By Popular Demand

It was encouraged that I post the following story. I'm not really sure how this story continues to find itself in conversation, I don't even know why I last told it. However, I hope you enjoy reading it, because I find no joy in telling it.

THE WORST HANDSHAKE EVER

I was in love with a girl named Jamie Johnson.

During my days at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, MO, I served as the weekend Jr. High Pastor at a church in Tulsa, OK. 110 miles one way for two and a half years. However that is an entirely different story that someday needs telling, but for right now let's focus.

Now my church worked very well with a community of other churches, especially among the youth ministries. And our youth groups attended Sunset Bible Camp outside of Tulsa each year, in back woods Mannford.

It was there that I first met Jamie. Jamie's father is the youth pastor for Osage Hills Christian Church, for some 50 years, or at least a long time. One of the coolest guys I have ever met. Jack Bauer reminds me of him, if Jack Bauer was a faithful youth pastor in Tulsa.

Having grown up at Sunset camp Jamie returned each summer to hang out and serve the students as a sponsor. It was my second summer at camp that I first got to know Jamie. The first summer I was a little shy and too intimidated to talk with her, because honestly Jamie was gorgeous, definitely out of my league. And I'm not being coy here. Seriously I am very good looking and definitely a catch, but even still I wasn't in Jamie's league.

But that second summer Jamie and I connected over a shared interest in the boy band N'Sync. Particularly how we had both just seen the Making the Video for the song Pop. Later we became an incredibly feared team at the card game Spades. I declared her my Sandbag Queen and I was her Captain Nil. Jamie is one of the funniest people I have ever met and we laughed whenever we got together. She had a story about a foreign exchange student at her college that is one of the greatest stories I've ever heard. And apparently I'm a fun guy to hang with and have a decent sense of humor. Some thought we were a great duo.

Jamie and I hung out quite a bit that summer as well as the following fall. It became evident that I was ready to lasso the moon for Jamie and that I was completely head over heels for her. And while I had called her up (early in the week) and asked her to dinner and a movie I failed to ever qualify it as a date. I keep chickening out. All my potential dates turned into "hey, do you want to hang out this Friday?" I really loved hanging out with her and thought that surely she would reject me thereby making the friendship awkward. More than anything I didn't want to lose the friendship. And because I am the worst at reading the signals I could never make out in my mind what Jamie thought of me.

My Ozark friends keep telling me that there had to be a connection, she did agree to hang out me with. My Tulsa friends never seemed to give any response, but they nicknamed me Captain Cluck and told me that I should be more bold.

Here is where the story really starts.

At the end of 2001 I resigned from the church and had accepted a ministry position in North Carolina. Before hauling my life out east I had to finish out my time in Tulsa and say all my goodbyes and farewells with one final weekend. After all the church obligations I was hanging out at a couple of sponsors' apartment reminiscing about the past couple years. Eventually the conversation came around to Jamie and my pursuit of her, or lack thereof.

I left their apartment that night feeling bold and asking myself what did I have to lose. Jamie lived in the same apartment complex as them and since I hadn't seen her that weekend I called her up and stopped by her apartment. Now my plan was to make a goodbye statement that would make clear my intentions with Jamie. So that without any doubt Jamie would understand how I felt about her.

Now Jamie's roommate what a nut job and she and her boyfriend felt the living room was their personal make out space, except that their making out was not always limited to just kissing. So Jamie and I sat in her bedroom and retold tales and laughed. (Hanging out in the opposite sex's bedroom is not something I recommend, but trust me nothing happened...keep reading). My boldness though quickly began to waver, for at least two reasons. One: Jamie, who worked with all the beautiful people at Abercrombie & Fitch, had a huge poster of some ripped A&F dude on her wall. This only served to remind me that I was out of her league. Second: I really was Captain Cluck.

Sometime between 1 and 2 in the morning I decide it was time to make the drive back to Joplin, MO. Jamie and I stood outside her apartment door on the stairway balcony with the moon light competing against the street lamps. I knew this was my last chance. My mind was clear, I had my moves planned out. I was going to wrap my right hand around the back of Jamie's neck and my left around her waist, bring her close and plant my intentions on her lips. I knew that this kiss would span the distance of my upcoming move and surely we would could make a long distance relationship work.

While my head was clear, the wiring of my body was faulty. My right hand began to move toward Jamie, but not towards her neck, rather... I stuck out my hand and shook Jamie's hand goodbye. As my hand moved, everything began to progress in slow motion. My mind began to scream "What are you doing?! Don't shake her hand?! Are you an idiot?!" But I was stuck in a trance and could not control myself.

Shocked by what was happening I said, "I guess I see you later."

