The Original Mud Puppy

No more blogger...

2006-03-01T08:46:00.001-05:00

I've moved on. I've graduated.

Please change your links to http://mudpuppy.wordpress.com/

or if you prefer, http://www.themudpuppy.com/

UPDATE YOUR LINKS ALREADY!!

Discover

2006-02-26T22:10:00.000-05:00

"I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something he will die for, he isn't fit to live."

Martin Luther King Jr., June 23, 1963

ugh...

2006-02-22T18:23:00.000-05:00

Come Together

2006-02-21T09:31:00.000-05:00

Mac brought it all home when they ran back on stage for their encore. "Do you mind if we do a little church up in here?" followed by a powerful and aerobic rendition of Come Together. The whole place wrapped arm in arm, jumping up and down (being quite undignified if I might say so), all affirming that we've got to come together.

This wasn't my first Third Day concert and it won't be the last, but this one was probably the best. Third Day and their music and their inspiring lyrics were the catalyst to pushing my life off the sidelines and into the game.

Sunday night we were witness to a great show and lead in amazing worship. As someone else mentioned to me last night, we met God again face to face and it was AWESOME! It all started with the crazy David Crowder Band and his fancy Key-Tar. David has such a heart for worship and can bring a room into unified praise while at the same time reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously. I love that guy! After a brief intermission where Tai reminded us that there is a world out there that seriously needs our help, Third Day burst onto stage with "There's a light at the end of this tunnel."

It's impossible to say what the "highlight" of the night was because quite honestly there were no let downs. They mixed a few songs from their new album with some all time greats. A couple of notables were the renditions of Blessed Assurance, Thief, and Mac's story of his 6 year old daughter who asked Jesus to come into her life. Mac said he was so happy but wondered if she really knew what she was saying. Does she really know what Jesus did for her. Then he said that God spoke to him and said, "Mac!, you don't even really know what I've done for you!" Man, that was powerful!

You know, I was wrong, there was one highlight. Spending time with Tonia, Chris, Kelly, John, Dan, Justin, Doug and Sue was amazing. I can't wait until March 16 when we'll be joined by over 30 more friends for another wonderful night of worship with Casting Crowns & Nicole Nordeman.

Playing Favorites

2006-02-16T22:23:00.000-05:00

Favorite Book (The Bible is not a book, it's a compilation of books)
Favorite Movie
Favorite Food
Favorite Album (CD, 8-track, whatever)
Favorite Song
Favorite TV show

Not one of us?

2006-02-15T23:05:00.000-05:00

"Teacher," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us."

"Do not stop him," Jesus said. "No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us.

Mark 9:38-40

Prayer Excercise

2006-02-15T14:41:00.000-05:00

I've been diving into the study of prayer recently. I've listened to quite a few people talk on the subject and I'm in the middle of a good book on prayer as well.

First I have a couple questions. No need to answer these unless you feel compelled. Just a few questions to make us think.
• Have you ever fallen asleep while you were praying?
• Have you ever burped or farted while you were praying?
• Have you ever prayed while using the restroom?
• Have you ever daydreamed while you were praying?
• Who do you pray to?
• Is your prayer mostly requests or praise?
• Have you ever prayed out loud by yourself?
• Have you ever prayed without words?
• Do you say the exact same phrase in every single prayer?
• Is the language in your prayer one that you don't use regularly?

Now here's a little excercise that just might have you pulling your hair out. The next few times you say a prayer try not to once mention the words "be with" or "bless" in the entire prayer. Let me know how it goes.

Happy Valentines Baby

2006-02-14T20:59:00.000-05:00

Shaylinn Marie Drouillard
6 lbs 5 oz - 17.5"

Congratulations Melissa and Justin!

Love Dove

2006-02-14T10:46:00.000-05:00

Chocolate always loves you back.

The Visceral God

2006-02-13T08:17:00.000-05:00

Do you experience God with only your mind? Do you know him on only one plane? Why wouldn't you use the senses he made you with to experience him more fully.

Taste. Smell. See. Hear. Touch. They're all there for a reason. We were designed intelligently and intentionally. Know that He's all around you, available to all the senses. He's also available at a visceral level. Down in your guts. That unmeasurable feeling you get when you're driving to work in the morning and you see the most beautiful sunrise and you feel as though you're in the presence of God. That's not just a feeling. That's being wide awake and fully alive.

Experience the fullness of God today.

Salvation is Here

2006-02-10T09:05:00.000-05:00

My current favorite song! Although this is by Hillsong, the version I'm listening to is off of the Passion06 album. Lead by the Passion Band (David Crowder, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman).

Artist: Hillsong United
Album(s): Look To You (2005), God He Reigns (2005)

God above all the world in motion
God above all my hopes and fears
And I don't care what the world throws at me now
I'm gonna be alright

Hear the sounds of the generations
Making loud our freedom song
All in all that the world would know Your name
It's gonna be alright

Cause I know my God saved the day
And I know His word never fails
And I know my God made a way for me
Salvation is here

Salvation is here
Salvation is here and He lives in me
Salvation is here
Salvation that died just to set me free
Salvation is here
Salvation is here and He lives in me
Salvation is here
Cause You are alive and You live in me

I Can Feel It

2006-02-09T08:44:00.000-05:00

Artist: Third Day
Album: Wherever You Are

I seek the silence through the chaos and the noise
That's when I'm listening; I want to hear Your voice
Sometimes it softly speaks, a whisper on the wind
Sometimes it's louder when Your Spirit rushes in

I can feel it all around me
I can feel it all around me

I keep on searching for Your presence in this place
I see your hand at work, I feel Your touch of grace
Sometimes it falls like rain upon this thirsty land
Sometimes You gently stir the heart of every man

I can feel it
I can feel it
I can feel Your heartbeat

I pray You'd send Your presence down,
Send it down
Fill us with Your Spirit now

The New Three

2006-02-08T09:55:00.000-05:00

Monday Night Football will have a new broadcast team when it debuts on ESPN in 2006. Mike Tirico, Joe Theismann and Tony Kornheiser will man the booth and Suzy Kolber and Michelle Tafoya will be the sideline reporters. You might know Tony from the Pardon The Interuption (PTI) show one ESPN daily @ 5:30pm. (You can also listen to him on XM radio channel 152 daily from 11am.) Tony is my man! This will be so much better than the failed Dennis Miller experiment. Tony actually has a history in sports and Mike Tirico is a class act. Suzy and Michelle are two of the best and as for Joe, well, I'm sure we'll see a few more clips of his busted leg.

Mr. Girly-Man

2006-02-07T09:09:00.000-05:00

I was invited to play basketball last night and since I'm trying to reconnect with this old friend I gladly accepted. Both of us are much older than the last time we played basketball and when we got to the gym there were about 14 high school kids ready to run some full court.

I really did think I was in decent enough shape to run with them. Boy was I wrong. After gutting out the entire first game (0-1, two bad passes, 1 steal, 2 horrible dribbling displays) I got a drink and sat down and tried to regain my breath for THIRTY FREAKING MINUTES! Seriously, it was hard to breath. I didn't even go back out there the next time I had an opportunity. This desk job is killing me. That or the getting older thing. Regardless, I am so not in shape. I need to work out.

A Bus, A King & A Leather Recliner

2006-02-06T08:09:00.000-05:00

One of the best Superbowls ever. The weird thing is that the game wasn't the best one I've seen this year and the ads were just so-so.

