A few more house pics

Dining, Fireplace, and Breakfast room/Kitchen

I got my kitchen table and chairs free!

Some house pics

I just realized I never got around to posting any pics after I moved into my new house. So without further procrastination, here they are. Enjoy!

Man in the mirror

Like many of you I heard about the allegations against Ted Haggard yesterday. I usually don't post on these kinds of things, but I have one thought: look in the mirror.

I think there is a tendency to let your mind run wild when you hear something like this. And you know the media is going to have a feeding frenzy. But whether the allegations are true or false, and I sure hope they are false, I honestly think the most biblical response is a little personal reflection and lots of gratitude for the grace of God. But for the grace of God...

One last piece of advice. Instead of talking about it I'd recommend praying about it.

Fun in the neighborhood

I am so going to need a healthy dose of Pepto-Bismol today after the insanity that was Halloween in my neighborhood last night! My neighbors didn't disappoint. People were out in full force and they went all out. Brach's candy was like the creatures that lived in the woods in "The Village". It was "They who's name is never to be mentioned".

The candy dispensing was off the hook! Some people were giving out whole candy bars! Not the mini size, not the bite size... whole candy bars. It was glorious!

I introduced my neighbors son to the joy of mixing Pixie Stix and soda. That's what it's all about. He was so happy as he explained the chemical explosion that his taste buds experienced.

Strangely missing from tonight's festivities: Hershey's Kisses, Bit-O-Honey (The most underrated Candy in America), and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (I was the only house on the block giving them out - The Hollaway house doesn't disappoint!).

Halloween Thoughts

Every year I get asked if our church is going to do something for Halloween. Usually that's code for "How do we deal with the Devil's version of Christmas?"

Here's my thoughts on the subject (feel free to disagree, but also feel free to not send me links to sites about witchcraft and/or the winter solstice):

#1 - This is a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors.

#2 - This is the one day a year everyone in your neighborhood is going to knock on your door.

#3 - Christians should have the best candy on the block. Brach's candy is for the elderly. If I find out anyone in our church handed out pennies, I'm going to egg your house myself :)

#4 - Halloween has bad roots, but I doubt that the 7 year old at your door dressed like Anakin Skywalker is actually a devil worshipper. He's heard that the people in his neighborhood are giving out candy.

#5 - Halloween is not a day for Christians to hide out at church. It's a day to be light and salt.

#6 - Once your kids get all the candy they can carry, this is a great opportunity to teach your kids about tithing. You get to be God :)

Happy Halloween, Charlie Brown!

DST Ends

I love that I got an extra hour of sleep Saturday night! (DST ends!)

So all of you people that got to church an hour early yesterday, you better set your clocks back :)

Forced to get a new cell phone

I accidentally dropped my cell phone last week while working in the garage, so I had to get a new one Sunday afternoon.

I decided to go against the flow and get a slider phone this time. It's extremely thin (which seems to be the trend nowadays) has an MP3 player, expandable memory slot (MicroSD card) and the most amazing screen on a phone I have ever seen. It's like watching TV.

Anywho...here's a pic...

Off early

I always love it when I can leave the office early on a Friday. It just feels good to get to the house with no traffic.

Today, however, I am leaving early to meet foundation repair people at the house for an estimate. Not to worry though. It was part of my original contract. Here in Texas, if there's any foundation repairs needed to a house, it's best to fix them in the fall, since it's not as dry.

Maybe this is why the Rangers and Yankees can't win

With the hiring of Piniella, it is understood that the Cubs will expand their payroll, which was close to $100 million in 2006. Depending on how much they want to spend, the Cubs are one of the few teams capable of taking on (Alex) Rodriguez's salary. He is owed $95 million for the remaining four years of the landmark 10-year, $252 million deal, he signed with Texas. The Yankees are responsible for paying $66.6 million; the Rangers are paying the other $28.4 million.

Need I say more?

A Book for those who have it all figured out

State Fair

Went to the State Fair this past Sunday after church with some friends.

Stuffed myself with an original State Fair of Texas Fletcher's Corn Dog (a must for anyone who goes) fried okra (mmmmm!) and a funnel cake (gotta have dessert...ya know?).

What Do I Want?

You can tell a lot about a person by listening to them talk about what they want. AND…coincidently, people can tell a lot about you just by listening to you talk–because what you want comes out…it’s like a fire inside of you that you just can’t hide.

I began thinking about this during my quiet time this morning, “What do I want–REALLY want?” I thought I would start a list this morning…and I challenge you to do the same. (I know some might not because this will be painful and/or challenging). Here is the first thing on my list:

#1 - I REALLY Want To Hear God’s Voice
Never in my life have I experienced the blessings that I am experiencing right now…and never in my life have I felt the pressure and challenges that come along with those blessings. And so…with this in mind…I am more desperate for God’s wisdom and direction than I have ever been! My consistent prayer is, “God–please don’t let me screw things up!” So far He’s been faithful…and I pray that continues.

So what about you–what do you want? Go ahead–make a list…it will reveal a lot about who you are.

The MLB Postseason

Today the MLB post-season begins. I'm still getting over the absolute collapse that was the Texas Rangers second half this season.

