I added look both ways to the blogroll...fun reading, good links...particularly the last two top tens:
10 ways Bush can lose
10 answers for anything
1/30/2004
why are all the cool kids jumping off the cliff?
So much for my big plans of taking it easy.
Every one is convening in the lobby to go eat overpriced food at downtown Disney or somewhere like that.
Don't worry, we won't tell anyone we're Baptist.
I could have said "I'm just going to stay in," but....
...I crumbled. The risk of being stigmatized as an antisocial, couple with the lure of a $12 cheeseburger proved to be kryptonite to my plans of solace.
Every one is convening in the lobby to go eat overpriced food at downtown Disney or somewhere like that.
Don't worry, we won't tell anyone we're Baptist.
I could have said "I'm just going to stay in," but....
...I crumbled. The risk of being stigmatized as an antisocial, couple with the lure of a $12 cheeseburger proved to be kryptonite to my plans of solace.
ask me how I feel
When I woke up today, I felt a bit like this:
I'm not ill...just been proverbially burning the proverbial candle at the proverbial both ends, proverbially speaking.
After some great sessions today (really, I mean that) where it was a good thing I wore my teflon underwear (don't ask, really), I feel a bit more like this:*
I doubt my evening plans include an outward excursion.
I'm not ill...just been proverbially burning the proverbial candle at the proverbial both ends, proverbially speaking.
After some great sessions today (really, I mean that) where it was a good thing I wore my teflon underwear (don't ask, really), I feel a bit more like this:*
I doubt my evening plans include an outward excursion.
updates and new requests
From yesterday's needs:
Aletha is conscious and moving her limbs. She is off the ventilator and will probably not need surgery. Guy should be getting out of the hospital today. His memory is much better.
And new needs:
Randy's father passed away yesterday.
Talon left Baghdad yesterday in a convoy to Kuwait.
Terry was admitted to the hospital with chest pains.
They, like I, certainly appreciate your prayers on their behalf.
Aletha is conscious and moving her limbs. She is off the ventilator and will probably not need surgery. Guy should be getting out of the hospital today. His memory is much better.
And new needs:
Randy's father passed away yesterday.
Talon left Baghdad yesterday in a convoy to Kuwait.
Terry was admitted to the hospital with chest pains.
They, like I, certainly appreciate your prayers on their behalf.
oh...this is what the F stand for
Foolish.
Senator John F Kerry has never found a position that he didn't like, oft flipping then flopping on just about any given issue.
Yet, there is, by his own account, one issue that he has remained remarkably consistent. It is the one subject that "he refuses to play games with," as compared presumably with, say, the apparently frivolity-worthy topic of war in Iraq. That very serious matter, by standard of comparison, is his unflinching, unwavering support of the war waged against the unborn.
How brave.
Senator John F Kerry has never found a position that he didn't like, oft flipping then flopping on just about any given issue.
Yet, there is, by his own account, one issue that he has remained remarkably consistent. It is the one subject that "he refuses to play games with," as compared presumably with, say, the apparently frivolity-worthy topic of war in Iraq. That very serious matter, by standard of comparison, is his unflinching, unwavering support of the war waged against the unborn.
How brave.
bad tv
Doing a little editing work before my first conference begins at 10:45.
The rap artist Twista is on Regis & Kelly. Morning talkshow TV is a genre I rarely have the opportunity to experience, but this performer on this show certainly seems like a mismatch.
Yet, the 146 women in the audience (and I'm assuming that its 146 women because someone earlier was told to pick a number between 1 and 146 for an audience prize winner, and because certainly no man chooses to sit in on this for an hour...oh wait, I just did....nevermind about that last part) all cheered like crazy when he finished his song.
Apparently, Twista (I'm guessing this isn't the name given by his momma) is known for his machine-gun style rap. While he was certainly impressive, his presentation was yet another alarming revelation that I am indeed turning in to my own father.
< grumpy old man>"You call that music? Back in my day, you could actually understand what the singers were saying." < /grumpy old man>
The rap artist Twista is on Regis & Kelly. Morning talkshow TV is a genre I rarely have the opportunity to experience, but this performer on this show certainly seems like a mismatch.
Yet, the 146 women in the audience (and I'm assuming that its 146 women because someone earlier was told to pick a number between 1 and 146 for an audience prize winner, and because certainly no man chooses to sit in on this for an hour...oh wait, I just did....nevermind about that last part) all cheered like crazy when he finished his song.
Apparently, Twista (I'm guessing this isn't the name given by his momma) is known for his machine-gun style rap. While he was certainly impressive, his presentation was yet another alarming revelation that I am indeed turning in to my own father.
< grumpy old man>"You call that music? Back in my day, you could actually understand what the singers were saying." < /grumpy old man>
1/29/2004
blogroll
I've added live from guillotine to the "read it" list. A mom of five who is either clinically insane, or just trying to have a sense of humor about life.
check her out.
check her out.
i'm so pathetic
Just a few hours after I share how I was prideful over the editing thing, we "unveil" this resource for our partners doing the work in the state organizations. As a unrelated presentation goes on, boss3 leans over to me and points out a glaring typo. That I had missed.
Minutes later, boss2 whispers and points in the book to boss3. I look and see the addition of a large font period that should have beentheir there in a chapter subhead. Oops.
My thoughts: I am so glad my name isn't on this!
I have so many lessons to learn....but you'll first need to excuse me, this log poking me in the eye is really painful.
Minutes later, boss2 whispers and points in the book to boss3. I look and see the addition of a large font period that should have been
My thoughts: I am so glad my name isn't on this!
I have so many lessons to learn....but you'll first need to excuse me, this log poking me in the eye is really painful.
and another
Two dear friends from Colorado were in a moped bike accident in Mexico, where they were vacationing with other friends. They were both emergency air-lifted to San Antonio where they can be treated for their injuries.
Aletha is in a medically-induced coma for head injuries.
Wayne has a broken collarbone and has suffered amnesia from a severe concussion.
Thank you for your prayers.
Aletha is in a medically-induced coma for head injuries.
Wayne has a broken collarbone and has suffered amnesia from a severe concussion.
Thank you for your prayers.
give the kid a buzz
From my email:
I did pray for Joe William. And I called the number and it is legitimate. Thanks.
I did pray for Joe William. And I called the number and it is legitimate. Thanks.
apathy bowl xxxviii
I actually had to be reminded that Carolina is one of the teams up for the Big Enchilada.
I have never been less interested in a Super Bowl in my life.
I have never been less interested in a Super Bowl in my life.
egomaniacs anonymous
I, just like you, suffer from the character flaw of pride.
I want to be the man who boasts only in my Savior, but from time to time, I find desires of self-promotion getting in the way.
Ken Blanchard, of Lead like Jesus and One Minute Manager fame, suggests we ought to develop an egomaniacs anonymous network where we can start every meeting with:
"Hi, my name is (your name), and I am an egomaniac."
I see much wisdom in this. I need to do this because I need to be periodically reminded that this life is not about me. And when I make it about me, I foolishly take attention away from who really deserves the focus.
So...
Hi. My name is Bryan, and I am an egomaniac.
This is where y'all say together, "Hello Bryan."
We recently had a discipleship resource come from the printer's. I wasn't on the team when the project was initiated, but just before it was sent to the printer's, I was asked to give it a once-over, and found several areas that required attention. When the product was unveiled, my name was nowhere to be found in the editing credits, which disappointed me. My happiness should be that we put out a better resource, and it is. But I'm upset that I was upset that I wasn't acknowledged in the credits that nobody but editors read. I have nothing but selfish reasons for having wanted to be listed, and I'm ashamed of myself for the attitude of my heart over the matter. Thirteen little missing letters, in 7-point font, with a black typeface that seems aptly representative of the mark of sin. I'm so very thankful and humbled that the editor of my life uses a pen dipped in an inkwell of His own blood, spilt for the purpose of blotting out my transgressions.
This is where you let me sit down and you take your turn at the cathartic process of re-aligning yourself with the Father by sharing with the group.
I want to be the man who boasts only in my Savior, but from time to time, I find desires of self-promotion getting in the way.
Ken Blanchard, of Lead like Jesus and One Minute Manager fame, suggests we ought to develop an egomaniacs anonymous network where we can start every meeting with:
"Hi, my name is (your name), and I am an egomaniac."
I see much wisdom in this. I need to do this because I need to be periodically reminded that this life is not about me. And when I make it about me, I foolishly take attention away from who really deserves the focus.
So...
Hi. My name is Bryan, and I am an egomaniac.
This is where y'all say together, "Hello Bryan."
We recently had a discipleship resource come from the printer's. I wasn't on the team when the project was initiated, but just before it was sent to the printer's, I was asked to give it a once-over, and found several areas that required attention. When the product was unveiled, my name was nowhere to be found in the editing credits, which disappointed me. My happiness should be that we put out a better resource, and it is. But I'm upset that I was upset that I wasn't acknowledged in the credits that nobody but editors read. I have nothing but selfish reasons for having wanted to be listed, and I'm ashamed of myself for the attitude of my heart over the matter. Thirteen little missing letters, in 7-point font, with a black typeface that seems aptly representative of the mark of sin. I'm so very thankful and humbled that the editor of my life uses a pen dipped in an inkwell of His own blood, spilt for the purpose of blotting out my transgressions.
This is where you let me sit down and you take your turn at the cathartic process of re-aligning yourself with the Father by sharing with the group.
1/28/2004
dean trippi's up; neel's for a prayer
Amidst a clarion call of "Dead Man Walking," Dr. Deanmento replaces his "I'm an outsider" campaign's manager with a lobbyist insider.
Is the taste of desperation as bitter and gagging as it appears?
BTW, did anyone else catch the Daily Show interview Dean did with John Stewart? Give the good doc his due...he earned points for those of us who respect self deprecation over self aggrandization (unlike Kerry).
In a bold move orchestrated by his new campaign manager, Dean challenges someone from the crowd at today's rally to come and "pull his finger" for a sound byte planned to take attention off of last week's "YEAARRGH" fiasco.
One more question....It's becoming fairly evident that the Mass. senator is Kerry-ing on toward a likely victory. How is this going to play out that the one guy that nobody endorsed at first is going to be their bannerman? The outwardly liberal wackos of the "Don't mind the freezing weather, our globe is warming to dangerous extremes" camp led by Counselor Gore all pitched tents with Dean-o. The party's Clintonistas all seemed to align with Clark. Now both are finding themselves in the Kerry's photo-op soup line ready to take a ladleful of Boston crow chowder. Surely Republicans can exploit this, right? And by "right" I mean "duh?!?"
One last note. "Joementum" appears to be coming to a halt. He sadly bragged that he was in a "statistical tie" for third place following the NH primary. He lost 4th place by 7,000 votes. Note: "Statiscal ties" apply only to polls taken prior to actual elections where audiences are sampled from the larger pool. There is no larger pool in NH, Sen. Lieberman. You lost. It's over. Go home. I'll respect you more for it. < homer >Joh!< /homer >
Is the taste of desperation as bitter and gagging as it appears?
BTW, did anyone else catch the Daily Show interview Dean did with John Stewart? Give the good doc his due...he earned points for those of us who respect self deprecation over self aggrandization (unlike Kerry).
