This is ridiculous...

Too many times in the past month I have heard things that make me cringe...words that make my heart and soul ache....language that I am sure breaks the very heart of Jesus. I'm not talking about "colorful" terminiology. I'm talking about conversations that come off as nothing more than pure bigotry and hatred.

You know the kicker...it's people who should know better.

I know, I know, I shouldn't attempt to speak on His behalf...

I thought summer was slow...

Apparently not. With an upcoming camping trip, a missions trip, some holidays, planning for the next calendar year, and just trying to sort through life...there's hardly time to catch my breath.

I'm currently working on a sermon for this Sunday about the life of Elijah, so let's just say that I haven't been posting much because I've been working...yeah, that's it...I've been working...

I'm pondering and praying about what the fall has in store for our Youth Ministry. I don't know if I should leave things alone or do another overhaul. We tried a new "setup" this past year which definitely had its pros, but I feel it was far from what it could have been.

It's also crazy when you try and pick people's brains about what they like/dislike/want/need, especially when they all have a differing opinion. JR highs want this, SR highs want that, volunteers want something else, parents want the other things, the board doesn't want any of the above.

It makes my head spin sometimes.

I am Batman...

This morning I get a call from a few of my High School students asking me if I was interested in going to see Batman Begins with them tonight. Since my wife wasn't exactly dying to see the movie I joined them.

And what a sweet movie it was...wow! Definitely the best movie of the series to date and definitely worth watching again. Maybe I can convince my wife to go...

Body parts...

It's completely amazing what science can do. My surgeon wants me to consider using "donor parts" when he reconstructs my ACL in the fall. Yup, he wants to take someone elses ACL and place it inside me. I dunno, but that's a little creepy.

On a lighter note, I just downloaded Riley Armstrong's new cd "LaLoop". And yes, it's legal...

Good tunes so far.

It's part of being a dad...

I can remember my dad sitting patiently at the table slowly eating cold pizza that tasted like cardboard and sipping on a coke while we ran around like maniacs.

Tonight we had dinner (if you can call it that) with family friends. I was the lone male besides the youngens. My responsibilty was clear: stay at the table to guard the purses and keep track of the tickets the kids would come back with every 15 minutes.

I'm left with one burning question...why on earth are there no TV's with sports highlights on them for all us dads?!?!

I guess this is fatherhood.

Wish I could go...

Just got listening to some more DMB tonight and I must say that I love this band! This picture is from a show on June 1. I just wish I could make it to a show this summer.

Just finished...

I just finished reading "The Way I Was Made" by Chris Tomlin. All in all it was an ok read...fairly simple...but an easy read is nice once in a while.

I've always had a great deal of respect for Chris and his ministry. It started when I saw him in Dallas at NYWC and he was taking the time to show a group of us standing in the hotel lobby how to use a cut capo. I've always been impressed by the way he handles himself, the quality of his music and his ability to lead worship.

But, back to the book...Since I'm on the hunt for normal, there was something he wrote that really jumped out at me. "How would my life be different today if I stayed in the comfort of familiar surroundings? Well, more predictable maybe. Yep, more "normal". But a lot more boring too."

Maybe I should be glad that I can't find normal. Maybe it would be boring. Maybe God is doing me a favor by keeping me away from "normal". Maybe "normal" would ruin my life.

The marathon begins...

Tonight we officially begin our training for our missions trip to Tijuana. Every Wednesday evening from now until August will now be spent with 18 students and leaders...and occasionally my own kids (when we don't find a babysitter).

At least my wife will be there for these. She has always helped out with our weekend youth events, but she usually spends Wednesday's with our kids while I'm teaching the youth Bible study. I guess that means that we get to spend more time together!

It's going to be a busy summer. We don't usually have weekly events during the summer months. In fact, I don't envision having an entire week off until after the Mexico trip at the end of August. Hopefully I don't go crazy...

Five years...

In church yesterday my SP took the time to point out that I am coming up to my 5 year anniversary at the church. To celebrate the occasion, they gave us a $50 gift certificate to Moxie's and 2 movie passes.

I'm not sure what to think...

But at least my wife and I are finally going to see "Revenge of the Sith" tonight. I know, I know...I'm one of the last people on earth to see it. Oh well, better late than never.

Porn Sunday...

People are going to be ticked off about this, but at least they'll be talking. I know that Porn Sunday isn't the most conservative approach, but since when is porn conservative?

I've read all the details about Porn Sunday and I must say that I am intrigued. I've known about Mike & Craig for years now and I have always appreciated the battle they are fighting. I was able to see their documentary "Missionary Positions" at NYWC. I'll spare you the review. You kind of need to see it for yourself to understand it.

I'd love to jump on board with this thing, but a rural area isn't quite the place. Or is it? Maybe this is the perfect place for something like this. This needs some more thought...

My eyes hurt...

I saw this and my head started spinning and my eyes started to hurt...and no, I wasn't drinking.

Need a facelift...

So I'm reading some blogs today and thinking that I should spice mine up a little bit. Nothing too fancy, but maybe some new colors or a new layout.

Then I got to thinking that I should add some links to other blogs I read. But how do you decide what to link and what not to? Maybe I should accept financial contributions!

Any ideas?

This guys rocks...

I am so jealous that my wife and my students got to see him live this past weekend. Let's just say that I am thankful for the wonders of technology!

Walking again...

Well at least I can get rid of the crutches for now. It'll still be a while until I can run again, but it sure is better to be able to walk without being in constant pain. And now I'll need to wait until June 10th to have the stitches removed.