BYNUM HEADQUARTERS

1 Month Update....

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:24:00 +0000

So a month ago, I announced that I was planning some radical changes in my health. I have been challenged by the book Radical and the study our church did along with it to be on mission for Christ at all times and in order to do so my health had to change.

So what does life look like a month later?

I have lost about 22lbs and dropped from a size 46 waist to a 40! While I am very proud of this achievement I still have a long way to go to be considered health. I also have not incorporated all the changes I had hoped to make.

I still need to add a consistent, productive and effective exercise to my schedule. It seems that my days have gotten crazier and increasingly busier over the last several weeks. But I know to be the person God has called me to be in the area of health, I must make time!

I MUST MAKE TIME!!

Please continue to pray for me and Alison as we have just begun on this journey!

"There is no constant except change"

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:48:00 +0000

This quote is from Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher.

I am not sure about most philosophy but, this is one statement I can relate to in my life. It seems the older I get the more I notice nothing stays the way it was! This is not always bad, things change for the better, we get a new job, have another kid, meet a new friend, but our todays don't look like our yesterdays and our tomorrows won't be like today.

In my last post I talked about next steps, and asked what some next step you were considering are. Here is the thing about taking those steps, it requires us to force change to come. If we want to be more healthy, we must change the way we eat and amount of activity in our lives. If we want to become better spouses and/or parents we must take an fresh look at priorities and where we spend our time.

Our goal as Christ followers is to be more like Jesus today than yesterday, this month versus last month, this year more than last, you get the idea. We like to use the phrase "growing in Christ", but here is the catch, growing things change. We can not live content with where we are in our relationship with Jesus, but we must continually be growing and changing to mold our lives to look, speak, act and love like Him.

For some of us this change, this process of growing in Christ, requires us to make drastic changes in the way we live. I think we can all point out those things in others at the drop of a hat, oh he needs to quit doing this or she needs to start doing that. What about us? What about you? What about me?

Most of us live our lives like a potted plant, just sitting there waiting on someone to come buy and feed us, trapped in box. God wants us to be like a might tree planted along a river bank, so that we might grow strong, with deep roots off His provision.

What are the areas of our lives that need drastic or should I say Radical change in order for us to grow?

I have started with my health. I am called to be the hands and feet of Christ to a world that needs him. Yet because I have not taken care of myself I barely have the energy to walk to the mailbox, not to mention the neighborhood to invest in the people God has put around me. I don't want to send myself to an early grave and not be around for my family.

So, I need change. I must change. I know I have several more areas to walk through during this process, but this is my start.

What about you?

Next Steps

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:18:00 +0000

What's your next step?

That's a question I ask myself a lot these days. What's my next step toward being more like Christ, a better husband, a better father, a better friend?, and so on and so on, you get the idea.

So this afternoon while the rain falls, ponder with me.

And join the discussion, What area of your life is it time to take the next step?

Other Long Weekend.....

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:28:00 +0000

at VCH! Well for the 2nd time in 3 weeks Charlotte completed a long weekend stay at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. This time it was for a "24 hr" EEG test. Apparently 24 hours in hospital talk is check in at 1pm on Friday and we will discharge you when we thin we have enough information, which in our case was Monday at noon!
Charlotte did well and and Alison held help well considering they would not let her really leave the room.

We were not able to catch one of the "episodes" during the test however we did get some answers on some of the smaller body "jerks" and are very thankful they are not dangerous and shouldn't be a big deal for CMB as we move forward!

Thanks for all the prayers and for those who came to visit!

Open for Business!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:15:00 +0000

Well, I guess here we are. I am going to attempt to bring back blogging to my routine.

BYNUM UPDATE LABOR DAY WEEKEND!

So at the end of the work day today most of us will start a long holiday weekend. However, for the Bynum's it is not going to be very relaxing. CMB (Charlotte Marie Bynum) is about to check back into Vanderbilt Children's Hospital for another weekend stay. Two weeks ago she had a feeding tube put in and now she is having an extended EEG test. I'm so thankful that she is getting such good care! Big time props go out to Alison for all the hard work and relentless effort she puts in to making sure that CMB gets the best of everything that is available to her.

