New Year's Goals: Help Wanted

I'm been reflecting on the goals I had set for myself this year and am trying to decide what goals I should set for myself for the year 2009. I've done okay with last year's resolutions.

#1 Dr. Pepper Fast. I haven't had a Dr. Pepper since Dec. 31st of
last year. And since the beginning of September I haven't had any
caffeine, but that is for another reason.

#2 Memorize Colossians. I memorize the first chapter early in the
year, but honestly I haven't done well since then. Think I could finish
this in one month?

#3 Read 40 books. This is a goal I should finish and possibly
surpass. If I were to redo this goal for next year I don't think I would
add or subtract to this. 40 seemed like a good goal. Need to be able
to accomplish this one more time before pushing that number higher.

#4 Map out TV show idea and make two contacts in order to sell
it. I haven't completely mapped it out. In my mind it makes sense
and I can picture it. Also I am toying around with another idea for a
story. But as far as contacts I did meet someone who knows someone who
knows someone. But that was about it. This has potential for getting
recycled.

#5 See a doctor and get my asthma under control. I have an
appointment today. We'll see how it goes. I visited a clinic about a
week ago and I have been feeling really good lately. I have gone several
days without even using my emergency inhaler.

#6 Organize and minimize my closet. Done. But I feel that
this is something that should be done once if not every year.

Now, there is only one month left in this year. And I need to start making decisions on next year's goals. The Dr. Pepper goal wouldn't have been a success (so far) had I not given myself sometime to mentally prepare for it.

So, here is where I need some help. I'm am not the best self-evaluator, so I would like your help in setting some personal goals for next year. What is something tangible that I could do within the next calendar year?

Recently some girls saw me playing with a couple of children and suggested that I should get married and kids of my own. (By the way ladies, you look silly when you goosh all over that kinda stuff...mainly because it can be so manipulated...just saying) While that might be a good life goal, it has some difficult end of the year measurable objectives. So when submitting your suggestions please don't include that, unless you have an actual way of making that happen.

Rather choice a goal that I can set, evaluate and achieve all on my own accord.

Thanks for your

Trek vs. Wars

I feel guilty whenever I post a video. I had a goal for myself this year to attempt to post daily. This hasn't always been the case, but often I have found myself posting a video, just to appease this goal.
That is going to have to change for next year. I'm already working on my goals for next year. I've done pretty well for the goals I set for myself this year and think that this blog could certainly improve with some stronger goals next year.
That being said....
This is a very humorous video:

Quote: GK Chesterton

"I don't deny that there should be priests to remind men that they will one day die. I only say it is necessary to have another kind of priest, called a poet, to remind men that they are not dead yet."

- G.K. Chesterton

"turkey for me, turkey for you"...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Adam Sandler |MTV Music

Quote: CS Lewis

"Our business is to present that which is timeless in the particular language of our own age. The bad preacher does exactly the opposite: he takes the ideas of our own age and tricks them out in the traditional language of Christianity."

-  C.S. Lewis

I can think of two questions for myself in response to this quote.  The first one I think I know the answer to. 

#1 What is the language of our age?  I would answer Story; particularly one's personal story

....which leads to question...

#2  What timeless truth(s) is God telling through my story?

Quote: Benjamin Franklin

"If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing." 

- Benjamin Franklin

This is my occasional goal. - T

Up All Night

I’m often trying to figure out the balance of self-revelation and privacy when it comes to what I post on this blog.  It was this balance that I had on my mind last night laying in bed.  Should I or should I not post this blog.

I found myself falling asleep rather early for my standards, somewhere around 11:30.  Yet somewhere in the middle of the night…terror struck.  Both my stomach and right thigh began to cramp up.  Which, by the way, are two entirely different cramps; something I had not ever thought about until last night when I experienced them simultaneously.

Now neither cramp is something you want to deal in the middle of a deep sleep, because with their powers combined they have the ability to cripple the mightiest man.  And since I am not even close to being defined as mighty (I’m more of a “surprising able”), I was in serious trouble.

The problem is this; when treating a debilitating leg cramp one might find it difficult to do the necessary running needed to care for a debilitating stomach cramp. 

My solution was simple; mind over matter.  I distracted myself by weighing the pros and cons on whether or not such a post as this was actually appropriate. 

 

 

Half-Blood Prince: awesome!

Links You Should Check Out

I find tons of links throughout the week that I think are interesting, but don't know what to do with. Maybe I should start gathering them together and posting them for you. What do you think?

1. The Mosquito Tone Test.  Test your earing with this blog post.  I swear I heard them all, but somehow I can't ever hear my alarm clock in the morning.  Go figure.

