I don't know why, but it seems like I have never ending "adventures" (yes, let's call them "adventures", cause if not, I would be calling them "trips on the highway to insanity." Although, come to think of it, I am not waking up at 6:00am ready for another day of being a proctologist. Let's get serious, what causes some of the most intelligent people we have going to choose that specialty. Are they paid a handsome bonus in Med School? If you become a Procto Docto we'll kick in podiatry for free. Foot and bum, could you imagine that? Mind you, being a urologist might be worse. I could not do that. Just couldn't. I believe I would cry myself to sleep... why, why didn't I become a pediatrician???? I digress.)
After all that, believe it or not, I am not going to be telling the story from this past weekend about West Edmonton Mall, the wedding I performed, the hotel I passed called "Tell-a-Frend," nor the tale of Caedyn (another one I know.. but I'm not a proctologist - said with a high cheery voice...) being awake from midnight until 4:30am for no reason and with no apparent side effects the next day. Unreal)
The other day Caedyn is having a play day with one of her best friends Ava. We are on the way back from picking Ava up to bring her over to our place. Caedyn requests to watch Cloudy with a chance of meatballs... and this is the conversation which ensued:
Caedyn: "Watch this Ava, this is where the ice cream cones come out of the sky!"
Ava: "I love ice cream cones!"
Caedyn: "I am going to jump into the movie and eat them Ava"
Ava: "Me to! But we better not eat all of them or we'll get a tummy ache."
I love it. "Better not eat all of them or we'll get a tummy ache." Priceless.
Childlike wonder mixed with great advice... The worlds of reality and fantasy fused together seemlessly.
Got me to thinking about that fusion. How often I get caught up doing what an adult is supposed to do. I can get so wrapped up in being responsible and efficient that I forget to dream, forget to create, forget to enjoy the moment. Spontaneity becomes a bother rather than a thrill. You start to look for God only in what you can see or control rather than in the unexpected.
When is last time you allowed childlike wonder to jump into your day?
Here is where the beauty of Ava's analysis of fantasy world living arrives. Stay too long in a dream world, ignore the realities that are hard to face (or that ones you don't want to face), and you'll usually end up getting a tummy ache.
I don't know about you, but it's sunny outside and I am thinking it's a good time for a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone (or 2 but only 2 or I get really bad gas.. was that too much information?)
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
VHF - Casual Friday
I saw this Career Builder commercial during the Superbowl and laughed audibly. Might be a fun trend to start at your work place. This is lovely proof for all you fella's who go around thinking... "Boxers, whatever, I am so the bomb wearing tighty whities." Nope, Jr High was the last time you should have dawned a pair of those puppies. Happy Casual Friday.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Night Time Terrors
This morning did not start off on the right foot. I have no clue what that means but apparently that's what people say. I am a right foot forward kind of guy (because everyone is wanting to know...) After the kidlets got out of school yesterday, we packed the van of love and hit the highway. Well, that is not completely true, we followed Willy & Margeet who were traveling at about a snails pace, down the only hill leaving our lovely community. This only took approx. 16 hours, at which Willy decided to turn off (without using his blessed signal) and not quite leaving enough room for anyone to slid around him as he waited to turn (with no attempt to move his hand toward the signal light indicator at all). Nothing. Yes, I do know I said that twice... Back off (told you I was a little cranky).
We arrived in cow town (giggle - that is a really funny way to say Calgary) after about 7 hours of travel including stops (had to make up a little time after Willy & Margeet's pleasure cruise). Now it was late (midnightish) and being efficient parental units, we had already made the change into PJ's mid travel - getting my feet into those built in slipper pants was tough but accomplished while only mooning 3 people. Actually, it was only 2 people but I threw an extra one out there for W & M's midafternoon drive-a-thon. So we shipped the kiddies off to bed, chatted it up with my bro-in-law and hit the sack.
I have mentioned previously that my youngest, Caedyn, cares less about sleeping and adores yelling at night. Attempting to usurp that nightly adventure, Carla and I agreed, that she will sleep beside me in bed and Carla will take her sleeping arrangement. Fine until about 4am (that's 3 am my time - building the story here people) when I get a left hoof into the solarplexes. I was able to recover, shove Caedyn back over to her pillow and close my lids. 5am I wake up sweating like a horse, only to realize that there is probably a pretty good chance it is due to the fact that my daughter has so tightly arranged herself next to me that she mind as well be an appendage. My hairy back provides enough warmth for six small people, never mind a 5 year old in wooly pants, draped over top of me. Unreal. Again, I shuffle her over to the farthest point possible of the bed, strap her down, and close my eyes. 6am arrived shortly after as did my daughters yelp for having to pee. I believe it was then I came to the conclusion that, I am dropping my daughter off at the zoo, no, I am going to make her walk to the zoo.
Because it was dark and apparently there were large ogre's in the hallway I provided an escort. I will say, this arrived with a bonus. I had tried to "Roll Up The Rim To Win" about 6 times on the trip (no one ever wins those fat Tim Horton liars) with no success but 4 litres of fluids. Arriving back to the room, I counseled Caedyn that she could indeed survive the next 3 hours with only pajama pants and no panties on. Did I fail to mention that Caedyn didn't quite make it to the toilet and might have, oh I don't know, created the only wet spot on my side of the bed? After cries of "Daddy my bum feels weird" I was able to convince her to at least put her head on the pillow and that I would pray some panties would appear, we, er, I closed my eyes.
Sleep finally came at 7:30am but it was to no avail. Apparently the first time you go sans panties at age 5, you cannot control leg twitches. I kid you not, 30 minutes later Caedyn wakes me up to ask for another escort out of the room. Wearily, I somehow responded with, "Sweetheart, I will hold your hand to the end of the bed and from there I am sure you can make it." This was not acceptable. The tears started flowing, yelps of "but Daddy, I can't do it," and sheer panic ensued. Let me be abundantly clear here people: There is exactly 4 steps for big people, to get from the bed to the door, and for some unknown, mind-blowing, blood boiling, other worldy, roll up and start to whimper in the fetal position reason those 4 steps were full of trepidation . I lost it. I threw her blanket to the door and said go get it, covered my head with a pillow and made a vow to move to another country when she reaches puberty. The crying would not stop. I launched out of bed, whipped open the door, lovingly shoved my daughter out the door, slammed the door shut and dove back on the bed landing squarely on the wet spot.
Today is going to be just lovely.
We arrived in cow town (giggle - that is a really funny way to say Calgary) after about 7 hours of travel including stops (had to make up a little time after Willy & Margeet's pleasure cruise). Now it was late (midnightish) and being efficient parental units, we had already made the change into PJ's mid travel - getting my feet into those built in slipper pants was tough but accomplished while only mooning 3 people. Actually, it was only 2 people but I threw an extra one out there for W & M's midafternoon drive-a-thon. So we shipped the kiddies off to bed, chatted it up with my bro-in-law and hit the sack.