I turned around and walked down the stairs toward my car. As I sat down behind the wheel I quickly came up with a Plan B. I thought everything could be salvaged if I would just go back up to her apartment, knock on the door and restart my original plan without saying a word. I knew... this was a great plan, seriously how romantic is that? However I must have still been in my trance because all I could do was start my car and exit the apartment complex.

Before I knew it I was on I-40 making my final journey on the Roy Rogers Expressway. I couldn't think of anything to say or do. Nothing. My mind could do absolutely nothing but curse myself. So I began to swear. Again and again. I shouted every expletive known to man and a few more I made up. So lost was I in my complete failure as a man that I completely missed paying the toll. Something I didn't notice until I arrived home and still had my toll money sitting in my passenger seat.

A couple days later I called some Tulsa friends and asked about Jamie and if she had mentioned me at all. One Tulsa friend, Anita, replied that Jamie's words to her were, "Oh that Trevor." I never knew what that meant, and I never went back. However after a retelling of this tragedy to some friends a couple of years back they insisted that I find out what became of Jamie. We called Anita and learned that Jamie has since married.

So there you go. After sharing this I know that I'll never get a normal handshake from anyone, and the mocking may never cease, but...there you go.

This is the Captain speaking, and someday this chicken may just fly.

New Year's Resolutions

I have never made New Year's Resolutions, but this year I have a few that I deem worthy. I'll share a few of them with you.


#1. Dr. Pepper Fast. Everyone who knows me knows that I love Dr. Pepper (and Mr. Pibb is not a worthy substitute). However I will be abstaining from the beverage, as well as all soda for the entire year. I'll also be blogging about the effects of the withdrawal, I expect a lot of headaches. I will be willing to break the fast under one condition which I will explain in a later post.

#2. Memorize Colossians. I have memorized large passages of Scripture before but never a whole book. I thought I start with Colossians. And actually I hope to have this memorized before the summer.

#3. Read 40 Books. I've never counted how many books I read in a year, but I thought this would be a good trackable number to pursue.

#4. Map out TV show idea and make two contacts in order to sell it. Every now and then I have a moment of brilliance. I still claim that the premise for my last idea was stolen from me. Currently I have another idea, but have no contacts in order to pitch this idea. I'd share it with you, but last time I let out an idea 24 got made.

#5. See a doctor and get asthma under control. I haven't seen a doctor in over two years and that was just to get a prescription renewal, but I've really been struggling lately. I may need to get allergy shots and readjust my prescriptions.

#6. Organize and minimize my closet. I believe I have more clothes than I need, and I really don't have a lot. But I still feel like I paying to store crap I don't use. I want to reduce what I have. Also I think it may be the time in my life to finally buy a suit.

What about you? Do you have any resolutions?
or
Would you suggest anymore goals for me?

Good Times

Quite the event filled day.
I woke up this morning and remembered I had promised the Deuce that I would help him move some of his storage stuff from one storage place to another.
Before heading out we had lunch at the nearby Chili's.
FYI, the Deuce had himself a hankering for some cake at the Chili's. White Chocolate Molton Cake. But he was able to refrain from ordering it at the last second. I will have to say that the Deuce, left our cute (although I suspect cigarette smoking) waitress a good tip. Actually in all fairness to the Deuce he's a good tipper (Deuce if you reading this, well done).
After lunch with the help of Adam we transported the Deuce's things. I would like to mention that I have no problem helping anyone move, but please observe my one helping-someone-move rule. The rule states, "I have no problem helping you move your crap, I just refuse to pack it." That's just a little nugget of info for you to put away if you are thinking of moving and asking me to help.
Again I had no problem helping the Deuce, first because he bought lunch, but second because of the crap we were moving. The Deuce at some point in his west Texas life acquired what seems to be the entire remaining stock of the once great CD source called Awakening Records.
Maybe you've heard of this company that was originally based out of North Carolina. (In fact when I moved to NC, this was a selling point, thinking that all the Awakening Records artist would be frequent visitors.) Awakening Records helped independent bands distribute their materials. Bands including; Caedmon's Call, Bebo Norman, Waterdeep, Nickel and Dime, 100 Portraits, Andrew Peterson, V.O.L. and many many more.
Anyways as a thank you the Deuce said Adam and I could take whatever music we were interested in. I came home with (holy crap I just added them up) 42 new CDs. And I didn't even see the V.O.L. stock. (Deuce did I just miss those?)
Then tonight the Deuce, Chris Morton, Rachel D., Talia, Katie Kirby, my sisters Cayla and Lauren and I went to Sweeney Todd. Does saying that I really enjoyed the dumping of the bodies make me sick? Cause I laughed every time. The movie is definitely dark and twisted, but really enjoyable.
Katie Kirby showed up a little late and we had saved her a seat on the end of the row, thereby saving her from having to crawl over everyone's lap. However when she arrived she went up the wrong set of stairs and squeezed past the entire row of people to get to her seat. Of course this is hilarious, and I am thinking I may do it at the next movie I see just for fun.
Finally after the movie a few of us went to get something to eat at the Canyon Cafe just around the corner. There we had one of the oddest and most inappropriate waitress experiences ever. As our waitress was introducing herself she felt the need to let us know that she claps when having sex with her boyfriend. We didn't know how to respond to this but were able to put it aside while the Deuce told us about a recent phone call of his (I told him to post the story on his blog and if he does I'll be sure to link everyone to it...funny stuff). At the end of our meal as the waitress was gathering a few plates and recommending the desserts she made another odd statement. She said, and I'm not lying one bit, "Do you know what kind of cake I really enjoy? Penis cake? Would anyone like cake tonight?" Seriously how do you respond to this? Now Chris and I heard what she said, but apparently the Deuce did not, because he responded with enthusiasm over the possibility of cake. I politely told the waitress that I was adamantly opposed to cake and left the table to get myself a toothpick.
When I returned and the story of the waitress' remarks were retold I reminded everyone of how much the Deuce had been wanting cake today at Chili's. The Deuce, by means of sign language, told me I was #1.