Please pray for CMB & Alison this weekend while they are stuck in a hospital room.

Also quick NLB (Norah Lucille Bynum) update. NLB and I will be hanging out with Grammy and Granddaddy this weekend! We can't wait to see them so NLB can show off her dancing skills (and I'm sure alot more!).

That's all for now! Have a great weekend!

Considering a new start...

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:49:00 +0000

When this year started I had every intention of blogging what's going on but as the year has unfolded that hasn't happened.

I am thinking about trying to get going again so here is the first post for the last half of 2010.

Hope to see you soon,

Brad

2010

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 19:26:00 +0000

Well, its here! the start of a new year (a new decade). I wonder if God would be open to the idea of adding a couple hours to the day so I can fit in all the things I would like to add to my daily schedule.

Things I need to add (aka 2010 goals)

- More consistent Bible study.
- Take better care of my health, take my meds like I should, eat better, add some sort of workout
- Read More
- be a better, Christ follower, husband, father, and friend.

What are the things you need to add to your schedule this year?

I'm not promising much but....

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:25:00 +0000

OK, so I haven't blogged in 6 months or so. I am going to attempt to bring it back in 10.

Upcoming : in Feb I will return to Africa so I have several post about that I'm sure.

So stay tuned and try to keep me accountable for updating.

Peace Out,
B

A Rare Thing...

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:58:00 +0000

I going to talk about a book. I know most people who read this didn't even know I read, much less read enough to talk about it. But in the past several month's I have tried to really be disciplined about making time everyday to read. I have done fairly well with increasing the book reading but still struggle with just sitting down and reading the Word. The books, however, have been good for me. Last night I finished my 4th book and it is the one I want to recommend.

Another Man's War, is the story of Sam Childers, a biker/drug dealer, turned Pastor, turned African Freedom Fighter in Southern Sudan. As anybody that knows me knows, I have a special place in my heart for Africa, mostly West Africa, but when I saw this in the store something about it struck me and I had to read it.

I don't want to spoil any of the remarkable stories Sam lays out in the book but it is such a wonderful story of God's grace on one man, and how when that man lays everything on the line to recklessly pursue a God ordained call on his life, the incredible difference can be made around the world.

I guess the point is, if you want to read a story about the incredible forgiveness and provision the God offers us pick this one up and read it.

p.s. and I dare you to read it and not cry!!

Here's your sign?

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:47:00 +0000

I have a question. What are the signs that your are in God's will, and out for that matter?

As I have continued to seek out where God's plans for my will lead our family I have begun to worry. "Have I missed some sign somewhere that would have lead me to all the answers?" Do I even know what to look for? Are there signs that I am missing stating "Wrong Way", "Turn Around", or "Dead End"?

There are several places in my life that I look back on as milestone moments, the day I married Alison, the days I met both of my daughters. Those days stick with me, those days are inked into my soul. Will I have another day like that? One that I can look at and say that was it, or will it be more subtle a serious of events that lead to the moment the light comes on? Will it be both? Can I trust the "feelings" I have about where I am and what I am doing with the life God has given me?

If there is anyone out there left that reads this thing, I would like to hear some stories, Please.

Weekend wrap up....

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:19:00 +0000

Well this weekend was a pretty good one around the Bynum house. Friday night we had a Grouplife staff retreat and had a great time together and Eddie shared some exciting stuff about the vision and direction of things to come.

Saturday Alison had an all day wedding to shoot and since the thought of me having both girls alone for that long didn't sound like fun my mom and dad (grammy & granddaddy) came up to hang out. My dad has been wanting to get my mom a new car so when we put the girls down for a nap, we headed out. About 6 hours later we had successfully traded my mom's explorer for a Ford Escape.

Sunday was the last week of our series at LifePoint called YES! and Pat asked us to put our YES! on the table to serve God in the church. After services we had our Small Group Leader Luncheon in the HUB. It was a great time of stories, casting vision and seeing some of the opportunities that God has brought for the small groups of LifePoint.

Sunday evening brought the first meeting of Alison and I's new small group. We had a great time eating some Jet's Pizza and getting to know everyone a little better. I am really looking forward to getting this group off the ground.

Questions & Answers.....

