It's All About THEE

2008-01-14T22:59:00.000-06:00

ICE BOWL '67

2007-12-30T10:31:00.000-06:00

Tuesday morning I will be here watching Run-DMC and the Hogs beat MO. Happy New Year!

2007-12-26T09:00:00.000-06:00

Time to take the lights down

2007-12-17T07:21:00.001-06:00

2007-12-15T08:11:00.001-06:00

2007-12-08T11:11:00.001-06:00

Where Mega-Churches are Located

2007-12-05T14:43:00.001-06:00

2007-11-05T23:34:00.001-06:00

Did you have a Happy Halloween?

2007-10-17T13:08:00.001-05:00

Heartlight Family Retreat Weekend Pix

2007-08-23T11:43:00.000-05:00

Matthew 10:28

28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

2007-07-08T16:19:00.001-05:00

Who's the Best?

2007-07-05T20:52:00.001-05:00

Ever wonder who's the best? Best football player, or baseball pitcher. Well SI did a poll by the numbers. That is the players' numbers. Check who's the best, not by position or sport, but by their number on their jersey,.....or car, in the case of Richard Petty #43.

There's several I agree with and several I don't, but it's a lot of fun to go thru the list.

00-31

32-65

66-99

2007-07-03T21:07:00.001-05:00

Steve B @ NASCAR

Letterman's Take on Paris Interview

2007-07-02T09:41:00.001-05:00

Letterman clip

Top 50 Cities in Arkansas by Population

2007-06-28T15:16:00.001-05:00

1. Little Rock 184,422

2. Fort Smith 83,461

3. Fayetteville 68,726

4. Springdale 63,082

5. Jonesboro 60,489

6. North Little Rock 58,896

7. Conway 55,334

8. Rogers 52,181

9. Pine Bluff 51,758

10. Hot Springs 38,468

11. Bentonville 32,049

12. Jacksonville 30,506

13. Texarkana 29,856

14. West Memphis 28,092

15. Benton 27,077

16. Russellville 26,014

17. Paragould 24,248

18. Sherwood 23,422

19. Cabot 22,186

20. Van Buren 21,818

21. Searcy 20,993

22. El Dorado 20,351

23. Blytheville 16,403

24. Maumelle 14,901

25. Siloam Springs 14,141

26. Forrest City 13,831

27. Bryant 13,613

28. Helena-West Helena 13,046

29. Harrison 12,986

30. Mountain Home 12,215

31. Camden 11,965

32. Hope 10,484

33. Arkadelphia 10,475

34. Magnolia 10,321

35. Marion 10,151

36. Batesville 9,577

37. Stuttgart 9,260

38. Monticello 9,128

39. Malvern 9,046

40. Wynne 8,497

41. Clarksville 8,446

42. Greenwood 8,240

43. Osceola 8,031

44. Newport 7,208

45. Heber Springs 7,064

46. Lowell 7,050

47. Pocahontas 6,845

48. Trumann 6,831

49. Centerton 6,743

50. Morrilton 6,558

(US Census Bureau estimates)

Gotta Go?!?

2007-06-27T18:19:00.001-05:00

This might could in handy for summer travelers.

Let’s Go Hit Rock Bottom!

2007-06-27T15:56:00.001-05:00

I've been reading nakedpastor's blog for some time now and really enjoy his writing and cartoons. This entry hit me pretty square today with the stuff Judy and I have been walking thru concerning our girls.

"High Intelligence Can Hurt A Person's Ability To Lead"

2007-06-25T15:13:00.001-05:00

Interesting read.

2007-06-21T18:03:00.001-05:00

Kit-Kat Story

2007-06-19T10:52:00.001-05:00

Kit-Kat story.

Ways to Know That You or Your Parents are Missionaries

2007-06-14T10:19:00.001-05:00

You can't answer the question, "Where are you from?"
The vast majority of your clothes are hand-me-downs.
You speak two languages but can't spell either.
You embarrass yourself by asking what swear words mean.
You read National Geographic and recognize someone.
You don't know how to play Pac-Man.
You have a time zone map next to your telephone.
You would rather eat seaweed than cafeteria food.
You consider a city 500 km away to be 'very close'.
You watch nature documentaries and think about how good that animal would taste if it were fried.
You can cut grass with a machete but can't start a lawn mower.
You speak with authority on the subject of airline travel.
You read the international section before the comics.
Strangers say they can remember you when you were 'this tall'.
You have friends from or in 29 different countries.
You do your devotions in another language.
You sort your friends by continent.
You realize that furlough is not a vacation.
You wince when people mispronounce foreign words.
You've spoken in dozens of churches but aren't a pastor.
The majority of your friends don't speak English.
Someone brings up the name of a team and you get the sport wrong.
You like everything from Reggae to Japanese rap.
You never take anything for granted.
You watch a movie set in a foreign country, and you know what the nationals are REALLY saying into the camera.
You know how to pack.
Fitting 15 or more people into a car seems normal.
You refer gravel roads to highways.
You haggle with the checkout clerk for a lower price.
You get upset when people don't finish their food and feel worse when they scrape it into the trash.
You don't think that two hours is a long sermon.
You never have a special meal on Sunday, since it is your busiest day.
You don't do well in job interviews because you were taught to be modest.
You think nothing of straddling white lines to pass between trucks or buses traveling side by side, because "There was plenty of room, officer. Honest! At least 15 cm clearance."
Someone in your passport country has to explain to you that the double yellow lines mean ONLY oncoming traffic can drive on that side of the road, even when there ISN'T any oncoming traffic...and you don't understand why.
Later that same day, the same poor friend has to go to great lengths to explain to you why you cannot just hand the policeman a dollar and drive away when he stops you, and why you are now being driven downtown in the back of said officer's car over a mere dollar; at which point your passport country ceases to make any sense to you at all.
You feel odd being in the ethnic majority.
You go to the local Korean restaurant just to listen to the conversation.
You have to have five hot sauces on a Big Mac.
You really do enjoy Oriental folk music.
You marvel at the cleanliness of gas station bathrooms.
Your last memories of your parents' families are twenty years old.
You think you've died and gone to heaven when you go into a foreign grocery store.
You have a name in at least two different languages, and it is not the same one.
You miss the sub-titles when you see the latest movies.
You feel you need to move after you've lived in the same place for a month.
Your idea of a good night is a Japanese cartoon and some seaweed and rice.
You cruise the internet looking for fonts that support your 'native' language's alphabet.
You think a 'foreign school' conducts classes in English.
You try to get onto a military base by showing your passport.
Your carry-on luggage weighs more than you do.

