Thoughts of John

Trying again

2009-12-23T10:20:00.001-06:00

working....

Sermon Series

2009-12-23T10:13:00.001-06:00

2nd grade bible s

2009-12-20T00:17:00.001-06:00

pics from Sunday

2009-11-29T10:20:00.000-06:00

Returning to the world of blogging

2009-11-08T13:12:00.001-06:00

Last I made the decision to resume blogging. I have not blog for over a year and the reality is I may Blog maybe once or twice a week. I think I am going to gear this to be a bit more faith then some of the other posts I have done. Depending on the # visits and comments let me know if I should Continue.

Just a note of the official stuff so I can say that I said it:

Everything here represents my own opinion and not the opinion of The United Methodist Church of the Hastings or The United Methodist Church.

Fireworks

2008-07-04T22:49:00.001-05:00

We have a small fire works show in Hastings, I am able to watch then from my front lawn. It not a huge show lasts around 15 minutes, what funny is people leave before the show is over, to avoid the trafffic. The funny part is it Hastings Mn, we have no traffic .

The Rockies

2008-07-03T22:38:00.004-05:00

As i watch the Roockies finished winning in the game in the 10 inning, Rockies fans think they will win a Minnesota team will always expect to loose, ....

Time to Start Blogging

2008-07-03T22:32:00.002-05:00

to start new, some links that I think are worth reading we will talk about Student Ministry, like as Methodist and what it is like to be on Church Staff at Hastings UMC. Remember the views on this blog are my personally thoughts and really Repesents nobody else, expect maybe Jesus if I get it right.

Prayer

2008-03-05T23:40:00.001-06:00

I was looking deep in my hard drive for an old file, and found words of an old friend, I love the fact Mike's life was Messy and his relationship with His God was Messy and not prefect.

By Michael YaconelliI

have always been terrible at praying. I forget. My mind wanders. I fall asleep. I don't pray enough.I don't understand what prayer is or what prayer does.If prayer were school…I would flunk praying. But prayer isn't school.It is mystery. Maybe the mystery is… Jesus loves terrible prayers.Maybe… when I can't think of anything to say, he says what I can't say.When I talk too much, he cherishes my too-many words.When I fall asleep, he holds me in his lap and caresses my weary soul.When I am overwhelmed with guilt at my inconsistent, inadequate praying he whispers, "Your name is always on my lips."I am filled with gratitude, my soul overflows with thankfulness and I find myself saying over and over again, "Thank you." Praying the mystery.

For those who fly - Hit to Delta Airline Blog

2007-12-10T22:12:00.000-06:00

Flippin...

2007-12-10T12:17:00.000-06:00

I place in Ak
Which Begs the question is what is the Churches called in this Flippin City...

Hit to Marko

It has been awhile

2007-11-06T23:29:00.001-06:00

Well I have chosen to return to the great blogging. In the next week I will write about a new job change in my life, A request from Zach for me to go on blind dates and how that will help is marriage, I will also look ahead to YS_- Atlanta Ga

So stay tune with more to come.

Time to get back at it

2007-07-22T19:17:00.000-05:00

Time to return to blogging on a regular basic. You will see new posts this week. including a job change at HUMC and the end of summer camp.

Office Church Episode # 2

2007-02-15T14:59:00.000-06:00

Maybe the Next Youth Pastor? The Church Office - Episode #1

2007-02-14T21:33:00.000-06:00

Personal Church Shopper for the busy family

2007-02-14T09:00:00.001-06:00

BUSY FAMILY HIRES PERSONAL CHURCH SHOPPER

DECEMBER 2006 --- Growing bored with the outdated programs at their present church, the Henman family of Peoria, IL, recently hired Lucy Ditmer, a personal shopper, to find them a new church home to meet their spiritual needs. "Between my boy's hockey games and my girl's dance classes, I really don't have the time to go church shopping," said Helen Henman. "It's a great relief to know that Lucy can take care of all that. The last thing Phil and I want to do right now is spend every Sunday morning going to strange churches just to see if they have cushioned seating and a proper food court."

Ditmer, who has over five years experience as a personal shopper at Macy's, began advertising her church shopping services when she saw a need for busy families who find it difficult to squeeze a religious life into their hectic schedules. "Most churches nowadays have sermons that last from ten minutes to an excruciating half hour," Lucy explained. "My clients just don't want to put themselves through that kind of ordeal when all they really want to know is whether the youth program has a Playstation 3. With my service, the clients just give me a checklist of all their felt needs and I do all the dirty work while they're sleeping in on Sunday morning."

One of Ditmer's recent success stories comes from Judith and Bob Nickerson, a pair of sports enthusiasts who were looking for a church that provided for their physical needs as well as their spiritual ones. "Coming from a Methodist background, we were really surprised when Lucy recommended the Beth Israel Synagogue on Fifth Street," Judith said. "But we had to admit that it had the state-of-the-art exercise facility we were looking for. After a couple visits, we knew it was the place for us. In fact, we like it so much, Bob is getting circumcised next Thursday."

As for the Henman family, they are anxious to see what Lucy finds for them. "Being without a church home these past few weeks has really taken a toll on our family," Mrs. Henman admitted. "Just the other day Phil was dealing with a lot of stress at work and he needed a pastor to show him how Jesus dealt with project deadlines. If Lucy doesn't hurry up and find us a church soon, we may be forced to open a Bible and look for the answer ourselves."

Hit To Josh

Sometimes ministry is hard

2007-02-08T08:29:00.001-06:00

Sometime days no matter how long you do ministry, it is just hard. In youth ministry trying to keep youth, parents and church leaders happy and staying true to ones calling of God Ministry is not at all possible. Some nights I feel the kingdom is not happy with the direction of the ministry and I am falling to face the elephant in the room and deal with issues head on. I let people be happy, but that may not be best of the ministry. Usually when I have those days, I then see God and the small little signs of success of ministry, Hopefully today that will happen.

The good news is Chris Tomlin is in town and I will get to hear him in concert on Friday night. Which will be a short night of sleep, as I then leave for a meeting at camp around 6:45 in the morning.

Well off to shower and waiting for signs of God being a wonderful maker today.

24 10-11 am

2007-01-22T21:24:00.000-06:00

I cannot get my cell phone to work in Hastings, but they work in the Bunker for the President's staff.

Don’t you hate when you sell Nuclear bombs and your buyer sets them off in your neighborhood without telling you first.

Tivo’s are great for watching 24

Any bets how long Jack Bauer's Dad will last this year, before he is dead? Will Jack kill him.