2. Strange Public Art.  I'm not the greatest at "getting" art, but seriously, how in the world do you interrupt some of these?

3. One mean sounding carrot.  Surely if this man can learn to play a carrot then surely I could learn to play an instrument too.  

4. Urkel-Os.  Would anyone admit to have ever eaten these.  I really hope I know someone who did.

5. Famous Fours.  Here's an interesting little test...see how you do?

6. Star Wars car.  I'm not a huge Star Wars geek, but honestly, this is way cool!

7. I'm considering calling this ad.  

8.  The Monty Python YouTube channel.  One word: awesome!

9.  

10.  Muggle Quidditch?  

11.  

12.  34 Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas.  I think I'm going to actually do a couple of these.  I'm really excited about these gifts ideas.

Support the Money Hole!

In The Know: Should The Government Stop Dumping Money Into A Giant Hole?

Funniest moment on my day...

was watching this:

Thanks Los.

The odd thing is that I think these kids are awesome.

Introducing....

Keaton Michael Richardson!

Keaton is my sister Chelsy's brand new baby boy.  We were expecting a girl, but my prayers were answered!  Although I was planning of teaching the love of baseball to whomever came out.

This is my third nephew.  The nephews now out number the nieces 3-2.  

I've already begun making a list of every character in Michael Keaton's career in order to find the most perfect nickname.

Doctor Visit

Today I caved and visited a doctor.  The first time in about 3 and 1/2 years.  That's not necessarily something I'm proud of, just an honest statement.  I've meant to go earlier, but why go when you're not sick?  Although I can't honestly say I've been healthy either.  Just never made it a priority.  

But after visiting my sister and her new baby boy this weekend I was really hurting.  My sister has two cats in her home.  And despite the possibility of her going home the day I visited I assumed that after only two days from a C-section surely they weren't sending her home.  But the certainly did.  And those cats hit my asthma hard.  

After two tough nights of sleep I woke up this morning and went to see a doctor.  Now I've been dealing with asthma all my life and generally I know what to expect on a doctor's visiting concerning my breathing.  But today had it's twist.

Today was the first day I had to drop trow and get a steroid shot in my right hip.  I'm not a big fan of needles, my parent's never had to worry about me becoming a heroin addict, and I apologized first to the nurse in case I started to cry.  I didn't cry.  

Anyways...

Got me some new perscriptions and I have another appointment Dec. 1st with an Allergy and Asthma specialist. 

As a military brat I've lived and visited a lot of places, but this has been one of the toughest places to live in my life, in regards to my allergies triggering my asthma.

This weekend I made a decision.

I decided it's time to get a handle on my asthma here in San Antonio. 

Receiving Advice

I had this conversation today at work with Gloria. Gloria is about 55, hispanic, works part time for us, and loans me her Blockbuster videos. She's cool.
The conversation:

Gloria: (as I walk by) Trevor are you looking for a date?

Me: Always. But aren't you married? (okay I didn't ask that question...but I should have.)

Gloria: You should look around libraries.

Me: Um...okay.

Gloria: Because you like to read. Do you go to libraries?

Me: Yes. (and then I just stare at her)

Gloria: (a brief pause and then) Oh...or at the movies.

Me. (I just walk away)

New Favorite Video...

...of all time!

null - Watch more free videos

Holes

Remember those holes that were in the movie Roger Rabbit that were really really cool.  It was an Acme product that was, well, a hole.  A black hole in which you could throw against a brick wall or something, throw something inside of it, peel off the whole and the brick wall would be restored.  

It would be a great product to have just in the everyday regular life.  You could store all the extra crap that we can't quite seem to manage; the things which clutter our homes and force us to buy storage units.  

Or we could use it to help fight off polution and waste.  Think about it.  No more trash bags, you just put one in the bottom of your trash can...presto!

Today I would use one to hide in.  To create a place where I can bury myself away and maybe crawl out of tomorrow.

Anyways.

Well here is a short film about a man that finds a similar one of those holes.

She's Just Not Into You...

Apparently I wrote this up a while back (July), but only today found it in my e-mail...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

While at CNN’s site this morning, checking in on some news, I saw this article:

She’s Just Not That Into You – Or Is She?

First off; is this really news?

I didn’t think so either, but I went ahead and read the article, because I assume if anyone needs to read an article like this one it’s probably me.  For it is without a doubt that I have the worst skills at reading signs. 

“Signs” feel like part of a game, and I don’t care to be a playa.

Anyways the article said:

In the study, researchers tested 280 heterosexual male and female students at Indiana University in 2006 and 2007, asking them to sort 280 photos of women (all pictures were full-length shots of fully clothed subjects) into one of one of four categories -- friendly, sexually interested, sad or rejecting.