Borrowed from http://www.wilk4.com/humor/humorc2.htm

It was 40 years ago today......

2007-06-01T16:20:00.001-05:00

Released June 1, 1967.

2007-05-06T11:58:00.000-05:00

2007-04-18T17:52:00.001-05:00

Tech History

Evel Overcome With Good

2007-04-16T20:11:00.001-05:00

This is pretty cool. Evel came from my generation. He was raw, gritty, and self-indulgent. Wouldn't this be something if it is a sign of a spiritual awakening.

Prayer of St Francis

2007-04-16T11:10:00.001-05:00

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

St. Francis was born at Assisi in 1182. After a care free youth, he turned his back on inherited wealth and committed himself to God. Like many early saints, he lived a very simple life of poverty, and in so doing, gained a reputation of being the friend of animals.  He established the rule of St Francis, which exists today as the Order of St. Francis, or the Franciscans. He died in 1226, aged 44.

The prayer has many of the biblical truths of what it means to be a Christian - to seek to give, and in so doing, receive blessings; that the Lord's Prayer asks God to forgive us as we forgive, and that the goal of eternal life can only result from us putting to death our old sinful lives.

Pointers for Prayer : Sometimes Christians are called to turn the world upside down. To bring the exact opposite of what we find in our world. St. Francis' prayer is a bold one, asking for strength to give of ourselves to meet the needs of others. He recognises that it "is in giving that we receive", that as we give of ourselves, we receive the peace and blessing of our risen Lord Jesus. We cannot earn eternal life, but that we are pardoned from the sins that block our claim on it. 

Think about the situations that you are involved in that require peace, consolation, hope, light and joy.  Then, if you're bold enough, pray the prayer!

Google Funny

2007-04-13T13:21:00.001-05:00

This is funny.

Easter Response

2007-04-08T13:35:00.001-05:00

He is risen!

Several years ago one Easter morning a friend came up to me in church. He said, "He is risen." My response? "You bet He has!" (Note the enthusiasm.) Inside my head I was thinking, "You bet your sweet ass He has!" (Note even more enthusiasm!!)

Shortly afterwards I overheard the correct Christian response, "He is risen indeed." You only image my embarrassment. In my enthusiasm I had said the wrong thing. I wondered if my friend, who never said a thing to me, thought I was stupid, or if he questioned my faith.

Today as a Christian if prompted I might respond, "He is risen indeed" or just "Yep."

Today as a Christ-follower if prompted I might just go for the "sweet ass" response. I am not so concerned with being correct as I am for the enthusiasm I feel for Jesus Christ and what His resurrection has done for me.

Golf Season Starts This Weekend

2007-04-07T12:05:00.001-05:00

Well, not only is it the weekend of the Masters, but I got my first invite of the year for a scramble tournament. It was the Young Life tourney which I've played in for the last few years. A good tournament and usually a good time. Being the recovering alcoholic in the foursome, I get to be the designated driver.

My number one golfing buddy threw down on me yesterday. He just got a new 3 wood, and thinks it will resurrect his game. This is the Easter season, and I definitely believe in resurrection and renewal, but I'm not sure even Jesus could help that poor soul with his golf swing. And I'm sure he knocked the crap out of it, at least until he plopped down his hard earned cash. Any way, his challenge is duly noted and will be played out soon.

I love this time of year, love the competition, and love the time spend with my best friend.

What Have We Become?

2007-03-31T21:09:00.001-05:00

ESPN.com - NCB - Arkansas granted permission to speak to Calipari

Too Little Prayer, So Little Time

2007-03-29T11:13:00.001-05:00

I saw this post by Marko this morning and remembered thinking not to long ago I wished I had prayed for my kids more. The time we have with them is so very short. It only seems long when you're in the midst of it.

2007-03-27T11:10:00.001-05:00

ScribeFire

I want to try a new I got as an add-on for Firefox. It's called ScribeFire. We will if it works when I hit publish.

2007-03-26T16:43:00.000-05:00

Tom Peters

Good stuff from Tom Peters on leadership/hostship.