So what made it so great? Well, for starters I live close to Detroit so that was cool. I'm a designer by trade and I really liked the XL logo. (And the fact that it was billed as Extra Large.) Half of the Seahawks are Christians and aren't afraid to say it. I love The Bus! Pittsburgh was the first logo and NFL team that I ever knew. Jeff and Heather can throw one crazy party. There were over 30 people there with food, drinks, laughter, rows of couches, and a projection screen television that took up an entire wall and surround sound tackling. Jeff even gave me the optimal position on the optimal couch for optimal viewing pleasure! I think the only thing that would have made it better would have been if the BHG* had made an appearance. Next year we'll make that a priority.

For those interested in viewing the advertisements once again, or happened to miss them last night Click here to watch them all. Which one was your favorite? Least favorite? Why?

*BHG- Big Honkin Grill

Better Than Starbucks

2006-02-03T08:56:00.000-05:00

“We believe life itself with Jesus Christ is more important than what we do on the field,” .... “We want to make sure our focus is on more than this game. We have a bigger calling.” –Shaun Alexander

You wouldn't think this would upset me, but man I was really wanting to root for the Steelers on this one. My thanks to Tonia for sharing a story she heard about Shawn Alexander (Seattle Seahawks Running Back & League MVP). I guess Shawn was having dinner in Detroit earlier this week and noticed a group of 4 guys saying a prayer before they ate. When he was done eating he came up and told the guys he really appreciated what they did there in public. He went on to tell them that over half of the Seahawks were Christians and that they are really hoping for a win Sunday so they can proclaim their faith to the whole world on the biggest stage. After that all the guys at the table and all the guys Shawn was with got in a group and said a prayer together.

Why didn't I know this before last night?

It's that time again!

2006-02-02T23:00:00.000-05:00

World Vision is offering us another opportunity to give. They will send you Jeremy Camp's Live Unplugged from Franklin, TN CD & DVD set FREE with any donation of $20 or more. And thanks to grants from the U.S. government, your gift today will more than double in impact. That means a gift of $20 can provide over $40 worth of food.

It doesn't get much easier to give than that. Simply click on this link and choose your donation amount.

Cruci-fixin’s?

2006-02-02T22:36:00.000-05:00

I have a great sense of humor. If you can't tell that by now you haven't been paying attention. However, I don't find this funny at all. This isn't even the kind of thing you might publicly renounce but when you're at home with a close friend you snicker about. This is blatent mockery of the ultimate sacrifice. No, this does not effect my salvation but it sure gets under my skin!

Britney Spears will appear on NBC's "Will & Grace" as a co-host for a Christian TV network show that includes a cooking segment, "Cruci-fixin's." In the episode, “Out TV,” the fictional network that airs Jack’s “Jack Talk” TV program is bought by a Christian TV network, and Ms. Spears’ character is brought on to be Jack’s new religious co-host. She introduces a cooking segment on the show called “Cruci-fixin’s.” –Read More

UPDATE: Looks like it probably won't happen. Somebody will probably get fired over letting it slip out that they were even considering it. CNN.com

Ignite

2006-02-02T08:28:00.000-05:00

There's a big difference between being moved and mobilizing. Many times in our lives we hear something or read something or feel something that we know is God. The Holy Spirit touching us at that point and we feel moved. The problem comes when that is the end of it. Being moved serves nobody unless it is coupled by mobilization. It should cause us to act. The most important words of the Great Commission back this up, "Therefore Go..." You can't do the rest of what's commanded until you first Go. Without the action nothing gets done. Don't just rest on the movement you feel, act on it.

For Love & Profit

2006-02-01T13:19:00.000-05:00

Christian CEOs bond for love and profit
God's network: How Christian business owners help each other get rich and go to heaven.
February 1, 2006: 7:02 AM EST

NEW YORK (FORTUNE Small Business) - Many entrepreneurs start companies to get rich. Some want to be famous. Others just can't work for anyone else. Bart Azzarelli, 57, launched his Florida pipeline-construction company because, he says, God told him to.

Azzarelli's organizational chart shows God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit at the helm of Dallas1 Construction & Development (http://www.d1cd.com), a Tampa-based business that grossed $27 million last year. The title on his business card is ambassador for Christ.... Read On

---
What are your thoughts on this? Despite the many unsubtle cracks the author takes at this network and Mr. Azzarelli, I thought this was a good article and am encouraged there are CEO's out there that recognize who really runs the show.

How Great

2006-02-01T08:22:00.000-05:00

Artist: David Crowder Band
Album: Illuminate

I'm so bored of little gods
While standing on the edge of
something large
While standing here, so close to You
We could be consumed
What a glorious day

I give up, I lay down
Rest my face upon this ground
Lift my eyes to Your sky
Rid my heart of all I hide

So sweet this surrender

How great Your love for us
How great our love for You
That grace could cover us
How great Your love

How marvelous, how brilliantly
Luminous, You shine on me
And who can fail to give You awe
To fear You, God, so sovereign and strong

What a glorious day
What a wonderful day, today
What a glorious day
What a wonderful day, today
Glorious day

MOSAIC

2006-01-31T08:40:00.000-05:00

A community of faith, love and hope.

I know most of you don't listen to podcasts, but beleive me when I tell you that they are really beneficial and really easy. (Not to mention NewSong will have a podcast sometime in 2006 as well.) The one I listen to the most is the Mosaic podcast and this past weekend Erwin covered the Core Values of Mosaic. While I HIGHLY recommend you take an hour and listen to the podcast, here is the break down of their core values. (I can also make a CD for anyone who would like one.)

Wind (Commission) Mission is why the Church exists.
The Church is a movement, not an institution.
Every follower of Jesus is commissioned by God.

Water (Community) Love is the context for all mission.
The Church is relational, not programmatic.
Every follower of Jesus is part of a larger community.

Wood (Connection) Structure must always submit to Spirit.
The Church is empowering, not controlling.
Every follower of Jesus is called and connected uniquely to serve.

Fire (Communion) Relevance to culture is not optional.
The Church is incarnational, not esoteric.
Every follower of Jesus celebrates communion with God.

Earth (Character) Creativity is the natural result of spirituality.
The Church is transforming, not conforming.
Every follower of Jesus grows in Christ-like character.

Two Men and a Truck

2006-01-30T08:40:00.000-05:00

Finally, last night at 11pm I was able to sit down in peace and quiet and read a bit. It's amazing how much stuff can be accomplished in a weekend. Normally weekends are supposed to be a respite for your work week, but I've been finding I need to go back to work to get that respite.

This past weekend between the birthday party for Jacob and some freelance work, EK and I found time to drive around and help a couple people move furniture. We started off moving some couches and book shelves then we moved on to help someone else move a piano and refrigerator. Then Sunday we had a filled day of worship and fellowship that included another wonderful service, an inspiring meeting and hosting our small group at our house while the Lew's were out of town.

So today while I struggle to stay awake I'm happy that I am actually sitting here in peace, resting, looking forward to the weekend when I can do it all over again!

Question...

2006-01-27T08:53:00.000-05:00

Have you noticed all the lovely new additions to the blogosphere? It's pretty exciting to get some new blood in here. Perhaps they might post more often then some people I know. (You know who you are!)

Regardless, I'd like to formally introduce you to the newest addition. His name is Dwight Schrute and you might recognize him from the hit TV show The Office on NBC Thursday's @ 9:30pm. Please make him feel welcome.

UPDATE: Mr. Schrute got a little raunchy in his last post so I had to remove him from the blogosphere. (Actually, my mom scolded me but I agreed it was in bad taste).

