Around the world and in your world news breaks daily so get your dose of daily news here on the porch.
The Office’s Kevin Character More Hip Everyman Than Loser
BURBANK, Calif. (Wireless Flash) – Playing big, slow guys is nothing new to rotund character actor Brian Baumgartner but he sees the character he plays on The Office as leaps above his usual roles.
Baumgartner admits the “big, sorta slow guy is nothing new in comedy” but says his Office character, Kevin Malone, is a fat part unlike his other roles.
In his words: “Kevin is completely honest and inappropriate – but he also has a confidence and a hipster [background] completely his own.”
The actor says he sees his character as being a hip writer or musician somewhere else “if he hadn’t taken the job at Dunder Mifflin.”
His one flaw, says Baumgartner, is that “he never figured out he was supposed to do that.”
The Office airs Thursdays on NBC.
A 68 year old peace activist says she was frustrated that everyone else isn't rabidly against the Iraq War like she is, so she's gone on a hunger strike "until there is a swell of protest against the war that the Bush administration cannot ignore." And she says she's willing to die for the cause. Again, why do people think hunger strikes have any effect? You're not eating? How does that affect me? It doesn't? I do care about one thing though, when is lunch?
I don't know about you but when i've been laughing a lot (thanks diddy and Judith for helping in this process) I sometimes get the hiccups, well no fear there seems to be a cure for them now.
I don't know if you remember the Stomach Piranta Story, but I'll never forget it. It appears to me that if I had used Pepto Bismol during that trying time and now If I wrote an essay about my experience I would have the chance at winning cash prizes.
I return to Charlotte tonight and I'm looking foward to that. You fine readers have an awesome day.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Monday, September 25, 2006
Great Weekend
I hope everyone who is reading had a great weekend. I haven't posted since the office and what an eposide, trully dry humor and trully wonderful.
Made a stealth like mission return home and had a great time seeing some great people. Thank you for the kind words of encouragement and the equipment to get the job done.
Today I finally applied for the passport that will be needed for an upcoming trip and also hopefully down the road trips of the country. It was an ordeal that just reminds me that life is trully great and should be laughed at a lot. I didn't realize you had to pay separte for the application and the service charge. After filling out the check (which happened to be my last in that stack) I was let know of this phenemon that is separtaion of Check and Cash, or Check and Check depending if you do not have Cash for the county Court House. Made my way to the U.S. Post Office for a money order and all was taken care of. Oh, and if you plan on buying something at the post office don't try to use a credit card they don't accept it, you better have Cash, Check, or Debit. Hope this comes in handy for all you blog readers.
Do It Together (Sometimes) and remember to keep your knees to the ground and your eyes on Jesus. Have an awesome day.
Made a stealth like mission return home and had a great time seeing some great people. Thank you for the kind words of encouragement and the equipment to get the job done.
Today I finally applied for the passport that will be needed for an upcoming trip and also hopefully down the road trips of the country. It was an ordeal that just reminds me that life is trully great and should be laughed at a lot. I didn't realize you had to pay separte for the application and the service charge. After filling out the check (which happened to be my last in that stack) I was let know of this phenemon that is separtaion of Check and Cash, or Check and Check depending if you do not have Cash for the county Court House. Made my way to the U.S. Post Office for a money order and all was taken care of. Oh, and if you plan on buying something at the post office don't try to use a credit card they don't accept it, you better have Cash, Check, or Debit. Hope this comes in handy for all you blog readers.
Do It Together (Sometimes) and remember to keep your knees to the ground and your eyes on Jesus. Have an awesome day.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
The Office
Yes Folks, Tonight the premier of The Office kicks off for season three. Now I wasn't really ever an Office fan mainly because of my disgust with Sitcoms. While I was working in Radio I did traffic for the Rise Guys Morning Show, where they would always interview the actors/actress on the show. It peaked my curiosity and finally while in Atlanta spending the night at a friends house after my trip to LA he had the office season two ender and we watched it. It was entitled "Casino Night" it my friends was great and I fell into the likeness of The Office. So pull up a recliner and/or couch and relax for a laugh or two tonight at 8:30 on NBC. And now for the News Flash which ironically correlates with the Office.
92 Percent Of Bosses Think They'’re Doing Good Job; Only 67 Percent Of Workers Agree
NEW YORK (Wireless Flash) A whopping majority of American bosses are like Steve Carell'’s character on The Office: They think they'’re doing a good job but are oblivious to the truth.
According to a new survey by the Hudson staffing company, 92 percent of managers consider themselves an excellent boss.
However, only 67 percent of their underlings agree and 10 percent think their boss does a lousy job.
Still, there is one sign that the bosses may be aware of their leadership failings: 26 percent feel they did not give adequate training to handle their managerial responsibilities.
Meanwhile, 41 percent of American workers believe if their boss was canned, they'’d be offered the job but only half of those would actually take it.
Women Of The Office’ Want To See, Hear More From Jan
BURBANK, Calif. (Wireless Flash) Melora Hardin returns as hard-as-nails female executive Jan Levinson on tonight'’s season premiere of the NBC sitcom The Office, but she wants to do even more with the character.
Hardin says it'’s time for Jan to show she'’s more than just a straight woman stickler to Emmy winner Steve Carell'’s clueless boss and she wants to do that with music.
