We are so doing this for my wedding!

Lenses

What lenses do you see the world with? I am taking a discipleship class at Riverview and heard a story about a friend of mine who is only about 12 years old and autistic sees things differently. He sees things that most of us don't. His father told me a story and it just crushed my spirit down a bit...made me tear up...and wonder if his disability is really a disability.

A couple of weeks ago, my little friend was standing in line for lunch and watching the snow fall outside. I imagine him starring with a smirk and turning around in line as he pondered the snow. The girl behind him thought that he is gave her a dirty look. A confrontation ensued and some of his friends tried to step in to help the situation. The girl was so angry and mad that she decked poor Sam right in the ear. Sam is such an innocent nice kid...he didn't know what to do...he just fell to the ground. By this time his ear must have been ringing, and finally an adult took care of the situation and the little girl got in trouble.

Later that evening, his dad had a conversation with Sam. It was all his dad could do not to be so furious, that he wanted to take out the other kids parents for raising such a "jerk of a kid". As he is talked to Sam and tried to keep himself from being overcome with anger and hatred toward the other kid and her family....Sam said something so profound and honest...and that is Sam...honest as they come...it totally shocked his father.

"Dad, that girl much really being going through a lot and having a hard time...I mean she must really being having a really tough day to be so angry to hit someone."

His dad was speechless...Sam could see the girls pain even though he was the one who got pummelled. He was seeing her through a different set of lenses. He was looking at her the way Jesus looks at all of us...with love and compassion. Sam was loving his neighbor as himself...and his neighbor was in essence his enemy. Maybe we are the one's with a disability. Most of reaction would have acted similar to his dad or we would've fought back. Sam loved the girl enough to perceive her pain. God has giving Sam an ability that most of us struggle to achieve on a daily basis.

Have you ever wondered if any of God's promises are conditional? I learned something in the discipleship class. Take this one for example from John 13:35 "By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you love one another." Did you catch the condition? All men will only know you are disciples of Christ...IF...you love one another! It is conditional...but also a guarantee. Hmmm...have you ever noticed that? Are we loving our neighbor the right way? Do they know we are a Christian? OR...Are we living ignoring how we act and looking at life through our own lens instead of through the lens of Christ? Another good question....who is our neighbor then? Ever wondered that? Well so did the Jews of old...they even asked Jesus about it! Do some reading....look up Luke 10:25-39...the parable of the good Samaritan. Jesus tells us who our neighbors are....anyone with a need...even if they are our enemy. Sam figured this out...and he is only 12. Look for my thoughts on this parable soon. I have some interested things to say about it...which I learned from Sam's dad.

Choosing a new house is hard

So for a while now I have been trying the impossible task of trying to find a new house...well no impossible...I am just picky. Holly and I have canvased the area of H-town in search of a new digs. Two house keep comng back in my mind...both are really good deals. One is newer and one is a little older. Newer meaning build in the last ten years...older meaning build in the last 30. Similar prices....but the older one is way bigger....and in my opinion has a lot more potential.

Drawbacks to older house: it was over priced...but that has changed somewhat.... no sidewalks in the neighborhood...but it does have curbs... it needs some updating...but they both did... Master bath is kind of small

Pluses... huge basement....and it is partially finished, plenty of room to add rooms, Huge garage..., First floor laundry..., awesome landscaping....with a big back yard deck, cool layout....but kitchen needs help, a backup generator....just a bonus, it comes with a home warranty...kind of nice, mostly just needs cosmetic work. Newer fridge and dishwasher, good neighborhood, the house is 85% brick...it is nice looking, updates=money maker if we moved.

Newer house...Drawbacks... smaller rooms...crampoed upstairs bathroom, Needs a roof, Kitchen needs to be redone....updated, cramped master bathroom, The house needs to updated..., basement is kind of small, wood siding, no real room for a 4th bedroom.

Pluses...finished basement... first floor laundry... huge deck...I mean huge back deck two story...would be kind of cool great neighborhood...newer neighborhood (location is nice) Sidewalks, big garage, resale value with updates would be significant=money maker if we moved.

We have both been picky in this house hunting adventure. I am hoping that God helps us to not be so picky we miss a great opportunity he lies in front of us. I have to keep telling myself it would be our first house together....I mean ya I had a house already...but I didn't make a ton of money off of it....so I don't want to be greedy in my wanting a house. I want to be wise and patient in this process.

Adopt a nun

Adopt A Nun

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/27/story_2741_1.html

I can’t believe I’ve been doing this for free…


Thanks to HMB for this fantastic link-a-roo!

Welcome to version 2.0

So I finally have switched this blog over to blogger beta. I think I like it...but I am not sure. For those of you whom read this on occation....you may have noticed not a lot of posting going on...but you aren't looking in the right place...cuz I have been posting. :o)

Long Time...No Talkie

I have been swamped lately with school, conferences, and other stuff. Thus no posting. I have had some interesting talks this week with people about stepping out in faith. I think God is using me in some realy unusual ways. I am a coach...sort of. He has been talking through me to encourage others not to be afraid, and to "Own It". It has all come about I think because I stepped out in faith and offered up my car back to God...another really long story...check it out here. So now he is using me big time and it feels really good. I am excited to see God move and am expected the impossible. This is kind of a change for me, that is, giving up things for God. I have a tendency to take from God and be really thankful...but now I am giving back and finding wonderful joy.

If you like running...you'll like these

If you like running...you simply must check these out!

Praise you in a Storm

On my way to school today I heard this song by Casting Crowns...and well it about sums up a lot of things.

Praise You In This Storm
I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Pissed off Detroit Tigers Fan!

I have wanted to see the Detroit Tigers play in the World Series since I can't even remember. I have been a Tigers fan since I could walk and talk. There are people out there who have World Series Tickets and don't give a rip about the Tigers. That just doesn't seem right! They are racking people over the coals if they want a set of Tickets just to make some money. I understand the value of these Tickets, but come on.....over $1000 for a pair of tickets to a baseball game. I love baseball and I love my Tigers, but who can really afford tickets at the price!? It really pisses me off! I was lucky enough to go see game four of ALCS at Comerica Park with Holly and it was stinkin' amazing!...but I think that Ty Cobb would be rolling over in his grave at the way people are capitalizing on shear luck of the draw by buying tickets to a Team and Game they must not love!

Update

Mom's surgery went well...she is walking now and can even climb stairs.

Grandma...is dealing with her issues well....seems to be in good spirits.

Surgery

Hey for those of you out there who pray....a couple of requests:

1) My mom went in for hip replacement surgery today...at 9:30A.M.

2) My grandmother has been having heart failure for some time. It is getting a lot worse. So pray that she comes to terms with it and has peace with God.

Ships

We recently started a small group with Chuck and Di...and some other people. We being Holly and I. It was really interesting because there was a wide range of ages in the group and a wide range of "ages" of Christians. Newbies..and Oldies. The topic of discussion was the Armor of God. Interesting topic all by itself, but Chuck took it a little further and made some comparisons. For instance...is the "Church" (that is the believing body of Christ) more like a Battleship or a Cruise ship? Or rather...which is it suppose to be? What are the parts of each ship and what is their purpose? I could go on and on. We really didn't conclude anything, but it got us all thinking.

My question is who is our enemy? Is it the person that we can't stand at work...or school? Is it the rude waitress at the bar? Is it the guy who takes your parking spot at the grocery store? OR....is it someone else. The Bible makes it pretty clear. Satan is God's enemy and since we are his bride...then he is our enemy too! Peter warns us to be prepared. Keep your eyes focused on God and walk with him and you will resist/rebuke Satan. Satan only has power if you give it to him. If you give him and inch...he will find a way to make that inch a mile.

