Secretariat

Test

2011-04-12T14:01:00.001-04:00

Does anyone still check this?

Capital Punishment

2010-05-25T08:18:00.002-04:00

I have been discussing recently the popular topic of the death penalty. In order to not lead the conversation in any certain direction, I am simply going to provide a source of information. In the source are Pro's and Con's. Please take the time to read a little bit of the article linked here. I want to make sure that you catch the story that they tell at the bottom of the page. I think that stories like this one are the reasons why this is such a hot topic. Please feel free to comment, but be kind to each other.

"The case of Stanley "Tookie" Williams illustrates the moral complexities of the death penalty.

Mr. Williams, an author and Nobel Peace and Literature Prizes nominee who was put to death on December 13, 2005 by lethal injection by the state of California, brought capital punishment back into prominent public debate.

Mr. Williams was convicted of four murders committed in 1979, and sentenced to death. Williams professed innocence of these crimes. He was also co-founder of the Crips, a deadly and powerful Los Angeles-based street gang responsible for hundreds of murders.

About five years after incarceration, Mr. Williams underwent a religious conversion and, as a result, authored many books and programs to promote peace and to fight gangs and gang violence. He was nominated five times for the Nobel Peace Prize and four times for the Nobel Literature Prize.

Mr. Williams' was a self-admitted life of crime and violence, followed by genuine redemption and a life of uniquely and unusually good works.

The circumstantial evidence against Williams left little doubt that he committed the four murders, despite last-minute claims by supporters. There also existed no doubt that Mr. Williams posed no further threat to society, and would contribute considerable good.

The

case of Stanley "Tookie" Williams

forced public reflection on the purpose of the death penalty:

Is the purpose of the death penalty to remove from society someone who would cause more harm?
Is the purpose to remove from society someone who is incapable of rehabilitation?
Is the purpose of the death penalty to deter others from committing murder?
Is the purpose of the death penalty to punish the criminal?
Is the purpose of the death penalty to take retribution on behalf of the victim?"

The questions above were part of the article. I did not ask them, but you are free to use them as conversation starters if you like.

My Mind is Blown

2010-04-23T11:26:00.003-04:00

So the Jr. High are getting ready to go on a retreat this afternoon. And, in typical fashion, the license plates are expired on the church bus. This is my experience of trying to get my license plates. Exciting, huh?

So I go to the BMV, they were pretty empty and that was awesome. I walked right in and sat down and the lady starts helping me. I let her know that I was there from my church and I was trying to renew the plates. She gives me my total I pay her with cash. She uses her little marker to make sure the money I gave her wasn't fake. I have no problem with that. I joked with her and said that would be bad if I were paying with counter fit money. She laughs and says yeah, "you come to renew the churches plates and pay with fake money, that would be bad."

She was trying to figure out if I needed stickers or new plates. It was taking some time and she had to wait on some one to help her. So she tried to strike up a conversation. She decided that we knew each other well enough and presumably because I went to a church that I would agree with her, but here is what she says.

"I think that Obama is the anti-christ."

I must admit that I am very rarely speechless. It happened.

I am not here to discuss politics, but rather religion.

She thought that because I went to church, that it was ok to label people as being the single most evil person to ever walk the earth. When did the Church become a body that was so accepting of criticizing people that you could start a conversation with "Obama is the anti-christ."

I was blown away. I hope that I do not put off the vibe of "Lets find someone to criticize."

God, help you church to be a church of love not of hate.

Observations of Parenthood

2010-04-12T08:55:00.002-04:00

These are just a few things that I have noticed since becoming a father 10 days ago.

1. Taking off for 1 week after your child is born is not long enough.

2. When your child is asleep in the car, there seem to be a lot more potholes.

3. Changing diapers isn't that bad....yet.

4. Playing music too loud can wake a child up.

5. Playing music loud enough drowns out crying.:)

6. The pacifier was not going to get used. We made it 3 days at home and I consider that a success. Pacifiers are lifesavers.

7. Hospitals talk way too much about SIDS. (Or maybe I worry about things too much)

8. There are times when it is going to feel like there is nothing I can do to help. I think I have to use those times to catch up on sleep.:)

9. Being at work is hard. It has been 1 1/2 hrs, and I feel like I am missing stuff already.

10. There is such a thing as love at first sight.

Youth Workers

2009-12-16T15:27:00.005-05:00

I know that I do not have a huge following on my blog, but there are a few. I have been thinking about something recently that I would like some of your opinions on.

I have been here in Lafayette about 3 years. I have been doing youth ministry for about 2 years (in March.) We as churches always claim that we are all "on the same team" just trying to help people form a closer relationship with Christ. If this is true, and we are truly all pulling for the same thing, then why do I not know any other youth workers in the area? Why can I not name the youth workers at the 2 churches that are within 2 miles of our church. I want to be sure that it is known that I am not blaming others for this lack of connection. I am just thinking through this. Here are the questions that I have.

How would a local partnership between area youth workers benefit them?

In what ways could this be used to bring area youth workers closer together?

Recently

2009-10-26T20:02:00.002-04:00

So the question was posed to me:

How have you changed recently?

I think that it's good every so often to re-evaluate where you are in your life. Lets start with my home life. Things are crazy at home. It feels like we are in a whirlwind of excitement. After we lost the first pregnancy, I wasn't sure how long it was going to be before we "tried" again. I am glad that we didn't wait long. This is exciting. Along with the excitement comes a concern for every 'little' thing that happens with the baby. "Pain is normal" out of one side of the doctors mouth, while "If you are hurting give us a call" comes out the other side. I think this might be the hardest part of dealing with a miscarriage. Through this entire process, Kimber and I have grown much closer. It's awesome. Throughout this past year I have grown to love Kimber more and more each day.

