nothing is sound

music and thoughts

2010-12-09T21:53:00.004-06:00

So...one of my favorite parts of Christmas is the music. Classic songs, parodies, and of course, songs of Christ's birth. I listened to probably my favorite song about just that tonight on the way home from OKC. It is called, 'A Strange Way to Save the World'. That song is one of the songs in my life that can bring me to my knees in thankfulness. But, the message of it is so simple...so real. Joseph thinking, "Why me? Why Him? Why her?" It just seems such a strange way...to save the world. It always get me thinking...
If you have never heard the song, look at up. I remember my old pastor, Chris Philbeck, singing the song. But, probably my favorite version is Michael Crawford. Good stuff.

Another song that Michael Crawford has on his Christmas CD that I love (and that touches me no matter who sings it because of the lyrics, but wow, can Mr. Crawford belt it out!) is 'O Holy Night'. "Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!" Man. Chills.

Christmas time is a time of reflection too...well, and New Year's. The end of the year process, I guess. It's funny in a way, sometimes I think I reflect too much...not living in the present enough. I think a lot...and I like to be alone to think. It seems the more I get older, the more I want to be alone with my thoughts...but, my thoughts tell me I should be more relational. It sure is hard.

To be honest, I have never let myself grow close to people I love...and that is no way to live. It is the safe way, sure, but did Christ want us to live safely? I am sorry for my family and my friends for the way I am. I should be more open, more transparent...less selfish and less closed. It is hard for me. The closer I get to people I love, the more anxious I get about anything that could hurt me or them. If I am not close, when something happens, I won't hurt...much. Losing my mom hurt. A lot. Losing Nicole's mom hurt a lot. I know it is part of life, but I don't like it. But. I have to change. I need to live my life involved, invested in my relationships. Hurt when those around me hurt...laugh when those around me laugh. Live. Life.

I have been failing miserably. And I ask your forgiveness. I will try to change. Again, it is hard, but I will try. Change my focus. Look for happiness where it needs to be looked for...look for love where it needs to be looked for...live life for whom it needs to be lived.

And that...is not me.

days

2010-09-12T16:19:00.005-05:00

Ever have one of those days when everything just comes to a head? And then you lose it? And then you are embarrassed that you lost it? Yesterday was the day for me, I guess.

I'm tired, I'm fed up with everything...and I know I am the one that has to do something about it and don't seem to want to do anything about it. Familiarity breeds complacency, right? I have been complacent in a lot of things and that has to change...tomorrow. Heh, heh. Had to throw that in. :)

One of the areas I have been complacent is in relationships. I thought I had some at one point, some pretty good friends...ones that you would think would be there for you, would take a stand for you. But then...something comes up. Oh well, no need to beat a dead horse.

Well...last night started a new small group. Everything went well. Of course, I think I will always have that little bit of trepidation going into the relationships because of the past, but hope to move on. We had a great night of fellowship, learned some new things and the kids all seemed to get along good with each other which is always a plus.

A new day has dawned and things are looking a little better...time to make an effort to keep them that way. :)

Until next time.

-r

The Revolutionary Paul Revere, by Joel Miller

2010-07-10T15:26:00.001-05:00

A timely addition to the various books on men who helped lay the foundation of our country, The Revolutionary Paul Revere has great insight to the life of Paul Revere. The book starts with a little family history and the paths to Boston. The young Paul learns a trade and is shaped into the man the country needed in a time of need.

The book was a little slow in the beginning, but was necessary background information of how Paul became involved with key people in our nation's formation. His skills as a craftsman put him in position to meet various people in different levels of society. The book also delves into his entry and ascension into the Masons and friendships formed.

The book quickly speeds up as England begins to try and force taxes and importation laws on the colonies. As the incidents heat up, Paul becomes more involved with the business of espionage and delivering information to other colonies, including the famous ride to warn of plans to destroy ammunitions in Concord and the arrest of Hancock and Adams. The rest of the book flows nicely during the war and after, where Paul expands his business, always learning new skills for wages and to help the fledgling nation.

The book seemed very well researched and meticulously noted in almost 30 pages of references. This book is a great comprehensive look into the life of Paul Revere.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

man

2010-05-20T07:27:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I went to a funeral of a great man.

His life was well remembered.

If my life can be lived half as great as his, I will be successful.

Thanks Phil...for who you were.

-R

Living Life in the Zone by Kyle Rote, Jr. and Dr. Joe Pettigrew

2010-03-20T15:58:00.002-05:00

Living Life in the Zone by Kyle Rote, Jr. and Dr. Joe Pettigrew

Handling scenarios and everyday occurrences in a Godly manner and being a better man of God is the theme of this daily devotional book. The book is written by men, for men and using 'Playmakers' as examples of how men deal with life situations. It is set up as a 40-day spiritual game plan and easily relates to men's lives.

The book is broken down into different sections or ‘zones’ in your life with which men deal on a daily basis: God, family, friends, jobs and your future. I enjoyed reading stories of famous people, such as James Brown from CBS to the not-so- positive examples of Michael Vick and Coach Bobby Knight. The book helped me look at my daily situations in a less selfish manner and more focused on God and what my priorities should be.

Even if you are a man that does not normally read books, you will look forward to reading the short daily devotionals in this book. The ‘thought of the day’ can help you remember the subject throughout the day and live your life ‘in the zone’.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

God speaks

2010-02-23T20:40:00.002-06:00

So...if you follow me on Twitter, you know I have had some questions. The one most recent though is the fact that God is speaking to me and I am trying to figure out exactly what He wants me to get out of what He is saying. Does that make sense? :)

Within the last couple of weeks or so, in different scenarios, a scripture has been coming up in conversations, in devotionals and even a website I visited today. Coincidence? No.

But, as I was telling Nicole, I just wish He would yank me up to Heaven and tell me point blank like Isaiah...or write it on the wall like He did to King Belshazzar or just appearing to Abraham during the day for a spot to eat before he took out Sodom and Gomorrah. She replied that it was like the song by Todd Agnew...Written on the Wall, we think is the one. Talks about the same thing.

