Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
no Victors... but...
Today I had 2 ears of corn burning a hole in my counter so I decided to make corn pancakes like the ones I had at the famous Victor's 1959 Cafe in south Minneapolis. I had them 3 months ago and I haven't stopped thinking about them... for real. So today I decided to give it a go at making them in my very own kitchen. I sort of guess on how to make them- cornmeal, flour, milk, oil, egg, butter and 2 ears of corn ground up. The thing I like about them is they're easy to flip- the corn meal holds them together nicely. Ever since last year in the BWCA (intro BlooGoo), I've had a phobia of flipping buttermilk pancakes... I'm just not good at it. Comparatively, corn pancakes are a cakewalk.
Overall, they're a solid B. I need more salt and more fresh corn- perhaps creamed corn will give it the zing that I'm looking for. My great failure of the month comes from my attempt at frying plantains. If you're not familiar with the plantain- they're a super hard, crazy fibrous banana with a really hard peel. Well I had no idea what to look for in a plantain at the grocery store so I bought two that were very, very green... yeah... they were not at all ripe. So after like a half an hour of slow frying them in brown sugar and way too much butter I attempted to eat the charred fruit. It was not at all appealing. I did a lot of things wrong, chief of which leaving them much too large... Ironically the Iron Chef:America episode on today was battle banana, so after I threw mine away, I watched the Iron Chef amazing fried plantains. gotta flatten them says Bobby Flay. Now he tells me!
SO, while I am not yet Cuban, within a couple of weeks methinks I'll be tan, speaking with and accent and enjoying fine cigars. The food makes the man, right?
Overall, they're a solid B. I need more salt and more fresh corn- perhaps creamed corn will give it the zing that I'm looking for. My great failure of the month comes from my attempt at frying plantains. If you're not familiar with the plantain- they're a super hard, crazy fibrous banana with a really hard peel. Well I had no idea what to look for in a plantain at the grocery store so I bought two that were very, very green... yeah... they were not at all ripe. So after like a half an hour of slow frying them in brown sugar and way too much butter I attempted to eat the charred fruit. It was not at all appealing. I did a lot of things wrong, chief of which leaving them much too large... Ironically the Iron Chef:America episode on today was battle banana, so after I threw mine away, I watched the Iron Chef amazing fried plantains. gotta flatten them says Bobby Flay. Now he tells me!
SO, while I am not yet Cuban, within a couple of weeks methinks I'll be tan, speaking with and accent and enjoying fine cigars. The food makes the man, right?
Thursday, July 29, 2010
addicted much?
THIS is a new addiction... my record so far is 423. Give me time... i shall break 1000.
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Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wife Wars: A New Hope
This article brought a tear to my eye and the flame of hope to my inmost being.
Dating Down: Why Less Attractive Men Make Better Mates
July 27, 2010
From: http://glo.msn.com/relationships/dating-down-1533626.story?GT1=49006
By Elise Nersesian-Solé
My friend Karen is a gorgeous, tall, auburn-haired beauty with measurements that would put Barbie to shame. And although she has her pick of hot guys to choose from, she's currently in a committed relationship with a man who's pushing 5'6", balding and could afford to park 15 pounds.
And she couldn't be happier.
Their pairing is not an anomaly. All one has to do is step out onto the street or flip through a gossip rag to see a great beauty stepping out with her beast. From couples such as J. Lo and Mark Anthony, Beth Ostrosky and Howard Stern, Salman Rushdie, and well, anyone, one thing is clear: Physically-mismatched couples are everywhere.
Sure, these guys have money and power — a trait evolutionary biologists say women place great value on — yet scientists say when not accounting for these factors, these female hotties may be onto something deeper.
A recent study published in the Journal of Family Psychology suggests that for women, dating a less attractive man may result in a happier, more emotionally satisfying relationship.
Researchers from UCLA and the University of Tennessee gathered 82 couples in their mid-twenties who had married in the past year and had been together for almost three years prior, then filmed the couples discussing a personal problem. All the while, a panel of people evaluated who was the better looking individual in each pair. After analyzing the tapes, researchers discovered that in couples where the man was more attractive than the woman, he said often things such as, “This is your problem, you deal with it” whereas the unattractive hubbies were more apt to say things like, “I'm here for you — what do you want me to do? How can I help you?'"
“It's possible that a man who is less attractive than his partner feels so grateful to be with her that he works harder to maintain the relationship, amping up the amount of emotional support and kindness he provides,” says Benjamin R. Karney, Ph.D., a professor of social psychology at UCLA. “Yet a man who is better looking than his partner knows he has lots of other options besides his mate, so he's less committed to providing the emotional support long term relationships need to thrive.”
“In fact, among couples where the husband was the looker, both partners supported each other less,” says Karney. “That implies when the husband disengages emotionally, the wife follows suit. Then no one is happy — it's a vicious cycle.”
Karney chalks up the relationship between a female goddess and a less beautiful man to The Social Exchange Theory: Simply put, people use a cost-benefit analysis when they think about entering or staying in a relationship. So a man might not rival Robert Pattinson in the looks department but if he's willing to please, emotionally engaged, and loyal, a woman will probably overlook his looks when deciding to pursue him. Likewise, if a woman possesses beauty and youth but say, doesn't earn a high income, a man will overlook that in exchange for genetically blessed offspring. Everyone brings something to the party.
And considering there's a shortage of hot guys to go around these days, say researchers at the London School of Economics, the exchange between a lovely and a not-so-lovely works out perfectly. “An evolutionary strategy programmed into our DNA dictates that attractive people have 36 percent greater odds of having a daughter than a son,” says Satoshi Kanazawa Ph.D., a professor of management at the London School of Economics and Political Science. “Due to this evolutionary process and because physical attractiveness is highly heritable, there tends to be more beautiful women in the world than there are beautiful men.” Lucky for you, guys.
Dating Down: Why Less Attractive Men Make Better Mates
July 27, 2010
From: http://glo.msn.com/relationships/dating-down-1533626.story?GT1=49006
By Elise Nersesian-Solé
My friend Karen is a gorgeous, tall, auburn-haired beauty with measurements that would put Barbie to shame. And although she has her pick of hot guys to choose from, she's currently in a committed relationship with a man who's pushing 5'6", balding and could afford to park 15 pounds.
And she couldn't be happier.
Their pairing is not an anomaly. All one has to do is step out onto the street or flip through a gossip rag to see a great beauty stepping out with her beast. From couples such as J. Lo and Mark Anthony, Beth Ostrosky and Howard Stern, Salman Rushdie, and well, anyone, one thing is clear: Physically-mismatched couples are everywhere.
Sure, these guys have money and power — a trait evolutionary biologists say women place great value on — yet scientists say when not accounting for these factors, these female hotties may be onto something deeper.
A recent study published in the Journal of Family Psychology suggests that for women, dating a less attractive man may result in a happier, more emotionally satisfying relationship.
Researchers from UCLA and the University of Tennessee gathered 82 couples in their mid-twenties who had married in the past year and had been together for almost three years prior, then filmed the couples discussing a personal problem. All the while, a panel of people evaluated who was the better looking individual in each pair. After analyzing the tapes, researchers discovered that in couples where the man was more attractive than the woman, he said often things such as, “This is your problem, you deal with it” whereas the unattractive hubbies were more apt to say things like, “I'm here for you — what do you want me to do? How can I help you?'"
“It's possible that a man who is less attractive than his partner feels so grateful to be with her that he works harder to maintain the relationship, amping up the amount of emotional support and kindness he provides,” says Benjamin R. Karney, Ph.D., a professor of social psychology at UCLA. “Yet a man who is better looking than his partner knows he has lots of other options besides his mate, so he's less committed to providing the emotional support long term relationships need to thrive.”
“In fact, among couples where the husband was the looker, both partners supported each other less,” says Karney. “That implies when the husband disengages emotionally, the wife follows suit. Then no one is happy — it's a vicious cycle.”
Karney chalks up the relationship between a female goddess and a less beautiful man to The Social Exchange Theory: Simply put, people use a cost-benefit analysis when they think about entering or staying in a relationship. So a man might not rival Robert Pattinson in the looks department but if he's willing to please, emotionally engaged, and loyal, a woman will probably overlook his looks when deciding to pursue him. Likewise, if a woman possesses beauty and youth but say, doesn't earn a high income, a man will overlook that in exchange for genetically blessed offspring. Everyone brings something to the party.
And considering there's a shortage of hot guys to go around these days, say researchers at the London School of Economics, the exchange between a lovely and a not-so-lovely works out perfectly. “An evolutionary strategy programmed into our DNA dictates that attractive people have 36 percent greater odds of having a daughter than a son,” says Satoshi Kanazawa Ph.D., a professor of management at the London School of Economics and Political Science. “Due to this evolutionary process and because physical attractiveness is highly heritable, there tends to be more beautiful women in the world than there are beautiful men.” Lucky for you, guys.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
hmm... now what?
I truly believe that last post was the best post I'll ever create. I am simply befuddled how to progress from here... I went to the used book store today and sold some books that our senior pastor was throwing away. I got $53 for them! So I got another Sedaris book, 2 Keillor books, and a novel by Steve Martin. All of which are witty, quick, and will no doubt be gripping. I'm reading them to learn and I'm really pumped. Those three men are seriously three of the best story tellers living today, it's almost an honor to be able to read them. Good things.
OH, I also got EVERY Garth Brooks album ever released... for $7.00. Lucky Me!!
ALSO, 5 bonus points to Zacko for correctly identifying 2 out of the 5 required words/phrases in the story below. 34 more points, and he'll get an ice cream! Kudos!
OH, I also got EVERY Garth Brooks album ever released... for $7.00. Lucky Me!!
ALSO, 5 bonus points to Zacko for correctly identifying 2 out of the 5 required words/phrases in the story below. 34 more points, and he'll get an ice cream! Kudos!
Monday, July 26, 2010
"The King of the Hill" or "WaltMeister3000 Takes a Yog": A Novella.
This is what you get when you have 5 words or phrases that must be in a single story. Can you guess which 5?
enjoy.
Walter ran as hard as he could. Stride after stride he grunted louder than a llama as his energy levels waned to near empty. His thighs burned like red coals in a campfire, sweat stinging as it entered his squinting eyes, his heart palpating to the verge of explosion. This was easily twice the limit of his 6 foot 4 inch 300 pound body. “This is what it is going to take!” He screamed as he took two more strides and collapsed out of sheer exhaustion. After what seemed like three hours of lying on his back trying to catch his breath, the beleaguered 30 year old turned over to see that he was only 200 yards away from his goal of reaching the highest peak in all of Iowa. Looking down the hill (the locals call it a mountain, but being Iowans they’ve never really seen a real-live mountain, so they don’t know any better) and then turning back to see how close he’d come all he could think was, “the mountains win again.” Dejected he hobbled down the 800 foot slope back toward his parked 1988 rusted out Jeep Cherokee.
