thoughts, rants, cravings, and dreams

Organizing

2007-03-05T10:10:00.000-06:00

Today I got into the office a bit tired, a bit energized (several speaking engagements are running through my mind), a bit scattered, a bit messy, and really excited about what God is doing.

Then I opened my office door to find the messiest mess my office has ever seen. It was an eclectic mess too. Skateboards on the floor, a pitcher of Gatorade (I get thirsty) on the floor, Wal-Mart sacks on the floor, books on the floor. Then on top of my desk was a mess too. I had books all over the place. Random papers, some of which have to do with my health coverage that I have been to lazy to get signed and turned in. Pens and scratch paper with random notes from random phone calls and emails that I need to return. It took me nearly 30 minutes to organize it all.

As I began to clean everything up I noticed that my bible was underneath all the mess.

It is a certainty that being involved in 2+ ministries I am going to get things cluttered and there will be a wide range of stuff lying around in my office (i.e. skateboards and message prep). But the biggest certainty should be that my bible is on top of all the mess.

It's so funny how good of an illustration this is. In the midst of a crazy week last week and another crazy week coming, I've got to keep God on top of all the mess in my life. This will bring a little help to everything that is going on.

Getting Lost

2007-02-20T15:06:00.000-06:00

I know that I have only been working full-time for about a month and half, but I'll be honest. The time has flown. It seems like I am constantly working, constantly thinking, constantly dreaming. Amidst all of this it has been a struggle to really stay focused on Jesus.

Pastors work 50-60 hour work weeks (at least that's the range I've been living in) and on top of that I go home and generally think about work. I've really been consumed by it a lot.

And I realized last week what I've been putting off that has made work feel like work. I have been so focused on programs, relationships with people, meetings, brainstorming, talking, etc...that I have forgotten what is most important.

I forgot to just love Jesus, and be loved by Him. It is so hard because my mentality is to churn things out, to be as productive as I can while I am working. Now I don't always do the best work, but I certainly work hard when I work. (Not sure what that says about me) Somewhere along the way my bones became dry and my soul became weary and I wasn't sure why.

So on Friday I picked up a book and am almost finished with it. It is probably just your typical book about spiritual renewal, but for me, at this time, it has been necessary and awesome.

I have been so lost in the pace of life that I have forgotten to just stop sometimes and connect with God. We throw that term around a lot ("connect with God") but I can't describe how I have been missing that.

I'm sure that there will probably be many seasons of life where I go through this, but this first one has been particularly trying on my soul, on my relationships, pretty much on everything I am involved in.

I am trying to get lost in Jesus instead of getting lost in a job. Because when ministry feels like work all the time, it's probably time to get out!

Funny, funny

2007-02-02T22:57:00.000-06:00

I was told that my blog is too serious, when I post that is. So tonight I am writing a funny one, or what is my attempt at writing a funny one.

So I just asked Bethany to say something funny and she replied with a sheepish grin, "Something funny." (Giggle, giggle, laugh, laugh)"What?" "What'd you write? What'd you write? Funny face. Another funny face. Much laughter...What could you possibly be writing about? Chris is writing a blog right now (talking to Brent) laughing..."

That was the dialogue that took place when I asked Bethany to say something funny. Enjoy the rest of your night.

Believe me vs. Follow me

2007-01-29T09:18:00.000-06:00

I have had some discussions on this topic in recent conversations with people. My house group has had some questions about Jesus, whether believing in Him and saying a prayer is the only way that someone knows Jesus or if there are some people who don't pray a prayer but live their life following after Jesus is a way to God, and ultimately Heaven.

Take a look at the Gospels. Jesus says 5 times "Believe in me!" He says 20 times, "Follow me!"
In both instances He is talking about salvation. It is interesting to me because this means that Jesus put more emphasis on following after Jesus than He did on just believing in Him.

Put short: Lot's of people BELIEVE in Jesus. But far fewer follow after Him with their lives. I don't care if I prayed a prayer...I care about following after Him.

Casting out Demons

2007-01-18T11:31:00.000-06:00

I was reading in Matthew a minute ago where Jesus heals two demon-possessed men. Jesus was in the region of Gadarenes and two men who were demon possessed met him. These guys lived in a cemetery and no one ever went passed them because they were so afraid of them. But when Jesus came through these men met him and immediately recognized that He was Jesus (God) and that they were in a bit of trouble.

Instantly they begin pleading with Jesus to cast them out into a nearby herd of pigs. So Jesus obliged and threw their spirits into said pigs and watched them plunge down a hillside into a lake.

What I find interesting about this passage is not that Jesus was able to cast these demons out, but instead that these demons KNEW what was coming. They knew that Jesus was going to do what He did, and they begged Him to basically be nice in the way that He did it.

How awesome is it that Jesus was/IS so powerful that not even demons could/CAN stand against Him!

The power of God

2007-01-17T11:49:00.000-06:00

I was reading in Acts today where Peter raises a woman who was dead, to life. It got me thinking...

How influential can someone be today for the sake of Christ?
We live in a culture now that sees spiritual gifts, and signs and healing as old things. We read in Scripture about miracles that were performed in the name of Jesus all the time. It's all over the place. So why don't we believe in miracles happening today?

I remember when I was on a missions trip in Guatemala. There was a young boy who was in very bad shape. He needed a respirator to help him breath or he may not make it. As we were sitting and praying with the orphanage leaders I realized something. These people have got something that I don't have. They prayed something like this,

"God we KNOW that can and will heal this child. We place him in Your hands. Father, heal this boy. Make him healthy again."

And I remember walking away from this experience changed in how I viewed prayer. Here I was a young man who has everything I need to live watching someone who doesn't have much of anything pray expectantly on the Lord. No one in this orphanage has much of anything. I thought, how could this person trust that Jesus cared A lot about them? They don't even have enough food to go around.

I was challenged. These people had faith, a certain type of faith that I hadn't experienced up until this point.

Long story short...money was raised, a respirator was purchased, and the boy was healed. But maybe the most important thing that happened through all of this had nothing to do with the health of the boy. Maybe God was moving in the hearts of me and those who had come to serve that week. Maybe God was moving in the souls of the children at the orphanage. Maybe God was moving in the souls of the staff (paid with housing and food) there.

The power of God is so far beyond what my mind can fathom.
I need to trust Him more.
I need to pray expectantly more.
I need to realize that He is in charge and that He has blessed me so far beyond what is needed.

Thank you, Jesus.

Workday

2007-01-15T15:17:00.000-06:00

Today is my first official day in the office as a full-time employee at Northwoods. I must admit that it feels good to have a job, be done with school (for the time being), and have at least a small sense of security. But I already found out that coffee isn't a substitute for sleep, nor is it wise to drink 4 cups of it because not only do you spend a long time in the bathroom, you also start to shake.

Pray.

2006-12-30T13:13:00.001-06:00

Anyone who reads this, please pray.

My friend who was shot had his leg amputated this morning. His family thought he was going to recover. He thought he was going to recover.

All he does in his free time is play sports.

pray.
pray.
pray.

Asking the tough questions.

2006-12-18T14:14:00.000-06:00

Today I've been asking God some tough questions. I read a story today about a woman who struggled for four years and was eventually killed by cancer. She and her husband were youth workers, him a minister, and her a teacher and mother.

She battled cancer on and off for 4 years until it eventually became untreatable. This has brought me to ask questions like "why?"

I haven't had anyone close to me die of cancer, in fact I've only known a handful of people personally who have had cancer. But I can't help but wonder why things like this occur. It makes me mad at God that there are people who are in so much pain with so little hope. It upsets me that He would allow cancer (insert your own illness, disease, etc...) to claim the lives of tens of thousands of people per year. Why God? Why?

A need for a Savior.

The startling reality that death occurs reminds of me my NEED for Jesus. To think that He offers us life after death helps some. It helps to know even though there is pain and suffering in the world Jesus still has his hand in it all, somehow, some way.

But nonetheless, bad things happen all the time. And for some people it makes no sense at all. I understand that EVERYONE is sinful and that WE ALL deserve death, but why do some semingly wonderful people have to get cancer, and some seemingly awful people live a fruitful life and die in their sleep at the ripe age of 93?

These are the questions that I can't wait to ask God someday. Actually, I'll more so be looking for an answer. I just don't get it...

Hardest phone calls I've ever made

2006-12-11T11:33:00.000-06:00

Today I finalized my plans for my post-college graduation life. As of December 11th, 2006, I have accepted a position with Northwoods Community Church to work with college students, jr high students, and some with high school students. I know that sounds like a lot, but we have a plan in place to make sure that it does not become 70-80 hours a week.

I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to serve at Northwoods full-time and am really thankful that thins have worked out the way they have!

That being said, today I had to make the most difficult phone calls of my life.

I received an offer from Youth For Christ to be the Pekin Campus Director. After much prayer and a lot of question asking, I turned down this offer to be at Northwoods.

But part of the process of saying ''no'' to YFC was telling two people that admire and respect a LOT!

Over the past month I have been blessed incredibly by YFC as I have pursued God's will in my life. Because they are such an amazing organization it was incredibly difficult to tell them of my plans. The world needs to know that Jeff Ringenberg is a man after God's own heart. He is a man of great integrity and heart whom I respect a great deal. And Jake Bland is a close friend of mine who I respect and love like a brother. I had to tell these two guys thanks, but no thanks. That was really hard for me to do.

So I tell you all of this to celebrate what God has been up to me in me, and to plead for you to pray for YFC as they continue to journey to tell students about Jesus. Pray specifically for Pekin and for Jake. Jake is being stretched because there is not a campus director at Pekin. He is doing two jobs.

I want to thank all of those who have been praying for me through this process and to tell you that I appreciate you.

And now that college is done (at least undergrad) I vow to be more active on here than I have in the past two months.

For those who like John Kerry...

2006-11-02T17:47:00.000-06:00

John Kerry spoke to students at Pasadena City College in California on Monday. He made some Bush jokes, as is custom for politicians from either party to make jabs at the other party. He also spoke to the students about the importance of getting an education. I promise you that the following quotes are not mis-quoted or false at all. Nor are they taken out of context. These were Kerry's words as they came out of his mouth.

"You know, education -- if you make the most of it, you study hard and you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq."

Wow! What an embarrasment this man was to our country and to his fellow democrats. I feel so sorry for anyone who likes him today.

This picture comes from Iraq with some American soldiers holding this sign...

Waiting

2006-11-01T10:02:00.000-06:00

Here I am, God. Sitting here wondering...For so long now I've wanted resolve. But I am waiting.

So much about life seems as if it's a waiting game. If it isn't standing in line at the store, it's waiting to use the bathroom. If it isn't waiting in traffic or at a stoplight, it's waiting to get my food. If it isn't waiting to hear a response, it's waiting to listen.

