Sanity has gone south.

2008-06-10T14:05:00.000-05:00

A hard rain's gonna fall....

2008-05-16T07:22:00.001-05:00

2008-02-19T13:49:00.001-06:00

2008-02-13T15:50:00.000-06:00

Mercedes Marathon Pictures

2008-02-09T19:20:00.000-06:00

2008-02-09T08:10:00.001-06:00

Encouragement for today

2008-02-06T14:31:00.000-06:00

I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
-Galatians 1:11-12

Things happen that shake your faith. People tell you things that make you question your faith. Or worse--that you don't really believe, or that by your actions, you can't be His. Events occur that make you believe He isn't real.

Don't fall for it. Don't believe it.

If you are His, you didn't receive it from man, you received it from Him. Man can't talk you out of it. You know. You know you are His. Let Him remind you. Don't take my word for it. Ask Him.

Weekend pictures

2008-02-05T13:10:00.000-06:00

We celebrated the kid's birthday on Saturday (Lucky 7) and since it was a beautiful day, we stayed outside most of the day at some friends house. Then we went to "Mexican" for dinner.

Tree Swing

4-wheeler Stunt Driver

Mexican Soup for the "birthday dinner"

Obligitory Goofy Birthday Hat

My Life

2008-02-05T09:06:00.000-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-3enjfQyuE

This song came on this morning and brought me back to 1978. I remember listening to it on vinyl and how awesome the entire album was--don't remember how many needles I wore out on it, but it was probably quite a few.
My mind then drifted to that 12 year old kid who I was...
And I wish how I could go back and talk to him and tell him all the mistakes he was going to make. Show him the places where trouble was and where to go. And where not to go. Places that brought pain that could have been avoided. Regrets that could have been made better.

But the reality is, that's not life. I am the person that I am because of those moments. They have created me, although they don't own me. And, in a strange way, I'm happy for them. They brought me to an understanding that it is Christ who saves me, not the "good choices" that I make. Only He can redeem me.

And to quote another New Yorker--
"Regrets, Ive had a few; But then again, ~~too few to mention~~."

I've guess I've had a bunch...

This is for you, Pete....

2008-02-04T15:14:00.001-06:00

Wow

2008-02-04T08:01:00.000-06:00

New York Giants, Superbowl Champs.

I like the sound of that.

Happy Friday

2008-02-01T07:34:00.000-06:00

Here you go, Joe....

Hitler is bummed.

2008-01-30T12:48:00.000-06:00

Monday Prayer....

2008-01-28T13:50:00.000-06:00

Mark, Chapter 4:
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side."
36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him.
37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.
38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"
39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40 He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
41 They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

Praying that we don't lose sight in the storm and we focus on Him.

Sunday...

2008-01-28T13:05:00.000-06:00

House full of kids while the wives all went to the movies. Fortunately, it was a beautiful day out (winter only lasts about 3 weeks in Birmingham). And our front yard makes a great sledding hill when the grass dies.

Backyard Football And Pizza!

Birthday Boy

2008-01-26T16:46:00.000-06:00

We had the kid's party today at the YMCA. Lucky #7!!!

Lifehouse - Everything

2008-01-23T15:03:00.000-06:00

Everything
Lifehouse

Find me here, speak to me
I want to feel you, I need to hear you
You are the light that's leading me to the place
Where I find peace again
You are the strength that keeps me walking
You are the hope that keeps me trusting
You are the life to my soul
You are my purpose
You're everything

And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this
You calm the storms and you give me rest
You hold me in your hands
You won't let me fall

You still my heart and you take my breath away
Would you take me in, take me deeper now
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this
Cause you're all I want, you're all I need

You're everything, everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
You're everything, everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
You're everything, everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
Everything, everything

And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be any better any better than this
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this

2008-01-23T09:39:00.001-06:00

Yes!!!!

2008-01-21T09:02:00.000-06:00

SUPERBOWL!!!!!