Men who viewed images of women misidentified 12 percent of the images as sexually interested, the study found, while women mistook 8.7 percent of images.

Researchers chalk it up to women's more developed ability to read others' signals, and men's tendency to oversexualize social situations or miss the message entirely.

My immediate reaction was, “oh”.

Actually I was curious about how the photo session went for the photos used in the .  The camera man telling some schlub, “show me [click] your ‘sexually interested’ [click click] look…[click] that’s [click] it [click click]…whoa now…[click] pull it back now [click]…little less [click] horny cave [click] man…perfect [click]”

I have never once in my life thought, when chatting with a lady, “time to put on your sexually interested face”. 

Star Wars Acapella Tribute

Saw this HERE and was really impressed. So of course I had to post it.

A Starbuck Parable

This video is really funny and awkward.  

I post it because at the 2:24 mark the cashier is welcoming the first time visitors and a guy yells out, "Java-lujah." 

Java-lujah may be my new favorite word.  And I anticipate saying it about a dozen times this Sunday.

I like it because there is parts of it remind me of my church.  

Like it or am embarrassed?...hmm...gotta think about that.

Java-lujah!

This Guy is a Stud

Greg Maddox collected his 18^th Golden Glove yesterday. 

18!

Quote

Good quote found on my Google homepage this morning:

 

“An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is an adventure wrongly considered.”
  - G. K. Chesterton

Semi-Political Thoughts #2: President Obama

But First A Note:  I have been hesitant to post too many thoughts on this blog about the current political process our nation is involved in.  However the campaigns do affect us in so many ways, that to not include the rambling thoughts that I have would be a failure to this blog.  I also want to make note that I have no intention of swaying your vote, which is why I waited all the way until Election Day to post these thoughts. 

• Congratulations to President Elect Obama!  My prayer is that the Church will be praying for you not against you.  
• Congratulations to Senator John McCain as well.  Thankfully we can assume that you will continue to an active member of Congress more interested in achieving results than sticking to party lines.  Keep on you Maverick!
• Congratulations to Vice President Elect Joe Biden.  Your experience will be invaluable to our future president and this nation.
• Congratulations to Gov. Sarah Palin.  You were definitely a surprise in this election and I doubt this is the last time we hear of you.  Thanks for giving Tina Fey a reason to return to SNL.
• Politics aside, aren't you excited to see our nation elect our first black president?
• Maybe now that the election is over maybe people can move beyond their fears and begin to believe in the possibilities and potential of our nation.

Semi-Political Thoughts #1

But First A Note:  I have been hesitant to post too many thoughts on this blog about the current political process our nation is involved in.  However the campaigns do affect us in so many ways, that to not include the rambling thoughts that I have would be a failure to this blog.  I also want to make note that I have no intention of swaying your vote, which is why I waited all the way until Election Day to post these thoughts.

 

-          Listening to sports radio this morning…which is of course where I get all my important life news and information…I mean honestly if you can’t trust a sports enthusiast who can you trust?  Anyways.  Listening to sports radio this morning I heard a couple of interviews where the guest went on about how inspiring Barak Obama was to them.  However, they failed to mention any policies or ideals of the candidate that they felt inspired by.  Anyone who has heard Obama speak would agree that his rhetoric is inspiritation.  But it would incorrect to just follow inspiration.  (Be careful not to read to much into this next sentence).  Nazi Germany followed a very inspirational Adolf Hitler, to which we fault them. 

I say all this to one thing.  While a leader should be inspirational, inspiration alone does not qualify one for leadership.  Do not tell me how inspirational someone is without being able to clearly and correctly state their agendas. 

-          Somewhere on the same point: Neither does being a war hero alone make a man a leader. 

-          But both, inspirational rhetoric and war hero labels, should cause one to investigate further.

 

Thoughts?

Election Eve

It's the night before the election.  

And to be incredibly honest I feel very at ease with it all. 

Despite all the last minute politics, the news channels 24 coverage, the blog entries and everything else all trying to sway votes one way of the other I feel very confident.

Not necessarily confident in a better America because one man is elected over the other.  But confident in a big God, with a big plan, and big power to see it accomplished.  

This isn't to say that I don't care who gets elected, I have my opinions.  Nor is this to say that I am not interested, in fact I'm very interested (especially in the marketing of a candidate). 

It's just that at this moment tonight, I find myself able to trust in God more.

And this is where I want to find myself for quite a while.  

So why is it that I slip and slide from this place so easily? 

God, give me faith to trust.  May you be my constant source of peace.  