In a bold move orchestrated by his new campaign manager, Dean challenges someone from the crowd at today's rally to come and "pull his finger" for a sound byte planned to take attention off of last week's "YEAARRGH" fiasco.
One more question....It's becoming fairly evident that the Mass. senator is Kerry-ing on toward a likely victory. How is this going to play out that the one guy that nobody endorsed at first is going to be their bannerman? The outwardly liberal wackos of the "Don't mind the freezing weather, our globe is warming to dangerous extremes" camp led by Counselor Gore all pitched tents with Dean-o. The party's Clintonistas all seemed to align with Clark. Now both are finding themselves in the Kerry's photo-op soup line ready to take a ladleful of Boston crow chowder. Surely Republicans can exploit this, right? And by "right" I mean "duh?!?"
One last note. "Joementum" appears to be coming to a halt. He sadly bragged that he was in a "statistical tie" for third place following the NH primary. He lost 4th place by 7,000 votes. Note: "Statiscal ties" apply only to polls taken prior to actual elections where audiences are sampled from the larger pool. There is no larger pool in NH, Sen. Lieberman. You lost. It's over. Go home. I'll respect you more for it. < homer >Joh!< /homer >
baptizing the ferris wheel
The second Christian Carnival is fresh off the e-press. Take a few and read a few.
call me captain narcolepsy
I am blogging from my 7th floor room at the Renaissance Hotel in Orlando, Florida, the place where, as Cotter told Kelsi every time we mentioned this trip, "the geese live in the winter." At least I think he said "geese," and not some derogatory slur for the geriatics snowbirds.
My flight was wonderful. I describe any flight as wonderful if I'm able to fall asleep shortly before take off and not wake up until the attendant is telling me to lock my chair in the upright position, and wipe the drool from my chin, by the way.
We spent the day setting up. Tomorrow is a day filled with conferences, interrupted by periodic editing for a looming deadline. Who knew the life of an editor could be so.....exciting?!?
My flight was wonderful. I describe any flight as wonderful if I'm able to fall asleep shortly before take off and not wake up until the attendant is telling me to lock my chair in the upright position, and wipe the drool from my chin, by the way.
We spent the day setting up. Tomorrow is a day filled with conferences, interrupted by periodic editing for a looming deadline. Who knew the life of an editor could be so.....exciting?!?
mapquest
says the same thing as before, only differently.
create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.
Thanks Jen...who I think owes Arkansas a bit of an explanation.
create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.
Thanks Jen...who I think owes Arkansas a bit of an explanation.
blogger idol 2
The main difference between Blogger Idol and American Idol is that Blogger Idol doesn't yet offer the first three days of really bad offerings. No blog equivalents to "Hung," "Scat Lady" or that freaky dude from last year who gave me nightmares with his Madonna interpretation.
Y'all have been very nice to me in my efforts to communicate thematic interpretations, and your compliments are very encouraging to me and I appreciate it.
I've yet to read all the offerings on Freedom, but I really liked the succinct presentation of Superblessed. Unfortunately, there is no permalink, but it's easy enough to find.
Blog on!
Y'all have been very nice to me in my efforts to communicate thematic interpretations, and your compliments are very encouraging to me and I appreciate it.
I've yet to read all the offerings on Freedom, but I really liked the succinct presentation of Superblessed. Unfortunately, there is no permalink, but it's easy enough to find.
Blog on!
1/27/2004
kerry on my wayward son
So "the Ketchup Kid" won again.
Wow...that's really interessssssssssssssssssssszzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Wow...that's really interessssssssssssssssssssszzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
i want tuna i want liver meow mix meow mix please deliver
Okay, the proverbial cat is out of the proverbial bag...
....here kitty kitty kitty....
I'm soon making the leap off Blogspot. Christopher, who has already earned top-line perpetual permalink gratuities for his efforts, is assisting me in the transition.
I need your opinion on an essential matter, and to get your informed opinion, you need information.
I'm relocating the blog to a my own domain which, drumroll please, is....www.twosents.net. The blog will be the "official" communication of a new ministry development by the same name which focuses on discipleship and communication. It is based on the addage of "giving your two cents," my own slogan of "giving away spare change of common sense," and most important, the Scriptural encouragement of John 20:21 where Jesus said, "As the Father sent Me, so I send you." It will embrace the concepts of evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, ministry, and worship with an emphasis on mentoring, relationship-building, transparency, servanthood, and churchmanship.
So, with that in mind, I'm facing a decision to make, and I'd appreciate your input and wisdom in helping me to do so.
The question is thus: Do I keep the blog's name Clarity Amidst Chaos, or do I change it to something else? Other Options So Far:
Two Sents.Net
Two Sents Worth
Two Sents More
Spare Change
Two-Penny Thoughts
Heads or Tails
Call it in the Air
Flip for It
Please, give me your two cents in the comments...And if you have something better, don't be miserly...share it with me.
Thanks!
Oh, and while the cat has left the pillowcase, there are still a couple of lingering furballs tucked away...keep watching for further announcements in the near future!
....here kitty kitty kitty....
I'm soon making the leap off Blogspot. Christopher, who has already earned top-line perpetual permalink gratuities for his efforts, is assisting me in the transition.
I need your opinion on an essential matter, and to get your informed opinion, you need information.
I'm relocating the blog to a my own domain which, drumroll please, is....www.twosents.net. The blog will be the "official" communication of a new ministry development by the same name which focuses on discipleship and communication. It is based on the addage of "giving your two cents," my own slogan of "giving away spare change of common sense," and most important, the Scriptural encouragement of John 20:21 where Jesus said, "As the Father sent Me, so I send you." It will embrace the concepts of evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, ministry, and worship with an emphasis on mentoring, relationship-building, transparency, servanthood, and churchmanship.
So, with that in mind, I'm facing a decision to make, and I'd appreciate your input and wisdom in helping me to do so.
The question is thus: Do I keep the blog's name Clarity Amidst Chaos, or do I change it to something else? Other Options So Far:
Two Sents.Net
Two Sents Worth
Two Sents More
Spare Change
Two-Penny Thoughts
Heads or Tails
Call it in the Air
Flip for It
Please, give me your two cents in the comments...And if you have something better, don't be miserly...share it with me.
Thanks!
Oh, and while the cat has left the pillowcase, there are still a couple of lingering furballs tucked away...keep watching for further announcements in the near future!
1/26/2004
you may take our lives, but you'll never take our...
FREEEDOM!
***
As the children and I waited for Kelli to bridge the horizon that was the airport escalator leading up to baggage claim, I felt a bit like William Wallace restraining his spear-bearing men as England's calvary came bearing upon them....
holllld....
hhooollllld...
hhoOoOOOOlllD......
HHOOOOLLLD.....
Then Kelli's beautiful, smiling face appeared.
NOW!
My three small children broke across the "Do not pass" line and lunged at Kelli like her they were miniature Scottish warriors and her legs were twin Englishmen, soon to be subdued by vice-like hugs of love and longing. The mass of travellers standing between them and Kelli didn't stand a chance.
By allowing them to charge, I had dropped the invisible barrier keeping them from accomplishing the only thing that mattered to them. They, like Wallace's marauders, were free to pursue the desires of their heart to fulfill the very purpose for which they were created. Wallace's army's purpose was to radically and violently express their love for their country. My children's only purpose was to radically and joyfully express the love they had been holding a week to the one who loved them first.
You could almost hear the bagpipes playing over the airport PA system.
Oh, that we would learn from children.
Ask one hundred people what freedom means, and ninety-nine of them will tell you something that looks like, sounds like, or maybe even feels like freedom, but really isn't. And if there is anything that has mastered the ability to deceive the "duck test," it's the wolf of carnal bondage wearing the lambskin of freedom.
Contrary to popular opinion, freedom isn't being unfettered from responsibility. It isn't release from consequence or accountability. It isn't entitlement, license, or absolution. People all over show their total incomprehension of freedom by their perpetual abuse of it, as well as for settling for a myriad of experiences and states-of-being that are freedom-ish, but in and of themselves not genuine freedom.
I submit that one will never...ever...experience freedom until and unless they have been unshackled from that which holds them in bondage expressly so that they may be free to pursue the very reason they were created. If the person who has been unshackled instead chases a different quarry, they unfortunately will capture only another oppressor, another enslaver.
So to understand freedom, one must understand why he has been created. If I mistakenly believe that I was created to enjoy the sensuous pleasures of life, I will pursue them. Subsequently, I will be enslaved by that which I think makes me free, causing me to a prison of sensous torture. If I believe I was created to fulfill the consuming appetite of vanity, then I will be shackled poolside, wasting away my life gazing in Narcissisine puddles that appear much deeper than they actually be. As a humble fool once said, "I gave my heart to know knowledge and madness and folly. I now perceive that I was grasping at the wind."
Freedom is not defined simply by what you have been freed from, but also what you have been freed for. And just like my own children, I have been created to love the one who loved me first. If (and when) If I chase my loving Creator, only then am I free. If I chase any other purpose in life, then no matter how free I may feel, I'm really living under bondage.
Here's the fun...and funky...part of being set free by loving your Creator. We experience and express this freedom by...you gotta be kidding me...being in bondage to Him. The only way to experience true freedom, is by doing what the Creator has called you to do, exactly as He called you to do it, for as long as He called you to do it.
And nothing else.
Now we're beginning to see a paradox isn't a set of MD twins, no?
Compounding the simplicity of it all is that you do not earn God's love by what you do, you are empowered, enabled, equipped to do God's will because of His love. You do not "do" because of who you hope to be, you "do" because of who He promised that you already are. "Doing" is the expression of your freedom. By refusing to "do" as freedom's manifestation, you demonstrate only an ongoing bondage of self-incarceration.
Do not fear, the yoke of the Master is light. Much lighter, in fact, than the one from which you have previously been freed.
Man's joy is complete only when he is free to accomplish that for which he was created. Man is only free when he is worshipping God with every breath, every thought, every step, every deed of his life.
this entry has been a contribution to livingroom's blogger idol project. click here for the other fine entries.
***
As the children and I waited for Kelli to bridge the horizon that was the airport escalator leading up to baggage claim, I felt a bit like William Wallace restraining his spear-bearing men as England's calvary came bearing upon them....
holllld....
hhooollllld...
hhoOoOOOOlllD......
HHOOOOLLLD.....
Then Kelli's beautiful, smiling face appeared.
NOW!
My three small children broke across the "Do not pass" line and lunged at Kelli like her they were miniature Scottish warriors and her legs were twin Englishmen, soon to be subdued by vice-like hugs of love and longing. The mass of travellers standing between them and Kelli didn't stand a chance.
By allowing them to charge, I had dropped the invisible barrier keeping them from accomplishing the only thing that mattered to them. They, like Wallace's marauders, were free to pursue the desires of their heart to fulfill the very purpose for which they were created. Wallace's army's purpose was to radically and violently express their love for their country. My children's only purpose was to radically and joyfully express the love they had been holding a week to the one who loved them first.
You could almost hear the bagpipes playing over the airport PA system.
Oh, that we would learn from children.
