Togs...

Are you familiar with the term?

No? Then think of what half the old men at a Friday evening public swim wear.

Figure it out yet? Yup...Speedos.

Here's the protocol for wearing them in public, just in case you were wondering. (ht Ian)

How does this work...

It should feel like a long weekend, shouldn't it?

Or at least tomorrow should feel like a Saturday, thereby making today feel like a Friday, right?

It's confusing when these holidays show up in the middle of the week.

I think everyone should have been granted an extra-long weekend and been given today AND tomorrow off of work.

So, what's your plans for Canada Day?

Vintage...

Book #23 - Vintage Jesus by Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears

I've been waiting to read this book for some time now. I actually pre-ordered it last November with the plan that I would read the book when I got the free PDF copy in February. Well, the promised PDF never turned up in my inbox, but at least the authors scribbled on one of the pages in my book. I suppose that counts for something?

If you've listened to Driscoll teach you'll definitely be able to picture him saying the things he writes in this book. He used a sermon series as the basis for this in depth look into Jesus. Each chapter looks to answer one specific question about the life of Jesus. Questions like:

• Is Jesus the only God?
• How human was Jesus?
• Why did Jesus' mom need to b a virgin?
• What makes Jesus superior to other saviors?

I thought he did a decent job adding some perspective to some of the common questions that are asked about Jesus. But, as always with Mark, while you get a wealth of Biblical references, you also get his non-stop sarcastic (some might say "unfunny") humor.

Personally speaking, I get a kick out of the guy. I don't know if I agree with everything he says, or how he says it, but I find he can make me think. And to me that is the sign of a good book.

Thursday doodles...

Radiohead is playing in the background because I'm trying to be a hip, cool, with-it youth pastor.

It's Thursday, which always tends to be a day of tying up loose ends. Here's a peek into my day:

• Gather and sort waiver forms for our Mid-Week Escape (we're taking a load of our students to Whytecliff Park for the day) next week.
• Return phone calls and emails to parents still wanting their kids to join us for said Mid-Week Escape.
• Do some initial prep work for our student worship teams for fall (big thanks to Taffy for letting me peek at their CRUD form which I think is some quality stuff to consider for any student worship team.)
• Trying to finish up some administrative details (phone calls, emails, meeting dates, meeting agenda) about our Plan to Protect team that I was put in charge of.
• Reflecting and making notes based on feedback I received from my leaders at last night's leader meeting.
• Wondering what I will do with the pile of papers on my desk that never seems to go anywhere. Seriously, I'm in need of some outside help as to how to file.

In other news, go watch Get Smart. Funny, funny movie. We went out with a few of our leaders after our meeting last night to watch it and I enjoyed it more than I have enjoyed most movies I have watched lately.

As for tonight I need to be in two places at once. There's a big board meeting that I want to be at as well as a high school graduation ceremony for a few of my grade 12's. Thankfully both are talking place in the same building so I may be able to pull it off.

It's a long weekend, do you have any plans?

Reading update...

I've been slowly plugging away on the Reading Contest. Here's the latest accomplishments:

Book #21 - Louder Than Words by Andy Stanley
I started this book a few weeks ago while doing some prep for a message about character and integrity. While not my favorite Stanley book it does contain a pile of wisdom for how one should approach character development.

Book #22 - Mindfreak: Secret Revelations by Criss Angel
I've seen the show Mindfreak so I was a little intrigued on what Criss would have to say about himself. The only secret revelation in this book is that the guy is in love with himself, and I'm not sure if that is even much of a secret. The entire book talks about how great he is because he made something of himself when everyone else was against him. He did this...He did that...He is this....blah, blah, blah. I think the best part of the book is the ending where he shows you how to do some basic illusions.

Buhlahhh...

The sniffles started somewhere around Friday.

Saturday and Sunday brought on that little feeling in the back of my throat that said I might be in for something uncomfortable.