Anyway, here's how it's lining up for the divisional series:

American League

Tigers vs. Yankees

A's vs. Twins

National League

Padres vs. Cardinals

Mets vs. Dodgers

So what's your prediction? Who's going to the League Championship Series?

Here's my prediction: Twins vs. Yankees. Twins win in 6 games

Padres vs. Dodgers. Dodgers win in 5 games.

Left Behind

Saw this on the way into work this morning. I grabbed my camera and took a quick shot.

Pretty clever marketing for a board game(especially on the back a DART bus). It definitely did it's job in getting my attention.

Can anyone tell me what locally famous building that is in the background?

Questions

I'm currently read a book by Rob Bell (Senior Pastor at Mars Hill Church in Michigan) entitled Velvet Elvis. In my reading today, I came across this great quote:

"A Christian doesn't avoid he questions; a Christian embraces them. Questions are not scary. What is scary is when people don't have any. What is tragic is a faith that has no room for them.

Central to the Christian experience is the art of questioning God.

Not belligerent, arrogant questions that have no respect for our maker, but naked, honest, vulnerable, raw questions, arising out of the awe that comes from engaging the living God.

This type of questioning frees us. Frees us from having to have it all figured out. Frees us from having answers to everything. Frees us from always having to be right. It allows us to have moments when we come to the end of our ability to comprehend. Moments when silence is enough".

Twisted Elf

So I pulled up at a stop light this morning and there it was - smiling at me with its silly little grin holding some sort of toy or upside down mushroom.

What is this thing??? Some sort of elf or little Santa man? And why is he so happy at 6:55am??

This thing has been stalking my brain for almost an hour. It's almost like he's offering me a hit, "Hey dude, have a hit of my mushroom...You won't be sorry!"

I think I need a 5 minute break...

Larry's

Those of you who know me or have been reading my blog for any length of time know how much I LOOOOOVE GREAT FOOD! Some call me a "foodie", I just call myself someone who really enjoys good food and drink.

It's been said of me that I have a type of built in radar for great food. Just ask my friends! I've never led them astray... (Except for the trip to PF Changs when Steve had his post Kung Pao curbside issue...But then again, everyone else was fine! Sorry Steve...)

I say all of this to introduce you to Larry's. This little gem is only 2 miles from my house, and has some of the best cheeseburger and onion rings I've ever tasted! It's also dirt cheap! What better combination can there be? You can follow the link to their website above and check out the menu. Forget McDonald's tonight before church...I'm heading to Larry's!

T.O.

Apparently Terrell Owens attempted suicide last night by trying to overdose on prescription pain medicine. All that money, all that fame, and he's depressed... Like my friend Brian said "If you don't have Christ, you got nothing". Kinda blunt, but in the light of eternity, it's a hard truth.


I can see Terrell Owen's loft from my office window here in downtown Dallas, and there's media all over the place. Crazy!

If Jerry Jones is smart, which he's not, he'll cut T.O. now. It'll just end up being a media distraction the Cowboys don't need. Plus, T.O. is obviously screaming for help, and he won't get it on the football field.

Feeling 1,000,000% Better!

Whatever it was that I had, I'm glad it only lasted about 12 hours.

But just to be on the safe side, I'm gonna have this for lunch today.

BLAH

It's Tuesday night and it's just me and my laptop cuddled together in bed while I try to shake whatever the heck I'm feeling right now... Head hurts, a bit nauseous and well....I'm going to spare you any further details. Not sure what this is, but I can tell you that I very seldom get sick and I always HATE it when I do - especially when I SHOULD be preparing for work and church tomorrow (Wednesday).

So, it's back to sleep for a while. The "feeling" is coming back... Yuck.

Fall is here

Yesterday, as if to usher in the new season, the high temp was frigid a 75 degrees. I say that with a tone of sarcasm in my voice seeing as this summer in Dallas was blazingly hot...like 110 degrees hot!!!! So anything below 80 makes it seem like Jack Frost has made a visit.

I wish I didn't have to mow my lawn when I get home today...

Junk Mail

I've been in my new house about 6 weeks now, and for the last 4 weeks or so, I've been receiving calls and junk mail thanking me for "signing" up for some sort of magazine subscription or some other type of informative service (with a bill no less!) that I absolutely did not order.

Seriously, I've been getting about 3 of these a day. Yesterday I had to call and cancel an order for "Garden Herb Monthly".

Each time I call the customer service number for these places (which I have to dig up on Google because they conveniently leave the contact number off the bill) the reps say to me "well...we received a business info request with your name on it." I politely tell them that I did not send in or sign anything of the sort. They apoligize and cancel the order.

Just 5 minutes ago, I received a call on my office number from some storage building company stating they received my request for information (which of course I did not request). I'm beginning to think that when I signed up for my Dish Network or internet service, these people sold my info to all of these marketing services.

It's beginning to really hack me off. I've cancelled about 10 of these things alone this week. GRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!

I also put my cell phone on the DO NOT CALL registry. Apparently, telemarkets begin to have access to cell phone directories at the end of this month.

