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!

Roz R.I.P.

Goodbye Roz. We'll miss your bitter and angry hilarity.

Your prostitute resume bit was way too funny. Nice work. Your problems are our laughs.

Why did you go? Why did America vote you off the show? I'll tell you. You are funny. Your comedy isn't the problem. You are even funnier than Michelle Balan. It isn't even a black thing or a fat thing. The problem is your delivery. You've got to take a breath sometime and let the comedy sink in. The fast paced, non-stop, high energy yelling is too much too fast. People need a moment for the chuckles to subside from one bit to the next. Watch Ron White or Steven Wright, they are the masters of the appropriate pause.

Hit the road running. Hopefully it will be kind to you. Good luck.

Sunday Bloody Sunday Redux

Superman! That's me.

So I took the quiz... here are the results... no surprise... although I fancy myself a gadget man so Batman might be a little more fitting. And I am married to Elektra, my sexy assasin ninja... so sweet.

You Are Superman

Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. And pretty cute too. No wonder you're the most popular superhero ever!

What Superhero Are You?

Somebody Turn on the AC

Man it is hot! I'm melting faster than a 50 year old lady at a Clay Aiken concert.

I am not a big fan of the heat. I live in Oregon for a reason. One reason is it's beauty, the other is the weather. I know it gets hot once in a while but come on. We had three three digit days in a row. Yuck! We've got parts of town without power because the transformers are overheating and exploding. Serious... that's hot.

By the way, not for self promotion, but Friday was my birthday (38 if you must know - and a birthday secret for all you Oregonians... Dutch Bros. has free coffee all day for you on your special day). I tell you this because in my history of being an Oregonian my birthday is always the hottest day of the year. So far this year it holds true. 108 red hot degrees. "How hot?" "Red hot." "Too hot." ~ nice, huh, Kev. Saturday I don't care what the temperature was because I was at my folks house and they have AC. My brother lives next door to my parents and he has a pool. Real nice. So the temperature on Saturday was of no consequence. Sunday was 105°. Sucks.

This week is supposed to be in the 90's. Blah. And if you live in Arizona, Illinois, or some hellish place like that don't tell me about the heat... I've never seen a house or a car out there without AC. And you choose to live there. Which is still a mystery to me.

I pray for mercy. God, please crank up the air. 72° is perfect. Thanks.

Pandora's Box

Do you love music? Of any kind? Well then check out this site.

Pandora is an internet music site that will create for you your own personal radio station based upon the artists or songs you like. The best part is... it's free. There is an option to pay which will eliminate forth coming commercials. And the pay option is relatively cheap at $36 for a year subscription.

Pandora is brought to us by the Music Genome Project (MGP). This is an extensive and on going music analysis project that has been going on for about six years. They have developed the music gene which takes into account more than popularity and record sales. It takes the music itself and gives it a type of musical genome based upon the genes that make it up. From there site - "Taken together these genes capture the unique and magical musical identity of a song - everything from melody, harmony and rhythm, to instrumentation, orchestration, arrangement, lyrics, and of course the rich world of singing and vocal harmony." They have taken what they have learned and created the listening console Pandora.

Type in U2 and you won't just get Coldplay, Tonic or Train you'll get bands like Murray Attaway and Weather. Who are they? I have no clue but according to the MGP they have musical genes that are similar to U2. Oh yeah some of the other bands that showed up on my U2 station were Billy Idol, Judas Priest, and Black Sabbath. Really... who would have thunk it.

Check it out. Test it. Put in some random names. It is very cool.

Here's a shout out to my little bro Kev for leading me to this site.

What's In A Name

I ran across this post and it made me laugh out loud.

Website namers beware... it appears that the doctor is watching.

Thanks Doc.

Brad Thor

During our vacation I read a couple of books. The first was 4th of July by James Patterson. A good read. I've enjoyed Patterson's books since I first read Along Came A Spider over 10 years ago.

The second book I read, and the reason for this post, was Blowback by Brad Thor. An excellent read. I am a huge fan of Vince Flynn and his character Mitch Rapp and Brad Thor is right up that alley. His main character is Scot Harvath, a former Navy SEAL who is now working as a counterterrorism specialist. This is not his first book so there are some references to past exploits that I didn't know about. The good thing about that is... I get to go back and read those.
I randomly picked this book up at Fred Meyer on the special sale table right before we left. I am so glad that I did.

The one thing I wonder about is the name Brad Thor. Is it real? And when you see his photo on the back cover you really have to wonder if it's a Remington Steele thing. This guy looks straight off the cover of GQ. Brad Thor sounds like a character from a book, you know, like Dirk Pitt. Maybe the publisher messed up and its a Brad Thor book written by Scot Harvath. That makes more sense.

If you like books about lone hero's saving the day then this is one for you.

Vacation Glory

For five days we camped at Jedediah Smith State Park in Northern California. What an awesome place. My family had camped there a number of times when I was a kid. If my memory serves me well the place has not changed at all in the last 20+ years. This place is truly heaven on earth. When I think of the "new earth" promised to us this is what I think of.















The river is reported to be the last free flowing river in the state. The clarity of the water is a testament to that. We spent our days relaxing at the river either swimming, looking for critters, skipping rocks, or jumping off of them. My wife noted "the river looks further across than it looks". This statement must have come from her shear delirium from the beauty of it all.















We did a small hike through the Redwoods. What magnificent trees... they are the size of buildings. There is one a little south that you can drive your car through. That is a big tree.















At night we relaxed around the campfire making s'mores, reading, and playing games. One night Alex was found head first fast asleep in his sleeping bag. I don't know how he did it, I would have woke up in a suffocating panic.















There was only two things I would have changed about the trip. First, I would have like the showers to have worked. Due to funding issues they were out of order. That stank, but not as bad as wee did by the fifth day. The second thing was the fire pit. The rim was nearly three feet off the ground. What is up with that. I know your first thought is fire prevention but there were lower ones in adjoining camp sites. With the fire this high off the ground, as my sister-in-law would say, "you need a bar stool just to keep your legs warm."

VACATION!!!

Tomorrow am we leave bright and early for the California Redwoods. We will be camping at Jedediah Smith State Park with my brother and his family for five days. We are very excited. I am particularly excited because this is a spot we visited a couple times when I was young. My hope is that it is as awesome as I remember it to be.

Next week I'll post on this trip with a few comments and photos. Photos will definitely speak louder than words on this one.

The Ringer

Sometimes I jump to conclusions too soon. As was the case with the movie "The Ringer" starring Johnny Knoxville of Jackass fame and produces by the Farrelly brothers. When this movie came out I was shocked to think that Hollywood would allow a movie to be made that poked fun at mental retardation or the Special Olympics. I was wrong.

At the advice of our friend Missy, my wife and I sat down last night and watched this movie. It is funny and endearing. Kudo's to Mr. Knoxville and the Farrelly bros. on this one. By no means was it a great movie or a blockbuster, but it was good, worth the rent.

I am not going to write a lengthy review, for one I never do, but I am going to say it is a decent movie to rent. And if you rent it be sure to watch the featurettes on the making of the movie and the Special Olympics. It looks like the cast had a great time making the movie.

Guess how many fingers I have...

Bumper Sticker Advice

I saw this bit of advice on a bumper sticker stuck to a Toyota Prius this morning:

"Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup."

I think I'll take that advice and run with it. Thank you Prius lady.

Reinventing the Wheel

Check this out. Make sure you see the photo gallery.

Michelin is setting a course for the modern tire. I can't wait to see these in the market place.

No side walls to puncture, modern look, and probably helps keep the brakes cool. As I've said before I love "outside the box" thinking. These guys are outside the wheel on this one.

