOVES ME one…oh, if we all were that intense about Christ!!! ANd, if you want to click around the site, they do have a ‘Needs’ list and lots of other cool stuff to know and get involved with!
WHO WENT TO INDIA?
Sooo, I got an email the other day from someone who recently re-read the letter I sent out immediately upon my return from India in April 2006. SO, I went back and re-read it. It makes me quiet all over again. I still get people asking me ‘How was India’, so i thought i’d cut/paste that letter in…. Read the rest of this entry »
FORECLOSURES
For the many of you who have asked me (or wanted to ask me) about foreclosures and ‘are they worth it’ etc…I just posted a really great 2-part series on my real estate blog. Please check it out, learn, comment, tell a friend, go to Disneyland…
COMMENTS
Thanx to those of you who have left comments. When I noticed how much I like them, I realized how often I DON’T leave comments on other people’s blogs. Please forgive me. I will do better about that now that I see how encouraging, helpful, hilarious, and/or just downright random they can be. I ‘HEART’ Comments.
PEACE TALKS…UGANDA
The peace talks are happening in Uganda, kind of. Here is the full set of the government’s conditions and offers to Joseph Kony’s group and LRA’s claims of the causes of the 20- year-old war and their demands…click here
AND, for lots more articles of day by day peace talk activities…click here
THE OFFICE
I like both versions. However, the US version rings far more true to my office experiences. This post it just to let you know that I’ve added an Office category to my blogroll…do what you will with it. Also, I have some new friends on MySpace…you might want to introduce yourself. You might not.
MY COUCH
After I left TMC (4 ME), I put my stuff in storage. I paid money to store my crap. While people were/are starving in the world, I was storing crap. So, I had a HUGE garage sale and sold or gave away almost all of my posessions.
Holly ended up with my couch (the ‘purple’ one…it’s really ‘Eggplant’). However, Holly’s now moving, doesn’t need a couch and is getting rid of the secret weapon of ministry in Sweazy…does anyone want to keep a vital artifact of the Sweazy ministry (99-03)? Many a tear was shed, many a confrontations had, many an American Idol was viewed, many a dessert night consumed, many a late night was spent…all on that couch. Sooo, if you want to carry the torech, let me know.
I just want to say…if that couch could talk, oh the stories it would tell!
MIDDLE EAST QUESTIONS?
If you have wonders about the current bombings in the middle east, do yourself a favor and read Todd Bolen’s blog (even if you don’t have wonders about the bombings, you’d still be doing yourself a favor by checking out his blog).
HABBERSTAD’S 6 YEAR OLD FRIEND, JACOB, HAS LEUKEMIA
If you know the Habberstads then you know they are kind loving people who extend themselves regularly! I just got an email from Debbie…her son Trevor runs track for Canyon High (and is outstanding, by the way). Trevor’s track coach is Dave DeLong and 6 years ago Dave’s 14 year old son died of Leukemia It’s heartbreaking on so many levels.
Recently, the DeLong family found out that their 6 year old son, Jacob, 
has Leukemia now. I can not even imagine.. Debbie’s family and lots and lots of lots of families in the community are participating in a fundraiser to help defray some of the enormous costs to put Jacob through treatment. There are many events being sponsored by many people…the one coming up the soonest is a Walk-A-Thon on Sunday July 23rd at 4pm at Canyon High School. Please click here to learn more about the Walk-A-Thon, Jacob (be sure to scroll down to see pics of Jacob), his family and about how you might want to help…
BOOKMAN’S IN ESCROW!
Praise the LORD! The Bookmans accepted an offer on their home and the terms of escrow are exactly what they had hoped for. God is good!
Kea & Mike Brooks (Book’s daughter and son-in-law) still have not had any offers on their home yet (27857 Skycrest Circle, Valencia, CA 91354). They plan on moving out with the Bookmans to Missouri to do the church plant, so if you know of anyone who is looking for a great place to purchase, please have them call me.