Good Times!

911

I had to call 911 tonight.
After returning home from the movie I saw a large truck squealing out of control down the short road in front of my apartment complex. The truck ran over a medium and blew a front tire and I think two of the four back tires. The tires exploding was so loud I thought for a moment that the truck hit a tree.
I followed the truck into the gas station around the corner and detailed the events and vehicle to the dispatcher. I hung around for a bit and spoke with the officer when she arrived. Once she was satisfied that the drivers were not intoxicated enough (?) to take any action I took off.
Anyways I thought I'd let you'll know, it's been a while since I've dialed 911.

AVPR

Tonight I went to see Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem. Loved it!!! Definitely better than AVP. I went with my sister Chelsy, Rachel G. and the Deuce. Chelsy said she liked it, but the Deuce was disturbed.
I remember watching the original movies uncut at Eddie Boykin's house and reading the comics during a night of fierce Risk playing (FYI, I also went home Risk champion and have remained undefeated).
It still has some way to go to top the original Predator movies and the first two Alien films. Nevertheless, very fun. We are learning more and more about the Predator world and this movie is building for something even larger. If you are a fan of the others definitely check it out. I don't thinks it's a home run, there is a little too much humans story, but the building up for a serious major confrontation is exciting.
I don't want to say too much and spoil anything for someone who is going to see it, but I do want to say that I think this may be the bad-ess Predator to date.
There is no major Hollywood names in the film, except for Reiko Aylesworth of former 24 fame.

Goat!

Chris Jesse, son-in-law of University of Texas football head coach Mack Brown, has my vote for goat of the year. Chris reached out from the sidelines and touched a live ball. He is so lucky Texas went on to win the game.

Time Traveling

I completely missed that December 8th was Pretend Your A Time Traveler Day. When Dec. 8th, 2008 rolls around I'm going to time travel back to Dec. 8th, 2007 so that I can celebrate it properly.

There are some details that you might be interested in for next year. Click HERE.

When will you be Dec. 8th, 2008?

JUNO

I have been anticipating this movie for some time and after viewing it last night I was not disappointed. This is an incredibly beautiful film with a kick-arse soundtrack!

Seriously I laughed and groaned, but surprisingly didn’t cry. The characters were so good in this movie. I can’t recall the last female teenage character that was written so well, a young girl with obvious flaws but so likable at the same time. The rest of the cast has amazing depth, but I don’t feel that any of them consumed much of the movie, or overplayed their roles. Juno’s parents, or Paulie (aka Bleeker - her boyfriend/baby’s father), of the adoptive family are all extremely prominent characters but don’t necessarily fill the screen time. The film is definitely about Juno and her journey, but I could easily watch a movie about any of the other characters: Rollo (the convenience store clerk), Jennifer Gardner’s expectant mother, J.K. Simmons’ flawed father, etc.

So I have a couple of questions:
1. Did anyone else run home and download the Moldy Peaches song? (I provided the lyrics down below for you all)
2. Does anyone think that their parent's would react like Juno's? My sister leaned over to me and said, "Can you imagine Mom and Dad?"
3. Did anyone else let out groan when Juno began applying her make-up before visiting Jason Bateman. This is when I knew trouble was brewin'.

Final thoughts:
- Diablo Cody has an incredible story. I completely see her in Juno. (I would love to have her cynicism in the church)
- I can't wait to find someone who has sunshine beaming out of her ass. Great fatherly advise!