In real life, Hardin is a professionally trained singer and even has an idea how to work it in the plot of an upcoming episode.
Hardin hints that the character portrayed by Phyllis Smith may be involved in a wedding and Smith thinks “'Jan'” should sing at the ceremony.
She adds: "“We haven'’t really pitched that one to the writers yet."
I think now when I rejoin the gym this will be my new exercise experience.
And coming up here in Cleveland County is the Cleveland County Fair. Nothing like fried everything- fried twinkies, fried sandwiches, fried anything. They ought to just take the hot oil and inject it straight into your arteries.
92 Percent Of Bosses Think They'’re Doing Good Job; Only 67 Percent Of Workers Agree
NEW YORK (Wireless Flash) A whopping majority of American bosses are like Steve Carell'’s character on The Office: They think they'’re doing a good job but are oblivious to the truth.
According to a new survey by the Hudson staffing company, 92 percent of managers consider themselves an excellent boss.
However, only 67 percent of their underlings agree and 10 percent think their boss does a lousy job.
Still, there is one sign that the bosses may be aware of their leadership failings: 26 percent feel they did not give adequate training to handle their managerial responsibilities.
Meanwhile, 41 percent of American workers believe if their boss was canned, they'’d be offered the job but only half of those would actually take it.
Women Of The Office’ Want To See, Hear More From Jan
BURBANK, Calif. (Wireless Flash) Melora Hardin returns as hard-as-nails female executive Jan Levinson on tonight'’s season premiere of the NBC sitcom The Office, but she wants to do even more with the character.
Hardin says it'’s time for Jan to show she'’s more than just a straight woman stickler to Emmy winner Steve Carell'’s clueless boss and she wants to do that with music.
In real life, Hardin is a professionally trained singer and even has an idea how to work it in the plot of an upcoming episode.
Hardin hints that the character portrayed by Phyllis Smith may be involved in a wedding and Smith thinks “'Jan'” should sing at the ceremony.
She adds: "“We haven'’t really pitched that one to the writers yet."
I think now when I rejoin the gym this will be my new exercise experience.
And coming up here in Cleveland County is the Cleveland County Fair. Nothing like fried everything- fried twinkies, fried sandwiches, fried anything. They ought to just take the hot oil and inject it straight into your arteries.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
News Flash
All was well in the Metropolitan City of Charlotte last night. Clayton did a great message on defining moments. This past year for me seems like a defining moment and I can't wait to see where it goes and how I end up getting taught and used. Today I attempt the application process for a United States Passport for our mission trip to Mexico in November and possibly that trip to Africa one day (Diddy) and who knows but maybe Australia. You fine folks have a great one today and enjoy the following News Flash.
NEWS FLASH
No Lunch Ladies At Congressional Cafeteria
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Wireless Flash) – It will be interesting to see which senator will be banished to the losers table tomorrow (Sept. 21) during the Capitol Hill school-lunch taste test.
During the event, Congress members will have a chance to test five different foods, which are being introduced as healthy school cafeteria alternatives.
The event is being hosted by the School Nutrition Association, which hopes to show members of Congress that foods like pizza can be healthy.
Congress members will test five different delicacies, including “Heddi Spaghetti,” “Sally Salad,” “Rocco Taco,” “Ricky Chicken” and, of course, “Pete Pizza.”
Then they’ll vote for their favorite.
Although milk and juice will be served, the cafeteria confections will not be dished out by hair-netted lunch ladies, because strict security rules in the House of Representatives allow only “special caterers” to prepare the food.
However, spokesman Erik Peterson promises that the recipes will “taste just like they do in a school cafeteria.”
How Important Is Your Twenty-Dollar Bill?
If a $20. bill blew from your hand and over the rail of a bridge, would you jump off the bridge to retrieve it? 50 feet down? This guy did. For him, twenty bucks is real money.
DUMB CROOK NEWS
When angrily vandalizing your philandering husband's truck, check the license plate. This moron and her friend didn't, and ended up trashing someone else's truck. Specifically, a cop's truck.
NEWS FLASH
No Lunch Ladies At Congressional Cafeteria
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Wireless Flash) – It will be interesting to see which senator will be banished to the losers table tomorrow (Sept. 21) during the Capitol Hill school-lunch taste test.
During the event, Congress members will have a chance to test five different foods, which are being introduced as healthy school cafeteria alternatives.
The event is being hosted by the School Nutrition Association, which hopes to show members of Congress that foods like pizza can be healthy.
Congress members will test five different delicacies, including “Heddi Spaghetti,” “Sally Salad,” “Rocco Taco,” “Ricky Chicken” and, of course, “Pete Pizza.”
Then they’ll vote for their favorite.
Although milk and juice will be served, the cafeteria confections will not be dished out by hair-netted lunch ladies, because strict security rules in the House of Representatives allow only “special caterers” to prepare the food.
However, spokesman Erik Peterson promises that the recipes will “taste just like they do in a school cafeteria.”
How Important Is Your Twenty-Dollar Bill?
If a $20. bill blew from your hand and over the rail of a bridge, would you jump off the bridge to retrieve it? 50 feet down? This guy did. For him, twenty bucks is real money.
