CHRISTMAS GIFT GIVING

Over the past several years, I have had to opportunity of being allowed to opt-out of the department gift exchange. This is always the best news for me, in that it saves me a lot of the heartache caused by receiving gifts from others who both don't know me very well or are not willing to make the time to do so.

There are several forms of Christmas gift giving, but two of the most common are White Elephant and Secret Santa.

There is much debate in defining a White Elephant gift exchange. According to wisegeek.com, a white elephant gift exchange is "a popular holiday party game in the United States, with many variations in name and game play. Generally, white elephant parties need a minimum of six participants, although the larger the group, the more entertaining and protracted game play will be. White elephant parties can result in vicious rivalries between players trying to get sought after gifts. The goal of a white elephant party is usually entertainment rather than gain, however." (It should be further noted that a "white elephant gift" is "something which is costly to maintain and difficult to get rid of. Typically, white elephants are also rare and very valuable, complicating the situation for their owners. Any number of things can be a white elephant, from a palatial home to an extravagant necklace. The term has even inspired a form of gift exchange, a white elephant gift exchange, in which people attempt to get rid of their white elephants by finding other people who might want them.").

Before proceeding to defining and commenting on Secret Santa, let me clarify the White Elephant gift exchange. Basically, it's where there's a mixture of good quality gifts and purely crappy and useless gifts. The competition is to try and snag the good stuff and not get stuck with the crap! Some create rules where there can be up to 3 trades with another participant. Personally, I find this particular style of gift exchange to be cruel and a complete waste of time and money and, where no one is happy or appreciative of what they've received.

The second form of gift exchange is called Secret Santa. Defined by wikipedia.com, it's "a Western Christmas tradition in which members of a group are randomly assigned other members to whom they anonymously give a gift. Often practiced in workplaces, or amongst large families, participation in it is usually voluntary. It offers a way for many people to give and receive a gift at low cost to those involved." This particular form of gift exchange is more fun when all members of a group have made and taken the time to get to know their fellow teammates over a length of time and have learned others likes and dislikes, hobbies and other interests. When the aforementioned relational investments haven't been made, then the results can become very similar to that of the White Elephant gift exchange, where no one is happy or appreciative of what they've received.

DNA, H1N1 and Boogers

[Child's name] cried histerically today because I cut his nails... He screamed.... "I don't want my nails cut... I can't pick my boogers when my nails are cut."

When I first read the above quote from a Facebook account holder's Status Update, I laughed and thought it was funny and cute. But overnight, my brain manufactured a thought with which I awoke this morning and had to share.

With all the H1N1 legitimaticy and media hype over the past several months, I cannot help but wonder if people are cleaning underneath their finger nails! I've watched most of all the CSI television shows, forensic files and have heard about DNA scrapings most of my adult life. But the above quote got me to thinking, while we have been almost obsessively washing our hands with either/both hand sanitizer and antibacterial soaps after EVERY sneeze and almost literally touching ANYTHING (have we almost completely become a germophobic society?!), are ALL of our hands, including UNDER our nails, getting clean?

I've been somewhat fortunate to have been "gifted" with a birth defect called Nail Patella Syndrome, which affects my finger- and toe-nails, causing them not to grow normally (not even long enough to reach the ends of my fingers!), but I have to keep the nail portion and the cuticles trimmed to prevent them from snagging on clothing. While it isn't painful, I don't have to worry about DNA, since again, there's no room "under" the nail!

So, again, I wonder, are our hands REALLY clean these days? Maybe a more regular trimming of the nails ISN'T a bad idea (and, DON'T FORGET to clean under those nails!)!

JCHutchins.net, future entertainment, movies w/o imagination

Recently, I have begun to listen to podcasts*, specifically J. C. Hutchins' 7th Son story-line and its companion, OBSIDIAN and Mark Yoshimoto Nemkoff's Shadow Falls. I have found it to be MORE entertaining than television and movies. Let me explain.

I am 45 years old and have begun to notice that both the television shows and the movies of late have been . . . dull and seldom imaginative. Some movies, like "The Parent Trap", have been repeatedly re-vamped (1961, 1986, 1989, 1998, 2002, 2005). I have watched some movies where I have predicted 98% of each scene change (and that's WITHOUT having read the book from which many are written!) In essence, it's as if the ink has run out of the pens of so many writers!

I have begun enjoying the podcasts more than any television shows and movies I have recently seen. Seldom does a show or movie catch and pique my interest. I have found that, unlike shows and movies, reading books and listening to podcasts help to engage imagination and instill enjoyment.

Last year, Hutchins introduced a new concept of engaging in story-tellng which he has branded as "transmedia", where the reading audience of one of his books, Personal Effects: Dark Art, can actively engage in the story-line by looking up Websites and listening to voicemails relating to the story-line.

As 2010 approaches, I have begun to look forward to future audio-stories. Such artists as J. C. Hutchins and others like Mark Yoshimoto Nemkoff have demonstrated a rare talent in story-telling unlike any I have heard before. I look forward to being entertained by their future stories.

*Podcasts are "Web-based audio broadcasts via an RSS feed, accessed by subscription over the Internet" (Source: www.dictionary.com)

Muslim or Terrorist?

This past week, I had a conversation with a professor from my alma mater and discussed a mindset that I had formulated over the past few days.

I haven't read the Quran, I'm not a Muslim, but a Christian who has a firm belief that Jesus IS the ONLY way to God.

Twenty-one years ago, I was invited to join and became a part of a religious sect* called the International Churches of Christ (see my videos and watch ALL 7 parts!) which had originally broken away from the Crossroads Church of Christ in FL. Now, having broken off from the Church of Christ, they were separated from that denomination and were NO LONGER being held accountable for their actions and teachings by the leadership of the Church of Christ! And, whenever interviewed by the news media, the separation was far enough removed so that there was no misunderstanding or confusion with their (the ICOC) former affiliation with the Church of Christ.

Like the ICOC, the extremist radical groups like those who attacked the United States on September 11, 2001, might have at one time held onto the original Muslim faith, they are an EXTREMIST group. Because they have taken such an extreme and violent view of their faith, they have separated themselves from the majority of peaceful Muslims you see on television and on the streets of our country.

I have extreme difficulty in believing that we as Americans should hold ALL Muslims and those who have decided to accept that religion as their own, for the vicious atrocities that have been conducted by the extremist radical groups.

When I read of the apostle Paul's original affiliation with the Pharisees (as Saul), he was a radical. But when he came to know Christ, he CHANGED! Again, please understand: I do NOT believe that EVERY person who has decided to accept Islam as their own, is a terrorist. Nor do I believe that they should be treated as such UNTIL they have shown motive otherwise! "Innocent until proven guilty!"