If it isn't waiting to know my future, it's wondering what will happen today.

God, what will happen today? What will happen tomorrow?

But here's the deal...none of this really matters. God already did in me enough that I can wait...I deserve to wait...

I waited patiently for the Lord
He inclined and heard my cry
He brought me up out of the pit
Out of the miry clay

I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long...how long...how long...How long...to sing this song

He set my feet upon a rock
And made my footsteps firm
Many will see
Many will see and fear

I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long...how long...how long...

6 Years

2006-10-11T12:51:00.000-05:00

So today marks the 6 year anniversary of the day that Bethany and I started dating. Though there have been ups and down, (more ups than downs) I am so happy to be with her. She is the most wonderful person I have been around and she makes my day better when I see her. So here's to you, babe! And here's to six more years...Thanks for being you!

Wow!

2006-10-10T00:57:00.000-05:00

So lately I've been having a tough time with life. I am finishing my last semester of college, and I have no idea what I am going to be doing in three months. I have no idea where I am going to be, or what I'll be doing for work. Really, I have felt really crappy. Now this isn't a cry for attention or for words of empathy or any of that. I just needed a place to get this all out, and to let everyone know how amazing somebody is. It's just that the past several weeks have began to wear on me.

Today, I met Bethany for lunch. She could tell that I was off a little bit. So tonight she showered me with encouraging words for about 10 minutes straight. She is the best friend a person could ever ask for. And on top of being my best friend, she is also my girlfriend, which is really icing on cake. Bethany Goodman is an amazing woman!

So guys, if you are taking notes on what to look for in a woman...let me say this:

Look for a girl who can be your best friend. That is what is going to carry a relationship.

Pictures from Day One

2006-10-05T22:03:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures from day one speakers and other entertainers...

Worship @ Catalyst

2006-10-05T21:58:00.000-05:00

I know my readers (all 3 of you) are probably tired of reading this, if you did read all of my updates on this conference...

The worship @ Catalyst has been some of the most amazing worship times I can ever remember having. It has been a long time since I have been able to unwind and freely worship the God who so desperately wants to be idolized. Even though going into this trip I was tired, and a bit beat down, it has been such a refreshment to my soul, and has made the wheels in my head turn like never before. I can't wait for tomorrow's sessions, but more than that, I can't wait for the worship portions. I needed an awakening this week. Thank God for awakenings.

Afternoon Sessions

2006-10-05T21:39:00.000-05:00

The afternoon sessions kicked off with an interview with George Barna. To be honest, I didn't take any notes on this one. I got in there a little bit late and really didn't have too much of a desire to listen. We'll call it the "after lunch funk". I'm sure he had some great things to say, but I couldn't get past the fact that the man looked exactly like Peter Gammons.

The following session was incredible. It was an interview that Andy Stanley did with John Maxwell. The talked a lot about what Marcus Buckingham talked about (see previous post), only with more detail. They unpacked the idea that good leaders need to build into young leaders. Now, not everyone has the make-up to be a leader. Maxwell said that people spend a lot of time trying to develop the skills that are currently a level two or three (out of 10), when they should be trying to strengthen the skills that are at a level 7 already. Really, it's a waste of time to spend a lot of time trying to become better at something you really weren't made to do.
Awesome session!!! And Maxwell cried, so that made the day.

After this session, there was some comedic stuff, (I'll give you more about this later) then another session. Surprise guest speaker Jeff Foxworthy did some stand-up (classic red neck jokes) and then did about 15 minutes of "preaching" while all the while referencing the fact that he once got fired from a church. We're all pretty sure he is very proud of this. But it was really cool to hear Foxworthy talking about the church and quoting Scripture. Awesome!

And in the final session of the day (and this guy had a difficult task...finishing a long day of fantastic speakers) Gary Haugen talked about the injustice that occurs in the world. He says that injustice is really just the abuse of power. Here are some startling statistics:

Today there are 25-27 million slaves throughout the world.
Each year there are 1 million children forced into prostitution each year.

The question that he repeatedly asked was, "How will they know that God is good?" It is unfortunately a good question, and one that nobody has an answer to. We've got to make a difference.

First two sessions: Catalyst

2006-10-05T12:13:00.000-05:00

We are on a lunch break from Catalyst. The first two sessions were this morning and they were unbelievably awesome.

The first session was Andy Stanley talking about the reality that leadership is temporary and that every Kingdom, every church, every ministry is God's anyways. So we must be diligent, fearless, and humble as leaders of today's churches and businesses. Because leadership is temporary, it can end at any time. The leadership that I have, and or ever will have is a loan from God. One quote that sticks with me from this session was, "Arrogance and greed can't see themselves in the mirror". Leaders have to be humble enough to know they aren't in control and that only the sovereign God of the universe is. Awesome, awesome stuff. See Daniel 4 and 5 for the text he used.

The second session was given by Sir Marcus Buckingham (Yes, he's British). Marcus has written several books about leadership and management, mostly from a secular point of view. He spent a good hour talking about how one of the biggest problems with today's churches and businesses is that managers spend too much time focusing on a person's weaknesses rather than affirming their strengths and building up their skills. He said that up to 86% of people who work in the United States spend little time each day working using their best strengths This means that most people spend their time at work doing things they aren't great at, and probably don't even enjoy doing.. Thus, work suffers, production suffers, business suffers, and most importantly, people quit or lose their jobs.

What an idea...this one is going to get some awesome unpacking for the next several hours, several days even.

I might add...Catalyst does an awesome job of keeping people entertained between sessions. They have a comedian who has a large part in making Catalyst and they have a couple of good bands that make sure there is a constant energy in the room.

Third session is at 2:00 eastern, and the final one today at 4:00. More to come.

Charlie is currently eating lunch with author John Maxwell while Jake, Justin, and I enjoyed a wonderful chicken sandwich from Chick-Fil-A.....what a rip off!!!!

OH My Gosh

2006-10-04T19:31:00.000-05:00

So we just enjoyed a magnificent dinner @ the Bugaboo Steakhouse and we returned immediately to our hotel for the evening. Upon returning Justin and Jake ventured to the front to request an ironing board and iron. As they entered the hotel lobby, they noticed a long section of ceiling dripping water. Now, not related to this, the fire alarm has gone off three different times since we've checked into our hotel (4 hours ago).

At the same time they are retrieving an ironing board, Charlie and I mosey up to our room. I have to use the restroom (don't worry, it was #1). Now, I didn't turn the light on because there was no one else in our room. Now, Charlie hears someone knock at the door and assumes it is Jake and Justin, so he yells, "Roomservice!" and opens the door. It was two men who work for the hotel maintenance crew. They need to check something in our room.

You guessed it! Our room is the room that is causing the leak. Our toilet has been running for hours.

Now, I unknowingly am using our bathroom, and in walks one of the maintenance guys. I did not turn the light on. He opens the door to me standing and shooting into the bowl. WOW!

So right at this very second, he is water vacuuming our room, because it is more wet than a sponge dipped in water, and we are trying to find a new hotel to stay at because our hotel is completely booked.

So after the guy vacuums our room, he decides to sprinkle some sort of carpet deodarizer on the floor...and his plan was to leave it there until tomorrow morning. The only problem is that this carpet crap smells 10-times worse than the musty pee/water smell.

HOLY MOLY!!!!

What an awesome start!

Cattail-Ist

2006-10-04T15:14:00.000-05:00

So, we just arrived in our hotel in HotLanta and the four of us have been without internet for approximately 35 hours. We have been craving wi-fi like a pregnant woman craves peppermint orange juice. We had been praying that once we arrived we would be able to check our emails, sports scores, myspace's, etc...And alas, we are here, and we have free wi-fi. What a glorious afternoon this has become.

Here you see us all in our most satisfying positions...laptops on laps.

Sunday

2006-09-18T15:38:00.000-05:00

This Sunday I spoke at Quest church, the junior high ministry at my church. I must admit, I absolutely loved it. It was fun to be able to be goofy, use silly illustrations, etc... again. I really enjoyed being around those guys, although they weren't as studious as the people I usually get to minister with...

And then came Sunday night...it seems like it has been a while since Bethany and I have gotten a chance to get alone, without anyone around us at all...so we had a picnic at Grandview Drive. It was nice for us to be just us for a couple of hours, we don't usually get to do that. It was a great meal comprised of turkey sandwiches, cottage cheese, salad, and peaches. Quite the delicious meal!

More than than, we then went back to her apartment and watched Hitch, one of our favorite comedies of recent history.

I have found that I can just sit with Bethany and eat a meal, or watch a movie, and it is the most relaxing time I sometimes get in a week. So thanks Bethany, for being such an incredible encouragement to me! I could not ask for more!

Ugghhhhhhh!!!!!!

2006-09-18T15:36:00.000-05:00

This Wednesday I have an appointment to get my teeth cleaned. I hate going to the dentist. I absolutely hate it. I really am not looking forward to this time because I KNOW I have at least one cavity. And it seems like for me every time I go, they have to poke right into the cavity just to be sure that it hurts. Those dentists have it out for me, I know it!

I'm thinking about becoming an anti-dentite.

Please pray for me...I hate getting my cavities poked!

Day of Men

2006-09-16T02:42:00.000-05:00

I just got home from a "day of men". Let me explain..and take you on my journey...

At 8am, me, Charlie, Ryan Hite, and Kevin Sletten headed off towards Chicago to catch a Cubs game, that is, minor league baseball game. At which the Cubs lost (shocker!!!) but we did get to listen to the worst heckler in sports history..."Hey Dunn, who tied your shoes?" (referring to Adam Dunn, the Reds' left fielder)
Upon completion of the game, we headed back south towards Tinley Park to see The Dave Matthews Band @ the Tweeter Center. Wow, what a show. They are still my favorite band...and with good reason...

At the concert, sitting directly in front of us were 4 mid-40 year olds. Now, one of these guys began dancing just before we got there (thats what the people behind us told us). He was probably the worst dancer I have ever seen in my life. It provided many minutes of humor, several of which Kevin got on film...(later viewing for your pleasure)

But once DMB got going, we managed to block out this guy and turn our attention. It was an awesome show.

All in all it was a good day to get away...but glad to be home and I missed my girl!

Tagged, who's it?

2006-09-14T15:51:00.000-05:00

I got tagged by Charles Dean II, so here goes....

Three things that scare me:
knowing that I eat at least 3 spiders a year, my dad in the kitchen, and women named Tom.

Three people who make me laugh:
Bethany, Steve Carrell, The Cubs organization.

Three things I hate:
spiders, when people think they are always right, when people say the Bush administration is terrible, but don't have any reasons why they think that.

