Kick his @$$

Parents, always be careful what you say...especially around your kids!

iPhones

I always wondered what the hype was about iPhones. When they first came out, it seemed to me the only real tool it had (as a phone) was the internet, and I figured everyone already had laptops the size of a book, so I didn't think that was all that revolutionary. Definitely not worth the price.
Music always persuades me though, and this app changed it all. How cool would it be to just be walking to work, listening to some music, AND playing along with it? I've always wanted to play the guitar, and since apparently I'm not good at teaching myself, I now know I just didn't buy the right instrument! I think I want an iPhone now!

You Needtobreathe

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Needtobreathe play at IS Venue! I started listening to them a couple years ago when Perry Noble suggested one of their songs, and although I liked them, I was at best a lukewarm listener. Last night I became a following fan. That means I've bookmarked the band's website and know their favorite movies and eye color :) Creepy? Maybe a little bit. That's what they choose to share on their website though!

Anyways, they only played for about 45 minutes last night, but it'd been a while since my last concert and I'd forgotten how much fun they are. Isn't it weird how on a CD you may only like 2-3 songs, but you always seem to enjoy EVERY song when it's live? I mean, every song they played had you either tapping your foot, singing along, or leaning ever so slightly forward, begging for more.

If you haven't heard of them, you should check them out. They have great styles. Yes, that's right...they have many different sounds. From country/folksy (they did grow up in Possum Kingdom, SC) to rock and roll. They are very good at what they do though! On top of that, I had to compare them to Switchfoot when Jordan and I were talking about them. They aren't officially a Christian band, but a lot of their songs contain Christian ideas, theology, and languange. That alone kicked me onto their bandwagon. They were able to sing about grace, baptism, and sin at a BAR last night. And they didn't get trampled. Apparently, according to Bear, we were even "rowdy" for a Wednesday night. I wouldn't imagine many Christian bands could get away with something like that. I think it truly is a ministry (whether the band intends it to be or not). Here is just one of their songs, sung live and, of course, it is acoustic because they are just sittin' in a radio station. Man they can make some music...



P.S. If any NC people read this, they are coming to Greenville, Charlotte, and Winston-Salem in early October, it would be well worth a trip, and I'd be jealous!

Premature

I don't think I'm going to vent, maybe just complain. Several months ago I explained my iTunes ritual of surveying the free, weekly music. This week brought an unexpected treasure. Well, I guess you could call it that. Aside from a 15 year old (albeit he looks 9) singing about love and "spending every last dime" (I remember those regrettable days) for some equally young woman, it does have a catchy tune. If you do choose to follow the link, maybe listen to the song without watching the video first. Should you choose to watch the video, you will be immediately transported back to the melodrama of a high school party and most likely recall some situation in which you thought the world turned around you and if you didn't get this one girl of your dreams, life would be over. It also ticks me off, just a little bit, that they've disabled the embed feature on youtube. Whatever. If you want to watch it, go HERE!

I'm a Doubting Thomas

My wife blogged about this song the other day, but I can't help but mention it myself! I first heard this song when cHOOSe performed it two years ago, but I had no idea that Nickel Creek wrote it, and that the original was soo incredible! I've been trying to get the guitar down ever since I got back from Germany and I think I finally have it, albeit a bit slower than the recording. Anyways, I've been playing Doubting Thomas by Nickel Creek, repeatedly, for 4 days. OK, maybe not 24 hours a day, but I wouldn't doubt if it is in my top-10 of all time on my iPOD now :)

I think I love the song so much because it addresses the conflict within my own heart. Trust. Which has a powerful neighbor known as Faith. Who kind of has a stick-in-the-mud neighbor who goes by OBEDIENCE. I want physical sustenance and security to ensure my plans won't be thwarted. Before I get a little risky, I want to know, and I mean KNOW, that there is some type of pre-nup or plan B that can serve as my emergency eject button to salvage some value. In science, we like to know the result and have the data before we even do the experiment (aka, grant writing). But I think we both know that when Abraham was walking up that mountain with Isaac, they were alone. Moses went to Pharoah with nothing but his bumbling-tongue. Such faith is easy to stare at and watch, maybe even stir our own hearts, but hard to shoulder.
The chorus is on FIRE. I took a promise, I get to be friends with my maker, and Christ saved me so that I can have as much or as little relationship with God as I want. Yet my actions show my desires to be south of heaven. I choose to play games with 'what-ifs' rather than give Him my heart and hands. The song goes on to ask for forgiveness for wasted timed mulling around. I hate to think I've wasted what little time God has granted me. All this being said, check out the song. The video is random, but the song is...

"I'm a doubting thomas,
I took a promise,
But I do not feel safe,
Oh me of little faith..."

I've missed you...

It's been a while, no?
From getting ready for the Ribosome Synthesis conference, to the beach, to the conference, I've been really busy over the last several weeks. But the fall semester has officially started and I'm here to stay (for at least a while). That means finding time to write here might be a easier, or at least not as hard!

So last week I had the privilege of attending the 8th conference of Ribosome Biosynthesis in Regensburg, Germany. Now some of you may thinking, SWEET...Germany, what the heck is a Ribosome? But I think most anyone would agree, a trip to Europe is a trip to Europe, who cares what it is for!? The plane ride was incredibly long but once we got over there, plenty of great food, science, and beer made it all worthwhile!

I haven't decided how much to blog about the trip, but I have to share a little. Regensburg is probably one of the coolest cities I've ever been to. For it's relatively modest size (150k), it has a butt-ton of history! The Romans founded it in like, 139, and it managed to survive WWII bombing raids (of which there weren't many due to Regensburg declining economy ever since the Reformation and founding of the Americas). I mean, the stone bridge in the heart of the city carried foot soldiers of the 2nd and 3rd Crusades over the Danube. I stood where Crusaders stood!! I posed in front of a wall that Roman soldiers leaned against while they consumed their rationed one liter of wine and cup of olive oil! How cool is that?! As I walked through the city and visit the buildings, I started to feel like everything was really antiquated and things are just falling apart. But they aren't- it is really cool how they've built around the history and preserved so much of it's history right into its present. It just hit me, my Dad would probably LOVE Regensburg. He is the kind who likes to read every (yes, EVERY) sign at a museum. Of course, these are in German- but I bet he would love it!



