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

Christmas Theory

A quick post to appease my conscience.

I thought I'd share my Christmas decoration theory. I have a few followers, but most people think I'm nuts.

I love the idea of fake trees, but believe in real trees. For this reason most of all: You can throw it away when you're done.

And I think you should through the tree out with all your lights, and dare I say ornaments. Take your fully decorated tree to the curb and watch the trash men take it away.

Growing up my mom has tons and tons of Christmas decorations, and I admit that her home is beautiful when she's done, but every year she ask me to come and haul the tubs and tubs of Christmas stuff down from the attic. She spends more to store he decorations that she did on the decorations.

Seriously, lights and bulbs are cheap enough to replace. If you're going to throw them away you don't have to invest in the expensive ones. And you will never again have to detangle strands and strands of lights.

That's what I call a Merry Christmas.

0058

I love military time. It just makes sense.

Anyways I finally going to bed. I have a busy day at work tomorrow and then I will quickly drive across town to church, where I will teaching tomorrow night.

I'm teaching the first week in a new series call "Outside the Box", get it Christmas presents/boxes...yeah yeah yeah.

My allergies are killing me. Weeks like this force me to say, "I hate San Antonio". I'm coughing so much crap up that my throat is sore and actually coughed some blood last night.

It's also causing me to lose my voice. I just need to get through tomorrow, then I can recoup during the weekend.

Nighty night.

Have You Seen These?

Homemade Coasters

Check out these homemade rollar coasters over at Mental Floss.
-T-

Midnight Cravings

I woke up last night around 1 am and could not fall back asleep. I couldn't get comfortable with a book so I fired up the DVR recorded The Maltese Falcon. Several thoughts come from this viewing:

1. I spent the whole day talking like Sam Spade, curled upper lip, barring my upper teeth.

2. I had the overwhelming urge to call every woman I spoke with today "Sweetheart."

3. I had an amazing dream when I finally fell back asleep! Full of mystery and intrigue.

4. Can a well worn baseball cap replace the cool image of a fedora?

5. Shouldn't every man at once in his life have a gun pointed at him?

6. Any time I give someone cash, I'm going to present it in an envelope with a thick combination of bills (even fake bills if I have to), because it just looks cool.

Not Sucking

Need some lessons in not sucking?
Check out this post from Church Marketing Sucks' website.

Working With Volunteers

Know Your Audience

Building an Ideation Team

Cheap Marketing Ideas for Church Planters

Common Communication Mistakes

Communication In Print

Communication Online

Behold The Lamb

For those of you who don't check in regularly with Andrew Peterson's blog (also at the new Rabbit Room), he has been posting some videos of live performances (most from the Ryman) of his Behold The Lamb Christmas concert(click HERE, scroll down to this appropriate album and open the player for the CD to listen to the songs), that is held annually. He's been light on the post lately while he finishes his next album, Resurrection Letters Vol. 1, and travels for the Behold The Lamb tour. I hope to see him next Monday in Austin. Touring with him this year is Sara Groves, Andrew Gullahorn, Bebo Norman, Andrew Osenga, Jill Phillips, and more! Awesome.

If you want to hear song great music check out the links below.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Matthew's Begats

Gather 'Round, Ye Children, Come

Labor of Love

Derek Webb sings Deliver Me

Behold The Lamb of God

It Came To Pass

This Is Gross!

Doctors untangle the strange case of the giant hairball

Can't Believe People Enjoy This

One of the most popular songs of the year is Crank Dat Soulja Boy by Soulja Boy and I am completely horrified by it. It's so popular it's started a dancing crave equal to the Macarana. Soulja Boy impressively built his fame through the use of the internet, primarily myspace. Watch the Video, scroll the lyrics after you've check out the definition of "superman that ho" according to the Urban Dictionary. The numerous videos that have been posted with young children dancing to this song... I try not to get offended too quickly by culture, but this is ridiculous.




