Ouch! That Hurts

I don't subscribe to much online. I hate that stuff getting my inbox all junked up. However, the best thing I've signed up for is Calvin and Hobbes emails. You can sign up here. That are a riot. However, this week as been more to the heart for me. Less laugh and more hhhmmm.

It's funny what God uses to speak to us. Burning bush. An ass. Creation. My kids. My wife. His still small voice. A comic strip? Yup, even that.

I realize that the humbling act of owning up to the pain we inflict and words that we wound with is so very hard to do. It's personal and painful...painful for us and painful for those we've wounded. But it's huge for our hearts and cleansing for our souls. It's personal because we have to wade through our shit to figure out why it's so hard for us to do - at least I know I do. It's personal because I make myself vulnerable by dying to self so that I can communicate that this is not about me saving face, but doing what is right and loving for your sake, for our sake. Isn't the strip below so true of the difficulty reality of owning our crap?



I also realize that as much I we as people have been indoctrinated into the thought that "sticks and stones can break my bones, but names will never hurt me", well, it's just a big fat lie. We are only fooling ourselves. Oh, how I've hurt those near and far from me with my words (and sometimes lack there of). And, oh, how I've been hurt with words (or lack there of) is so evident, too. And what's crazy is that titles those words have been spoken by - in the name of Jesus, truth, rights, justification, and keeping it real. That's why I love this strip.



Who are the people in my world that I need to seek forgiveness? Who do I need to forgive? What about you?

Last Lecture Of A Dying Professor

This is pretty powerful stuff given the context and story of this man's life. Simple. Real. True. Inspiring. This professor is living that out in real life, not in some hypothetical situation. There is nothing new in this lecture. You've heard it all before. But given his life circumstances, it's like these principles are given new life.

If you want to see the whole lecture click here. If you want the Oprah version, watch below. Both are excellent.



What would your last lecture be if you new you were dying tomorrow, next week, or next month?

(bu to Siri B. via email)

U23D

Kelly and I had a quick little date night last evening. Those are fewer and farther between than we'd like so we take them when we can get them. My mom came over and put the kids down so we could head to the movies. However, this wasn't your typical movie. We went to a rock concert in the comfort of the theater: U23D.

And what a show it was. I wouldn't recommend it for everyone, but for those that dig U2: go see it. It's a blast! You see everything that makes U2 great...passion, showmanship, creativity, and the music. A great set list (except for maybe Miss Sarajevo - not my favorite U2 song), amazing visuals, and the cool 3D effects makes this fun to go see.

So if you have some extra cash lying around and love to rock out to U2, get to the theater, put on the glasses, and try and keep your voice down for Pete sake!

Prayer Of The Weak

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Squirrel Relocator

I'm not gonna lie...this is pretty funny. I wonder if the squirrel ever came back?



(bu to my dad via email)

The Manga Bible Graphic Novel

Manga comics have been around awhile, but have recently exploded in popularity in the U.S. Some Christian book publishers have recently gotten into the act by working out there own version of Manga story lines. My friend, Marko, shared about that on his blog here.

Now comes an edgy version that puts a new twist to the re-telling of the Bible's story: The Manga Bible: From Genesis to Revelation. There is a good article here in the New York Times about this biblical rendition. Here is a snippet from the article:

Ajinbayo Akinsiku wants the world to know Jesus Christ, just not the gentle, blue-eyed Christ of old Hollywood movies and illustrated Bibles. Mr. Akinsiku says his Son of God is “a samurai stranger who’s come to town, in silhouette,” here to shake things up in a new, much-abridged version of the Bible rooted in manga, the Japanese form of graphic novels.

“We present things in a very brazen way,” said Mr. Akinsiku, who hopes to become an Anglican priest and who is the author of “The Manga Bible: From Genesis to Revelation.” “Christ is a hard guy, seeking revolution and revolt, a tough guy.”

Though I'm not a manga enthusiast, this would at least be interesting to flip through in the local book store or library.

(bu to Boing Boing)

Dwight Howard a.k.a. Superman

I had become bored with the NBA Slam Dunk contest. In fact, I can't remember the last time I watched one. But for some reason I wanted to watch this year's competition. I am so glad I did! It was awesome and won by a good kid, with crazy hops and mad skillz: Dwight Howard.

The dunk below is what sealed the deal...amazing! Click here and here to see some more of his incredible dunking ability.

