Via Kem Meyer
If you have a few minutes, check out this amazing flash presentation. It integrates the computer screen as a part of the action itself. And very funny!
Linkage:
http://alanbecker.deviantart.com/art/Animator-vs-Animation-34244097
11.30.2007
800th post and my eye
This happens to be my 800th post. Yay me!
Without pre-planning I just wanted to share what happened to me this evening. That picture above... that's my eye right now. My treo camera wasn't able to get great detail in the dark but that red section to the left, that's blood. What's more is that the top clear layer (I'm not a doctor) is cut due to the impact of someone's fingernail.
STORY:
I was playing basketball tonight and drove to the lane. When I went up a defender reached to block me but caught my eye full force. I yelped in pain. The whole gym got quiet... it was ugly. We had a collision at the basket but his finger basically crushed my eye.
I'm going to rest it this evening and hopefully it will heal itself.
While I was standing there trying to figure out if I could see, I became very thankful for my eyesight. Those few minutes when I was trying to get my eye to re-focus actually felt much longer.
That's a neat thing with God. Sometimes for us to truly appreciate what we have He has to help us see the value in something by taking it away, even for a short time.
11.29.2007
Jesus on the Death Penalty
Last night Huckabee was asked if Jesus would support the death penalty.
I loved the response!
But honestly when you think about it... Jesus was for the death penalty. So much so that he paid that penalty on our behalf as sinners before a Holy God. That is always a fresh and awe inspiring thought.
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I loved the response!
But honestly when you think about it... Jesus was for the death penalty. So much so that he paid that penalty on our behalf as sinners before a Holy God. That is always a fresh and awe inspiring thought.
Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
11.28.2007
HuckabeeForMe.com
Over the last several months I have spent time watching every debate, reading endless articles and researching each candidate running for the office of the President of the United States of America.I have made my decision as to who I am going to support and that man is Gov. Mike Huckabee.
You can now visit the newly created HuckabeeForMe.com
Over the next days, weeks and months I will have one main objective with this site: To convince you why Mike Huckabee is for you.
Like most Americans I was not familiar with Mike Huckabee just a few months ago. While I had some familiarity with him because of his visits to Liberty University years ago, I did not have a grasp of his story or his positions.
Also like many of you I was unsettled with the field of candidates from both sides of the aisle. I don't want a President I can tolerate, I want one I'm proud to have represent me and my family.
Then I came across Mike Huckabee. I told my wife that I liked his positions but I didn't want to waste my vote so I searched hard for a candidate who came close but had more star power. I even took time to go to a party where this candidate made his candidacy official. But I never could endorse anyone. I wanted to see who the guy was that I'd be tying myself to. Fortunately for me I didn't make a premature decision because I became severely disappointed.
While these events were playing out I started to hear more rumblings about that Huckabee guy who wouldn't go away. Didn't he know he was a "2nd Tier Candidate"? Didn't he know that he had no money and little name recognition? Didn't he know he was supposed to hide his faith in public? Didn't this guy realize that you just can't go on a national debate boldly speaking up for a Creator? Who was this guy?
The answer to that question (from my perspective) is what this blog is all about. I want to provide you with resources and insights from the campaign, the blogosphere and most importantly from my own passion. At times I may comment on how Mike is doing in polls. Other times I may throw out how I think Mike could handle things better. I'll post the latest videos and I'll hopefully get to interact with your comments. It is an exciting ride.
Lets get going because I've decided that its Huckabee For Me [He's for you too, you just don't know it yet]
11.27.2007
Great Answer
Today I've been talking to some friends about some big things. In asking for points of research and expecting a list of resources, I called one friend and the conversation went something like this.
Me:
Hey man... can you tell me what you've found in the way of books out there dealing with (particular aspect of life I'm passionate about)?
Him:
Let me see if I understand. You're looking for some books that deal with (repeats in his words the question I have)?
Me:
Yeah, that about sums it up.
Him:
You may want to reach through the phone and slap me for saying this but the bible is probably the supreme source for this issue with over 2300 verses dedicated to the topic.
Me:
Ohh. Okay.
I knew that the bible had a lot of info on it but I was looking for more of today's authorship. The truth is though... my friend reminded me of a great truth.
When scripture speaks to the issue and you have a huge passion about the issue... (a passion that has come to the point of consuming your life and world view), chances are the bible IS your proof text.
I don't need affirmation from some other guy or gal out there who wrote a book that has Zondervan on the spine. Neither do you. There are things in life that the Holy Spirit will draw you to that will not resonate with the conventional thinking of the day. That's why God calls people to things. Much of what he calls us to is simply dumping "conventional" for the sake of "comissional".
Big thanks to my friend for that reminder.
Me:
Hey man... can you tell me what you've found in the way of books out there dealing with (particular aspect of life I'm passionate about)?
Him:
Let me see if I understand. You're looking for some books that deal with (repeats in his words the question I have)?
Me:
Yeah, that about sums it up.
Him:
You may want to reach through the phone and slap me for saying this but the bible is probably the supreme source for this issue with over 2300 verses dedicated to the topic.
Me:
Ohh. Okay.
I knew that the bible had a lot of info on it but I was looking for more of today's authorship. The truth is though... my friend reminded me of a great truth.
When scripture speaks to the issue and you have a huge passion about the issue... (a passion that has come to the point of consuming your life and world view), chances are the bible IS your proof text.