It is good to be back in the states though, I hate I had to miss a bunch of the kids at church going back to school and trying to make sure everyone was as happy as possible :) I also missed my wife after about an hour on the plane and then I really, REALLY missed being at work. Oh wait, NO I DIDN'T.


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Now playing: Nickel Creek - Doubting Thomas
via FoxyTunes

The Deception Trap

I love this video! This is probably my favorite out of all of them just because I could SOOO see myself doing some of this to joke around on a fun day outside (keeping in mind I would never cheat like that seriously)....in fact, I have taken very similar "practice swings." And I am definitely going to remember to pull out my 'hand wedge' next time I'm looking to crawl out of a steep bunker :) I have no idea why we (men) feel the need to be good at everything, but man do we try our darndest to make everyone think we are!

Golfisode - Episode 2: The Deception Trap from Granger Community on Vimeo.

Tomorrow's Weather Forecast

Are you ready?

Golf Lessons

I mentioned back in June that I've picked-up another 'sport.' I only put quotes around it because it is more a skill sport than anything else, and it doesn't require much physical effort. Although I like to think I am a quick learner and athletically, I can do anything....it's apparent that golf is NOT one of those sports you can just grab a club and just swing. For several months now I've considered going for some golf lessons at the club down the street, but I'm yet to go cough up the $80/hour that it costs to learn from a Pro. Maybe I should though....apparently there is a lot to learn from golf.

From the same guys who brought most of the videos I've posted here (GCC), over the next couple of days I am going to post their Golfisodes. I think they used these videos to open discussion/sermon on communication. This video opened discussion on timeliness and how proper timing can heavily impact the weight that your words carry. Just in the several months I've read Mark's blog (the Sr. Pastor of GCC) I've noticed he has scripture for just about anything and everything he posts, so this is just like another one of his seemingly random but surprisingly appropriate posts (aside from the fairly crude mention of younger women).

Golfisode - Episode 1: The Timing Trap from Granger Community on Vimeo.

Check back tomorrow for Golfisode 2 and the potential deceptions of communication in the golf game!



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Now playing: Hillsong - Glow
via FoxyTunes

Sunday School

During Sunday School yesterday, Courtney led a short discussion of the future and our plans versus God plans. It was really fun to hear the evolution of some of the girls' career ideas. I hope you can enjoy these excerpts from the conversation...it was certainly fun to listen in!


Taylor: I think I'd want to be a professional soccer player.
Elizabeth: Did that change between childhood and now?
Morgan: Yes, she WANTED to be a Power Ranger! (the pink one, just FYI)

Courtney: I don't want to be stuck in one place, I want a career that will allow me to travel a lot.
Taylor: If you're a soccer player, you get to travel a lot...
Katherine: Well, if you're a power ranger, you get to FLY!

Whoa

I should probably consider myself lucky. I've been married for over a year and I KNOW I'm hard to live with!


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Now playing: Hillsong - I Will Exalt You
via FoxyTunes

Am I an adult YET?

Don't you wonder that?

I know I do.

When does it really hit you?

So I'm 18 and I've graduated high school. The courts treat me as a legal adult, but I sure don't feel like one. Is this what being an adult feels like?

OK, now I've got a degree, graduated from the finest institution there was/is/and ever will be. I don't have to worry about life-guarding and cutting grass for the rest of my life- I can get a real job. SO, I've lived without my parents for 4 years, but did I really make those decisions?

I'm MARRIED. No, for real- I convinced a woman to spend the rest of her life with ME. I get to do that one thing that makes me a MAN. I've been holding out for my entire life, but now I'm free!

One thing I've never done, though, is rent a hotel room. Does that mean I can still be a grown-up and do big people things? I have never planned a vacation and called a resort/hotel and agreed to pay them money if they let me stay in their building of business. I'm sure it doesn't come as a surprise, that being a mature adult probably has nothing to do with age, but experience. I don't think all things work this way, but perhaps it isn't about focusing on the result, but more on the experience. The journey defines who you are while the destination is a mere consequence of the path tread upon.

What brought all this about you ask? I watched this video and decided that the first time I need a hotel room, I'm going to try it. In fact, I'm considering just taking a trip just to see how low I can go. I don't really know how most people 'stick it to the man,' but I think I can stick him pretty hard with this nifty technique...

The BEST band in the WORLD

Hillsong United. They are music to my ears, seriously. Just say Hillsong and I can't help but bust out into song...and hence the music to your ears. I don't think I'm the only with this opinion either.

I had no idea when their next album was coming out until yesterday, I found their advertisements on my blogging routine. NEXT WEDNESDAY they are releasing their new live album. Now some people might shy away from such shenanigans- live music, really? This would be the biggest mistake of your life! I've seen them live and that's how this whole love affair began....when they plain blew my socks off. It wasn't a concert, it was a worship-fest. I think it was probably the most powerful experience I've had in worship. I know worship isn't about me- EXACTLY! You might think I'm exaggerating with all the exclamation points and talking about how they have, in part, changed my life- so watch and see for yourself!

Apparently they are not only music geniuses, but advertising geniuses. It seems they've released several videos to stragetic people (who happen to blog) to post/advertise throughout the week and spread the word. At the end of each post, they suggest the blog for the next release on the next day.

It started here and here.
Today it moved here (and posted below).
I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds....which just might be the point of all of this....

Hillsong "Hold Me Now" from Ben Arment on Vimeo.

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Now playing: Desperation Band - Amazed
via FoxyTunes

Deathbed

Long song, but worth the entire thing!



Jesus is life, live in Him.