So then how do we combat the enemy in our own lives...and help others to see that he is the enemy? It is no wonder to me that the Bible refers to the Armor of God as Armor. We do need it. I don't think we need to go looking for fights to do battle...most times the battles find us as Christians. But we must always be prepared. The ultimate fight is the Lords...but we must protect ourselves by staying sheltered in his shadow. But how do we do that? Some simple things...read your Bible and become familiar with the Word of God. Pray and have time with God. Take time to worship God and praise him. I mean everyday! Not just holidays and Sundays...but everyday. That is how we stay sharp as a Christain...that is how we resist the Devil and then by doing so God will shine so brightly through us that Satan can't touch us. If God is with us....who really can be against us....and win?!

An early Birthday Present

I turn 28 on Saturday. I would like to ask for an early birthday present from all who read this blog...buy me an easy Pick MEGA Millions ticket for tomarrow 9/15/06. The jackpot is $163 Million. Seriously....hook me up...I will share the wealth if I win...they are only a $1. :op

Well...even if I don't win the lotto...I still plan on having a good day for my birthday.

The Story....

So let's back up to 1994....

I am riding a bus on my way to a wrestling meet (I am a freshman) and there comes along the cute (senior) wrestling manager and she asks if she can sit with me...my reaction...heck ya!

She is older, but I keep my cool....and then the radio plays one of the best songs ever.... "John Deere Green", by Joe Diffie. I, of course, sing the song to said girl and she thinks I am oh so sweet and cute...hmmm. But her reply is "oh...you'll grow out of country music someday..."

Speed ahead to 2005. Said girl and I go to a concert..."What concert was it professor?!!" Well kids..."It was a Joe Diffie concert!"

That's right...Joe Diffie almost 12 years later... and I will be danged if that song wasn't played again and of course I had to sing it to her again..and by the way...I was wearing the same cowboy boots I was wearing in 1994. Hmmm...oh so interesting.


This bring us to the story at hand...

Holly and I have been dating on a off for the past almost 4 years. Our history obviously goes back even further. Well, after dating someone that long...and patiently waiting for God's lead...I decided it was time to ask her "THE QUESTION" for real (not pretend...like I had so many other times)...but how to do it? For almost a month I had to plan it all out as I waited for the ring to be made. I struck a deal and helped design a webpage for Wheat Jewelers in exchange for some custom ring making(....that's a whole other story). As I waited for my creating to come to life...I had plenty of time to come up with the perfect plan. What more fitting, but to build our favorite song and make it come to life. I decided to design and build( over the next two months) a 7 foot mini-water tower...but why the water tower?

(You see, in the song "John Deere Green" Billy-bob loves Charlene so much he climbs on the towns water tower and paints a ten foot heart and writes Billy-bob Loves Charlene in John Deere Green paint. The whole town thought he was nuts for using that color, but it was the thought that counted for Charlene. )

So I plan it all out...her family built and owned the Lainsburg Golf course...she even helped put in the second 9 holes....so I figured that would be the perfect place....on Labor Day...but how to get her there. So her dad and I came up with a plan...I "needed" golf clubs and her dad still works there so we could go see him and barrow his...right?...

Holly decides to go see her friend Kate in Traverse City...for the weekend...and won't be home till Monday...but she surprises me by showing up Sunday...which I think sets up the stage perfectly for Monday...I have her dad call her and make the arrangements to get her to the course with me....but she is too smart for the "trap"...but goes along anyways...and it is all I can do to keep my cool and not give it away too bad. So the next morning I get all the arrangements done...Pete and Jenny set up the tower at the golf course and I pick up the Bride to Be...hopefully...

As I pull in I notice how upset she is...she goes on for the next 40 minute car ride explaining a terrible nightmare revolving around not being ready to be married and an ugly ring that I gave her in the dream that looked like it was wrapped in tin foil or something...and inside I start freaking out! I keep thinking in my head...oh crap...abort mission...abort mission...but God keeps me cool. I calmly listen and trust God. To compound matters more...it was the same day Steve Irwin died...the croc hunter....which also made us both upset. As we get Laingsburg, I decide to give her an out..."we can get the clubs another time...let's go home..." To my surprise...she says.."No let's just go see what my dad wants." Keeping my cool worked! God rocks! I couldn't believe it. I was so nervous I could feel myself sweating as we pulled into the golf course parking lot and down toward the work shed where we might find her dad. We get out and look around....no Chuck B. Which is exactly according to plan...but not according to plan was Frankie...a kid that Chuck B had as an accomplice.

Holly to Frankie: "Have you seen my dad? Chuck Beavers?"
Frankie: "He is over working on number 18...over that hill!"

I coudn't believe it...as I turned and walked toward 18 I could see my creation (a seven foot wooden based white water tower with the big green letters and heart JOEY LOVES HOLLY)...but Holly doesn't see it. This kind of releives me...so I start walking across the fairway, but Holly calls me back...we can't just walk across the fairway....we need to walk along the tree line and over the hill. So I turn and head back up the hill...and as I walked toward her...she sees it behind me!

PAUSE STORY...I can't explain to you just how cute and shocked her grin was....as she exclaimed..."what's that?!!"...and my calm response..."what's what?" She was smiling ear to ear and she didn't know what to do...it was so awesome!

RESUME STORY...

"What's what?"...

"That!!" Pointing toward the water tower...over my shoulder.

My response..."I don't know...maybe we should go see. I think it's ok...let's walk over there across the green."

I take her hand and we walk hand in hand across the fresh cut grass toward the rose lined path that led to the tower...as we get closer I reached in my pocket and pressed play on the hidden remote control I had been carrying...and you guessed it..."John Deere Green" comes on over tiny speakers I had mounted on the tower. She was so shocked...and was grinning...and kind of crying...not knowing what exactly to say or do.

"What's going on? What is this?"..she asked

...I took her hand and looked into her eyes and and got down on my knee..."Holly...I know I love you and I want to be your husband... would you marry me...I promise the ring isn't made of tin foil...and I opened the box...slipped the ring on her finger and she said....."ok" ;oP It was so cool. We even got a congrats from people who teed off on the hole about 5 minutes later. She was so surprise...at the way I asked. We spent the rest of the day visiting friends and family...and even a friend in jail...but that is another story.

God Rocks...and now I get the marry the most smartest, wonderful, beautiful girl in the world...

Holly Marie...I love you!

So yes it is true...I am going to be marrying St. Holly Fantastic!...a bonified super hero! ;o)

Big Changes keep a' comin'!

Ok...I am going to let the you guys guess what the change is...some of you already know...some of you don't. I don't wanna give it away...so you hafta guess.

**hint** It is really awesome!!!! And it revolves around a modern day "super"hero ;o)

A sad day...

I will miss the Croc Hunter...he was one of my favorite TV personas...and a fellow educator. His shows always made me smile and I know that it won't be same without him showing us the awesomeness of God's wonderful creatures. The students at school are all talking about the accident with Steve like he's not really dead. it is kind of strange that so many of my students have grown up with the Croc Hunter as one of their heros and now he is gone.

We will miss you Steve. We will miss you.

Big Change #2

To recap...the first big change in my life was selling my house in Mason. I should be closing on it here in a week or so. That was my first big life change.

Second big life change:

I would like to announce that I no longer teach at Mason. I resigned from my position....


However...I did get a new job. Actually two of them. I am now a part time professor at Alma College teaching Art Education, and I got a new teaching job at Holt! Go Holt Rams! That's right I am teaching in the district I graduated from. I am totally excited and can't wait. I actually have to be back next week...so much for summer.

Cedar Point

Took a three day vacation to Ohio this weekend. It was a blast. Holly and I took her niece and nephew. We stayed with her aunt and uncle. We spent yesterday at Cedar Point. It was so fun. We met up with her step-sister Fawn and her husband Darren. So there were 7 of us cruisin' the "Point". It was a day of first. Bradley (Hol's nephew) rode his first upside down roller coaster. Her niece rode her first roller coaster ever and cried riding on the Gemini but faced her fear. We were so proud! Like I said...good times.

