My New Favorite Site

Dang...I just realized that I haven't posted in a while. Anyways, I wanted to share my new favorite site with you: Archie McPhee. See if you can find the nun chuck!

Are You Still Sinning?

Here's something to think about:

1 John 3:9 (NIV)
No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning because he has been born of God.

Are you still sinning? Are you born again? You'd better figure it out!

So, You're That Guy...

The way I see it, there are three types of people:

[1] People who don't know that they wish they had a Mac.
[2] People who wish they had a Mac.
[3] People who have a Mac (and are broke because of it).

I've progressed through the three stages of life. As my brother-in-law will say, "I've crossed to the dark side." I purchased a Mac Book Pro with Mac OS X Leopard last night to help me with my graphic design freelance adventures. So far, I love it. Stay tuned...I'll keep you informed.

(PS I was just joking above...I have no intentions of becoming a Mac snob)

A Package For Mom

Mom...
There's a package in the mail for you. Hint:

Another One Checked Off

I got one of those rare moments last Wednesday: the chance to check off one of my life goals.

I gave a guest lecture for a Master's level Communications class at Lindenwood University (St. Charles, MO). One of the teachers who taught me in my Master's Degree work was called out of town unexpectedly and couldn't reschedule. Since it's an accelerated degree program, it's frowned upon to just 'cancel class' so he asked me to fill in (I don't know what I did to impress him enough to be invited to be the guest instructor other than mention I'd like to teach someday and if he ever needed a fill-in to let me know). It was actually the equivalent of teaching three three-hour classes. It was a lot of fun and I hope I'm invited back.

It just goes to show you that if you have goals, make a list of them, and come up with little action steps to accomplish them, you can achieve anything you want. Up next: getting my pilot's license and becoming totally debt free (I did call them life goals, right?)!

Some Random Things...

I haven't posted in a while because I haven't really had enough content to make a full post. But, here's a post made up of a few mini-posts to catch you up.

Trip's Prayer
Not too long ago we were riding in the car and Trip was in the back seat mumbling. After a few minutes of it, I asked him what he was saying and he said, "Nothing Dad, I'm just talking to God." Seems like he gets 1 Thess. 5 better than his dad does.

The Fence Falling
We were at Grant's Farm and there were some international visitors looking at the elephants. The dad leaned over the rail holding the little girl to get an inch or two closer and the rail gave way. It was classic. If I had a camera, I would've taken a picture of them...but instead, Amy took the opportunity to get the photo of the agitated elephant. Nobody was injured so all is well (except for the dad's ego, I suppose)



















Spooky Guy
At Grant's Farm, the spooky guy below tried to get me. I wasn't scared.



















Website Work
I've been doing so much freelance website work lately that I hardly have any free time to blog, to do yard work, or to blow my nose. I'll try not to get snot drippings on my brother-in-law's computer (I'm test-driving his mac right now...contemplating a purchase).

Thoughts on Thrity

Not a big deal. Just another day. But I would like to thank everyone who told me "Happy Birthday" today...especially Amy who covered my workplace with signs, Eli who sent me a special message, and my two boys who I think enjoy it being my birthday a lot more than I do.

Bike Crash

I was riding my bike yesterday and the pavement was wet (not a problem). Then, I was going around a corner at approx. 17 mph and hit a patch of wet leaves. The wet leaves shot my bike off the pavement path and caused me to crash onto the path and get myself some road rash.

Boy do I enjoy cycling.

Don't worry...I'm ok. Although it is kind of hard to type with a band-aid on your pinkie finger knuckle.

Annie Lenox

Amy likes to record CBS Sunday Morning on the DVR and watch it later (since we're at church or getting ready for church when it's on). This morning's episode had Annie Lenox from the Eurythmics. The thing that struck me is as they interviewed her at her house and walked through parts of her house, it was a shrine to herself. She had gold and platinum CD's hanging on the walls and photos of her and her band.

I thought to myself, what a sad existence. You work all your life, have a successful career, and all you have is your house as a shrine to yourself. I thought, there's no way I'd have all that stuff hanging in my house. I wouldn't want to live in a shrine to myself.

But, then, I thought that maybe I do live in a shrine to myself (or, at least I would if I could). Several years ago we remodeled our kitchen because (partly) we were embarrassed about the 1970's motif. We wanted something more modern. I wanted something more "me." If I could, I'd have a plasma TV. Why? Because it would be a representation of something I'd worked hard and earned the right to buy. I could go on, but hopefully you get the point.

I don't really have anything profound to say about my realization...except that "sweet dreams are made of these, who am I to disagree? I travel the world and the seven seas. Everybody's looking for something."

What is it about that song that makes me want to sing along? Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These)

Download The Video

Some people have had trouble downloading the Jeff Johnson video I blogged about below. So, I captured it and put it on my server for you to download. Hopefully YouTube doesn't sue me.

http://www.374designs.com/video/jeffjohnson.wmv

Leave me a comment with your thoughts!

Hip Hop - Do You Get It?

I never did...until I read this blog post (and watched the YouTube video): http://churchrelevance.com/watch-jeff-johnson-speak-at-the-q-conference
In fact, I never got what the deal was with African American people.

I don't think I was racist. I think I was just ignorant. I didn't hate, I just didn't care. Or maybe I was racist and did hate because I was ignorant and didn't care. I was the white guy who would say, "Why don't they just get over it. I'm sick of hearing about how my great, great granddad screwed over the black guy." -- which sounds racist, but I didn't mean it that way. I truly wanted all of us to move past racism and begin to live with each other. I could watch movies like Remember the Titans and identify with it. But the whole time I just didn't get it. By wanting to move past it and wanting to live together (to get along), I was doing my own little part to keep us from moving past it and living together.