Soulja Boy - Crank Dat Soulja Boy (Lyrics)
(yoouuuuuu!!!)
soulja boy tell em
ayy i got this new dance fo yall called tha Soulja Boy
(yuaaaaaa!!!)
u gotta punch den crank back three times from left 2 right
(aaaaaaaahhhhhhhh yuuuuaaaaaa!!!)

Soulja Boy Up In dis hoe
Watch Me Crank It
Watch Me Roll
Watch Me Crank Dat Soulja Boy
den Super Man Dat hoe
Now watch me youuuuuuu
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now watch me youuuuuuu
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now watch me Youuuuuuu
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now watch me Youuuuuuu
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)

Soulja Boy Up In dis hoe
Watch Me Crank It
Watch Me Roll
Watch Me Crank Dat Soulja Boy
den Super Man Dat hoe
Now watch me Youuuuuuu
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now watch me youuuuuuu
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now watch me Youuuuuuu
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now watch me Youuuuuuu
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)

Soulja Boy up In dis hoe
Watch Me Lean And Watch Me Rock
Super Man Dat Hoe
Then Watch Me Crank Dat Robocop
Super Fresh, Now Watch Me Jock
Joccin' On dos Haterz Man
When I Do Dat Soulja Boy
I Lean To The Left And Crank Dat Thang
(Now Youuuuuuu)
I'm Joccin' on yo bitch ass
And If We Get To Fightin
Den im coccin' on yo bitch ass
You Catch Me At Yo Local Party
Yes I Crank It Everyday
Haterz Get Mad Cuz
I Got Me Some Bathin Apes

Soulja Boy Up In dis Hoe
Watch Me Crank It
Watch Me Roll
Watch Me Crank Dat Soulja Boy
den Super Man Dat Hoe
Now watch me Youuuuuuuu
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now watch me youuuuuuuu
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now watch me Youuuuuuuu
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now watch me Youuuuuuuu
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)

Soulja Boy Up In dis Hoe
Watch Me Crank It
Watch Me Roll
Watch Me Crank Dat Soulja Boy
den Super Man Dat Hoe
Now watch me Youuuuuuu
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now watch me youuuuuuu
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now watch me Youuuuuuu
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now watch me Youuuuuuu
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)

I'm Bouncin On My Toe
Watch Me Super Soak Dat Hoe
I'ma Pass It To Arab

Then He Gon Crank it up for sho (sho)
Haterz Wanna Be Me
Soulja Boy, I'm The Man
They Be Lookin At My Neck
Sayin'Its da rubberband man (man)
Watch Me Do It (Watch Me Do It)
Dance (Dance)
Lean'N To (Lean'N To)
Nope,You Can't Do It Like Me
Hoe, So Don't Do It Like Me
Folks, I See You Tryna Do It Like Me
Man That Shit Was Ugly

Soulja Boy Up In dis Hoe
Watch Me Crank It
Watch Me Roll
Watch Me Crank Dat Soulja Boy
Then Super Man Dat Hoe
Now I Leave YOOOUUUU
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now I Leave YOOOUUUU
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now I Leave YOOOUUUU
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now I Leave YOOOUUUU
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)

Soulja Boy Up In dis Hoe
Watch Me Crank It
Watch Me Roll
Watch Me Crank Dat Soulja Boy
Then Super Man Dat Hoe
Now I Leave YOOOOUUU
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now I Leave YOOOUUUU
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now I Leave YOOOUUUU
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now I Leave YOOOUUUU
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)

All too clean off in dis hoe
Watch me crank it watch me roll
Watch me crank dat roosevelt den supa soak dat hoe(yooouuu)
supa soak dat hoe(supa soak dat hoe)
supa soak dat hoe(supa soak dat hoe)
supa soak dat hoe(supa soak dat hoe)
supa soak dat hoe(supa soak dat hoe)

All too fresh off in dis bitch
Watch me shuffle watch me jig
Watch me crank dat Soulja Boy
Den supaman dat bitch(yooouuu)
supaman dat bitch(supaman dat bitch)
supaman dat bitch(supaman dat bitch)
supaman dat bitch(supaman dat bitch)
(ahhhhhhhhhhhhh YOOOUUUU)