Anyway, I mentioned that I am thankful He is trying to tell me something even when I am dense and cannot figure out exactly what (or I am just blocking out anything that I think in the back of my mind I don't want to deal with). I also told her that the last time something like this happened to me was a period of time before my mom died. He kept reminding me that He loves me more than I could ever understand...and that His compassion is new every morning. I couldn't understand why He kept telling me this, kept reminding me in ways that were too obvious to ignore. Then, my mom died. All of that came flooding to me at that time. I could never understand how much He loves me...how much He loves my mom. I was able to go through that time, I am sure, so much easier than had He not kept bringing to my attention that He loves me...He cares for me...He is with me in the weeks leading up to her death. No doubt about it.

So, that brings me to present day. He is reminding me that I need to trust Him. Why? It makes me nervous. And then, as I told Nicole, I feel bad for feeling nervous. :) Just because He is reminding me of something doesn't mean something bad is going to happen. I should be grateful He is talking to me so obviously.

What about you...do you ever get nervous about what God has in store?

-R

thoughts

2010-02-06T18:29:00.004-06:00

Have you ever had one of those days where there are so many thoughts going on in your head that you think you probably should write them down at that moment or you are going to forget all of these random thoughts? That was my morning. :) And I did not get them all written down, but here are some thoughts on a couple...

I got to enjoy some time with the boys this morning as they came in and interrupted my time on the computer. :) I was going through messages and getting ready to update the books when Ethan pops his head in. He sounded like Isabella from Phineas and Ferb...'Whatcha doooin'?' I think he heard my music playing first and that is what drew him in. I was listening to Switchfoot's Hello Hurricane CD and he loves that CD. Of course, he demanded that we listen to 'Mess of Me' right then. Then Evan walks in...he wants to listen too. So, instead, I pulled up the video for 'Mess of Me' on You Tube. They love it. Then they want to watch Project 86 videos. We ended up watching videos from Switchfoot, Project 86, Skillet, Disciple...good times. :)

While watching the video for 'This is Home' from Switchfoot, I got wrapped up in the lyrics. Great song, and if you watch the video, Jon explains a little about the song. But, the line - 'Created for a place I've never known.' - great stuff...especially if you have read C.S. Lewis material. It is truly like we are living in the Shadowlands and we are longing for the place we were created for. Love that song. Also, while watching that and 'Mess of Me', I started thinking of how cool it would be to be that band member (in this case, Jon) singing to the crowd and walking through them, grabbing their hands, entering their lives. I know a lot of people daydream about being a rock star for the travel, the fun, the frivolity. But, watching this video...what stands out to me is he gets to see all of these people, relate to them. They are telling him, 'I know what you mean...I feel the same way.' Music is a very powerful medium...and Switchfoot pulls it off. Which brings me to another idea that was rolling around in my head....

Relationships. We need them. Sure, we get some sort of community from Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites, but they never can take the place of true human interaction. I need someone to talk to when things are getting rough. I can talk to my wife, but not about everything. There are some things that men need to talk to another man about. Get things off his chest, bounce things and ideas off of each other, have a camaraderie with someone else that relates, that gets it. I need to get that back, a friend to turn to when I need some advice on things. I have lost that...and I miss it.

Do the same sort of thoughts roll through your head time to time? Hit me up on Twitter sometime...make your thoughts known. :)

-R

book review

2010-02-02T20:50:00.002-06:00

I received my new book yesterday from Thomas Nelson to review through BookSneeze. Looking forward to digging in. They sent me the book, Living Life in the Zone. It's a 40-Day Spiritual game plan for men. I am going to start digging in tomorrow...look for a review, well, in 40 days or so. :)

I got that big hunk of a cast off of my leg today! Woo hoo! But, let me tell you, it sure hurts to walk on it now. It has been in a cast for 6 weeks and not had any pressure on it at all, so now that I am trying to put pressure on it, it is understandably not happy about it. But, I shall prevail! No more cast baby! I don't want to break that again!

Hopefully wrapping up a network install tomorrow. It has gone on longer than I thought it would, but they should be screamin' along down the road with new Cisco phones and new workstations and laptops running Windows 7. Love new networks...good, clean installs as opposed to existing networks after months/years of WinRot. :)

Off to do some exercises with the foot!

Until next time...

musings

2010-01-23T17:08:00.002-06:00

I read in Genesis today about Dinah and Shechem and the revenge Dinah's brothers (Jacob's sons) inflicted on Shechem, his dad...and well...every male in the town. Brutal. Good tactic though...get them to agree to circumcision and then come in and kill them while they are so sore they can barely move. Then take their stuff, wives and kids for good measure...I would say that'll teach 'em...but they didn't live to learn the lesson!

Looking forward to receiving my new book from Thomas Nelson Publishers so I can get started on it. Then look for my review here on my blog when I am done.

I shouldn't have started this blog...had some things to discuss, but need to go to take some food to some friends and see the new baby boy! Watch out Cody...here we come!

Until next time...

-R

books...and more

2010-01-17T17:52:00.004-06:00

I am wanting to read more books this year. Who would have thought? :) I signed up with Thomas Nelson to read books and blog about them, but have not heard back from them yet...hoping to get something from them soon since it involves free books. Who could ask for anything more?

I have started reading the Bible through this year...I have done it before, but this time a different translation. I am not going to be so legalistic as to get bummed out when I miss a day or two...it isn't like I cannot catch up to the so-called 'reading plan'. It is just about reading the book that has changed countless lives throughout the years...including mine. This isn't a study either...that is in addition to.

Going through the book of James with other guys at The Assembly at the moment on Wednesday nights, but even that leaves me wanting. Have you ever noticed that you want to read the Bible, enjoy reading the Bible, love to study the Bible and the things that can change your life and yet...you find yourself not accomplishing it as much as you want? I think that is a challenge we all face...it's constant. Fighting the battle of busyness and distraction.

Speaking of which...even though I am reading the Bible through, I obviously am wanting to and reading other books...and trying not to let that get in the way of me doing other things. I just bought the book, The Lightning Thief, which is also coming out in theaters soon. I have always had a thing for Greek mythology and the stories. Looking forward to reading the series....yes, I know...more of a young adult series, but that is ok...still looking forward to it. I mean, one of the best series out there is young adult, The Chronicles of Narnia, by one of the best authors out there..hello!

I am also reading other things...a Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives book (love that show!), The Pocket Guide to the Bible, and Can We Trust the Gospels. It is hard for me to put any book down, but I need to work on focusing on one book at a time this year...especially since I would like to share my thoughts on them.

Anyway, gotta run. I need to go build a 'Cars' car track with the boys. A late Christmas present from Erika!

-R

Twitter - Death of Blogs?

