Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Colleges are Reaching Their Limit on Alcohol

Here is an interesting article that YouthSpecialties sent to me.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-11-16-colleges-alcohol_x.htm

I am not one to say that having a drink is a sin. For me, alcohol just gives me gas. If I were to drink, they would probably be the realy girly, fruity drinks. So with those two things in mind, I usally choose to obstain. (For me it would be social suicide to drink.)

I like this article. Drinking is definatley a major problem on college campuses. I just don't think people know when to stop. Central Methodist had it's issues. Tailgating is a very popular thing at our football games as well. The students tailgat outside of the fence on the North West corner. To combat this, the school has put up a very dence black netting so that you can barely see the students from inside the stadium. I think that the netting works both ways. It's hard for those students to see the game.

I like the idea. I think that the focus should be on the athletic event and not alcohol anyway. There were always rumors that CMC had an opportunity to sign a contract with Budweiser. Who knows if that rumor is true, but if they had, I wonder if they too would be following suit and dropping the deal.

I guess we will have to wait and see if Mizzou will do the same.

Adam

Monday, November 28, 2005

Thanksgiving

I pray that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I have to say that thoroughly enjoyed myself this year at Dru's parents house. It's always interesting to see how things go the second year they happen. This year was much better. Everyone was in a cheerful mood. There was no sickness, and the children were well behaved. I had a fabulous time.

I had the opportunity to pick up a few goodies while in St. Louis. I got Blindside's original release. That completes my Blindside CD collection. Now I just need to get the DVD. I was also able to pick up the new Switchfoot CD. I have to admit that I like it. Again, the music is really "poppy" but I can forgive that because of the good writing. I also picked up the new Bleach CD. That's a throw back. Bleach was one of the first Christian bands that I liked and this is their last album. It's good. I like it. Oh...Demon Hunter has a new one out that I picked up too. I like it. Better lyrics on this album than any of the other ones. In case you are wondering, no I didn't have to pay for any of them. We had coupons for the bookstore. Cool hah?!

The XBox is working nicely. I got to play Madden with my nephew and brother in law this weekend. That was fun. We also played Call of Duty 2. Talk about a sweet game. I didn't play it with my nephew though. It's a pretty violent war game. The graphics are sick though.

Well, just wanted to give you all an update. Hopefully I will get back in the swing of things.

Later,
Adam

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

A Possum and an XBOX 360

I would first like to begin this post with an apology. If there are any errors, as their usually is, please grant me special grace because I am very bleary eyed and tired as I write this. (I really should probably wait and reflect on this story at a different time...oh well.)

Today, Tuesday, November 22nd, 2005 marks the launch of the new XBox 360. Here is my tale.

It begins with an after dinner stop to Wal-Mart to check out the action. Dru, Jake and I strolled into Wal-Mart at aproximately 10:00 pm. At this time there were 48 people waiting in line for 42 XBox's. I decided to go out on a limb and had a hunch that I would not be able to obtain an XBox from Wal-Mart. So, I went home.

Dru began to talk to her mother on the phone and I couldn't get my mind off of the XBox. I decided to go to church and make a few phone calls. I called several of the other fine establishments in St. Joe, but had no success finding a store that would have an XBox for the midnight launch. Alas, I went home again.

Dru was getting ready for bed and I was watching t.v. but I just couldn't shake the XBox from my mind. I was tired and definitely wanted some sleep so I went to bed. After about 45 minutes of tossing and turning I realized what I had to do. I got out of bed, put on my jeans, sweatshirt, socks, even shoes, my jacket wrote Dru a note, grabbed one of the camping chairs and I headed for the door. I was going to wait. Target was the destinition.

Some of you may be wondering why their is a possum in the title. Here's why, when I stepped out of our back door to go down the stairs there was a possum standing on the second landing. Now I have to admit that I think possums are kind of cute in their own way. He wasn't hurting anybody and didn't seem to be upset. I grabbed a broom and tried to coax him down the stairs but that just made him mad. So I said to myself, self forget this you have something to do and you have another stair by which to escape. So that's what I did. I went down the front stair and headed to Target.

To make a long story even longer, I waited outside of Target from about 1:15 in the morning until 6:40. At 6:40 I was given a coveted ticket to purchase the premium edition of the XBox 360. I left, returned at 8:00 and made my purchase.

I realize and am fully ready for the banter that will probably be thrown my way. I'm a dork. I waited in the freezing cold for 5 hours to get a gaming system. That qualifies me as a nerd. I told Jake that would have almost liked to be in the woods with a gun in my hand. At least then I could say that I was being manly. I can not.

I do have something to show for it though. Sitting in my chair directly across from me is the world's premiere gaming system. I am just sad that I am too tired to even open it and enjoy it. Maybe a nap could do me some good.