Uncertainty

2006-01-25T22:54:00.000-05:00

Loved this line regarding uncertainty from the book I'm currently reading:

...don't look for God to fill in all the blanks. Don't wait for Him to remove all the uncertainty. Realize He may actually increase the uncertainty and leverage all the odds against you, just so that you will know in the end that it wasn't your gifts but His power through your gifts that fulfilled His purpose in your life.

Is this hitting you between the eyes?

What are you going to do about it?

Wait some more?

Quick Decline

2006-01-25T08:26:00.000-05:00

It was little over two years ago when Kanye West was thought to be the "savior" of Christian music. The next great thing that will break down the barriers between secular and Christian music. While I was hesitant then, lyrics like these gave you hope for something good:

"I ain't here to argue about His facial features, or here to convert atheists into believers/I'm just trying to say that the way school needs teachers, the way Kathie Lee needs Regis/That's the way I need Jesus"

But since then there has been a quick decline in his claims to need Jesus. There is no denying his musical talent but, in my opinion, instead of exalting Jesus into the mainstream he has used Jesus to exploit his fame and fortune while indulging in a life completely contrary. But then again, that's why we shouldn't put our faith in man. They will always disappoint. This one just happened to be on a more public scale.

Read about his upcoming Rolling Stone interview here.

Refined Taste

2006-01-24T08:58:00.000-05:00

After over 6 years of loyal readership I have finally let my ESPN The Magazine subscription lapse. I just don't get that much from it anymore and I have many other things to fill my time now. With that said, I've finally narrowed down my magazine list from over twenty to just a few that I enjoy. Here's the short list of what we have coming to the house these days:

Relevant
RELEVANT is the new lifestyle magazine for twentysomethings covering life, culture and spiritual issues. It's unique persective pushes boundaries, asks questions, spots trends, challenges worldviews - and helps you pursue God in everyday life.

Outreach
Designed exclusively for pastors and leaders within the international Christian church, Outreach Magazine features successful ideas from churches around the country, trends and insights into ministry work, and information for improving outreach efforts.

Wired
Wired puts you on the front lines of the 21st century, with insightful and in-depth coverage of the people, companies, and ideas that are transforming our lives. You'll get the intelligence you need on the topics that matter most: technology and innovation, science and medicine, business and global politics, arts and culture, the best new products, and more.

Everyday with Rachael Ray
From 30-minute meals to profiles of appetizing travel destinations, Everyday celebrates food as not just a necessity, but also a social experience. The publication maintains a consistent and fun feel throughout, providing easy-to-understand recipes and food profiles.

What magazines do you have coming to your abode? Any recommendations?

I Will Hold My Head High

2006-01-23T14:03:00.000-05:00

It's only fitting, since I'll be heading off to see my boys Third Day play LIVE along side of David Crowder Band in a few weeks, that I drop a couple of inspirational lyrics penned by them both over the next couple of weeks. Here's a great song to start it off!

I Will Hold My Head High
Words by Mark Lee / Music by Third Day

Sometimes the night starts closing in
And I've lost my way home again
I'm running out of places I can turn
Enemies on every side
Not a friend around for miles
That's the time it really starts to hurt

Beat me up and drag me down
I'll never be afraid

I will hold my head high
Lift my hands to the sky
Rise above all who try to bring me down
I will hold my head high

I know you said it'd be okay
Sometimes I question just the same
I wonder if my problems are too small
Then I look back and realize
All your pain and sacrifice
Oh and how you suffered for us all

Beat me up and drag me down
I'll never be afraid

Beat me up and drag me down
And lock me in or keep me out
Whatever they may throw at me
I'll turn into a song for you

Get Into The Action

2006-01-23T08:26:00.000-05:00

So I'm reading the book Chasing Daylight: Seize the Power of Every Moment by Erwin Raphael McManus, and man does he paint a good picture.

I'm a couple chapters in and he's really hitting the point home that we shouldn't be sideliners. Sitting on the bench (or pew) watching the action. We need to get into the game! Our inaction is killing us. He makes the observation that we take God's blessings and turn them into a curse. We receive blessings - a house, a car, a job - and then we become so attached to those things we are unwilling to risk them for the sake of God. We become conservative. We play a prevent defense. We become apathetic. We become professional Christians. All the while missing out on things God has in store for us.

"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" -Mark 8:35-36

Perception is Reality pt.II

2006-01-20T08:27:00.000-05:00

I've been struggling recently with two seperate yet equally good theories. First, I whole-heartedly believe we should not receive our reward (or approval) from the people around us. Our measuring stick, the one person we should be trying to "impress" is God. Yet I also believe that while we are on earth we should make a good name for God by doing what is right, whatever that entails.

So the rub comes when someone "thinks" you're doing something wrong. Do you correct them? In doing so are you not trying to put yourself in a better light? But aren't you also trying to put God in a better light? Here's a small example: A coworker "thinks" that you are taking advantage of your company by not paying for postage on personal mail sent through the company, when in reality you actually pay more than you're supposed to. Do you go out of your way to correct their thoughts? On the one hand I couldn't care less what they think about me because I know I'm doing right. On the other hand they may think less of God because of what they think about me.

This may not be making any sense to you, but in my mind this is really tough.

Cult-Like Behavior

2006-01-19T08:15:00.000-05:00

Join me in an exercise. Next time you're involved in something regarding your faith, say, attending church, driving down the road listening to christian music or a christian radio station, fellowshiping at a small group, talking to your neighbors or co-workers about God, whatever it is, pretend you are floating above the scene. Look down at yourself and what you are doing or saying or listening to and watch it through the eyes of an "unchurched" person.

What do you see? Do you look funny? Sound funny? Why is that? Is it simply because we are so contrary to the way of life most people know? Or is it because we are using archaic tactics? Archaic language? Do we simply go through motions without giving any thought to what we are saying and doing or listening to?

How can we make our lives of faith look less cult-like? How can we take it to the streets with credibility? How can we keep to the truth yet not sound like David Koresh and The Branch Davidians?

I'm A Geek

2006-01-18T16:11:00.000-05:00

Some of you know that I (along with my wife) am an avid fan of the TV show 24 on FOX. The 5th season started on Sunday and we are knee deep into another terrorist attack on US soil with only Jack Bauer to save the day. After watching the four previous seasons (I own 3 of them on DVD) I've come to like the ringer for the phones at CTU headquarters and I thought that it would make an excellent ringtone for my cell phone.

It turns out Sprint doesn't offer it on their site, so I had to do it the old fashion way. Along the process I found a really cool site that will allow you to upload your music files, convert them and then download them to your phone. Pretty slick, eh? Anyway, I thought you might be interested in trying it out yourself. It's $2.00 per month or $5.00 for three months and you have unlimited access. The site is called D-D-N.com. Try it out, it's great fun!

Meant to Live

2006-01-17T10:05:00.000-05:00

Stop existing and start living.

Life isn't meant to mearly be an existence. It is meant to be lived. How many times in one single day do we allow devine moments to pass us by? How many things do you put off by saying, "maybe one of these days"? Today is your day people. It is the only day you are guaranteed. So get off your butt and live. Call that person. Read that book. Write that letter. Listen to music you've never listened to before. Take a different way to work. Buy a big tub of ice cream and eat it for dinner just because you can.

Stop being ordinary and live extraordinarily.

Thank God Almighty

2006-01-16T09:20:00.000-05:00

...and when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:

Free at last! Free at last!

Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!

Read, listen, or watch the entire speech here.

Be A Part

2006-01-13T13:31:00.000-05:00

Ephesians 4:1-14

Nice Insight

2006-01-12T10:07:00.000-05:00

I read this on The Daily Quicky today and really enjoyed the analogy. Especially since I spent a good deal of time last night watching Judge Alito get drilled on C-SPAN for his decisions of the past.

