Will

The Maker

2008-09-25T18:38:00.001-07:00

Oh, Oh Deep water
Black, and cold like the night
I stand with arms wide open
I've run a twisted mile
I'm a stranger
in the eyes of the Maker

I could not see
for fog in my eyes
I could not feel
for the fear in my life
From across the great divide
In the distance i saw a light
John Baptist
walking to me with the Maker

My body is bent and broken
by long and dangerous sleep
I can work the fields of Abraham
and turn my head away
I'm not a stranger
in the hands of the Maker

Brother John
Have you seen the homeless daughters
standing there
with broken wings
I have seen the flaming swords
there over east of eden
burning in the eyes of the Maker
burning in the eyes of the Maker
burning in the eyes of the Maker
burning in the eyes of the Maker

oh river rise from your sleep....

Way Back Texas....

2008-09-21T18:21:00.000-07:00

Weekend Edition

2008-09-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

Friday - Came home and crashed

Saturday - Worked all day (one month till this project is over w00t). Andrea came to work w/ me and then we went over to the Plano Balloon Festival. I was like a little kid again, Andrea should post some pics.

Sunday - Went to church, came home watched the Colts get beat. Man I just don't think we have it this season. Went to our Community Group, man what an awesome group of people. We couldn't be more excited about our Community Group and the new friendships. Now it is time for another week. Hope everyone's weekend was good.

New Blog I am Reading

2008-09-07T13:42:00.001-07:00

http://www.eartharchitecture.org/

Weekend Edition

2008-09-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

Friday - Worked and went to Art Goggle w/ Andrea. It was pretty cool and I got a good idea for a radius door.
Saturday - Worked all day and then went to a dinner @ a good friends house.
Sunday - Went to church, man I think that might have been the best service I have been to, EVER. Watched the Jags lose to the Titans which is good for the Colts!! And tonight we have our church community group. Pretty good weekend.

Fall 08 Promo from Keystone Church on Vimeo.

RIP Jerry Reed

2008-09-07T12:53:00.000-07:00

On a side note I would love to get one of these. Man how I wanted to be the Bandit when I was a kid.

Quote

2008-09-03T18:15:00.001-07:00

The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence. Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be.

Robert Fulghum

Wind Power here we come....

2008-09-03T18:06:00.001-07:00

Signing up this month..w00t

Click Here

See also here

Weekend Edition

2008-09-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

Friday - Worked and came home and had some pizza
Saturday - Ran some errands came back and hung out at the house
Sunday - Went to church and can we say movie day, watched 3 movies with Andrea. Gone, baby, Gone was my favorite of the day. I haven't watched a movie in a long time let alone 3 in a day.
Monday - Woke up early and went in to work for a bit, took Andrea to breakfast, took Wrigs to the dog park w/ Andrea, went swimming w/ Wrigs and Andrea, eat @ Pei Wei picked up a book @ Half Priced Books, quick run into Target and now just chilling getting ready for the week ahead.

Suite Judy Blue Eyes

2008-09-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

Quote

2008-08-31T09:29:00.000-07:00

Got this little tidbit from a meeting I attended on Friday.

"Happiness doesn't come from doing what we like to do but from liking what we have to do."

Wilferd A. Peterson

And I found this additional one....

“Let me look upward into the branches of the flowering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well.”

Wilferd A. Peterson

Current Reading

2008-08-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

Three Simple Rules

do no harm, do good, stay in love with God

Great book given to me by a friend.

One of my favorite Songs

2008-08-25T19:25:00.001-07:00

click here...

Just for you dad!!

It's Hawwwwwtttt in here

2008-08-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

Weekend Edition: IT IS HOT!

Friday Night: Went to bed early as I was really drained from a long week.
Saturday: Ran errands and had dinner with some friends.
Sunday: Went to church and heard an excellent sermon, man our pastor rocks!!! The guy changes lives. We then went out to Lake Lewisville for some skiing. See pics above.....

The Shack

2008-07-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

I just got done reading The Shack by William P. Young. Whoa what a book and what a read. I think I might have to re-read it again. I recommend it to all, powerful and deep stuff. I will post more insights on this book later, unfortunately I didn't tab it while I read the book.

America’s Favorite Architecture: The Movie Version

2008-07-29T18:06:00.000-07:00

Washington, D.C., July 17, 2008 — Like any good novel or play immortalized on film, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) takes a page out of Hollywood's playbook. The AIA announces Shape of America – a series of web-based short movies starring some of the 150 structures chosen by the public for the America's Favorite Architecture (AFA) list created last year.

See Article Here

Living Steel

2008-07-27T06:28:00.000-07:00

For its third annual steel housing competition, Living Steel challenged architects to design affordable, energy-efficient housing prototypes for Cherepovets, Russia, where temperatures can climb to 34 degrees Celsius (93 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer and dive as low as -49 degrees Celsius (-56 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter.

See article Here

Although I like the use of steel beams, columns and joists (as I work with these everyday) I am not sold on a steel exterior. I would use a precast system for the exterior as it is faster, cheaper and stronger. Or maybe if I wanted to get fancy and go for looks I would use a curtain wall system. Non the less Living Steel is a great concept.

New George Strait Song

2008-07-27T06:20:00.000-07:00

Obviously not the "real" music video, but I love this song so I had to post it.

Weekend Edition

2008-07-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

Friday Night - Didn't do much, went to bed early after a long, long week.
Saturday - Went water skiing all day on Lake Lewisville then came home and swam with wrigs.
Sunday - woke up late, went for a swim with wrigs and I have to go in to work for a building shutdown that will take place from 5:00 pm to 5:00 am tomorrow. Sucks.

Quote

2008-07-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

"A ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are built for."

--Grace Murray Hopper

An Engineering Feat

2008-07-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

China Central Television’s multipurpose station and headquarters is part of a new generation of cutting-edge structures whose innovative architecture comes to life with the help of advanced modeling and measuring tools. The looping first-of-its-kind structure on the east side of Beijing’s central business district has a dramatic overhang suspended 36 stories in the air and a diagonally braced continuous-tube frame expressing the forces of its structural system on the facade. Engineers precisely predicted preset positions for the inclined steel, and the contractor, using more than 600 monitoring stations, made sure the structure moved into the correct final position. Foundation work included a record-setting, 40,000-cu-meter continuous concrete pour.

http://enr.ecnext.com/coms2/article_febuar080716-1

Moment

2008-07-14T18:43:00.000-07:00

Current Reading: One Month to Love by Kerry and Chris Shook
Current Music: Cross Canadian Ragweed: Mission California
Mood: Ready to take on tomorrow.
Sounds: Fan going round
Smells: Soap
Temperature: 78
Thoughts: Need to slow down sometimes...

