I've Moved

I have been persuaded to join Wordpress.com

I will no longer be posting here but you can come follow me on

thecentrolife.wordpress.com

Stealth Conference: Los w/ Mark Driscoll

Live .TV show provided by Ustream

Bands I like!

Tuesdays new special: Bands I like!

Today being a most beautiful day of reading and enjoying a mix of music from the amazing video ipod, I decided to let you all in on some of my favorite artists. Caution: I am no musical genius but feel I have a somewhat good taste in music. Call me vein or whatever but without further ado.

One of my favorite bands right now and for the past 3 years has been Annuals. If you click the link you will read: Annuals infuse their music with an array of intense emotions. As young as they are, Annuals draws influences from a diverse range of artists such as Mike Patton, Brian Wilson, Paul Simon, Radiohead, the Beatles, Hank Williams Sr., Bjork and Aphex Twin. The mixing of styles, from electronic to folk to rock results in a totally singular sound. Reminiscent of high drama acts such as Arcade Fire and Sufjan Stevens, this musical collective appeals to both experimental and pop fans who appreciate well-produced material and artristry(Would have wrote my own review but this one said it best).

Check Them Out:
Annuals - Brother

Annuals - Carry Around

Annuals - Dry Clothes

Hope you enjoy! I'm plannin on seeing them live in San Diego for my Bday. So excited!

Monday's Scattered Thoughts

Today's Scattered Thoughts is something I have been thinking about for a while now. Four the better part of the last 3 or 4 years I have had quite an assortment of jobs. None of which I felt really connected to. You know those jobs that pay the bills but you know you hate doing it. Or you just feel no fullfillment. Well that has been me in past few years. But I am coming to a sort of crossroads in my thoughts, that it's not so much what I do to make money, it is the other things outside of that time (work time) that I am not doing (i.e. teaching, reading, exercising, learning, ect.). I dream job would be to do Spiritual Formation for a church/Marriage and Family Therapy. And when I get older I'd like to be a professor. Anywho I realized that with the vast years ahead of me my outlook needed a little tweak. The question I had to ask myself was, What are you doing now to do the things you want to? How are you going to get to that place? Well there is not really an answer for now, but a new/fresh perspective to move forward. So what have I done thus far? Well I am volunteering at church, nothing large but get myself plugged in and perhaps challenge myself in new roles. Also I have commited myself(I'm not very discplined in this area) to getting back into shape both physically and intellectually.
I am encouraged by the fact that I don't have it all together right now nor have I found the perfect plan of action but it is progression from yesterday and the day before that and so on and so on and so on....

What do you do find meaning in your life? What feeds your soul?

Emergent Church Forum

Last night Alex invited me to go with him to a forum on the Emergent Church @ Rancho Community Church. I was initially hesitant about going to this forum because I thought it would be very one sided and that it would just be an emergent church bashing. To my surprise it was very informative and respectfully done.
The first part of the forum was a powerpoint presentation on the basic beliefs of the "Emergent Conversation". It listed the good things that they do as well as the dangers that present themselves. I felt that the time frame given to study the Emergent Conversation wasn't given justice. To wrap up a synopsis of the movement in about 20 min can be dangerous. I understand the time constraints but still. I felt that with every arguement of what was dangerous, it was always compared to truth. Well what truth are specifically talking about? It was kind of lazy. Not everything that the emerging churches do or believe or are seeking is an attack on truth. For the second part of the forum it was open to questions and discussions. I didn't feel like there were any profound questions, just reservations about if their church was headed that way. Given the people that were there are predominantly uber conservative, there was still a large sense of ignorance. But I walked away with a tremendous respect for the leadership at Rancho. Although I did not completely agree with everything that was said, generalities being presented but all in all it was well rounded.
My fear (not spurred from this forum) that as we seek to inform ourselves of other practices of Christianity, we will only use such information to load our arsenal and point out why everyone else is wrong. Where's the love?

Feel free to comment on your thoughts of the emergent church.

The Artistic bug

I wish I were more artistic. Sometimes I get these ideas for a cool design or I just want to make something out of nothing, you know? I have always been interested in photography but not really driven/motivated plus I don't think I have an eye for it. I can be rather plain or dull. So in my attempt to have fun with my camera I took some pictures. It was fun, may not be the best but nonetheless it was fun.