ANYONE ELSE BUT YOU by The Moldy Peaches

You're a part time lover and a full time friend
The monkey on you're back is the latest trend
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you

I kiss you on the brain in the shadow of a train
I kiss you all starry eyed, my body's swinging from side to side
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you

Here is the church and here is the steeple
We sure are cute for two ugly people
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you

The pebbles forgive me, the trees forgive me
So why can't, you forgive me?
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you

I will find my nitch in your car
With my mp3 DVD rumple-packed guitar
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you

Du du du du du du dudu
Du du du du du du dudu
Du du du du du du dudu du

Up up down down left right left right B A start
Just because we use cheats doesn't mean we're not smart
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you

You are always trying to keep it real
I'm in love with how you feel
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you

We both have shiny happy fits of rage
You want more fans, I want more stage
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you

Don Quijote was a steel driving man
My name is Adam I'm your biggest fan
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you

Squinched up your face and did a dance
You shook a little turd out of the bottom of your pants
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you

Du du du du du du dudu
Du du du du du du dudu
Du du du du du du dudu du
But you

Is this serious?

I had only heard rumors and now I see this...

"You're worth more dead than alive."

It's A Wonderful Life is on TV tonight. A great movie. There is so many great moments in this film. I can easily say I've seen this movie twice a year for as long as I can remember and it never gets old. I even love it in French, or at least the part that was on Home Alone.

Hopefully you've seen it, if not I'm not sure we can truly be friends.

I think part of the movie's continued success is the reminder of perspective it offers us at the end of each year.

Clarence, the angel tells George, "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"

Do you ever have George Bailey moments of doubt? Where you question you're life's substance and significance, because things didn't happen the way you mapped them out.

For me to be an honest man I must confess that I've been having a George Bailey year. No, I'm not ready to jump off a bridge - I hate the feeling of falling, but this year has not followed my road map to success.

Like George, however, I do want to have the character, integrity and commitment he was able to demonstrate despite the circumstances of his life. Oh and a hot wife like Donna Reed (am I the only one who thinks this?).

"What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, Mary."

By popular demand I will be posting my most famous handshaking story sometime this week...be prepared.

Blessed and Blessings

The moon is full tonight. It's bright orange and hanging just above the tree line, low enough that I could almost reach up and steal it from the sky.
It was a beautiful treat after a joy filled service this evening. The community center was packed and more than twice as many seats were needed as were set up.
Chelsy, my sister, stepped in last minute for some sick vocals and sang with Kyle our worship pastor. Not just background, but she also preformed a solo. I love when she sings. I know I hear with brother's ears, but she is an amazing singer.

May the God of the traveling Tabernacle and the great Holy Temple dwell richly in you this Christmas. May you know and experience the Love that came down to earth to come close to you and me, closer than our moon tonight. May you walk with God, may you be filled with his Spirit and may his kingdom come.

Christmas Favorite

I thought I'd share my favorite Christmas album with you. That is my favorite album after the mix CD I recieved this year (shout out!).
Several years back I picked up Your King Has Come, a compilation including Derek Webb, Sandra McCraken, Matthew Smith, Andrew Osenga, Jill Philips and others.
You can actually listen to some by clicking HERE.
I have to play and listen to it beginning to end several times throughout the holidays.
There is a version of O Come All Ye Faithful by Mandy Ihrig (now Mann) that continues to reign towards the top of my list of favorite Christmas songs recorded ever.

Partnership

By way of Aaron Chambers' blog. I met Aaron several years back when I was interning for CIY and have always loved his teaching and preaching.

Kingdom Come

This is partly why I dispise musicians.
Shaun Groves posted the following video on his blog today. He's calling it a draft. I think it's amazing already...print it. I wish I had any musical talent.
Here's the video and lyrics below. Visit his site and offer any suggestions to the song if you have any.


Kingdom Come (First Draft in C)
Words & Music by Shaun Groves

Verse 1:
Oh, God what do we see and hear
Your kingdom coming
Oh, God why do we bleed and fear
Your kingdom coming

Let it come in us
Let it come through us-

Chorus:
‘Til the sword is spared
And the bread is shared
‘Til the dying’s done
Let your kingdom come
‘Til the rich ones give
And the poor ones live
‘Til the weak are strong
Let your kingdom come

Verse 2:
Oh, God what do we pray down here
Your kingdom coming
Oh, God why do we slave through tears
Your kingdom coming

Let it come in us
Let it come through us-

(Repeat Chorus)

Bridge:
Your mercy come
Your justice come
Your will be done through us on earth
Your healing come
Your peace will come
Your will be done through us on earth

(Repeat 1/2 Verse 2)

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite

I saw this by way of Stevan, by way of this website.