Wrigs and I in the Pool

2008-07-13T18:23:00.001-07:00

Cross Canadian Ragweed

2008-07-13T16:01:00.001-07:00

Love this song....

Ethical Architecture

2008-07-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/080710china.asp

Pretty good arguments on both sides.

India Begger Opens Bank Account

2008-07-08T19:29:00.000-07:00

Ms Das handed over 91kg (200lb) of coins - the produce of 44 years of hard begging - enabling her to open an account and qualify for a credit card.

Laxmi began begging near Hatibagan, a busy road junction in northern Calcutta, at the age of 16.

Officials say she could have saved as much as 30,000 rupees ($692).

"She would spend frugally from her daily collection and save the coins. She was very possessive about them," says her sister Asha.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7495478.stm

Very cool yet very sad at the same time.

Price of Victory

2008-07-04T12:08:00.001-07:00

If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride - and never quit, you'll be a winner. The price of victory is high but so are the rewards

Bear Bryant

Two things I want to do before I die...

2008-07-03T18:59:00.001-07:00

Shoot off the end of an aircraft carrier and buzz the tower....

Speak less, listen more....

2008-06-30T19:55:00.000-07:00

The immediate person thinks and imagines that when he prays the important thing, the thing he must concentrate upon, is that God should hear what he is praying for. And yet in the true, eternal sense it is just the reverse: the true relation in prayer is not when God hears what is prayed for, but when the person praying continues to pray until he is the one who hears, who hears what God wills. The immediate person, therefore, uses many words and, therefore, makes demands in his prayer; the true man of prayer only attends.

Soren Kierkegaard

Prayer is not a request list, but a conversation. God knows the desires of your heart. I like the "Only attends". Do you "attend" prayer? Do you give God a chance to speak or do you just ramble on? Chew on that for a while.

Campaign to Ban Torture

2008-06-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

http://www.nrcat.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=211&Itemid=160&tr=y&auid=3780407

Please sign it.

Interesting, fun and work

2008-06-29T15:23:00.000-07:00

It was a very interesting, fun and work filled weekend. Those are in no particular order...

1. It was work filled because we decided to tile the dining room and living room for Andrea's mom and step-dad. We like to tile so don't feel too much pity on us. We were lucky in the fact that we had two good friends come over and help out. So we our knees and backs are forever indebted to Michael and Rindy.

2. It was fun because Andrea and I eat some wings, ran errands together and watched some movies together. After her being on business trips for two weeks it was nice to just relax a bit and hang out. She vetoed my Taco hat at Sheplers and I can't say I blame her. But approved of my Kenny Chesney look alike.

3. Interesting because at Church we heard a sermon about Lectivo Divina, which is basically Christian Meditation. I have talked about it previously in this blog, but I really dig this way of prayer and scripture reading and I have been practicing it for a while. If practiced right it will take you to a different level of prayer and relationship. It will also remind you to slow down and remember what is important in life. I suggest everyone try it out. See this and this.

New Blog I am reading

2008-06-25T18:14:00.001-07:00

http://archidose.blogspot.com/

N.T. Wright on Colbert Report

2008-06-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

Pretty cool interview. Read his book and went through a study of "Simply Christian" a while back. Very good read and I recommend it to all.

Friday!!!

2008-06-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

Good week, seemed like I was tired all week but now it is over. I have been working with a sub who is making some cool metal panels and I have to say it is going to rock. Looks like they do some awesome things with metal all over the world. Impressive to say the least.

Not too much planned for the weekend, hang out, go swimming, go to church and just relax. I was thinking about going golfing but forgot my clubs at work.

Big shout out to my wife for some very cool photos.

Gotta run dinner is ready.....have a good weekend.

Moment

2008-06-17T17:58:00.000-07:00

Current Reading: Christian Teachings on the Practice of Prayer
Current Music: Jimmy Hendrix-Are You Experienced
Mood: Tired and ready to watch Hells Kitchen!
Sounds: Gordon Ramsey
Smells: nothing really
Temperature: 85
Thoughts: Be true to yourself and others, always be who you are, always be compassion and love. Treat others better than you would treat yourself.

Good Day

2008-06-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

Pretty long but good day today. Worked on a bunch of stuff, got some stuff accomplished and piled on more. Never a dull day. I guess the highlight of the day was racing around the pool with Wrigley (see Wrigs and I swimming at the beach here). He wore himself out and he is now passed out at the foot of the bed.

Man is there anything better than Tiger Woods grinding out 91 holes on a bum knee? The dude is the epitome of excellence and dedication. You know why people love Tiger, he transcends levels the average person would never dream of. Imagine what we all would look like if we had Tiger's determination and guts in everything we do. I don't think I have ever seen anyone so focused and can grind through anything....I think his dad said it best see below.

Your Life is Prayer

2008-06-15T16:13:00.000-07:00

It is not enough to say prayers, one must become, be prayer, prayer incarnate. It is not enough to have moments of praise. All of life, each act, every gesture, even the smile of the human face, must become a hymn of adoration, an offering, a prayer. One should not offer what one has, but what one is.

--Paul Evdokimov

Very nice. Don't just smile, be the happiness. Don't just help, be the love. Do it not because you should, do it because it is who you are.

One of my favroite songs...

2008-06-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

Update

2008-06-09T17:16:00.000-07:00

Went to the IRL race at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend (see above). It was a good time although the race wasn't too exciting. I guess I may be a little spoiled from going to the Indy 500 and Formula 1 races. It was disappointing to see Danica finish in the middle when she seemed to have a good setup in the beginning of the race.

Church was good. We are participating in One Prayer and heard an awesome sermon from a great pastor Perry Noble.

While I am on great, check out Ottmar's new album. I haven't had a chance to buy it, but from the previews it is sounding pretty sweet.