2007-03-11T11:13:00.000-05:00

Milestone

I was checking into a motel in West Memphis, and there was something about the date of arrival that struck me. 2 days prior was my 25th AA birthday, meaning that I've been without drink or drugs for 25 years. Quite a milestone, that 25 years ago I thought impossible. God has been good, and quite merciful. And I give Him all the credit. I've just been able to hold on.

Even after all these years I can still remember during those early times, that 1 day was a huge milestone. I can even remember that some days seemed considerably longer than others. These are good things for a drunk and a drug addict to remember. I never want to go through that pain again. Again, I praise God for His mercy and goodness.

2007-03-07T20:34:00.000-06:00

Communication

I realized something yesterday. Vertical communication, that is prayer, meditation, etc., as individuals has a tremendous capacity to make changes in peoples lives. Relationship with the Father is just plain necessary to life walking and spiritual growth. But still we are moved to proceed, not with a monastic life, but with a life that communicates horizontally. Jesus said that we must first love the Father, then love others. That pushes us out of the comfort of our spiritual huddle with God into the messy lives of others.

The thing I realized is that as leaders we are tasked in the same way. That is, we teach, lead, worship, pray, etc vertically in community. But then are tasked with engaging our group, leadership circle, elders, church body, small group, etc. Whatever the group that we are responsible to as servant leaders, we are responsible to communicate with them effectively and intentionally on that group level. That is seen in the pastor that is a great speaker but isn't good with personal relationships, the elder that has a hard time giving a financial update to the congregation and the small group leader that just wants to run the group.

For me, and I think for others in leadership, the challenge personally and corporately is not the vertical. Love, forgiveness, joy that comes from the vertical communication is always rewarding. Taking those things into a messy small group, church, coach's meeting, and moving into the horizontal lives of those messy people is always challenging because we are met with the imperfect. Misunderstanding, lies, gossip, envy, hatred, betrayal, all of these come from dealing with imperfect people in imperfect groups.

Is it worth it?

If it were not, I don't think we would have the second part of the greatest commandment.

As leaders, we must keep working on our communication skills. Both vertical and horizontal.

2007-03-05T17:56:00.000-06:00

2007-03-01T07:59:00.000-06:00

I'm Just A Sex Machine

I've been reading Rob Bell's new book Sex God. I'm about a hundred pages in and I am loving it. My continue thoughts are I hope I can take some senior, maybe junior high schools students thru it. I say that age group because that group could handle it better, but as I read it, I realize that it could, should be used in middle school. Rob does a great job of explaining why we are like we are. As an married adult, I'm reading it, and he's speaking to that its naturally for the conflicts in the marriage unit to exist. And here's why. So far an excellent read.

2007-02-28T08:50:00.000-06:00

MySpace Users Beware

To all my vast amount of readers, I saw this on blog of dude I read. Not good.

2007-02-27T23:49:00.000-06:00

Follow up on the Pat Summit/Bruce Pearl post.

The cheerleaders hid Pat until they got out on the floor, and Pat jumps out and leads the crowd in "Rocky Top". She actually led cheers through out the TV timeout, which ESPN did not take as they could report on Pat. Awesome.

Let me say clear and loud.....I am not a Tennessee frickin' Volunteer fan. But I am a Pat Summit fan. Is she a good coach? She has more wins than any head coach in NCAA history, men or women. This year, Pat is undefeated in SEC play. She's 53, and will probably be coaching a while. So why? Why did she do the deal?

Here's the deal. She loves what she's doing. And, yes, coaching is a huge part of it. But the influence she has on young women on and off the floor is awesome. Heck, this gal could be leading an executive board room, sales teams for startup companies, etc. It's not the money. She take pride in what she does and the people she associates with. That the reason. It's about her home state, her university, and the UT fans. Pat has more people at womens games than most other SEC men's games, particularly this time of year. She is awesome.

Think a few years back when UCONN owned both the men's title and women's title. The crazy stuff that hit the sport news shows and littered papers. The men's coach, Calhoun and women's coach, Auriemma fought like cats and huskies. Both claimed that either were distractions to the other's program. Big-time soap opera.

I'd noticed lately that big school men's program also have excellent women's program, namely Duke, North Carolina, Maryland. Looks like the university wins when the 2 programs work together. And it also creates tremendous brand support for these schools and their athletic programs.

And the fans love it!!

2007-02-26T21:28:00.000-06:00

Tennessee's women's basketball is hot. Number 2 in the nation behind Duke. But this is unheard in big time college sports. The men's coach and the women's coach getting along. Golly, they even support each other at home games. That picture is of Bruce Pearl with his stomach painted orange supporting the women's team at a recent home game.

Looks like Pat's gonna return the favor. It should be good. And the game really isn't worth anything but pride, the SEC tourney choices were decided last week. So you know how that plays out. I'll be watching.

2007-02-25T22:08:00.000-06:00

Very interesting weekend. Where shall I start?

Holly had a wreck. She's okay. Some guy ran a red light and plowed into her. May be the end of her Cherokee. So, she's without a car, and we're back to middle school, with carpool and all.