DUMB CROOK NEWS
When angrily vandalizing your philandering husband's truck, check the license plate. This moron and her friend didn't, and ended up trashing someone else's truck. Specifically, a cop's truck.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Clean Hands & Lazy Mail
Americans Aren'’t Coming Clean When It Comes To Handwashing
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Wireless Flash) A lot of Americans aren'’t coming clean about their handwashing. According to a new survey by the Soap and Detergent Association, 68 percent of Americans don'’t wash their mitts long enough to effectively remove germs or dirt. That'’s up from 54 percent who did a lousy handwashing job back in 2004. Despite this, 42 percent of Americans claim they wash their hands at least 10 times a day. However, 36 percent seldom wash their hands after coughing or sneezing and 31 percent don'’t wash their hands before eating lunch.
Let's Make This Wash Our Hands As Much As We Can Day!
Why did the postman just stash hundreds of pieces of mail in garbage bags in a shed instead of delivering them? He says he was just too lazy to bother. While I'm sure everyone there appreciates his candor, that's really not an acceptable answer. Wow, and I thought that I hated working in radio. I mean I didn't like reading the Centrum commercials but I never wanted to shred it up and not read it on the air.
Tonight I go to Charlotte to be apart of CharlotteONE and I'm excited about it. I get to go with Clayton King. Then Thursday I'll be in Clemson at Clemson FCA, with Matt Orth. A FUN week ahead and many more to come.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Wireless Flash) A lot of Americans aren'’t coming clean about their handwashing. According to a new survey by the Soap and Detergent Association, 68 percent of Americans don'’t wash their mitts long enough to effectively remove germs or dirt. That'’s up from 54 percent who did a lousy handwashing job back in 2004. Despite this, 42 percent of Americans claim they wash their hands at least 10 times a day. However, 36 percent seldom wash their hands after coughing or sneezing and 31 percent don'’t wash their hands before eating lunch.
Let's Make This Wash Our Hands As Much As We Can Day!
Why did the postman just stash hundreds of pieces of mail in garbage bags in a shed instead of delivering them? He says he was just too lazy to bother. While I'm sure everyone there appreciates his candor, that's really not an acceptable answer. Wow, and I thought that I hated working in radio. I mean I didn't like reading the Centrum commercials but I never wanted to shred it up and not read it on the air.
Tonight I go to Charlotte to be apart of CharlotteONE and I'm excited about it. I get to go with Clayton King. Then Thursday I'll be in Clemson at Clemson FCA, with Matt Orth. A FUN week ahead and many more to come.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Chicken
I love church humor. I love odd things that churches do and yes I love to watch local church TV. I do check blogs that pastors have and there is one out of Ohio that I check in which he posted this picture. This chicken is placed infront of there church and of course was made by a member of that church, probably the reason that the Chicken gets placed out front. I hope that it puts a grin on your face on this lovely Tuesday.
Numerous Requests
I have received numerous requests over the past few days that have inquired as to why I haven't been posting lately. As to where a response goes like this, "I don't like talking about myself a lot on here for two reasons, A) I become self-absorbed and I do that pretty good without blogging and B) Do you really care what I have to say and do I really have anything good to say anyway." Well I can say I'm not trying to be self-focused and so therefore I will speak of the times that are going on. I think I will just let the fingers flow and allow the heart to explore the gift of spontaneity.
As I've been living in this community of teaching, fellowship, prayer and breaking of the bread I've come to understand that we all long for such things in some form or another. We're all looking for teaching in aspects of money, parenting, relationships, and/or anything else that our minds can attempt to grasp or there the lack of (i.e. The books for dumbies). We are all wanting to find our nitch and place in soceity and will sometimes join the craziest things just to feel the acceptance that our soul so longs to have. I have come to many conclusions on things I don't know and need books to understand. A) Lost! There is a huge marathon going on as I type. B) Football! There has been so much football on the two televisions that we own, I wish I was invincible.
There are some great people though that live not only in this house but in this community and the fellowship with them under the head of Christ has been extradinoary and the prayer that has flowed from hearts and minds of these wonderful people have been challenging and moving all together. I spent the early morning of yesterday in Tryon, NC with my friend Paul Wilson, whom I can say that I would fight side by side any day and would know that he had my back. He yesterday not only taught me about the importance of rest and relaxation, but he allowed me to experience the importance of it and the importance to just sit and hang out with a friend. We need it and I loved it. Thanks Paul! I miss all of you back home, but have found peace in the new home that is being formed.
I wonder if people who didn't believe in Christ, not because of the historical evidence or the biblical accounts of Him, could have seen friendship in the (I believe) the purest of form on the cabins front porch would have seen the light of Christ. That at least would be my hope not only for that friendship and that experience, but for all friendships and experiences in life. During the course of this year at CDH, we are required to read a book a month from a choice of books in our CDH library. This month's reading is 'A Severe Mercy' by Sheldon Vanauken. It has to be one of my favorite books that I've ever read, well besides Vision & The Vow.
Vanauken was not a Christian when he and his wife Davy met and fell inloveness, as he calls it. There journey took them to Oxford where the Holy Spirit wouldn't stop pursuing them and where they would choose to believe and follow Christ. Sheldon wrote the following in his book and I hope that it causes you to think and encourage you as much as it did for me. It would also be helpful to note that Sheldon did not know Christ in a relational form when he wrote this, he however was on a journey to learn about Christianity and to make sense of it. Until next time, Keep your knees to the ground and your eyes on Jesus.