Three things I am doing right now:
Listening to the end of the Cubs game, revising a message evaluation for one of my classes, wishing I could watch the season premier of Survivor tonight.

Three things I can do:
tie my shoes, read, write

Three ways to describe my personality:
Fun, serious, optimistic

Three things I can't do:
pulvarize my own kidney stones, dance, throw a football 8000 yards

Three things I think you should listen to:
your mother, God, Edwin McCain

Three favorite foods:
mom's sloppy joes, mom's tuna-and-noodle casserole, Bethany's Lorna Dune dessert

Three shows I watched as a kid:
Saved by the Bell, Salute your Shorts, Double Dare

Three people I tag:
Bethany, Jake, Leslie

Why don't I care?

2006-09-13T23:51:00.000-05:00

Today, I was struck by how little I truly care about that there are starving people all over the world, all over America, all over the Peoria area. I was watching an interview with Bono, lead singer of U2, from the Leadership Summit, and several thins hit me...

I realized that I, and most of America, don't really care about the people who are starving. We say we do, but when push comes to shove, we don't really do much about it.
We can worship God with music even when we're not singing about God. He loves to watch us doing what He made us to do.

That's all I'm going to reveal about what I learned today because this Saturday night @ nexus we are going to watchi this interview and then have a little time to reflect on it all....pretty powerful stuff...

You don't want to miss this weekend @ Nexus...

Matthew 25:40

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"

Long-Awaited "Swish-Izms"

2006-09-11T14:37:00.000-05:00

So for some time I have noticed myself and some of my mannerisms changing. I have noticed my verbal tone changing at times of sarcasm, and my hand and body gestures become much more sharp. And a few weeks ago I realized, I have "BEN (been) SWISHED" I often times act rigidly when I am trying to be humorous with my bodily actions. A subtle jerk here with my arm, and twinge of my eyes, or a quick flash with my arms and hands and whip of the head all offer proof that Benjamin Swisher has gotten inside my head.

I write this post not to make fun of Ben, but thank him. He has provided me with a new set of mannerisms that are displayed along with my own originals. I think between the two of us we make a good mannerisms couple. Maybe we should co-author a book about bodily mannerisms....just a thought

Alcohol=Brainiacs?

2006-09-11T14:32:00.000-05:00

I stumbled upon this old article today and thought it was interesting...

Official: drinking improves thinking
Bernard O'Riordan in SydneyThursday August 4, 2005
Guardian

It is guaranteed to raise a cheer among those who enjoy a tipple: moderate drinkers are better thinkers than teetotallers or those who overindulge. Research by the Australian National University in Canberra suggests drinking in moderation boost your brainpower. But none at all, or too much, can make you a dullard.

A study of 7,000 people in their early 20s, 40s and 60s found that those who drank within safe limits had better verbal skills, memory and speed of thinking than those at the extremes of the drinking spectrum. The safe consumption level was considered to be 14 to 28 standard drinks a week for a man and seven to 14 for a woman.

Questions ranged from verbal reasoning problems to tests of short-term memory. Surprisingly, perhaps, teetotallers were twice as likely as occasional drinkers to achieve the lowest scores.
Bryan Rodgers, from ANU's Centre for Mental Health Research, said moderate drinkers not only performed the best, but also seemed to be the healthiest. "This does not necessarily show moderate alcohol use is good for our brains - there may be other reasons we haven't measured to explain the poor performance of non-drinkers," Dr Rodgers said.

The results may reflect the fact that alcohol can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and increase blood flow to the brain - factors linked to improved mental function. They also support research that suggests moderate alcohol intake can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes by improving circulation.

The Australian study is part of a 20-year project started in 1999 to examine the changes in thinking and mood as people age.

What are your thoughts on the subject??

Movie Review, and Fantasy Football

2006-09-11T14:24:00.000-05:00

Last night I say Little Miss Sunshine with Bethany and a couple of friends. I must say that I was apprehensive (to say the least) to the idea of seeing this movie, but I obliged. I recommend that everyone see this movie at some point. It has some vulgarity in it, but if you can get past the directors cheap aim at humor, you will see a deeper meaning to the movie. I thought it was fantastic!

And fantasy football. This week I was up against Charlie. And boy did I get cheated. I have a team full of "pro-bowlers" and I these guys only created two offensive touchdowns. I am losing by 1 point going into tonight's games, but I don't have any remaining players to go. So, my guys better perform next week, or they are on thin ice...

Medallion Hunt

2006-09-07T13:58:00.000-05:00

Today was the ninth clue for the Medallion Hunt. Those of you who know me know that I yearly hunt for this thing. Today, just like last year, the medallion was found on the Thursday before the Marigold Festival, and just like last year, Gary freaking Gillis walks you to where the medallion is at.

For the second straight year I was at the scene where the medallion was found, as were 30 other people. And for the second straight year I wanted to jump in front of a racing car. I need to move out of Pekin. I need to move out of this area, this hunt makes me so sick...

There were eight other clues that basically tell you nothing, maybe a small hint or two, but otherwise completely worthless.

This dumb hunt is one of those things that I'm addicted to, but hate. This addiction is killing me slowly...

I will get you someday Gillis, someday...

Busy Semester

2006-09-05T12:25:00.000-05:00

I need to apologize for my lack of posts, and really, communication with all my friends. This semester has taken off, and I am in my third week of school. This semester I am taking my last 4 classes and they are taking a toll on me. (This makes me really glad I took 9 hours this past summer so my final semester would be relatively light) But it isn't light. It is rough so far. Lots and lots of writing...

But, I hope to able to be more efficient with my school work so that I can spend more time reading, writing on here, hanging out, etc...

I hope you can accept my apologies!!

Its that time again!!

2006-08-28T17:05:00.000-05:00

It is time once again for the Pepsi Marigold Medallion Hunt!!!

For those of you who don't know what this is...

The medallion hunt happens every year at this time. A local celeb named Gary Gillis hides a little wooden coin with the medallion emblem on it. He then writes clues each day that lead you to it...or so he says...

Wel, last year I was literally 5 feet away from the women who found it. I had actually been wakling on top of the medallion for about 10 minutes prior to her picking it up and shouting.

The person who finds the medallion gets several excellent prizes, capstoned by a trip for two to Cancun or Las Vegas.

SO this year I am committing to find it!!! Anyone who wants to help find it can help!!

Read the clues here. clues

Two weeks in a new softball league...

2006-08-25T19:50:00.000-05:00

...two weeks with injuries.

We lost our first fall league softball game 17-7. In that game I injured my right quardriceps muscle by making a running catch and when I caught the ball, I hit the shortstop. Actually, the shortstop's (Kevin Sletten) head hit my my quad. He was also running at full speed. So, for the next several days I was limping around.

Last night, we lost our game 7-6. I got injured when I was running on the bases. I was on first base, and the batter up hit a basehit to left field. I tried to go first-to-third on the play and was safe on an awkward slide. When the third baseman caught the ball, he turned to tag me, and when he did, he tripped over my body and "His fatness" landed on my left arm, causing it to hyper-extend and at least stretch out some tendons in my left arm. Hopefully there was tear, but I definitely heard and felt a slight "pop". Doctors appointment to follow on Monday.

All this to say, this new softball league hasn't been very nice yet. So far we are 0-2, and I am in the middle of a 2 game injury streak.

BU Activities Fair, and Email

2006-08-21T21:24:00.000-05:00

So today was the day of the 2006 BU Student Activities Fair. Nexus had a booth, (thanks to several people including Bethany, Justin, Autumn, and the late addition of Matt Rineberg) and it was awesome to spend all afternoon talking to incoming freshmen. I must say that miss Goodman made some of the best signs I've ever seen. She is my favorite girl in the world!
So to those of you who helped, prayed, or even thought about the Act. Fair, thank you! Charlie and I appreciate you! I'll post pictures later this week!

I don't know what to expect this week @ nexus with the Nathan Peterson Band, but we're hoping that 10% of those who signed up for a free iPod come this week, which would mean 30 people who have never been. That would be excitingly sweet!

Our email is now "back on" at Northwoods. Thanks in part to a tirelessly overworked IT team, we now have our livelihood back at work.

A Reminder:

2006-08-14T16:10:00.000-05:00

The Nathan Peterson Band will be @ Nexus on Saturday, August 26th.

It is going to be an awesome night. Food, drinks, and an iPod giveaway, as well as some other giveaways.

If you are going to be at the Activities Fair Day on BU's campus, make sure to visit the nexus booth. Sign up for a free iPod!!!!

Invite everyone you know!! This is going to be spectacular!!!

Islamic Fascists

2006-08-10T12:02:00.000-05:00

Yet another terrorist plot has been undermined. Today, 21 people were arrested in Britain, for preparing to board at least 10 planes with the means to blow up all of those planes causing mass murder in an "unimaginable way". These planes were all set to travel to the United States, and being that they were large airliners going overseas, each plane probably would have had 250-300 people on each.

Do the math...2500-3000 dead.

Check out the story and how they were going to do it here.

My initial reaction is anger. My second reaction is thank God for Britain and Tony Blair. (never thought I'd say that in my lifetime) And my third reaction is this...

When are we Americans going to stop taking our lives for granted? I'm talking to myself here. I take almost everything for granted and in a heartbeat, it could all be over. There are people out there who hate Americans and would give their own lives to take mine.

My prayer:

Thank you God for life, and love. Thank You for freedom, and for those who fight for it. Thank You for salvation.

E-mail down & Rain

2006-08-10T11:13:00.000-05:00

Our e-mail system at work is down and it may be down for up to a week. Not only that but also we may have lost our contact lists and some folders. Oh NOOO!!!!

If you have made it through my links, you would have already read this message. That being said, if you need to contact me, please do so right here . If you have emailed me in the last 2 days, I haven't been able to check it, so please, forward that email to above link.

And, yes, there is an underscore between the 3 and the 8.

Why has it been raining all month? It seems like almost every day this month has been accompanied by rain. This has been a rather boring end to the summer, which begs me to ask the question, "Do rainy days aid in making people feel down?" I know that sounds like a rather lame question, but I was thinking about that.

Leviticus

2006-08-07T13:23:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned @ Nexus on Saturday night, I am reading through Leviticus right now. Man oh man, it is tough to read at times. The beginning of the book talks about different types of offerings and rules for doing them. Then we move into some tabernacle stuff and I've been reading today about what to do when people are ceremonially unclean.

Here is my question...What is the relevance today?

I understand that a lot of the Old Testament is relevant to us today so we can better understand the character of God the Father. But here I am reading about scars turning into skin disease and I sometimes struggle to continue to pick up my Bible in the morning and read.