For the record in the event of Nuclear explosion, do you not think we should move the President’s family ?

Does Jack’s Cell Phone battery ever dies?

Thinking of having Jack speak at the next family event at HUMC on dealing with difficult family members – how to improve communications with family.

What a wife

2007-01-21T16:33:00.001-06:00

PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. -- Nine months pregnant and married to a fervent Bears fan with tickets to Sunday's NFC Championship Game, Colleen Pavelka didn't want to risk going into labor during the game against the New Orleans Saints.

Due to give birth on Monday, Pavelka's doctor told her Friday she could induce labor early. She opted for the Friday delivery.

"I thought, how could [Mark] miss this one opportunity that he might never have again in his life?" said Pavelka, 28, from the southwestern Chicago suburb of Homer Glen.

jack bauer gives office survival tips

2007-01-19T14:11:00.000-06:00

thanks to WWW.YSMARKO.COM

A thought from King.

2007-01-15T23:05:00.001-06:00

"Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies - or else? The chain reaction of evil - hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars - must be broken, or else we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation. "
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

thoughts on 24 hours 3 and 4

2007-01-15T22:53:00.000-06:00

The big bomb in LA ( who would have thought that)
Curtis is killed by Jack ( who does not die if you are a friend of Jack's)
Why does this President not have a Sit. Room for days like this?
So a bomb goes off in LA and they do not rush the President to the safe place?
Why was the Secret Service not protecting the President sister?
Why is the Secret Service in "24" just really bad?
Do you not wish this President had the staff from the Bartlett Era of the West Wing. I would just feel better if Mrs Landinham and Leo was around.
Should you Chief of Staff be your best friend and somebody smarter then you, but not in "24" world.

WOW!

2007-01-15T11:31:00.000-06:00

MLK day or not?

2007-01-15T11:22:00.000-06:00

Today is Martin Luther King day, well not exactly – In Alabama, they do not have MLK day, but REL day, that would be General Robert E Lee Day. Wow…. Sometimes I forget about how this nation is sometimes a melting pot and sometimes a pot ready to boil over. I actually feel bad that today I am not reading some of MLK writings and such, but doing work around the house and getting ready for the 24. I at least I will not spend any time on REL day.

I am a Super Hero

2007-01-14T22:45:00.000-06:00

Wondering what Super Hero I am ? the results:
Green Lantern

Green Lantern

Hot-headed. You have strong
will power and a good imagination.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test

United Airline

2006-12-07T12:05:00.000-06:00

Just sitting waiting for a flight that is late and the time keeps changing. My head tells me United will cancel the flight. Do they not know I have lunch at Red Robin Shortly. So far the staying calm doing the travel to start vacation is not going well. we will see.

a thought from Tony Campola

2006-12-06T09:41:00.000-06:00

we do not take God into places where he doesn’t exist; we join god where God is already at work.

The Baptism Cannonball

2006-12-05T09:17:00.000-06:00

hit to Marko for this, Maybe we need to examine Baptism

Sometimes we like to drink at OSU

2006-11-20T12:57:00.000-06:00

One more to go for the Ring

2006-11-18T18:40:00.000-06:00

OSU / Michigan game on the freedom of the world

2006-11-17T16:31:00.001-06:00

The people of Ohio was very important in the 2004 election, but this year they still have 2 races that needs verified. Official that can start on Saturday - 10 days after the election, but Ohio has more important items on the ballot. the recount will start on Monday, because nobody wants to work on Saturday, -- See MSNBC notes

Ohio's 2nd district. This one could get interesting, and we may not know the answer for another two weeks. Rep. Jean Schmidt (R) leads Democratic challenger Victoria Wulsin by 2,865 votes. But more than 9,700 votes are still uncounted -- 1,500 absentee ballots and more than 8,200 provisional. Counting will begin on Monday in the three counties just east of Cincinnati that make up this district. Based on past elections, 25% to 35% of provisions can be expected to be disqualified. Final counting must be completed by November 28. If the margin shrinks to less than .05% (about 1,200 votes), it will trigger an automatic recount under Ohio law. Vote-counting could have started tomorrow, but county officials decided to let workers have the weekend off to watch the Ohio State-Michigan football game.

Ohio's 15th district. Rep. Deborah Pryce (R) leads Democratic challenger Mary Jo Kilroy by 3,536 votes. But nearly 20,000 absentee and provisional ballots are still uncounted in this district that includes Columbus and its western suburbs. The high number of provisional ballots cast stems from confusion over a new voter ID requirement that led to a lawsuit last week. Final results will be released November 27, according to Franklin County officials. Kilroy is optimistic that she can make up the lost ground. Her campaign has been airing TV and radio ads urging voters who cast provisional to contact election boards to make sure they've provided proper documentation so their ballots will count. Kilroy's campaign says the majority of the provisional ballots stem from voter ID confusion at the polls, and they argue that transient voters tend to favor Democrats.

We are just 2 days away from THE GAME

2006-11-16T20:14:00.000-06:00

I pray I am a better friend then James Dobson - A take on New Life Church issue

2006-11-08T23:47:00.000-06:00

Well It has been about a week, since the news about New Life Church and Rev Ted Haggard started to break. First a little personal history, I spent 3 years in Colorado Springs serving as a Part time youth pastor and worked full time for Motorola. One of my customers was New Life Church.

Every time I want to the church, I always wonder what it would be like to work for a Huge Mega Church. I looked at the size of the church youth program and always wonder, what it would be like to be on staff at New Life am I good enough?

I have meet Ted a couple of times in passing and he always appeared to be a nice guy ( doesn’t all Mega church leaders appear nice?).

I have been thinking of the pain that Ted is experiencing. I really hurt for his teenagers in his family and wonder how they are going to survive the worse time in their lives away from the support of a church. I feel deeply for the congregation and give thanks I am not on staff at New Life. The staff world is shaking apart and will for several years.

I always thought New Life was quick to judge and soft on Grace. My faith does fit closer to the United Methodist Church idea of Grace and understanding.

In this whole process I am more amazed at James Dodson. On Thursday he came out when the events were changing almost hourly to support his friend, Ted. He made sure the world heard , that he was going to stand by his friend, even to the point of speaking unkind words about the other person in this issue.

On Friday he expressed shocked and sorrow, but promised to stand by his friend, Ted. Sunday it was reported at New Life and in the national media that he would provide spiritual support and healing for his friend, Ted.

On Tuesday James Dobson, chose to no longer provide the spiritual support for Ted, It seems that he want to help Ted, but he has way to many other things in his life. His exact quote is “ to many other thing pulling him in other directions”.