Faith suckers

I'm probably going to ruffle some feathers with this one...

A couple of days ago, I visited one of our local "Christian" bookstores to purchase something. It had been quite a while since I had visited there so I decided to walk around and see what was new in the world of "Christian" books, music, etc... Well there were a couple of things that caught my eye during my visit. Only one of them is really worth mentioning and that is the array of "Christian" candies that I saw offered for sale.

Something about this really frightens me. Scripture Mints, Faith Suckers, Scripture Sour Gum and Scripture Smarties. Go ahead - say those out loud.

Tell me this isn't just a little corny... Maybe the thing that irritates me about this is what it seems to represent. I guess it's this whole "Christian culture" thing. To me it represents the problem that many Christians have of living in their Christian bubble. They've got their Christian music (which isn't bad in and of itself - in fact there is a lot of good Christian music out there finally), Christian clothing, Christian language (Christianese), etc... And now we've got our own candy?

Now we are relying on mints and gum to do the witnessing for us? First of all, where's the relationship aspect that is so vital (earning the right to be heard)? Secondly, regardless of the relationship thing, don't you think that 95% of all people who receive a Faith Pop are going to laugh or make fun of it? (On top of all of that, who really reads candy wrappers anyway?) Sometimes I feel like the Christian community has almost cheapened the gospel through all of its marketing and packaging.

Maybe I'm totally wrong and this is a new innovative way to reach people, but in my opinion, it's about as lame as the majority of TV preachers on television. My point is that all of this Christian "stuff" is great and all, but if we ever use any of it as a shield to hide behind or as a replacement for investing into the lives of people via relationships then we have a problem.

Ok, now I'll get off of my soapbox (Christian soapbox at that...) .

The other day

...I drove by an old Pizza Hut that closed down and is now a CURVES workout facility for women.

Kind of ironic.

Last Supper Painting

I was talking to a friend of mine who attends a different church than I do. They are extremely good at helping people identify and take the next step.

Here is one example.

They did a series on the Da Vinci Code and printed out a thirty foot version of Da Vinci's painting The Last Supper. It was staging during the series. At the end of the series, they asked people who wanted to "be at the table" with Jesus to sign the painting.

How cool is that?

What a creative way to cross the line of faith.

Whatever it takes

A few nights ago I went to see the newly released movie “The Last Kiss” starring Zach Braff. While I would probably give the entire movie an ok rating, it’s worth seeing for one scene. The scene is between Zach Braff’s character who has found himself in extreme relational hardships with his pregnant girlfriend and Tom Wilkinson’s character who is the father of the girlfriend.
Braff is looking to Wilkinson’s character for some kind of guidance and support.

Wilkinson’s character, who has had his own marrital challenges in his 30-year marriage, tell’s Braff exactly what he need’s to do. “There is one thing you need to do,” says the Dad, “whatever it takes.”

In a movie filled with relational confusion and uncertainty, this scene and more specifically, this one line, provides a clarity that by this point in the film is greatly needed. To “do whatever it takes” is not an easy challenge but it serves as an open invitiation to make our relationships with those closest to us of paramount importance. It forces us to consider a scenario where it’s “not about us”. It places the relationship above the priority of what’s “in it for us”.

Although it’s a very simply suggestion, It’s a line I will never forget and because of it, my perspective on relationships has been changed for the better.

Could you date...

......a girl that doesn’t like the movie “Caddyshack”? A friend of mine asked this question today and I think it’s a pretty good one.

Empty Out the Theater

I have been reading a lot about “relationship” lately. Leanoard Sweet’s “Out of the Question….”, Donald Miller’s “Searching For God Knows What” both hit on this problem of relationships that really hit home for me. Both of these writers call into question how well ourAmerican society has been dealing with the issue of relationships. Basically, we suck….me included. When I start to inspect within myself, the way I approach relationships in general, it really puts me up against something I don’t like…..my shortcomings, my failures, my tendency to be a bad listener, my tendency to be too lazy to reach out and connect with others, and on and on.

I think I am learning that in order to experience relationships in a real and honest way, we need to accept that it will be, at times, painful. Not just because of the harm someone else may cause you, but mostly from the pain of recognizing that you aren’t able to keep up the charade.

In a REAL relationship, the show is over, the curtains are drawn, the crowd has stopped applauding and everyone has gone home. We are left standing in an empty theater, naked, fat, and balding. This is something we not only need to expect, but something we should SEEK. We should seek this with our family, friends we have flaked on for months, neighbors who give us the evil eye because of our barking dogs, and most of all, our Creator, our God.

See what I mean, it sucks...but only at first, I hope.

I say “I hope”, because I still don’t know if I have really reached that point where I am alone, on stage, in the theater after the crowd has left, where I make myself available for anyone to come in and see me as exactly as I am. Maybe I never will, but I at least feel CLOSER to this point with my mere realization that my make-up and costumes only allow me to experience a fragile shell of what a real relationship might be.

Ditching the image, the reputation, the notoriety, the status. Maybe the only way to really fly first class is to go back to coach. That realization hurts, especially when flying from DFW to Sydney Australia.