At work things are awesome. I am still a secretary, but that is my full-time job that pays for the bills so I can do what God has called me to do. I am happy to be working with the people that I work with. I am in a huge learning process. It's cool to be in a place where the people around you are understanding and patient. I am learning, and that makes be feel more competent. As cheesy and old as the saying is, I am reminded that God doesn't call the the equipped, he equips the called. I pray that God will continue to show me what he wants in my life and the lives of those I impact at church. I have become more comfortable with my position at church and am thankful for God's peace in those areas.

As most of you know, I have a lot of trouble focusing on one thing. I hope that this makes sense. I am writing it while watching Monday Night Football.

Like, really?!?!?!?!?!?

2009-08-21T08:20:00.002-04:00

Recently I have become annoyed. When something "rubs me wrong" I usually make a big deal out of it. Here we go...

We are a culture that likes the "trendy" and "fashionable." Yet, I think that we are selling ourselves short in one area, our language. We tend to use the same phrases for years. It actually makes me tired to try and think of all the phrases that I use on a daily basis. I think it would be a lot more modern if, instead of using overused words, we came up with our own words to exclaim at certain points in conversation.

I am going to show a few lists that people have come up of words that are overused....

Askmen.com

10. "Love/Hate" - Totally agree with this one. I love and hate everything.

9. "Literally" - I use this word all the time....literally.

8. "Ridiculous" - The onlytime this word is acceptable is when radio announcer for the Bears says it. "Devin Hester, you are ri-diculous."

7. "Awesome" - Kind of like "love/hate" for me... I use it A LOT.

6. "Whatever" - I don't use this one. So, whatever.

5. "_ _ _ _ _" - Female Dog. And now you all looked back and counted the letters just to make sure it was the right word...

4. "Seriously" -

3. "Gay" - Gay use to be "jovial or in good spirits." Now it doesn't mean that. It's way overused, seriously.

2. "Nice" - Not a big user of "nice," so it's ranked a little too high for me...

1. "Like" - I, like, say this word, like, alot. Like, you know what I, like, mean?

Here are some words that I would like to add to this list of annoying words. If you see a word you use a lot, chances are it wasn't you that annoyed me with it. But then again, maybe it, like, was.

"Sweet" - That is sooooooooo sweet, man.

"haha/lol/hehe" - I am so tired of laughing like this, but I don't know how to express my feelings in another way.

"shenanigans" - David Hatten is a walking shenanigan. <--- I wanted to use it in singular form.

"dude" - Everybody is a dude. I called my landlords secretary "dude" the other day. I immediately apologized. :)

"hot" - Everything is "hot." "Those sunglasses look so hot on you!" What?

Ok, I am so tired of thinking about this. What are some words that you hear that are way overused?

Steve Jobs

2009-08-18T08:21:00.003-04:00

Ok, so I have a question if anyone still reads this.

Can anyone name all of the jobs that you have had? I'll try to list mine in order...

Also, what are some normal jobs that you would like to have if they could pay the bills?

1. With my dad's A/C company

2. Walmart - my aunt worked there

3. Bob Evans - my best friend at the time worked there

4. Residental Assistant

5. Public Safety at Olivet

6. Lowes - a man from the church was a manager there and got me hired

7. Lafayette First Church of the Nazarene - I was hired from an internship

1. I think that it would be cool to go back to cooking at Bob Evans. I would have to work with my friends though. It sucks to work there with people you don't know.

2. I also think it would be fun to work at a theme park as one of the people that load you into the rollercoaster rides.

3. I have also always wanted to own my own business. I haven't decided what I would sell yet, but it would be something I love. Actually, I think it would be owning a golf course. But it would have to be given to me. Cause normal people don't have enough money to buy a nice golf course.

Need To Get Away

2009-07-23T14:06:00.002-04:00

Recently I confessed something to my teens. I don't usually do that because then it appears to them that I am not perfect (which I am.) Here is the confession.

I have learned a lot while working here at LFCN. I have learned a lot about church and a lot about myself. Something that I have discovered about myself is that I am very good at providing times for them to get together and have fun. I can plan a party like it's my job. (wait a minute......) What I seem to struggle with is what I promised myself I was not going to do. I get so wrapped up in entertaining them that I forget that we are not there for entertainment. I confessed that I am failing them by not providing sufficient avenues for deep spiritual growth.

I have decided that I am going to plan a Spiritual Retreat.

Here is my problem. I have never done this before. I would like to get some input on cool places you've been, activities you have done, speakers that were there , etc.... Mostly the first two...unless you know some speakers that you think would be amazing. Please feel free to mention anything. I can't promise I'll use all of the ideas, but I love to hear my different options....

Truth

2009-07-14T11:10:00.002-04:00

Ok, so I play church league softball. It's very interesting. So last night there were a couple calls that were questionable. If I am playing catcher and a guy comes sliding into home, he is called out, but I know he was really safe should I say that he was safe?

Is it my responsibility to be as honest as possible at all times?

Let me know what you think, peeps.

UFC

2009-07-13T09:55:00.001-04:00

What are your thoughts on UFC?
Do you like it or not? Why?