Had a pretty cool conversation w/ Stuart tonight about right vs. wrong, disagree vs. agree. He shot out w/ a "Blue like Jazz" quote. Touche......

And I leave you with a quote I heard recently.....

Life is a grindstone. Whether it grinds us down or polishes us up depends on us.--unknown

Quote

2008-06-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

Potential rides the bench while performance plays in the game....

--Unknown

The Clincher

2008-06-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

This song rocks I crank it up anytime I am in traffic....

Could we have known
Never would I
Helped to nail down
With nothing to gain
Here's the clincher
This should be you

Kindness

2008-06-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom.
~ Theodore Isaac Rubin

Crosslinked from Ottmar's Blog

Things in the Mirror may be....

2008-06-01T15:57:00.000-07:00

closer than they seem. I remember taking that photo about 4 years ago now. My how time flies, move to Indiana back to Florida then to Texas all in a short span. Such a short time for all those moves and events. Ever since this move things have been amiss. I haven't had time for much of the things I love; reading, writing, church and friends. But maybe I have had time but just have not been putting forth the effort. Lets see where we go now. Mindless ramblings I know. :)

Happy Anniversary Andrea! w00t!

Shine On.....

2008-05-26T11:56:00.000-07:00

Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Now there's a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
You were caught on the crossfire of childhood and stardom,
blown on the steel breeze.
Come on you target for faraway laughter,
come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine!
You reached for the secret too soon, you cried for the moon.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Threatened by shadows at night, and exposed in the light.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Well you wore out your welcome with random precision,
rode on the steel breeze.
Come on you raver, you seer of visions,
come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine!

Pretty Good Weekend

2008-05-26T08:49:00.002-07:00

Saturday--Hung out with some friends and went to eat at Fire Side Pies and a limeaid @ Braums
Sunday--Went to Church (good sermon, very funny) and hung out by the pool all day. I also watched a bit of the Indy 500, was sad to see Danica knocked out in the pits.
Monday--Just plan to hang out w/ Andrea and maybe go and eat lunch somewhere. Just an out and about day.

Random Thoughts

-Gas Prices Stink (Bring on some other kind of fuel)
-There are so many good places to eat here in Dallas
-Learned about the Golden Ratio this weekend from a friend. Pretty cool.
-I am hungry for some wings or Italian

Quote

2008-05-26T08:49:00.001-07:00

"Courage is fear that has said its prayers." -- Karl Barth

Looking Forward to Evening...

2008-05-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

Man what a good day. Had a nice day at work and came home to dinner then swam in the pool with Wrigley and hung out w/ my wife. I had been looking forward to this kinda of evening all day long.

Side note: Pray for George!

Help We Need Somebody, Help Not Just Anybody.....

2008-05-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

'To accept help is not a sign of weakness, but an acknowledgement of how God created us.'
—Bishop James Swanson, Holston Conference

Whoa!!

2008-05-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

Officially over a month since I have last written. Been busy w/ work and trying to juggle everything else in my life. I have been helping a couple friends go through some hard times in their life, but it seems that they are going to be coming out of it alright.

Texas is still going good. Work is going good and we have found a house to build so that is cool. After visiting some churches we seem to have found a church that we like. It is a great church, different for me as it is a "hip" and "young" church and I am used to the "traditional" church but change is good and it seems the Lord has led me to this church.

Here is my current "Moment":

Current Reading: "The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader" John Maxwell
Current Music: Chevelle: Point #1
Mood: Relaxed, almost refreshed
Sounds: My dog barking
Smells: Sunscreen
Temperature: 85 degrees sunny
Thoughts: Almost back....

Where is God?

2008-04-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

Two guys are talking to each other, and one of them says he has a question for God. He wants to ask why God allows all of this poverty and war and suffering in this world. And his friend says, "Well, why don't you ask?" The fellow shakes his head and says he is scared. When his friend asks why, he mutters, "I'm scared God will ask me the same question."

Taken from "The Irresistible Revolution"

Roots of Mercy

2008-04-06T18:37:00.001-07:00

“If mercy is the fruit, then peace and justice is the root.”
— the Rev. Nancy Dixon Walton, pastor, Gray Memorial United Methodist Church, Tallahassee

Good Weekend

2008-04-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

Friday Night = Hung Out didn't do much
Saturday = Ran some errands, changed the rotors and brakes on the truck and went for wings.
Sunday = Went to church, ran some more errands and relaxed the rest of the day.

I figured I need to get a hobby. I used to fish a lot and then it was a pain trying to find places to fish and without a boat sometimes fishing is hard. I used to like working on cars but now don't want to modify them anymore and/or don't have a car that needs a lot of work. I am too impatient for model airplane and boats. Maybe I will start to write a book or build a shed or......????

On a different note...

Help stop the spread of malaria by buying one of these bed nets. It is ironic I worry about a hobby and others still worry about malaria and affording a bed net

Good Quote

2008-04-02T20:34:00.000-07:00

“If you accept the existing circumstances of your life, then that means denying your God-given ability to visualize something radically different and much better.”

W. Astor Kirk

The New UMC Social Creed

2008-04-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

Here, Here. I love every word of it. I have come to serve and not be served. I have come to love not hate. I have come in peace not hostility. And I have come to love all, regardless.

Proposed United Methodist Social Creed

God in the Spirit revealed in Jesus Christ,
calls us by grace
to be renewed in the image of our Creator,
that we may be one
in divine love for the world.
And so shall we.

Today is the day
God cares for the integrity of creation,
wills the healing and wholeness of all life,
weeps at the plunder of earth’s goodness.
And so shall we.

Today is the day
God embraces all hues of humanity,
delights in diversity and difference,
favors solidarity transforming strangers into friends.
And so shall we.

Today is the day
God cries with the masses of starving people,
despises growing disparity between rich and poor,
demands justice for workers in the marketplace.
And so shall we.

Today is the day
God deplores violence in our homes and streets,
rebukes the world’s warring madness,
humbles the powerful and lifts up the lowly.
And so shall we.

Today is the day
God calls for nations and peoples to live in peace,
celebrates where justice and mercy embrace,
exults when the wolf grazes with the lamb.
And so shall we.

