Some of you might be surprised by this, but some of your won't. I am a little bit of a Peyton Manning Fan. I love all the commercials. Saw this one and had to post it.
Peyton Manning-MasterCard 1
Friday, December 20, 2024
1 day ago
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Bobby Jindal and Volcanoes
Last night Bobby Jindal gave the GOP response to Obama's speech. I like Jindal - at least what I know of him. However, last night he was incredibly rehearsed and a little stiff. The way he casually put his hand in his pocket at the end of his speech was lame. Plus his "S's" have a little whistle to them which annoys me. ALTHOUGH the content of what he said was great.
Now, he's catching flack for not supporting the goverment's support (in the stimulus package) of Volcano research by some politican in Washington who lives near Mt. Saint Helens. I get it. We should look into the disaster that was Mt. Saint Helens and try to figure out if it will happen again. Here's the article. Here's the problem: THAT IS NOT WHAT THE STIMULUS BILL IS FOR! Fine Mr. Dude in Washington. You want money to research volcanoes. Fine. Have some. But this money - OUR MONEY - the goverment is giving to you for simply passing Go! is to create jobs that will last and to stimulate the economy. If anyone understands disasters its Jindal. He could ask for money to research hurricanes and how they negatively affect giant cest pools like New Orleans (no offense to NOBTS students). But again, that's not what this bill was for. Back off dude from Washington. Pick your battles a little better because you just sound stupid (I feel that I can use this word "stupid" because Calvin uses it frequently in the Institutes when referring to people from Washington).
*Calvin may not actually refer to people from Washington in the Institutes seeing that Washington was not a state yet. I might have made that part up. You can judge me if you like. But Calvin does use the word "stupid" a lot. Funny.
Now, he's catching flack for not supporting the goverment's support (in the stimulus package) of Volcano research by some politican in Washington who lives near Mt. Saint Helens. I get it. We should look into the disaster that was Mt. Saint Helens and try to figure out if it will happen again. Here's the article. Here's the problem: THAT IS NOT WHAT THE STIMULUS BILL IS FOR! Fine Mr. Dude in Washington. You want money to research volcanoes. Fine. Have some. But this money - OUR MONEY - the goverment is giving to you for simply passing Go! is to create jobs that will last and to stimulate the economy. If anyone understands disasters its Jindal. He could ask for money to research hurricanes and how they negatively affect giant cest pools like New Orleans (no offense to NOBTS students). But again, that's not what this bill was for. Back off dude from Washington. Pick your battles a little better because you just sound stupid (I feel that I can use this word "stupid" because Calvin uses it frequently in the Institutes when referring to people from Washington).
*Calvin may not actually refer to people from Washington in the Institutes seeing that Washington was not a state yet. I might have made that part up. You can judge me if you like. But Calvin does use the word "stupid" a lot. Funny.
Dr. Moore's Sermon
The Purpose-Driven Paddle from Russell Moore on Vimeo.
This was Dr. Moore's sermon a few weeks back. He is going through a series right now. Amazing. Seriously, take the time to listen or watch this. Life changing.
Shana's Update - Favorite Things Right Now
I am no Oprah so I am unable to give all my favorite things away because I don't have sponsors knocking down my door. Although wouldn't that be stinking awesome. O well. Here are some of my favorite things right now.
1)Wellies - Andy and Caitlin got me a pair for Christmas that were awesome from JCREW, but my legs were to "muscly" for them. I found a pair at Target to replace them, calves fit fine now. I wear these everyday to take the dogs out.
2)Bella Band - Wasn't sure about this at first. I figured if it were so amazing all pregnant people would be saying you have to get this. Saw it on sale at Target, figured if I didn't like it I could take it back. So far, like it lots. Save money on maternity clothes, BONUS!
3)Knee High Socks - Andy, Caitlin, and Judy also got me some of these. LOVE THEM! They are awesome for the cold weather here in KY. I wear them almost everyday with my boots to work.
4)Coca-Cola - lets face it, it just taste so darn good.
5)Josh Stringer - sorry ladies, even if I had a sponsor I am not giving him away. I am so thankful for a husband that loves the Lord, and walks with him everyday. The past year has been amazing for us and our marriage. I have watched the Lord working in my husbands life incredibly and I am privileged to be so close to the action. You make me so proud!
1)Wellies - Andy and Caitlin got me a pair for Christmas that were awesome from JCREW, but my legs were to "muscly" for them. I found a pair at Target to replace them, calves fit fine now. I wear these everyday to take the dogs out.
2)Bella Band - Wasn't sure about this at first. I figured if it were so amazing all pregnant people would be saying you have to get this. Saw it on sale at Target, figured if I didn't like it I could take it back. So far, like it lots. Save money on maternity clothes, BONUS!
3)Knee High Socks - Andy, Caitlin, and Judy also got me some of these. LOVE THEM! They are awesome for the cold weather here in KY. I wear them almost everyday with my boots to work.
4)Coca-Cola - lets face it, it just taste so darn good.
5)Josh Stringer - sorry ladies, even if I had a sponsor I am not giving him away. I am so thankful for a husband that loves the Lord, and walks with him everyday. The past year has been amazing for us and our marriage. I have watched the Lord working in my husbands life incredibly and I am privileged to be so close to the action. You make me so proud!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Mr. & Mrs. Crockett, Your Table is Ready...