If only he was Harry Potter, he thought, then he could conjure up a spell to make him run faster and with more endurance. These are the things Walter thought about: what he could do if he was a wizard, how he would have rescued Princess Leah, and whether or not Orcs are in reality stronger than the one-blow duds Peter Jackson made them out to be. He was what most people would call a nerd, but he didn’t realize it. Not that it mattered, Walter didn’t pay much attention to most people, only the handful of Magic: The Gathering players in his small town and the regular contributors on his Futurama blog mattered to him. And to them he was WaltMeister3000, a certified level 12 Eladrin Wizard.
Why then, would a man paler than Emperor Palpatine and as large as Rubeus Hagrid be running up a hill that the locals called a mountain? Easy. He needs to be in shape in case a velociraptor ever chases him. Walter was nothing, if not prepared. So on and on he trained, each day running at least three steps farther than the previous day before yielding to the pain and collapsing. It didn’t take long before the whole town found out about Walter’s quest. In fact, his neighbors were so surprised to see him outside during daylight hours that they called the police because they thought something was wrong with his mother. Moe at the corner gas station couldn’t keep enough Gatorade in stock to keep the role-playing turned fitness guru hydrated. When Walter ran, the town took notice. Before long, they were lining the dirt road that lead up the mountain that defined their town to watch Walter run. Within a couple of weeks, Walter had more fans cheering for him as he ran than he did members of his Stan Lee fan club. He didn’t really know why they were cheering, and the fans didn’t know why they were watching, but they both enjoyed the sense of purpose it gave so every day at 3pm the good townsfolk would make their way out to the base of the mountain and stand shoulder to shoulder to cheer Walter on.
Exactly 52 days from his first run, Walter had an extra bounce in his step. “Today is the day”, he said to his Teddy Rukspin as he trotted out the door ready to conquer the mountain. The town was abuzz with an inexplicable energy as Walter stretched his final glute and began his ascent. He reached the half-way point with barely a twinge in his thighs. The crowd cheered as loud as they’ve ever cheered while Walter actually picked up speed as he scurried up mount misnomer. He knew he was going to summit, there wasn’t a doubt in his mind. He was filled with a giddy excitement as he got his second and third winds and finally reached the top. He hopped up and down repeatedly as if he was trying to find the secret block on level 3 of the third Super Mario World. It seemed as if all of Iowa was chanting his name. This time his heart raced with elation. It was a feeling equal to- if not greater than- beating Final Fantasy X on expert in a mere 13 hours.
“You did it!” his sensei squealed. “Auuugggeerrrggg” his brother dressed as a Wookie moaned. “What now, Walt?” someone from the crowed asked, "what will you do now?". “I tell you what, citizens, I will tell you what I will do next. I… I... “ Walter looked into all the faces that he didn’t recognize. He wondered if any of them were World of Warcraft enemies or perhaps minions of Voldemort (of course he didn’t think that name, he had his own secret code for the one who mustn’t be spoken of). “Citizens” he cleared his throat with a poignant grace, “I really have to pee.” And with that Walt walked down the hill got into his Jeep and never ran again.
The End.
enjoy.
Walter ran as hard as he could. Stride after stride he grunted louder than a llama as his energy levels waned to near empty. His thighs burned like red coals in a campfire, sweat stinging as it entered his squinting eyes, his heart palpating to the verge of explosion. This was easily twice the limit of his 6 foot 4 inch 300 pound body. “This is what it is going to take!” He screamed as he took two more strides and collapsed out of sheer exhaustion. After what seemed like three hours of lying on his back trying to catch his breath, the beleaguered 30 year old turned over to see that he was only 200 yards away from his goal of reaching the highest peak in all of Iowa. Looking down the hill (the locals call it a mountain, but being Iowans they’ve never really seen a real-live mountain, so they don’t know any better) and then turning back to see how close he’d come all he could think was, “the mountains win again.” Dejected he hobbled down the 800 foot slope back toward his parked 1988 rusted out Jeep Cherokee.
If only he was Harry Potter, he thought, then he could conjure up a spell to make him run faster and with more endurance. These are the things Walter thought about: what he could do if he was a wizard, how he would have rescued Princess Leah, and whether or not Orcs are in reality stronger than the one-blow duds Peter Jackson made them out to be. He was what most people would call a nerd, but he didn’t realize it. Not that it mattered, Walter didn’t pay much attention to most people, only the handful of Magic: The Gathering players in his small town and the regular contributors on his Futurama blog mattered to him. And to them he was WaltMeister3000, a certified level 12 Eladrin Wizard.
Why then, would a man paler than Emperor Palpatine and as large as Rubeus Hagrid be running up a hill that the locals called a mountain? Easy. He needs to be in shape in case a velociraptor ever chases him. Walter was nothing, if not prepared. So on and on he trained, each day running at least three steps farther than the previous day before yielding to the pain and collapsing. It didn’t take long before the whole town found out about Walter’s quest. In fact, his neighbors were so surprised to see him outside during daylight hours that they called the police because they thought something was wrong with his mother. Moe at the corner gas station couldn’t keep enough Gatorade in stock to keep the role-playing turned fitness guru hydrated. When Walter ran, the town took notice. Before long, they were lining the dirt road that lead up the mountain that defined their town to watch Walter run. Within a couple of weeks, Walter had more fans cheering for him as he ran than he did members of his Stan Lee fan club. He didn’t really know why they were cheering, and the fans didn’t know why they were watching, but they both enjoyed the sense of purpose it gave so every day at 3pm the good townsfolk would make their way out to the base of the mountain and stand shoulder to shoulder to cheer Walter on.
Exactly 52 days from his first run, Walter had an extra bounce in his step. “Today is the day”, he said to his Teddy Rukspin as he trotted out the door ready to conquer the mountain. The town was abuzz with an inexplicable energy as Walter stretched his final glute and began his ascent. He reached the half-way point with barely a twinge in his thighs. The crowd cheered as loud as they’ve ever cheered while Walter actually picked up speed as he scurried up mount misnomer. He knew he was going to summit, there wasn’t a doubt in his mind. He was filled with a giddy excitement as he got his second and third winds and finally reached the top. He hopped up and down repeatedly as if he was trying to find the secret block on level 3 of the third Super Mario World. It seemed as if all of Iowa was chanting his name. This time his heart raced with elation. It was a feeling equal to- if not greater than- beating Final Fantasy X on expert in a mere 13 hours.
“You did it!” his sensei squealed. “Auuugggeerrrggg” his brother dressed as a Wookie moaned. “What now, Walt?” someone from the crowed asked, "what will you do now?". “I tell you what, citizens, I will tell you what I will do next. I… I... “ Walter looked into all the faces that he didn’t recognize. He wondered if any of them were World of Warcraft enemies or perhaps minions of Voldemort (of course he didn’t think that name, he had his own secret code for the one who mustn’t be spoken of). “Citizens” he cleared his throat with a poignant grace, “I really have to pee.” And with that Walt walked down the hill got into his Jeep and never ran again.
The End.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
oh that.
Today I've done nothing. Sleep and iCarly/Suite Live On Deck... nice little Saturday! I really wonder what I did before Facebook, though. What a great way to waste a weekend!
I feel kinda grimy, what with the lack of showering and all, but it was a great day. I did, however field some E-mails/phone calls, and summer 2011 is already booked full. sigh. 9 week day camp in Shako (crossing my fingers on that one... could be really cool), drama camp, soccer camp, VBS, youth rally, Utah excursion, and a hopeful family thing = busy. I'm not complaining, just sayin' is all.
Speaking of drama camp, our performance was on friday. I was really nervous about this year as the kids were very young and the play was quite difficult technically speaking. But, as they always do, the kids really stepped up and did a bang up job, and the directing team was AMAZING! The 4 ladies that help me out are absolute rock stars. They are such a blessing. It is always so cool to see what can happen in a week.
In previous years I would still be on cloud nine, but this year... I really felt nothing. It was over, we cleaned up (I'm so grateful for the awesome clean up help too! We were out in an hour!), and on to the next thing... I wanted to be pumped, I should have been blown away, but i am just... blagh. dunno. I need to find something professionally to work toward. As it is, my goals are largely met (by the grace of God, totally) and I'm just in a routine that is quite frankly boring. I don't know what such a new goal could be, but I'm hoping something comes up soon. Sometimes I pine for the good ole days at the OG...
In other news, I just saw a commercial for the EVO4, and it makes me lust after it even more. I'm #7 on the list!!! Next week, maybe?? Here's hoping. Ha! My new cell phone is the most exciting thing I have in the hopper... somethin' ain't right...
You know who is right? Delmon Young is right on awesome! Methinks the Twins could have a 3rd MVP on their roster by the end of the year. The kid's got game, yo!
OK bed time.
I feel kinda grimy, what with the lack of showering and all, but it was a great day. I did, however field some E-mails/phone calls, and summer 2011 is already booked full. sigh. 9 week day camp in Shako (crossing my fingers on that one... could be really cool), drama camp, soccer camp, VBS, youth rally, Utah excursion, and a hopeful family thing = busy. I'm not complaining, just sayin' is all.
Speaking of drama camp, our performance was on friday. I was really nervous about this year as the kids were very young and the play was quite difficult technically speaking. But, as they always do, the kids really stepped up and did a bang up job, and the directing team was AMAZING! The 4 ladies that help me out are absolute rock stars. They are such a blessing. It is always so cool to see what can happen in a week.
In previous years I would still be on cloud nine, but this year... I really felt nothing. It was over, we cleaned up (I'm so grateful for the awesome clean up help too! We were out in an hour!), and on to the next thing... I wanted to be pumped, I should have been blown away, but i am just... blagh. dunno. I need to find something professionally to work toward. As it is, my goals are largely met (by the grace of God, totally) and I'm just in a routine that is quite frankly boring. I don't know what such a new goal could be, but I'm hoping something comes up soon. Sometimes I pine for the good ole days at the OG...
In other news, I just saw a commercial for the EVO4, and it makes me lust after it even more. I'm #7 on the list!!! Next week, maybe?? Here's hoping. Ha! My new cell phone is the most exciting thing I have in the hopper... somethin' ain't right...
You know who is right? Delmon Young is right on awesome! Methinks the Twins could have a 3rd MVP on their roster by the end of the year. The kid's got game, yo!