This morning the little creature that apparently burrowed it's way into my head was trying to escape.

Thus, the couch became my office for the day.

Seriously...it's actually supposed to be nice this week (finally) and I'm struck down with a cold?

What gives?!?!

And now I'm heading back to the couch...

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Thoughts on Ronaldo...

Will he or won't he go to Real Madrid?

It appears as though his ego may be getting too big to fit back into the grounds at Old Trafford.

If that's the case, then good riddance.

He's an excellent footballer.  He's done wonders for Manchester United.  And I, for one, would rather that he stepped out of the shadows and commit himself to United.

But no player is bigger than a team.  (Well, maybe Tiger Woods...but he plays golf, so that doesn't count.)  So if Fergie has to offload him, then so be it.

My theory going into Euro 2008 with all the speculation and rumors linking him to Real Madrid was that if Portugal had won the tournament he'd probably be placing a bid on Beckham's old digs.

As it stands with them being eliminated by Germany, my thought is he'll stay at United.  I think losing might have deflated his ego a bit, which may be good for everyone.  Everyone that is,  except for Madrid.

In other news, what on earth happened to the Dutch today?!?!

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Bachelor dad still alive...

I told some of you that you should send someone to find me if you hadn't heard from me by Friday. Don't worry...we're all still alive and well. You can call off the search party.

I had these grand blogging plans for this time on my own, but they seem to have been swallowed up by the billion other things that needed to get done. Important things like watching Rambo and eating leftovers.

Wife's been gone: I lost count.

Things that have happened since my last post:

• Bought and played Guitar Hero for WAY too long (a dad has to do what a dad has to do, right?)
  
• Edited 2 videos for Becca's Kindergarten graduation class
  
• Washed half the dishes
• Cleaned up one bloody nose
  
• Played Puerto Rico (decent game...I'd like to play again)
  
• Played guitar for a grand total of almost 13 minutes
• Watched Rambo (I have no problem stating that I loved this movie as it was so very reminiscent of the old ones, just way more violent)
  
• Tried to watch one other movie not worth mentioning because it sucked rocks and was a waste of my time. But at least it only cost me $0.88.
  
• Attended Kindergarten graduation where my video faced it's world premiere
• Folded half the laundry (I work best in halves)
  
• Got some reading done in 3 books that are in progress
• Fell asleep watching Dirty Jobs
• Watched Germany do away with Portugal in Euro 2008
• I know I'm forgetting a dozen more things (more than likely it's 2 dozen)
• (I was kidding about Guitar Hero by the way, but I think my wife had a heart attack when she read that.)
  

Last meal eaten: spaghetti (I'm proud to say it did not come from a can.)

Background tunes:

• City and Colour "Live Session (iTunes Exclusive)" - I am absolutely loving this! It's winning out over Coldplay by a mile.
  

Overall Status: Tired and slightly bored. (That goes for all three of us, even though Becca is currently covered in chalk and my sidewalk is turning green and pink. This would probably lead you to believe that she is not actually "bored". My believe is that any kid who has the patience to dispose of that much chalk on concrete must be bored. )

Bachelor dad too...

I slept like crap. (Thanks for asking though.) But that's what happens when I'm away from my lovely wife.

So, I stole her pillow.

So this doesn't sound weird I should probably let you know that she has a good pillow. Mine? It sucks. It's like sleeping on a t-shirt.

She bought me a new one a while ago and told me it was a good pillow.

She lied. It wasn't a good pillow.

But for the next few nights I now have the good pillow.

Wife's been gone: 18.5 hours

Jobs accomplished:

• I'm working from home this morning. That means I can catch up on some reading while Becca creates an artistic masterpiece that will serve as a farewell present for her teacher today. (Which makes me wonder what teachers do with all the cards and gifts they get.)
• Lunches made, kids dressed and fed...easy stuff.
  