Soulja Boy Up In dis Hoe
Watch Me Crank It
Watch Me Roll
Watch Me Crank Dat Soulja Boy
Then Super Man Dat Hoe
Now I Leave YOOOUUU
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now I Leave YOOOUUUU
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now I Leave YOOOUUU
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now I Leave YOOOUUUU
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)

Soulja Boy Up In dis Hoe
Watch Me Crank It
Watch Me Roll
Watch Me Crank Dat Soulja Boy
Then Super Man Dat Hoe
Now I Leave YOOUUU
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now I Leave YOOOUUU
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now I Leave YOOUUU
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Now I Leave YOOUUU
(Crank Dat Soulja Boy)

(YOOOUUUUU)

(Ahhhhhhhhhh YOOUUUUU)

I love this...

Hopefully you've seen this. I had it e-mailed to me a while back, but suddenly felt the urge to post it here.
http://fc02.deviantart.com/fs13/f/2007/077/2/e/Animator_vs__Animation_by_alanbecker.swf

Quoting Other's Quotes

A lot of the other blogs I read have been posting some really good quotes lately. In fact one blog I read is a quote a day, sometimes beneficial for me that day and sometimes not, but lately...
Anyways I thought I'd share a few with you, actually more than a few. Here you go...enjoy:

From Josh Harris’s blog

J. I. Packer's book Knowing God:
"What matters supremely, therefore, is not, in the last analysis, the fact that I know God, but the larger fact which underlies it--the fact that he knows me. I am graven on the palms of his hands. I am never out of his mind. All my knowledge of him depends on his sustained initiative in knowing me. I know him because he first knew me, and continues to know me. He knows me as a friend, one who loves me; and there is not moment when his eye is off me, or his attention distracted from me, and no moment, therefore, when his care falters.
This is momentous knowledge. There is unspeakable comfort--the sort of comfort that energizes, be it said, not enervates--in knowing that God is constantly taking knowledge of me in love and watching over me for my good. There is tremendous relief in knowing that his love to me is utterly realistic, based at every point on prior knowledge of the worst about me, so that no discovery now can disillusion him about me, in the way I am so often disillusioned about myself, and quench his determination to bless me."--Knowing God, pages 41-42

"God did not teach us the reality of His rule in order to give us an excuse for neglecting His orders." - J. I. Packer, Evangelism & the Sovereignty of God, page 34

"The great weapon with which the disciples of Jesus set out to conquer the world was not a mere comprehension of eternal principles; it was an historical message, an account of something that had recently happened, it was the message, 'He is risen.'" -- J. Gresham Machen, Christianity & Liberalism, page 28

"The physical resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of redemption--both for mankind and for the earth. Indeed, without Christ's resurrection and what it means--an eternal future for fully restored human beings dwelling on a fully restored Earth--there is no Christianity." -- Randy Alcorn, Heaven, page 109

"Someday you will read or hear that Bill Graham is dead. Don't you believe a word of it! I shall be more alive then than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God." -- Billy Graham

From Tim Stevens’ Blog

"When we engage with art, whether it be a piece of literature, a painting, or a movie, we have every right, and even an obligation, to read into it truths and insights that go beyond anything that the artist intended." by Gareth Higgins, How Movies Helped Saved My Soul: Finding Spiritual Fingerprints in Culturally Significant Films

From Of First Importance

“It is a proud spirit, that will not let grace be exalted, but puts self, in the throne of Christ, and his righteousness. It is a filthy and abominable spirit, and pollutes the man more and more: and God abhors it, as that which contradicts his most glorious plot.” - Ralph Erskine, “Law-Death, Gospel-Life”

“To those to whom Christ is the hope of future glory, he is also the life of present grace.” -John Owen, The Glory of Christ (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1994), 34.