The best argument for Christianity is Christians: their joy, their certainty, their completeness. But the strongest argument against Christianity is also Christians-when they are sombre and joyless, when they are self-righteous and smug in complacent consecration, when they are narrow and repressive, then Christianity dies a thousand deaths. But, though it is just to condemn some Christians for these things, perhaps, after all, it is not just, though very easy, to condemn Christianity itself for them. Indeed, there are impressive indications that the positive quality of joy is in Christianity - and possibly nowhere else. If that were certain, it would be proof of a very high order.
-Sheldon Vanauken
As I've been living in this community of teaching, fellowship, prayer and breaking of the bread I've come to understand that we all long for such things in some form or another. We're all looking for teaching in aspects of money, parenting, relationships, and/or anything else that our minds can attempt to grasp or there the lack of (i.e. The books for dumbies). We are all wanting to find our nitch and place in soceity and will sometimes join the craziest things just to feel the acceptance that our soul so longs to have. I have come to many conclusions on things I don't know and need books to understand. A) Lost! There is a huge marathon going on as I type. B) Football! There has been so much football on the two televisions that we own, I wish I was invincible.
There are some great people though that live not only in this house but in this community and the fellowship with them under the head of Christ has been extradinoary and the prayer that has flowed from hearts and minds of these wonderful people have been challenging and moving all together. I spent the early morning of yesterday in Tryon, NC with my friend Paul Wilson, whom I can say that I would fight side by side any day and would know that he had my back. He yesterday not only taught me about the importance of rest and relaxation, but he allowed me to experience the importance of it and the importance to just sit and hang out with a friend. We need it and I loved it. Thanks Paul! I miss all of you back home, but have found peace in the new home that is being formed.
I wonder if people who didn't believe in Christ, not because of the historical evidence or the biblical accounts of Him, could have seen friendship in the (I believe) the purest of form on the cabins front porch would have seen the light of Christ. That at least would be my hope not only for that friendship and that experience, but for all friendships and experiences in life. During the course of this year at CDH, we are required to read a book a month from a choice of books in our CDH library. This month's reading is 'A Severe Mercy' by Sheldon Vanauken. It has to be one of my favorite books that I've ever read, well besides Vision & The Vow.
Vanauken was not a Christian when he and his wife Davy met and fell inloveness, as he calls it. There journey took them to Oxford where the Holy Spirit wouldn't stop pursuing them and where they would choose to believe and follow Christ. Sheldon wrote the following in his book and I hope that it causes you to think and encourage you as much as it did for me. It would also be helpful to note that Sheldon did not know Christ in a relational form when he wrote this, he however was on a journey to learn about Christianity and to make sense of it. Until next time, Keep your knees to the ground and your eyes on Jesus.
The best argument for Christianity is Christians: their joy, their certainty, their completeness. But the strongest argument against Christianity is also Christians-when they are sombre and joyless, when they are self-righteous and smug in complacent consecration, when they are narrow and repressive, then Christianity dies a thousand deaths. But, though it is just to condemn some Christians for these things, perhaps, after all, it is not just, though very easy, to condemn Christianity itself for them. Indeed, there are impressive indications that the positive quality of joy is in Christianity - and possibly nowhere else. If that were certain, it would be proof of a very high order.
-Sheldon Vanauken
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Truth/Trust
Some nuggets from Erwin McManus that have really spoke to me.
The crisis of confidence and meaning in our society, the relationship of subjective and objective truth, and the importance of trustworthiness. The search for meaning, relationship, and progress mirror the Apostle Paul’s categories of faith, hope, and love and point towards God’s fingerprint on creation.
Truth sits in the middle of trust.
When we detach ourselves from God we actually move away from truth.
Objective and Subjective truth minmize the attitude of risk.
Just because everything is connected doesn't mean that everything is God.
Have you ever felt insignificant, it's because you are. But it is wrong for me to tell you that you have no value, and if there is no God and that your created in his image than what was said is is true.
We're over acheivers!
Two reasons for mid-life crisis:
1. You chose a goal an idea of who you can be to abtain it and you do whatever you can to achieve it and you realize your closer to death than birth and see that you cannot suceed.
2. You define sucess and you do whatever it is to accomplish it and you sacrafice everything you have set out to do and you accomplish it and you are still as empty inside and you found more meaning in the pursuit of that goal than that goal could ever give you and now you wonder if something you threw away was that thing of greatest value.
Everyone of us will wake up tomorrow wondering if tomorrow will be greater than today or you will move to a level of despair that will paralyze you.
The crisis of confidence and meaning in our society, the relationship of subjective and objective truth, and the importance of trustworthiness. The search for meaning, relationship, and progress mirror the Apostle Paul’s categories of faith, hope, and love and point towards God’s fingerprint on creation.
Truth sits in the middle of trust.
When we detach ourselves from God we actually move away from truth.
Objective and Subjective truth minmize the attitude of risk.
Just because everything is connected doesn't mean that everything is God.
Have you ever felt insignificant, it's because you are. But it is wrong for me to tell you that you have no value, and if there is no God and that your created in his image than what was said is is true.