I don't need affirmation from some other guy or gal out there who wrote a book that has Zondervan on the spine. Neither do you. There are things in life that the Holy Spirit will draw you to that will not resonate with the conventional thinking of the day. That's why God calls people to things. Much of what he calls us to is simply dumping "conventional" for the sake of "comissional".
Big thanks to my friend for that reminder.
11.20.2007
Should we legislate morality?
I've been having mixed emotions over Mike Huckabee's recent proclimation that he believes we should have a ban on abortion in all 50 states (which I'm fine with because of my view on the issue of life) but where the concern starts with me is his reasoning:
Pro:
I'm glad to finally see a presidential candidate (2nd in Iowa right now) stand up and honestly give us the full story of what he believes. He doesn't strike me as a politician who is triangulating. I happen to agree with his moral stand. I do believe this is a moral issue and I believe that we need to protect all of life. The life of the yet-to-be-born and the lives of those in serious illness or the life of the poor and elderly. I believe protecting life is a moral issue all the way around.
Con:
I'm not supportive of the government getting to decide what is moral and what is not. As a self-ruled people, the United States is supposed to have a system upon which the people get to decide. Thompson argues that its a states-rights issue from a stand on Federalism. Huckabee wants a Constitutional Amendment. I think Thompson is being a little more pragmatic but I do applaud Huckabee for his transparency.
As for the con to legislating morality, I submit this story: READ HERE
Saudi Arabia defended on Tuesday a court's decision to sentence a woman who was gang-raped to 200 lashes of the whip, after the United States described the verdict as "astonishing".
Additionally what message are we giving to our nation's churches when we're saying that the goal is to get morality to come from the government and not the church?
Isn't the role of government to support the will of the people?
In our system then isn't it the role of the church to show the "people" why a certain moral position is also the correct one for society? Where else in society do people come to soak up teachings on morality if not the church?
Let's take the arts for example:
Hollywood and New York need makeovers before what flows from Washington is a true representation of Christian morality. The flat-panel television, the movie theater and the ipod provide today's generation with lessons on morality. Lets teach the people in the pews to become excellent in the use of multi-media and then take a moral message to the masses. If we in the church do this (which by the way is the call of Jesus)... then the masses will request their government reflect the morality of the country.
It seems however that we're not doing that. At least not when we come out and argue a position solely for morality's sake.
At the end of the civil war Abraham Lincoln appealed to the fiber of the American soul. Today he wouldn't be able to give the Gettysburg address and invoke God so often. In politics today we're not dealing with a nation that holds deep down to Christian values upon which our governing bodies can call to see us rise up and do the right thing. This is why the church, not the government, needs to get back to breathing the life of Christ into our nation's people. Morality comes from one place. When we have a society losing even an understanding of God it should present us with no surprise that that same society doesn't see issues of politics as issues of morality.
So what is my solution? What would I advocate? I'm not a fan of complaints without solutions so here ya go.
1. The church needs to be the church. Reach people with the gospel of Christ and teach them the desires of God for their lives. I'm old fashioned... I look to scripture for stuff like this: Matthew 28:19-20.
2. Mr. Huckabee (and others), please present arguments that the society at large can comprehend.
- Challenge us as pastors to do a better job teaching morality and...
- From a politicians stand point please present a stronger case.
On a practical front we have an immigration debate going on in our country b/c people are saying that we don't have enough Americans to do the work of industry. Make the point that this is why abortion and greed are bad for us as a nation. Abortion is killing off our workforce for the future. Greed is causing all of us to have fewer and fewer children which is leading to a generation which may not even replace itself.
Following the same thought pattern, explain to the country that our concerns about the impending retirement of the boomer generation would be mitigated if we had a larger workforce to contribute into the current system.
Put it this way.
A. 48,589,993 abortions have taken place since 1973. (source here)
B. 12 million- the number of illegal immigrants who are dominating news coverage right now.
C. Factor in the fact that roughly 15 million of those aborted children would be at reproductive age by now. Therefore the total number of lives we've lost as a nation is much larger.
So Mr. Huckabee and Co., please make the arguments not only from a personal conviction standpoint but from a "What benefits society in the long run?" view.
At the same time continue to lead the way with Pastors around the country and remind them that part of their obligation is not only to make disciples but teach them what Jesus commanded. I'd conclude teaching them to care about life at all stages would be a part of that lesson.
I'm liking what I'm seeing out of Huckabee in terms of conviction. I just hope he and others can make the case in such a way that those outside of Christ can join in the cause. That's the pragmatist in me. That part of me wants to see the right person get into the office in the first place so they can make a difference on the issues that matter most to me.
Perhaps he knows this already and his stand is a calculated attempt to appeal to the "values voters" who vote particularly on this issue. The same voters who would stand up and ask "Where is someone speaking out for morality's sake?"
"It's the logic of the Civil War," Huckabee said Sunday, comparing abortion rights to slavery. "If morality is the point here, and if it's right or wrong, not just a political question, then you can't have 50 different versions of what's right and what's wrong."
"For those of us for whom this is a moral question, you can't simply have 50 different versions of what's right," he said in an interview on "Fox News Sunday."
I have mixed feelings.Pro:
I'm glad to finally see a presidential candidate (2nd in Iowa right now) stand up and honestly give us the full story of what he believes. He doesn't strike me as a politician who is triangulating. I happen to agree with his moral stand. I do believe this is a moral issue and I believe that we need to protect all of life. The life of the yet-to-be-born and the lives of those in serious illness or the life of the poor and elderly. I believe protecting life is a moral issue all the way around.