Today is the day
God brings good news to the poor,
proclaims release to the captives,
gives sight to the blind, and
sets the oppressed free.
And so shall we.

The Rollercoaster life of a Musician

2008-03-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

Heard about Lonnie Johnson yesterday on NPR, had to share his story. See story here and wiki article here.

A decade later, Lonnie Johnson was all but forgotten. But in 1959, a jazz radio DJ in Philadelphia played a Lonnie Johnson cut, and then mused on what had happened to the guitarist.

"And then I got a call from somebody at the Benjamin Franklin Hotel, someone who worked there," says Chris Albertson, now a music journalist in New York. "Who said, I work with somebody named Lonnie Johnson. He's a janitor, he never talks about music. But he's very careful with his hands. So maybe he is the Lonnie Johnson!"

Driving Home

2008-03-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

Nice drive home caught myself playing piano and guitar on the steering wheel while I was listening to Buddy Guy's album "Damn Right, I've Got the Blues". Such a great album.

Also contemplated what the difference between:
1. Doing no harm
2. Do only Good

Chew on that for a while, although there is an obvious difference how does it play out in your life. And why does "Be only indifferent" sound silly?

Bad video of Buddy Guy playing one of my favorites, although I like the Grateful Dead version better.

Moment

2008-03-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

Moment

Current Reading: The Five People You Meet In Heaven
Current Music: The Doors
Sounds: Dog Breathing
Sights: Blue Curtains Blowing in the Wind
Temp:56
Thoughts: Happy Easter and I pray I can shake this cold tomorrow. Man I haven't felt this bad in a long time. Also listen to this, sounds very cool with a mix of different sounds.

Back to Florida Back to Texas

2008-03-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

Flying back to Orlando tomorrow and then hit the road Saturday morning to drive our stuff back to Dallas. That will be a lot of traveling in 2 days. So until then here is a plug for some free songs from Ottmar Liebert, he is a great guitarist.

Check here

Three Little Birds

2008-03-10T17:17:00.000-07:00

Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin', ("This is my message to you-ou-ou:")

Singin': "Don't worry 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing is gonna be alright."
Singin': "Don't worry (don't worry) 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing is gonna be alright!"

-Bob Marley

Tusk

2008-03-09T18:20:00.000-07:00

A buddy and I were talking about Fleetwood Mac so I had to post one of my favorite songs/performances by Fleetwood Mac.

Way of the Peaceful Warrior

2008-03-09T11:28:00.000-07:00

Watched the movie Peaceful Warrior which is a movie based on Dan Millman's Book Way of the Peaceful Warrior. I read this book about 10 years ago and I must say it was a great read. I recommend it for all to read. The movie is not as good as the book though.

"There are no ordinary moments"

Meditative Prayer

2008-03-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

I have been waking up earlier than I need to in the mornings to read my daily devotional and spend a little time in meditative prayer.

I spend about 10 minutes just sitting still and the next ten minutes praying. I must say it is a great way to start the day. I start the day with my mind clear, my prayers and concerns off my chest and a fresh new step to the day.

Although it doesn't insure I have a perfect and care free day, it does insure that I started the day off right and the Lord is with me throughout the day.

Give it a try, it may not be for everyone, but it does seem to help me in my journey with the Lord.

Snowing down in Texas....

2008-03-03T19:03:00.000-08:00

Well it's snowing down in Texas, all of the telephone lines are down.....That's right folks it is snowing here in DFW. Ground is too warm for any accumulation but it is still cool, ahh the days when I had to walk to classes in snow. On that note here is a little Stevie Ray for you.....

Peace

2008-03-02T12:44:00.001-08:00

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."

-Jesus

Moment 1/2/08

2008-03-02T10:09:00.000-08:00

Been a while,

Moment

Current Reading: Christian Meditation: Experiencing the Presence of God
Current Music: Widespread Panic: Free Somehow
Sounds: HBO on the TV
Sights: Fireplace
Temp:71
Thoughts: Wake Up: Be the Hands, Feed Others, Help Others, Live Happy, Live how you should not how you want.

Work starts on Gulf "Green City"

2008-02-10T19:44:00.000-08:00

Abu Dhabi has started to build what it says is the world's first zero-carbon, zero-waste car-free city.

Masdar City will cost $22bn (£11.3bn), take eight years to build and be home to 50,000 people and 1,500 businesses.

The city will be mostly powered by solar energy and residents will move in travel pods running on magnetic tracks.

Read article here

Seek Up

2008-02-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel like I'm falling
Fall back again, fall back again,
Fall back again, fall back again

Oh, life it seems a struggle between
what we see and what we do
Well I'm not going to change my ways
just to please you or appease you
Inside a crowd, five billion proud
willing to punch it out
Right, wrong, weak, strong
ashes to ashes all fall down
Look around about this round about
this merry-go-round and around
Well If at all God's gaze upon us falls
it's with a mischievous grin, look at him

Forget about the reasons and
the treasons we are seeking
Forget about the notion that
our emotions can be swept away
Forget about being guilty
we are innocent instead
For soon we will all find our lives swept away

Late at night with TV's hungry child
his belly swells
Oh, for the price of a coke or a smoke
Keep alive those hungry eyes
Take a look at me, what you see in me
Mirror look at me
Face it all again

Forget about the reasons and
the treasons we are seeking
Forget about the notion that
our emotions can be kept at bay
Forget about being guilty
we are innocent instead
For soon we will all find our lives swept away

You seek up an emotion
and your cup is overflowing
You seek up on emotion,
sometimes your well is dry
You seek up a big monster
for him to fight your wars for you
But when he finds his way to you, the devil's not
going, "Ha ha, ha ha"

(Say, oh say)

Oh look at me in my fancy car
and my bank account
Oh, how I wish I could take it all down
into my grave, God knows I'd save and save
Man, take a look again, take a look again
things you have collected, well in the end piles up
to one big nothing, one big nothing at all

Forget about the reasons and
the treasons we are seeking
Forget about the notion that
our emotions can be swept away
Intentions are not wicked, don't be tricked into thinking so
And soon we will all find our lives swept away

You seek up an emotion
and your cup is overflowing
You seek up an emotion,
sometimes your well is dry
You seek up a big monster
for him to fight your wars for you
But when he finds his way to you, the devil's not
going, "Ha ha, ha ha"

Fall back again, fall back again
Fall back again, fall back again

Trip to Texas

2008-02-10T07:31:00.000-08:00

View Larger Map

Day 1

Left Orlando around 9:00 am eastern Friday morning.
Got into Pensacola around 3:00 pm central.
Hung out with Stuart for the night and we went to the Flora Bama which wasn't all it is cracked up to be. We then went to dinner at Global Grill which was pretty cool since I haven't ever experienced Tapas before. It was a really cool dining experience in which both Stuart and I had time for conversation and time to explore the Tapas. We made it back to the base (NAS Pensacola) and headed for bed.