Saturday night we had our first date-night in I don't know how long. Between work, school, school, church, school, and work we just haven't had time. Shana's boss gave her a $50 gift card to The Cheescake Factory for Christmas. Cheesecake Factory is our absolute favorite place to eat. We were saving the gift card for a special occasion and we were going to use it for Valentine's Day but guess what....I had to work. Of course. So Saturday night was free (in between study sessions).
We ended up getting there about 8:00 which is very late for us for dinner. The wait was an hour and a half. Nice. They don't take reservations. As I was parking the car some lady came up to Shana and said, "We've found another table. Do you want our buzzer-thingy? It should go off in about 15-20 min. The name's Crockett." SWEET! 20 min. later we were sitting down ordering our food. I got the Wasabi Crusted Seared Ahi Tuna - you must try this. It's served rare but warm. So good. Shana got her usual - Chicken Stuffed Tortillas with corn cakes. The corn cakes taste just like our friend Ryan Falls' corn souffle. They're super good. The portions there are huge so we go there planning to take half home (two meals for the large price of one). Plus, you have to save room for the cheesecake. I got a special one - White Chocolate Blueberry with blueberry crust. It was good - not great. I mean it was better than any where else, but not the best the Factory has to offer. Shana got a new one too which may be the best ever - Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough. Amazing. Anyway, it was a great night. I came home and started reading again, but it was a nice break. Nice to finally have a date with my babe!
We ended up getting there about 8:00 which is very late for us for dinner. The wait was an hour and a half. Nice. They don't take reservations. As I was parking the car some lady came up to Shana and said, "We've found another table. Do you want our buzzer-thingy? It should go off in about 15-20 min. The name's Crockett." SWEET! 20 min. later we were sitting down ordering our food. I got the Wasabi Crusted Seared Ahi Tuna - you must try this. It's served rare but warm. So good. Shana got her usual - Chicken Stuffed Tortillas with corn cakes. The corn cakes taste just like our friend Ryan Falls' corn souffle. They're super good. The portions there are huge so we go there planning to take half home (two meals for the large price of one). Plus, you have to save room for the cheesecake. I got a special one - White Chocolate Blueberry with blueberry crust. It was good - not great. I mean it was better than any where else, but not the best the Factory has to offer. Shana got a new one too which may be the best ever - Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough. Amazing. Anyway, it was a great night. I came home and started reading again, but it was a nice break. Nice to finally have a date with my babe!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Best Music Video of All Time!?
Today at work we had a debate on what is the best music video of all time - at least when music videos were cool and not about naked girls. So here's my submission to the debate:
Artist - Aha
Song - Take On Me
Year - 1985
Video:
Best ever? What's yours? Thriller has to be #1b.
And just for fun...
Artist - Aha
Song - Take On Me
Year - 1985
Video:
Best ever? What's yours? Thriller has to be #1b.
And just for fun...
Great Perspective on Octo-Mom from One Who Knows...
You know that lady who just had 8 (more) kids? Well, take some advise from a lady who's had 18 kids and wants more on how we should think of Octo-Mom. Here's an awesome article, actually a transcript from the Larry King show (guest hosted by Joy Behar - BOOOOO!) with JimBob and Michelle Duggar. This is a great testimony. Enjoy.
Shana's Update - Pregnancy
Today I made my first call to my doctor to find out if something was wrong with me. Yep, and I was asked "is this your first." Should have known then that there was no problem. This is what I called about.
For the past couple of days I have had some discomfort in my lower right pelvis area. Almost where my leg creases. It has been sore a lot. I thought this was odd, and definitely not normal. Josh got concerned too, so I call the doctor. Well, this is normal. I am sure I am going to get this a lot. I almost think they should just set up a hot line for first time pregnant people to call into with all our dumb questions.
The nurse said it was normal and that I was feeling my uterus stretching. Interesting. I am fast approaching 16 weeks can hardly believe it. Need to post a new picture of my belly. It isn't huge, but definitely there. I was actually asked yesterday by a stranger if I was pregnant. She said she saw me put my hand on my stomach and thought it looked like a little baby bump. I was kind of flattered. So funny, if she would have asked me that not being pregnant. I think I look like I just have a beer belly (minus the drinking beer part). You get what I mean though right. My stomach had just gotten really flat though before I got pregnant. Which I guess is contributing to my graceful weight gain. Only gained 2 pounds so far, which technically I lost 8 in my first trimester so not sure if you consider me really gaining weight yet.
I am still in the gym, actually have made it back up to my 4 days a week routine. During the first trimester I was having a hard time getting there 4 days a week. Working out my arms and legs now since my middle section is kind of out of commission. My workout has seriously kept me sane. It helps me keep my energy levels high, bathroom visits healthy (I am trying to be discreet here), and stress levels low.
I don't think I have shared this either. Anybody who knows me at all knows that I am (or was) a diet coke fan and splenda-aholic. All I ever drank were diet drinks and I used splenda anytime it called for sugar. Well, I have cut them all out. I am not looking back. It wasn't as hard as I thought. That doesn't mean I don't drinks soda, just not diet soda. New favorite is a good old Coca-Cola. Josh and I have always been pretty healthy with our food choices, but it is funny when you get pregnant you start to really think about what goes into your body. That is the only change food-wise that I have made since being pregnant, but it is going to be a lifestyle change. I am not going back after baby comes out. I probably should elaborate on this more late. This post is already getting to long.