Moving Party

If you want to be a good friend....then you should show up at my house around 1 pm on Sunday and help me move to my parents...there isn't that much stuff...but the more the merrier. If you want to be a super duper friend...then you will come over on Saturday and help me pack :o)

I hope to see you all there...let me know if you are coming so I can order enough pizza ;o)

Prayer Request...

I have a couple of big events happening in the next week or so. I just wanted to ask that those of you who feel compelled to pray that God doesn't let me into a situation where he doesn't want me to be...that he protects me from getting in over-my-head situations...that I don't go chasing rainbows and looking for fools gold. Some of you know what I am talking about and some of you don't. I won't post all of the situations that I am about to face...but one of them is moving...into my parents basement for a few months...the rest...I will get back to you on them. One is happening August 8th at 9:00am. I will keep you all updated and in suspenseful prayer...hopefully! ;O)

Flippin' Sweet Hot Tubs

My dad is now selling Hot tubs at his furniture store! They are sweet!!! and of course cost a lot less than other stores...the best part...they are about 1/2 of the retail value! They are factory direct with all their warranty and all that jazz! Mill Creek Depot Rocks!

Changing Dog food...

I have a finicky dog...and his name is Titan. He eats his frickin' food one nugget at a time. It is crazy...100lb yellow lab that eats like a dainty little old woman. My other dog scarffs his food down in less than two minutes...with Titan you have to literally sit there so he'll eat. He has anxiety or some stupid thing...it is ridicules! So I decided maybe it is the food.

I mixed some of his old little nugget food with some new Big nugget food. It was amazing, he just picked around the other food to ate the new food all up...and eventually all the food. About six hours later...it hits!

Holl..."Joey what the heck is that smell...."
Me...."oh my gosh...**gagging**...that is the most rank stentch ever!"
Holl.."Which dog is that?"
Me..."it's gotta be Titan."

It was totally Titan. He had/has the worst gas I have ever been sudjected to me all my life. It literally makes yours eyes water.

Me.."Let's take them for a walk"
Holl.."ok, but let's take bags in case of # 2's"
Me..**reluctant**"ok...it is the right thing to do...right?!"
Holl.."we need to be responsible pet owners...."

Ten minutes later...Cain takes a dump...I have to clean it up...should've left it, but I didn't...Holly and I both start gagging uncontrollably...it was pretty gross and funny at the same time. We were laughing at how pathetic we both were because other people always do this...and we had just decided to do this for the first time...it was kind of hillarious. When we finished laughing, we put the poo in the nearest trash can and proceeded.

Ten minutes later...a couple is walking behind us with a kid...Titan decides he need to defacate...and I am like damn! Sure enough...wretched stentch and runny nasty crap...and I have to clean it up.

As I am trying not to puke...

Couple..."Ahh...the joy of having dogs."

Me..face beat red and trying not to vomit..."yah...it's great!"
Holly...trying to not laugh at me histerically..."Dogs are great!"

As they pass...it is all I can do not to spew chunks on the sidewalk and I speedily get rid of sed dookie suprize into the nearest dumpster. Let that be a lesson to all you who want to do the right thing...sometimes doing the right thing stinks!

Koi Pond Fish Party

Hey...one last hurra here on Saturday before I start moving....so you all are invited to grill out on Saturday. Bring your own meat and your favorite beverage and we will have some other food for you all. If you are coming...let me know. Also, if you are going to Church on Saturday....just come after church ;o)

Moving...

Ok...I need some help...literally. I am going to be moving soon because I have sold my house. It was only for sale 2 1/2 weeks and I got an offer....now we are setting up a closing date. The big issue is that I am moving in with the folks for awhile to see if I can save some money and get rid of any debt I have.....The bigger issue...I NEED HELP MOVING! So if anyone of you who reads this wants to lend a helping hand...let me know. I can start moving anytime....but I want to set a moving date to maximize the move all at once. I could also use boxes. Again...God Rocks!

New Car...

I bought a new car awhile back. I would post a picture, but Holly has it. I let her take it so she could keep some miles off her lease. I really wanted a GM car but my uncle just never came through. So instead I went with Japan made...I got a Mazda 6. The car is really sweet. It is fast and good looking....not to mention I got a sweet deal on it. I prayed for a new car for a like a month at least...and THE BIG MAN finally put the right car in place. It was like it was meant to be...sounds a little goofy...but I really believe it's true. The first thing the guy I bought from and I started talking about when I checked out his car was God and being Christians...it was so sweet. He came down on his price and I got a nice car from a nice guy. God Rocks!

Transformers the MOVIE!!!!!!!!!

Life just got so sweet for all us Transformers fans! Not to mention the fact my toy collection is probably going to help me pay off my student loans if this thing is as stinkin' sweet as the trailer.

This really was my favorite part of Pirates of the Carribbean II!

PS. All the links go to one place...you have to click on "Watch the Exclusive Announcement Now" link to see what I am really talking about.

Review of Pirates

Movie had great special effects...would be kind of scary for little kids...good story that included all the characters from the old movie...I liked it.

Down side...really really long. Over done with the special effects a bit and fight scenes get drawn out. I would recommend seeing the movie only to really die hard fans...otherwise it would be a good movie to rent. But hey its your call.

Calling All PIRATES!!!

Who wants to help me find me friend Jack's buried treasure??? My first mate and I are goin' treasure hunting this here weekend!

Chicago Trip Part 1

Holly and I went to Chicago over the weekend and watched the Tigers beat the Cubs....but that is another later part of the this story. (This whole thing actually happenedtwo weeks ago....I just forgot to post this)

Part 1
Our first adventure in Chicago was walking the two miles from the train station to the hotel. It wasn't too bad...but the 90 plus degree heat was too much for my suitcase. We ate at Cereality...really cool...you must try it...and then we contuniued to the hotel.

You know how suit cases have those rollie wheels to help you cart your heavy luggage around...well the heat of the pavement completely melted one of mine off! No crap...it literally melted the frickin' wheel right off and I had to drag that dang suitecase a good four blocks at least! Tired arms and sore feet...but we finally reached the hotel and were sweat drenched...yuck! I had go to check in....we needed a break from walking....but Satan likes to tempt....Lucky for us...God is on our side ;o)

Desk clerk lady..."You are a gold star member and get a free upgrade...would you like it?"
Me..."Really?! What's the upgrade?"
Lady..."from your normal average two double bed room to a king sized single bed jacuzzi suit!"
Me in my head..."God keep me from temptation.....but wait...ummm jacuzzi suite would feel nice about now...stinkin' Satan...God to me> I am watching you :o)"
Me to Friendly desk clerk lady..."oh that's ok...my room will do."
Me in my head..."DANG!"..."Thank you God"

So we head up to the room and decide we need to visit the beach....which takes us to part 2 of Chicagoland story....

Chicago Trip Part 2

Ya so we head to the beach...it was only a couple of blocks a way...really close in big city terms...right by the navy pier. We set up our little beach camp near some interesting people. Holly and I tried and tried to figure out the wierd relationships between these four companions...

A skinning guy who looked like a 80's Guns and Roses fan and his lady friend...reminded me a bit of total opposites attracting...she was a larger woman.

Their companions were a black guy (who looked like he could be 35-40) with a tatoo "Chosen One" enscribed across his shoulders...kind of freaky...and his white "girl"friend who look like she was maybe at best 18. Again..opposites attracting. The weirdest part was the the "Chosen One" seemed to be the leader of the group....at one point 80's guy and chosen one went on a stroll which looked as though they were discussing the meaning of life. Maybe it was a "David Kuresch" thing going on...but after awhile...it appeared that they were maybe just some ordinary people....until....

Me to Holly..."we have to go right now"
Holly to me..."Why?"
Me back..."the "girl"friend is under the sheets being a little too friendly to the "Chosen One"....we have to go"
Holly too me...."Gross....no way!....are you sure...sick!"
Me...."Chosen One" handed her a bottle of water and an napkin.....we have got to go now!"