Saturday, November 19, 2005

OSU 25 UM 21

That's right folks. It has been a glorious day. THE Ohio State University has defeated the University of Michigan, or as I like to refer to them as Woody Hays did, "That team up north."

I have to admit that if we had lossed that game it would have been because of our pitiful special teams play. C'mon Teddy get it together. But alas, all is forgivin. A win is all that matters and we are on our way to a share of the Big Ten title and a BCS bid. All is good in Buckeye Land.

Congrats to the seniors, Bobby I feel for ya bro. And to Tressel for the great 4-1 record against the big rival.

WWWWAAAAAAAHHHHHHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, November 18, 2005

Joan Lehr

A dear friend and family member of our church passed away this morning around 7:30 am. I write this post to celebrate Joan's life and lives of people she touched. She was our Jr. High Sunday School teacher for at least 10 years. (I say at least becaues it very well could have been longer, I honestly don't know.) I can't begin to tell you the number of lives that she impacted over the span of her lifetime. (Joan was also a second grade teacher.)

What a saint! My prayer is that the young people who had the privilege to be taught by Joan picked up on her sweet spirit and are trying to emmulate that in their own lives. My personal favorite thing about Joan was that she was a straight talker. No nonsense get to the point kind of gal. I respect that.

Dru has been asked to sing at her memorial this Monday night. Please remember Dru in your prayers, because it will be very tough for her to get through it.

Please remember our entire church family and John, Joan's husband, as we band together to celebrate Joan's life.

God Bless,

Adam

P.S.-Joan...we miss you already!

David Crowder Band

Mitch, our associate pastor, and I had an opportunity to see Crowder last night. We saw the boys with Shane and Shane and the Robbie Seay Band. It was great. I love how they are able to recreate their very "produced" sound in a live setting. Yes, they do have to use electronically recorded stuff but it still makes it all the better.

Mitch and I saw them on the campus of Midamerica Nazerine. It was Crowders last stop on their Collision tour. Oddly enough they never played the title song. Oh well, the numbers they did do made up for it. I was most impressed with my favorite track on the new album called You Are My Joy. It was fantastic. Crowder called it their 'Rock Opera.'

We even got to here them do a semi-ok rendition of Free Bird by Skynard. They did this because several of their sound guys that were traveling with them usually travel with Skynard. I guess it was a good tribute. It certainly was fun, but you could definitely tell it was unrehearsed.

They ended the show with the Blue Grass favorite I'll Fly Away. That was a fun way to end the concert. All in all it was a great evening. I was dissapointed that Jamie couldn't go with us because he was feeling ill, but hey, that's his loss.

Check out Crowder's site here:

http://www.davidcrowderband.com/

Adam

Monday, November 14, 2005

Stone of Help

Thank you for the corrections...I think you all got the point though.

I am continuously struck with a certain thought. We worship too many false gods. It’s all around us. Everywhere we turn idol worship is happening. Before you think I am talking about pagan individuals, think again. We Christians are just as guilty if not more guilty because we should know better. No, these idols don’t come in the form of Baal or Ashtoreth as they do in 1 Samuel 7: 1-17, but they are just as prevalent. They come in the form of Jif peanut butter and Nissan. Every waking moment of everyday we are bombarded with images contrary to the image of God. We are bombarded with jingles and slogans telling us what will make us happy if we only choose to purchase them. (jingle: “Choosy Moms Choose Jif”, or “A Shift Has Been Made”) What kind of shift has been made? It’s been a subtle but powerful shift of modernity away from the one true God. A shift that was evident after the tragedy of 9/11 when the first words out of our fearless leaders mouth were, (paraphrase) “Keep spending your money! If not, our way of life will die.”

The Israelites and Samuel were faced with the same problems. Israel too had their false gods of Baal and Ashtoreth. They too were required to “rid” themselves of these false gods to be made free from the hands of the Philistines.

Here’s the rub, the Philistines didn’t like it, because they knew that in order to maintain control of the Israelites they must be subdued by their false gods. Their minds must be numbed by idolatrous worship and consumed with its comfortableness. As soon as Israel woke up the Philistines were in trouble. Samuel, with the Lord’s help, aroused the people from their slumber and they prevailed over the Philistines.

When will we wake up? Better yet, when will I wake up? Before I sat down to type this entry I was at Wal-Mart seeing how many units of Xbox 360’s they were going to be getting in on the 22nd at midnight. I needed to know this too see how early I need to arrive on the night of the 21st to assure my getting one. Why, because I am seduced with idea that Xbox will make me happy! I am fallible. I am human. When will I wake up?

