One Final Thought

Say what you want about the man, the speech, the ceremony itself, but wasn't this just plain awesome???

Speaking Of Mass Of Humanity....

Just imagining if all of those people were followers of Christ. And if they were and focused on advancing His kingdom and doing His will. If they put aside their differences and lifted each other up. If they stopped praying for personal gain and instead prayed for spiritual growth. If they stopped talking and started doing. If they stopped standing and started moving. Wow.

A Picture From A Friend Who's There

Thanks, Pam! You're crazy, but hope you're enjoying the MASS OF HUMANITY IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES!!!!

On My PC...

Watching CNN on Facebook....talking about Facebook....surreal.

Inauguration Day - My Thoughts, So Far....

So today is the day. Regardless of whether or not you agree with him, Barack Obama IS our next president; therefore, it is a historic day that I hope people are able to watch if they get a chance.

I plan on providing random, useless commentary throughout the day here if anyone's interested...I wouldn't look there for deep insight, though....

As well, if you are a person of prayer, regardless of whether or not you agree with his policies, his beliefs...

ARE YOU PRAYING FOR HIM?

This One's For You, Ty!

Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard

A Thought. A Football Thought.

This morning, I read how Sam Bradford announced he's returning to school next season instead of entering the NFL draft. The third QB of the top three Heisman vote getting players who announced their intent to stay in school after this season...

Now, I'm an advocate of staying in school, getting an education. But...Is it just me, or do you think all three of these players realized there is a HUGE possibility they could end up playing for Detroit?

It Really IS A Wonderful Life, You Know...

It's amazing how much this movie has an effect on me year after year. We watched this a couple nights ago, and it was like I was watching a brand new movie. The dialogue is amazing, and I'm just talking about the parts that would be considered throw away dialogue in most movies nowadays.

And George Bailey is more easy to identify with this year it seems, even more than others.

Most of you who know me, know that I've been struggling with depression lately, and esteem issues for quite a while longer. Without going into more detail, needless to say, I could really identify with George Bailey. Especially the grouchy, depressed George Bailey at the end who spouted off great gems like, "...and we're supposed to be a happy family - why do we have so many kids???" Complaining just to complain sometimes....yeah, I've been there.

Of course, you all know the story...Clarence the angel shows up, shows George how life would have been if he were never born....it's not a pretty picture. But something different struck me this time around, and I hope I can express it right.....

George's elation at the end.... It wasn't because he realized the impact on other people's lives (which obviously he did) - it was that, in this alternate world, this Pottersville, the people he knew were strangers to him - the feeling of despair, of an empty life without the family and friends - he missed what was nearest and dearest to him. The feeling of having that back - really was pure bliss. Whatever comes in this life, it's the people you can lean on - that surround you - the true pillars that hold you up in this world - I thank God for my wife, my child, my family, my family of friends - He has truly blessed me and placed people in my life that have been the stregnth I needed when I felt I had none. And it makes me realize how many things I take for granted. So with that being said....

Merry Christmas, Work that I like to complain so much about - I'm glad to have a job!!!

Merry Christmas, Drafty and small house that I live in - So many foreclosures, I really am fortunate!!!

Merry Christmas, Church that I way too often complain about having to go to - God loves me regardless of what I do!!!

Merry Christmas, Beat up car I drive daily - glad to have a way around town!!!

Merry Christmas, Grandparents that I see way too little of!!!

Merry Christmas, Family that has know me forever!!!

Merry Christmas, Friends that know me best and support me through my worst!!!

Merry Christmas, My beautiful wife and daughter, my support - I cannot say I love you both enough!!!

It truly is a WONDERFUL LIFE!

Just Close Your Eyes....

Listen to the lyrics, and let the song speak to your heart....

Who Would've Thunk It?

It's Time For Christmas Music!

I am a huge fan of Christmas music. When the season comes around, I can't get enough. Needless to say, I'm ecstatic that two (yes, two) radio stations here in the Phoenix area are playing continuous Christmas music!!!!!