2010-01-14T22:13:00.002-06:00

Can Twitter be the death of blogs?

On one hand I enjoy being able to dispense information quickly in less than 140 characters and provide a link if needed. Quick. Easy. Accessible. Not to mention, if you have Windows 7, load the Twitter gadget, Twitter Explorer found here.

Then there are the topics that need a little more explanation. A little more detail. That is where the blog fits. I will be updating this blog more often this year with tidbits of information, the goings on of everyday life, the questions...hopefully, the answers. And, of course, more links to others' useful information and dispensary of wisdom.

I also hope to review some books, as well as music. There have been some great books I have read lately and I should probably share my thoughts on those as I have in the past with Donald Miller's musings. Good stuff.

Anyway...just a quick update to say, no, I have not forgotten you. If you need more of me, follow me on Twitter, that is usually updated several times a day. Just click on the Twitter icon on the right side of my blog in my profile section. Happy Twittering.

-R

revenge

2009-09-21T12:50:00.003-05:00

So...I was listening to this song from Jon Foreman again this morning. Probably one of my favorites from him. I thought I would share the lyrics...I think one of the best views on the crucifixion of Christ. It's from the view of the thief that gets ransomed at the end. Love it.
Enjoy.

I'm the failure, I'm everyone's fool
and I am losing my cool at the ends
I'm the loser, my number has come up
I have been hung up with thoughts of revenge.

I watched you from my terminal view
As you struggled to rise to your end
I laughed hard at the insults we threw
As the weight of the world found revenge.

How hatred and gravity won.

The world hung upside down
I drew first blood, I drew first blood.
With my hate for a crown
I drew first blood, I drew first blood...revenge.

I watched heaven dying today
And I'm gonna die here tonight
I'm the villain, I deserve to be dead
I've been hung up for wreaking my life...revenge.

So I stopped for a moment to look at the Son
Dying today
That's when the irony hit me
This was revenge, that Love had descended and stolen our pain away.

We consumed heaven's Son and I drew first blood.
My hate was undone, I drew first blood. Revenge.

Here's a story how a thief had been robbed
How a murder had stolen my rage
Think of me, Lord, I'm a few breaths away
As my lungs finally rip from the cage

Revenge

tongue

2009-05-16T11:13:00.002-05:00

Reading the Word this morning, my devotion was focused on Ephesians 5 and devotion to your spouse. Do you remember the vows you spoke to your wife? Have you reviewed them lately and determined through introspection whether you are keeping those vows? Just a quick thought and I knew I have failed in at least one area. Put the emphasis on at least. That area is my words. How do I speak to my wife? Am I pleasant at all times? Do I speak well of her to others? Do I stand by her? Wow...tough questions for a Saturday. :)

But, thinking in this area about how I talk to her and how I speak of her brought me to James 3. James talks about taming the tongue and how we can tame so many things, but not the tongue. How we can praise the Lord and yet curse men who are created in God's image with the same mouth. Ouch. Read that passage here.

I also want to share a couple of things that are in the Bibles I use. Typically I use my Men's Study Bible when I am studying the Word...it is a Promise Keepers Bible that I purchased years ago and really enjoy it. But here is an excerpt from a commentary on that part of scripture:

In this short passage, James bluntly addresses the issue of our
speech. Have you ever realized what a potentially wicked thing that little
muscle in your mouth is?
Make no mistake about it - the words you speak are powerful beyond
imagination. They expand or limit your friendships. They can make or
break your career opportunities. If you're married, they'll determine
the quality of your marriage. If you're a father, they'll shape your
children. (Emphasis mine.)
A godly man recognizes the tongue's power to build up or to tear
down. But the tongue only shapes the words that originate in our hearts
and minds. Hearts that are controlled by the Spirit's power will produce
speech that builds others up instead of tearing them down. In other words,
if we want to control our tongues, we must ask God to help us control our
hearts.

Good stuff there. In another commentary on this portion of scripture it talks about how an uncontrolled tongue can cause serious damage. It can divide people and pit them against each other...I have seen this recently. It has even affected how I see others because of what I have heard about them or heard that they have said something to others. The thing is...once something is said or heard, it cannot be taken back. Nicole at one point as a teacher has mentioned this to her students in an exercise where they squeeze out tooth paste out of a tube and then tell them to put it back in. You can't. Once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back. You can ask forgiveness, but the damage already happened and scars could remain even though there may be forgiveness.

Something to think about there. I need to control my mouth...watch how I talk to my wife and kids...and I can only do that with God's help...with my tongue and my heart. Hopefully this encourages someone else as well. Let's fight to get our hearts and tongues in the proper place.

-R

painted deserts

2009-03-28T13:34:00.002-05:00

Nice, snowy spring weather we are having right now! Thunder snow storms! Gotta love Oklahoma.

I just wanted to share a few quotes from the book I just finished, 'Through Painted Deserts', by Donald Miller. Good book, easy read, funny and thought provoking. These are a couple of things that caught me during the read:

"Many cities, these days, seem to have people living on the surface of life but hardly in its soil, diluting the deeper questions of life in television monologues and reality shows, amusing ourselves to death, as Neil Postman would say." [If you don't know who Neil Postman is, check out this link.]

"I start thinking again about what Paul was saying, about how we have to submit to whatever God has us on this journey for, about how we just have to agree that it is all His. And I know God made stars and friends and love and poetry to dazzle us, but there really is a part of me that wants some freedom, that doesn't want to have to do everything right or be religious anymore. It's not a serious struggle, but it's like I said about how and why questions, when you know the why, you are just kind of trapped, and when you only ask how and never ask why, you can be happy and ignorant. Even if God is taking the cosmos somewhere good, I begin to wonder what He does with folks who just want out."

""Yeah,", Paul confesses. "I guess I am. Nothing deep, really, just that, you know, I know you have been thinking about things and I just feel like God has put us here to enjoy Him, and He gave us free will so it is tough sometimes, because people use their free will selfishly, but I think also He created us to enjoy Him, that He is love, you know, and I would just hate to see you walk away from that. I mean, if He were love and all.""

[Standing in the mountains of Oregon watching the sun rise.]

"And if these mountains had eyes, they would wake to find two strangers in their fences, standing in admiration as a breathing red pours its tinge upon earth's shores. These mountains, which have seen untold sunrises, long to thunder praise but stand reverent, silent so that man's weak praise should be given God's attention.