I would love to learn how to do wood sculptures as well as have a pottery wheel. (You know like in the movie GHOST, HEY OH!)

Jami made a funny!

While we were in El Centro Jami had noticed this axe that was lying on the ground outside. We left to go out to eat at Burgers and Beer (OH YEAH!) and walked around the mall (still can't believe El Centro has a Mall). We finally got back a few hours later and as we near the door Jami looks down and says,"It's good to know the axe is still there!"
I love my wife!

EL CENTRO

Last month Jami and I had a chance to head down to my hometown of El Centro, Ca. It was nice-hot but nice. There are must dos when we go down to El Centro.
1. Eat at Celias and/or Burgers & Beer (MMMMMMMMMMMM!)
2. My mother makes the best little lattes'
3. Enjoy the Beautiful mornings in the Spring time.

It has been far too long!

So where exactly have I been? It has been well over a month since my last post and so I figured I needed to get with the program. So here we go again. HEY OH!

Things Happen...

I've never been a person who gets easily flustered/frustrated. I suppose for a large part of my life I have lived out of a controlled chaos (if thats even plausible). So that when things happen that are beyond my control occur I can addresss it and move on appropriately. For the better part of 5 years I have lived in this chaotic whim. WHY? Partly because I feed off of it. Is it healthy? For now in this time I don't see it as harmful but if it is fostered further it can be what I call "Nothing good ever happens to me" Syndrome. It could lead me to a vicious cycle of sabotoge wherein I could no longer operate a healthy lifestyle.
I have never been one to blame God either. I came to an understanding years ago that things happen outside the intended will of God. If everything that happen was God's doing, then we might as well call him, Freddy Krueger (Got that one from Rybarczyk). That doesn't mean that God cannot find Glory in whatever trial or fault of mine/anyone elses. Simply put, I"m just trying to figure shtuff out!

Friday Night's Outing

Last friday night Jami and I had the priviledge nay the honor/enjoyment of going out to eat with Alex and Jen Mclean. We had been trying to get together for the longest time and friday seemed to work out perfectly.
We decided to go out to eat at the "Elephant Bar" in San Marcos. OH boy was it good. Good company + good food + beverages = crazy delicious. We can't wait to hang out with them again especially for the car rides (DJ JAZZY JEN). HEY OH!

Monday's Scattered Thoughts

I went to Petco Park for the first time on Saturday to see the Dodgies take on the Padres. (I"m a huge Dodgies Fan) First off, what a beautiful ballpark, the sun was shining perfectly, illuminating this most gorgeous stadium. Unfortunately the dodgies lost but it was a good game.
On to my thoughts: I don't fully understand the idea behind the die-hard fans. You know those guys that you sit in front of you with their 5th cup of beer and it's only the 3rd inning and they are screaming and making fun of the other team's fans in the stands. Well lets just say you get two of those guys, fans of opposing teams, and you put them within a 5-10 person radius. You know something is bound to happen. Needless to say I think it's ridiculous. THe brut vs. brut mentality. I just don't get it.
I had a guy sitting in front of me who would keep make comments because I had my dodgers Jersey & hat on. And the only reason I think he said anything was because the Padres were winning. I just laughed, I thought it was funny. I thought to myself who is this guy? Someone take him off the tap.
So with all that said, whats the point?!

Monday's Scattered Thoughts

I know it is wednesday alreay but I was out sick so without further a do.

I really don't have any desire to make more money! Crazy huh? I was thinking about it the other day. There is only one thing I desire when it comes to finances, no more SCHOOL LOANS! And for the next 10-15 years I have payments to make. I don't regret my loans, it helped me get the education I desired so I'm happy about that. But still it would be nice to have some freed up cash flow.

Also out of that same thought process, I came to realize that I really have no aspiring career. Sure ministry would be great but that just doesn't seem realistic at this time. I love my job, don't get me wrong, I should probably complain a lot less than I do. I pretty much grew up that way though. I never had these dreams of being a cop or a fireman or a doctor or lawyer. Maybe thats because I thought I would be a sports star (5'10 white guy in the NBA, please!)Plus I didn't have the heart/work ethic. So, here I am waiting...

