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 You believe in God and your chosen religion. Whether you're Christian, Muslim, Jewish, or Hindu.. Your convictions are strong and unwavering. You think your religion is the one true way, for everyone. |
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
What's Your Religious Philosophy
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Joys of Fatherhood #16
Shelley referenced this on her blog but I just had to tell the story because not all "Joys of Fatherhood" are positive experiences, just memorable ones.
Yesterday I had the brilliant plan to take the family to the Cavanuagh Flight Museum in Addison Texas. I just had visions of the joy on Seth's face as he got to see all of these wonderful planes up close and personal. I envisioned him running one to another and then when we get home he would call his Nana and Grandmama and try and re-tell the story to them. But, he would be so excited and talking so fast they wouldn't be able to understand him.
Well, I was wrong.
We hadn't even gotten out of the car when he started to ask to go home. He even pulled the "going limp" trick when I got him out of the car. Then once we were in the museum I had to literally drag him into the area where the planes were located. And all of this time he just keeps saying he wanted to go home. I was undaunted as I tried to enjoy the museum because it did have some cool exhibits.
Then when we were finally home and trying to get him ready for church, he says "I want to go see the planes." My entire life force drained out of me at that point.
Yesterday I had the brilliant plan to take the family to the Cavanuagh Flight Museum in Addison Texas. I just had visions of the joy on Seth's face as he got to see all of these wonderful planes up close and personal. I envisioned him running one to another and then when we get home he would call his Nana and Grandmama and try and re-tell the story to them. But, he would be so excited and talking so fast they wouldn't be able to understand him.
Well, I was wrong.
We hadn't even gotten out of the car when he started to ask to go home. He even pulled the "going limp" trick when I got him out of the car. Then once we were in the museum I had to literally drag him into the area where the planes were located. And all of this time he just keeps saying he wanted to go home. I was undaunted as I tried to enjoy the museum because it did have some cool exhibits.
Then when we were finally home and trying to get him ready for church, he says "I want to go see the planes." My entire life force drained out of me at that point.
Friday, November 25, 2005
The Story of a Lifetime - My Mentor
Shelley and I are starting a project where we each answer the same question about our life and then collecting the answers for our children. This week's question is "Who is a mentor you have had?" Here's Shelley's answer.
I haven't ever had a true mentor, someone who took me under their guidance and provided guidance over a period of time. But, I have worked for some good people who I have observed and who had an influence on me. Two of those people were Jim Parmley and Dennis Lewis.
From watching them I learned a calmed, unhurried style to approaching problems. I also learned not to micro manage but to hire good people and not get in their way but just provide direction so everyone is headed down the same path.
I hope I can pass these lessons to my boys.
I haven't ever had a true mentor, someone who took me under their guidance and provided guidance over a period of time. But, I have worked for some good people who I have observed and who had an influence on me. Two of those people were Jim Parmley and Dennis Lewis.
From watching them I learned a calmed, unhurried style to approaching problems. I also learned not to micro manage but to hire good people and not get in their way but just provide direction so everyone is headed down the same path.
I hope I can pass these lessons to my boys.
The Bridge
At my wife's grandmother's house there is an old rickety single lane bridge that crosses over a small creek. There isn't anything especially spectacular about this bridge except all the childhood memories that span multiple generations that it has been a part of. My wife and all of her cousins share memories about being at Grandmother's and "going down to the bridge". In fact, this bridge and it's memories are so important that one thing my wife shared with me on my first trip to her grandmother's was "walking to the bridge". Now, this tradition has passed on to their kids and now multitudes of great grandchildren have made the trek down to the bridge.
Yesterday Seth gathered up everyone because he wanted to "go to the bridge". So, Shelley, April, Seth and I went to the bridge and threw rocks off the bridge into the creek. I don't know what it is about this bridge but it has captured the imaginations of many a child and now it has become a part of my son's childhood memories.