It is a wonder that those exposed to such beauty forfeit the great questions in the face of this miraculous evidence. I think again about this small period of grace, and thank God for it, that if only for a season, I could feel the why of life, see it in the metaphor of light, in the endlessness of the cosmos, in the miracle of friendship. And had these mountains the ability to reason, perhaps they would contemplate the beauty of humanity, and praise God for the miracle that each of us is, pondering the majesty of God and the wonder of man in one bewildering context."

Anyway...good stuff from a good book. Check it out...check out the links...enjoy.

-r

thoughts

2008-12-24T13:32:00.002-06:00

Just a quick post as I am watching a workstation update...

Yesterday was a hard day for me. I blame it on work, but not sure that is it. Yes, I am upset that I have to work on Friday...out of town even, but it is a good thing I have a job, no? What is it then? Something underneath the surface is nagging at me...haven't figured out what yet though.

A cool part of the day yesterday morning was before I left for work, I heard Evan tell Nicole that he and Ethan would do their best to listen and obey today. It was one of those moments you just think is cool...maybe we aren't doing a bad job, maybe things are soaking in. I hope so...I know I have a lot of work to do in my life...my attitude, my responses to situations, etc., which brings me to the next thing I wanted to post...

I read another blog entry today from Andrew Schwab about forgiveness. He had some great things to say. Some of the people who posted some comments afterwards had some good things to say...if you look past the ones that seem to be agreeing with him because of who he is. It is a good article and has some good points, but it always seems to come down to the same thing in life: PRIDE. We have too much of it and it is usually our downfall. Even Christ was tempted with pride from Lucifer in the desert. Problem is pride is very strong in our lives and Christ was able to humble himself past the pride...and He had everything to be prideful about. Another reason we are to become like Christ. Will we ever get past pride totally in our lives? Doubtful...but we are supposed to try. Read the article and see what you think:
Andrew Schwab Blog

Hoping to get out of work soon...it is after all, Christmas Eve. Happy Incarnation to all!

Powell endorsement

2008-10-26T13:18:00.005-05:00

I love this excerpt from the blog from Stu with the Glenn Beck show...you can click on the link to go to his full blog:

Glenn Beck - Stu's Blog

Glenn went over some of the reasons why Colin Powell said he endorsed Barack Obama on Meet the Press:

"I think he is a transformational figure"
"He is a new generation coming"
"Because of his ability to inspire"
"Because of the inclusive nature of his campaign"
"Because he is reaching out all across America"
"Because of who he is"
"His rhetorical abilities"
"He has both style and substance"

Apparently to Powell, this is "the standard of being a successful president, being an exceptional president."

Huh?

I’m not one to care about who endorses who, and I don’t think endorsements generally matter that much. This probably is about as big as they get, and I still don’t know if it will change too many people’s minds at this point.

More importantly though-- shouldn't democrats shun Powell's endorsement? I mean, reject it out of hand. This is THE guy who "lied" to you about WMDs. Remember that?

habitat show

2008-10-06T21:38:00.003-05:00

Good evening.

Went to the Music Builds Tour last night in OKC. Red, Jars of Clay, Robert Randolph and The Family Band, switchfoot and Third Day.

All had great sets...at the end they were all on stage (except Red) and sang, 'When Love Comes to Town'..the old U2 song. All in all...great show!

More later.

-r

things

2008-08-26T22:34:00.002-05:00

Four things I liked about today...

1) Driving in the sunny weather thinking about my boys playing on the playground

2) Talking to the boys and Nicole while eating dinner and listening about their day at school

3) Video taping the boys acting very silly

4) Going to a client at 9pm and not having to stay very long! :)

blahg

2008-08-20T22:57:00.002-05:00

Been awhile...thought I would share something of my day.

Started out with watching it rain through the office window after the wife and kids left for school, I like to watch it rain.

Went to a client and even though I had to reload a workstation because of a nasty bug, I had fun because the people that work there are fun.

Was asked 7 questions in a group setting at church tonight and mine was, "What is something God has been showing you lately?" I said He has been showing me that I am selfish and talked to my group about it. But then, Rob walked around to the groups and had someone pick out a number and whomever had that question had to tell the entire congregation what they had answered...and it was me. So then I told everyone there that God had been showing me I am selfish and that I need to change. That was fun. :-|

My day in a nutshell.

-R

jon foreman

2008-07-08T21:46:00.002-05:00

Just a quick note (it's been awhile)...

If you have not heard the Jon Foreman solo stuff (singer for Switchfoot)...check it out. He has released four EP's called 'Spring', 'Summer', 'Fall' and 'Winter'. You can download them or have them shipped to you.

Go here!

-r

travel/study

2008-05-22T20:16:00.002-05:00

Man...what a couple of weeks. I think my brain has almost passed out. I have one more day of studying and exams and then I will board the plane back home with four more initials after my name. Is it worth it? Me not being with Nicole when her brother died and missing the funeral even? She seems to think so...she says I am taking care of the family by doing it.

I wanted to do this, but I was torn as well. Get it all done in a short amount of time and then focus on the roll outs and the details of the system when I return back to town.

It is going to be good. CUCM is a cool product and will be fun to work with...so I glad I am getting this opportunity. It never hurts to have a Cisco Professional level certification either!

So...tomorrow around noon Pacific time, I will be taking the last test to get my Cisco Certified Voice Professional certification and flying back into town! Woo hoo!

Wish me luck!

-r

adultery

2008-05-01T07:55:00.003-05:00

Reading through Proverbs this morning, I ran across this...a sidebar in my Bible (the Strive edition for Men). It talks about the dangers of adultery...something every man has struggled with, struggling with or will struggle with at some time in their marriage. It was an issue back then, it is an issue now...check out the warnings below (first the scripture, then the sidebar):

Wisdom will save you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words, who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. Surely her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead. None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.
Proverbs 2:16-19

If you've ever toyed with the idea of having an affair, you know how strong the allure of a new sexual conquest can be. That thrill of erotic pursuit can have a hypnotizing effect on guys - to the point that we block out all else, including common sense.
If you're under such a spell, this passage in Proverbs should act as a slap in the face. Something to wake you from your fantasy world.
Regardless of how smooth or calculating you think you are, you can't pursue an affair without destroying what you have with your wife. That's a given. Experts may tell you that relationships can be pieced back together after an affair. But things can never be the same as they were before. There are no 'do-overs' where faithfulness is involved.