All this to say that the OT can be difficult stuff to read. Certainly it is necessary to read, but it isn't always easy.

Any thoughts, questions, comments, or other concerns anyone has? Anyone else ever struggle to read the Old Testament?

Done with all three summer classes

2006-08-03T16:30:00.000-05:00

I know this has been a consistent topic for me lately...but I can't help it. Today I wrote the last paper for my last summer class ever. I am completely done with the work for this class, I just have to submit the last few things.

I already registered for my final four classes for this fall...and today I purchased the books. I am pretty pumped, my collegiate library with be complete within 4-14 days.

So start saving for my wonderful graduation gift...

Congratulations go to Mr. Justin Ganschow on the purchase of his first home. Let me know what I can do to help brother!

The Office

2006-08-02T23:02:00.000-05:00

I finally got Bethany hooked on the Office. We began watching season 1 tonight at about 5:30...We finished with the 5th episode and she wanted more. I'm so proud of her...the only unfortunate part is now I have another TV show that is must watch stuff...and on Thursday night. It is going to be full come Thursday's this fall with Survivor and the Office. I'm pretty psyched though!

So, congrats Bethany! Way to go!!! (Did you get tickets? To the gun show? *Kisses arm*)

Biking

2006-08-01T14:01:00.000-05:00

I just got back from biking...wow, is it hottttt!!!!!

I was out there for about 40 minutes, and the trail I rode I hadn't ridden in a long time, so I wasn't as sure as the route as I usually would be, but it worked out.

I saw several deer, most of the time they were running from me, but a couple of times I stopped and watched as they would eat. I must say that every time I see deer in their natural habitat (anywhere but the roads), it reminds me of how there is seemingly another world that goes on...a world where simplicity and God rule...where things are more clam than in the world we live. I am always reminded of how awesome God is when I ride. The path I chose today has some streams along the trails, and is overall I nice ride. It isn't an easy one, but is still nice.

When I got back to my car I admit feeling a bit dizzy and very queasy. I think this had something to do with +100 degree heat index...

Finally relaxed

2006-07-31T21:49:00.000-05:00

Today I finally got the chance to relax...it was indeed nice. Although I still had some things that needed tended to today, I got the chance to sit and breath and recover from what has been an exhausting last two weeks.

I am trying to learn the balance between staying busy-busy for the sake of school, work, Christ, etc-and keeping some time to just chill out a bit, refresh my body, and my soul.

I've got about three weeks where I have no school...except for one paper that needs to be written this week...I hope I spend my three weeks trying to push the disciplines of staying busy and relaxing. I need to fine tune both!

The bad morning

2006-07-28T18:40:00.000-05:00

This morning I knew I had to be at Midas at 8:00 to get my car fixed. I was told yesterday it would only take an hour to an hour and a half to fix it SINCE I MADE AN APPOINTMENT.

I get there first thing in the morning, drop my car off, and decide to wait...a half-hour goes by...nothing, my car doesn't even move...so I decide to ask the woman working at the front desk if there was a problem or a reason they haven't looked at my car yet...

She tells me that there were about 6 cars left over from the day before and that they wouldn't be able to get to my car until later in the afternoon...she also said, "I wondered why you were just sitting there"

This is when I lost it...sort of...

So I said, "This is why people make appointments, to avoid this sort of thing. When you make an appointment, you make a verbal agreement to something." She had nothing to say to this...so I just decided...oh well, I guess I'll walk/jog home...in my FLIP FLOPS AND JEANS AND POLO SHIRT.

It ended up being over 2.5 miles to my house...and I had to sweat my butt off because someone didn't keep their appointment.

Not only did I pay $424.00 to get my car fixed, I got to sweat all morning running/walking home in FLIP FLOPS.

"Trust the Midas Touch"--Yeah, whatever!

Sorry Justin Ganschow

2006-07-27T14:21:00.000-05:00

Justin,

This post is to you...although others may read it. I forgot to link you on my blog. No worries, you're where you belong now!!!

Finals Are Over

2006-07-27T14:11:00.000-05:00

My sumer classes are finally done, well, two of them at least. For my third class I just have a 5 page paper left to write, but that's not due for a little over a week.

So I want to offer my apologies to everyone because I haven't been able to do much this summer because of class...but now I have like 4 weeks of no school, and no excuses, after I get this last paper done.

I hope all of you guys are having a great week!

She finally gave in...

2006-07-25T21:40:00.000-05:00

Bethany finally did the right thing and started herself a blog. Now, she promises not to post meaningless things daily, but instead to write only when it makes sense to. So don't worry about reading pointless stories about her day, or about the toothbrush she finally threw away...she means business! You may have noticed that I added a link to my blog, you can click that link, or just click this one right here...

http://bethanygoodman.blogspot.com

Congrats, Bethany! I'm so proud of you! *Tear*

Summer School

2006-07-25T15:53:00.000-05:00

Hooray for almost being done with summer school. I've got two finals to take, one paper to write, then I am done...

Which means, only 13 more hours to go...in the fall....though my courses are going to be rough...

Survey of Theology II
Interpersonal Ministry Skills
Communication of Biblical Truth
Hermeneutics

These four classes will bring about 25 papers to write this fall...Yippy!!

Maybe I'll just "Rob Bell It" and compile these papers and make a book out of them...and then a DVD series...and then I can turn them into sermons and sell them on iTunes...What a crook!!

Drive By Egging

2006-07-24T14:04:00.000-05:00

Last night, Bethany and I decided to go on a walk around her house and neighborhood. It was perfect night for it, not too hot, not too humid, so I concurred we should go.

We walked for about an hour as we headed towards Main St. on Bradley's Campus. At this point Bethany remembered that she was almost out of milk, so we headed to a gas station to get some Skim Milk action.

Now, out of almost nowhere comes a speeding car towards us. Now normally I would think nothing of this since cars tend to drive on streets, but there was something different about this car from the onset.

As they got nearer to us, the felon in the passenger seat reached his right arm out of the car and hurled a foreign object in our direction. You may be asking yourself, "what was that foreign object?" Well, I'll tell you, it was an Egg. Now, we were not harmed by this egg, but instead splashed by it. The egg launcher threw the egg directly in front of our path causing the egg to explode by our feet which in turn splashed me on my legs and feet and Bethany on her legs and feet.

So to you, you egg launching criminal, I hope you enjoyed egging us. I was initially furious...Bethany immediately starting laughing, because, "We just got egged!"

Nexus

2006-07-23T20:33:00.000-05:00

There were 80 people this past weekend at Nexus. It was a lot of fun having to bring out more chairs during worship. And by the way, a special thanks to Brandon Dewitt for filling in last minute for us. It was an awesome night!

The Office

2006-07-20T20:22:00.000-05:00

So just about everyone is talking about the Office on Friday mornings...And I have finally given in.

I watched tonight for the first time since the "sexual harassment" episode from months ago.

The show is hilarious...now those of you who are faithful Officer's need to let me know if tonight's episode was especially funny, or was it not as funny as it usually is...I would like to know!

Who You are (When No One's Looking)

2006-07-20T15:01:00.000-05:00

I finished this book in 3 days. Take that Charlie...

I'm not usually one to finish a book in less then a few weeks, but this book was something else...

If you've never read it, you absolutely must. It is the greatest book I've ever read that talks about character and how to build one. It is pretty spectacular!

Obedience

2006-07-19T11:55:00.000-05:00

I am re-learning that the old testament is all about obedience. Towards the end in the book of Exodus all the people start worshipping an idol while Moses is up on Mt. Sinai talking to God and getting commandments on a couple pieces of stone. All of a sudden God gets really angry and wants to kill all the Israelites who are down the mountain, and Moses has to help God change His mind. He does so, (which is amazing) and when Moses goes down the mountain he sees how disobedient the people have been.

This story reminds me of the truth that faith in God meant living a holy life of obedience to Him.
Today, it is a bit different. Certainly God requires obedience still today, but Jesus Christ offers even more grace. Thank God.

I am so Lucky

2006-07-19T11:06:00.000-05:00

I am so lucky to have this girl in my life. She is encouraging, smart, has a great personality, totally gorgeous, great with young kids, great with older kids...pretty much, she is just great!! I am the luckiest guy I know!

These are some pictures from my brother's wedding back in April. We had a lot of fun that night! I think it was April, but I don't remember all that well...nonetheless, there we are!

Who you are (When No one's Looking)

2006-07-17T16:39:00.000-05:00

Who You are (When No one's Looking) is maybe the best book I've ever read. I got it last night from Bethany and have about 40 more pages to read. It is a book about character, courage, discipline, vision, endurance, and all types of love. I have to say that this is probably one of the most influential books I've read in a long time and encourage anyone to pick this one up if you're looking for some instruction and encouragement to be better at the above said areas in life.

Today has been a personal desert day for me. I've spent most of my day reading, and praying...and I did a little homework this morning. I also ran into an old friend at Wal-Mart in Pekin and he detailed his experience playing virtual golf with Michael Jordan...unreal!

But anyways, go get this book...it is fantastic!

Loving and being loved.

2006-07-17T11:23:00.000-05:00

Now I know this a bit strange sounding...but this movie falls into my Top 5 Category of all time. Maybe you have heard me say before that I don't even really like movies that much because I don't like to just sit for 2 hours at a time watching something...I get bored with that really easily if what I'm doing isn't very interesting. But this movie for some reason is different to me. I feel like Tom Hanks plays an awesome role in this movie. Everyone in America knows that he is Forret GUmp. But I think that he displays some of the most amazing character a person has ever displayed. He is an incredibly kind, nice, caring, thoughtful person who just wants everyone to be happy. And his work ethic was incredible.

Now I know that he was developmentally disabled, but he still led a terrific life. He loved and was loved. Aside from accepting the God of the Universe as Savior, isn't that what life is all about? Loving and being loved.

Chef Boy-Ar-Dean

2006-07-12T10:18:00.000-05:00

So in case you didn't know, the great Charles Dean Two enjoys cooking. This has recently come to my attention yet again during the lunch ours at work when we take the time to eat. Charlie is on a boiled egg kick and has been eating them for lunch often as of late. The other day he bit into one of those eggs and remarked to me, "Wow, what a perfectly cooked egg" as if to gratify his desire to be a chef. He then went and showed Kerry, his boss and my second boss, and again quipped, "what an amazingly cooked egg."

So next time you see Charles, encourage him on his ability to boil an egg. More than that, applaud him for his cooking skills...There is much more to learn from him than just speaking skills and leadership development. This man can cook, and he is dang proud of it!