Last thought:
My wife inspired me this weekend. She said that she was going to train to run a marathon. Now I wasn't inspired in the sense of getting in shape, I'm not really motivated in that way. It was just like all of the sudden she had this goal, and automatically it was decided she would persue it. She called her friend to help her get back into shape and she is on that journey. So now I am on a quest to find goals..........

Finding Inspiration

I have always had this dream.... that someday I would be this great song writer/muscian. I don't really feel like a have that great of a voice so that was never part of the dream to sing but ehhh.
I first started playing the guitar about 3 years ago out of a crazy whim, also there was only one other person to lead worship for my Youth group, so I wanted to help. So at first it was exciting, I was playing everyday 2 or 3 hours just trying to master certain chords. It continued like that until I finished college.
Now I have always been a writer. I love to write. I wouldn't say that I am exceptional at it but I can hold my own. So within those first two years I felt like I was writing and playing, creative juices were flowing. But now I just can seem to find that edge, that appeal of melodies/words... I try to find inspiration in different types of music, artist that I respect lyrically/muscianship but I feel so unmotivated.
Perhaps it is just a stage... and I will find my niche again, somehow, somewhere...

How/where do you find your inspiriation?

Buckhead Church Rock Band

I saw this and I just had to post it. Check it out!

SUPER FRIES!!!

So after much deliberation about what to eat for lunch, I decided to meander down the street to "Great Western Burrito" a.k.a "Alberto's" off of Front Street by the Ramada Inn. Can I just tell you how pleased I am that I went there. So mid-meander I just start craving carne asada fries, so the meander moves to a brisky skip to my lue if you will. All the while whistling "Thinking of You" by the Umbrellas (good group, give em a listenin too). So I approach the window, ding the bell and wait in anticipation. IN my inability to focus I do notice something below Carne Asada Fries on the menu, SUPER FRIES!! What the freak? What the hell are Super Fries? SO I ask, and she says to me so eloquently, "Es Fries, Carne Asada, Sour Crem y Guacamole y Chees". I think to myself "Man you had me Super Fries". So I say, "That sounds good I think I will have that". So I wait and I wait, wait a little bit longer, then I see her motion for me to come over and she asked me if I wanted anything to drink because it had taken so long. So I say "hells yah I do, make it a Jamaica". Maybe not like that but I was pretty stoked. I took a drink and wow my taste buds were swimming in goodness. Finally my food comes and I make my trek back to work. By this time I am just ready to rip into this motha. I open it and it was seriuosly the most glorious meeting. (other than that with my wife) Got a fork and chowed down. SOoooooooo GOOD!
I highly recommend if you have no been. But with that there is a disclaimer: You have to block out like 3 hours for later.
I enjoyed and hope someday you will too!

Monday's Scattered Thoughts

I am starting a new monday edition of: Scattered Thoughts, unconclusive, most often then not inconsequential jibber jabber.
So withouth further ado:

Last week I was coming out of my office building when I noticed a car that was parked in the handicap zone, not uncommmon right? Well I would have normally just passed by it with out any thought or should I say judgment. Obviously this car had the handicap card swinging from its rearview mirror. But it struck me as odd because this car was not just any car. It was a corvette. So I presume you are all asking what my point is. Well considering the corvette is not the easiest of cars to get in and out of and not to mention lacks room for passengers to sit comfortably, as it was constructed right? So do you see my point? Wouldn't you think that if someone has a handicap stickermabob that they would require them to have a car to get in and out of.
I say all of this with the understanding that you can pretty much get a handicap sticker for about anything. But still it just bothered me. I'm sure it still will when I see that car just parked there.

Halo for all, and to all a halo night!

Friday night it was on! I call my buddy Alex and see what his plans are for the friday night. He mentioned a Halo night and from there it was on til the break of dawn, litteraly. From about 8:30PM to 2:30 AM it was an all out halo extravaganza. Can't tell you how much fun that was. We had one guy bring his projector to get the larger screen, Amazazing. It took me back to my college years (it wasn't that long ago but it took me back). I can't wait for another halo night.

Nick Thune

Check this guy out! Jami and I saw his comedy special a couple of weeks ago. Freakin Hilarious!

Ode to the Coffee on my desk!

How easily you pour into my life!
The sweet aroma that fills my senses.
Alas you wake me from my sleepless strife
I feel the warmth of your incandescence.