-r

nomads

2008-04-22T21:06:00.002-05:00

Having no house of your own is weird. Although, I drove by the house today and it is coming along...I will think about posting a picture of it sometime.

Three things about today that were cool...

1) The coffee tasted extra good this morning! :)

2) More coffee at the office...whenever Craig and I are at the office at the same time, there is usually coffee involved

3) Getting the B-ACD script working correctly on the phone system

Until next time...

-r

things

2008-04-09T10:36:00.003-05:00

OK...going to talk about three things a little later, but an update on things first.
Sold the house last week and moved into a friend's house that is on the market, but empty since they are living in their new house already. Been there for about a week and a half...now it is sold and we have to be out of it by the 18th! What fun. Of course, we are going to be house hopping with friends until the new house is finished, which is about the end of May, first of June.
No worries though...God is in control.

Man...the storms the other night! Holy cow! Thought the windows were going to blow out from the wind and the hail...have to love that Oklahoma weather!

Here are my three things for today...or yesterday I should say!

1) Having time to go through some scripture with the Lord before work...misc scripture that talks about being just and merciful; but also Old Testament scripture that points to grace; God wanting us and our hearts, not the empty sacrifices that we offer in lieu of a right heart

2) Getting to have lunch with a good friend and talking about misc things and getting his input on issues

3) Getting a shampoo and haircut...gotta love the feeling of someone else washing your hair

Have to get to work...and watch the radar for that incoming weather! Sweet!

vacation

2008-03-20T17:13:00.002-05:00

Sitting in Dizzy Beans coffee shop in Gulf Shores, Alabama...coffee is fair, definitely not Doubleshot.

I don't know if you have read lately about people wanting to be happy...no kidding? One of the ways they say to help with that is to journal everyday about things that are positive. Cool...I get that...focus on the positive. There are other things though...maybe filling that empty hole in your heart with the only thing that can fill it...God. Hmmm....novel concept. This Easter Sunday may just be the time to go to your local church to find out more about the Risen Lord. He fills me up every day...no matter how many times I mess up and what not. That's the beauty of grace. :)

Anyway...I still like the idea of thinking about the positive things in life. Journaling about them. There is a website/blog that does just that, Three Beautiful Things. Check it out.

Here are my three things for today:

1) Being awakened by the rising sun in Alabama after a good night's sleep

2) Having both of my boys curl up with me on the couch to watch Curious George while I drink my coffee

3) Seeing God's strength and glory in the waves of the ocean this week

Quick and to the point...I could list more, but I have to run to get the wife and kids after seeing a movie!

-r

thanksgiving

2007-11-22T13:26:00.001-06:00

Well, another Thanksgiving is here. I am thankful I am not cooking the turkey this year, I really didn't want to mess with it this year. As a matter of fact, I do not think I am going to eat any turkey this year either. Imagine that...no turkey. Now ham on the other hand...I will eat that. :)

Couple of things I just wanted to drop...

My son just not obeying today...just basically snubbing his nose at me. Frustrating. Then it hit me. I wish it hadn't really, but it did. The words in John 14:15...

"If you love me, you will obey what I command."

So this is how God feels when I am disobedient...sort of. Much more enhanced I am sure. How can I get so bent out of shape when my sons are disobedient when I do the same thing to my Father? If that isn't a slap in the face.

This morning as I am lying in bed awake...just praying to the Lord. Thanking Him. Thinking about what if I am the one to pray at my brother's house over the Thanksgiving dinner...what would I pray? Then it turned into...if I am thinking about what I would pray in front of other people...why can't I pray that right now? It isn't about what I pray in front of other people...it is what is in my heart and what I talk to the Lord about myself. When no one else is around. It is just me and Him. A relationship. That is what a lot of people do not get about Christianity...and that is a fault of ours because we have not explained it well enough I guess. It is not about religion, it's about a relationship.

OK...the things I will leave with...the things I am thankful for...in no particular order.

My kids
My wife
My brother
My house
My job
My church
My friends
My life
My faith
And most of all, my savior, Jesus Christ.

Be thankful...be thoughtful...

-r

long time

2007-11-14T21:38:00.000-06:00

Hey there...long time, no post. It seems that is what I write every time I update this blog. I stink at keeping it updated. I should see it as therapeutic , right? Whatever.

I am supposed to be getting a lesson ready for my small group this Sunday night and I haven't even started that. I am so pathetic. :)

Life has been going on...boys are getting bigger, I'm getting bigger! :) I am starting to get back into the exercise routine...it is hard though getting up at 5am to do some exercise before going to work. It will payoff in the end though, right? I should feel better too, right?

Nicole is running the half marathon this Sunday...here is a link: Tulsa Route 66 Marathon

Anyhoo...my life is pretty boring on the details. When I think of something better to write, I will. Until then...upward and onward.

-r

misc

2007-06-05T21:25:00.000-05:00

Sitting here in the good ol' Days Inn in Nevada, MO...listening to my Pandora station called Project 86. If you haven't checked out Pandora...you have to...imperative. I also found about another site like it called last.fm, but I haven't done anything with it yet. Just caught the link on another guy's blog.

Nevada, MO...bet you are wondering why I am here in this booming metropolis. Home of Cotty College...an all girls college. That's not why I am here. :) I am here installing another Cisco Unified Communications Express system for a client that has a branch office here. Ate at a place tonight called Cherry Street Cafe. Pretty good food...I had some kind of Tortellini that had some basil sauce with walnuts and such. It was good. It was in a building that used to be part of a historical hotel. Nice. It seems that the town closes around 7-7:30 though...weird. There were a couple of places that were open, but not much. We drove around and checked out some cool old houses after dinner then came back to the hotel...by about 8:30pm! :)

I have been traveling around a lot lately...Memphis, Shreveport, Dallas...it's been fun. For the near future though, it seems that I will be staying in town. Still installing the systems, but not out of town like recently. I like to travel and see places, but I do miss the family when I am gone. It is weird going to bed at night not having kisses from the kids and wife...

Well...I have some reading to do. Going to close down and take care of that before I get some rest. I really am going to try and keep this updated on a more timely basis. Riiiiiggghhhht.

-r

blog-o-rama

2007-04-21T12:53:00.000-05:00

Here I am sitting in my favorite coffee house...studying. :(

I just wanted everyone to know that it is a beautiful day outside...and I am studying. Bleh!

At least I had some good coffee!