OK bed time.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
In the Night
In the Night My Hope Lives On
by: Andrew Peterson
I am weary with the pain of Jacob's wrestling
In the darkness with the fear, the darkness with the fear.
But He met the morning wounded with a blessing
So in the night, my hope lives on
And when Elisha woke surrounded by the forces-
Of the enemies of God, the enemies of God
He saw the hills aflame with angels on their horses
So in the night, my hope lives on
Oh, in the night
Oh, in the night
Oh, in the night my hope lives on
See the slave that toils beneath the yoke unyielding
And I can hear the captive groan, hear the captive groan
For some hand to stay the whip his foe is wielding
Still in the night, my hope lives on
I see the armies of the enemy approaching
And the people driven trembling to the shore
But a doorway through the waters now is opening
So in the night my hopes on
Oh, in the night
Oh, in the night
Oh, in the night my hope lives on
Like the son who thought he'd gone beyond forgiveness
To ashamed to lift his head, but if he could lift his head
He would see his father running from a distance
And in the night my hope lives on
And I can see the crowd of men retreating
As He stands between the woman and their stones
And if mercy in His holy heart is beating
Then in the night my hope lives on
Well I remember how they scorned the Son of Mary
He was gentle as a lamb, gentle as a lamb
He was beaten, He was crucified and buried
And in the night my hope was gone
But the rulers of this earth could not control Him
No they did not take His life, He laid it down
And all the chains of death could never hope to hold Him
So in the night my hope lives on
And I can see the Son of Man descending
And the sword He swings is brighter than the dawn
And the gates of Hell will never stand against Him
So in the night my hope lives on
Oh, in the night
Oh, in the night
Oh, in the night my hope lives on
Oh, in the night
Oh, in the night
Oh, in the night my hope lives on
by: Andrew Peterson
I am weary with the pain of Jacob's wrestling
In the darkness with the fear, the darkness with the fear.
But He met the morning wounded with a blessing
So in the night, my hope lives on
And when Elisha woke surrounded by the forces-
Of the enemies of God, the enemies of God
He saw the hills aflame with angels on their horses
So in the night, my hope lives on
Oh, in the night
Oh, in the night
Oh, in the night my hope lives on
See the slave that toils beneath the yoke unyielding
And I can hear the captive groan, hear the captive groan
For some hand to stay the whip his foe is wielding
Still in the night, my hope lives on
I see the armies of the enemy approaching
And the people driven trembling to the shore
But a doorway through the waters now is opening
So in the night my hopes on
Oh, in the night
Oh, in the night
Oh, in the night my hope lives on
Like the son who thought he'd gone beyond forgiveness
To ashamed to lift his head, but if he could lift his head
He would see his father running from a distance
And in the night my hope lives on
And I can see the crowd of men retreating
As He stands between the woman and their stones
And if mercy in His holy heart is beating
Then in the night my hope lives on
Well I remember how they scorned the Son of Mary
He was gentle as a lamb, gentle as a lamb
He was beaten, He was crucified and buried
And in the night my hope was gone
But the rulers of this earth could not control Him
No they did not take His life, He laid it down
And all the chains of death could never hope to hold Him
So in the night my hope lives on
And I can see the Son of Man descending
And the sword He swings is brighter than the dawn
And the gates of Hell will never stand against Him
So in the night my hope lives on
Oh, in the night
Oh, in the night
Oh, in the night my hope lives on
Oh, in the night
Oh, in the night
Oh, in the night my hope lives on
Friday, July 23, 2010
phat beats!
Brilliant idea for a band name:
Weakside Strong.
can you say HIT MACHINE???
cash-money, ya'll!
Weakside Strong.
can you say HIT MACHINE???
cash-money, ya'll!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
front line communication
Directors log: 21 July, 2010
Drama Camp Day 3: progress!
The children seem to have a better idea of what it is exactly they are at camp to do: sing, dance, act. There is one young fellow, Trevor, who insists to carry his own plastic microphone. While this behavior is troubling, I will allow it for the sake of peacekeeping. The lead characters are showing tremendous promise and will be quite enjoyable to watch. Some of our costuming ideas have to be scaled back for time, but as a whole I do believe the audience will enjoy what they see. Lights are up and programing commences tomorrow morning. The staff members all seem pleased at our progress as we all move cautiously forward into two complete run-through's tomorrow morning. May God give us strength.
Update finished. Over and out.
Drama Camp Day 3: progress!
The children seem to have a better idea of what it is exactly they are at camp to do: sing, dance, act. There is one young fellow, Trevor, who insists to carry his own plastic microphone. While this behavior is troubling, I will allow it for the sake of peacekeeping. The lead characters are showing tremendous promise and will be quite enjoyable to watch. Some of our costuming ideas have to be scaled back for time, but as a whole I do believe the audience will enjoy what they see. Lights are up and programing commences tomorrow morning. The staff members all seem pleased at our progress as we all move cautiously forward into two complete run-through's tomorrow morning. May God give us strength.
Update finished. Over and out.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Inception!
One of the things that I thought would be fun to do with this here bla(h)g was to give my take on movies. I am a huge movie fan and I try to see all the blockbusters as the come out, so I thought I could offer some insight and/or opinions of popular movies and everyone would read them and I would become more popular than Gene Siskel. Well, while I do indeed see a lot of movies, I've found that 1-my opinions very often echo those of the paid critics, and 2- it's really hard to write about movies. I gotta give critics a lot of credit, their craft is difficult.
Today I saw Inception. All I can say is go see it now. Christopher Nolan is an absolutely brilliant writer and ingenious director. Leo is phenomenal and the movie is just crazy awesome. Not a single swear word and minimal blood in an action/suspense/physiological thriller- that makes it worth seeing right there. I'll have to see it 3 or 5 more times before I fully understand it, but man oh man that's what makes it good. Be sure to empty the ole bladder before you sit down, because it is 2.5 hours of pure adrenaline... Just go see it. now.
Today I saw Inception. All I can say is go see it now. Christopher Nolan is an absolutely brilliant writer and ingenious director. Leo is phenomenal and the movie is just crazy awesome. Not a single swear word and minimal blood in an action/suspense/physiological thriller- that makes it worth seeing right there. I'll have to see it 3 or 5 more times before I fully understand it, but man oh man that's what makes it good. Be sure to empty the ole bladder before you sit down, because it is 2.5 hours of pure adrenaline... Just go see it. now.
Monday, July 19, 2010
case of the mondays.
oh man i am just exhausted! I am still behind sleep from the weekend and Drama Camp is keeping me up at night. BUT good times with the old man and the brother. Too bad the Twins drank the weak sauce tonight. SO off to bed for me... but first I gotta get caught up on Entourage... priorities!
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man oh man things have happened! Good things! I had a wild time at the ole Sonshine music festival. I hadn't been there since '97, and it truly changed my life. For real. It the first time I ever hung out with non-Lutheran Christians, and it really made me look at my faith in a different light. It was good times.
This year was a little different. I went as a volunteer for a local Christian night club. We sold Rockstar Energy Drink at their booth. But since we worked, we got in for free... super! Anyway, I'm not really in the mood to recap the week, but man, it was fantastic. I got to hang backstage with some awesome musicians and made some new connections in the music world. (Among said connections is the band Everyday Sunday... GREAT guys, awesome music... check 'em out!)
Every time I spend time with people in the music industry, however, it makes me kinda bum out over my job. I've said over and over again how blessed I am to do what I do- and I know that and still believe that... but MAN it would be so great to work in the biz, at least for a while. Today I told the family that I'm closest to here at church that I feel as if my run at youth ministry might be over soon(ish) and I'm finding it hard to find joy in what I do lately. They just said, "wow." kind of nonchalantly and moved on to the next topic. I don't know what I expected, but it seemed as if they knew... that's not good- the people you serve shouldn't know you're discontented...
I think the thing that bums me out the most- and the thing that I really wasn't expecting is dealing with the replacement. As kids (and families) moved on past the years of youth ministry my main focus was making sure the ministry survived the transition- like making sure we have new high school kids to volunteer with the jr high ministry, that kind of thing... well the thing that I wasn't prepared for and the thing that is weighing heavily on my currently is the personal side of being replaced. For 5 years I've been a part of many kids lives. I've grown really close to a lot of cool kids. I'm among the first 10 people to find out Billy got his driver's license or I get the call when Frank breaks up with Betty, you know what I mean? I have a purpose... I am a big slice of kids life-pies. And it's awesome and I'm so humbled to be a slice!!! But as they grow and as they meet more people and make good, solid Christian (hopefully) relationships my piece gets smaller and smaller and my counsel, input, or awareness of the situation is no longer needed... and its tough realization, man!
I honestly never thought about that side of things... I guess I figured I'd always have a slice of the life-pie and be a top-5 phone call when the engagement happens, kid is born, and nursing home has to be chosen... ha! I realize that's silly, but I since I never thought about it I wasn't prepared, so it kind of all hit me at once as I was talking to one of our staff members- I've sang with her and a kid over the past couple of years, but the kid is in college now, so we have a new kid singing with us. I told the staff member (i should just use names to make this easier) that the kid has been replaced thinking she would be aghast, but instead she spoke wisdom into my life she said, "Well... I think she's ready to be replaced." Its true, she is and she should be, but I wasn't ready... bumskis.
Alas, it's all a variation of a theme. the whole long line of leavers thing... Realizing how temporal everything- even relationships- is makes you wonder why even start? Which makes me want to live south of the Mason Dixie... blagh.
ON THE VERY VERY VERY Bright side... TOMORROW is Drama Camp! Holy Moly! Get the Espresso shots ready, cuz it's gonna be one heck of a week!
This year was a little different. I went as a volunteer for a local Christian night club. We sold Rockstar Energy Drink at their booth. But since we worked, we got in for free... super! Anyway, I'm not really in the mood to recap the week, but man, it was fantastic. I got to hang backstage with some awesome musicians and made some new connections in the music world. (Among said connections is the band Everyday Sunday... GREAT guys, awesome music... check 'em out!)
Every time I spend time with people in the music industry, however, it makes me kinda bum out over my job. I've said over and over again how blessed I am to do what I do- and I know that and still believe that... but MAN it would be so great to work in the biz, at least for a while. Today I told the family that I'm closest to here at church that I feel as if my run at youth ministry might be over soon(ish) and I'm finding it hard to find joy in what I do lately. They just said, "wow." kind of nonchalantly and moved on to the next topic. I don't know what I expected, but it seemed as if they knew... that's not good- the people you serve shouldn't know you're discontented...
