Questioning whether he is my son, but proud nonetheless

This is Alex at Pizza Hut for a special lunch with his principal and vice Principal after being picked from his class for doing their personal best. I sat with the principal a few times during lunch. I don’t think the conversation was quite as good nor was the food. (His mother took the picture. I think she was the only one to have ever done that.)

Believe

This is hands down, my favorite Lenny Kravitz song. I’m not really sure about Lenny’s beliefs, but he gets pretty close to Christianity in this song.  The part that I see as questionable is where he says that “its all just a game, we just want to be loved”. I like what someone (kimkosz) did with this video though because it represents where my thoughts go every time I hear it. My favorite part is the solo. Its amazing. So full of soulful expression. (Did you know he is the son of the black lady on the Jeffersons that was married to the stuffy white guy?)

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Great Day

Today is the greatest day I’ve ever known. Oops, that’s Smashing Pumpkins. Seriously though, the weather was fantastic today, I found out I received a scholarship, I got an A in economics, all of my homework is done, and I may have a lead on a job at Boeing. To top it all off Michele has no TV that is of interest tonight, so it looks like I’m playing the Wii. Can it get any better? I think not. To God be the glory. Seriously. It’s unbelieveable how He has provided. Im in awe. Were often quick to talk about how were being tested or how God is allowing us to go through certain things to teach us. If we are willing to give him credit for all the things that aren’t so comfortable then we have to be willing to give him credit for the good things. I have heard that hell is the complete absence of God, which equals the complete absence of good. Therefore, any good that comes our way is a direct result of God’s mercy, generosity, and grace. Any ability or good fortune that comes my way definitely comes from His hand.

Facebook. Wow!

Michele and I have been on Facebook for almost a week and we have both been amazed at the people we know that are out there. It’s a great way to reconnect with old friends. On one hand it makes you feel old when you think about the last time you hung out with the person your speaking to that you knew in high school. On the other hand, it makes you feel a little more alive when the memories come back of simpler times and lots of friends around.  That is the one thing I miss. It is really difficult to gain and maintain a large circle of friends, but it was effortless in high school and college. The only thing that annoys me a little about Facebook is it seems a little harder to get my favorite gadgets where I want them, but I’ve seen some of my friends pages and know that it’s possible. I am sure I will get used to it. If you aren’t on facebook yet go to www.facebook.com and sign up. They will show you a whole bunch of people that are using it that you haven’t heard from in years.

Testing for Facebook

Easter Egg Hunt 2009

Thanks to our aunt Sarah the kids had some great Easter candy. All of the chocolate was from the See’s Candy Co. I have seen them on TV, but never tasted any. It was terriffic! As usual, they loved seaching for the eggs. Seeing them do things like this always reminds me of the joy of being a little kid. We love them so much.

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Happy Easter

The kids were very creative this year! The eggs turned out great. Madelyn says “this is the best Easter ever”.

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Rodrackus (Supremas)

I wish I could take credit for this idea, but I actually got it from the guy across the street who stole the idea from one of his friends. I don’t know if it’s that revolutionary, but it definitely solved a problem for me.  It only cost me about $6. I already had the wood, and just had to purchase the eye screws and rope. It would have been at least a dollar cheaper had I not been violated at the local hardware store when I bought the eye screws. The first pack I bought at Menards was $0.82. I realized I needed more so I had to run down to the local Do It Best. Still, $6 is a bargain.

Compromise

As we were studying Daniel today in our Sunday school class I was struck by a theme that runs through Daniel’s life and should run through mine. It seems like that theme was his lack of compromise. He did what was right despite the consequences. I was reminded of all of the times I’ve been in situations at work where the only way out seemed to compromise or find some way to remove myself from the situation. Essentially, the choices were lie, hide, or stand for what I believed in. Too often I’ve chosen to compromise what I believe for my own perceived safety, or to avoid conflict. The question that brought all of this to mind was, “why aren’t we being persecuted”? Jesus said we would be if we were following Him. My conclusion is that we aren’t being persecuted because we compromise our faith nearly every chance we get instead of doing the right thing regardless of the consequences. I know a lot about what is expected of me. It’s high time I started inviting a little more persecution; not for the sake of the persecution itself, but as a result of my love for Christ. If we, as Christians, started speaking the truth when our faith was being attacked, or refused to tow the company line even if we thought it would put our livelihood in jeopardy, we would begin to see the kind of persecution befitting a follower of Christ. It is really a great feeling to do what you know is right and face whatever lies on the other side of your decision. There have been a few times when I did the right thing and felt that feeling, but I seem to forget how great it is. I hope to feel it more often in the future. I would say, God willing, but I think it’s pretty clear that his will is that I be obedient and do what is right for His glory, not mine.

Mute Math – Voice In The Silence

Darren King (percussion) is outstanding on this song. I just found it tonight. Apparently this isn’t on an album yet. on the new cd, which only has 4 songs. That seems a little weak, but they’ve been touring heavy.  Hopefully a full length cd will be coming soon.  I don’t usually pay a lot of attention to drummers, but you can’t miss this guy. I also like how he’s right up front.

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