-r

checking in

2007-04-03T21:45:00.000-05:00

I thought earlier this evening...hmmm...maybe I will have time to blog tonight, the wife is away doing the bunco thing.

Then I catch up on a few issues from work. Then...let's blog. First, I haven't checked the blogs I used to read in a while...think I will do that.

Now, I am here...and I need to go to bed. I'm tired. So much for blogging. I will leave this tidbit though:

Check out this book. I am actually listening to it, but it is good stuff so far.

The Slumber of Christianity by Ted Dekker

Thanks for listening...reading. Whatever.

-r

life

2007-01-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

Sorry no posting lately...life has been going on and not in the virtual world here. Just life.

This past week I have had two friends lose a parent to cancer. Of course, it brings up more memories of my mother dying of cancer in 2005. Cancer sucks.

You know everytime I think of blogging and what I am going to blog about, I really don't have the time to do so. It is aggravating at times, and then I also think...priorities. What are my priorities? Am I spending time on the things I need to? Case in point...I made sure I spent some time in the Word this morning before I logged onto my computer. If I don't do that first, I end up spending too much time on the computer and then I cannot open my Bible and opening my Bible and studying or just reading is more important in the scheme of things than getting on my computer to browse or post to the blog or whatever. OK, I am rambling. :)

Anyway, I read Romans 8:28-39 today and was doing a little study on it. Comforting passage of scripture. When things are just not going well...you are suffering through things, like a death of someone or sickness or whatever, this is a passage to check into. God has good things planned for us, sometimes it is just hard to remember that in the midst of things. Another good scripture is just before that one in Romans 8:18. It is all perspective.

Gotta run...

thankfulness

2006-10-16T17:42:00.000-05:00

Thank you God for Your unfailing love...

I love you too!

-r

stuff

2006-10-06T23:33:00.000-05:00

OK...so it has been a while. I have been busy...very busy.

I had all of these thoughts running through my head that I wanted to post. I was in the shower thinking about things. Then I logged in after my shower and start perusing other people's sites...I am not sure if I remember what I was going to blog about. :)

I know one thing was this:

I was cleaning the shower before I took one. It was dirty. Very dirty. I had to scrub hard. It got me to thinking about spiritual applications. How we always try to clean up our lives...we can work hard at it, not even really noticing that we are working on it ourselves. The thing is...we don't have to. Now, don't leave just yet. I am not saying we don't need to change, that is what repentance is all about. We make a 180 degree turn. We change. For Christ. And He is the one that does the cleaning. We can't. He doesn't even have to scrub...that's power man. It also reminds me of the part in "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" by C.S. Lewis, where Eustace had turned into a dragon because he was so beastly, but then he changes...and that causes him to want to change. Make since? :) In comes Aslan. Takes him to peel off the dragon scales to return to his 'boy' self again. He finds something like a zipper and quickly unzips it, only to find that as he steps out, he is still a dragon. Bummer that. So he tries again...same thing. Several times until Aslan says that He needs to do it and tells Eustace to turn around. With a nice big motion of His paw, he digs the claws in and rips the scales off of Eustace. It hurts, but not for long as the scales just come apart. There is Eustace in what looks like new skin...Aslan lets him take a bath in the coolest water...it stings right at first, but then is the most refreshing bath he ever has. Good stuff....Jesus does the work, it may hurt, but not for long...as everything is as new. But at this point, you have a responsibility. Turn your life around. Do not conform to this world...not that hard really. Your priorities, your focus changes. You focus on Christ. As much as you can.

Another thing I was going to write about was something similar. I shaved tonight...the entire face. Didn't leave the goatee...I shaved my whole face. Feels weird...but it is like getting a fresh start. It's nice. I could write more, but I am tired. So I will leave it at that.

Until next time...

route 66

2006-08-14T08:48:00.000-05:00

OK...first day of vacation this week. Boys are watching Elmo's World on Sesame Street and Mommy is at work getting her classroom ready for this year. So, the boys and I will be hanging out today. I think we are going to Sam's and run around a little bit. Just boys stuff...

I wanted to share these pics since I took them, just haven't had the chance. I took them on the way back from Edmond, OK one night on our way back home from the in-laws. There is history here. First is the Round Barn in Arcadia. Then just outside of Arcadia is a sign I took a picture of...it basically says it was the east boundary of the land run of 1889 in Oklahoma. History...cool stuff.

I'm off to get the boys ready for the day with Daddy!

-R

era

2006-07-26T20:13:00.000-05:00

It was the end of an era this evening...ok, only about 4 to 5 years, but still.
We had to cut this tree:

Down to this:

Sad...but it was growing out of control...the roots were starting to go down the side of the house into the backyard. Not good.

So farewell ol' tree...your branches won't keep me up at night because the wind is blowing them up against the guttering. :)

rudeness

2006-07-23T16:27:00.000-05:00

OK...as a follower of Christ I need to love people. All people...not just some, but all. But, man, that is so hard sometimes.
Let's take yesterday for example. We go to Jason's Deli for lunch...and so does half of the city. OK, maybe not half of the city, but at least a lot of people from some tennis tournament. I am not sure if it was a tournament for tennis or a bunch of tennis players at a tournament on being rude and selfish. No excuse me here...no hello there. Just constantly pushing, standing around and stepping in front of everyone else just to get taken care of.
Is it me? Am I the one being selfish when I think the people are being rude because they are cutting me off to get something and not saying excuse me or anything? I mean, I got over it and thought...hmmm...there is a lesson to be learned here. Patience maybe? Not sure...
I do know this. Most of these people are hurting inside. I am to be their light, their example of Jesus. And I fail at that a lot. I just pray that I can do better.
When people are rude to me...just smile. Think about the fact that they could be dealing with things that I am unaware of...that I could never know. But...being there with a smile...a hello...just sharing happiness, maybe they will remember that. Maybe they will ask why I am happy...why I have the joy I have.
Next time I am surrounded by the rudeness...I pray that I reflect Jesus and not get irritated. He wouldn't have.

-R

eotw

2006-07-14T15:11:00.000-05:00

It's the end of the world as we know it...and I feel fine.

Israel defending itself...as it should. The US being criticized for standing behind Israel for defending itself...typical. The French cowering in the corner crying because Israel defended itself...predictable. Iran & Syria behind the Hezbollah actions...more than likely.

But, lest we forget...North Korea. China saying, well we don't think they should fire missiles, but they have the right...wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

Me? I just keep singing...