We're over acheivers!
Two reasons for mid-life crisis:
1. You chose a goal an idea of who you can be to abtain it and you do whatever you can to achieve it and you realize your closer to death than birth and see that you cannot suceed.
2. You define sucess and you do whatever it is to accomplish it and you sacrafice everything you have set out to do and you accomplish it and you are still as empty inside and you found more meaning in the pursuit of that goal than that goal could ever give you and now you wonder if something you threw away was that thing of greatest value.
Everyone of us will wake up tomorrow wondering if tomorrow will be greater than today or you will move to a level of despair that will paralyze you.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Master Control
BLAST OFF! I'm in studio 1A of WGWG and I can't believe i'm about to make a return the airwaves. To think that I would be back here in this position is weird and amazing at the sametime. God is amazing and it is a Beautiful Day.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Whitley Wednesday
So here at the CDH we have a little library that we can chose a book to read for that month and then turn in a book report about what we thought about it and/or how we may have disagreed with that particular book. Some incredible books are within the shelves of our palatal library. This month I chose to start off with a book by Dr. Larry Crabb "Inside Out." This week I'm about done with it and I read a great quote from it that I would love to share with you on the importance of a spirit of humility and not a spirit of demandingness that we seem to find when things do not go well, especially for an extended time. When that suffering is poured out from a twisted bitter demanding spirit we're met a surgeon rather than our Advocate who is here to care for us. Hopefully, that sets the stage for this weeks Whitley Wednesday Quote.
Perhaps the first step in learning humility is to consider who it is we think must change. A demand that things be different represents an accusation against God, a charge that He's guilty of mismanagement and negligence in His duties.
- Dr. Larry Crabb from "Inside Out"
Perhaps the first step in learning humility is to consider who it is we think must change. A demand that things be different represents an accusation against God, a charge that He's guilty of mismanagement and negligence in His duties.
- Dr. Larry Crabb from "Inside Out"
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
I'm Back On the Air!
It really seems crazy to be saying this, but i'm going back on the radio. Well it's going to be for three hours a week. Thursday afternoons 4-6pm I'll be playing the tunes of AAA and Americana formats on 88.3 a 50,000 watt radio station a part of Gardner-Webb University. If you get a chance take a listen in Greenville north or just take a peek on the internet at WGWG FM 88.3.
Monday, August 21, 2006
My Brotha's and Sista's
So Here It is our first sibiling picture.
Back Row: Sara, Kelly, and Amanda
Front Row: Brent, Zach, Justin, and Nick
This fine family photo was taken at Kate's Skate. We decided that it would be good to build community at a local skating rink. The great thing about Kate's was the music selection. It was the best mix of today and yesterday. The moment it went from Lil Jon & the East Side Boys "Snap Yo Fingers" immediately to Casting Crowns "Who Am I" I knew that I was in the right place.
As you may notice I'm wearing a smokin' hot suit bought a smokin' low price. I've worn this suit to a BBQ joint and now to Kate's. I plan to pretty much wear this suit to all functions that revolve around class. I was wearing this suit as you again can tell, and I was asked if I was a preacher. You know a man of the cloth. When I responded with a quick and dry comment like, "I'm working on it." So I need some help, but it was fun.
Keep Close To One Another and Have A Family Day.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
CDH possibly on American Idol
This is one of my roommates that I will be living with for the next year, well maybe. He and some others from the Boiling Springs, NC area made there way to Biringham, AL this past weekend to try out for American Idol. They didn't make it to Hollywood, but at least they got to experience trying out for American Idol. Below is a story from a Alabama news website.
'Idol' shoo-in
You read it here first. This guy is going to make it through at least the first round of "American Idol" auditions, and I'd be willing to bet you'll see him on TV at some point, too.
His name is Justin Brock. He's 22, and he's from Clemson, South Carolina.
The Taylor Hicks look-alike sang a brief rendition of "Let Me Leave" by Marc Broussard for al.com's cameras (which we'll post Monday along with dozens of other video clips), and he's pretty good. I'm not qualified to say whether he's good enough for the show, but his grey hair will certainly help propel him along for a bit.
Can you believe that he told us that he's going to wear a hat to the auditions?
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
CDH Storm
Last week we had a pretty sever thunderstorm roll through the hills of Boiling Springs, NC. It consisted of heavy rain, enough to wash white lighting, Lighting closer than you like it to be, and bright enough to see the trees, and thunder that would rattle dentures out of any seventy year olds mouth. After that storm I jotted this attempt of a poem down. I hope you like it or at least can take something out of it as encouraging.
CDH Storm
Tonight the Sky lit bright,
with the lighting illuminating white.
The lighting lit the clouds
the thunder echoed through the trees.
There was a presence surrounding us that
was bigger than life lived itself.
That same light can shine out of us
and the same thunder can echo from within us,
to a surrounding crowd that is as empty as a dead
oak tree.
A light of hope and a thunder of love.
Shall we not be afraid and bow to the wind of destruction,
but may we take action in our friend and stand against that wind
on a rock that is stronger than any tempest within.
May we rise above destruction if we are there.
And go to a safe place, like the shadow of a wing,
to sing praises to our king from above and within.
CDH Storm
Tonight the Sky lit bright,
with the lighting illuminating white.