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:59:00 +0000

Well this days I tend to have more questions than answers. I know that applies to most people a times in their lives but it seems to be the heaviest load that I carry these days.

Last Sunday at LifePoint, Pat challenged us to put our YES! on the table. That for me was a no brainer. I whole heartedly said YES! I want to serve God where ever, when ever and how ever He calls. So now the question is what does putting my YES! on the table look like. This morning while driving around between job sites I had my ipod on shuffle and "The Wall" by Kansas came on and it really kinda spoke to where I am right now. "The weight of indecision's in the air" I think was the line that caught my attention. I have include the video and the lyrics to read along.

I'm woven in a fantasy, I can't believe the things I see
The path that I have chosen now has led me to a wall
And with each passing day I feel a little more like something dear was lost
It rises now before me, a dark and silent barrier between,
All I am, and all that I would ever want be
It's just a travesty, towering, marking off the boundaries my spirit would erase

To pass beyond is what I seek, I fear that I may be too weak
And those are few who've seen it through to glimpse the other side,
The promised land is waiting like a maiden that is soon to be a bride
The moment is a masterpiece, the weight of indecision's in the airIt's standing there, the symbol and the sum of all that's me
It's just a travesty, towering, blocking out the light and blinding me
I want to see

Gold and diamonds cast a spell, it's not for me I know it well
The treasures that I seek are waiting on the other side
There's more that I can measure in the treasure of the love that I can find
And though it's always been with me, I must tear down the Wall and let it be
All I am, and all that I was ever meant to be, in harmony
Shining true and smiling back at all who wait to cross
There is no loss

The "wall" is standing between what I am doing and who I am, and what God is calling me to. I am looking forward to seeing how God brings the answers for the Bynum's.

Share your news!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:04:00 +0000

So I ate lunch yesterday at Asia in Smyrna and this was in my fortune cookie....

"Now is the time to call loved ones at a distance. Share your news."

I wonder what these means?

Nothing big....

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:18:00 +0000

but I saw this and wanted to share.

see more pwn and owned pictures

I put my YES! on the table....

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:23:00 +0000

Wow, that is about all I can say about what happened yesterday at LifePoint. In the second week of our series called YES! Pat asked us to put our YES! on the table for living a missionial life in order to spread the fame of God around our community and the globe. It was one of the most exciting worship services I have ever been a part of! With every new detail/vision/strategy and step Pat spelled out I found myself on the edge of my seat, INCREDIBLE stuff is happening at Lifepoint.

The only thing I know for sure after yesterday is that my YES! is on the table and we will just have to wait to see where that is.

If you didn't here the service go click YES! to visit Lifepoint's website and check it out.

Working On A Come Back!!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:14:00 +0000

But in the spirit of LL Don't call it one.

I have been thinking about getting back into blogging. So this is just a tease as I collect my thoughts and get everything like I feel it should be.

thanks for checking in!

I will base the come back at leat partly on feedback, so comment and let me know what you think.

Hard to Watch......

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:19:00 +0000

This video could be the hardest 9 minutes of your life.

What do we do know that we have seen this? How do we react? What will we change?

Anything?

We must respond! We must react! We must LOVE people, because GOD LOVES THEM AS MUCH AS HE LOVES ME!

Lifepoint

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:40:00 +0000

LifePoint Church from LifePoint Church on Vimeo.

What else can I say......

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:16:00 +0000

I will update on everything else soon I promise.

We need $12,000 in 48 hours...

noreply@blogger.com (Alison B.) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 02:39:00 +0000

We need $12,000 in 48 hours...

because Norah is going to be a big sister!

And her birthmother has just asked us to adopt the baby – Norah’s full biological sibling.

And he or she could be born any day.

We want to come up with a clever fundraiser, but to be honest, we don’t have time for that. We are cramming the adoption application process (that took us 8 months when we adopted Norah) into the next week. Babies don’t wait for paperwork, background checks or physicals. They come in God’s timing.

We are completely overwhelmed by the task at hand, but we know that God would not give us this opportunity to trust Him and open our hearts and home to this child if He did not intend to provide a means for us to do it.