The most disturbing thing besides we were only about 10-15 feet away was that the beach was loaded with kids and families...and they were not keeping their business behind closed doors in the least! I had nightmares and it almost made me barf!

The next day....was better

Chicago Trip Part 3

Tigers and Cubs...what a game. I got Nate Robertsons autograph....the place was packed with Tigers fans who almost drowned out the boos that came from the Cub fans. We had a blast...and met up with Andy after the game for a beer to celebrate the Tigers victory.

We went to Navy Peir that night and it was a blast...I had never been. So it was a cool experience. I love that girl...she is so much fun. We had dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and had a very cool waiter. Chicago is fun...so much to do....nice place to visit...but kind of expensive...like the $30 I paid for two generic glasses of Merlot for Holly and I....what a rip off! But we still had fun :o)

David "Elsewhere" is my hero

So the guy who does all those crazy robot moves I love so much is named David Elsewhere....search him on YouTube.com and you will find some sweet videos like this and this and my new favorite beer commercial and the VW GTI commercial and this

Baby Got Book

Ok...this puts a whole new meaning to bible thumper...it is frickin' hillarious.

So you think you can dance?

Ok....check this out...watch the whole thing...the guy who goes last is just insance. I have someone to aspire to now....insane http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSoVKUVOnfQ


Here is the same guy doing some other insane moves....

Crazy Coincindence

Went to Germany....came home with a lay over in London...wanted to see London...but stay in the airport. Couple days later....terrorists blow up the train system.

Just got back from Chicago...was close the Sears Tower....some other wack jobs were arrested for plotting to blow the thing up!


Maybe I am not going to travel anymore....hmmm.

House For Sale

It's official. My house is for sale. I listed it today with Red Carpet Keim G/K of Holt. I am asking $133,000...it appraised at much more. I am just ready for a change...I have lived here for 4 years and I would like to change my surroundings. I have been praying a long time on this one, and I think that this is what God wants me to be doing...so if anyone wants a cute house in downtown Mason...let me know.

School's Out

I survived another year of teaching. I don't know what God has in store for me, but man I don't know if I can handle another year like this past one. Too much stress. However God taught me how to love my enemies and man it was really hard. Satan attacked from all directions, but I just tried to focus on God. Satan tried to hurt me while I coached, taught, and personal life....But God kicked his butt.

Teaching is so weird anyways...I mean you just can't call in sick like other jobs...You have to prepare the day for a someone else to do your job. Most jobs you would just call in sick and that would be that...Not teaching. And then you can't just be sick...You stress if the sub is doing what they asked or if they are doing their own thing...Which means more work for you when you get back...playing catch up. I think teaching is like being a CEO....you are in charge of a ton of people (kids) and have to solve all their problems. But it has it good sides too. I get to help other people, and teach them. I get summer to unwind, and vacation time. I get good health coverage. No complaints there....

Now for summer...time to relax and renew...I really need it. Maybe even have time to start blogging again :o)

Break Dance Lessons

I am thinking about taking some real lessons. Holl's told me about a guy who teaches it, and we are about the same age. She told him about my love of breakin' and he got excited...maybe he hook me up with some free lessons...but not likely. Anyways...I will let all you know if that happens.

Break Dancing Transformers

This is sweet...especially for any of your Transformers fans!!!

Noel...you should show your kids.

Jenny...get this song and let the break dancing begin!

The Evolution of Dance...AKA Sweet Skillz

Thanks to Eric for knowing my love of dance and finding this one for me. Take a minute...turn on your speakers...and enjoy the killa dance moves "Inspirational Comedian" Judson Laipply in a six minute video....so sweet!

Hard Knocks

Life on the home front has not been easy lately. It seems like when it rains...It pours. We are suppose to live in this world and not be of it...But man..there are so many temptations and I am constantly wanting to be un-Christ-like and it is hard. Satan hates it when strong Christians make impacts on others. He hates it so much, that I am convinced he throws anything and everything in our way to prevent us from feeling successful in God's eyes and instead left to feel only discouragement. Well it has kind of been like that for me lately...But I am learning to reach up and snap Satan's pointed little finger in half as he tries to point doubts in my direction and just stand firm in faith and God sovereignty...and you know what I have found? A different kind of peace and I worry less. Even when things get really stinkin' crappy....and it has been lately...I don't worry as much because I am trusting God. He showed me some awesome comfort last night in Psalms 2-4. You should read it and see how much God really cares.

Cool Yo! Luke 18.10-14

So check out this pic. Holly told me that Eriv linked it as a background...sure enough...she was right. Cool yo!It is a painting of Luke 18.10-14 The Pharisee and the Tax Collector that I did for Riverview's Artist series...it was pretty cool...that God would actually let me have the ability to do something like that! He Rocks!

You can check out the Podcast of Noel's sermon here!

Luke 18.10-14
From the NIV

10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about[a] himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Cool yo!

Check out my sweet dance moves at the Riv ONE service. It was before the service started and they played some "Yo Vanilla....Kick it one time Booooooyeeee!"  

Being a Dad

This weekend I got to sort-of experience fatherhood. Holl's and I watched our friends' daughter Jillian for Sat. & Sun. She is only 15 months old...but man does she have a ton of energy. She can walk and sort of talk...it was so much fun...but tireding! When she fell asleep on Sat. we both looked at each other and said "What time is it?"...it was only 8pm but it felt like 12pm! We were both so tired.

The next day we were late for church...or rather really early...we forgot to set our clocks ahead and ended up showing up late to the 10:00 service. We took Jillian to her nursery school...and I was kind of surprised that it was kind of hard to leave her there. I thought I would be so excited to get a break...and I kind of wasn't. So strange. Maybe I am not ready to be a dad...but then again...maybe I am. When God is ready for me to be married...I will be.

Baseball

I hate coaching and love it at the same time. I am learning that you can't please everyone nor should you try unless you want to just go crazy. Leading is hard...especially when you are new at it. Being the Varsity head coach carried a lot more responsibility than I originally bargained for...but it is a good thing. So far I am 0-2 as a coach. It is frustrating, but that win will come soon enough. If the weather would just warm up a little I think that would make life better for the players and me. I hated playing in the freezing cold. Global warming my eye....it's been this way forever.

Anyways...prayers are welcomed...it has been a little more stressful than I anticipated.

Selling the house

If anyone is interested in a three bedroom, one bath house with a 2 1/2 car garage, basement, fully updated from windows to walls, new kitchen and bath, newer roof, central air, new plumbing and electrical, awesome landscaping with fenced in back yard, 1100 square feet, first floor laundry, walking distance to all three schools in Mason (elementary, middle, and high school)....around $130,000 and it appraised at $138,00 so let me know. I am selling my house very soon. Not sure where I am moving just yet...but in this area. Maybe sticking it out with the folks for a few months till I find a new house.

I have my reasons for moving...but mainly want to move out of town, and get some more space.

Quote of the Week...

So I was reading my favorite blog...and came across something intriguing...it was about compliments. HMB stated it so lovely. Here is the quote..

"All I need from you is affirmation that I'm getting things right or correction when I'm doing it wrong. Praise is fine but please, don't put someone else down if you are trying to build me up."

Have you ever thought about the way you build someone up? If you are tearing someone else down...(comparing how bad they are to how good someone else is) are you really building them up? Remember everyone is an image of God...so be very careful not to ruin his image.

Crazy Winds and no Power at School

So today we had some super severe winds...and about fifth hour at school...my room with no windows goes into total pitch darkness. I couldn't even see my hand in front of my face. No emergency lights in the classroom and no flashlight...but I did have a candle. The kids were going nuts and they finally calmed down...once I got some light in the room. I quickly learned that a huge tree had fallen on the main power line to the school, and the sudden electrical surge caused a main transfomer to explode. I thought for sure they were sending us home early...but no go. It was too close to the end of the day, and so we stayed and hung out in the gym for an hour.