It's the end of the world as we know it...and I feel fine. :)

time

2006-05-22T16:45:00.000-05:00

So...wow...where does the time go? Been twenty days since I last blogged. You would think I would have more to talk about than that...well, you are right. Just don't have the time to do it as I would like. :)

Here are a couple of things that have been rolling in my head/caught my eye/made me go: hmmmm.

Started reading a little Thoreau. Walden. These two blurbs caught my eye:

Most men, even in this comparatively free country, through mere ignorance and mistake, are so occupied with the factitious cares and superfluously coarse labors of life that its finer fruits cannot be plucked by them. Their fingers, from excessive toil, are too clumsy and tremble too much for that. Actually, the laboring man has not leisure for a true integrity day by day; he cannot afford to sustain the manliest relations to men; his labor would be depreciated in the market. He has no time to be anything but a machine. How can he remember well his ignorance — which his growth requires — who has so often to use his knowledge?

I like that last line. We work so hard to stay ahead that we can't learn from our own ignorance or mistakes...next line, I am sure you have heard this one:

The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation.

How profound is that statement today? And this was written back in the mid-1800's. I know...nothing is new under the sun...read Ecclesiastes 1...oh here:

Ecclesiastes 1:9-11
What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is something new"? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time. There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow.

Although, I have not read Walden in its entirety yet, I agree with him on those points to an extent, but. There is always a but, isn't there? :) From what I have read regarding this work, he seems to go to extremes on his points, so I will be anxious to see what else he states in the writing. I do believe we make ourselves too busy at times though.

OK...what else have I seen that caught my eye? Ah, yes...I get an email every Monday Morning from Roy Williams from Wizard Academy and he had this to say a week or so ago:

"You can be anything you want to be," was once the anthem of America. But we seem to have twisted that sunlit dream into a shriveled demon that whispers, "Hurry, hurry, hurry and you can be everything you want to be." Too much to do, too little time. Tossed and turned by a too-much world, we're as tired as a termite in a yo-yo. And all along, we were just trying to find our way home. "Why am I here? What is my purpose? Who are my people? Where is my tribe?"

Another issue of being busy...are we seeing a theme here? Too busy for this...too busy for that...too busy, too busy, too busy.

And yet, I have found the time to post this blog. :)

Food for thought. Enjoy your day. Give God thanks that you even have the day, for He is the one who controls the days you get. What will you do with it?

pilgrimage

2006-05-02T20:54:00.000-05:00

Studying the book of Genesis in the Bible right now...starting to wrap it up actually. Last night I went over the death of Jacob and his blessing of Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Before that it talked about the meeting between Pharaoh and Jacob. When Pharaoh asked Jacob how old he was, he said, "The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers." (Gen. 47:9)
Pilgrimage. Another word for life. Just a thought...

This life is a pilgrimage...a pilgrimage to our home. You see, I am not a citizen of this world any longer, ever since I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. I am now a citizen of heaven. A son of the King. ("But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ"...Phillipians 3:20)

What is the purpose of my pilgrimage? To be more like Christ. And how is this for encouragement in that process?:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3

I need that encouragement often...because I feel that I fail often. I am not saying I walk around moping that I fail...Jesus came to give me life, abundant life (John 10:10)...not a desolate, always grieving, always in despair life. His grace is sufficient...it's a hard thing to wrap my mind around sometimes and, yet, so easy a concept.

Random thoughts...started by one word. Pilgrimage. How can I make my pilgrimage more meaningful for my boys? What spiritual legacy will I leave them? I pray that it is a process that benefits them and helps them on their pilgrimage.

golf

2006-04-29T15:08:00.000-05:00

Golf is a brutal sport. Brutal in the fact that I cannot defeat it. :) I do love to get out there on the course and play a round when I can though. David and I played Thursday...a guy named Scott joined us and played the course with us. We were at White Hawk in Bixby. Good time had by all, but man do I stink at golf! Except for the 16th hole...I actually made par on that hole. The rest of them though...not so good. Bogey, double bogey...triple bogey. Just call me Humphrey. Scott did give me a couple of pointers in my grip of the club...corrected my hitting the ball to the right, especially my PW. Now I have to work on my aim...after playing a while and standing to correct your errors, when you actually correct them in the proper manner, you have to modify your game.
I wish I could play more...I would probably get better. Practice makes perfect, right? Maybe I can head out to the driving range more often this season. I need to do something.

Rain...can you say, rain? Lots of it. You see, here in Oklahoma, we have been in a drought lately. Serious drought. We have been in a Fire Alert/Burn Ban for the past couple of months it has been so dry. Well...I think all of that is changing. Yesterday we received about 1.2 inches of rain...today, I would say about the same of not more. Ponca City has been worse...yesterday they got 3.2 I believe and still getting more today. We did need it, that's for sure. The ground has been so dry though, that the rain is not soaking into the ground as fast as it is falling. Which causes some flooding in the streets and creeks. But, I think it is getting in the ground fairly well right now though...we still have standing water, but the ground is lapping it up as quick as it can...you can already see things turning green again...pretty cool.

Kids. What can you say about the kids, I say to myself. I just got out of their room telling them to take a nap. Don't know if they are going to though. They are so wound up. We bought them new baseball hats today...Evan got a Sooners one and Ethan got a Pokes one. Uncle D will be so proud. Of Ethan's hat that is. So, of course, they wanted to wear them to bed for their nap. Nothing doing we said...you can have them back when you get up. Now I think they are thinking...hmmm...get them back after nap, huh? Let's just not take one...yeah. We get the hats back, everyone's happy. They are getting crazier everyday I think.
It is pretty cool though, how they are growing up. New challenges daily though...with discipline and how to handle things. We have to start thinking about getting that thumb out of Ethan's mouth. He doesn't have it in there constantly, but too much I think. If I say something to him about his thumb being in his mouth, he will take it out for a second, but then Evan will stick his thumb in his mouth and then I look back at Ethan and his is back in too. See what I mean...crazier. But, it is getting more fun to interact with them though. The other say we let them try something called 'Veggy Booty'. Some kind of weird rice cake type chips with seaweed and other nasty stuff...but healthier than Cheetos. :) They liked them. They thought since I picked them up for them that they were daddy's chips. So when Ethan wanted more...he said he wanted more Daddy's booty. Great. Tell that one to the neighbors. I want Daddy's booty...that will go over real well. The life and times of 2 year old twins. Interesting. Never boring.