Coincidence

So tonight The Deuce invited me to see National Treasure: Book of Secrets. By the way, speaking of the movie, talk about way too many coincidences. And does anyone other than me think that this movie was supposed to have a spring release? What was with the Easter egg roll in December. Bad planning major movie studio people.
Back to what I was originally talking about.
So after my brother, Todd, and I did some Christmas shopping we met up with The Deuce. By the way, two grown men shopping and picking out children's clothes gets a lot of strange looks from other shoppers. Now I don't claim to be much of a fashion icon, personally I just don't care, but I think my sisters will be proud of the outfits we picked out for my nieces and nephew. We only called our mom for advice three times.
Again back to what I was originally talking about.
So while standing in line to buy my ticket I was tapped on my shoulder by Amber Renes (whose last name I struggle to pronounce no matter how many times it's corrected for me). By the way it doesn't take much to qualify for the military discount at the local cinema. While I have a card that has been issued by the U.S. Air Force, it doesn't necessarily qualify for the military discount. I hardly flashed it before the young man charged me the discounted rate. Is my integrity now in question?
Once more back to what I was originally talking about.
So apparently Amber and her husband Nate were just happening to see the same movie as us at the same time. By the way I just love serving our church's students with Nate and Amber. I am not looking forward to the day when Nate gets new orders and the Air Force relocates these two. I love laughing with them.
Okay, back to what I was originally talking about for the last time.
So after the movie we all, The Deuce, Nate, Amber, Todd and myself, exited the theater. We stood outside and said our goodbyes and then began walking to our vehicles...in the same direction. Isn't that always awkward? We'll we laughed and then continued to walk in the same direction down the same lane...continued awkwardness. Then we laughed as we realized that we not only parked down the same lane, but as far out in the parking lot as possible. Finally we were all in awe as we realized that we had unknowingly parked right by each other.
Seriously how weird is that?

The Short End...

My Community Group had a White Elephant book exchange tonight. I assumed it was to exchange good books, so I took my new copy of Soul Cravings by Erwin Raphael McManus. I was hoping to use it as a daily devotional in the next few weeks. However I didn't know tonight was the book exchange and quickly ran home and grabbed the first book I saw.
Surely I would receive a book worth reading in return, right?
Wrong.
Apparently we were supposed to exchange gag books that have been buried at the bottom of our bookshelves.
I ended up with The Jungle by Upton Sinclair.
Damn.
Now I'll never know what my soul craves, instead I can have an unhealthy fear that the meat I purchase at the local HEB is going to kill me.

Second Gift

Here is my second Christmas gift received this year.

I'm really excited because my sport trivia one from this year was reminding me daily that I had nothing to look forward too come Jan. 1st.

Thanks Shayla

Pretty Cool

FARGO, North Dakota (AP) -- A bank is giving its full-time employees $1,000 each and part-time employees $500 each. There's one condition -- use it for people in need.

Finish the story HERE.

Question

Is there a manly method to applying lip balm?

Confession

I like more of Fergie’s songs than I should.

Had To Post

I had this e-mailed to me.

It shocked me.
It make me laugh.
It had to be posted.

[Beware - Unsightly Viewing ahead]

I read this today

Unable to keep up with consumer demand for the Wii this holiday season, Nintendo could be losing approximately $1 billion in potential sales, according to analysts.

I finally played on of these this past Saturday...yeah I have got to get one. Total fun.
-T-

Fractals

I found this 16min 51sec video lecture to be incredibly fascinating. If you have any passion for Africa and global causes and math I think you'll agree with me.
-tsh-

"I am a mathematician, and I would like to stand on your roof." This is how Ron Eglash greeted many African families while researching the intriguing fractal patterns he noticed in villages across the continent. He talks about his work exploring the rigorous fractal math underpinning African architecture, art and even hair braiding.

Katie Howell

I sneaked out of the the high school Christmas party a little early tonight, because I double booked myself. I also committed to joining some friends and going to see the new I Am Legend movie as well.
The Christmas party was going well. We have such a unique gathering of students that I find funny to watch them interact. But all of them are very casual and relaxed people that I really believe that anyone can walk though our doors and feel the warmth of community and acceptance and grace.
So anyways I went to meet up with William, who forever more will be referred to as "The Deuce" or "Bartender [spoken slowly with your deepest voice possible]. I arrived at his apartment complex and we waited to leave because some friends who serve as care residents within their apartment complex (they schedule activities and create community - very cool) had invited a former student in their youth ministry to come play music.
Her name was Katie Howell and because I love independent artist I want to share her with you. Visit her myspace HERE. A beautiful young woman with a great tone in her voice, that can move between fragility and power. She sang several song she had written as well as some Christmas songs. She also played the guitar impressively and she later told me she first learned to play the piano. But most impressive was her ability to entertain and interact with the audience. I barely met her, but I feel pretty comfortable recommending her to anyone who needs an artist or a worship leader for some kind of retreat. I don't even know if she does events like those, but I'm planning on finding out.