Judy and I were in Fayetteville when it happen. She called up as we were taking Clay and Derek back to their vehicles. Clay answers Judy's cell phone, "Hello", Holly says, "Dad", Clay says, "Yea". Holly goes into her 3-yr-old voice, "wah, wah wah wah, etc." Clay looks at me and says, "It serious." The one time we try to play a joke on Holly, she has a car wreck. Joke on us!

Saw the TN/UA game, or the Chris Lofton show. That guy is the real deal. Hung 31 on the Hogs. After Saturday's game, more public talk about Heath being fired. A&M's Gillespie and Kansas's Self has been tossed around. No way we get Self. Gillespie definitely a possibility.

I've been down with a cold all weekend. And I'm suppose to drive to Heartlight tomorrow and be with Emily and her counselor for one of her sessions with him. Not looking real good right now.

Finally....I ran into this Saturday morning. Wanna live like a king....check this out.

I lied....one other thing. I'm getting sick of people Americanizing God. Why do we have to make promises for Him to get people to try and see Him for what he is. He is good, and loving, and merciful.......but not safe. Loving God has nothing to do with having a good life, a safe life, a healthy life, or a materially sound life. What you get out of loving Jesus is a life of love.

2007-02-15T23:53:00.000-06:00

New Rubik Cube

I think even I could solve this!

2007-02-14T20:35:00.000-06:00

Guffaw of the Day

So I'm doing a ride along with this lady from a company I'm looking to join. We are in the hospital at the Med Center. She stopped at an office door, and she's talking to this guy. I look up and it's a guy that was at Grace several years ago. We knew each other well, so I pick up on the conversation. We talk, the lady goes down the hallway to deliver some paperwork, and we say our goodbyes and leave.

So I tell the lady that I knew this guy from Grace, that we both use to go there. And then I ask the question, "How do you know him?". SILENCE

"He's my ex-husband."

SILENCE "Well, that's a little uncomfortable." MORE SILENCE "Probably not as uncomfortable as your feeling right now." SILENCE with a G2H STARE

This lead to a discussion about current spouses, and I thought that she was going to lose it when I told her that I met Judy in an AA meeting.

Messy lives. I love it. Cause we all got our own junk.

2007-02-12T15:31:00.000-06:00

State of Affairs

I was reading a career blog I subscribe to about affairs that happen during travel. The comment that stuck in my head was this, "It’s very hard to do kids, career and marriage. And be on guard that often the easiest thing to let go is the marriage."

I think that this is common in all walks of life. That is, for our marriage to be taken for granted, and come in last place to all the other distractions. Having said that, Judy and I attending a marriage conference this weekend. I sure we'll hear the same junk we've heard at all four hundred thousand conferences we'd attended before. But I'm glad we carved a little time out from fighting the teenager wars to say, "Hey! Yea you. You really matter to me!"

Love ya, Jude......Happy Valentines!

2007-02-08T10:24:00.000-06:00

Trust Me

Holly came in yesterday tearful about a tragedy at her school. Her question to me was, "Why would God allow that to happen, when there are crack-heads, students drinking and driving, and other just passing STDs around?".

My answer: I don't know.

It is so hard for us to try and figure out the plans of God. You can't. I mean just when things are going well, and life is good, these things happen, and we ask God, "Why?".

And there is no reply. As a parent, we want our kids to grasp the spiritual life and never waver. But trying to explain God and His purposes defy our plans. Once again, we are asked to not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. But we want so badly to eat the fruit, and pass it on to our kids.

God whispers, "Trust Me."

2007-02-04T19:27:00.000-06:00

You are mild-mannered, good, strong and you love to help others.

Click here to take the "Which Super Villain Are You?" Quiz

Your results:You are Superman

Superman 65%

Catwoman 65%

Supergirl 63%

Spider-Man 60%

Hulk 55%

The Flash 50%

Green Lantern 40%

Wonder Woman 38%

Batman 35%

Robin 33%

Iron Man 25%

2007-02-03T22:51:00.000-06:00

Football Jesus

I know Notre Dame has "Touchdown Jesus", but I'm having a hard time trying to picture who would want one if these!?!?

Who that trying to tackle Jesus, Son of Satan?

2007-02-03T22:06:00.000-06:00

Gotta Have IT!

If I had one of these, I'd probably never get out of bed!

2007-02-03T09:30:00.000-06:00

Pre-Game Hype

I love this kind of pre-game hype.

2007-02-01T21:10:00.001-06:00

A Prayer of St Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is discord, vision.

Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is darkness, light.

Where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved, as to love;

for it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

2007-02-01T11:13:00.000-06:00

2007-01-31T21:48:00.000-06:00

Attention All Jack Bauer Wannabes

You will never, ever be able to be like Jack. But at least you can have his gear.

2007-01-31T09:05:00.000-06:00

Be Light in a Dark World

Saw this in a blog I subscribe to. Titled "Be a Sky Light for Others". Thought is was cool and a good reminder. Enjoy.

2007-01-28T19:08:00.000-06:00

StickerShock

Looks like I may be helping the youth group at Summit. One thing they have we didn't have at Grace was critical mass. They are averaging 140-150 kids. Grace, we were at 40-50. But the one thing we had that Summit doesn't appear to have is adults committed to a authentic walk with student s. I don't want to give the impression that these folks are bad, they're not. In fact, they want to be there. They want to serve. It's obvious that they want to be around the kids. But I have a feeling that they have not experienced the real relationships that people do when they are life-walking.