Con:
I'm not supportive of the government getting to decide what is moral and what is not. As a self-ruled people, the United States is supposed to have a system upon which the people get to decide. Thompson argues that its a states-rights issue from a stand on Federalism. Huckabee wants a Constitutional Amendment. I think Thompson is being a little more pragmatic but I do applaud Huckabee for his transparency.
As for the con to legislating morality, I submit this story: READ HERE
Saudi Arabia defended on Tuesday a court's decision to sentence a woman who was gang-raped to 200 lashes of the whip, after the United States described the verdict as "astonishing".
The 19-year-old Shi'ite woman from the town of Qatif in the Eastern Province and an unrelated male companion were abducted and raped by seven men in 2006.
Now I personally do not feel that if Gov. Huckabee's plan was enacted that we'd see this type of atrocity in our lifetime. As an American citizen however, I must consider the role of government not only as it stands today's context but also factoring in the context in which it will operate during my son's lifetime and beyond. What happens when in 50 years the prevailing thought in America is something other than a version of Christianity? What legislation will morality bring forward?Additionally what message are we giving to our nation's churches when we're saying that the goal is to get morality to come from the government and not the church?
Isn't the role of government to support the will of the people?
In our system then isn't it the role of the church to show the "people" why a certain moral position is also the correct one for society? Where else in society do people come to soak up teachings on morality if not the church?
Let's take the arts for example:
Hollywood and New York need makeovers before what flows from Washington is a true representation of Christian morality. The flat-panel television, the movie theater and the ipod provide today's generation with lessons on morality. Lets teach the people in the pews to become excellent in the use of multi-media and then take a moral message to the masses. If we in the church do this (which by the way is the call of Jesus)... then the masses will request their government reflect the morality of the country.
It seems however that we're not doing that. At least not when we come out and argue a position solely for morality's sake.
At the end of the civil war Abraham Lincoln appealed to the fiber of the American soul. Today he wouldn't be able to give the Gettysburg address and invoke God so often. In politics today we're not dealing with a nation that holds deep down to Christian values upon which our governing bodies can call to see us rise up and do the right thing. This is why the church, not the government, needs to get back to breathing the life of Christ into our nation's people. Morality comes from one place. When we have a society losing even an understanding of God it should present us with no surprise that that same society doesn't see issues of politics as issues of morality.
So what is my solution? What would I advocate? I'm not a fan of complaints without solutions so here ya go.
1. The church needs to be the church. Reach people with the gospel of Christ and teach them the desires of God for their lives. I'm old fashioned... I look to scripture for stuff like this: Matthew 28:19-20.
2. Mr. Huckabee (and others), please present arguments that the society at large can comprehend.
- Challenge us as pastors to do a better job teaching morality and...
- From a politicians stand point please present a stronger case.
On a practical front we have an immigration debate going on in our country b/c people are saying that we don't have enough Americans to do the work of industry. Make the point that this is why abortion and greed are bad for us as a nation. Abortion is killing off our workforce for the future. Greed is causing all of us to have fewer and fewer children which is leading to a generation which may not even replace itself.
Following the same thought pattern, explain to the country that our concerns about the impending retirement of the boomer generation would be mitigated if we had a larger workforce to contribute into the current system.
Put it this way.
A. 48,589,993 abortions have taken place since 1973. (source here)
B. 12 million- the number of illegal immigrants who are dominating news coverage right now.
C. Factor in the fact that roughly 15 million of those aborted children would be at reproductive age by now. Therefore the total number of lives we've lost as a nation is much larger.
So Mr. Huckabee and Co., please make the arguments not only from a personal conviction standpoint but from a "What benefits society in the long run?" view.
At the same time continue to lead the way with Pastors around the country and remind them that part of their obligation is not only to make disciples but teach them what Jesus commanded. I'd conclude teaching them to care about life at all stages would be a part of that lesson.
I'm liking what I'm seeing out of Huckabee in terms of conviction. I just hope he and others can make the case in such a way that those outside of Christ can join in the cause. That's the pragmatist in me. That part of me wants to see the right person get into the office in the first place so they can make a difference on the issues that matter most to me.
Perhaps he knows this already and his stand is a calculated attempt to appeal to the "values voters" who vote particularly on this issue. The same voters who would stand up and ask "Where is someone speaking out for morality's sake?"
11.18.2007
::cough:: DESPERATE ::cough::
Over at Brand Autopsy they're talking about the new Starbucks television ads.
This past year Starbucks has noticed for the first time in a long time that they are stagnant or losing customers.
I got to thinking about it and I'm one of the customers they're losing...
Starbucks has been my vice for a few years now but as of late I've found a new flame. For my buddy Howard Shultz and his research team I contribute the following:
1. You're losing me for health reasons. For a period of time I tried everything I could to enjoy my Starbucks in a healthy way but honestly it's not a strength of the brand. Entice me in with something that tastes good but is also good for me. This is a small reason... but the real reason is...
2. You're losing me to my local coffee house. Unfortunately you've spoiled me. I love the Starbucks experience. But what is that experience? Well, it's my local coffee shop. It's not like the old ones in my area. My local shop has learned a lot of lessons which make Starbucks great but they go one step further... they're local. They hand press their espresso and educate their customers. They have a consistent team of staff who say "the usual?" before I even get to the register. My local shop is owned by someone about my age who is there about 1/3 of the time I visit. You know what else? They give me wifi. They get my business because their environment welcomes me and says "Stay a while. Heck, you can work from here if you want." You know what else my local coffee shop does? They have art shows. They rotate a new artist every 7-14 days. This means that the environment is stable but also has a state of change to it. The art provides conversation for previously perfect strangers. Ohh, Mr. Shultz... They give me a mug. I know this isn't something you can do for the 3,000 customers an hour per store... but my local shop can. So imagine how I feel when I have learned so much from you and your company. I've learned that $4 can buy me an experience. Now I see so much more of an experience right here in my own neighborhood coffee shop. This ties into my new vibe of you...