Interesting spin-off question out of the Alito hearings:

As a 55-year-old, would you stand by the sports opinions you had when you were in your early 30s? Even if you're in your 20s or in college or high school, it's worth wondering whether your attitudes will change.

As someone in my early 30s, I'm particularly fascinated: If I was in line for a Supreme Court of Sports Judgment in 20 years, would I be able to stand by some of my more wacked-out opinions from the last three years?

Will I still think that Randy Moss mooning the crowd is hilarious fun, not the world-imploding event that most 55-year-old cranks thought it was? (Frankly, I hope I will.)

-Dan Shanoff

Domesticated Christianity

2006-01-11T08:59:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple memorable quotes from The Barbarian Way: Unleash the Untamed Faith Within by Erwin Raphael McManus:

"Risking everything to live free is our only hope--humanity's only hope. Jesus is being lost in a religion bearing His name. People are being lost because they cannot reconcile Jesus' association with Christianity. Christianity has become docile, domesticated, civilized. We have forgotten that there is a kingdom of darkness stealing the hopes and dreams and souls of a humanity without God."

"We created a religion using the name of Jesus Christ and convinced ourselves that God's optimal desire for our lives was to insulate us in a spiritual bubble where we risk nothing, sacrifice nothing, lose nothing, worry about nothing. Yet Jesus' death wasn't to free us from dying, but to free us from the fear of death. Jesus came to liberate us so that we could die up front and then live. Jesus Christ wants to take us to places where only dead men and women can go."

Do yourself a favor and read this book. (Podcast available here.)

Shawn McDonald

2006-01-10T10:04:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite artists is releasing a new album in the near future. If you haven't heard of Shawn McDonald, now is your chance to check him out. Click on the banner above and you can listen to all the songs from his last studio album, Simply Nothing. (WARNING: His site will start playing music immediately). For a sample of a song off the new album coming out, click on this link and listen to the song titled Free on the right of the page.

FREE
by: Shawn McDonald

I feel like the weight of the world is all crashing down on me.
Somehow I just don't believe this is how it is supposed to be.
And all this expectation on the way I'm supposed to live
becomes my mind's distraction.
I've nothing left to give.

You said your burden is light and your load is no more.
You said your ways are right and in you I would soar.

I wanna be Free.
Free to dance and Free to sing
Free to live and love and Free oh Free to me.

I feel like my heart is beating down into the ground.
In you I'm longing for some peace to be found.
I know the heaviness that's making me
Its stealing my youthful soul and making me cold.

You said your burden is light and your load is no more.
You said your ways are right and in you I would soar.

I wanna be Free.
Free to dance and Free to sing
Free to live and love and Free oh Free to me.

Not just a good idea

2006-01-08T22:38:00.000-05:00

The entire law is summed up in a single command:
"Love your neighbor as yourself." - Galatians 5:14

Hype

2006-01-05T10:11:00.000-05:00

It's rare, extremely rare, when something actually lives up to the hype. Usually we are bombarded with advertising and hoopla so much that when the event actually occurs, it's more of a let down. Not last night. Like Lebron James, the 2006 Rose Bowl not only lived up to the hype, it exceeded it.

Who?

2006-01-04T10:36:00.000-05:00

Who do you know that is struggling?

Who do you know that needs a friend?

Who in your life are you saying no for them?

Who do you know that when life is all said and done will ask of you, "Why didn't you tell me?"

What If

2006-01-03T08:55:00.000-05:00

Artist: Nichole Nordeman
Album: Brave

What if you’re right?
And he was just another nice guy
What if you’re right?
What if it’s true?
They say the cross will only make a fool of you
And what if it’s true?

What if he takes his place in history
With all the prophets and the kings
Who taught us love and came in peace
But then the story ends
What then?

But what if you’re wrong?
What if there’s more?
What if there’s hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He’s more than enough?
What if it’s love?

What if you dig, What if you dig
Way down deeper than your simple-minded friends
What if you dig?
What if you find
A thousand more unanswered questions inside
That’s all you find

What if you pick apart the logic
And begin to poke the holes
What if the crown of thorns is no more
Then folklore that must be told and retold

But what if you’re wrong?
What if there’s more?
What if there’s hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He’s more than enough?
What if it’s love?

You’ve been running as fast as you can
You’ve been looking for a place you can land so long
But what if you’re wrong?

Words

2005-12-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

I've really enjoyed my newfound hobby in reading. Previous to 2005 you could count the number of books I've read in the last five years on one hand. This year I was able to start and finish twelve great books. Having a goal of reading one book per month is very realistic, but seeing that I've done that already, in 2006 my goal is 18 for the year with a side goal of sprinkling some "just for fun" books in there as well. Here is a list of some of the title's I'm looking forward to in the coming year.

To Own a Dragon: Rewriting the Legacy of an Invisible Father by Donald Miller

Through Painted Deserts : Light, God, and Beauty on the Open Road by Donald Miller

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

Startling Joy: Seven Magical Stories of Christmas by James Calvin Schaap

Confessions of a Caffeinated Christian: Wide-Awake and Not Alone by John Fischer

A Generous Orthodoxy by Brian D. McLaren

Chasing Daylight : Seize the Power of Every Moment by Erwin Raphael McManus

Roaring Lambs by Robert Briner

The Martyr's Song by Ted Dekker

The Way I Was Made : Words and Music for an Unusual Life by Chris Tomlin

Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis

Jesus in the Margins : Finding God in the Places We Ignore by Rick McKinley

Organic Church: Growing Faith Where Life Happens by Neil Cole

All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot

Ugh!

2005-12-29T08:48:00.000-05:00

Jim. Roger. As per our conversation last night, I am very grateful that this isn't effecting my life. I am definitely disappointed, but I'm already looking forward to the next game. Sure I was staring at my crimson shirt this morning and dreaming, but it was only a passing thought.

Why?

2005-12-28T08:24:00.000-05:00

Last night, for the first time, I heard my boy ask "why?" after we told him something. I've been waiting for this to happen. And at two-and-a-half I suppose it's time. It was pretty cute, but now begins a serious stage of explaining stuff. I can't wait until I start saying, "because I said so" and "just because" because explaining it to him would only confuse him more. I'm sure I'll get frustrated at times, but that comes with the job right?

This new stage is actually a good representation of my life this year. 2005 was the year of "why?" Many things have happened and have caused me to question a lot of things that I held to for a long time. I've questioned people. I've questioned intentions. I've questioned purpose. I've questioned beliefs. I've even questioned God. Not a does-he-exist type questioning, but more of asking Him questions. That was a great thing that I have learned this year. Our God is big enough to handle our questions. I've also learned that I won't always get an answer to a lot of my questions. That's where my faith comes into play. I've learned to listen to the Father and when he says "because I said so" and "just because", I need to trust Him and know that He knows what's best for me.

I just hope it doesn't take Tanner 30 years to get that.

Group Project

2005-12-22T10:24:00.000-05:00

Work together and write your answers in the comments. I'll post, or confirm, the answers next week. For those of you who've done this already (or are internet savvy enough to look up the answers online) please let the others have fun trying to figure them out--No Googling, No Cheating! Have Fun!