It's not about them vs. us. It's only about all of us.

Thanks Jeff Johnson for opening my eyes. You were talking about how the church and Hip Hop, but you really taught me a lot about the Church (me being a part of the Church).

If you've got 9 minutes, watch this video. If you don't have 9 minutes to watch this video, make 9 minutes and watch this video.

The Most Annoying Thing On Earth

Don't you hate this picture:

You're watching a show on your DVR...it goes to a commercial...it goes to the second commercial...you realize that you're watching a DVR and you can easily skip commercials.

All of Life's Mysteries, Solved

Well...at least one of them.

All my life I've been wondering how they make the visible lines in the grass of the outfield at professional ballparks (or at nice corporate offices). I didn't know if they cut the grass at slightly different heights (which works...I tried it in my back yard when I was in high school...it takes forever to do...constantly changing the blade height). But that creates grooves in the grass which would create a problem when you're fielding a tricky hop or chasing down a fly ball (wouldn't want to trip in front of 30,000 fans would you)?

Tonight, while we were watching the genius philosophers of Charm City Cakes (on the Food Network TV show Ace of Cakes), the mystery was solved. They were building a cake replica of Camden Yards, and went to talk to the grounds crew there. Turns out they use a mower with blades that rotate vertically (like a steam roller) instead of horizontally (like a ceiling fan). That causes the grass to fold over in a particular direction and creates the lines.

Who knew???

Do The Right Thing

FINALLY! Someone in the cell phone/telecommunications industry does something right!

Read: The Open Letter To iPhone Customers From Steve Jobs

I'm not an iPhone owner...but I'm thinking about getting one now (philosophically, of course. practically, my wife will never let me get one...i'm still recovering from the beating I took for getting a Treo). Typically I'm an early adopter on technological breakthroughs; but in this case I was one of the skeptics. I wanted to wait for a few models of it to come out to make sure all of the hype was legit (2 Legit 2 Quit - Yep, I went there). However, after reading the commitment to customer service that Jobs is giving, I'm now a full supporter of Apple products.

The new touch-screen wi-fi iPod looks fantastic. Even the new iPod nano looks cool.

In an industry where almost everyone has a horror story (just ask my brother-in-law about his experience with Sprint...or my wife about her recent phone upgrade experience), it's nice to see something refreshing. Thanks Steve for doing the right thing. And thanks to Seth Godin for pointing me to this topic.

Airport Police

Why do the police who patrol the airport passenger pickup area have to be such jerks? I honestly think it's in the job handbook. Is my small sedan really a security risk?

Thursday I went to the St. Louis airport to pick up my parents. I pulled up to the curb at the loading zone and as soon as I came to a complete stop the officer knocked on my window and told me I had to move on if the party I was picking up wasn't present. I told him that I'd just talked to them on my cell phone and they were present and if he'd relax for one second I'd find them and get out of his way.

It's no wonder that people hate going to the airport. Customer service is terrible from the parking deck, to the counter, to the security checkpoint, to the on-plane staff, to the bag claim (I recently waited over an hour for my bags).

I'm convinced that 90 percent of cops and security officers are just in it to make a paycheck, which is fine...but would it kill you to be a little courteous or to use a little common sense?

It is worth noting that my father-in law is a retired police officer. Knowing him, I believe he was one of the few who was more concerned with serving his 'customer' than just getting through the day.

Hopefully, I don't come across as ungrateful...i really do appreciate the public servants. I just wish most of them would be a little more servant minded.

On The Boat

Yep, I'm living the life of luxury (thanks to my wife's Aunt Carol & Uncle Phil). Just thought I'd share a few pics while we're in between activities down here in Ft. Lauderdale.

Click Here For Professional Photos of The Boat

The Motor Yacht Savoy

Me Driving A "Little Boat"

Me On Savoy

Amy & I Almost Getting Run Over By A Cruise Liner
(this thing is closer than it looks, and is going a lot faster than our little boat)

Close Up Of Me On Savoy

[update on 9/4 - several people have mentioned that there are no pictures of Amy. Some have even questioned if it was really an "anniversary" trip. To all of you I say, "Who do you think is behind the camera?" Amy took some photos of me, & I took some of her. It's up to her to post the ones of her on her own blog if she chooses to do so.]

Some Good Poetry

My good friend Kyle posted some great poems. They're simple in prose, yet profound. Check them out:

Air Fills My Lungs
The Happiest We Ever Were
It Beats Harder

Police Speed Trap Illusion

Don't you hate it when you drive past a parked police car running radar and you look in your rear-view mirror and it looks like the police car is moving. It is an illusion, and it freaks me out! Even when I know I'm going under the speed limit, it still freaks me out.

Who Are You Reading?

I read several blogs on a daily basis...thought I'd share them with you in case they interest you (it'll certainly tell you a little more about my personality): [in no particular order]

43 Folders
Church Communications Pro
Church Marketing Sucks
Church Relevance
Daily Cup of Tech
Lifehack.org
Lifehacker.com
Matt Cornell
Scott Berkun
Seth Godin
Tim Ferriss
The Scoggins Saga
Web Worker Daily
Zen Habits

I use Google Reader to gather all of my feeds in one place.
Tell me who you're reading in the comments!