3. You've gone too Corporate. I'm bombarded with overpriced items, I'm seeing Starbucks move into the music business, with your growth the baristas seem to be much more rushed and the variety seems to be gone among the stores. It's just feeling a little too programmed. Don't get me wrong I love the quality... it's just that for my $4 there is a local joint that's beating you at your own game. They do what you do but better. Additionally they care. Show me that it's not all about the money.
Suggestions:
1. Spring a few bucks for wifi and let me on for free with purchase.
2. Provide seating that welcomes me.
3. Let your designers make the shops more unique.
4. Focus the consistency on the brand and the coffee as you relax the design of each location.
5. Offer some in-house mugs that don't cost me $30.
6. Don't get desperate. If you show that you're going out of your element just to win me over it will look like a girlfriend who can't take the hint. That's just sad. I don't want to view you that way... work on the fundamentals and see how you can be more local... I'm not always near my local coffee shop.
LINK: Bean There Cafe on myspace
This past year Starbucks has noticed for the first time in a long time that they are stagnant or losing customers.
I got to thinking about it and I'm one of the customers they're losing...
Starbucks has been my vice for a few years now but as of late I've found a new flame. For my buddy Howard Shultz and his research team I contribute the following:
1. You're losing me for health reasons. For a period of time I tried everything I could to enjoy my Starbucks in a healthy way but honestly it's not a strength of the brand. Entice me in with something that tastes good but is also good for me. This is a small reason... but the real reason is...
2. You're losing me to my local coffee house. Unfortunately you've spoiled me. I love the Starbucks experience. But what is that experience? Well, it's my local coffee shop. It's not like the old ones in my area. My local shop has learned a lot of lessons which make Starbucks great but they go one step further... they're local. They hand press their espresso and educate their customers. They have a consistent team of staff who say "the usual?" before I even get to the register. My local shop is owned by someone about my age who is there about 1/3 of the time I visit. You know what else? They give me wifi. They get my business because their environment welcomes me and says "Stay a while. Heck, you can work from here if you want." You know what else my local coffee shop does? They have art shows. They rotate a new artist every 7-14 days. This means that the environment is stable but also has a state of change to it. The art provides conversation for previously perfect strangers. Ohh, Mr. Shultz... They give me a mug. I know this isn't something you can do for the 3,000 customers an hour per store... but my local shop can. So imagine how I feel when I have learned so much from you and your company. I've learned that $4 can buy me an experience. Now I see so much more of an experience right here in my own neighborhood coffee shop. This ties into my new vibe of you...3. You've gone too Corporate. I'm bombarded with overpriced items, I'm seeing Starbucks move into the music business, with your growth the baristas seem to be much more rushed and the variety seems to be gone among the stores. It's just feeling a little too programmed. Don't get me wrong I love the quality... it's just that for my $4 there is a local joint that's beating you at your own game. They do what you do but better. Additionally they care. Show me that it's not all about the money.
Suggestions:
1. Spring a few bucks for wifi and let me on for free with purchase.
2. Provide seating that welcomes me.
3. Let your designers make the shops more unique.
4. Focus the consistency on the brand and the coffee as you relax the design of each location.
5. Offer some in-house mugs that don't cost me $30.
6. Don't get desperate. If you show that you're going out of your element just to win me over it will look like a girlfriend who can't take the hint. That's just sad. I don't want to view you that way... work on the fundamentals and see how you can be more local... I'm not always near my local coffee shop.
LINK: Bean There Cafe on myspace
11.15.2007
ReThink: Thanks: The Vid
We're doing a series on true thanksgiving right now at Focal Point. The premise is that all true Thanksgiving leads to true WORSHIP. If we're really thankful, we're actually worshipping. In order to ReThink our attitude about what it means to worship, we must ReThink: Thanks.
The other day I came across a site where Mr. Mike Riley listed some things he was thankful for. I loved the concept so I emailed a young woman in our church who's only been coming about 2 months but whom I suspected would be able to turn the words into video. She did a fantastic job and we'll be showing it this week. Take a look.
My thanks to Cristy. Great job!
The other day I came across a site where Mr. Mike Riley listed some things he was thankful for. I loved the concept so I emailed a young woman in our church who's only been coming about 2 months but whom I suspected would be able to turn the words into video. She did a fantastic job and we'll be showing it this week. Take a look.
My thanks to Cristy. Great job!
2008 Choices
Did I mention this is my private blog and it doesn't represent the views of Focal Point Church, the SBCV or any other organization to which I'm affiliated? Did I mention that members of those organizations may not agree with me on things and I'm okay with that?
Good. Glad I got that out of the way.
As the 2008 Election gets moving (actually 1 yr before voting) I must say I've been following everything since Obama and Hillary started running for President in 2004. :)
Honestly though this race has been a long and protracted event with already 8 debates just on the democratic side (including tonight's debate).
I'm one of these people who's been less than impresed for a long time. I haven't had a candidate I can get behind. I still don't but I'm closer.