Mike Tyson

2009-07-06T12:02:00.002-04:00

I have asked myself this questions in the past. I am not sure my answer has changed.

"Would you take an unblocked punch from Mike Tyson for $1,000,000?"

I will post my answer later.

Nukes

2009-06-18T16:09:00.000-04:00

Why should the USA be able to regulate who can have nukes and who can't?

Music - Maybe It's Just Me

2009-06-04T08:36:00.002-04:00

So, I am sitting in my office listening to Dave Matthews. I was asked a question yesterday that I didn't have an answer for.

"My dad says that I shouldn't listen to Christian Rock music because it is trying to be too much like the world. He says its possible for the actual music itself, not the lyrics, to be evil. What do you think?"

I have mixed feelings...

So, what do you think?

25 Will Stretch You

2009-05-11T08:12:00.004-04:00

So, I have noticed over the past couple of weeks/months that there have been a lot of posts on my friends blogs about things that they are thankful for. It is probably a sad thing to say, but I am too busy to notice those things. I don't just happen to notice how thankful I am for random things throughout the day. So, this morning, I decided to spend some time thinking about things that I am thankful for. As you can imagine, there are some things that are on my list that will not make sense to anyone else, but I don't care, because it's my list.

25 Noticeable things that I am thankful for right now. (not in any order besides how I think of them.)

1. I am thankful that the NBA Playoffs are on right now. I love them.
2. I am thankful that things are calming down in the Bosses household.
3. I am thankful that summer is almost here.
4. I am thankful that softball is finally here.
5. I am thankful for friends that have been there for me and Kimber in this interesting part of our lives.
6. I am thankful that in this economy, I still have a job.
7. I am thankful for Lenny Farlee and the entire ERC group.
8. I am thankful for people that choose to serve on the church board and are willing to serve.
9. I am thankful for people that are giving much of their time to the youth program at the church.
10. I am thankful that we have a Senior Pastor. This past week without him reminded me of what it was like the year before Troy arrived, and I am happy he is here.
11. I am thankful that God has blessed us with nice things to entertain people.
12. I am thankful that I found a wife that is her own person and she is willing to stand up to me if she disagrees.
13. I am thankful for a family that is awesome.
14. I am thankful for the teens that are here at LFCN
15. I am thankful for some very cool people that have started coming to church here since I started coming here.
16. I am thankful for the experiences that I have had since I have been in charge of the youth.
17. I am thankful for the people in my life that challenge me to think about what I really believe on some major Xian issues.
18. I am thankful that my wife is amazing with kids. It should make things easy for me.
19. I am thankful that when my time was done at Olivet, that I did not stick around there and stay living inside the bubble.
20. I am thankful for the heritage that my parents raised me in. I don't always represent it well, but I know that it formed who I am.
21. I am thankful that God has came and visited us on Sundays.
22. I am thankful that there are people here in Lafayette that keep my theological mind going.
23. I am thankful that I was able to get my car going again. I will never, ever want to buy a different car.
24. I am thankful that Kimber has a job that is awesome and is doing what she wants to be doing.
25. I am thankful that the Chicago Bears have a legit QB. Now lets play some games.

Finding 25 is hard for me:)

Top 5

2009-03-10T13:46:00.002-04:00

This is not in any order...

Dave Matthews Band Songs
Crush
Gravedigger
Jimi Thing (Central Park)
Dancing Nancies
Cortez, the Killer

NFL Teams
Arizona Cardinals
Indianapolis Colts
San Diego Chargers
NY Giants
Chicago Bears

TV Shows
24
House
Hells Kitchen
American Idol
Hogan's Heroes

NBA Teams
Cleveland Cavaliers
Boston Celtics
LA Lakers
Golden State Warriors
Miami Heat

Nascar Drivers
Jimmie Johnson
Jeff Gordon
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Mark Martin
Carl Edwards

Movies
Enemy at the Gates
Billy Madison
Braveheart
Lord of the Rings
Hannibal Series

XBOX 360 Games
CoD 4
Forza 2
GRAW2
Madden
Rockband 2

Winter Retreat '09

2009-02-16T11:34:00.002-05:00

God is Amazing.

For the first time in several months I really feel like I am where I need to be. I feel like God has placed me in a position that I am loving more and more each week. I love the teens that I am working with. The volunteers that are helping me out are phenomenal. Thank you God for affirming what I am doing.

Now to this past weekend.

We had a wonderful trip to Gull Lake Retreat Center . We took 22 teens (15 guys and 7 girls) with us to Hickory Corners, MI. You can look at the accommodations that we had by going to "retreats" and then to "accommodations." The guys were in the "Galatians" condo, and the girls were in the "Ben Gordon" condo. They were nice.

This year they had several things available for us. They had sledding which I hear was awesome, they had movies, board games, a game room with foosball, ping pong, pool, air hockey,and many other fun things. Friday night they had a trip to the YMCA (which we didn't go to because we ran out of gas on the way there.)

I had a really good time this past weekend but I am super excited about the trip next year. They are adding an on-site gym, bowling alley,etc... it is going to be awesome.

Thanks again Tina and Steve for going with us. We couldn't do it without you.