You are faithful to greet me each morning
I am addicted to your beany brew
The caffinated goodness you provide
stimulation for the work that is due

How you tempt me with your sweet mixture
A splendid subsitute that inspires me
to capture your goodness with a picture
I'll carry you with me for all to see

You may lose your warmth but do not fret
I'll keep you close, for on my desk you'll set

Congested with a side of blah

So starting on Thursday of last week, I got sick. At first I thought it was going to be one of those "One Day" colds that I always get but once Friday hit, I couldn't even function properly. I would sit at my computer screen and just start tearin up cause there was so much sinus pressure. Anywho Friday finally ended and I couldn't sleep a wink. Not only because I was sick but I forgot to put air in the Jeep tire and Jami was going to be driving it the next morning. SO for 2 hours I debated leaving to go fill the tire up with some air and get gas. So at 1AM I finally decide to go do it.
Saturday I felt suprisingly better considering I only got like 7 hours of sleep. I drove down to San Diego to meet my parents at Mission Center Drive for breakfast and to swap cars. Thats right no more Toyota Tacoma (we had some good times), it was the best car and it took me wherever I needed to go. Live long and prosper. But now I have a car that get 28-30 mpg. WOOOO FREEKIN HOOOO! Now if I could only get rid of our crap jeep.
Sunday was good, I enjoyed our guest speaker and what he had to encourage us with. I also helped Alex in the back, its not much but I feel it is one last thing for him not to do, and I am glad I can help.

I am a blessed man despite still being sick.

Shoe Fanatic!

I love shoes! 18 pairs and counting. I know ridiculous right? Funny thing is I just got rid of about 5 pairs. Last night I decided to make a trek over to Ross after dropping Jami off at work. So I perused the aisle knowing full well I was there to look at the shoes. I was in heaven!
First pair I noticed: A pair of Vans slip ons (all time favorite shoe, I got pictures to prove it) Black with dots and red on the back heal. Sweet Pair of shoes. $15!! These shoes usually run 30-50 bucks. SO there is my justification.
Second pair I noticed: After looking down the aisle I notice this pair at the bottom. It's like it was fate J/K. But still I look at them and think to myself,"these are sweet but how much are they?" Well to my suprise they were on clearence for.... $10. I got a pair of grey New Balance running shoes for 10 Bucks! Crazy.... I love shoes. Call me materialistic, call me what you will. But I just love the feeling of a new pair of shoes.
Come over I will show you my collection. Pictures to come!

Chipootle!

Yesterday I had the chance, nay the priviledge of meeting with Alex Mclean and Rich Kirkpatrick for lunch @ chipootle. Good food, good convo,good times. We had an enlightening conversation about the church and what may or may not happen in the next 10-15 years. I love to talk about this stuff, it just shows me that some people out there are passionate about what is going on in our world. I look forward to the next time we can get together.

Where to go from here?

Yesterday it dawned on me that I complain a little too much about my job. Why? To be honest I don't know. I have a great job; good money, great coworkers, simple responsibilities. Still I have this uneasy spirit from time to time. As if I should be doing something different, something I feel called for. Obviously I know I am called to serve in the church, but at what capacity?
So this is where I am... I recently have met with a few leaders from my church to see how I can be involved best. I am excited, and my hope is that my being involved gives me a content spirit with where I am now, and where I know I can be later in life.

My Dad always tell me, "Son, you job is what you do, not who you are". But somewhere along this jumbled path of a life I would like to connect the two. I doesn't always happen for everyone, but it is something that I strive for.

How would you go about this?

Saturday Activities

Saturday was one of the best days I have had in a long time. I got to sleep in a little bit and just enjoy the non-rush feeling. Jami and I ran some errands (Walmart, bank, Coffee Bean mmmmm!~). When we got back we had some friends over, Gigi and Juan. We decided that we would go to the park and play some tennis and basketball. It was a perfect afternoon for just such an activity. Jami and I won in our couples doubles match, of course! Afterward Juan and I stuck around and played some basketball, which he won cause I have to be the slowest person in the world right now. Then there were some asian guys (like 6 of them) who came to play baskeball, but by this time the sun was down and we only had limited light. Oh man was it fun, I haven't played basketball like that in like 10 years. Good times....