Unfortunately this was also the first day of my role as head varsity baseball coach...and tryouts week. We were only able to have about a half hour practice...due to the sunlight disappearing from the gym sky lights. We finished practice in the middle of the gym floor in near total darkness. It is a first day of practice I will never forget. It was so awesome in a way. It was almost like a poem of something. We started in the darkness so we could find our way to the light. I am excited to coach baseball this year. A lot of responsibility, and a lot of prayer will be needed. I hope that I please God in this role as the head coach.

Happy Birthday Holly!

That's right...today is Holly's Birthday...wanted to give a big shout out to my favorite girl!

Sick of being Sick

So I have been running a fever now of 100 or more for the past 4 days. I have gotten blood drawn 3 times, and still no one knows what is wrong. Running a fever for so long is really wearing on me. They checked for mono, strep, and a variety of other things with no success. I am beginning to wonder if I have caught Dan's mysterious bird flu :op Seriously though...if you get a sec...pray for me...I need it.

Just a small sampling of the Who's who that attended such a killa party! 

Super Bowl Partaaaay

So we threw a little Super Bowl party. You know...you invite like 30 people thinking only about 15 will come if you are lucky....unless you are me! It was so awesome. Everyone came...we had so much fun! People were everywhere in my little house. We had three TV's going and tons of food. Although...some of my friends were teaching their children to start drinking a little too early...I mean shouldn't you be able to walk before you learn to drink? Hmmm....maybe it is better that way though...I mean at least you can't stumble around...right? Anyways...good times had by all!

Banana is so cute! 

I win the Super Bowl XX party of the Year!  

Aren't I cute? 

The row of genious! I mean that in a good way...you guys rock! 

There's no more room at the Inn...but looks like we're all friends here...right? 

Hey Dad can I have a sip?

Hey Look at my cool Beer...it even has its own shirt. FYI...Ben you look bitchin'! 

Actually give me the whole thing!

Anatomy of falling down the stairs.

So I was in a hurry tonight and raced up the stairs to find some dress shoes. As I came back down the stairs....I had a little spill. I slipped and fell...grabbed a banister railing and it snapped...and continued tumbling down the stairs to my doom.

Luckily I wasn't seriously hurt....I am still really sore, and I still have a charlie horse in my thight, but nothing was broke...other than my banister.

While it was happening it wasn't so funny. But luckily for me....Holly thought it was hillarious and managed to convince me to reinact it for you all to see.

Her response...to my initial fall.

"Are you...hahahahaa......ok....hahahahahha?!"

So nice to know I am loved so deeply. ;o)

The remains....

The Bi-product...

The fall....re-inacted...but very accurate!

The landing....notice the lovely vaccum that cushioned my fall! Actually I hurt myself in the reinactment too! That grimise of pain is real. No matter how many times you think a vacuum will cushion your landing...it never really does!

#1 vs. #2...and the winner is....

Lakewood was defeated 31-39 by the Mason Bulldogs keeping them on top. It came down to the very last match and the Bulldogs win with a pin! Talk about nerve recking....no wonder I am getting gray hair and going blad :op

New Year's Resolution

I am tired of not telling the truth in full. When I was a kid my dad would tell me bits and pieces of the truth....he didn't lie to me...just didn't tell me everything ya know?! I think he wanted to protect me from being disappointed or from getting frustrated, but in reality it made me more upset. Well...I must confess...I have been doing a lot of that to people lately. And to all of you, I am sorry. Take it from me...it is way better to tell a person the whole truth and deal with the initial upsetting of their feelings than letting it fester for months and months...only to have the truth finally surface and have to deal with it anyways. It always happens....it is just a matter of when....maybe not till after you die...but other people will find out.

So my resolution for the new year is to be honest with everyone around me if they ask me a question about my life I will answer them honestly...in a kind way. Even if they ask me something that may hurt. For instance...if you ask me if your new hair do is cool, but I think it is ugly...I will tell you that isn't my taste in haircuts...ya dig?

Merry Christmas

So I found the coolest house ever! You need to have your sound on to get the full effect. I know what I am doing next year to decorate for Christmas :o) Enjoy! CBS News even did an interview with the guy who set it up!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Ah yes...the benefits of teaching. As we prepared to leave school yesterday...the students and teachers were paying close attention to the radio and weather. We all did our little prayers and rituals for the forthcoming day. My personal favorite is the ritualistic snow dance seen only performed in teacher's lounges and personal dwellings, which are done exclusively by those of us in the teaching profession. I must confess...I did mine. :o) I needed to sleep in so bad. But, I digress...teaching definately has it's fringe benefits....no Christmas bonus, or in office day care....but ahhh those snow days!

The Bird Flu

Barrowed this information from my friend HMB....thanks for letting us know the important symptoms.

The Center for Disease Control has released a list of symptoms of Bird Flu. If you experience any of the following, please seek medical treatment immediately:
1. High fever
2. Congestion
3. Nausea
4. Fatigue
5. Aching in the joints
6. An irresistible urge to crap on someone's windshield.

WOW....am I glad I don't have that last symptom ;o)

Song Lyrics and Early morning Driving

So I was on the way back from an MRI (which consequencely I had to get up at 5:30 AM for! GRRRR!) and these words came across the radio. It is a song by Chris Cagle, and it made me wonder in a million different directions. You know a good friend once told me, "that the problem with today's society is that we confuse love with feelings...because love really isn't a feeling...it's an action. Everyone wants to feel loved, but the only real love is that of God's love to each and every one of us. He is the only one that can fullfill the longing to be loved and cared for. Human love is so imperfect...but God's love is Perfect."

But back to this song...
The song tells a sort of story. It is like main character misses her so much, but doesn't tell why they aren't together. There had to be some reason...even if it was a stupid one. I know how it feels to lose someone you love and wish they would come back...in death...and in other areas of my life. It is hard to sleep at night, hard to focus on our daily grind activities, and our brain feels like it wants to explode. But God is always there waiting for us to come to him to be comforted, and sometimes that takes an eternity. However, as I was listening to the song, I wanted to think that the lyrics could be applied as God speaking to each of us...(minus the kitchen floor chorus...see lyrics... :oP). I know it is a strech...but it made me think. Hasn't God designed each of us to miss something in our lives...something only he can give us...Unchanging, unconditional, Love. We try to fill that void with all kinds of things...drugs, sex, rock n' roll, companionship, friends, toys, stuff! But it is never enough to make anyone truely satisfied...only God can do that and he calls to each of us to miss him and long for him...whether we know it or not.

And now...the lyrics:

Miss Me Baby
When You Hear Our Favorite Song Miss Me Baby
And When You Start To Sing Along
Think About All The Times That We Danced
In The Light To It All Night Long,
OhThen Miss Me Baby

And Want Me Honey
Like You Did The Night You Told Me That You Loved Me
We Couldn't Wait Anymore, Left The Keys In The Door
Took My Hand, Pulled Me Down On The Kitchen Floor
Yeah, We Were That Crazy
Miss Me Baby

Because When He's Holding You
Know That It's Killing Me
Let My Memory Be The Reason, Girl
That You Can't Sleep
And Every Time You Feel His Touch
I Pray To God It's Not Enough
And That I've Touched Your Heart So Deep
Girl, You Can't Shake Me
Cause I Love You, Yes I Need You
Miss Me Baby

Miss Me Baby
Until You Can't Take It No More

The First Church?

Ok for some reason I found this article very intriguing. They even interviewed the prisoners who dug up the thing!

The best Halloween Costumes EVER!!

If you want to see the absolute best Halloween Costumes ever created...then check them out :

Site #1

Site #2

Site #3

If I had the money I would be owning one of these no questions asked! I think I know what I am going to be working on between now and next year for Halloween...I so can make one of them!

The Big Let Down...

One of the biggest things I hate more than anything is losing! You can just ask anyone who knows me. I am competitive to a fault and I am very intense. I have lost at a lot of things, and been ticked off and disappointed and all that...but I never thought I would take losing a powderpuff game so hard. Maybe it was because they were seniors, and they should've won. Maybe it was because we lost 44-6 last year to the same coach. Unfortunately, we came up short once again....27-28. It was one of the best fought football games I have ever been a part of. Maybe that is why I took it so hard....