It's Really a Bathroom Break

2009-02-12T08:44:00.002-05:00

Ok, I know that this may get me in trouble but I am going to say it anyways. I have been extremely dissapointed with the recent trend at the Superbowl halftime shows. In the past 5 years there has been nothing but "old fart" male performers. First off, I want you to realize that I just called; Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, The Artist Formerly Known as Prince, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band old farts. I called them that because they are. I understand that at one time they were all very relevant and very entertaining.
The obvious reason for this testosterone party is the exposure that JJ received 6 years ago at the expense of JT. I totally agree that what happened on stage was inappropriate, but was it bad enough to torture all viewers under the age of 40?
Look at the list of performers the 5 years previous to the malfunction.

1999 - Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Savion Glover

2000 - Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton, 80-person choir, Edward James Olmos

2001 - Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Aerosmith, 'N Sync, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, Nelly

2002 - U2 (Tribute to 9/11 victims)

2003 - Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting

Notice every year besides 2002 contained at least one female. 4/5 pre-pasty, 0/5 post-pasty. Even more importantly they contained artists that were relevant to the time. I feel like instead of making the halftime show entertaining they have turned it into History 101.

I am making a concious decision to stop going on about this.

Here are my two questions.

1) If you could go back and watch any halftime show live from a seat on stage, who would it be?

2) Who would be a couple of people that you would like to see do the halftime show next year?

Water

Fantasies

2009-02-05T08:03:00.002-05:00

***Quick note: Sometimes when I write out words they don't "look right." So, sometimes I use the convenient Google search bar located on the browser to search a word and see if it corrects my spelling of it. Don't ever search "Fantasies."***

Ok, now about my fantasies.

Every year near the end of August people around the country and world get together to compile a team that can beat their friends teams throughout a friendly season of fantasy football.

Well, that time has come to a close. I am feeling the loneliness that continues to set in year after year in December. (The loneliness would be deferred to February if the Bears could ever decide to show up and play.)

So after looking at my options...(Fantasy NASCAR, or Fantasy Baseball) I have decided to start a Fantasy NASCAR league.

Who's with me?

When I was a child, I thought as a child...

2008-12-10T09:21:00.003-05:00

Growing up, my mother cooked breakfast for me every morning; toast, bacon, eggs usually. The only problem was, I was too lazy to get out of bed to eat it. I would hate to think how much food was wasted during my childhood. Mom could probably fed a small 3rd world country with the waste. Thinking back on this, it really frustrates me. I wish I would have gotten out of bed more often.

Note: I am not complaining about the breakfast service I get now, I am just noticing my lack of understanding exactly how good my childhood was.

When/If I get breakfast now, it is usually a wonderful bowl of soggy cereal from Kiddie Kollege. Cinnamon Toast Crunch is the best. So this brings me to my question.

What is your favorite breakfast food?

Ephesians 4:26 & Romans 3:23 And Sunday Was My Day

2008-12-03T08:27:00.004-05:00

I am going to warn you, this is a rant dealing with football. If you like/liked football, please read on, otherwise feel free to stop reading at any time. Please do not comment on this post and say things like, "I'm so tired of hearing about football, and complaining about football" because frankly I don't care. This is my blog and I'll be bitter if I want.

To be honest, I have been wanting to write this for 3 days, but I promised myself that I was not going to talk about it with anyone for 3 days. It seemed biblical. I buried it and allowed it to rise 3 days later. For those of you who think I am acting like God, please feel free to stop reading at any time.

Final - Bears 14 - Vikings >14

Let it be known that I do not feel like I would make a good Offensive Coordinator or a good Defensive Coordinator. I am going to make observations as a football lover

Observation 1

- The Bears didn't run the ball once in the first series. I don't care if you have the best QB and the best WR corps in the league, which the Bears don't. You have to run the football. They are a running team. They have one of, if not the best, rookies in the game starting at RB. GIVE HIM THE BALL!

Here is how this series went: Pass (0 gain), Pass (0 gain), Pass (0gain), Offsides (Vikings), 3rd & 5 Pass (0 gain), punt.

I was very angry, and this was the first 5 plays of the game.

Observation 2

Bears 7 - Vikings 3

5:00 left in the 2nd quarter. Bears are on the 1 yrd line via a Viking penalty. Here is a quote from the sometimes loved Lovie Smith. "In that situation, it comes down to you against them. You have to be able to get it in." I'm not really sure what to say to that.

Here is how that series played out from the 1: Pass incomplete to G. Olsen, run (0gain), run (0gain), ok at this point its 4th and goal on the 1. The Bears can't run the ball when the Vikings clamp it down. I would have thought they knew this by now. So what do you do? You kick the FG and go up 10-3. NO! You go for it! I mean, you haven't been able to run very well against them, but surely you can get 1 yard! Nope. (Ok, I don't know if you followed that very clearly, but I am not going back and clearing it up.) So instead of being up 10-3 you are up 7- 3 and the Vikings have the ball. First play, the Vikings throw a 99yard TD pass to who? Bernard Berrian. The receiver that the Bears let go! RED FURY.

In an interview on Monday Lovie said, " Give them credit, they wanted it a little bit more than we did." Really? Are you sure that it is about desire and not the fact that Ron Turner is incapable of thinking. He can't remember that the Vikings have/had the best DT duo in the league. I mean if I am told to "Lather, Rinse, and Repeat" but I am not getting any results, I'm done. I'm not repeating.

Lovie says, "We have to improve in quite a few areas." - nice understatement.

Congrats to Jared Allen for having a phenomenal game and maybe becoming one of my favorite DE ever.