“The more we dwell where the cries of Calvary can be heard the more noble our lives become. Nothing puts life into men like a dying Savior.” - Charles Spurgeon

“We are never at peace with God till we resolve to be loved in Jesus Christ.” - John Calvin, The French Confession of Faith (1559), Article XVIII

“The gospel of Jesus Christ is as wide as human diversity and as deep as human complexity.”- David Powlison, Seeing With New Eyes (Phillipsburg, PA: P & R Publishing, 2003) 162.

“There are differences in the ways the New Testament writers present the facts, but there can be no doubt that for the New Testament writers as a whole it was the cross that was at the heart of the faith. In the literal sense of the term it was ‘crucial’.
We are saved, not by some fine theory and not by some blinding revelation and certainly not by our own best effort, but by Christ’s atoning death.
Therefore, any really serious attempt to understand the Christian way must begin with the cross. Unless we come to see what the cross means we do not understand Christianity.” - Leon Morris, The Atonement

“Fellowship with Christ is so honorable that the sorest sorrow is a light price by which to procure it.” - Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening (Hendrickson Publishers, 1991), 255.

“So completely was Jesus bent upon saving sinners by the sacrifice of Himself, He created the tree upon which He was to die, and nurtured from infancy the men who were to nail Him to the accursed wood.” - Octavius Winslow, The Foot of the Cross

From J.R. Briggs' blog

"We do not want, as the newspapers say, a church that will move with the world. We want a church that will move the world." -G.K. Chesterton

I Want This...

Amazon's Kindle

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NFL Picks...Week 12

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

Happy Thanksgiving

Well I'm sitting fat and happy now.
My momma went all out in her new kitchen this year. This has been the first Thanksgiving in my parent's new home that they had built and moved into only a couple months ago.
We had a turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, corn cassarole, green bean cassarole, monkey bread and even more. Also my mom baked a huge apple pie, a peacan pie, a pumpkin pie (which she forgot to add the sugar...disappointment, but I love you mom), and a cherry pie. Awesome!
Oh and my dad went out and bought a few pounds of shrimp, which I love. Thanks dad.
Chelsy and Cayla were home. Todd and his children, Haley, Jacob and Rebekah were also here (I say here because I'm typing on my mom's laptop while everyone is bloating in the living room).
And my friend William came too.
It's been a good day. Chelsy's trying to talk me into going to see The Mist with her...do I want to go. I guess we'll find out.

Well I going to grab another Dr. Pepper and join the family.

Happy Thanksgiving...God is Good.
-T-

Creative Christmas

Granger Community Church created this promo for their Christmas series. I love it. I can't wait to watch these online.

How cool does Cate Blanchett look as Bob Dylan in the up-coming bio-pic I'm Not There?
I'm on the verge of saying she's the greatest actor, not just of our time, but ever.
There I said it...on the verge.
-T-

Sadness

This story makes me incredibly sad.
Three boys, 8 and 9, charged with raping 11 year-old girl
I'm sure as time passes and details come there might be some commentary on this, but for now there is nothing good in this story.

It's Coming...

Listen to some of the album at Steven's myspace.

Check out this video of "Ruin of the Beast"

The Science Behind It...

Faith and Science have been in the news lately.

First: (click HERE for story)
An astronomer from the University of Memphis, named Gerrit Verschuur, has a theory that would complete with fairly recent studies that were supposed to solidify the Big Bang theory. It deals with hydrogen gases and cosmic seeds. I'm not scientificly gifted so maybe you can think this through better than me, but it seemed significant.

Second: (click HERE for story)
Apparently a student from Oregon State named Bobby Henderson created the Flying Spaghetti Monster, a satirical psuedo-diety. The FSM is growing in pop culture fame and challenges the faith behind the creationist theory. It's actually a great argument. Check it out.

Happy Slaps-giving!

I just watched last week's How I Met Your Mother. A couple of thoughts:

1. I'm still not sure what Canadians celebrate on their Thanksgiving.

2. I've never been slapped on my face in my life nor slapped anyone (not very manly), but for some reason really wonder what that's like. I'm thinking of making a slaps bet with someone.