Google AdSense

Several of you have asked me how much money my "prostitute blog" has made me so far. It has made me a whopping $0.43 cents. Too bad that Google only sends you a check after you've earned $100.00. That means that by the time I'm 40 years old, I might get a check.

The funny (or perhaps scary) thing is that the ads are context sensitive...so every time I write the word "prostitute" it becomes more likely that an ad I don't especially want at the top of my blog will show up.

It Just Occurred To Me...

It just occurred to me that if you were just looking at the last few postings on this blog, you're probably wondering what all of these "sessions" things were about. They are my thoughts from the Willow Creek Leadership Summit.

I explained what they were when I started posting them, but since the postings list in reverse order, it might not be real clear what's going on with them.

Hopefully I'll get to post everything from the later sessions soon.

Session Three (part two)

Three Myths & Truths About Strengths & Weaknesses
From Marcus Buckingham
Note: This is a continuation post from an earlier entry.

Myth: As you grow, your personality changes
Truth: As you grow, you become more and more of who you are
If you were to take a personality test every decade of your life, you will most likely get the same result every time.

Myth: You have the potential to grow most in your area of weakness.
Truth: You have the potential to grow most in your area of strength.
You need to ask yourself what situation(s) you can put your strengths in to make them stronger. How can you sharpen your skills? Is it possible that by growing stronger in your strengths you can grow your weaknesses?

Myth: A great team member puts their strengths aside for the better of the team.
Truth: A great team member volunteers his/her strengths to the team most of the time.

Three Skills To Work In Your Strengths Most of the Time:
1. Know Your Strengths
2. Change Something (Each Week) To Help You Grow In Your Strengths
Put Together a Strong Week Plan - where you reduce focus on a weakness and increase focus on a strength.
3. Learn to talk about your strengths without sounding like you're bragging and talk about your weaknesses without sounding like your whining.
This is the only way you can talk to your boss/spouse/secretary/etc. about delegating your weaknesses and working in your strengths.

4 Signs Something Is A Strength (Or, Ways To Identify A Strength)
1. You are successful AND effective at it.
2. If you instinctively look forward to it
3. Doing the thing makes time go faster
4. If it seems as if you were made to do it...you feel energized about it.

Note: Must meet all four qualifications to be a strength. You might really enjoy something but not be effective at doing it.

Basically a strength is any activity that makes you feel strong!

Session Three: Marcus Buckingham - "Put Your Strengths To Work"

I love this guy, Marcus Buckingham, so I might have to break this post into two postings. I don't know why I like him so much. Perhaps because he's a great communicator. Perhaps it's his English accent (he's British). Perhaps because he knows his stuff. Perhaps it's because his content really resonates with me.

Buckingham has written 3 noteworthy books: The One Thing You Need To Know, First Break All The Rules, and his latest, Go Put Your Strengths to Work. They all revolve around the principle of "build on your strengths, and manage around your weaknesses." His thesis is that people need to do what they enjoy & are strong at, not spend so much time improving your weaknesses because you'll never move much in improving your weaknesses, but can be the best in the world at the thing your strongest at.

It's not that you shouldn't work on your weaknesses, but you should focus more on your strengths...and when you are working on your weaknesses, you should do so through your strengths. For example, if your kid is really good in Science and failing Algebra, you don't abandon Algebra. However, your kid is probably not strong in math and likely never will be, simply because he's not made that way. But, if you can help him approach Algebra in a scientific way, he can improve his weak area some (some being the key word there)...and perhaps enjoy it in the process because he's using his strength. What you should really do, though, is help him be the best scientist ever, because that is his strength.

Next time I'll post on his talk: Three Myths & Truths About Strengths & Weaknesses

Session Two: Carly Fiorina "Tough Choices"

Carly Fiorina is the former CEO of HP. She facilitated the merger between HP & Compaq...considered by some to be the biggest hi-tech merger of all time. She was fired from HP in a shady ordeal and wrote a book about it called Tough Choices. They say it's a great book...i've added it to my "books to read before I die" list.

She had a few quotes worth mentioning...let me know in the comments if you agree/disagree with any or if any jump out at you:

• Nothing worthwhile happens as an individual alone.
• Motivation is moving people in a certain direction. Management doesn't involve motivating people, but leadership is all about motivating people.
• Leadership, to be effective, involves a vision that is bigger than people's fears. You have to show them that, though it's going to be painful it's going to be worth it.
• Leadership is seeing & unlocking potential in others. When a leader sees the potential in others, it's motivating. Leaders need to take chances on people.
• Leaders have to be authentic. You can't fake authenticity.

It was pretty interesting that she said if she had to do the whole HP thing all over again, knowing the painful ordeal she would have to go through - the public firing - she would do it because she learned so much about leadership & integrity from it. She said that everything is a gift, even the painful trials in life because they make us stronger (hmm...where have I heard that before?).

Session One: Bill Hybels - "Vision To Die For"

Bill Hybels always does the opening talk at the Summit. The whole conference is really his baby, and he truly gets jazzed up for this event. Probably because he feels that "the local church is the hope of the world." Nothing can provide hope like the local church when working effectively. Government can help people, but it can't help the human soul. Doctors can heal people, but they can't heal our sin condition. You get the picture.