That is all for now. I hope to try and take a picture of the bump this weekend. We'll see. ta-ta for now.
For the past couple of days I have had some discomfort in my lower right pelvis area. Almost where my leg creases. It has been sore a lot. I thought this was odd, and definitely not normal. Josh got concerned too, so I call the doctor. Well, this is normal. I am sure I am going to get this a lot. I almost think they should just set up a hot line for first time pregnant people to call into with all our dumb questions.
The nurse said it was normal and that I was feeling my uterus stretching. Interesting. I am fast approaching 16 weeks can hardly believe it. Need to post a new picture of my belly. It isn't huge, but definitely there. I was actually asked yesterday by a stranger if I was pregnant. She said she saw me put my hand on my stomach and thought it looked like a little baby bump. I was kind of flattered. So funny, if she would have asked me that not being pregnant. I think I look like I just have a beer belly (minus the drinking beer part). You get what I mean though right. My stomach had just gotten really flat though before I got pregnant. Which I guess is contributing to my graceful weight gain. Only gained 2 pounds so far, which technically I lost 8 in my first trimester so not sure if you consider me really gaining weight yet.
I am still in the gym, actually have made it back up to my 4 days a week routine. During the first trimester I was having a hard time getting there 4 days a week. Working out my arms and legs now since my middle section is kind of out of commission. My workout has seriously kept me sane. It helps me keep my energy levels high, bathroom visits healthy (I am trying to be discreet here), and stress levels low.
I don't think I have shared this either. Anybody who knows me at all knows that I am (or was) a diet coke fan and splenda-aholic. All I ever drank were diet drinks and I used splenda anytime it called for sugar. Well, I have cut them all out. I am not looking back. It wasn't as hard as I thought. That doesn't mean I don't drinks soda, just not diet soda. New favorite is a good old Coca-Cola. Josh and I have always been pretty healthy with our food choices, but it is funny when you get pregnant you start to really think about what goes into your body. That is the only change food-wise that I have made since being pregnant, but it is going to be a lifestyle change. I am not going back after baby comes out. I probably should elaborate on this more late. This post is already getting to long.
That is all for now. I hope to try and take a picture of the bump this weekend. We'll see. ta-ta for now.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Did You Know that Richard Nixon is Skeletor?
Ok. Frank Langella is nominated for an Oscar this year for playing Richard Nixon in Frost/Nixon. I heard it's a good movie. I have no idea. Prolly won't see it. (that's right, I said prolly). He's a good actor. I particularly enjoyed him in Dave - one of the most underrated movies of all time. However, he also played in another slightly underrated movie (*note the sarcasm) - The Masters of the Universe (the live action movie about He-Man). I loved this movie when I was a kid - yeah, when I was a kid. Langella played Skeletor. Here, take a look:
Bristol Palin
I love how Bristol Palin speaks for all teenagers. She seems to think that sexual abstinence is unrealistic for teenagers. Easy for her to say after she's already put herself in front of the world as a pregnant teenager. Dr. Mohler sums this up nicely in his blog today. Here's an excerpt:
"Is sexual abstinence realistic for teenagers and young adults? Well, abstinence is certainly not realistic when teenagers put themselves or are put into a situation where sexual activity is likely. At some point, sexual abstinence becomes very unrealistic indeed.
"Is sexual abstinence realistic for teenagers and young adults? Well, abstinence is certainly not realistic when teenagers put themselves or are put into a situation where sexual activity is likely. At some point, sexual abstinence becomes very unrealistic indeed.
The real issue for Christian teenagers and their parents is not to debate whether sexual abstinence before marriage is realistic or not. The larger and more important issue is that sexual abstinence until marriage is the biblical expectation and command. Once this is realized, the responsibility of all concerned is to ensure that expectations and structures are in place so that abstinence is realistic."
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
This is why our justice system is a joke...
From CNN.com:
NEW YORK (CNN) -- A Manhattan jury awarded $2.33 million to a man who lost his leg after drunkenly stumbling onto the path of an oncoming subway train.
NEW YORK (CNN) -- A Manhattan jury awarded $2.33 million to a man who lost his leg after drunkenly stumbling onto the path of an oncoming subway train.
Dustin Dibble, 25, landed in the subway tracks after a late night watching a hockey game at a bar with friends April 23, 2006. A downtown N train ran over him, severing his right leg.
According to Dibble's lawyer, Andrew Smiley, NYC Transit rather than Dibble bore primary responsibility for the accident because the subway driver had time to stop the train but did not.
Smiley added that Dibble's drunkenness did not excuse the driver, who said in a court deposition that he mistook Dibble for an inert object.
"They don't get a free pass as to why the person was on the tracks. They are trained to be able to look out for people on the tracks ... and people are known to be intoxicated by night," the lawyer said.
Dibble's blood-alcohol level at the time of the accident was .18, according to his lawyer, more than twice the legal limit had he been behind the wheel of a car.
The jury ruled Tuesday that Dibble was 35 percent responsible for the accident, so his monetary compensation was also reduced by 35 percent -- from $3,594,943 to $2,336,713.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
To the Dudes, and possibly the chicas...