I think the thing that bums me out the most- and the thing that I really wasn't expecting is dealing with the replacement. As kids (and families) moved on past the years of youth ministry my main focus was making sure the ministry survived the transition- like making sure we have new high school kids to volunteer with the jr high ministry, that kind of thing... well the thing that I wasn't prepared for and the thing that is weighing heavily on my currently is the personal side of being replaced. For 5 years I've been a part of many kids lives. I've grown really close to a lot of cool kids. I'm among the first 10 people to find out Billy got his driver's license or I get the call when Frank breaks up with Betty, you know what I mean? I have a purpose... I am a big slice of kids life-pies. And it's awesome and I'm so humbled to be a slice!!! But as they grow and as they meet more people and make good, solid Christian (hopefully) relationships my piece gets smaller and smaller and my counsel, input, or awareness of the situation is no longer needed... and its tough realization, man!
I honestly never thought about that side of things... I guess I figured I'd always have a slice of the life-pie and be a top-5 phone call when the engagement happens, kid is born, and nursing home has to be chosen... ha! I realize that's silly, but I since I never thought about it I wasn't prepared, so it kind of all hit me at once as I was talking to one of our staff members- I've sang with her and a kid over the past couple of years, but the kid is in college now, so we have a new kid singing with us. I told the staff member (i should just use names to make this easier) that the kid has been replaced thinking she would be aghast, but instead she spoke wisdom into my life she said, "Well... I think she's ready to be replaced." Its true, she is and she should be, but I wasn't ready... bumskis.
Alas, it's all a variation of a theme. the whole long line of leavers thing... Realizing how temporal everything- even relationships- is makes you wonder why even start? Which makes me want to live south of the Mason Dixie... blagh.
ON THE VERY VERY VERY Bright side... TOMORROW is Drama Camp! Holy Moly! Get the Espresso shots ready, cuz it's gonna be one heck of a week!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Sonshine.
yesterday was pretty stinkin' nuts... got to hang with some of my favorite musicians...nutty. Today... man, today could be even nuttier... who knows?!?! awesome.
How about an awesome quote to start off the day? Max Lucado: God's grace is older than your sin and greater than your shortcomings. Thank God!
How about an awesome quote to start off the day? Max Lucado: God's grace is older than your sin and greater than your shortcomings. Thank God!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Rambis,man
"I always pulled my teammates along with my hustle and my effort. And that's
what I'm going to help try to relate to the players, that if they do that,
if they play with heart and effort and energy and play together, we have an
excellent chance to win basketball games." -Kurt Rambis
what I'm going to help try to relate to the players, that if they do that,
if they play with heart and effort and energy and play together, we have an
excellent chance to win basketball games." -Kurt Rambis
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
goliath of gath
there is a great show on NBC.com called "Kings" Its a modern telling of David and Goliath... check it out, it was only one season long, but really good. Drama Camp starts monday- and we're doing a play about David and Goliath... IT REALLY is a Dave and Golly story with the camp this year. We are WAAAAAAAAY over our heads... it is really hard to imagine how it will all come together. I'm confidant that it will-- it always does, but MAN this one is a doozy...
NOT TO MENTION i'm gone today thru Saturday rockin' out with Supertones and FF5 and the such... I wish I could stay home with all the stuff I gotta get done, but I'm already committed. Hopefully I can find reliable WiFi.
So, for your listening enjoyment- a little Supertone goodness-
NOT TO MENTION i'm gone today thru Saturday rockin' out with Supertones and FF5 and the such... I wish I could stay home with all the stuff I gotta get done, but I'm already committed. Hopefully I can find reliable WiFi.
So, for your listening enjoyment- a little Supertone goodness-
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
New Look!
HA! I was going to bla(h)g about how change is such a pain sometimes... but instead, in an act of wonderful irony, I changed the look of this here piece of the interwebs. I have 8 minutes of battery left, so I'll stick with the current design... at least for now... thoughts? I think it looks perdy darned snazzy, and it's easier to read, so that's a plus...
Good times, good times...
A little change will do ya good, I tell ya!
Good times, good times...
A little change will do ya good, I tell ya!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Words, Words, Words pt 1.
Ever think about what you say? I get asked that a lot… James 3 says the tongue is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. Isn’t that the truth? Think of how many times we’ve said things to cause hurt, to bring pain and devastation by spreading rumors or lies or hate-
It’s shameful!
And yet that same tongue can bring such joy and peace to someone with a kind word, or a simple “I love you”…
Proverbs 22:24 says: An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
There is much to be said about the dichotomy of our tongue. I want to take a look at one of the most famous talkers of the Bible: Peter, and his razor-sharp tongue. He didn’t just hurt one of his friends… no he hurt his greatest friend, and his Savior from sin.
It’s a familiar story-
Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane and all 11 of his remaining disciples ran away scared. Jesus is on trial in the temple Court Peter, one of his closest disciples has just denied that he even knows who Jesus is THREE times- calling down curses on him self swearing he wasn’t a friend of God-made-man.
A familiar story, Peter’s denial, right?
Now think of Jesus-
Imagine the pain. The gut wrenching feeling he must have had
When his friends. His BEST FRIENDS- hand picked- his travel partners for 3 years
His buddies, his pals, his band of brothers
Imagine the devastation when they all fled and left him to face his death all alone.
I think we often forget that Jesus’ suffering started long before the first nail was pounded into his hand.
Jesus suffering began with a loneliness that I pray you and I will never even come close to feeling as his closest and best friends not only deserted him, but Peter, the boldest and loudest of them all- denied he even KNEW him.
How that must have cut our Lord to the core.
Recently there was a MSN poll asking what wound people felt would hurt the most –
some listed paper cuts with lemon juice poured in them, someone else put down the times you smash your toe on the door.
Others listed a variety of burns, breaks, slivers under the fingernails. But one response really caught my attention.
When asked, “What wound hurts the most?” someone responded, “Any wound caused by a friend!”
That’s really what we have here today as Jesus is denied by his friend
These wounds are perpetrated not by an enemy, not by an opponent, but by friends – by the people closest to you, people you thought you could rely upon; people you thought would stand by you through thick and thin!
Please don’t think that our Savior was blindsided by this denial-
He warned his disciples just prior to his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane:
But a time is coming and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. John 16:32
And even hours before these events, he warned them again:
This very night you will all fall away on account of me…
Yet in spite of these repeated warnings, we are told:
But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.”
Bold words.
And then came the moment when the ships were down – the time of trouble and persecution that Jesus had talked about when everything seemed to be falling apart.
They were surrounded.
Their freedom and wellbeing, their livelihood and their very lives were at stake.
So when the going got tough what did they do?
It’s shameful!
And yet that same tongue can bring such joy and peace to someone with a kind word, or a simple “I love you”…
Proverbs 22:24 says: An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
There is much to be said about the dichotomy of our tongue. I want to take a look at one of the most famous talkers of the Bible: Peter, and his razor-sharp tongue. He didn’t just hurt one of his friends… no he hurt his greatest friend, and his Savior from sin.
It’s a familiar story-
Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane and all 11 of his remaining disciples ran away scared. Jesus is on trial in the temple Court Peter, one of his closest disciples has just denied that he even knows who Jesus is THREE times- calling down curses on him self swearing he wasn’t a friend of God-made-man.
A familiar story, Peter’s denial, right?
Now think of Jesus-
Imagine the pain. The gut wrenching feeling he must have had
When his friends. His BEST FRIENDS- hand picked- his travel partners for 3 years
His buddies, his pals, his band of brothers
Imagine the devastation when they all fled and left him to face his death all alone.
I think we often forget that Jesus’ suffering started long before the first nail was pounded into his hand.
Jesus suffering began with a loneliness that I pray you and I will never even come close to feeling as his closest and best friends not only deserted him, but Peter, the boldest and loudest of them all- denied he even KNEW him.
How that must have cut our Lord to the core.
Recently there was a MSN poll asking what wound people felt would hurt the most –
some listed paper cuts with lemon juice poured in them, someone else put down the times you smash your toe on the door.
Others listed a variety of burns, breaks, slivers under the fingernails. But one response really caught my attention.
When asked, “What wound hurts the most?” someone responded, “Any wound caused by a friend!”
That’s really what we have here today as Jesus is denied by his friend
These wounds are perpetrated not by an enemy, not by an opponent, but by friends – by the people closest to you, people you thought you could rely upon; people you thought would stand by you through thick and thin!
Please don’t think that our Savior was blindsided by this denial-
He warned his disciples just prior to his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane:
But a time is coming and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. John 16:32
And even hours before these events, he warned them again:
This very night you will all fall away on account of me…
Yet in spite of these repeated warnings, we are told:
But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.”
Bold words.
And then came the moment when the ships were down – the time of trouble and persecution that Jesus had talked about when everything seemed to be falling apart.
They were surrounded.
Their freedom and wellbeing, their livelihood and their very lives were at stake.
So when the going got tough what did they do?
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Words, Words, Words pt 2.
They ran scared- not clinging to their Lord and their God, but rather fleeing into the darkness in sheer terror.
But we have to give Peter a little credit. He ran at first, but he came back to see what was going on-
Peter followed the noise till he saw the torch-lit jury in the courtyard of Caiaphas- the high priest.
He stopped near a fire and warmed his hands.
That fire sparked with irony.
The night had been cold.
The fire was hot.
But Peter was neither.
He was lukewarm.
Luke 22 says that “Peter followed at a distance”
He was loyal . . . from a distance.
That night he went close enough to see, but not close enough to be seen.
The problem was, Peter was seen.
Other people near the fire recognized him.
They question him and Peter vehemently denies
The man who had drawn his sword to defend Jesus against a large armed mob in Gethsemane is now put to shame by a lowly servant girl.
It is, of course, impossible to say exactly what would have happened to Peter if he had openly confessed that he was one of Jesus' disciples.
At the very least, he probably would have been ridiculed by the others who were gathered around the fire.
His first denial had not been very convincing because short time later, when he was put on the spot again, Peter considered it necessary to add an oath to his denial.
He called upon God to witness the truth and to punish the lie, and in the same breath he denied God's Son.
He hoped that would be good enough to remove all doubt and suspicion from the minds of the people who were standing around him, but he soon learned that that was not the case at all.
Even though they left Peter alone for awhile after his second denial, they did not forget about him.
The manner in which he had spoken those words of denial convinced them that his words were not true.
When Peter pretended not to be a disciple of Jesus, he acted a lot like Judas did in Gethsemane when he pretended to be a disciple of Jesus.
He didn't really fool anyone.