Love it.

Funny Face

Have you ever seen your face during a sneeze?

Don't!

It really isn't pretty. The contortions the face is capable of all come in to play during the sneezing process. I know you can't keep your eyes open during a sneeze, I've tried. But the whole process before, the pre-sneeze, is still an unattractive site.

I bring this up because of an experience I had in the car the other day. I was on my way home from work driving the curvy road that I take when the weather is good. It is a scenic road that goes through some of Oregon's beautiful and lush farm lands. As is my tradition during the nicer days in Oregon I was chewing on some sunflower seeds. David's, the brand of choice.

Because it is now the height of allergy season, sneezing is a common occurrence for me. I had just put a fresh handful of seeds into my mouth just before a sneeze alert came on. You know the sneeze alert don't you? It is when you take that little breath, purse your lips just slightly, and flare your nostrils. Well, the little breath in, combined with the fresh salt powder from the sunflower seeds, didn't mix so well. The pre-sneeze became a gag and a cough as seeds began to flow to the back of my throat. This is not good. The sneeze didn't care, it was proceeding without being impeded by a gag or a cough. The sneeze held its position as short quick breaths continued to prepare for the pending expulsion.

Remember that I am driving. Not normal driving, curvy road driving. This takes concentration and skill. Both of these were disappearing like Scotch in Mr. Scott's engine room. Instead of him yelling "Capt'n we need more power" he would have been yelling "Watch the road you damn fool". In the split second this all happened I had decided to check my mirrors for any one else on the road I may have put into danger with this coming sneeze. As I did so I saw my face in the mirror. Yikes!!! It looked like Steve Buscemi's face during a Brazilian wax job. If you don't know what a Brazilian wax job is... good for you. If you don't know who Steve Buscemi is... click here. I was lucky to maintain control of the vehicle this time. Who knows I could have been on my second Life Flight in a years time.

Then it started. The sneeze came, blowing sunflower seeds all over my hand and my car. And because I am a Bonham, I didn't sneeze just once... nope... three times in rapid succession. Between each sneeze I quickly checked my course, avoiding glances in the mirror that may repeat the afore mentioned experience. After the third sneeze I waited a moment to be sure it was the last. It was.

I grabbed my water to rid my throat of the powder that was still causing fits in the back of my throat. I looked in the mirror to make sure that face did not stick; as my parents were found of threatening when I made faces at my siblings as a child. It didn't. Phew.

I have recently vowed to turn away and cover my face from others when I sneeze. I don't want to cause any unnecessary scarring or fright. I'll leave that to the professionals.

Spot the Phoenix

Can you spot the Phoenix on Mt. Hood?

Beautiful Day for a Hike!

I just returned from a great hike on one of the most beautiful days of the year so far. Along with Matt, Jade, Russ, Ciara, and Ann we hike in the Mt Hood National Forest to Mirror lake and on up to Tom, Dick, & Harry Peak.

Here are the photo's:

Welcome Summer

Tomorrow is the first day of Summer. Good-bye Spring!

This is the time in Oregon many of us really look forward to. The rainy days lessen... they don't go away... there are just fewer of them. The bar-b-ques are stoked for cooking some yummy meat. Beers are shared. Bikes return to the roads. Kids laugh. Time to clean out the tent and camping gear. All the good stuff.

When we lived in SoCal this was the norm. 75 and sunny. I don't know why they pay weathermen down there. It seems silly when they can say it'll be 75 and sunny and be right 80% of the time. Those are better odds than the weathermen up here have. Unless they say it might rain today, then they'd be close to 80%.

I welcome the sun. But I'll miss the rain. I am one of the weird ones that likes the rain in Oregon. After all without it we'd be brown and boring. The rain keeps us in the green. The beautiful wonderful green you picture when you think of Oregon.

God bless Summer and it's wonderful uniqueness.

To Spring: Thank you for preparing us for Summer. For keeping the grass green. For easing us into the heat. For reminding us about new life. For easing us out of Winter. For being consistanly there year after year.

My kids wanted to thank Aunt Kath & Uncle Mike for the cool gift and to share with the public a photo of the gift. Below is Buster the Butterfly. He was set free on Sunday in our front yard.

If you have some kids in your life that you want to give a great gift to, check out Insect Lore.

Place an order online and in the mail you get a small jar with five butterfly larvae and a butterfly cage. Over the next few weeks you get to watch God's creation in action. The once small caterpillars turn to big fat ones and so on. It is very cool to see. In the end you have five beautiful butterfly's to set free.

Thanks Jeffs family! 

A Curious Visitor

For the past three weeks our neighborhood has had a visitor. It is an American Goldfinch (click for a photo). This curious little bird seems to be attempting to befreind or offend our cars, depending on how you look at it.

We first noticed him three weeks ago hopping back and forth from our tree in the front yard to our next door neighbors brand new Honda Element. At first we thought it was the Element that was attracting him. But then he moved on to my wife's minivan. His focus is on the windows and mirrors.

Over the weeks he has been moving from car to car leaving his mark on one then moving to another. It acts like a dog marking it's territory. I don't envy the bird that tries to land on my car now that my car seems to be the center of it's attention.


As seen in the picture he poops a lot. Thus the name my kids have given him "The Poop Machine".

Most of the birds in the neighborhood hang out in the woods behind our house and feed off the feeders we provide. A little bird sanctuary in the middle of the city is how I like to see it. Much to the frustration of the cats in the neighborhood the feeders are too high and the birds too quick for a feline meal. This little bird however it unique and seems to have made the street his home. Loving on the cars as opposed to living in the woods.

Here's to you little Poop Machine. We love you and invite you to stay and entertain us. We just ask one thing... poop somewhere else!

Church Shopping

We are church shopping!

Wrong as it sounds (and I do hate that phrase) it is what my family is starting to do this coming Sunday.

After eight years at the same church we have decided it was time to move on. For many reasons we have decided that it is time to explore our faith with another group of believers. It has not been a decision made lightly or with out much prayer and study. Sad to say but it has been almost a two year struggle for me and about a year and a half for my wife. It has felt like a relationship where two people have started growing apart and one decides to move on. We are the ones moving on.

In recent years I have been doing a lot of study and reading that has made me decide that there is more to my faith and relationship with Jesus than just Sunday mornings. The church we have been attending just didn't challenge us to move beyond attending on Sunday morning. We have been involved with various small groups, the youth group, and the children's ministry which has kept us busy but has not challenged us to grow. The church is easy to go to Sunday morning and forget about the rest of the week. Is it partially my fault? Probably. However, the atmosphere and the teaching at the church does not lend to a growth that a mature Christian needs.

The phrase that kept coming up over the past couple years is "seeker friendly". Frankly I hate this phrase. It is one of simplicity and lacks growth potential. If Jesus was seeker friendly he would not have challenged the authority of the day, nor eaten with sinners, or gone against the tide of the day. Where would this have left us.

One of the first major challenges came after reading the book Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. If you haven't read this book you should. He made me look inside myself and some of the preconceived notions about what I thought Christianity is. Some of the notions I've built up over the years surrounding my faith started to look ominous and overwhelming and plain wrong. I began to see a more Orthodox view of Christianity. I had to start separating my political views from my "faith" views. This was hard to do and I am still working on it.

So what does this mean for us? I know I haven't given too much detail and I don't intend to knowing that this topic will arise again. What this means is that my family and I are on a new journey. This journey involves finding a community of Jesus followers that we can commune with, grow with, experience Jesus with, love, and be loved by. We ask for God's guidance.

This entry is very simplistic and short. The thoughts in my head on this subject could fill a book. But my mind is still wrestling with them. I plan to continue these thoughts as we "shop".

