2007-12-29

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.

2007-12-27

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.

2007-12-26

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...

2007-12-24

"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.

2007-12-23

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.

2007-12-22

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?

2007-12-20

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.

2007-12-19

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

2007-12-18

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-

2007-12-17

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.

2007-12-16

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.

2007-12-15

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?

2007-12-13

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.

2007-12-12

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.

2007-12-10

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.

2007-12-09

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)

2007-12-06

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.

2007-12-05

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.


2007-12-04

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?

2007-12-02

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?

2007-12-01

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"

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.”

2007-11-28

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.

2007-11-26

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

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.







2007-11-25

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:

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
"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
“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

Product Overview

- Revolutionary electronic-paper display provides a sharp, high-resolution screen that looks and reads like real paper.
- Simple to use: no computer, no cables, no syncing.
- Wireless connectivity enables you to shop the Kindle Store directly from your Kindle—whether you’re in the back of a taxi, at the airport, or in bed.
- Buy a book and it is auto-delivered wirelessly in less than one minute.
- More than 88,000 books available, including 100 of 112 current New York Times® Best Sellers.
- New York Times® Best Sellers and all New Releases $9.99, unless marked otherwise.
Free book samples. Download and read first chapters for free before you decide to buy.
- Top U.S. newspapers including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post; top magazines including TIME, Atlantic Monthly, and Forbes—all auto-delivered wirelessly.
- Top international newspapers from France, Germany, and Ireland; Le Monde, Frankfurter Allgemeine, and The Irish Times—all auto-delivered wirelessly.
- More than 250 top blogs from the worlds of business, technology, sports, entertainment, and politics, including BoingBoing, Slashdot, TechCrunch, ESPN's Bill Simmons, The Onion, Michelle Malkin, and The Huffington Post—all updated wirelessly throughout the day.
- Lighter and thinner than a typical paperback; weighs only 10.3 ounces.
- Holds over 200 titles.
- Long battery life. Leave wireless on and recharge approximately every other day. Turn wireless off and read for a week or more before recharging. Fully recharges in 2 hours.
- Unlike WiFi, Kindle utilizes the same high-speed data network (EVDO) as advanced cell phones—so you never have to locate a hotspot.
- No monthly wireless bills, service plans, or commitments—we take care of the wireless delivery so you can simply click, buy, and read.
- Includes free wireless access to the planet's most exhaustive and up-to-date encyclopedia—Wikipedia.org.
- Email your Word documents and pictures (.JPG, .GIF, .BMP, .PNG) to Kindle for easy on-the-go viewing.

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

2007-11-22

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-

2007-11-20

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.








2007-11-19

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

2007-11-18

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