Vacation!

For the next five days I am getting some much needed time off from work. Today is just a casual hang-out-do-nothing day. Tomorrow we head off to camp at Beverly Beach on the Oregon coast with some of my family.

Work has been a killer lately. I don't talk about it too much on my blog. I don't really know why but I don't. Maybe someday I will. For now I will just say that my job is a source of major stress and questions in my life. Like many people I still want to know what I'll be when I grow up. There has to be more for me than what I am doing n0w. There has to be!

What I don't like about vacations is that all of my work will pile up and certain things won't get done. Then when I get back it is all there waiting for me to work extra hard and extra time to get it done. That really stinks.

So for the next five days this will be my last thought about work. Tonight I will enjoy some good hard rock with my nephew and his buddies. We are going to see Spoken and House of Heroes at the Rock'n Roll Pizza Kitchen in Portand. Should be a great time.

Where Are They Now?

So, I just got done watching "Poseidon", which was crap, and I started to channel surf. Sometimes this is a bad idea, sometimes you strike gold. Tonight I struck more crap. But I found out what Erik Estrada is doing! <--- said with total enthusiasm You remember Erik. You know... Ponch... of Ponch and John. Yes, of C.H.I.P's fame. That Erik Estrada.

Well Erik is now a spokesman for Arkansas real estate. Serious. Don't you want to move to Arkansas? Just check out www.hotspringshomesites.com. You too can own a piece of Bill Clinton's home state.

Poor sad Erik. Maybe you can join Tony Danza in TV retirement... please.

Disservice

Since I posted back on Nov. 1st, 2005 about giving up talk radio I have not listened to it on a regular basis. If I was to total up the time I've listened since then it would probably come to less than an hour. Today confirmed to me why I don't listen anymore.

I was sitting at the Willamette river in my car on my lunch break today and decided to give a listen to Michael Medved's show. He started the show off with a guest from Nation magazine, Katha Pollitt. She is a left-wing liberal (or progressive if you will) writer who has a new book out titled "Virginity or Death!". This book is a collection of her previous writings. I have not read the book so I cannot comment on it.

Michael began a discussion with her and ask her questions on her opinions and views on the typical topics of the day; religion, right vs. left, etc. Then Michael takes his first caller. The guy starts out with his background. He was a liberal democrat, sexually promiscuous, etc. Then fourteen years ago became a Born Again Christian and changed his ways. He then proceeded to lambast her and her views and without warning or provocation condemned her to Hell.

What the heck! He condemns her to Hell on public radio.

His anger and beligerance took over. Rationality was out the window. This guy was out of control.

Katha Pollitt, on behalf of rational Jesus followers everywhere I am sorry. This caller, I pray, does not represent the majority of us who follow Christ. As you clearly understood and stated he is not capable of sending you to Hell.

I for one appreciate that you step out and share your views and challenge those of us that disagree with some of your opinions. I think a challenged Church will become a stronger Church. We often run from discussion with people of your opinion and we shouldn't. Only when conversation happens can understanding take place.

Name calling and condemning do not reflect a Christ-like heart. Nor do they advance the will of God. This caller needs to revisit the book of James and reflect on the power of the tongue.

The Things Kids Say

Last night after the Daddy Decorating party I sat on my bed and played a bit more with the kids before bedtime. After brushing their teeth and all the other customary bedtime rituals they came in to my room and jumped up on the bed. Alex was just wearing his Spiderman underpants, which is what he usually wears to bed on hot nights. A conversation started and it went like this:

Alex - "I couldn't be more naked unless I shaved off all the hair on my body." as he giggles.

Me - "We can arrange that. Do you want me to shave your head?"

Brianna - "Yeah! That would be cool."

Alex - "Well..."

Me - "Seriously, we can."

Brianna - All excited about the proposition. "I'll give you five bucks if you do it."

Alex - "Is five dollars a lot of money?" (remember, he's five)

Brianna - "You can buy five candy bars at the Dollar Store."

Alex - "Ohh!"

Me - "Well, should I get out the razor."

Brianna - "Come on, do it Alex."

Alex - "How about a hundred bucks?"

Brianna - "I don't have a hundred. I have five. I can go get it."

Alex - "I don't know. Maybe tomorrow."

It pretty much ended there.

What amused me the most was the issue regarding the value of five dollars. I found it funny that it was quickly associated with the quantity of candy one could purchase. We often forget the value of five bucks. I'm sure most of us associate five bucks with our favorite beverage at Starbucks. What does five dollars get you these days?

The second thing that made me laugh was how quick Brianna offered up booty for the dare. I didn't think a nine year old would have been keen to that concept. A concept that is usually associated with boys of a much older age.

In case you were wondering, I would have shaved it if he said yes.

The Things You'll Do For Your Kids

Tonight Kathi was taking off with our friend Missy to go shopping. They were planning to leave around seven and would be back who knows when. (still not back as I write this)

My thinking went like this: Since I had a long day at work and it's about six thirtyish I think I'll hit the couch for a little rest before Kathi leaves and I am home with the grommets.