3. 41 still seems old, so that makes me feel young.

and

4. I want to say "Sugar me baby" sometime. Next date, good or bad (I'm sure if I say this it'll be bad, but totally worth it).

Pure Awesome-ness!

How incredibly cool are these backpacks? I seriously think I might have to buy one of these. I'm leaning towards the Yoda, because it allows one to reminisce about The Empire Strikes Back, whereas I can't recall any of the Star Wars movies where Chewbacca rode around on some one's back.

Yoda backpack

Chewbacca backpack

Drug PSAs

Mental Floss dot com posted some 80's drug PSA's.
One with the Ninja Turtles.
One with Robocop
The classic "I learned it from you!"
And
As you watch the last one can't you hear Leigh Nash singing There She Goes?

Clikc HERE

Hero me this...

I'm not a big Guitar Hero fan, for about the same reason I don't play an actual instrument. But THIS is something I'm interested in.

Best Campaign Video Ever!

Blended Chuck

Model Behavior

Today was a great day. I woke up this morning still on a high from the evening with Rob Bell (which I'll post about probably tomorrow). Actually I woke a little late since me alarm clock had reset due to a power outage/flicker on Saturday and I failed to notice.
Anyways at church our communion time (which I should post about sometime, because I love it so much) involved the presentation of fresh produce by individuals that will be delivered to needing families this week. There was a produce section down the center of our church worship center, spread out on our communion tables. We recognized our shared meal with Christ that must be demonstrated and opened to our community.
The message today was delivered by Randy Frazee (via video as always). Randy is the candidate for the senior ministry position at Oak Hills Church relieving Max Lucado, who is transitioning into our writing and teaching pastor. Randy is coming from Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, IL where he "oversees the development of community through the neighborhood initiative, as well as overseeing several areas of the church including Community Care, Membership and Spiritual Discovery." I was highly impressed with Randy and the presentation of his story. (More on him in a minute).
After church I went to lunch with William Hass and two friends of his from Midland/Odessa named Todd and Matt. They were in town to help celebrate William's birthday and to attend a NickleCreek concert in Austin. We went to Thai Spice, a local Thai restaurant that just about everyone I know enjoys. I got the same thing I get every time I go there.
After lunch we said goodbye to Matt and Todd who headed back to Midland and William and I went to G.R.A.S.P. A local ministry that the church donated the produce to and with the college/singles (I hate these titles) community group we helped organize and build baskets of food to be delivered this week.
From there William, Chris (our church's associate who oversees the H.S. ministry) and I went to Chili's where apparently William has a tradition we had to fulfill. From there we went back to church, watched last weeks episode of The Office on the big screens, and then reorganize the chairs and tables in the worship center. The online episode of The Office had these really catchy commercials from Target that were stuck in mine and Williams head. Two guys dancing to a song in there head, while moving furniture...why and I sharing this?
This evening we at Journey had some time with Randy, who spent most of the morning at the Crownridge campus. Randy speaks very clearly and with an incredible amount of authenticity. I feel as if I already know him. There was a meet and greet afterwards in the community center. I chitchatted with Max and Randy a little and I'm am unbelievable impressed with their integrity and humility.
It challenges me on the kind of man I desire God to mold me into. Authentic. Humble. Compassionate. Skillful.