Quick Observation 3

I heard that the league did not want to suspend these 6 players that failed the drug test because they didn't want to have an effect on the playoffs. First of all that's bull. Second of all that is bull, and third of all, why would they play the political games like that. I thought Goodell was better than that. I am bitter mostly because the Williams Wall (the two DT which I refered to earlier) which plays for the Vikings were suspended along with 4 other players. So, if they hadn't been there (like they shouldn't have been) Matt Forte would have definately had a better day. I don't want to make excuses, so I will stop.

Super Quick Observation 4
If there is anyone still reading this I would be surprised, unless it would be Joe.

Thank You

2008-11-05T11:09:00.002-05:00

I am tired of talking about issues that divide people on this blog. So that is why I have not posted for 3 weeks.

I have to say that I really don't like winter. There is nothing about me that likes being wrapped up in 15 layers of clothes just to survive. I would rather it be 115 degrees 365 days a year than put up with 3-4 monthes of cold weather.

Also I really don't like snow. Well, let me fix that. I don't like ice. Also, if it is going to snow, let it snow! Give me 20'' so that we can't travel anywhere.

The best days of the year are those first days after winter is behind us and I can finally wear shorts again.

Thank you God for these last few beautiful days before it gets nasty.

How do you feel about winter?

COD + SSS = Wholeeness

2008-10-10T14:09:00.005-04:00

So I went to lunch today. It was good. I had the ubiquitously famous South Street Smokehouse, or as I call it the SSS. As me and a friend of mine sat there we talked about many things. We talked about how excellent the food is. We talked about the moist towelletes and how if they were just a touch bigger they would be adequate for the normal adult human hand. We also talked about my favorite video game.

We decided that if there were some way to install Call of Duty(COD) into the booths at the SSS then we would have everything that we would need in the world. So being the thoughtful person that I am I began to ponder this idea. I said we would have EVERYTHING we ever needed, except the church. We would only need to leave the SSS to go to church.

I have solved this problem. We could start a church on Sundays and invite gamers and nerds of all kinds to join us. Our slogan could be, "Come join us in the House of Cod, where you can kill people and repent all before your food is delivered."

Would you be interested in joining with me in this endeavor?

Simple Minds......

2008-10-03T12:14:00.002-04:00

So some people that read my blog are not happy with the turn that it has taken (Heather). For those people (Heather) I am going to write a blog that maybe they(Heather) can be happy with. So here is a question for those of you(Heather) that would rather not talk about God.

When you were a kid, would you(Heather) rather play with Lego's or Lincoln Logs?

1:1

2008-10-02T11:34:00.003-04:00

Over the past several weeks in youth group we have been studying Noah and the different things that he dealt with in the process of helping God start mankind over again. In one of the lessons I shared that in life we have to be willing to do whatever God asks us to do. The hard thing about that, is that we have to know what it is that He wants us to do. We do this by praying and reading His word along with many other things. As I was explaining how I do my Bible reading, there seemed to be some interest in joining with me. Last night after youth group I had some teens come and say that they wanted to read through the Bible with me. First of all I am glad they these young adults are willing to dig deeper into God's word. Second of all I am honored that they would ask me to hold them accountable for reading a chapter a night.

I asked them where they wanted to start and they said, "Duh, Genesis." I said, "OK." So last night I read Genesis 1 for about the thousandth time. It never ceases to amaze me that God reveals something new to me every time I re-read scripture.

I never noticed that after each "day" it says "and there was evening, and there was morning-the____ day. This got me thinking about creation. I know that we come from different backgrounds, different education levels and different levels of Biblical interest. I want to know what kind of creation you believe in.

My Way or Die Fernverkehrsstraße

2008-09-29T09:05:00.008-04:00

So throughout life we probably make millions of decisions. We probably make hundreds each day. From deciding to go to work, to deciding how to react to co-workers, to whats for lunch, to when to stop working, to what time to go to bed, etc... Sometimes things don't go as planned. Sometimes things go better than planned. Things just always seem to go. Whatever we do, we make it a priority to do what we want. As a great friend of mine says:

Regrets, Ive had a few;

But then again, too few to mention.

I did what I had to do

And saw it through without exemption.

I planned each charted course;

Each careful step along the byway,

But more, much more than this,

I did it my way.

In my profession (I've never said that before. And I am talking about the youth pastor part, not the secretary part) my teens make decisions everyday. They wake up everyday and decide if they are going to live a life submitted to God or not.

Or do we just think we do? Has God laid out this masterful plan for each of our lives and we each follow it whether we realize it or not?

Some have asked:

"If God knows what decision I am going to make, then isn't He making it for me?"

Or, "If God created Hell, then He must intend for some people to go there."

Or, (This is one of my favorites) "If God knows (before I am born) that I am going to choose Hell, isn't He choosing to create a being to go to Hell and suffer forever? That doesn't sound like a very loving God."

Pick one or two or all three and have fun. And answer it the way you want to, not the way God wants :)

Paid for by the coalition for positive arguments.

Would you like to retire?

2008-09-23T11:27:00.003-04:00

If you were able to not work, pay all of your bills and have $1000 left over for food, gas and entertainment each month would you? It has to cover expenses for you and those who live with you. or might eventually live with you.

Is $1000 too much?

Tough Question: I'm Poor Too!

2008-09-18T10:21:00.003-04:00

So this question comes from my own aggravation about not knowing what to do.

First I would like to hear your definition of "less fortunate."

I know that we are to help people in need, but I have never seen so many people coming from Texas that need gas money to go to Chicago. And amazingly enough we just happen to be the last church that is between Texas and Chicago.