*A "sect" is defined as "a group regarded as heretical or as deviating from a generally accepted religious tradition" (dictionary.com).

Stuffed animals good grief?

In the recent Ft. Hood shooting, many people were impacted by this senseless incident. Most times, bank accounts are set up to aid in helping to finance needed expenses. One company's immediate response was: TEDDY BEARS! What?! Lives were lost, children and families are devastated and the response was TEDDY BEARS. While I can see the esthetics and "feel good" of them, I guess I was expecting just a little more.

Gun Ownership

This past weekend, I spent some time with a friend of mine who is currently a police officer. He showed me his Glock and a rifle. Since that time, I have wrestled with a subject that previously, I had merely dismissed. That subject? Gun ownership.

I grew up with a stepfather who believed in the second amendment to the United States Constitution: ". . . the right of the people to keep and bear arms . . .", subscribed to The American Rifleman magazine and was a member of the National Rifleman's Association and owned a few guns.

I have lived out on my own since age 18 when I went away to Bible college in Dallas, Texas. Since then, I have never been in a situation where I believed that my life was threatened in such a way which would necessitate to "keep and bear arms".

A question my friend asked was, "Do you own a gun?" I answered, "No." He responded, "Why not?" Of course, from his mindset as a police officer, citizens should be equipped to protect themselves. From my perspective, as I have previously stated, I haven't felt the need.

This morning, I awoke with the thoughts of how very permanent a bullet's damage can do to the human body; how very terminal if it penetrated through certain internal organs; how very slow death would come if a person bled out while the police were on their way in response to a 9-1-1 call. And, how I would have to watch that person die; how would I be able to cope with that later? Someone at work today said, "Well, better you got counseling than dead."

So, the inner struggle within continues . . . thankfully, both the finances and the real desire to purchase a gun are VERY LACKING!

Catchy Melody

My good friend, Joshua MacFall, directed this . . . check it out!

Census Takers - Be Cautious!

I've checked this out on Snopes.com and it is "undetermined":
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/scams/census.asp

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers
With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data. The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

** Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, they will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Fellowship with The Village Church pastors

The following thoughts and expressions are solely mine and NOT those of the staff, employees, or members of The Village Church.

I was first introduced to The Village Church in April, 2004, having been invited to a Saturday night service by a student of Dallas Christian College. After about a year, I decided that this was where I wanted (and desperately needed!) community and intentionally registered for and attended the Covenant Membership Class and successfully signed the covenant.

During the class, I heard and learned that, unlike the previous smaller church in which I was raised and a slightly larger one I attended while attending Bible college, I would not have the direct access to the ministers/pastors to which I had grown accustomed. At first hearing, this greatly disturbed me. While I had only taken advantage of that closeness (and in that, to communicate that I would be regularly attending and covenanting with The Village), it still felt . . . distant. My fallen human side of me railed against such a seemingly distance between the "clergy and the laity" (and, yes, there was a little anger there!).

Over the years, tho, as I have seen The Village grow (there's got to be a better word in English for "grow": EXPLODED!), I have softened and come to realize the reasoning behind such a separateness between our beloved pastors and we, the covenanted members and regular attendees.

First, looking at Scripture, we see that Jesus was only really close to the three, James, John and Peter. While, yes, there were purportedly 500 disciples (last count just before His ascension), He was closest to the Three.

I believe that the hearts of Matt, Josh, and Michael would so much like to sit down with several of us over a cup of coffee and minister us directly. However, looking at our current numbers (1000+ covenant members, 6000 weekend attendance) and their own individual families which needed their love and guidance, how CAN we expect them to serve us in their fullest capacity otherwise?

Secondly, we at The Village Church, have pastors for each of the six zones. Now, initially (that Fallen human side of me!), I felt a little put-off by that, but now realize that, these shepherding pastors are of the same caring, loving heart of Christ that is demonstrated every week by Matt, Josh and Michael!

I would like to encourage you (and me as well!) to schedule some time to meet with your zone pastor over a cup of coffee and get to know them. They are a source that we can ill afford to NOT take advantage!

The Meanest Mother In The World

Copyright© 1967 by Bobbie Pingaro

I had the meanest mother in the whole world. While other kids ate candy for breakfast, I had to have cereal, eggs or toast. When others had cokes and candy for lunch, I had to eat a sandwich. As you can guess, my supper was different than the other kids' also.

But at least, I wasn't alone in my sufferings. My sister and two brothers had the same mean mother as I did.

My mother insisted upon knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we were on a chain gang. She had to know who our friends were and where we were going. She insisted if we said we'd be gone an hour, that we be gone one hour or less--not one hour and one minute. I am nearly ashamed to admit it, but she actually struck us. Not once, but each time we had a mind of our own and did as we pleased. That poor belt was used more on our seats than it was to hold up Daddy's pants. Can you imagine someone actually hitting a child just because he disobeyed? Now you can begin to see how mean she really was.

We had to wear clean clothes and take a bath. The other kids always wore their clothes for days. We reached the height of insults because she made our clothes herself, just to save money. Why, oh why, did we have to have a mother who made us feel different from our friends?

The worst is yet to come. We had to be in bed by nine each night and up at eight the next morning. We couldn't sleep till noon like our friends. So while they slept-my mother actually had the nerve to break the child-labor law. She made us work. We had to wash dishes, make beds, learn to cook and all sorts of cruel things. I believe she laid awake at night thinking up mean things to do to us.

She always insisted upon us telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, even if it killed us- and it nearly did.

By the time we were teen-agers, she was much wiser, and our life became even more unbearable. None of this tooting the horn of a car for us to come running. She embarrassed us to no end by making our dates and friends come to the door to get us. If I spent the night with a girlfriend, can you imagine she checked on me to see if I were really there. I never had the chance to elope to Mexico. That is if I'd had a boyfriend to elope with. I forgot to mention, while my friends were dating at the mature age of 12 and 13, my old fashioned mother refused to let me date until the age of 15 and 16. Fifteen, that is, if you dated only to go to a school function. And that was maybe twice a year.

Through the years, things didn't improve a bit. We could not lie in bed, "sick" like our friends did, and miss school. If our friends had a toe ache, a hang nail or serious ailment, they could stay home from school. Our marks in school had to be up to par. Our friends' report cards had beautiful colors on them, black for passing, red for failing. My mother being as different as she was, would settle for nothing less than ugly black marks.