For as much as I'm passionate about my convictions I'm also a pragmatist to an extent. I don't ever want to waste my vote. Although I live in Virginia which is often considered part of the 'republican' south, our state is becoming a toss up as of late. Our governors office has a Democrat as well as the state senate which is now in Democratic hands. The House side is still Republican but not by much. Frankly our state assembly deserved the smakdown after they passed some insane new driver fees.
I digress... back to the presidency. In the words of Bonnie Tyler.... "I need a hero"
So let me cut to the chase. I'm down to two gentleman.
Fred Thompson or Mike Huckabee.
If you work for either campaign, feel free to court my vote.
I have a LOT of thoughts about all of the candidates but my quick take on these two are:
Thompson:
Pro-
* Federalist Position
* Name Recognition
* Quick Wit
* Looks Presidential
* No Nonsense
Con-
* He's left me at the altar.
I was so pumped about him getting into the race but his lackluster performance has left me scratching my head. He had a different campaign team before he entered and frankly they were better. He was more free-wheelin' and his personality came through. He was more vigourous and to the point. Today he seems much more calculated and reserved. It seems like someone is in his ear telling him he can rely on the same tactics he used in Tennessee for two elections. I don't think that's true. I LOVE his positions but he's losing support at the wrong time. That support includes mine. I've been forced to look around. I'm not settled yet but I have been keeping my eye on...
Huckabee:
Pro-
* A likeminded Pastor
* Gov of Arkansas for 10 years
* Beat the Clintons at their own game in their own state every time
* The contrast between him and Hillary would be the most dramatic
* He is straight forward and confident.
* He's unappologetic about where he stands.
* He has a pragmatic streak.
Con-
* Last name is Huckabee (sorry but it's an honest issue on the coasts and in the cities). I think his marketing team should work on that... ;) call me I have some ideas.
* Up until recently he's underfunded and his machine isn't strong
* The Right hasn't been getting full-force behind him yet (but the tide is turning). He is the prime candidate for the Conservative Christian but the big-wigs of the Christian Right don't have a true leader. With the loss of Dr. Falwell and D. James Kennedy this year and Robertson moving to Rudy (he's lost his clout anyway) and Dobson talking foolishness... it's left the Christian Conservatives splintered.
The biggest problem is that Huckabee is in a Catch-22.
He can't get support b/c the Christian Right doesn't know if he's viable. He's not going to BE viable until he gets the support. He's done enough however to pull close to the top in Iowa and he's been one of the strongest in every debate. He came 2nd to Romney in straw polls where Romney paid for everyone's entry fee (signs of socialism to come?) ... Huckabee's supporters paid their own way. For all of these reasons the Christian Right seems to be at least looking his way. LINK
So for now I'm up in the air. I think either of these two would represent me well. I'll be making my decision probably by the new year and then working to support whomever I decide to get behind.
Feedback time.
Have you been engaged in the process? Who are you voting for and why?
If you're not engaged in the process or you honestly don't know much about each man/woman running... I'm at your service. Even if you think I'm a nut on this issue, I want to help you get access to info to support your position. Here is a pretty neutral site that just shows the major issues in a graph. You can decide where you stand and then see which candidate best represents your views. Hopefully there is much more thought in a vote than this... but it's a fabulous start.
http://www.2decide.com/table.htm
Good. Glad I got that out of the way.
As the 2008 Election gets moving (actually 1 yr before voting) I must say I've been following everything since Obama and Hillary started running for President in 2004. :)
Honestly though this race has been a long and protracted event with already 8 debates just on the democratic side (including tonight's debate).
I'm one of these people who's been less than impresed for a long time. I haven't had a candidate I can get behind. I still don't but I'm closer.
For as much as I'm passionate about my convictions I'm also a pragmatist to an extent. I don't ever want to waste my vote. Although I live in Virginia which is often considered part of the 'republican' south, our state is becoming a toss up as of late. Our governors office has a Democrat as well as the state senate which is now in Democratic hands. The House side is still Republican but not by much. Frankly our state assembly deserved the smakdown after they passed some insane new driver fees.
I digress... back to the presidency. In the words of Bonnie Tyler.... "I need a hero"
So let me cut to the chase. I'm down to two gentleman.
Fred Thompson or Mike Huckabee.
If you work for either campaign, feel free to court my vote.
I have a LOT of thoughts about all of the candidates but my quick take on these two are:
Thompson:Pro-
* Federalist Position
* Name Recognition
* Quick Wit
* Looks Presidential
* No Nonsense
Con-
* He's left me at the altar.
I was so pumped about him getting into the race but his lackluster performance has left me scratching my head. He had a different campaign team before he entered and frankly they were better. He was more free-wheelin' and his personality came through. He was more vigourous and to the point. Today he seems much more calculated and reserved. It seems like someone is in his ear telling him he can rely on the same tactics he used in Tennessee for two elections. I don't think that's true. I LOVE his positions but he's losing support at the wrong time. That support includes mine. I've been forced to look around. I'm not settled yet but I have been keeping my eye on...
Huckabee:
Pro-
* A likeminded Pastor
* Gov of Arkansas for 10 years
* Beat the Clintons at their own game in their own state every time
* The contrast between him and Hillary would be the most dramatic
* He is straight forward and confident.
* He's unappologetic about where he stands.
* He has a pragmatic streak.
Con-
* Last name is Huckabee (sorry but it's an honest issue on the coasts and in the cities). I think his marketing team should work on that... ;) call me I have some ideas.