Winter is here...

2008-01-20T10:43:00.000-06:00

Well, the weathermen were right (See Darrel Royal's quote about the blind hog) and we got snow. The kid loved it and with some help of the neighborhood boys, managed to turn less than 1" of snow into a huge snowball fight.

Oh...and to add to the excitement of snow day, The kid lost another tooth!

Weekend Pictures

2008-01-16T10:44:00.000-06:00

We took the gang to Oak Mountain State Park on Sunday to run around the BMX track. Hilarity ensued...

Love the tongue!

Anticipation!!

Big Air

Yeah...yeah...I know. I'm too old...

Tuesday Prayer...

2008-01-15T11:23:00.000-06:00

God, there is so much going on right now. I hear stories from people...
So much pain, so much hurt, so much fear. God, it is so hard to see you in this, at these moments, but we know you are here. You along are "our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Where else would we go, Lord?

So we turn to You. We lay our problems at Your feet. Our pains, our cares, our hopes, our worries.

And we trust You.

Bring us peace in these trials. Our hope is in You.

Wednesday Laugh

2008-01-09T09:06:00.001-06:00

Pictures:

2008-01-07T14:18:00.001-06:00

Christmas Scooter!

New Years Day Breakfast.
Green Eggs and Ham.
Seriously.

Monday...

2008-01-07T08:10:00.001-06:00

What a wonderful weekend. It's amazing what a few days can do to your perspective.
I'm way behind on my picture posting, so I'll try to download some today.

A nice change in the weather this weekend and it was in the 70's yesterday. I sat on the back porch last night, looking at the stars and feeling quite insignificant and I had this thought:

We are either very insignificant or we are of utmost value. If there is no God, we are only a cosmic blip. We are only here for a short (relative) period of time and we are relegated to a tiny place is space. Cosmically, we make ZERO impact. But if there is a God, we are selected. Chosen. Placed in a place where we can do the most impact. We are of utmost importance to Him that choses us. Our actions have implications that stretch throughout time and space. We are loved, without limit, not because of who we are or what we did (or do) but because of who He is and what He was done.

I'm going to rest in that love for a while. And the word for this week will be Trust.

Breathing....

2008-01-04T11:06:00.001-06:00

Friday Prayer

2008-01-04T09:23:00.000-06:00

May this day be a day of peace.
May we rest in the hope of a God who doesn't just love you, but in a God who actively pursues you with His love. May we all slow down enough to listen and feel His love. May we bask in it and turn it back to Him in praise!

Amen

I know He loves me because (put your name here) loves me.
Thank you!

Chin up, it's Friday.

2008-01-04T09:19:00.000-06:00

But I still need coffee....

Blog Blues

2007-12-28T10:23:00.000-06:00

OK. I admit it. My blog has been lacking lately.
I promise to try harder next year...

More thoughts, more pictures, more fun stuff.

Stay tuned!

2007-12-27T10:02:00.001-06:00

Warren Zevon playing a 12 string! Whoa!!!

2007-12-21T09:05:00.000-06:00

Nice...

2007-12-21T08:26:00.000-06:00

Keeping with the classic Rock theme...

2007-12-19T13:16:00.001-06:00

Classic! The Stones Rock!!!

2007-12-18T10:48:00.001-06:00

I need a laugh...

2007-12-17T13:33:00.000-06:00

It's a Wonderful Life...how it should have ended...

2007-12-14T11:44:00.000-06:00

Sunday.

2007-12-10T13:27:00.001-06:00

A beautful day in Birmingham, so we took advantage and went to the zoo!

Yikes! Tiger!!!

Note that the Santa Hat remained on for 2 days....

Saturday Night Tree Decorating

2007-12-10T13:18:00.000-06:00

Another Saturday, another Bama Basketball game!

2007-12-10T13:16:00.000-06:00

And the kid keeps running into Big Al!

Tuesday

2007-12-04T07:52:00.000-06:00

Peppermint Mocha for breakfast...