In the first talk, Bill talked about a vision that people are willing to follow...even more than follow, a vision that people are willing to own and even (God forbid) die for. He gave some pointers for forming a compelling vision, but said that the most important aspect is the process. The vision is best formed, refined, and declared to the group that you desire to own it by first drafting it (preferably with the team that will be asked to own it), then re-drafting it, then editing it some more. The point is that if you try to sell the first snapshot that comes in to your mind, you'll probably fail miserably.

The single most determining factor, according to Hybels, that will effect the ownership of the vision for your followers is the extent they sense you, yourself own it. Vision leaks, and the more you refill the cup of those who follow you, the more they will sense you own it and the more they will be willing to adopt it themselves.

Question to ask yourself: Would you be willing to die for the vision God has given you? How much ownership do you have for the thing God has given you to do? Is life more about you, your career, your comfort, your path, etc; or is it more about doing whatever it takes to reach the finish line?

Everyone Is Leading Someone

Several people who read this blog are fans of the Leadership Summit - a conference put on by Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago...broadcast via satellite to over 100 cities across the world (including Calvary) - but were unable to attend for one reason or another. So, I thought I'd take a few posts over the next couple of days and give some of the highlights as they touched me.

Side Note: Lots of people never consider going to the Summit because they don't consider themselves to be leaders. Though the Summit is targeted at church leaders and (to a lesser degree) businesses executives, I would contend that there is something for everyone at this event because everyone is a leader. Whether you lead people at work, at a church group, at a local organization, your kid's ball team, or (last but not least) your family...everyone is leading someone. This year's Summit slogan is "Lead Where You Are." So, I would encourage you to buy the DVD's of the Summit...they'll do a lot better than I will in stretching your leadership potential. But, if you refuse...perhaps my recap will touch you some way.

21 Pages

Can someone please explain to me why there are 21 pages of advertisements before the table of contents in a subscription-based magazine? I'm ok with a page or two of ads to help make Men's Journal a profitable outfit, but really, 21? What am I paying for? Why don't they call it an advertising directory? Seems to me like someone needs to cut some overhead expenses. Men's Journal better be glad that my credit card points were about to expire and I needed to "spend" them on magazines. It's sad really...they had a chance to really impress me while I was getting the magazine for "free." Instead, they made sure I'll never "pay" for the magazine subscription.

A Prostitute Blog

I've decided to add a Google AdSense bar to the top of my blog to see if I can make a little extra income. Does that make me a blog prostitute? I don't know, but if you see something you like, take a click and see what you see...and make me a little moolah.

The Orange Story

It's the long awaited story of the orange dessert (ironically, half of the people who read this blog already know the story...it's worth posting for the other half).

A while back when we were on vacation in FL, my wife, my brother-in-law, my sister-in-law, and I went to a Japanese steak house (why we were going to a steak house instead of a fish place is a whole other topic). We had the grandparents watching the kids and were looking forward to a nice evening out. Amy even wore this smokin' hot dress...wait...that's another blog as well.

On the menu, they advertised that every meal came with a salad, soup, the main course, and dessert. All was going just fine...the salad was the typical ginger salad that you get at such a place. The soup was good...the brothy, onion soup that we all love and expect. The teriyaki steak wasn't the best that i'd ever had...but it was edible and certainly as advertised.

After we finished the main course, they brought the dessert...if you want to call it that. It was actually an orange slice in a bowl with a piece of mint leaf [I stand corrected...it was a cherry...and now that I think about it, mine only had a cherry stem]. I wish I had thought to use my phone and take a photo for you. (the image below is much more appetizing than the one I received as "dessert")
The thing that is incredibly stupid is that if the restaurant hadn't mentioned a dessert on it's menu, I would've never even missed it. Not only could they save themselves money on oranges, but they could also have kept their reputation in tact. It's a marketing principle that is pretty fundamental:

If you're going to make a promise, you'd better deliver.

Or, as Seth Godin puts it, it's best to under promise and over deliver (with some degree of moderation). The price I paid for the steak wasn't excessive...it didn't need a dessert with it. I didn't go to the restaurant looking for a meal with dessert included. But, once they offered a dessert with the meal, they should've come through with something big. If they wanted to bring me an orange...don't mention dessert, fruit, a surprise, or anything...just bring it out as an over delivery. If you're going to say a dessert is included, go big...make it a 3-layer chocolate cake with a scoop of ice cream and caramel drizzle with a cherry on top (note: i don't like cherries, but you get the point)...make it remarkable.

Who knows, perhaps they know what they're doing...they got me to write an entire post about it. But I refuse to tell you the name of the place. For one, I don't remember it...but if I did I wouldn't dignify them by mentioning it here. I'm not angry...just dumbfounded.

Faith To Get Out Of The Car

Tonight I had one of those moments. We'd just returned from our usual Friday night eating out. I was in the car with the boys and Amy drove separately...and she beat us home and was already inside. I got out of the car and promptly got Trip out of his seat. As I closed the door I caught Quinn's eyes...and noticed how he was intently watching me walk around toward the rear of the car. As I moved toward the back of the car, I quickly moved out of his view. Once I got to the other side and came back in to his view, it struck me how calm he was. He had faith in me that I would come around and get him out of the car, even though he couldn't visibly see me all the way there.
But why wouldn't he trust me to come around and get him? I'd done it plenty of times before. I'd given him no reason to doubt my faithfulness. He saw me get his brother out of the car...an example of my faithfulness in those around him. I think he knows deep down, subconsciously that I love him and want the best for him, which obviously means I won't leave him there to be engulfed in the heat.