Yesterday Seth gathered up everyone because he wanted to "go to the bridge". So, Shelley, April, Seth and I went to the bridge and threw rocks off the bridge into the creek. I don't know what it is about this bridge but it has captured the imaginations of many a child and now it has become a part of my son's childhood memories.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
$1.99
Gas at my local QT is now $1.99. Why don't we hear endless stories about gas prices going down? Or, why aren't we hearing discussions that the stock market is only 84 points away from crossing the 11000 mark?
I think we know the answer but I thought I would pose the questions anyway.
I think we know the answer but I thought I would pose the questions anyway.
PocketDish
This is really cool, its the PocketDish. Now you can transfer programs that you recorded using your Dish DVR to a device small enough to put in your pocket. It can also store mp3s and up to 400,000 photos.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Christmas Lights
I have always loved the Christmas season, it is one of my favorite times of year. But, one tradition I never participated in is putting up Christmas lights. Then I had a son who really likes Christmas lights so last year I paid someone to put them up for me. Big rip off... So, this year I am venturing out and doing it myself and I have found I like it. Look out Clark Griswald, I can see this getting out of control. If you see a large glowing light over North Texas, it just might be our house.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Armed Citizen #8
From the Arlington Sun Gazette.
An armed citizen confronted an alleged burglar inside his Northern Virginia home. The intruder ran from the family room towards the bedroom of the homeowner's teenage daughter. A struggle ensued and ended when the homeowner shot the intruder. The intruder fled on foot and was arrested at the hospital when he sought treatment.
An armed citizen confronted an alleged burglar inside his Northern Virginia home. The intruder ran from the family room towards the bedroom of the homeowner's teenage daughter. A struggle ensued and ended when the homeowner shot the intruder. The intruder fled on foot and was arrested at the hospital when he sought treatment.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
What I Don't Like About My Church
I first want to make it clear that I love my church. I have posted on here many times how much I love what is going on at my church and how proud I am to be a part of it. Also, I have defended my church and "Big" Churches in general on other blogs.
But, I do have one issue with my church. My church is different than most churches because the membership isn't really involved in running the church. Members don't vote on the budget, large expenditures, hiring staff, etc. Instead, it is run more like a company with the church executive team deciding the direction and executing. I don't have an issue with this and actually prefer it. I have been involved and have seen other churches become divided over some decision that the membership can't agree on.
But, because of a lack of involvement by the membership in decisions we as members don't always know what is going on within the church. Fellowship started a blog and I was excited about it because I thought this more informal means of communication would allow the church to communicate things that might not necessarily get communicated. But, unfortunately it turned into just a way to communicate the weekly announcements and has since been discontinued.
In the early days of the church the website contained the pictures and bio of the management team. While you might not know them or even ever have an audience with them, you at least knew who they were. Right now, I really don't have an idea who does what at our church. And recently there was a large shake up and many of the pastors changed roles so I really don't know who does what now. I would have liked to at least had it communicated who was going to be doing what and maybe a little explanation as to what the thinking was behind the changes.
Also, we had a worship leader who had been there ever since I have attended the church and I owe a large portion of me becoming a Christian to Rob. If it hadn't been for the way he did music, I probably wouldn't have continued to return to Fellowship. He is suddenly gone and not even an announcement that he chose to pursue another opportunity. It reminds me when you tune into your favorite classic rock station and now it is a country station and nobody even addresses the change. Everyone just goes on as if it has always been a country station.
I don't mind running the church as if it is a company but don't treat me like a customer, I want to be treated as a stakeholder. Also, I'm not asking for a voice in the church, just an ear.
But, I do have one issue with my church. My church is different than most churches because the membership isn't really involved in running the church. Members don't vote on the budget, large expenditures, hiring staff, etc. Instead, it is run more like a company with the church executive team deciding the direction and executing. I don't have an issue with this and actually prefer it. I have been involved and have seen other churches become divided over some decision that the membership can't agree on.
But, because of a lack of involvement by the membership in decisions we as members don't always know what is going on within the church. Fellowship started a blog and I was excited about it because I thought this more informal means of communication would allow the church to communicate things that might not necessarily get communicated. But, unfortunately it turned into just a way to communicate the weekly announcements and has since been discontinued.
