Friday, December 28, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Should this be Controversial?
Merry Christmas from Mike Huckabee. This commercial began running this week and has caused a big stir over Christianity and its place in politics. For those that are offended easily, there is both a cross in this video as well as a subtle reference to the trinity (look at the lights).
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Space is Limited in Heaven
Breaking news everyone -- apparently space in Heaven is running out. Make sure to reserve your spot here.
Obviously, this is a joke. But I thought it was funny. Be sure to check out the VIP pass which gets you into the Land of Milk and Honey where everyone "kicks it."
Obviously, this is a joke. But I thought it was funny. Be sure to check out the VIP pass which gets you into the Land of Milk and Honey where everyone "kicks it."
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Remember 99
Tomorrow night would have been the night the traditional on-campus Fightin' Texas Aggie Bonfire would have been lit in preparation for the A&M/Texas game on Friday afternoon. Last night, the off-campus bonfire was lit (see picture below). While the experience will never be the same, I am glad the tradition lives on in some fashion.
The Bryan College Station Eagle reported that about 3,000 students and alumni attended the bonfire last night.
Bonfire has been moved off campus and out of the county since the 1999 bonfire collapse. To give you some idea what it took to build the ol'bonfire, I have attached a video of the 1994 bonfire, which collapsed (no injuries), and was rebuilt in time for the lighting. Because the 94 Bonfire collapsed so slowly, all the students were able to get off the stacks before anyone was hurt.
The Bryan College Station Eagle reported that about 3,000 students and alumni attended the bonfire last night.
Bonfire has been moved off campus and out of the county since the 1999 bonfire collapse. To give you some idea what it took to build the ol'bonfire, I have attached a video of the 1994 bonfire, which collapsed (no injuries), and was rebuilt in time for the lighting. Because the 94 Bonfire collapsed so slowly, all the students were able to get off the stacks before anyone was hurt.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving! Thought I would share a sneak peak at our Christmas photos. A good friend of ours took them and they turned out looking great. 35 more days!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Sorry Mike
There once was a basketball coach at A&M that demanded big money and then bolted for another college in another state after secretly negotiating with the out of state college. Here's how it has turned out for that coach --
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Billy Gillispie's second game as Kentucky's coach was one he'd rather forget -- and Gardner-Webb will remember for a long time.
Grayson Flittner scored 22 points to help Gardner-Webb beat the No. 20 Wildcats 84-68 Wednesday night in the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic.
"You can't just show up on the court and think you're going to beat somebody because you wear a certain jersey," said Gillispie, who turned 48 Wednesday. "We didn't play like a hunter tonight."
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Billy Gillispie's second game as Kentucky's coach was one he'd rather forget -- and Gardner-Webb will remember for a long time.
Grayson Flittner scored 22 points to help Gardner-Webb beat the No. 20 Wildcats 84-68 Wednesday night in the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic.
"You can't just show up on the court and think you're going to beat somebody because you wear a certain jersey," said Gillispie, who turned 48 Wednesday. "We didn't play like a hunter tonight."
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Be a Moocher
I found a cool website the other day and I thought I would share it for those of you who like books. I am not advertising for them or anything, just thought it was a neat concept. On BookMooch, you tell the website what books you have that you are willing to part with. For each book you list, you get 1/10 of a point. When someone visiting the site wants one of your books, you get 1 point and you mail the book to the person. You can get any book on the site for 1 point and the owner will mail it to you. So, it is like a big book swap. So far, I have sent out 5 books and found 3 that I have been wanting for a while.
We are heading to Aggieland this weekend to watch A&M play Kansas. We lead the series 7-1, but Kansas is ranked #9 this year, so it should be an interesting game. For those of you in Boston, it is televised on ESPN2 at 7:00 p.m. your time.
We are heading to Aggieland this weekend to watch A&M play Kansas. We lead the series 7-1, but Kansas is ranked #9 this year, so it should be an interesting game. For those of you in Boston, it is televised on ESPN2 at 7:00 p.m. your time.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Baby Got Book
GodTube.com was the fastest-growing Web property in the U.S. in the month of August, according to ComScore’s Media Metrix. Its 1.7 million unique visitors represented a 973% increase in traffic over the previous month.
And what kind of videos can you find on Godtube.com? I am glad you asked...
"oooo girl i wanna read witcha cuz yo bible got pictures"
And what kind of videos can you find on Godtube.com? I am glad you asked...
"oooo girl i wanna read witcha cuz yo bible got pictures"
Monday, October 15, 2007
Could Huckabee be Mr. Right?