Graduation & the face

2006-07-11T10:40:00.000-05:00

So I just found out that (actually yesterday afternoon) that I won't actually be able to "walk" at graduation until May of 2007. I will finish up my degree this December still, but I won't do the cremonial part until May...I guess that doesn't really bother me that much...I just want my degree and I don't really even care about graduation that much

Bethany is back...which is awesome because she is neat! Here is a picture of Bethany in New York that was sent to me from a friend (I won't reveal who so this person doesn't get stabbed)...

I think this face should become the new "facebook" face...your thoughts?!?!

I'm a fundamentalist?

2006-07-10T15:55:00.000-05:00

So while reading blogs today, I stumbled across a quiz that basically helps you to understand a little about yourself and your religiuos leanings....that being said I think this quiz is whack....but I'll show results anyways....

You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan.
You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavly by John Wesley and the Methodists.
var img_str1="";img_str1="";
var result_str1="";
Fundamentalist
71%
Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan
71%
Emergent/Postmodern
68%
Charismatic/Pentecostal
64%
Neo orthodox
64%
Classical Liberal
54%
Reformed Evangelical
50%
Roman Catholic
32%
Modern Liberal
32%

Apparently I have some fundamentalist leanings....and apparently I think that liberal Christianity is going to lead to atheism...(Actually, on this one I tend to agree a bit, I might catch some flack for that) At least, I think liberal Christianity would tend to lead to more atheism than would coservative Christianity...What are your thoughts on the subject?!

I think those who are a bit more liberal might argue that conservatives blindly believe things and don't have any knowledge to back up what they believe. That conservatives aren't skeptical, and that they should be. I think that is poppycock, and even arrogant! (that's right, I just said poppycock)

Liberal thinkers are no better or worse than conservative thinkers...I think that modern liberal theologians are guilty of thinking they are better than everyone else...There is sometimes a certain arrogance that I catch (and sometimes am probably guilt of myself) from liberal thinkers....

Conservative theolgians tend to think they are always right, and are very fundamentalistic...not a good scenario either...

Let me say that I think I am somewhere in the middle of the Liberal views and Conservative Views on faith. And that I don't think there is anything wrong with either type of thinker!

I just got off the phone...

2006-07-09T23:24:00.000-05:00

with my LADY!!!

She is still in New York having an awesome time!...I say "still" like it has been 3 weeks or something, but it's actually only been a few days...The girls are having a great time it sounds like

Something else hit me today...

After the remaining 3 weeks of summer school I have (9 semester hours this summer) I only have 13 credit hours to finish...

I will register on Wednesday this week and I will be done with school officially on December 11th. Graduation is soon afterwards and then I will be a college grad!!! Freakin crap!! It's aout dang time too!

I'm fairly certain that there will be several posts that contain similar excitements about being done with school in the near future...so now you know to start counting

Sundays

2006-07-09T15:16:00.000-05:00

I love Sundays. Particularly this Sunday. I am getting a chance to rest. Life has been crazy these past few weeks. I fell asleep at 11:30, the earliest I have fallen asleep in a while. It as nice. Today I have watched the Cubs and done a couple hours of homework. Even homework feels like rest today.

At the moment Bethany is in New York with a couple of friends probably having the time of her life. But I can't wait for her to get back. It is amazing to me what going a few days without seeing her can do. It totally reminds me of what I have and how amazing it really is. Those it is healthy to go a few days every now and then without seeing each other, I really love it when I get to see her again!

Sparce

2006-07-05T11:01:00.000-05:00

So I know my postings have bee quite sparce and even, few and far between. But this month has been absolutely crazy...I am taking 3 summer classes totalling 9 hours, and I am working just as much as I was before, maybe a bit more outside of work...Not making excuses, just explaining why there hasn't been much to read here lately.

But I am getting back into as a discipline. My life and relationships go much better when I use a place to purge my thoughts. So, I'm back at, trying for 5 a week!

The thing I wanted to post about today was that I just pulled out my guitar and played for a while. I was doing homework, and I wanted a break, so I pulled out my guitar, and looked up the music to Mr. Lincoln Brewster's newest CD.

To my delight the few songs I could find were easy to play, so I just sat in my room with my turtle Shelley and we jammed. More importantly, I got an excellent opportunity to connect with God and let Him speak to my heart and to calm me down a bit.

So to anyone who needs to calm down life a bit, I suggest singing a few lines to I Surrender. It has an amazing ability to re-focus me.

Random Thoughts for Monday

2006-06-26T22:42:00.000-05:00

So I know my posts have been sparce as of late...it others me as much as it bothers you, I'm sure...

Here is my random thought for today...

I am taking a Developmental Disabilities class this summer...and I have to write a paper about what would be the thing I would miss most if I woke up one day and I was blind...

And I couldn't help but think back to the episode of Seinfeld where Jerry is getting a massage, and he asks the masseuse what she thinks would be the worst thing about being blind...he then gives his idea..."I think the worst thing would be not being able to tell if there were bugs in my food."

I'm not so sure that my prof. would appreciate that, but I think it is hilarious...

"Random Thoughts Monday"

2006-06-19T12:55:00.000-05:00

I am reading through Exodus, (actually Bethany and I are reading through Exodus as part of our attempt to make it through the Old Testament together) and I sometimes find it hard to draw things out of the OT to apply to my life.

I think this is a common mistake that people make when reading the OT. I realized again today that I don't have to "take something out to apply to my life" when reading Scripture. Often times it is simply od revealing Himself to me. It doesn't have to be a life-changing bit of information that is going to change the way I live my life. But what it might do instead is change the way I think about God.

That being said, I am continually amazed at how God constantly provides what is needed for the Israelites. A lot of times in Exodus the Israelites are upset, mad, confused, etc...at Moses and God. But God is faithful to them in giving them what they need to survive, (protection against the Egyptians, Amekilites, manna to eat, and water to drink, etc, etc, etc)

This has lead me to understand and see that God is good in my life too. Even when several aspects of life are hard, unclear, upsetting, or whatever else...God is still my Provider giving me everything I need to survive as I claw to understand.

Softball

2006-06-15T23:24:00.000-05:00

I am proud to announce the end of my current slump. I was 3-4 tonight with 2 runs scored and a RBI. Tomorrow night will continue my new streak of good hitting. I am putting a guarantee on it. I will post the results of tomorrow night's game tomorrow night or on Saturday.

Most importantly, we are still undefeated on our Thursday night team. 4-0. Though tonight was a tester, we still pulled through...16-12!

Slow Pitch Softball

2006-06-15T17:56:00.000-05:00

Well, I am coming off my worst week ever in softball (a comined 0-7 in two leagues, with one sac. fly) Tonight begins a two day journey for a hit. No pressure, although I'm sure I'll hear a little bit of Tom Foolery if I don't get a hit and we win. It's all game tonight. I am focused on hitting line drives instead of trying to hit the ball outta the park. home runs will come if I just swuare up on the ball a little better instead of dipping my shoulder and trying to crush that stupid big white ball.

I already had my pre-game ritual and we're still 1 1/2 hours away from game time....I would suggest not asking what that is...

Shelley has been rescued!!!!

2006-06-15T11:32:00.000-05:00

So for those of you who didn't know...

I bought a box turtle a few days ago...

And for those of you who didn't know...

my dogs caused it to run free in the backyard...they messed with the "turtle pen".

So last night I was frantickly trying to find my beloved Shelley but to no avail.

I figured her for dead, probably get eaten by a coyote or a raccoon.

But today, this morning, I went outside seeking one more time around the backyard, looking in all the obvious places...behind and in bushes,underneath our shed, in piles of leaves or grass clippings or tree bark....NOTHING!!!

Then I wondered up the hill in our yard, assuming to find nothing, but I had to look there for my sake. Attachment came quicker than I thought it would with this little herbivorous pretty.

So I got to nearly the top of our yard and out of the corner of my eye I see a round object that resembles a dark rock. A look closer...and I see it is my Shelley.

At last all of my fears of Shelley being attacked and grossly murdered are now over. I am happy to tell you that Shelley is now safe in her home eating a lovely arrangement of carrots, lettuce, and apples.

For the record, I imagine Shelley is pissed right now. She had free roam of a big yard...leaves and twigs and bark to eat....bugs to capture....now she is back in captivity...

I will have to re-win her affection!!

Ben, thanks for praying that I would find her! And thanks to all those who wished me good luck in finding her!

(This is the most idiotic post of my blogger history...and probably future for that matter)

I got a Box Turtle

2006-06-12T15:41:00.000-05:00

I got a box turtle today and it is a female. So for those of you who might want to help me name it, take a shot...I'll be accepting potential names for little missy for a few days...

Monday's are for Random stuff

2006-06-12T10:30:00.000-05:00

I am going to start on Monday's giving a list of everything that is on my mind....starting today...

The first is my job. How do we continue to connect college students during the summer? For some reason it seems that the busier college kids are (during school) the more often they will take the time out to come to church, or to hang out outside of church. Seems weird, and I could be wrong.

The second is school. School sucks, don't ever do it. Just kidding, actually I am getting my butt kicked by school this summer because I am taking 9 hours so I can graduate in December. It will be done on July 25...counting the days...

The third is post college. What the heck am I going to do when I graduate?

The fourth is Bethany. This doesn't really need explaining...but she is pretty amazing!!! (Disclaimer: she is not 4th on my list of thoughts, just the way everything spewed out of my brain this morning.)

The fifth is God. Again, not the way things are ordered, just came out this way. I want more, but I don't want to do the work. Ever been there? I need to pony to the God-Bar and get drunk.

Lastly, I plan on getting a turtle sometime today or tomorrow. Anyone have any good name ideas?

Strange Week

2006-06-10T10:57:00.000-05:00

This week has been a strange one. I got in an accident a little over a week ago...(which wasn't my fault and couldn't be avoided). There has been a lot of work to do since Charlie was in Colorado. And now all three of my summer classes are in full swing. This is going to be a crazy summer. I initially wanted to work more than the part-time hours I work for the church (because I feel like a bum because all my friends work more than me and make more money) but I think it is going to be worth it so I can graduate after the fall semester.

I am currently in the worst slump of my slow pitch softball career (a career that spans 5 years). Over my last two games I am combined total of 0-7 with 1 RBI. I have gone 8 plate appearances without reaching first base safely. Now you need to know that I am not horrible at softball. Humility at stake here, I am pretty good at softball. That is why going 0-7 in two games makes me almost laugh. Ah well, at least it gives me something to be nervous about every time I step to the plate.

This woman is using the exact same bat that I use. However, I assure you that I haven't swung and missed yet...That may be soon to come however.

How often is it normal to have a crappy day?

2006-06-05T18:32:00.000-05:00

So I haven't had the best of the past few days....driving around in a rental car that is a bit broken in itself...I thought that was the purpose of the rental car..to drive while your car is broken...meehh...