Ask one hundred people what freedom means, and ninety-nine of them will tell you something that looks like, sounds like, or maybe even feels like freedom, but really isn't. And if there is anything that has mastered the ability to deceive the "duck test," it's the wolf of carnal bondage wearing the lambskin of freedom.
Contrary to popular opinion, freedom isn't being unfettered from responsibility. It isn't release from consequence or accountability. It isn't entitlement, license, or absolution. People all over show their total incomprehension of freedom by their perpetual abuse of it, as well as for settling for a myriad of experiences and states-of-being that are freedom-ish, but in and of themselves not genuine freedom.
I submit that one will never...ever...experience freedom until and unless they have been unshackled from that which holds them in bondage expressly so that they may be free to pursue the very reason they were created. If the person who has been unshackled instead chases a different quarry, they unfortunately will capture only another oppressor, another enslaver.
So to understand freedom, one must understand why he has been created. If I mistakenly believe that I was created to enjoy the sensuous pleasures of life, I will pursue them. Subsequently, I will be enslaved by that which I think makes me free, causing me to a prison of sensous torture. If I believe I was created to fulfill the consuming appetite of vanity, then I will be shackled poolside, wasting away my life gazing in Narcissisine puddles that appear much deeper than they actually be. As a humble fool once said, "I gave my heart to know knowledge and madness and folly. I now perceive that I was grasping at the wind."
Freedom is not defined simply by what you have been freed from, but also what you have been freed for. And just like my own children, I have been created to love the one who loved me first. If (and when) If I chase my loving Creator, only then am I free. If I chase any other purpose in life, then no matter how free I may feel, I'm really living under bondage.
Here's the fun...and funky...part of being set free by loving your Creator. We experience and express this freedom by...you gotta be kidding me...being in bondage to Him. The only way to experience true freedom, is by doing what the Creator has called you to do, exactly as He called you to do it, for as long as He called you to do it.
And nothing else.
Now we're beginning to see a paradox isn't a set of MD twins, no?
Compounding the simplicity of it all is that you do not earn God's love by what you do, you are empowered, enabled, equipped to do God's will because of His love. You do not "do" because of who you hope to be, you "do" because of who He promised that you already are. "Doing" is the expression of your freedom. By refusing to "do" as freedom's manifestation, you demonstrate only an ongoing bondage of self-incarceration.
Do not fear, the yoke of the Master is light. Much lighter, in fact, than the one from which you have previously been freed.
Man's joy is complete only when he is free to accomplish that for which he was created. Man is only free when he is worshipping God with every breath, every thought, every step, every deed of his life.
this entry has been a contribution to livingroom's blogger idol project. click here for the other fine entries.
bit in the tail
ooh...Miller did chip in at the end with a Porky Porcine "Thats-All-Folks"-type minirantita opining about abandoning the space program. Alas, as soon as I blinked, it was over.
Regardless of whether or not you agree with the position, the palate-cleansing of acidity left me only feeling like it was much too little, much too late.
Regardless of whether or not you agree with the position, the palate-cleansing of acidity left me only feeling like it was much too little, much too late.
i can't taste my light beer!
The very placid introduction of Dennis Miller on tonight's CNBC reminded me of the currently-running ad campaign by the beer company that shares his name. All the things that you may have loved about either product are suddenly nowhere to be found.*
He started off his program and basically said, "Hello. Remember me as the smart aleck with the sharp wit and sharper tongue? Well, forget about that because I'm here to listen."
Okaaaayy Stuart Smalley, you lost me at "hello."
And then he introduced Arnold Guhvahnatah, and quickly put me to sleep with a Paxil-sponsored conversation about Maria's domestic agenda.
My own lovely bride wiped the snooze drool from my slackened jaw, gently shook me awake, and turned the channel.
There's a decent chance I'll stop by again on another night, but only if when I get there, I hear the smarmy acerbic tone that I've grown to appreciate. A docile Dennis is as appealing to me as, say, a tall glass of warmed-over Miller Lite.
I've got my downstairs TV tuned back in to channel 47, but only because the rerun to The Apprentice is on deck. And the three most wonderful words are promised to be spoken by Trump:
"Sam, you're fired."
*This statement is not to be construed as an admission or endorsement of drinking Miller Lite Beer.
He started off his program and basically said, "Hello. Remember me as the smart aleck with the sharp wit and sharper tongue? Well, forget about that because I'm here to listen."
Okaaaayy Stuart Smalley, you lost me at "hello."
And then he introduced Arnold Guhvahnatah, and quickly put me to sleep with a Paxil-sponsored conversation about Maria's domestic agenda.
My own lovely bride wiped the snooze drool from my slackened jaw, gently shook me awake, and turned the channel.
There's a decent chance I'll stop by again on another night, but only if when I get there, I hear the smarmy acerbic tone that I've grown to appreciate. A docile Dennis is as appealing to me as, say, a tall glass of warmed-over Miller Lite.
I've got my downstairs TV tuned back in to channel 47, but only because the rerun to The Apprentice is on deck. And the three most wonderful words are promised to be spoken by Trump:
"Sam, you're fired."
*This statement is not to be construed as an admission or endorsement of drinking Miller Lite Beer.
beautiful
Kelsi, five weeks shy of her second year, is enjoying a thrilling few moments waving around a lighted flashlight, and gleefully shrieking, as she point to the cast light upon the wall, the ceiling, my face:
LOOK DADDY, LOOK! LIGHT!
I take so many little things for granted.
LOOK DADDY, LOOK! LIGHT!
I take so many little things for granted.
fightin' the system like one of two modern day robin hoods
You are Luke Duke. You are sensible and charming.
You rarely get to drive, but you are okay with
that. You are hard-working and honest.
What Dukes of Hazzard Character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
I'm okay with this, other than the fact that I drive.
Always.
Thanks to TruePravda
as a matter of fact, i am interested
i've added Interested-Participant to the blogroll.
And, as always, if you have added me to yours, please let me know. I'd certainly appreciate the opportunity to reciprocate.
And, as always, if you have added me to yours, please let me know. I'd certainly appreciate the opportunity to reciprocate.
prayer request
Please remember Bob Miller in prayer today, for testing regarding his impending heart transplant.
muchos gracias.
muchos gracias.
more passion
Kyle, my local source for anything related to The Passion of the Christ, supplied me with this:
what will happen
Around this time of year, I like to spread a little Valenine joy and sentiment by filling my community candy jar with conversation hearts. I just had this conversation with Ovie, boss3's secretary:
Me: (taking a few from the jar for my own consumption) People better hurry up and eat these...they have a shelf life
She: They go bad?
Me: Well, they don't go bad, but they get...
She: Soft?
Me: No...actually...they turn rock hard.
She: Really, I thought they got mushy...
Me: Well, they get hard in Colorado....but it's so dry there it must draw out the moisture.
She: I think they get softer and softer here.
So....are conversation hearts affected differently according to the varying relative atmospheric barometric pressure and humidity? I need to know...for the sake of the hearts.
Me: (taking a few from the jar for my own consumption) People better hurry up and eat these...they have a shelf life
She: They go bad?
Me: Well, they don't go bad, but they get...
She: Soft?
Me: No...actually...they turn rock hard.
She: Really, I thought they got mushy...
Me: Well, they get hard in Colorado....but it's so dry there it must draw out the moisture.
She: I think they get softer and softer here.
So....are conversation hearts affected differently according to the varying relative atmospheric barometric pressure and humidity? I need to know...for the sake of the hearts.
hope, prayer, and legislation for the preborn
Lee has a good post on new legislation being presented in South Dakota, and to wrap it up, as good of a prophetic statement as I've seen in a while.
movie lit 101
I watched The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen this past week. It was a mediocre movie, with a predictable, hackneyed plot. The most interesting elements of the story, intentionally, were the characters, although it grew tiresome watching Tom Sawyer say, "Did you see that?!!?" Mina Harker was compellingly portrayed, and I enjoyed being reintroduced to Dorian Gray, who I first met in Senior English (high school), but failed to appreciate, amidst the other important events of my life back then.
I thought the portrayal of the Rodney, an invisible man (and not Hawley Griffen the invisible man, was pretty flimsy (not sociopathic enough, as embodied by K. Bacon in his modern-day cinematic interpretation), and Jeckyll/Hyde was cartoonish/buffoonish. And I would like to have seen Allan Quartermain be a little more unbalanced (opium freak) but doubt 007 would have portrayed him if the hero had been written in such a manner in the screenplay. Oh, and lest I forget, I was finding Nemo to be a well-portrayed well-intentioned miscreant, although the PC homage to his pagan worship was a bit boorish.
I like this genre that takes a new take on an established character (or even historical event) and says "what if." Now, my only "what if" is "what if the movie had been done better?"
on a related note:
>
>Which Extraordinary Gentleman are you?
I thought the portrayal of the Rodney, an invisible man (and not Hawley Griffen the invisible man, was pretty flimsy (not sociopathic enough, as embodied by K. Bacon in his modern-day cinematic interpretation), and Jeckyll/Hyde was cartoonish/buffoonish. And I would like to have seen Allan Quartermain be a little more unbalanced (opium freak) but doubt 007 would have portrayed him if the hero had been written in such a manner in the screenplay. Oh, and lest I forget, I was finding Nemo to be a well-portrayed well-intentioned miscreant, although the PC homage to his pagan worship was a bit boorish.
I like this genre that takes a new take on an established character (or even historical event) and says "what if." Now, my only "what if" is "what if the movie had been done better?"
on a related note:
>Which Extraordinary Gentleman are you?
a passion-ate email
latest grass-roots buzz on Gibson's flick (slightly edited to remove irrelevant details, contains "spoiler" details, if you consider Jesus getting nailed to the cross a spoiler. If that is a spoiler, then read the book of John before you go see the movie, for cryin' out loud):
sung to the tune of looks like we made it
Last night, amidst the revelry of ROTK*, we saw that the day's precipitation would likely turn to freezing rain. I awoke to the news reports of North Georgia's schools shutting down, including Kaylyn's. I then called our work number to see if our office was shut down...
"You have reached the inclement weather line....if we had shut down the office, this is where you would've heard about it, so in other words, you better be on your way to work."
So, I dressed warm and mentally prepared for an arduous 22-mile excursion.
There was ice on the trees, but the roads were great. I made it 70 mph all the way to within two exits. Then there was a back-log at 11, so I I-turned over the median and went back to 12, where I took alternate route (b), which leads to alternate route (a), which got me to the office at 32 minutes after I left home.
Toaday, barely half the lot is full. And my estimation of half my colleagues has dropped a bit, as I look at their closed office doors and think....
....wimps.
*Return of the Kelli
"You have reached the inclement weather line....if we had shut down the office, this is where you would've heard about it, so in other words, you better be on your way to work."
So, I dressed warm and mentally prepared for an arduous 22-mile excursion.
There was ice on the trees, but the roads were great. I made it 70 mph all the way to within two exits. Then there was a back-log at 11, so I I-turned over the median and went back to 12, where I took alternate route (b), which leads to alternate route (a), which got me to the office at 32 minutes after I left home.
Toaday, barely half the lot is full. And my estimation of half my colleagues has dropped a bit, as I look at their closed office doors and think....
....wimps.