Name These Christmas Tunes
1. The apartment of two psychiatrists
2. The lad is a diminutive percussionist
3. Adorn the entryways
4. Sir Lancelot with Laryngitis
5. ABCD FGHIJK MNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
6. Present me naught, but dual incisors for this festive yuletide
7. A smogless witching hour arrived
8. Exuberance to this orb
9. 288 yuletide hours
10. Do you perceive the same longitudinal pressure which stimulate my auditory sense organ?
11. The red-suited man is due in the burg
12. Far back in the hay bin
13. Uncouth self has his beezer in the booze and thinks he is a dark cloud’s boyfriend
14. Leave and do an elevated broadcast
15. That exiguous hamlet south of the Holy City
16. Behold! I have envisioned a trio of nautical vessels
17. Listen, the winged heavenly messengers are proclaiming tunefully
18. A joyful song of reverence relative to hollow metallic vessels which vibrate and bring forth a ringing sound when struck

I Love Barbara Walters

2005-12-21T08:51:00.000-05:00

At least last night I did.

Last night she had a great special on Heaven. Where is it and how do we get there. She covered all possible angles. Interviewed many leading scholars, some scientists, some pastors, some actors, some atheists and even some who have been legally dead and have "seen the light." I immensely enjoyed this two hour trek into the hearts and minds of those with different beliefs. Watching Barbara talk to the Dalai Lama was fascinating. I love that guy too. He's genuine and very funny. I found myself forgetting that the special was about heaven and became interested in all of these other religions. So many people believe so many different things. It's really amazing. I was actually very happy with the Christian representative she interviewed, Pastor Ted Haggard. He was pretty much speaking the truth and he even did it in love. Most of the time you get some extremist that condemns the world to hell (the islamic extremist she interviewed actually did do that).

There were some very good statements and thoughts presented throughout the show. One the atheist brought up hit home with me the most. She said, "If we really believe heaven is that great, we'd be busy hanging ourselves to get there." It reminded me of a podcast I heard earlier this week by Todd Agnew that mentioned our lack of belief that Heaven is better than earth. Basically he mentioned that we are so busy trying to accomplish things on earth before we die that we ignore (or don't believe) the fact that Heaven is so much greater than life on earth. For example, when someone old and hurting dies we always say that they are better off now. But if we really believe in Heaven, we could say that if someone in peak physical shape, extremely wealthy, well-liked and respected-by-all dies is much better off as well. Seriously. Don't we believe that?

I could ramble on for days about this subject and this show. Barbara did a really, REALLY good job of covering all the bases and asking poignant and relevant questions. I would recommend you check out this special. You can view it online Here or buy a copy of it with extended interviews Here.

So Heaven...where is it? Don't ask me because I believe it is something we cannot wrap our minds around. How do we get there? Through Jesus. That's all I know for sure.

The One Thing

2005-12-20T09:31:00.000-05:00

Artist: Paul Colman
Album: Let It Go

Here I am
In a river of questions
Can I pour my heart out to a listening ear?
I see this life
It’s valley’s and mountains
And I think of all the roads that brought me here
Oh that brought me here

I’ve questioned my reasons
The life I’m living
I’ve questioned my ability
To judge wrong from right
I’ve questioned all the things
that I’ve ever called certain
My race, my religion, my country, my mind

But the one thing I don’t question is You
You really love me like you say you do
Yea the one thing I don’t question is You
You really love me like you say you do
Hold me Hold me
So Hold me

Well I’ve questioned my significance
Meaning and relevance
Does the work I’m doing really matter at all?
Well I’ve questioned my friendships
Alliance, dependence
Who will still be here when I fall?

Only one thing doesn’t change
Only one thing stays the same
All I know at the end of the day is your love remains

Groaner

2005-12-19T10:21:00.000-05:00

A group of chess enthusiasts were standing in a hotel lobby, discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the hotel manager came out of his office and asked the enthusiasts to leave the lobby. "But why?" one of them asked as they were being escorted away.

(answer is in the comments)

Hate Your Job?

2005-12-19T08:35:00.000-05:00

Regardless of whether you love it or hate it, it's the ultimate in bringing the good news to the people!

I'm So Silly

2005-12-16T08:39:00.000-05:00

Have you ever read in magazines or heard on television about "Christians"? My whole life I grew up thinking that Christians were simply members of the Church of Christ. You know, because Catholics were Catholics and the Baptists were Baptists and Lutherans were Lutherans and Christians were Christians.

Now that I'm not a member of a Church of Christ, and I believe that I am still a Christian, I see all of these other people in a new light. We are ALL Christians. We are all followers of Christ. Duh! We just have different belief sets within our common belief that Jesus is our guy. How completely silly (and ignorant) I've been all these years. I wonder how many other people have believed, or still believe, the same. I wonder how all of these other newfound Christians believe. I wonder what they've thought of me for my beliefs.

It's For Me

2005-12-13T11:23:00.000-05:00

I found myself in the all-to-common trap again today of listening to a man speak and thinking, "man, that really applies to so-and-so". Why do we do that? Why don't we realize that it's for US? We are meant to apply the thought or critique or question to ourselves. Let so-and-so take care of themselves. We need to take care of our timber first boys and girls.

So next time you're listening to a sermon, reading a book, reading a blog, listening to a song, watching a video, whatever, avoid making application for someone else and apply it to YOUR life.

All I Need

2005-12-12T14:11:00.000-05:00

As I sit here and think
About all that You've done
About how You gave me Your one and only Son
And I'm trying to fathom
All that You are, but so far, Lord
You're so beyond me

I fall down in reverence
And I fall down in fear
And I'm asking You, Lord, won't You please draw near
Won't You open my eyes
So that I can see
The way that You are working in me

All I need is Your love
To come and fill this heart of mine
My heart is a desert that has gone dry
And I need Your love to carry me bye, bye, bye, bye, bye
To carry me bye, bye, bye, bye, bye
To carry me bye

And I lay down my life
And I put it before You
All that I am is in Your hands
And I'm not going to question, why You're so faithful
Why that You give me the blessing that You have
Let the glory be known, let the glory be shown
Lift You up unto the throne
You are my God, You are my King
To You I give, I give You everything
All that I need is Your love, my God

Shawn McDonald

Do Yourself a Favor

2005-12-12T10:37:00.000-05:00

Don't buy your significant other a Christmas present this year. And if you normally give yourself something for Christmas, don't do that either. Sure Christmas is a time of giving, but why don't you forget giving to the haves and start giving to the have-nots. There are people out there that can't even afford christmas presents or gas or even groceries. People you know and talk to every day. Give them something for Christmas.

Tonia and I have started doing this and it is the most fun I have all year. It just makes sense not to buy stuff for ourselves. What a silly practice! Like a wise man said yesterday, in encouraging others you find that you in turn will be encouraged.

So take that money you were going to spend on yourself or significant other and buy somebody else something they need. Give Christmas to somebody that otherwise wouldn't have had one. And if you want to take it up a notch, make it anonymous!!

Do They Know it's Christmastime?

2005-12-09T11:22:00.000-05:00

It's Christmastime
There's no need to be afraid
At Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade
And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime

But say a prayer

Pray for the other ones
At Christmastime it's hard, but when you're having fun
There's a world outside your window
And it's a world of dread and fear
Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears
And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging
chimes of doom
Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you

And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
(Oooh) Where nothing ever grows
No rain nor rivers flow
Do they know it's Christmastime at all?

(Here's to you) raise a glass for everyone
(Here's to them) underneath that burning sun
Do they know it's Christmastime at all?

Feed the world
Feed the world
Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmastime again

Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmastime again

[Bob Geldof & Midge Ure / Recorded November 25, 1986]

Lean On Me

2005-12-08T08:15:00.000-05:00

The joys of male bonding.

Don't Ever Give Up!

