**warning: contains spoilers**
In classic This is us fashion, viewers were thrown a curve ball when in a flashback featuring Jack and his dad, Jack is waiting for his father to return from the bar so they can go on a fishing trip. We believe Jack is alone, praying to himself that his father will come back, when up pops Jack's brother, Nicky! Jack makes a promise that he will always be there to protect him. The next scene shows him looking a pictures from Vietnam where they both served, but what happened to Nicky remains a mystery. We may find that Nicky died in Vietnam and Jack feel responsible. (This may also explain Jack giving dog tags to Kevin, demonstrating his strength as his knee is messed up, ruining his dreams of professional football.) 

Some viewers are disappointed in the turn Kevin;s character has taken, but it doesn't bother me. Whether it is realistic that Kevin can be addicted to Vicodin with a simple meniscus tear or not, I don't know, but it is obvious there is a much deeper need for numbing emotional pain (like father, like son.)  As demonstrated in the flashback, Kevin doesn't like to feel anything and he certainly doesn't like to talk about it. Instead he drinks it away, leaving us to believe this will drive Sophie away once again (when will he learn?)

What are your thoughts regarding Jack's brother? do you think he is alive or did he die in Vietnam? if he is alive, where is he? What impact do you think having a brother will have on the overall plot development, or on Jack's character arc?

Kate.
Kevin.
Randall.
Jack.
Rebecca.
These may seem like random names, but to fans of the TV show This Is Us, they are the names of characters that are redefining what quality drama looks like on television.  As the show just premiered its second season, we are just as enthralled with these ordinary people this season as we were last season. 
 
When I tuned into the first episode, I never expected to watch such well-written storylines and captivating characters.  As I waited with anticipation week after week as the season unfolded, I quickly realized that this was no ordinary show, but rather a phenomenon. Although not written from a Christian perspective, it became apparent there were some common themes that parallel the commands stated to us in the bible. As I listed all of the themes I found in the show, I found there was enough to write about each week for several months.
 
 
If you are a big of a fan as I am, please feel free to let me know if there have been any new revelations you have gleaned as a result of this blog series.  

Have you ever wondered if what you do ever means anything, if it ever makes a difference? I feel this way at times when I write, especially when i post on this blog. If you have ever been a blogger or written for an audience, you may have felt this way, too. When blog traffic doesn't rise despite attempts to post consistently, i feel like quitting. I mean, who really reads it anyway? Imagine my surprise when i opened my Facebook Messenger and found that someone had nominated this blog for a Liebster award! The Liebster Award 2017 is an award that exists only on the internet, and is given to bloggers by other bloggers. The earliest case of the award goes as far back as 2011. ‘Liebster’ in German means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.
I was so touched. It means my words really are having an impact on others. Thank you so much to Allison Wixted, the woman who nominated me. Below is her response to why she started blogging:
"I started blogging because I have a chaotic life that prevents me from working outside the home right now. I longed for a creative outlet that would also connect me to other Christian women and I wanted to share my blossoming faith as a “thank you” to Christ."
Because of her nomination, I can now give my blog as a thank you to Christ too! Her blog can be found at https://alisonwixted.com
Why did you start blogging? I started blogging as a way to give discipleship tips to Christians who wanted to make disciples but didn't know how to get started.
What does the name of your blog mean? My blog is on my website, the tagline of which reads "Where regeneration and transformation intersect." To regenerate is to repair something that has been lost or injured. To transform is to change from one thing to another. That's what I feel my writing does: speak to Christians who want to go deeper in their spiritual life and for those who want to change or "transform" into a new person.
What is your biggest struggle about blogging? Being consistent. Because I write in other areas such as books and articles, I often don't have time to keep my blog up to date as well as I should.
What is your go to snack? My daughter makes our family popcorn most nights so I look forward to that. Although I have food allergies, I could pick any dessert/snack, pudding would be it.
What or who makes you laugh the most? My husband always makes me laugh. But two of my favorite comedians are Kevin James and Sinbad. I find myself laughing until my mouth and stomach hurts when I listen to either of them!
What is your favorite quote to live by? "Preach always, and if necessary, use words." I don't know who said it, but I think it is the essence of the Christian life.
What is your favorite book and why? Besides the Bible, anything by Holley Gerth is good.
What is saving your life lately? Jesus, as always. I'm always in awe that we can speak to the creator of the world like He is my best friend.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure? Cheesecake and 90's music.
The Rules
If you have been nominated for The Liebster Award AND YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT, write a blog post about the Liebster award in which you should do the following:
1. Thank the person who nominated you, and post a link to their blog. Try to include a little promotion for the person who nominated you.
2. Display the award on your blog — by including it in your post and/or displaying it using a “widget” or a “gadget”. You can download images for the award here.
3. Write a 150-300 word post about your favorite blog that is not your own. Explain why you like the blog, provide links.
4. Answer your questions and provide 10 random facts about yourself.
5. Nominate 5 – 11 blogs that you feel deserve the award, who have less than 200 followers and ask them your own questions.
6. List these rules in your post (You can copy and paste from here or from this site).
7. Don’t forget to inform the people/blogs you nominated about it!
 My nominees:
As part of the rules of this award, I now nominate five blogs that I would like readers to get to know. My nominees are listed below:
Crystal Stine- Be encouraged in the Holy Hustle
Susan Nowell- Inspire. Encourage. Challenge. Interior Design for the Soul
Kristi- the flawed treasure

Check them out!