New Harry Trailer

Wish this was out already...

Another New Day

I'm excited about football tomorrow.  But a little disappointed that there won't be any Mike Singletary highlights since my Niners have their bye week this week.  

With Singletary on board this is a new day for this team and hopefully this man can turn it around.  

Co-Workers

I thought I'd start posting some photos of the children I get to see and interact with everyday. It's less than a year until the US Air Force officially closes down the facility where I am currently employed, so these opportunities are fleeting fast.

This is Sean. Or Seany-Boy! Sean is a little smaller than the rest of the two year olds he spends his day with, but he may be twice as cute.

Why does he look so distraught in some of these photos? I think it's because someone painted his classroom pink.

At the end of the day when Sean heads home with his mom he throws up two fingers and says "Peace". I love that moment of my day.

Do You Think It's True?

Joaquin Phoenix Shocks With Retirement Announcement

Space Camp
Gladiator
Signs
The Village
Hotel Rwanda
Ladder 49
Walk the Line
We Own the Night

What's your favorite Joaquin Phoenix film?

Champions!

Well I said the Rays would win in 6. Boy was I wrong. They just never got those bats going and for a team that was relying on the long ball...well...that's not a good thing.

So the Phillies closed things out tonight, ending a 25 year WS drought.

As a Ranger and Astro's fan I think a drought would be awesome. A drought implies that at one time you actually won. And since neither of my two teams ever has...well...just wait until next year!

(remember when "Lights Out" Lidge was an Astro?)

Congrats to those boys from Philly!

Jorts

I heard a lady recently speaking ill of the jean shorts.  I honestly don’t have any myself…um…anymore that is, it’s been a few years.  But my first reaction was, “What’s wrong with jean shorts?”  Of course I asked this to myself since I try to avoid saying stupid things, and assumed that this would be a stupid question.  And contrary to just about every teacher I ever had, there is such a thing as a stupid question.

Well, thanks to my friend Jon, I recently found this website: Jorts.

Oooooh…now I understand. 

Gotcha. 

No more jean shorts…check!

Have You Seen This?

I know I post a lot of videos, but this may be my favorite so far.

Funny Videos Funny Cartoons More Video Clips

View so more hilarious Never Do This Videos HERE...

NFL Picks

These are El Guapo's (the new roommate) and my NFL picks for tomorrow. All the games in RED are the ones we don't agree on and will determine who was the more savy NFL picker of the week.

Tampa Bay at Dallas
Trevor: Dallas
El Guapo: Tampa Bay
Buffalo at Miami
Trevor: Buffalo
El Guapo: Buffalo
St. Louis at New England
Trevor: New England
El Guapo:New England
San Diego at New Orleans
Trevor: New Orleans
El Guapo: San Diego
Kansas City at NY Jets
Trevor: NY Jets
El Guapo: NY Jets
Atlanta at Philadelphia
Trevor: Atlanta
El Guapo: Philadelphia
Oakland at Baltimore
Trevor: Baltimore
El Guapo: Baltimore
Arizona at Carolina
Trevor: Carolina
El Guapo: Carolina
Cleveland at Jacksonville
Trevor: Jacksonville
El Guapo: Jacksonville
Cincinnati at Houston
Trevor: Houston
El Guapo: Houston
NY Giants at Pittsburgh
Trevor: Pittsburgh
El Guapo: Pittsburgh
Seattle at San Francisco
Trevor: San Francisco
El Guapo: Seattle

and
the Monday Night game

Indianapolis at Tennessee
Trevor: Tennessee
El Guapo: Tennessee

Book Review: The Encore Effect

I received this book recently. It's a small "motivational" type book (come on...someone's given you a book like this) and it's pretty good.

Whether you want to win that new account or inspire your family and friends, bestselling author and acclaimed speaker Mark Sanborn shows us how to make every performance count.Every day, we are called to perform— at work, at home, in our communities. But is it possible to make every performance outstanding, the kind that leaves people applauding for an encore?
Mark Sanborn, leadership expert and bestselling author of The Fred Factor, says that anyone can achieve remarkable performance time after time—no matter what their personality, strengths, or weaknesses. In The Encore Effect Sanborn demonstrates, through his own experiences as well as those of the people he’s worked with in his career, how you can cultivate the traits shared by remarkable performers and achieve extraordinary results in all aspects of your life. The secrets lie in five steps:
Passion: The fuel for remarkable performance
Prepare: How remarkable performance begins
Practice: It won’t make you perfect, but it will make you better
Perform: How to engage your audience
Polish: Making your performance shine
Whether your “stage” is an office, a sales floor, the boardroom, or your own home, Sanborn’s sound advice and rousing encouragement will help you shine in every situation where it matters most.