Life

"You see, death, it's unavoidable, but that's not the tragedy. The tragedy is that life can be avoidable too. And while you will not miss your appointment with death, you might actually miss your appointment with life- if you never stop and have this life-changing conversation with Jesus. Where you simply turn to him and say, "I believe and I know that YOU are the source of life, and I need you."

-Erwin

The big day

Tonight, I get to see a battle of epic proportions. For two months now I've been awaiting this day and it is FINALLY upon us! I've only been to two live MLS soccer matches, but tonight marks my indoctrination into European football. In just over an hour, I'm leaving for Baltimore to watch Chelsea topple the Italian greats, A.C. Milan. Last time I went to D.C. to watch Chelsea play D.C. United in what was an action-packed game. I even got to say, "what's up?" to Christian Gomez (we aren't really best buds, ie. he isn't actually telling me how awesome I am in this picture...). Chelsea even warmed-up right in front of us, which blew my mind. Am I really this close to John McFriggin Terry? Is that Didier Drogba?!? WHAT? Who? Frank Lampard?!
Our seats aren't as great this time, but it is going to be a FULL stadium and it is going to be bouncin'. I can't wait, I just hope the DC traffic doesn't get in my way, LOOK OUT!

Weddings....

Jordan and I are going to four weddings within 5 weeks this summer and we are right in the middle of it....That being said, we know how much work goes into such events (or at least Jordan does!). I know it is a lot of work, but the toughest part of it all is the decisions that have to be made. Why must be there so many options?! From food, to location, to friends/family....to music! This was a brilliant and fun idea! I'd venture to guess that this may be the only time that that song has been used as a processional, and a lot of churches might not even allow it....but very fun!


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Now playing: LifeChurch.tv: Craig Groeschel - Elijah - Week 2
via FoxyTunes

COOKIES

Scott: "Tyler, what's your favorite type of cookie?"
Tyler: "This one!" (as he held up whatever cookie he happened to be eating...)

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Now playing: Brooke Fraser - Shadowfeet
via FoxyTunes

Forevers

Today Jordan and I head into Baltimore to celebrate Jared and Lissa's union as husband and wife. I haven't known either of them for very long, but that doesn't matter all that much to me. The simple fact that two people want to pledge their lives in love to each other, and commit their whole hearts to loving one another everyday, all day, is INCREDIBLE. Given we're all human, that's not an easy task, and I think we all know that, but they still want to take that walk together. It's going to be a beautiful occasion and I can't wait....it also excites me even more for DJ & Julia, Mary Va & Galil, and Jessica & Mark!!!

Last weekend I got to play a round of golf at Birdwood with Jared and his dad, Scott. There were three of us so we picked-up an extra to play along with us. Long story short, Wade mentioned marriage as simply a 'fine institution.' Whereas that isn't necessarily inaccurate, it might be the largest understatement since trying to describe God in a sentence, much less a book ("Isn't it a comfort to worship a God we cannot exaggerate?"- Chan). I didn't get married because I just thought it was the next step according to every other Jo on the street. My marriage is much more than "a well-established and structured pattern of behavior or of relationships that is accepted as a fundamental part of a culture," but a promise, a love (sometimes labor of love), a joy, and a hope. I love going to weddings with Jordan, MY bride.


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Now playing: Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
via FoxyTunes

A Tattoo?

Tattoos are a fairly controversial topic. There are references to tattoos in the Bible (Lev. 19:28) and just about everyone has their opinion on what it actually means. I, personally, believe that God judges the heart above anything else. He cares more about the motivations that drive your daily decisions than the actual results of the path chosen. I got my first tattoo about a year and a half ago and I haven't regretted it. A lot of thought (and prayer) went into what to get and where to get it. In fact, the whole process challenged me to consider more than just moral law, but also various theologies of salvation.

Either way, there are definitely some wackos out there that take things waaaaaay too far. These tattoos that I randomly stumbled upon on-line are kind of cool though. I've always liked blacklights (yes, I was the kid in high school who had a blacklight in his room along with reactive posters- just because I thought they were 'cool'), so naturally I thought this new ink was pretty sweet too. You can only slightly see them (due to the scars) under the sun and white light, but they fluoresce under blacklights! Perhaps this is the perfect option for people looking for a quick thrill or a drunken mistake....



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Now playing: Regina Spektor - Wallet
via FoxyTunes

HP6

WOW,
I'm a zombie sitting here, but soo enthused. Jordan and I went to the sixth Harry Potter movie last night and it was AWESOME! It's been almost all I can think about for the past 12 hours. I didn't get enough sleep to dream so I woke just like I went to bed, with the Half-blood Prince on my mind. We got there at 9pm for the midnight showing and our group was FIFTH in line where we played lovable games like Trivial Pursuit, BuzzWord, and Mad Gabs. We even had a live performance of several Harry and the Potters' songs (to which Julie couldn't help but sing her little heart out). The enthusiasm made the movie experience tangible and although Yates wasn't as loyal to the book as I'd have liked, they did a great job making this fairly dark book into a PG movie. It was a pretty funny movie actually. If you haven't seen it yet, go TONIGHT- you won't regret it. If you haven't read the book, read all night and go see it tomorrow... If me telling you to go see it doesn't get you out of your seat, watch this trailer and you will kick yourself out of your seat to go see it!




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Now playing: Newsboys - In the Hands of God
via FoxyTunes

Of the DEVIL

Need more proof cats are from the Great Deceiver and absolutely no good exists in them? Read here. I haven't actually read the details of the study, so I read this news article with a grain of salt. Evolution is supposed to take millions of years, right? That's not to mention the havoc that human domestication and breeding would've caused in a natural process like 'evolution.' That being said, I can't help but agree with their overall conclusion. Since getting my first dog, I've said cats are evil. You never know what they're thinking or what they're going to do next. Half the time you don't even know where they are. Now there is 'proof' they are down-right manipulative, always giving you sass to twist your arm to their beck and call. And please, the fifty human participants must have been older ladies kidnapped outside the SPCA, like the CCL. If I had been involved, I might have identified the 'special purr' as I cry for help, and then politely put it out of its misery- how's THAT for natural selection!? :)


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Now playing: Secondhand Serenade - Pretend
via FoxyTunes

Hmmm

"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us... Worship is pure or base as the worshiper entertains high or low thoughts of God. For this reason the gravest question before the Church is always God Himself, and the most portentous fact about any man is not what he at a given time may say or do, but what he in his deep heart conceives God to be like."

"Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."


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Now playing: Fellowship Church - New Creation
via FoxyTunes

Experiment #1

I'm going to try to tell you a story. A story that is much funnier than I will ever begin to communicate, but of which I must try to tell. Before our recent move, Jordan and I decided to discontinue our cable service. We came to such a decision after long deliberation (in front of the TV) and lots of curiosity. What will I do in the evenings? Is it even possible to own a TV if it isn't directly attached to ESPN HQ? Either way, we concluded that upon entry into our new apartment, we would NOT continue our Comcast service, even at a discounted price. Lets give it a month and see where we stand, can we survive? I mean, it's not like we watch more than maybe 4-5 hours of TV a week, and I know I'm the only one that really watches it.

According to the local Comcast tele-operator, we won't live to tell the story. I swear, I talked to Bernie Mac on the other end and taught me a life lesson, of which only time can tell the truth. When I first talked to him, he copped an attitude when the social security numbers didn't match- although they were wrong previously, and naturally, they never fixed it when we told them it was wrong last time. Either way, he seemed in a much better mood when he asked how he could help. When I told him that I wanted to cancel my cable service, he asked the mandatory, "Was anything wrong?" I proceeded to explain my situation and told him, per request, we'd been married for just over a year. He laughed.

He laughed, and laughed, and laughed, and laughed, and laughed.

For an entire minute on the phone, he laughed in my face- one of those laughs that starts out high and in the back of your throat and proceeds to reach down into your gut where it forces out full-body convulsions. Yes, he laughed just like that, I was beginning to feel a bit insulted. He then willingly offered that 20+ years of experience taught him the "give 'em an inch and they'll take a mile philosophy," and once she realizes it is a good thing- say goodbye forever. I tried to explain to him that we are trying an experiment, and when football begins next month, we'd pick it back up. Nope, this applies to all realms of life, and he painted a picture for me: soon enough I'll be driving a mini-van, changing all the diapers, and letting her dress me. Mini-van, check- what next? His best advice in such dire situations was to respond with mono-syllablic answers and when possible, grunt or groan.

As we began to discuss the specifics of cancelling the policy, I wanted to quickly establish whether we pay for the cable before or after the service, and whether or not returning the cable box would affect being charged another month. He responded, "OH, you'll pay for it alright, don't worry about that, you'll pay for it- MUAHAHAHAHA."

I couldn't help but begin to nervously laugh with him and wonder, what am I getting myself into?


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Now playing: Kristian Stanfill - You Will Always Be
via FoxyTunes

The small things in life

It is often the big things in life that draw our attention. More often than not, it's the life-changing events that define who we are not only to ourselves, but to each other. Others often notice our impressive accomplishments and numerous accolades before anything else. I think you'd agree, however, that the little things in life subtly establish the larger things. Our habits, propensities, decisions, and customs slowly shape our persona and affect the person we are becoming.

All that being said, our move was yesterday. Jordan and I down-sized from a two bedroom, two level apartment to a one bedroom apartment. And all I have to say is, "WOW, when did we accumulate so much crap?!" And man, I didn't realize I'm such a girl... I have A LOT of clothes- more than Jordan! :( To my credit, every single article of clothing I own is bigger than hers though, so although it looks like I have more clothes, I do wonder how much the size biases the apparent volume. And hey, at least she still has more shoes than I do, nor do I get regular 'pedis' (which, apparently, some dudes are into *cough cough*). None-the-less, the move wasn't all that bad considering we only moved across the hall. With the help of two courageous Jubos, it was a fairly smooth transition that lasted less than 24 hours, and there weren't any major issues (like last year, when our boxspring couldn't fit up the stairwell even after hammering the wall in).

The worst part was getting the kitchen table into the kitchen. We had it on its side and down three quarters of the hallway when we reached the molding around the bathroom door. It isn't some big ostentatious piece of art, it's fairly simple. But apparently that half-a-centimeter was just too much.... After rotating the table and turning the table on both sides, we decided that a hammer wouldn't fix this job either, and so we shimmied back down the hall where I could remove the table top from the legs and easily re-assemble it in the kitchen. All-in-all, I'm happy with the new place. It has promise and I think will make quite a home- once the internet and A/C start working :) I guess I shouldn't worry about those little things all that much...?


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Now playing: David Crowder Band - Remedy
via FoxyTunes

The day is upon us....

We're MOVING!

Is there a line?

Before I met Jordan my budgeting skills simply consisted of checking my online bank account to make sure the correct amount was deducted. Since we've been married (and even while we dated- yeah she wasn't a cheap date, but that was because I wanted to take her to all the nice places :), WOW. We have a record of everything we've purchased in an excel sheet. I went from apathetic to compulsive and now I can clearly see Jordan's effect on me as I get upset if I can't make all the numbers balance at the end of the month. I once heard that to know where someone's priorities lie, just look at their checkbook. It has been really fun to watch where our money goes, see who spends more on what, and consider where we should be spending more.

Of course, tithing is important. Virtually since the beginning of time, Christians have been tithing 10% to God through the local church. So, Jordan and I have always had that as a top priority. We both feel like generosity is an important part of the Christian life and that it truly is a blessing for us to be able to share what God has gifted us.