Lord I need your help. Just as Samuel called upon your name to help the Israelites face the Philistines and their false god’s, I too am calling on you to help me over come the lies that our current culture continues to sell us. We must have the hippest clothes and most cutting edge technology. We must make money, spend money, make money, spend money…..Oh the hypocrite that I am. Lord, I so want to raise an Ebenezer. I so want to raise a Stone of Help that signifies you were here at this moment helping me in my unbelief.

Adam

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Fall Retreat

All this week I have been preparing for a Fall Retreat that we are going on tomorrow. I just got done with all of the powerpoint for worship. It's nice that that is done. I have asked Brad and Mustoe to come play this weekend. It's going to be great. Worship and a water park, what could be more fun? I just hope I get all of my transportation lined up. I might have to go rent a vehicle...yuck. Hopefully not. If you want to check out where we are going go here:

http://kc.greatwolflodge.com/

God Bless

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

BlondeStar

Todd Miller, a friend of mine, sent this to me. Hope you all enjoy it. The last link didn't work but this one will. It's pretty good.

http://www.funnyhub.com/videos/page.cgi/blonde-star


Sorry about the mix up.

Monday, November 07, 2005

Dancing With God

When I meditated on the word Guidance, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music,and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the backor by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness,and attentiveness from one personand gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.When I saw "G” I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i"."God, "u" and "i" dance."God, you, and I dance. As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies be upon you on this day and everyday. May you abide in God as God abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting God to leadand to guide you through each season of your life. And I Hope You Dance

Contrary to popular belief, I did not write this. It was forwarded to me in an email by Chris Barbar a member of our church.

A Bit Cheesy...But Good Advice

Adam

Thursday, November 03, 2005

Hand in the Pot

Ok...I'm sorry but I have to get my hand in this pot. If you haven't heard yet, the United Methodist Church supported a pastor in not giving membership to a homosexual.

I honestly have mixed emotions. I am not one to "condone" homosexuality as right practice, but I do grow tired of the endless ramblings of the conservative right. (That's why I tried to get y'all to read Andy's blog.) We've got to keep lines of communication open here folks. I don't understand why a UMC Pastor who beleives homosexuality to be a sin would turn away a homosexual from membership. Even if you believe homosexuality to be a sin it doesn't make sense. Do we send liars away? NO! We love and we encourage them to grow and to change. We do not simply excommunicate them from the community.

Either way you slice it, whether you believe homosexuality to be a sin or not, I don't think Jesus is happy right now. I know that I am not an authority on Jesus or all of His opinions but I feel strongly about that one.

I pray, along with Andy, that we can find a way to dialogue and converse about the issue. It's not easy. It's hard, but more than worth while.

To be honest, I probably shouldn't have gone this rout because I really haven't gotten a handle on all of my thoughts. I just wanted to make you guys aware. Brad also commented with much vigor and passion. If you would like to join the discussion, go to Andy's blog.

Concerned...Lost...Down Hearted,
Adam

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

I Am a Woman

Ok...I'm going to let all of you in on a secret. Huuughghgmmm...I am turning into a woman. That's right. I'm scared. Here's the deal. For those of you that have none me for quite some time know that I used to be a man on NO emotions. I was never proud of this fact so to speak, that's just how it was. Well, thank the Lord I have found those lost emotions once again and I truly believe that the Lord has answered my prayer by giving me a heart of compassion. I don't say that to brag about myself, I say that to boast in the Lord. Anyway, I'm turning into a woman.

Quick story: While my parents were here something happend. I will give you the needed background info first though. I like to eat lunch at home. I have a job that allows me to do so. So...every day around noon I return home for some grub. Dru and I have not had cable for the entire time that we have lived in St. Joe until last Saturday. On this particular day we still didn't have cable. My folks were visiting one of the many sights in our boomeing metropolis and I was left with my grub and a drawer full of movies. I would say that Dru and I have a pleathura(?) of movies. I could have chosen a very manly flick like, Saving Private Ryan, or Gladiator, or The Patriot, or even The Terminator, but this isn't the case. I don't know if it was because the previous night we listened to Harry Conick, Jr.'s Christmas Album or what but I chose...HOPE FLOATS! As girly a movie as you can get. And gues what (here it comes) that's right, I cried!!! I couldn't help it. When the young girl told the grandma that she loved her and her grandma responds with "My cup over floweth." How could I not cry? I just kept thinking that we should all respond with "My cup over floweth." I kept thinking that God has blessed me with a beautiful wife, a loving family, a great job, and all that I could ever need and more. How could I not cry?

This is what I have decided: if all of this, meaning all these emotions, means that I am turning into a woman, then so be it. I am ok with that. Just don't expect me to wear tights. I don't think the massive calves could handle it. Maybe a skirt every now and then though...I kid, I kid.

Adam

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