I am having a difficulty communicating with people recently. At least, it seems like I am struggling to say the things I mean to say...

How often is it okay to have a bad day? Or better yet, how often is it normal? I feel like I have had too many bad days lately. Sometimes it seems like I am unhappy for no reason. Does anyone else ever feel this way?

Life in general just feels a little "blah" right now. Things are going all right...everything is normal...I just want more of something...

maybe i want more of God

life has just slowed down recently and i have found myself thinking about life more often

i don't think it's bad to think about life, but can you think too much about the things that are going on immediately around you?

do i Love what i am doing right now? i don't know, maybe. i at least like it a lot.

How do you refresh yourself? How do you renew your soul?

Why can it be so easy to slip into a short term depressive state? (i'm not really depressed...just down the last couple of days...so don't worry about me!!)

So how do i get refreshed?

Happy 100 Posts to Me....Sort of

2006-06-01T15:10:00.000-05:00

Happy 100 Posts to Me!! Except for the fact that the purpose of this entry is to detail the crash I was involved in yesterday. In an attempt to avoid a crash, I struck another vehicle and now my car is out of commission. I suppose that is okay because I'mm 99% sure I will have no liability in this incident. Which is awesome because my car gets fixed for free, and I get a rental car for a while. And everyone knows rental cars are fun because you can drive them inot the ground...just as long as you don't dent it, or wreck it...

So here's to my 100th post on blogger. How exciting is that??

I know, I know, not really all that exciting.

Finally...something good happens to me

2006-05-30T18:39:00.000-05:00

So I was minding my own business today when I received notification from my brother Aaron that I should go upstairs because there was a check from the IRS waiting for me. Now, if you have heard me talk about taxes and how much they suck for me, you'll know I wasn't expecting anything from Uncle Sam.

In fact, I remember having to pay a total of $30 to the state and federal governments.

Anyhow, I got enough back to pay for the new brakes, rotors, and wheel alignment I need on my car. This was money I thought before that I wouldn't have and have to end up putting on my credit card or some other way...But God is good. I have to say that this is probably the first time that I have felt really blessed financially. (Since I started tithing regularly). So, the lesson....tithe regularly...God will give you back in ways you didn't see coming or think possible.

On another note, I am reading a book called Experiencing Ministry Supervision as part of my internship requirements through Moody. I have to have this book finished in like 2 days and a 5 page paper written about it...YIKES!!!

Blogging Hiatus

2006-05-30T11:33:00.000-05:00

It has been almost a full week since I have written anything on here.

The past week has been very busy...beginning summer classes, helping Bethany move in, spending long hours hanging out with peeps at the apartment, work, (and even more this week, I'm teaching at Nexus), etc...

As usual, setting aside a solid amount of quiet time has been difficult in the past week. It defintiely has been a struggle. I also have to read a book by the end of this week and write a 3-5 page review of it. The only trouble is, the book is a little boring...sure it's got good material, but the verbage used is a bit...old school.

And also very exciting...I will be celebrating my 100th Post in two more posts. This is post 98....are you as pumped as I am? I figured!!

Mowing and working out

2006-05-24T16:27:00.000-05:00

So as I stated earlier today I needed to mow the back yard desperately. It was getting really long and I knew that if it rained a couple more days, I would be totally up a creek without a paddle if I didn't mow today.

So I did, as fast as I could, and then I decided to work out. You might be wondering why it seems like my day has been chronicled to this point, but I promise this post has a purpose for me to write it down...

So I did my usual routine with the weights, (going on 4 months consistently, lost a few lbs...I needed to get in shape a bit) and then I decided to run. I looked outside and noticed it was getting a bit "dark" as the ever so ominous clouds approached. I had a burst of energy and was feeling a bit "pumped up" from lifting (a great workout today) so I decided to go for it. I got about 1/2 mile in to my 1.5 mile run and it started pouring...then about 1 minute later (after I had decided to just keep running through the rain) the sirens started blaring. It was at this moment that I decided to turn back. It got pretty windy there for a few minutes. As I was approaching my house, I noticed tree limbs down everywhere and our mailbox had acutally blown off its post.

So perhaps it was a dumb move to go running this afternoon. But it was kind of fun to run in the rain.

Depressing Day

2006-05-24T14:10:00.000-05:00

So today I have been working a bit from home...I need to mow the lawn...But I really don't want to. It's hot and humid outside.

The Cubs are on TV today and are so terrible it's amazing. It's not just today, it's been the last month. Oh well...

For the Young Lifers who read this...

We need to throw a Young Life party soon. We can do it during the week, the weekend, whenever. I was thinking it may actually be easier to do it during the week. Let me know so I can get the keg ordered (keg of root beer, that is)

I hate cars

2006-05-22T15:57:00.000-05:00

I have never been in a big fan of automobiles. For one, it seems that I have never had a car that gave me no problems...the issue for me is that I see "regular maintenance" as problems. Today I spent $230 getting my oil changed and getting two new front rodors and brake pads. The really crappy part is that I need two more rodors and two sets of brake pads as well as to get my front wheels aligned and a new tie rod. The total bill for me is over $600, of which I have maybe $300. Now I have a credit card, but that has been used too much lately and I really don't want to continue to pile onto that debt leach. I keep saying to myself, "You graduate in December, you'll be able to pay off your CC debt with graduation money". But I don't want to rely on that to pay off my CC debt. Further, at some point I want to move out, buy a motorcycle, and eventually some expensive jewelry. So I guess I better start saving my money, maybe get another job, if I want to do be able to accomplish all of these things that cost a good amount of money. Some day...some day...

Props to Dan Bobbitt...

2006-05-19T14:47:00.000-05:00

...for letting me ride his dad's motorcycle. What was he thinking? And why did he trust me on it? These questions and more I don't have answers to. All I know is that I got to feel the wind on my hair for the first time in a while. It was spectacular! So props to you Danbo...that was sweeetttt!!!

Also, having nothing to do with anything really, I am happy to report that this morning on my way to work I didn't have to stop at the Allen rd. stoplight as you get off the interstate. I pulled up, and it turned green immediately. There have been times when I have waited 5 minutes at that light in the past. So I knew today was going to be a good day when that happened!

Extended Thoughts on United 93

2006-05-18T11:32:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I know I have beaten this into the ground, but I can't help but share an email that was forwarded to me. This is an email from a former pilot who was in the air the day of the attacks. He exaplins the day a bit, talks about the movie just released, and shares his thoughts about the entire thing. Thanks to Justin Ganschow for forwarding me the email...

This message was forwarded to me by a retired Delta pilot and written bya friend of his.

Guys,

Susie and I just got back from seeing "UAL Flight 93", it was absolutely gripping, and as a former airline pilot who was flying a trip thatmorning on a Boeing 767 from Cincinnati to Orlando it was almost toohorrific to watch...it was very disturbing! For you pilot types, the attention to detail, the cockpit, the preflight, the crew, pilots andflight attendants boarding the aircraft and making small talk was or soreal and routine...just another day in the office! Likewise the views from central flow control, NY and Boston ARTCC and the NORAD command center were very realistic. Should anyone have any doubts about our response, or lack of that morning you need to view this movie. Watching all the various controllers and their supervisors trying to get their arms around the problem and to come to grips and connect the dots is so very real. The movie appears to almost happen in real time and youcan really sense the problem that the commanders had in thinking outsidethe box and realizing that we were really at war.

Fighters are scrambled, late, and in the wrong direction, as threats are supposed to come from over the water to the east not from over land to the west; the planes are not armed, can they ram, and who has the authority to give that command...the command is given but not relayed to the pilots. The lack of communications, or rather the disbelief and lack of coordination is stunning but easy to understand. Even the pilots of UAL Flt 93 aregiven a data link message that the Towers have been hit and to beware of cockpit intruders...they brush it off in disbelief...as I'm sure anypilot would have prior to that date. The time line given at the end of the movie and the confusion over what planes were involved, and which flights were being hijacked is very revealing...we just couldn't get it together quickly enough. As pilots and crew members we had never been trained to deal with suicidal hijackers who were prepared to die, it wassimply inconceivable at the time.

A key point, though not belabored, was when the supervisor of the FAA Central Flow Control ordered that allaircraft in US airspace land immediately, (there were over 4200 in theair), that no planes from overseas would be allowed into the country and would be turned back, and that there were to be no over flights...he realized that we were at war but didn't know with whom...it was a very bold and brave move, and he was thinking way outside the box...I believe that it was also his first day on the job as the boss!

All Americans should see this movie as it may help them get a grip on the terrorist threat that we are up against vs. the radical Muslim world. I don't know if we belong in Iraq or how we should deal with Iranor North Korea or the Sudan, but I know that there is a real threat to our way of life from the radical Islamic fundamentalists. I continually hear that this is not a true reflection of the Koran or true Islamic beliefs. Well that may be true, and it might not be, but there would appear to be plenty of Muslims in the world that have an entirely different and radical interpretation of the Koran which we cannot ignore. What was probably as disturbing as watching an airline crew, that could have been me or any of my friends, seeing their world and their life taken away, was the hijackers preparing to die, washing themselves and praying to their god as if they were doing his will. They looked like ordinary young men, and to think that they could sit next to all these people on that plane th at they were going to kill, who had nothing against them or done nothing to them, was beyond words. I guess if nothing else it gives you insight into the minds of suicide bombers,which to our Western way of thought is beyond comprehension. This moviewill make you angry, very angry.

My experience on 9/11. We were just ready to close the door for our Delta 767 flight from CVG to MCO when the gate agent came on board andasked if we had heard anything about a small plane hitting the WorldTrade Center, we had not, so she said goodbye and closed the door. Shortly thereafter we were airborne climbing out on a beautifully clear crisp fall morning heading to Florida with not a cloud in the sky or acare in the world. I heard a bizjet ask for a reroute since he could notget to New York and I thought that was strange. Then another bizjetsaid "well I guess we won't be going there either" and asked for clearance to an alternat e.. At that point I asked center what was going on. There was a pause and then the controller came back in a very excited voice and said "they have hit both of the Trade Center Towers,they have hit the Pentagon, they have hit the Capitol and the WhiteHouse"...well you can imagine it got really lively on the frequency. I turned to my Co-Pilot and said "I don't know what has happened, but I do know that things will never be the same", and I think I got that right!

Within seconds the controller had composed himself and said all flights on this frequency standby, and it was dead quiet. He then said all flights are to land immediately and went down the list of the planes under his control..."American 235 turn right heading 230 you're landingat Pittsburgh, Continental 456 turn left heading 180 for Cincinnati,Delta 235 (that's me) turn right to 250 and descend to 8000, you're landing at Knoxville, airport your 2 o'clock 40 miles... .etc" It wasthe best, fastest and most efficient handling I have ever had fromATC...they had everyone on the ground all over the country in minimum time. After all the initial confusion, their professionalism, and that of all the flight crews was exemplary!