2005-12-07T09:37:00.000-05:00

Jim Valvano may not be a name that you are familiar with, but hopefully after today it will be a name that you will remember for the rest of you life.

Jim was an excellent basketball coach, color commentator and motivator. He was 346-212 in 19 seasons as an NCAA head coach. During his tenure, he appeared in eight NCAA Tournaments and won a National Championship with North Carolina State University in 1983. Jim was twice voted ACC Coach of the Year.

In June of 1992 Jim was diagnosed with terminal cancer, but he continued calling color commentary for ESPN during the 1992 pre-season NIT. On March 4, 1993, Jim was awarded the inaugural Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award at the first annual ESPY Awards. Jim died later that same year.

To date his acceptance speech is something that will stop me in my tracks. It will make you laugh, move you to tears and cause you to think. Three things he said in that very speech we should all do on a daily basis. I encourage you all to take the time to watch, listen and/or read this speech. If you click on the picture it will download a full video of the speech, however it is rather large. Below are links to a few other resources you might find useful.

Full Text and Audio
Full Text and Video Clip
The V Foundation for Cancer Research

The Way I Was Made

2005-12-06T09:51:00.000-05:00

Artist: Chris Tomlin
Album: Arriving

Caught in the half-light, I'm caught alone
Waking up to the sunrise and the radio
Feels like I'm tied up, what's holding me?
Just praying today will be the day I go free

I want to live like there's no tomorrow
I want to dance like no one's around
I want to sing like nobody's listening
Before I lay my body down
I want to give like I have plenty
I want to love like I'm not afraid
I want to be the man I was meant to be
I want to be the way I was made

Made in Your likeness, made with Your hands
Made to discover who You are and who I am
All I've forgotten help me to find
All that You've promised let it be in my life

Koinonia

2005-12-05T16:09:00.000-05:00

Anyone interested in true koinonia? True community? I certainly am. I'm probably a little extreme right now because I really think we should have a bunch of communes set up. You know, a really big house where a few families live and support each other. Don't you think it's wastefull to each own a house and live seperate lives when we could all work together and support each other?

I know that type of community might never happen in my lifetime for various reasons including, but not limited to, pride...but some other ideas I have might. I was thinking that we all own duplicates of the same things. Movies, books, CDs, tractors, lawn mowers, computers, tents, sleeping bags, etc. We also own tons of stuff we don't even use. 10 jackets, 30 pairs of shoes, 50 tshirts. Why couldn't we all just utilize what we already have "in community" while becoming more personally involved with others around us at the same time. It's win win! I'm compiling a list of the media I have at my house now. If any of you want to watch a movie, read a book or listen to a CD, check with me first, I just might have it.

(I'm such a hippy. Did I just suggest we all live in communes?)

Yes that's the book for me

2005-12-02T08:58:00.000-05:00

Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth? How about this instead, Basic Illustrations Believing Life Evolves. Yeah, I like the way that comes across much better. Here's some other food for thought.

Do the "Red Letters" in the Bible hold anymore weight than the others?

Do you think God intended for us to translate the Bible into our language or should we have learned the original dialect? Is there a version of the Bible that God has sanctioned over another?

Do you believe this statement, "God has spoken and rest is just commentary."?

Case for Christmas

2005-12-01T09:26:00.000-05:00

I haven't read any of Lee Strobels books, but I've seen him in person and really like his story. To be honest I actually own 'A Case for Creation', but have yet to read it.

Anyway, his latest book is 'A Case for Christmas' and is available in many forms. It's a smaller book and is available online, at your local bookstore or you can listen to it on the radio as well as online.

For more information, click on the following link: http://www.caseforchristmas.com

The Season of Giving

2005-11-29T21:22:00.000-05:00

World Vision is offering us another opportunity to give. They will send you Music Inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia FREE with any donation of $20 or more. And thanks to grants from the U.S. government, your gift today will more than double in impact. That means a gift of $20 can provide over $40 worth of food.

It doesn't get much easier to give than that. Simply click on this link and choose your donation amount.

Mano a Bono

2005-11-28T21:09:00.000-05:00

The more I know about Bono, the more I like him.

Religion can be the enemy of God. It's often what happens when God, like Elvis, has left the building. A list of instructions where there once was conviction; dogma where once people just did it; a congregation led by a man where once they were led by the Holy Spirit. Discipline replacing discipleship. But the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma. - Bono

(Excerpted from 'Bono: a Self-Portrait in Conversation' by Michka Assayas)

Puzzling Theology

2005-11-27T23:23:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I amaze myself. Like the time I fasted for 40 days without television and it just so happened to fall during the time we invaded Iraq as well as during March Madness and Spring Training and the NBA Finals. For a guy who thrives on staying current, who loves sports and who happens to enjoy watching television, this was really tough, but I got through it. And was better for it. This latest task was just as tough, and just as rewarding in the end.

Here at the end of November, I have completed my recent goal to read a book per week for the month. It took some serious dedication and a little loss of sleep at times but the authors and books I choose to read made it all worth while. I even topped it off by watching a great movie that aligned directly with the type of things I have been wrestling with. (City of Angels for those interested. I highly recommend this movie!)

Last night I was trying to break down what this latest feat did for me and at first I related it to a boot camp scenario. You know, like I went to basic training and the authors/drill sergeants ripped apart everything I always thought was true and right and made me question everything, then built me back up to a much stronger man than when I started.

That analogy was decent and on track, but I think I came up with a better one.

Have you ever started building a puzzle by building the perimeter. By taking all the edge pieces and boxing the puzzle in. Then you start to dive into the guts only to tire of it eventually? This was my theology before I started my "basic training". I had religion, God, Jesus and The Church boxed in and and was trying to make sense of the guts within the perimeters I set up.

The problem is that I was trying to build a flat, square puzzle, when in actuality the puzzle was designed as one of those 3D puzzles. No wonder I tired of trying to figure it out. I was building the wrong puzzle to begin with. I built a perimeter and it wasn't even a puzzle that had a perimeter. I thought I was way ahead of the game and I found out I had to scrap it all and start over again. The cover of the puzzle box wasn't even the puzzle I was working on.

You know another thing I learned? The puzzle was supplied to us without all the pieces in the box. Sometimes we get new pieces and get to attach them and it's so exciting to see how they fit into the puzzle. But we will never get all the pieces until the puzzle creator visits and places it Himself.

Supersymbolism

2005-11-22T08:45:00.000-05:00

It's hard to watch this trailer of Superman Returns and not see some serious symbolism going on here. I don't know why I never saw this stuff before, (maybe because the movies came out when I was a kid) but the original creators seem to have intended this from the beginning. Here are two links that have some good commentary on this as well. Here and Here.

Happy Thanksgiving

2005-11-21T08:47:00.000-05:00

Only 3 work days for me this week!

Be Still and Know

2005-11-17T09:19:00.000-05:00

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

Selah

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Selah

Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Selah

Loving Life. Loving You.

2005-11-15T08:49:00.000-05:00

Law of Freedom

2005-11-14T14:11:00.000-05:00

This passage struck me today:

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! -James 2:8-12

Do you find that passage interesting? I sure do.

Ammendment

2005-11-14T11:15:00.000-05:00

I'm switching gears midstream on my book-per-week goal for November. This week, rather than reading The Naked Christian, I'll be reading Velvet Elvis : Repainting the Christian Faith. I've just been caught up in what Rob Bell is doing, particularly in the NOOMA videos, and I've had this book recommended to me a few times in the last couple weeks.