The lighting lit the clouds
the thunder echoed through the trees.
There was a presence surrounding us that
was bigger than life lived itself.
That same light can shine out of us
and the same thunder can echo from within us,
to a surrounding crowd that is as empty as a dead
oak tree.
A light of hope and a thunder of love.
Shall we not be afraid and bow to the wind of destruction,
but may we take action in our friend and stand against that wind
on a rock that is stronger than any tempest within.
May we rise above destruction if we are there.
And go to a safe place, like the shadow of a wing,
to sing praises to our king from above and within.
IT'S BAAACK - WHITLEY WEDNESDAY
Well CDH is off and running and I'm now in somewhat of a routine. I do my three mile run on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and keep trying to extend that each week to further develop my running skills. As I was running this morning it hit me that I need to bring back Whitley Wednesday, especially since she is practically my neighbor now. I will also be posting a few things that I have acquired to jot down in my notebook since I've been here hopefully to encourage everyone to do something productive for the day and/or with there life.
Today's quote comes from just a year and two days. I was strangely enough in Charlotte, helping a guy named Brock Gill with a performance he did at Carowinds. He was in a conversation with a guy named David St. James, you may not know him, but you know his daughter Rebecca St. James. During the conversation Brock said this and I jotted it down on a piece of paper. Without further delay I present the Whitley Wednesday Quote.
Passion without Wisdom is chaos.
- Brock Gill
Have an awesome day folks.
Today's quote comes from just a year and two days. I was strangely enough in Charlotte, helping a guy named Brock Gill with a performance he did at Carowinds. He was in a conversation with a guy named David St. James, you may not know him, but you know his daughter Rebecca St. James. During the conversation Brock said this and I jotted it down on a piece of paper. Without further delay I present the Whitley Wednesday Quote.
Passion without Wisdom is chaos.
- Brock Gill
Have an awesome day folks.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Livermush
So this morning at 10am, I did it, I ate Livermush. It may sound disturbing, it may make you want to gag, or even black out, but this southern delicacy wasn't nothing to play around with. It was really good. I went with another Crossroads staff member over to the Snack Shop were we partook in such a dish. I have to admit that I was really nervous about trying it, but if I was going to be living here for the upcoming year I had to try it. It came out on toast, in the form of a sandwich. It really looked like a sausage patty, but did not have a sausage taste. The sandwich was cut in half and on one half we smeared strawberry jam (that would make you want to slap your grandma)and on the other half it was left plain. I took my first bite not knowing what to expect, when to my tastebuds I found nothing but goodness.
I think that the only reason we are afraid to try it, is because of the name and of all the horrific stories we've heard of people who tried it, but were turned off by it, because it didn't live up to there expectations or just wasn't something they could truly finish because the sacrifice to the stomach was to much. It kind of reminds me of following Christ. I'm not saying that Christ should be compared to Livermush, but I am saying that just like being afraid of eating Livermush, I've seen so many kids over the past three weeks afraid to put there life and trust of that life in the hands of Jesus Christ. Your not sure at first what it's going to be like. You've maybe seen the bad TV evangelists and you think you have to be like that. You've been around the holier than thou folks and they left a bad taste in your mouth, maybe like the first time you ever had liver by itself. So, when it comes to following Christ with all you got your not sure what to think, you just know that people tell you, you need it, and that once you decide to follow Jesus you'll stop doing bad things and you'll be bored the rest of your life. Except it's more than just keeping you from doing bad things, because if that's all that Jesus came to do than he really did waste a lot of his time, because the law was used to keep you from doing bad things. No, Jesus was more than that, He was a conqueror of death, He was one that claimed to be God in the flesh and then died an innocent death and rose from the dead three days later where he spent time with those who knew him when he was alive. A He was a friend to the friendless, He was a doctor to the sick and he looked for people who didn't match up to the standards of the day to follow Him and to do great things in his name. He asks that you believe in Him and who He claimed to be and how he proved it and to love him with all your heart, and to love your neighbor with all your heart no matter what might happen. He connects you to God, He truly is the bridge between God and mankind. His spirit of truth guides you on this big ball of dirt and unleashes the person you were created to be.
The beautiful thing about it, is along this unknown journey you might have with Jesus you can question things just like questioning the waitress about what's in Livermush. He is a big God and if you don't believe it think about the last time you saw a sun setting behind those large oak trees on the hill across the way. You can also trust that He want leave your side, it may get quite and you might not feel it, but that's the time as I heard one Youth Pastor say the first week at camp, is the time to practice your faith and to use it all the more. It's also the reason you need someone to come along with you, just like I had this morning. Whether you believe in Jesus or not, that's up to you, but as I've journeyed over the past two years, I've needed Him and I will always need Him. He created me for something, and believes I can do it with his help, that's more than some earthly fathers I know will tell you. I can vouch for the following statement, "YOU MATTER TO GOD." Break the walls down that hold you back from truly expressing yourself and from truly putting your trust into Jesus Christ and your obedience to God and the plans he has for your life. Let go of past experiences that left you broken, bitter, and confused and grab a hold of Faith, Hope, and Love. This journey you have to try it for yourself at times and to test it, but the cool thing about it is that there are others out there, maybe beside you who are genuinely wanting to take a first step on the journey with you. Like the Livermush took control of my tastebuds this morning and made me think why it's not a national past time food, you have to let God take you on this journey and chase the moments that could be the greatest you ever had and the greatest for all generations to come.