In the early days of the church the website contained the pictures and bio of the management team. While you might not know them or even ever have an audience with them, you at least knew who they were. Right now, I really don't have an idea who does what at our church. And recently there was a large shake up and many of the pastors changed roles so I really don't know who does what now. I would have liked to at least had it communicated who was going to be doing what and maybe a little explanation as to what the thinking was behind the changes.
Also, we had a worship leader who had been there ever since I have attended the church and I owe a large portion of me becoming a Christian to Rob. If it hadn't been for the way he did music, I probably wouldn't have continued to return to Fellowship. He is suddenly gone and not even an announcement that he chose to pursue another opportunity. It reminds me when you tune into your favorite classic rock station and now it is a country station and nobody even addresses the change. Everyone just goes on as if it has always been a country station.
I don't mind running the church as if it is a company but don't treat me like a customer, I want to be treated as a stakeholder. Also, I'm not asking for a voice in the church, just an ear.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Something Else I Don't Understand
I know this has been going on but I had never really encountered it until recently. Now I seem to be running into it all of the time. It usually goes something like this:
I walk in and hear "No, I didn't see that, when was it on? Yes, I know, we have to go to." FLUSH. Or some similar type of conversation.
What is it with people talking on a cell phone while they are using the bathroom? What could be so important that it couldn't wait or you couldn't just say, "Can I call you back in 5 minutes?" And these people don't seem to be making any effort to hide where or what they are doing.
Also, for some odd reason I feel like I am intruding in some way. That I'm eavesdropping on some private conversation.
There is not a single person, including my wife, that I will talk to while I am using the bathroom. And, no body better call me while they are using the bathroom and if they do they must be sure I don't know it or they will hear a dial tone.
I walk in and hear "No, I didn't see that, when was it on? Yes, I know, we have to go to." FLUSH. Or some similar type of conversation.
What is it with people talking on a cell phone while they are using the bathroom? What could be so important that it couldn't wait or you couldn't just say, "Can I call you back in 5 minutes?" And these people don't seem to be making any effort to hide where or what they are doing.
Also, for some odd reason I feel like I am intruding in some way. That I'm eavesdropping on some private conversation.
There is not a single person, including my wife, that I will talk to while I am using the bathroom. And, no body better call me while they are using the bathroom and if they do they must be sure I don't know it or they will hear a dial tone.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Express Lane
Am I the only one that does this? Whenever I am in the express lane at the grocery store I always look at what the people around me are purchasing. I then try to imagine what events occurred that caused them to rush out in the middle of the night to purchase these items.
For example, tonight I was behind a guy who was buying two frozen enchilada dinners and a bottle of Scope mouthwash. So, I figure he is a newlywed whose wife's dinner didn't quite cut it, so he rushed out to get dinner and something to get the taste out of his mouth. This probably isn't true but it makes the wait more interesting.
Oh yeah, I purchased a pound of ground turkey and a can of Spot Shot carpet cleaner. I'll let your imagination run with that one...
For example, tonight I was behind a guy who was buying two frozen enchilada dinners and a bottle of Scope mouthwash. So, I figure he is a newlywed whose wife's dinner didn't quite cut it, so he rushed out to get dinner and something to get the taste out of his mouth. This probably isn't true but it makes the wait more interesting.
Oh yeah, I purchased a pound of ground turkey and a can of Spot Shot carpet cleaner. I'll let your imagination run with that one...
Friday, November 11, 2005
Armed Citizen #7
I took this story from here.
A 66-year-old woman shot an intruder who she found hiding in her home.
The man, 22-year-old Christopher Lessner, had just fled from police after being pulled over for speeding on Interstate 30. He fled along a creek bottom and eventually scrambled into the woman’s backyard on Northhaven Court.