Where I Stand On The Global Rich List

The Global Rich List is a pretty nifty little site to put our wealth (especially in the US and other first world countries) in a global perspective. The site also comes with some other fun facts about what you can buy given what you make. It also gives ways to help the poor with the monetary resources you have.

This is my rank on the list based on what I submitted to the IRS for 2007. I then put the numbers in when I was at my richest (based on annual income) and I was in the top 1.42%! How nuts is that!

So the question is: Where do you rank on the Global Rich List? Click on the link, be amazed, and think about it.


(bu to Matt via email)

Prayer Of The Weak

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Inspirational Political Video No Matter Your Party

No matter who you vote for, I think you have to admit, this is pretty cool piece by Will.I. Am, John Legend, Herbie Hancock, and others as they put a Barack Obama speech into a music video. Very inspirational. Very hip.

And what's cool about it, it comes on the heels of finding out that James Dobson has said that he will not vote in this years election if John McCain get the Republican nomination. That's akin to the kid at the playground who takes his ball and goes home because he didn't get his first pick. Infuriating. Sad. Incomprehensible. Irresponsible. Click here and here and here for the Dobson admission.

It is a right and a privilege to vote: anytime and anywhere for anybody!



(bu to Dave via Facebook)

Baby Handling Tips

These pictures totally cracked me up. Just had to pass them along. Click here for more safe baby handling tips and click here for the book where they came from. Too funny!


(bu to Hemmy)

Kindergarten Registration

I can't believe it. Sarah is enrolling for college! Well, OK, not really, but at some level it sure feels like it. I had class tonight so Kelly, Sarah and Parker headed for her new school next year, J.E. Prass Elementary, home of the Vikings (which was my elementary school's mascot...how weird is that?!) to register for kindergarten.

I came late, but we had time to see the building, meet some of the staff, and wonder how fast time really flies when raising kids. She is so excited and I am excited for her. New challenges, new responsibilities, and new friends all await her. My little girl is growing up so big, so fast.

It's scary how much I love her! I know she is going to really love all that a safe, caring, committed educational environment offers her. How fun will it be be to see her take on the challenge?! How sad to think of the first time kids make fun of her? How tough to think of the some of the bad choices she might make socially and academically? Wild, wild stuff!

Closing Another Week

It's been a long, but good week here. I've been struggling with a cold since last Saturday night. Yuck! It sucked a wee bit of the life out of me. Hence the reason for the lack of posts lately. No energy whatsoever. But that is life. Hope wherever you are in life...you are doing well: body, mind, and soul.

p.s. Happy Valentine's Day!

Insane Soccer Skills

I played soccer for a long time growing up. Then I left the sport. Since then I've found myself knowing people in one of two camps as it relates to it. Camp 1: Soccer rocks! It's an amazing sport with amazing athletes. Camp 2: Soccer sucks. It's a reason to riot.

With that being said and no matter what camp you land in...watch this video. Wow!



(bu to Hemmy)

Prayer Of The Weak

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

I'm A Great Uncle

On January 2, 2008, I became a great uncle to one precious little girl: Riley Marie! My niece, Scout, had little Riley a couple of weeks early. It was a wild way to bring in the new year! We are so thankful that she and mom are doing well. We miss them dearly as they moved from Dayton to Alabama to live with Scout's mom for help and support during this crazy time of transition to being a parent.

Here are a few pics. Scout will kill me with the first one, but the first couple are the day of birth. The last three are taken a few days later when Scout brought Riley home from the hospital.

We miss you momma Scout and baby Riley!

Sign Of The Apocalypse

The end is near and it's sponsored by Panasonic!



(bu to Hemmy)

Education (Or Lack Thereof) In America

An interesting and telling imaging charting education in American. Look at the regions...how much has to do with population (sheer numbers of people), federal/state/local funding and priorities in spending, socioeconomics, and other demographics? The southeast and Appallacia are taking a beating. The Northeast and West (for the most part) are doing pretty well.

Reaction Time

Fun little game to test your reaction time. Click here to play. A wee bit addicting, but not bad. I just have Kelly dart me if I play too much! Here's my best overall time so far:

(bu to Matt via email)

Prayer Of The Weak

O God, who before the passion of your only­begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

25 Memorable Super Bowl Commercials

Just a little pre-Super Bowl hype as it relates to the much anticipated commercials. It's Gawker.com's take on the 25 most memorable Super Bowl ads. Click here to watch all 25. There are some amazing spots here. No surprises at number one. Some that I had totally forgotten about. But here is one that I think should be in the top 5, but only came in at number 20. Enjoy!