What's facinating is that I know all of these same things about Father God: He's faithful time and again, He loves me, He shows me examples of his faithfulness all around. Yet, time and again I find myself wondering if He's going to come around to my side and get me out of the car. Oh to have faith like a child. Me of little faith.

Minnesota Bridge Collapse

Here is a phenomenal article on the greatness of God in the midst of the bridge collapse.

Putting My Daughter to Bed Two Hours After The Bridge Collapsed

What's The Big Deal?

I read 3 blogs today with people bragging about how they can now post to their blogs with their iPhone. I don't see what all of the fuss is about. Nearly every posting on this blog is from my Treo (including this one). The blog from your phone technology has been around for a long time. Someone please enlighten me.

A Seinfield-Style Post

I haven't had any profound thoughts or anything lately, and thus, no posts. But, I know how you, my devoted readers check daily...even hourly...for the latest musings from the steel trap inside my head, so here is a posting about absolutely nothing for you to chew on until I see another dead squirrel or something. (Did I just use the words chew and dead squirrel in the same sentence?)

PS Remind me to tell you about the orange dessert sometime.

TV Food For Thought

I ran across a Nielsen report today that said the average American spends an average of 4 hours per day watching TV. If you do the math that's:
1+ full days per week
60+ days per year
8+ years over a 50 year period.

If the average person works on their computer an average of 6 hours per day...
2+ days per week
90+ days per year
12.5 ish years in front of the computation machine over 50 years.

What if we spend 4 hours of undivided time with our spouse, kids, or God per day? I'm just sayin'...

Go Dawgs In Germany

I was flying to Germany and at the McDonalds in the Frankfurt airport and saw a girl with a UGA football shirt on.  It's a small world, and that was a welcome site in a foreign place.  Just thought I'd share it with you.

Germany Thoughts

Right now I am on a flight back from Germany (once you are able to read this, I will be home) and I wanted to share a couple of thoughts that I picked up in Germany.

I'm proud to be an American. I (smugly) think Americans are the best at most of what we do. However, there are a few things that Germans do better than us IMHO:

(1) Transportation: I'm not a big 'green' guy. I don't mind if people drive SUV's (I have one myself). I don't think that global warming is a big danger to the world (if it even exists at all). I don't even think that the world is in real danger of running out of oil any time soon. However, there are a few things that I think the Germans do well. Their public transportation system is phenomenal (I was in Leipzig - a medium sized city in East Germany...I also visited Berlin - a large city). They have 'trams' and buses that a person can use to get pretty much anywhere in the city easily. Also, they have the city set up for easily riding bikes (bike trails and shortcuts, along with bike trails on the side of the road). Like I said above, I don't have a problem with Americans driving everywhere, but if someone did want to ride a bike, it is so much effort that the negatives outweigh the benefits. I like the idea of riding my bike to places. It gets me exercise and gets me outdoors. Gives me some much needed recreation.

(2) Recreation: Speaking of recreation, there isn't a lot to do in Germany. Yes, there is a nice beach (at a lake) and they do have things like movie theaters and bowling allys, as well as opera houses, concerts, pubs, etc. (OK, I take it back, there is plenty to do in Germany...I just didn't have time to do much of it...stick with me, the point I intend to make is still valid); but what was striking to me is how much the German people were outside. They have lots of parks and lots of people use the parks. As mentioned above, people ride their bikes and are just outside in general. I spend too much time indoors. Granted, it's typically a good bit hotter or colder where I live than the place I visited in Germany, but I digress...

(3) Efficiency: From building buildings that don't have to be heated and cooled as much to driving smaller cars so that they can parallel park instead of standard parking, Germans know a thing or two about efficiency.

(4) Affection: I've never been a huge fan of PDA (that's public displays of affection for those of you who have been living under a rock for the past century). The Germans are the poster-people for PDA. Everywhere you look someone is playing tonsil hockey, giving someone a squeeze on the bottom, etc. All couples hold hands if they are within an arm's reach of their sweetie. Even the way to casually say goodbye to a friend is by giving a hug. At first it was a little disturbing (but not quite as much of a culture-shock as the nude beach that Thomas took me to...that's a whole different post topic). However, the more I thought about it, the more I think us Americans could stand to be a little (LITTLE being the key word here) more snuggly with the ones we love. If you truly love someone, why is it necessary only to show it in private? Now, I'm not advocating that we become as 'open' as the Germans...but I think a little more affection might be a good thing. We'll see what Amy thinks about it. (Side Note: The foreign couple sitting in the seat in front of me just gave each other a pop kiss...what perfect timing).

Fisherman

Here's a photo of Trip at the Cabin doing a little fishing. He didn't catch anything...but at least he gave it a shot.

Here's a link to a bunch of other cabin photos.

Final Post From FL - Photos

We leave tomorrow. How very sad. It's been fun. Here is a photo montage from the week.

Long Awaited Shark Photo

On day two of our vacation a kid just down the way from us caught a "sand shark."







And...as promised, the photo proof of Trip in pursuit of a "summer love."

UGA Football

Florida Vacation - Day 4 - In The Pool

Sorry that I didn't get a "Day 3" video up...we were too busy...watched fireworks in Destin, etc.

Hopefully this video will make up for it. Look for upcoming photos of Trip and his summer girlfriend and the shark catcher (got to get those photos from Nikki). Also, watch for a post about my dessert tonight.