Day 2

Woke up around 7:30 central and got ready to head out. Stuart and I watched the tail end of Breach, which seemed to be a pretty good movie. We said our goodbyes and I got on the road at 9:00am.
Pretty boring drive through Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
I finally made it to Lafayette, LA and stopped at Landry's and had some crawfish etouffee. It was some good heavy stuff.
Got back on the road around 2:00 pm and headed up I-49 to Shreveport, LA.
Hit Shreveport around 4:30 pm and headed west on I-20 into Texas.
Stopped and got a burger at WhatABurger and was indifferent, it wasn't the best but not the worst.
Finally got into Dallas around 7:00 pm and took the "scenic" tour around Dallas and got to my final destination around 8:00 pm. It was nice to get out of the truck after so many hours behind the wheel.

Welcome to Texas

2008-02-09T19:34:00.000-08:00

Made it here, give me a little while and I will detail the trip.

With the Lord....Sgt. John C. Osmolski

2008-02-07T12:40:00.000-08:00

A brother of a friend of mine has gone to be with the Lord. Please pray for his family.

Read Article here.

Desmond Tutu quotes

2008-02-04T14:52:00.000-08:00

Do your little bit of good where you are; its those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.

A person is a person because he recognizes others as persons.

If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.

Lead By the Spirt

2008-02-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

So today I was talking with a friend about taking up a position I formally held. He asked about the duties the position required and I told him the general description and then I said "More than anything I was just lead by the Spirit to whatever arose and whatever was presented to me." What!?!? did those words just come out of my mouth, I was lead by the Spirit. Often times I look for the Spirit inside me, look for direction and Power. But the more I look the more I can't see it. The more I think it is, the more it isn't. So what would prompt me to say "Lead by the Spirit"?

I think it is because the actions of the Spirit and God are only visible after the fact and need to be in tune with His path. The Spirit isn't a get rich scheme, or a "help me get out of traffic" plan. It is a harmonious relationship that requires faith; faith that requires reflection, discernment, prayer, compassion and meditation. It doesn't take long to get in tune with the Spirit, but the results are not immediately recognizable. Maybe that is the reason more people are not in tune with God and the Spirit, we are a society who wants results right now. A relationship with God is eternal, not just tomorrow.

Power Trip

2008-02-01T21:01:00.000-08:00

Watched this documentary last night. I must say I was amazed and shocked.

In an environment of pervasive corruption, assassination, and street rioting, the story of chaotic post-Soviet transition is told through culture clash, electricity disconnections and blackouts.

AES Corp., the massive American "global power company," has purchased the privatized electricity distribution company in Tbilisi, capital of the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. AES manager Piers Lewis must now train the formerly communist populace that, in this new world, customers pay for their electricity. The Georgians meanwhile, from pensioners to the Energy Minister, devise ever more clever ways to get it free.

Amidst hot tempers and high drama, Lewis balances his love for the Georgian people with the hardships his company creates for them, as they struggle to build a nation from the rubble of Soviet collapse.

Humility and Knowledge

2008-02-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

Taken from Thomas Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ"

Rest from inordinate desire of knowledge, for therein is found much distraction and deceit. Those who have knowledge desire to appear learned, and to be called wise. Many things there are to know which profiteth little or nothing to the soul. And foolish out of measure in he who attendeth upon other things rather than those which serve to his soul's health. Many words satisfy not the soul, but a good life refresheth the mind, and a pure conscience giveth great confidence towards God.

and

That is the highest and most profitable lesson, when a man truly knoweth and judgeth lowly of himself. To account nothing of one's self, and to think always kindly and highly of others,
this is great and perfect wisdom. Even shouldest thou see thy
neighbor sin openly and grievously, yet thou oughtest not to
reckon thyself better than he, for thou knowest not how long
thou shalt keep thine integrity. All of us are weak and frail;
hold thou no man more frail than thyself.

Wonderful....

Pray for Kenya

2008-01-31T07:45:00.000-08:00

African Union (AU) commission chairman Alpha Oumar Konare told them they could not just sit by. "If Kenya burns, there will be nothing for tomorrow," he said.

More than 850 people have died in political and ethnic clashes since last month's elections, which the opposition says were rigged.

See article here

Passion V 1.2

2008-01-30T07:16:00.000-08:00

Sitting here at 35,000 feet above the earth I realize that passion is not about what you do or who you are or where you are going. Passion is something inside you, it is something screaming to the world “I have something to give you”. It is a call for the love and attention of others and God. Maybe I am wrong and maybe passion is playing the guitar, racing cars or flying planes. I don’t think I am though. I think deep down inside of us we have a drive, a yearning to give and be connected in love with others and the Lord. The things we do are just instruments, a reflection of the burning we have inside.

All to often I think we deny these feelings in the name of “independence”. Sure we can play the guitar alone, race cars alone or even fly a plane alone but how much joy do we get from that and for how long? Solitude is a great thing sometimes, I enjoy time alone as much as the next guy but I always get the urge to pick up the phone, shoot off an email or just sit and talk with somebody. That is our passion whether we like it or not. We are born to love others, born to live connected and born to be in step with God. We need to drop the “independent” hogwash and give into our true passion, the love of others.

Psalms 138:3

2008-01-28T12:02:00.000-08:00

When I called, you answered me. You made me bold by strengthening my soul.

God Vs. Science an Interview

2008-01-26T13:55:00.000-08:00

Players:

Richard Dawkins = perhaps its foremost polemicist, has just come out with The God Delusion (Houghton Mifflin), the rare volume whose position is so clear it forgoes a subtitle. The five-week New York Times best seller (now at No. 8) attacks faith philosophically and historically as well as scientifically, but leans heavily on Darwinian theory, which was Dawkins' expertise as a young scientist and more recently as an explicator of evolutionary psychology so lucid that he occupies the Charles Simonyi professorship for the public understanding of science at Oxford University.