Any of you guys who read this blog want to play Fantasy Baseball this year? I'm thinking of starting a Keeper League. If you're interested leave me a comment or email me.
Shana's Update - Registry
Ok, you'll see a new feature on the right side. There is a new link list of where we are registered for Baby SJ. We are just getting started so please be patient with us as we build it up. We have registered at Amazon.com first because that is a good place to stock pile things you can only purchase online. For example, cloth diapers. You can rarely find these in the big baby department stores. If I find anything online that is also in the stores no worries I will register both places. This weekend I had a lot of fun scouting things out, figuring out which items and brands, etc etc we wanted. Yikes.
A Telling Video on Evangelism....You Should Watch
You know Penn from Penn and Teller. He's an atheist. The real kind. However, someone shared the Gospel with him and he appreciated it. Watch this...(he looks like he just woke up though)
Monday, February 16, 2009
The picture on the left just isn't right. I like the Red Sox, but some things just don't belong together.
In other baseball news...as Spring Training begins this week...
After Jose Canseco left the Rangers, I suppose he left his steroids behind. Here's a list of the guys who were in that club house after he left who have been linked with steroids -
Ken Caminiti
Juan Gonzalez
Pudge Rodriguez
A-Rod
Rafael Palmeiro
David Segui
So I guess I tend to believe ARod when he says it was the "culture" of baseball down there to just take whatever steroids were around.
In other baseball news...as Spring Training begins this week...
After Jose Canseco left the Rangers, I suppose he left his steroids behind. Here's a list of the guys who were in that club house after he left who have been linked with steroids -
Ken Caminiti
Juan Gonzalez
Pudge Rodriguez
A-Rod
Rafael Palmeiro
David Segui
So I guess I tend to believe ARod when he says it was the "culture" of baseball down there to just take whatever steroids were around.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
My First YouTube Video
I was looking over my YouTube account and found this old video of Bogie on the treadmill. The camera work is a bit dodgy, but the dog is dang cute....(notice Zoe's twirl when Bogie comes running down the stairs)
Reading Calvin...
After hiking through the forest of Calvin's thoughts on God's ultimate providence over all things, I found this nugget - the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel:
"If there is no more effective remedy for anger and impatience, he has surely benefited greatly who has so learned to meditate upon God's providence that he can always recall his mind to this point: the Lord has willed it; therefore it must be borne, not only because one may not contend against it, but also because he wills nothing but what is just and expedient. To sum this up: when we are unjustly wounded by men, let us overlook their wickedness (which would but worsen our pain and sharpen our minds to revenge), remember to mount up to God, and learn to believe for certain whatever our enemy has wickedly committed against us was permitted and sent by God's just dispensation."
- John Calvin, The Institutes of Christian Religion, Vol. 1
"If there is no more effective remedy for anger and impatience, he has surely benefited greatly who has so learned to meditate upon God's providence that he can always recall his mind to this point: the Lord has willed it; therefore it must be borne, not only because one may not contend against it, but also because he wills nothing but what is just and expedient. To sum this up: when we are unjustly wounded by men, let us overlook their wickedness (which would but worsen our pain and sharpen our minds to revenge), remember to mount up to God, and learn to believe for certain whatever our enemy has wickedly committed against us was permitted and sent by God's just dispensation."
- John Calvin, The Institutes of Christian Religion, Vol. 1
Friday, February 13, 2009
Would you eat this?
This is why you're fat....again....but I might actually try these....
Question of the day....would you eat this?
Gravy Covered Pizza (you know you'd at least think about it)
Sloppy Joe served on a Krispy Kreme.
Question of the day....would you eat this?
Gravy Covered Pizza (you know you'd at least think about it)
Sloppy Joe served on a Krispy Kreme.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Not sure how to say this...
I have no idea how to write about what I'm about to write about but after having a conversation 
with Shana tonight and another one two nights ago with a guy from work I should probably give a word of testimony that has been lingering around my heart for the past few years.
I'm gonna talk about money.
It seems to be on everyone's mind these days with job loss, houses foreclosing, and bailouts bailing. I realize that many people are scared about what is going to happen to them. People's financial future is in ruin and the present is looking bleak. Part of it is because they haven't saved or they spent too much money on too much stuff. Some people just plain got a raw deal. Maybe their company went bankrupt because of bad business decisions and/or greed. I have a lot of sympathy for these people. Regardless of the why, it still will be hard times for these people and the line is getting longer. (500 million a month according to Pelosi - sorry, I couldn't resist). However, I don't have sympathy for these people for the reason that you think. Let me back up a bit.
Three years ago Shana and I were home owners. I had a job making good money. I was the least highest paid staff member in a decent sized church for the Atlanta area. However, I had money, insurance, and a great retirement plan at the age of 27 - and I was serving the Lord. Shana and I worked together and she made decent money with the same benefits. Some regrettable things happened at the church where I was serving and the Pastor was basically forced to resign. A great friend of mine resigned next. Then me. I was inevitable collateral damage - but that's another story. Shana was next to go, basically because she was my wife. I was offered a 2 month severance package - Shana was not. We had a mortgage, no jobs, two dogs, and a partridge and a pear tree.