FYI-I’ve looked at their home and it is outstanding! They have done an incredible amount of work on this home and it’s unlike any other unit in it’s tract. To see the listing, click here and type in the property address (27857)…and then come to the open house this Sunday July 16th 12-4pm!
Additionally, if you’re a first time buyer and want to film with TLC, this is a jewel property & they are great sellers to work with!
THE BETHLEHEM-ETTES
VBS is a delight. VBS=Vacation Bible School. If you’ve not taken a shot at it, please do…for a myriad of reasons. Well, this year, some of the worship team volunteered to lead worship and WOW it’s been hilarioulsy fun. The 2006 theme is Bethlehem…the year & place that Christ was born. The worship Team has been singing to music/vocals tracks and teaching hand motions for every song…the big winner is ‘Jesus Is Our Savior’…it’s the theme song and it’s a huge crowd pleaser…hopefully it’s a God pleaser too! ONE of the best parts is dressing up everyday like we’re in 1 AD. Please see visual aids…note Jennene’s foot direction in the full length trio shot & the Olivia Newton-John esqueness of our headbands. If you want to join us, 6:30-8:45pm every night this week, please do,at Church of the Canyons. COC is amazing and cool. And, if you’d like Holly’s version of our VBS extravagana, click here 
UGANDA ROOKIE-HOW CAN I HELP?
When people are learning about the state that Uganda is in, usually the first question they ask is…‘How Can I Help?’. So, if you’re just getting involved and don’t know where to start, here is a list from Uganda Can of “10 Things You Can Do Today To Help Uganda”
IF U LOVE GOD & LOVE MUSIC U MIGHT LIKE THIS
I am running out the door, but have been listening to a song on repeat for 2 days. So, that tells me that maybe others might enjoy it too.
I heard this guy live last weekend and he was on…every note…everything. Lots of talent which is great, but here’s my favorite song of his (so far) click on this link and then click on the Music button and then in the upper right hand, FF to track #9 Irresistible. His name is Jeff Zabel and I believe he writes all his own stuff. he is also the Worship guy at Mike Forrest’s church…in fact, Mike is the one who bought me the CD…thanx Mike. Enjoy.
SAM & JENNENE ON EBAY & AMAZON…HILARIOUS!
It’s a funny thing when you see your own CD from 1997/8 being sold on the internet by strangers. But, alas, apparently we have attained that coveted status. A google search of the world wide web yielded these finds… Ebay , Amazon.com Tell your friends and neighbors, cuz the word is out…TOP DOLLAR for old school S&J. 
If you’d like us to sign your copy it might sell for more on Ebay.
Here are a few other web locations for all you die-hard fans out there CD-NAME , Paul Marshall’s (he’s my uncle who actually produced Anointed Time).
Funny thing, today I got a real estate call from someone who attended TMC. At the end of the call she asked, “Are you the same Sam as ‘Sam & Jennene’ that sang at Masters?” We laughed. Turns out she and her husband are big fans and even used some of our songs for their ‘labor & delivery’ play-list because it’s so calm and scriptural. Who knew that almost 10 years later, S&J is still helping people worship (well, not EVERYone or else it woudn’t be on Ebay, right?).
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
I’d just like the world to know that Hydrogen Peroxide is changing my oral hygiene life forever. My cousin, Michelle, said that she uses it as mouthwash (same active ingredient as mouth wash & teeth whitening agents) and loves it. Upon her endorsement (and some additional info), I am trying it and absolutely LOVE it too. My mouth feels fresh for zillions of hours after brushing. Seriously, who thought of this and why has it taken me soooo long to be united with the concept?
DR. MORLEY-FAITH & REASON FORUM
I just learned about this site that Dr. & Donna Morley are hosting…so valuable! Check it out! Faith & Reason Forum
CASTING CALL FOR A TLC SHOW! IS IT YOU?
UPDATE: Please note that this post is from 2006. Contact TLC directly if you’d like to audition.