Anyway, I guess I am disappointed in myself. I feel that I have failed those around me, and most of all, failed God.

It’s staggering to think how little I actually call out to God. Those prayers are too few and far between. It’s like I can’t walk with God, I just realize now and then that He’s way ahead of me on the trail and I yell out and run towards him for about 20 yards, then I slow down again, back to my own pace. A safe distance. There is so much for me to talk to God about, but I fail to say it.

My friend Steve once said that "just because God CAN bless us, it doesn’t mean He’ll do so. He wants to hear from us about our desires, our pain, our dreams. He wants to know that we are faithful, and then He will honor our faithfulness."

When he said that, something hit deep inside me. I have so many friends that I feel will never understand what it’s like to open up to God, our Creator, and journey with Him in the ugly/beautiful world. It’s like I don’t believe God can move towards them to bridge that gap.

I can throw up some wordy prayer towards God, but until I actually believe that He can do what seems impossible to me, He won’t accept my prayer. I call to God for change and blessing, but without the faith that He can provide them.....I might as well spit in His face. It’s nothing but an insult.

I have a long way to go. DFW to Sydney Australia looks like a stroll around the block from this starting point. But I AM faithful that God can help me get there.

TP'd

Well, now I know what home ownership really feels like. My house got toilet papered on Saturday night.

I feel honored.

Some of the youth from the church thought that it would be a fun way of welcoming me into the neighborhood. I think they we're disappointed though...I had it cleaned in less than 15 minutes.

This thing sucks

Halloween must be on its way...

Walking through Target this afternoon minding my own business when this thing SCREAMS at me as I walk by it!! Before I knew what was happening all 30 of them were doing it.

Almost fell right into the diaper display behind me.

Not funny...

The Croc Hunter

Like the rest of the world, I was pretty shocked to hear about the death of the Croc Hunter. Being a guy with a degree in marine biology, I've been an avid Steve Irwin fan for years. I love the show. And you can't help but love the guy. Your heart breaks for his wife and kids!

It's sort of weird, but when a celebrity dies it makes you reflect on life. Maybe its because celebrities seem larger than life.

In one sense, the way Steve Irwin died was so tragic. Evidently, the barb from a sting ray punctured his heart. But I think the way he died is a reminder and a testament to something really powerful. I hope this comes across the right way. Every death is tragic no matter how someone dies. But Steve Irwin died doing what he loved to do. That doesn't lessen the grief. But he died the way he lived.

I know this sounds morbid, but I want to die doing what I love to do.

Some people live their lives as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. I don't have a death wish. I want to live a long life. But if I had to choose between a long life and a full life I'd choose a full life.

Four Religous Truths

In the serious times we live in, it is important for all of us of all faiths to recognize these Four Deep Religious Truths:

1. Muslims do not recognize Jews as God’s chosen people.
2. Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
3. Protestants do not recognize the Pope as the leader of the Christian World.
4. Baptists do not recognize each other at Hooters.

Bumper Sticker

This one was a hard picture to take cruising down the tollway today, but I had to share the moment with you. In case you can't read it, it says, "Grandparents do it - BELIEVE IT OR NOT!"

It wasn't so bad until I passed the guy and saw what he looked like. (Sometimes I hate mental pictures...)

Car parking...this is addictive

So ya think you're a good driver ... uh? Let's see how well you can park a car! Click on the link below. Use the 4 arrows on your keyboard, and the space bar for brake.

Link

New house fun

Things have been coming together slowly at the new house. I moved in back on Aug.12 and I have finally un-packed all of my boxes. Spent last night cleaning all the bathrooms. I have discovered an awesome cleaning tool...Clorox Clean-Up. Just keep it away from your clothes!

I also have a new dining room chandelier that I need to install. Anyone good with electric wiring?

My Word Cloud

This is kind of cool. It's a "word cloud" that takes the most common words found on your blog and turns them into this.

Wanna try? Click the link below and type in your blog address and see what it comes up with. Then come back and link it back in the comments for others to see.

Link

Busy weekend ahead

My weekend is absolutley crammed with things beginning this evening.

A block pot luck for church tonight, Mom & Dad are coming by the house first thing tomorrow morning and we're going to seal doors, windows, and bathroom tile.

Tomorrow afternoon at 2 I have Mica's 3rd birthday party, and then tomorrow night at 7 I'm going to the Cowboys/49'ers game with my friend Brian and his family.

Singing a U2 song at church Sunday morning (Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For), possibly playing Ultimate Frisbee Sunday afternoon, and then I have small group Sunday night!

WHEW!!

Terrible Two's

This is my niece/Goddaughter Mica. She is definitely in the midst of what is known as the "Terrible Two's", even though she will turn 3 a week from tomorrow. From what I hear, this phenomena can last well into the 4th year and beyond.

This pic was taken last Sunday, and she was absoloutely in need of a nap. She's beautiful though, even when she's mad...Bless her heart!

Your Uncle Keith loves you Baby Girl!!!

House Update

Well, I have been in my new house for a week now, and realized that I haven't posted any new pics of it yet. I've only taken a few shots so far. These are of my master bedroom and master bath.