Francis Collins = Collins' devotion to genetics is, if possible, greater than Dawkins'. Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute since 1993, he headed a multinational 2,400-scientist team that co-mapped the 3 billion biochemical letters of our genetic blueprint, a milestone that then President Bill Clinton honored in a 2000 White House ceremony, comparing the genome chart to Meriwether Lewis' map of his fateful continental exploration. Collins continues to lead his institute in studying the genome and mining it for medical breakthroughs. He is also a forthright Christian who converted from atheism at age 27 and now finds time to advise young evangelical scientists on how to declare their faith in science's largely agnostic upper reaches. His summer best seller, The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief (Free Press), laid out some of the arguments he brought to bear in the 90-minute debate TIME

See the article here

Building a Sustainable University

2008-01-26T10:47:00.000-08:00

Pretty cool report on how IU wants to become sustainable. See Here
Could end up being a model for small towns and cities. For those of you still opposed to sustainability, environment and going green I will use/twist Pascal's Wager in that:

You live as though resources are finite and we are polluting the environment:
1. If you are right, we slow down the use of resources and reduce pollution.
2. If you are wrong, we slow down the use of resources and reduce pollution.
3. Economic impact might be slightly higher, but could be offset from limited consumption.

You live as though resources are infinite and we are not polluting the environment:
1. If you are right, we continue to amass "things" and throw out unneeded items.
2. If you are wrong, we have no place to store such "things" and our environment becomes polluted beyond repair.
3. No economic change other than the "things" you continually amass.

Sure it is a simple, maybe crude example, but why not change our way of thinking that will benefit the entire world, reduce pollution, leave a clean earth for future generations, and take care of what we were entrusted? Just my take.

A conversation from last night.

2008-01-25T21:40:00.000-08:00

I found this painting on the web and thought it let others identify humility in the work of art but also the work of art that is you. Thanks to www.sarahhauer.com
Luke 18:9-14 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 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.

Stu: See the tax collector doesn't even look up.
Will: He has cast his head down to be humble and beat the soul (awaken)
Stu: See this is why we should talk more about the bible and not read it alone.
Will: I agree, the man was humble and basically said "Lord I am not worth to receive you but only say the word and I shall be healed"
Stu: He has humility, thats right.

Some Good and Funny Quotes

2008-01-25T21:18:00.000-08:00

"Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through snow." - Jeff Valdez

"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." - Krishnamurti
"Don't tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results." - George S. Patton

"Preach The Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words." - St. Francis of Assis

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources." -- Einstein

He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever." - Chinese Proverb

"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." - Joseph Campbell

"A bookstore is one of the only pieces of evidence we have that people are still thinking." - Jerry Seinfeld

We are here on Earth to do good to others. What the others are here for, I don't know." - W. H. Auden

"Experience is that marvelous thing that enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again." - Franklin P. Jones

Good Quote

2008-01-25T19:15:00.000-08:00

"The struggle is the Glory"

Commercial Flying Stinks

2008-01-22T16:47:00.000-08:00

Sitting in the Orlando International Airport for the first time in a while. Forgot how much of a pain it is to fly commercial. Boooo.....I hope it is a good flight and a productive trip because I hate crowds and cramped planes. But I need to think positive. :)

Winter In Bloomington

2008-01-22T13:01:00.000-08:00

Ahh Snow see here

Observations on Buddhism and what we can learn

2008-01-21T06:59:00.000-08:00

Currently I am reading a book entitled Bone Mountain written by Eliot Pattison. It is a fictional book based on the real life struggles of life in Tibet under Chinese rule. I was drawn to this book after reading a quote from the authors web site in which he states:

I write about Tibet not because I am a Buddhist but because I am not a Buddhist, because the ultimate treasures of Tibet are ones that transcend religion or philosophy, lessons that the rest of the world needs desperately to learn. Converting to the cause of Tibet does not mean a conversion to Buddhism, it means a conversion to compassion, self-awareness, human rights and political equality.

You mean you have no ulterior motive to explore compassion and human rights? No reason to help others, you just feel it is the right thing to do? No ten step process to get millions of dollars? I like this author already, regardless of his faith he is called to compassion and love with no motives or baggage, which is a rare thing in this day and age.

So while this is a riveting fictional book I would be amiss if I didn't reflect on the nuggets of knowledge this book contains. Since it is probably no secret I am of the Christian faith I do reflect on them with my faith in mind just as a Buddhist would reflect on them with his/her faith.

The following is just my personal observation, things I think I think, reasons to listen to all, nuggets to take you deeper in faith (But not all the nuggets in the book), or nuggets to dismiss entirely, do what you wish. So with out further ado...

5 things I think I think (thanks Peter King) about Buddhism, Bone Mountain and what Christians could learn and use.

1. Look Forward: There is a quote in the book about "stop being the seeker you were, and become the seeker you want to be". I love this quote because I think too often everyone gets held back or stunted in their walk in faith because of past sins and transgressions. The Christian faith places emphasis on forgiveness of sins, and rightly so, but all too often I thing we "seek" to right our past sins and commit no more rather than "seeking" God. I have being praying in the past few days, "Lord let me seek you deeper"

2. The Mystery of the Soul and God are most important: In one of the chapters an Elder Monk talks about "the unimportant mysteries of the surface world when you should be looking to the mysteries of the soul". I add "and God" at the end of this sentence because it is my reflection and commentary. But what I like about this is not getting caught up in the unimportant of the surface world. I hear so many times "I am too busy" or "I just need to finish this first" or "Maybe tomorrow". People are putting off their spiritual life, their relationship with God, for the report that is due tomorrow, the cup of coffee at Starbucks and yes even the football game on Sunday afternoon. By no means am I saying never go to a coffee shop or watch football, but do put prayer and God at the top of your schedule. Search your soul, find the deeper things in life, in your soul and your relationship with God and you will never find them if you don't change your focus and time.