It was obvious that he was very nervous, and his accent was obviously Galilean.
So, because he had no way to prove that he was not one of Jesus' disciples, he reacted in the way that is common among liars.
He began to curse and swear.
If they knew anything about Jesus, they might realize that profanity was not characteristic of his disciples.
And in that moment of fear and shame, Peter had effectively tendered his resignation from his apostolic office.
He was no longer a disciple of Jesus any more than Judas or Caiaphas.
He had publicly disowned his Lord and Savior.
“You were with him,” they had challenged. “You were with the Nazarene.” Three times people said it, and each time Peter denied it. And each time Jesus heard it.
Please understand that the main character in this drama of denial is not Peter, but Jesus.
Jesus, who knows the hearts of all people,
knew the denial of his friend.
Three times the salt of Peter’s betrayal stung the wounds of the Messiah.
How do I know Jesus knew?
Because of what he did.
Luke 22 says- “Then the Lord turned and looked straight at Peter”
‘When the rooster crowed, Jesus turned.
His eyes searched for Peter and they found him.
At that moment there were no soldiers,
no accusers,
no priests.
At that predawn moment in Jerusalem there were only two people—Jesus and Peter.
Peter would never forget that look.
Though Jesus’ face was already bloody and bruised, his eyes were firm and focused.
They were a knife, laying bare Peter’s heart.
Though the look had lasted only a moment, it lasted forever.
There are so many looks we’ve experienced from others when we were growing up.
I don’t think it was:
I’ll get back at you look
Just wait until your father gets home look (I got that a lot)
A how could you look
Or the WHAT ARE YOU DOING or
Not even the- you just let me down look
Of all the looks we’ve experienced, I believe this one to be the worst because its the look of hurt –
of being terribly wounded by someone you love. At this point…at this moment, there’s no doubt about it that Jesus was wounded by the words of the ones he loved he loved the most.
In Gethsemane Jesus told Peter, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation".
Then Jesus went to pray while Peter fell asleep.
As Thursday night gave way to Friday morning, Peter and Jesus found themselves in similar circumstances.
Both of them were very much alone.
Both of them were under considerable stress.
Both of them testified under oath.
But there were also some glaring differences.
Jesus' oath was administered by Caiaphas, while Peter's was self-imposed.
Jesus told the truth. Peter lied.
Peter was very much afraid. Jesus was calm, cool, and collected.
Peter did not want to die. Jesus knew very well that he was about to die, and he wanted to pay the debt of human sin-including Peter's triple sin of denial
You and I both know that Peter is not the only one to deny Jesus-
This type of wounding continues each and every day by other people that Jesus also loves – people like you and me.
We’re people who also have professed undying love.
For many of us at our Confirmation,
we stood in our white robe in front of church and we boldly and brashly professed that we would suffer all, even death rather than fall away – rather than deny or desert our Lord who loves us so much.
But how often haven’t we bailed on Jesus Christ since then?
How often haven’t our actions and words denied any association with this Savior whatsoever?
And what’s so sad is that we’ve done it for a lot lousier reasons than those 11 disciples had.
We haven’t been in fear of our lives, but we’ve laughed along at the off-colored stories at school or on TV, just to fit in – just to be like everyone else.
We’ve joined in with the crowd just to be accepted or to be considered cool.
We spread the lies
Created the gossip
Yelled out the hate.
Or we hear things that we know would not please our Lord, but we often kept such comments to ourselves.
And that is true for all of us far too often.
Maybe we didn’t want to make a scene – a spectacle of ourselves. Maybe we don’t want to be the butt of everyone’s jokes.
Maybe we just don’t care.
How many times can we just imagine Jesus turning and looking straight at us with a look that would convey the questions:
Why didn’t you speak up?
Why did you act like you didn’t know me?
Why did you deny and abandon me?
I truly believe that when we look at so many of our words and our actions, we must admit:
He was wounded…by us!
But praise the Lord, that Jesus was not only wounded by us, but also for us – to heal us spiritually.
He endured the suffering of body and soul – suffering produced by our sin and our rebellion – our denials and sinful words – he endured it all and paid for it all on the cross in order to redeem us- to BUY US BACK from sin and death and the devil.
He was wounded by us, for us to win forgiveness for every man, woman, and child here and who has ever walked on the face of this earth.
As Far as the East is from the West, so far has He removed our sins from us.
Praise be to God!
Even though we DAILY deny Jesus through our words and actions, we can rest in the assurance that He’ll never deny us.
He will never leave us alone and forsaken. Quite the opposite, in fact he says to us- COME TO ME all you who are weak and heavy burdened and I will give you REST!
For those who turn to him in repentance and faith, he will never refuse the grace and peace of His Son here on earth-
Our Crucified and risen savior assures us and all believers that
he will never deny access into the joys of heaven.
By his wounds…we are healed
By grace through faith, we are forgiven children of God and heirs of heaven!
So what do you say to all that?
How do you react?
My friends, I pray that you would let the Love that Jesus showed you on the cross- let that control your thoughts your actions, and your words.
Stop the gossip
End the swearing
Cease taking His name in vein
Stand out as a child of God
Psalm 19- May the WORDS OF MY LIPS be pleasing to you oh God, my rock and my redeemer.
May this be our prayer always
(excerpts of this post were taken from Max Lucado's "Galilean Grace" from MaxLucado.com)
But we have to give Peter a little credit. He ran at first, but he came back to see what was going on-
Peter followed the noise till he saw the torch-lit jury in the courtyard of Caiaphas- the high priest.
He stopped near a fire and warmed his hands.
That fire sparked with irony.
The night had been cold.
The fire was hot.
But Peter was neither.
He was lukewarm.
Luke 22 says that “Peter followed at a distance”
He was loyal . . . from a distance.
That night he went close enough to see, but not close enough to be seen.
The problem was, Peter was seen.
Other people near the fire recognized him.
They question him and Peter vehemently denies
The man who had drawn his sword to defend Jesus against a large armed mob in Gethsemane is now put to shame by a lowly servant girl.
It is, of course, impossible to say exactly what would have happened to Peter if he had openly confessed that he was one of Jesus' disciples.
At the very least, he probably would have been ridiculed by the others who were gathered around the fire.
His first denial had not been very convincing because short time later, when he was put on the spot again, Peter considered it necessary to add an oath to his denial.
He called upon God to witness the truth and to punish the lie, and in the same breath he denied God's Son.
He hoped that would be good enough to remove all doubt and suspicion from the minds of the people who were standing around him, but he soon learned that that was not the case at all.
Even though they left Peter alone for awhile after his second denial, they did not forget about him.
The manner in which he had spoken those words of denial convinced them that his words were not true.
When Peter pretended not to be a disciple of Jesus, he acted a lot like Judas did in Gethsemane when he pretended to be a disciple of Jesus.
He didn't really fool anyone.
It was obvious that he was very nervous, and his accent was obviously Galilean.
So, because he had no way to prove that he was not one of Jesus' disciples, he reacted in the way that is common among liars.
He began to curse and swear.
If they knew anything about Jesus, they might realize that profanity was not characteristic of his disciples.
And in that moment of fear and shame, Peter had effectively tendered his resignation from his apostolic office.
He was no longer a disciple of Jesus any more than Judas or Caiaphas.
He had publicly disowned his Lord and Savior.
“You were with him,” they had challenged. “You were with the Nazarene.” Three times people said it, and each time Peter denied it. And each time Jesus heard it.
Please understand that the main character in this drama of denial is not Peter, but Jesus.
Jesus, who knows the hearts of all people,
knew the denial of his friend.
Three times the salt of Peter’s betrayal stung the wounds of the Messiah.
How do I know Jesus knew?
Because of what he did.
Luke 22 says- “Then the Lord turned and looked straight at Peter”
‘When the rooster crowed, Jesus turned.
His eyes searched for Peter and they found him.
At that moment there were no soldiers,
no accusers,
no priests.
At that predawn moment in Jerusalem there were only two people—Jesus and Peter.
Peter would never forget that look.
Though Jesus’ face was already bloody and bruised, his eyes were firm and focused.
They were a knife, laying bare Peter’s heart.
Though the look had lasted only a moment, it lasted forever.
There are so many looks we’ve experienced from others when we were growing up.
I don’t think it was:
I’ll get back at you look
Just wait until your father gets home look (I got that a lot)
A how could you look
Or the WHAT ARE YOU DOING or
Not even the- you just let me down look
Of all the looks we’ve experienced, I believe this one to be the worst because its the look of hurt –
of being terribly wounded by someone you love. At this point…at this moment, there’s no doubt about it that Jesus was wounded by the words of the ones he loved he loved the most.
In Gethsemane Jesus told Peter, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation".
Then Jesus went to pray while Peter fell asleep.
As Thursday night gave way to Friday morning, Peter and Jesus found themselves in similar circumstances.
Both of them were very much alone.
Both of them were under considerable stress.
Both of them testified under oath.
But there were also some glaring differences.
Jesus' oath was administered by Caiaphas, while Peter's was self-imposed.
Jesus told the truth. Peter lied.
Peter was very much afraid. Jesus was calm, cool, and collected.
Peter did not want to die. Jesus knew very well that he was about to die, and he wanted to pay the debt of human sin-including Peter's triple sin of denial
You and I both know that Peter is not the only one to deny Jesus-
This type of wounding continues each and every day by other people that Jesus also loves – people like you and me.
We’re people who also have professed undying love.
For many of us at our Confirmation,
we stood in our white robe in front of church and we boldly and brashly professed that we would suffer all, even death rather than fall away – rather than deny or desert our Lord who loves us so much.
But how often haven’t we bailed on Jesus Christ since then?
How often haven’t our actions and words denied any association with this Savior whatsoever?
And what’s so sad is that we’ve done it for a lot lousier reasons than those 11 disciples had.
We haven’t been in fear of our lives, but we’ve laughed along at the off-colored stories at school or on TV, just to fit in – just to be like everyone else.
We’ve joined in with the crowd just to be accepted or to be considered cool.
We spread the lies
Created the gossip
Yelled out the hate.
Or we hear things that we know would not please our Lord, but we often kept such comments to ourselves.
And that is true for all of us far too often.
Maybe we didn’t want to make a scene – a spectacle of ourselves. Maybe we don’t want to be the butt of everyone’s jokes.
Maybe we just don’t care.
How many times can we just imagine Jesus turning and looking straight at us with a look that would convey the questions:
Why didn’t you speak up?
Why did you act like you didn’t know me?
Why did you deny and abandon me?
I truly believe that when we look at so many of our words and our actions, we must admit:
He was wounded…by us!