As the years rolled by, first one and then the other of us was put to shame. We were graduated from high school. With our mother behind us, talking, hitting and demanding respect, none of us was allowed the pleasure of being a drop-out.

My mother was a complete failure as a mother. Out of four children, a couple of us attained some higher education. None of us have ever been arrested, divorced or beaten his mate. Each of my brothers served his time in the service of this country. And whom do we have to blame for the terrible way we turned out? You're right, our mean mother. Look at the things we missed. We never got to march in a protest parade, nor to take part in a riot, burn draft cards, and a million and one other things that our friends did. She forced us to grow up into God-fearing, educated, honest adults.

Using this as a background, I am trying to raise my three children. I stand a little taller and I am filled with pride when my children call me mean. Because, you see, I thank God, He gave me the meanest mother in the whole world.

Written by
Bobbie Pingaro ©1967



Note from ButlerWebs: We shared this wonderful story in our Web site (Abracadabra) from a plaque that a friend of ours had. At the time we included this story, we did not know who the author was. We are thrilled to say that on February 28, 2000, we received a letter from the author, Bobbie Pingaro. We share her letter with you:

I would like to tell you that the article that you have on your web page called the Meanest Mother, I wrote in 1967. It was first published in the Our Sunday Visitor, a Catholic weekly newspaper and again in Guideposts, a magazine by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. It has a copyright. I do not mind someone using it, as long as it is non-profit and using my name as author. I will send you a copy of the original and if you would like to use it, please change your page to reflect the original.

Thank you,

Bobbie Pingaro

THANK YOU BOBBIE!
Your work is truly inspirational!

07-04-08_1811

07-04-08_1811
Originally uploaded by jkirton_ii

I think that this is a FasTrak sensor in Farmers Branch, TX.

Social Network Responsibility

Over the past several months, I have witnessed on my Facebook (FB) "Home" page several instances where my friends have had their Facebook account violated by another "friend" who had "jokingly" changed their relationship statuses to reflect that they were "gay" or in a "relationship with" someone. AND, in another instance, a "friend" decided to pretend to be a prepubescent stalker of another FB account holder!

I love humor and there are many things that I find extremely funny. Depending on the level of my relationship with another FB account holder ("friend"), I can poke fun at them through the use of the FB messages which can be sent privately to their Inbox. Because of the vastness of this particular social network, it is sometimes difficult to weigh the level of each relationship in order to determine between humor and maliciousness. And SOMETIMES, there are subjects which should be avoided due to the severity of the subject matter. 

First off, gender orientation is a hot topic, both in politics, the media and the church. In churches, there are several of our brothers and sisters who struggle daily with their own gender orientation. While many may not be able to understand or empathize, for them, the struggle is just as real and emotional as those who struggle with alcoholism, drug addiction and other life issues.

Then, there's stalking which could include a whole slew of topics: predators and sex offenders, both of which our country's legal system takes VERY seriously, to the point where there is a VERY real National Sex Offender Registry which cripples a person's name permanently, for life!

I'm not suggesting behavior policing of FB, but I am suggesting that we as responsible citizens take the time to reconsider before taking the actions I've mentioned in the first paragraph. And, for those who have roommates: if you're so careless to leave your FB account up unattended, then don't complain when those irresponsible individuals "take advantage" of that opportunity! Deal with it internally and don't complain online -- it just indicts your own irresponsibility! 

You're Not Going to Believe Who I Saw Today . . .

After work today, DART 234 had just gotten me to the LBJ/Central Rail Station. As I stepped off the bus and proceeded to the rail platform to await the light-rail train. As I approached where I normally board, I noticed a tall, somewhat slender man standing, approaching the now-arrived train. As I drew near, I began to recognize that he was one of my former roommates while I was a member of the ICOC*. We had been roommates for about a year but had known each other much longer. 

A year ago, I would have been nervous and suspicious. While I would not have believed that he was there for the sole purpose of "evangelizing" to me, I still would have been somewhat cautious and reserved in my thoughts and speech. But that was last year . . . 

Today, I said his name, he turned to face me and smiled. We embraced in a sweet side hug as if we had only seen each other recently (we last spoke on the phone about a month before Christmas). 

As we spoke on the train ride home, we talked of work and family. During our conversation, I was relaxed and comfortable. The only mention of God was his mention of prayer. I had no inner feelings of insecurity or apprehension; no suspicions that my friend was leading our conversation with a hidden agenda. 

After the train arrived at our mutual destination, we disembarked and spoke further while awaiting his shuttle bus to arrive. He mentioned that he had seen my video presentation on the ICOC. At first, I felt a little embarrassed, but he laughed a little and said he appreciated how I had said some positive things about the ICOC. Eventually, his shuttle arrived, we embraced, and said our goodbyes, promising that we'd keep in better touch with each other. 

As I walked to my parked car, I didn't feel concerned about what was said during our conversation or whether I had been in any spiritual danger. I felt at peace and relaxed, protected by God and His grace.

I love you, my friend. I know that, right now, we don't talk about God much and that's okay. For now. Until then, know that God continues to do great things in my life. 

*International Churches of Christ

What is FRIENDSHIP?

According to dictionary.com, friendship is "the state of being or association as a friend." A friend is "a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard; who gives assistance; supporter; who is on good terms with another; who is not hostile." 

This past Sunday, someone asked me if I was "friends" with one of the pastors with whom we had just visited. At first, it took me aback, because, well, I didn't consider us friends because, well, I haven't had too many friends. Let me explain. 

During my formative years, from third grade to my senior year, I had only one friend! A majority of the class had grown up together attending one of several denominational non-instrumental Churches of Christ and had built a tight-knit community, excluding anyone from the outside of their denominational clique. Hence, my Baptist friend and I (from the non-denominational New Testament Christian church) became friends out of survival. 

My school friend and I spent a LOT of time together -- at recess, lunch and doing homework together. We had good times together and sometimes, bad times. He was there for me when my mother had emergency appendectomy surgery, I was there for him when he had emergency brain surgery, his mother was diagnosed with emphysema and later, I comforted him when she died. 

Today, I have built community with a few acquaintances who eventually became friends. I have come to believe that engaging closely with others helps to foster and build friendship. 

According to the definition, friendship seems to be based on mere "feelings of affection or personal regard". I had somehow always built it up to something more, where more effort was made. Subsequently, under this definition, I could be considered a friend of the pastor I mentioned above, although he and I have rarely if ever spent any time together or have had conversations lasting longer than five minutes! 

So, if friendships are attachments to others by "feelings of affection or personal regard", then I have many, MANY friends! So, I guess I have many friends and many CLOSER friendships, those with whom I have built close-knit relationships and walk with me in my walk with Christ. 