There are so many things to do with a house! It's taking me a while to adjust from living in an apartment for 5 years. I've been spending each evening attacking one room, and I still have a ton left to do! I finished un-packing the kitchen last night.

One of the first major things I'm going to tackle is to completely re-tile my master bathroom. It has this vinyl/plastic tile right now that is completely out of date. So that has to go. Eventually I want to put down wood flooring in the house, but that's a couple months out. I need to focus on one project at a time.

Mom & Dad are coming over early tomorrow morning to help me re-caulk the tubs, windows, and cabinets.

The Dish Network installation finally happened yesterday morning, so now I have my sports stations back. The DSL/Internet won't be turned on until the 22nd....Grrrrr!

The new era begins

I apologize for not blogging in a week. I spent this past weekend moving into my new house, so since then my life has been a little hectic.

I missed the satellite guys on Sunday by 10 minutes (church got out late) and had to re-schedule the installation for tomorrow morning. My DSL line was supposed to be turned on yesterday, but lo and behold when I tried to get online last night, there was no connection. I called this morning and SBC/AT&T said they mis-ordered it. This is extremely frustrating since this happened the last time I moved. Why can't SBC ever get this right? On the bright side, my DSL, home phone, and sattelite combined will be less than $100/month. WOO HOO!

Lots to do at the new house. I'm trying to attack one room at a time. I'll try to post some pictures tomorrow. I'm already planning to re-tile my master bath!

42 inch flat-screen TV

So I'm walking from my car yesterday and I see three guys carrying a forty-two inch flatscreen TV into their apartment next to mine. The look on their faces was priceless. Almost angelic. They handled the TV so delicately like it was a newborn baby. I could tell it was their pride and joy.

Saturday I will have that same look on my face and feeling in my heart as I finally move from my small 1 bedroom apartment and into my new 4 bedroom house :)

Just thinking out loud :)

Soda, Pop, or Coke?

When you go out to eat do your order pop, soda, or coke?

My brother just sent me a funny research study that was done to determine what generic name people use for their beverages. The study maps out what parts of the country use pop, soda, and coke to refer to their soft drinks.

Growing up in Texas it was definitely coke. In fact, I remember walking to the convenience store down the street (it was and still is Keno's) as a kid, and getting a coke...which in fact was a DrPepper.

What I don't get is how many people in the Northern US use pop to refer to soda. So how do you order a Pepsi :) Answer? You don't! You order a DrPepper, at least in then South you do :) Must be Friday.

Check out the map here.

Summer Heat

I live in Texas. And in the summer that means one thing. It's hot!

Now there are 2 different kinds of hot here. Dry heat and humid heat. Humid heat is unbearable. The thermometer may say it's 100, but factor in the humidity, and it'll feel like 107!

All I hear on the national news lately is how the north is literally suffering because of the intense 95 degree heat. Folks, let me say this...95 degrees would feel like a cool front here!!!!! If it's 95 degrees on my move day in 9 days, I will consider it a blessing!

Now, can someone go get me an iced-tea?

Boxes!

I am up to my ears in boxes! I've been packing for about the last week or so, and any un-used box that I find, I grab as quick as I can. My move day is only 11 days away, so I am getting pretty excited. What's also kinda crazy is that my best friend Scott is moving this Friday to Utah (from sin City...AKA Las Vegas) so his life is as hectic as mine is right now. I'm moving from a 1 bedroom apartment into a 4 bedroom house that's only 20 minutes from where I am currently, and he's moving from a 4 bedroom house into another 4 bedroom house that's around 6 hours away from where he is now. I think I live my move a little more!

Another reason why I'm glad to be moving

I saw this on the news last night. My current apartment sits adjacent to the parking lot of Grapevine Mills. This mall, and the neighborhood, are going downhill fast. I remember back in 1997 when Grapevine Mills first opened. It was a pretty happening place to be. It had Dick Clark's Grill, Eerie World Cafe, and Rainforest Cafe, and a huge AMC 30 screen theater. The AMC and Rainforest Cafe are still there, but Dick Clark's and Eerie World have both been replaced by an indoor skatepark and Hollister. That did nothing but drive the adults away, and now the place is run over by pre-teens dropped off by their irresponsible parents. I don't even like stepping foot in the theater any longer. On a Friday night it's absolutely insane. I guess it's good I only have 2 weeks until my move day. Here's an excerpt from the news article:

Professional’ shoplifters nabbed at Grapevine Mills:

“When our officers finally arrested the two men, they found that the van was just stuffed full of clothing,” Murphy said. “All of the items still had price tags and some were still on hangers. The clothing amounted to $8,651.18; $3,662.68 worth of the merchandise was from stores at Grapevine Mills.”

Who thinks of this stuff?

Saw this downtown Dallas while going to lunch the other day. The sad part about it is that it actually made me laugh. God help me...

House update

Here is a picture of the current front door of my apartment.

I put in my official 30 day notice at my apartment community in Grapevine. I'm having to break my lease, but the office manager was willing to work with me so I can do it with as little fees as possible. I have lived here at this complex for a little over 4 years, so it has grown on me some.