Well to my friends who read this Blog, I promise to be a better friend then James Dobson. If you life falls completely apart, if you have been dealing and hiding with issues in your life that is cheating of your relationship with Christ. I will stand by you and be with you , support you, care for you and provide spiritual support. If I call you a friend and you hear the words that goes if you need anything in the world you know who to call. The world will not know, but you and my God will know that I am standing by you.

James Dobson does a lot of things well in the world, but I am glad he does not call me a friend.

You know how I love Pirates

2006-11-06T13:38:00.000-06:00

CBS Seeks Treasure, Sets Sail with Cap't. Mark Burnett

CBS has ordered 13 episodes of a pirate-themed show from reality robber baron Mark Burnett. From Josef Adalian in Variety:

Details of the project are being kept under wraps. What is known is that the action in the skein will take place on both land and at sea, suggesting the presence of ships and islands as central characters in the unscripted drama.

Translated into piratese:

Arrr, what is known is that the action in the skein will take place on both land and at sea, suggestin' the presence o' ships and islands as central characters in the unscripted drama. Ye'll ne'er get me buried booty!
Of course, when you think about it, the language of show business and the language of raiding and plundering is about the same.

Christian vs Christ Follower ( parody of Mac vs PC)

2006-11-01T13:22:00.000-06:00

24

2006-10-25T21:48:00.000-05:00

Just when Monday Night Football is over. 24 will start. I love having Mondays off. Watch the 24 trailer

Getting close to the OSU-Mich game

2006-10-20T10:04:00.000-05:00

Skit Guys # 5

2006-10-14T22:58:00.001-05:00

Skit Guys # 4

2006-10-14T22:56:00.001-05:00

Skit Guys # 3

2006-10-14T22:54:00.001-05:00

Skit Guys # 2

2006-10-14T22:47:00.000-05:00

Skit At Guys at NWYC

2006-10-14T22:44:00.000-05:00

I love these guys !!!

This is one mad news anchor.

2006-10-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

fox newscaster gets flustered and GOES OFF on one of the cray-ladies from westboro church (the ‘god hates fags’ people). seriously — i think if they had been in the same studio, the phelps woman would have left the studio in pain. wow. Hit To Marko. Sometimes working for a church is shamefull and this so called church is one of those that makes me feel that way.

General Session #1

2006-10-06T16:08:00.000-05:00

This year the theme is Reveal. The question of the weekend, is what is God going to reveal about yourself to you or himself to you. . Ys is always good at loving the youth worker(s) at they just loving us.

Besides Marko and Tic on stage, a new person is working on the “woman in ministry front” at YS. It nice to see a new face, but I do hope we get to see Karla this week on stage.

David Crowder is great as always. Love having him and the boys on stage, David will leave us on Saturday night to return to his home church, You have to admire his desire to be at his home church each Sunday, but sad he will not be with us.

The main speaker at the 1^st general session Buster Soareis, a Africa-American preached up a storm, I thought he did good, but mid afternoon is always my hardest to focus. The message in a sentence. Expect God to be a God who will do new things. Expect God to act differently than ever before.

The best part so far, is the convention center is free wireless.

Try to catch the front page of New York times articles on youth ministry and church.

NYWC Day # 1

2006-10-06T10:26:00.000-05:00

Today was travel day to the NWYC. Let me tell you Austin is hot. It was about 95 today and really felt like it, It seems everyplace I travel these days it is hot, I would like it to be warm, just not hot.

After checking into the hotel I want over to the exhibit hall and looked around and got some ideas. I stopped and visited the folks from Simplyyouthministry.com . I also looked at the new Snapshot 5.0 , which I purchased on the spot. Look for a major upgrade to the youth website (www.hastingsumcyouth.org) in the near future. This new version is web based and major upgrade.
I got invited to dinner with Josh, Andy and Nadim. We had a nice person from a United Methodist Church join us for dinner. We want across the street to Champions. http://www.championsaustin.com/. It a new restaurant that just open this week. It owned by Lance Armstrong. It a great place with tons of TV’s. They gave us some free shirts and it was great time. Lance will be at the restaurant on Saturday so I am going back.
It was like having dinner during the Podcast with some of the Podcast group. We also had one of the youth workers earned $5.00 for sucking mustard via a straw. Classic moment.

Austin , Here I come

2006-10-04T22:58:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I am off to the National Youth Workers Convention in Austin Texas. I am so excited. It has been a busy stressful couple of months and the pace has been really hard in the past 3 weeks. We hosted a see you at the pole Post rally at the church ( 144 people attended). Worked on the media for a Young Life Kick off event in Hastings for Tuesday night and spoke at a combine community worhship event this past Sunday Morning.

Today was a long day with an issue from the conference level that took sometime and will even take effort when I am gone this weekend.

I will try to blog everyday or more at the convention.

Tomorrow I am up early, take the dog to the Kennel, make phone calls and travel to the airport.

David danced a fool (2 Sam 6:14) and so does this guy

2006-09-23T22:32:00.000-05:00

Pirate Slang

2006-09-18T20:55:00.000-05:00

The basics

Pirate lingo is rich and complicated, sort of like a good stew. There are several other sites that offer glossaries that are pretty good, and you can find some of them on our links page.

But if you just want a quick fix, a surface gloss, a "pirate patina," if you will, here are the five basic words that you cannot live without. Master them, and you can face Talk Like a Pirate Day with a smile on your face and a parrot on your shoulder, if that's your thing.

Ahoy! - "Hello!"

Avast! - Stop and give attention. It can be used in a sense of surprise, "Whoa! Get a load of that!" which today makes it more of a "Check it out" or "No way!" or "Get off!"

Aye! - "Why yes, I agree most heartily with everything you just said or did."

Aye aye! - "I'll get right on that sir, as soon as my break is over."

Arrr! - This one is often confused with arrrgh, which is of course the sound you make when you sit on a belaying pin. "Arrr!" can mean, variously, "yes," "I agree," "I'm happy," "I'm enjoying this beer," "My team is going to win it all," "I saw that television show, it sucked!" and "That was a clever remark you or I just made." And those are just a few of the myriad possibilities of Arrr!

Advanced pirate lingo; or On beyond “Aarrr!”

Once you've mastered the basics, you're ready to start expanding your pirate vocabulary. Try these for starters

Beauty – The best possible pirate address for a woman. Always preceded by “me,” as in, “C’mere, me beauty,” or even, “me buxom beauty,” to one particularly well endowed. You’ll be surprised how effective this is.