I gave in the other day at the store. Couldn't help it. There they were. On sale. Taunting me. Winking at me in their blue packaging. I couldn't resist...2 for $4. That's a deal brother. So I grabbed a package...I thought that it was better to get just one at $2 than to get two at 50lbs, if you know what I am singing. But, I did it. I bought the bag of Oreos. I had the intention of taking them to work because I wouldn't eat them all at once there. Just a few here and there when I was in the office. I even put them in my car to keep them out of my house. That didn't work. Last night, I heard them. The sirens' song of the Oreo's. Circe warned Homer, but no one warned me. I went to the car and there they were again in all of their chocolatey beauty. Of course, my wife had to have a few since I brought them in. I didn't think she was happy with me at that moment...dangling that chocolatey goodness in front of her. But, it happened. I opened the bag. We ate half of the bag of Oreo's. In one sitting. Me more so than her. They were good. Very good. But now I remember why we don't buy them at the store. I will eat them if they are in the house. Quickly. As if they will never make more. I need to join OA. "Hi. My name is Ray. I am an Oreoholic."

-R

religion/faith

2006-04-26T12:11:00.000-05:00

Two posts in one day. Of course, it is the first day.

There are many thoughts that go through my head regarding the title of this blog. Religion...faith...not the same thing though. Muddy waters. Purify. Clarification. That is what it needs I believe.

Religion is just that...religion. Man's attempt at faith maybe? Mucking up what Christ had in store for us? Let's look at the Merriam Webster definition, shall we:
1 a : the state of a religious b (1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices3 archaic : scrupulous conformity : CONSCIENTIOUSNESS 4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith

Hmmm...doesn't seem that bad, does it? But, I think man in his ardorous search for God, spiritual wisdom, meaning or what have you...is missing the point. I think the only place to look is the scriptures, the Word of God. Of course, that assumes you believe that the Bible is the Word of God...the 'God-breathed' scriptures, good for correction, for teaching. And, yes, I believe that it is God-breathed, God-inspired, whatever term you want to use. No other book like it. 40 authors, yet still the same theme in the entire book. God's redemption for mankind. Even with all of the translations, passing down of the scriptures throughout time, it is still reliable. When the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, after examination/scrutinization and comparing to known original Hebrew Masoretic texts...they found only 17 'letters' that were different. Most were spellings, a few were a matter of usage or style, and only one word was completely different...and the meaning of the text was not changed. The Bible itself testifies to its reliability. OK...how did I get off on that...this was supposed to be about faith and religion.

Anyway...religion is an (according to the above definition) institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices. Practices the word I focus on here. The whole point about God's grace to us, is just that. Grace. Nothing we can do can ensure our redemption. That is based on works, not faith. Only belief in Christ as the Messiah and the acceptance of His death on a cross and His resurrection, can we 'attain' God's grace and redemption. Here is a couple of verses on this subject from the Apostle Paul:

Galatians 2:21 (NLT)
I am not one of those who treats the grace of God as meaningless. For if we could be saved by keeping the law, then there was no need for Christ to die.

Galatians 5:4 (NLT)
For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God's grace.

But, does that mean, we don't need to worry about our actions? Nope...some more references:

Romans 6:14-15 (NLT)
Sin is no longer your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you to sin. Instead, you are free by God's grace. So since God's grace has set us free from the law, does this mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!

James 2:17-18 (NLT) So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." I say, "I can't see your faith if you don't have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds."

Faith will cause good deeds...not the other way around. It's a topic that will forever be discussed until the end of this world, I am sure. I just have these thoughts going through my head...therefore, the blog. So...of course, I think faith is the key here. Not religion or works. The 'works' come through faith. Blog, blog, blog...reading back through this, not sure I made my point...but just working through some thoughts.

Time for eats.

-R

genesis

2006-04-26T11:16:00.000-05:00

This is the first post to my blog, therefore genesis. Creative huh?

I had a day off entirely to myself today...no cell phone, no obligations (except those that are in my head), no precise plans. What to do, what to do? Start a blog, I says...get some thoughts off the ol' noggin. Always been wanting to do it, never have...perfect day for it.

So, I am sitting at my favorite coffee place, Doubleshot Coffee Company, blogging. Nice. Music playing in the background, listening to Jason (the guy behind the counter) talking about a coffee press for your home with a customer. I think my next coffee purchase is a French Press. Nothing like a great cup of coffee in my book. Especially if you can actually sit down and enjoy it and not be on the run. So, speaking of Doubleshot Coffee Company...let me put my voice out there in the growing controversy/situation surrounding this outstanding coffee shop. Seems Starbucks feels a little offended about Brian's (the owner) choice of a company name. They say it is a copyright infringement on their crappy Double Shot beverage. Now, don't get me wrong...I can swallow one of those in a pinch, but to honestly look at themselves in the mirror and convince themselves that Doubleshot Coffee is infringing on their Double Shot drink is a stretch. As Brian has said (and I agree) doubleshot is an industry term for two shots of espresso, not a refrigerated beverage from Starbucks. You can read about the whole ordeal at the website, I won't reiterate it here. The short end is that Starbucks is trying to throw their weight around and trying to get him to cease and desist. Unbelievable. When I first tried Starbucks, not bad I thought. Then I tried Seattle's Best while in Seattle. Blew them away. Didn't taste like burnt beans like most Starbucks coffee. Then Starbucks bought them out...guess they felt threatened there too. At least they let them still package their coffee and roast it the way they always had I assume. But, then one day whilst reading the paper I saw where this guy had opened a coffee shop in Tulsa...and roasts the beans right there in the store. Hold me back Betty...got a try this place. And finally got to. Man...no coffee had I ever put to my lips ever tasted so good. Amazing. Hooked. Need fabulous coffee? Come to Doubleshot Coffee. Order it off their website, whatever. Stinkin' great coffee.
Again...don't get me wrong...big business has their place in the world. But, come on. He isn't even looking to expand necessarily. Just wants to make great coffee for Tulsa. I am behind him...shaking from my caffeine buzz. :)

OK...enough about that.

This blog is to get things off me noggin, right? Little thoughts that cross my mind that I think I need to write down somewhere to keep track of the things I think about from time to time. So, therefore, I will. In a minute. Off to get a refill of the quite tasty Brazil Santos Mariah. Mmmmm...coffee. Good coffee. I will be back with another post shortly.