Theological Etiquette

2005-11-11T11:32:00.000-05:00

Let's say you take a trip down south to visit relatives or friends. While there you attend the hosts' local congregation. This congregation may or may not be affilated with your line of thinking. While at Bible study the speaker mentions something that you disagree with. Do you offer your opinion on the issue, possibly causing a ruckus and embarrasing your host, or do you keep to yourself and close the door on an opportunity to interject another viewpoint?

A Valiant Charge

2005-11-10T08:22:00.000-05:00

"I am William Wallace. And I see a whole army of my countrymen, here in defiance of tyranny! You have come to fight as free men. And free man you are! What will you do without freedom? Will you fight?"

"Two thousand against ten?" The veteran shouted
"No! We will run - and live!"

"Yes!" Wallace shouted back. "Fight and you may die. Run and you will live at least awhile. And dying in your bed many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here as young men and tell our enemies that they may take our lives but they will never take our freedom!"

[ Braveheart (1995) ]

Broken Wing

2005-11-09T08:33:00.000-05:00

One of my wingman, Tommy, has a broken ball bearing and is laid up at the moment. He and his family are supposed to be down this weekend. Please pray that both Tommy and Heather are feeling better soon.

Intercession

2005-11-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

Entreaty in favor of another, especially a prayer or petition to God in behalf of another.

We need more intercession. If you're interested, you can pray for these names. God knows the issues. Mandy. Craig. Melissa. Tommy. Heather. Tom. Lisa. Chris. Amy. Cammi. Leanne. Jennifer. Sheila. Tom. Crystal. Meadow... I'm sure you have others to add.

Accountable

2005-11-07T10:18:00.000-05:00

I know you're dying to know how I am doing with my recently stated goals of reading a book a week through the end of November. Well, I finished the October Book, the November-Week 1 book, and I am halfway throught the November Week-2 book. I'll be starting on the November-Week 3 book sometime in the next couple days.

So far, incredible reading, incredible insight, incredibly thought provoking. I recommend you checking them out. For those who live close to me, you are more than welcome to borrow mine if you'd like. (Is that considered file sharing?)

Only 17 days

2005-11-07T08:56:00.000-05:00

Can you taste it? The turkey and stuffing and cranberry sauce. The pumpkin pie with cool whip? The sweet potatoe casserole with brown sugar on top. Corn. Mashed potatoes. Gravy. I can already taste the day after turkey sandwiches. 17 days from now I will be flying high. Fat as a cat, half asleep while watching the Lions blow it again. It doesn't get any better than that!

Semper Fi

2005-11-04T08:46:00.000-05:00

Tonight's the night!

I surrender my all to you God - no matter the cost - so that I might live a life worthy of the noble cause for which I was created. I will seek out a band of brothers, for whose lives and legacies I will fight, so that we may be lights in a dark world. I will engage with my wife and for my children, as I fulfill my mission to know, love and glorify Christ my King. (Ephesians 4:1-3 : Philippians 2:1-18)

God First. Others Second. Self Last.

2005-11-03T08:19:00.000-05:00

While at Harding University I was able to meet a ton of people. Some of them I was able to get a little closer to because we were in the same social club (fraternity), Knights. Here are a few of them in blog form. All of these guys are involved in ministry and I'm very proud to know them all.

Blaine Tuckered Out
To Be The Man
Jesus Painter

Feel The Urge To Give?

2005-11-02T09:49:00.000-05:00

World Vision is offering us another opportunity to give. They will send you the 2 CD set of WOW Christmas FREE with any donation of $20 or more. And thanks to grants from the U.S. government, your gift today will more than double in impact. That means a gift of $20 can provide over $40 worth of food.

It doesn't get much easier to give than that. Simply click on this link and choose your donation amount.

Perception is Reality

2005-11-01T10:08:00.000-05:00

One of the things I learned in Business School is that perception is reality. And I hate to tell you, most in the world view Christians like the cartoon above. The first word that comes to mind when the name Christian is said is 'hypocrite.' Why? Why are we perceived that way? Do you fall into the trap of becoming a Christian-In-A-Box? Do you wear the clothes, have the bumper stickers, go to church three times a week, yet still don't fully live like a Christian? Don't get labled. Go out into the streets and reclaim the name of Christianity. Show those people what real Christianity is all about. Serving others. Loving others. God's Grace. Failing and admitting it. Acceptance. Forgiviness.

That cartoon doesn't offend me because someone was mocking the perception of Christianity. It offends me because it's on the mark.

How Apropos

2005-10-31T10:11:00.000-05:00

Got a bunch of CD's in the mail Friday. One in particular was 'History' by Matthew West. While listening to the album I stumbled across an appropriately timed song called Only Grace. Here are the lyrics.

There is no guilt here
There is no shame
No pointing fingers
There is no blame
What happened yesterday has disappeared
The dirt has washed away
And now it's clear

There's only grace
There's only love
There's only mercy and believe me it's enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
There's nothing left now
There's only grace

You're starting over now
Under the sun
You're stepping forward now
A new life has begun
Your new life has begun

There's only grace
There's only love
There's only mercy and believe me it's enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
There's nothing left now
There's only grace

And if you should fall again
Get back up, get back up
Reach out and take my hand
Get back up, get back up
Get back up again

Who's Your Center?

2005-10-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

Reconnecting - Tait

2005-10-27T08:47:00.000-04:00

Been stuck there under the gun
Tired of livin' like the prodigal son
Everything has come undone
And left me wanting

I'm naked for the world to see
So hungry on the inside to believe
Come down and direct my feet
Start me running

I've been outta touch
But I'm reconnecting
I've had enough of my way
And I'm tired of rejecting
I realized it was all a lie
So I climbed down from the edge
I've been outta touch
But I'm reconnecting
To You

I can feel You under my skin
Wanna have You light me up again
Tell me where I should begin
Keep me turning

Power comes from Your extension
The words You speak are my intervention
Give me sight to know Your intention
Light me I'm burning

I've been outta touch
But I'm reconnecting
I've had enough of my way
And I'm tired of rejecting
I realized it was all a lie
So I climbed down from the edge
I've been outta touch
But I'm reconnecting
To You

I'm reconnecting

Sage Advice

2005-10-25T21:51:00.000-04:00

So I get home from work, check my mail and flip through my favorite magazine that arrived today. Wouldn't you know there is a two page spread titled, "9 Things To Know Before You Hit 30"! How Relevant! (pun intended) It happened to be a good list and I encourage you to grab a copy (or borrow mine) and read the whole article, but here are the bullet points:

1. Life is so not about you.
2. Credit Cards are dangerous.
3. Stuff will never satisfy.
4. Save now while you're young.
5. You probably should read more.
6. Pay attention to what you eat.
7. Stop comparing yourself to others.
8. Get used to saying, "NO".
9. Maintain close relationships.

I feel really good knowing that I am actually on top of all of these issues. I've even posted on a few of these recently. The book I'm reading now is really hammering home the relationships part. Thirtysomethings are the coolest!

30. It's the new 20.

2005-10-25T10:22:00.000-04:00

It seems like a daily occurance that I find out somebody I know just turned 30. Celebrating that blessed event myself only 2 months ago, I feel like I'm aligned with pop culture or something. My friend Dan Bacus told me the Thirties were the best years of his life. Somehow I believe him. As much as I enjoyed the college days, the days of minimal responsibility, I feel today that I am as well off as I have ever been. I can remember laying in my bed in our apartment in Arkansas when I was in the 6th grade and talking to my mom about how scared I was that very soon I'll be out on my own. Seems so long ago and the nervousness of the unknown was so real to me. Yet today as I sit here, nearly twenty years later, father of an amazing son, husband of an amazing wife, son of the best parents in the world, brother of the greatest sister and brother, I can't help but think that life only gets better with time.