Bilge rat – The bilge is the lowest level of the ship. It’s loaded with ballast and slimy, reeking water. A bilge rat, then, is a rat that lives in the worst place on the ship. On TLAP Day – A lot of guy humor involves insulting your buddies to prove your friendship. It’s important that everyone understand you are smarter, more powerful and much luckier with the wenches than they are. Since bilge rat is a pretty dirty thing to call someone, by all means use it on your friends.

Bung hole – Victuals on a ship were stored in wooden casks. The stopper in the barrel is called the bung, and the hole is called the bung hole. That’s all. It sounds a lot worse, doesn’t it? On TLAP Day – When dinner is served you’ll make quite an impression when you say, “Well, me hearties, let’s see what crawled out of the bung hole.” That statement will be instantly followed by the sound of people putting down their utensils and pushing themselves away from the table. Great! More for you!

Grog – An alcoholic drink, usually rum diluted with water, but in this context you could use it to refer to any alcoholic beverage other than beer, and we aren’t prepared to be picky about that, either. Call your beer grog if you want. We won’t stop you! Water aboard ship was stored for long periods in slimy wooden barrels, so you can see why rum was added to each sailor’s water ration – to kill the rancid taste. On TLAP Day – Drink up, me hearties! And call whatever you’re drinking grog if you want to. If some prissy pedant purses his lips and protests the word grog can only be used if drinking rum and water, not the Singapore Sling you’re holding, keelhaul him!

Hornpipe – Both a single-reeded musical instrument sailors often had aboard ship, and a spirited dance that sailors do. On TLAP Day – We are not big fans of the capering, it’s not our favorite art form, if you will, so we don’t have a lot to say on the subject, other than to observe that the common term for being filled with lust is “horny,” and hornpipe then has some comical possibilities. “Is that a hornpipe in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me? Or both?”

Lubber – (or land lubber) This is the seaman’s version of land lover, mangled by typical pirate disregard for elocution. A lubber is someone who does not go to sea, who stays on the land. On TLAP Day – More likely than not, you are a lubber 364 days of the year. But not if you’re talking like a pirate! Then the word lubber becomes one of the more fierce weapons in your arsenal of piratical lingo. In a room where everyone is talking like pirates, lubber is ALWAYS an insult.

Smartly – Do something quickly. On TLAP Day – “Smartly, me lass,” you might say when sending the bar maid off for another round. She will be so impressed she might well spit in your beer.

Top Ten Pickup lines for use on International Talk Like a Pirate Day

(We came up with these in an effort to interest The Other Dave (Letterman) in TLAPD. His staff liked 'em, but alas, his show was"dark" the week of Sept. 19.)

10 . Avast, me proud beauty! Wanna know why my Roger is so Jolly?

9. Have ya ever met a man with a real yardarm?

8. Come on up and see me urchins.

7. Yes, that is a hornpipe in my pocket and I am happy to see you.

6. I'd love to drop anchor in your lagoon.

5. Pardon me, but would ya mind if fired me cannon through your porthole?

4. How'd you like to scrape the barnacles off of me rudder?

3. Ya know, darlin’, I’m 97 percent chum free.

2. Well blow me down?

And the number one pickup line for use on International Talk Like a Pirate Day is …

1. Prepare to be boarded.

Bonus pickup lines (when the ones above don't work, as they often won't)

They don’t call me Long John because my head is so big.

You’re drinking a Salty Dog? How’d you like to try the real thing?

Wanna shiver me timbers?

I’ve sailed the seven seas, and you’re the sleekest schooner I’ve ever sighted.

Brwaack! Polly want a cracker? … Oh, wait. That’s for Talk Like a PARROT Day.

That’s the finest pirate booty I’ve ever laid eyes on.

Let's get together and haul some keel.

That’s some treasure chest you’ve got there.

Top Ten Pickup Lines for the Lady Pirates

By popular demand ...

10. What are YOU doing here?

9. Is that a belayin' pin in yer britches, or are ye ... (this one is never completed)

8. Come show me how ye bury yer treasure, lad!

7. So, tell me, why do they call ye, "Cap'n Feathersword?"

6. That's quite a cutlass ye got thar, what ye need is a good scabbard!

5. Aye, I guarantee ye, I've had a twenty percent decrease in me "lice ratio!"

4. I've crushed seventeen men's skulls between me thighs!

3. C'mon, lad, shiver me timbers!

2. RAMMING SPEED!

...and the number one Female Pirate Pick-up Line:

1. You. Pants Off. Now!

Pirate Day

2006-09-18T20:43:00.000-05:00

from http://www.talklikeapirate.com/

Arrr! We be the pirate guys, matey.

Or, in another vernacular, we are guys, John Baur and Mark Summers. And that really should be all you need to know about the origins of Talk Like a Pirate Day. We're guys. Not men, with responsibility and suits and power ties. We're guys, with all that that implies. But here are the details.

Once upon a time -- on June 6, 1995, to be precise -- we were playing racquetball, not well but gamely. It wasn't our intention to become "the pirate guys." Truth to tell, it wasn't really our intention to become anything, except perhaps a tad thinner and healthier, and if you could see our photos, you'd know how THAT turned out. As we flailed away, we called out friendly encouragement to each other -"Damn, you bastard!" and "Oh, jeez, my hamstring!" for instance - as shots caromed away, unimpeded by our wildly swung rackets.

On this day, for reasons we still don't quite understand, we started giving our encouragement in pirate slang. Mark suspects one of us might have been reaching for a low shot that, by pure chance, might have come off the wall at an unusually high rate of speed, and strained something best left unstrained. "Arrr!," he might have said.

Who knows? It might have happened exactly that way.

Anyway, whoever let out the first "Arrr!" started something. One thing led to another. "That be a fine cannonade," one said, to be followed by "Now watch as I fire a broadside straight into your yardarm!" and other such helpful phrases.

By the time our hour on the court was over, we realized that lapsing into pirate lingo had made the game more fun and the time pass more quickly. We decided then and there that what the world really needed was a new national holiday, Talk Like A Pirate Day.

First, we needed a date for the holiday. As any guy can tell you, June 6 is the anniversary of World War II's D-Day. Guys hold dates like that in reverence and awe so there was no way we could use June 6.

Mark came up with September 19. That was and is his ex-wife's birthday, and the only date he could readily recall that wasn't taken up with something like Christmas or the Super Bowl or something. We also decided -- right then and there on the court on June 6, 1995 -- that the perfect spokesman for our new holiday was none other than Dave Barry himself, nationally syndicated humor columnist and winner of the Pulitzer by-God Prize. So, naturally, we forgot all about it.