Shana got another job pretty quickly. I applied around the country for other ministry jobs - and by around the country I mean Boston, Seattle, and everywhere in between. Just something to get us far away. However, the Lord didn't open those doors. I eventually ended up at The Fresh Market - where I am still - two and a half years later. Shana was making decent money for her position and experience but I was making less than half of what I had been making.
Skipping way ahead - Shana was treated poorly at her job and quit and came to work with me at Fresh Market. We decided to come to seminary to start over. We finally sold our house in a very bad market and moved in with my parents until it was time to go to Louisville. Finally we moved here.
I was able to transfer to the Fresh Market here, but when we moved, Shana didn't have a job. Within a few weeks Shana got a great job where she works now making, again, decent money for her position and experience. I'm a full time student (14 hours this semester) and work 30 hours per week at TFM.
The other night at work I was talking with a guy in the bakery about the stimulus bill that just got passed. He was recently laid off by Linens-n-Things. He was the store manager and they closed his store because the guy who runs the company is a moron. Now he works full time at TFM making way less than he did before. He said that he hoped the bailout passes because he wants to continue to live the kind of lifestyle he used to living (I could go in one direction with this comment, but I'll stay on task)...
Here's my point. We are spoiled. Badly spoiled. Christians, pagans, we're all the same. Just flat spoiled. Please hear my heart on this. I am speaking as someone who just a few years ago was not rich, but was certainly not hurting financially and has been incredibly humbled by a God who loves me enough to keep me close to his side. All that stuff that I just wrote about...God did that. He took me out of the church. He sold our house. He paid our bills. He got us jobs. He took us out of jobs. He brought us to Louisville. He still pays our bills. He pays for school. Not through loans or savings. How can I say that? Because I've been there and seen it first hand.
I'd say 90% of my friends and family fall into this spoiled category. Myself included. We want it, we buy, we don't care, and that's fine with us. After all, why shouldn't I have it? I can just charge it. Forget trying to keep up with the Joneses, I'm trying to keep up with my imagination. Hey, its the American way. But let's face it, it's not God's way. I'm not Dave Ramsey or anything, but I've read Matthew 6:19-34 - "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth..."
Friends and family who read this blog - stop living for money. We think we don't, but we do. We don't save. We don't spend wisely. We probably don't tithe regularly. We don't honor God with our money. Some of you do, but most of us don't. When we do a few times a year we feel really good about ourselves, but then that new gadget comes out or that new pair of shoes is in the window - "where's my credit card?!" We don't want to have a baby yet or another baby because it will mean that we'll lose some income or we won't be able to afford "that" house or car. We don't want to do without. Like my friend at work said, you won't be able to have "that lifestyle anymore."
Look, I don't have it all figured out. In fact, I don't have any of it figured out. If it were left up to me we'd be broke. Thank God I have Shana. She has taught me so much. But the credit goes to the Lord for what he has bascially forced into our hearts. I don't say that lightly. He has pruned, chopped, weaned, and taken away a lot. We still struggle a good bit. Since we've been here I think we've made budget for the month just a handfull of times because we haven't been wise.
It seems like we've barely blinked our eyes and now we're headed down a road of more financial indecision. A baby will be here soon and we have to decide what to do about Shana's job. Will she go back to work or not? If she doesn't, how will we make it? Will we move again for the fifth time in five years of marriage and downsize again? If that's what it takes we will. Our perspective is incredibly different now than it was three years ago. The Lord will take care of us. We are not worried. We see people here making it on way less than we have with bigger families than ours. We make it on way less than we did a few years ago. You can too. These are tough financial times - at least that's what the news says. Although I don't see it among my friends. We're living the same. You think it's a little tight because you didn't get to go to Starbucks and Chic-Fil-A 10 times this week...you only went 5. I apologize if that is crossing the line. Forgive me. But you are my brothers and sisters and we are to enco
urage each other in the Lord. I'm not saying that wanting things is bad. I want a new camera for when the baby comes. But that would in no way be wise to purchase that. Plus, the one we have works fine. The problem comes when the stuff you want to have and want to keep gets in the way of your obedience, surrender, and trust of the Lord. "You can't serve both God and money." "I want to trust the Lord," we'll say, "but instead of being wise and waiting and trusting, I'll do it my way." So stop trusting yourself and trust the Lord.
Here's what we did - we repented of our greed and turned to the Lord. Just like salvation. I hope this doesn't come across as arrogant. If I boast, I boast in what the Lord has done. Seriously. These have not been easy lessons. I don't enjoy taking my lunch to work - but I have time to read and study during my lunch break because I don't go out (and I greatly appreciate and enjoy the occassions that I do get to eat out). I miss ESPN and The Food Network and TiVo. But T.V. doesn't rule my life as much as it did - in fact, now that I think about it, I don't miss it that much at all - except maybe Alton Brown.
So I say ALL that to say this...
Shana hugged me a few minutes ago and told me how happy she is. I agreed.
(Now go read Matthew 6)
with Shana tonight and another one two nights ago with a guy from work I should probably give a word of testimony that has been lingering around my heart for the past few years.I'm gonna talk about money.