My kids thinking went like this: Hey, Dad's laying on the couch and looks like he wants to play.

For a short time the game was steal the pillow. You have to understand that the pillow is my protection from the things they'll inevitably throw my way. Things like their stinky breath in my face or lifting my eyelids to see if I am really sleeping, etc. They played steal the pillow for a while until the next random thought came to their devious little brains. That thought was to decorate Dad.

For the next half hour I was stickered, toilet papered, poked, climbed on, wrapped in streamers, taped, and laughed at. That was a great time. For them. For me the pleasure came from watching them amuse themselves with their silliness. That is the one thing they are very good at. If you got paid by your level of silliness my kids could be supporting me instead of vise-versa.

At the end of the half hour I looked absolutely rediculous and my kids had a huge mess to clean up. The miracle of that was - they didn't complain one lick about having to clean up the mess. Instead the silliness continued. I watched from the kitchen as I made a pot of coffee.

There are moments when you watch your kids and smile and wish they'd be that way forever. Tonight was one of those moments.

Guess who just walked in the door.

Question of the day

As I returned home from work today I was met at the door by my kids, as is the nightly custom. They typically ask for "huggies and kisses" and I tell them they have to wait their turn, that Mom is always first. I then proceed into the house to unload my keys and stuff and find my wife for a kiss or two. Then it's the kids turn. They love to jump up and have me catch them mid-air. Each year this gets a little more difficult... either they are getting bigger or I am getting old, or both.

Tonight was different. As Brianna held the door, as she likes to do, Alex asked the question of the day: "Dad, can I punch you as hard as I can to show you how strong I am?" What? No request for huggies and kisses? No pleading to be the first to tattle on the other, or rant of the days happenings? Instead a request to demonstrate a feat of strength... at my expense.

After the customary huggies and kisses I let Alex show me how strong he is. I succumbed to his five year old charm, and maybe a little dose of my own pride. PUNCH! Yep, I'm still tough... didn't hurt a bit. Although the day is coming where that may be a big mistake. He's five now but soon he'll be fifteen and that little tap of a five year old's knuckle on my *ahem* six pack will be a angst ridden teenagers fist of death pummeling my *cough* rock hard abs.

Funny that Brianna has never asked to prove her strength to me. She is however, close to being able to do the splits. Which she proved tonight after the punch.

To Write Love On Her Arms

Out there are people doing good. These people get it. They aren't worried about stereo types. They aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. They take God's word at heart and go. I pray to be like this.

To Write Love On Her Arms is a Jesus thing. This is an example of where God is unstoppable. Where His love works. Where it's more than just talk, it's about His love.

Please watch this video.



For More:

Beta-time

I am a sucker for trying new things. Today is no exception. Blogger offers a beta... I bite. I don't know if this will effect any links but I'll find out soon enough. For now I will be a beta tester and see what this blog thing can do.

You may see some random changes to the look of the blog in the next few weeks, or you may not.

The content will remain as random and unexplained as before. I have no blog style or constant content... it is what it is.

Thanks for visiting.

Add to the Beauty

We come with beautiful secrets
We come with purposes written on our hearts, written on our souls
We come to every new morning
With possibilities only we can hold, that only we can hold

Redemption comes in strange place, small spaces
Calling out the best of who we are

And I want to add to the beauty
To tell a better story
I want to shine with the light
That's burning up inside

It comes in small inspirations
It brings redemption to life and work
To our lives and our work

It comes in loving community
It comes in helping a soul find it's worth

Redemption comes in strange places, small spaces
Calling out the best of who we are

And I want to add to the beauty
To tell a better story
I want to shine with the light
That's burning up inside

This is grace, an invitation to be beautiful
This is grace, an invitation

Redemption comes in strange places, small spaces
Calling out our best

And I want to add to the beauty
To tell a better story
I want to shine with the light
That's burning up inside

~ Sara Groves - Add to the Beauty

Sometimes I hear lyrics in songs that relate to what I have been studying or give new light to the scriptures. They sometimes help me see things from another persons experiences or perspectives.

The past couple of weeks I have been reading in the book of Romans. Currently I am at Chapter 12. This section of Romans is always a challenge for me. Paul tells us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices and to not conform to the pattern of this world. Easier said than done. We are pattern followers. He also talks about God's will. God's will... always a big mystery. What is it? How do I find it? What does it hold for my life? Read the verse. Please.

Getting to the point about the song... This song helps me see this verse in a new light. God's will is mysterious. Yes. It is. However God's plan for us is to do what is holy and pleasing. In other words - adding to the beauty - His beauty.

Paul tells us of our gifts and how to put them to use as part of God's body. This is our light - our gift - our place in the world. Let it shine. Use it. Allow it to benefit others. Give God the glory for it.

And to love. Love, not like the world loves, but love sincere. Love that can only come of God. Offer grace, offer community, offer peace, offer yourselves to others. Love so that others will see God in you.

I sum up this verse as - Add to God's beauty.

Family Reunion

This past weekend was our family reunion on my mom's side. It was a good time. The last time most of us were together was for my Grandma's funeral two years ago. This was a much more joyous gathering.