3. Pray often: I am amazed at how often the monks, elders, and Tibetans pray in this book. Need to make a decision, pray, something bad happens, pray, attackers coming, pray, pray, pray. I only wish Christians prayed as much. We seem to rely too much on our own understanding, our own self will, and our own righteousness. We pray when we need something big like "Lord cure John of cancer" or "Lord help me out in my marriage" but when it comes to small things we can control those, no need to pray. I don't understand this logic, "God you can cure cancer but you can't help me change a flat tire, get me somewhere safely, protect me from danger, help me in decisions etc." WHAT?!?!

4. Sometimes you must wait patiently: I got this little nugget in the beginning of the book. The monks are preparing for a journey to take a sacred artifact back to its original home. During the preparation a friend is mysteriously and violently killed right in front of them. So do they round up the horses and head for the hills? No they do the opposite, they pray, reflect and do their necessary rituals upon the death of their friend. Too often we are reactionary and our reactions come in a split second and we act. Rarely do we ask "Why did this happen?" or "What does God want me to do?" or "How does this relate with my walk?" No we react, we run for the hills or more bluntly we run to the next thing, the next quick fix to our problems, the next thing that will make us happy. WE NEED TO SLOW DOWN, PRAY AND REFLECT. God's knowledge, the right knowledge is not found in a quick text message, it is found through reflection, prayer and.......devotion.

5. You must be devout: Spinning a prayer wheel hours upon end, waiting for a river to unfreeze to get sand, rebuilding a monastery by hand for 10 years, waiting for a healer to come these are a few examples from the book. I was amazed at the devotion of the monks and Tibetans in the book. I was left wondering "Where is the Christians praying all night?" and "Why is the majority of our faith 'Sunday for an hour'?" Another thing I took from this book is my devotion to the Lord. Sure I read countless theology books, I pray often, I go to church, I help others, I lead in the church but would I be willing to sit in the mountains if God asked? In other words would I still do something if it meant I received no satisfaction from it. Would I still be devout even if it meant I would certainly feel pain, confusion or any other unwanted emotion. I believe I would as I have been through the mini-episodes of pain, confusion, suffering etc. and still connected with my Lord. But devotion does not stop there, it means giving ALL of yourself to the Lord WITHOUT ATTACHMENTS or STIPULATIONS. You will be devout in the good times and the bad. You will be devout drinking a cup of coffee and in church. You will be devout in your praying as well as your giving. You will be devout in everything you do.

So after probably my longest post to date you can take what you want or nothing at all. You can call me crazy or smart. You can put these things into practice or keep plugging along. I am only here to be the Hands and help you along your walk with the Lord.

Medical Plants 'Face Extinction'

2008-01-19T08:55:00.000-08:00

Hundreds of medicinal plants are at risk of extinction, threatening the discovery of future cures for disease, according to experts.

Over 50% of prescription drugs are derived from chemicals first identified in plants.

But the Botanic Gardens Conservation International said many were at risk from over-collection and deforestation.

Researchers warned the cures for things such as cancer and HIV may become "extinct before they are ever found".

Read Here

Scientists silencing other Scientists

2008-01-18T11:10:00.000-08:00

Intelligent design theory, or ID, is opening new doors of scientific research, particularly in cancer and other disease research, according to its adherents, but a new movie, "Expelled" starring Ben Stein explores how an "elitist scientific establishment" is apparently muzzling and smearing scientists who publicly discuss ID.

The First Amendment is under brutal attack in the scientific community, Ben Stein, a former presidential speechwriter-turned-actor and commentator, says in the film, which opens in theaters on Feb. 12.

"I always assumed scientists were free to ask any question, pursue any line of inquiry without fear or reprisal," he says. "But recently, I've been alarmed to discover that this is not the case."

See entire interview here

See movie site here

I will say it is a very interesting read and makes me question the ego and motivations of scientists. Certainly true philosophers don't shut down other philosophers, it is all done in the pursuit of truth and knowledge.

Medical Myth Busters

2008-01-17T09:07:00.000-08:00

So, "they" say that people only use 10 percent of their brains and that hair and fingernails continue to grow after we die. And everyone knows that eating turkey makes us tired. It's that tryptophan, right? Wrong, according to Indiana University School of Medicine researchers, who explored commonly held medical beliefs recently in the British Medical Journal.
Bottled Water

Always been told to drink eight glasses of water a day? It might be time to think again.

The beliefs they targetted are commonly accepted, not only by the general population, but also by many physicians. The authors' surprising findings, when they reviewed medical literature -- all the beliefs were unproven or untrue.

See Article here

Do you live with bricks or springs?

2008-01-16T09:56:00.000-08:00

Is your belief or meaning based on bricks or springs? Do you build a wall of premises and laws that are set in mortar? Or do you have steel springs that can take the weight of testing and not break? That can extend compassion to others and see their point of view?

I bring this up because I read about the brick vs. spring mentality lately in the book "Velvet Elvis". I pretty much agree with the writer in that we do not need to build a brick wall with rules, laws and premises that do not let others in and will not survive if a couple of bricks (interpretations) are knocked out of the walls.

Our faith needs to be like springs on a trampoline so the author states. I fall more in line with this view. We need to be able to flex, push, pull, and stretch our faith to learn more about it. It also lets us feel and understand the weight of problems, bumps in the roads and deep questions without breaking but extending. It also allows us to be more open, compassionate, and inviting to others who may not believe what we do.

The last thing the spring does is allows us to say "we don't know it all". We can explore, learn, and grow. A brick wall is stationary, made hard, with a foundation that won't allow it to move or grow. A spring on the other hand is flexible but retains it's shape. It can reach out to others, it can come back in to reflect but most of all it has the option to spread out a go deep.

Build your brick walls if you wish, but I enjoy jumping on the trampoline. Anyone care to join?

Josh Bell Concert.....Free

2008-01-15T09:41:00.000-08:00

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Three-time Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell and acclaimed pianist Jeremy Denk, two of classical music's brightest stars, with common student and faculty ties to the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, will perform a recital together at IU's Musical Arts Center on Feb. 10 at 4 p.m.
Josh Bell
Elsewhere on their tour (which includes the capital's Kennedy Center and New York's Carnegie Hall), concertgoers can expect to pay premium prices, but this performance will be free due to Bell's recent acceptance of a faculty position at the IU Jacobs School. (All faculty performances, aside from benefits, are usually offered at no charge to the community).