The following article is dead on. Why aren't Christian leaders backing Huckabee? James Dobson finally came out and gave Huckabee somewhat of an endorsement, but I am still waiting to hear who Pat Robertson says God says we must vote for (kidding!).
By: Jonathan Martin
Oct 14, 2007 08:26 AM EST
Social conservatives can stop looking for their perfect presidential candidate. There is one Republican who, given his credentials, would appear the likeliest to rally evangelicals and others on the Christian right.
He is resolutely anti-abortion, supports a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage and is a man of deep faith. He has been elected — and reelected — to statewide office in a Democratic-leaning state.
And he’s right under their noses: Mike Huckabee.
But evangelical leaders are not flocking to their brother in Christ, as Huckabee, despite his political and personal values, remains far behind other less “pure” Republican contenders in the presidential sweepstakes.
The former Arkansas governor and one-time head of his state’s Southern Baptist Convention has been dismissed by many leaders of that movement, not because of any perceived ideological or moral deficiencies but for the most pragmatic of reasons: He simply can’t win, they say.
But do prominent Christian conservative leaders ensure that outcome when, instead of supporting one of their own and shepherding others to support him, they hold out for a better option or settle for an imperfect — if ostensibly more electable — candidate?
“They all say Mike Huckabee is a great guy — and then they say he can’t win,” laments campaign manager John "Chip" Saltsman, explaining what inevitably happens when Huckabee meets with top leaders of the religious right.
“‘If you get traction, come back to us,’” Saltsman recounts them as saying, to which Huckabee, in his typically lighthearted manner, replies, “Guys, you are my traction.”
It’s the consummate political predicament for political dark horses — they can’t be viable if they don’t have a wellspring of support, but if they don’t have a wellspring of support, they can’t be viable.
“It almost becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy,” Saltsman admits.
Summing up the conventional wisdom among social conservative elites, Richard Land, head of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, told Newsweek that many of his brethren like the very likable former preacher.
“But nobody thinks he can beat Hillary, and a fear of another Clinton White House outweighs almost everything,” Land explained, referring to Hillary Rodham Clinton, the New York senator and front-runner in the Democratic contest.
Another prominent Christian conservative leader, Mark DeMoss, put it another way when he wrote movement activists this week in support of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.
“If I believed similar theology was paramount in a president, I would be writing this memo urging support of Mike Huckabee,” DeMoss wrote.
In an interview, DeMoss, a well-known Christian public relations specialist who once worked for the Rev. Jerry Falwell at Virginia’s Liberty University, said he sympathized with Huckabee’s plight but argued that it is not mere questions of viability that hamper the Arkansan.
“If a candidate’s values were the only criteria I used, then that complaint would be right on the money,” DeMoss said.
“But the reason I’m with Mitt Romney and not other guys whose values and theology square with mine is not because they’re not electable; it’s because I believe Romney’s life experience and expertise makes him more qualified to be president.”
Comparing political assessments to other such judgments in life, DeMoss continued, “When I interview somebody to work for me, I don’t just hire somebody because they go to my church and believe what I believe. So why would I do that when we’re talking about the president of the United States?”
Still, DeMoss concedes that he hears “about once a week” from fellow Christian conservatives a cold-eyed analysis similar to the one Land offered.
Saltsman said his candidate and his campaign have responded to the cold shoulder by working around national conservatives who don’t give Huckabee much of a chance.
“In Iowa and South Carolina, especially, we’re starting to get some of the grass-roots evangelicals,” Saltsman said.
“Some of these folks scratch their head, saying, ‘We’ve got a great candidate right here,’” Saltsman said of their state and local Christian backers, predicting hopefully that the state leaders “pull the national ones along whether they like it or not.”
Thanks to support from social conservatives — and especially the network of home-schooling families — there are signs, at least in Iowa, that Saltsman is right.
Huckabee came in a surprise second place in the Ames Straw Poll in August, and a recent Des Moines Register poll had him in third place, with 12 percent, behind both Romney and former Sen. Fred Thompson. Of the one-quarter of those sampled who said they had made up their minds about who they will support at the caucuses, Huckabee had the firmest backing.
“We’re doing it one small community at a time,” said Saltsman, who talked while packing up his things to move up to Iowa, where he’ll spend much of his time through January.
But even as they work the pulpits and pews of the Hawkeye State, Team Huckabee remains weighed down by questions of electability. He didn’t help himself by raising a paltry $1 million in the third quarter of the year.