We are praying for a miracle – that you who feel led to do so would pray and give however you can. You can click here to go to our secure donation page that is connected to our Adoption Savings Account. We believe that with your help, when we need to write “the BIG CHECK” in a few days, that there will be enough in there for us to do so. If you’d prefer to mail us a check, you can email Alison and she'll send you our mailing address.

If you feel compelled, we would love for you to help us spread the word on your blogs, websites, facebook, emails to friends and family. Link back to this post as much as you’d like, and we’ll keep you updated over the next couple of days.

As you discuss this on blogs and among friends, please be as respectful of Norah’s birthmother as you possibly can be. We are choosing to walk in love and compassion instead of judgment and entitlement. If the choice to place this baby with us is her final decision, we will be blessed to now raise two of her precious children as our own. If she decides that she would like to parent the baby herself, we will be pleased to have been given the opportunity to care for Norah’s brother or sister for a few days or weeks and minister to Norah’s birthmother in a way that only we can.

As always, we need you to pray. Pray that God would be glorified through this whole experience. Pray that Norah’s birthmother would experience compassion and love by those around her during this time. Pray for the health of this new little life.

And pray for our sweet baby Norah – because she’s GOING TO BE A BIG SISTER in just a few days. WOW!!!

It's been a while......

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:50:00 +0000

Ok so I've been absent for a few weeks, I'm sorry.

I promise I will try to pick it up a post a little more often.

I felt the need to post because of something I was struck with on the way to work this morning. As I was listening to ESPN radio there was a sound bite of the Colin Cowherd show. In this segment Colin was discussing the role of tradition in college football and how past tradition can drive schools economically eve if their current performance is below the accepted standard. The quote that got me is "when you own a persons heart you own the person." WOW, how true is that whether it is the college football team you live and die with or the job that drives you to climb the corporate ladder. God wants to own our hearts, He has bought and paid for them through His Son. When God owns our hearts He owns the person, and that is when true joy, and life start.

What owns your heart today?

1st Ice Cream Sandwich

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:36:00 +0000

Let me start by saying this video is long (but fun).

Last night after dinner we decided to let NLB have a mini Purity ice cream sandwich. By now most of you have seen the pics on Alison's blog.

Here is daddy's view of the event.

Enjoy (it's long)

Ice Cream Sandwich from Brad Bynum on Vimeo.

Fun Times on a Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:27:00 +0000

Saturday started off with a little piece mill family breakfast, NLB ate some pancakes and AKB & I had some breakfast from Hardee's. (random I know)

Then we all left the house to run a few errands, Alison needed a gift for ME's birthday and I needed to use a gift card i had received for my birthday.

After the shopping trip we returned home, Alison got ready to go to work a short wedding, NLB and I grabbed a little lunch and while she napped I enjoyed the first Saturday of college football.

When Alison got home we loaded up and traveled to Hendersonville for ME's birthday party. After the party we realized that we needed dinner to avoid a meltdown we should grab some dinner before we made the drive back to Smyrna.

The choice we made - Zaxby's - Alison used the opportunity to teach NLB a valuable life lesson "the ranch dip"

How to feed a 1 year old at Zaxby's

Dinner at Zaxby's from Brad Bynum on Vimeo.

MTSU lays another egg!!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:17:00 +0000

I cannot begin to express my frustration with MTSU Football.. They plead and beg for people to get excited and forget about that team from the East that wears community service jumpsuit for uniforms, and oh show up for games. So every year we get the big push, Be Loud Be Proud Be Blue, All In, and the like, what happens? There is a much anticipated Thursday night game a good crowd shows up and...............They Lose!

So for another year, the attendance will now drop and we will have a couple more months of pretty much meaningless football.

Enough complaining, even with all the disappointment The Bynums had a good time.
NLB seem to enjoy see below.

MTSU vs Troy 2008 from Brad Bynum on Vimeo.

Birthday Gift = Video Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Bynum) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:36:00 +0000

So for my birthday I got a Flip video cam.

Here is my first attempt a editing my own video. for all you tech guys out there please keep criticism to a minimum.

Presenting NLB in "So Fresh, So Clean"

NLB So Fresh and So Clean from Brad Bynum on Vimeo.

(edited to higher quality video on 8-29-08)