SO with my numb feet and sore back we decided to call it a night on the court. Headed back to the house and decided to order some pizza from Pizza Factory, mmmmmmmmmmmm.... sooo good. One large meat lovers pizza and one veggie pizza (for the ladies). So along with your pizza we had some margaritas and picked out a movie to watch, No Reservations.... Cute movie but ehh... I ususlly like chick flicks but didn't feel connected to the movie at all..

What a great night.... I could get use to those kind of days

BLEEPIN Article!

I just read this interesting article about a 14 yr old from South Pasadena that started a no cussing club. From there the City of South Pasadena council declared it to be a cussing free zone. Check out the article
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-03-06-cuss-free-zone_N.htm#uslPageReturn

If you do check out the article make sure to read some of the comments; some are pretty funnny, some are just immature, and some are just blah. I have to say I commend this boy, very pay it forward kind of thought. But I'm sorry I if trip or hurt myself, you should know whats coming next.
This story reminded me that when my brotherinlaw came out to visit, we went to this book store and as we were leaving there was this security guard who was offering some help to fix a door that had broken. As we passed them by he then said something like , "You know what you need? Yah need a damn crowbar". With heavy emphasis on the "damn". We thought it was funny. WHy? Cause it just seemed like such an inappropriate use in that particular sentence or situation.
Anywho, I am not about eradicating all use of words. I suppose in some ways there is a time and a place. A large part of what people see of you comes from the vocabulary you use. Is that always right, no. But words are powerful, they can penetrate us. SO watch your mouth foo!

I've started a list!

The other day I had an idea (inspired by the bucket list) to make a list of things that I would like to accomplish in my lifetime.
So here is my small list for now: (note: there is no particular order)
-Skydive (I'm not a thrill and spill junkie)
-Restore a 65 Impala or Licoln Continental (Not Ghetto style)
-Make my own acoustic guitar
-Write a book
-Go to Istanbul
... just a few, someday!

Spoken Word

I have always been fascinated with Spoken Word poets. Something about that beauty of words just connecting in the brain (I say the heart) and just let it pour out their soul (mouth). I can think of the words in my head but when it comes out it get jumbled. Random blog!

New Friends/Healthy Start

So I think it has been like 5 days since I lasted blog ( sounds like I'm confessing something). It has been a most triumphant 5 days. Recap:
Saturday - I got to hang out with one of the best friends a guy could ask for, Dan Olson. If there is anyone in this world that can just see me for me (besides my wife) its this guy. It had been at least 4 or 5 months since I had seen him last and he was rockin a sweet beard. It was nice catchin up.
Sunday - Church was awesome, and I got to see the behind the scenes work and just watch some of our amazazing volunteers (we are truly blessed). Heck I'm just blessed I get to help out. After that we had a fun BBQ in the back of the church always good times.
Monday - ahh... nothing much happened.
Tuesday - Okay, tuesday is the new friday in my world. We had our life group wii fiesta. So much fun, so much good food, so many good times.


We rocked the Wii night away with a little bit of Guitar Hero! New favorite game!


Wenesday - I got a call about 4:30pm, it was Rob ,"Hey man you wanna play some tennis?", "Hells yeah, I do" I replied... So it ended up working out and I got the blisters to prove it. Good times!



I have truly been blessed these past 5 days!

CRS Us Placers Kanye West Pharrell Lupe Fiasco Thom Yorke

I just discovered this video! I love it. Check it!

As Tall As Lions -

One of my favorite bands right now. I'm hoping to make one of their concerts soon. Check it out!

Thought of the day

Last night we had our life group, and once again it was just an encouragement to be apart of something real. We talked about "shame". It is really difficult to put into words sometimes what you feel shame for because I don't believe that anyone of us are developed/nurtured to know how to express that. So what the heck are we suppose to do? Do we have to wait around to hear someone say they deal with the same thing in order to let it out? Do we wait for the Holy Spirit to envoke brokeness >>>> confession?

For me my frustration is with time... it takes time, everything takes time. I don't want to hurt anymore, I don't want to feel those same shameful things, I don't want deal with it at all. Yet I am reminded of a book I read, "Making all things new" by Henri Nouwen.

- Our first task is to dispel the vague, murky feeling of discontent and to look critically at how we are living our lives. This requires honesty, courage, and trust. We must honestly unmask and courageously confront our many self-deceptive games. We must trust that our honesty and courage will lead us not to despair, but to a new heaven and a new earth.