I have mentioned previously that my youngest, Caedyn, cares less about sleeping and adores yelling at night. Attempting to usurp that nightly adventure, Carla and I agreed, that she will sleep beside me in bed and Carla will take her sleeping arrangement. Fine until about 4am (that's 3 am my time - building the story here people) when I get a left hoof into the solarplexes. I was able to recover, shove Caedyn back over to her pillow and close my lids. 5am I wake up sweating like a horse, only to realize that there is probably a pretty good chance it is due to the fact that my daughter has so tightly arranged herself next to me that she mind as well be an appendage. My hairy back provides enough warmth for six small people, never mind a 5 year old in wooly pants, draped over top of me. Unreal. Again, I shuffle her over to the farthest point possible of the bed, strap her down, and close my eyes. 6am arrived shortly after as did my daughters yelp for having to pee. I believe it was then I came to the conclusion that, I am dropping my daughter off at the zoo, no, I am going to make her walk to the zoo.
Because it was dark and apparently there were large ogre's in the hallway I provided an escort. I will say, this arrived with a bonus. I had tried to "Roll Up The Rim To Win" about 6 times on the trip (no one ever wins those fat Tim Horton liars) with no success but 4 litres of fluids. Arriving back to the room, I counseled Caedyn that she could indeed survive the next 3 hours with only pajama pants and no panties on. Did I fail to mention that Caedyn didn't quite make it to the toilet and might have, oh I don't know, created the only wet spot on my side of the bed? After cries of "Daddy my bum feels weird" I was able to convince her to at least put her head on the pillow and that I would pray some panties would appear, we, er, I closed my eyes.
Sleep finally came at 7:30am but it was to no avail. Apparently the first time you go sans panties at age 5, you cannot control leg twitches. I kid you not, 30 minutes later Caedyn wakes me up to ask for another escort out of the room. Wearily, I somehow responded with, "Sweetheart, I will hold your hand to the end of the bed and from there I am sure you can make it." This was not acceptable. The tears started flowing, yelps of "but Daddy, I can't do it," and sheer panic ensued. Let me be abundantly clear here people: There is exactly 4 steps for big people, to get from the bed to the door, and for some unknown, mind-blowing, blood boiling, other worldy, roll up and start to whimper in the fetal position reason those 4 steps were full of trepidation . I lost it. I threw her blanket to the door and said go get it, covered my head with a pillow and made a vow to move to another country when she reaches puberty. The crying would not stop. I launched out of bed, whipped open the door, lovingly shoved my daughter out the door, slammed the door shut and dove back on the bed landing squarely on the wet spot.
Today is going to be just lovely.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
6, er.. 7 Things in my brain today
1. I am continually challanged/inspired/amazed at what Michael Hyatt (CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing) offers up on his blog. It is a must follow.
2. I have received emails from these guys for a couple years. Every now and then there are some sweet deals to be had.
3. If you have trouble getting stuff shipped to Canada, no problem. This solution is awesome. I have had one for 3 years and to boot, you only pay for it when you use it. Like come on.
4. Hard to explain this website, but if you are a creative force (okay, you can just be a "normal" person too.. meaning you don't live in Quebec...) this will get you tweaking and humming for awhile.
5. He goes by the tag "Los" (formerly known as Carlos Whittaker) which is way cooler than my tag... "whitelegs" but like, let's get serious, I would work him over at Wii Ping Pong. Great post on Creativity.
(Warning: If you are my mother, might want to sit down for this next one)
6. My wife thinks I should get inked - thoughts? Mmmm.. something like this puppy on the left forearm. Whoops, that was gross. Something like this but with a little more grit, as I am known to be fairly toughish.
7. Latest offering from Tripp and Tyler.
2. I have received emails from these guys for a couple years. Every now and then there are some sweet deals to be had.
3. If you have trouble getting stuff shipped to Canada, no problem. This solution is awesome. I have had one for 3 years and to boot, you only pay for it when you use it. Like come on.
4. Hard to explain this website, but if you are a creative force (okay, you can just be a "normal" person too.. meaning you don't live in Quebec...) this will get you tweaking and humming for awhile.
5. He goes by the tag "Los" (formerly known as Carlos Whittaker) which is way cooler than my tag... "whitelegs" but like, let's get serious, I would work him over at Wii Ping Pong. Great post on Creativity.
(Warning: If you are my mother, might want to sit down for this next one)
6. My wife thinks I should get inked - thoughts? Mmmm.. something like this puppy on the left forearm. Whoops, that was gross. Something like this but with a little more grit, as I am known to be fairly toughish.
7. Latest offering from Tripp and Tyler.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Just a bit outside...
My 4 year old Caedyn, came back from Kids Church this past Sunday holding a piece of paper she had colored from her class. It was the "take home" from their lesson time. Her teacher was a late substitute and therefore had to put the lesson together rather rapidly. Upon sending all the kids to their parents and finishing for the day, she reflected to my wife Carla with a smirk, "I think I might have done the craft incorrectly."
I do know what do you think?
"Yes kids, whenever you get discouraged in life, or when things just seem to big to handle, just remember what we learned about today... sometimes it's impossible. God bless."
I do know what do you think?
"Yes kids, whenever you get discouraged in life, or when things just seem to big to handle, just remember what we learned about today... sometimes it's impossible. God bless."
Friday, March 19, 2010
Video Hit Fridays
Yes, indeed, it is Friday again. I know that because yesterday was Thursday.
Today's offering may not bring about gut laughter, but it will bring a smile. Enjoy.
Today's offering may not bring about gut laughter, but it will bring a smile. Enjoy.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Juicy Flow
It's lyric week. Just setting the record straight for you homies (I am so down with rap). Well, considering today's offering I am. I know you are thinking... "this coming from the guy who has the whitest legs I have ever witnessed." It's not like Carla has not tried... tanning cream, tanning salons, Free Willy Fridays (whoops that was something else) oven baked, nothing. I do not tan. But I am okay with it now. At least there is some hair on the legs which helps. Better that than ape boy.
Well, let's get serious here, it's not like I do not have any rap experience. There is even a hotly contested video to prove it on Youtube (unfortunately I am the background dancer on the left... wow).
Speechless I know.
Well, today's lyrical sweetness comes from none other than Toby Mac off his latest Record "City On Our Knees." The tune is Funky Jesus Music.
"Funky Jesus Music"
Rock, rock
Give me that rock
That hip, that rock
Give me that funky
Yo stick it in red
We got the cred
No need to say what's already been said
Don't need to please
When we got the proof
We be on our knees
When we raise the roof
'Cause we got the
Wow pow mix of flavor
We got the funky Jesus blazer
No equal
Diverse people
Come get it now
Won't be a sequel
None of that mumbo jumbo
Give me that hip hop funk soul
Give me that funky Jesus music
Give me that soulful gumbo
Give me that funky
Funky Jesus Music
Give me that hip, that rock, that funky soul
Give me that juicy flow
Give me that funky
Funky Jesus Music
Give me that hip, that rock, that funky soul
And watch this party grow
Let's go
Look at them freaks, they fashion loud
Makin' that hotness, movin' that crowd
Bumpin' that jump with a life injection
Sweet to the ears like the candy section
Hits to the eyes
Feels so fly
Fashion that just won't subside
We got this winner's ball
So check it out
Gonna' watch 'em fall
We're goin' back
We're goin' way back
From coast to coast
This is the most
We got beats and rhymes
And aftershows
We got funky people on the highs and lows
MC's like Wiggy they call us pros
So, sure shot, I could take stock
Of this
I'll play the post in the b-boy bliss
See, we bum rush with no discussion
A red hot show with freak production
I cannot express how much I love that chorus:
Give me that funky
Funky Jesus Music
Give me that hip, that rock, that funky soul
Give me that juicy flow
"Supreme awesomeness" as our dear friend Kung Fu Panda would say. I just don't think I have ever heard someone toss the lyric "juicy flow" into their song. Money.