This morning, as I sit and watch the DVD movie, "The Patriot", my heart hurts and my eyes tear up. Why I chose to watch this movie today, on the eve of Easter, I do not know. Perhaps, maybe, it's the theme of sacrifice, of one man's heart-wrenching decision to give in to his carnal rage in a vengeful retaliation for the death of his son, who died trying to save his brother. 

While our Father's sacrifice of His son was not for vengeance, it was still nevertheless, a SACRIFICE! Jesus took on the wrath of the Father for our sins, so that we might live within His righteousness. 

A lack of gratefulness

As I drove south on the DNT this morning, I pumped my brakes as the cars in front of me slowed. "Thank God for good brakes," I thought to myself. And then, it struck me: my lack of gratitude. 

One of my closest brothers in Christ, Cody, is moving to L. A. to pursue his acting career. We've known each other for a little over a year; I've known he was moving; it wasn't like we didn't make every opportunity to spend time together. I just didn't realise his move was THIS close! 

Then, my housemate, Stephen (Walsh) whose been with me for about 3 weeks, announced that he needed to move due to the economic situation. So, two brothers, moving away! For the past few hours, I've been somewhat bummed out. But, back to the brakes! 

I realised that I need to be grateful for the time that I've had with them! God gave me the time He did and I shouldn't be so selfish to feel sorry for myself and expecting more from them. 

Just when you think you've heard JUST ABOUT everything

Recently, I was listening to my pastor teach and discuss our church's new covenant (which, realistically, wasn't "new" because it just explained in better detail the same expectations which were laid out in the previous covenant plus Scriptural references for confirmation), which was recently "rolled out" to our members a few weeks ago. He stated that a few of our members had decided to leave the church on account of the covenant being "legalistic". It is this reason which I find both bizarre and feel compelled to blog. 

In looking at both the 2004 and 2009 covenants, I found neither to be, in the words of some, "legalistic". 

If you will take the time to check out my profile and watch my YouTube ICOC Presentations 1-7, you will learn that I have truly lived a life of legalism. I had people in my life, who claimed to be first century Christians, telling me how to "live" (tongue-in-cheek quotation marks) my life as a "disciple" (more tongue-in-cheek quotation marks!), to have a date every Saturday night, to read my Bible and pray daily, attend every church service, attend every Bible study, get advice from my "discipler" whenever I had a major decision to make, evangelize/witness/share my faith with whomever I came in contact*, AND that everyone who wasn't a member of MY "church" was NOT a Christian! 

Suffice it to say, the covenant which our congregation is signing is NOTHING as legalistic as what I've been through! 

*Infractions of ANY of these resulted in either a confrontation from my "discipler" or an intervention-like meeting with several leaders! 

Going Public with The Village Church

Since April, 2004, I have wrestled with the revelation of where I worship. 

In June, 2000, after twelve years of living in the captivity of the International Churches of Christ where abusive discipleship reigns over grace, mercy and progressive sanctification, through the intervention of Divine Providence*, I was introduced to a great place of healing where the gospel is preached, lived and practiced by people who are broken, imperfect and fallen. 

Over the course of several weeks which turned into months, I began learning a lot about myself and my issues. Through the love and concern of two good very good friends**, I got the counseling I so desperately needed and have become more whole (not completely healed!) because of it. 

For many years, I had a fear of revealing this place of worship and healing, for fear that it might paint a target for the enemies of the gospel from which I had escaped and endangering my loved ones there. I have prayed over it, wondered, contemplated and then consulted a few friends and with their wise counsel, have decided that, if I truly trusted God's sovereignty, then He would take care of me and my/His Bride. 

So, what and where is this place? Her name is The Village Church (Check out her Website http://www.thevillagechurch.net) , located in Highland Village, Texas. 

*Lord God Almighty

**Scott Ayers and Phillip Bleecker

ICOC Notation 3

While watching the next movie, "Karate Kid: Part 2", Mr. Miyagi says these words, " . . . for man with no forgiveness in heart, life worse punishment than death." 

These words have gotten me to thinking. While having been in the ICOC for 12 years, having given three (?) presentations on them, and placed the last presentation on YouTube, I think that sometimes, we as Christians can confuse other Christians as the enemy, taking our eyes off the True Enemy. 

And, sometimes, forgiveness is difficult to give, especially to those who you believe have harmed you and others whom you love. For me, it seems that forgiveness is a progressive thing. 

ICOC Notation 2

Today, while watching the movie, "Karate Kid", the character, Mr. Miyagi, said something I had thought about but hadn't know just the quite words to put it in. He said, "No such thing bad student. Only bad teacher. Teacher say, student do." 

For a while now, I have been thinking about the ICOC and its beginning. I have begun to wonder if, at the beginning, someone had a sincere desire to reach the world with the saving power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They looked at the (still) current slowness of the Restoration Movement's Evangelism Explosion and "lifestyle evangelism" and thought that, if a faster and more "effective" (sarcastic quotation marks) method could be used, then perhaps, the world might be won. 

Unfortunately, something went wrong, TERRIBLY wrong! Fallen man, in HIS wisdom, began placing controlling mechanisms within their teaching, thus perverting the love and grace of the teachings of Jesus Christ. 

Bad teachers created bad students. 

Now, the Reformation Movement is completely different. With my continued  learning and understanding of Calvinism, predestination/election, grace and progressive sanctification, 

Confusion amongst heterosexual and homosexual males

In my observation as a heterosexual male, it seems that, when homosexual male have been "in the closet", they are having to act a certain way (heterosexual) in order to hide from those around them their orientation. In the early 1980's, homosexuality was still a social stigma and made it difficult. And, there seemed to be fear that all homosexuals are sexually active with EVERY male they meet (regardless of their orientation) because there seems to be less monogamous homosexual relationships. So, I digress . . . with having to act "straight", a hidden homosexual has that need to want to fit in with society. NOW, when a homosexual "comes out", he might have the feeling of relaxation around those to whom he's "come out" to and MIGHT even begin exhibiting behavior (and maybe, speech patterns) unusual than when he was "acting straight". 

There seems to be a fear among the heterosexual males that homosexual males will "hit on them" like heterosexual females would! So, whenever the few homosexual male begin exhibiting different speech (generalities like lisps, over-exaggerated "s") and behavioral patterns (generality like limp wrists) as an "out" homosexual male, then heterosexual males get really nervous and uncomfortable because they don't know exactly how to "deal" or cope with a male that they have known for years as heterosexual acting like (in their mind), a heterosexual female (looking at males, flirting, etc.). 