For seven years we celebrated International Talk Like a Pirate Day pretty much on our own, with our friend Brian Rhodes actually reminding us that the event was coming up. Frankly, we usually forgot exactly when Talk Like a Pirate Day was supposed to be or even that there was such a thing. Brian is one of those guys who programs every important event into his computer so that a reminder pops up the day before. John and Mark may be the founders of Talk Like a Pirate Day, but Brian is certainly the midwife, or godfather or something. (Have a cigar, Brian!)

Things would probably have continued indefinitely on that low-key note until John, Mark and Brian were little old pirates in the Home for Retired Sea Dogs. We had a national holiday that almost nobody knew about, and we were content with that.

Except for one happy accident. One day in early 2002, John chanced upon Dave Barry's e-mail address. As the entire universe knows, Dave Barry is a syndicated columnist and the author of somewhere between four and 6,000 books and the second funniest man in the universe. We were two guys (three if you count Brian, and that seems only fair,) but Dave (we call him Dave now, though he probably doesn't know it. Mr. Barry would probably be more appropriate, but, well, you know.) anyway, Dave is like a whole parade with brass bands and elephants. We reasoned that Dave would be able to bring attention to Talk Like A Pirate Day in a way that Mark and John (and Brian) wouldn't be able to if we lived to be 200. Ambition suddenly burned bright, and sending e-mails is a very easy thing to do. Which is why we finally got around to contacting him.

The first e-mail introduced us, and told him about our great idea -- Talk Like a Pirate Day. We knew he wouldn't be able to resist. Then we offered him the only thing we had, the chance to be official national spokesman for the event.

We clicked the send button, casting our bread upon the water, if we may wax Biblical.

Surprisingly, we had an answer in a matter of days. We had assumed a famous guy like Dave Barry would have more important things to do than read the e-mail of a couple of louts with a hare-brained idea. It turns out, louts like us are where he gets a lot of his column material.

It's a great idea, he said, (actually "very excellent" were his exact words, in case you're keeping score.) But then he asked the fatal question.

"Have you guys actually DONE anything about this? Or are you counting on me to carry the ball here?"

Very perceptive of him. The way we answered would be crucial in bringing Barry aboard. We decided on the truth, with a lot of ass kissing thrown in.

"Well, we've talked like pirates every Sept. 19, and we've encouraged our several friends to," John wrote in reply. And Mark put it in perspective when he wrote, "We are dinghy-sized-talk-like-a-pirate kinda guys, but you, Dave ... you are like a frigate-huge-sized-talk-like-a-pirate kinda guy."

In early September, John got a phone call from the feature editor at the local paper, someone he had worked with for several years before leaving the newspaper business (But that's a different story.) She sounded confused.

"John, I was editing this week's Dave Barry column and it's about ... Is this you?"

It was. The nationally syndicated columnist and Pulitzer Prize winning writer of "distinguished commentary" (the Pulitzer committee's description, not his own) became convinced of the great potential of such a holiday. Or maybe he had run out of fresh column ideas and didn't want to do another one on toilet training his infant daughter. Either way, he had written the column.

And hell broke loose.

A thought for Church growth

2006-09-16T20:13:00.000-05:00

from steve case…

Show me a church that knows how to run a cappuccino maker and I’ll show you a church that will be building a family life center in five years. -Rev. Michael Lallo

Pictures from DCLA

2006-08-29T11:19:00.000-05:00

Dick Clark

2006-08-29T09:48:00.000-05:00

I was watching the Emmy's on Sunday night when the honored Dick Clark. He looks like an uncle who you have not seen in awhile, but got old and ill. Many generations grow up watching American Bandstand. It looks like he is coming close to his last New Years.

We are at DCLA

2006-08-09T11:16:00.000-05:00

After a great flight and no major problems with Northwest Airlines ( remember we give NWA plenty of grace. Because on a great day the airline is still really bad at customer service.). A quick ride by the airport shuttle for about 45 minutes we arrived at the Hilton Hotel. Travis spent the road trip counting nice cars you would not see in Hastings. Dinner was at the House of Blues.

After checking into the hotel and working on a small hotel issue for the girls, we moved to the big room. With a great overview of the first 6 chapters of John.

Today is our first small group time, some free time in the afternoon and in the evening some big tent time.

We should have pictures and more information up by the end of the night.

I want to become old

2006-08-07T09:12:00.000-05:00

I want to become old like Billy Graham, in this week Newsweek (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14204483/) talks about how in his twilight years, he is slowly down, but spending more time reading and thinking about the Gospel. It seems that I am way to busy and active, to really think about the Gospel. This is a great read on Billy Graham life, logic would tells us his time is ending on earth, and what a great way to end a life. Moving closer to the cross.

What the Washington Post thinks of Youth Pastors

2006-08-07T07:30:00.000-05:00

An interesting read, thanks to Josh for the note.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/05/AR2006080500705.html

What a great weekend !

2006-08-07T07:28:00.000-05:00

Saturday was a bachelor Party for Austin Walker, it was filled with golf (yes I did golf—A nice Putt to end the game on 18), time with shotguns shootings clay targets. ( no I did not shot the guns, figure that it not good for me to take out ½ the wedding party) and ending the evening with Texas hold em. After a 12 hour bachelor party , Sunday was a no church day and helped Austin and Calli moved into their new place. It was a great day to spend with both Austin’s and Calli parents and friends. This will be a fun wedding in a couple of weeks.

Tomorrow is packing and all of that pre youth ministry stuff before DCLA on Tuesday.

DCLA

2006-08-06T00:31:00.000-05:00

DCLA blogginng will happen Starting Tuesday evening, I may let some of the youth attending DCLA to share in the experience. I am looking forward to an awesome week with some of my key youth and college age folks. I am hoping to catch up with my first youth from 14 years ago who is in youth ministry in Bakersfield. It should be a fun week.

A CHURCH IS A CHURCH WHEN?

2006-08-06T00:14:00.000-05:00

http://wcco.com/topstories/local_story_216205030.html

Christian Club Takes On Proposed Strip Club right here in little old Minnesota.

