Saturday, January 24, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Elaine St. James


Maintaining a complicated life is a great way to avoid changing it.


--Elaine St. James

Friday, January 23, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Eleanor Roosevelt


No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.


--Eleanor Roosevelt

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Dr. Seuss


Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.


--Dr. Seuss

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Albert Einstein




Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.




--Albert Einstein

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Write your own Inaguration Speech

Thanks to THIS fun webite you can create your very own Inagural speech fro President Obama. It works like a mad-lib. Mine is (as many mad libs are) a bit awkward in spots, but it's still fun. Give it a try and feel free to post yours in the comments. My speech came out:


My fellow Americans, today is a peaceful day. You have shown the world that "hope" is not just another word for "Administration", and that "change" is not only something we can believe in again, but something we can actually living. Today we celebrate, but let there be no mistake – America faces hopeful and willing challenges like never before. Our economy is concerned. Americans can barely afford their mortgages, let alone have enough money left over for Americans. Our healthcare system is thoughtful. If your arms is sick and you don't have insurance, you might as well call a teachers. And America's image overseas is tarnished like a house car. But striving together we can right this ship, and set a course for the world.Finally, I must thank my blind family, my unphased campaign volunteers, but most of all, I want to thank immigrants for making this historic occasion possible. Of course, I must also thank you, President Bush, for years of dancing the American people. Without your strong efforts, none of this would have been possible.

My Duty to Barak Obama


No matter my personal politics, feelings, insight, or beliefs I have a duty to our new President. Paul spelled this out to believers very clearly in 1 Timothy 2:1-4:


I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.


A few things jump out at me about this passage:


  • my duty of prayer is not reliant on the politics or religious affection of the one being prayed for

  • whether I voted for him or not I am to be thankful for the leadership that has been placed over me -- this may be a big challenge for me.

  • God wants ALL men to understand the truth, Presidents included (quite possibly especially)

  • this passage is directly in front of direction on proper worship. This can only mean that if I am not doing these things I am not doing all that I can to worship God in the way He desires.

I begin this very day committed to praying for our new Presidential Administration. I pray first and foremost that they hear and know the voice of God in truth. And that action follows that knowledge. Obama claims to have a saving knowledge of Jesus as Savior. I pray that he leads under His guidance.


No earthly kingdom will ever meet all expectations. The bar has been set VERY high for a number of reasons for this President. It behooves everyone to support him in prayer. The people of America (just as the Israelites in the Old Testament) have made their voice heard and have chosen a leader. It is now our duty to give support where we can and hold also to the Truth that sets men free.

Something to Ponder ... Albert Schweitzer


The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.


--Albert Schweitzer

Monday, January 19, 2009

Link Dump 1/19/09

the 20 most amazing places to bungee jump

5 Reasons Why Consensus Sucks

Are You Too Comfortable in Your Job?



Young ‘Adolf Hitler’ and Two Sisters Removed From Home

Most US Christians define own theology

Burma Cracks Down on Rangoon Churches

Football Player Picks Oxford Over NFL

Free Equifax FICO Score Redux



Homemade Windshield De-Icer Fends Off Frost [DIY]

Top 10 Ways to Save Money in a Recession [Lifehacker Top 10]

BIBLE PROPHECY UPDATE: Israel discovers “inconceivably huge quantities” of natural gas reserves off Haifa, Hamas agrees to cease fire, Russia moves to ally with Libya

Ind. Gov't. - Still more on "Libraries are overwhelmed by unemployed filing for help"



Frozen Goose Rescued by Police Divers in Michigan

Teacher Fired for Duct Taping Kid's Mouth Shut



Creditors Harass Couple Over Dead Son's Debt

How Barack Obama Will Make Christ a Minister of Condemnation

Breaking Down Bernie Madoff

How to Shock Angels

An Open Letter to Barack Obama

For Sale - 1955 One Owner Home That’s Never Been Lived In

2009 Counterterrorism Calendar

Something to Ponder ... Orison Swett Marden




The Creator has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do




-- Orison Swett Marden

Something to Ponder ... Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Special Edition


On the occasion of Martin Lutehr King Day I thought it would be fun to post some of my favorite quotes from Dr. King... There are so many to choose from, I am only getting a sample. If I miss one of your favorites, add it to the comments.
A man can't ride your back unless it's bent.
A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on the installment plan.
All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.
An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.
Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom.
Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.
Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.
I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.
I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Ralph Waldo Emerson


Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.