See Here

6,500 die daily

2008-01-15T09:11:00.000-08:00

Imagine that the populations of New York, Chicago and Los Angeles are HIV positive. Imagine that 6,500 of these people die every day from this treatable, preventable disease. Grasp the magnitude of this scenario, and you have a good handle on the profound tragedy that is AIDS in Africa. You will also seize the issues that the American and Kenyan staff of AMPATH grapples with each and every day.

Art photographer Tyagan Miller, who works at the IU Foundation, recently had the opportunity to travel to Kenya to visit and to photograph those involved in the IU-Kenya Partnership, a program of the Indiana and Moi universities' schools of Medicine.

See the awesome photos here. Very powerful and painful.

Your Tax Dollars Buying Carbon Offsets

2008-01-15T07:38:00.000-08:00

But the fly in the ointment is that remaining tonnage of CO2. The House decided to deal with those emissions by purchasing carbon offsets on the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX). The carbon offset concept has been kicking around for many years. It means that a firm, organization, or even a concerned individual who emits carbon can pay someone else to reduce emissions or capture carbon.

Some observers have likened voluntary carbon offsets to the Roman Catholic Church's 16th century practice of selling indulgences -- if you can afford the price, your environmental "sins" are canceled. But the analogy may be inapt. An offset is not just asking for forgiveness, assuaging an organization's guilt for carbon emissions. It is supposed to make environmental restitution, resulting in genuine environmental improvements.

That's why Congress should be all the more careful that its offsets are real, because they are being paid for with our money.

See article here

I have no problem with the concept of carbon offsets. I do have a problem with the effectiveness of it right now. It seems the whole "Green" thing has become the "dotcom" of the late 90's. Lets all jump on the bandwagon and make some money. I have no problem with the entrepreneur spirit, what I do have a problem with is the "quick buck" spirit. And because "Green" is trendy now, we see something "Green" we buy it, use it, or endorse it with little to no research at all. Now our tax dollars are buying carbon offsets from a company that is not transparent in their dealings. So where exactly is my/our money going. It should be really easy for carbon offset companies to be transparent:

1. Your money went to administration costs with details of those costs.
2. Your money went to plant trees in this area of the world with details.
3. Your money went to this farmer with details.

It is an uncomplicated exchange.

Say Hello to the Tata Nano

2008-01-14T15:56:00.000-08:00

NEW DELHI: The Tata Nano may just be a few days old, but it's already shaking the foundations of the world automobile industry. The reverberations of the Nano's launch at the Delhi Auto Expo continue to be felt world-wide.

Auto majors are rethinking strategy and figuring out ways to break into the newly-created ultra low-cost car segment. According to auto industry sources, Volkswagen, Nissan and General Motors have sent out to feelers to Indian vendors to work on their version of a $3000-4000 car.

See here

50 tips for living green

2008-01-14T15:43:00.000-08:00

Photovoltaics on the roof. Geothermal heating under-ground. Spiffy dual-flush toilets all about.

This wasn't the nature of our eco-mania.

Here are 50 of the best ideas -- tips from engineers, chemists, environmentalists, recycling experts, government agencies, medical professionals, appliance-makers, Master Gardeners and, of course, our trusty readers.

See article here

Watched a show about this today

2008-01-12T18:27:00.000-08:00

Interesting making energy from algae.

Sad Day/Exciting Future

2008-01-12T18:05:00.000-08:00

Today is the day I announce that we will be moving from Orlando, FL to Ft.Worth, TX. It is sad to be leaving all our friends, but exciting in the future that we will have. I will blog more on this later. To all my friends I love you.

Mark Lives in Ikea

2008-01-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

Comedian/Filmmaker Mark Malkoff's New York City apartment had to be fumigated. All of his friends have tiny studio apartments. Hotels in New York are insanely expensive. Left with few living options, Mark thought it would be fun and make an interesting video to move into an IKEA store where he'd live and sleep for a week. Never in a million years did he think IKEA would go for it, but miraculously they have a agreed.

Mark moved in early morning Monday January 7th to the IKEA in Paramus, New Jersey and will stay for the week through Saturday January 12th. Every day people can watch a video recap of his day. He will be living in IKEA 24/7 and eating all his meals in the restaurant (he may order Domino's take out once or twice). Thankfully they have a shower for him in the back offices.

See Website here.

RIP Sir Edmund Hillary

2008-01-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

"The most important of all is that he was humble man, a simple man," he added.

His Himalayan Trust has helped build hospitals, clinics, bridges, airstrips and nearly 30 schools. He was made an honorary Nepalese citizen in 2003.

Read Here and See Here

Two Quotes from C.S. Lewis

2008-01-11T10:20:00.000-08:00

"The human mind has no more power of inventing a new value than of planting a new sun in the sky or a new primary colour in the spectrum..."

--Christian Reflections

"Atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning..."

--Mere Christianity

Those Crazy Methodists ;)

2008-01-10T14:37:00.000-08:00

A Sunday morning plenary session featured Shane Claiborne, a poverty activist and new monastic. Claiborne discussed his work as a founding member of “The Simple Way,” an alternative Christian community in urban Philadelphia that ministers to the poor. He stated that he began to live his monastic lifestyle when he decided “I’m going to run after something other than the American dream; I’m going to run after Jesus.” Claiborne, who grew up United Methodist, says that he is “madly in love with Jesus.”

The Philadelphia activist cautioned his audience not to become wrapped up in language, saying: “You can talk about social justice … and still not talk to the poor.… We can still live a very progressive life … and be mean.” Claiborne warned that “if we don’t have joy and we don’t have love, nobody’s going to want the truth we have, even if it is true.”

Read the full article here.

P.S. I am Methodist and share some of the views in this article. Some personal thoughts:

1. We can fund a war, but can't fund health care for the poor or Children
2. We teach that "Jesus loves us", but not those we disagree with.
3. We can talk about societal problems, but can't feed the poor.
4. We can buy a new TV, but not help the family displaced down the street.
5. We can get our neighbors mail, but put build fences to the South.
6. We talk about fair trade, yet buy slave labor products.

Maybe I am being too radical here, if so I am in Good Company: See here.