The "thing" I abhor and heard over and over Wednesday is the way we Christians speak to each other when we don't know how to establish a real and authentic walk with students. We bring out the scripture and "the Christian speak". We start conditioning our students to join the club. We can play the "every thing's fine" game as long as we can speak the "speak". I had this strange perception that I was in a room full of parrots.

I don't think I'll have as big as challenge with the students as I will with the adults vols.

2007-01-21T21:48:00.000-06:00

SUPER BOWL PICKS

I made the correct Super Bowl picks today. The coolest thing I saw today was Robert Ursey and Tony Dunghy give the glory to God for their sucess. I seen players to this many times. Seeing a coach do that is pretty cool, but I was really blown away by Ursey stepping up. Many times you'll see owners or execs trying to be cool like the jocks. Ursey led the way. He did the passing of the glory to God before anyone had a chance to say anything. That must be freeing for believers like Dunghy or others to express their faith.

GO COLTS!!!

2007-01-21T15:37:00.000-06:00

HAWG BALL

Interesting day in F'ville yesterday. No real drama, too busy watch the Hogs whip up on #16 LSU. Incredible. Can't be believe that they can't beat the unranked, but show up for the big game. Someone, Coach Heath, needs to tell them they're all big games. Particularly in conference.

Looking back 3 weeks ago at the schedule, I would have said that they would have 2-3 in SEC play, only the win/losses would have been different.

I have to wait 2 weeks for the Wildcats to come to BWA. They lost to Vandy in Rupp yesterday. Weird.

The Vols bearly beat SC at home without Lofton. They're done if he's out.

The loss that the Hogs suffered to UGA was for real. I'm a big Dennis Felton fan. He's a great teacher and coach. UGA played solid defense and ran their offense very disciplined. Almost had upset #2 at Bama yesterday.

This season is going to be interesting. Except for the Gators.

2007-01-19T12:21:00.000-06:00

BACK ON THE PIG TRAIL

We're heading back to F'ville tomorrow for the LSU game. I not sure why. Hope streams eterne, I guess. Who knows , maybe will be privy to some good drama.

2007-01-16T19:51:00.000-06:00

I CAN'T BELIEVE I ATE THE WHOLE THING

Judy and I ate at Cheeburger, Cheeburger tonite. Oh my gosh!! I had a semi-serious, 1/3 lb hamburger with jack/cheedar cheese, lettuce, black olives, and sauteed mushrooms. Add a 1/2 basket of frings (onion rings and fries) that Judy and I split, and finished with a small peanut butter cup shake that we did not split. I am hurting.....bad. Really good stuff, made up all fresh. Did I mention I'm stuffed.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh

2007-01-15T20:24:00.000-06:00

Random Ramblings

It's hard to believe that we are already 2 weeks into the new year. Apparently I got carry away with my holiday hiatus. So I thought that I would rapid fire a few things out, as not to be too long, nor too boring.

First, several have already asked, but Emily is doing good. We had a good Christmas with her here, for the most part. She is in public school now in Texas, and likes it. She is at a place where she will be facing her demons more, as the counselors will be leaning in on her more. Please continue to pray for her.

I'm looking at getting back involved in ministry. I'm talking with the guys at Summit to see where I might fit in, and where they need help. Would like to continue with leadership development/discipleship. But I will do whatever He leads me to do, even if it's sweeping the floor. I would certainly appreciate your prayers for that as well.

Holly just started to work at Cheeburger, Cheeburger. She says she likes it.

The football Razorbacks have been in the news too much lately, and the basketball Razorbacks not enough. Although Judy and I made the 'Bama game. What fun! (Sorry, G!)

I've really enjoyed seeing the Edwards boys at Summit. Good guys! I'm missing Zack and haven't seen or heard from Galli since before Christmas. I need to contact both.

Was able to catch up with Clay, Derek, and Christine before they went back to F'ville. Hope to see them going up for bball games. Turner, Garrett and I may try to go up Wed.

In case anyone wants to know, I'm pulling for the Colts.

Enough for now. More to follow, tape at 10.

2006-12-28T11:24:00.000-06:00

DREAD

Wish I'd heard about this before Christmas. It would have definitely made the list!

2006-12-07T23:41:00.001-06:00

2006-11-20T14:27:00.000-06:00

HOW TO GET MIDDLE-SCHOOLER TO WASH THEIR HANDS Go to jump here.

2006-11-19T22:27:00.000-06:00

THE CHRISTIAN’S CONFESSION

Romans 5-6

I’M IN A NEW PLACE

I’ve been introduced through Christ

By faith into God’s grace in which I now stand.

I am completely forgiven and pardoned and stand with peace facing God

And I rejoice in the confident hope of experiencing God’s glory!

I AM A NEW PERSON!

I have a new heart and

God’s Spirit lives in me.

Sin has lost its authority to dominate me.

I have been set free from sin’s curse and power.

I can choose to sin, but through faith I can choose NOT to sin today!

I HAVE A NEW TASK!

Therefore, I choose to live from the inside out.

I present myself to God today

And the members of my body as weapons of righteousness.

I will renew my mind through God’s Word,

Direct my emotions (instead of letting them direct me).

And surrender my will to God’s Spirit who lives within me.

I will live today for God’s glory and thank Him for his matchless grace!