Indeed, his fundraising performance raised serious questions over how Huckabee could be competitive in the face of a jam-packed primary calendar in January and February — regardless of how he does in Iowa. Those later contests occur in bigger states that are less conducive to his brand of retail campaigning.
In short, just as his campaign appears to show real signs of life in a key early state comes another pesky reminder of Huckabee’s practical challenges.
Such political realities are nothing new, said Craig Shirley, a conservative publicist and author who has studied Ronald Reagan’s career.
Even though The Gipper had a mixed record on some issues dear to social conservatives, including abortion, he eventually won their favor in 1980 for decidedly pragmatic reasons.
“It was about pragmatism in that they perceived Reagan could or would be the nominee and the others were not,” Shirley said. “That’s the paradox of politics for the guys at the bottom. People tell them they can’t support them because no one is supporting them. You might call it the ‘Christian Catch 22.’”
By: Jonathan Martin
Oct 14, 2007 08:26 AM EST
Social conservatives can stop looking for their perfect presidential candidate. There is one Republican who, given his credentials, would appear the likeliest to rally evangelicals and others on the Christian right.
He is resolutely anti-abortion, supports a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage and is a man of deep faith. He has been elected — and reelected — to statewide office in a Democratic-leaning state.
And he’s right under their noses: Mike Huckabee.
But evangelical leaders are not flocking to their brother in Christ, as Huckabee, despite his political and personal values, remains far behind other less “pure” Republican contenders in the presidential sweepstakes.
The former Arkansas governor and one-time head of his state’s Southern Baptist Convention has been dismissed by many leaders of that movement, not because of any perceived ideological or moral deficiencies but for the most pragmatic of reasons: He simply can’t win, they say.
But do prominent Christian conservative leaders ensure that outcome when, instead of supporting one of their own and shepherding others to support him, they hold out for a better option or settle for an imperfect — if ostensibly more electable — candidate?
“They all say Mike Huckabee is a great guy — and then they say he can’t win,” laments campaign manager John "Chip" Saltsman, explaining what inevitably happens when Huckabee meets with top leaders of the religious right.
“‘If you get traction, come back to us,’” Saltsman recounts them as saying, to which Huckabee, in his typically lighthearted manner, replies, “Guys, you are my traction.”
It’s the consummate political predicament for political dark horses — they can’t be viable if they don’t have a wellspring of support, but if they don’t have a wellspring of support, they can’t be viable.
“It almost becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy,” Saltsman admits.
Summing up the conventional wisdom among social conservative elites, Richard Land, head of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, told Newsweek that many of his brethren like the very likable former preacher.
“But nobody thinks he can beat Hillary, and a fear of another Clinton White House outweighs almost everything,” Land explained, referring to Hillary Rodham Clinton, the New York senator and front-runner in the Democratic contest.
Another prominent Christian conservative leader, Mark DeMoss, put it another way when he wrote movement activists this week in support of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.
“If I believed similar theology was paramount in a president, I would be writing this memo urging support of Mike Huckabee,” DeMoss wrote.
In an interview, DeMoss, a well-known Christian public relations specialist who once worked for the Rev. Jerry Falwell at Virginia’s Liberty University, said he sympathized with Huckabee’s plight but argued that it is not mere questions of viability that hamper the Arkansan.
“If a candidate’s values were the only criteria I used, then that complaint would be right on the money,” DeMoss said.
“But the reason I’m with Mitt Romney and not other guys whose values and theology square with mine is not because they’re not electable; it’s because I believe Romney’s life experience and expertise makes him more qualified to be president.”
Comparing political assessments to other such judgments in life, DeMoss continued, “When I interview somebody to work for me, I don’t just hire somebody because they go to my church and believe what I believe. So why would I do that when we’re talking about the president of the United States?”
Still, DeMoss concedes that he hears “about once a week” from fellow Christian conservatives a cold-eyed analysis similar to the one Land offered.
Saltsman said his candidate and his campaign have responded to the cold shoulder by working around national conservatives who don’t give Huckabee much of a chance.
“In Iowa and South Carolina, especially, we’re starting to get some of the grass-roots evangelicals,” Saltsman said.
“Some of these folks scratch their head, saying, ‘We’ve got a great candidate right here,’” Saltsman said of their state and local Christian backers, predicting hopefully that the state leaders “pull the national ones along whether they like it or not.”
Thanks to support from social conservatives — and especially the network of home-schooling families — there are signs, at least in Iowa, that Saltsman is right.