Nice Weekend

This post is a little late...

This past weekend Alex and I went north to visit my sister and her family before their move east. We had a great time (with the exception of a major allergy attack on Saturday).

I have to share a quick story. The weekend started off with a two hour car ride in which Alex asked the first of many awkward questions: "Daddy, sometimes mommy puts this white thing in her under pants... what is it?" Oh boy! Her we go. With the DVD player in his lap with the Power Rangers prepared for action I could have easily distracted him away from that thought process, but no, I answered. I have to say I think I did pretty good with a rated "G" answer that bought me a couple years until the "PG" answer will be required.

"That is a good question, buddy" Stall, stall... "Sometimes ladies bodies have to clean them selves out...etc. (insert a little more "G" rated elaboration here)" Him, Ha "and that is just to make sure that it keeps mommy clean." Wait for the follow up question... and... none. Phew.

Time for the Power Rangers to do their thing. Of which, I got the play by play for the next hour while the Rangers kicked some Dino-booty. You know that they don't actually hit the bad guys. My son assures me that their punches are so hard that they only have to get close.

The rest of the weekend was filled with fun with the family. We hit a little shopping in Seattle, a visit to a couple Harley dealerships, some beers and cigars, and some shooting at the indoor range to try out my bro-in-laws new H&K P2000. Nice. Real nice.

Guys, thanks for the fun weekend. We'll miss having you close. We wish you the best in the flatlands.

Saturday In Seattle

I am up in the state of Washington with Alex this weekend. We are visiting my sisters family before they move to Illinois. That is life in the military! A couple years here a couple years there. We have enjoyed having them close for a short time. More later...

Cool Idea

Sometimes I get machinery design magazines at work that have some cool ideas in them.

This is no exception... check out SkySails.

Like the kids say "Old School is New School"

Happy Anniversary!

Today I have been married to my best friend for fourteen years!

Here is fourteen random reasons I love my wife:

1. She loves the Lord
2. She loves me
3. She is a great mother to our children
4. She laughs at my jokes
5. She is an amazing cook
6. She is a beautiful woman
7. She makes me laugh
8. She is very intellegent
9. She is organized and disciplined
10. She is diligent in all she does
11. She is a great friend to me and others
12. My family loves her
13. She loves a good book
14. She loves my chocolate chip cookies

Here's to us and another fourteen years. I couldn't ask for a better partner in life. Thanks for loving and supporting me.

I am proud to be your husband and best friend.

I'll love you always Kathi.

Chasing After The Wind!

I am reading through Ecclesiastes. There was no particular reason I picked this book. Maybe it was a nudging from the Spirit. Not really sure.

At first I thought that it would depress me with all the talk of meaninglessness and the like. But I have found it to be very uplifting. Here are some of my favorites:

3:11 "God makes everything happen at the right time. Yet none of us can ever fully understand all he has done, and he puts questions in our minds about the past and the future." CEV - This gives me hope.

6:9 "It's better to enjoy what we have than to always want something else, because that makes no more sense than chasing the wind." CEV - I need to strive for contentment.

7:19 "Wisdom will make you stronger than the ten most powerful leaders in your city." CEV

7:26 "Here is what I discovered: A bad woman is worse than death. She is a trap, reaching out with body and soul to catch you. But if you obey God, you can escape. If you don't obey, you are done for." CEV - makes me glad I married a good one ;-)

8:16-17 "Day and night I went without sleep, trying to understand what goes on in this world. I saw everything God does, and I realized that no one can really understand what happens. We may be very wise, but no matter how much we try or how much we claim to know, we cannot understand it all."CEV

9:7-10 "Be happy and enjoy eating and drinking! God decided long ago that this is what you should do. Dress up, comb your hair, and look your best. Life is short, and you love your wife, so enjoy being with her. This is what you are supposed to do as you struggle though life on this earth. Work hard at whatever you do. Youu will soon go to the world of the dead, where no one works or thinks or reasons or knows anything."CEV

11:13-14 "Everything you were taught can be put into a few words: Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about. God will judge everything we do, even what is done in secret, whether good or bad."CEV - A great way to end the book.

While reading this book I feel as if the author knows me and knows my thoughts. It was written thousands of years ago and man has not changed. The same thoughts and struggles Solomon was dealing with are the same thoughts and struggles people deal with today. The key to this is in verse 15 of chapter 3 "Everything that happens has happened before, and all that will be has already been- God does everything over and over again."

God remains the same yesterday, this day, and tomorrow. What a comfort that is. Life is short, enjoy it knowing that God is in control.

New Tunes to Check Out!

Check out...

found via... Blogstar




Not new but classic... Holy Soldier

The Road... sounds like the lead singer of The Barenaked Ladies singing a Big Daddy Weave style song... would like to hear more... this was a random myspace find

SonKissed... love the intro to "Tomorrow" any thing with the sax just rocks... another random myspace find

Candlefuse... good stuff found on Hearitfirst.com

I've just heard snippets of these bands (except Holy Soldier, which I own all the albums) but like what I hear. I love to search the net for new sounds... I encourage you to do the same if you like music. There is some great undiscovered bands out there.

Happy Birthday Alex!

Alex,

Happy fifth birthday buddy! You gotta stop growing so fast. I am going to really miss these days of picking you up and tossing you around and carrying you on my shoulder and wrestling.

I love your spirit. You are a funny little guy with amazing amounts of joy inside of you. God has truly blessed me with a boy after my own heart and I thank him everyday for you. I look forward to the years to come.

!..! ROCK N' ROLL !..!

With all my love,

Daddy

Happy Birthday Brianna!

Brianna,

Today is your ninth birthday. Wow! Time flies fast. It seems like yesterday I was holding you in my arms for the first time. You have come along way from the little wrinkly baby I saw for the first time nine years ago.

It has been a great nine years. What a joy it has been to watch you grow into the beautiful little girl you are today. I am as proud of you as any parent can be. God has really blessed my life with you and I thank Him for you constantly. I look forward to the years to come.

I hope today is a special day for you.

With all my love,

Daddy,

Walk for the Homeless

Today my family and our good friends the Villas participated in a charity walk for the homeless in Portland. The walk was put on by the Portland Rescue Mission and sponsored by some local businesses. We could not have asked for a better day, it was sunny and cool in the morning and warmed up as the day went on and I've got the sunburn to prove it. This was the first charity walk put on by this organization. As successful as it was I'm sure it won't be the last.

The walk consisted of two miles through beautiful downtown Portland. We started at Pioneer Courthouse Square and headed south to the park blocks and Portland State. There we hit the crowd at the Portland Farmers Market and plowed right through. That was a little awkward. Many of the shoppers appear bewildered at the sudden surge of people.

Along the way we talked and laughed, but mostly we corralled the kids. You know kids, they need to climb through and on anything and everything. If it was up to them the walk would have taken all day instead of an hour.

Then it was east through the lovely apartments and parks to head back to the Square where it all began.

Back at the square they announced the prizes for the highest sponsorship and the grand total. The event raised over $52,000 for the Rescue Mission. One girl who looked about 10 raise over $1,000 in sponsorship. Impressive. Once the financial were done we were treated to a concert by Rescue, a local accapella group. They were pretty good.

For those of you who sponsored either me, my wife or one of my kids we thank you. For those that feel jipped that we didn't ask and you are thinking it would have been nice to have been part of this, guess what? It's not too late, just click here.

After the walk we walked some more. We headed to the Saturday Market and then down to the water front. All in all a great day to be out and about. Thank God for the sunshine it was great.

30 Sugar-Free Days

Today is day 31. No sugar, that is processed sugar, for 30 days.