Buy it HERE.

Book Review: The Shape of Mercy

Got this free book in the mail and passed it on to my mom. She quickly read it, but I forgot to post her review. Because I want the books to keep on coming, so please indulge this quick summary by my mother. Thanks mom.

The Shape of Mercy
by Susan Meissner

I thought this book was great. It began in a mysterious subtle way to capture this reader’s curiosity, which only made me want to keep reading. The story was captivating, enough so that I now want to read more about the events surrounding the Salem witch trials.
The story line certainly had the main character questioning her own life, character and personality, as well as the reader. Certainly left the question in my mind of “what would I have done?”
The book is an easy read, but left me wanting to learn and research more about this tragic time in Salem’s history.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Reluctant heiress Lauren Durough takes a part-time job to prove to herself she is more than a rich girl who’s been handed everything. She becomes the literary assistant to Abigail Boyles, an 83-year-old retired librarian who tasks Lauren with transcribing a diary that had belonged to Abigail’s ancestor Mercy Hayworth, a victim of the Salem witch trials.
Lauren finds herself drawn to this girl who lived and died four centuries ago. As the fervor around the witch accusations increases, Mercy becomes trapped in the worldview of the day; unable to fight the overwhelming influence of snap judgments and superstition, and Lauren realizes that the secrets of Mercy’s story extend beyond the pages of her diary, living on in the mysterious, embittered Abigail.
The strength of her affinity with Mercy forces Lauren to take a startling new look at her own life, including her relationships with Abigail, her college roommate, and a young man named Raul. But on the way to the truth, will Lauren find herself playing the helpless defendant or the misguided judge? Can she break free from her own perceptions and see who she really is?

#800 - - Quote

‘profound music leads us - beyond languange - to the dark roots of our scream and the celestial heights of our silence’

- Cornel West
The Cornel West Reader


thanks

World Series

Prediction: Rays in 6 games

 

Create the Scenario

Yesterday Tiger Woods served as 59 year-old John Abel’s caddie at Torrey Pines.  It was only four months ago that Tiger limped around the course to defeat Rocco Mediate in a 19 hole playoff.  

It was this story that lead Dan Patrick, on his radio show, to suggest the question: what would your dream sports scenario be?

With the question he offered the following online poll:

·         Play a round of golf with Tiger Woods

·         Play H-O-R-S-E with Michael Jordan

·         Catch passes from Joe Montana

·         Pitch to Barry Bonds

 

All those are great!

I would add getting some at bat against (in this order) Nolan Ryan, Roger Clemens, or Randy Johnson.

 

What scenario would you relish an opportunity to face?

Rattlesnake Bite

These are some nasty photos. I don't even want to post them on here, as I don't make it a goal to have people throw up when reading this blog. But if you were ever curious as to how dangerous a rattlesnake bit is...Click on the photo to link to the site...

Sermons I've Listened to This Week

Kyle Idleman

            A Table for Eight Click HERE

          This is a great message on the hope of heaven.

Kyle Idleman

            Rules for the Church Click HERE

Kyle Idleman

          The Journey to Deep (A Study of 1 Corinthians): From Division to Unity Click HERE

Kyle Idleman

          The Journey to Deep (A Study of 1 Corinthians): From Compromise to Commitment Click HERE

Dave Stone

            The Journey to Deep (A Study of 1 Corinthians): From Legalism to Liberty Click HERE

Kenny Boles

            The Shaping of a Leader: Worship Click HERE

Terry Bowland

          The Shaping of a Leader: Service Click HERE

Mark Scott

          The Shaping of a Leader: Study Click HERE

Damien Spikereit

Google Earth: Finding God Wherever You Are: On the Mountain (God's Presence) Click HERE

Chad Ragsdale

            Google Earth: Finding God Wherever You Are: In the Wilderness (God's Provision) Click HERE

Doug Welch

Google Earth: Finding God Wherever You Are: In the Sea (God's Power) Click HERE

Mark Moore

            Our God is Coming…Tremble (Isa. 40) Click HERE

          When Mark speaks…I listen

Mike Baker

Grace Reigns (Roman 5:21) Click HERE

J.K. Jones

God’s Creative Redemption (Romans 4:1-25) Click HERE

J.K. Jones

            A Royal Waste of Time Click HERE

          The last bit of the sermon gets cut off, unfortunately that was the most important part

J.K. Jones

            Toward Sexual Immorality Click HERE

Mike Breaux

            Forming an Unnatural Community Click HERE

Jeff Snell

            Forming Integrity Under Attack Click HERE

          He’s a BIG God, with BIG plans, to accomplish BIG purposes.