Here's the video for Day 4:

Florida Vacation - Day 2 - At The Beach

Today was the boy's first day at the beach. They both loved the water, and both loved playing in the sand. We also played in the pool...but it was so cold that Quinn wasn't a big fan. Trip, on the other hand, is a dad-gum fish! He loves swimming in the pool with his life vest on.

One kid down at the beach caught a baby shark not 100 feet away from us. I think Nikki took a picture and if so, I'll post it here soon.

Here is a short video I produced using our flip camera & windows movie maker (which is a yucky video editor!).

Florida Vacation - Day One

Here is a low resolution video that I took with our new flip camera that I took from our vacation - day one. It primarily just gives you a look at our facility. Pretty sweet, huh?

Dogs (not the UGA ones)

I was in a wedding this past weekend. The rehearsal dinner was outside under a tent at the groom's parent's house. They have a big dog (think 125 lbs) that got out of its pen and darted toward the food table like a scene from a movie. Luckily they got him under control before any damage was done.

Earlier in the day, while we were doing some set-up work, the groom had his dog tied to a tree across the yard. The entire time we were working both dogs were barking feverishly at each other.

Yesterday we were at the family cabin and several of Amy's relatives had their dogs with them. I spent a few minutes sipping on a Sam Adams and watching them. It was interesting how all four of them would go from bush to tree to log and so on peeing one right after the other...marking their territory. You'd think the first guy would notice that the second one came right behind him and trumped his mark.

I don't know if I really have a point except that we homo sapiens are not all that much different than the canine whateverous. They're territorial...so are we. After being caged up for a short while, they'll dart for the food table when given a chance. You get the point.

A Winning Season

I finished up the softball season on Saturday. The team still has one more game plus the tourney, but I'm done because I'll be out of town for the next few weekends. We're currently 9 and 7...first in our division and currently seeded fourth for the tournament (which gets us a bye for the first week). No matter what happens next, for me, it's a winnin season.

Now, to some a 9 and 7 record wouldn't be something to celebrate, much less blog about, but after 5 straight seasons of losing records (most seasons only winning one or two games) it's a big deal for me.

It's like they say, 'One man's average season is another man's treasure season' (or something like that).

Georgia Football!

As of 6:00 pm tonight...
70 Days 23 Hours Till Georgia Football.
Go Dawgs!

Top or Bottom?

Trip got a new (to us) bunk bed from Mrs. Chris (our babysitter). He loves to climb up, and slide down the side. I asked him today what he thought about sleeping in his bunk bed last night. He said, "It's o.k."

It reminds me of the times when I spent the night over at a friend's house and he had a bunk bed (never had a set of bunks myself...an only child problem, I guess), we would always fight over who would get to sleep on the top bunk.

Aaah, those were the days!

Save Me From That Dog!

We were over at some friends house the other night. They have two little dogs. Quinn loves dogs and was all over these little guys. At one point Quinn started stomping his feet and one of the dogs, thinking he was wanting to play, started barking. The barking freaked Quinn out and he started crying. Trip happened to be standing right there and grabbed Quinn and in an all-in-one motion hugged him and moved in between the dog and Quinn. It was one of those big brother, "I'll protect you" moments. Later, when I asked Trip about why he hugged Quinn when the dog barked he said, "Quinn was scared and I wanted to help him."

The most fascinating thing is that Trip is, in general, a scared-ey cat (no pun intended) and typically gets a little freaked out by dogs. It was a great demonstration of selflessness. I could learn a lesson.

On a similar note, on a different day several months ago, we were at a birthday party. Quinn was playing with a toy and a bigger kid (about Trip's age) came and took the toy away from Quinn. I saw a look come across Trip's face that I've never seen before. It was one of those, "I'm about to take you out" looks. I assured Trip that everything was ok, and Quinn had already moved on to another toy. I think I saved that big bully kid's life. I think Quinn's pretty lucky to have such a good big brother. I think this is the only time in my life that I've ever missed having a sibling of my own. Ok...I'm over it now.

Consistency

Here is a great post on Consistency by Seth Godin.

Makes My Heart Sink

Before I start, a little history:
Typically, Trip gets out of bed once each night, not long after we put him down. We usually send him back to bed and tell him that he'll get in trouble if he gets up again. Usually he stays in bed and it's no big deal. Sometimes if he's sick coughing or something, he'll get up several times...no big deal...we comfort him and help him back to bed. There has been a time or two where he's gotten up multiple times for no apparent reason, and he usually gets a light spank on the bottom and that does the trick.

To the story:
Last night, as I'm getting ready to head to bed myself, I reach the top of the stairs and can see that his door is opened, but I can't see him. I was slightly aggravated that he had opened his door and gone back to bed, and headed toward it to close it (so I didn't wake him while I was getting ready for bed). As I rounded the corner, there he was sitting indian-style in the opening of his door. I don't know if I had wrath in my face or what, but as soon as we made eye contact, he bowed his head in shame.

My heart instantly sank in my chest and I went to pick him up. As I reached for him, he started crying, assuming that I was going to get upset with him and that he was in trouble. I hugged him, and assured him that all was right with the world. I asked him how long he'd been sitting there and he said, "3 minutes." Since he can't tell time, I was looking for more of a "just a few minutes" or "a really long time" response...so who knows how long he'd been sitting there.

After I'd determined that there was nothing wrong with him, Amy & I put him back in the bed. He was, by this time, smiling ear to ear and said, "Dad, I sure do love you."