--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Mother Teresa



"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."


-- Mother Teresa

Friday, January 16, 2009

It's Kinda cold out there


At 6 AM this morning the thermometer read -17 at work. That has to be one of the coldest readings in a LONG time here in Northern Indiana.
So much for Global Warming :)

Something to Ponder ... Plato


Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.


--Plato

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Corrie Ten Boom

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it empties today of its strength.

-- Corrie Ten Boom

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Henry Van Dyke


Happiness is inward, and not outward; and so, it does not depend on what we have, but on what we are.


--Henry Van Dyke

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Rachel Carson


If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.


--Rachel Carson

Monday, January 12, 2009

Tony Dungy choses retirement.


Media outlets are reporting that Tony Dungy will announce his retirement at the scheduled press conference this afternoon. After the heart breaking loss at San Diego last week I wasn't sure that he would be able to let go and head into retirement. The reports indicate that he has been spending the day saying "goodbye" to players and personnel at the Colts' facility. I have a great respect for this man. He has shown that a godly man can lead and win. His character is important; especially in my world where he is the coach of my sons' favorite team. He has been a positive example for me, my boys, and the rest of the believing and non-believing world to watch.

I will not stop watching him though. He has suggested that when he retires (he is only 53) his plans include more family time as well as finding God's place for him in ministering to young men. The career God has allowed him to have will give him a unique voice and position of influence to speak Truth into young lives; that is great stuff.

Tony we have loved your coaching, you will be missed on Sunday afternoons. Thank you for reminding us though that there are more important things.

Link Dump 1/12/09

Josh Ozersky on 'Nightline': 'Fancy Burgers Are Cheaper Than Pizza'

Unfriend 10 People on Facebook, Get a Free Whopper

Adam Jones Tells His Side Of The Story To The NFL Today

Gideons mark 100 years of giving out the Bible

Christ Statue Competition

Parents Wait a Decade to Report Missing Child

Building a New Testament Exegesis Library

Far From Normal: Taco Or Wedding Bell

Who Would Jesus Smack Down

Californian Girl Sent Over 14,500 Text Messages in December

Using Facebook To Announce Your Church Events or FB Spamming Your ‘Friends’

Five Significant Trends in the American Church

5 Things Only You Can Do For Yourself; OR Learning To Lead Your Own Life

5 Ways to Break Out of a Workout Slump

The 5 Worst Fast Food Value Meals

A Great Start to 2009

Hot dog vendors earn ~$100k/yr

Biblical Illiteracy and Pastoral Dereliction of Duty

Nine Methods for Mastering Your Money in 2009 [Personal Finance]

Facebook Reaches 150 Million Users; Are You One of Them? [Reader Poll]

Tetris Wipes Out Bad Memories, Say Scientists [Health]

Get Your Tax Question Answered Free This Month [Taxes]

Exhaustive List of Free Microsoft Downloads [Windows]

Barna: Christianity is No Longer Americans’ Default Faith

Amish Population is Growing… up 84% since 1992

Obama’s Challenges Overseas

Tim Tebow and John 3:16

If You Want To Change Your World, You Must Be Willing To Pay The Price!

Wesleyan History Class

How to send a personal email

6 Foods that Boost Your Brain Power

Barack Obama and the Senate Democrats: already on the rocks?

About that honeymoon . . .

Obama’s new ride

The Wall of Bacon

High Quality Cups from Recycled Water Bottles

Free download of Suze Orman's latest book: 2009 Action Plan

Five Frugality Hacks Straight Out of the Great Depression

Get 50% off the Top 50 Books at Walmart.com

getting men to church

the wal-martization of america

a quick little logic test

Something to Ponder ... Zig Ziglar


No person ever ended his eyesight by looking on the bright side.


-- Zig Ziglar

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Woodrow Wilson


You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.



--Woodrow Wilson

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Jim Elliot


God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.


--Jim Elliot

Friday, January 9, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Albert Einstein


Only a life lived for others is worth living.


--Albert Einstein

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Mark Cuban speaks on Cubs' Ownership


Mark Cuban shares his thoughts on the process of trying to become the owner of the Chicago Cubs.
These are his thoughts on The Cubs .

Something to Ponder ... Anne Frank


No one has ever become poor by giving.

