Facebook Faux pas

Top ten Facebook Faux pas:

10. Clicking on the link "what this guys daughter did" OR "you wont believe what this guy did" OR "most people can't watch this" video

9. TYPING IN ALL CAPS or wif so mani tiepoes, its inposibl to reed

8. Tagging yourself or someone else not at work, when you're supposed to be at work.

7. Posting "Hope you have a great birthday Joe!" as your status, followed by "Hope you have a great birthday Sam" as your status again.

6. Congratulating a guy on his new engagement, but getting his fiancée named wrong because another girl had the picture posted in her album.

5. Searching for someone, but typing it into your status bar.

4. Commenting on a picture, but posting it to a Wall

3. "Reply to All" with a message that is supposed to go to just one person.

2. Posting something on a Wall that was supposed to be in a private message.

1. Posting on a wall, a comment that should be a text. "I'm leaving at 6:00, so I should be at your house by 6:30. We are going to have so much fun tonight"

Why I'm going to eat at Chick-fil-a...tomorrow

With the insane amount of social media talk about who is for or against chicken...I decided to weigh in.  

Do I believe in the Biblical view of marriage? Yes

Do I believe in Free Speech? Yes

Do I like someone speaking on behalf of God's wrath? No

Do I agree with the CEO of every company I buy anything from? No 

Do I like politicians using Christian platforms to promote their agendas? No

Unity is prettier than Divisiveness    

I'm surrounded...

It's a fact I don't forget very often. The truth is I'm surrounded by girls. Wonderful, beautiful, loving girls. Today, I had two very real reminders of how much I am truly surrounded by girls.

1. The biggest conversation around the house right now has been what princess everyone is going to be for Halloween. I'm not sure where I'm going to fit in to these plans?!?

2. As I was watching an animated show tonight, my oldest daughter commented on how one of the characters boots didn't match her pants.

It's true I'm surrounded. But I am happily surrendered.

Blown Away....again

SO, of course I should not be surprised by the fact that God shows up in huge ways.  We all hear the stories in others' life, but when He does something so apparent, directly in my life, it still gives me chills.

Here's the situation:
Summer-time, lots of free-time and vacations.  Weird Escrow with our new house has our house note increase by almost 50% for 12 months starting in June.  Weird accounting procedures at Amy's job has her salary cut by over 50% for 2 months starting in July.  Some of this we knew, some of this we didn't.  No big deal...in addition to our normal savings, we had been putting back a little to cover for the summer.

One week before our annual trip to Port Aransas, I took my truck [insert-Tow Vehicle for travel trailer we are taking to Port Aransas] into Discount Tire to get them to fix a slow leak.  When they called me to let me know it's finished, they also ask if I have had any trouble getting my truck into reverse.  I had not, but after they backed it out of the bay, it wouldn't go in reverse at all...just sit there and whine. I filed an incident report with Discount Tires Corporate office and then 'limped' my truck to the mechanic...on Friday afternoon...of 4th of July weekend.  The next Thursday at noon [the day before we left for vacation], I picked up my truck, with rebuilt transmission and picked up our trailer.

Amy and I were a little 'shell-shocked' by the $1700 repair bill.  Talk about put a damper on the start of a vacation.  We had not heard from Discount Tire, but were not counting on them.  I mean, my truck is 9 years old with 125,000 miles on it.  We did have $1000 in an account ear-marked for auto repairs, but this was still a big hit to our tight summer budget.  We both decided we had done all we could do about it, so we prayed that He would show up, and then we let go of the burden.

We had an amazing vacation at the beach.  Enjoyed time with the girls, ate great seafood and got plenty of Vitamin D [insert-SUN].  When we got home today, there was a stack of mail.  In it was a large envelope from FEDEX which contained a letter from Discount Tire, and a check for.....guess how much....$700.

For those like me who might be 'mathematically-challenged'.

• $1000  +  $700  =  $1700

                                        OR

• Auto repair account  +  Check from Discount Tire  =  Truck Repair Bill

Throughout our marriage we have always committed to put God first.  This is not always easy and doesn't always happen in every part of our lives; but when it comes to finances, we have been very faithful.  This is just another example of how God will provide in the areas of need.  I think the important thing is to understand who is in control, then let Him do His thing!