NOW, I'm not saying that these fears are founded or even right . . . it's just a product of a Fallen world, in which we all have to live. 

Google Proves Humanity is absolutely hilarious

Recently we found out that, according to Google's search, 303,000 people out there were "extremely terrified of Chinese people". We got deeper into Humanity's brain, and got a list of hilarious and scary findings:

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ICOC Notation 1

"I am currently a member of ICOC and although I don't agree with everything you said I know that some of it is actually true. I just wish you would try to get up to date facts instead of speculation. It would seem like you are judging the same way you accuse them of doing. Yet, I never believed that we were the only church!. I have encountered many leaders and members that think we are and some that don't. I definitely would love to go elsewhere, but I think of the peer pressure and what would be said if I left. I used to love my church, but it has gone through many changes and I don't feel connected I can't really imagine what my life would be like and yes there is plenty of fear and guilt as I decide what to do. Believe it or not I can be a free thinker and sometimes it is accepted and at other times I fell slammed or alienated for question what I don't agree with or what I would like to learn more about, instead of just accepting blindly. What would you suggest? I have been a "disciple" for almost XXyrs and this is my life."

Thanks for sharing. I will attempt to address your questions here. 

IN REGARDS to obtaining up-to-date facts (assuming you're referring to the recent changes): You are right that I should do so, however, I currently don't have a secure, "safe", and accurate way in which to do so. I have NO desire to attend a service or series of services AND, with the fact that they are teaching a false gospel (works salvation), I don't know if the information I would receive would be entirely accurate and true. However, just yesterday, I received word from another former member that during a conversation he had had with a member and when asked if they believed they were the "one true church", the answer was "no". Then, when asked if that member had ever met anyone outside of the ICOC that they believed was a Christian, the answer was "no"! So, in other words, he contradicted himself AND it proves that in that aspect, the ICOC has not changed! (I think I just answered a few of your questions in one!)

IN REGARDS to your fear of leaving and the peer pressure: For starters, what church* who, instead of having the purpose of bringing glory to God and Him alone and NOT for the selfish purpose of world evangelism (domination?) places SUCH emphasis on membership that her members demonstrate peer pressure on her members to feel fear and guilt when even remotely considering leaving to worship elsewhere??? The purpose of the church of the Bible is to bring people together for the act of worship, encourage and educate through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, with the constant/consistent goal of bringing glory to God and Him alone. 

IN REGARDS to my personal expressions of "judgment": You are absolutely right! I do still struggle with being judgmental in this area of my life. It is something that God is working on in my life. If you think I was "bad" in this video presentation, you should have seen the VERY first (not on YouTube!) presentation I conducted after I had just left the ICOC. While no one said anything to me about it, when I viewed it on DVD a year later, I was appalled at the rage, anger, frustration and hurt I exhibited that day! New2OpMusic, I can only ask for you to pray for my continued working out through sanctification my judgmentalism. 

Now, understand: I do believe that the ICOC taught (past tense) some false doctrine and theology in their views of what Christianity/being saved is. While, yes, the Bible says that we should "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12, ESV), it is NOT intended to be interpreted to infer the type of abusive discipleship which the ICOC has (at least) historically demonstrated in the past. 

IN REGARDS to "what [I] would suggest": I am not entirely sure what exactly you are requesting suggestions for: what you should do in your current situation (membership within the ICOC) or leaving the ICOC. 

IF YOU DECIDE TO REMAIN, you will continue to be alone, isolated and (really) not completely in unified fellowship with your fellow members because of your own "free thinking" of your personal convictions. I DO NOT believe that this God's desire for His church! Secondly, if (and this will depend on your own study and convictions/conclusions) you believe that the ICOC is teaching false doctrine/theology, then you need to leave, despite the false belief that God is SO small that He will not be in any other church. TRUST ME: I had the same immediate concerns myself when I first made the conscious decision to leave the ICOC! But I did and have NOT regretted it! I am currently in a church that loves me, challenges me, and has helped me grow in so many ways and I STILL HAVE MORE AREAS IN MY LIFE IN WHICH I NEED ADDITIONAL GROWTH! I have NOT "arrived"! 

I hope that this has answered some if not all of your questions. I can only pray that you will make the right decisions for your relationship with God because it will be He to whom you will stand before and give an accounting, not the ICOC! 

*Note: I only use the word "church" here due to their belief that they are one. I do NOT believe that this is the church which Christ and Paul describes in the Bible! 

Open letter to Jason Illian about Tangle.com

Hi Jason,

I don't even remember from whom I heard of you, but alas, we are "friends" within Facebook and have been for several months now. 

Today, I noticed on Facebook's Home-->News Feed that you were "working on new features for the tangle.com site". So, I had to check it out. 

Jason, we've never met. I have been on Facebook for about two (?) years now, as have so many of my friends (the real friends, most of whom in which I walk in Christian community and with whom I worship at The Village Church in Highland Village, TX). Before I became a member of Facebook, I was "on" MySpace but, being 44 years old and Christian with principles, I found that particular "community" (noticed the quotation marks) application to be too busy visually and VERY alarmingly vulgar and just plain 'ole gross. Hence, my move to Facebook. And, somehow, along with me, MANY of my friends, also joined Facebook. 

I am VERY (okay, somewhat) computer savvy (not with hardware) but with applications. 

I have enjoyed the "community" (I used that word loosely in this particular context) within Facebook, despite the lack of video upload-ability (or do they have that?). Anyway, whenever I've wanted to share a video (not very often!), I goto my YouTube account. 

During this time, I have also found GodTube and registered, creating an account. Unfortunately, I am embarrassed to say, I didn't do a whole lot with the application. Bro, PLEASE forgive me, for not supporting you in this effort! 

NOW, the purpose of this message: My question to you, the CSO of GodTube (and now, Tangle), is: Why should I move from Facebook to Tangle? Yes, I'm a kinda pros/cons list guy. Basically, I want you to pitch me Tangle. Impress me, sell me. 

I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

A Typical Weekend for Me

With my having to awaken and arise between 0415-0430 on the weekday (thank you, Lord, and Lew Wallace, for the invention of the snooze button!) to ride the DART light rail and bus to work, I have chosen to make the attempt to "catch up on my z's" on the weekends by sleeping in. For the average person, this appears to be 10 or 11 AM, whereas for me, it looks like 7 or 8, with the exceptional noon or 1. Most times, I set my second alarm (I have a his-and-her alarm clock)

to 0800 (to insure that I don't sleep through most of the day, thus "wasting it". 