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Saturday = Bama Basketball

2007-12-03T14:05:00.000-06:00

Happy, yes. Because of the food...

Big Al!

And a new basketball...

Tuesday...

2007-11-13T07:48:00.000-06:00

Good morning, sunshine!

Monday, Monday

2007-11-12T07:56:00.000-06:00

Back to the grind...

Hope everyone's weekend went well.

Mine? Good. Except for football.

Giants lose, Bama loses, ugh...

Saturday

2007-11-11T08:34:00.000-06:00

A beautiful fall day in Birmingham. We spent it climbing around the rocks and enjoying the company. And watching the kid be a daredevil...

Scared his mother to death.

Friday...

2007-11-09T15:40:00.000-06:00

"Just remember: Every baseball team could use a man who plays every position perfectly, never strikes out and never makes an error. The trouble is, there's no way to make him lay down his hot dog and come down out of the stands."

James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited

Still in need of coffee...

Wednesday

2007-11-07T12:16:00.001-06:00

Keeping with the coffee theme...

Tuesday

2007-11-06T07:46:00.000-06:00

Still in serious need of coffee...

Still trying to recover from Saturday's game.

I'll post more pictures when I find them!

Monday

2007-11-05T07:42:00.000-06:00

I need....

Geaux Bama

2007-11-02T14:17:00.000-05:00

Roll Tide.

It's On.

Friday

2007-11-02T11:16:00.001-05:00

Live television. Gotta love it! (Watch the background)

http://view.break.com/387130 - Watch more free videos

Wednesday...

2007-10-31T15:18:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone who's put a smile on my face today.

Back at ya:

Haloweekend...

2007-10-29T15:10:00.001-05:00

The Kid and I decided that we needed a 'haunted entrance' in our foyer.
Any excuse for power tools...

And it's not a haunted house, without a pumpkin...

And Sunday was just a great day for a family walk in the woods.

Monday....

2007-10-29T10:22:00.000-05:00

OK Sox fans. Bask.
This is your finest hour.

And things are falling apart in Yankee land.

Torre? Gone.
A-Rod? Gone.
Posada? Questionable.
Pettitte? Hopeful.
Rivera? Doubtful.

Thinks don't look good Yankee fans...

And A-Rod gets called out by Gammons. And Gammons is right.

What?????

2007-10-26T16:35:00.000-05:00

No Shattner?????

"I couldn't believe it. I'm not in the movie at all. Leonard, God bless his heart, is in, but not me," Shatner, 76, told The Associated Press on Thursday. "I thought, what a decision to make, since it obviously is a decision not to make use of the popularity I have to ensure the movie has good box office. It didn't seem to be a wise business decision."

You know what this means...

To the Sox Nation....

2007-10-26T11:20:00.000-05:00

Friday....

2007-10-25T14:40:00.000-05:00

Sox win.
Could the curse of Curtis Leskanic be broken?
"It will take a miracle for the Sox to win the World Series as long as the spirit of Leskanic has anything to say about it," wrote Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy, who coined the phrase "Curse Of The Former Red Sox Relief Pitcher Curtis Leskanic" in March of 2005, when an error by shortstop Edgar Renteria allowed the Devil Rays to defeat the Red Sox 7-4 in a spring training game.

What would you give up for a World Series ticket?
Little league baseball coach Bobby Padilla just wants to take his son to a World Series game, so he's carted up from his basement boxes full of 25 years worth of Playboy magazines, not a missing month, in mint condition. He bought the magazines nine years ago for $200 as a favor to a friend.
A 'favor to a friend'...riiiiiight.

Soccer Moms...beautiful & sultry? OR just plain evil?
"You get one of these parents on every team," he said. "She sounds like she went a little crazy."
A little crazy? Thank goodness she didn't go nuts.