Huckabee came in a surprise second place in the Ames Straw Poll in August, and a recent Des Moines Register poll had him in third place, with 12 percent, behind both Romney and former Sen. Fred Thompson. Of the one-quarter of those sampled who said they had made up their minds about who they will support at the caucuses, Huckabee had the firmest backing.
“We’re doing it one small community at a time,” said Saltsman, who talked while packing up his things to move up to Iowa, where he’ll spend much of his time through January.
But even as they work the pulpits and pews of the Hawkeye State, Team Huckabee remains weighed down by questions of electability. He didn’t help himself by raising a paltry $1 million in the third quarter of the year.
Indeed, his fundraising performance raised serious questions over how Huckabee could be competitive in the face of a jam-packed primary calendar in January and February — regardless of how he does in Iowa. Those later contests occur in bigger states that are less conducive to his brand of retail campaigning.
In short, just as his campaign appears to show real signs of life in a key early state comes another pesky reminder of Huckabee’s practical challenges.
Such political realities are nothing new, said Craig Shirley, a conservative publicist and author who has studied Ronald Reagan’s career.
Even though The Gipper had a mixed record on some issues dear to social conservatives, including abortion, he eventually won their favor in 1980 for decidedly pragmatic reasons.
“It was about pragmatism in that they perceived Reagan could or would be the nominee and the others were not,” Shirley said. “That’s the paradox of politics for the guys at the bottom. People tell them they can’t support them because no one is supporting them. You might call it the ‘Christian Catch 22.’”
Monday, October 08, 2007
Updates
The past two weeks have been super busy, so I have not been able to post about some things going on. The first, and worst, is that one of my dogs, Tucker, died last Sunday after ingesting some poisonous material. By the time we found out what had happened, it was too late to save him and he died with us at home Sunday afternoon. Addyson thinks he is coming home in 30 days (don't know how she came up with that) after God heals him. It's tough to explain that type of stuff to a 4 year old. Daisy, our other dog, is having a hard time with it too.
Addyson turned 4 the next day (October 1), so we tried to forget about the sad events of the previous day for a while to have out with my parents and go to Addyson's favorite place to eat (Chinese). She had a good time and we got more cake and ice cream.
On Friday, I got a new Honda to replace my old one. Still a CR-V, but this time it is glacier blue. I really like the car and they have made a lot of improvements since I bought my old one.
Friday was also the Royal Ranger campout and that was exhausting. The kids seemed to enjoy themselves and there is just nothing like breakfast cooked outside in the morning. I have decided that my favorite smell is waking up to the smell of bacon cooked fireside.
Saturday saw the Aggies head up to 1st place in the Big 12 (for this week at least) and poor Texas heading down to the bottom of the Big 12. That was a great day.
And, finally, on Sunday my other team -- the Houston Texans -- pulled out a win over Miami.
Addyson turned 4 the next day (October 1), so we tried to forget about the sad events of the previous day for a while to have out with my parents and go to Addyson's favorite place to eat (Chinese). She had a good time and we got more cake and ice cream.
On Friday, I got a new Honda to replace my old one. Still a CR-V, but this time it is glacier blue. I really like the car and they have made a lot of improvements since I bought my old one.
Friday was also the Royal Ranger campout and that was exhausting. The kids seemed to enjoy themselves and there is just nothing like breakfast cooked outside in the morning. I have decided that my favorite smell is waking up to the smell of bacon cooked fireside.
Saturday saw the Aggies head up to 1st place in the Big 12 (for this week at least) and poor Texas heading down to the bottom of the Big 12. That was a great day.
And, finally, on Sunday my other team -- the Houston Texans -- pulled out a win over Miami.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Elmo Supports Huckabee
This is post 2 of 2 today. Be sure to read both -- 1 about Huckabee and the other is not. I am going to make a deal with you. I promise to post one non-presidential post for every presidential post.
Thought this was a funny video taken last year when Huckabee was Chairman of the National Governor's Association. Elmo throws his support to Huckabee. Elmo a republican? Who knew?
Thought this was a funny video taken last year when Huckabee was Chairman of the National Governor's Association. Elmo throws his support to Huckabee. Elmo a republican? Who knew?
Christian Leadership
The following is a quote from a blog I was reading this morning by David Becker. I thought it was good enough to share:
"In our world of Christian congregation, we take consensus and vote, and give leadership to those who usually have enough time on their hand to volunteer. Often in churches, leadership is bestowed on the men who have the least trouble with their kids and finances. Even then, to hold these selected “leaders” accountable in every detail of their life for the last twenty years would leave us with very few leaders.