Rant: I have found a few other alarm clocks during my research on the inventor of the snooze button (betcha you were wonderin' where I found that [Hint: Google]!). First alarm clock was the Oregon Scientific RM313PNA Self-Setting Projection Clock (silver), which is an atomic clock with precise self-setting capabilities that projects the time on a wall or ceiling. The next clock was another projection clock which looked like it should be levitating in the air above your head! 

Lastly, this alarm clock looked just plain fun, as it jumps off the table "looking" for a place to hide so that you have to find it in order to turn off the alarm! DEFINITELY a way to get an a physical work-out first thing in the morning! 

[END OF RANT]

Okay, so, back to my blogpost. 

Since I am trying (within human strength!) to observe/translate my version of the Sabbath (no, I'm not Jewish not that there's anything wrong with that, I try to do as little [that requires an enormous amount of thinking] as possible on the weekend (with the tiny exception of laundry; who has time to do so in the evening?) 

When I first awaken, I spend a few minutes in the bathroom, while which I may take either or both my iPhone (yes, Pastor Matt, I am one of those who checks my email and weather in the WC!) and an ESV Bible (nodding toward Pastor Matt). Depending on how long it takes to "take care of my business", I will read my daily Bible reading (thanks, Dr. Horten!); if not, I make a note to finish later*. Once I'm finished with my "business", I begin "planning my day".

The first thing I do is stack my two pillows (yes, I sleep with one underneath my head and one between my legs my chiropractor said it's good for my back! ), one in-front-of-the-other at the headboard (one pillow isn't enough cushioning for my back!). Then, I straighten the bedsheet and fleece blanket a little. Then, I walk around to the other side of the bed, move the powercord onto the bed, my Apple MacBook, and my iPhone. I disconnect my iPhone from its powercord (I plug it in overnight to recharge!), and turn it (the iPhone) off, then on again (I was told that this renews it's call-receiving priority [T-Mobile]). 

Once I return to the other side of the bed (I sleep and sit on the left side), I begin gathering the following items for my day of rest: my ESV Bible, another book to read (at the time of this blogpost, it's Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga's New Moon), the graph Composition book I use for note-taking during worship (and it also contains my version of Dr. Horten's monthly Bible-reading program), any other book (today, it's David N. Steele and Curtis C. Thomas' The Five Points of Calvinism: Defined, Defended Documented and another Mead Composition book containing notes I took at The Village from April, 2004, to April 6, 2008) and the television remote control.

Then, I peel back the bedsheet and fleece blanket and crawl underneath them, placing my legs straight there and my back against the pillows. It is from this position I can surf the Internet (which usually has tabs open to my Facebook account, my GMail (email) account and my Yahoo! (email) account), read, watch television and "monitor" the iPhone for incoming messages and other applications. 

*Note: Later means "once I've gotten into bed".

And, before you ask, I typically don't write a blog first thing on a weekend morning! 

Disciplines toward Technology

In Issue 37, the January/February, 2009, publication of Relevant Magazine, page 24, Brett McCracken, the managing editor for Biola University magazine, wrote an article entitled "The Problem of Pride in the Age of Twitter".

I am 44 years old. I grew up in the 1970's and 1980's, long before the days of personal computers, the Internet (formerly known as the World Wide Web), e-mail, e-commerce and cellphones (formerly known as the mobile or bag phone). Our television only received the three networks, CBS, ABC and NBC, and I remember when,

"In the early days of network television, when TV was becoming more popular, local affiliate stations increased broadcast air times during the day to make more money. They soon began producing their own programming. These stations were like hectic, little miniature movie studios. Remember, everything was live. Even the station announcer was sitting by a microphone. They usually started broadcasting live at around six or seven o'clock in the morning, and ended around midnight. They did not have syndicated reruns in those days, so they would produce their own morning and children's shows along with the news. During the day they would produce live game shows, dance shows, play old movie films, whatever, ending with the local evening news. Then they would switch broadcast to what their network was showing, maybe finishing off with another newscast, and usually ending broadcast with the Star Spangled Banner, then a test pattern with tone."

(http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/652021/careers_in_television_and_video_how.html?cat=31)

Several years ago, when the Internet first began(?), the religious sect I was a part of began preaching and teaching that the Internet was "of the devil and hell" when several brothers began struggling with online pornography. 

In his article, McCracken claims that we are becoming "addicted to a strange sort of connectivity-a connectivity that maintains a comfortable balance between distance and proximity, anonymity and overexposure . . . . . to hyper-controlled, self-appointed, 'just how I like it' communication . . . . . endowed with the ability to be even more self-obsessed than ever before." He continues to describe such networks as MySpace, Facebook, and blogs, YouTube, and other technologies. 

Unlike the teachings of the sect and McCracken, I disagree that we as a society can only respond to today's rapidly evolving technologies as addicitons. I believe that we as a society, yes, even those who are and claim to be Christians, can, instead of becoming mere addicts, understand these technologies to be only what they are: tools. Like a hammer can be used to put holes through walls, it can also be used to drive nails and build a home. 

Matt Chandler, lead pastor and teacher of The Village Church in Highland Village, TX, in 2007, led a Bible study series on biblical manhood and masculinity entitled, "In the Image and Glory of God". In it, he discusses observing the Sabbath, where he mentioned the use of technology and we Americans' dependency on it. I own an iPhone. I believe that it's a matter of the heart, but also a matter of self-discipline. I "work" (play) with my iPhone during my breaks at work and when I am ALONE. When I am with people (I call those times "meetings" and "engagements", I turn the ringer OFF and ONLY consult my iPhone when the other party and I are attempting to find a movie, place to eat, or scheduling another meeting time/appointment. 

We as Christians can use and work with technology as long as begin and continue to see it as it is: tools which have and can be used to further His kingdom. Today, I am able to communicate and encourage my fellow brothers who are missionaries in foreign countries overseas without incurring high long-distance bills. I even have the capability of immediately responding to urgent financial requests. I also have the ability to immediately communicate with my Compassion child in Ethiopia and keep up with his growth and school grades. 

Special weekend?

Is there something special about this weekend? Seems like there's an overabundance of homosexual-themed movies on television: "Prayers for Bobby"; an episode on ABC's  "According to Jim" entitled "Dress to Kill Me, about when his adolescent son, Kyle, wants to be Cinderella for Halloween; and another movie entitled, "Doing Time on Maple Drive." And, to top it off, there's a PSA from www.thinkb4youspeak.com starring Wanda Sykes, talking about the phrase, "That's so gay" which seems to be such a commonplace phrase in today's everyday conversation. 