 

Lessons from the Rose Bowl

Tonight I was watching the 2011 Rose Bowl - Wisconsin vs. TCU. In the first half, lots of the TCU offensive players were slipping all over the field. The announcers kept talking about their cleats and how they were going to have to overcome the issue. Just before halftime a "sideline report" told the story of TCU's specially designed cleats by Nike for the turf at the Rose Bowl. The team had received the shoes on Sunday but had apparently not tested them. The reporter asked the TCU Equipment Manager about replacing the cleats and they replied that they did not bring any backups.

An interesting scenario: How quick are we to abandon our old ways that got us to where we are, for a new and improved 'shoe?

I'm all for innovation, improvement and technology. Just a voice for not totally throwing out the 'old' until the 'new' is more proven.


In the end, TCU pulled out the 'W'...so maybe my thoughts are for not.

Not the Best ...but Funny nonetheless

This is not normally the stuff I write about, but it was too long for a FB status or tweet.  Here is recap of about 2 minutes of my morning with my two girls.

Me:did u poop? 

Ella: no! 

Me: what is that in your diaper? 

Ella: poop 

Me: lets change it. 

Ella: no, we don't need to change it. 

Me: what are we going to do with it? 

Ella: I'm just going to walk around with it....

(1 min. later, in Ella's room; Addy crying in living room) 

Ella: we are coming addy.  Daddy had to change my nasty diaper. 

Ella: we are coming addy.  Daddy is putting my diaper straps on. 

Ella: we are coming addy. Daddy is putting my pjs on. 

Ella: we are coming addy.

‎"On the cutting edge of tech, usually bleeding profusely"

Another something I 'cmd-C' from someone else.

This was actually the tag line of an amazon.com reviewer who had written a review of a part for my travel trailer...

I loved the saying, thought it was weird because of what he was reviewing.  But then again, I was reading the review and liked the saying...SO, maybe I'm the strange one?!?!

Grace vs. Chilean Miners

I wish I could take credit for this metaphor, but it was shared with me.  And in true "cmd-C" fashion, I'm just copying it.  

It is interesting how the rescue of the Chilean miners compares to God’s saving grace…

·         The miners predicament was the result of their own enterprise

·         There was no way that they could extract themselves

·         All effort toward saving them originated from above

·         There was only one (narrow) way out

·         They were each saved individually, one at a time

·         They emerged to cheering and embraces

A re-blog: Is there room for me in your church?

I read this morning and can't get it out of my head.  While I don't get this feeling where I work, I can totally relate.  It is from a blog, tonymorganlive.com.  Here is a synopsis: 

People with spiritual gifts like mine aren’t welcomed in your church.

My spiritual gifts include leadership and administration and discernment. That’s how God has wired me. As a result of that mix of gifts, I think in terms of systems and strategies. I have the ability to walk into a chaotic situation and offer clarity and encourage simplicity. I can’t explain it, but God allows me to see the future in some situations and develop plans and next steps that help bring a vision to fruition.

Here’s the rub, though. Since my spiritual gifts don’t include teaching or prayer or shepherding, I don’t look or smell like the typical “Spirit-filled” pastor. When I start talking strategy and planning, people automatically assume that my counsel is being driven by my own strength and not God’s power.

I admit there are days when, like every Christ-follower, I try to take control of my life rather than embracing God’s control. I’m far from perfect. But I also know that the strengths that make me unique are God’s design for my life. I assume God wants me to use those gifts in the church. You’d be amazed, though, at how much my gifts are disdained within “Spirit-filled” churches.

Engaging the counsel of others won’t limit the Holy Spirit. Planning for the future shouldn’t constrict the power of the Holy Spirit. Learning from the experiences of other leaders and ministries doesn’t constrain the Holy Spirit. Bringing order and systems and strategic approaches certainly don’t stop the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers people like me to do all those things.

It’s crazy. In the business world, people like me are rewarded handsomely for helping to expand the business. When people use those same gifts to help expand the impact of the church, though, they’re doing something wrong.

Are people who have these gifts supposed to get jobs in the marketplace where their strengths are welcomed? Is there room for them in your church?

Sandwiches

I realized today, that in over 3 months of writting blogging, I haven't discussed FOOD.  At all, not once.  So today that will change!