The Thought of The Day

2006-08-02T22:42:00.000-05:00

Two of the most difficult things to get straight in life are Love and God .More often than not, the utter mess people make of their lives can be traced to failure, stupidity, or meanness in one or both of these areas -Eugene Peterson

Churches Putting Town Out of Business

2006-07-31T11:29:00.000-05:00

An interesting read here from the La Times

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-churches31jul31,0,6286040.story?coll=la-home-nation

One of those days alone

2006-07-30T21:59:00.000-05:00

One of those days alone, no matter what I am doing just seem kind of sad today, No major reason just sad. So Monday we will work only a little and see what I can do to end the day Happy

A fun ministry Week

2006-07-27T23:03:00.000-05:00

I do not know what happen this past week, but ministry has been a blast!!! I have spent a good amount of time doing 1-1 meetings and stuff and everyone has been great.. I wish I knew the secret, I think maybe having the major summer projects out of the way is the key to this week.

Tomorrow will be an admin day of paperwork, but also a road trip to see the twins games which I am very excited about.

Monopoly

2006-07-27T07:44:00.000-05:00

Anybody going to London these days. It appears you can buy a special Monopoly game that instead of money ( ie cash) you play with a debit card, yeap a debit card. I am just not sure if I can play Monopoly that way. Times are changing. The Debit card version is coming to America soon.

http://www.ottawasun.com/Money/2006/07/27/1704344-sun.html

Summer Camp

2006-07-24T16:10:00.000-05:00

Well the summer sizzler camp (grades 6-9) is over for another year. It was a young camp, which provided a bit stressful for some of our staff, as they struggled with the lack of depth, but in the end it was a great camp. The lesson I relearned is that God will appear and really does not need our micro managing and second guessing.

I have been told that Friday night was one of the best ever ( last year was great, so I am glad people thought it was better then that). It something to see college age and high school kids washing the feet of middle school kids and praying over them one at a time. What is even a stronger vision is the middle school kids praying over the high school and college leaders who help at this camp.

I was touched when the other leaders of camp prayed over me. It amazing how often in ministry I feel unloved by the church, it was good to experience that love. I know God loves me, sometimes you wonder about the other people in your life, well at least I do.

The Middle East

2006-07-12T23:30:00.000-05:00

I really do not understand all of the history and conflict in the Middle East, but this evening on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams they had one line in story that I thought was interesting. “ Israel citizens fled to the bomb shelters”. It is hard for me to understand having a bomb shelter to be a normal part of life.

When we hear those stories, maybe we need “Peace on Earth” a little bit more then the day before.

Busy Summer

2006-07-12T19:15:00.000-05:00

I have survived the New Orleans Mission trip and is just days away from Going to Junior High Camp. Camp Weather could be 100 Degrees on Saturday and Sunday. Should be interesting. It will be a small camp this year, but we are rebuilding the program and that will take time.

Then Mid August off to Anaheim for DCLA which will be a blast. I hope to catch up with an old friend in California. The chances of that happening is small, but get to hang out ( okay not really but listen - ) to Chris Tomlin, David Crowder and Loiuie and Doug fields. So it will be good for the students and for me.

After Austin Walker wedding I have a week vacation, so do I stay home and do nothing, go to Colorado or Florida ( could stay in a condo and maybe see the shuttle take off!), so leave a comment and tell me where I should go.

Superman Review

2006-07-01T13:42:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday night attended the 10:00 pm viewing of the movie. The movie was 2 ½ hours, but it just flew by. Very seldom to I want to see a movie right away, well this is one of those movies. I will not spoil the movie, but just a couple of general thoughts.

They did a great job to move to explain the past and bring us up to the current time in Smallville and such.
Love they still used the John Williams original soundtrack from the old movies, you cannot go wrong with a John Williams
Jimmy Olslon, was actually a real person and not an idiot.
Loved Lex Luther, different then Gene Hackman, but that was good.
Liked what they did with Editor Perry White.
Good casting with the start of movie career for a lot of actors

GO AND SEE THE MOVIE AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU ARE THINKING.

Why I think we need more Small Groups

2006-06-25T20:41:00.000-05:00

Hit to Josh for this:

this link to a CNN article that had some interesting information on our circle of friends. Struck a chord with both of us about the importance of small groups:

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Americans are more socially isolated than they were 20 years ago, separated by work, commuting and the single life, researchers reported on Friday.

Nearly a quarter of people surveyed said they had "zero" close friends with whom to discuss personal matters. More than 50 percent named two or fewer confidants, most often immediate family members, the researchers said.

"This is a big social change, and it indicates something that's not good for our society," said Duke University Professor Lynn Smith-Lovin, lead author on the study to be published in the American Sociological Review. Smith-Lovin's group used data from a national survey of 1,500 American adults that has been ongoing since 1972.

She said it indicated people had a surprising drop in the number of close friends since 1985. At that time, Americans most commonly said they had three close friends whom they had known for a long time, saw often, and with whom they shared a number of interests.

They were almost as likely to name four or five friends, and the relationships often sprang from their neighborhoods or communities. Ties to a close network of friends create a social safety net that is good for society, and for the individual. Research has linked social support and civic participation to a longer life, Smith-Lovin said.

Guess where I will be Tuesday at 10 PM

2006-06-25T20:39:00.000-05:00

Can I say I object to this Wedding?

2006-06-05T22:40:00.000-05:00

Sometimes pre martial counseling just really helps people, as marriage arrives

http://cbs4denver.com/local/local_story_156183421.html

Summer is here

2006-05-29T14:35:00.000-05:00

Summer has arrived and we are in full swing in the Hastings area. This year I have Ty from Denver hanging out as the intern and we are having a blast. This summer we are going to try working hard on some 1-1 discipleship of youth. This will be nice as we focus in on some growth for youth. This summer will include a trip to New Orleans mission trip, a summer camp and a trip to Anaheim for DCLA 2006 ( dcla2006.org ). Topping that hopefully some friends from Colorado will visit and I have a musical group with some friends from my first church in Columbus, Ohio it should be a great summer.

It is Monday Night and No 24

2006-05-29T14:27:00.000-05:00

It is a sad day in America for 24 is all done for the season, it is the first Monday night with life after 24. Last Monday several of us from the church staff watched the last show together of the season. It was great evening to of fellowship and fun. I have chosen to watch as a goal all 4 seasons before the start of 24 next January. The question will be can I actually get my money worth from NetFlix for once.

For My Friends over 50

2006-05-29T10:32:00.000-05:00

Hit to Tom Duke for sending this

PERKS OF BEING OVER 50I
f you are not over 50, this is what you have to look forward to.