Last meal eaten: apple cinnamon cheerios for the kids; grande hot chocolate for me

Background tunes: Coldplay's "Viva la Vida" (I'm sampling it via iTunes and considering a purchase because of Jon's review.)

Overall Status: Alive and well.

In other news, I saw this pop up in a few different places. Funny stuff. (ht Jonathan, Dan)

Bachelor dad...

My wife's in Winnipeg until Sunday.

She's one of those cool people that gets to be in a wedding.

In the meantime, to show that I am capable of providing care for myself and the two little ones who routinely eat my breakfast cereal, I thought I would apprise you as to my ongoing status.

I'd try and be cool and Twitter, but my wife has my cell phone.  (I'm not entirely sure that that is relevant, but it seems to be a viable excuse for me.)

Wife's been gone: 7 hours

Jobs accomplished:

• Grocery shopping.  We needed some supplies to make it through the next few days.  I splurged and bought hot sauce and wings.  I've never made wings, so if you have any advice, Friday will probably be wings night for me.
  
• Took the trash out (yes, I do this regularly, although I almost forgot tonight because I thought it was Monday.  My mother-in-law has since informed me that it is not Monday.  In reality it is currently Tuesday.  And Tuesday is the night I am supposed to put out the trash.  That said, the trash is now out.
  
• Worked on a DVD that needs to be completed for Becca's Grad ceremony on Friday.  I spent the better part of an hour trying to incorporate the teacher's farewell message because it was in the wrong format.
• Spent almost an hour in the office with the kids.  They drew as I did some emails and returned some phone calls.  Profound stuff for a Tuesday afternoon.
  

Last meal eaten: hot dogs & beans (I know this will only send the critics into a frenzy as they will feel this proves their case that dads cannot cook and are therefore incapable of providing sustenance for their children.  The only thing I can say to them is "shut up".  We wanted hot dogs & beans tonight.)

On the TV:

• Watched most of Alvin & the Chipmunks with the kids.  I guess part 2 will be showing tomorrow night.  Not a great movie, but you should have heard my son laugh at the farting part!
• Currently watching Netherlands vs Romania

Overall Status: Kids are semi-clean, fed, watered and now asleep.  I am still alive.

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Confession...

I know it's completely selfish, but I love it when I come in to the office and that little "MSG for You" sign is not on my phone.

What little things brighten your day?

Just for Monday...

The sun FINALLY came out. Now life can get back to normal.

Here's a few of the finer moments that I find worthwhile mentioning on a Monday afternoon.

• Watched Don't Mess With the Zohan. Can I recommend it? Sure, if you don't mind innuendos and bare bottoms. I'll admit that I laughed my way through the movie as I find John Turturro (incidentally have you ever seen Brain Donors?) hilarious! And the surprise appearance of Dave Matthews as a redneck puppy-hater was worth worth a few chuckles too!
• Monday is double-stamp day at Taco del Mar. Can anyone say "burrito"?
• My wife is abandoning us for the week as she heads to Winnipeg for a wedding. Start the poll now as to whether the three of us will survive without her.
• Did you see the the Turkey comeback at Euro 2008? WOW!
• I played soccer yesterday afternoon without a knee brace for the first time in almost 3 years!

That's all for today. I hope you're looking forward to another profound Tuesday post. (That's tomorrow , in case you forgot what day it is. I'm here to help!)

test...

this is a test...
i will not destroy you...

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So it ends...

Last night was our last official mid-week event for our students. We're now into "summer scheduling" until September. And I could swear I heard an audible sigh of relief from everyone last night.

Lately the energy and enthusiasm has been down, and last night it seemed to be up a bit more than usual. And no, I don't think that everyone was getting their second wind. I think everyone is just longing for some sort of break in the routine.

Which makes me wonder about church calendars.

And please don't confuse this with me saying that ministry only happens in September through May (sometimes June if you're doing something cool).

When does the ministry year end?