That being said, I am definitely glad I am finally moving into my own house. Case in point, last night at around 11:30pm, I heard my new upstairs neighbors "extra-curicular" activities while trying to fall asleep. I've never had that problem in over 4 years of living here. I guess that's God's way of telling me I'm buying a house at the right time!

My House...In The Middle of the Street

Here's a first look at the house I am getting. I drove by last night and took a few photos. I love the huge red oak tree in the front along with the massive crepe myrtles. That'll help keep the house cool in these hot Texas summers.

Venturing into home ownership

I am a single guy. After living in the same apartment complex for over 4 1/2 years, I have decided to take the next leap . I have the opportunity to get into a house that's just 5 minutes from church, in a wonderful neighborhood, extremely near to some of my closest friends (within walking distance!).

I'm a little nervous, seeing as this will be the first house that I have ever owned, but the timing seems right. It's a little surreal at the moment. Almost as if it's a fuzzy dream, that you can't quite believe is happening. But...believe me...it is.

It's a little over 2,000 square feet, has 4 bedrooms/2 bathrooms/2 car garage/2 car carport/and has a 1 boat driveway. Yes you read that right, a boat driveway. AND...It's only 3 minutes from the lake.

Thus begins the journey. I should be moving by the end of the summer if things run smoothly. I'll post pics as soon as I get them.

Fireworks

So I am laying in bed the other night trying to go to sleep while World War III is going on in my neighborhood! Seriously, I thought at any minute my house was going to get blown up.

Finally there was a lull in the explosions…and I began to drift off to sleep…and them BAM…it all cranked back up.

This happened until about 2:00 AM…I could not sleep, every time I tried fireworks were going off…I have to be honest, I was not a happy camper.

But this morning I started thinking about it…that is what God has called me (and you) to be…FIREWORKS…to go throughout the day making a series of small and large explosions that pull people out of their sleep and make them pay attention–to Jesus.

In my opinion…the church has been asleep for too long. We’ve sat around waiting on God to make a move–never considering His move He made 2,000 years ago when He sent His Son to earth.

We can’t afford to sit around and talk about issues such as choir robes and hymnals when people are going to hell around us. We’ve got to wake up and smell the Starbucks! The church was called to make noise (please read Acts two–a noise was heard and people came running from every direction! They were not concerned with having a “holy huddle” and keeping things small–they wanted to REACH people!)

Now God is waiting on us…we are called to go out into the world and reach people for Him…and we can’t do that if we remain in a state of slumber. We need to stop asking God to “empower us!” HE ALREADY HAS!!! We simply need to go out and use what we’ve been given.

So today look for an opportunity to make an explosion for God–how…invite someone to church–ask someone how you can pray for them–send someone an encouraging note–there a lots of ways…and make sure that whatever you do brings the attention back to Jesus.

Make some noise!

The fear of KISS

When I was a kid I was scared to death of these guys. Oh man. Their makeup gig scared the bajeebers out of me! As far as I was concerned, KISS really did stand for "Knights in Satan's Service." (Too many "Peter Brother's" backwards masking seminars back then....)

Well here we are now - in the year 2006 and KISS has done it again. Except it's not the makeup scaring me this time around - it's this:



KISSCOFFEEHOUSE


Yeah, it's for real.

Trust me, I am all for new ideas and the whole entrepreneurial spirit thing, but does this really seem like an idea that's going to take off?

I'm skeptical for a lot of reasons, but most of all I guess I just don't typically associate rock 'n roll with coffee. Beer? Yes. But not coffee. Maybe this will go over well in Las Vegas and LA or a handful of other "touristy" areas, but I'm just not picturing people flocking all over the US to line up for the new Demon Dark Roast or the Iced Rockiato.

Then again, maybe it's just me... I need a nap.

Money, money, money

My day started rather well this morning.

I arrived at work to find that I've won a lottery in Thailand. My winnings are 740,000 Thailand dollars, which is over 550,000 US dollars if I did my math right. Not a bad return considering I've never been to Thailand or entered any lotteries.

I then found out that David K. Modu, from the diamond-rich district of Sierra Leone, wants me to have 3.75 million US dollars from his late father's fortune.

I'm doing pretty well. That's almost 5 million dollars for just opening my email today.

I reckon the only thing that could make my day better is if these email scams were the real thing.

Can you hear it?

After all the nasty things I've done to my ears in my lifetime, I didn't expect that it'd work for me.

I was just reading about this CBS News story. It tells us that kids are now using a ring tone that adults can't hear. Apparently the tone is too high pitched for us oldies.

The strange thing is, I am in my younger 30's, and I can hear it. I don't hear it when I watch the TV report that includes the sound but I certainly do when I just listen to the sample audio clip they provide.

What about you? Click here to find out if you can hear it and let me know in the comments below.

Jesus Band-aids

I wonder if my local Target store here in Grapevine has these?
I seriously doubt it.

Do angels yawn?

Every once in a while I have these offbeat thoughts.

I had a thought a few months ago, but yesterday was the first time I verbalized it to a good friend: I wonder if some of us live such safe lives that our guardian angels are yawning?