Today my hope is that you are "makin that hotness, movin' that crowd" and "bumpin' that jump" this with a little "life injection." Boom Boom Pow.
Well, let's get serious here, it's not like I do not have any rap experience. There is even a hotly contested video to prove it on Youtube (unfortunately I am the background dancer on the left... wow).
Speechless I know.
Well, today's lyrical sweetness comes from none other than Toby Mac off his latest Record "City On Our Knees." The tune is Funky Jesus Music.
"Funky Jesus Music"
Rock, rock
Give me that rock
That hip, that rock
Give me that funky
Yo stick it in red
We got the cred
No need to say what's already been said
Don't need to please
When we got the proof
We be on our knees
When we raise the roof
'Cause we got the
Wow pow mix of flavor
We got the funky Jesus blazer
No equal
Diverse people
Come get it now
Won't be a sequel
None of that mumbo jumbo
Give me that hip hop funk soul
Give me that funky Jesus music
Give me that soulful gumbo
Give me that funky
Funky Jesus Music
Give me that hip, that rock, that funky soul
Give me that juicy flow
Give me that funky
Funky Jesus Music
Give me that hip, that rock, that funky soul
And watch this party grow
Let's go
Look at them freaks, they fashion loud
Makin' that hotness, movin' that crowd
Bumpin' that jump with a life injection
Sweet to the ears like the candy section
Hits to the eyes
Feels so fly
Fashion that just won't subside
We got this winner's ball
So check it out
Gonna' watch 'em fall
We're goin' back
We're goin' way back
From coast to coast
This is the most
We got beats and rhymes
And aftershows
We got funky people on the highs and lows
MC's like Wiggy they call us pros
So, sure shot, I could take stock
Of this
I'll play the post in the b-boy bliss
See, we bum rush with no discussion
A red hot show with freak production
I cannot express how much I love that chorus:
Give me that funky
Funky Jesus Music
Give me that hip, that rock, that funky soul
Give me that juicy flow
"Supreme awesomeness" as our dear friend Kung Fu Panda would say. I just don't think I have ever heard someone toss the lyric "juicy flow" into their song. Money.
Today my hope is that you are "makin that hotness, movin' that crowd" and "bumpin' that jump" this with a little "life injection." Boom Boom Pow.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Is it too late to post?
Okay I know it's late. Today was a gong show. Cry me a river blah, blah, blah.
So let me share a quick story about my 4 year old daughter Caedyn.
We are sitting in Quiznos getting a little sub action, when a dude comes walking in sporting a pony tail. Caedyn dawning her own very cute pony tail, with her favorite pink shirt which proclaims "Not for the faint of heart" yells, "Daaaad, look at that silly boy... (insert big eye roll) he has a girl's pony tail is that ever stupid." It was nice to have the whole restaurant looking at us.
So let me share a quick story about my 4 year old daughter Caedyn.
We are sitting in Quiznos getting a little sub action, when a dude comes walking in sporting a pony tail. Caedyn dawning her own very cute pony tail, with her favorite pink shirt which proclaims "Not for the faint of heart" yells, "Daaaad, look at that silly boy... (insert big eye roll) he has a girl's pony tail is that ever stupid." It was nice to have the whole restaurant looking at us.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Lost
When Katheryn (Katy) Hudson was 15 years old she wrote the lyrics to this song called “Trust in Me.” It was the first track released off her first album.
“Trust In Me”
How could I see you when I was so blind
How could I grasp you when I was far behind
How could I hear you when I was so deaf
How could I get up when I had been left
But You said, "don’t worry"
For I’ve healed the blind man
And I’ve set the captives free
And You said, "don’t worry"
For all you’ve gotta do
Is put your trust in Me
How could I be clean when I was so dirty
How could I be made whole when I was torn apart
Make me whole, make me whole
Make me whole again
Although the album was musically and lyrically strong, and the critics loved what she offered, it didn’t translate into sales. That was not Katy's style.
Katy grew up in a home of pastors. Both her mom and dad were ministers. She grew up singing cause, as Katy shares, "Her dad would pay her $10 to sing for them at every function, potluck and picnic. Conversely, during my childhood, my parents gave me $10 to be quiet and not do something embarassing again. Katy didn’t have a lot of exposure to what her parents called “secular” music. That is until one day when she found a “Queen” album at a friends house. It was at that moment, Katy says, “The heavens opened up and saved me.” The lyrics and musicality of what they were all about has guided her to today. 10 years later. A new name, a new persona. Her first single, “I kissed a girl” shot her to the moon in the land of popular music – helping her sell 2 million albums with the single itself downloaded over 6 million times. Other songs like “Hot & Cold,” and “Waking up in Vegas” ring in your head. Katy is a true artist, penning the words to her own songs. Not scared to put her life story to words, she says that “Every single one of my songs is drawn 100% directly from my life.” And based on albums sales, apparently it's how many people feel.
It’s amazing what 10 years of life can do… On her platinum album “One of the Boys” Katy Perry, wrote these words to the song “Lost”:
“Lost”
I'm out on my own again
Face down in the porcelain
Feeling so high but looking so low
Party favors on the floor
Group of girls banging on the door
So many new fair-weather friends
[CHORUS]
Have you ever been so lost
Known the way and still so lost
Caught in the eye of a hurricane
Slowly waving goodbye like a pageant parade
So sick of this town pulling me down
My mother says I should come back home but
Can't find the way cause the way is gone
So if I pray am I just sending words into outer space
Have you ever been so lost
Known the way and still so lost
Another night waiting for someone to take me home
Have you ever been so lost
Is there a light
Is there a light
At the end of the road
I'm pushing everyone away
'Cause I can't feel this anymore
Can't feel this anymore
I wonder what happened in those 10 years? What made Katy say I just can’t handle this anymore – God can’t handle this anymore. She had 14 years of learning about God. I wonder if that was just it. I wonder if it just stopped there.
Maybe you find yourself somewhere in the honest words penned by this poet. Maybe that is exactly your struggle today. God where are you? How come things didn't work out the way I planned?
Have you ever been so lost
Known the way and still so lost
My mother says I should come back home but
Can't find the way cause the way is gone
Maybe the truth still lingers in your head and heart but it seems gone.. lost.
But if you say them, you have to be willing to accept the answer. In her own words, Katy is having a difficult time doing that. That's just it. Sometimes it takes putting ego side. Sometimes it's just a matter of taking some time to check the spiritual tanks. Have I been running on empty but expecting fuel? Sometimes it means accepting that there is a God and that he loves you.
Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
(Psalm 37:1-7)
Where are you at today?
“Trust In Me”
How could I see you when I was so blind
How could I grasp you when I was far behind
How could I hear you when I was so deaf
How could I get up when I had been left
But You said, "don’t worry"
For I’ve healed the blind man
And I’ve set the captives free
And You said, "don’t worry"
For all you’ve gotta do
Is put your trust in Me
How could I be clean when I was so dirty
How could I be made whole when I was torn apart
Make me whole, make me whole
Make me whole again
Although the album was musically and lyrically strong, and the critics loved what she offered, it didn’t translate into sales. That was not Katy's style.