Butter LOVE

I went to Austin tonight/last night with some friends, which included several great stories that I will share in the morning because I'm tired and I'm going to bed after this post.
But we ate at a restuarant called Magnolias. We were seated on the heated patie, except that the heat lamps were not lit. But a Texas winter doesn't get that cold and I thought it actually felt really good.

Anyways on the menu, please pardon my more than typical crappy phone (time for a new non-scratched phone with somewhat quality camera capabilities), William's Veggie Plate was cooked with spicy LOVE butter.

Boy that's a really bad photo. Where is the focus feature on my phone? Anyways you should be able to make out enough to know that I'm not lying.

Does anyone know what spicy LOVE butter that is?
Does it have lingering effects?

Question

Does anyone look cool sneezing?

Pro Marriage

Suggesting that the Bible can serve as a moral compass can be offensive to some.
If this is the case of a couple you are counseling who are considering divorce maybe you can refer instead to the great god of today…Mother Nature. (Is it me or does environmentalism seem to be reaching religious status?)
Anyways according to this story a married households uses energy resources more efficiently than divorce households.

Leniency

Someone posted the request for leniency by Michael Vick and others on behalf of MV onto the internet. I found them pretty interesting. There is a five page hand written letter by Michael himself. A letter from Hank Aaron. The mayor of Atlanta. The president of the Give Life foundation. But the one I found most interesting (well after Michael’s) is the request by George Foreman. I copied the letter and provided them below.




































What do you think?

Speak Intelligently

For those of you who love TV (I’m in this crowd, but am struggling with a big decision that I’ll let you know about in a post to come) I would like to recommend a recent post by Tim Stevens on his blog Leading Smart. In the post Tim provided a recent article he wrote for Collide Magazine entitled Find God on TV.

It’s a very brief article so it won’t take you long to read it. Trust me I was able to read it in about a two minutes, you should be able to in about half a minute.

In the article he quotes Richard Leonard, a Jesuit priest from Australia who wrote Movies that Matter: Reading Film through the Lens of Faith. I like the quote:

“We cannot speak to a culture we do not know or one we despise…we have to learn its language and discover how Christ has already gone ahead of us, inculturated in some of medias values, stories and style.”

One Knight?

I get e-mail offers from Grassroots Music (which used to be a great website, until they were bought out or restructured. Now it kind of sucks, cluttered with Christian cheese and religious crap.)
Anyways today I opened their e-mail and say this:











I then scrolled down a bit and saw this:











My eyes then were drawn to the DVD/VIDEO offers.










Now I’m not sure, but I don’t think they meant to advertise One Knight With A King. I think it was supposed to be One Night With A King. One Knight With A King seems like a whole other movie that would upset a lot of right-wingers.

Been There...

This video has been out for a while, but I just say it again.

That Guy

I heard this song (click HERE) by Andy Gullahorn through Andrew Osenga's blog.
I love the chorus:

God loves that guy

God loves that guy

But it's the bridge of the song that breaks me.

My prayer tonight:

teach me to love

teach me to love

teach me to love like that

A Little Bit About Me

I enjoy mindless chores so very much.
Chores like cutting coupons, which I never use, or collating stacks of paper.
I think its because my mind can preform the task while wandering at the same time. I'm not a brillant man, and this is a rare moment of true multi-tasking for me.

Just thought I'd share.

Questions

On President's Day are the Bush twins, Jenna and Barbara, obligated to give their dad a gift? Is it like a birthday for the President?
And what about the former first children? Is Chelsea obligated to give former President Clinton a gift, now that he is a former president?

Questions I had last night when I couldn't fall asleep.

Frosty

I really like these..., particularly this one today.

Profile

Just in case you missed this...not that that would be possible since ever other blog has had its take on it. Time recently profiled Rob Bell.


I'll refrain from trying to make any persuasive remakes, since I don't think the article did, and I don't want to be like those other bloggers.

I will say that the article was well written. But no more... otherwise haters and obsessive fans will feel the need to comment. The purpose of this post is not to start a discussion on whether or not Rob Bell is the second coming or the anti-Christ, just to inform you that Time published an article.

Oh also, there is a quote by Ben Witherington III in the article and I read his blog faithfully.

Just Fun

This is really fun. I love the commericals and now I can be a part of them...awesome!

Reaching Well

YPulse recently had an article which offered 5 Tips on Reaching Teenagers. These are good enough to post, but please go ready the article too...it's really short, don't worry.