But praise the Lord, that Jesus was not only wounded by us, but also for us – to heal us spiritually.
He endured the suffering of body and soul – suffering produced by our sin and our rebellion – our denials and sinful words – he endured it all and paid for it all on the cross in order to redeem us- to BUY US BACK from sin and death and the devil.
He was wounded by us, for us to win forgiveness for every man, woman, and child here and who has ever walked on the face of this earth.
As Far as the East is from the West, so far has He removed our sins from us.
Praise be to God!
Even though we DAILY deny Jesus through our words and actions, we can rest in the assurance that He’ll never deny us.
He will never leave us alone and forsaken. Quite the opposite, in fact he says to us- COME TO ME all you who are weak and heavy burdened and I will give you REST!
For those who turn to him in repentance and faith, he will never refuse the grace and peace of His Son here on earth-
Our Crucified and risen savior assures us and all believers that
he will never deny access into the joys of heaven.
By his wounds…we are healed
By grace through faith, we are forgiven children of God and heirs of heaven!
So what do you say to all that?
How do you react?
My friends, I pray that you would let the Love that Jesus showed you on the cross- let that control your thoughts your actions, and your words.
Stop the gossip
End the swearing
Cease taking His name in vein
Stand out as a child of God
Psalm 19- May the WORDS OF MY LIPS be pleasing to you oh God, my rock and my redeemer.
May this be our prayer always
(excerpts of this post were taken from Max Lucado's "Galilean Grace" from MaxLucado.com)
Saturday, July 10, 2010
What Fore??
Today I golfed for the first time all summer. The weather was awesome, the company was great, but the game... oiy vey. I would be satisfied if this was my only golf outing all year, and by the way I've been going, that should be a reality. Too much going on!! On the bright side, I ended the day +3 in golf balls- as in I found 3 more than I lost. SUCCESS!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Moose Trax
I think it's awesome that there has been enough Moose attacks for Discovery Channel to have a special on it. http://tinyurl.com/2a7mfbp
ALSO, if you were to Google "Moose Attack" you will find several awesome videos. This is my happiness for the day.
ALSO, if you were to Google "Moose Attack" you will find several awesome videos. This is my happiness for the day.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
mmm
Some Andrew Peterson goodness. His new album drops on July 27 and everything I've heard so far is AMAZING.
Here's After the Last Tear Falls. amazing tune.
After the last tear falls
After the last secret's told
After the last bullet tears through flesh and bone
After the last child starves
And the last girl walks the boulevard
After the last year that's just too hard
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
After the last disgrace
After the last lie to save some face
After the last brutal jab from a poison tongue
After the last dirty politician
After the last meal down at the mission
After the last lonely night in prison
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
And in the end, the end is
Oceans and oceans
Of love and love again
We'll see how the tears that have fallen
Were caught in the palms
Of the Giver of love and the Lover of all
And we'll look back on these tears as old tales
'Cause after the last plan fails
After the last siren wails
After the last young husband sails off to join the war
After the last "this marriage is over"
After the last young girl's innocence is stolen
After the last years of silence that won't let a heart open
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
And in the end, the end is
Oceans and oceans
Of love and love again
We'll see how the tears that have fallen
Were caught in the palms
Of the Giver of love and the Lover of all
And we'll look back on these tears as old tales
'Cause after the last tear falls
There is love
Meadow green
River wide
Valley deep
Mountain high
After the last tear falls...
Here we toil and we till the hard earth, where even the warm times with friend and family are lonely because we know they won't last long enough to quiet the ache. Our sadness points to Home the way hunger points to the feast, the way the light of the cratered moon is always facing the sun, always pointing to where the dawn will come like a pillar of fire when this rock we walk on turns again to burning day. All over the quiet plains and the cold stone cities full of dying and shame the promise is not drowned out by the weeping; it is declared by it.
God died as a man and rose again, and the sound of the fiery blast of Death exploding shook the firmament. Throughout the wail and shudder, over the shriek and moan of man the thunder has sounded and sung, and it is both the answer and the promise. It sings still, and you can hear what it says if you listen: Love never fails.
Here's After the Last Tear Falls. amazing tune.
After the last tear falls
After the last secret's told
After the last bullet tears through flesh and bone
After the last child starves
And the last girl walks the boulevard
After the last year that's just too hard
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
After the last disgrace
After the last lie to save some face
After the last brutal jab from a poison tongue
After the last dirty politician
After the last meal down at the mission
After the last lonely night in prison
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
And in the end, the end is
Oceans and oceans
Of love and love again
We'll see how the tears that have fallen
Were caught in the palms
Of the Giver of love and the Lover of all
And we'll look back on these tears as old tales
'Cause after the last plan fails
After the last siren wails
After the last young husband sails off to join the war
After the last "this marriage is over"
After the last young girl's innocence is stolen
After the last years of silence that won't let a heart open
There is love
Love, love, love
There is love
And in the end, the end is
Oceans and oceans
Of love and love again
We'll see how the tears that have fallen
Were caught in the palms
Of the Giver of love and the Lover of all
And we'll look back on these tears as old tales
'Cause after the last tear falls
There is love
Meadow green
River wide
Valley deep
Mountain high
After the last tear falls...
Here we toil and we till the hard earth, where even the warm times with friend and family are lonely because we know they won't last long enough to quiet the ache. Our sadness points to Home the way hunger points to the feast, the way the light of the cratered moon is always facing the sun, always pointing to where the dawn will come like a pillar of fire when this rock we walk on turns again to burning day. All over the quiet plains and the cold stone cities full of dying and shame the promise is not drowned out by the weeping; it is declared by it.
God died as a man and rose again, and the sound of the fiery blast of Death exploding shook the firmament. Throughout the wail and shudder, over the shriek and moan of man the thunder has sounded and sung, and it is both the answer and the promise. It sings still, and you can hear what it says if you listen: Love never fails.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
land line anyone?
GAH! I loathe cable and TV and phone companies! I think I'm a pretty laid back guy... I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers. I just want soild cell phone service and internet that works... What I don't understand is how prices can vary SO MUCH- I have Verizon now, and I like it- it's just fine, It's like $68 a month for cell service and unlimited texting... WELL for only $63 a month I can get unlimited EVERYTHING from Sprint... duh. Let's go Sprint! Internet, TXT, unlimited minutes! NICE! BUT with my cell service I get a discount on my internet and I'm in contracts with both so there's fees with that and blah blah blah... nothing is easy.
SO, what I THINK I'm going to do (I don't know why any of you care, but I'm trying to put off doing real work...) IS get my phone AND internet through Sprint. My man Nick at my local Sprint store is gonna hook me up with a 4G hotspot for only $30/month- AND it's totally mobile, so I can go ANYWHERE and have a hotspot for my computer (and up to 7 additional useers/divices at the same time). Not a bad gig. I just hope it works with XBox Live... can I live w/o COD? I think not. :)
SO take that Qwest and Verizon... eveb WITH your early termination fees I'm saving like $10 a month for 6 months, and after that I'm saving $25-$30/month! Not too shabby!
SO, what I THINK I'm going to do (I don't know why any of you care, but I'm trying to put off doing real work...) IS get my phone AND internet through Sprint. My man Nick at my local Sprint store is gonna hook me up with a 4G hotspot for only $30/month- AND it's totally mobile, so I can go ANYWHERE and have a hotspot for my computer (and up to 7 additional useers/divices at the same time). Not a bad gig. I just hope it works with XBox Live... can I live w/o COD? I think not. :)
SO take that Qwest and Verizon... eveb WITH your early termination fees I'm saving like $10 a month for 6 months, and after that I'm saving $25-$30/month! Not too shabby!
Monday, July 5, 2010
long line of leavers
So today is July 3rd, 2010 and I’m sitting at one of my favorite places ever. I’m in Millstown, WI on Half Moon Lake at “the cabin”. There isn’t much to do other than enjoy the staggering beauty of God’s creation at the cabin, which is what makes it so wonderful. All the ladies are at some craft fair in town, so I am left to my MacBook on a breezy day overlooking a clear glass lake with the sound of kids playing and a Jetski racing back and forth from shore to shore as my soundtrack.
I decided I wanted to be inspired. I have 4 hours and 33 minutes of battery time remaining, so that is my parameter in which to write the Great American Blog Post.
Coming back to the idea of some sort of publishable content in which to rectify the lies of my youth; I, at the half-way marker, have realized there is very little that I have written that any reasonable prudent person would actually pay to read. And yet, the stated motivation of this bla(h)g was to provide said publishable material. The long/short of it is, I need to get writing!
SO what to write today? I have a Bible sitting next to me, the beauty of creation as my muse. I can grab my iPod at anytime to get me into whatever mood I desire…. What to write? What to write? There’s a new show on Bravo called “Next Top Artist” or something like that. It’s like 20 artists living in a loft together… THAT’S TELEVISION… and they have to create a new work of art for every challenge. They literally are given a topic or a genre’ and then they have like 12 hours to make art. Now, I don’t pretend to be an artist, but I think I have at least a smidgen of understanding of how the artistic process works, and while images may be pleasing to the eye, does that make it art? I’ve always appreciated paintings or sculptures that come organically from within the artist. Anyway, the show, while interesting, seems kind of cheap to me.
So here I am trying to be equally as cheap. Writing isn’t an issue for me; I think I’m an OK wordsmith, but finding inspiration is the challenge. I’m reading this Sedaris book, and how he comes up with things is what I marvel at; more so than the actual content is the promptings that I’m interest me.
Again, what to write? 4 hours 28 minutes remaining. The Jetski just ran out of gas. Poor guy. He’s floating away from his destination bobbing up and down on the waves totally helpless. I enjoy the quiet, so I’ll pretend I don’t know what’s going on I assume he has friends that can help him. hmmm…. Friends.
I recently re-watched a movie that makes me laugh called “I Love You Man”. It is a pretty obtuse film language-wise, which is always a drag- but the story is good. It’s about a guy who’s getting married but doesn’t have any “best friends” to be in his side of the wedding party. He has always been so focused on his girlfriends that he never made any serious guy-friends. So the movie is him finding and making a new best man. silly. Watching such a film draws the attention to the viewer (in this case, me) and who he (I) would have in his (my) wedding party if he (I) was to get married tomorrow. This lead to a sad realization. I don’t really know who I would have in my wedding. (that very sentence has been uttered by countless 13 year old girls in the midst of tears whilst in hour 10 of a sleepover… and now it’s been bla(h)g-ed by me, a 29 year old male… awesome.) This is something that has been bothering me for quite some time, actually. I have thought about writing about it before, but I feared it would come across as needy, whiney, pathetic, or desperate. So know that I am perfectly aware of those types of grossities oozing out of my words. I’m going to try to just throw it down as I see it, you can judge me as you wish.