Danny Schaffner

            Forming a Dynamic Community Click HERE

          Do you love the church?

Mark Buchanan

            Your Kingdom Come: The Kingdom is Within You Click HERE

          The Kingdom of God is within us, that when lived out transforms us into agents of change.

          Luke 17.

Mark Buchanan

            Your Kingdom Come: The Kingdom is at Hand Click HERE

          Mark 1:14-15

Mark Buchanan

            Your Kingdom Come: Seek the Kingdom Click HERE

          Matthew 6

And of course Randy Frazee’s, senior pastor of Oak Hills Church (of which Journey Fellowship is a satellite), has been preaching through The Story…Click HERE

 

Have you listened to a great sermon recently?

Or is there a preacher that you especially enjoy listening to? 

Share those sermons and preachers with us by leaving a comment.

Video of the Day: Gross Toy

Video of the Day

Yep, still not much on my mind...enjoy the video

Is anyone craving this for a Christmas present? Cause I got a book light on the way that I can give away...
That's a joke.

Contest: Ressurection Letters

I received in the mail today two copies of Andrew Peterson's latest album, Ressurection Letters Vol. II.
Read a review HERE.
You can buy it HERE.
You can listen to it HERE.
But if you would like a free copy (I bought one and got on free) I will give you my extra copy.
All you have to do is leave a comment and tell me what you favorite Andrew Peterson song is and why.
Me and a undisclosed friend will judge your submissions. The winner receives the disc. It's that easy!
So far only one person has responded to this contest. Don't wait. The deadline will be Monday!

Danza is Awesome!

I haven't had much on my mind lately, so here's another video!

Everybody Dance Now!

Have you seen this? Apparently at the Air Force Academy one student decided to set up a hidden camera and catch his roommate dancing while he is out. Well...this white boy can dance.

This is a great video. I saw it this past weekend. It speaks both to our destinies and the dedication it takes to achieve our goals.

Actually it might be an interest discussion starter.

Maybe a discussion on our choices and our God's sovereignty.

How much of where and who we are in life is because of God's predetermination or the decisions we make?

Smooth

This is a cool video:

I suppose I'm still holding out hope that someday I'll be able to make a proposal. I figure I'll need at least 4 to 9 good proposal ideas in my life. So I'm always trying to collect some good ones. I think this is kinda cool, but what happens if the ring somehow drops...plus I don't plan on proposing to a gal I just woke up with. Call my old fashion, but I think that should happen a little later on...

Quote - C.S. Lewis

"Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it."

- C.S. Lewis



thanks

Photogenic

How do you feel about the pictures taken of you? Need some help? Read through these..
If I was making the list I would have added "don't take your own photo in the mirror for your Facebook profile"...but to each their own...

1. Dress Nice
If you know you’re going to be photographed, don’t wear horizontal stripes or crazy patterns. Opt for neutral colors over bright ones unless you are one hundred percent certain that color looks great on you.
2. Check the Mirror
Do a last-minute check of your face: cover up any pimples, put drops in your eyes if they’re red, and make sure you don’t have food in your teeth.
3. Don’t Shine
If you’ve been sweating or if your face is greasy, make sure to wipe your face. Use oil-blotting papers if you wear makeup, or blot with a slightly damp paper towel.
In a pinch, wipe your face with your sleeve before venturing in front of the camera.
4. Stand Up Right
Slouching makes you look nonchalant, but it also makes you look short and/or dumpy.
Place one foot behind the other, and lean back just a little bit. You’ll still look relaxed, but you’ll also look tall.
5. Twist It Up
Stand facing slightly away from the camera, then twist at the waist to face the camera. Make it subtle- if you overdo it you’ll look like a stray from a beauty pageant.

Read next 5 get even more helpful...check them out HERE...

If You're Anything Like Me...

you really want this...

You can buy it HERE...

Quote - Mark Driscoll

"The curious paradox of the atoning death of a bloody Jesus rising above the plane of human history with a mocking crown of thorns is that he is offensive in an attractive way. It is the utter horror of the cross that cuts through the chatter, noise, and nonsense of our day to rivet our attention, shut our mouths, and compel us to listen to an impassioned dying man who is crying out for the forgiveness of our sins and to ask why he suffered. Tragically, if we lose the offense of the cross, we also lose the attraction of the cross so that no one is compelled to look at Jesus. Therefore, Jesus does not need a marketing firm or a makeover as much as a prophet to preach the horror of the cross unashamedly."





- Mark Driscoll



Thanks

Quote - G. K. Chesterton

"Every man who knocks on the door of a brothel is looking for God."