I wonder if our guardian angels get bored. I wonder if they are just waiting for us to step out in faith and do something that lets them spread their wings and fly!

All I know is this: I don't want to be guilty of causing angels to yawn!

30 Seconds To Mars

I love it when I discover new music that I had never heard of before. I took a trip over to the Virgin Records Megastore last night before my volleyball game, and stumbled across the 30 Seconds To Mars album "A Beautiful Lie".

I gave it a listen, and quickly became enthralled by just about every song. It's got a definite modern rock groove to it, with a little U2, a little The Cure, and a little Depeche Mode vibe thrown in for good measure. Imagine my shock when after purchasing it and reading the liner notes, I discovered that the lead singer is the actor Jared Leto. Despite that (usually bands fronted by actors stink) it's a very good album which I heartily recommend. I think maybe Mr. Leto is not an actor, but a darn good musician who dabbles in acting every once in a while.

Most sung worship songs

Ever wonder if other churches are singing the same stuff we are singing? Here is a list of the 25 Most Sung Worship Songs In America. Before you click, remember these are all "worship songs". Now, try to guess the top 3. One hint: none of them are by David Crowder!?!

The quest for the Holy Grail

By jove… it explains everything… right here!

Going the extra mile

There’s few things more demoralizing than when you go the extra mile for someone, really put in a lot of effort to help them, and then discover second hand that they are still unappreciative and unhappy with you. There’s times I’d like nothing more than to spend my days locked up in my office with my laptop computer and my Ipod and not have to deal with people.

Working with people is a risk - some will not appreciate you though you put in a huge effort on their behalf, while others will overflow with gratitude for something small that I wouldn’t even usually consider important or special. The trick is to not give up on the former group, and to draw strength and encouragement from the latter, while all the time remembering there’s a higher calling involved too.

Spamglish

Why is it the blog spammers never seem to be able to speak English? Here’s a few recent examples :

*I’m love this great website. Many thanks guy
*i try to find something at google.com and take it on your site…thanks
*Best site I see. Thanks. Hello there! Just want to say that I find your site enough interesting for me. Usefull information and all is good arranged. Thank you for your work. I will visit your site more ofter from now and I bookmarked it.
*Nice site. Thank to work…
*Great job guys… Thank for you work…
*Hallo I absolutely adore your site. You have beautiful graphics I have ever seen.

Well if nothing else at least they’re encouraging and courteous. Wouldn’t do them any harm to learn a little grammar though. Having said that I must confess in college, when reading some chapters on English grammar - they put me to sleep - so maybe that’s what happened to the spammers - they fell asleep during English!

Superman as Jesus??

I for one can’t wait for the upcoming release of Superman Returns. Superman has always been the ultimate superhero, even though some of the later movies from the 80s didn’t do justice to the legend (Superman IV anyone?). From the previews, the new movie looks like it’s going to be awesome - a much more worthy successor to the original Superman : The Movie, even to the extent that it features the voice of Marlon Brando as Superman’s Father, as well as the wonderful score from John Williams.

But this CNN article explores yet another aspect of the Superman legend, which apparently is given free reign in the new movie - Superman as a Christological figure. These themes have always been latent in Superman stories of the past, (even though the original creators drew more from the character of Moses) but in Superman Returns are made even more explicit. With a growing awareness of the vast American Christian market, studios are ever looking for new ways to appeal to them. Fortunately though, they aren’t marketing Superman in this way.
Interesting article to read which makes me even more keen to see this movie when it comes out.

Here's the link to the article: Superman

New Franklin

This is the new Franklin/Covey planner I purchased yesterday, along with the new Leadership calendar fills to help keep myself better organized. I've missed a couple birthday parties and committments I had made recently (sorry Jeff and Melissa!) and I can't have that happening.

I kept a Franklin planner years ago, and it really helped me stay on track with a lot of things by forcing me to write them down. I think that gets me to commit it to my memory a little better than just simply using a PDA (plus if you drop a Franklin on the concrete, it doesn't break like a PDA does!!).

So now my bag/backpack is weighing a little more (with my journal, Bible, IPod, digital camera, and now this), but in the end, it'll keep me a little more organized, which will keep me a lot less stressed, and that's a good thing.

Do you have a box on your head?

Matthew 9:10-13Later when Jesus was eating supper at Matthew's house with his close followers, a lot of disreputable characters came and joined them.

When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus' followers. "What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riffraff?

Jesus, overhearing, shot back, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: 'I'm after mercy, not religion.' I'm here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders."

The Pharisees thought they knew how Jesus should behave; who Jesus should be seen with or who He should eat with. And it just dawned on me, they thought they had a copyright on God and knew how Jesus and His followers should behave and who they should be seen with.Nope, Jesus didn't like hanging out with the Pharisees. Pharisees are boring. Can you imagine having to eat with them? With their glassy, self-righteous stares. Sitting there, looking down their noses... with those little boxes* on their heads ( I did a Google search for 'Pharisees little boxes they wore on their heads' and I found the following:

"This word from the Greek signifies a preservative. These phylacteries were little boxes, or rolls of parchments, wherein were written certain words of the law. These boxes or rolls, containing their four leaves of parchment on which their texts were written, they wore upon their foreheads, and upon their wrist of their left arm...").