Was it easy? In a certain way it was. Am I running to the candy jar? By no means. My intention is to limit my intake from here forward. I've lost a couple pounds over the last month which is a beneficial side effect of not eating sugar laden sweets. But the true benefit is that I have proven to myself that I am not a slave to the sweets. Sugar does not own this boy.

Tonight as a celebratory act I will be making some chocolate chip cookies. A modified Toll House recipe that I have been using for years. It's all about the butter... if the butter is just right the cookies come out perfect.

Next... cutting out TV for a month. Now that is a challenge. I am cheating a little because I refuse to start unit this seasons shows have ended. And I haven't decided if this will include movie rentals.

Welcome Colton

Welcome to the world Colton Gately!

Born today at about 12:30pm.

I'll see you tomorrow.

~Uncle Brian

PS. Congrats Kevin and Julie and big brother Cade

What if?
What if we were all the same?
What if we all drove the same car?
What if we all liked the same food?
What if we all had the same hair color?
What if we all thought the same things are funny?
What if we all had the same favorite vacation spots?
What if we all looked like Brad Pitt or Angelina?
What if we all had the same favorite color?
What if we all like the same clothes?
What if we all loved the LA Angels?
What if we were all the same?
What if?

Seriously...

Thank God for diversity!

Seriously...

Thank Him.

Oprah or Osteen?

This is a funny link... or sad... depending on how you see it.

Try to match the quote to Oprah or Osteen. I didn't do too well.

Where've You Been?

I don't consider myself much of a traveler. My wife found this cool little mapping thing so I thought I'd do it too. You can see hers at Just Visiting Here. Sad to say that a number of these states were just drive throughs but I counted them just the same.

My favorite state is my adopted home state of Oregon. If you haven't been here come, see, visit and then leave... that is the motto of the state. We have a lot of Califoregonians that are taking over. Okay so I happen to be the son of one but that makes me an involuntary usurper... right? California sucked me away for 10 years with its Hollywood glamour, nice beaches, and In-n-Out burgers but Oregon accepted me back just the same.



create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.

My country visitation list is even more pathetic. Seriously... just check this out.



create your own visited countries map
or vertaling Duits Nederlands

If I ever hit it big, retire early, or win the big lotto I'll buy an RV and tour the country Clark Griswald style, or see the world Bond style. A married Bond that is and one that prefers Scotch over Martini's, dry not wet. If I was on the Amazing Race the world would be red... I call that seeing the world Phil style.

Happy trails.

Customer Service Anyone?

Sir, may I help you? How can I serve you today? Is there anything I can do to make your stay any better? Would you like that to go? Is everything tasting good today?

Vs.

Hang on while I get somebody... I am on break. Sorry, but we don't do refunds. No that is not included in the advertised special... you need to read the fine print. Sir, there are people waiting in line for a seat are you almost done?

Customer service. We are all familiar with it, both the good and the bad. I am one who is hyper-sensative to it. Why? Because it is what I have done since I got my first official job delivering newspapers for the Tigard Times.

I've worked retail, I've been a product rep, I've been a missionary, and now I am one of the forefront voices for a manufacturer in a tough industry. In retail I've sold clothes, donuts, gas & beer & cigarettes, shoes, cameras, text books, gadgets, and numerous other things. Throughout my experience I have learned the right and wrong on how to treat people and react to situations. But the key to my education on how to treat people came from my parents. As a child they drilled into my being the Golden Rule. I know you all know it... "treat others how you want to be treated." It is by this rule that I observe, judge, and rate those that provide me with customer service. And it is how I treat those that I deal with at work on a daily basis.

So this all boils down to my reason for this post. Lately I have made an observation about one industry that has consistently good customer service. Coffee shops. Consistent, excellent, top quality customer service. One of my favorite stops is Sip City in Newberg, the city in which I work. This is a locally owned drive up shop located in the parking lot of an auto parts store. The ladies that work this shop are great. Most know me as a regular, call me by name, and often have my 20 oz. latte ready by the time I make it through the line of cars. Lately they have had some new people join the team, which at first made me nervous, but then I am comforted by one of the veterans peeking through the window and pointing me out as one of their best customers. Don't get me wrong... I don't go everyday... but barely once a week... yet I am "one of their best customers". Those are just the right words to make me feel valued and appreciated, not taken for granted. Great work ladies.

It doesn't seem to matter if I am at Sip City, Dutch Bros., any given Starbucks, or a local coffee shop in any city, the customer service is top notch. I am given my choice of coffee with a quick, smart conversation and a sure smile. The few times I've complained about my coffee not tasting right or being too cool it has been quickly remedied with a new cup with out question or hesitation. That is great service.

Thank you mom and dad for instilling in me the golden rule as I am doing likewise with my children. It is better to kill somebody with kindness than to shoot them with a dirty look.

To all you brave people in the service industries I salute you. And I beg you to heed the Golden Rule as you approach your boss... the customer.

Saturday

Today started out great. Sunny and warm. Time to wash the car, clean the garage, do some yard work, you know sunny day stuff.

Along comes an invite to the zoo. Sure thing. It'll be crowded but that's okay. To the zoo we go.

The sea lions are swimming, the penguins are shooting through the water, the turles are turtling, the monkey's are playing (and doing other things ;-) if you know what I mean), the birds are chirping, and then comes a cool breeze. The cool breeze it the kiss of death in the weather department in the Northwest. Following the cool breeze are the dark clouds. Guess what comes after the dark clouds... yep, time to go it's starting to rain.

We got out of there just in time. On the drive home the windshield wipers were going and so was the heat. Don't get me wrong, we are not wussy's afraid of a little moisture, we were just unprepared for rain and cold. Yesterday was 85 which gave us the hope that today would follow in its predicessors footsteps.

This guy was watching the zoo go by:


Maybe it was the guy sitting on a bench eating Cheetos, but this ape was very intent watching the crowd go by.

Now it is time for a little work and rainy day stuff. The kids are chillin' in their rooms for a bit and Kathi's out shopping. Got coffee brewing and the laptop warming up. Fun.

Monkeys are funny animals aren't they?

Fear God

In Christendom there are words and phrases that are often confusing or exclusive. We use words like salvation or sanctification and phrases like "fear of the Lord" or "saving grace". To outsiders, newbies, or even some oldies, these words and phrases are heard often but maybe not understood. On Sunday our pastor tackled "Fear of the Lord" using the Psalms as his back drop scripture example.

I want to post the seven statements he used to describe what is involved in acting out this phrase in our daily lives. These will help clarify that we are not to run from God in fear as if he is a lion wanting to devour us.

• Fear of the Lord is about your concern for His glory
• Fear of the Lord is about living your life as a child of God
• Fear of the Lord is about moving beyond "What should I do?" to "How should I do it?" and "Why should I do it?"
• Fear of the Lord is not about studying God but about having reverence for God
• Fear of the Lord is about accepting the mystery of His will in your life
• Fear of the Lord is about realizing that you are always in His presence, and living like it
• Fear of the Lord is about realizing that you are not God, and living like it

It begs the question, am I chasing my own tail in life trying to attain the things of this world? or am I living in Fear of the Lord? Where are my priorities? Are the God's? If not it is time for re-evaluation and prayer.

I will be re-evaluating and praying.

It is a beautiful day in the land of rain and webbed feet. It's about 70° and sunny with a slight breeze from the southwest. It is tough to be stuck in my office writing job descriptions. My wife gets to take the kids to the tulip farms. I do have a laptop with a wireless connect... maybe I'll sit outside for a bit and work.

The DaVinci Code

An urgent message to those that think God will fail... or just a rant...