Katy grew up in a home of pastors. Both her mom and dad were ministers. She grew up singing cause, as Katy shares, "Her dad would pay her $10 to sing for them at every function, potluck and picnic. Conversely, during my childhood, my parents gave me $10 to be quiet and not do something embarassing again. Katy didn’t have a lot of exposure to what her parents called “secular” music. That is until one day when she found a “Queen” album at a friends house. It was at that moment, Katy says, “The heavens opened up and saved me.” The lyrics and musicality of what they were all about has guided her to today. 10 years later. A new name, a new persona. Her first single, “I kissed a girl” shot her to the moon in the land of popular music – helping her sell 2 million albums with the single itself downloaded over 6 million times. Other songs like “Hot & Cold,” and “Waking up in Vegas” ring in your head. Katy is a true artist, penning the words to her own songs. Not scared to put her life story to words, she says that “Every single one of my songs is drawn 100% directly from my life.” And based on albums sales, apparently it's how many people feel.
It’s amazing what 10 years of life can do… On her platinum album “One of the Boys” Katy Perry, wrote these words to the song “Lost”:
“Lost”
I'm out on my own again
Face down in the porcelain
Feeling so high but looking so low
Party favors on the floor
Group of girls banging on the door
So many new fair-weather friends
[CHORUS]
Have you ever been so lost
Known the way and still so lost
Caught in the eye of a hurricane
Slowly waving goodbye like a pageant parade
So sick of this town pulling me down
My mother says I should come back home but
Can't find the way cause the way is gone
So if I pray am I just sending words into outer space
Have you ever been so lost
Known the way and still so lost
Another night waiting for someone to take me home
Have you ever been so lost
Is there a light
Is there a light
At the end of the road
I'm pushing everyone away
'Cause I can't feel this anymore
Can't feel this anymore
I wonder what happened in those 10 years? What made Katy say I just can’t handle this anymore – God can’t handle this anymore. She had 14 years of learning about God. I wonder if that was just it. I wonder if it just stopped there.
Maybe you find yourself somewhere in the honest words penned by this poet. Maybe that is exactly your struggle today. God where are you? How come things didn't work out the way I planned?
Have you ever been so lost
Known the way and still so lost
My mother says I should come back home but
Can't find the way cause the way is gone
Maybe the truth still lingers in your head and heart but it seems gone.. lost.
But if you say them, you have to be willing to accept the answer. In her own words, Katy is having a difficult time doing that. That's just it. Sometimes it takes putting ego side. Sometimes it's just a matter of taking some time to check the spiritual tanks. Have I been running on empty but expecting fuel? Sometimes it means accepting that there is a God and that he loves you.
Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
(Psalm 37:1-7)
Where are you at today?
Monday, March 15, 2010
Lyrical Poetry
I am an awesome dad. Well, that's what I always tell myself when I have to take my 3 kids to the wave pool without my wife. Kind of a "we're here to pump you up" type of deal. (I completely realize I dated myself with that phrase and that 66% of the 7 people that read this blog have no clue what I am talking about...but you know what? I am an awesome dad so there)
I love our local wave pool/leisure centre but I hate the family change room stalls. Frankly, you mind as well be hanging out in the breezes with the amount of privacy those things provide. The door gaps are so big that you could literally fit a small child through them. So you have to use like 7 towels to cover yourself as you change, and one always falls on the floor which is completely revolting (are change room floors not the most vile thing ever?) You are trying to be descreet and everyone is staring at your hiney pointing and laughing.
Anyway, as I was driving my kids to the wave pool peep show this past weekend, I heard this song on the radio.
I love our local wave pool/leisure centre but I hate the family change room stalls. Frankly, you mind as well be hanging out in the breezes with the amount of privacy those things provide. The door gaps are so big that you could literally fit a small child through them. So you have to use like 7 towels to cover yourself as you change, and one always falls on the floor which is completely revolting (are change room floors not the most vile thing ever?) You are trying to be descreet and everyone is staring at your hiney pointing and laughing.
Anyway, as I was driving my kids to the wave pool peep show this past weekend, I heard this song on the radio.
I am student of culture. I love listening to its creative voices. Art, film, photography and song. The heartbeat of society is so oftern found within these creative voices. Today's generation speaks so clearly within these mediums. Got me to thinking that it would be sweet to focus a week on some of these voices.
The vid above is from Young Artists For Haiti. All Canadian musicians, most of them under the age of 40. It is K'naan's song "Wavin' Flag." He rewrote the lyrics specifically for earthquake relief in Haiti. In the video, Drake raps the following lyric:
"Uhh – well alright
How come when the media stops covering
and there’s a little help from the government
we forget about the people still struggling
and assume that its really all love again, nahh
see we don’t have to wait for things to break apart
if you weren’t involved before it’s never too late to start
you probably think that it’s too far to even have to care
well take a look at where you live what if it happened there?
you have to know the urge to make a change lies within
and we can be the reason that we see the flag rise again."
I was prety challegend by the line, "You probably think that it's too far to even have to care, well take a look at where you live what if it happened there?" Man, there are so many times I separate myself from tragedies that are far away. I don't know if it is just a coping mechanism or if I am too caught up in surviving my own life or maybe it's just easier that way. I am reminded again and again that because I live in this global village I do not have that luxury. I am not an island unto myself. I have got to enter into people's lives right here on my street or whatever street, or country or village they are from.
Lamentations 3:22-23 interjects hope for my day - hope that I can pass on in the midst of whatever I am confronted with (from The Message):
"God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left."
C.S. Lewis said it so well in his book The Problem of Pain: “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
So for today, what do you need to wake up to? Are you listening to the voice of culture or would you prefer to be deaf?
Today is the day to be an active participant in a world desperately needing hope.
The vid above is from Young Artists For Haiti. All Canadian musicians, most of them under the age of 40. It is K'naan's song "Wavin' Flag." He rewrote the lyrics specifically for earthquake relief in Haiti. In the video, Drake raps the following lyric:
"Uhh – well alright
How come when the media stops covering
and there’s a little help from the government
we forget about the people still struggling
and assume that its really all love again, nahh
see we don’t have to wait for things to break apart
if you weren’t involved before it’s never too late to start
you probably think that it’s too far to even have to care
well take a look at where you live what if it happened there?
you have to know the urge to make a change lies within
and we can be the reason that we see the flag rise again."
I was prety challegend by the line, "You probably think that it's too far to even have to care, well take a look at where you live what if it happened there?" Man, there are so many times I separate myself from tragedies that are far away. I don't know if it is just a coping mechanism or if I am too caught up in surviving my own life or maybe it's just easier that way. I am reminded again and again that because I live in this global village I do not have that luxury. I am not an island unto myself. I have got to enter into people's lives right here on my street or whatever street, or country or village they are from.
Lamentations 3:22-23 interjects hope for my day - hope that I can pass on in the midst of whatever I am confronted with (from The Message):
"God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left."
C.S. Lewis said it so well in his book The Problem of Pain: “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
So for today, what do you need to wake up to? Are you listening to the voice of culture or would you prefer to be deaf?
Today is the day to be an active participant in a world desperately needing hope.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Video Hit Friday - Windies
Maybe it's because I witnessed the digital numbers 2:58am before my eyelids joined together to create a blackout. Or maybe it was the fact that my eyes were suddenly re-engaged with the wee hours of the morning, 3 painfully bright times (I thought I was trapped in a Gremlins time warp... "Bright Light! Bright Light!"), as my youngest daughter burst into our room. Apparently, she needed some makeup to sleep better.