NFL Picks...Week 11

Carolina at Green Bay = Green Bay

Oakland at Minnesota = Oakland

San Diego at Jacksonville = San Diego

Arizona at Cincinnati = Cincinnati

Kansas City at Indianapolis = Indianapolis

New Orleans at Houston = New Orleans

New York Giants at Detroit = Detroit

Cleveland at Baltimore = Cleveland

Miami at Philadelphia = Philadelphia

Tampa Bay at Atlanta = Tampa Bay

Pittsburgh at NewYork Jets = Pittsburgh

Chicago at Seattle = Seattle

Washington at Dallas = Dallas

St. Louis at San Fransico = St. Louis

New England at Buffalo = New Englang

Tennessee at Denver = Denver

Quote

“Those spots which a Christian finds in his own heart can only be washed out in the blood of the Lamb.
‘Oh,’ says such a poor soul, ‘I pray—and yet I sin; I resolve against sin—and yet I sin; I combat against sin—and yet I am carried captive by sin; I have left no outward means unattempted—and yet after all, my sins are too hard for me; after all my sweating, striving, and weeping—I am carried down the stream.’
It is not our strong resolutions or purposes which will be able to overmaster these enemies.
There is nothing now but the actings of faith upon a crucified Christ, which will take off this burden from the soul of man. You must make use of your graces to draw virtue from Christ; now faith must touch the hem of Christ’s garment—or you will never be healed.”
- Thomas Brooks, The Unsearchable Riches of Christ

Lovin' It

More and more stories and articles are being written about the whole teen hugging problem/epidemic.
I am complete fascinated by the whole thing. I guess I kinda noticed students hugging more than I did when I was their age, but never registered anything abnormal.
But the news that punishments are now being dished out for this behavior is awesome and sad.

Read Student gets detention for giving 'hug goodbye' HERE.

Is It The Same?

Comics have gone DIGITAL. Kinda cool to be able to go back and read the hard to find issues, but is it the same?
I still have boxes and boxes of comics in my closet, all in protective plastic covers, ready to pull out and be read at a moment's notice. I love holding them in my hands. I love the regular trip into that geeky comic book store world and picking up the newest editions.
While I do get a little tired of the collecting and maintaining and storing of the comics, something about the digital seems to be missing.

New Term

I read a new term today on ypulse.com, while catching up on some blog reading.
I don't remember exactly which post of hers it was from or I would try and direct you to it... my apologizes.
But the term was "shadow millenials", refering to young people who graduate high school but do not attend college.
I'm still muling over what I think it implies.
Any thoughts?

Interested

This book looks interesting. Check out the website.

Anticipation

I'm looking forward to the start of this series!

The Sarah Connor Chronicles. The commericials I've seen look amazing.

Go HERE to read up on some of the rumors.

Election Help

Need some help trying to decide on whom to vote for?

Try glassbooth.org.

I'm not sure how this site will work after the primaries, but the results give you your three top options, so hopefully one of those will be available next fall.

Jesus' vs. Jesus's

Okay I have a really pet peeve at people who say "Jesus-es" when trying to say Jesus'. As inthe following sentence; "Jesus' brothers found believing in Jesus to be difficult".

I was never mistaken for a English/grammar genius but is this really that hard to figure out?

Now I suddenly have an irrational fear (subtle shout out) that someone will correct me on my obvious misunderstanding of the apostrophe rule.

indiana

I finally went out and picked up Jon McLaughlin's album indiana at Target this week, for $9.99 (a great deal). And have really been enjoying it. If you haven't heard it, I would suggest it. Click on the album pic for his website.

I probably could say more, but this is all I'm going to say right now.

Something Everyday

I drive about 30 miles to work everyday, and then back of course. A drive that should take about 30 minutes, I've done it quicker, but because of weather, accidents and idiot drivers, usually takes 40 to 60 minutes.
As I move at the snails pace I get to see something exciting everyday. Today was no different. And I've decided to start sharing these.
So my first commute experience that I get to share with you is....(drum roll)....

That's right, the Oscar Mayer WienerMobile!

I'm not a huge hot dog fan, but who can't smile when you see this driving down the road. I know I couldn't. I was driving so I couldn't get my camera out in time. But seriously this is like a once in a year kinda thing. You have to stop, take notice, and thank the Lord God for blessing you with such an opportunity.

Gotta Have It

Already selling my individual seasons.

I really need to get married. So I can have the excuse that the wife is the reason I would own this.

5 Seconds

These are hysterical and I hope whoever makes them keeps it up.
ROCKY I-Balboa

300

BACK TO THE FUTURE

All the BATMAN movies

TITANIC

LORD OF THE RINGS

Passion

Tim Schmoyer on his blog Life in Student Ministry (which recently has experieced some major changes and why I think I've seen this before) posted this clip of Steve Jobs and inquires if Steve is talking about ministry with youth. What do you think?