Look at all the smiling faces.



Saturday we met at my folks house in Dayton. They have a large yard that backs up to the Yamhill river so there was plenty of room to spread out. There was the standard reunion to-do's... food, games, conversation, more conversation, some hijinx and the like. All in all everyone was well behaved and had a great time.

Sunday we me at Champoeg Park (pronouned shampoo-ee) for a picnic. That was also a good time. My Uncle reserved a great spot to hang out for the day. The same event insued. Great time.

Fortunately for us the weather was agreeable. In Oregon you never know. It stayed in the 80's without a cloud in the sky.

I am sad for those who dread spending time with their family. I for one love it and love my family. We aren't the best in staying in touch, however, when we get together it sometimes feels like old friends getting together again. For that I am proud and thank God for the love.

Starving Jesus

Think the Church can do more for the Kingdom? Want to be challenged? Then check this out.

If not, and you think the Church is doing what it can, then don't read about this project.

The Old Days

Tonight is my 20 year high school reunion and I'm not going.

There is no specific reason except that it was 20 years ago which is more than half my life and I really don't care too much. I don't keep in touch with anybody from then and really don't miss it. I've moved on and couldn't even name too many of the people I went to school with anyway.

There are no great memories or bad memories to dredge up. It was what it was... High School. Three years of preparation for life? I don't think so. Three years to build life long friendships? I wasn't for me. To me it was three years of school. Three years of work. Three years of being a kid for the last time. Three years, 20 years ago.

Are there people I'd like to see? Sure. If I really want to see them I'll find them. The internet is a great place for that. Until then, I'll focus on the future and find out what that has in store for me.

To all you Tigard Tigers of 1986 have a great evening, enjoy yourselves, and for goodness sake drive safely.

Question of the day

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" Luke 6:46

Myspace porn

The following is a bulletin I posted on my myspace account:

Please please believe me that I did not post that!!!I have no clue how my id got
linked to that.

I am very sorry that my name got linked to that. Thanks Brandon
for pointing it out... I had no clue.

That is a major, MAJOR, peeve of mine with
myspace. On top of events like that, the advertising is embarrassing. The only
reason I even entertain having a myspace page is to keep in contact with you
guys.

My deepest apologies for something I was truly unaware of. Very sad.

Please know that I do not visit porn sites or sites of that subject matter. And in
order to remain above reproach I have installed X3Watch software on my computer
that sends sites that I visit to my wife and a good trusted friend. I strongly
encourage all of you, male and female, to do the same. The software is free and
easy to install. I am more than willing to be your accountability person on
this.

If you do have a problem with porn please feel free to contact me at
anytime to talk about it. Or if you are uncomfortable with talking with me
please visit www.x3church.com. You need accountability. Porn is a dangerous
slippery slope. The Enemy is on the move in the internet world.

God bless you all for your understanding.

It is sad that I even had to post that. I felt as if it was necessary to do it in light of some of the issues that plague our society today. Porn is a sneaky monster that is infiltrating all aspects of our world.

I never looked at the link that was posted under my name so I can't say for sure what the content was. I will trust my friend Brandon that it wasn't good. I was able to delete the post and a few others for some ringtones and jeans that were also posted under my name. If abuse like that continues I will cancel the myspace account at the risk of loosing touch with some of the students that I have worked with over the years. That makes me sad.

I am still reeling from the possible appearance of impropriety which makes this hard to write and may come across as jumbled thoughts. For this I am sorry. It speaks to how serious I take this.

Please email or comment your thoughts. I'd love to hear them.

Run!!! Hide!!!

Our old friend Amway has a new name! Quixtar. (links left out intentionally)

A young man that works in our company's shop came into my office to ask my advice on a personal matter today. After he closed the door he proceeded to tell me his story.

He has a friend that has approached him with a business deal that can make him $9,000 in the first 90 days. Sound familiar? To those of you that have been approached by an Amway believer you will understand. He proceeded to tell me about all of the successful people he has met at some of the introductory meetings. There are people in nice suits, driving Escalades, living in nice houses, and one particular gentleman who was retired at the age of 23. Wow! 23 and retired! Bull$#!t! excuse my french.

I asked him what his gut told him about these people and I was excited to hear his answer. He said that they all seemed fake, that there was something that they weren't telling him. I told him that he was probably right in his observation. Something that seems too good to be true is probably just that... too good to be true.

After talking about the realities of business and how the multi-level marketing programs work he began to ask some great questions and make some good observations. Please know that I was fair and not once did I tell him not to join. I did put some of my historical slant on some of the discussion and let him know about some of my past experiences with people from this type of organization. He walked away with a little more skepticism and a host of good questions to ask at the next meeting. I encouraged him that if he does sign up for it not to sign a contract and not to exceed his comfort level with the required monthly dues. He said these were about $90 per month. I also encouraged him to go with his gut, which so far was telling him that something wasn't right.

I was glad he came to talk to me. I was also proud that he thought to seek my advice. Throughout the day we had smaller conversations about it and at the end of the day I feel as though I may have steered him away from going down the MLM path. Phew!