The intruder tried to break into the house at least twice. There were muddy hand and foot prints on the back of a Suburban parked in the carport. Lessner apparently grabbed onto the back of the car port, got himself up onto the house and tried to break in through a second story window. When that didn't work, he apparently walked along the top of the roof then jumped into the backyard and then ended up kicking in the back door.
Once inside, Lessner hid in a front room closet. Little did he know, Buxton, a concealed handgun license owner, would find him.
According to reports, when Susan Buxton found the man she told him to “lay down and stay still” as she held her handgun drawn.
“He ignored her and tried to grab the gun and even then she didn't shoot, she just backed away and told him again “lay down, be still or I will shoot,” said Shelly Bugenis, Buxton’s daughter said.
Lessner darted from the home after Buxton shot him in the leg. He later was found hiding on a nearby balcony.
Lessner is recovering at Harris Methodist Hospital. Officials say he faces charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, evading arrest, criminal mischief and criminal trespass.
Arlington police do not anticipate filing charges against Buxton.
A 66-year-old woman shot an intruder who she found hiding in her home.
The man, 22-year-old Christopher Lessner, had just fled from police after being pulled over for speeding on Interstate 30. He fled along a creek bottom and eventually scrambled into the woman’s backyard on Northhaven Court.
The intruder tried to break into the house at least twice. There were muddy hand and foot prints on the back of a Suburban parked in the carport. Lessner apparently grabbed onto the back of the car port, got himself up onto the house and tried to break in through a second story window. When that didn't work, he apparently walked along the top of the roof then jumped into the backyard and then ended up kicking in the back door.
Once inside, Lessner hid in a front room closet. Little did he know, Buxton, a concealed handgun license owner, would find him.
According to reports, when Susan Buxton found the man she told him to “lay down and stay still” as she held her handgun drawn.
“He ignored her and tried to grab the gun and even then she didn't shoot, she just backed away and told him again “lay down, be still or I will shoot,” said Shelly Bugenis, Buxton’s daughter said.
Lessner darted from the home after Buxton shot him in the leg. He later was found hiding on a nearby balcony.
Lessner is recovering at Harris Methodist Hospital. Officials say he faces charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, evading arrest, criminal mischief and criminal trespass.
Arlington police do not anticipate filing charges against Buxton.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
I Hate Being Sick
I hate being sick. I use to never get sick, in fact I have rarely taken a sick day in the last 10 years. I guess that is why I have over 90 days of available paid time off.
But, I remember when my wife was pregnant with our first child a friend of mine who had 3 kids at the time warned me that I would now start getting all sorts of illnesses. Well, he was correct. Now that I have two kids or should I say "germ factories", I have been sick twice this year and I have even had to go to the doctor. The last time I had been to the doctor was 17 years ago. I might even need to change the title of my blog to "The Journey of a Happily Married Man with Two Germ Factories".
I know it isn't all their fault because they have friends that are "germ factories" as well and it just keeps getting circulated through the community.
This weekend our Pastor made a comment that "with sacrifice, comes blessings" and if my sacrifice is getting sick every once in awhile, I will definitely take my two blessings. I love my two little blessings.
Kids, Germ Factories, Blessings... I doubt Websters has those listed as synonyms but they are to me.
But, I remember when my wife was pregnant with our first child a friend of mine who had 3 kids at the time warned me that I would now start getting all sorts of illnesses. Well, he was correct. Now that I have two kids or should I say "germ factories", I have been sick twice this year and I have even had to go to the doctor. The last time I had been to the doctor was 17 years ago. I might even need to change the title of my blog to "The Journey of a Happily Married Man with Two Germ Factories".
I know it isn't all their fault because they have friends that are "germ factories" as well and it just keeps getting circulated through the community.
This weekend our Pastor made a comment that "with sacrifice, comes blessings" and if my sacrifice is getting sick every once in awhile, I will definitely take my two blessings. I love my two little blessings.
Kids, Germ Factories, Blessings... I doubt Websters has those listed as synonyms but they are to me.
Way to Go Kansas
Yesterday the Kansas State Board of Education passed new Science Standards that will treat evolution as a flawed science and at the same time help promote the teaching of creationism.