Please understand: I have nothing against the struggle with the sin of homosexuality or those who struggle with it. I have always been opposed to the phraseology, "That's so gay" which has been prevalent for a number of years from the mouths of our high school teens. 

Is this weekend a product of an agenda by GLAAD? Or could it be some religious organisation's attempt to address this struggle? Unfortunately, I have YET to hear in any of our media's programming that homosexuality is NOT a congenital defect and an ACTUAL sin struggle, unlike any other sin struggle (lying, stealing, lust, idolatry). 

Brandon Jung

While visiting The Village Church with Stephen "Mysh" Myshrall on one Saturday evening In April, 2004, I noticed that the nametag of one of the greeters read "Brandon Jung". I remembered Jung was the name of the famous Swiss psychiatrist, Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology, and I made the inquiry as Brandon walked by if he was related. He continued walking past us, as he was very busy greeting. Before the service began, he got back to me and replied that he wasn't sure about his relation to the psychiatrist. 

Over the next few visits, Brandon and I greeted each other and eventually, I was invited to the New Years Eve Party and while there, he and I spoke cumulatively for several hours, mostly about the small group he was in (as I was looking for one of which to become a part). He answered all of the questions I had about his small group and I decided to become a part of it for the next 2 or 3 years. One time, we met for coffee at Starbucks in Lewisville, then another time, we had breakfast at IHOP and began a great friendship. During our friendship, we had an accountability relationship and continued conversing over the next year after his job transferred him to Chicago. 

During our friendship, despite the distance, we had become close. He is caring, gentle, courteous, kind and listens well. 

He has recently married our mutual friend, Kate, and they reside in Chicago. 

Christian-themed movies

Recently, I saw on one of my favorite blogs an announcement from a blogger who was attending the San Antonio Christian Film Festival, stating that "The Widow's Might" had won Audience Choice and Best of Festival Awards. One of the amazing things about this particular film is that it is being entirely shot, produced and directed by teenagers (for information on how this is accompllished, check out www.therebelution.com and purchase and read the book, Do Hard Things).

I have seen "Christian"* movies all of my life, from Jim Schmidt's "Super Christian" (1980), to the original movie, "Most" (I don't know and can't find the original movie), to Kirk Cameron's movie, "Left Behind", M. Night Shyamalan's "Signs" (okay, only I consider it a Christian movie), Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ", C. S. Lewis' "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" and "Prince Caspian" and Cameron's most recent, "Fireproof". When I go to see these movies, I keep hoping that one day, I will be pleased with the movie and that it will be seen and appreciated by many viewers. 

It seems that, for reasons unknown, most "Christian" movies I have seen have been, well, less than exceptional. The plots seem shallow, the acting cheesy and overall, resulting in low audience turnout and box office revenue. Why? I have a few ideas. 

Yes, I understand that the ultimate purpose of "Christian" movies is not for financial gain but to be a witness for Him to others and to bring glory to God through the effort. 

I guess my questions now begin with: How, with all the training that I believe that most of these actors have received, can the acting be so cheesy? And who's writing the scripts? Who's directing? 

I believe that, not only are the movies not bringing in the revenues or the audiences, but the lack of quality is causing more of the opinion that Christians can not act, produce or direct movies. Eventually, the world will completely stop viewing our movies, which will ultimately result in wasted effort, time and finances, sacrificially given my hard-working and well-meaning Christians. 

While, yes, I too agree that "you can't make your fifth movie first" and that, eventually, "Christian" film making will be on the rise. 

Isaac, PLEASE use the God-given talent you have and, like your brothers, do something INCREDIBLE in the Christian film industry. 

John Moore, I look forward to "The Widow's Might" and other "Christian" films, in the hope that excellence will be achieved, lives changed and God and His name will be glorified. 

*Note: I place quotation marks (" ") around the word Christian because movies cannot become saved. I use the phrase "Christian" to denote its theme. 

Facebook advertising

We have all heard it . . . "I don't like the advertising [which appears] on Facebook." I awoke this morning with a theory (later confirmed by one of my Facebook friends): Is the advertising triggered by an algorithm based on the selections we have put on our profiles (relationships, marital statuses, birthdate, etc.)?

Several months ago, I made the following settings on my Profile:

Basic Information: 

Don't show my sex

No "Hometown"

No "Relationship Status"

No choice selected in "Interested in:"

No choice selected in "Looking for:"

No "Political Views"

I found the following NON-sexual advertising:

LStudio(dot)com

BlackBerry Curve for T-Mobile

Teach ESL overseas

CMI

ICR(dot)org

Weather 2.0 on BlackBerry

Obama Online Advertising

Flash Web Design

Taislim (weight loss)

Office Space Cast Reunion

iTunes movies

Jivox online video advertising

Relient K album (become a fan)

End your depression

MBG Expense Management

Socially Awkward Tees (t-shirts)

150 Million Active [Facebook] Users

Download Free Audiobook

Joost videos

Free Voice Demo Read

Univ. of Phoenix

Create your own cult wine 

...

Now, here's what I have learned:

I do not depend on my Facebook account and profile to announce my personal relationships, political views or what I am looking for in a Facebook "relationship". That is what REAL FRIENDships are for (you know, those which are cultivated and nurtured through the such communication devices as the LAN line, cellphones, email and, my personal favorite, face-to-face conversation). My Facebook account is merely a communication device for those with whom I cannot make daily communication. 

In addition to my settings, I don't have the immoral advertising either!

LAN lines and phone books?

Tonight, I saw a television advertisement for the newest AT&T "Real" Yellow Pages. Personally, I haven't used a telephone directory in literally YEARS! Initially (back in 1983), the only numbers I dialed (btw, that's an old phrase which was used back in the days of rotary dial phones) were those which I had dialed on a regular basis (back in those days, I was in college and logged all the frequently dialed (there's that word again!) in a small loose-leaf notebook. Over the years, it went from being typed on a manual typewriter, then some of it handwritten, then later, they accumulated and were entered into a Palm pilot, then to the various cellphones I have owned over the years. Now, with the dawn of the Internet, one can look up virtually any number, then save it on their cellphone. 

So, I ask, "Why are they (AT&T, Verizon, or whoever) printing phone books, which are destroying our environment (trees), especially when they are either inaccurate or going to just be immediately recycled?

Stephen Myshrall

I first met Stephen Myshrall (known to most of his friends as "Mysh") in or around April, 2004, while visiting the campus of DCC. He was a freshman. As always, I am curious as to how students learn of DCC, as the college has virtually no advertisements, printed or otherwise, and what church backgrounds from which they hail. Mysh proudly* professed he was Baptist, which I found a little odd, as my knowledge of Baptists** was not without fault.