Brothers and sisters, we gather here today to say that "The DaVinci Code" is a work of FICTION. Please do not worry, we will get through this trying time, we will prevail. We made it through "The Last Temptation of Christ" we can make it though this. The Lord is still Lord, he is still seated at the right hand of his Father, he will still return as promised, he has not changed, please hold fast and squelch the worry in your heart that "The DaVinci Code" will end all of Christendom.

My goodness we Christians are a worrisome crowd. How many books, videos, website, articles, documentaries, sermons, talks, etc. ad nauseum have been produced to dispel this uber-popular book? Don't you think that the selling power of this book was produced by the kneejerk reaction to quickly dispel its premise. Where is your faith? Dan Brown should be, if he isn't already, sending kick-backs to the likes of Hank Hanegraaff or Shawn McDonnell or Amy Welborn or the countless other authors who help to keep this book alive through their own books about his book.

Now that the movie is coming out the hype and hate has revived the fire that was started over Dan Brown's work. I will say this... I enjoyed the book. It was interesting, well paced, had decent characters, and held my interest. Do I believe it's conclusion? ...Hell no. Am I going to see the movie? ...yes I am.

Please look at the way the world is seeing the followers of Jesus react to this work. Please understand that we are being judged by non-believers on how we react to situations like this.

I have a better way to respond. Find a copy of the book and read it. Understand what it is about. It is inevitable that discussion about it will pass your way either at the water cooler, your kids soccer game, the bowling alley, the bus, Starbucks, at home, or at the theater in line waiting for your chance to see Tom Hanks with a bad haircut playing the lead character. Be ready, stand firm in your faith, and allow God to use this opportunity to share the truth about Jesus and who he is. Share what he has done in your life, share his love.

Jesus says it best in John 15:9-13 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

Or take Peter's words from 1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

Don't freak out, don't bash or condemn, don't judge, don't be naive, be prepared. Be prepared to love. The youth pastor of our church said on Wednesday night: "The reason most people think that Christians are hypocrites is because we don't love." I agree whole heartedly. We judge, we condemn, we are quick to react and defend, but we are often slow on the love.

The greatest commandment from Matthew 22: 37-39 says: "...'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " Jesus says the "the second is like it"... like it... like loving the Lord your God... like it... that is powerful. Second to it, not equal to, but like it. That puts a pretty high priority on it. I didn't see the word judge, condemn, ignore, stay away from... I see the word love.

Go see the movie, read the book and be prepared with an answer of love. An answer of your story, your life in Christ. Be prepared to love.

Got a flat on my way to work. A nice guy ran up to my window at a stop light to let me know the tire was very low. Thanks mystery man.
I was only a 1/2 mile from the office which means I was only a 1/2 mile from Les Schwab (our local friendly tire guys) so I kicked over to Schwab. They open at eight? Crap. It is 7:00... oh wait a key drop... sweet. No answer at the office so I hoofed it. A nice brisk walk on a cool sunny morning is good for me. I saw the hot air baloons lifting off, a couple drivers tossed cigarette butts my direction, the birds were chirping, the Harley's were rumbling, all in all a nice walk.
Just waiting for a call from Schwab.

Black & Light

Flames lick my feet as
I walk these streets of
Neon glowing desire
Banners and barters call at my
Inherent sense of want
Cackles of voices unseen
Tickle my ears with
Taunts of human fulfillness
Empty unfeeling shallowness
Fills me to the core
I cross the street
To seek a sound calling
From Forevermore
A tree soaked in Blood
Falls on my heart
Killing in me the need
For the things that
Lead to Nevermore
Words of One lead me to Life
Guiding teaching completing
Eternal Love found.

~Me

80's Rock Rules!

Two funny links featuring Jim Breuer...

For you 80's rockers and AC/DC fans.

And for you Metallica fans.

Thanks Kev.

He Is Risen!

Today is Resurrection Day... or Easter if you will. In Christendom there is no more meaning full celebration as it is by this event that we receive our hope.

Isaiah 53:11 says "After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities."

I am hopeful today because I know that Christ bore my iniquities, that he died for me, and that the hope of tomorrow lies in what he did for me on the cross. As I read this story in the gospels I am reflective on what this means to me. I am fully undeserving of his Salvation. I continue to do the things that separate me from God, the things that I hate to do, living in the selfishness of man yet Christ's blood washes me clean.

As Isaiah predicted what Jesus would have to endure, the books of the New Testament make a promise of what is yet to come. Jesus will return and dwell among us.

Revelation 21:3-4 says "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them, and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'"

My hope lies in this. The struggles of today will pass forever.

Thank you Lord for your promises that we can lie our hopes in.

Give. Me. Candy. Now.

This is tougher than I thought. Going sugarless for 30 days that is. What I would give for a taste of that sweet nectar called Coke or a munch on a Milk Dud or a smack on a chewy Starburst or a crunch on a tasty Butterfinger...sssluurp. Sorry I started to salivate.

Why do I do this to myself?

I know where the candy is. I can smell it. It calls to me with its yummy goodness. I can get it in a heart beat with the swipe of my debit card. But I won't. I am stubborn enough to win this one.

Sweet Concert

I’ve paid my dues -

Time after time -

I’ve done my sentence

But committed no crime -

And bad mistakes

I’ve made a few

I’ve had my share of sand kicked in my face -

But I’ve come through

We are the champions - my friends

And we’ll keep on fighting - till the end -

Just got in from seeing Queen with Paul Rodgers at the Rose Garden. My neighbor had an extra ticket. How sweet it was.

Old as they may be they still can play. Brian May hasn't lost a lick, or an inch of hair. Paul Rodgers did an excellent job. They mixed in some Queen with a little Bad Company for a pleasant mix of the classics.

Although they didn't sing one of my favorites, Killer Queen, they did do enough of the good stuff to take me back. Could have used a little Stone Cold Crazy too.

For Bohemian Rhapsody they used Freddie's voice and video footage for 3/4 of the song and then Paul took over for the rest. It was a touching tribute to the man behind the song. We Will Rock You shook the entire building. We Are The Champions closed it out.

It's late and I've got to go to work in the AM. Good night.

...any where the wind blows.

What's In A Name?

That is a tough one to answer.

We can now tell what a name is worth.

Muhammad Ali = $50 million

I wonder what mine would be worth?

Down the Hatch

This just goes to prove that money doesn't buy you everything.

Jack Lives

"24" fans do not fear. Jack will live to see another day.

Jack Bauer's alter ego Kiefer Sutherland lands a sweet deal with Fox.

Sugarless!

Tomorrow I start a new journey. No, I am not going anywhere. It isn't that kind of journey.

I am going on a journey of willpower and health.

Here it is. As long as I can remember I have been a candy junkie. It is always around, always available, and always desired. A few of my weaknesses are Hot Tamales, Milk Duds, and the new sour Twizzlers. In reality anything sweet and made from sugar will do. Well starting tomorrow and for the next 30 days I am cutting out and resisting anything made from processed sugar. Candy, soda, cakes, cookies, brownies, etc.; all out.

My hope is that after 30 days the craving and addiction to sugar is gone or severely lessened.

I'll keep you posted on my progress.

My last meal is a Cinnabon... mmm-mmm good.

FYI - I am still caffeine free.

Jonathan's Promotion

Friday afternoon my family and I had the opportunity to attend my brother in-law Jonathan's promotion ceremony in the United States Air Force. He was promoted in rank from Captain to Major. We packed up the family truckster and headed up to McChord AFB near Tacoma, WA for the event.

The ceremony was very nice. It started with the posting of the colors by the color guard and followed up with the singing of the National Anthem. The MC announced the family members and distinguished officers in attendance. Not being knowledgeable in the different insignias that designate rank made it difficult to tell who was who in the order of importance and position. Some wore their dress uniforms and some wore their BDU's. Of course us civilians were in our best street attire.