Or the person has just died from a heart attack and was miraculously brought back to life but now they need money to eat.

I am not trying to be negative. These are just the same stories that I tend to hear over and over. It has almost numbed me to helping people.

So I ask, with all of the schemers and lazy people in the world, what is our duty as Christians to help the "less fortunate among us?"

Tough Question: Gambling

2008-09-15T10:58:00.004-04:00

Is gambling an OK thing for Christians to do? And, are their different degrees of gambling of which some are OK and some aren't?

Please let me know what you think! I am still processing my thoughts...

The Day Is Mine

2008-09-08T08:37:00.003-04:00

Do you ever just have a really good day? Have you ever had a day when EVERYTHING goes right? I had one yesterday.

I woke up after sleeping in just a little bit. Which is always great because you feel like you stole a few minutes from the alarm clock.

After that, I went to church and learned about eunuchs. Actually we heard a very good sermon about how we need to be welcoming to every one and not be judgemental, as we so often are. I learned more German than I did in 3 years of H.S. German classes.

Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft: Ask Clicker(Pastor) about it sometime. He explains it very well.

After that was the worst part of my day. I had to choose between watching the Jets-Dolphins game, the Saints-Bucs game, or the Nascar race....

Jimmy Johnson won. (not really that hard of a decision)

Then I had the opportunity to play a little Call of Duty4. One of the best times of the day.

Following COD4 was some time at bible study with the ERC group. It was good times. We are going through a book that is teaching us about spiritual disciplines. Last night we talked about some that I don't have much of in my life, and that is silence.

Then came my non-spiritual highlight of the day. Opening game for the Chicago Bears. It was awesome. I had friends over (though most of them were wearing blue and white) and we had good times. Well, I did.

After that, it was COD4 time again.

Great day huh?

I was late for work this morning. Hope the week goes better than this morning did.

G8 GT

2008-08-27T08:54:00.006-04:00

I want a new car. I don't want you to think that I don't love my current car because I do. I am just at the point where enough stuff doesn't work on it that I am looking around. I have only had one car in the 10 years I have been driving, so it is going to be a hard separation. I have no clue when this purchase MAY come but we are definitely excited about it. This is what we want...

R.I.P

2008-08-22T09:18:00.000-04:00

Have you ever flushed $120 down the toilet.....I did this morning.

Something Else I Really Do Not Like

2008-08-21T11:36:00.001-04:00

Tailgaters
No, I'm not talking about pre-game celebrations. I am all for the Brats, Root Beer, and trash talking. What I don't like are the people that drive their cars on top of me like Urlacher on Sorgi/Manning. (reference wk. 1, 2008) or like any of these.
I have noticed recently that people are really bad with this driving habit. I was looking on the Internet at some ways to get people to back off.

Slow waaaaaaayyy dooooowwwwnnnnn.
Slam on breaks thus forcing the other person to rear end you.
Install a extended trailer hitch to your vehicle so if you get rear ended it pierces deep into the vehicle.
One of the new ideas I read was to carry a paintball gun with you. Allow the car to pass you then open fire on the car and if you're lucky the windows will be down.
I thought of this one today. I think it is best because it doesn't slow you down from getting to your destination and you are not risking permanent damage to the other persons vehicle. I think that you should slow to the speed limit and if they don't catch the drift, then start using your windshield washer fluid on them. It is really just an annoyance like they are to you. Don't use it all at once, just use it for a few seconds, allowing them to turn theirs on to clean off the splatter. Then repeat as desired. They will either: back off, pass you, or follow you until you reach your destination and beat you up. Either way, you are perfectly legal in everything you do.

Be safe, and annoy tailgaters.

Things I Can't Stand

2008-08-19T20:44:00.000-04:00

Blackouts
I really dislike it when professional sports teams blackout their event because they "didn't sell out the event. It doesn't make sense to me. They are punishing the potential customers by not allowing them to see the event that they want them to attend. When I go to a place that I love like ... Cold Stone Creamery... They let me see their product before I buy it. They display it proudly (and deliciously?) as if they are really trying to get me to purchase it. They are really trying to make me, the customer, happy. They even go the extra step to make sure that I like it before I buy it. They offer me a mini scoop to try...brilliant.
Also, about these pro sport people. I understand that they do this to try and get people to attend the games instead of watching them on T.V. Well, there might be a reason why the average family man doesn't attend many games.
Current cost of the cheapest seats at Chicago Bears Soldier Field -$68
Current available seating at any cost (mostly higher) - 61,500
Total income from 1 game if every ticket was $61 (tickets only) = $4,182,000.00
Total home games = 8
Total 1 season income = $33,456,000.00

Here is the cost for attending a game at Soldier Field. (2 Adults, 2 children)

Tickets = $272
Parking = $20
Food (5 hot dogs 3 drinks (kids share) = $32.50(prices based on recent Cincinnati Reds game)
Gas - 3.70
Miles-114x2
MPG-19
Gas Cost = $44.00
Total Cost for attending the game = $368.50

Well, I can definitely see why people choose to stay home and watch the game on cable that they are paying for anyway. That's what I'll be doing. Go Bears.

Don't Scuff My Shoes

2008-08-16T20:14:00.000-04:00

So, we won Fairway Follies again this year. I think that everyone had a good time. It was awesome that my whole team drove 2 1/2 hours to play golf with me. I especially enjoyed playing with my dad. He came out of a 5+ year retirement to play with me and that was nice.