**Insert Brian Regan clip** Long story short, or one thing led to another... we've heard it is smart to start saving for retirement early. I read through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace a couple years back where he outlined two investments, one followed someone who saved from 25-45 and another who saved from 35-retirement(65) and the second investment never caught-up with the first (I might be off with the time scale, but you get the idea). So now that we are debt-free and saving money, we've decided to start a small retirement fund. I don't know if it was just the grind of life and unexpected expenses, or the retirement talk, but about two weeks ago, I got selfish. Or at least I think that's what it was. I began asking myself, where is the line? Have you ever asked that question? I feel like it isn't that uncommon. There are definitely situations where that is a valid question, but more often than not- I use it to get out of something. It's a lukewarm excuse that gives you just enough support to make a decision that you couldn't (or shouldn't) come to otherwise. Looking at our budget, there seemed to be an awful lot of money going to support churches and various other missions, but what is absolutely necessary? How much money do I have to give (outside of tithing) to be 'generous'?

Then this week, God decided enough of these shenanigans. Out of nowhere and entirely unexpected, He supplied extra. Not just a little extra, but a surplus. I know the definition of a lot of money differs, but if the Fed doesn't make a single bill in that amount (that I know of), it is a lot of money to me. It may be silly, but right in the midst of me worrying about how much to give, I felt like God sent me a reminder not to begin storing up treasure. Perhaps His way of saying, "Ya know, Joseph, why are you so caught up about how much money is in the one category that directly glorifies me and not yourself? Ya see, I can give you as much (or as little) as I want!" It might've even been a challenge to give more. I haven't quite discerned what it all means, but I thank God for getting to me before I developed a habit of half-hearted giving/sacrifice. I do think generosity is a heart matter more than material means and that God loves a joyful giver.

And on a completely separate note, since youtube didn't have the Brian Regan clip I wanted, this is another one of his bits that Jordan and I LOVE quoting to each other. His delivery is spot-on and we love it! Perhaps this is what Jordan was thinking when I started questioning our budget after sticking to it for a year!!






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Now playing: Shane Barnard & Shane Everett - There Is Nothing Like You
via FoxyTunes

Me. Competitive? NAH!

For as long as I can remember I've been described as a 'competitive' person. Sometimes, I enjoy being described with that adjective, but over the last couple of years it's grown to really bother me when someone uses that word in reference to me- especially when they don't even know me or I'm not behaving in such a manner.

Last weekend I took time to explain to my sister (-in-law, shout out to the one and only, Jac Attack) that there is a difference between being competitive and enjoying competition. Some people are just plain competitive. This type of person loves to assert authority over others while not necessarily enjoying the activity involved. It probably stems from some type of insecurity or chip-on-the-shoulder. I have to admit, every once in a while, like once in a blue moon, I will let this guy in me outside to play. However, it is usually when someone is talking trash out the side of their head and their BS is starting to fowl up my breathing air. I love bringing people back down to Earth (or at least trying to). OK, so shoot me.

Others simply participate in an event and while the outcome doesn't matter to them, they can relish in the sweaty play-by-play action. Not knowing who is going to triumph over the other ignites the spirit and encourages hard play and determination. No one really cares about winning the match- it isn't the final resting point that they care about, it is the journey. I love a hard fought battle on the soccer field that puts me to sleep at night.

I don't think Jaclyn, her mom, or her great uncle really bought it necessarily. I mean, maybe there would've been a better time to have a discussion (perhaps outside of an intense ping-pong match....) but still!!



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Now playing: Eliso Bolkvadze - Piano Sonata in C-Sharp Minor "Moonlight", Op. 27/2: III. Presto
via FoxyTunes

What are you listening to?

Last week I plugged my iPod into my computer to let it charge and upload several song and sermons but instead of just going to the song I was craving at that moment.... I took a detour and decided to explore a little bit. I was a bit surprised by my top 10 songs. I was definitely shocked to see that I hadn't even heard the #1 listened to song in the last six months. I would highly recommend any of these songs if you haven't heard them!

	Title	Artist	Played
1	How Great is Our God	Chris Tomlin	97
2	In Your Freedom	Hillsong	93
3	Divine Romance	Phil Wickham	87
4	Don't Wait	Dashboard Confessional	78
5	Samson	Regina Spektor	78
6	Blessed Be Your Name	Tree63	74
7	The Call	Regina Spektor	68
8	All Creatures of Our God and King	David Crowder Band	65
9	Romeo And Juliet	Brown Derbies	63
10	Beulah Land	Hope's Call	62

Just for clarification, Romeo and Juliet made the top ten list because Jordan has listened to that song non-stop for the past month. She single-handedly listened to that song for probably 75% of the plays. Anyways, you should check out some of these songs! Also, this version is the Dire Straits version, not the Brown Derbies' a capella version... What is the numero uno song on your iPod?


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Now playing: Matthew West - Next Thing You Know
via FoxyTunes

Crazy Cat Lady

I've always heard about crazy cat ladies (henceforth referred to as CCL) but I'd never met one.... until today. I understood the term 'cat lady,' that is pretty straight forward, but I always wondered why crazy was thrown into the mix. I mean really....crazy? psycho? insane?
At the beginning of the week a post-doc in the lab began fostering a kitten for the SPCA for a two week period. She started her story by telling me that she doesn't want to name the cute little button in order to prevent becoming attached. **right** What transpired between then and now is truly miraculous. It's a testament to how easily we humans can be broken.
This animal runs her life. It all began a couple of days ago when the poor little kitten got sick (and with animals, there are only two kinds of sick- front or back) which sparked a whole sequence of events that can best be summarized in what I just heard while we were all gathered eating pizza. I was in a groove, working on my ninth slice of free pizza, listening to CCL tell us how happy she was that Sasha was feeling so much better, and she dropped, "and then I stimulated her by massaging her anus." She simply stated this matter-of-factly after describing how she stimulated her stomach with a cotton swab. And then she went on explain that naturally, NATURALLY, as in the natural world, animals use tongues to do such things (you know, like dogs and mice do- of course). As if somehow because she didn't use her tongue I should understand. Call me crazy, but I think that is the type of thing you leave to veterinary professionals. I mean, yeah, we work in a lab, but come on! We are a yeast lab for a reason. I'm also trying to eat!
My friends, that is the definition of a crazy cat lady.
BUT, I will have to admit, she is a very cute kitten...