Let's get serious, I have no concept what time of day it is and my feet are really itchy. Regardless, I am posting 2 classic "fluffing" video's. ("Fluffing" was the appropriate term in our house growing up. Gotta be honest, I would pick "farting" every time. "Fluffing." Just say it out loud a couple times. Inherently, it just has a gross, smelly, claustrophobic elevator feel to it, doesn't it?)
These vid's are not the highest quality as they are fairly old school, but the content is like sweet smelling rain.
Let's get serious, I have no concept what time of day it is and my feet are really itchy. Regardless, I am posting 2 classic "fluffing" video's. ("Fluffing" was the appropriate term in our house growing up. Gotta be honest, I would pick "farting" every time. "Fluffing." Just say it out loud a couple times. Inherently, it just has a gross, smelly, claustrophobic elevator feel to it, doesn't it?)
These vid's are not the highest quality as they are fairly old school, but the content is like sweet smelling rain.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Things that make you go hmm...
Threw on my IPOD this morning on the way to work, and tuned into the Passion podcast with Louie Giglio. It was an episode from October last year and a challenging one at that. Louie was highlighting his message from the Catalyst conference he had most recently spoken at. His springboard for the message was the following quote:
"Your life is shaped by the end you live for. You are made in the image of what you desire."
Thomas Merton
Louie asked each person to consider what their focus was at the beginning of each day... turning your cell phone on, checking email, dealing with family, schedules, whatever... and how, what you put your mind to, what you just kind of naturally do, set patterns into motion and a focus for your day. It's what really drives you. And the inherent danger that brings of things becoming subversive idols in our lives. They may not feel like idols, probably don't even look like idols, and most likely they are probably the last thing you would call an idol. Yet they receive our primary focus, they set our perspective in motion for that day.
And that perspective is wrong.
Take a look at Merton's quote again.
What do you have set before you today? Where is Christ in that picture?
Maybe you need to reset today. Maybe you need to just back up a couple steps and put the face of Christ in front of you right now. Dial the rest of life down for a moment. Talk to Jesus, tell him that He is the reason you are on this earth today. He is the reason you are in this time and space on planet earth. There is stuff in you today Jesus that I cannot get from my job, through any meeting I am going to have, or any relationship, any texts or emails. I want to live for you today. I love you.
That was a fresh start for me today. Hope it is for you too.
"Your life is shaped by the end you live for. You are made in the image of what you desire."
Thomas Merton
Louie asked each person to consider what their focus was at the beginning of each day... turning your cell phone on, checking email, dealing with family, schedules, whatever... and how, what you put your mind to, what you just kind of naturally do, set patterns into motion and a focus for your day. It's what really drives you. And the inherent danger that brings of things becoming subversive idols in our lives. They may not feel like idols, probably don't even look like idols, and most likely they are probably the last thing you would call an idol. Yet they receive our primary focus, they set our perspective in motion for that day.
And that perspective is wrong.
Take a look at Merton's quote again.
What do you have set before you today? Where is Christ in that picture?
Maybe you need to reset today. Maybe you need to just back up a couple steps and put the face of Christ in front of you right now. Dial the rest of life down for a moment. Talk to Jesus, tell him that He is the reason you are on this earth today. He is the reason you are in this time and space on planet earth. There is stuff in you today Jesus that I cannot get from my job, through any meeting I am going to have, or any relationship, any texts or emails. I want to live for you today. I love you.
That was a fresh start for me today. Hope it is for you too.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
One Question
As I was gleefully driving away from my last Wednesday meeting, I flipped on the radio and heard an interview with the author of a book talking about growing up in Britian. Apparently, his characters were quite edgy while being slightly cathartic (I have no clue what that means just typed it in here to sound super smart, which I realize now I completely blew, because I just used the phrase "super smart"). Therefore, the author was asked the question, "What made you develop characters like that?" To which he replied, "I guess when you pass the 40 mark you tend to reflect on your life. As I did that, it made me think of the question... If when I was 15 years old, I would have met myself today, what would I say about who I am and what I have become?"
That is a great question, I thought to myself. Well, that was until I just about took off the back bumper of the guy hammering his brakes in front of me. Apparently there was a large group of invisible children crossing the road in front of us. After passing him and giving him the sign that I was praying for him, I decided to throw down some of my thoughts.
I would be completely relieved that I made the switch from briefs to boxers
I would realize farily quickly that I had married up.
Probably spend a serious amount of time contemplating why I had indeed decided not to get my back hair lasered at 32.
Secretly disappointed that I had never sported a mankini at the wave pool.
Extremely glad that I stopped listening to the Nylons
Like when did wearing "thongs" move from your feet to a small thread between your butt cheeks?
I am pretty sure I would also think out loud...
I wonder why I have not stepped out and taken some more risks?
How come I have never traveled as much as I have wanted to?
Why is my relationship with Christ not deeper?
Why did I sometimes sacrifice family for work?
What do I not give more?
That's just me, but what about you... What would you say?
That is a great question, I thought to myself. Well, that was until I just about took off the back bumper of the guy hammering his brakes in front of me. Apparently there was a large group of invisible children crossing the road in front of us. After passing him and giving him the sign that I was praying for him, I decided to throw down some of my thoughts.
I would be completely relieved that I made the switch from briefs to boxers
I would realize farily quickly that I had married up.
Probably spend a serious amount of time contemplating why I had indeed decided not to get my back hair lasered at 32.
Secretly disappointed that I had never sported a mankini at the wave pool.
Extremely glad that I stopped listening to the Nylons
Like when did wearing "thongs" move from your feet to a small thread between your butt cheeks?
I am pretty sure I would also think out loud...
I wonder why I have not stepped out and taken some more risks?
How come I have never traveled as much as I have wanted to?
Why is my relationship with Christ not deeper?
Why did I sometimes sacrifice family for work?
What do I not give more?
That's just me, but what about you... What would you say?
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
6 Things in my brain today
1. My blog looks lame. The more I check out the blogging world, the more I am confronted with the fact that my blog is about as exciting as singing the chorus of "I'm trading my sorrows."
Non-lame blogs:
Ragamuffin Soul
Church Relevance
2. Avatar was lame. I'll give you cool graphics, but come on, re-birthing as a freakishly tall blue gremlin with a pony tail?
3. "Christian" t-shirts are lame. Like come on.
4. Love Andy Stanley, but I am not sure what I think about this.
5. I want to read this book, just because of this intro. (scroll down to March 6th post)
6. I cannot figure out if this is totally great or completely brutal.
What going on in your brain?
Non-lame blogs:
Ragamuffin Soul
Church Relevance
2. Avatar was lame. I'll give you cool graphics, but come on, re-birthing as a freakishly tall blue gremlin with a pony tail?
3. "Christian" t-shirts are lame. Like come on.
4. Love Andy Stanley, but I am not sure what I think about this.
5. I want to read this book, just because of this intro. (scroll down to March 6th post)
6. I cannot figure out if this is totally great or completely brutal.
What going on in your brain?
Monday, March 8, 2010
Monday Musings
My family can sing.
That is a very plural statement intentionally excluding the singular. The singular being me.