*Return of the Kelli
1/25/2004
vh1-derful
I've added the Best Week Ever blog to the blogroll, in order to feed the insatiable beast which craves only pop culture in daily-dispensed morsels.
And I was compelled and engaged by last night's airing of Reuniting the Band: Franky Goes to Hollywood. It was interesting to see how these Londoners had matured in the 17 years since their "band" had broken up. And I had the pleasure/torture of listening to 243 snippets/video clips of Relax in the course of the hour.
I don't know that I'll necessarily set my agenda around future episodes (featuring Kajagoogoo) or re-airing of other already-shown episodes (Klymaxx and A Flock of Seagulls), but I'd likely watch it (and not like it will be difficult, since VH1 appears to be airing these episodes every other hour of the day for the next two months) if passing through and I hear playing on the TV speakers:*
a) And I raaa-uh-aan, I ran so far awaaa-uh-ay.
I just raaa-uh-aan, I ran all night and daaaa-uh-ay.
Icoodn'tgettaway.
b)Too shy-shy
Hushhush, eyetoeye
Too shy-shy
Hushhush, eyetoeye
Too shy-shy
Hushhush, eyetoeye
Too shy-shy
Hush huuuuuussssshhhhh
c) I miiiIIIIiiIiIIiiiss you
There`s no other way to say it
And I, and I can't deny it
I miiiIIIIiiIiIIiiiss you
It`s so easy to see
I didn't know any of them back then, I never bought their albums. But I knew the songs and danced to each using a limited variation of the Northwestern Colorado White Guy Groove Shuffle at various public dances offered at Craig's Old Armory, the Cassidy Salloon (can you believe they used to open it up to kids, and our parents let us go?!?), and of course, the high school. With a bond like that, one just has to tune in and see how the respective "artists" are doing, years after that fickle wench named Fame kicked them to the curb for Vanilla Ice and Kriss Kross, and EMF.
*note: Lyrical masterpieces all, no doubt, but these choruses are pretty much all I know of the songs. One episode of hearing these choruses over and over and over and over satisfies individual curiosity of the band for a period of 10-20 additional years.
And I was compelled and engaged by last night's airing of Reuniting the Band: Franky Goes to Hollywood. It was interesting to see how these Londoners had matured in the 17 years since their "band" had broken up. And I had the pleasure/torture of listening to 243 snippets/video clips of Relax in the course of the hour.
I don't know that I'll necessarily set my agenda around future episodes (featuring Kajagoogoo) or re-airing of other already-shown episodes (Klymaxx and A Flock of Seagulls), but I'd likely watch it (and not like it will be difficult, since VH1 appears to be airing these episodes every other hour of the day for the next two months) if passing through and I hear playing on the TV speakers:*
a) And I raaa-uh-aan, I ran so far awaaa-uh-ay.
I just raaa-uh-aan, I ran all night and daaaa-uh-ay.
Icoodn'tgettaway.
b)Too shy-shy
Hushhush, eyetoeye
Too shy-shy
Hushhush, eyetoeye
Too shy-shy
Hushhush, eyetoeye
Too shy-shy
Hush huuuuuussssshhhhh
c) I miiiIIIIiiIiIIiiiss you
There`s no other way to say it
And I, and I can't deny it
I miiiIIIIiiIiIIiiiss you
It`s so easy to see
I didn't know any of them back then, I never bought their albums. But I knew the songs and danced to each using a limited variation of the Northwestern Colorado White Guy Groove Shuffle at various public dances offered at Craig's Old Armory, the Cassidy Salloon (can you believe they used to open it up to kids, and our parents let us go?!?), and of course, the high school. With a bond like that, one just has to tune in and see how the respective "artists" are doing, years after that fickle wench named Fame kicked them to the curb for Vanilla Ice and Kriss Kross, and EMF.
*note: Lyrical masterpieces all, no doubt, but these choruses are pretty much all I know of the songs. One episode of hearing these choruses over and over and over and over satisfies individual curiosity of the band for a period of 10-20 additional years.
Blogger Idol week 2
The theme is Freedom.
hmmm....I'm going to need a little time to develop my strategery on this one. Two participants have already exercised theirs' to contribute.
hmmm....I'm going to need a little time to develop my strategery on this one. Two participants have already exercised theirs' to contribute.
sung to the tune of home sweet home
We go to Jackson-Hartfield or Hartsfield-Jackson or Hartson-Jackfield or whatever its called....to pick up my beloved.
We love her for who she is, we're thankful for what she does, and she's very much been missed.
We love her for who she is, we're thankful for what she does, and she's very much been missed.
1/24/2004
its the dork equivalent of my favorite time of year
I love March Madness. But since the last time I played competitive hoops that meant anything was 1990 (apologies to all those seminary hoops buds....those games were special, too, but in just a different way), I don't connect with it on the level that I once did. Granted, the NCAAs are pretty much the only basketball I'll watch on television any more, and I will subject my wife and co-workers to a pre-tournament prediction extravaganza, but trust me, it will fade from my consciousness as quickly as it entered.
This, however, is a Madness tourney I wish I had known about earlier. I would definitely have partaken, rather than just observed. Not that I really think I could have beaten anybody, but if a #15 can take out a #2 in hoops, then surely a similar scenario is even more likely here, where the parity is greater and the quality between the top and the bottom is much less distinguishable.
I haven't read or previewed any body yet, but going along similar lines of the "Dominant Mascot in Nature" theory that oft guides my NCAA selections, my Blog Madness Final Four choices are (go to the tourney site for the links, that's what I'm gonna do):
Out of the Sports Bracket: #2 Seed: My Father the Felon, by Small Dead Animals
Out of the Work Bracket: #3 Seed: Boomers Be Damned, by Modular Parrot
Out of the Love Bracket: #8 Seed: A Note on Bathroom Etiquette by Johns Jottingz
Out of the Bills Bracket: #11 Seed: How to Handle a Divorce (my dark horse to win it all)
Most intruiging first-round competition (by title of entries): In the Love Bracket: #13 I Am A Sexist Pig: I Open Doors For Women, by Ipse Dixit vs. #20 I'm a sensitive, rock & roll kind of guy, by Attaboy
Oh, and the bracket names have nothing to do with the subject matters, I've come to discover.
Good luck, play fair, and be careful when you're scratching yourself -- sometimes the cameras are still on during the TV timeout.
This, however, is a Madness tourney I wish I had known about earlier. I would definitely have partaken, rather than just observed. Not that I really think I could have beaten anybody, but if a #15 can take out a #2 in hoops, then surely a similar scenario is even more likely here, where the parity is greater and the quality between the top and the bottom is much less distinguishable.
I haven't read or previewed any body yet, but going along similar lines of the "Dominant Mascot in Nature" theory that oft guides my NCAA selections, my Blog Madness Final Four choices are (go to the tourney site for the links, that's what I'm gonna do):
Out of the Sports Bracket: #2 Seed: My Father the Felon, by Small Dead Animals
Out of the Work Bracket: #3 Seed: Boomers Be Damned, by Modular Parrot
Out of the Love Bracket: #8 Seed: A Note on Bathroom Etiquette by Johns Jottingz
Out of the Bills Bracket: #11 Seed: How to Handle a Divorce (my dark horse to win it all)
Most intruiging first-round competition (by title of entries): In the Love Bracket: #13 I Am A Sexist Pig: I Open Doors For Women, by Ipse Dixit vs. #20 I'm a sensitive, rock & roll kind of guy, by Attaboy
Oh, and the bracket names have nothing to do with the subject matters, I've come to discover.
Good luck, play fair, and be careful when you're scratching yourself -- sometimes the cameras are still on during the TV timeout.
today's timewaster
thanks sophorist....i've been playing penguin baseball for a fair good time. And I still haven't beaten your mark.
are we there yet?
I saw this at avoiding evil, who explains from where it came.
I figured I did 100 movies, and 20 questions so why not 50 states.
BOLD = Marks the states that I have visited (or graced with my presence, if only briefly).
ITALICS = Marks the states that I have lived in.
1) Alabama 2) Alaska 3) Arizona 4) Arkansas 5) California 6) Colorado 7) Connecticut 8) Delaware 9) Florida 10) Georgia 11) Hawaii 12) Idaho 13) Illinois 14) Indiana 15) Iowa 16) Kansas 17) Kentucky 18) Louisiana 19) Maine 20) Maryland 21) Massachusetts 22) Michigan 23) Minnesota (in utero) 24) Mississippi 25) Missouri 26) Montana 27) Nebraska 28) Nevada 29) New Hampshire 30) New Jersey 31) New Mexico 32) New York 33) North Carolina 34) North Dakota 35) Ohio 36) Oklahoma 37) Oregon 38) Pennsylvania 39) Rhode Island 40) South Carolina 41) South Dakota 42) Tennessee 43) Texas 44) Utah 45) Vermont 46) Virginia 47) Washington 48) West Virginia 49) Wisconsin 50) Wyoming.
27 visited...over halfway done. I expect to check a few more off the list this year with work, maybe several with a trip already scheduled to the North East. From what I can tell, I've hit every state except Arkansas below America's beltline (defined by me as the 40° parallel that sweeps across the USA like a pair of hitched-up old man's trousers, belted way too high above the bellybutton, which would of course be Great Bend, Kansas) but only two states that are above it.
Next road trip: Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, and Puget Sound!
I figured I did 100 movies, and 20 questions so why not 50 states.
BOLD = Marks the states that I have visited (or graced with my presence, if only briefly).
ITALICS = Marks the states that I have lived in.
1) Alabama 2) Alaska 3) Arizona 4) Arkansas 5) California 6) Colorado 7) Connecticut 8) Delaware 9) Florida 10) Georgia 11) Hawaii 12) Idaho 13) Illinois 14) Indiana 15) Iowa 16) Kansas 17) Kentucky 18) Louisiana 19) Maine 20) Maryland 21) Massachusetts 22) Michigan 23) Minnesota (in utero) 24) Mississippi 25) Missouri 26) Montana 27) Nebraska 28) Nevada 29) New Hampshire 30) New Jersey 31) New Mexico 32) New York 33) North Carolina 34) North Dakota 35) Ohio 36) Oklahoma 37) Oregon 38) Pennsylvania 39) Rhode Island 40) South Carolina 41) South Dakota 42) Tennessee 43) Texas 44) Utah 45) Vermont 46) Virginia 47) Washington 48) West Virginia 49) Wisconsin 50) Wyoming.
27 visited...over halfway done. I expect to check a few more off the list this year with work, maybe several with a trip already scheduled to the North East. From what I can tell, I've hit every state except Arkansas below America's beltline (defined by me as the 40° parallel that sweeps across the USA like a pair of hitched-up old man's trousers, belted way too high above the bellybutton, which would of course be Great Bend, Kansas) but only two states that are above it.
Next road trip: Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, and Puget Sound!
coming soon to afv
Joshua pointed me to these photos of Saddam's capture, and I point them to you (unless you've already seen them, of course).
Its pix like these that cause me to marvel at the age of the Internet, and the swift dissemination of information. And that last photo looks like it could come out of the scrapbook of any American family: the day our crazy dictator uncle was pulled out of a septic tank and stopped by for a visit while in shackles.