--Anne Frank

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Bubba the Dog and the Taco bell Burrito

Something to Ponder ... Gregg Lovey


To sinful patterns of behavior that never get confronted and changed,

Abilities and gifts that never get cultivated and deployed-

Until weeks become months

And months turn into years,

And one day you’re looking back on a life of

Deep intimate gut-wretchingly honest conversations you never had;

Great bold prayers you never prayed,

Exhilarating risk you never took,

Sacrificial gifts you never offered,

Lives you never touched,

And you’re sitting in a recliner with a shriveled soul,

And forgotten dreams,

And you realize there was a world in desperate need,

And a great God calling you to be part of something bigger than yourself-

You see the person you could have become but did not; You never followed your calling.

You never got out of the boat.

-- Gregg Lovey

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

FREE Coffee From Dunkin' Donuts

Dunkin' Donuts. Dunkin' keeps me blogging. Try Dunkin' Donuts Coffee For Free. Get a Sample

Dunkin' Donuts is giving away free coffee. Just follow the link to get yours...

It's Not Easy Working Border Patrol

Something to Ponder ... Niccolo Machiavelli



Make mistakes of ambition and not mistakes of sloth.


—Niccolo Machiavelli

Link Dump 1/6/09 - Happy New Year Edition

The Single Secret to Making 2009 Your Best Year Ever - plus Jesus

Do You Need Training Wheels?

Recession Journal Part I: 'Fast' Money in the '09

Complimentary sample of Dunkin’ Dark Coffee

Six Painless Ways to Cut Calories

Free Pet Adoptions on January 24th at Select Animal Shelters

Free admission to Disney World or Disney Land on your birthday this year

Free pancakes at IHOP on February 24th

Win a time management seminar with Julie Morgenstern

Obtain Debt Grants

Hog's Breath 1.6kg Rib Eye Steak Challenge, Redcliffe, QLD, AU

The Baconator Super Super Sized

‘Million Dollar Man’ Ted DiBiase Declares Bankruptcy

Indianapolis Star Drops Daily Prayer, Keeps Daily Horoscope

Top 10 Improbable McDonald's Items from Around the World

How to Pray for Your Pastor from My Dear Brother, Ligon Duncan

Son of Hamas Leader Comes to Christ

How to Measure Your Body Fat at Home [New Years Resolutions]

Salvation: Is It So What? or Whatever?

Study: Religious Teens More Likely to Abstain from Sex

CSI Hunley: Historic Sub's Fate a Cold Case File

3 Key Lessons We Can Learn From the One Minute Manager

9 Ways to Pray for Your Soul

Atheists File Suit to Block Inaugural Prayer

Reasons To Have Hope You’ll Change

Could you live like Jesus for a year? This pastor tried

Kitchen Essentials: 10 techniques every cook should know

Ten for the History Books from 2008

For Goodness Sake?

Monday, January 5, 2009

Something to Ponder ... George Bernard Shaw


Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it.

—George Bernard Shaw

Francis Chan : The Prayer Americans Refuse to Pray



What does this say about the proseperity gospel?
Am I willing to pray for this?
so much we need to grasp to get past the distraction of the world...

Sunday, January 4, 2009

ND vs. USC circa 1999 liveblog


I found a condensed version (one more reason to love Hulu) of the '99 ND vs. USC match up. I thought it could be fun to live blog it for kicks...


  • Dick Enberg does the broadcast. I wish he still did the games

  • Joey Getheral: great to hear that name and watch him play

  • Julius Jones is a freshmen here... fast forward 10 years and he may be on the down side of his NFL career already

  • commercial reference to Third Watch. I loved that show; 9-11 ruined it; i should see if I can find it in DVD

  • I do not miss ND running an option based offense... they look lost and inept

  • I am reminded why Bob Davie got fired

  • 21-3 Trojans at the Half ... YUCK and POO

  • Rocky Boiman ... He was one of the first ND players my boys met. I need to find that photo

  • the ND place kicking game was truly bad for about 15 years.

  • Paul Hackett trying to pull of the Bo Schembechler look, LOL

  • late third quarter: the momentum is definitely changing!

  • it's raining pretty hard now

  • end of 3 : 24-10 USC ... ND is marching in Trojan territory

  • Jarius Jackson was a pure athlete

  • missed xtra point ... UGH! 24-16 USC

  • 10 yard USC punt ... opportunity is knocking

  • 24-19 after field goal ...