1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
3. No one expects you to run--anywhere.
4. People call at 9 pm and ask, " Did I wake you ???? "
5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy now won't wear out.
8. You can eat dinner at 4 pm.
9. You can live without sex but not your glasses.
10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
11. You no longer think of speed limits as challenge.
12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.
13. You sing along with elevator music.
14. Your eyes won't get much worse.
15. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.
17. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
18. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.
19. You can't remember who sent you this list
And you notice these are all in Big Print for your convenience.
Also Forward this to every one you can remember

King of The Hill

2006-05-12T10:39:00.000-05:00

Church King of the Hill way http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtI2pa2m5cg

Phil

2006-04-16T17:34:00.000-05:00

an Updated picture of Phil the Wonder Dog

The best Podcast in the world!!!

2006-04-16T17:21:00.000-05:00

For those who are in youth ministry and or love podcast, you need to check out a Podcast from Doug Fields at Saddleback Church called “Just enough youth ministry so you do not feel guilty about not working” this is a great podcast about ministry and life. This past show covered such important topics as

microphone pop screens
USPS Abbreviations
finding a church job
Joel Osteen
staff lunch today
Are you a good fit at your church Good
youth worker
Bad youth worker
Good youth worker
Bad youth worker
Andy's prayer today
Natalie needs some bell coaching
protecting kids online
deal or no deal
Test your geography skills
Random MySpace and the church #1
Random MySpace and the church #2
Random MySpace and the church #3
Random MySpace and the church #4
Matt's Xbox 360 Gamertag
Josh's Xbox 360 Gamertag
Church on the Move
GoWorshipOne.com
AmpedStudy.com
1-Minute Bible sale here at SYM
Matt's object lesson for student worship leaders

For more info on this Podcast go here http://content.simplyyouthministry.com/podcast/

Easter

2006-04-16T17:17:00.000-05:00

When you are on church staff you measure your time in the firsts at a new church, well I am all done with those as of today. We held Easter at our local High School. The Hastings High school Auditorium is the pride of the community with a state of the art, well everything.

This works well for our church as we can hold around 1200 in the High school, but barely 400 in our building. When the different worship services can come together, it helps all to see the greater Kingdom.

It was a great morning with awesome day, great messages by Mike Graham (Dark Blue shirt) and Shane Burton. I think the service was put together well including a couple of video clips of God has a Plan and He is My King. You know how I love video clips. My role was kind of the stage manager, troubleshooter for the weekend. It was a nice to really be able to sit back and enjoy the service.

For those in Parker, yes I do miss not being with you this weekend, but it was nice to see many of you a couple of weeks ago.

A special shout out Cole is who hanging in Norway for year of study overseas.

We have to stop the hazing of youth pastors in America

2006-04-02T18:18:00.000-05:00

We have to stop the hazing of Youth Pastors in America,

http://www.larknews.com/april_2006/secondary.php?page=1

Do what you can to love a youth pastor.

ATF

2006-03-26T21:11:00.000-06:00

an intersting article on Acquire The Fire
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/03/25/MNG6OHU6RR1.DTL

Jackism from 24

2006-03-25T10:45:00.000-06:00

ooh. this is fun. a whole SLEW of jack-isms, just ripe for use

thanks to Marko and tammie

The Vacation goes on

2006-03-25T01:10:00.000-06:00

Vacation in Parker is going well, I have been able to hang with some old friends from Church Staff at PUMC. I spent Wednesday afternoon hanging with Chris Robinson as he heals from an illness. It was great to be with him.

Thursday saw lunch with friend and planning of the summer with my intern that will be joining HUMC. Ty Schaufnegal, aka Denver Ty, aka Ty, AKA hey you AKA intern Dude. The summer is shaping up to be a time of great change at HUMC and Ty will help move the program from the Rut we are in, to a better place for the Kingdom.

I spent Friday Morning meeting with Scott and old friend who runs the Young Life (www.younglife.org) chapter in Franktown and Parker. As Hastings is starting to gear up for a Young Life Chapter, it was great to reconnect with just how important Young Life can be.

Friday evening was watching Basketball at Jack & Jill sports bar in Parker, Why after I leave Parker finally gets a great sports bar? Just askin.

Day # 1 on Vacation

2006-03-21T11:45:00.000-06:00

On Vacation for 10 days in Colorado; Yesterday want to a baptism of one of my former youth in F.C.A then took the guys out to Auriello’s Pizza.

Hanging in my favorite coffee shop/Bookstore in the entire world,. Lemstone/Steaming Bean. I have my strawberry smoothie, no whip cream and my small group study book. Life is good.

Tonight off to Colorado Springs to eat at http://www.tedsmontanagrill.com/about_turner.html restaurant tonight. Followed by watching Ty Schraufnegal play some volleyball at The Air Force Academy.

Life is good on Day # 1 of vacation.

Vacation

2006-03-18T22:59:00.000-06:00

On Monday I am off to Colorado for 10 days of vacation. Doing a little work with hanging with my summer intern (TY S), spending alot of time with Chris Robinson as he recovers from Cancer and alot of eating in my favorite restuarants. Life will be good to be in a town with Chick-fill and Red Robin. I miss them both a great deal.

Candy Bars

2006-03-18T22:58:00.000-06:00

Why are candy bars so thin these days? My 89 cents crunch bar was thinner then a car key. does not seem like Justice to me !!!!

Chris Rocks "Quote of the year"

2006-02-02T20:57:00.000-06:00

Chris Rock's "Quote of the Year"

"You know the world is going crazy when the best rapper is a white guy, the best golfer is a black guy, the tallest guy in the NBA is Chinese, the Swiss hold the America 's Cup , France is accusing the U.S. of arrogance, Germany doesn't want to go to war, and the three most powerful men in America are named Bush, Dick, and Colon.

Need I say more?"

A quick thought...

2006-01-30T00:22:00.000-06:00

Muslims don't recognize the Jews as God's chosen people.
Jews don't recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
Protestants don't recognize the Pope as the head of the church.
Baptist don't recognize each other at Hooters

Phil's Favorite Aunt

2006-01-28T20:54:00.000-06:00

Phil's Favorite Aunt Calli want and picked a nice little sweater for Phil The Wonder Dog. It is so cute that it matches his little bed. It should keep him warm on the nice cold walks in the evenings. Not to be upstaged Uncle Austin came with candy. Phil loves when they visit.

Need I say more?

2006-01-22T21:30:00.001-06:00

Fan had heart attack seconds after Bettis fumble

2006-01-17T19:23:00.000-06:00

Updated: Jan. 17, 2006, 5:18 PM ET
Fan had heart attack seconds after Bettis fumble
Associated Press

Talk about a heart-stopping game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts.
Terry O'Neill, 50, of Pittsburgh, was watching the game at a bar and had a heart attack seconds after Jerome Bettis fumbled trying to score from the 2-yard line late in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger prevented the Colts' Nick Harper from returning the recovered ball for a touchdown and the Steelers hung on for a 21-18 win.
O'Neill said Bettis is his hero.