The whole scenario reminded me of the Matthew Broderick/Meg Ryan movie Addicted to Love. In one scene they are sitting at in a diner plotting how best to ruin the lives of their exes, whilest falling in love, and Maggie (Meg Ryan) shares this story about the nature of love- and in a rather dramatic fashion.

"When I was a kid, my father had this dog that started to get all weak and sickly. He takes it to the vet, he examines it and says a maggot must have laid eggs in the dog's butt. The baby maggots have crawled up, now they've started to grow, and eventually they're gonna eat the dog alive from the inside. He says it should be put to sleep, because it's an old dog anyway. But father won't do it. He takes the dog home, he puts it on the bed, he reaches up into the dog, picking out the maggots with his finger, one by one. It takes him all night, but he gets every last one. That dog outlived my father. That's love, Sam."


**CCL wanted me to clafiry that in no way did she use her hand or tongue, but she dipped a cotton swab into warm water and gently massaged Sasha's anal sphincter.
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Now playing: Dario Marianelli - Elegy for Dunkirk
via FoxyTunes

NoVA?

Jordan and I are heading up to NoVA this weekend. Our planned trip reminded me of a moment I had in scripture a couple weeks ago. In a land filled with cookie-cutter houses on lots only slight larger than the edifice + 2.5 cars, it kind of seems like the North is invading the South once again. I wonder what the draw is to such a place- for surely there is more beauty in God's creation than anything man can throw together. Ya know? I'd take a nice piece of country land over anything in the city.... None-the-less, this trip is about the people, not the places...it'll be fun (as long as there's a driving range or a golf course involved).

Isaiah 5:8
"Woe to you who add house to house
and join field to field
till no space is left
and you live alone in the land."



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Now playing: LifeChurch.tv: Craig Groeschel - OnePrayer - Francis Chan
via FoxyTunes

Just how I remembered it...

Since Regina came out with a new album yesterday, I've been reminiscing quite a bit. You know how they say smell triggers memories and somehow a scent can link you to a distant memory. Well, music works the same way for me. Certain songs, unfortunately, take me straight back to high school- or even worse, middle school. Other songs remind me of awesome concerts I've been to.

But back to Regina. I first heard her best song two days before my wedding. During the credits of Prince Caspian, The Call comes on and just melts your heart away (or it did mine). I liked it so much I even considered making it our first dance at the reception after the wedding in two days. With such a sweet melody and spiritually-loaded lyrics, I couldn't help but buy it the moment I got home and every time I listen to it I immediately sync to May 22-May 25, 2008 and bask in the excitement of the rehearsal dinner and wedding. It's also easier to enjoy that time without suffering the food poisoning that I did during that same time :)



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Now playing: Starfield - Son of God
via FoxyTunes

God: What now?

I take so much for granted. And as defensive as I get and try as I might to pretend that I am entirely appreciative, I don't think I really grasp that I really am just a few bad decisions or serious scenarios away from my worst nightmare. So, I like being reminded how just how lucky and blessed I am. Regina always surprises with her playful style yet hauntingly real lyrics. It helps being reminded from unexpected places, it's like a whisper in an empty room. I hope you enjoy her new album! She is so different, but I love it...





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Now playing: Regina Spektor - Laughing With
via FoxyTunes

Maybe it isn't an old man's game

Last Friday was another first for me. Our department organized the 9th Annual CMB golf tournament and covered the greens fees for all graduate students and post-d0cs. Now usually I'd express more interest in politics or topology than golf, but with the minimal cost (only had to pay for a golf cart) and an excuse to have an extended weekend, I just couldn't pass it up!

Since signing our team up, the Smith Lab members (Julie, Greg, and I) planned to try our hands at the driving range several times before the tournament. Unfortunately, with the hurricane rain over the last two weeks, it never happened- leaving 3 out of 4 members of our team to play the tournament without any golf experience. I think we must've played fairly well, given country club employees harassed us only THREE times to notify us that we were an entire hole behind the team ahead of us and we were clogging up their course. Apparently the team format and playing the best hit ball doesn't help the speed of play if no one on the team actually knows how to play. It certainly didn't help that I sweat more than I did during the 10 miler back in April. Now that I think about it too, it probably wasn't smart to look like we knew what we were doing (and not) nor to start taking pictures of each other teeing off of the first hole, right in front of the clubhouse. I think we raised red flags on ourselves early.

All in all, it was a well-spent 6 hours for my first 18 holes ever. I don't think I found the sweet spot, nor did I hit a hole-in-one, but it is definitely my new hobby. Oh, and Play It Again Sports made my day yesterday. If you need sports equipment but don't want to pay full price for them, they can't be beat!


**Pic courtesy of Julie McClure, team captain and winner of most fashionably dressed (according to herself)



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Now playing: The All-American Rejects - Gives You Hell
via FoxyTunes

One thing I learned this weekend

What does being married really mean...?

-not having to close the bathroom door, ever. After being married for more than a year and living in our current apartment for almost that entire year, I just realized that our bathroom door knob has a lock on it. Neither Jordan nor I ever noticed that before. Personally, I think it is because we never actually grab the door knob to shut it.



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Now playing: Everyday Sunday - Best Night of Our Lives
via FoxyTunes

Meet THE Parents

"What kind of a family doesn't have time to sit down for dinner?"

"Fugitives"

Time Alone

With Jordan in Tallahassee, I just don't know what to do with myself! It's like someone has robbed me of the one thing I couldn't do without. Just come and sucked the life-force out of me. When I get home after a long day's work and need some encouragement (and nourishment)- she's not there to greet me with that gorgeous smile or delicious dinner. It's gut check time, I don't think I ever took her royal treatment for granted- but I definitely don't now because I've eaten through the leftovers and it's Kraft Mac & Cheese for me tonight.