I will get frustrated, but I must seek solitude.
Henri Nouwen also writes:

Without solitude it is virtually impossible to live a spiritual life. Solitude begins with a time and place for God, and him alone. If we really believe not only that God exists but also the he is actively present in our lives-- healing, teaching, and guiding--we need to set aside a time and space to give him our undivided attention. Jesus says,"Go to your private room and, when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in that secret place" (Matt 6:6).

"I need thee oh I need thee, every hour I need thee..."

SNL Digital Short

Freakin Hilarious! If you haven't gotten to see any of Andy Samberg's Digital Shorts, I highly reccommend that you get to watching them.

Ninja Warrior: The Fireman

So I have this new favorite tv show. It is called ninja warrior. It is the most intense, amazing, hilarious show. Check it out! I know you will become a fan too

Life Group Tonight!

Tonight we had our life group over at Jason and Nannette's house. First off what an amazing couple they are, so real and sincere and an amazing house. Let me just say that we have the best group, all in different walks of life and fun personalities. Tonight was our turn to share from last week's message "lying". A difficult topic I know, but all in all it went well with great discussion. Tuesdays have become the new fridays in my world...

Walking Cliche'

I just realized tonight that I am a walking/talking/praying cliche'... I just took a moment to think what I said when I prayed and man was that wierd... I think I used like almost every saying I heard in school in that one prayer.... How weird? Ah whatever.... I love God>>> he is awesome....

Relevant Church Getting Busy

An interesting way to approach things. If you visit their blog website (http://blog.relevantchurch.com/)you can download their guide that they are using. I hope it works for them...

Some Q time!

Yesterday I had the pleasure of having some Quality time with my wife. We decided to go to Starbucks to put together a discussion for our small group. I just love the way she thinks. She is so precise and knows how to ask the right questions. I truly adore her. I reccommend that if you do haven't met her or gotten to know her, you should!
http://www.myspace.com/jbarthelme

Pat and Oscars + Friends= Good time

Last night Jami and I planned an out to eat night with Kevin & Christi McIntosh. It was so much! We decided to go to Pat and Oscars and let me tell you, I have never had a bad experience there. Jami and I signed up for their eclub so we go a coupon for "Buy one sandwhich combo get another Sandwhich combo free" (cheap I know) but man for 8 bucks we got a lot of food. We had great conversations and afterword we decided to watch a movie over at Kevin and Christi's house. We watched "kung Pow" a spoof on kung foo movies, man it was good to laugh that hard. What a night it was. we will defintely be doing more of that.

Got my doo done!

So I decided it was time to get my hair cut (tired of the shaggyness) So drive over to Great Clips or whatever and wait about 5 mins (I like that). So as the girl begins to cut my hair I suppose it is routine to strike up a conversation. She was very nice and polite. For some reason I have a difficult time talking when there are scissors or clippers by my head. As soon as I feel like I should respond I think of the worst possible thing that could happen.... oooops I just shaved off the back of your head... or oops I think I got your ear..... Yikes.... man I got problems!!

Big Bang Toast of the town!

I found this article on relevant magazine. It's about a man in England who claimed his toast depicted the "big bang". The only thing I ever found in my breakfest was the word "wow" from my alphabets cereal.
How easily we are amused....

Blah!

Life from inside the blinds
exposes only the space to which they are opened
so that in those spaces you may find
the sequence to the things left in their places

The Warmth provided by the rays
is only limited by the clarity of the outlook
so that in the cold we may find
that blanket of Son and everlasting sleep.

The day before Valentines!

It was on Feb. 13 2006, it was a glorious day for it was the day that I asked Jami to be with me forevermore. Of course I wanted things to be a lot different so she took me out to eat and to the movies(The Family Stone) . All the while I was planning on having a friend to meet us at the spot (Corona Del Mar Beach). It was perfect, the night sky was clear and full of stars (a wee bit nippy). And it was there, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me and she said,"Are you Serious?". Not the exact answer I was looking for but she said she would be mine. Oh happy day!

Amazazing!

You gotta check this out!!

Hillbilly's Ten Commandments

Maybe this is the way to teach the 10 Commandments today! Maybe then people would 'get it'.