Who would want to spend time with these people? Much less, eternity. Jesus knew who to come for... the lost, the broken, the interesting.

Jesus would much rather hang around an authentic sinner than a fake saint, any day.

So Far...

25 years ago today, I asked Jesus to come into my heart. It doesn't seem that long ago. I can still remember it. I knelt under a tree and prayed. Our denomination called it 'getting saved'.

After that, I wanted to tell everybody about Jesus.

I remember getting on an airplane and being afraid that if I didn't tell the person sitting next to me about Jesus, they would go to Hell and their blood would be on my hands. So, I kept trying to figure out a way to ask, "If you were to die today, would you go to Heaven? I finally asked. It felt awkward. She was a nun.

Fast forward 25 years.

This past Memorial Day, I went to a cookout at a friends house. I ended up talking to a few people on the back porch (which is my favorite spot). Somehow, the conversation got around to God. I don't know how that always happens. Guess it's because there's nothing more interesting. It's the never-ending discussion.

If I recall correctly, these new friends consisted of a former Mormon missionary, a United Pentecostal, a Catholic or two, various and sundry other creeds... and George.

George was raised in a home that was 'agnostic'. At his house, religion didn't figure in. "But," he said, "I believe there is something after this life."

That caught my ear.

"Why do you believe that?" I asked.

He sputtered to a stop. He had continued onto another part of his story and didn't know what I was talking about.

"Believe what?" he asked.

"You said you believe there is something after this life. Why do you believe that?"
He said he didn't know.

Everybody started talking and telling what they believed and why.
Why do we believe there's something beyond this life?
What causes us to even consider it?
How could we long for something we've never known?

I crave Blue Bell ice cream. Sometimes, I even 'long' for it. You see, I've tasted Blue Bell ice cream. I know what Blue Bell ice cream tastes like. I'm going to have some after lunch.

Why do I believe there's something beyond this life?
God.

My DNA remembers God.
He made a very good first impression.

I believe our DNA echoes with the memory of His goodness. His breath is still in us (Genesis 2:7). We are His broken image (Genesis 1:27).

I used to have a dog when I was a kid. To my knowledge, he never remembered God. And he longed for nothing but to be scratched and thrown a treat. There wasn't anything in him that thought there was something after this life.

At least, he'd never spoken to me about it.

When it was my turn to tell why I believe there's something after this life, I told my friends that I came from God, got lost and Jesus has come to take me home.

But, a funny thing happened. As I was beginning to tell my story, I felt a lump rising in my throat and tears starting to burn in my eyes.

My voice was shaky. "It's because of Jesus," I said. "He started it. He loved me first. And He proved it by dying for my sins and rising from the dead. I believe that more than I believe I'm sitting here."

We all come from the same God. We may not agree about where the 'longing' comes from but there's no denying it. Well, I am beginning to find that my 'longing' is satisfied by the love of Jesus. Getting to know Him is like finding breadcrumbs along the path giving you a little taste of what's waiting at the house.

Addictive Art

Finding this at 1:30 in the morning is not a good thing. One word: ADDICTING.

Try your hand at being the next Jackson Pollock, the famous abstract expressionist painter from the early-mid 1900's.

Go ahead....try it! It's cool.

Here's the Link

Re-vamping

It used be every couple years. Then it was once a year. Now, it comes about every 6 months. What? The need to re-think and re-vamp my life. And I'm feeling it again!

I'm sitting at DFW airport in Dallas waiting for a meeting, but my thoughts are regarding something a successful business friend of mine told me last week. He had gone to a conference that he was really pumped about and they told him that significance came as a result of success and success came as a result of stability. In other words, there are certain things in your life that must be stable; and that stability brings success; and that success can be leveraged for significance.

Now, there is a lot about that with which I disagree. But I do believe that I need to stabilize certain core values and disciplines before I can expect God to continue to allow my influence to grow. And that is what is bringing on this need to re-vamp my life. It's not an overhaul - cause I do hear hear from God; I do run and exercise regularly; I do keep my committments to church; I do intentionally spend time with each of my family members...but it's not stable. It's not as consistent as I want it to be.

So, I'm thinking about revamping my life so that I journal everyday; so that I workout and play volleyball every week (see previous post); so that I spend a little more time with my best friends and family; I'm close, but not there yet!

I'm sore

I joined a summer volleball league at Fellowship Church last week. We had our first scrimmage game last week, and I'm still a little sore.

Next game is Thursday at 7:30pm

Last new cell phone...I swear

Ok, last week my Nokia 6103 phone started "peeling" after only having it 5 days, and the earpiece audio was so low, I had to make sure my ears were clean to be able to hear anything at all.

I went with my gut instinct and got the Samsung T-319. The sales clerk at T-Mobile tried to get me to go with another more expensive model, but something inside told me not to. I'm glad I went with my gut feeling. The phone earpiece volume is the best I've ever heard, and the phone reminds me of a Samsung I used to have 5 or so years ago. Very easy to use, and works like it's supposed to.