-G. K. Chesterton



thanks

Book Review: Churched

I've gotten myself in a situation where I get to receive free books with the promise of a review on this here blog. Many times I can't read them fast enough to get them up in time for the blog tours. I blame my dyslexia.
But this time I made it. Allow me to recommend Churched by Matthew Paul Turner.

Here's the description: Churched is the compelling narrative of life inside the walls of the local church (building) and what it means to "be" churched, relevant to any and all who are familiar with the evangelical culture, either through first-person experience, or through association with close family or friends, or simply by peering curiously at churchgoers. Matthew Paul Turner's story is one of a regular American kid growing up in the late seventies and early eighties in a small town. He attended church on Sundays and had to cut the grass every Friday afternoon. His voice will resonate with fans of writers like Anne Lamott, Donald Miller, or David Sedaris, who may not relate to exact demographical upbringing, but connect with the writing because of the candid humanity, the wit, and the compelling storytelling. Readers will easily identify with the relationship dynamics between Matthew and his loving-but-firm parents, dogmatic teachers, fear-inspiring, passionate pastor, and supportive, if sometimes misguided, friends. Gen X readers will also connect with the musings and misadventures of a pop culture-loving, music-appreciating boy trying to grow up in the eighties, in a home where even contemporary Christian music was proclaimed to be "of the Devil."
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and think you will too. Through a narrative format Turner presents his childhood upbring and struggles with aspects of the fundamental church. It is both humurous and thought provoking. While I didn't have the church experience he had I found myself caught up and completely invested in the stories that he told.

You can purchase it HERE.

Best Burger Ever?

I'm sure that this would kill me, but for some reason I really want to try it! I'm think that a Grilled Cheese Burger party is in order.

If you would like to make me one of these HERE is the recipe.

In The News: Full Moon

Teens charged after alleged mooning

Wow! These boys now have some explaining to do on every job and college application for the rest of their lives.

And even after an apology (and I suspect that after a police escort their apologies were probably genuine) the women continued to ask for criminal charges.

There is something here about the ease at which our culture is offended. And yet the ease at what does not offend us as well.

Also there must be something there as to what happens when we fail to forgive. Not only can we harm those who we hold forgiveness from, but I imagine after the students of that school have tee-peed these women’s homes for the rest of the school year, that they see how it’s harmed them as well.

Book Review (Guest Reviewer)

I receive books time to time from a publishing company, with the stipulation that I read them and post a review here. Well I think it's cool to pass these around and allow others to read them and offer a guest review.
This review comes courtesy of Rhonda.
Rhonda recently returned to San Antonio and began attending a my church and the small group I attend. She is passionate about being a redeemer in regards to the rampent enslavement of women in the global sex trade.
This book was timely for her. Here's her review:

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The Road of Lost Innocence by Somaly Mam

You must be emotionally prepared to take in the depth of truth in The Road of Lost Innocence by Somaly Mam. Although Mam is not a trained speaker or author, as she admits in the book, her transparency will pierce your heart and will change your life forever.

Because of Mam's heart and passion for those sold into sexual slavery in Cambodia and surrounding areas, you can easily forgive her lack of eloquence in describing the the horrible condition the Cambodians find themselves in.

I have found through my work with Hope for the Sex Trafficked, stopsextrafficking.com, that the majority of people are completely ignorant as to what really occurs in the darkness of the night in brothels and in the world of sex trafficking. This book reveals the painful truth of what a prostitute really is, of what a man is capable of doing to a child and that each individual can give hope if they just try.

If you are willing to hear Mam's graphic story, be prepared for your stereotypical views to be shattered. Be prepared for her frankness, the nightmare that she lived, and the hope she shares today to turn you around and cause you to see man in a very different light.

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Oh if you are interested in Rhonda's work, click here: Hope for the Sex Trafficked

Amazing!

'Cause it Sounds Better

I wish the US money had a cooler nickname like the British quid. Maybe after our financial structure collapses and something completely new must be created we can work on that.
Got any suggestions?

I Need This!!

Please feel free to buy me one. Or make one if that's your skill.

Wedding Invitation

I got a wedding invitation from a college friend of mine today.  Which is awesome and I am honestly really excited for him, so don’t take the rest of this post as anything other than my sense of humor.

In the invitation he writes:

"Hey everyone!  I'm getting married to the love of my life, (named removed), and everyone is welcome to come!  I know some of you won't be able to make it, but I wanted you to know anyway.  God bless!”

Seriously this a great man.  A solid man of integrity and wisdom.  But I had to laugh at the phrase, “…getting married to the love of my life…”

I’m trying to imagine a different scenario.