It seems to be on everyone's mind these days with job loss, houses foreclosing, and bailouts bailing. I realize that many people are scared about what is going to happen to them. People's financial future is in ruin and the present is looking bleak. Part of it is because they haven't saved or they spent too much money on too much stuff. Some people just plain got a raw deal. Maybe their company went bankrupt because of bad business decisions and/or greed. I have a lot of sympathy for these people. Regardless of the why, it still will be hard times for these people and the line is getting longer. (500 million a month according to Pelosi - sorry, I couldn't resist). However, I don't have sympathy for these people for the reason that you think. Let me back up a bit.
Three years ago Shana and I were home owners. I had a job making good money. I was the least highest paid staff member in a decent sized church for the Atlanta area. However, I had money, insurance, and a great retirement plan at the age of 27 - and I was serving the Lord. Shana and I worked together and she made decent money with the same benefits. Some regrettable things happened at the church where I was serving and the Pastor was basically forced to resign. A great friend of mine resigned next. Then me. I was inevitable collateral damage - but that's another story. Shana was next to go, basically because she was my wife. I was offered a 2 month severance package - Shana was not. We had a mortgage, no jobs, two dogs, and a partridge and a pear tree.
Shana got another job pretty quickly. I applied around the country for other ministry jobs - and by around the country I mean Boston, Seattle, and everywhere in between. Just something to get us far away. However, the Lord didn't open those doors. I eventually ended up at The Fresh Market - where I am still - two and a half years later. Shana was making decent money for her position and experience but I was making less than half of what I had been making.
Skipping way ahead - Shana was treated poorly at her job and quit and came to work with me at Fresh Market. We decided to come to seminary to start over. We finally sold our house in a very bad market and moved in with my parents until it was time to go to Louisville. Finally we moved here.
I was able to transfer to the Fresh Market here, but when we moved, Shana didn't have a job. Within a few weeks Shana got a great job where she works now making, again, decent money for her position and experience. I'm a full time student (14 hours this semester) and work 30 hours per week at TFM.
The other night at work I was talking with a guy in the bakery about the stimulus bill that just got passed. He was recently laid off by Linens-n-Things. He was the store manager and they closed his store because the guy who runs the company is a moron. Now he works full time at TFM making way less than he did before. He said that he hoped the bailout passes because he wants to continue to live the kind of lifestyle he used to living (I could go in one direction with this comment, but I'll stay on task)...
Here's my point. We are spoiled. Badly spoiled. Christians, pagans, we're all the same. Just flat spoiled. Please hear my heart on this. I am speaking as someone who just a few years ago was not rich, but was certainly not hurting financially and has been incredibly humbled by a God who loves me enough to keep me close to his side. All that stuff that I just wrote about...God did that. He took me out of the church. He sold our house. He paid our bills. He got us jobs. He took us out of jobs. He brought us to Louisville. He still pays our bills. He pays for school. Not through loans or savings. How can I say that? Because I've been there and seen it first hand.
I'd say 90% of my friends and family fall into this spoiled category. Myself included. We want it, we buy, we don't care, and that's fine with us. After all, why shouldn't I have it? I can just charge it. Forget trying to keep up with the Joneses, I'm trying to keep up with my imagination. Hey, its the American way. But let's face it, it's not God's way. I'm not Dave Ramsey or anything, but I've read Matthew 6:19-34 - "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth..."
Friends and family who read this blog - stop living for money. We think we don't, but we do. We don't save. We don't spend wisely. We probably don't tithe regularly. We don't honor God with our money. Some of you do, but most of us don't. When we do a few times a year we feel really good about ourselves, but then that new gadget comes out or that new pair of shoes is in the window - "where's my credit card?!" We don't want to have a baby yet or another baby because it will mean that we'll lose some income or we won't be able to afford "that" house or car. We don't want to do without. Like my friend at work said, you won't be able to have "that lifestyle anymore."
Look, I don't have it all figured out. In fact, I don't have any of it figured out. If it were left up to me we'd be broke. Thank God I have Shana. She has taught me so much. But the credit goes to the Lord for what he has bascially forced into our hearts. I don't say that lightly. He has pruned, chopped, weaned, and taken away a lot. We still struggle a good bit. Since we've been here I think we've made budget for the month just a handfull of times because we haven't been wise.
It seems like we've barely blinked our eyes and now we're headed down a road of more financial indecision. A baby will be here soon and we have to decide what to do about Shana's job. Will she go back to work or not? If she doesn't, how will we make it? Will we move again for the fifth time in five years of marriage and downsize again? If that's what it takes we will. Our perspective is incredibly different now than it was three years ago. The Lord will take care of us. We are not worried. We see people here making it on way less than we have with bigger families than ours. We make it on way less than we did a few years ago. You can too. These are tough financial times - at least that's what the news says. Although I don't see it among my friends. We're living the same. You think it's a little tight because you didn't get to go to Starbucks and Chic-Fil-A 10 times this week...you only went 5. I apologize if that is crossing the line. Forgive me. But you are my brothers and sisters and we are to enco
urage each other in the Lord. I'm not saying that wanting things is bad. I want a new camera for when the baby comes. But that would in no way be wise to purchase that. Plus, the one we have works fine. The problem comes when the stuff you want to have and want to keep gets in the way of your obedience, surrender, and trust of the Lord. "You can't serve both God and money." "I want to trust the Lord," we'll say, "but instead of being wise and waiting and trusting, I'll do it my way." So stop trusting yourself and trust the Lord.Here's what we did - we repented of our greed and turned to the Lord. Just like salvation. I hope this doesn't come across as arrogant. If I boast, I boast in what the Lord has done. Seriously. These have not been easy lessons. I don't enjoy taking my lunch to work - but I have time to read and study during my lunch break because I don't go out (and I greatly appreciate and enjoy the occassions that I do get to eat out). I miss ESPN and The Food Network and TiVo. But T.V. doesn't rule my life as much as it did - in fact, now that I think about it, I don't miss it that much at all - except maybe Alton Brown.