A) (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)
I think that the only reason we are afraid to try it, is because of the name and of all the horrific stories we've heard of people who tried it, but were turned off by it, because it didn't live up to there expectations or just wasn't something they could truly finish because the sacrifice to the stomach was to much. It kind of reminds me of following Christ. I'm not saying that Christ should be compared to Livermush, but I am saying that just like being afraid of eating Livermush, I've seen so many kids over the past three weeks afraid to put there life and trust of that life in the hands of Jesus Christ. Your not sure at first what it's going to be like. You've maybe seen the bad TV evangelists and you think you have to be like that. You've been around the holier than thou folks and they left a bad taste in your mouth, maybe like the first time you ever had liver by itself. So, when it comes to following Christ with all you got your not sure what to think, you just know that people tell you, you need it, and that once you decide to follow Jesus you'll stop doing bad things and you'll be bored the rest of your life. Except it's more than just keeping you from doing bad things, because if that's all that Jesus came to do than he really did waste a lot of his time, because the law was used to keep you from doing bad things. No, Jesus was more than that, He was a conqueror of death, He was one that claimed to be God in the flesh and then died an innocent death and rose from the dead three days later where he spent time with those who knew him when he was alive. A He was a friend to the friendless, He was a doctor to the sick and he looked for people who didn't match up to the standards of the day to follow Him and to do great things in his name. He asks that you believe in Him and who He claimed to be and how he proved it and to love him with all your heart, and to love your neighbor with all your heart no matter what might happen. He connects you to God, He truly is the bridge between God and mankind. His spirit of truth guides you on this big ball of dirt and unleashes the person you were created to be.
The beautiful thing about it, is along this unknown journey you might have with Jesus you can question things just like questioning the waitress about what's in Livermush. He is a big God and if you don't believe it think about the last time you saw a sun setting behind those large oak trees on the hill across the way. You can also trust that He want leave your side, it may get quite and you might not feel it, but that's the time as I heard one Youth Pastor say the first week at camp, is the time to practice your faith and to use it all the more. It's also the reason you need someone to come along with you, just like I had this morning. Whether you believe in Jesus or not, that's up to you, but as I've journeyed over the past two years, I've needed Him and I will always need Him. He created me for something, and believes I can do it with his help, that's more than some earthly fathers I know will tell you. I can vouch for the following statement, "YOU MATTER TO GOD." Break the walls down that hold you back from truly expressing yourself and from truly putting your trust into Jesus Christ and your obedience to God and the plans he has for your life. Let go of past experiences that left you broken, bitter, and confused and grab a hold of Faith, Hope, and Love. This journey you have to try it for yourself at times and to test it, but the cool thing about it is that there are others out there, maybe beside you who are genuinely wanting to take a first step on the journey with you. Like the Livermush took control of my tastebuds this morning and made me think why it's not a national past time food, you have to let God take you on this journey and chase the moments that could be the greatest you ever had and the greatest for all generations to come.
A) (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
HOWDY CAMPERS
Hello Madda, Hello Fadda, It's Brent Sears from Crossroads Summer Camps and i'm just extending an overdue Howdy. It has been an awesome three weeks in Boiling Springs, NC. I've sweated like a pig about to go into the slaughter house, i've drank more water than the fish in the lake, and i'm about to completely understand the unsantized conditions of community showers. I mean if your nice enough to leave a community bar of soap, have the decenacy not to steal it.
The third week has kicked off strong and i'm looking forward to kicking off the fourth and final week of camp. It has been awesome to meet some great guys and gals from all over the southeast and some northerns, (YANKEE). However, they don't act like them in any shape or form. I've hung out with some awesome kids from all over the southeast as well. One of my favorites was a guy named Hunter who had the deepest southern GA. accent one young man could have. He worked on a chicken farm, in which the question was asked, "Do the chickens have large talons?" He didn't really get, but he did share some great insights on chicken farming, so if I ever decide to take up that hobby or profession i'll have some forsight into the business.
I miss you all and hope that you all are well. I know that i'm exactly where I need to be. It just amazes me that a guy from Anderson, SC who recently quit his job and had no idea that he would be here, gets to really be here. In order to ignite a reaction you really do need to break the status quo and shake things up. I've learned that is really how God shines his faithfulness, when you are faithful to his call on your life. He really is longing to connect with us and can only do so if, we just open ourselves up to it. I use to think that he was far away and only picked really cool people to do things, but the truth is he really picks, geeks, freaks, and uniques to do some pretty extradionary things, I mean have you read the Bible.
I thank you all for your support, prayers, and friendships over the past years. I never knew that three summers ago when I went through one of the hardest times of my life that this would truly be the wake-up from the break-up. You all continue to shine, continue to laugh and by all means chase the one who created you to be unique through the relationship that puts to shame all relationships, the relationship between father and children, husband and wife, and mystery. May we all become the individuals that Jesus died to unleash and may we all live in such a way that when people looked at us, they couldn't help but to stop and look up at the stars and say that the same one who created all that created the community of people that i'm looking at. In Jesus' name, Amen.