I can vividly recall, the time my dad wanted to lock and load the "Von-Lanigan Family Trio" consisting of himself, my brother and I. Unfortunately, there were no other males to use in the family so his hands were tied. Knowing I could knock the melody of Happy Birthday out of the park, and sometimes even throwing out some harmony for special birthdays, I was kind of hoping for something short and somewhere hidden behind a curtain. Nope, my dad shot for the moon, picking the song "I have seen the Light" by Philips, Craig & Dean. I know, who are PC&D (I shortened it cause let's get serious it won't make this worse). Well, they are of the male persuasion and a trio. That is pretty much were the comparisons end. They all sing 6 octaves higher than me, they are tall, and they understand key changes. Both my dad (Dave) and brother (Brent) have singing experience. My dad being old school legit singing on the radio, barbershop quartets, and throwing out his sultry tones at Easter Cantata's (just wanted to say 'canata'). My brother has always been known to be musically inclined. That being said, I am proud to say that I did not tour with Mandate, my brother's chorale singing group, which brought new meaning to the term "hand expressions." They did more grasping at air and elbow pumps, that you weren't sure they all struggled with terets. Oh yeah, and they sang with matching outfits.
It was all looking great until we sat down in front of the piano. We start singing and they soon realized I had about 6 notes in my range. That and I tended to sing flat. With the glory of the "Von- Lanigan Family Trio" waving in the distance, there were no obstacles too large for my dad. He adjusted the melody here, dropped a key there, and launched into attempt #2. It was not pretty. I could not find the key if I was paid, and Brents arms were twitching. By the time attempt #6 arrived my dad had changed the key so many times we were now singing Jingle Bells. Somewhere between attempt #4 and #5, Brent had rounded up his Mandate cumberbun and ressurected his "Fins 68" special double hand, air grab, palms out, over-the-head meet and clasp move. My dad lost it. Now I could go into an explanation as to what it looked like, but let's just say Peggy, my dear mother, had to initiate an intervention. Dad got a time out, I was asked to leave the house for a couple days and Brent was on the phone planning the Mandate reunion tour "Fired Up" throughout Saskatchewan. Needless to say, The Light was not going to be seen ever again.
Believe it or not, that story birthed from the fact that, this weekend, I noticed the band "Newboys" has a new lead singer, namely, Micheal Tate. Tate used to be part of the famed "DC Talk." Kind of bizarre. Especially since you can check out the video with, special guest, Toby Mac (former member of DC Talk as well) singing the DC Talk jingle "Jesus Freak" with the Micheal Tate of the Newsboys, here. Again Bizarre.
Enjoy Monday.
That is a very plural statement intentionally excluding the singular. The singular being me.
I can vividly recall, the time my dad wanted to lock and load the "Von-Lanigan Family Trio" consisting of himself, my brother and I. Unfortunately, there were no other males to use in the family so his hands were tied. Knowing I could knock the melody of Happy Birthday out of the park, and sometimes even throwing out some harmony for special birthdays, I was kind of hoping for something short and somewhere hidden behind a curtain. Nope, my dad shot for the moon, picking the song "I have seen the Light" by Philips, Craig & Dean. I know, who are PC&D (I shortened it cause let's get serious it won't make this worse). Well, they are of the male persuasion and a trio. That is pretty much were the comparisons end. They all sing 6 octaves higher than me, they are tall, and they understand key changes. Both my dad (Dave) and brother (Brent) have singing experience. My dad being old school legit singing on the radio, barbershop quartets, and throwing out his sultry tones at Easter Cantata's (just wanted to say 'canata'). My brother has always been known to be musically inclined. That being said, I am proud to say that I did not tour with Mandate, my brother's chorale singing group, which brought new meaning to the term "hand expressions." They did more grasping at air and elbow pumps, that you weren't sure they all struggled with terets. Oh yeah, and they sang with matching outfits.
It was all looking great until we sat down in front of the piano. We start singing and they soon realized I had about 6 notes in my range. That and I tended to sing flat. With the glory of the "Von- Lanigan Family Trio" waving in the distance, there were no obstacles too large for my dad. He adjusted the melody here, dropped a key there, and launched into attempt #2. It was not pretty. I could not find the key if I was paid, and Brents arms were twitching. By the time attempt #6 arrived my dad had changed the key so many times we were now singing Jingle Bells. Somewhere between attempt #4 and #5, Brent had rounded up his Mandate cumberbun and ressurected his "Fins 68" special double hand, air grab, palms out, over-the-head meet and clasp move. My dad lost it. Now I could go into an explanation as to what it looked like, but let's just say Peggy, my dear mother, had to initiate an intervention. Dad got a time out, I was asked to leave the house for a couple days and Brent was on the phone planning the Mandate reunion tour "Fired Up" throughout Saskatchewan. Needless to say, The Light was not going to be seen ever again.
Believe it or not, that story birthed from the fact that, this weekend, I noticed the band "Newboys" has a new lead singer, namely, Micheal Tate. Tate used to be part of the famed "DC Talk." Kind of bizarre. Especially since you can check out the video with, special guest, Toby Mac (former member of DC Talk as well) singing the DC Talk jingle "Jesus Freak" with the Micheal Tate of the Newsboys, here. Again Bizarre.
Enjoy Monday.
Friday, March 5, 2010
At the Red House baby
How awkward is this... I launch "Video Hit" Friday's last week and I almost forget to post one today. Sigh. Stupid Price is Right threw me way off today (I was just reminded by my son that I am not supposed to say "stupid").
Admittedly this commercial is way out in left field but I laughed hard, loved the singers, and especially loved the last line. Carla watched it, didn't crack a smile, and after it was done, stared at me as if to say, "That was stupid." Well, okay she did say that. I told her she wasn't supposed to say that word. Might not have been the smartest move ever. That did not end well. As we, okay I, mend the fences, enjoy my One Scott Mind.
EMBED-The Red House Furniture Store - Watch more free videos
Seriously, I cannot stop singing... "At the Red House..."
Admittedly this commercial is way out in left field but I laughed hard, loved the singers, and especially loved the last line. Carla watched it, didn't crack a smile, and after it was done, stared at me as if to say, "That was stupid." Well, okay she did say that. I told her she wasn't supposed to say that word. Might not have been the smartest move ever. That did not end well. As we, okay I, mend the fences, enjoy my One Scott Mind.
EMBED-The Red House Furniture Store - Watch more free videos
Seriously, I cannot stop singing... "At the Red House..."
Price is Right(ish)
I still have in my possession 4 tickets to a taping of the Price is Right from 1995. Frankly, I am not sure which part of that statement is the lamest, that I still own things from 1995, or that I truly desired to appear on the Price is Right. Regardless, every time I look at those tickets I get a little misty. You see, when we arrived in Southern California for the taping, TPIR ended up taking an unscheduled break from filming and therefore we were out of luck, no show.
And all that after I had spent hours making my "I neuter all my pets Bob" t-shirt. It looked really hot.
Low and behold, just now I got the kids out the door for school... (intermission: Is it just us, or does it seem that every morning there seems to be some new tragedy or lost form or forgetting to change underwear or stomach cramps or torturing the dog. Unreal.) Well, today my son forgot his water bottle upstairs four separate times - that is, after bringing it downstairs three times. I have no clue how that is possible either. And I kid you not, as I remind him for the 4th time to get his water bottle he says, "It's still up there?"
"Yes it is son, and you had better come get it right now because my arm is in the throwing motion, and I am about to release my ferocious grasp on this bottle so it flies out my bedroom window and lands in the middle of the road and gets run over by the gravel truck turning the corner."