Its pix like these that cause me to marvel at the age of the Internet, and the swift dissemination of information. And that last photo looks like it could come out of the scrapbook of any American family: the day our crazy dictator uncle was pulled out of a septic tank and stopped by for a visit while in shackles.
the gospel according to batman
The tale of the Dark Knight includes an intersting character with whom we should all be able to identify.
His name is Harvey Dent, a psychopathic former-friend of Bruce Wayne, who becomes the villian known as Two Face. This criminal seems to continually be at odds against himself, never able to make a decision without a flip of the coin. He fights, resists, and rebels against his good nature, instead indulging in the violent, antisocial personae that makes him so dangerous.
You might be saying "wait, why should I be able to identify with this guy? I'm not antisocial, villianous, or even psychotic."
The reality is, we are all Two Face, continually at odds with our selves, battling between the spiritual reality of either who we are or can potentially be as children of God through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus of Nazareth, and the fleshly deception of who we believe ourselves to be according to a carnal, dead worldview. From God's perspective, certainly we possess a similar visage of this creature Harvey/Two Face who is both handsome and hideous.
Further exacerbating the evidence that you and I are bipolar in our nature is the engagement of Harvey with the love of his life. Her name? You got it: Grace.
Grace is who he loves, yet who in his corruption, despises. He desperately desires her, but angrily denies her. The most chilling words of Dent's departure into madness and folly: "Goodbye Grace."
Are we any different? To deny who we are in the image of the Christ is to rebuff grace. Grace is what we desperately desire but all too often angrily deny. The chilling words too many among us have spoken are simply, "Goodbye grace."
Harvey Dent's descent into madness culminates into a fierce, maniacal pursuit of the law of averages. Without grace, there is only the law. And the law was only ever intended to show man his ultimate and utter futility. We, like Harvey Dent, are Two Face. And we, too, need grace.
1/23/2004
pigpen, the outkast
I enjoyed this more than I can express in print.
I watched it repeatedly, in its entirety.
Thanks for the link, Steven
I watched it repeatedly, in its entirety.
Thanks for the link, Steven
limited value
Kelsi is being quite vocal in her discontent that I do not possess the digitally accessorizing implements to extract dehydrated mucuous masses from her nasal cavities, as does, say, her mother.
"Boo-guhs Daddy," she'll complain while pointing plaintively to her miniscule proboscis. I have no verbal answer. I only iextend my meathook hands, with fingers large enough to make her look like Jerry Cooney after 12 rounds with Larry Holmes, and fingernails cut so low they'd only compact, not extract.
We're all ready for Kelli to be home.
"Boo-guhs Daddy," she'll complain while pointing plaintively to her miniscule proboscis. I have no verbal answer. I only iextend my meathook hands, with fingers large enough to make her look like Jerry Cooney after 12 rounds with Larry Holmes, and fingernails cut so low they'd only compact, not extract.
We're all ready for Kelli to be home.
thirty one
for thirty-one years the account of your death
has been the focus of a nation's celebration and mourning
you were the first of millions to never draw breath
sacrficed to gods that leave mothers forlorning
pride, indulgence, fear, regret, convenience, and shame
an unfortunate accident, a mistake, an unwanted surprise
these and many more feeble excuses became your sad name
confessionally, this way it was much easier to culminate the lies
you could have been my brother, my cousin, or even my child
memories, tales, and love have been stripped from us both
I cannot explain why others were loved while you were reviled
nor how you will never see the sorrows and joys of life's growth
the very basic rights we all daily take for granted
were the simple same pursuits that you never received
instead, ripped from the womb where you were implanted
the most innocent victim of a mother deceived
this slaughter of millions occurs one by one
under false banners of liberation for women to be free
the death of infants -- babies -- cannot be undone
we must turn from this death culture to hear the unborn's plea
precious baby, dear child, beloved of life
your value is so much more than when you were disparaged
never to be a husband or father, or mother or wife
no "sweet sixteen," prom, graduation or being given in marriage
in "one nation under God" is waged this horrible war
God's churches and God's children are both guilty and silent
how can "God bless America" even one dark day more
when we accept and participate in actions so violent?
for thirty-years you have silently screamed
an entire generation that will never have voice
what could you have been, done, or dreamed?
irony is deafening, this "freedom of choice"
has been the focus of a nation's celebration and mourning
you were the first of millions to never draw breath
sacrficed to gods that leave mothers forlorning
pride, indulgence, fear, regret, convenience, and shame
an unfortunate accident, a mistake, an unwanted surprise
these and many more feeble excuses became your sad name
confessionally, this way it was much easier to culminate the lies
you could have been my brother, my cousin, or even my child
memories, tales, and love have been stripped from us both
I cannot explain why others were loved while you were reviled
nor how you will never see the sorrows and joys of life's growth
the very basic rights we all daily take for granted
were the simple same pursuits that you never received
instead, ripped from the womb where you were implanted
the most innocent victim of a mother deceived
this slaughter of millions occurs one by one
under false banners of liberation for women to be free
the death of infants -- babies -- cannot be undone
we must turn from this death culture to hear the unborn's plea
precious baby, dear child, beloved of life
your value is so much more than when you were disparaged
never to be a husband or father, or mother or wife
no "sweet sixteen," prom, graduation or being given in marriage
in "one nation under God" is waged this horrible war
God's churches and God's children are both guilty and silent
how can "God bless America" even one dark day more
when we accept and participate in actions so violent?
for thirty-years you have silently screamed
an entire generation that will never have voice
what could you have been, done, or dreamed?
irony is deafening, this "freedom of choice"
prayer request
Please offer a prayer for a follower of the Christ named Steve, who was just diagnosed with lymph node cancer.
clearly, i'm not batchelor material
Cotter: Daddy?
Me: Yes?
He: Don't you think it's time you went on Extreme Makeover?
Me: Am I looking that bad?
He: Well, you haven't shaved for three days. Mommy will not be happy about that.
Me: Yes?
He: Don't you think it's time you went on Extreme Makeover?
Me: Am I looking that bad?
He: Well, you haven't shaved for three days. Mommy will not be happy about that.
she raises a good point
Irene comments in my previous post how I can import my comments from haloscan into MT. I'll certainly do it. But what her comment illustrates is that I'm a total ignoramus when it comes to this process.
I've spent the last hour working on my MT template and it looks, in a one small word, LIKE A DOG THREW UP ON MY MONITOR. I originally intended to rely on a smarter, dear friend of mine, but the lure of free web space and an inexpensive domain name tempted me like Pete Rose on a Vegas junket. Now, here I am with tons of questions and nowhere to go. I've already tried to steal code of Jen's page...nope didn't work. I even tried just to C&P off my own blogspot site, figuring something's better than nothing. Well, let me tell you, nothing is better than the something I've worked up.
Now, the pride-filled fella that I am envisioned this grand unveiling that would make everyone "ooh" and "aah" and "suddenly flood my site with visitors." Looks like I may need to scale down my expectations a bit.
it's late....maybe I just need some rest.
I've spent the last hour working on my MT template and it looks, in a one small word, LIKE A DOG THREW UP ON MY MONITOR. I originally intended to rely on a smarter, dear friend of mine, but the lure of free web space and an inexpensive domain name tempted me like Pete Rose on a Vegas junket. Now, here I am with tons of questions and nowhere to go. I've already tried to steal code of Jen's page...nope didn't work. I even tried just to C&P off my own blogspot site, figuring something's better than nothing. Well, let me tell you, nothing is better than the something I've worked up.
Now, the pride-filled fella that I am envisioned this grand unveiling that would make everyone "ooh" and "aah" and "suddenly flood my site with visitors." Looks like I may need to scale down my expectations a bit.
it's late....maybe I just need some rest.
1/22/2004
20 answers
Jared asked, so I'm answering:
1.
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3.
4.
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20
1.
2.
3.
4.
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20
time thief of the day
From the website mixmaster
Jen's Blog as my blog
Drudge as my blog
PETA as my blog
ESPN as my blog
The White House as my blog
and then, the more fun...and funnier...efforts:
my blog as Fox News
my blog as Mensa
my blog as Tony's blog
my blog as NAMB
my blog as Instapundit's blog
my blog as MoveOn.org
my blog as Howard Dean's blog
my blog as Wes Clark's blog
The real question here, friends, is how much time do you intend to waste today?
Don't blame me. It's the presurfer's fault for your sudden cessation of productivity.
note: the mixmaster site is clean, but does provide links to examples of its mixing capabilities with inappropriate sites. These are all plainly linked and easily avoided. Please show some character and integrity in your surfing.
Jen's Blog as my blog
Drudge as my blog
PETA as my blog
ESPN as my blog
The White House as my blog
and then, the more fun...and funnier...efforts:
my blog as Fox News
my blog as Mensa
my blog as Tony's blog
my blog as NAMB
my blog as Instapundit's blog
my blog as MoveOn.org
my blog as Howard Dean's blog
my blog as Wes Clark's blog
The real question here, friends, is how much time do you intend to waste today?
Don't blame me. It's the presurfer's fault for your sudden cessation of productivity.
note: the mixmaster site is clean, but does provide links to examples of its mixing capabilities with inappropriate sites. These are all plainly linked and easily avoided. Please show some character and integrity in your surfing.
are you a regifter
This tale reminds me of course of the Seinfeld episode:
Of course, we, like you, would *never* regift any of the valued, cherished items given by others to us to commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, or other celebrations and festivities.
However, there is one gift that is permissible, even expected to be regifted. In fact, if this gift is not regifted often and liberally and without preference nor prejudice, you will not be able to fully appreciate the value of the gift itself. This gift is truly incredible, because unlike the silver platter, it never wears thin, it never depreciates, and it never diminishes in value. You can (and should) give this gift away over and over, never worrying that your possession of the gift itself will some how or someway be lost.
One more thing. If you don't have the gift, but find yourself yearning for it, all you have to do is ask for it, and it's yours.
Now get busy regifting! And to the Gift-Giver, Thank You!
Of course, we, like you, would *never* regift any of the valued, cherished items given by others to us to commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, or other celebrations and festivities.
However, there is one gift that is permissible, even expected to be regifted. In fact, if this gift is not regifted often and liberally and without preference nor prejudice, you will not be able to fully appreciate the value of the gift itself. This gift is truly incredible, because unlike the silver platter, it never wears thin, it never depreciates, and it never diminishes in value. You can (and should) give this gift away over and over, never worrying that your possession of the gift itself will some how or someway be lost.
One more thing. If you don't have the gift, but find yourself yearning for it, all you have to do is ask for it, and it's yours.
Now get busy regifting! And to the Gift-Giver, Thank You!
imdb top flix list
Following Jen's lead, The rules: Bold the ones you've seen. Italicize the ones you want to see. Put an asterisk by your favorites. And underline the ones you own.