P.S. If you hadn't tried Livermush you really ought to get your hands on some. I plan to let you know how it taste in a week or so.
The third week has kicked off strong and i'm looking forward to kicking off the fourth and final week of camp. It has been awesome to meet some great guys and gals from all over the southeast and some northerns, (YANKEE). However, they don't act like them in any shape or form. I've hung out with some awesome kids from all over the southeast as well. One of my favorites was a guy named Hunter who had the deepest southern GA. accent one young man could have. He worked on a chicken farm, in which the question was asked, "Do the chickens have large talons?" He didn't really get, but he did share some great insights on chicken farming, so if I ever decide to take up that hobby or profession i'll have some forsight into the business.
I miss you all and hope that you all are well. I know that i'm exactly where I need to be. It just amazes me that a guy from Anderson, SC who recently quit his job and had no idea that he would be here, gets to really be here. In order to ignite a reaction you really do need to break the status quo and shake things up. I've learned that is really how God shines his faithfulness, when you are faithful to his call on your life. He really is longing to connect with us and can only do so if, we just open ourselves up to it. I use to think that he was far away and only picked really cool people to do things, but the truth is he really picks, geeks, freaks, and uniques to do some pretty extradionary things, I mean have you read the Bible.
I thank you all for your support, prayers, and friendships over the past years. I never knew that three summers ago when I went through one of the hardest times of my life that this would truly be the wake-up from the break-up. You all continue to shine, continue to laugh and by all means chase the one who created you to be unique through the relationship that puts to shame all relationships, the relationship between father and children, husband and wife, and mystery. May we all become the individuals that Jesus died to unleash and may we all live in such a way that when people looked at us, they couldn't help but to stop and look up at the stars and say that the same one who created all that created the community of people that i'm looking at. In Jesus' name, Amen.
P.S. If you hadn't tried Livermush you really ought to get your hands on some. I plan to let you know how it taste in a week or so.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Friends
The other day I was talking with some people about friends and it got me to thinking what should a friendship look like, or at least try to look like. I took a read in the Bible, the conversation between God and mankind. It has some interesting things to say, such as, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. a
It seems that in our busy lifestyles we're all in search for sometimes as many friends as we can get to hang out with us and just to be around us. It seems that in that hot pursuit we come up with nothing more than a bunch of acquaintances that we only know by name and job, which we usually end up forgetting that much when it's all said and done with.
Maybe, you've been giving and giving and giving it seems like to those you call friends with what seems like no return of any giving back. It's as if you have thrown the Friendship boomerang and it seems it has gotten caught on the receiving ringer. But again God's conversation with all of us in the Bible says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. b That one is tough to swallow personally. I really have a hard time with that verse. To lay down my life for the ones that wrong me, ignore me, maybe even deny me when around certain people they know. To act as if I don't exist when all the while they know my name don't they. Could this be what it means to be Christ like? Because in essence that is what ended up happening to Jesus, in fact it went a step further, one of his confidants would betray him that would lead to his death. Death due to the betrayal of a friend, brother or sister. Maybe though, in that death of betrayal we could realize that we weren't alone, that in fact in that moment we were experiencing what our God in the flesh experienced, but isn't good to know or come to know that even death of betrayal couldn't hold him down. He conquered death and we also can conquer that death by offering and giving ourselves to the one who originally took that place and is calling us into something bigger than ourselves, something so great we couldn't ask for it or imagine it.
So as our pursuit of friends and relationships come and go, may we try if we dare to get to a point in our journey of life that we didn't ask who will be my friend, but instead asked the question who can I be a friend to that I could invest my time, energy, talents, gifts, resources, and self into even if it cost me my life.
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
A) Proverbs 18:24
B) John 15:13
It seems that in our busy lifestyles we're all in search for sometimes as many friends as we can get to hang out with us and just to be around us. It seems that in that hot pursuit we come up with nothing more than a bunch of acquaintances that we only know by name and job, which we usually end up forgetting that much when it's all said and done with.
Maybe, you've been giving and giving and giving it seems like to those you call friends with what seems like no return of any giving back. It's as if you have thrown the Friendship boomerang and it seems it has gotten caught on the receiving ringer. But again God's conversation with all of us in the Bible says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. b That one is tough to swallow personally. I really have a hard time with that verse. To lay down my life for the ones that wrong me, ignore me, maybe even deny me when around certain people they know. To act as if I don't exist when all the while they know my name don't they. Could this be what it means to be Christ like? Because in essence that is what ended up happening to Jesus, in fact it went a step further, one of his confidants would betray him that would lead to his death. Death due to the betrayal of a friend, brother or sister. Maybe though, in that death of betrayal we could realize that we weren't alone, that in fact in that moment we were experiencing what our God in the flesh experienced, but isn't good to know or come to know that even death of betrayal couldn't hold him down. He conquered death and we also can conquer that death by offering and giving ourselves to the one who originally took that place and is calling us into something bigger than ourselves, something so great we couldn't ask for it or imagine it.
So as our pursuit of friends and relationships come and go, may we try if we dare to get to a point in our journey of life that we didn't ask who will be my friend, but instead asked the question who can I be a friend to that I could invest my time, energy, talents, gifts, resources, and self into even if it cost me my life.
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
A) Proverbs 18:24
B) John 15:13
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