My first friend was Shawn. I vividly remember the scrawny toe head hopping over the fence that separated our back yards and knocking on my sliding glass door as I watch Mr. Rogers. We were the same age and we were very similar in personality. As such, we had to “take breaks” from each other quite often because we would butt heads pretty easily. We had some really good times, though. There was no one the same age as any of my siblings in our neighborhood, so to have Shawn was a tremendous blessing. Sophomore year in high school he was constantly by my side and we, while mischievous, were solid bros. I still have his number and talk to him maybe once a year, but it has been a better part of a decade since I’ve considered him a close friend. Talk about getting into trouble. Drew and I went to grade school, high school, and 2 years of college together. Why we aren’t in prison together is only by grace a reality. He has always been a good buddy, but we went divergent ways 7 or 8 years ago and I hardly talk to him anymore. (I was, however best man in his wedding… does that mean I have to return the favor?)
And so it goes. I have come to the realization that my life has been punctuated by one intense relationship after another followed by a total void of contact. A long line of leavers. I can list the names: Jenny, Chris, Shari, Tina... oh, Tina… Sara, Karl, Andy, Matt, Jaker, Matt, John, Aaron, Mike, Philly… and on… People that I spent every day with, talked to, hung out with, had a blast with, but then, for whatever reason, we fell out of touch.
I have honestly given this hours of thought, and it’s not me- For real! It isn’t a matter of us getting sick of each other, its stuff like Jenny going post-op, Chris moving away, Me going to Wyoming and then China, Matt getting married, John moving, Andy getting a new job… stuff like that. Because of situations, I have been unable to continue to foster and “water” these long-term relationships. Some of it can go back to what I’ve written about before- guys getting married and having kids, thus I am no longer “even” with my peer group… I understand it, but it doesn’t make friendlessness any easier, you know? Don’t misread this, I’m not bumming out about it, I don’t really have too many emotions associated with this part of my life, it is just the way it is.
The problem is, I have the desire for relationships. Obviously. God made us as relational people. So with whom do I have the most in common with? (single, relationship drama, mostly carefree, into popular music, college classes and finals, etc…) My youth, namely the college kids: The Bros. I know that I lean sometimes too heavily on my kids. It’s not fair to me or them, but its what I’ve done. There’s nothing wrong with hanging out with a bunch of college kids. Going to movies, playing cards, watching fights- its really good times! I appreciate them and they appreciate me. It’s a relationship. But sometimes I forget that they aren’t my peers. I sometimes lose sight of the fact that I’m almost a decade their senior, and with that I am in a different place emotionally and intellectually… so while I can certainly be (and very much am honored TO be) a sounding board or advice-giver or burden sharer with them, they cannot be the same for me. So it’s like a one-way friendship… That’s totally great, I honestly have no issue with that, but… but, I still lack my sounding board, my giver of advice, my people with which to share burdens. And that does kinda bum me out sometimes... It’s like being stranded in the ocean and being thirsty- you’re surrounded by water, but none of it can quench your thirst. I’m surrounded by people, but none can be my friend. Haha wow, that’s so emo.
The one thing that I have found myself doing, however, is keeping people at a distance. History shows that sooner or later we’ll grow apart, so why even get close is the rationale. That’s not cool, I know, but it is easier on the ole heart strings… Unfortunately that means I’m harsh to those I don’t want to be harsh to; the classic I’ll hurt you before you can hurt me thing… shame.
The thing is I love my kids- I love the bros, I really do. They are such wonderful people and I absolutely cherish the time we have together. These kids are totally the “cool kids” of their friend group, so the fact that they would willingly spend time with me… that’s just so awesome. I have to remind myself, however that our relationship is not a true “friendship” (when defined as a phileo-relationship- a giving and taking, if that makes any sense). So I can’t be sad if I’m left out of a gathering or what have you because I’m not one of them… SO then I kind of get into the mode of being a big brother-type… but that’s not right because I’m not family- it’s OK to hang with your 30-year-old brother… it is kinda weird to hang with your 30 year old non-brother type person… This is hard to articulate, so please bear with me. It is just a tough situation to be in- finding the balance between mentor and buddy, and so I exist in relationship purgatory.
So that’s where I am. Talk about a quagmire… Again, don’t read this as any more than an explanation of what my interpersonal relationships look like. It is what it is. I know that our God’s grace is sufficient and it really is. I don’t mind being how I am right now. I honestly do not. I’m unattached, which is freeing! I used to always say I would choose my friends over my family any day… currently the former is lacking, so I have a new appreciation for the latter (I think I’m using those two terms correctly… look at me trying to look all smart and whatnot…), and that is awesome!
The Jestskier just got picked up by a pontoon full of people. They’re towing him in right now. The awesome thing is I know that if I were stranded there would indeed be a pontoon full of people to rescue me in a heartbeat. I am loved, and that is so amazing. The day-to-day friendship thing is kinda deficient currently, but big picture I’m doing pretty flippin’ good! :) Sorry to wax needy, whiney, pathetic, and desperate… I’m still working on the Great American Blog Post… someday…someday…
I decided I wanted to be inspired. I have 4 hours and 33 minutes of battery time remaining, so that is my parameter in which to write the Great American Blog Post.
Coming back to the idea of some sort of publishable content in which to rectify the lies of my youth; I, at the half-way marker, have realized there is very little that I have written that any reasonable prudent person would actually pay to read. And yet, the stated motivation of this bla(h)g was to provide said publishable material. The long/short of it is, I need to get writing!
SO what to write today? I have a Bible sitting next to me, the beauty of creation as my muse. I can grab my iPod at anytime to get me into whatever mood I desire…. What to write? What to write? There’s a new show on Bravo called “Next Top Artist” or something like that. It’s like 20 artists living in a loft together… THAT’S TELEVISION… and they have to create a new work of art for every challenge. They literally are given a topic or a genre’ and then they have like 12 hours to make art. Now, I don’t pretend to be an artist, but I think I have at least a smidgen of understanding of how the artistic process works, and while images may be pleasing to the eye, does that make it art? I’ve always appreciated paintings or sculptures that come organically from within the artist. Anyway, the show, while interesting, seems kind of cheap to me.
So here I am trying to be equally as cheap. Writing isn’t an issue for me; I think I’m an OK wordsmith, but finding inspiration is the challenge. I’m reading this Sedaris book, and how he comes up with things is what I marvel at; more so than the actual content is the promptings that I’m interest me.
Again, what to write? 4 hours 28 minutes remaining. The Jetski just ran out of gas. Poor guy. He’s floating away from his destination bobbing up and down on the waves totally helpless. I enjoy the quiet, so I’ll pretend I don’t know what’s going on I assume he has friends that can help him. hmmm…. Friends.
I recently re-watched a movie that makes me laugh called “I Love You Man”. It is a pretty obtuse film language-wise, which is always a drag- but the story is good. It’s about a guy who’s getting married but doesn’t have any “best friends” to be in his side of the wedding party. He has always been so focused on his girlfriends that he never made any serious guy-friends. So the movie is him finding and making a new best man. silly. Watching such a film draws the attention to the viewer (in this case, me) and who he (I) would have in his (my) wedding party if he (I) was to get married tomorrow. This lead to a sad realization. I don’t really know who I would have in my wedding. (that very sentence has been uttered by countless 13 year old girls in the midst of tears whilst in hour 10 of a sleepover… and now it’s been bla(h)g-ed by me, a 29 year old male… awesome.) This is something that has been bothering me for quite some time, actually. I have thought about writing about it before, but I feared it would come across as needy, whiney, pathetic, or desperate. So know that I am perfectly aware of those types of grossities oozing out of my words. I’m going to try to just throw it down as I see it, you can judge me as you wish.
My first friend was Shawn. I vividly remember the scrawny toe head hopping over the fence that separated our back yards and knocking on my sliding glass door as I watch Mr. Rogers. We were the same age and we were very similar in personality. As such, we had to “take breaks” from each other quite often because we would butt heads pretty easily. We had some really good times, though. There was no one the same age as any of my siblings in our neighborhood, so to have Shawn was a tremendous blessing. Sophomore year in high school he was constantly by my side and we, while mischievous, were solid bros. I still have his number and talk to him maybe once a year, but it has been a better part of a decade since I’ve considered him a close friend. Talk about getting into trouble. Drew and I went to grade school, high school, and 2 years of college together. Why we aren’t in prison together is only by grace a reality. He has always been a good buddy, but we went divergent ways 7 or 8 years ago and I hardly talk to him anymore. (I was, however best man in his wedding… does that mean I have to return the favor?)
And so it goes. I have come to the realization that my life has been punctuated by one intense relationship after another followed by a total void of contact. A long line of leavers. I can list the names: Jenny, Chris, Shari, Tina... oh, Tina… Sara, Karl, Andy, Matt, Jaker, Matt, John, Aaron, Mike, Philly… and on… People that I spent every day with, talked to, hung out with, had a blast with, but then, for whatever reason, we fell out of touch.
I have honestly given this hours of thought, and it’s not me- For real! It isn’t a matter of us getting sick of each other, its stuff like Jenny going post-op, Chris moving away, Me going to Wyoming and then China, Matt getting married, John moving, Andy getting a new job… stuff like that. Because of situations, I have been unable to continue to foster and “water” these long-term relationships. Some of it can go back to what I’ve written about before- guys getting married and having kids, thus I am no longer “even” with my peer group… I understand it, but it doesn’t make friendlessness any easier, you know? Don’t misread this, I’m not bumming out about it, I don’t really have too many emotions associated with this part of my life, it is just the way it is.
The problem is, I have the desire for relationships. Obviously. God made us as relational people. So with whom do I have the most in common with? (single, relationship drama, mostly carefree, into popular music, college classes and finals, etc…) My youth, namely the college kids: The Bros. I know that I lean sometimes too heavily on my kids. It’s not fair to me or them, but its what I’ve done. There’s nothing wrong with hanging out with a bunch of college kids. Going to movies, playing cards, watching fights- its really good times! I appreciate them and they appreciate me. It’s a relationship. But sometimes I forget that they aren’t my peers. I sometimes lose sight of the fact that I’m almost a decade their senior, and with that I am in a different place emotionally and intellectually… so while I can certainly be (and very much am honored TO be) a sounding board or advice-giver or burden sharer with them, they cannot be the same for me. So it’s like a one-way friendship… That’s totally great, I honestly have no issue with that, but… but, I still lack my sounding board, my giver of advice, my people with which to share burdens. And that does kinda bum me out sometimes... It’s like being stranded in the ocean and being thirsty- you’re surrounded by water, but none of it can quench your thirst. I’m surrounded by people, but none can be my friend. Haha wow, that’s so emo.