I love food.  All kinds.  Good food, bad food.  There are very few things I won't eat.  I think about food a lot.  I didn't realize how much I think about food until I began my journey into the world of BookFace/Twitter.  A large majority of my posts/status-i/tweets are about food.  There is probably another post on "Where your status, there your treasure is", but I digress.

My favorite food is sandwiches.     Now, before you say, "How boring", hear me out.  Yes, I am talking about peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but I see that category as something much larger.  Isn't a 1/3 pound fire-grilled angus hamburger with thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, American cheese, lettuce tomatoes, pickles, onions on a homemade sourdough bun a sandwich?  I believe there are many things that can be classified as a 'Sandwich'.  I'd like to expound on the definition of Sandwich


sand*wich |ˈsanˌ(d)wi ch |
noun
an item of food consisting of two pieces of bread with meat, cheese, or other filling between them, eaten as a light meal


Now, the last part I totally disagree with.  Yes, there are 'finger sandwiches', with cucumber and egg salad, but they just give sandwiches a bad name.  So, looking at the definition closer, 'consisting of two pieces of BREAD'.  I would submit that 'bread' can be used loosely in this sense.  A tortilla could be considered bread.  Rice paper could also be considered 'bread'.  If we go that far, then anything that holds meat, cheese or other filling between them could be 'bread'.  So with that understanding...

 

Lazy Prayer

"Christians use prayer as an excuse for inactivity so often!"

The was a 'tweet' from Perry Noble at New Spring Church a couple of weeks ago.  I retweeted it and got some interesting discussion.

My initial thought on this comment was, "WOW, how true is that for me sometimes."  It is easy for me to say, "Oh, I'm sorry about _____.  I'll pray for you." and go about my day.  I also hear about terrible things in other places of the world and think, "Man, I'll  pray for them."

This is in NO WAY supposed to degrade prayer.  The ability to converse with The Creator is an amazing thing that I either take for granted or don't take full advantage of, depending on the day.

Just a thought...a healthy conviction, if you will.

Are you envied?

Last weekend I lost my voice.  It started going away on Thursday at work and by the time I woke up on Friday, all I could do was whisper.  Talk about no fun, went to the zoo and couldn't even roar at the lions or mock the monkeys.

Anyway, without the ability to talk, I started thinking about how we are perceived by others.  The opinions others form about us come by two main ways, Words and Actions.  

I mean, how do other people around you form their opinions about you?  If they are close friends or family members, there is a long history of knowledge of how you react to situations, how you respond to them and what you say.  With those people that know you very well, there is an 'average perception' based on all the interactions you have had with them.  

However with others who only have occasional run-ins or people who don't even know your name, their opinion of you could be based on only one or two meetings.  The guy who takes your money at McDonald's has an opinion about you, so does the bagger at the grocery store.  Those perceptions are probably based a lot more on actions than on words.  I doubt that holding up the line at Mickey D's to explain your view on politics would get you very far. 

SO, If we profess our faith in Jesus.

AND, that He has covered all of our sins

AND, that He will take care of us in all situations, no matter what

AND, that His Love is all we need, everyday, always

THEN we should act like it.  

We should be so full of Christ's love that it is contagious ENVIOUS.  Everyone around you should be envious of what you have and want it for themselves.  That should start with those who know you the best all the way down to the girl who gives you donuts in the morning.  Everyone you come in contact with should notice something different about you, even if you never share your faith with them.  

So, are you envied?  Not because of the car you drive or the clothes you wear, but because of something more eternal.  

Another daydream...

As I grow up and gain skills that will help me to one day be called a real-life 'designer';  I have taken an interest in designing t-shirts. 

At the bottom of the page you will see some of my first and newest creations.  Feel free to order one for yourself and a few for your friends. 

Social Media Replacement

MySpace, Twitter, blogashpere, BookFace, web2.0, social media, mobile sites, apps ...

Whatever it is, what is it replacing? All of these things are relatively new, so we all can probably remember a time in our life without them. Even though it has been within the last 5 years or so, it is hard for me to think about a time that I didn't spend extreme amounts of time with them.

I am not blasting them as tools of the devil.  Obviously that would be fairly hypocritical since I'm posting this on a blog.  The question is just, what has it replaced?  If hours of surfing to the end of the internet has replaced hours of TV watching, then the argument could be made that it is an upgrade (in some form or fashion).  But what if BookFace game apps and forums/chatrooms now take the time of more worthwhile activities.  With the plethora of options on laptops/smartphones to fill our time, the possibility of moving from worthwhile 'time-fillers' to wasting time can happen quickly, easily and often without us noticing it.