Nor is she here to come watch me compete in all the sports I'm now playing during the evening. With soccer on Wednesdays, frisbee on Thursdays, and softball on Fridays (and golf this week), who is going to be my cheering squad? I mean, am I going to have to focus during the games now that I don't have a beautiful distraction on the sidelines? I hope a certain level of performance isn't expected of me....

The worst part of it all, when I climb into bed tonight, I don't think I'm going to know what to do. So much space for just little ole me... lying there cold and alone, just staring off into the cold empty apartment. Do I need five pillows? Well, yes...they make a better blanket than a real blanket, but now that I can actually use them I don't know what to do them. I wonder if she misses me more than I miss her. Nah, she can't.

The only upside, the only thing I might be able to appreciate with Jordan being away is that I can multi-task finally! Tonight, when I get home after frisbee, I can watch TV AND play guitar. If I want to read a book with something on in the background (be it movie or music), I CAN! None of this is ever crucial or important, but I don't have to be as courteous as when Jordan remains home.

Honeymoon pix always pull me out of a funk!


Man, that was FUN!


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Now playing: Erwin McManus - Is There a Hell?
via FoxyTunes

Jesus is MY Friend

I don't know if you know this, but iTunes selects several songs to give away for FREE every week. Sometimes they are good, and sometimes they make me want to rip my ears off. My habit is to check the free stuff, and then see what's new in the Christian/Gospel section. That's when I found Sonseed. They are incredible, I hate that I didn't live while they were around (or are they still?). Only when I found their video on iTunes did I realize that someone else had posted a video of this group a while back, and it blew my mind so bad- I forgot about it! Anyways, enjoy it- my goodness, have things changed....





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Now playing: Hillsong United - More Than Anything
via FoxyTunes

A tribute to THREE special ladies

This last Sunday (two days ago), UBC celebrated- and for good reason! Three young women walked down the aisle to meet Pastor Leland and proclaim their faith in Jesus Christ. Caroline, Morgan, and Mattie (respectively above) decided that this life isn't all it's cracked-up to be and it isn't their own, but that Jesus is the real deal and is even more than he is cracked-up to be. No ifs, ands, or buts. He saved me from myself and I want to be his child- kind of love. I'm still soo excited for them and I can't wait to watch them continue to grow in trust and love in/for the Lord. I praise God for drawing them ever closer to His heart. Goodness!!!


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Now playing: Michael Olson - Our First Love
via FoxyTunes

Not what I thought

I felt convicted about something very specific last week. On the sixth floor of Jordan Hall whilest sitting on the pot not doing much of anything, it hit me.

For a while now, myself and several other people I know have utilized 'sunday school' in a negative way. You know, like, "don't give me that Sunday School answer, Carol," or "Give me a real answer, not the sunday school answer," and I don't think it is at all appropriate. One, it doesn't make sense one bit. Two, it perpetuates this idea that Sunday School doesn't offer truth/reality. And Three, it communicates the notion that there are facets of the Christian life or lifestyle that aren't worth retaining. I don't think I'm going to use 'sunday school' like that anymore (well, at least I'm going to fight it).

It all originated as I was thinking about blogging and how I got caught up reading blogs and following people that I thought were 'cool' or 'hip.' I've always shared blogs with people around me, but it got to the point where I only told people about the 'good stuff.' Carlos would write something sweet and inspire me and then I'd naturally want to share it with others. Looking back, it was a logical progression, if something moved me, I'd appreciate it and maybe share it- but if it didn't, I'd just let it slide in one ear and force it out the other. Yes, I know I'm weird. Yes, that is incredibly silly, but it brought all the walls down for me...



Example One: I've always told Jordan that Michael W. Smith was soooo Sunday Schooly that I couldn't stand to listen to his music. And of course, she'd respond with something like, "what does sunday schooly sound like exactly?" Oh, that wily minx (Friends reference). I wanted something not so 90s. I wanted the new millenium, ya know? Give me some Crowder or Hillsong. I was so intent on making the Gospel cool that I was rejecting it. WHAT THE HECK? Who am I to determine what works, what doesn't? What sells and what doesn't? What changes lives and what doesn't? I was making it all about me, me, me and not Him, Him, Him.

Example Two: Example one has a profound impact on my life. Worship music moves me to places I don't know. Music is one of the more effective ways I think I encouter God. It is definitely how I worship (and hope God enjoys)! That being said, music shapes the worship experience for me. So as you might imagine, 'sunday school' thoughts fairly frequently cross my mind during and about CHURCH. I think (or know) the devil gets the best of me quite frequently. Do we have to be told what to say? This hymn, AGAIN? Why shouldn't I invited someone to church just because I don't think they'll want to come or I don't think they will like the music. Just because the Holy Spirit doesn't speak to me with a certain type of music or place does not mean I shouldn't invite others to meet Him there. Should I make it harder for others to commune with their creator? Or even ignore God's voice to invite someone?

I hope Christ continues to show me my place. I think I can say I put myself higher than I should more often than not but I'm learning. I wish I wasn't as slow as I am, but I'm getting there....

Just havin' some fun!

All-star games are pointless. No one wants to play hard and risk an injury, so people show boat. It doesn't matter what sport it is, the all-star games winds up being an excuse to make just a little more money. You know, just squeeze a little more entertainment out of the Pros you've been watching for months already.

I don't know any professional athletes, but I love getting a glimpse into their personalities. Sometimes watching sports on TV, and hearing stats associated only with a number on a particular jersey, we lose sight that athletes are real people (that have a sense humor too). I don't know what brought me to this video last week, but I ended-up watching it and loved it. Man, those big guys can dance. They not only dance, but put on a show!

Eternal thirst

Even a week removed, I still can't help but re-think various moments from last weekends D-Now. Jordan has already mentioned some amazing moments she had as one of the middle school girls chaperones, but I thought I'd get in on it too. It was all over the place.