The kids are gone, the water bottle is sitting on the steps so I plop into a chair to see why the tv was left on, and wouldn't you know it, The Price is Right is flashing before my eyes.
I had heard that Bob Barker retired awhile ago and that Drew Carey, of The Drew Carey Show fame, was hosting. Sorry Drew, but from the first second I started watching the show, all I could think was, this is the last place Drew wants to be. I have never witnessed someone so not wanting to be doing what they were doing. Like he wakes up each morning, looks in the mirror and debates himself... they are paying me lots of money to do this.... I am such a loser... I get to be on tv.... I hate wearing suits.... it just never ends.
The contestant that was just on pops up to give drew a kiss and says, "I wore this Cleveland Indians shirt for you, cause I know you love Cleveland!" To which he replied, with about the same excitement he would have while getting a planters wart burned off, "Oh sure, Cleveland has lots of great things." That doesn't even make sense.
Reminded me of the very reason I started blogging. It is an odd process let me tell you, especially if you don't represent something or you are not a famous author etc... (I'll pick that topic up next week) At the end of the day, I needed an avenue for some creative expression, blogging was intriguing, and therefore figured I would give it a shot.
As John Piper says, "Don't waste your life." Do what you love to do. Take the risk. Don't settle for the pay cheque or the status. Do whatever it is that inspires you. Start small like I am doing with this blog. Give yourself a chance to have success and it will do amazing things for your psyche and your life.
And who knows what is just around the corner.
And all that after I had spent hours making my "I neuter all my pets Bob" t-shirt. It looked really hot.
Low and behold, just now I got the kids out the door for school... (intermission: Is it just us, or does it seem that every morning there seems to be some new tragedy or lost form or forgetting to change underwear or stomach cramps or torturing the dog. Unreal.) Well, today my son forgot his water bottle upstairs four separate times - that is, after bringing it downstairs three times. I have no clue how that is possible either. And I kid you not, as I remind him for the 4th time to get his water bottle he says, "It's still up there?"
"Yes it is son, and you had better come get it right now because my arm is in the throwing motion, and I am about to release my ferocious grasp on this bottle so it flies out my bedroom window and lands in the middle of the road and gets run over by the gravel truck turning the corner."
The kids are gone, the water bottle is sitting on the steps so I plop into a chair to see why the tv was left on, and wouldn't you know it, The Price is Right is flashing before my eyes.
I had heard that Bob Barker retired awhile ago and that Drew Carey, of The Drew Carey Show fame, was hosting. Sorry Drew, but from the first second I started watching the show, all I could think was, this is the last place Drew wants to be. I have never witnessed someone so not wanting to be doing what they were doing. Like he wakes up each morning, looks in the mirror and debates himself... they are paying me lots of money to do this.... I am such a loser... I get to be on tv.... I hate wearing suits.... it just never ends.
The contestant that was just on pops up to give drew a kiss and says, "I wore this Cleveland Indians shirt for you, cause I know you love Cleveland!" To which he replied, with about the same excitement he would have while getting a planters wart burned off, "Oh sure, Cleveland has lots of great things." That doesn't even make sense.
Reminded me of the very reason I started blogging. It is an odd process let me tell you, especially if you don't represent something or you are not a famous author etc... (I'll pick that topic up next week) At the end of the day, I needed an avenue for some creative expression, blogging was intriguing, and therefore figured I would give it a shot.
As John Piper says, "Don't waste your life." Do what you love to do. Take the risk. Don't settle for the pay cheque or the status. Do whatever it is that inspires you. Start small like I am doing with this blog. Give yourself a chance to have success and it will do amazing things for your psyche and your life.
And who knows what is just around the corner.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Pathetic Attempts
I wrote this in my journal a couple months ago:
"Discipline before anointing, obedience before inspiration." - Mike Bickle
Lord you spoke to me today about the practive of prayer that I have controlled close handed and fearful in my life. That I do not have a practice rather a pathetic attempt.
I believe Bickle's quote above has so much truth leaking out of it. Since writing that, I have endeavored to make prayer a practice. A natural "reset" button if you will. Where it is not something I endure but something I look forward to. It has been an up and down journey, but as I was lying awake last night, I was challenged once again that it all comes down to a heart issue. What do I long for? Better, who do I long for? If I am longing to connect with Christ, prayer is not an issue.
I hope you find that longing today.
"Discipline before anointing, obedience before inspiration." - Mike Bickle
Lord you spoke to me today about the practive of prayer that I have controlled close handed and fearful in my life. That I do not have a practice rather a pathetic attempt.
I believe Bickle's quote above has so much truth leaking out of it. Since writing that, I have endeavored to make prayer a practice. A natural "reset" button if you will. Where it is not something I endure but something I look forward to. It has been an up and down journey, but as I was lying awake last night, I was challenged once again that it all comes down to a heart issue. What do I long for? Better, who do I long for? If I am longing to connect with Christ, prayer is not an issue.
I hope you find that longing today.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Loud Talkers
As I was typing up my post yesterday, I was sitting beside another group of people having a meeting. Within that group was a loud talker. Now hey, I can get a little ruckus myself once in awhile, but he was seriously loud. No loud loud. Like you want to runaway flailing and yelling so you can't hear him loud.
And to be honest, I can deal with eavesdropping on a loud talker, but when the topic is completely boring, throw me a bone. I was so bored listening in, that I truly have no clue how the rest of the people in the meeting faked being awake. There is no possible way they could have been interested in hearing about how this dude's foot problem was hampering his ability to teach - I kid you not that was the topic. They were trying to re-organize a budget for his dry land training clinic (based on lack of teenage attendee's) because they were not meeting budget. That's a hard one... boring loud talker with foot scabies. Like come on. You could pick any other teacher scenario and you would have more kids show up. Grandma with alzheimers but good feet - totally fun. Large man with small neck and tight shorts - laugh a minute. Skinny dude with hairy arms who only speaks in haiku - beautiful. Seriously, they would all succeed. But no, that would be mean to tell foot rash loud speaker boy that people would rather be stuck in a confined space with someone farting uncontrollably than hear him describe running around cones.
One friend of someone at the table (Chris apparently) stopped by, got asked to join the meeting (it was getting ugly by this point), and declined so fast that he literally vanished. Did not see him leave the coffee shop. Gone.
As I scrounged for me headphones, which I found after 3 long minutes of pure panic, it lead me to consider how I have strived to develop the skill of fierce conversations. The "what are you thinking but not saying" type of conversations. Susan Scott author of the book "Fierce Conversations," describes them as this:
"A Fierce Conversation is one in which we come out from behind ourselves, into the conversation, and make it real."
When you develop the skill of that type of conversation, it not only is inspiring for both parties, it becomes a point of refreshment for you. As I was learning this, one of my former co-workers exhorted me to "always do the hardest things first." Whether it was the beginning of the week or the work day, always make the hardest phone call, the hardest decision, or the toughest meeting a priority. We waste so much time and energy mulling the scenario's over, assuming, considering the 'what if's' - all things that are out of your control. I am still learning that lesson, but it has been a rich process.
So if you are lagging on a phone call you have to make or sitting in a meeting with megaphone boy, fierce it up.