The reality is....those girls busted their butts, and it wasn't quite good enough. I feel like I let them down. They were so pumped up, and we just couldn't seem to score. As we walked off the field...and I huddled my team up. I looked into all their teary faces and let them know just how proud I was of them. I told them not to hang their heads, because they left it all on the field. I don't know if it made a difference...but I was proud of them.

The big Game

Tomarrow is a rematch of last years beating we took of 42-6 in powderpuff football. I think we actually have a chance....but we'll see. We are seniors now!

Joe Diffie

One of my favorite country singers for a ton of different reasons. One of which is the found memories his songs bring to my mind. When I was a kid just getting interested in country music, but knowing full well I liked it! I went to see him the other day and the concert was so cool...although I did pay for it the next day getting up early to teach! But it was so worth the tiredness. I got to watch the major country singer with the other hundred or so people who joined to watch him at the smallest venue I have ever been to for such a well known artist. I stood almost within reach of him and the rest of his band...it was totally cool! I forgot just how many of his songs I knew...what a good time.

As I listened and my memories ran wild, I felt some peace and quiet within. It was so nice. After the concert, I walked out and walked by his bus...and there he was...guarded by security. But me waved and told me to have a good night! WOW...what a nice guy. He didn't have to say anything...I am just some dumb country song fan pee-on...but he said hi anyways. What a good time!

Normal life?

I sat down the other night to ponder what exactly it meant to have a normal life. While it is true, mine as normal as you get from the outside...but inside it is a different story. What I mean is this: I have a good job, a house, fun stuff, friends, a loving family, etc. etc...but deep down non of that matters to me. I mean it does, but what I want out of life makes these things just buffers sometimes.

Serving God is most important to me, and growing in my faith...but lately I haven't felt like I have been doing much of that at all. I don't share my beliefs much with people around me because the "busy" word creeps in! I think that is Satan's way of distracting me from what God's goals are for me...if he can make me busy enough, then I won't want to read my bible, pray, or talk to other people. I hate when that happens...and it has been happening a lot lately. My focus has been on my own needs, and ignoring God's desires for my life. The most awesome person in the world reminded me of this by simply giving me a verse to ponder in my head. It was about who God is and whom he isn't. God is peace...not chaos...lately I have felt chaotic...that isn't of God. Time to refocus, time to reflect, and time to spend more "time" "Getting Right with the Man".

Random thoughts...

If you have to make a choice, but you can't find any peace in any of the options and there isn't any real peace in the situation....what do you do? Pray...yes....listen....yes.....wait....yes, but for how long? A week, a month, a year....I don't know. Interesting predicament.

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
~1 Corinth: 14:33

So if you find peace in a decision...after prayer...listening...and seeking God...then it is probably a good decision...right? Then why don't we make those kinds of decisions?

It's finally happened...

I have tried so hard not to sell any of my Transformer toys in the hopes that I might one day get married and have a son to play with them. But I have started the slow, painful, tedious process of selling my prized toy collection via ebay. I don't want to, but right now the money is more important than the toys...I am trying to get rid of any bills other than my school loans, house, and car. So...the easiest way to make some money is loose the toys. I am also thinking of selling the prized VW...haven't prayed long enough about that one though.

It is a sad day for me in a way...watching them go one by one to new homes...It is like the guy from 40 Year Old Virgin selling his action figures. I can totally relate to him freaking out after he realized he had sold them all off! Unfortunately I am not going to make 100 G's like he did, but hopefully it will be enough to get rid of some debt! Then in the spring I am thinking of selling the house. Wow....I might be crazy! Well it would be easier to move without the 20 large boxes of toys...and the sad thing is...that isn't an exaggeration!

Dear Secret Work Readers

So I found out that some of my friends at work know the inner workings of my life through my blog...BUStED! It was a little wierd because they knew things they shouldn't, because I hadn't told them...but it was because the "read" about my life. Good times had by all. It was actually interesting lunch room conversation. Thus anyone who might be reading this from Mason Public Schools...welcome. Hopefully you will find out a little more about what makes me tick so oddly and you can all give me strange glances at work! :oP

To those of you whom read on a daily or somewhat routinely basis....thanks and keep up the good work.

The Big Day is here

Ok First....super awesome news.....

I interviewed for the head Varsity Baseball Coaching job for Mason yesterday and I got it! Which means a variety of things. First, I have a gianormous responsibility to run an entire program. Second, I am going to be pretty busy for awhile. Third, if I ever get married and still wanna coach that person will need to either like baseball and kids, or just be super understanding. But those things aside....I am excited and hope that I can serve God with this new position and not lose track of the fact that he gave me everything I have...including baseball smarts :O)


Now on for this day.....
I was born on Sept. 16th at 12:15AM 1978. I was only a little over 5lbs. But that changed fast and my nick name was Chub dubs...my dad gave it to me....thankfully I outgrew that too! Today has been really cool so far...I got three sets of balloon bouquets from different friends and students...all of which arrived at the High School. I looked like a carnie coming out of school with my huge bundle of balloons! I was greated with the weather report this morning which I loved a lot and meant a great deal to me...thanks to those who shall remain anonomous! ;o) And the usual calls from parents, and friends. Kids at school were really cool too...made me cards and wished me happy birthday all day long. But now it is raining and close to party time....hopefully that stuff goes away. But regardless...I won't let it ruin the party or hanging out with me peoples! Hope those of you who can make do...and the rest of you....you will be missed....that is a promise!

Ok...Someone must get me this for B-day!

I really want this CD...it just makes me laugh like crazy!

New B-day bash ideas!

So I had it suggested to me that since we can't go see a baseball game maybe we should just have one....well better yet....maybe wiffle ball....anyone? Sounded kind of fun to me. Also, 621 sounds fun...but remember they have a cover fee$$. Not all of us have tons of extra loot with the gas prices around $3 a gallon. But I would be up for it for sure! I believe that we should do dinner in celebration of me, and then plan on going out. Say dinner around 6:30-7ish...then go out afterward to somewhere for a few cheap drinks....then to 621.

For those of you who really care...we could do some wiffle ball on the Varsity baseball field at Mason...prior to dinner with enough time to clean up for dinner. Nothing major, but I need to know who would be in for that...it would make me happy...especially if I get the Varsity Baseball position which I interview for the day before my birthday! Let me know peoples!

Birthday wish list

Ok...if anyone was wondering what to get me for my birthday I have some suggestions:

I really want an iPod...but no one except maybe my parents would get me one.
I also would like a new Mountain Bike...but again...mucho dinero!

Things people could get me that would be reasonable....

1) Gift certificates to Pet Supplies Plus, Preuss Animal house, Best Buy, Express, or anywhere else that is cool
2) Old school Nintendo....really wish I still had one...and an old school Atari! That would be sweet
3) I really don't have a big pot to make spagetti sauce in....
4) A cover for my grill
5) I also wish I had a good set of grill utensils
6) A fitted Lug Nuts hat...size would 7 3/8"....I lost my other one in Germany
7) A fitted Tigers Hat...old school style...dark navy with a white D
8) Anything cool for my puppies or kitty kats.
9) Lots of friends to hang out with and wish me a happy birthday.

So I was thinking it might be fun to go play some miniature golf...or go bowling...but definately do dinner somewhere cool...maybe Claddaugh's or Clara's. Since it is on a friday it would be fun to go out dancing somewhere...but most places are too meat marketie...but it is still fun. Any other fun birthday suggestions from my viewing public?