As we enter into these last days, it is essential that we focus on the leadership development of those people chosen by the LORD God to assume those positions. Leaders of God are not chosen by vote nor volunteer. Leaders of God are made by Him, and given the wisdom and skill necessary to complete the tasks at His Will. Unfortunately, most congregations today are focused on developing the fellowship and finances, and fail to recognize the critical need to uphold the leaders. If we fail to help develop their presence and practice of our leaders chosen by God, then we are going to be in trouble in the days to come, as world forces continue their move against the Christian Faithful. It is vital that we bring our Christian leaders to their full potential, able to use the wisdom that God grants them in the spiritual things, as well as the ability to protect their position among the natural things."
"In our world of Christian congregation, we take consensus and vote, and give leadership to those who usually have enough time on their hand to volunteer. Often in churches, leadership is bestowed on the men who have the least trouble with their kids and finances. Even then, to hold these selected “leaders” accountable in every detail of their life for the last twenty years would leave us with very few leaders.
As we enter into these last days, it is essential that we focus on the leadership development of those people chosen by the LORD God to assume those positions. Leaders of God are not chosen by vote nor volunteer. Leaders of God are made by Him, and given the wisdom and skill necessary to complete the tasks at His Will. Unfortunately, most congregations today are focused on developing the fellowship and finances, and fail to recognize the critical need to uphold the leaders. If we fail to help develop their presence and practice of our leaders chosen by God, then we are going to be in trouble in the days to come, as world forces continue their move against the Christian Faithful. It is vital that we bring our Christian leaders to their full potential, able to use the wisdom that God grants them in the spiritual things, as well as the ability to protect their position among the natural things."
Monday, September 24, 2007
I know, I know
This is getting out of hand today, I know. Three posts in one day for me? That has to be a record. But, I was just appointed a "Blogger for Huckabee", got to sit in on a web conference with him, and now post this one last blog for the day asking you very nicely to please click on the following link:
http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=VerticalDay.Home&l=6872528C533438D8E645664F6FA820CE
This will accomplish two things:
1. Let you know more about Mike and
2. Get me a cool Huckabee t-shirt :)
Thanks!
http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=VerticalDay.Home&l=6872528C533438D8E645664F6FA820CE
This will accomplish two things:
1. Let you know more about Mike and
2. Get me a cool Huckabee t-shirt :)
Thanks!
Does your faith define you?
The following was written by Gov. Huckabee and posted on his website this morning. I usually don't post twice in a day (read the post below), but felt this message was important enough to post. His words speak better than mine would so I have chosen to reproduce the statement here:
Recently, out on the campaign trail, a voter asked if my personal faith informed my decisions. My answer was simple, just as it always has been: my faith is my life - it defines me. My faith doesn't influence my decisions, it drives them.
Real faith makes us humble and mindful, not of the faults of others, but of our own. Because of our faith, we become less judgmental in that we see others having the same frailties as ourselves. Faith gives us strength in the face of injustice and motivates us to do our best for "the least of us."
Our forefathers birthed this great nation in a spirit of faith - not a mandate telling us what to believe, but an acknowledgement that divine providence pervades our world.
I firmly believe the greatness of our nation then, does not come from our government or politicians, but lies in the hopeful, optimistic spirit of everyday Americans. Americans who acknowledge that providence has set us apart.
At the beginning of our nation we were ill-equipped for revolution, yet we persevered and gained our independence. Our country was once divided by a costly Civil War, but we survived to heal and build a stronger union. Through the 20th century and into current times we have seen great conflicts and economic upheavals. However, the same spirit that guided the inception of our country continues to lead us out of times of trouble better than we went in. In spite of our trials we remain a people of hope, a people of faith, and we are stronger because of it.
In July, I addressed this same topic in a sermon in Little Rock. The video from my sermon is below.
Recently, out on the campaign trail, a voter asked if my personal faith informed my decisions. My answer was simple, just as it always has been: my faith is my life - it defines me. My faith doesn't influence my decisions, it drives them.
Real faith makes us humble and mindful, not of the faults of others, but of our own. Because of our faith, we become less judgmental in that we see others having the same frailties as ourselves. Faith gives us strength in the face of injustice and motivates us to do our best for "the least of us."
Our forefathers birthed this great nation in a spirit of faith - not a mandate telling us what to believe, but an acknowledgement that divine providence pervades our world.