What? The left has a version of the pajamahadeen???
The Dallas-based auction house said it will have extra security on hand for the bidding after monitoring "leftist bloggers" upset that the company is profiting from Guevara's death.

Allllright, you've dogged all those players for striking out last night...but can you hit a baseball?

Fashion crazy pre-teens? I blame their soccer moms.
"Have you stopped being friends with someone because she wore clothes you didn't like?"
No. But I've dumped a few who rooted for the wrong team. So wrong.

Peace. Have a great weekend.

It's that time of year again!

2007-10-25T11:18:00.000-05:00

Time for Stupid Yankee Baseball Trades.
Which up and coming Yankee star will be traded for a washed up billionaire?

Look no further. The answer is in this statement:

"I would consider DHing for the Yankees." Bonds said.

Goodbye Joba Chamberlain. Hello Barry.

Remember, you heard it (made up) here, first.

Thursday: Sox win, Misc. notes & thoughts

2007-10-25T08:24:00.000-05:00

From awful announcing:

"Facts can't stop (Tim) McCarver, he needs to hear the sound of his voice.......like vampires need blood to survive."

How come our elected officials overlook gambling laws every year?
Does the IRS know about this?

And why haven't I seen anyone wearing this T-shirt?

My prediction....Sox in 5.

Wednesday

2007-10-24T14:20:00.000-05:00

It's a wet, cold day in Alabama (which doesn't sound great, but when you go 6 months without rain, it's not a bad alternative). The kind of day made for hot chocolate, warm comfy clothes and the couch (to watch some baseball).

Unrelated misc thoughts:

Steinbrenner is about to screw up.

For once, this guy is correct.

Sunday

2007-10-21T21:09:00.000-05:00

Went to Michaels because it felt like an "artsy" day.

After a little 'home church' Amber (with a bunch of coaching from Danielle) made this cool mask:

The kid played some music...

And Teresa....well...she didn't do anything!!!

(Just kidding, she worked on her pictures (of which, I have no pictures) and then she watched me cook.) ;)

A great day! Thanks, ladies!

Saturday

2007-10-21T21:02:00.001-05:00

We spent Saturday morning at Homewood Park (yeah, I know, I missed the football game, but it was a great time!)

David, making friends and hunting for creatures.

...like this crawdad...

Teresa and Danielle discussing Teresa's sketches

Baseball pictures

2007-10-20T08:28:00.000-05:00

As I said, we were a little shocked when the kid came out in catcher's gear. But he's a trooper...

Baseball.

2007-10-19T08:01:00.000-05:00

Well, ManRam may not care, but the Giants closed out their Fall Baseball Schedule last night and the kid closed out the season with some excellent hitting and fielding (in the humble point of view of his mother & father). And the highlight of the night was when his coach let him play catcher during the last inning (pictures to follow).

Check it out!
Big hit:

Heading home...

The end of the internet, Pt. 2.

2007-10-15T14:59:00.000-05:00

Just when you think you've reached the end, there is something more...

This weekend

2007-10-15T14:22:00.000-05:00

Fun weekend. We went to a place called 'Horse Pens 40' with some friends (one friend, who is part monkey, climbed every rock she could). The other friend took pictures of everything, which I will post when she gives me the pictures (hint, hint).

Saturday night=football.

Sunday was church, games and relaxing....

And I needed it.

Interesting story...

2007-10-15T14:04:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday, the kid and I were at Home Depot doing the Kids Workshop (which is pretty cool, check out your local home depot). The "project" was associated with fire safety, so the local fire department had a truck the kids could look at and talk to the firemen:

Well, as the kid was exploring the truck, one of the firefighters spotted smoke from across the parking lot, yanked the kid out of the truck and they raced away. We followed them and got to watch them put out a fire. Pretty exciting morning.

What? Me blog???

2007-10-15T12:47:00.000-05:00

OK. I'm back. But really, I didn't go anywhere. I just haven't ATBD (acknowledged the beat down) that the Yankees took in the playoffs.

Consider it anknowledged.