Really big fish tank

I bought this aquarium on ebay...not realizing the absolute enormity of the thing. It is a 180 gallon tank...but it is almost 6' tall with it's stand....24" wide and 24" deep. It is a gianormous! It is so big in fact that I have to build support in the basement so it doesn't fall through the floor. I am excited though...It is going to an awesome site once it is up and running. I am going to run a fresh water set up for now...maybe go to salt in the summer or if I move next year....which I am planning on doing. HMB thinks it is overkill...she may be right. She is known to be on occassion :op But regardless...I am excited.

T-minus ten days

So I will be getting closer to the 30 mark relatively soon. The 16th I turn the big 27...not too excited. Good news is that it will be on a Friday! I have some cool things to say, but I am tired right now....

However, my "strange" theater friend yelled at me for not posting on my blog...right Meg?!...so did miss Yeehaw! ;oP Love you guys! So this is somthing new to read...this post that is...but I promise, there will be some cooler stuff coming up tomarrow after school...so check back ;o)

First Day Jitters

Wow...the first day of school came and went. Kids don't arrive until Wednesday. I saw so many familiar faces and so many excited teachers. It was fun being back in school...I know I used the word fun. But I like my job and the people I work with most of the time. In fact, I have taught at almost every building in Mason....I know almost all the teachers. It is kind of cool. Everyone knows me, so I kind of feel important....even though I am just a High School art teacher. :o)

But it is like the first day of school..."so what did you do this summer?" The most common question from those that haven't seen you in three months. I talked about Germany and was surprised that so many people knew about it from other people...and wanted to hear all about it. It was so cool to see God working in the public schools. After the typical welcome back to school first day activities we broke down into buildings for school briefings and meetings. The high school teachers had an ice breaker that the principals made....it was a cross word puzzle that we had to complete in groups of five. Each person's last name was a word in the puzzle. The clue for each name was something that they had done over the summer....they had it down that I went on a mission trip to Germany....I was shocked that they remembered...and that was how they had described me. It got better when we left to our departments...because one of the principal's asked "so did you grow alot spiritually from the mission trip?...Did it make you have a closer relationship with God?...it is so good that I can talk about this with you at school" I couldn't believe it! How awesome!

Cleaning the House

For those of you that know me...you know that this is a big deal. First of all...I hate cleaning...at least by myself that is. When I was little, my sister and I use to the clean the house for my mom. It was how we made an allowance. We would dust, pick up stuff, clean the rooms, vaccum, take out the trash, mow the yard, clean up doggy doodoo...the whole nine yards. It was kind of fun when we did it. For some reason we would fight over who got to dust and vaccum...it was kind of wierd. I usually won being the oldest....I would con her into doing something else. Each chore was assigned a certain $$$ value and I would always try to take the high $$$ chores. I always cut the grass...because that paid ten dallors...I was daddy warbucks after I cut the grass...just rollin' in dough....of course it always took me several hours to do. She and I loved to clean for some reason.

Now it is different. I am by myself with four pets...and hard wood floors. The vaccum really only works upstairs, I have to use a regular broom. No one to share the chores with makes for a lot of work for me. I have had some help cleaning...thanks Yi. But what happened to the fun that it use to be when I was kid?

Ish Concert

I went to the Jackson County Fair last night to watch the Riverview band "Ish" play. They were really good. There were actually a lot of people there considering it was a "fair" stage. It would've been cooler if they had gotten to play on the mainstage....in fact I think they were better than the pre-show for Switchfoot. I bought a set of tickets from Noel...they were sweet seats....2nd row dead center. I felt kind of out of place though with all of the screaming teenage girls surrounding us. Oh ya...forgot to mention....HMB was there with me...we had met up at the "Ish" concert coincidentally. Hadn't seen her in over two weeks...it was nice to catch up a little. But anyways....the concert was good. After the concert HMB and I went around to see the sights the fair...eat some fair grub....and see the animals. Oh ya...FYI...it is not cool to tell your friend to "watch out" as they step in cow crap...and then laugh at them. Man...I will find my revenge on that one...you just wait. But it was a good time...

After walking around waiting for the concert to begin...we finally went to see Switchfoot. I only knew about four of the songs...but they were really good. We were crammed into folding chairs...and had to crawl over a guy with crutches to sit down for the concert. The preband was still playing...not bad...but like I said before..."Ish" was a lot better. The weather was really muggy though....so we skipped out after they played the three songs we really knew well. So I guess we heard 8 songs or so...(random thought: can you start and end a sentence with a the word "so"?....well I just did :P) I thought about the concert...and the fun I had hanging with HMB....walked back to my car and left. Went to bed and had some crazy dreams about the president being attack in the middle east...and then woke up this morning.

Angry and Mad

I have been trying to spend a lot of time lately just contemplating life and trying to listen for God's direction....through prayer and reading my bible. What I can't stand is all of the slack I take from friends and family when I get questions about my life that only God really knows. For instance...

"Joey, when are you ever going to get married?"
"How come you haven't found a girlfriend?"
"How come you are not more active in finding someone to date?"
"Why do you spend so much time praying and reading your bible?"
"When is your car going to run again?"...had to throw that one in there....
"How come you are so busy?"
The list is really long...but you kind of get the idea....these are all things that piss me off!

While it is totally true...almost every single friend I have is married, having kids, or intently "dating" someone, my time needs to be spent seeking God for him to move me....not for me to try and move him!

First, let me just say...I haven't dated anyone in nearly a year. For some that might not seem like that long of time....but for me....it has seemed like an eternity based on the circumstances I have been through....and for friends and relatives...I guess they see me coming up on 27 and are worried. Well let me put the worries to rest! GOD IS IN CONTROL PEOPLE! I haven't dated anyone because I don't feel God has place the right person in my life....I spend a lot of time praying and reading the Bible so I can find out more about God and his purpose for me....I am busy because if I wasn't I would probably go insane and become a hermit on some mountain top talking to wild animals.....wait....maybe that last part is coming fulfilled with all of the pets that inhabit my residence. Just kidding....but seriously....People wonder why I get worked up about things like this....it's because they are always constantly bothering me with the same frickin' questions....which I don't have the answers to!!!! Simply reitterated....GOD IS IN CONTROL PEOPLE! If God wants me to get married....then I don't have much choice....if he doesn't...then I will just wait for him. Sounds like a sound thing to do.

While my car is nearly running again...and I am doing well on the outside....inside I am frustrated. I do want God to put someone in my life, but I don't want to be in control of that situation....I always screw it up! He needs to heal me and guide me spiritually, mentally and emotionally. I am giving God time to change me and prepare me so when I do meet someone...I will be ready...mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and willingly. So the next person that ask's me "Joey....why...." I might just explode...and deck them in the face! Or more likely just say "Hey...God is in control...that is good enough for me!"

So if there is anyone out there who still reads this....pray for this for me....please. ;o)

So I might be a slum Lord...

Ok...I have been thinking of ways to make extra money and have it be steady income. Well a good friend of mine sells and buys real estate and has made enough money so he really doesn't need to work...it supplys him with enough to live on and fund his full time ministry...he can just live off of the income from the properties he owns...but he still works. This same guy is one of my closest Christians friends and a mentor to me in many ways. So I asked him if he could show me how to manage properties and if he thought it would be a good investment for me...

He told me that I should absolutely get into owning rentals if I could afford it. He told me to start with just one or two...and grow slowly. I found the perfect place. It happens to be in Charlotte, and it is next door to one of my closest friends. Eric told me about it and said I should buy it...coincidence that I would have these two conversations within a short period of a week....I think not. I have been praying about it for a long while now...and maybe God is showing me a smart way of investing my income. My house I live in has been a good investment...so why not try to get another one...and let other people pay me to live in it...right? Eric has even agreed to be the super...since he lives right next door and knows a lot about plumbing, electrical, etc. I think it is a good idea.

I discussed the plan with Chuck...my Christian friend...and he agreed it was a good and smart buy. We went through it today...and I wrote an offer. If it gets accepted...I will then own a house and a three unit rental property officially making me a land lord. I am excited and nervous. This is a big risk chance I am taking....so anyone who reads this...please pray for me to be financially smart....