I firmly believe the greatness of our nation then, does not come from our government or politicians, but lies in the hopeful, optimistic spirit of everyday Americans. Americans who acknowledge that providence has set us apart.
At the beginning of our nation we were ill-equipped for revolution, yet we persevered and gained our independence. Our country was once divided by a costly Civil War, but we survived to heal and build a stronger union. Through the 20th century and into current times we have seen great conflicts and economic upheavals. However, the same spirit that guided the inception of our country continues to lead us out of times of trouble better than we went in. In spite of our trials we remain a people of hope, a people of faith, and we are stronger because of it.
In July, I addressed this same topic in a sermon in Little Rock. The video from my sermon is below.
Authority
It's not often that I blog about really religious matters. I purposefully try to stay away from it for a variety of reasons. But, over the past week I have experienced and witnessed something that has really bothered me to the core. And, it did not directly effect me, so I don't know why it has bothered me so much. Without getting into the specifics about what I witnessed, I will simply say that it involved a case of refusing to submit to church authority. Pastor X told Congregant Y to do Action Z. Congregant Y out and out told Pastor X that he or she was not going to do Action Z. And, please quit trying to figure out who I am talking about. It is not obvious and is probably not who you are thinking (i.e. a certain children's pastor).
So, all weekend I have been thinking about "church authority" and when a person, if ever, should outright refuse to submit to church authority. I am sure some of my readers will have their own opinions on this matter, but my feeling is that church authority should always be followed SO LONG AS the authority figure are (a). telling us to do things which are within their sphere of authority and (b). are following the commandments and not "against" anything set forth in the Bible.
The Bible aslo states that God establishes the authority and to disobey the authority is to disobey God. If a pastor tells me to do something, and it is in line with what I know about the Bible and God and is within that pastor's sphere of authority, I hope that I will comply and submit to the authority. Now, obviously if my pastor was a cult leader, I would not submit. If my pastor was preaching against the Bible and twisting Biblical law, I would not submit.
As Spiderman would say, with great authority comes great responsibility. (Hebrews 13:7 and 17). I believe pastors will one day have to account for their actions and their guidance. That is a resposibility I know must of my pastor friends take seriously and a burden I would not want to carry.
Those who know me know that I enjoy children's church and Wednesday night children's services. Now, if my pastor told me he was led by God to discontinue all children's services and have all the kids go to the adult service, I would simply find another church where children were important if it was that important to me. I would not outright refuse authority. Who am I to say God did not tell my pastor that? (Don't read into that either -- it is just an example).
I know this is not fully developed, but I am not writing a term paper so I think I am excused (hopefully). You may want to add to this or tell me I have lost my mind. That's okay, too.
So, all weekend I have been thinking about "church authority" and when a person, if ever, should outright refuse to submit to church authority. I am sure some of my readers will have their own opinions on this matter, but my feeling is that church authority should always be followed SO LONG AS the authority figure are (a). telling us to do things which are within their sphere of authority and (b). are following the commandments and not "against" anything set forth in the Bible.
The Bible aslo states that God establishes the authority and to disobey the authority is to disobey God. If a pastor tells me to do something, and it is in line with what I know about the Bible and God and is within that pastor's sphere of authority, I hope that I will comply and submit to the authority. Now, obviously if my pastor was a cult leader, I would not submit. If my pastor was preaching against the Bible and twisting Biblical law, I would not submit.
As Spiderman would say, with great authority comes great responsibility. (Hebrews 13:7 and 17). I believe pastors will one day have to account for their actions and their guidance. That is a resposibility I know must of my pastor friends take seriously and a burden I would not want to carry.
Those who know me know that I enjoy children's church and Wednesday night children's services. Now, if my pastor told me he was led by God to discontinue all children's services and have all the kids go to the adult service, I would simply find another church where children were important if it was that important to me. I would not outright refuse authority. Who am I to say God did not tell my pastor that? (Don't read into that either -- it is just an example).
I know this is not fully developed, but I am not writing a term paper so I think I am excused (hopefully). You may want to add to this or tell me I have lost my mind. That's okay, too.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Monday, September 10, 2007
Reveille Behaves Badly
Saturday afternoon's game between A&M and Fresno State was probably the most stressful game I ever watched/listened to. Jill and I had to deliver a wedding cake in Lufkin, so at the half we switched from watching it on the tv to listening to it on the radio. It was 19-0 at the half, so I was pretty confident we were going to win this one. That was before Fresno came back to tie it 32-32.