1. The Godfather*
2. The Shawshank Redemption, The*
3. The Godfather: Part II*
4. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King*
5. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers*
6. Casablanca
7. Schindler's List*
8. The Seven Samurai
9. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring*
10. Citizen Kane
11. Star Wars*
12. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest*
13. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
14. Rear Window
15. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back*
16. Raiders of the Lost Ark*
17. Memento
18. The Usual Suspects**
19. Pulp Fiction
20. North by Northwest
21. Amelie
22. Psycho (1960)
23. 12 Angry Men
24. Lawrence of Arabia
25. The Silence of the Lambs
26. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
27. It's a Wonderful Life
28. Goodfellas
29. American Beauty
30. Vertigo
31. Sunset Blvd.
32. The Pianist*
33. The Matrix*
34. Apocalypse Now
35. To Kill a Mockingbird
36. Some Like It Hot
37. Taxi Driver
38. Paths of Glory
39. The Third Man
40. Once Upon a Time in the West
41. Fight Club*
42. Das Boot
43. Spirited Away
44. Double Indemnity
45. L.A. Confidential
46. Chinatown
47. Singin' in the Rain
48. Requiem for a Dream
49. The Maltese Falcon
50. M
51. All About Eve
52. The Bridge on the River Kwai
53. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
54. Se7en
55. Saving Private Ryan*
56. City of God
57. Raging Bull
58. The Wizard of Oz
59. Rashomon
60. The Sting
61. American History X
62. Alien
63. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
64. Leon (The Professional)
65. 2001: A Space Odyssey
66. Life Is Beautiful
67. Touch of Evil
68. The Manchurian Candidate
69. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
70. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
71. The Great Escape
72. A Clockwork Orange
73. Reservoir Dogs*
74. Annie Hall
75. Amadeus*
76. Jaws
77. Ran
78. On the Waterfront
79. Modern Times
80. High Noon
81. Braveheart**
82. The Apartment
83. The Sixth Sense*
84. Fargo**
85. Aliens
86. The Shining
87. Blade Runner
88. Strangers on a Train
89. Duck Soup
90. Metropolis
91. Finding Nemo
92. Donnie Darko
93. Toy Story 2*
94. The Princess Bride*
95. The General
96. City Lights
97. Run Lola Run
98. Full Metal Jacket
99. Notorious
100. The Seventh Seal
1. The Godfather*
2. The Shawshank Redemption, The*
3. The Godfather: Part II*
4. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King*
5. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers*
6. Casablanca
7. Schindler's List*
8. The Seven Samurai
9. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring*
10. Citizen Kane
11. Star Wars*
12. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest*
13. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
14. Rear Window
15. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back*
16. Raiders of the Lost Ark*
17. Memento
18. The Usual Suspects**
19. Pulp Fiction
20. North by Northwest
21. Amelie
22. Psycho (1960)
23. 12 Angry Men
24. Lawrence of Arabia
25. The Silence of the Lambs
26. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
27. It's a Wonderful Life
28. Goodfellas
29. American Beauty
30. Vertigo
31. Sunset Blvd.
32. The Pianist*
33. The Matrix*
34. Apocalypse Now
35. To Kill a Mockingbird
36. Some Like It Hot
37. Taxi Driver
38. Paths of Glory
39. The Third Man
40. Once Upon a Time in the West
41. Fight Club*
42. Das Boot
43. Spirited Away
44. Double Indemnity
45. L.A. Confidential
46. Chinatown
47. Singin' in the Rain
48. Requiem for a Dream
49. The Maltese Falcon
50. M
51. All About Eve
52. The Bridge on the River Kwai
53. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
54. Se7en
55. Saving Private Ryan*
56. City of God
57. Raging Bull
58. The Wizard of Oz
59. Rashomon
60. The Sting
61. American History X
62. Alien
63. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
64. Leon (The Professional)
65. 2001: A Space Odyssey
66. Life Is Beautiful
67. Touch of Evil
68. The Manchurian Candidate
69. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
70. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
71. The Great Escape
72. A Clockwork Orange
73. Reservoir Dogs*
74. Annie Hall
75. Amadeus*
76. Jaws
77. Ran
78. On the Waterfront
79. Modern Times
80. High Noon
81. Braveheart**
82. The Apartment
83. The Sixth Sense*
84. Fargo**
85. Aliens
86. The Shining
87. Blade Runner
88. Strangers on a Train
89. Duck Soup
90. Metropolis
91. Finding Nemo
92. Donnie Darko
93. Toy Story 2*
94. The Princess Bride*
95. The General
96. City Lights
97. Run Lola Run
98. Full Metal Jacket
99. Notorious
100. The Seventh Seal
tracking my spending
I've signed up at where's george, because I am a lemming and I received a $10 bill as change with the website promoting it. Apparently, this 10 spot has travelled 800 miles before landing in my hand.
Now that this is out of the way, life can continue as previously scheduled.
Now that this is out of the way, life can continue as previously scheduled.
a good night
I've rebounded from near exhaustion to get through the evening. I napped a bit while the kids watched Goof Troop or House of Mouse or Donald Gets Revenge on that Attention-Grabbing Rat...something on the Disney Channel.
I then made the family supper. Roast beef. Mashed potatoes. Green beans. Broccoli. Gravy. The children all ate well and given the consistency of the gravy, I have plenty of spackle for any future holes in the drywall. I spent an hour trying to set up the VCR for taping the Bachelorette and The Mole for my Beloved. Couldn't make it wet. Kelsi decided to spend the last 15 minutes mourning the absence of my total devotion, so that made the effort doubly fun in futility. So I went downstairs and popped it in the kids VCR, and sure enough, it worked on the first try. So as you can tell, we're not big "tape recording" people.
I've had two phone calls tonight. A two minute conversation with a fellow named Derek who asked for prayer regarding spiritual opposition. Then a delightful conversation with a 37 year-old woman who asked for intercessory prayers of salvation for a friend serving in Iraq, and then for prayers for wisdom about her search for a lifemate. I briefly considered pointing her toward Jen's blog, but ultimately decided that would be beyond the parameters of my responsibilties.
As I was typing this, I received another call...please pray for Norma in Louisville,KY. She's a homebound senior lady who is very lonely.
This experience has been very good for me because it has renewed my understanding that there are so many people out there who just feel lost, lonely, alone, isolated, and without hope. People who just want to hear and believe that God loves them, and that their future can be better than their present. I haven't made a firm decision on this (and I won't until I work out logistics with Kelli), but I think I'd like to continue this ministry after my "on mission" week is completed.
I then made the family supper. Roast beef. Mashed potatoes. Green beans. Broccoli. Gravy. The children all ate well and given the consistency of the gravy, I have plenty of spackle for any future holes in the drywall. I spent an hour trying to set up the VCR for taping the Bachelorette and The Mole for my Beloved. Couldn't make it wet. Kelsi decided to spend the last 15 minutes mourning the absence of my total devotion, so that made the effort doubly fun in futility. So I went downstairs and popped it in the kids VCR, and sure enough, it worked on the first try. So as you can tell, we're not big "tape recording" people.
I've had two phone calls tonight. A two minute conversation with a fellow named Derek who asked for prayer regarding spiritual opposition. Then a delightful conversation with a 37 year-old woman who asked for intercessory prayers of salvation for a friend serving in Iraq, and then for prayers for wisdom about her search for a lifemate. I briefly considered pointing her toward Jen's blog, but ultimately decided that would be beyond the parameters of my responsibilties.
As I was typing this, I received another call...please pray for Norma in Louisville,KY. She's a homebound senior lady who is very lonely.
This experience has been very good for me because it has renewed my understanding that there are so many people out there who just feel lost, lonely, alone, isolated, and without hope. People who just want to hear and believe that God loves them, and that their future can be better than their present. I haven't made a firm decision on this (and I won't until I work out logistics with Kelli), but I think I'd like to continue this ministry after my "on mission" week is completed.
1/21/2004
i don't know how single parents do it
Kelli's annual excursion to Nashville has without a doubt developed into "The Renewed Appreciation of All that Mommy Provides" annual excursion.
We're making it. But to say we're a skeleton crew would be an understatement. The girls don't get curled hair. Be happy it's combed.
I told Kelli that we were having microwave pizza for supper last night. Plans for roast were set back by a lack of aluminum foil.
"You're playing that 'microwave pizza' card pretty early in the game, doncha think?" my beloved asked me rhetorically.
"Yeah, but I'm holding on to the 'chicken pot pie' card for later on, if things really get desperate."
Last night, I think I got a grand total of seven minutes of sleep. Kelsi and Cotter found their way to my bed, and I tried to placate them for a while, but eventually I went and slept on Cotter's bed. I've got big plans to watch a DVD with them all this afternoon, fully intent on catching a few winks in the process.
Oh, and the roast is ready for tonight. All I have to do is cook the green beans.
One more thing -- Praise God for paper plates!
oops -- as an evidence of how feeble I am for the task at hand...the whole reason I was being confessional was to share this related link that was filled with helpful reminders for me as I parent solo this week. Thanks to presurfer for the connection.
We're making it. But to say we're a skeleton crew would be an understatement. The girls don't get curled hair. Be happy it's combed.
I told Kelli that we were having microwave pizza for supper last night. Plans for roast were set back by a lack of aluminum foil.
"You're playing that 'microwave pizza' card pretty early in the game, doncha think?" my beloved asked me rhetorically.
"Yeah, but I'm holding on to the 'chicken pot pie' card for later on, if things really get desperate."
Last night, I think I got a grand total of seven minutes of sleep. Kelsi and Cotter found their way to my bed, and I tried to placate them for a while, but eventually I went and slept on Cotter's bed. I've got big plans to watch a DVD with them all this afternoon, fully intent on catching a few winks in the process.
Oh, and the roast is ready for tonight. All I have to do is cook the green beans.
One more thing -- Praise God for paper plates!
oops -- as an evidence of how feeble I am for the task at hand...the whole reason I was being confessional was to share this related link that was filled with helpful reminders for me as I parent solo this week. Thanks to presurfer for the connection.
hear it for yourself
This nice fellow has compiled the offal of "Crazy" Howard Dean's speeches and offered them for your consideration.
I ask again...do you really want this man as your leader?*
If you do, I fear what this says about you more than what it says about him.
*this is likely a moot point following Iowa, but thanks for playing along.
I ask again...do you really want this man as your leader?*
If you do, I fear what this says about you more than what it says about him.
*this is likely a moot point following Iowa, but thanks for playing along.
good blog
Lashawn Barber is, as the Exultate Justi notes, "a triple threat," and a welcome addition to the blogroll.
wahoo!
Pray for Martha in El Paso, who suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (that's not the part I'm 'wahooing'). She has prayed to receive Jesus as her Savior, confessing Him as Lord, believing God has raised Him from the dead!
God is awesome!
God is awesome!
Jesus is Lord! read all about it!
The Christian Carnival is up! Go see the Pharasaic tightrope walkers, the Sadusaic House of Disbelief, and sites and wonders that will dazzle and amaze.
Remember, you must be at least 48 inches to read these posts.
Remember, you must be at least 48 inches to read these posts.
its easy to duck and cover when you're a hobbit
I watched the final Lord of the Rings installment whilst in Lexington.
The negatives:
Didn't seem as long as The Two Towers. Still too long. Found myself thinking "Okay Bilbo, any day now. We get it. It's tough. You want the ring. Gollum wants the ring. Drop it in the river of fire already, for the love of Peter Jackson." I also found myself noticing more than before the obvious tactics used to convey the short stature of hobbits and dwarves, and even laughed a couple of times at the more conspicuous efforts. Also, I thought there was a preponderance of homosexual undertones. I actually wondered at one point if Pippen & Merry were going to kiss. Sam & Bilbo never conveyed a similar vibe, despite hugging more times than if they were at a Promise Keeper's rally.