Tough Questions

2008-08-14T13:50:00.001-04:00

The Bible points out that we are all ambassadors for Christ. So no matter what your vocation, you have a God given responsibility to be actively winning people to Christ.

Here is the tough question. You can answer on here or to yourself:

What are you doing in your everyday life to try and ACTIVELY win people to Christ?

Disputable

2008-08-13T08:42:00.001-04:00

I finished my reading of Romans. For me it was a hard read. I am a self diagnosed ADHD victim and when the writer starts repeating himself more than media personnel at a Brett Farve press conference I start to get lazy in my reading. There were a few things in the end of the book that I find interesting.
I struggle with knowing what to put up with around me. I mean, if I'm eating lunch with a non-Christian and he/she is gossipping what are my options?

A. Get up and leave and not participate in the gossip.

B. Reprimand that person for gossipping when I clearly have no authority over them whatsoever.

C. Sit there and listen to it and to stay out of it as much as possible.

I think that the answer for me is "C." What good does it do to leave the person? You immediately insult them, and pass judgement turning them off to a possible guiding opportunity later in your relationship.

Just because you sit there and listen to them doesn't mean you have to participate in the gossip. I think that you can try to change the subject, or anything that you can find that may switch the focus of the conversation.

This whole thought process was started by Romans 14:1-12 If you have never read it, take a quick read right here.

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother?

For we will all stand before God's judgment seat.

It is written:" 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.'

So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

I am struggling in my life to find out what the disputable matters are. Not so that I can cut corners, but because I want to be as open as I can towards people. I do not think it's fair to expect more out of them than they have been charged by God to do.

It's important to find the difference between the disputables and non-disputables. The reason is this. Later in Romans we are warned not to give in to the non-disputables.

Romans 16:17-18

I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.

We will see where God leads me in the future. Either way God will be there to lead me and guide me in His ways and according to His will.

Fantastic Contraption

2008-08-06T11:58:00.000-04:00

So I have become extremely interested (addicted) in playing a game called Fantastic Contraption. It is a game where you are given an object in one area and you have to move it to a different area on the screen. It can be a ball, a box, or a rectangle. You move it by a system of wheels and rods. I like it because it makes me think. There is something very frustrating about the game though. It is very sensitive. If you move the slightest thing you can throw off the balance of the whole structure. I am constantly moving things just the slightest bit to see if that will make the contraption work the way I want it to.

I mentioned in a previous blog that God did some wonderful act in me at district assembly. I am doing ok I think. I have started reading my Bible before bed. Which is hard because when Kimber goes to be, she is ready to watch Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor. But I can usually keep her calm long enough to finish my reading.

I am going through Romans. I read a chapter a night, which is enough to get some depth, but also not too much to process. I am learning a lot from Romans. In my past I would make excuses to do, or not do, certain things in my life which were not pleasing to God. I have had conviction on me over things that I have been doing for years. It amazes me how patient God is to make sure I am following Him. I have ran from certain attitude issues and other issues in my life for so long that it was a relief to let it go. Notice it wasn't easy, just a relief. As I read through Romans I have developed a deeper appreciation for the holiness tradition.
Romans 6:1-4

"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

God is tweaking me just like I do my contraptions online. My prayer is that he will light my path so that I may never walk in a self deceptive darkness again. Thanks be to God -- through Jesus Christ our Lord!

DH

2008-08-01T14:01:00.000-04:00

I am ready for football season. There is not many things that can make me as excited as I am at kick-off time on Sunday. I watch every play as if DVR doesn't exist. It is just so exciting for me.

During the off season this year I have passed my time playing a game called Goal Line Blitz. It is a mmorpg. It is great, you create a player and join a team and try to win the 'ship. The most impressive part this that people own the teams and the goal as an owner is to have an entirely human controlled team. My "friend" :) Joe is an owner and he so kindly allows me to GM. If you would like to sign up use my referal code http://goallineblitz.com/game/signup.pl?ref=9440740

The Change

2008-07-28T23:33:00.000-04:00

Today was a big day in my life. I have a new view on life. I don't know if you have ever been to District Assembly but it contains most of the business of the Church of the Nazarene. One of the best parts of the business for me is the report of the District Superintendent. Every year the DS gives a inspiring report/sermon. This year he spoke about how busy we are "doing" church. He spoke about how we allow church to get in between us and God. I was extremely convicted by God about this. For too long I have put the church and my personal life above God. I don't really know what to say, but I have decided to rearrange my lifes priorities permenantly. Many times in the past I have started down this path and along the way I have failed, but by the grace and power of God I will be carried through to the end. Please pray for me anytime you think of me.

Favorite Food

2008-07-25T10:49:00.001-04:00

Rumor has it that at one time Lafayette, IN had the most restaurants along one stretch of road in the U.S. While this sounds interesting, I am not sure of its origins. I was told by some people who grew up here. They may be biased.

With this thought in mind, I decided that I would list the restaurant that prepared certain types of food the best in my opinion.

Hamburger - I am a Deckard. I remember my dad telling me a story that his dad told him about the first time granda had a hamburger. There are certain things in life that make such an impact on someones they have to be passed down through the generations. With this said, I share the same passion for beef that my grandfather shared. By far the best burger in town goes to......Chili's BBq Ranch Burger. The bacon on this slab of meat is itself about 1/4 inch thick. I want one right now.