Again, this is not meant to be a condemning thought for others.  That's not my style.  In fact, more than anything,  this is condemning for ME.


Final Thought:  In a day, do you spend more time in/on social media, or The Word?

Young and Old

One difference between when you are young and when you are old is the ability to stay up late. In fact, more than just the ability but also your attitude about it. When you are young, staying up past midnight, three nights in a row, is worn like a badge of courage and honor. Once older, staying up past midnight, just one night is ample reason to moan and complain.

Another difference is the effect of caffeine. I used to sleep with a Dr. Pepper can on my headboard. Now if I drink a glass of tea with dinner I may have trouble sleeping!

#C3_2010 - #1

So, still reeling from the 'holy hangover' from C3 2010.  Same thing from last year, so impacted by incredible communicators, amazing messages, and the presence of God's hand on the entire conference.

I'm sure there will be many, many other thoughts that are stewing in my brain, that will be served up on this blog-plate.  Here's one that's ready to serve.

Mature People Feed Themselves

More specifically, mature believers take care of themselves.  Not saying that they do not need love, care and the occasional help when 'chewing' on something real tough.  But, Dave Hughes talked about it this morning.  'Baby believers' are the ones who can not feed themselves...and if they try, probably will just make a mess and not get much from it.

This is an important distinction.  It would seem important to know who you are dealing with in conflict, strife, troubles or tribulation.  While there are lots of people running around touting spiritual 'maturity'...Can the really feed themselves regularly without getting strained peas in their hair, milk running down their chin and more stuff on the floor then in their soul?

Without sacrifice...

there is no love.

This is not meant to be a cheesy Valentine's Day post.  Just something that was reveled to me last week sometime.  

So, to have love there must be sacrifice.  First forget about the human/personal/relationship definition. Let's say you LOVE CocoKrispies.  You have to sacrifice eating other cereals like AppleJacks, Trixs or any other sugary breakfast goodness.  You also would have sacrifice some of your health and well-being.

What if you LOVE a certain car?  Let's say the new Chevy Camero.  If you truly LOVE it, you will probably own one.  In owning a new Camero, you would sacrifice some money (about $25k-$45k). You would also sacrifice the ability to haul a trailer or move plywood.  

LOVE your wife and kids, there are sacrifices to make.  LOVE God, other sacrifices to make.  The word 'sacrifice' kind of has a negative connotation, but it's not negative.  It is just a trade of one thing for another.  For LOVE, it means trading something you don't want for something you do want.

With LOVE, you must sacrifice.  They are sometimes easy sacrifices, sometimes they are more difficult.  I am not a 'perfect practitioner' of this idea, but being aware of it may help?!?

 

PB&J

1. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches should be a dessert.

Whoever snuck this through the 'menu police' was a genius.  How can you take something that sweet and call it a meal?

'and for dessert we have a Creme Brulee topped with wild raspberries or we have the Peanut Butter      and Jelly Sandwich, made with Jiffy and Smuckers'

C3 2010

Last year was the first time I attended an entire C3 conference.  I had been to one or two sessions about 4 years ago, before I knew what relevant church was all about.  After last year, I am very much looking forward to going this year. 

I have never been in one location with so many expert orators.  Nevermind that they are amazing innovators in the modern church world.  They can just flat out speak.  Everyone I heard last year, in their own unique way, was able to get their point across with such vivid clarity.  It's no wonder they are leading some of the largest churches in America.  

Steven Furtick, Christine Cain, Jenzen Franklin and Craig Groeschel were there in 2009.  Some will be returning, some will be new.  No matter what, its going to be good and I am looking forward to it.     


Date Your Mate Promo

Most recent work in After Effects.



Open was shot with Sony PD-170, edited in Premiere Pro by Kevin Glenn.  Everything else was put together in After Effects.

I wish I got to work in AE more than I do.  It's kind of like riding a bike, you don't forget everything, but somethings take a while to come back.  Actually its more like riding a jet-propelled motorcycle.  I can get it from Point A to Point B at 2mph, but AE can do SO MUCH more.