One of the Colonels took the stage and presented Jonathan's service record, schooling, and career accomplishments. It was all very impressive. Most of it I had not known of. I have never served in the military so like the insignias many of the designations and abbreviations were foreign to me yet they all sounded impressive.

The next step was the pinning on of his brass oak leafs. These are the insignias of a Major. The first step was to remove the two silver bars (aka railroad tracks). This process was done on his dress coat by his parents. The next step was to remove the boards on his dress shirt and replace them with new ones bearing the oak leafs. This was done by my parents, his in-laws. It was a very special time for the family. It is great to know that he respects and loves my folks enough to include them in this special ceremony. However as special as all this was, his 2 1/2 year old daughter stole the show when she couldn't handle sitting still anymore and ran up to stand next to her father as the Colonel presented him as Major. I almost cried... almost... it was after all a military proceeding... not for sissy criers.

Jonathan's father, Lt. Colonel retired, presided over his oath. That was a cool moment. This 72 year old man still fit into his uniform. His uniform was all white and he referred to himself as the ice cream man. All could tell how proud he was of his son. (Don't tell the ACLU but he swore his oath to God.)

When all was said and done there was food, and plenty of it. I got the chance to meet people Jonathan works with and for. They all spoke very highly of him and his work.

I have not spent much time with military personnel until Friday. After speaking with many of them it was clear that they are proud to wear the uniform no matter what their rank is and they are all proud to talk about what they do. I spoke with Airmen, Sergeants, Majors, and Colonels; all of them spoke about what they do with great pride and without hesitation. This room was a reflection of the melting pot that America is; Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, Male, and Female.

After the meet and greet we were afforded the opportunity to tour one of the C-17's that calls McChord AFB home. These planes are huge. I spoke with the Airman that was watching the plane about the loading capabilities of the plane and some of the special equipment that is used to load the plane. He lowered and raised the rear loading platform which is the size of my living room. It is very impressive. These planes are called the Globemasters which is very fitting. They travel the world carrying cargo, personnel, equipment, vehicles, etc.

The rest of the time there we spent visiting family and swimming at the hotel. It was a great time and I was proud to have been there to be a part of it.

1 Peter 2:13a says: "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men..." Jonathan and the men and women of the military live this verse every day to defend the freedoms that we have. Thank you all.

Last but not least I want to give a shout out to my sister Jennifer who stands beside Jonathan daily in his service to our country. Jen you are awesome.

Next step... Lt. Colonel.

Hollywood Soundtracks

Last night I was flipping channels during a commercial and landed on Scrubs, a very funny show I don't get to watch very often. During the end of the show while Turk was telling Carla that she is pregnant the song playing in the background was "All Of The Words" by Kutless. Really. I thought this was an interesting choice by the producers... a worship song during the announcement of a new child. Did they get the significance or was it unintentional. I'd like to think that there are Jesus Followers in Hollywood planting little seeds and that God will use them to positively influence thier medium. This happened once before during the end of a Smallville episode when they played a Bebo Norman song as the outro. Just something I thought was cool.

Addiction

In a previous post I admitted to being a coffee-holic. I now know that this is very true and I will be no slave to any substance darn it.

For a fast I am giving up coffee for a week. Not only coffee but anything with caffeine. This started Sunday. Ouch. It has been rough. The headache is now just fading. I didn't realize how addicted my body is to the stuff.

I am having another type of withdrawl... the habit of having a cup on my desk at work. My son has his blanket, I have my coffee. I miss it. Today I satisfied that desire with a cup of hot cocoa. It was good but not the same.

I am determined to do it and to remain off caffeine as long as I can. My plan is to start drinking less-caf coffee (aka decaf) and see how that goes for a while.

One of the first things that I have noticed as I detoxify from the caffeine addiction is that my sleep at night has been much better. Once I fall asleep I've stayed asleep until the @#$% alarm goes off in the morning. I so hate that alarm.

Note to Starbuck's, Sip City, and the occasional Dutch Bros.: don't worry... I'll be back... it'll just be for the unleaded latte.

V for Vendetta

I saw V for Vendetta last night with my friend Joe. We both enjoyed the movie. Good story, good characters, good action, and good special effects.

The story is about a young lady named Evey and a masked vigilante called "V" who spark a revolution against Great Britain's fascist state. The setting is a futuristic totalitarian Britain. "V" is out to destroy the existing government to bring freedom and justice to the people. For more on the movies general story I recommend going to see it. It is rated R so if you are sensitive to the rating system keep that in mind.

V For Vendetta was originally a graphic novel produced in the mid 1980s by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. Due to the revisions in the movie version that removes much of the original Anarchist ideals of the story Mr. Moore had asked that his name not be associated with the movie. For more on this story visit A for Anarchy.

Prior to seeing the movie the rumblings and reviews I heard and read promoted the movie as a political statement on today's governmental happenings. This is true, it is political. However, not so much that it ruins the movie or the story.

Throughout history art has reflected the current state of man whether it's political, religious, personal, emotional, or physical. This movie does a good job to capture some of today's political landscape. The movie makes mention of the "US's war", the government spying on its citizens, perverted priests, state run media, etc. Some of it is over the top blatant and didn't need to be added to make the movie good, especially the part about the priest. However, the movie makes a statement on today's political spectrum and agree with it or not it is an artist view and they have a right to it.

Information Overload

In this modern society of instant access to information, it begs the question... are we better off?

If I don't know something, or have an answer to a question, or can't find something, or... well you see where I am going... I just google it. No I don't MSN Search it or Yahoo it, I google it. There is little you can't find in the net. Do we live in a time of information overload?

Do you need a song? imusic.com or mp3 or walmart or rhapsody or... ah you get it. Remember the days of heading down to Tower Records to get the latest Ratt album or Duran Duran or Van Halen or dare I say Wham well forget it, just click here and they'll deliver it to your door.

Do you need to know who the 7th President of the United States of America was or who is the current leader of Bulgaria? Click here. Wikipedia... love it or not it is quick and easy and free.

I don't have an answer to my own question... it was just a thought I had today as I was looking up the local airports in India that service Calcutta. There just isn't much you can't buy, find, read, listen to, research, or sell at the click of a mouse.

Dumb Move

Have you ever done something dumb?

I have.

Monday.

My body is welcoming Spring in its usual fashion. My eyes are watering, my sinuses congested, etc. I wasn't up for suffering all day so I bought this product called Airborne. Are you familiar? If so this will be more relevant. If not think of an Alka-Seltzer tablet.

Sitting at my desk I opened the package and popped one in my mouth. Did I read the instructions you ask? Nope. I bit down on the orange wafer and instantly my mouth was filled with the effervescent bubbling of the Airborne tablet. I quickly looked at the package for the instructions as my cheeks began to bulge. The fizzing Tangy Orange flavor was overwhelming my senses. From the package: SIMPLY DROP (1) AIRBORNE TABLET IN A SMALL AMOUNT OF PLAIN WATER... Crap where is my water. Gulp, gulp, gulp... Burp!

Whew.

Got it down. Dumb. Didn't read the "simple" instructions first. Why should I, it looked like the same Vitamin C tablets I've been using for years.

Burp.

The rest of the day was a gaseous fun filled event. Burp. The thing must have been fizzing in my stomach for an hour. My belt was quickly loosed. I felt like a bloated pig the rest of the afternoon.

I do have to say after a bit my eyes stopped watering both from the shock of the fizzy tablet in my mouth and my allergy symptoms.

Hello... my name is Brian and I am a coffee addict.

Last night I stayed up late to watch "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"... boring.