Steak - Remember, these are just my opinion. Once again though we are in a catagory of beef. I share my love of medium rare steaks with no-one in my family. They all want it cooked beyond taste. While i love the taste of steak I am also a fan of seasoning. One steak that I have grown to love is the O'Charley's Louisiana Sirloin. 12 oz. of steak pleasure. To that you add a baked potato (butter & sour cream) and you are ready for an out-of-this-world experience.

Chinese - I am close to a split decision on this decision so I will break it down into 2 separate catagories. Buffet and Order in. The best place in Lafayette to get chinese food buffet style is Super China Buffet. They have a great variety of food. It has never been cold and always seems fresh. An added bonus to this restaurant is their carry out. It is fantasticly better than eating there. The best place to sit down and order chinese is Hunan House. The portions are huge which makes me happy. However there is a black mark against this restaurant. I am not allowed to eat there any more per my wifes insistance. They once took 2 hours to deliver food to us at work. Kimber proceeded to tell them they lost our business and she meant it. You should eat there...it is amazing.

Mexican - It is extremely hard for me to like a mexican restaurant more that Casa Brava in Bedford. I still stand firm on that. As David Crowder says, "There is no one like you." I love my Casa Brava! However, I must still make a decision for Lafayette's best mexican restaurant. That honor goes to.......PePe's. They are by far the most culturally authentic restaurant here. Don Pablo's is second, but it doesn't compare.

Italian - I have not really found a better place for Penne w/ broccoli and chicken than Spageddies. It is a chain restaurant, but it is delicious. They snag your heart from the start with their fresh baked bread and olive oil dipping sauce. I am in love with that place.

And interestingly enough I saved my favorite restaurant in Lafayette for last. The best restaurant here is ....... South Street Smokehouse. I can not say much for cleanliness or kindliness of staff, or even table availability, but the food is the best in the land. It is so good that it may take the #1 spot to eat anywhere in Indiana. It's that good. Try it!

Spanking

2008-07-24T09:26:00.000-04:00

My childhood was interesting.

When me and my brother were kids we would get into all kinds of things. We were overall pretty good kids, but we had our ways of hacking off our parents. We were accustomed to receiving the "rod" just to make sure we weren't being spoiled. There were very few times that we were reprimanded that we didn't deserve it. Most of the time we were guilty of the crimes we were accused of. However, there were a few, very few, times where if I was going to be punished and my brother Kevin didn't feel like it was justified he would ask mom or dad if he could take my spankings in place of me. Now you understand why it was very few times. Sometimes when my brother requested this my parents allowed it and other times they didn't. Every time they did they made sure to use it as a teaching point. "What Kevin is doing is an example of what Christ did for us on the cross. We are the guilty ones and he paid the price for us." Now I know why they like him better.

I am not a fan of cheesy skits in churches, so when Kimber sent me this link I was skeptical of its value. I couldn't have been more wrong. This may be the best example of what Christ does for us that I have ever witnessed. I encourage you to watch the clip. (let it all load first or it will ruin the flow.)If you don't watch it I want you to know you are missing out on a great clip!

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5

Jimmy John's

2008-07-23T12:45:00.000-04:00

I know that while you read this you will start salivating so just be ready. Today for lunch I had "The J.J. Gargantuan" which is described by Jimmy John's as:

"This sandwich was invented by Jimmy John's brother Huey. It's huge enough to feed the hungriest of all humans! Tons of genoa salami, sliced smoked ham, capicola, roast beef, turkey & provolone, jammed into one of our homemade French buns then smothered with onions, mayo, lettuce, tomato, & our homemade Italian dressing. "

Now I get mine without tomato and Italian dressing, but it is still good. While I was partaking in the heavenly experience of consuming this massive stack of meat, one of the "regulars" at church came in my office. The first words out of his mouth were, " I want one of those." Then I was able to reply tauntingly, "Yeah, it's verrrrrry good."

Isn't it interesting how attractive things are when we see them in person. I can read the menu here in front of me, and the description of the sandwich sounds good. It is nothing compared to eating it. I want to make sure that I am always making Christ appealing. I want to make sure that I am bringing Christ to people in everyday situations on levels that they can understand and comprehend. I know that Christ is more than something that I could ever sell to someone. But God made me happy and I know that other people are seeking a happiness. They try to find it in other people, alcohol, drugs, hobbies, and any other number of false securities. God is our completeness when we are looking for things to fill our emptiness. I have a calling on my live to gift God to people as often as possible, and you do too.

1 Word Answers to Silly Questions

2008-07-21T09:49:00.000-04:00

1. Where is your cell phone? Desk
2. Your significant other? Kimber
3. Your hair? Short
4. Your mother? Small
5. Your father? Large
6. Your favorite thing? DAAAAAA
7. Your dream last night? None
8 Your favorite drink? BigRed
9. Your dream/goal? Unsure
10. The room you’re in? Office
11. Your hobby? COD 4
12. Your fear? Traveling
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Alive
14. What you’re not? Dead
15. Muffins? No
16. One of your wish list items?
17. Where you grew up? Bedford
18. The last thing you did? Read
19. What are you wearing? Denim
20. Favorite gadget? GPS
21. Your pets? Fishy
22. Your computer? Kimbers
23. Your mood? Tired
24. Missing someone? Andy
25. Your car? Hot
26. Something you’re not wearing? Watch
27. Favorite store? Bose
28. Like someone? Andy
29. Your favorite color? Blue
30. When is the last time you laughed? Lint
31. Last time you cried? Movie