1. The message needs to be simple and clear.
2. Technology is everything.
3. Cool looking technology, or Technobling, is the new badge item.
4. It’s got to be ultra customizable.
5. Portability is king for these Technomads.

This brings many questions to youth ministry. Here's my first question of many: "How much should ministries invest in these ideas, or does doing so detract from the simplistic message of Christ."

Thoughts? Questions?

Stuff Makes Me Feel Better

According to a recent study materialism (specifically in teenagers) is linked to their self-esteem. This isn't revolutionary information, but it is confirmation in what probably anyone who works with teenagers already felt.
Will this result in marketing companies attacking student's self image in order to hock more stuff?
And do we in youth ministry use this understanding to promote events, series, growth, etc?

GymKata!

Andrew Osenga posted about this movie. I have got to find this and buy it! How have I never heard of this?
Here is the trailer

And here is fight scene from the film, just to tempt us even more.

How convenient to have one of those gymnastic horse-y things right in the middle of town.

Sign of the Times

Has anyone else heard this:

Dutch police recently apprehended a ring of teenage virtual thieves who were caught stealing furniture, worth 4,000 Euros, within virtual world Habbo Hotel.

I read it a while back on a TrendCentral newsletter, but haven't found an actual source.

Ninja Stars

wikiHow recently had an entry on my google homepage on how to make origami stars. I used to make these all the time growing up. These at little paper footballs, which I can kick

Why did I ever stop?

I've been making them all weekend.

NFL Picks...Week 14

I just walked in from church and need to through up my picks before I turn on the TV.
I promise (in case I finally have a good week of predictions) that I am being completely fair in my process to which I am accountable only to myself and which nobody else cares about. So I don't know why I'm defending myself to myself.

Carolina at Jacksonville = Jacksonville (cause Carolina sucks)
Tampa Bay at Houston = Tampa Bay (less affected by the loss of the starting QB)
Oakland at Green Bay = Green Bay (The land of the cheese)
Dallas at Detroit = Detroit (because I hate Dallas)
St. Louis at Cincinnati = St. Louis (a third string QB, but I'll pick them anyways)
Miami at Buffalo = Miami (winners of thier first game)
San Deigo at Tennessee = San Deigo (V. Young can't create a win every week)
New York Giants at Philadelphia = New York (McNabb sucks and will be pulled too late because of Andy Reid's pride)
Minnesota at San Fransico = Minnesota (it breaks my heart that my Niners suck so much)
Arizona at Seattle = Arizona (finally becoming the team they should be)
Kansas City at Denver = Denver (by a field goal?)
Pittsburgh at New England = New England (their streak forces me to pick them, but if there was ever a week for them to fall...)
Cleveland at New York Jets = Cleveland (just because)
Indianapolis at Baltimore = Baltimore (playing for pride after last week's meltdown)
New Orleans at Atlanta = New Orleans (a horrible Monday Night game)

Celtic Women

I fell asleep a couple nights ago with a Charlie Rose interview on TV. I was awaken in the middle of the night by Celtic Women singing a Christmas special. I thought I died and gone to heaven.
When I first heard of these Celtic women I imagined them to be a little more butchy and of the earth, something from a Braveheart movie. My dad has a hunting buddy that collects the videos and talks stats about the singers. Just kinda awkward when your sitting in a tree stand high on deer urine.
But I suppose in light of the Christmas season I'd share this video.

Now I have watched a whole show before and I really like it when the violin gal really gets going on that thing. Fun to watch.

Kensrue

Thanks to my friend William who loaned/lent(?) me his copy of Please Come Home, a solo album by Dustin Kensrue (the lead singer of Thrice). It's incredible.
I felt the need to share one of my favorite songs from the album. Possibly a song used if I ever find someone worthy of a proposal/desperate enough to say yes. Enjoy Pistol.

Check out the whole album, trust me it's worthy it.
Also click HERE to watch Dustin preform I Knew You Before on Letterman.

25 Skills

MSN had an article today suggesting 25 Skills Every Man Should Know (thanks J-Mac for the link). These skills are:
1. Patch a radiator
2. Protect your computer
3. Rescue a boater who has capsized
4. Frame a wall
5. Retouch digital photos
6. Back up a trailor
7. Build a campfire
8. Fix a dead outline
9. Navigate with a map and compass
10. Use a torque wrench
11. Sharpen a knife
12. Preform CPR
13. Fillet a fish
14. Maneuver a car out of a skid
15. Get a car unstuck
16. Back up data
17. Paint a room
18. Mix concrete
19. Clean a bolt-action rifle
20. Change oil and filter
21. Hook up a HDTV
22. Bleed Brakes
23. Paddle a canoe
24. Fix a bike flat
25. Extend your wireless network
I included the whole list, because the value of the article is not necessarily the list, but the how-to tips that come with each. I apparently need these since I can only confess to knowing about 13 of the 25. But in my defense some of these I've never needed to know. I suppose I can figure it out if the time comes. Okay probably not, but that's why we have friends and pay people.