2006-11-14T08:51:00.000-06:00

John 7

I was reading a segment in John 7 this morning from The Message. The version is a daily read Bible that helps keeps me focused to a plan of daily reading. Bringing those of you up to speed that don't have John 7 committed to memory, Jesus is teaching in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles. The Pharisees don't like what he's saying and send for him to be arrested. The question on the end of the section is, "What does it mean to follow a subversive like Jesus?".

It hit me like a ton of bricks! I don't really think of Jesus as a rebel or subversive. That "felt-board" Jesus that is so nicey-nice is who I tend to think of when a think of Jesus. It's that image of the One that I see as the "lover of my soul" that I want to keep and control. I want it to be safe. It seems so ingrained in my thinking, that trying to think of Jesus out of the box is scary.

What is most frightening thing for me is the Pharisee I see in my own heart that wants to control Jesus. I want to maintain safe images of Jesus, so that I can be comfortable with Him.

2006-11-12T15:30:00.000-06:00

Quotes of the Day

"A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." - Mark Twain

2006-11-12T14:29:00.000-06:00

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS----NATIONAL CHAMPS

Here's the deal: Arkansas wins out regular season, beats Florida in the SEC Championship, and plays Michigan for the title. Which, of course, we beat! Gotta believe!

2006-11-09T15:23:00.000-06:00

Emma and the Eagle

This week has been very good. I know that I was complaining about that week and how cruddy it was a few post ago. But this week held a few good nuggets.

The main thing this week is that Emily made level 3 at Heartlight. She moved out of the house and into a lodge. This is huge! She has to show a willingness to go forward in the program. She has to put some behaviors behind her. She had been stuck on 2 for a while and we weren't certain that she would make it for Thanksgiving. Level 3 means that she will be able to leave the grounds for Thanksgiving. The plan at this point is for us to go to HL and pick her up that Wednesday before T-day and stay in east Texas, in the piney woods, with her till Sunday. Awesome. We can't wait. She'll also get more freedom there. Least of which, she can wear other clothing other than the gray t-shirts she has worn since August 15th. (Can you imagine wearing nothing but gray shirts and blue jeans for 3 months?) And in January, she'll start going to the local public school.

The other thing I've enjoyed was a round of golf this week. I shot a 84, which is good for me. But the big deal about the round was that I made an eagle. My first in a long time. Awesome. For those that know the course, it was #13 at Stonelinks. I thought I duck-hooked my tee shot into the water. Somehow it stayed up and my approach was only 180 to the hole. I then proceeded to stick it in about 4 feet. Made a slow downhiller for the eagle. I love the game again. At least for now.

2006-11-09T15:17:00.000-06:00

OMG

I am so pissed at Kate. What in the world was she thinking??? And I'm real sad for Jack. That a**hole Ben tricked him.

But, I am glad for Sawyer, in some kind of sick, twisted way.

2006-11-04T13:12:00.000-06:00

PREDICTION

Miss St is ahead of Bama 24-10 at halftime. If State holds on to win this game, Shula is out. Not only at the U of A,but the whole freakin' state.

Update: 24-16 MSU. Hmmmm....waiting for the press conference!

2006-11-03T11:41:00.000-06:00

If Women Ruled the World!

2006-11-02T11:51:00.000-06:00

The Week That Sucks

This has got to be the worst week in a long time. It's been partly my fault. I've been alone alot. But I've chosen to isolate. The bad thing is that I've not used my solitude. I've engaged in mostly trivial things. Computer junk or sleeping.

It is a nice day out today. I think I go for a nice walk later, after it warms up a tad.

2006-10-30T00:52:00.000-06:00

Molder Wins

Bryce Molder is a guy from Conway that was a phenom as a junior golfer. Went to GA Tech and was a 4 time All-American for the golf team. But, when he turned pro, he struggled. He would get in contention and find a way to screw it up. He remains diligent, worked hard, and finally won his first professional tournament this weekend. It's a Nationwide tournament held in Miami, the Miccosukee Championship. Miccosukee....yea, me, too. Anyway, a "w" is a "w". It put him 21st on the Nationwide Tour money list and the top 22 get there PGA tour card.

I haven't met Bryce personally. But I know people that have met him, or know him well, and they have nothing but good things to say about him. I lot of times when he's around here, you could catch him at the 1st Tee on the range or talking with the kids.

I wish him nothing but the best. ESPN story here.

2006-10-30T00:48:00.000-06:00

Perfect Gift

This could be the perfect gift for that special someone that bugs the crap out of you! After you buy it, then give it to yourself.

2006-10-29T16:10:00.000-06:00

Cross MP3

Yeah, it's for real. Designed in Russia, of all places! Would you wear it?

2006-10-21T09:02:00.000-05:00

Quote of the Day

I get a "Quote of the Day" on my home page. This was today's:

Some people are born on third base and go through life thinking they hit a triple. - Barry Switzer

2006-10-21T07:40:00.000-05:00

Christmas List

Anybody doing any early Christmas shopping might consider this for any of your friends that get accused of wearing a sweater underneath their t-shirt.

Anybody else thinking Steve B?