I've seen churches that end off their calendar year in May and they give ALL their volunteers 3 months off to recharge and rest. I've seen churches that go from September right through until the end of June and then give certain ministries a break for 2 months. And I suppose there are churches out there that go year round and never stop anything.

What do you do? Why do you do it?

What is wrong with me...

My small group left an hour ago.
Erin's still out with her small group doing some bowling.
I'm trying to work on a year end video for our students.
And I'm watching/listening to Nashville Star?!?!
What is wrong with me?

Update on life...

Things have been moving around here. For example, yesterday I couldn't find the TV remote for a whole 2 minutes.

Other than that, here's life in a nutshell:

• Erin (I'd link her blog her but let's be realistic...she has forgotten how to blog) and I tried to go out and watch Indiana Jones. There were only 5 seats open in the theater so we opted for an evening at home. I watched Cops.
  
• Went out and bought Indiana Jones Lego for the Wii. No, we don't even own a Wii. But we do have access to a couple so we thought it'd be a fun investment. And yes, all four of us play it.
• I received commendations this week for a couple of big picture questions that I raised in a staff meeting. I feel smart now.
• I am entering the last week of student ministry stuff before the summer schedule starts. It will be a crazy week. If you don't hear from me by next Friday, please send someone to find me.

And I should probably update the Reading Contest:

Book #17 - Visioneering by Andy Stanley
Is everything this guy writes gold? I mean sheesh...he makes it sound so easy and simple...and obvious. This book works through developing vision and traces Nehemiah's journey and parallels some of the things leaders may face when trying to follow through with their dreams.

Book #18 - What Matters Most by Doug Fields
Erin doesn't want me to count this book because it only has 100 or so pages. I don't care. I've read this book before and it challenges me to rethink the way I view my schedule and how I spend my time. With the chaos of the last few weeks I decided I should re-read it and then work through some elements of it, which I'm doing in my journal time. Excellent book!

Book # 19 - D.B. by Elwood Reid
I was hoping for more of a story about the legendary DB Cooper and what he did to pull off one of the most daring hijacks and escapes ever. (I'm a big fan of escape stories.) But this book was disappointing. I guess I expected more about the the big heist, and less about what DB may have done with his time in Mexico after the escape.

Book #20 - I Became a Christian and All I Got Was This Lousy Shirt by Vince Antonucci
This was an impulse buy when I was picking up grad gifts (don't worry, they aren't those typical cheesy grad gifts) at the local Christian ripoff...I mean, retail establishment. The book was 25% off, so we went for it. I don't remember the last time I finished a book in one day (other than the Fields book I mentioned earlier), but this was an easy read that was fairly funny. I was struck by a portion on how we tend to view our life with Jesus as a relationship and he wonders if that is an adequate description. But that's another post entirely, that I'll likely never get around to.

What I learned today...

This morning my car was in the shop so I headed down to Starbucks to read and eavesdrop....ummm...I mean interact with people.

I'm actually a huge introvert so I don't really go out of my way to engage people in conversation at coffee shops. I usually keep to myself while I read.

Today I learned that having an interview at Starbucks could net you a free drink. I'm still not sure if that is a sign that the interview went well (in a "hey, we like you, so have a drink on us" kind of way) or if it went poorly ( in a "hey, here's a drink to cheer you up and keep you hopeful while it appeases our guilt for saying no" kind of way).

I also learned of someone's economic status as she and her friend discussed economics, jobs, investment property and putting $12,000 a month into savings. Seriously?!?! $12,000 a month? My brief, however rudimentary, math skills tell me that you ma'am are making a pile of coin.

I know, I know...it's none of my business. But in case you decide to air your financial laundry to the world, my advice to you is please don't do it in a small, cramped coffee shop where everyone can hear EVERYTHING you are saying.

Which now leads me to a question. When you spend time in a coffee shop, do you have your iPod on and your headphones in? Or do you listen to the conversations happening around you?