Waves of an Ocean

The ups and downs of life remind me of waves of an ocean. I mean...Have you ever seen the waves....They never cease...Always slowly washing away the shore with their constant monotonous pounding. Life is like that. If you have something that you try to push out of mind...something you just don't want to deal with...something you just want to block out of your thoughts....it begins to act like small ripples at first and eventually becomes the ocean of relentless waves. It will surface unexpectedly...creeping in at the most inconvienent times...Like when you are just about to fall asleep. Some might call it conscience...others over active emotions. Maybe it has to do with both. Maybe neither. Sometimes the emotions overtake you and you are left feeling sad and lonely...mad at the way the cards have fallen.

But then comes the light...at least it does for me. A warming sensation that there is still someone who loves you...even if other people may not. He knows you by name...has seen every mistake and success you have ever had....and love you despite it all. He has paid the price for every horrible thing you have done, are about to do, or will do for the rest of you days on Earth. He is like the Lighthouse and peir....protecting you from being totally washed away from the taunts of Satan telling you that you are no good, no one loves you, you aren't good enough, you are a failure, no one could forgive you from that!, etc. The truth of the matter is...despite these fleeting emotions...God is in control...if you will let him be. He wants the best for you...even if you don't agree with what the "best" is. Letting go is hard...especially when you are scared of what you might lose by letting go. But even if I stumble and fall...he will be there to pick me back up and love me. Sometimes he just needs to move you a little. Check out the lyrics from the band FFH....it describes how it feels to need God to move and show you things will be ok.

I can't find the words to pray, I'm a little down today
Can You help me, Can You hold me?
I feel a million miles away, And I don't know what to say

Can You hear me anyway?
What I need is for You to reach out Your hand
You have taught me no matter what You'd understand

CHOURUS:
Lord move in the way, that I've never seen before
Cause there's a mountain in the way and a lock on the door
I'm drifting away, waves are crashing on the shore
So Lord move (move), or move me.
END CHOURUS

I've looked every where to find a simple peace of mind
But, I can't find nothing on my own
So I gotta leave myself behind, take up this cross of mine
Give away everything I hold onto
Lord I know the only way is through this
But Lord, I know I need You to help me do this

CHOURUS
Lord move in the way, that I've never seen before
Cause there's a mountain in the way and a lock on the door
I'm drifting away, waves are crashing on the shore
So Lord move (move), or move me.

Out of this place of complacency
To a place of fellowship with Thee'
Cause I am weak, but Lord, You are so strong
And You know it's been way too long It's been way too long

Lord move in the way, that I've never seen before
Cause there's a mountain in the way and a lock on the door
I'm drifting away, waves are crashing on the shore
So Lord move (move)...,CHOURUS

I am now a Master!

Ok...maybe not officially until I get a diploma...but I have just finished all of the requirements for my master's class including the infamous portfolio! I am so glad to finally be done with school. NO more for me...unless I take classes just for fun. If I take something it will be like automotive mechanic or something that I really want to know. Maybe a painting class or a class on web design or something like that. So now....what to do with all the free time I am going to have this year? Hmmm...taking suggestions....

Storm Chasin'!

In my quest to finsih my master's program by editing together my final video presentation, I stumbled across a video of me being stupid. I love storms and chasing them. I found an entire video of my quest to meet God via being struck by lightening. It is hillarious because it starts off with the radio blairing the advanced weather warning beep on the car radio....telling everyone to take shelter...but where am I...in my car shooting video :o)

I know I am crazy...but when I watched this video....I think I may have had an appipahny....I really may be nuts! :oP It looks almost like I am driving through a tornado....but it is just a really terrible thunderstorm. There is even a spot where my car is being pelted with hail...and the cops blocked my direction on the road. Gosh...I miss the Jimmy and the thunderstorms we had last year. We could use some more....I want to try out the Albatrous...AKA..the Impala in the nasty weather. I bet she doesn't handle as well as the 4 X 4. Maybe we'll just have to work on getting a new truck. :o) Or maybe an STi Subaru...that would be sweet. Anyways...if you ever want to see me being nuts...just ask me to show you the video. :o)

Friendship Prayer

Ok...so it's not what you think. I got this from my mom. It is pretty funny!



"May the fleas of a thousand camels infest the crotch of the person who screws up your day...and may their arms be too short to scratch...AMEN"

I was suppose to be there today!

http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mediacenter/index.jsp?c_id=det

This link will take you to the Detroit Tigers home page...and click on top plays if you have windows media player...you should be able to watch the entire brawl. I was suppose to go to the game. I kind of wish I would've gotten to go now! The Tigers lost, but Farnsworth kicked some "Royal" butt!I am against fighting in baseball, but sometimes there are exceptions to the rules.

You can check out the USA Today recap.

Here is the start of the brawl. Guillen was hit in the head on purpose!

I have officially started my own compound complex

For the past two days straight I have been erecting a very long six foot tall fence that encompases my entire yard. It kind of reminds me of a fort or something when I was a kid. My body aches and my hands have blisters. But it is complete minus the two gates I need to install. All the fence is hung, and the poles were cemented in. Was it worth it? Right now I say yes. The kids can't get in, which kind of stinks...I liked hanging out with them...but they can't really scale the wall and that makes my yard safer. My dogs love it! No more chain...just free to run around!

My next door neighbor even helped me put up some of it. This whole fiasco with the pond has turned out to be a good thing, and another way for God to work in my life. I had the high of serving in Germany, and then the devil tried to ruin it by blasting me with trials. But I survived and God is making it work for good. That is so awesome...God rocks and satan sucks :oP

You think your week was crazy

Long story short last week sucked... and let me explain why. First, I got home from Germany...and that was nice....but we got to my house and HMB says:

"Joey What HAPPENED to you pond!?"

SOB....some little brats had poked holes throughout the whole thing and it only had maybe 1/2" of water in it. I was so pissed....then I saw one of the culprits....Mr. Corr the Terrible took over.

I yelled and demanded to know what happened. All the people in the apartments start coming out on their balconies to watch and I interrogate the suspect. Through tears I got the explanation...turns out I was sort of right about which kids did it. So luckily HMB tells me to call the police...and I did. The entire apartment complex behind watches as the blue flashing lights pull into the driveway...then take my report...and then goes over to furhter interrogate the suspects. After I filed a report, I had then calmed down enough to talk to the other set of parental figures. Kind of responsive...but not very. I see why their kids are such brats. Filed a report with my insurance...they came through...so I was doing kind of better right....

Then I decide hmmm...I can rebuilt it. So I buy the materials and redo it...next day...some other little runts push all the rocks into the pond...so I blow my top! I go and yell at the kids till I find out which ones did it...and tell them if anyone for any reason steps one foot in my yard they will be going to jail for tresspassing...I then post 5 big orange NO TRESSPASSING sign along my back yard. So far...not one soul has dared enter the lair of the terrible beast Mr. Corr!

Because it sat so long in the heat with no water...it killed most of my plants...so I get the idea to go to Home Depot for some new ones. I am looking at a new pump and looking back at me through the shelf is a kitten. I try to catch it, but it runs away. I get an employee and he tells me they have been trying to catch it for two weeks. I show him where it is and we decide it is time to catch the kitten. BAD IDEA...We catch him alright...but we both get bit! Damn thing was so scared it nearly took the end of the dude's finger off...and bit me after the employee dropped it and I picked it back up. Long story short we caught it, and it is safe and acting normal. But I found that out after I went and had to get a tetnus shot, and was scared I might have to get rabbies vaccinated! I did get some plants for free though...on a positive note.

So then I decide I can relax....WHAM!....I catch a nasty cold. In fact I am still sick and it has been three days...I was scared it was rabbies at first....but it is starting to slowly go away. Hopefully it will be gone by this weekend when we put up the military style fence around my yard...complete with a sniper tower...and machine gun turret to keep little kids from vandalizing my yard any further. :o)

Koln 2005....