And to be honest, I can deal with eavesdropping on a loud talker, but when the topic is completely boring, throw me a bone. I was so bored listening in, that I truly have no clue how the rest of the people in the meeting faked being awake. There is no possible way they could have been interested in hearing about how this dude's foot problem was hampering his ability to teach - I kid you not that was the topic. They were trying to re-organize a budget for his dry land training clinic (based on lack of teenage attendee's) because they were not meeting budget. That's a hard one... boring loud talker with foot scabies. Like come on. You could pick any other teacher scenario and you would have more kids show up. Grandma with alzheimers but good feet - totally fun. Large man with small neck and tight shorts - laugh a minute. Skinny dude with hairy arms who only speaks in haiku - beautiful. Seriously, they would all succeed. But no, that would be mean to tell foot rash loud speaker boy that people would rather be stuck in a confined space with someone farting uncontrollably than hear him describe running around cones.
One friend of someone at the table (Chris apparently) stopped by, got asked to join the meeting (it was getting ugly by this point), and declined so fast that he literally vanished. Did not see him leave the coffee shop. Gone.
As I scrounged for me headphones, which I found after 3 long minutes of pure panic, it lead me to consider how I have strived to develop the skill of fierce conversations. The "what are you thinking but not saying" type of conversations. Susan Scott author of the book "Fierce Conversations," describes them as this:
"A Fierce Conversation is one in which we come out from behind ourselves, into the conversation, and make it real."
When you develop the skill of that type of conversation, it not only is inspiring for both parties, it becomes a point of refreshment for you. As I was learning this, one of my former co-workers exhorted me to "always do the hardest things first." Whether it was the beginning of the week or the work day, always make the hardest phone call, the hardest decision, or the toughest meeting a priority. We waste so much time and energy mulling the scenario's over, assuming, considering the 'what if's' - all things that are out of your control. I am still learning that lesson, but it has been a rich process.
So if you are lagging on a phone call you have to make or sitting in a meeting with megaphone boy, fierce it up.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Olympic Recaps
I am an explorer by heart. I love discovering cool hole in the wall restaurants, or going off the proverbial "beaten path." So here are a few links to some interesting things you might not have known otherwise, or you did but you are just being nice by clicking anyway.
Check out a take on the Olympics from athlete bloggers and a whole bunch more by clicking this word.
Phil Sheridan (From Philadelphia) is the one who broke the story of the post win beer drinking on the ice celebration by the Canadian Women's gold medal winning hockey team, but thought it was actually a very cool deal not a controversy. His blog has some pretty interesting takes on Vancouver and the Olympics.
Google earth kicked it up a notch for people to get a better grip on what the Olympics look like from ski runs to the back country in Whistler, and this is how they did it.
Japadog. Hottest eats at the olympics. My friend, yes I have friends, who lives in Richmond, has tried them out and admits they are pretty incredible, well, if you want to spend $6 on a hot dog that is. Gotta see it to believe it here.
Enjoy Tuesday.
Our family checked out the Olympics last weekend. It was a pretty cool experience. Specifically the Yahoo Sports Pavilion in Yaletown. Free pics, hot chocolate, pins and the cool little interactive game experience. Basically, you were given a playing card that resembled an IPHONE, which you held up in front of a screen. It had a sensor that would control your character in the game based on how you moved your card. It was sweet.
Check out a take on the Olympics from athlete bloggers and a whole bunch more by clicking this word.
Phil Sheridan (From Philadelphia) is the one who broke the story of the post win beer drinking on the ice celebration by the Canadian Women's gold medal winning hockey team, but thought it was actually a very cool deal not a controversy. His blog has some pretty interesting takes on Vancouver and the Olympics.
Google earth kicked it up a notch for people to get a better grip on what the Olympics look like from ski runs to the back country in Whistler, and this is how they did it.
Japadog. Hottest eats at the olympics. My friend, yes I have friends, who lives in Richmond, has tried them out and admits they are pretty incredible, well, if you want to spend $6 on a hot dog that is. Gotta see it to believe it here.
Enjoy Tuesday.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Weekend Recap
Had the Watoto Children's Choir sing this past Sunday. I have heard them over the years, but the group touring Canada this year is tight (and by "tight" I mean, they can rip a tune, which I realize is not much clearer but work with me). They have 22 kids and 4 adults singing tunes. The adults harmonize like crazy. Plus they are a lot of fun to deal with as well.
After the morning, I asked if we could throw a little freezie love their way. Ahh, yea. They are from Ughanda and did not have a hot clue what I was talking about. Comedy. After the incredible description of "it's like frozen juice but not really juice" they took me up on the offer. As I was handing out the freezies, out of nowhere all 22 kidlets in unison say, "Thank you for the freezies pastor." Startled, I replied, "my pleasure, thank you." And without missing a beat they replied again in unison, "yes, pastor." Seriously, it was stunning. Most likely due to the fact that, the only time I have ever heard my 3 kids speak in unison, was when I said "Yes, I know 'everyone' has ipod touches but you will not be receiving an ipod touch from your parents today because we are mean..." and the triple threat whine fest began.
I sermonized this past weekend as well, and because everyone wants to know (just a second..getting my tongue out of my cheek here, okay) here are some of the gold medal moments (that was really funny).
Ephesians 4
Big Idea: We are called to be a single cohesive Unit of Christ followers armed with purpose, confidence, single mindedness and love. Ready to take on anything and anyone at anytime.
Kicked it off focusing on the phrase in vs 1 "...live a life worthy of the calling you have received." Love that line. Challenged everyone to consider what that really means. How that statement makes no ordinary day, just an ordinary day. Each day is great, each day is wide in God's kingdom.
Used this clip from "Remember the Titans." Had a sweet tie in. Give it some time, this copy is hard to see at first.
This means we aim for a goal, which we always keep in perspective, and we don't miss that goal. Or, as my son Brady noted after Canada locked down their 14th gold, 'We powned the podium.'
If you are interested in checking out the whole deal, you will find it here.
After the morning, I asked if we could throw a little freezie love their way. Ahh, yea. They are from Ughanda and did not have a hot clue what I was talking about. Comedy. After the incredible description of "it's like frozen juice but not really juice" they took me up on the offer. As I was handing out the freezies, out of nowhere all 22 kidlets in unison say, "Thank you for the freezies pastor." Startled, I replied, "my pleasure, thank you." And without missing a beat they replied again in unison, "yes, pastor." Seriously, it was stunning. Most likely due to the fact that, the only time I have ever heard my 3 kids speak in unison, was when I said "Yes, I know 'everyone' has ipod touches but you will not be receiving an ipod touch from your parents today because we are mean..." and the triple threat whine fest began.
I sermonized this past weekend as well, and because everyone wants to know (just a second..getting my tongue out of my cheek here, okay) here are some of the gold medal moments (that was really funny).
Ephesians 4
Big Idea: We are called to be a single cohesive Unit of Christ followers armed with purpose, confidence, single mindedness and love. Ready to take on anything and anyone at anytime.
Kicked it off focusing on the phrase in vs 1 "...live a life worthy of the calling you have received." Love that line. Challenged everyone to consider what that really means. How that statement makes no ordinary day, just an ordinary day. Each day is great, each day is wide in God's kingdom.
Used this clip from "Remember the Titans." Had a sweet tie in. Give it some time, this copy is hard to see at first.
This means we aim for a goal, which we always keep in perspective, and we don't miss that goal. Or, as my son Brady noted after Canada locked down their 14th gold, 'We powned the podium.'
If you are interested in checking out the whole deal, you will find it here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)