As my visits to the campus became more frequent, so did my fellowship with Mysh. Besides God, I credit a lot of where I am today spiritually to my friendship with Mysh. During our visits, he not only re-introduced me to the theology of John Calvin but also the sovereignty of God, theology itself and The Village Church. But most importantly, he introduced to me to concept (for lack of a better word) of love and desire to bringing glory to God.

One Saturday afternoon, Mysh invited me to attend worship service at a church in Highland Village called The Village Church. With my recent dealing of a new church 12 years previously***, I was a little skeptical but felt like with Mysh, I would be "safe" (remember: at this time, I was not as dependant on God!).

After the short drive there, we entered the sanctuary of this seemingly little country church building, which must've seated about 450 (+/-) and a very small parking lot with an unpaved grassy area for overage parking(!). The ushers were extremely helpful and friendly.**** As the sanctuary filled, I sensed that there was more to this church than mere lip service or a service. But when Matt Chandler took the stage after a lively song service, after the initial shock of unapologetic teaching (and later, several weeks of email exchanges with him!), I was more than hooked into allowing God to work through these believers in my healing of past church abuse.

Over the years, Mysh and I became very close friends and confidants in our triumphs, challenges, struggles and defeats. He demonstrates what Christians should be: loving, sincere, fun and truthfully honest. We have prayed together, cried together, laughed and eaten together and through it all, Mysh has always demonstrated his true, first love: Jesus. I will always be thankful and grateful for his influence (and His influence through Mysh) in my life.

Currently, Mysh is married to a beautiful young lady named Kelly and they are expecting (?) their first child. Mysh currently serves His Lord as the Senior Pastor of Greencastle Baptist Church in Greencastle, PA.

God bless you, Stephen, in your work and life. You are loved.

*Not to confused with the sin of pride!
**That's for another blog post.
***Read my profile.
****It was at one of these services where I met Brandon Jung, of whom I will honor in a later blog post.

Bryan Schlackman

I chose to write about "Schlackman" first, not because he was the first friendship I made (sorry, Bryan!), but because (and you'll see this when should you ever meet him) of his heart for and desire to serve God and His Kingdom. You see, Bryan is about to embark on a walking trek from San Diego, California, through Georgia with Daren Wendell from January 5 through May, after which he will be heading to Scotland and walking through Ireland, England, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain and through Portugal (check out www.theearthexpedition.com for more information). So, in a few days, he'll be leaving and might not be near the Internet to read this. So, here we go:

I first met Bryan Schlackman on the campus of Dallas Christian College a little over four years ago. He always seem to have his electric guitar (I have NO idea it was a bass or what!) on his lap and couldn't make it through a conversation without multiple bouts of air guitar! Unfortunately, most of our conversations were scattered between his classes, homework, marathons and his jobs. We both tried to get together and get better acquainted but life and school got in the way. 

I got the opportunity to FINALLY sit down with Bryan (I confess: I was in panic mode because I knew the window was getting smaller with his walking expedition coming up!) and, while, yes, there might possibly have been other occasions after his expedition ended in September, 2009, I have had the experience of realizing that life is short and to MAKE time when opportunity strikes! So, I did and he picked me up from the DART Parker Road Transit Center, then we sent out to eat at Panda Express, then had coffee at a nearby Starbucks. After our conversation, I had immediate regrets that I had not more aggressively pursued my friendship with Bryan during the previous four years! 

Bryan has a compassionate heart for others. Recently, he spent the summer of 2007 in China teaching ESL. In reading his journal he kept there, I read of his love for the students, his humility in some of his personal struggles and his love for His Lord. 

As we spoke over Chinese food and coffee, we shared with each other our own struggles in doing life with Christ and his goals (I've lived most of my life already!). I enjoyed his company, his wit and humor, his warm smile and sensitive heart. 

Bryan, may God continue to bless you in your walk with The Earth Expedition, your dreams and goals, and your heart for Him. 

My Beautiful Friends

On December 23, 2008, I wrote the following in a Note entitled "Christmas Gifts 2008" on my Facebook:

In thinking over these past few weeks, I have discovered that I have received so MANY gifts from my friends that I thought it would be best to thank them publickly. So, here we go:

Cody Vaughan – for your warm friendship, encouraging words and brotherly love

Brian Condra – for your warm friendship, honesty and encouragement

Bryan Schlackman – for your sharing with me about www.Isobuds.com (what a great gift!)

Wayne Stiles -- your continued love, writing two books and taking my constructive criticisms with grace and dignity

Jonathan Jordan – your beautiful words in your Notes

Stephen Walsh -- for your encouragement and deep honesty

Daniel Davis – for sharing some of the most beautiful photography on Facebook (www.DanielDavisPhoto.com)

Alex and Brett Harris (for those not “in the know”, their twin brothers!) – for your hosting one of your Rebelution (www.TheRebelution.com) conferences in Plano where I got to attend and meet these two GREAT guys (and your recognizing me by name!)! 

John Farrar – your warm friendship and encouragement

Scott “Hungry Jack” Ayers – your consistent love and friendship

Phillip Bleecker – your consistent love and friendship

Stephen Myshrall – your compassion for me and your passion for Christ and His gospel

Now, this is a Note in progress, so...if I've left anyone out, don't get your feelings all hurt and outta joint! 

In light of this, tonight, while watching the movie, "Seven Pounds" (no, don't worry, I'm not about to do THAT!), I wondered if I had expressed my gratitude enough to my friends. 

I have wonderful friends, friends for whom I would give my life. They love me, each expressing it in their own unique way. While I so wish that I could introduce them all to each other in the same room, with life being as busy as it is, that would be next to impossible. So, in an effort to do so, over the next few weeks, I will blog about each of my friends listed above. 

May God continue to bless ALL of them more than they have blessed me! 

Add "The Day the Earth Stood Still" to the Environmental list!

On August 16, 2008, I wrote a review/blog entitled " 'The Happening' - Just another environmental movie!" about how it seems that our entertainment industry has begun it's own agenda in communicating the importance of "going green"/global warming/ blah blah blah. So far, we're either going to be destroyed by meteors, "natural", freaky weather phenomena or the very Planet Earth itself will turn onto itself and self-destruct. NOW, our entertainment industry in the movie, "The Day the Earth Stood Still" is attempting to use fear to motivate us to contemplate that aliens will come and destroy humanity to save Planet Earth because of our environmental irresponsibility! Aliens? COME ON! 

Needless to say, I had a free pass and didn't have to PAY for viewing this movie! Thankfully, I had some vacation time and didn't mind wasting another 103 minutes of my life.