When we got out of the car to set the cake up, we had gone into overtime, scored a field goal, but Fresno was on the 1/2 yard line about to score a touchdown. I got out of the car and told Jill we had lost.
We got back in the car to head to the wedding, suprised to hear the announcer still on the radio. We had not lost! The game was in the second overtime. We made the short trip to the wedding site and I wanted so badly to stay in the car and skip the wedding, but seeing as Jill wears the pants in my family, I went to the wedding.
Wedding is over in record time. Get in the car. Game is still on! We are now in triple overtime. On the way to the reception, we win by a few points. I tell you, I have never seen an Aggie game like it. On the radio, the crowd was so loud, the announcers were literally having to scream the play-by-play.
I found this related news to be amusing:
Texas A&M Aggies
COLLEGE STATION — Texas A&M's mascot Reveille missed Saturday's triple-overtime victory against Fresno State after she snapped at her cadet handler when he stepped on her tail while running earlier in the week.
Dean Bresciani, vice president for student affairs, said Sunday that Reveille was quarantined at Texas A&M's veterinary school for a couple of days as part of a standard operating procedure but will be back on the sidelines for the Aggies' game with Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday.
Bresciani said the mascot corporal was not hurt but was embarrassed that he stepped on the 6-year-old collie's tail. Reveille VII instinctively whipped around and snapped at the handler when he did that, Bresciani said.
He said the mascot was ``living a life of luxury'' and missed a hot, humid afternoon football game.
Reveille is considered the highest-ranking member of the school's Corps of Cadets and stands at attention in her maroon coat during sporting events and other functions.
When we got out of the car to set the cake up, we had gone into overtime, scored a field goal, but Fresno was on the 1/2 yard line about to score a touchdown. I got out of the car and told Jill we had lost.
We got back in the car to head to the wedding, suprised to hear the announcer still on the radio. We had not lost! The game was in the second overtime. We made the short trip to the wedding site and I wanted so badly to stay in the car and skip the wedding, but seeing as Jill wears the pants in my family, I went to the wedding.
Wedding is over in record time. Get in the car. Game is still on! We are now in triple overtime. On the way to the reception, we win by a few points. I tell you, I have never seen an Aggie game like it. On the radio, the crowd was so loud, the announcers were literally having to scream the play-by-play.
I found this related news to be amusing:
Texas A&M Aggies
COLLEGE STATION — Texas A&M's mascot Reveille missed Saturday's triple-overtime victory against Fresno State after she snapped at her cadet handler when he stepped on her tail while running earlier in the week.
Dean Bresciani, vice president for student affairs, said Sunday that Reveille was quarantined at Texas A&M's veterinary school for a couple of days as part of a standard operating procedure but will be back on the sidelines for the Aggies' game with Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday.
Bresciani said the mascot corporal was not hurt but was embarrassed that he stepped on the 6-year-old collie's tail. Reveille VII instinctively whipped around and snapped at the handler when he did that, Bresciani said.
He said the mascot was ``living a life of luxury'' and missed a hot, humid afternoon football game.
Reveille is considered the highest-ranking member of the school's Corps of Cadets and stands at attention in her maroon coat during sporting events and other functions.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
The Debate
Ok, even if I was not a Huckabee fan, I would have to say this was the best exchange at the Presidential Debate last night. It is between Huckabee and Ron Paul (is is still in the race?) and centers on "the Iraq" as Ms. Teen South Carolina likes to say.
Sorry for all the political posts but I am a political science major and this is my favorite topic. It only happens once every 4 years so bear with me.
Sorry for all the political posts but I am a political science major and this is my favorite topic. It only happens once every 4 years so bear with me.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
An Introduction to...
Most of my good friends know I am a big fan of Ted Dekker. Ted is a sometimes controversial, but always thought-provoking, author of Christian fiction. If you have any interest at all in fiction books, I really encourage you to pick up one of his books and give him a try. He is not paying me to say this and I don't win any sort of contest for posting his name on my blog. He is just someone I wanted to introduce you to. You can find out more about him by watching the following interview.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Topix.net
I have been "hired" as news editor for the Tyler news page at www.topix.net. Check it out if you have some free time.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Huckabee Getting Endorsements
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - One of the biggest U.S. trade unions made an unusual dual endorsement in the 2008 White House race on Thursday, backing Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Mike Huckabee for their parties' presidential nominations.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which has about 720,000 active and retired members, backed a candidate from each party for the first time after a recent survey found about one-third of union members voted Republican and two-thirds Democratic.
"The dual endorsement is intended to involve all IAM members in the upcoming election," said IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger.