Sunday morning was completely different than the rest of the weekend. It wasn't a bad thing, but it was different. Instead Darryl or Drew preaching, it was the grown-up pastor. Instead of one of the guys I've known for years, it was a pastor I hardly knew. In the midst of a sermon about the state of a church that I'm not a part of, Pastor John said something that God wanted me to hear.

Maybe everyone else in the church world knew about Mother Theresa's conversion experience, but I didn't. This portion of his homily jumped out to be because of this here blog. Mother Theresa's conversion happened when God spoke to her and revealed His thirst for her life. Her lifestyle and spirituality revolved around this "I thirst" concept and it is now inscribed on every chapel cross of the Missionaries of Charity. Because she said it better than I can, and maybe even better than I understand, here's a glimpse of how God called her and is probably calling our names as well.

I Thirst for You
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock …” (Rev. 3:20)

It is true. I stand at the door of your heart, day and night. Even when you are not listening, even when you doubt it could be Me, I am there. I await even the smallest sign of your response, even the least whispered invitation that will allow Me to enter.

And I want you to know that whenever you invite Me, I do come - always, without fail. Silent and unseen I come, but with infinite power and love, and bringing the many gifts of My Spirit. I come with My mercy, with My desire to forgive and heal you, and with a love for you beyond your comprehension - a love every bit as great as the love I have received from the Father ("As much as the Father has loved me, I have loved you..” [Jn. 15:10]). I come - longing to console you and give you strength, to lift you up and bind all your wounds. I bring you My light, to dispel your darkness and all your doubts. I come with My power, that I might carry you and all of your burdens; with My grace, to touch your heart and transform your life: and My peace I give to still your soul.

I know you through and through - I know everything about you. The very hairs of your head I have numbered. Nothing in your life is unimportant to Me. I have followed you through the years, and l have always loved you - even in your wanderings. I know every one of your problems. I know your needs and your worries. And yes, I know all your sins. But I tell you again that I love you - not for what you have or haven't done - I love you for you, for the beauty and dignity My Father gave you by creating you in His own image. It is a dignity you have often forgotten, a beauty you have tarnished by sin. But I love you as you are, and I have shed My Blood to win you back. If you only ask Me with faith, My grace will touch all that needs changing in your life; and I will give you the strength to free yourself from sin and all its destructive power.

I know what is in your heart - I know your loneliness and all your hurts - the rejections, the judgments, the humiliations. I carried it all before you. And I carried it all for you, so you might share My strength and victory. I know especially your need for love - how you are thirsting to be loved and cherished. But how often have you thirsted in vain, by seeking that love selfishly, striving to fill the emptiness inside you with passing pleasure - with the even greater emptiness of sin. Do you thirst for love? “Come to Me all you who thirst. . .” (Jn. 7:37). I will satisfy you and fill you. Do you thirst to be cherished? I cherish you more than you can imagine - to the point of dying on a cross for you.

I thirst for you. Yes, that is the only way to even begin to describe My love for you: I THIRST FOR YOU. I thirst to love you and to be loved by you - that is how precious you are to Me. I THIRST FOR YOU. Come to Me, and I will fill your heart and heal your wounds. I will make you a new creation, and give you peace, even in all your trials. I THIRST FOR YOU. You must never doubt My mercy, My acceptance of you, My desire to forgive, My longing to bless you and live My life in you. I THIRST FOR YOU. If you feel unimportant in the eyes of the world, that matters not at all. For Me, there is no one any more important in the entire world than you. I THIRST FOR YOU. Open tome, come to Me, thirst for Me, give Me your life - and I will prove to you how important you are to My Heart.

Don't you realize that My Father already has a perfect plan to transform your life, beginning from this moment? Trust in Me. Ask Me every day to enter and take charge of your life - and I will. I promise you before My Father in heaven that I will work miracles in your life. Why would I do this? Because I THIRST FOR YOU. All I ask is that you entrust yourself to Me completely. I will do all the rest.

Even now I behold the place My Father has prepared for you in My Kingdom. Remember that you are a pilgrim in this life, on a journey home. Sin can never satisfy you, or bring the peace you seek. All that you have sought outside of Me has only left you more empty, so do not cling to the things of this life. Above all, do not run from Me when you fall. Come to Me without delay. When you give Me your sins, you give Me the joy of being your Saviour. There is nothing I cannot forgive and heal: so come now, and unburden your soul.

No matter how far you may wander, no matter how often you forget Me, no matter how many crosses you may bear in this life; there is one thing I want you to always remember, one thing that will never change: I THIRST FOR YOU -just as you are. You don't need to change to believe in My love, for it will be your belief in My love that will change you. You forget Me, and yet I am seeking you every moment of the day - standing at the door of your heart, and knocking. Do you find this hard to believe? Then look at the cross, look at My Heart that was pierced for you. Have you not understood My cross? Then listen again to the words I spoke there - for they tell you clearly why I endured all this for you: “I THIRST...” (Jn. 19:28).Yes, I thirst for you- as the rest of the psalm-verse I was praying says of Me: “I looked for love, and I found none...” (Ps. 69:20). All your life I have been looking for your love - I have never stopped seeking to love you and be loved by you. You have tried many other things in your search for happiness; why not try opening your heart to Me, right now, more than you ever have before.

Whenever you do open the door of your heart, whenever you come close enough, you will hear Me say to you again and again, not in mere human words but in spirit: “No matter what you have done, I love you for your own sake. Come to Me with your misery and your sins, with your troubles and needs, and with all your longing to be loved. I stand at the door of your heart and knock ... Open to-Me, for I THIRST FOR YOU…”
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“Jesus is God, therefore His love, His Thirst, is infinite.
He the Creator of the universe, asked for the love of His creatures.
He thirsts for our love…
These words: “I thirst” - do they echo in our souls?”
- MOTHER TERESA -