Editors Note: #8 is Fix a dead outlet.

"...the best yet."

Andrew Osenga describes the recent Behold the Lamb concert in Austin on a recent post and said “Last night’s show in Austin might have been the best yet.”

I’m seriously thinking of throwing a pity party over the fact that I couldn’t round up a ticket. Why did I wait so long?

Today I announce my intention to bring Andrew’s concert here to San Antonio next year. I have a small yet influential network here that can help me pull this off. It will happen. Oh it will happen.

Revival of the Terminator

First there is The Sarah Connor Chronicles starting on Fox in January (a two day premiere, the 13th and 14th).
Now there is news out that there will be a Terminator 4, the start of a new Terminator trilogy. The first film is going to be called Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins. And it will star Christian Bale as John Connor, and supposedly another big name will be attached later on.

It'll need something revolutionary, like the liquid Terminator from the second movie, in order to be a massive success, but with a budget exceeding $150 million something good should be coming our way.

Fair Trade

No matter what happens during the rest of this offseason, no team will make as big of a move as the Detroit Tigers did today. In an unexpected trade the Tigers aquired Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis for 6 young prospects (including Cameron Maybin whom ccnsi.com called a “stud outfielder” and Andrew Miller, left handed pitcher)

The AL grows stronger and the NL continues to grow weak.

As for my Texas Rangers, yep they have done nothing to improve themselves. Way to go team!

The line-up for the Tigers is going to be incredibly intimidating this coming year. And if they aquire a decent set up man to replace Zumaya, I pick them to win it all.

Time's website has a article entitled Facebook: More Popular Than Porn. The article states that the frequency of porn visits is in decline as a result of social network sites like Facebook. (Yeah I don't understand why the author felt the need to write more than the title either)

Without question it's gooder that people are viewing porn less.

However as Christ followers we probably should build a holier version so that we not become corrupted by the powers of darkness and the forces of this digital world.

Maybe I'll call it FaceofGodbook.

What's OK(ay)?

I've noticed lately that I'm spelling okay with o-k-a-y instead of just an o and k. Previously I spelt it o and k only.
Does this mean I'm maturing?
Are there edicate rules for when one should be used over the other. I'm assuming the shorter ok is perfectly acceptable in the text messaging realm. But what about e-mails, and hand written letters, or how about a term paper?
And why are we not using the ok hand signal anymore as a society? Do I want to singal handedly (he he) bring it back?

What the Voice?

Los posted this and I have to agree with his question; "Was that real?"

Hero me that...

I love Heroes! I just watched the last couple episodes with the increasing gang (if we keep growing, we'll might want to work up a script that helps catch up all the Heroes virgins).

Anyways. The preview at the end of the last episodes told us that two Heroes will die in tomorrow's chapter.

My prediction: Claire's flying boyfriend, and Veronica Mars.

NFL Picks...Week 13

Detroit at Minnesota = Minnesota
Seattle at Philadelphia = Seattle
San Diego at Kansas City = San Diego
New York Jets at Miami = Miami
Jacksonville at Indianapolis = Indianapolis
San Fransico at Carolina = San Fransico
Houston at Tennessee = Houston
Atlanta at St. Louis = St. Louis
Buffalo at Washington = Washington
Cleveland at Arizona = Cleveland
Denver at Oakland = Denver
New York Giants at Chicago = New York Giants
Tampa Bay at New Orleans = Tampa Bay
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh = Pittsburgh
New England at Baltimore = New England

Conviction

Our response to action should begin instantly from the moment of conviction. And with videos and images like this who needs to think about it?

Fears

Via Shlog, Shawn Groves' blog, I found this article at Copyblogger.

The Nasty Four-Letter Word ThatKeeps You From Writing by Brian Clark.

He he suggests five fears that keep people writing:
- fear of failure
- fear of success
- fear of rejection
- fear of mediocrity
- fear of risk

I find myself struggling with the fears of rejection and mediocrity. I'm never confident enough that I've written something worth reading. Nor do I feel that I excel in clarity and creativity.

Hopefully by recognizing these fears I might be able to work through them.

From "Of First Importance"

From "Of First Importance"

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

“The paradox is amazing. The Creator assumed the human frailty of his creatures. The Eternal One entered time. The all-powerful made himself vulnerable. The all-holy exposed himself to temptation. And in the end the immortal died.”

- John Stott, The Incomparable Christ