OK, so a unique & potentially very fun opportunity was sent to me today by Coldwell Banker’s marketing coordinator. The TLC is casting for their show ‘My First Home’ (see description below, provided by, Liz Massie, producer of the show MY FIRST HOME).
“MY FIRST HOME” is a half-hour series for TLC that will focus on the joys and terrors of first-time home buyers as they undertake the most important purchase of their lives. We will also meet the realtor who guides them through each step as they search and find their new home. We will cover the bidding, escrow and closing processes. The show will combine the basic facts of home buying with the emotional journey of the buyers.”
“Production will involve 2-3 shooting days. We are looking for home buyers who will be closing escrow on their new homes from July 24 to mid-October. If you are interested in participating in this show, please contact us with story ideas, including a little background on the person or couple buying a home and when they will be closing escrow.”
If you or anyone you know fit this bill (first time buyer, ready to close escrow between July 24 and mid-October) and would possibly be interested in sharing their home purchase experience with me and a camera crew and eventually TLC viewers, please give them my name and number (or you give me theirs).
Not only will they receive excellent service from me, but this could be incredibly fun and memorable!
Also check out www.WhenYoureReady.wordpress.com or www.SamNeylan.com
GEORGE & AMERICA’S FREEDOM
Today is Independence Day. Today it means something more than ever before as my uncle George is currently in Iraq with thousands of other men & women…sacrificing themselves for me…and you…protecting the freedom that I have to write this and the freedom you have to read it.
George is in danger (though, he loves it!) and he’s doing much to keep America safe from lethal terrorists. God’s will is God’s will, so George is exactly where the LORD intends, but I do thank all of you who pray for him, his wife and sons, our family and the role of our leadership here in America. Thanx Seelyes as you pray for him at the dinner table every night.
I HEART SAN FRANCISCO
I really do love Northern California, especially SF. This has been such a great trip…very different from last year and so much fun!
Thursday, Victoria and I went up to Mt. Diablo and took in the
collosal 360 degree view. It was amazing…it was pretty clear so we could see just about everything…the Golden Gate, the Moth Ball fleet, lots of other things that I can’t remember now. Victoria (aka ‘Monchichi’) was very cool to chill with on the 2 hour field trip. She’s not much of a talker, but when she does it’s worth it!
Friday, Michelle, Victoria, Jacqueline and I went to Cal Berkeley…Michelle’s new school in August. Yep, dear sweet little Michelle is transferring to Berkeley. She’s renting an apt with 2 other people, will walk or take the bus to campus and live the high life of a college transfer. It’s weird because Michelle and I have been in and involved in life since she was a wee lass…I used to pick her up from school, take her on errands, we’ve lived together, on & off for the last 18+ years….it was very level jumping to go to her new place, walk down Telegraph (where Boris & I used to traipse around) to her new campus and know that yet another phase has begun. Again, life keeps marching on…
Yesterday (Saturday), Michelle and I went to SF to the Titanic exhibit at the Metreon…absolutley amazing. Serioulsy, it must have been a horrific experience to live or die through the sinking. And the countless amounts of time and money to find, dive, recover, restore and display the artificats is mind numbing. They are still trying to salvage the wreckage, but this is the first display available. Additionally, I loved being in SF, in the plethora of ethnicities, the chaos of buses, horns, people, the cool air…everything that makes SF SF…we watched So I Married An Axe Murderer last night…in honor of SF.
In and out of the ‘formal’ events, we’ve enjoyed tons of great family moments by the pool, outside in the new seating area, watching movies, preparing meals to patriotic songs…you know, all the ‘Norman Rockwell’ moments. My family is cool. We’ve laughed alot, had meaningful conversations, slept well (kind of..minus the brocken neck when i wake up), etc.
I think this has been the most relaxing and truly ‘hanging out with my family’ that I’ve had in a looong loooong time. So, Praise the LORD. To add to the frivolity, I think Holly and the Seelyes might come over later to swim and hang out and do the dew.