* Up until recently he's underfunded and his machine isn't strong
* The Right hasn't been getting full-force behind him yet (but the tide is turning). He is the prime candidate for the Conservative Christian but the big-wigs of the Christian Right don't have a true leader. With the loss of Dr. Falwell and D. James Kennedy this year and Robertson moving to Rudy (he's lost his clout anyway) and Dobson talking foolishness... it's left the Christian Conservatives splintered.
The biggest problem is that Huckabee is in a Catch-22.
He can't get support b/c the Christian Right doesn't know if he's viable. He's not going to BE viable until he gets the support. He's done enough however to pull close to the top in Iowa and he's been one of the strongest in every debate. He came 2nd to Romney in straw polls where Romney paid for everyone's entry fee (signs of socialism to come?) ... Huckabee's supporters paid their own way. For all of these reasons the Christian Right seems to be at least looking his way. LINK
So for now I'm up in the air. I think either of these two would represent me well. I'll be making my decision probably by the new year and then working to support whomever I decide to get behind.
Feedback time.
Have you been engaged in the process? Who are you voting for and why?
If you're not engaged in the process or you honestly don't know much about each man/woman running... I'm at your service. Even if you think I'm a nut on this issue, I want to help you get access to info to support your position. Here is a pretty neutral site that just shows the major issues in a graph. You can decide where you stand and then see which candidate best represents your views. Hopefully there is much more thought in a vote than this... but it's a fabulous start.
http://www.2decide.com/table.htm
Make Your Life Easy
Now that's how you write a title for a post!
Check it out... I know some of you who visit my site have come along recently and the only way you read the blog is by typing in the domain name every time. Lets face it... that can get old quick. Do yourself a favor. Look over to the right side of the page. You see that orange logo? Yeah, that one.
Click that orange logo and it will take you to a page where you can select a "feed reader". Feed readers are great because they watch all the blogs so you don't have to. You simply log into your preferred reader and voila' ... you have all updates from your friends.
There are several good feed readers out there. I happen to use bloglines. Most readers also have the ability for you to add an icon on your computer which will tell you when there are updates so you don't even have to go log-in to get the info you want. How sweet is that?
So do it. Click that orange button right now.
Another way you can make life easy is by having my thoughts emailed to you. That's a cool way too. The only downfall is that it's usually a day behind.
Have a fantastic week. I'll be back later with more amazing intellectual somersaults... or bloviating. Whichever comes to mind first.
Check it out... I know some of you who visit my site have come along recently and the only way you read the blog is by typing in the domain name every time. Lets face it... that can get old quick. Do yourself a favor. Look over to the right side of the page. You see that orange logo? Yeah, that one.
Click that orange logo and it will take you to a page where you can select a "feed reader". Feed readers are great because they watch all the blogs so you don't have to. You simply log into your preferred reader and voila' ... you have all updates from your friends.There are several good feed readers out there. I happen to use bloglines. Most readers also have the ability for you to add an icon on your computer which will tell you when there are updates so you don't even have to go log-in to get the info you want. How sweet is that?
So do it. Click that orange button right now.
Another way you can make life easy is by having my thoughts emailed to you. That's a cool way too. The only downfall is that it's usually a day behind.
Have a fantastic week. I'll be back later with more amazing intellectual somersaults... or bloviating. Whichever comes to mind first.
11.14.2007
ReThink: Responses
There aren't any more exciting things as a pastor than to see those who hear your sermons actually apply them to their life. This week my friend John spoke on ReThink: Self Esteem.
Using Moses' life as an example, John shared that so often times what prevents us from doing all that God has called us to is simly that we have a low self esteem. We actually remove esteem from ourselves.
John went on to discuss the fact that we can have self-esteem because of He who gives it to us. God calls us to challenges that He knows He can accomplish with us. Our God often thinks higher of us than we allow ourselves to consider.
This week I found a blog post by Cristy. Cristy is a young woman who just started coming to Focal Point about two months ago. She's been making huge steps in her walk with the Lord and as evidenced here- takes the time to work on her faith apart from Sunday morning. She's a success story that I believe will only skyrocket from these modest beginnings. John asked everyone to go home and make much of God. "Thank God by writing out 50 reasons you are thankful to Him."
From Cristy's blog.
I love you because:
1. You are Daddy. That means more to me than to most.
2. You never break your promises. Even when I break mine.
3. You made penguins. And sunsets. And: the ocean, storms, weeping willows, daffodils, rivers, dogs, wind, snow, icecicles, the moon, shooting stars, ripples in the sand, laughter, honeysuckles, treefrogs, tadpoles, colors, ivy, seashells, the smell of rain, fire, raindrops, music, and so much more that is beautiful.
4. You gave everything, when I am willing to give so little. And you gave everything knowing I would give so little.
5. You hold me in my darkest hours, even when you are the last one I turned to.
..........
51. I love you, because you have created me perfectly, just the way you meant to, just the way you wanted me to be.
Read the rest at her blog.
Using Moses' life as an example, John shared that so often times what prevents us from doing all that God has called us to is simly that we have a low self esteem. We actually remove esteem from ourselves.
John went on to discuss the fact that we can have self-esteem because of He who gives it to us. God calls us to challenges that He knows He can accomplish with us. Our God often thinks higher of us than we allow ourselves to consider.
This week I found a blog post by Cristy. Cristy is a young woman who just started coming to Focal Point about two months ago. She's been making huge steps in her walk with the Lord and as evidenced here- takes the time to work on her faith apart from Sunday morning. She's a success story that I believe will only skyrocket from these modest beginnings. John asked everyone to go home and make much of God. "Thank God by writing out 50 reasons you are thankful to Him."