"I wasn't upset that the Steelers might lose," he said. "I was upset because I didn't want to see him end his career like that. A guy like that deserves better. I guess it was a little too much for me to handle."

O'Neill, who was recovering at a hospital, credits two firefighters with saving him.
"The Steelers won the game and I'm still alive, so I guess I'm doing pretty good," he said.
He will have a pacemaker implanted to control an irregular heartbeat and he was prescribed medication to deal with the hypertension. And while he would like to go to the bar to thank the guys who saved him, O'Neill said, "but for the most part I guess I should probably take it easy and watch the game at home."

The Weather is not Phoenix

2006-01-04T22:34:00.000-06:00

The Weather is not Phoenix

Day 12. Twin Cities held hostage. It has been about 12 days since most of us have seen any significant sunshine in the Twin Cities, and most of Minnesota and western Wisconsin. There was reportedly some 330 minutes of sunshine back on Dec. 23, according to National Weather Service records. Now it's true that there were about two hours of sunlight in the southwestern metro on Sunday, New Year's Day, but the clearing line didn't quite make it into most of the metro. It's a mixed blessing, I know. The roads are in decent shape, we're all saving money on heating bills, but we're all half-crazy because of a lack of sunlight! How do people in Seattle and Portland stand it?.above from www.wcco.com

priorities in life

2006-01-02T20:56:00.000-06:00

You have to love Loyal OSU Former Players. It always good to have priorities in life.

Less than 45 minutes after Ohio State defeated Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl, former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett turns himself in to police. This comes a day after he was accused of holding up two people at gunpoint in the alley behind a bar.

You know it's a good day when

2006-01-02T19:47:00.000-06:00

You know it a good day, when you have a day off and the final score is Notre Dame 20 and The Ohio State University 34 in the Fiesta Bowl,

Communion

2006-01-02T18:36:00.000-06:00

Remember this comment comes from a Youth Pastor. I really love to serve communion. You are able to see people who are so grateful to be at the Lord ’s Table, people who want Jesus in their lives, people who wants to run rapidly to touch the Savior. I really think those who are older in life appreciate this gift more As you serve communion you get to look into people eyes. This past weekend, I was the “rover” who served people who could not walk up to the front of the church. I approached one person who had a cane and asked if I could serve him, he very politely said, I walk to the alter to take communion. It was seeing God people, wanting to be with God.

My goal and calling is to get the youth to have that passion for communion.

My newest family member

2005-12-25T22:37:00.000-06:00

Austin and Calli ( with help from the parents) decided that I needed a dog, to replace Buddy T. Beagle who passed away this past year. So on Christmas day, they gave me Phillip (Phil ) James Mitchem Phil is 9 weeks old, so we will get to do all of the housetraining of a dog in the middle of winter, but it well worth, Phil does not bark ( yea!) and loves to snuggle. I will post more pictures in a couple of days. By the time we left the Walker Place, he had toys, food, leash and everything to get settled in the Mitchem Mansion.

What A fun Day

2005-12-24T09:57:00.000-06:00

What  A fun Day

Yesterday the 23rd of December was one of those days with a lot of fun and business of the day. I handled  sound for a funeral, It was interesting thinking of death so close to Christmas. With not only this funeral, the death of Tony Dungy son, and 2 staff members lost in laws in the past couple of days. There is a lot of death around the church, at the this time of a birth of Jesus.

Afternoon was lunch with Aaron and Brett Johnson ( Parker Youth) who were in the twin cities having for the holidays. The afternoon was meetings for Christmas eve services. Around 6 pm got a call from Ty Schraufnagel who is also from Parker who in town for about a week  seeing relatives. He called and his Brother, Austin and I took off to see the NBA game at the Target Center, followed by a nice burger at Fudruckers. A quick stop at Cub for shopping and then to church around 1 am working on a sound issue.

I love busy days that are not only busy, but fun

Christ in us!

2005-12-21T09:34:00.000-06:00

I KNOW most of you would look at this cartoon and simply see humor. But as I reflect on it I am reminded of Colossians 1:27 which says, “ Christ IN you, the Hope of Glory” and Galatians 2:20 Nevertheless, it is not I who lives but Christ who lives IN me”

Soooo, that means that we ALL should be in the same boat as Kermit, all we are and do and say is Christ living IN us and through us.

Mike Tice agrees with me

2005-12-20T15:15:00.000-06:00

I guess my early post, about the Metrodome not being loud this past week, was correct as Coach Mike Tice rips fans for selling tickets to Steelers faithful
See the following link fromESPN ( The worldwide Leader in Sports!)

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2266174

The Death of Leo

2005-12-20T09:21:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite shows, all the way back to the beginning is The West Wing. There is not an episode of the show I have not seen. I have turned scenes of the show into bible studies, used clips from the show in youth group as a discussion starter, and gotten numerous illustrations and stories that were originally shared on the show. The show is smart, fast paced, and represents the west wing in a way that makes me sincerely hope that is how our government operates.

That being said, I was really sad yesterday to learn that John Spencer, who plays long time Chief of Staff to the President and current Vice Presidential candidate, passed away of a heart attack.
The first scene of the very first episode is a classic one that shows Leo walking through the west wing first thing in the morning and things are hectic as usual and as he walks and never slows down he is giving orders as fast as people can take them. From that first moment, viewers were drawn to his character. Leo was the Karl Rove of the west wing. Behind the scenes, controlling everything that goes on in the party, and hand picked Jed Bartlet and led him to the White House. In another twist of irony, the character suffered a heart attack on the show. Not only that, they were also both recovering alcoholics. Leo was a beacon of loyalty on the show, even at one point risking his career so that the president would not look bad for one news cycle.

He will be missed and I am really curious to see how the writers are going to handle the second half of the season in January. You will be missed Mr. Spencer.

comments

2005-12-18T23:21:00.000-06:00

I have fix the feature, so you should be able to comment as you wish, so enjoy yourself

I all I want for Christmas is a goat

2005-12-18T23:14:00.000-06:00

I all I want for Christmas is a chicken or goat. Really, the staff at HUMC is not given gifts to each other , but pooling our money to send to Heifer Project http://www.heifer.org/ or some organization like them I think it a great way for a church staff to model what important in the Christmas Season. We did this at my last church also. The animal will go to a community in the third world nations to help families and the whole community. So if you like, please by me a goat this year.