But at least the kid's baseball team is finishing strong.

How good is Tortugas Pizza?

2007-10-01T13:27:00.001-05:00

Yummy!!!

Wanna See?

Weekend In Review

2007-10-01T10:11:00.000-05:00

We had an awesome 'small group' on Friday night studying 1 Corinthians. At some point, I may post my notes, but I'll need to get them together first.

Saturday we had lunch at the Best Pizza Place In Birmingham and had some friends over Saturday night to watch ~~the Alabama and Auburn games~~ the debacle. Fortunately, I didn't take the bet that was thrown on the table and you won't see me wearing blue and orange anytime soon. To quote the great philosopher Forrest Gump, "That's all I've got to say about that".

Sunday we went to Cathedral Caverns with some friends. The boys loved it and I was pretty impressed myself!

All in all, a fun weekend, and it ended on this high note:

Closing thought...

2007-09-28T15:39:00.000-05:00

Have a great weekend. ROLL TIDE.

(Not So) Deep thoughts in the storm.

2007-09-28T09:36:00.000-05:00

While I was in Washington, I did my usually tour of the National Gallery Of Art (which if you haven't had a chance to see, drop what you are doing and head there now). Anyway, I took a bunch of camera phone pictures:

Anyway...my thought this week has been on this picture:

This painting is a description of the scene in Matthew 8:23-27:

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"

I've missed it this week. I've been so focused on the storm that I've forgotten that who is in control of the waves. I've been drowning and rather than turning to Him, I've been bailing water out of the boat. Calrity came this morning when I told Him that I was a sinful, prideful, lustful person. His response was a thought/feeling--Yes. You are. But it's not about you. It's about Me. And it's going to be OK.

Just like in the picture. He's saying "No worries. I've got your back."

Incidentally, Rembrandt's picture portrays "the storm" much better!

It's official

2007-09-27T08:23:00.000-05:00

The Evil Empire is IN.

Brings back memories, doesn't it?

Recent Trip to DC

2007-09-26T14:25:00.000-05:00

Quick shot of the Whitehouse after a tour

We had a rooftop reception hosted by NMA. --Do they have a great view of the Capitol or what?

The professional photographer took much better pictures than I did:

Wow. I look important!

OK....here I just look stupid...

Done....

2007-09-26T11:37:00.000-05:00

OK. I admit it. The fat lady has sung. It's over cause it's over. The Redsox will win the AL East.

But damn...
That was a hell of a run into the playoffs and I like how the Yankees match up against Cleveland.

I have a feeling that the Yankees and the Redsox haven't seen the last of each other this year...

Weekend In Review

2007-09-24T08:15:00.001-05:00

It was a big sports weekend. Alabama lost in OT in an exciting game. The Giants D finally arrived to secure their first win. And the Yankees crept to within a game and a half against the Redsox.

And in the most important sporting news, The Kid went 2-3 in his game on Friday night.

Various Camera Phone Pictures for no reason...

2007-09-17T13:50:00.000-05:00

2007-09-17T10:55:00.000-05:00

Rack UnNews.

Simpson spoke to reporters only hours his arrest and immediately began spewing his theories on who the real burglar might be. "He might even be the same person as the real killer," the former football star mused, "he must have been getting scared that I was hot on his trail and he would soon be caught."

Worth 1000 words...

2007-09-17T10:49:00.001-05:00

2007-09-17T10:37:00.000-05:00

We are back!
And they are struggling...

3 Free Sins!

2007-09-15T08:08:00.000-05:00

Do you know why most Christians don’t get any better or why you don’t get any better? It’s because you’re doing it wrong, dummy! You are obsessed with sin and your faith has become another “system of laws” whereby you feel guilty and try and try and try to do better. It doesn’t work, never has worked, and never will work. Only really shallow people keep doing the same thing over and over again with the same result, thinking that the next time the result will be different.

Listen to the old white guy. He know of what he speaks.