From Cristy's blog.
I love you because:
1. You are Daddy. That means more to me than to most.
2. You never break your promises. Even when I break mine.
3. You made penguins. And sunsets. And: the ocean, storms, weeping willows, daffodils, rivers, dogs, wind, snow, icecicles, the moon, shooting stars, ripples in the sand, laughter, honeysuckles, treefrogs, tadpoles, colors, ivy, seashells, the smell of rain, fire, raindrops, music, and so much more that is beautiful.
4. You gave everything, when I am willing to give so little. And you gave everything knowing I would give so little.
5. You hold me in my darkest hours, even when you are the last one I turned to.
..........
51. I love you, because you have created me perfectly, just the way you meant to, just the way you wanted me to be.
Read the rest at her blog.
Theology and a Massage
My wife has become Mrs. Workout Queen. She's never been in bad shape since we've been married but yet she's never tried to work out either. Sometime months ago she got bit with the fitness bug. When Kristy goes after something she goes after it full-force. She's very black and white and by the book. So my home has been filled with changes. The food in our house in changing, my wife is changing her routines and her figure has changed some.
Anyway so I've been feeling a little behind the 8 ball to get back on track physically. I've never been confused with Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime but I've always been relatively athletic. I did well in the early part of 07 but got out of it in the summer when my schedule got out of hand.
So I've been hitting the gym again... HARD. So hard in fact that Sunday I got to working out. Unfortunately for me I neglected to stretch. In my non-stretching form I decided to grab some dumbbells (appropriate for my story) and went to town. Lifting my right arm and then the left. Back and forth I am sure my workout looked like a locomotive from far away. Well this train barely left the station when something when wrong. I felt a pop in my back. It hurt and I dropped the weights and tried to stretch it out. I figured it'd work its way out. So like an idiot I continued lifting for another 45 minutes convincing myself that the pain would go away.
It didn't.
On Monday I couldn't move. Getting out of bed nearly caused me to cry. Sitting for more than 20 minutes caused me to want to cry. Moving beyond an upright position caused me to grimace in pain. Yep. I did something bad to my back and my body wasn't going to take it any more. Consequently I missed a very important meeting I wanted to attend.
With the help of some over-the-counter drugs I got through Monday hoping to sleep it off. Boy was I wrong. Tuesday was like Monday on steroids. Ultimately I couldn't take it any more. I called a therapy massage place and set up an appointment to relieve the pressure.
This was my first massage ever and let me say it will not be my last. Without getting into all of the wonderful feelings I will say that I thought about theology when my muscles were being rubbed out. During the massage there is strong presssure. At times that pressure feels a little painful. My massuse checked to see that I was okay with it. I was fine. But during that pressure I realized that this is what it means to be joyful in trials not because the trials feel good but because there is something greater to come. In the case of my massage the relaxation that was to come is why I endured the pressure of the massage (and I'm glad I did). In the case of life we have something far more than temporary relaxation to look forward to.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4
Anyway so I've been feeling a little behind the 8 ball to get back on track physically. I've never been confused with Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime but I've always been relatively athletic. I did well in the early part of 07 but got out of it in the summer when my schedule got out of hand.
So I've been hitting the gym again... HARD. So hard in fact that Sunday I got to working out. Unfortunately for me I neglected to stretch. In my non-stretching form I decided to grab some dumbbells (appropriate for my story) and went to town. Lifting my right arm and then the left. Back and forth I am sure my workout looked like a locomotive from far away. Well this train barely left the station when something when wrong. I felt a pop in my back. It hurt and I dropped the weights and tried to stretch it out. I figured it'd work its way out. So like an idiot I continued lifting for another 45 minutes convincing myself that the pain would go away.
It didn't.
On Monday I couldn't move. Getting out of bed nearly caused me to cry. Sitting for more than 20 minutes caused me to want to cry. Moving beyond an upright position caused me to grimace in pain. Yep. I did something bad to my back and my body wasn't going to take it any more. Consequently I missed a very important meeting I wanted to attend.
With the help of some over-the-counter drugs I got through Monday hoping to sleep it off. Boy was I wrong. Tuesday was like Monday on steroids. Ultimately I couldn't take it any more. I called a therapy massage place and set up an appointment to relieve the pressure.
This was my first massage ever and let me say it will not be my last. Without getting into all of the wonderful feelings I will say that I thought about theology when my muscles were being rubbed out. During the massage there is strong presssure. At times that pressure feels a little painful. My massuse checked to see that I was okay with it. I was fine. But during that pressure I realized that this is what it means to be joyful in trials not because the trials feel good but because there is something greater to come. In the case of my massage the relaxation that was to come is why I endured the pressure of the massage (and I'm glad I did). In the case of life we have something far more than temporary relaxation to look forward to.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4
11.13.2007
I'm an Uncle again!
11.12.2007
Choices
Recently my son (now 2 years 4 months old) has been expressing his desire for more independance. If it's time for bed he'll say "No bed daddy." If it's time for him to come to eat and he's not up for it he'll say "Watch Diego sun room." With this new expressive independance I've seen more protesting from time to time. Overall it's a non issue, we'll count down or ask "Are you listening to mommy and daddy?" and he gets the hint. But going further with him I've recently started to work with my son differnetly. I provide him choices.