What's remarkable to me is how quickly my attitude turned from frustration (that he'd gotten out of bed and opened his door) to empathy and love (once I saw his contriteness). And, I was also struck how much he appreciated my grace. I think you'd have to be there or you'd have to experience a similar situation with your children to understand the emotion within me during this episode, but I can't help but think about how God feels when we are sitting there helpless in our situation because we've disobeyed His instruction, and how He loves to forgive us when we're contrite. I hope, when I'm in a similar situation, that I can stop my (proverbial) weeping and look up at Him and say, "God, I sure do love you" when he gently and graciously lays me back down in the safety of the shelter that He's provided for me.

Old Faithful & A Little Child

I'm sitting here at Yellowstone waiting for Old Faithful to blow. Next to me sits an elderly couple with a small poodle. Next to them sits a dad and a little boy. The little boy looks to be about 2 yrs and doesn't give a rip about Old Fathful...he's totally facinated with the dog. I don't know what the lesson is in the story...but I love a kid who's in love with a dog.

safe

Is it better to be safe or is it better to go for it? I think in almost every situation (with the exception of matters that involve young children), it is almost always better to go for it - to be innovative, creative, fresh, new, surprising, remarkable, etc.

Why is it that every single situation, group decision, etc that I've witnessed or been a part of the past few days (or weeks, or years) has been safe and utterly unremarkable.

God is remarkable...and not very safe. He will supply all of our needs, but he's not safe.

I'm tired of safe.

Amy's Party

Thanks to all of you who helped me make Amy's 30th birthday party a success. Thanks to the Willis' for driving down from Iowa.

Happy Birthday babe! Love ya.

Memorial Day

Thanks to all of the people (Veterans, Soldiers No Longer With Us, Families, Etc.) who've sacrificed for our freedom! Don't really know what else to say except "thanks."

Soldiers & Faith

Curt Neff spoke this week and spoke about being a soldier for Christ. The passage he used was from Luke 7, where the Centurion told Jesus he didn't need to bother going all the way to his house, if he just gave the word, his servant would be healed.

Jesus says, "I say to you, not in all of Israel have I found such great faith."

I'm pretty amazed at this guy's faith. I am pretty sure that I'll never have this much faith. I, like the apostles, have often asked for Jesus to increase my faith, but I'm reminded of Lk 17:5:

"If you had faith like a mustard seed...you could move trees and mountains"

I guess it doesn't take much faith, huh? It's like that old hot sauce that mom used to make that I'd pour on my black-eyed peas...a little bit goes a long way. If I just exercised the faith that I already have I'd be right there with the Centurion.

I'm also reminded of Heb. 11:5 which reminds us that Jesus is the "author and perfecter of faith..." If he gives us any faith at all, he's going to perfect it. I think the problem is that faith seems to be something that we either have or that we don't. Seems to me that "faith" is more of a process. Which brings us back to the Centurion. Because of the place where he was in his life (in a position of authority and leadership), his faith was great.

I know I need to exercise the faith that I already have, trusting that in the process, Jesus will perfect it in me.

frustrating, huh?

Don't you hate it when you're trying to please someone who doesn't even know what they want?

The first thing they taught us in design school is not to take a 'i'll know it when I see it' customer.

Seems on this one particular project that i've been working on, my boss is one of those customers (no offense if you ever read this, boss).

I'm at my wits end on this one, because I really want to put my design prefernces aside and give him what he wants, but (even after several conversations with him on the subject) I have no clue what he wants.

Frustrating.

A Good Presentation

If you want to see a textbook demonstration of how to make a presentation, plus be entertained, check this out: Shift Happens

Here's another good one.

A Quote From Job

Whoever heard me spoke well of me, and those who saw me commended me, because I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist him.

The man who was dying blessed me; I made the widow's heart sing.
I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban.
I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame.
I was a father to the needy; I took up the case of the stranger.
I broke the fangs of the wicked; and snatched the victims from their teeth.

From Guy Kawsaki's Blog

Softball Team

Yep, we thumped a team yesterday. Twice, actually (doubleheader). It felt good to get some tally's back in the "W" column. We're now 3-5 on the season. Hopefully we can get it to .500 in two weeks (off next weekend...it's a holiday you know...no, not Memorial Day...Amy is turning 30). Just thought I'd give you an update.

A Better Worship Experience

Why is it that the best worship experiences that I've had lately have been in places other than worship services (a place where you'd think worship would come easy)? Take this morning for instance. I was driving to church and popped in a CD and had a great time of worship. Got to church (at our new West Building...a pretty church building) and things were dry as a bone.

I wonder if it has something to do with the fact that I was working - helping to troubleshoot video problems, if it is something to do with my spiritual life, if it is just a fluke, or if we as a church staff are failing to produce atmospheres condusive to the outbreak of worship.

It just strikes me as strange that for a better worship experience I have to find service somewhere than the Service.

Folly

I've been thinking about all the effort and man hours that go in to making the 'magic' happen at Disney's theme parks every day.

59,000 employees go at it each day. 30+ employees that work full time on nothing but holiday decorations.

The sad thing is that alll that work and money is all for a fleeting goal. The work that is done there, for the most part, has no eternal impact.

What if we could put that many people, that much money, and all that effort toward something that lasts? What if we used all those resources for something that mattered?

I'm just sayin'...

More Orlando Thoughts

We took the 'Behind the Magic' Disney tour yesterday. Disney is a lot bigger than I thought. They have several huge warehouses where they make all the costumes, characters, rides, etc.

The theme parks take up only about 30 percent of the Disney property.