2006-10-20T15:31:00.000-05:00

Gays

People who know my daughter Holly know that she is on a quest to find herself and differentiate her views on religion, politics, social agendas, environmental subjects, etc. She showed me a t-shirt she bought that supports gay rights, "Straight, but not Narrow". It's very sublime and isn't really noticeable that it's gay. Gay rights t-shirt, that is. (haha)

Anyway, since she's gotten on the gay rights bandwagon, it has gotten me to think about where I stand on this issue, and more importantly, where Christ would, or might be on this issue. I haven't totally made up my mind, but here's where I'm at.

Homosexuality is a sin. Period. Says it in both testaments. I can accept that. But so is any sexual act outside the heterosexual marriage. I know of two occasions that Jesus spoke to women who had been sexually promiscuous. In these situations, he is concerned about the person. He acknowledges their sin, but is able to speak into their lives, both to turn away (repent) and sin no more. And he is able to do that, because he invested in their lives. He kept one from being stoned and spoke as a prophet to the other, reaching a place in her that, as he revealed that he knew about her living with a man out of wedlock, that must have caused her some internal conflict. He was about reaching out to people thru relationships and life experiences.

So.......is there a way that I can be against homosexuality, but then agree with gay rights for the indivdiual, like medical insurance for the partners of a gay people that wouldn't have insurance any other way, knowing that it would support the well-being of those individuals? Is that enough to say I disagree with your sin, but respect you as a person? Would that stance allow you enough grace to speak into the lives of someone different that ourselves?

I love to know the thoughts of you 2-3 readers out there!

2006-10-19T16:28:00.000-05:00

The Evils of Blogging

Here is an article from Think Christian about the RCG's statement to their youth about the sinfulness/evils of blogging. There are a lot of comments on the web regarding this article. One mentioned in the TC piece is here.

What do you guys think? I find it interesting that the RCG's "magazine" in fact, looks like a blog.

2006-10-17T22:20:00.000-05:00

50 Ways to Leave Your Cell Phone Company

Sung to the tune of "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" by Paul Simon

For my friend Grant that needed to pulled the plug on Alltel.

Check this out.

2006-10-17T21:47:00.000-05:00

Lost

I love this show. Zack turned me on to it. So, this summer I rented the first two seasons and watched them before the season started. It is awesome. The only trouble is after watching the videos, and going thru the episodes rather quickly, the weekly episodes are not hardly long enough. But it really leaves you hanging till next week.

Here's a blog on the show from a "here's what can we glean from it" from a Christian perspective.

2006-10-17T16:13:00.000-05:00

Maybe A Good Omen

I bought gas twice this last weekend below $2. One in Texarkana, TX @ 1.96 and Atlanta, TX for 1.95.

I thought I'd never pay for $2 for a gallon of gas. But I have. In fact, I bought gas over $3 once this year. It was for a rental car somewhere. Atlanta or Louisville.

2006-10-16T08:12:00.000-05:00

Great Weekend

We really had a great weekend with Emily. We never know. But we spent most of the time on the grounds at Heartlight talking to other parents while Emily hung out with her friends. What do you expect from a 14-yr-old? She was with us at most meals, where we could sit and talk. And there was some quiet times Sunday where we walked and held hands. That was really good.

I went there not having very high expectations. Holly did, and kinda got burned. She was expecting Em to hang out with her most of the weekend. When she left all of us for her friends, Holly took it personally. But, they seem to make up before we left.

Leaving was hard. It was hard on us, but really hard on Em. Judy called the house last night, and everything was back to normal. But at the time it was really hard.

It's strange being there with all the other families. You see such a variety of people from all other. But for the most part, they are middle-class white folks that look like they were at a church social instead of a RTC (residential treatment center). I mean its hard to see all the hurt that is going on. But you know it's there. The level 1 parents, which are the parents of the kids that are fairly new, stayed for a parent seminar. We could see it on them the most. But you know that it there, in all of us.

2006-10-12T01:22:00.000-05:00

The Dark Side of Flash Drives

Wouldn't you be afraid that this would take over your computer and do evil things to it. They're wicked enough by themselves.

2006-10-08T21:08:00.000-05:00

Jesus Shows Up

I've got to throw this out. Judy and I have been struggling. In November, we will have been marry for 21 years. Those years have seen a lot ups and downs. But we hit a major down this week that has been there because we had put our relationship on hold. We felt like we had to invest in Emily. But now that she's at Heartlight, and Holly's busy with her stuff, we've been clearly able to see where we were at. And people, it sucked! Badly!

Altho we moved Emma out, we had continue to see a counselor. There have been weeks that the only thing I had to look forward to was that. And Gail has been tremendous. She has carefully and loving moved us to the realization that our marriage was screw up. And it came to a head this Thursday.

I knew I had to have a hard conversation with Judy this weekend. It was something I wasn't looking forward to. I won't bore you with the details, but it was new stuff mixed with some old stuff. Kinda like dead flowers in a cracked vase.

All I can say is that Jesus showed up in my den this weekend. He helped us walk thru the hard questions and even harder answers. At the end, Judy and I agreed to renew and rework the rough edges of our relationship. And as he does, he put hope back into what I(we) thought was a hopeless situation.

As many of you know, I'm a member of a 12-step program. I tend to think of our approach to this renewal as a number of steps that we need to go thru to get to the place we need to be as a couple. We are at Step #1. I am asking you, dear readers, to pray for us to continue that journey, or those steps. We need your encouragement and prayers to help us to continue and not lose sight of where we are going. It has been your prayers that have helped us walked thru our journey with Emily. We could use your prayers for this as well.