The one thing that I have found myself doing, however, is keeping people at a distance. History shows that sooner or later we’ll grow apart, so why even get close is the rationale. That’s not cool, I know, but it is easier on the ole heart strings… Unfortunately that means I’m harsh to those I don’t want to be harsh to; the classic I’ll hurt you before you can hurt me thing… shame.
The thing is I love my kids- I love the bros, I really do. They are such wonderful people and I absolutely cherish the time we have together. These kids are totally the “cool kids” of their friend group, so the fact that they would willingly spend time with me… that’s just so awesome. I have to remind myself, however that our relationship is not a true “friendship” (when defined as a phileo-relationship- a giving and taking, if that makes any sense). So I can’t be sad if I’m left out of a gathering or what have you because I’m not one of them… SO then I kind of get into the mode of being a big brother-type… but that’s not right because I’m not family- it’s OK to hang with your 30-year-old brother… it is kinda weird to hang with your 30 year old non-brother type person… This is hard to articulate, so please bear with me. It is just a tough situation to be in- finding the balance between mentor and buddy, and so I exist in relationship purgatory.
So that’s where I am. Talk about a quagmire… Again, don’t read this as any more than an explanation of what my interpersonal relationships look like. It is what it is. I know that our God’s grace is sufficient and it really is. I don’t mind being how I am right now. I honestly do not. I’m unattached, which is freeing! I used to always say I would choose my friends over my family any day… currently the former is lacking, so I have a new appreciation for the latter (I think I’m using those two terms correctly… look at me trying to look all smart and whatnot…), and that is awesome!
The Jestskier just got picked up by a pontoon full of people. They’re towing him in right now. The awesome thing is I know that if I were stranded there would indeed be a pontoon full of people to rescue me in a heartbeat. I am loved, and that is so amazing. The day-to-day friendship thing is kinda deficient currently, but big picture I’m doing pretty flippin’ good! :) Sorry to wax needy, whiney, pathetic, and desperate… I’m still working on the Great American Blog Post… someday…someday…
Sunday, July 4, 2010
yeah, America!
The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage.
~Thucydides (Ancient Greek historians and author, 460-404BC)
America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. ~Abraham Lincoln
"How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!" ~Thomas Jefferson
O LORD, OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, high and mighty King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, who dost from Thy throne behold all the dwellers on earth, and reignest with power supreme and uncontrolled over all the kingdoms, empires and governments; look down in mercy we beseech Thee, on these American States, who have fled to Thee from the rod of the oppressor, and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protection, desiring henceforth to be dependent only on Thee; to Thee they have appealed for the righteousness of their cause; to Thee do they now look up for that countenance and support which Thou alone canst give; take them, therefore, Heavenly Father, under Thy nurturing care; give them wisdom in council and valor in the field; defeat the malicious design of our cruel adversaries; convince them of the unrighteousness of their cause; and if they persist in their sanguinary purpose, O let the voice of Thy own unerring justice, sounding in their hearts, constrain them to drop the weapons of war from their unnerved hands in the day of battle! Be Thou present, O God of wisdom, and direct the counsels of this honorable assembly; enable them to settle things on the best and surest foundation, that the scene of blood may be speedily closed, that order, harmony and peace may be effectually restored, and truth and justice, religion and piety prevail and flourish among Thy people. Preserve the health of their bodies and vigor of their minds; shower down on them, and the millions they here represent, such temporal blessings as Thou seest expedient for them in this world, and crown them with everlasting glory in the world to come. All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Savior. Amen.
~First Prayer in Congress September 7, 1774, Jacob Duche, Carpenters Hall, Philadelphia
~Thucydides (Ancient Greek historians and author, 460-404BC)
America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. ~Abraham Lincoln
"How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!" ~Thomas Jefferson
O LORD, OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, high and mighty King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, who dost from Thy throne behold all the dwellers on earth, and reignest with power supreme and uncontrolled over all the kingdoms, empires and governments; look down in mercy we beseech Thee, on these American States, who have fled to Thee from the rod of the oppressor, and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protection, desiring henceforth to be dependent only on Thee; to Thee they have appealed for the righteousness of their cause; to Thee do they now look up for that countenance and support which Thou alone canst give; take them, therefore, Heavenly Father, under Thy nurturing care; give them wisdom in council and valor in the field; defeat the malicious design of our cruel adversaries; convince them of the unrighteousness of their cause; and if they persist in their sanguinary purpose, O let the voice of Thy own unerring justice, sounding in their hearts, constrain them to drop the weapons of war from their unnerved hands in the day of battle! Be Thou present, O God of wisdom, and direct the counsels of this honorable assembly; enable them to settle things on the best and surest foundation, that the scene of blood may be speedily closed, that order, harmony and peace may be effectually restored, and truth and justice, religion and piety prevail and flourish among Thy people. Preserve the health of their bodies and vigor of their minds; shower down on them, and the millions they here represent, such temporal blessings as Thou seest expedient for them in this world, and crown them with everlasting glory in the world to come. All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Savior. Amen.
~First Prayer in Congress September 7, 1774, Jacob Duche, Carpenters Hall, Philadelphia
Saturday, July 3, 2010
oh, say? can you see?
lake, fish, food, games, people, ladder golf, sun, books, jet ski's, quads, speed boats, and kent hrbek. life is pretty sweet.
Friday, July 2, 2010
randomized
'twas a year ago that I was in the thick of the most miserable/awesome week of my life... or at least top 5. Senior Excursion 2009 was supposed to be a week of sun and fishing and miles of canoeing, but it turned out to be a week of wet, rain, and surviving. I honestly wouldn't have had it any other way. We had to share about ourselves and I sobbed like a chef chopping a dozen onions when talking about the"why?" I have with the Big Guy... and then again on affirmation night... it was like 2 hours of tears. ha! no one else cried... just me... what can I say, I'm a softy.
We had an opportunity to tell those around us how we felt about them, and after a week of sleep deprivation and hypothermia and non-stop rain (sans the canoe Olympics) you start to love the one's you're with. Plus these kids were my first class of freshman and so they hold a nice big place in my heart. It was really, really good times.
A year later I'm dry and I haven't seen any of them for days and even months! One is in Georgia, one is in California, two are down the road (but working), one is "away" all summer (and i wasn't cool enough to get to hang during the latest homestand), and one is alllllll the way in Lakeville. In case you were wondering where they all were... ha!
I'm SUPPOSED to be in Utah right now, but that fell through. *eyes roll* Next year, I hope...
I really want to be the outdoorsy type. Its not that I'm anti-outdoors, I just don't spend enough time going and doing the hiking or camping that I could and should. I have all the top of the line equipment. When I was in YNP we went hiking at least twice a week, and camping as often as we could... But when the destination is mountains and postcard views around every corner its a bit easier to find the motivation. Not to mention a dozen cool people and easy on the eyes ladies.
As it is, I'm at least 3 tanks of gas away from a mountain worth photographing, I don't think I could find a dozen of my friends who own hiking boots, and the ladies... well that's a whoooole 'nother post.
Methinks the suburbs are stifling. I would love to live in Uptown or NordEast. Quaint cafes and watering holes peppered with consignment stores and bike shops... neighborhoods who have block parties and gatherings on their stoops. like an episode of Cosby... only pale-er. someday, I suppose... give me either mountain ranges or urban streets, anything is better than the blah of B-ville... Don't get me wrong, I thank God for a roof over my head and a garage in which I can park my car, but I think my next move has gotta be big. Nothing imminent, but someday... b.i.g., big.
Tonight was a super sweet convo with the surrogate parental-types on their backyard deck. Good food, good lemonade, good talk. Good fun. 'tis a Good God we serve, aye?
And the hits just keep on rollin' this weekend is cabin fever with another fantastic family that has all but adopted me. fools. :) Blessings abound, man. blessings abound.
In summation: Canoe tipping is no joke, mountains are my mecca, Co-Ops give me warm fuzzies, and I am loved.
Good Things.
We had an opportunity to tell those around us how we felt about them, and after a week of sleep deprivation and hypothermia and non-stop rain (sans the canoe Olympics) you start to love the one's you're with. Plus these kids were my first class of freshman and so they hold a nice big place in my heart. It was really, really good times.
A year later I'm dry and I haven't seen any of them for days and even months! One is in Georgia, one is in California, two are down the road (but working), one is "away" all summer (and i wasn't cool enough to get to hang during the latest homestand), and one is alllllll the way in Lakeville. In case you were wondering where they all were... ha!
I'm SUPPOSED to be in Utah right now, but that fell through. *eyes roll* Next year, I hope...
I really want to be the outdoorsy type. Its not that I'm anti-outdoors, I just don't spend enough time going and doing the hiking or camping that I could and should. I have all the top of the line equipment. When I was in YNP we went hiking at least twice a week, and camping as often as we could... But when the destination is mountains and postcard views around every corner its a bit easier to find the motivation. Not to mention a dozen cool people and easy on the eyes ladies.
As it is, I'm at least 3 tanks of gas away from a mountain worth photographing, I don't think I could find a dozen of my friends who own hiking boots, and the ladies... well that's a whoooole 'nother post.
Methinks the suburbs are stifling. I would love to live in Uptown or NordEast. Quaint cafes and watering holes peppered with consignment stores and bike shops... neighborhoods who have block parties and gatherings on their stoops. like an episode of Cosby... only pale-er. someday, I suppose... give me either mountain ranges or urban streets, anything is better than the blah of B-ville... Don't get me wrong, I thank God for a roof over my head and a garage in which I can park my car, but I think my next move has gotta be big. Nothing imminent, but someday... b.i.g., big.
Tonight was a super sweet convo with the surrogate parental-types on their backyard deck. Good food, good lemonade, good talk. Good fun. 'tis a Good God we serve, aye?
And the hits just keep on rollin' this weekend is cabin fever with another fantastic family that has all but adopted me. fools. :) Blessings abound, man. blessings abound.
In summation: Canoe tipping is no joke, mountains are my mecca, Co-Ops give me warm fuzzies, and I am loved.
Good Things.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
totally normal response
Today I got upset with my hair. Yes, I had a bad hair day. So I, like every normal person, shaved my head. I missed a few long ones in the back, but all in all it turned out A-OK. Take that curly-whilst-humid hair!
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