Perhaps the most impressive thing is how all of the Disney employees have a sense of pride and a sense of Disney being 'bigger than me.'

I think it would be great if everyone could have that attitude about God's kingdom. It is so much bigger than me. If church volunteers could get the mindset that it's bigger than me. Yes, I park cars, but, it's about more than that.

God's kingdom is big. Yet, I can be proud that I am part owner (co-heir) of it.

Epcot Service

I'm standing here in the middle of Epcot (working, of course). Just was in the 'china theatre' and saw a husband take his wife's sneakers off for her, and pulled off her socks, and put some flip-flops on her feet. She was in a wheelchair.

What struck me was the servanthood. This guy probably has done this very thing a hundred times before, and probably didn't think much about it. But, wouldn't it be amazing if everyone served their spouse in such a way.

I know I could stand to serve Amy more, better. I love you babe!

Good News, Bad News

The Good News
Calvary's Youth Auction brought in over 80,000 dollars last night. Funds go to send kids to camp, mission trips, etc.

The Bad News
Our softball team took another beating this morning. We're now 1 and 5 on the season (with a rainout). We've faced the top three teams in the three weeks we've played, so hopefully we're done with the beatings.

The frustrating thing is that we're really not terrible. We just don't get the key hit to bust open an inning, and we make the rare error in the field at exactly the wrong time. Oh, well...happy mother's day Mom.

Rough Day

I had a rough day today. My boss was on me about some things (yep, it even happens in the church world), some of which were probably valid...some of which were not. Ministry certainly wasn't fun today.

I'm learning, however, to look for the small pleasures in life. I came home and Amy had a great dinner waiting on me. It was nice. Then I went and played some softball. Something about chasing down a fly ball or hitting a long bomb that gets the stress out. Later we (Amy, the boys and I) went to Costco and purchased strawberries. It was so fun seeing Quinn point to all of the big screen TV's and boating accessories hanging from the ceiling. He's exploring and learning and talking more everyday. What a joy.

It brings me so much joy when Quinn learns about/appreciates the small things in life. It's so fun as a father to see when Trip is fascinated by the Cardinals running in and out of the dugout in between innings. I hope God (our Heavenly Father) gets as much joy when I appreciate the small things in life.

Still trying to declutter...
Still trying to drink more water...

Happy Birthday MawMaw (as if she would ever see this...good thing I called her earlier).

Grocery Store

Today on the way in to the grocery store I happened to notice the bulletin board that is on the wall in the entrance breezeway. I've noticed it a thousand times before...but for some reason it really caught my eye this time. It's the one that the store put up where people can post whatever they want to post.

I couldn't help but notice that it was so clutered and crowded with help wanted ads or services for hire that I couldn't really focus on any one in particular.

It seems to me to be a bad way of advertising. Yes, it's free...but it's useless. It is pretty indicative of all marketing today. There's too much of it and it produces a clutter and nobody's message really gets across. No one is paying attention.

I then started thinking about our lives in general. In many of our lives there's an incredible amount of clutter. So many demands on our time, so much to get done...I wonder if we were to declutter, if it'd be easier for God to work in us. Fortunately, God's not like us...he doesn't shut down when there's too much clutter. In fact, if we're willing, He can help us declutter.

I'm going to try to not be like the useless billboard. I'm going to try to slow down and see/hear God more. Join me?

Update on Quinn

He seems to be doing better today.

Helplessness

It's a strange thing to be helpless.

This evening when I arrived home from work I picked up Quinn because he was whining. I got half way out of the kitchen and he puked all over me. He went on to puke several more times on the night, and all I could do is sit there and hold him...helpless to do anything about the situation.

Later, leaving Amy at home to take care of Quinn, I went to lead our small group. I really felt like the discussion went well. It's funny, sometimes I do a lot of prep work for small group and the discussion falls flat. Today, I only did a little prep and things went great. It just goes to show that it's all about God showing up, not about my effort. Helpless.

Update On My New Goals

After a second trip to the doctor on Monday for fatigue, and after some bloodwork tests, and after hearing the results from the blood tests on Thursday I have the following to report:

The doctor still thinks I have a long-lasting virus (my liver counts were slightly low - no big deal - and everything else was normal).

My energy level is slowly rising. The body aches and headaches are gone.

I did lose 8 lbs in one week between doctor visits. However, i'm sure i'll gain it back quickly because my appetite is coming back.

I have been drinking a lot more water...yet I haven't cut back on the soda much (just drinking and peeing more). Also not doing so good on the eating out less goal, and, as a result not cutting back on the red meat too much either.

In spite of all this, my quest to be healthier goes on. Stay tuned.

Feelin' Good

I'm going to try to be a healthier person.
Less Soda (coke for all you who know how to talk)
More Water
Better Dental Hygene
Less Red Meat (i know, I know...it's the green meat that will kill you)
Less Fast Food (which is how I plan on getting less red meat)
More Exercise
Etc, etc, etc.

What brought this on you ask? Well, i've been sick with the body aches the past two weekends. Had headaches every week day for nearly 2 weeks. When I went to the doctor today they told me I probably had a virus and that if I drank more water I could've gotten better sooner, if not avoided the whole darn thing all together.

They also told me I have pretty bad allergies. I've been wondering why i've felt half-way stopped up since, uh, well...since college (seriously). They gave me some nose spray and I breathed better in a single squirt than I have in 6 or 8 years. Unbelievable!

I'll let you know how my new health kick turns out.