Seriously, the anticipation for a great movie was there but the great movie wasn't. The movie just dragged on and on. Sorry to those of you devoted fans that loved it, but really, did I have to read the book first? Truthfully I didn't and don't plan to. Maybe it would have helped.

Of course I'll have to give credit to the special effects, they were spectacular.

My prediction is that the kid actors who are portraying the main characters will never act again after this series ends. They are type-cast for life. Plus I don't think they are very good actors, especially the Weasley kid and the girl... yikes.

I am hoping to see "V for Vendetta" soon and will comment on it... I hear it is politically charged... hmm? I wonder which way?

Patience My Child

This is what God might be saying if I was hearing Him right now... "Patience my child."

Have you ever prayed for a long time for something, someone, or some situation that is on your heart without response from God?

That is where I am right now. I have something on my mind that I have been praying about for quite a while and have not heard back from the big guy. Although I am frustrated a bit with God, faith is not yet lost.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Ph 4:4-7

The Word always gets me back to where I should be.

Rejoice I will in the things I see God doing in my life. The issue I am praying about I am sure will one day be resolved... this knowing that I won't live for ever. God is active, just not always where I want Him to be. I guess it is good that I understand that He knows better than I.

I am searching for the peace promised to guard my heart and mind against the anger and bitterness that the dark one pushes on me.

What "24" Character Are You?

If you are a fan of "24" you will enjoy this quiz (link below). If you aren't... what the heck are you doing on Monday night at 9pm? Get with the program!!!

According to the quiz I am like "George Mason"


George Mason

Yellow streak... ouch!

Which 24 Character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Post your results in the comments.

Simpson's fans check this out.

Some days it is just harder to work than others. Sorry, just had to say it.

Tonight I will be crafting pine wood derby cars for the kids. Brianna, who has won most creative in her last two entries, wants an ocean themed car. She has asked be to carve a dolphin shaped car. Alex is asking for a Darth Vader car to match his new shoes. He is settling for a car in the shape of an X-Wing fighter. The race event is on Saturday... I've got to get moving... time is short.

These races remind me of the first blue ribbon I ever received. I was a young child in the Indian Guides down in the Bay Area participating in my first pine wood derby race. For my participation I received a blue ribbon. This ribbon hung in my room for many years to come. Believe it or not I still have it. Yep, it is a box in my garage that is full of childhood memories.

The cool thing is that the ribbon was hanging in my room on a trophy I won at the same race. So cool. I don't recall what the trophy was for but I am sure it is in the same box as the ribbon.

Thank God for great memories as a kid. I hope my kids have the same.

Olympics to Oscar

Well the Olympics are over so the media has to turn to the next big event... the Oscars.

I've always been a little cynical when it comes to an event put on by an industry to celebrate itself. I do not watch the Academy Awards and this year will not be different. Oh on occasion the remote may slip and I may catch a glimpse of it but as a rule I do not view the big event.

Out of curiosity I took a look at the list of nominees and I barely know any of those movies. The actors I know but the movies they are nominated for... couldn't say I saw many of those. "Crash", "A History of Violence", and "Narnia" I saw. All the others I either never heard of our didn't care to see.

So each year Hollywood gets together to pat themselves on the back. Good for them, because the money and fame isn't enough. My recommendation would be to turn on the DVD player and rent "Hotel Rwanda" which was nominated last year for three Academy Awards.

It is very cold today and I bet we don't see any snow.

"TonightMixed rain and snow showers likely. Lows around 30. North wind 5 to 10 mph."

The weather people have been playing thier usual games with us talking snow here and there but we've seen none so far. A little snow might help me feel better about the increase in my heating bill.

Kids Say...

Back in the late 50's Art Linkletter wrote a book titled "Kids Say The Darndest Things!". I am here to say that 50+ years later they still do... say the darndest things that is.

Kathi started writing down some of the treasured words from our children's mouth in a small binder we keep on our counter. Today I would like to share some of those precious moments with you. Some are touching and some are outright funny.

Alex (3) to me: "You're my best friend" later the same day to Kathi "You're my best friend" the next day to Brianna "Can I hit you with this?"

Alex (3): "I need socks on so my feelings don't hurt"

Brianna (7): "They're using two hours of our precious kid time" to Kathi about going to kids choir rehearsal.

Kathi found Brianna in bed crying and she said: "Mom, I had so much fun being seven that I don't think I want to be eight."

Brianna (now 8) to Alex (now 4): "I feel left out. I think dad feels left out too." Alex: "I want to feel too."

Brianna to Alex: "If you don't stop I won't play with you for the rest of the week." Alex: "Until we go with God?" Brianna: "No!" Alex: "Will you still play with me when we go with God?"

Alex after a flight to Chicago: "Mom, when we went above the clouds we didn't see Jesus on the airplane."

Brianna praying before bed: "Dear God, thank you for Johnny Depp." We had just watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that night.

Kathi's mom (Noni) talking to the kids this past Christmas morning - Brianna: "How did Santa know I wanted this?" Noni: "Well, did you ask Santa for it?" Brianna: "Yes." Noni: "Well, you asked Santa for it so he brought it to you. That's how Santa is." Alex: "Then where's my motorcycle?"

Alex: "Noni, guess what? I know my directions." Noni: "You do?" Alex: "Yeah! North, South, left, and right."

Alex to me: "I want to grow up to be like you."

I'll end with that one for now... more to come later... they are still kids after all.

Redemption Tour

Last night Kathi and I went with another couple to the Jars of Clay concert at Sunset Presbyterian. It was a good evening. Jars did a great job playing music from their new album and some hits of old. Their signature mix of harmony and acoustic guitar sounded amazing through Sunset's recently updated sound system. I really enjoyed hearing them live. The first time I saw them play live was at the Anaheim Pond and the sounded horrible. I don't pass blame on them but on the sound tech's and sound system. They sounded small in a huge arena. Last night was total redemption, they blew me away. The hymns mixed with a little rock n' roll was sweet.

The concert was opened up by former member of Caedmon's Call Derek Webb. He stood alone on stage with his acoustic guitar and sounded wonderful. I enjoy his music very much. He is a storyteller with a guitar.

Sara Groves came up next with her husband on percussion and a bass player. She was introduced by her two sons... heartwarming. I was familiar with only one of her songs. I enjoyed her more than Kathi did.

Throughout the concert all three of the musical acts promoted Blood Water Mission. This is an organization started by Jars to help fight the HIV/Aids Pandemic in Africa. Their aim is to provide clean drinking water through local wells to help decrease water born disease and infections.

"War and Peace" of the Soul

Last year I came across the following exerpt from a book and thought I'd share it with you. I love stuff like this.

Five years ago I came to believe in Christ’s teaching, and my life suddenly changed; I ceased to desire what I had previously desired, and began to desire what I formerly did not want. What had previously seemed to me good seemed evil, and what had seemed evil seemed good. It happened to me as it happens to a man who goes out on some business and on the way suddenly decides that the business is unnecessary and returns home. All that was on his right is now on his left, and all that was on his left is now on his right; his former wish to get as far as possible from home has changed into a wish to be as near as possible to it. The direction of my life and my desires became different, and good and evil changed places…

I, like that thief on the cross, have believed Christ’s teaching and been saved. And this is no far-fetched comparison, but the closest expression of the condition of spiritual despair and horror at the problem of life and death in which I lived formerly, and of the condition of peace and happiness in which I am now. I, like the thief, knew that I had lived and was living badly… I, like the thief, knew that I was unhappy and suffering… I, like the thief to the cross, was nailed by some force to that life of suffering and evil. And as, after the meaningless sufferings and evils of life, the thief awaited the terrible darkness of death, so did I await the same thing.