Enjoyable

Tonight I attended a sparsely attended concert of Kevin Max (of DC Talk fame). The show was opened by Chris Taylor and Rueben V.

There may have been 50 people in the small outdoor patio, but the music was delightful despite the lack of attendance. I was actually impressed that the show was still held despite the low ticket sales. It showed some integrity that honestly I wouldn't have been surprised not to see.

Kevin still has it. I don't care what your opinion of him or DC Talk is, but this man was given an incredible set of pipes. The control he has over his voice is amazing.

Paul, who I went with, and his son Alex recorded the show and I can't wait to get the bootleg copy. Also I might post some photos once Paul forwards them to me.

Kevin is somewhat of a hero of mine. His refusal to conform to the status quo or to the expectations of the majority demonstrate a quality that I'm still trying to acquire to my satisfaction. I had him sign my Canticles of the Plains album (with Mitch and Kevin down all I have left is Michael Tate and Leigh Nash, of course Rich has passed) and my copy of At The Foot Of Heaven.

Thanks Kevin for you life and music.

Horrified!

The #1 song the day I was born was Grease.
http://www.joshhosler.biz/NumberOneInHistory/SelectMonth.htm

NFL Picks...Week 9

San Fransico at Atlanta = San Fran

Cincinnati at Buffalo = Buffalo

Denver at Detroit = Detroit

Green Bay at Kansas City = Green Bay (I'm starting to believe!)

San Diego at Minnesota = San Diego

Jacksonville at New Orleans = Jacksonville

Carolina at Tennessee = Tennessee

Arizona at Tampa Bay = Tampa Bay

Washington at New Jersey = Washington

Seattle at Cleveland = Cleveland

New England at Indianapolis = The hardest choice of the week...Indianapolis

Houston at Oakland = Oakland

Dallas at Philadelphia = Dallas

Baltimore at Pittsburgh =Pittsburgh

Time On Your Hands?

Yes, for this of course I do!

Check out this site for the history, methods, rules and physics of shooting rubber bands.

Awkward

http://view.break.com/393393 - Watch more free videos

Another reason I hope I'm never arrested!

Flickr Fascination

One of my favorite websites is Flickr.com. Unfortunately it is through Yahoo and not Google, but sometimes you have to make concessions. But some people have an amazing talent with camera and photo programs. I really want to build photograph as a hobby, but I struggle remembering to snap the camera. But I can literally spend hours parusing people porfolios and admiring their work.

Here are a few photos that I really enjoy:

If you have a Flickr account let me know so I can check out your work.

Instruction: A Follow Up

I learned tonight that the break out session that I was supposed to teach this coming Sunday is actually a main session. In addition the main session material I'm to create the break out discussion questions as well.
No I didn't hear things wrong at the beginning. This was all sprung on me tonight.
Looks like I have some work to do this weekend.
Pray for me.

I'm thinking of opening with this; "Parent's, in this session I'm going to tell you how to better love your children, since you haven't done a good job so far."

Gots a nice ring to it...eh?

Engagement: A Follow Up

So this past weekend my sister and her fiance came and had lunch and spent the day with my parents. Apparently my parents were able to help guide them to, my opinion, a wiser decision of a longer engagement.
I believe the wedding date is now in the spring. And the Marine commitment by the fiance is a not yet a commitment and has some clearer and better circumstances surrounding it.
So I think I said this before, my only problem now is that I have had a chance to meet the young lad.
Oh, that and my sister still hasn't told me yet. Yep I may officially be last on her list of people to tell. I thought we were closer than this.
What do you do?

Recommendation

By way of Brain Seay's blog, A Simple Journey, I read a hilarious post entitled "Why I Am Not Emergent." As emergent continues to become a buzzword we'll see it stray from its roots and become a trend.
Read the post for yourself. But a couple of his points are:
1) I can't afford the clothing
or
5) ECM people eat their young.