THX

2006-10-08T14:15:00.000-05:00

Quote of the Day

This is the quote of the day I get on my homepage. For my preacher friends:

The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending, then having the two as close together as possible.

George Burns

US actor & comedian (1896 - 1996)

2006-10-02T17:31:00.000-05:00

Worship

We had a guest worship leader at Summit yesterday. His name is Ryan Wingo. Awesome. Apparently he's trying to make a name as a songwriter, I think that Phillips, Craig and Dean have recorded one of his songs. If he doesn't make it as a songwriter, he certain could be a worship leader. He lead us thru "Prepare the Way".

Awesome!

2006-10-01T20:48:00.000-05:00

Pirate Laws

In case of any of you guys are thinking about being a pirate, you might want to review the pirate laws.

ARRRRRR

2006-09-30T13:58:00.000-05:00

Tasking vs Coaching

I think I could do ministry with this guy. Good stuff.

2006-09-30T13:54:00.000-05:00

Star Wars ....

This is pretty fun.

2006-09-21T17:22:00.000-05:00

The Same Only Different, or is it Different Only the Same??

We talked with Emily last night. I should say we tried to talk to Emily. She cried the whole time. She is still hitting us up to come home. You know, most of the time that you talk to a family member that hasn't been around for a while(1 months and 3-4 days), you're sympathetic. But this was the same over the top stuff we were dealing with before she left. Instead of sad, we were frustrated. Mainly because she had a good week last week, and an excellent weekend. Her house got to go out to a movie, because they had behaved so well.

The ups and downs of being a teen still happen.

And I lied somewhat. We are frustrated, but we are sad too.

2006-09-19T21:15:00.000-05:00

GOSH, I WISH I'D INVENTED THIS

2006-09-18T19:23:00.000-05:00

MADE UP FOR LOSS TIME

Judy and I went to Summit yesterday morning. We had missed last week, due to....the blues, I guess. We attended "Bedside Baptist" as one of our friends like to call it. It was one of the best services we attended since we started going there. The preaching has been really good, but the worship has been so-so. My standards are high for worship, since my exposure to Tedder, Row and GE. But yesterday they really just let in out. I don't know who the dude is, but they had a guy playing lead that was just fantastic. But mainly it was the whole team. Awesome.

Last night I went to the Vintage NXT. Met Jeff Kinley for the 1st time. Totally different from my Sunday morning. There 350-400 people Sunday morning, there were 20, maybe, at V-NXT. Very loose, not structured, and the feel was definitely different. The Hillcrest Effect. Anyway, I enjoyed it. The worship was...alright. Jeff's preaching was good, mainly seeker focus. The thing I felt and liked was the sense that these people were there to do community. It was real relational, like we don't necessarily start on time, or we may stop in the middle of the service and talk about something totally different, and you definitely couldn't determine what classification of church is was by the "congregation", since all the attendees were all different kinds of folk. Interesting.

I'll meet Jeff Thursday for coffee. I look forward to picking his brain a bit.

2006-09-07T08:03:00.000-05:00

Derek...Who's the Blond?

2006-09-05T10:05:00.000-05:00

What I Want for Christmas

Just in case you're doing your shopping early, this will do.

2006-09-03T21:32:00.000-05:00

Nutt Unbridles the Mustain

This shows up on the web tonite.

Hooray for Houston Nutt! Maybe be got this right. Starting Mustain vs. USC might have dampen the young man's confidence if he couldn't move the ball effectively. But coming into the game late, and driving 80 yards for a touchdown against a top 10 team will definitly boast his confidence to take on a beleaguer Utah State team.

That won't keep Jones from fumbling or keep Monk and others to drop/miss balls. But if he makes something happen, it tightens the focus of the others on the team. We'll see.

At least this should keep butts in the seats for a while.

2006-09-03T14:25:00.000-05:00

USC 50, UA 14

Man oh man. Started out looking good. Then some somebody slipped the "buttered" ball in. As the turnovers started stacking up, the offense began to look like last years team, less like what we expected from Malzahn. What does that mean? Houston hasn't let go yet. So what happened next? The defense basically played the majority of the first half. And USC did wear them down.

Moral of the story: Practice hard, play harder.

2006-08-31T20:28:00.000-05:00

DON'T HAVE TIME TO WORK ON YOUR GAME

Need I say more. Here's the scoop on the pooper.

2006-08-30T17:04:00.000-05:00

Barna Survey

Interesting story on the effort of (or lack of) 9/11 have 5 years later on church attendance.

2006-08-24T08:49:00.000-05:00

Judy and I go to Heartlight today to attend a parent conference. We're hoping to get a better feel about what this place is all about, since the last time we were here was to drop Emily off. It was pretty emotional, and although we got a sense of the place, naturally, we have questions.

We'll get to see Emily, but I think the time we spend with her will be limited. We got to speak to her on the phone last night for 30 minutes. She said she likes her counselor. And she said she like the place, and has made friends. But before the conversation was over, she was begging to come home. We were expecting that. That was hard, and I'm sure that it'll be harder this weekend in person.

If you can, please remember Judy and I...and Emily in your prayers. THX!

2006-08-21T13:52:00.000-05:00