Comeback!

2007-09-15T07:55:00.000-05:00

Biggest win of the year.

Beach Pictures

2007-09-14T12:32:00.000-05:00

Aquaboy rocks.

Awwwwww.....

Crab poking.

Pigfish!

It's not over.

2007-09-14T12:29:00.000-05:00

I promise. I haven't died. I will post more! I'm just busy....

Sweep!

2007-08-30T15:19:00.000-05:00

The Yankees win!! Theeeeeeeeeeeeee YANKEES WIN!!!!!

Testing...testing...does video work?

2007-08-30T14:22:00.000-05:00

I guess it does!

The end is in sight.

2007-08-30T10:39:00.000-05:00

Flying Skulls must be leaving Germany in droves.

Gone...

2007-08-30T10:22:00.000-05:00

Headed to the beach tomorrow.

I can't believe I'm going to miss opening day!

The Saban era begins without me...

Baseball update

2007-08-30T10:14:00.000-05:00

Sweet.

Sweeter.

Today in History

2007-08-29T14:33:00.000-05:00

Today, the Roman Catholic church celebrates the feast on August 29 as the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist.

Reading the article, I noticed that the head of John the Baptist is an icon for the church.
Sounds creepy at first...

But the more I've thought about it, the more I understand why people would want that connection. The physical often times confirms the spiritual!

Rockemout.

2007-08-29T13:15:00.000-05:00

Not sure why I didn't think of this before, but last night, I hooked my Ipod up to my PA system, plugged in my guitar and played until my fingers were sore!

It sounded so good. (Not because I played great, but because I could play the Ipod so loud through the PA that it drowned out my vocals & guitar).

And then my favorite drummer joined me and made for an amazing evening!

Now I'm going to have to "invest" in some recording equipment...

Today's fun

2007-08-28T15:10:00.000-05:00

Dance, Chicken!!!

What I'm reading today....

2007-08-27T15:17:00.000-05:00

I came across a cool quote in Ravi Zacharias' book "Walking from East to West".

"God alone knows how to humble us without humiliating us, and how to lift us up without flattering us".

Football season starts this weekend!!!

2007-08-27T14:10:00.000-05:00

http://www.warriorguys.com/strip35.htm

Thousands Saved!

2007-08-27T13:16:00.000-05:00

Protestant churches are losing young adults in "sobering" numbers, a survey finds.

Interesting.
Any guesses why?

Whew....

2007-08-27T09:47:00.000-05:00

Amber! Teresa! Glad you are home safe.

Can we work on that car this week?

Please!?!?!?!?!

Back again.

2007-08-27T08:16:00.000-05:00

Spent the weekend in Louisiana for "work".
Good people, good food. Thanks, guys!

Lot's of water=lot's of golf balls.

I think a gator ate my ball on this hole.

For those of you who like lists...

2007-08-23T11:46:00.000-05:00

The greatest beatdowns in history.

Regardless of the order, we all know this was the greatest beatdown of all time.

There's something about a still shot that video doesn't capture...

God's Warriors

2007-08-23T11:01:00.000-05:00

If you haven't caught this on CNN, this series if very interesting!
Here's your chance to see it on youtube:
Part 1.
Part 2.
Part 3.
Part 4.
Part 5.
Part 6.
Part 7.
Part 8.
Part 9.
Part 10.

Hopefully, someone will post last night's show on Muslim God Warriors soon.

Coincidence?

2007-08-23T10:57:00.000-05:00

I think not.

Pray for one another

2007-08-22T11:34:00.000-05:00

This thought has been running through my head today.

If you walked by someone and they were carrying a large box into a building, would you open the door for them? Most of us would be quick to assist. Many would even offer to carry the box. How much more so should we be carrying each other's spiritual burdens!

What I'm trying to say is this--it's an honor to pray for you. To assist you in bringing requests before our Father. And when I tell you "I'm praying for you!" you can believe it.

Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.