We spent two days in Knoxville and then ferried an empty 757 back to Atlanta and I believe were one ofthe first flights to land back at our main hub. Our arrival at ATL was one of the most moving experiences of my flying career. The airspace was totally empty, there was no talk on the radio, and we were the only plane in the sky over ATL, the busiest airport in the U.S., but we did have, unknown to us until informed by the controller, an F-16 right on our tail, but we never saw him. When we taxied in the normally frantic ramp area was dead quiet, all the ground equipment, tugs, baggage carts,tugs, fuelers etc. were lined up in military precision and the groundcrew were standing at attention and saluted...wow, I'll never forget that. They needed a sign that things were getting back to normal...that we were moving and flying again.

Reflections. As you may know I was on a United Flight several weeks ago from Chicago to Sacramento that had a passenger who tried to open the front cabin door, allegedly claimed to have a bomb, and took a swing at the flight attendant. Well, yours truly was sound asleep in the last row of coach and missed all the action, but suffice it to say that before he got very far he was rapidly subdued by the first class section and we diverted to Denver. Unlike Flight 93 he couldn't have gotten into the cockpit as the cockpit door is now armored and no passenger is going to sit still and let anyone interfere with the flight. I always felt that with the improved cockpit door that I would be totally safe, and that all my passengers in the cabin would act as Sky Marshals...I was and they did...they remembered 9/11, lets hope that we never forget!

I would also like to mention that all the crew members on my United flight as well as all the ground rescue folks in Denver and the United station personnel did an absolutely marvelous job in handling this incident. It made me proud to have once been a part of this profession.

I hope you finished reading this very long documentation of a pilot and his thoughts on Flight 93

Reading

2006-05-17T22:35:00.000-05:00

For some reason it has been really difficult the last few weeks to really get interested in reading. Normally this is a bit strange for me, I usually love to read.
Perhaps it's because of finals, I dont know. But now that school is over I hope to continue into some good books. I'm reading a couple right now, one for work, and one for fun. Hopefully I can get back into the swing of things...

Can you believe the Cubs have won two games in a row? That is almost a winning streak. They have a chance tomorrow to sweep the lowly Nationals. But no matter the foe, any sweep is a good sweep.

Survivor Finale, and being sick

2006-05-14T20:33:00.000-05:00

I am watching the Survivor finale right now. This has been the most incredibly boring season of Survivor yet. The final two is made up of two morons who against the "true" Survivor would have no chance of winning from the jury. So, even though it seems CBS did everything they legally could to mix things up a bit, but it was unsuccessful...BORRIINNGG....

I have been sick for the past 3 days or so. This cold is wrecking me a bit. At least, it's slowing me down some. Next week will be one my lightest weeks I've had in a while. No school,normal amount of work. It is a good time because I am not feelin so hot...

Angels

2006-05-10T12:55:00.000-05:00

I am slowly reading through Matthew. I came to a point in chapter 4 where I noticed something that I never really gave mention to before, and haven't ever really heard anyone speak to before. It is verse 11. Jesus had just been tempted by Satan several times. Each time he avoids temptation, temptation that is very attractive to Him, and it says "then the devil went away, and the angels came and cared for Jesus".
Jesus was hurt. I picture him breathing heavy like He just ran a marathon. He must have been exhausted because He needed comfort. He needed someone or something to care for Him. This brings a question to mind...

If Jesus needed help after being tempted, how much more do we need help after being tempted? And more than that, since Jesus was God we know He didn't sin and give in to the temptation like we sometimes do. We get a picture of how difficult it was for Him to avoid the temptation and He was God. Wow. It was so difficult for Him to say no that He needed "cared for" after Satan went away.

Now of course at this point He has gone 40 days and 40 nights without eating anything and this is when Satan attacks Him and suggests that He turn stones into bread. This is the ultimate from of temptation. Come on, the Dude is starving, literally, and someone comes along and says "Hey man, you can eat, don't be silly". But the God of the Universe resisted.

And then, Satan went away and the angels came and cared for Jesus.

Starbucks, No Internet, Working

2006-05-10T11:30:00.000-05:00

I am at Starbucks on Bradley's campus. I must say I am quite impressed with the place. It is much more...Conducive to small groups meeting and talking. I say that as 2 other groups of three are having a meeting inside here right now.

The internet at my house is broken right now, so I am stuck here taking the final I was supposed to take several days ago...whoops! Good thing my prof is really strechable. Otherwise I'd be in for some trouble.

And since I am up here, not at my house, I figure I might as well work a little bit too. I've got a crudload of things to do this week, and it's already Wednesday. Oh well. Better late than never, right?!

Graduation plans

2006-05-09T15:01:00.000-05:00

So today I sent in my graduation plans to Moody. It is so weird to think that within the next 8 months I willbe done with college, at least, done with undergraduate. It is incredibly excited and really weird at the same time. Who knows what I'll be doing once I graduate...All I know is that I'll have about $7,000 worth of debt that will need paid off, and a motorcycle that I'll be dreaming about...

It is kind of funny. Ever since I came home from Trinity, school has become...a little easier, and I have taken way more classes. By the time I graduate, I'll have taken over 135 semester hours. It's taken me 4.5 years to graduate, but I'll be finished. And come December, I'll have taken 58 hours in 1.5 years. Quite the heavy load to get done.

So mark your calendars for sometime in the end of December as I'll be requested your presence, and your presents as I graduate from College. What a joyous day that will be.

My parents will have three college graduates out three children. Not a bad percentage.

That little bird

2006-05-09T14:17:00.000-05:00

Today Bethany came over for lunch after her first of three finals. We had some delicious turkey sandwiches (we are trying to go the entire week without spending money on food) and some pretzels with dip. For desert, I had a cinnamon roll and Bethany wanted none of it. I thought she was crazy though.

Then as she prepared to leave, to begin preparation for her second of three finals today, she and I noticed that there was a small bird that appeared to be stuck in my screened in porch. I 'm not sure how it got in there as both doors were completely shut, although the wind could have opened them at any time.

As we tried to "shew" it out of the porch Bethany began to be frightened by this 3 inch long bird. She said, "It's making a mean face" as she cowered behind me. "A mean face?" I responded. This little bird might have weighed 2 ounces. The fear in Bethany, though, was much heavier than that. She was really afraid that this little tiny harmless bird was going to attack and hurt her, or me. But the ping pong paddle in my right hand said otherwise. This bird was not even going to attempt an attack. And if for some reason it did, it would have been whacked with a little bit of backspin, as that is my natural ping-pong stroke.

So if you see Bethany today at Bradley, or anywhere else for that matter in the next few days, ask her about the little bird that almost killed her. Or, at least she thought it was going to attack based upon the look of it's measly little beak.

tribuneprotest.blogpost.com

2006-05-08T21:49:00.000-05:00

If you are interested in giving any amount of money to help boycott the owners of the Chicago Cubs, The Tribune Company, here is a link to a blog that will give you more information...

The Cubs are owned by the Tribune Company, a multi billion dollar organization, an organization that has not been able to put a winning team on the field sine 1908. The owner of this blog is accepting donations to help purhase a billboard somewhere in Wrigleyville that will in some way protest that devil Dennis Fitzsimmons(President and CEO of the Trib). You can check this blog at http://tribuneprotest.blogspot.com for more info.

Please help this cause so we can voice our opinions...I can't take much more of this bull crap from the Cubbies.

Young Life

2006-05-08T10:11:00.000-05:00

Tonight I am going to visit the Washington Young Life Club in attempt to try to get to know some of the seniors who will be graduating in a couple of days. It is a great way to create buzz about our ministry while at the same time genunely trying to get to know some kids who I'm sure are just ready to move on, (I know, I was there) So if you are a student at the Washington Young Life Club, I'll see you tonight. If you're not, I won't see you tonight.

Despressing

2006-05-04T10:19:00.000-05:00

I have been completely depressed for the past couple of days. In the last 6 games, the Cubs have scored a total of 7, thats right 7 runs. Needless to say I think they are 2-5 in that stretch, causing me to be very downcast.

Okay, so not really totally downcast, but it is very dissapointing.

My brother who never plays golf (he hasn't played in almost 4 years) missed hitting a hole-in-one by less than 2 feet yesterday. It angers me. I have played for the past 8 years and haven't ever really come close to making a hole in one, but he drops in a 9-iron from 150 yards and it almost goes in. What a bum.

Elizabethtown

2006-05-03T01:12:00.000-05:00

Bethany and I were bored tonight, and the friend front was quiet, so we rented a movie that a friend of ours suggested. The movie Elizabethtown is about a man who has no idea about the life he has already missed and the love he never knew. I must say that for the first 30 minutes of this flick I was a bit bored, even giving it time mandates as to when it better pick up or else. Or else I would turn it off and watch Sportscenter or something.

It ended up being one of the most beautiful stories that unfolded. Orlando Bloom plays a young man who meets a woman (Kirsten Dunst I think, not sure about spelling her last name) and the two fall in love. But this isn't the whole point of the movie. The movie is about her being that person who is able to show him everything he missed in life. He goes on a journey with his dead father's ashes in an urn next to him as he travels the country. He apparently learns a lot about life, about love, and about the girl of his dreams. The coolest part is that the focus wasn't on the love story, but that it was on the individuals finding themselves. They just so happened to find themselves through each other. So, go check out this movie if you haven't already. Give it more than thirty minutes or you won't like it...

Golf Course

2006-05-02T19:40:00.000-05:00

Tonight I had another opportunity to play 9 holes of golf in about an hour. I am beginning to love playing by myself. It is an awesome time for me to get alone with God. The irony is that golf=frustration. So it is really good for me to be playing by myself sometimes. That way I am more concentrated on God than I am my game. It is an awesome sanctuary for me. But now my question is this...Does that hour-plus count as time really spent with God, worshipping God? I mean, I am doing something I love to do, golf, and something I else I love to do, talk to God. I think I can justify this.

The entire time today I had the David Crowder Song that goes like this in my head...

How great is your love for us
How great is your love for me
That grace would cover us
How great is your love

I know that's not verbatim to the chorus, but who cares...

John the Baptist

2006-05-01T16:50:00.000-05:00

I am reading through the book of Matthew and I was reading in Matthew 3 today where John baptized Jesus. During this time when someone was baptized, John was the one who was likely to do it in Nazareth. One day Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River and wanted John to baptise him. John was reluctant...I mean come on...How weird that the Messiah whom he himself had been prophesying wants to be baptized. Of course John didn't feel comfortable baptizing Jesus. John knew it should have been the other way around. So my thought of the day today is about what John must have been thinking and feeling when Jesus came to be baptized. What types of thoughts were running through his head?