Read the story here.
Read the story here.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Trash Day
After Shelley and I had our first child we realized we were different from most of our neighbors. Now, I'm not talking about some of the obvious differences but we were different when it came to trash day. Since they didn't have a baby which is just a trash producing machine they just had one or two bags of trash on their curb, while I was lugging arm loads of bags out to the curb.
When one of our neighbors had their first child, Shelley and I waited anxiously for that first trash day. Yes, vindication! Their one bag that was always just half full had multiplied to four, all just by the addition of a 17 inch, 7 pound baby.
Well, today when I went to take the trash out, I was stopped in my tracks as I bent down to gather up the bags to take to the curb. There were just two bags, yes, only two bags. I paused to figure this out and then I remembered, I was home the last 3 days by myself.
Our trash producing machines had been in Oklahoma doing their work.
When one of our neighbors had their first child, Shelley and I waited anxiously for that first trash day. Yes, vindication! Their one bag that was always just half full had multiplied to four, all just by the addition of a 17 inch, 7 pound baby.
Well, today when I went to take the trash out, I was stopped in my tracks as I bent down to gather up the bags to take to the curb. There were just two bags, yes, only two bags. I paused to figure this out and then I remembered, I was home the last 3 days by myself.
Our trash producing machines had been in Oklahoma doing their work.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Batman Begins
When I was a kid I was a big fan of Super Heroes. My favorites were the big 3, Superman, Spiderman and Batman. Batman was always my favorite because he didn't benefit from any super powers. Everything he did, he did with either is own intelligence or ingenuity.
I have been mostly disappointed with all of the movies made regarding Super Heroes. The Christopher Reeve Superman movies didn't do much for me, the first Batman was ok but the next three didn't do a whole lot for me. Now, the two Spiderman movies were pretty good and up until I just watched Batman Begins, were my favorites. But, last night I watched Batman Begins and was really impressed. By far, it is my favorite of the Super Hero movies. It finally captured the story how I saw it in my head when I was a kid. Maybe the other movies were how those directors saw the stories when they were a kid but this one really seemed like the comic book came alive for me.
I have been mostly disappointed with all of the movies made regarding Super Heroes. The Christopher Reeve Superman movies didn't do much for me, the first Batman was ok but the next three didn't do a whole lot for me. Now, the two Spiderman movies were pretty good and up until I just watched Batman Begins, were my favorites. But, last night I watched Batman Begins and was really impressed. By far, it is my favorite of the Super Hero movies. It finally captured the story how I saw it in my head when I was a kid. Maybe the other movies were how those directors saw the stories when they were a kid but this one really seemed like the comic book came alive for me.
Super Friends and Office Space
I found this on BagofNothing. If you are a fan of the Super Friends and Office Space then you will enjoy this. Watch it here.
A Weekend to Myself
My family has gone out of town this weekend. Don't get me wrong, I REALLY MISS my family but I am enjoying the quiet. I had a friend ask me if I was going to go out with "the boys" this weekend since I was going to be alone and truthfully the thought of going out never even crossed my mind. My plans all centered around renting a movie, watching football, watching the History channel and reading blogs.
I am old and boring. But, I also know that all my friends are also old and boring and they are all married with kids as well. Since they probably wouldn't be subject to the benefit of having their families out of town I doubt any of them could have gone out anyway. So, if I had asked them to go out, I would not only be home alone, I would have also been suffering from the rejection of my friends.
Well, the excitement continues here tonight, Miami is beating VA Tech 10 - 0 and its half time. Time to see what is on the History Channel.
I am old and boring. But, I also know that all my friends are also old and boring and they are all married with kids as well. Since they probably wouldn't be subject to the benefit of having their families out of town I doubt any of them could have gone out anyway. So, if I had asked them to go out, I would not only be home alone, I would have also been suffering from the rejection of my friends.
Well, the excitement continues here tonight, Miami is beating VA Tech 10 - 0 and its half time. Time to see what is on the History Channel.
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