The positives:
Good movie. Special effects were incredible. An epic tale, well-crafted on the screen. Sean Astin's effort is worthy of Oscar consideration. I've exercised great patience in not getting the DVDs because I'm sure there will be a "Criterion"-type edition with all the extended material compiled together. And I will buy it. And I will watch it in marathon fashion. And I will expect Kelli to endure it with me.
The negatives:
Didn't seem as long as The Two Towers. Still too long. Found myself thinking "Okay Bilbo, any day now. We get it. It's tough. You want the ring. Gollum wants the ring. Drop it in the river of fire already, for the love of Peter Jackson." I also found myself noticing more than before the obvious tactics used to convey the short stature of hobbits and dwarves, and even laughed a couple of times at the more conspicuous efforts. Also, I thought there was a preponderance of homosexual undertones. I actually wondered at one point if Pippen & Merry were going to kiss. Sam & Bilbo never conveyed a similar vibe, despite hugging more times than if they were at a Promise Keeper's rally.
The positives:
Good movie. Special effects were incredible. An epic tale, well-crafted on the screen. Sean Astin's effort is worthy of Oscar consideration. I've exercised great patience in not getting the DVDs because I'm sure there will be a "Criterion"-type edition with all the extended material compiled together. And I will buy it. And I will watch it in marathon fashion. And I will expect Kelli to endure it with me.
are you whitening your teeth?
I'd like to think that I'm a fairly tolerant person, although I really won't stand for anyone who disagrees with me about that. What I really can't stand, though, is that commercial where several people approach their friend, the "star" of the ad, and ask him if he's lost weight, got a new haircut, etc. etc. There's just "something" different about him. Turns out, he's on Viagra. Seems to me that nobody was paying attention to the giant white elephant in the middle of the room that made everybody's questioning so necessary.
This commercial is only bested in its pathetic-quotient by the one of the guy whos stuck with the PermaGrinTM because he's been wantonly taking the magical endowment pill. I don't know the name of it and wouldn't link to it if I did. I just think they should list that horribly silly smile as a potential side effect. The whole *wink wink nudge nudge* of the ad campaign makes one curious to whom this product is being marketed -- 18-year-old boys with lockerroom anxiety, perhaps.
Yet, the chief of all bad male insecurity-related products is for the one endorsed by the National Football League and is rife with the symbolism of the middle-aged dude throwing the football through the tire.... ifyaknowwhatimean..... followed by the pathetic tagline of something like, "Don't YOU want to stay 'in the game?'" What's sad is that I didn't understand the commercial at first. I was sincerely clueless. That was, of course, until Coach Ditka starred in the sequel and spelled it out for me. Oh, and coach, thanks for the disturbing dose of TMI that will never allow me to appreciate you in the same way again.
I really don't care about the products themselves. If a guy needs the medical equivalent of Bounty Paper Towels for his boudoir regimen, that's between him, his beloved, and their pharmacist. I just don't understand why advertisement directed toward men has to be pedantic, juvenile, and coy. A woman experiencing gender-specific comparable issues would never tolerate a similarly-directed campaign. Then again, I guess when men respond to a product regardless of the tone of the marketing, its hard to convincingly argue against it.
Now, I have to tell you, I had no intention of writing this minirant. I really just wanted to share the announcement that I have, thanks to King of Fools, Wizbang, and XRLQ, began the work of evacuating the sinking Lusitania that is Blogspot, thanks to the Exodus Project. I'm looking forward to unveiling new bloggy goodness soon. The gripe session sprung up when I wrote the title, and it tapped into the latent hostility that apparently resides within me over the matter. Thank you for working through this with me. It's nice to know I'm not alone.
This commercial is only bested in its pathetic-quotient by the one of the guy whos stuck with the PermaGrinTM because he's been wantonly taking the magical endowment pill. I don't know the name of it and wouldn't link to it if I did. I just think they should list that horribly silly smile as a potential side effect. The whole *wink wink nudge nudge* of the ad campaign makes one curious to whom this product is being marketed -- 18-year-old boys with lockerroom anxiety, perhaps.
Yet, the chief of all bad male insecurity-related products is for the one endorsed by the National Football League and is rife with the symbolism of the middle-aged dude throwing the football through the tire.... ifyaknowwhatimean..... followed by the pathetic tagline of something like, "Don't YOU want to stay 'in the game?'" What's sad is that I didn't understand the commercial at first. I was sincerely clueless. That was, of course, until Coach Ditka starred in the sequel and spelled it out for me. Oh, and coach, thanks for the disturbing dose of TMI that will never allow me to appreciate you in the same way again.
I really don't care about the products themselves. If a guy needs the medical equivalent of Bounty Paper Towels for his boudoir regimen, that's between him, his beloved, and their pharmacist. I just don't understand why advertisement directed toward men has to be pedantic, juvenile, and coy. A woman experiencing gender-specific comparable issues would never tolerate a similarly-directed campaign. Then again, I guess when men respond to a product regardless of the tone of the marketing, its hard to convincingly argue against it.
Now, I have to tell you, I had no intention of writing this minirant. I really just wanted to share the announcement that I have, thanks to King of Fools, Wizbang, and XRLQ, began the work of evacuating the sinking Lusitania that is Blogspot, thanks to the Exodus Project. I'm looking forward to unveiling new bloggy goodness soon. The gripe session sprung up when I wrote the title, and it tapped into the latent hostility that apparently resides within me over the matter. Thank you for working through this with me. It's nice to know I'm not alone.
nothing like the smell of fiery blogs in the morning
The latest Bonfire of the Vanities is up, over at One fine Jay.
1/20/2004
bummer
I missed out on the chance to be a part of the first Christian Carnival over at King of Fool's...
maybe next week.
maybe next week.
whaddaya mean "and slim just left the building?"
20%
There's a 20% chance that I'll win a Bloggie™.
What's Your Chance to Win a Bloggie™?
What's Your Chance to Win a Bloggie™?
I pretty much saw the writing on the wall as I took the quiz. If even had a 20 percent chance I'd be surprised. Only if the category was "obscure blog by a Christian man with three small children living in the South East US after recently moving from the Rocky Mountains."
blog idol-atry
here's my top five to the first Blogger Idol Adventure:
Luke's lyrical masterpiece
Christopher's homage to 80s pop culture
Monica's flypaper-like love for the "me decade."
Alysha Jane's swoon over Ponch and McGyver.
Rambling Webgirl's 80s compendium checklist.
It all makes you want to turn up the Air Supply and have a good cry into your pillow.
Luke's lyrical masterpiece
Christopher's homage to 80s pop culture
Monica's flypaper-like love for the "me decade."
Alysha Jane's swoon over Ponch and McGyver.
Rambling Webgirl's 80s compendium checklist.
It all makes you want to turn up the Air Supply and have a good cry into your pillow.
this is awesome!
I've taken a call.
It was surprisingly scary.
But all went well.
Please pray for Ronnie. He's a man who needed assurance of his salvation and prayer for relief from stress and depression.
Thank you Lord for trusting me with Ronnie's needs. I'm filled with gratitude that you blessed me by talking with him tonight.
It was surprisingly scary.
But all went well.
Please pray for Ronnie. He's a man who needed assurance of his salvation and prayer for relief from stress and depression.
Thank you Lord for trusting me with Ronnie's needs. I'm filled with gratitude that you blessed me by talking with him tonight.
out of the mouth of a babe
Kelli's post-caucus comment:
"It seems to me that the Democrats don't know what they want."
Well said, my dear.
"It seems to me that the Democrats don't know what they want."
Well said, my dear.
do you want fries with that?
a conversation between Cotter and myself on the way back from the airport:
- Cotter: Daddy?
Me: Yes?
He: You know that red-haired guy?
Me: Which red-haired guy?
He: The one with red hair.
Me: I have no idea what you are talking about.
He: The guy that's always at the burger place...
Me: Oh, you mean Ronald McDonald.
He: That's right. So should I call him "Ronald" or "Mick"?
Me: Call him "Ronald."
He: Well, some people call you "Mac..."
Me: I'm not sure we know him well enough yet to call him "Mick."
He: Is he the Burger King?
Me: No...that's some other guy.
He: So which one is Wendy married to?
Me: Are you trying to tell me that you are ready for lunch?
He: Oh, yes sir! That'd be great!
Me: So what do you want?
He: A peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Me: I don't know if I'll ever understand you.
sir, you are no michael keaton
Kelli is about to depart for her writer's conference. She writes kindergarten Sunday school curriculum for our denomination. She'll be in Nashville until Sunday. She has assured me that she's equipped me with the necessary food, clothing, homework assignment dates, activity itineraries, and other pertinant information required to parent my children at a level of quality and success that will both keep CPS at bay and guarantee the comfort and calm of all grandparents.
I'm working from home this week. Technically, I'm taking my paid week of mission service. I am plugged in to our telephone encourager network. Theoretically, I'll be receiving calls from people who may want to learn how to have a faith relationship with Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ. The only call I've had so far though is a guy who was looking for Juanita. He wasn't interested in Jesus.
In between phone calls, I'll be parenting, of course. But I'll also be addressing some of the theological issues that have been stacking on my blog "to do" list.* And I'll also be making some serious headway on our small group resource. If you are a man who is involved in a small group and you'd be interested in giving me input and feedback, leave me a comment and I'll make sure you can get a look at the rough draft.
*this list is a mental one, not a physical one. and it is quite cluttered.
I'm working from home this week. Technically, I'm taking my paid week of mission service. I am plugged in to our telephone encourager network. Theoretically, I'll be receiving calls from people who may want to learn how to have a faith relationship with Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ. The only call I've had so far though is a guy who was looking for Juanita. He wasn't interested in Jesus.
In between phone calls, I'll be parenting, of course. But I'll also be addressing some of the theological issues that have been stacking on my blog "to do" list.* And I'll also be making some serious headway on our small group resource. If you are a man who is involved in a small group and you'd be interested in giving me input and feedback, leave me a comment and I'll make sure you can get a look at the rough draft.
*this list is a mental one, not a physical one. and it is quite cluttered.
thankful for friends
I just received an email that alerted me to a possible confusing statement on my 80s post. It has been accordingly edited. Thanks, friend.
psa
The following information is not intended to be directed toward one person specifically. It is merely a listing of Southern Baptist churches in the Austin, Texas, vacinity locality (ehem....thanks), that may or may not have something to offer and to receive from the active participation of anyone residing in this area, be it for many years or even having recently moved.*
Hyde Park
Lakeline
Hillcrest
Anderson Mill
Texas Oaks
The Church at Canyon Creek
and if none of those work, then this site may help.
I hope this helps anyone out there who may be interested.
*being listed herein should not necessarily be construed as an endorsement.
Hyde Park
Lakeline
Hillcrest
Anderson Mill
Texas Oaks
The Church at Canyon Creek
and if none of those work, then this site may help.
I hope this helps anyone out there who may be interested.