Thoughts on United 93

2006-05-01T00:51:00.000-05:00

I just got done watching this movie...and I am far from a movie critic, but here are my initial thoughts...

1. How tragic.
2. How sad.
3. How courageous.

I'm not really sure what to think of the rest just yet. The only other immediate thought I have is that I'm glad that this movie included all "no name" actors. It helped to think of this actually happening since the people on the flight were "common people".

Also, I can't help but wonder why they didn't hijack more planes that day...I know that sounds a bit....morbid...but considering how easy it seemed to be, at least at first...why didn't they hijack more planes at the same time...and then just crash them around the same time......

Okay, fire back if you wish...

United 93

2006-04-30T21:41:00.000-05:00

I'm going in about 15 minutes to see this film. I'm excited to see it, in a weird way...a somber way. When I get home I plan on posting my thoughts about the flick, so check back later...If you care about my thoughts....

So Brandon Dewitt somehow managed to stumble upon my post about him and playing guitar. Apparently Jake Bland forwarded him the link to my blog and he left a coment on it. I saw him today at a golf outing for a Mission Trip and it was really sort of embarrasing. Everything I know about the dude seems pretty cool though...

Wrigley Field, Harry Caray's, and Flight 93

2006-04-29T13:06:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was at beautiful Wrigley Field where I got to watch the Cubs take on the Brewers. Maddux was pitching and the Cubs worked a 6-2 victory. Our seats were not in the bleachers, (for the first time in a long time) but they were on the first baseline...about 4 rows up level with the bullpen pitchers mound. It was a sunny day, warm, and awesome!

Last night for dinner I got to enjoy the best piece of meat I've had in a long time. Harry Caray's restaurant in Chicago serves the greatest cuts of beef I've ever tasted before. I had the 23 oz. bone-in rib eye. Cooked to medium-well, I didn't even need a knife to cut through this beast....It was mouth wateringly good...If you ever go there and don't know what to order...do yourself a favor and order the bone-in rib eye!

And finally....the movie Flight 93. I haven't seen this movie yet, but I'd still like to. I've heard some dispute from both political sides, republicans mostly saying that Americans need to see this movie, and the drive by media (left wingers) saying that it's too soon. Here is my opinion...

I think that while yes, it is soon after the attacks...this is a movie that Americans need to see. It put things into perspective as to what freedom means, and that it really is not free. Now, I am not suggesting that those who died and were affected as a result of Sept. 11 deserved what happened....but as a result of what happened, we need to take a closer look at the way we feel about freedom. I think Americans have already forgotten what happened on that day, and the sad thing is, it will happen again. Freedom isn't free and those on that plane did one of the most courageous things that any American, (or any person of any citizenship) could have done. I, for one, am solemnly looking forward to seeing this movie...I hope that it helps me to view my freedom as an amazing gift and to remember those who have died representing freedom for this country. It seems the liberal media is opposed to this movie for two reasons:

1. They think it's too soon to be "Hollywoodizing" a Tragic American event.
2. They don't want anything that boosts American Moral to happen when a democrat is not in office.

This second reason might get me into some trouble, so again, this is just my opinion...but when I watch the news or listen to talk radio, sometimes it sounds like they celebrate American defeat because that means GWB has failed at something. Sometimes it seems to me that they care about their personal agendas more than they care about people. I've heard liberal talk show hosts basically celebrate American soldier deaths in Iraq just to try to throw another stone at GWB. How sad?!

This post shows off my conservative side much more than I probably actually am. I get so sick and tired of Republicans and Democrats arguing and trying to "one up" each other. It times of crisis, we should become more united than we have in the past 5 years. Democrats have simply complained about Bush instead of supporting our president. I'm not saying you have to like him, but he is the president...It will be funny to see how Republicans respond the next time Democrat holds the presidential office. I think it will be completely different, or at least I hope so... I don't think Republicans will think the only thing we can do to better the country is to complain about the president. Some people should be ashamed of themselves...not every democrat, I am very much so a liberal republican...but some people who pathetically hold influence over the people that listen to them are doing much more harm then they are good.

Greg Maddux and cheating

2006-04-27T15:42:00.000-05:00

I friend of mine called me today and wanted to tell me that Greg Maddux is cheating, has cheated and was cheating the last time he threw against the Stl Cardinals. How ridiculous is this? The guys throws 82 mph and people for some reason think he is cheating? How insane is this/ m the actual truth is that Jim Edmonds is a deteriorating baseball player and he cannot hit a good pitch. that's the honest truth. The dude can't hit a fastball, the dude can't hit a curveball. the only pitch he can hit is mistake pitch that floats over the middle of the plate. he is washed up and should be retire graciously before he begins to suck real bad....

Rant of the day!!!

Tim Reist and Finals

2006-04-26T15:45:00.000-05:00

This is a tribute toTim Reist. I want him to know that he is an awesome dude, a great speaker, and not too terrible a singer...So this post is for you!

Might I also add that I hate finals. I took my Church History final yesterday and I actually think I might have aced it. I am not sure of any that I missed which is odd....the only part that really sucks is that in order to get an A in the class, I need a 94% for the semester...(which is a totally ridiculous percentage) I think if I get a 100% on the final i"ll get there, but will be close...

To all you students taking finals...I feel ya! But I've only got one more semester of this crap left!!!!!

Brandon Dewitt

2006-04-25T16:28:00.000-05:00

So this guy probably doesn't even know me, actually we've met on more than one occasion, but its been a long time...

That being said, I was listening to one of his CD's that was made a little while back. And I got inspired to get out my guitar which I unfortunately don't get to play too often anymore. I realized something today...

I wish that when I was a little kid I would have been more interested in music. It is really difficult to learn music for me. I am not very gifted when it comes to guitar or any other instrument for that matter...I have to watch something played in order to learn something new. I cannot usually just make something up that sounds cool. I think I've done that once...

So to Brandon...I wish that I could make things up on the guitar like you do...it's funny that his name is mentioned here and he'll never know it...

My guitar -------------> --------------> --------------> //

Best girl ever...

2006-04-25T02:18:00.000-05:00

I have to start this by saying that Bethany has to be the coolest girl I know!!!

She is sick, tired, stressed, and really not that big of a Shane & Shane fan...yet tonight she took me to a concert at Lincoln Christian College that was sweet! I know, I know...most of you probably don't like S&S, but I don't care, I do!

So, thanks Bethany....You rock my socks off!!!

And Shane and Shane did too! Seriously....I know most of you complain that their songs are all the same...and that may be true...but the guitaring in those said songs is unbelievable! The way they play just catches me somehow!!!

And to top the night off....My brother taped the Cubs game for me...so I watched it in fast forward mode....only to see the Cubs come back and win a thriller 6-3....today was a gooooood day!!!!

I just finished reading...

2006-04-24T15:02:00.002-05:00

I just finished reading And the Angels were Silent for the third time. Each year for the past few years I've "tried" to read it during the Easter week. The book outlines the last 7 days of Jesus's life as well as the resurrection day. It is a fantastic book by Max Lucado and each year it helps me put into perspective how truly amazing it was what Christ did for us. I was particularly impressed with this...

Lucado is acting out a dialogue with Jesus and asks Jesus why he said "My God my God why have you abandoned me? (some translations say forsaken)...

And Lucado goes through a series of statements that eventually leads him to this ending...

But why am I telling you? You remember. You were the one who saw me. You were the one who found me. I was lonely. I was afraid. Remember? "Why? Why me? Why has all this hurt happened?"

I know it wasn't much of a question. But it was all I knew to ask. You see, God, I felt so confused. So desolate. Sin will do that to you. Sin leaves you shipwrecked, orphaned, adrift. Sin leaves you aban--

Oh, Oh my.

My goodness God. Is that what happened? You mean sin did the same to you that it did to me?

Oh I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't know. I didn't understand. You were really alone, weren't you?

Your question was real, wasn't it, Jesus? You really were afraid. You really were alone. Just like I was. Only I deserved it, you didn't.

Forgive me, I spoke out of turn.

Re-reading this part especially re-answered some questions I have had...why did God forsake Jesus on the Cross? How could that be? Because He really REALLY was carrying our sin. For a moment, Jesus was full of nastiness, our nastiness...and He was in intense pain...

A recommended read for anyone who has never read this book....it is excellent

Saturday Nights!

2006-04-23T12:09:00.000-05:00

Last night Nexus finally made its move to Saturday night! It was awesome! I have to say that I overall am really glad that we have moved. On a personal level, it's really nice to not have any "work" to do on Sunday's and can have all afternoon on Sunday to chill.

Tim Reist is singing...

2006-04-21T15:03:00.000-05:00

So I'm sitting here at Northwoods and I'm working on some stuff for Nexus for tomorrow! I am really excited about moving to Saturday's and I hope that once everyone gets a feel for how awesome it will be to come to church on Saturday night and then not have to get up on Sunday morning, that they will jump on the bandwagon as well...

Like I said I am fdinishing up some stuff for tomorrow and tim Reist is singing. this is a normal occurence...I'm really not sure why he sings all the time...but for some reason today, it is really calming. Usually I am busy doing somtehing and it is a bit of a distraction, but for some reason today it is refreshing...weird, I know! Nothing against Tim's singing and all, but I have heard better...and worse.

Derrek Freaking Lee is out for 10 weeks minimum because of a recent injury to his right hand...As if Prior and Wood being on the DL since the beginning of the season wasn't enough....For some reason it seems as if the Cubs are the team who ALWAYS, every year have the terrible injuries that traumatically disrupt what could be a promising season....freaking crapola

9-5

Blogging Hiatus

2006-04-18T20:24:00.000-05:00

I've been on somewhat of a blogging hiatus recently and I am returning now!

I know all 130,000 of you who read my blog are excited!!!

I spent some time today praying to God...you are probably thinking...."I should hope so"

But life has been so...I dont know, kinda weird the last few days. I'm really trying to commit myself to reading Scripture every day and not just relying on reading books written by uninspiring authors. So, I am reading through Matthew, hoping to recapture some of a passion and vision for what Christ did and what I am called to do.

It was a terrific time of prayer...I was on the golf course by myself just for about 45 minutes this evening. I have to say it was quite peaceful to be by myself with no one around. I swear that one time while I was praying after a shot I hit, and I couldn't find my ball....I asked God to show me where it was (halfway sarcasticaly) and literally within 2 seconds of praying that I found it...or I should say God showed me where my ball was. What does that mean?

I think it means ask and I'll show you...