So I say ALL that to say this...
Shana hugged me a few minutes ago and told me how happy she is. I agreed.
(Now go read Matthew 6)
Why You're Fat
Wanna Know Why You're Fat America....?
Check out this site.
Deep Fried Peanut Butter-Covered Brownie Wrapped In Cookie Dough
Turbaconucken
Check out this site.
The Super Stuffed Oreo
Deep Fried Peanut Butter-Covered Brownie Wrapped In Cookie Dough
Turbaconucken
Darwin Ain't So Hot...
Check out this poll from Gallup.com
Make sure you scroll down and look at the other polls. Do you think our education system has an agenda?
Make sure you scroll down and look at the other polls. Do you think our education system has an agenda?
No Snow?
Yesterday was the first Tuesday since December that it didn't snow says the weird weather guy on channel 11.
Socks.
Real quick...today (Wednesday) is my day off from work and school. Well, I'm off in the way that I don't have to go anywhere - like class or The Fresh Market. I usually work around the house - laundry, vacuum, kitchen, etc. I also spend the majority of my day reading. I'll post something soon about what I have/get to read this semester. The reason for this post is that I just did a huge load of white laundry. This was loaded with socks. You know, usually when you do a lot of sock laundry there are inevitably one or two with no match. Right? Seems like this happens every time. No so this time. Tons of socks - every one had a match. Back to reading.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Shana's Update - Baby SJ
This is the first official picture of Baby SJ (stringer junior). Isn't Baby SJ precious! Ok seriously I know it might be hard to see anything, but his spine is really good to see in this picture. Baby SJ was hiding a bunch when we had these pictures done yesterday. This is kind of an upside down shot, with the head toward the bottom of the photo, and it is mostly to the left. Some of you more experienced moms out there might see it quickly. To me this reminds me of those photos you used to stick your nose up close to and stare at for like 10 minutes and then pull away to see the image. Yeah those things.
The best part was actually seeing Baby SJ moving all over in the ultrasound. I also got to see his heart beating. Way cool.
Stay Tuned: March 24th we find out boy or girl!! Can't wait!!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Grammy Thoughts
Congrats to Tobymac for winning the Grammy for Best Rock or Rap Christian Album. Nice.
Coldplay won a bunch. Good.
John Mayer won a few in the Rock category. How? He's pop right? Or is he pop-rock? I don't dislike Mayer. His voice kind of annoys me, but he's got mad skillz on the guitar. But he's not Rock. He might be a little blues, but he's a lot pop. Whatever. (that's skills with a 'Z'. Skillz are more potent than just plain ol' skills)
Can someone explain to me how George Carlin won for best Comedy Album this year? Didn't he die a few years ago?
Lil' Wayne won a bunch too. I saw some of his interview with Katie Couric. As my friend Zach says, "He's about as bright as a six day old glow stick." (You can find the interview on youtube if you're so inclined). He's also gangsta by his own admission. (Its funny that when I type gangsta instead of gangster neither of them are highlighted by spellcheck....yet spellcheck is.) Lil'Wayne is not Lil'Dwayne because his dad is named Dwayne and he doesn't care so much for his dad so he's just lil'Wayne. Kinda sad.
Duffy won for some category's album of the year. Nice. She has a sweet voice.
Robert Plant and Allison Krauss won for Album of the Year. She's a Christian right? And he's a self-admitted Devil worshipper. Nice to see we're all getting along these days. Next thing you know Republicans and Democrats will be voting together to give my money away. Oh wait...
Coldplay won a bunch. Good.
John Mayer won a few in the Rock category. How? He's pop right? Or is he pop-rock? I don't dislike Mayer. His voice kind of annoys me, but he's got mad skillz on the guitar. But he's not Rock. He might be a little blues, but he's a lot pop. Whatever. (that's skills with a 'Z'. Skillz are more potent than just plain ol' skills)
Can someone explain to me how George Carlin won for best Comedy Album this year? Didn't he die a few years ago?
Lil' Wayne won a bunch too. I saw some of his interview with Katie Couric. As my friend Zach says, "He's about as bright as a six day old glow stick." (You can find the interview on youtube if you're so inclined). He's also gangsta by his own admission. (Its funny that when I type gangsta instead of gangster neither of them are highlighted by spellcheck....yet spellcheck is.) Lil'Wayne is not Lil'Dwayne because his dad is named Dwayne and he doesn't care so much for his dad so he's just lil'Wayne. Kinda sad.
Duffy won for some category's album of the year. Nice. She has a sweet voice.
Robert Plant and Allison Krauss won for Album of the Year. She's a Christian right? And he's a self-admitted Devil worshipper. Nice to see we're all getting along these days. Next thing you know Republicans and Democrats will be voting together to give my money away. Oh wait...