If its time to get pajamas on for "night-night" I try not to ask him if he's ready for "night night". Instead I say "Caleb it's time for night night. Which pajamas do you want to wear. This one or this one?" By doing it this way it takes his focus off of whether or not he can protest going to bed and places his focus on what he wants, independance. He gets to pick one of two options (both of which satisfy me just fine).
In many ways our free will is this way. Ruling out options of blatant sinful behavior, many Christians get paralized in inaction because they are so afraid of one decision or another ruining God's "plan" for their life. I'm a person who holds to the idea that I'm far too small to ruin God's plan. Apart from walking away from Him and his desires for my life I believe God is big enough to handle whatever road I take out of several positive options He's provided me.
Many times in life you will find two or three equally Godly options. Don't be paralized by indecision. Just move. Like an old football coach of mine would say "good things happen when you move your feet".
Trust that He's big enough to handle whatever you decide to do. If God is trying to get you to end up at a place on the map I assure you that you'll end up there.
You can't ruin His agenda when you're passionately seeking Him.
11.09.2007
11.05.2007
ReThink Thanks
We started our November series this week called "ReThink Thanks". With God at the center of all of our thankfulness we will see that all thanks results in worship of a holy God.
Here are some thoughts from the talk:
"All men seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. This is the motive of every action of every man, even of those who hang themselves."
Blaise Pascal
We must ReThink what it means to seek comfort.
Many people view their comfort as some sort of ultimate end in life. That the goal of life is merely to be comfortable.
People who spend their lives seeking just to be comfortable end up making an idol to complacency and apathy.
Their goal ends up being to avoid the most amout of pain or challenge as possible.
People who worship their comfort end up worshiping God to the extent of his usefulness to bring them comfort. I'm amazed at how many people in the "church" worship comfort and even use faith as a tool to that end.
Many people praise God when he acheives the ends they've set out for Him (comfort) and then question Him when his usefulness is in doubt (when they're uncomfortable). So worship of a holy God is dependant on how their first-worship priority is going... worship of comfort.
Have you ever listened to praise and prayer requests? Many praises are simply praises of restoration of comfort. "Thank God I'm made comfortable again." With this mentality is it any wonder our faith becomes fragile?
Heaven is not on earth and we're never asked by God to merely pursue comfort at any expense.
The idol of comfort brings about a life that is anything but glorifying to God... a dry, boring, passionless, pointless existence. A life that ultimately balances out to have amounted for nothing in the advancement of the Kingdom of God.
At best this mindset leads to a life that is a zero-sum game (neither helping or hurting Christianity) and at worst this life leads to a negative sum game (hurting the cause of Christ).
Complacency and comfort aren't goals. We are to be like Paul, thankful in everything... the good, bad and the ugly. We will thank Him and worship Him not merely for the perceived 'comfort' we have in this life but rather simply for knowing Him and seeing His Glory.
11.02.2007
Get Smart, Get this book
One exciting thing I've learned to appreciate about this blog over the last 5 years is that it has extraordinarially intelligent readers. You my friends are some seriously smart people.
For that reason I want to introduce you to a new book hitting the shelves and subsequently should hit your desk soon thereafter. This book is a thoughtful (finally!) take on creationism. Dr. DeWitt is uniquely qualified to speak on this subject as he is not simply a professor but a well respected microbiologist known for his work with Alzheimers research (Currently doing research under a grant sponsored by the National Institute of Health).
Dr. David Dewitt was one of my bilogy professors at Liberty University. I enjoyed the matter of fact tone he takes with biology. He encourages students not to be afraid of the debate and also not to bail out their ignorance with bible quotes. If you want to earn the respect of someone who is educated in science you should at least be able to speak their language. I'm not a scientist nor do I even love it but I have enjoyed earning respect of evolutionists for being able to discuss the issues with them. This book helps the reader do that and a little more.
For that reason I want to introduce you to a new book hitting the shelves and subsequently should hit your desk soon thereafter. This book is a thoughtful (finally!) take on creationism. Dr. DeWitt is uniquely qualified to speak on this subject as he is not simply a professor but a well respected microbiologist known for his work with Alzheimers research (Currently doing research under a grant sponsored by the National Institute of Health).
Dr. David Dewitt was one of my bilogy professors at Liberty University. I enjoyed the matter of fact tone he takes with biology. He encourages students not to be afraid of the debate and also not to bail out their ignorance with bible quotes. If you want to earn the respect of someone who is educated in science you should at least be able to speak their language. I'm not a scientist nor do I even love it but I have enjoyed earning respect of evolutionists for being able to discuss the issues with them. This book helps the reader do that and a little more.
Asked if there is any argument an evolutionist can make that a creationist cannot effectively answer, Dr. DeWitt smiled wryly and offered a simple, “No.”
“We have nothing to worry about in defending our beliefs,” he confidently stated.
(http://www.newsmax.com/falwell/Creationism/2007/11/02/46278.html)
So... I recommend to you, my wonderful highly IQ'd reader, "Unraveling The Origins Controversy" by Dr. David DeWitt.
About the Author:
(not a picture of the author)
"Dr. David A. DeWitt is the Director of the Center for Creation Studies and a Professor of Biology at Liberty University in
Dr. DeWitt is active in both research and teaching. His primary research effort has been on the cell biology of Alzheimer’s disease. He has contributed many articles in peer reviewed scientific journals. He teaches cell biology and two courses on origins." (from the site below)
http://unravelingtheoriginscontroversy.com/
http://www.newsmax.com/falwell/Creationism/2007/11/02/46278.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)