And I'm just getting started.

Goals are Good

2005-10-24T11:53:00.000-04:00

Last night, before I went to bed way too late, I thought to myself that I really need to read (or finish reading) this stack of books on my desk. Not just to read them, but so that I can get to the other books I want to read as well. I am sooooo backed up! So, with your help keeping me accountable, I have set a goal for myself to finish the book I am currently reading before the end of this month, then to read 1 book per week through November. For the legalists among you (*cough* doug), I am counting October 31-November 5 as week 1 and November 20 - November 26 as the 4th and final week. It's my game and I get to make the rules! :)

Don't forget: Reading... It's FUNdamental!

ps. For anyone interested, here is the lineup:

October:
Searching for God Knows What
by: Donald Miller

November Week 1:
The Gutter: Where Life is Meant to be Lived
by: Craig Gross

November Week 2:
The Barbarian Way : Unleash the Untamed Faith Within
by: Erwin Raphael McManus

November Week 3:
The Naked Christian: Taking Off Religion To Find True Relationship
by: Craig Borlase

November Week 4:
Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality
by: Donald Miller

A few more pics...

2005-10-20T23:37:00.000-04:00

Comfortably Numb

2005-10-20T08:18:00.000-04:00

Before the end of work yesterday, I was blaring my favorite Pink Floyd song, Comfortably Numb. This is way at the top of my all-time favorite songs. I mean top 3ish. It is musically beautiful. The problem is in the lyrics. They aren't vulgar or inappropriate, they're simply sad. The writer had some serious issues in his life and unfortunately too many people can relate. Here are the final lyrics of the song:

When I was a child I caught a fleeting glimpse,
Out of the corner of my eye.
I turned to look but it was gone.
I cannot put my finger on it now.
The child is grown, the dream is gone.
I have become comfortably numb.

What was his fleeting glimpse of? It's open for interpretation, but I think it's meaning and purpose. Life to him is now an effort to simply survive. To become so numb to his surroundings that the empty hole that aches goes away. Make sure you don't grow up and lose all sense of meaning and purpose. Becoming comfortably numb is not the way to solve your problems. Become uncomfortable. Move. You have all kinds of purpose and meaning. It's sitting there waiting for you to open your eyes and take hold of it!

"X" Structure

2005-10-18T23:39:00.000-04:00

This is the "X" Structure at Core of M51 Whirlpool Galaxy.
Pretty cool huh?

He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. -Psalm 147:4

R.I.P.

2005-10-18T09:26:00.000-04:00

With all the sadness and trauma going on in the world at the moment, it is worth reflecting on the death of a very important person, which almost went unnoticed last week.

Larry LaPrise, the man that wrote "The Hokey Pokey" died peacefully at the age of 93. The most traumatic part for his family was getting him into the coffin.

They put his left leg in.

And then the trouble started.

Shut up. You know it's funny!

(The accuracy of this report cannot be verified at this time)

The Cabin

2005-10-16T22:47:00.000-04:00

Thought I'd take the easy way out and post a picture (or two) per day this week from our trip up north. So when they said mini cabin, they were serious...

Camp Timberdoodle

2005-10-12T17:26:00.000-04:00

Taking off Thursday morning to go camping up north. We'll be checking out the Fall colors while staying at Young State Park near Boyne City, MI. There are festivals in Charlevoix and Bay Harbor as well as a really big apple orchard with festivities going on this weekend. It's going to be a great trip. We'll be tent camping right on Lake Charlevoix but we have a mini cabin as well in case the kids get a little cold. The name of the cabin is Timberdoodle.

Got to go finish packing. We'll be back late Sunday night. Pictures to follow.

Little Helper

2005-10-12T09:05:00.000-04:00

Tanner is helping Grandpa build his high rise condo in our back yard. It should be done in the next week or so, so make plans to bring over your little people to break it in with him. It comes complete with a slide, swingset, sandbox, fort, flat screen...

Long Overdue Ovation

2005-10-10T19:21:00.000-04:00

I'd like to take this time to officially announce the end of my teasing that my mom has only two recipes in her repertoire. I'm here to tell you that that woman can cook! In the last month, I have been treated to some outstanding meals. All served with a heaping amount of el-oh-vee-eee! The most recent was Saturday night when she cooked a flawless meal. Luscious Ham. Thick Mashed Potatoes. Buttered Corn. Homemade Bread and Homemade Apple Sauce. I am already salivating thinking about Thanksgiving. (or Tuesday at lunch for that matter!). Love you mom! YOU ROCK!!.....BAM!!

Newbie

2005-10-07T13:09:00.000-04:00

Another new addition to the blogosphere. Be nice guys! =)

The Sound Guy aka Mike Jacobs

A Call To Arms (and legs)

2005-10-05T09:49:00.000-04:00

My Sis and my boy Pedro are moving on Thursday and need all the willing and able bodies they can get. They'll be moving all day. No more funeral home dwelling for these guys. They're moving to the apartments by the corner of M-50 and Rogers Hwy.

I'll be heading over there after work to help with some bigger stuffs. Give them a call or email and let them know if you can assist at all. Thanks!!

Breathe In Deeper Now

2005-10-04T10:37:00.000-04:00

" I don't want to move and I don't think I could. I don't want to move and I don't think I should. I don't want to move. No I don't want to move. I don't want to move and I don't think I could. Breathe in deeper now. Breathe in deeper now... "

These lyrics from David Crowders newest album played in the background as I passed Mike last night coming home from a prayer team meeting. They kept echoing through my head as I thought back to what I heard Sunday night. How being a Christian doesn't, nor should it ever, mean we will live safe, happy lives. How living a life for Christ actually means taking risks. Risks that could even cost us our lives.

All this going through my mind as I zoom past Mike with his thumb up. I know I should but I need to get home to my family. I know I should but he could be dangerous. So I keep driving, beating myself up. As I pulled up to the house I noticed the family isn't even home yet. Great. "Breathe in deeper now. Breathe in deeper now." God tells me He will be with me always...

I circled back and found Mike and gave him a ride into Tecumseh. Harmless guy getting full on alcohol daily. I told him I try to get filled up with other stuff. He asked if I went to church. Told me he'd try to come out Sunday. Tried to give me money. Shook my hand, told me his name is Mike, looked into my eyes and thanked me.

As he got out of the car and I drove off all I could think of is that I just gave Jesus a ride to Tecumseh. Man, what an awesome feeling.

Mosaic Podcast

2005-10-03T11:05:00.000-04:00

Digging a little deeper into the author of The Barbarian Way, Erwin Raphael McManus. He is the lead pastor of a community called Mosaic. Browsing through their website I came across a link to a podcast of their most recent gatherings.

You'll need iTunes installed on your computer, but these are Free and I recommend you checking them out...

The Barbarian Way

2005-10-03T08:05:00.000-04:00

Amazon.com has been telling me for months that I want to read this book, in the Russell's Store section of their site. You know, the place where very smart programmers have designed a program to take recent items bought, items in your wishlist (and probably some other stuff I'm unaware of) and develops a "smart" list of things they recommend. They are very good about it too. I try to go in there and check it out as often as I can. But for some reason I always just glanced over this title.

Well, last night I saw the author give a little talk at a leadership conference at Willow Creek (on video), and it was astounding. This book jumped high into my "must read" list. I would recommend it to everyone even though I've never read it. I already saw the movie and they always say the book is much better... =)

The Barbarian Way by: Erwin Raphael McManus