“Hey everyone!  I’m getting married.  Not the to the love of my life, but she’ll do.  Quite frankly I’ve decided to just settle seeing as it’s taken this long to find someone even worth settling for.  But I would really like you celebrate this union.  I am going to make an honest go of it and will need you as a reminder that I’m choosing to love this girl.  I know that some of you can’t make it, so just mail your gift in.  We are registered at Best Buy, Sharper Image and Spencer’s Gifts.”

What do you think?

 

Love Lockdown

Have you heard Kanye West's new song? Supposedly it is going to be the first release off his new album which may come out toward the end of the year. I had the link to this a couple of weeks ago, but I had forgotten about it and just listened to it for the first time tonight. I'm gonna admit, usually Kanye's ego just annoys me, and I'm not sure if I can agree with anything in the song lyrically, but this is a great sound.

Click the image below for link:

10 Commandments of Blogging

The Blogging Ten Commandments, according to the Evangelical Alliance:

1. You shall not put your blog before your integrity.
2. You shall not make an idol of your blog.
3. You shall not misuse your screen name by using your anonymity to sin.
4. Remember the Sabbath day by taking one day off a week from your blog.
5. Honour your fellow-bloggers above yourselves and do not give undue significance to their mistakes.
6. You shall not murder someone else’s honour, reputation or feelings.
7. You shall not use the web to commit or permit adultery in your mind.
8. You shall not steal another person’s content.
9. You shall not give false testimony against your fellow-blogger.
10. You shall not covet your neighbour's blog ranking.  Be content with your own content.

Read about it HERE.

Good Guy Award

Just read this bit in Peter King’s Monday Morning Quarterback (MMQB).  Pretty cool.  This guy just continues to prove himself as an honorable man; which can be difficult in his line of work.

And while Peter King gives him a “Good Guy of the Week” award, isn’t this the standard that every Christian should have?

-t-

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Good Guy of the Week

Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner.

Karen Crouse of the New York Times wrote a good feature on Warner in last Friday's paper, with a prescient story as the lead. Seems that Warner, wife, Brenda, and one or more of the Warner children have a practice the night before football games. They sit at their table in a restaurant, look over the dining room, and pick out one family. Warner then informs the wait staff that, anonymously, he'd like the dinner tab of that family of strangers added to his.

Crouse wrote the Warners have been doing this for several years "as a way of instilling in their children the joy of giving,'' and quoted Warner thusly: "We want our kids to grow up knowing that because of football we are so blessed.''

Just another reason why you can never say enough good things about Kurt Warner.

 

1 Game Playoff

Who’s it going to be for that final A.L. playoff spot: the Tigers or the White Sox?

If I was a gambling man, I’d put money on the…um…this is tough…TIGERS!...no…WHITE SOX…yeah definitely the White Sox.

 

Travel Plans

Looking at the postseason schedule and trying to figure out when I should buy a ticket to LA.

Of course this depends on if the Dodgers make the World Series. For the best price I need to purchase two weeks out, so it's hard to have a guarantee.

I love that there is a regular season playoff two years in a row. Baseball is so amazing!

In The News:

Prosecutors Drop Charge Related to "Passing Gas" in DUI Case
Hilarious!

New Klosterman

Can't wait to get this one. But I must say that his books are always better in an audio version.

Gangster Babies

These would be great for children everywhere. Because we need to be honest people: the hip hop culture has done nothing but benefit the health and wellness of our culture. It would only do more wonders to introduce the misogynistic values, obsessive greed and language of hate into the lives of our future generation.

Buying mine today!

Thanks Dad...

...for introducing me to Paul Newman movies; helping me appreciate his brilliant work from such a young age.

Still one of my most favorite scenes in a movie ever!

Paul Newman

1925-2008

Root Root Root for the...

Dodgers?!

Now that the Astros are out (and the possibility of World Series tickets loom).

Greatest Catch Ever?

If not THE greatest, it certainly ranks pretty high...

Maybe You're Just Making Excuses...

This is a great commercial:

I Can Now Forget About These...

10 Books Not To Read Before You Die

 

10.  Ulysses – James Joyce

9.  Lord of the Rings – J R R Tolkien

8.  For Whom the Bell Tolls – Ernest Hemingway

7.  À la Recherche du Temps Perdu – Marcel Proust

6.  The Dice Man – Luke Reinhart

5.  Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas – Hunter S Thompson

4.  The Beauty Myth – Naomi Wolff

3  War and Peace – Leo Tolstoy

2.  The Iliad -- Homer

1.  Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen

 

(Taken From Can’t Be Arsed: 101 Things Not to Do Before You Die by Richard Wilson)