In all this I was exactly like the thief, but the difference was that the thief was already dying, while I was still living. The thief might believe that his salvation lay there beyond the grave, but I could not be satisfied with that, because besides a life beyond the grave life still awaited me here. But I did not understand that life. It seemed to me terrible. And suddenly I heard the words of Christ and understood them, and life and death ceased to seem to me evil, and instead of despair I experienced happiness and the joy of life undisturbed by death.

- Leo Tolstoy

Tolstoy, Leo, What I Believe, Introduction, trans. Aylmenr Maude, in A Diary of Readings, ed. John Baillie (New York: Collier Books, 1955), 38.

Happy Birthday Jen!

Love you!

Jack Attack

This is kind of a rip off of the Chuck Norris thing but as a fan of "24" I had to post it 'cause my brother asked if I would.

Note that some are direct rip offs, some are dumb, some are crude, some are blasphemous, but some are absolutely worth reading the whole list for.

1) If you wake up in the morning, it's because Jack Bauer spared your life.
2) If Jack Bauer was in a room with Hitler, Stalin, and Nina Meyers, and he had a gun with 2 bullets, he'd shoot Nina twice.
3) Upon hearing that he was played by Kiefer Sutherland, Jack Bauer killed Sutherland. Jack Bauer gets played by no man.
4) Jack Bauer's favorite color is severe terror alert red. His second favorite color is violet, but just because it sounds like violent.
5) Jack Bauer once forgot where he put his keys. He then spent the next half-hour torturing himself until he gave up the location of the keys.
6) Jack Bauer got Helen Keller to talk.
7) Jack Bauer killed 93 people in just 4 days time. Wait, that is a real fact.
8) Jack Bauer was never addicted to heroin. Heroin was addicted to Jack Bauer.
9) 1.6 billion Chinese are angry with Jack Bauer. Sounds like a fair fight.
10) Superman wears Jack Bauer pajamas.
11) Jack Bauer doesn't miss. If he didn't hit you it's because he was shooting at another terrorist twelve miles away.
12) Lets get one thing straight, the only reason you are conscious right now is because Jack Bauer does not feel like carrying you.
13) When you open a can of whoop-ass, Jack Bauer jumps out.
14) If Jack says "I just want to talk to him/her" and that him/her is youÂ… well amigo, you're @#%$.
15) Killing Jack Bauer doesn't make him dead. It just makes him angry.
16) When life gave Jack Bauer lemons, he used them to kill terrorists. Jack Bauer @#%$ hates lemonade.
17) In grade school, a little boy punched Kimberly Bauer, and Kimberly ran home to tell her dad. That little boy's name? Stephen Hawking.
18) Jack Bauer does not sleep. The only rest he needs is what he gets when he's knocked out or temporarily killed.
19) No man has ever used the phrase, "Jack Bauer is a @#%$" in a sentence and lived to tel- 20) In kindergarten, Jack Bauer killed a terrorist for Show and Tell.
21) Jack Bauer literally died for his country, and lived to tell about it.
22) As a child, Jack Bauer's first words were "There's no time!"
23) Jack Bauer's family threw him a surprise birthday party when he was a child. Once.
24) If you are still conscious, it is because Jack Bauer doesn't want to carry you.
25) If you get 7 stars on your wanted level on Grand Theft Auto, Jack Bauer comes after you. You don't want to get 7 stars.
26) Guns don't kill people, Jack Bauer kills people.
27) Everytime Jack Bauer yells "NOW!" at the end of a sentence, a terrorist dies.
28) Jesus died and rose from the dead in 3 days. It took Jack Bauer less than an hour. And he's done it twice.
29) If you send someone to kill Jack Bauer, the only thing you accomplish is supplying him a fresh set of weapons to kill you with.
30) Jack Bauer could get off the Lost island in 24 hours.
31) If Jack Bauer was gay, his name would be Chuck Norris.
32) After arguing over what was the better show, 24 or Walker Texas Ranger, Chuck Norris went to attack Jack Bauer with his trademark roundhouse kick. Jack Bauer caught it.

I want to be Jack Bauer when I grow up... no Chuck Norris... (Wack, pow)... okay... Jack Bauer.

Valentine's Day

Each couple celebrates today in a different way. Sure there are the standard amenities - cards, flowers, dinner out, etc. My wife and I don't do too much. Early in our relationship we did the dinner out thing and it always ended up being more trouble than fun. Besides, we celebrate our love for each other daily ;-).

Tonight is special because we are letting our kids stay up past eight to watch American Idol. They always ask, so tonight we are caving.

If you want to know more about the history of Valentine's Day go here... it is more than a Hallmark holiday... or at least it used to be.

PS - I did leave a card on the table for my wife this morning, not a funny card, but a sentimental mushy kind. After work I bought her flowers. After all I do love her so.

I heard that there is some sort of sporting spectacle on today... opening ceremonies of some sort. Does anybody know anything about that? or does anyone care?

All I can say is go Maureen Brunt!!!

Chuck Norris part duex

I found the source of the Chuck Norris funny and want to give credit where credit is due... check out the web site www.chucknorrisfacts.com.

Unlike the list I edited from the email, the website has a bit of language and crude references.

Chuck Norris

The following is an edited (for vulgarity and stupidity) version of one of the funniest emails I have seen in a long time... enjoy.

Fact:

Chuck Norris' tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried.

Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits.

Chuck Norris does not hunt because the word hunting infers the probability of failure. Chuck Norris goes killing.

Chuck Norris counted to infinity - twice.

The Dinosaurs looked at Chuck Norris the wrong way once. ONCE.

Chuck Norris sold his soul to the devil for his rugged good looks and unparalleled martial arts ability. Shortly after the transaction was finalized, Chuck roundhouse kicked the devil in the face and took his soul back. The devil, who appreciates irony, couldn't stay mad and admitted he should have seen it coming. They now play poker every second Wednesday of the month.

When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.

If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can't see Chuck Norris you may be only seconds away from death.

Chuck Norris is currently suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are trademarked names for his left and right legs.

The chief export of Chuck Norris is pain.

When Chuck Norris sends in his taxes, he sends blank forms and includes only a picture of
himself, crouched and ready to attack. Chuck Norris has not had to pay taxes ever.

Chuck Norris has already been to Mars; that's why there are no signs of life there.

Chuck Norris sleeps with a night light. Not because Chuck Norris is afraid of the dark, but the dark is afraid of Chuck Norris.

If at first you don't succeed, you're obviously not Chuck Norris.

If Chuck Norris is late, time better slow the [heck] down.

A blind man once stepped on Chuck Norris' shoe. Chuck replied, "Don't you know who I am? I'm Chuck Norris!" The mere mention of his name cured this man blindness. Sadly the first, last, and only thing this man ever saw, was a fatal roundhouse delivered by Chuck Norris.

Before he forgot a gift for Chuck Norris, Santa Claus was real.

To prove it isn't that big of a deal to beat cancer. Chuck Norris smoked 15 cartons of cigarettes a day for 2 years and acquired 7 different kinds of cancer only to rid them from his body by flexing for 30 minutes.

Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.

Someone once tried to tell Chuck Norris that roundhouse kicks aren't the best way to kick someone. This has been recorded by historians as the worst mistake anyone has ever made.

A Handicap parking sign does not signify that this spot is for handicapped people. It is actually in fact a warning, that the spot belongs to Chuck Norris and that you will be handicapped if you park here.

Superman owns a pair of Chuck Norris pajamas.

When an episode of Walker Texas Ranger was aired in France, the French surrendered to Chuck Norris just to be on the safe side.

Super Bowl

I have nothing to say...