So, I've decided in addition to my regular posts, during the holiday season, I'd share thoughts, lyrics, videos on some of my favorite (and sometimes not-so-favorite) Christmas songs, starting with:

Do You Hear What I Hear
Said the night wind to the little lamb,
do you see what I see
Way up in the sky, little lamb,
do you see what I see
A star, a star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
A song, a song, high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
do you know what I know
In your palace warm, mighty king,
do you know what I know
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
Said the king to the people everywhere,
listen to what I say
Pray for peace, people everywhere!
listen to what I say
The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light

I want to preface by saying, I really like this song, depending on who's singing it. Third Day has an amazing arrangement. That being said, it also make me laugh. I mean, If I wrote it....

Said the night wind to the little lamb,
"whooooooosh" (because wind can't talk).....

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
"Baaaaaaa" (same problem as the wind)......

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
do you know what I know
In your palace warm, mighty king,
do you know what I know
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold
Let us bring him blankets and coats.....

Just saying.....

Sometimes, It's Just The Right Song On The Right Day

And today it's this one....

It's Starting Already...

So I'm at the mall the other day, letting Caitlin walk around, just kind of free roaming the mall. She stops right in the middle of the entrance to Hollister and points and lets out a big "OOOOooooo" and starts jamming to the music. I don't know what makes me sadder - the possibility of seeing my money drain out of my wallet in the future, or the fact that my little girl is taking interest in one of those "establishment" stores I love to mock so much?

Tomorrow Is Election Day....

And I’ve made up my mind. It was not easy - I had a lot of decisions to weigh.

First I looked at John McCain. Clint Eastwood said he’s voting for him. Clint. Eastwood. John, you had me at Dirty Harry. Then I read that Joe Perry of Aerosmith is voting for him??? Man, there’s no one’s advice I look to more than that of a rock star!

But then I looked to my left and watched Ron Howard’s video endorsement of Barack Obama on that great well of political knowledge, funnyordie.com. I mean, if Opie Cunningham backs him, who am I to argue? Plus, Andy Griffith is featured in the video, shattering the illusion that not all old people are racist or right winged - talk about some crazy stuff!!!! To top it off - THE FONZ is a Barack guy too! I’ve always looked to the epitome of cool to do what’s right - why question him on something as important as the election?

Geez, I wasn’t sure which celebrity to lean on.

Then, I read an interview with Taylor Swift, 18 year old country music star who just voted early for the first time. I’ll be honest, I almost skipped it, because, really, what do the youth of the nation know? But somehow, I managed to make it through the article to read the following:

“I watched the debates and I read all kinds of articles on each person and each vice president and what they believe in and where their priorities are,” she says.

In the end, however, “I went with my gut instinct,” she says. “I wavered back and forth the entire time I was waiting in line and when I got into the voting booth, I said, ‘That’s the one I’m voting for,’ and I pressed the button. And I feel good about it!”

Wait a second - someone who says they researched both candidtates and made their own informed decision, only to keep their decision to themselves? CRAZY!!!! Leave it to these kids to make these outlandish statements.

So, I’ve finally listened to all of the celebrity endorsements and I’ve decided who to listen to. And my candidate of choice is.....

....going to be marked on the ballot tomorrow and is no one else’s business.

Political GARBAGE

Politics: Consisting of the roots Poly - meaning many, and Ticks - meaning blood sucking insects.

George Washington was our nation's first president. He did not seek the job. The people sought him. He was reluctant, but did it because he saw it as a duty for the good of the nation.

Let me repeat: THE GOOD OF THE NATION.

Now I feel like the presidency is tearing this nation apart. Over the past couple weeks, we have seen two national conventions, protests outside each one, lots of arguments why the opponents would be bad by the country, and lots of hateful words from BOTH SIDES, and the media fueling the fires on BOTH SIDES.

I'm rambling I know, I'm just so sick of it. We live in an amazing country. We can voice our opinions without fear of government persecution. Yet that doesn't stop us from belittling each other for voicing our opinions! I'm not saying we shouldn't be passionate about what we believe. But when those beliefs turn into personal attacks, against politicians, groups of people, or even friends....there's something wrong with society.

And if you couldn't tell, I'm kind of fed up.