The endorsement was made at the union's national conference in Orlando, Florida. Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas, was the only Republican to address the labor group.
Huckabee has lagged behind the top Republican 2008 contenders in national polls and fund raising but received a boost earlier this month with a surprise second-place finish in the Iowa straw poll.
"Mike Huckabee was the only Republican candidate with the guts to meet with our members and the only one willing to figure out where and how we might work together," Buffenbarger said in a statement.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
Parenting Skills 101
Jill and my parenting skills have been attacked over the past two weeks over a variety of things from kissing, to "allowing" my oldest to have a "boyfriend," to allowing her to watch, of all things, wait for it ....... "High School Musical." (Have I used enough quotes?) Unfortunately, the people attacking us won't come and speak with us directly about their concerns, but do feel comfortable talking to others about it thinking we won't hear about it later. Don't worry -- they don't read this blog so I am not using this time to respond or "attack back."
But, in response :), I would like to point out to parents of other kids that do read this that it is normal for preschool kids to have "boyfriends" and "girlfriends." It is normal for them to kiss because (hopefully) they see kissing at home. I am glad that my kids know I love their mother. I am not ashamed to give my wife a kiss in front of my kids (we are just talking about a peck kiss). If I am a bad parent for that, I don't want to be a good parent (that sounds like a country song I should write). Anyways, I have done some researching and found this on a child psychology website:
Preschool "boyfriends" and "girlfriends." Some parents of preschoolers are alarmed when they hear their kids talk about a boyfriend or girlfriend. If your youngster says this, remember that kids don't attach the same meanings to the word that adults do. Most experts agree that it's best to react to this kind of news in a neutral way — don't encourage the behavior, but don't express concern either.
Just something to think about for the weekend.
But, in response :), I would like to point out to parents of other kids that do read this that it is normal for preschool kids to have "boyfriends" and "girlfriends." It is normal for them to kiss because (hopefully) they see kissing at home. I am glad that my kids know I love their mother. I am not ashamed to give my wife a kiss in front of my kids (we are just talking about a peck kiss). If I am a bad parent for that, I don't want to be a good parent (that sounds like a country song I should write). Anyways, I have done some researching and found this on a child psychology website:
Preschool "boyfriends" and "girlfriends." Some parents of preschoolers are alarmed when they hear their kids talk about a boyfriend or girlfriend. If your youngster says this, remember that kids don't attach the same meanings to the word that adults do. Most experts agree that it's best to react to this kind of news in a neutral way — don't encourage the behavior, but don't express concern either.
Just something to think about for the weekend.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Changes
I have made the changes necessary to my account here so I won't be deleting this page after all and starting over. The bottom line is that some people were looking at the page that I did not want looking at the page (i.e. certain people that pay me to do certain things) after searching for me on Google. So, I have taken my full name off, my location is gone, and all references to my occupation are gone.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Public Notice
This blog will be deleted soon. Just letting you know. A new one will take its place under a different name that will be shared with friends.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Baby laughing at the Wii
I could have come up with so many creative titles for this post, but I refrained.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Told you he was still alive...
This is one of the most impressive camera tricks I have ever seen. I am sure by now you all have seen it, but I wanted to save it here for future enjoyment.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Cool Beta Website
I ran across a really cool website today -- www.biblemap.org. It is still in beta, but worked just fine with no bugs for me. You select a Bible passage and anytime the passage references a locations, the satellite map (provided by google) takes you right there. Check it out sometime -- it is highly addictive.
From the website:
BibleMap.org is developed by the duo at He Lives Ministries (HeLives.com). The motivation for developing the site was simple. Create a free Bible atlas which harnesses Google maps. We hope this site will be a blessing to you and possibly help make the living book of the Bible more alive in your life.
From the website:
BibleMap.org is developed by the duo at He Lives Ministries (HeLives.com). The motivation for developing the site was simple. Create a free Bible atlas which harnesses Google maps. We hope this site will be a blessing to you and possibly help make the living book of the Bible more alive in your life.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Friday, January 19, 2007
Thr3e Movie Trailer
My good friend Robert has been posting some movie trailers of some big spring and summer movie releases over on his blog, so I thought I would join him by posting a new trailer from the producers of X-Men for the movie, Thr3e. Considering the movie is based on the book by me and Rob's favorite author, I am a little suprised the trailer hasn't made it to his blog, yet. So, to pick up his slack, I have come out of blogging retirement and present for your viewing pleasure, Thr3e:
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