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Funniest Thing Ever? Close at least.
Ever see a kid stoned? This kid just got off the wacky gas and some anaesthesia from the dentist...kinda reminds me of Shana after getting her wisdom teeth out.
Spendulus
I don't know a lot about this Stimulus Bill that is about to be passed. However, can someone explain to me why spending this gargantuan amount of money is a good idea? We, as a nation, are so far up to our eyeballs in debt as it is. This will only deepen that debt right? I mean where are we getting this money? To me, it would make better sense, and set a better national example if we just sucked it up and lived with the consequences for a while and SAVED MONEY! "Hey, spend money you don't have, it doesn't matter." How is this good economics? Aren't the basic principles of economics the same? No matter if it is national or personal. If I needed $500thousand and didn't have it I wouldn't go out an borrow a million. I would save - or in my case just do without. This stimulus bill sets an incredibly bad precedent for our country. It MIGHT help in the short term, but in the long term it does not bode well for us.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Sledding Pics (Click the Pics to Enlarge)
Several days ago a few guys, and one brave chica went sledding over at Dog Hill. Dog hill is a massive hill at the top of Cherokee Park. We figured it was about 150 yards from top to bottom as far as a sled could go. Here's a pic from the top...
As you can see we weren't the only one's there. Here's a pic from the bottom..
.
The guy taking the pictures, Aaron Warmath, is a freelance photographer. Here's his site for more pics of the snow storm: LINK I recommend a look by you the viewer.
One of the dudes there was Randy. He's 6'7". I have no idea what he weighs but he's roughly the size of Paul Bunyan. I took a sled ride with him - on the same sled at the same time...that pic and story will have come another time as I am waiting on John the Canadian to send me the pic. However, here's a pic of Randy flying over the ramp at the bottom of the hill....
I have no idea how to describe this event. He's 6'7". All I know is that he was high enough in the air that he could have stood up and not touched the ground. If I only had video footage I could have won some money for sure. He actually landed this jump. The ramp was only about a foot high but because he's so....umm.....Paul Bunyan-ish, he was catapulted into orbit. The brave girl who came with us, Casey, braved the ramp also...
As you can see we weren't the only one's there. Here's a pic from the bottom..
.The guy taking the pictures, Aaron Warmath, is a freelance photographer. Here's his site for more pics of the snow storm: LINK I recommend a look by you the viewer.
One of the dudes there was Randy. He's 6'7". I have no idea what he weighs but he's roughly the size of Paul Bunyan. I took a sled ride with him - on the same sled at the same time...that pic and story will have come another time as I am waiting on John the Canadian to send me the pic. However, here's a pic of Randy flying over the ramp at the bottom of the hill....
I have no idea how to describe this event. He's 6'7". All I know is that he was high enough in the air that he could have stood up and not touched the ground. If I only had video footage I could have won some money for sure. He actually landed this jump. The ramp was only about a foot high but because he's so....umm.....Paul Bunyan-ish, he was catapulted into orbit. The brave girl who came with us, Casey, braved the ramp also...
She did well, but she's more like Smurfette, so physics weren't on her side. Here are more pictures. And don't forget to go to Aaron's site. He's pretty awesome with the camera.
Shana's Update - Pregnancy
I think I am finally turning a corner with my nausea. I haven't felt it in maybe a week, but it has been exchanged for a new feeling that I am not so sure about - HUNGER. I AM ALWAYS HUNGRY! I strongly dislike that feeling. For example, food so far today:
6:50 - Bowl of Multigrain cheerios w/milk
8:30 - mini whole wheat bagel w/fat free cream cheese and orange juice
9:45 - Banana
I am still hungry! I try and tell myself while eating, eat slow, space it out because seriously in about an hour I am going to be hungry again anyways no matter how much I eat right now. I am going to be the size of a cow before no time if this keeps up. Definitely going to have to get creative this week at the grocery store for some healthy snacks to keep my hunger away. If anybody has any tips I would love them.
6:50 - Bowl of Multigrain cheerios w/milk
8:30 - mini whole wheat bagel w/fat free cream cheese and orange juice
9:45 - Banana
I am still hungry! I try and tell myself while eating, eat slow, space it out because seriously in about an hour I am going to be hungry again anyways no matter how much I eat right now. I am going to be the size of a cow before no time if this keeps up. Definitely going to have to get creative this week at the grocery store for some healthy snacks to keep my hunger away. If anybody has any tips I would love them.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Better than the First?
I wasn't a huge fan of the first one of these, but this looks pretty funny...
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Michael Phelps, typical American 20 something...
So Mr. Olympian got caught smoking pot and is sorry. Good. He should be. However, in his explanation he pointed out how young he is. As if being in your early twenties makes it ok to get lit. Right. Dude is so lucky this happened Super Bowl weekend and not some other time. I'd almost guarantee that some of you missed this story because of the Super Bowl. If this had happened in a few weeks when we are all forced to watch the NBA and college hoops, he'd be blasted and this would be one of the biggest stories of the year.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Super Bowl Prediction
Ok, I was so bad during the year at picking games I'm not sure why I'm even making this post but here goes....I think Arizona's defense is underrated and their offense can make enough plays to beat Pittsburgh's defense. I'm taking the Cardinals over the Steelers 31-24
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