*being listed herein should not necessarily be construed as an endorsement.
1/19/2004
kerry plays ketchup, heinz-sight on the presidency
John F Kerry won the meaningless Iowa caucus. "Frankly, this is Fabulous!" he exclaimed to his supporters. "Have no Fear, For February Formulates Festive Feasibilities for our Friends who will Follow my Formula for the Future," he (could have conceivably) said in a show of poor sportsmanship in winning.
The more likely scenario is that he is modeling his campaign after the Failed 1988 bid of Friend and Fellow Futile Favorite Richard Gephardt, who is planning to concede on Tuesday, after realizing he had jumped out of the congressional airplane with a knapsack filled with picnic miscellanea, rather than a parachute.
Assessment: Kerry is delusional, Edwards is buoyed. Dean is even more madder than hell, if such a thing is possible, now that he's just found out that 89% of all the Hawkeyes hasn't come to its senses and realized that "it's time for a change," despite weeks of telling 'em so.
Next up, New Hampshire, where the cold bite of reality will certainly be giving a Jack Frost-like nip to one more of the windling Democrats of Defeat.
The more likely scenario is that he is modeling his campaign after the Failed 1988 bid of Friend and Fellow Futile Favorite Richard Gephardt, who is planning to concede on Tuesday, after realizing he had jumped out of the congressional airplane with a knapsack filled with picnic miscellanea, rather than a parachute.
Assessment: Kerry is delusional, Edwards is buoyed. Dean is even more madder than hell, if such a thing is possible, now that he's just found out that 89% of all the Hawkeyes hasn't come to its senses and realized that "it's time for a change," despite weeks of telling 'em so.
Next up, New Hampshire, where the cold bite of reality will certainly be giving a Jack Frost-like nip to one more of the windling Democrats of Defeat.
sung to the tune of back in time
The Blogger Idol theme is "The 80s." No doubt, had blogging been around in this formative decade, I would have partaken. Had such a blog existed, it would have looked a little something like.....
this....
Editor's note: To read the other Blogger Idol entries, click on the following button:
this....
- Live fast!
- Be crazy!
- Have more fun than you!
- Not get caught doing any of it!
August 30, 1984
Finally, I'm a 7th grader! Football is going good. I made first team on both offense and defense. We are gonna rock this year! If we're half as good as we were in all our intramural games last year, the other teams don't stand a chance!
I'm psyched because I got second lunch with Al, Jon, Troy, and Beaver. All the cool girls are in there too Angel, Tracey, Ronae, Stacy, Jamie, Cherylee. I kinda like Becca Watkins, too. I might ask her out.
It's just awesome not to be caught up in all that junk that seemed so important back in 6th grade.
October 18, 1984
Well, football is over. We didn't win a game. I guess it's cool that I scored two touchdowns, but it's not cool that those were the only ones we scored all year long. Troy *did* have that 90 yard touchdown, but it was called back because I held a guy. Basketball is going to be different. We're unstoppable in basketball!
The fall social is getting close. I really want to ask Becca, but I think I'll ask Ronae instead.
November 22, 1984
Becca said YES!
December 25, 1984
Well, basketball is over. We lost every game. Coach said "you've had enough 'character building experiences' to last you a whole lifetime!" I agree.
Jon brought this tape to school today. It was called 1984 by Van Halen. I've heard of them before, but this tape is awesome! If we had that song Jump! for ball season, we woulda won every game!
Becca and I broke up. I think she likes Al.
July 19, 1985
Today is my 13th birthday! Woohoo! I'm just about the last one in my class to turn 13. We've been out at the lake all day today! I made out with Regina! I hope no one tells Becca.
Stacy almost drowned today. We had like 10 of us on a 5 person innertube. I needed to pee real bad, so I just rolled off, and that tipped the whole thing over. Yeah, Stacy's not a real strong swimmer. So we had to save her life. That woulda been a real bummer if she hadn't made it.
Someone made up a song for her called Careless Swimmer, like a rip off of Careless Whisper by George Michael, that dude from Wham! I bet he gets all the girls...
8th grade starts in a few weeks. We are going to rule the school!
September 18, 1985
Becca broke up with me at the Rollercade last night. She said she heard someone saw me kissing Regina. At least I had on my red parachute pants, so I looked really cool. I just wish I could breakdance like Trevor. He is sooooo good at The Robot. He really looks just like a robot!
September 19, 1985
Becca and I are back together. I am so in love with her. We are going to be together forever!
September 20, 1985
I totally broke up with Becca today. I found out that she and Alan were totally kissing at the rollercade the other night.
September 21, 1985
I dedicated Why Can't This Be Love to Becca. Hagar and Van Halen really know how to say what's in my heart.
April 19, 1986
Becca told me she's moving to Fruita. I'm too sad to write. If I go to the Rollercade tonight, I'm not going to even get off the bench. Not even for "Shoot the Duck."
April 20, 1986
I went skating last night. I stayed on the bench and I bet 20 people kept coming up asking me "what's wrong?" I kept saying "nothing." Finally, Lori came over and we started talking. We ended up kissing. I am so in love with Lori.
August 28, 1986
"Dawg Days" are in full heat. We're practicing twice a day, in full pads. All the freshmen are getting swirlies. Except me. I guess it helps having a senior for a brother.
August 30, 1986
Jamie gave me a swirlie today, in front of everybody. Three times.
September 8, 1986
La profesora made us choose Spanish names today. Call me Ustedes. I think Diane and I will get married someday.
February 20, 1987
Track has started. I think I actually have a chance at making varsity. Diane apologized for cheating on me like, thirty times. I told her it was cool and we could still be friends.
May 12, 1987
School's almost over. I'm a sophmore now! I gave Kelli Cotter a secret admirer note today. I told her I just found it in the hall. I signed it "your silent worshipper." I'm such a dork. At least she'll never know its me.
May 24, 1987
Jamie graduated. He's moving out next week. I'm taking his room as soon as he's gone.
September 4, 1987
School's going fine. Now that I'm in 10th grade, we don't have to sit up in the school attic before class starts. Everyone sits on the edge of the commons area. We all exchange homework before first hour. I found out Kelli is an office aide during lunch hour. I think I'll stop by and say "hi" today.
December 18, 1987
Kelli pretty much crushed me today. At lunch, she basically told me, "you know, you don't have to come by here *every* day." Oh yeah, I got the hint.
February 23, 1988
Diane and I are seeing each other. I gave her a note before computer class. Kelli's in that class with her. I think it might have made Kelli a little jealous. What do I care? She's still dating Terry.
May 23, 1988
Kelli graduated today. I gave her a card. I told her I'd always be here as a friend, but she needed to watch out for Terry, because he'd just break her heart. She smiled and hugged me. She's so cool. I'm really going to miss her. She's leaving like, tomorrow, for Texas. I hope I see her again someday.
June 12, 1988
I met this *cute* girl today. Her name is Mary Beth. I've known her, but never really talked with her. Anyway, we were over at Stacy's at a party, and we started talking. We're going to go catch a movie together tomorrow next week.
We were going to catch the show tomorrow night, but then I got grounded. Troy told his parents he was staying with me, and I said I was staying with him. And we both ended up crashing at Stacy's. Well, this is the one day my parents decide to pick me up for a 6 AM breakfast, and we're nowhere to be found. Yeah...not too smart.
November 5, 1988
I love Mary Beth. We talked about getting married after college. I am the luckiest guy in the world!
January 18, 1989
I kissed one of Mary Beth's best friends last night. oops!
January 19, 1989
Happy Birthday Mary Beth!
May 20, 1989
MB graduates today! Thank goodness! Maybe once she goes to school I can finally breathe.
July 15, 1989
MB is leaving for college in two weeks. I feel like I'm about to lose the only source of oxygen.
August 18, 1989
SENIOR YEAR BEGINS! WE RULE THE SCHOOL!
September 24, 1989
I've got to make up my mind. Either the University of Denver, the University of Colorado, or Stanford.
September 29, 1989
I've pretty much come to terms with the fact that I only applied to Stanford to see if I would get accepted. So that narrows it down.
November 21, 1989
DU has won the Bryan sweepstakes. I really dig the school except they don't have a football team.
December 6, 1989
MB is coming home from college. I better break it off with Kristie.
December 31, 1989
- Resolutions for 1990:
I was invited to a church lock-in tonight. I will never be into that stuff! Jesus freaks!
Editor's note: To read the other Blogger Idol entries, click on the following button:
this does not mean i'm wild at heart
From Jen's & Christopher's, I went to see where in the body I fit"
Let me just say that at first I was aghast at my answer.
That's because I misread it and thought it was stating that I was another leftside body part that ends in "icle." That may say more about me than I care to admit.
I've two thoughts on this. Basically, they are that I completely agree and disagree with this assessment.
I'd concur that I am indispensible to the Body. The Christ has ordained for me to do works in His name, through His strength, power, resources, and ability. They are works that have not been ordained for anyone else. If I do not do those works, I have been disobedient and I forsake the blessings of fulfilling His will.
At the same time, I am eminently disposable. God can use and does use anybody. He could do with others greater and lesser than myself that which has ordained for me to do. I am utterly and overwhelmingly unnecessary in the grand scheme of God's plan. The fact that He has seen fit to include me in the adventure is a tremendous, humbling, and tremendously humbling blessing.
see where you fit in the body over at hippocampus extension.
Let me just say that at first I was aghast at my answer.
That's because I misread it and thought it was stating that I was another leftside body part that ends in "icle." That may say more about me than I care to admit.
I've two thoughts on this. Basically, they are that I completely agree and disagree with this assessment.
I'd concur that I am indispensible to the Body. The Christ has ordained for me to do works in His name, through His strength, power, resources, and ability. They are works that have not been ordained for anyone else. If I do not do those works, I have been disobedient and I forsake the blessings of fulfilling His will.
At the same time, I am eminently disposable. God can use and does use anybody. He could do with others greater and lesser than myself that which has ordained for me to do. I am utterly and overwhelmingly unnecessary in the grand scheme of God's plan. The fact that He has seen fit to include me in the adventure is a tremendous, humbling, and tremendously humbling blessing.
see where you fit in the body over at hippocampus extension.
roped in & hogtied
I'm usually very good about SPAM. I've got a filter that weeds out much of it here at home. This AM, though, one got through that was just *too* interesting:
I confess to clicking on the picture icon, which opened up a new window, which failed to load. So, my piqued interest went unrequited, and now my email address has likely found a home on 52,000 SPAMkings around the world.
I'm an idiot. All for want of a photo of a duck being hurled out of an airplane. donnie plocek, if that is your real name, you foiled me again!
I confess to clicking on the picture icon, which opened up a new window, which failed to load. So, my piqued interest went unrequited, and now my email address has likely found a home on 52,000 SPAMkings around the world.
I'm an idiot. All for want of a photo of a duck being hurled out of an airplane. donnie plocek, if that is your real name, you foiled me again!
1/18/2004
sung to the tune of caroina on my mind
I'm back. It was a great conference. Possibly the best I've been a part of since being on the job. About 900 men there. I had the pleasure of leading four sessions. There was a lot of positive feedback on the direction of our efforts.
It's always good to be home, though.
It's always good to be home, though.
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