Tennessee Ten Commandments

Some people in Tennessee have trouble with all those 'shall's' and 'shall not's' in the Ten commandments. Folks just aren't used to talking in those terms.. So, some folks in middle Tennessee got together and translated the 'King James' into 'Jackson County' language..... no joke, read on...

The Hillbilly's Ten Commandments (posted on the wall at Cross Trails Church in Gainesboro, TN)


(1) Just one God
(2) Put nothin' before God
(3) Watch yer mouth
(4) Git yourself to Sunday meetin'
(5) Honor yer Ma & Pa
(6) No killin'
(7) No foolin' around with another fellow's gal
(8) Don't take what ain't yers
(9) No tellin' tales or gossipin'
(10) Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff
Now that's kinda plain an' simple, don't ya think? Y'all have a nice day.

Have you ever...?

Something that happened yesterday inspired me to blog this....
have you ever....?

1. Have you ever been somewhere and it is really loud, so you are raising your voice to talk and all of the sudden the it gets quiet but you keep talking at the same volume?

2. Have you ever said "your mom" as a comeback to a person who's mom just died?

3. Have you ever thought it was safe to pass gas knowing full well there was no one around and then someone comes into your office or room? (and it always seem to smell so much more than usual)

4. Have you ever made a really rude comment while the windows are rolled down not paying attention that anyone could probably hear you?

5. Have you ever been to a wedding and got caught up in dancing silly and then felt really embarrassed after thinking about it?

6. (inspired by yesterday) Have you ever been a place to eat and commented on a certain meal or food that you thought was really gross only to notice that the person at the next table was eating that food/meal? And they obviously heard you...

7. Have you ever put on a dark blue navy sock and a black sock thinking that they were matching only to find that they are not so you do everything possible so no one will notice?

well I know who.... Me

enjoy!!

Silence of a cynic.

I often find myself looking for things to critique. To expose some legitimate observation of what I feel would work or what I feel I see is lacking in substance. My wife said to me last night, "you have a lot to say about everything", to which I thought, "gee thanks!". Then I realized I became that guy. You know, that guy that as an opinion about anything and everything. Not to say he doesn't know what he is talking about, it is just different.
I don't know when I became this person. Somewhere between when I left the Church I was working for and when I graduated school. Something within that frame of time I became the CYNIC. I do not claim to know everything, but I feel I have a lot to say whether it be of merit or not. I just like to be in discussion about various norms/practices.
God is doing a tremendous work within me. and that is all I have to say about that!

"Margin"incapability

Interesting study I read about how people who are sad will spend more/unwisely. Makes sense considering anyone who is sad/down in the dumps wants to make themselves feel or at least appeart to be better. The study by which they used is a little confusing but very thought provoking. So next time you are down in the dumps, remember to keep that margin. Or else you will have more (literally) to be sad about (e.g. Debt, buyer's remorse).

I have no money too spend so that makes me sad thus makes me want something new. There is a complex for you.
If I'm down and out I always look for music... A new Cd that express my disappointment/emotion/emotionless state.

New Life as come Forth!

My sister Joanna delivered her second child last night. She gave birth to a wopping 9 lb 14oz boy (Brady Reynolds). Let us rejoice in this most glorious day!

The Tides are turning red

I just read this interesting article about born again Christians that no longer favor just Republican Candidates. While Evangelicals remain mostly on the conservative spectrum, I am glad to see that perhaps people are taking a better look at the issues (or maybe Bush caused them to turn away, I don't know?). I suppose on some grand scheme that it is a popularity vote and lets be honest who is on the Republican side? But on the serious, I think it is time for Evangelicals to constructively critique the reason why they vote. There are so many important issues to think about from both sides, not just the side with what we/I think is best for this country. Thats my two cents. Peace like a river!

check it out for yourself:
http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdateNarrow&BarnaUpdateID=291

Invocation

O' Lord, the house of my soul is narrow; enlarge it that thou mayest enter in. It is ruinous, O repair it! It displeases thy sight; I confess it, I know. But who shall clense it, or to whom shall I cry but unto thee? Cleanse thy servant from strange sins.
- St. Augustine

Renovate

Renovate: To restore to a previous or better state; Make brighter or prettier; Give new life or engergy to.

I am vivified in my pursuit of the things that life has to offer. So as I begin I would like to invite anyone and everyone to join in this pursuit.