  • the USC defense looks tired, lots of missed coverages, Jackson not accurate enough in the rain

  • Jackson scrambles, runs for 20 yds, fumbles on the 1, ND recovers in the end zone! 2 pts conversion no good 25-24 ND

  • 2:30 left

  • ND strips the ball and looks to hold on/ run out the clock

  • USC recovers fumble with just over a minute ... nail biting time

  • turnover on downs ... victory formation !

  • biggest comeback since the Montana Cotton Bowl

That was pretty fun. There are a few other ND games and some others available. I may do that again...

Are You A Procrastinator? Eat a Frog!

Something to Ponder ... Bob Nelson


“People may take a job for more money, but they often leave it for more recognition.”

-Bob Nelson

Colts Lose ... Pitchers and Catchers Report In Just Over A Month









With the overtime loss by the Colts on Saturday night, my "rooting interest" in football is done for the season. There are still some good games to enjoy but with ND, Bears, and Colts in the books no vested interest. I'll be watching for sure; but now it is a pass time until baseball begins. Time to watch the hot stove, ponder the fantasy baseball draft, and enjoy the remaining football games and some college hoops. Here are some free flowing random thoughts on the topics at hand:






  • Could Tony Dungy really call it quits after a loss like that?

  • Will Ohio State be any match for Texas on Monday?

  • There is no clear favorite to win the Super Bowl.

  • Is the ND hoops team as good as they are ranked/ advertised?

  • Is the IU hoops teams as bad as advertised this season?

  • Will it actually be the White Sox landing Brian Roberts instead of the Cubs?

  • How in the world do you trade Mark DeRosa to make room for Milton Bradley?

  • the hockey game at Wrigley was cool

  • I haven't looked but I'll bet the over under on the National Title game is 80.

  • I sure hope that Charlie Weis has the O lineman working overtime this offseason.

  • Darren Sproules is unbelieveable!
  • it is time for Brett Favre to give it up.

  • this post is dragging out... I'll leave you with a video of the opening night of the MLB Network


Saturday, January 3, 2009

RoboCop Eats Fried Chicken





ht: Serious Eats

Taylor Mays takes out WR and his teammate in one hit

Something to Ponder ... Frederick Douglass


"People might not get all they work for in this world, but they must certainly work for all they get."


-- Frederick Douglass

Penn talks about evangelism

I know that this video has been a lot of places in the blogosphere lately; but do we take what he has so say seriously? If we really do, how does that change us? I often think that people like Penn are more honest and think more often about the spiritual than most believers.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Paul Tripp


If God doesn’t rule your mundane, then he doesn’t rule you, because that’s where you live.



-- Paul Tripp

Jack Returns in just over a week

With the tease of Redemption a few weeks back I can honestly say I am anxious for the return of Jack Bauer on January 11th --- here are a couple trailers:




Thursday, January 1, 2009

Sinner by Ted Dekker


I am a fairly late adopter of Ted Dekker. Not sure why it happened but I believe I may have been in a phase of reading John Grisham and Tom Clancy as my main source of fiction reading at the time he broke onto the scene. That being said, it has not taken me long to start enjoying his work. His ability to not only tell quality stories from a thinking perspective and to tie them together (you can read any of his series and connect links without losing their individuality) is one of the big draws for me. In fact you do not even have to read the book s of a particular series in order to enjoy them.
Last week I finished Sinner. This is book 3 in the Paradise Novels; one of 3 series within the Books of History Chronicles. While al of Dekker’s books have dealt with spiritual aspects, this one drives it home. The latest ventures of Johnny Drake produce a challenge to all believers regarding who they say Jesus is and the reality that the world is not a place that loves Him or His followers. It also deals with issues of how the enemy has deceived the world and even believers have been blinded to the true realities of the spiritual and physical worlds.
I truly am anxious to move/ catch up on the books that I have yet to read and are yet to come. I also am interested in investigating TedDekker.com. It looks like a great community of fellow readers to share with. A good story speaks to the reader, Sinner shouts!

New Years Eve


For the past 4 or 5 years Micki and I have organized/ hosted a New Year’s Eve party at our church. Great times! But this year we decided to pass on that and made no plans. Over the weekend we were invited to some friends’ home. It made for a very enjoyable evening. The kids all hung out well together, played video games, and culminated at midnight by shooting party poppers and noise makers.
Not playing host made for a quiet and enjoyable evening. We enjoyed great conversation, great food (meatballs, nachos, veggies, cookies, etc, etc), and played euchre for several hours. Very good stuff. I hope everyone had as enjoyable a New Years Eve as we did and blessings to all in the upcoming year.