"What time is it?"

We typically use a clock (or watch) to track our time. I searched the internet to find who invented the first clock. I was quite surprised to learn that it seems no one really knows. Maybe he or she ran out of time before they could share their invention! But, aren’t you glad somebody did invent the clock? Can you imagine life without a clock or your watch? While on vacation recently I misplaced my watch. Ever done that? Well, I know it’s fashionable not to wear your watch while on vacation, but I was very uncomfortable without mine! I kept asking, “Has anyone seen my watch?” and “What time is it?” Fortunately, my stomach has a built in clock so I never forgot to eat! Tick-tock, tick-tick, tick-tock…

They say it happens around 3

I had heard that boys want to hang out with their Dad more and more when they reach around three years old. Well, it's happening at our house and it is very cool. My boy, Preston, is getting extra tight with me right now. He wants to go with me when I leave. He always wants to ride in Daddy's car. (BTW it is a 91 Honda Civic without A/C!). He was pretty clingy with his Mom, but things are changing fast. "Boys are strong... Daddy has big muscles...Daddy's car is fast..." Right now he is Robin and I'm Batman. How long will this last? Probably when puberty hits! I'll enjoy it while I can. To the Batcave!

Pawleys Island

My sister lives in the town of Pawleys Island, South Carolina. It is just down the coast from Myrtle Beach. We are palnning on heading down Sunday afternoon. It's a beautiful thing having family in some prime vacation spots. We also have family on the Outer Banks of N.C., in Connecticut and also in the NYC. I'm hoping to get a little rest, but I'm usually more beat after the vacation! My sister has two dogs and we are probably taking our new pup. Oh boy! I'll update when when I return (7/24).

The Diesel ("70 Chip")

There seems to be an absolute explosion in internet videos. YouTube is leading the charge along with many others. Well, I was wondering just how extensive the library for sports was. So, I searched for "John Riggins" and found two legendary runs by the "Diesel." It was awesome seeing those clips again. I'll never forget Riggo breaking off that touchdown run on 4th & one to win Superbowl XVII over the Dolphins. Most importantly that was also the day I became a Christian. My best memory period is forever attached to my favorite sports moment. January 30, 1983 ...That was a great day!

Because He's Jesus!

So I'm teaching some 3rd - 5th graders at VBS.... I'm telling them of a time when Jesus is being surrounded by a huge crowd. I ask "Why were so many people coming to see Jesus?" I'm expecting answers like "Because he would heal them" or "Because he did miracles" or "Because he would feed them." Then on one boy raises his hand and answers "Because he's Jesus!" It was done with one of those "duh, don't you get it" kind of expressions on his face. I loved it. I wonder what he was thinking. Here's his preacher asking a such a dumb question. Why were people coming to see Jesus"? Well, because he's Jesus!

Why I'm Not a "Childrens Minister"

I volunteered many months ago to help with Vacation Bible School. I was drafted to teach a lesson one night. The one night was last night... no problem, right? Well, it has been a looooooong time since I was in a room full of 1st & 2nd graders. It was tough and I was sweating! (And I thought adults had short attention spans) By the way, what's up with these kids raising their hands repeatedly while virtually never knowing the answer? It was actually a good time and, yes, I'll probably do it again.

American Bulldog?

Could this be my next dog? My wife and I have been puppy shopping. She was raised with dogs and I wasn't but I like having one around. We currently have a male German Shepherd Dog. He is good with us and is a tremensous deterrent. My wife feels safe when I'm gone. We're thinking of going with an American Bulldog but weren't aren't sure. We are going to go female this time, but I think she will also be a good home protection animal. I've read so much that my head is on the edge of an explosion. Good...Bad...Good...Bad...etc. Who knows? There are at least two main lines in this breed. I think we are getting a "hybrid." Too much information - I know. We will make a decision on an AB pup today. Any name suggestions?

It's time to blow out the unity candle...

The unity candle...who came up with it? It is ubiquitous these days. The unity candle was great many moons ago, but I think it is literally & figuratively burning out. It's time for a new symbolic act. Maybe the unity sandwich...the unity dance...the unity song...the unity ??? Maybe something very post-modern like letting bride and groom do a unity painting while we all watch. Somebody help please! I just know it's time to blow out the unity candle.

PS. I think God created a repeatable act to demonstrate our oneness. Of course, that's for after the ceremony!

Sure, I'm happy you're getting married, but...

I've officated quite a few weddings and I must ask: Is it just me or do weddings beat you? I refuse to believe I'm alone in this. Anyone see the Seinfeld bit on weddings? It was hilarious. "And it's on Saturday!" I'm literally minutes away from a wedding rehearsal (almost as fun as the real thing!) as I write this....ugh! I feel so scripted & constricted during wedding ceremonies and I just can't be my normal spontaneous, rambling self. Everybody is usually all tensed up too. It's a beautiful thing I know, but, in all honesty, I'm more comfortable doing funerals.

Rush endorses the little blue pill?

Over a decade ago I discovered Rush Limbaugh. I became an avid "ditto head" and even sought out "Rush rooms" to dine in. I bought his books & the Limbaugh Letter too. I proudly drank Snapple and even smoked an occasional cigar. But I have to confess that I've grown weary of the Rush man. On and on he goes as a Bush apologist. Republicans good...Democrats bad - I get it already! And where is the humor? Where are the "feminazi trading cards" & "caller abortions?"I used to love the parodies, etc. Now the only thing funny is that Rush keeps getting caught in compromising positions. The "epitome of morality and virtue" - NOT!

Put some clothes on!

Mom's birthday (77th) is later this week. My sister was in town from Myrtle Beach so we all headed off to Golden Corral (Mom's not into fine dining) to eat & celebrate. We arrived and that's when it happened... A group of relatively large men emerged from a nearby SUV. I suspect that they had just returned from crabbing or maybe fishing or maybe yard work...but I digress! I was cool until a female joined their group clad only in a bikini top and cutoffs! I bounced my eyes just like the "Every Man's Battle" guys teach. In this case, however, my "eye bounce" was not needed to avoid lust. There are just some "outfits" that most people should never wear... know what I mean? I stood helplessly hoping someone would intervene and require this gal to cover up but no one did. I hoped that someone else in the group might intercede but again no one did. Maybe she had a enormously healthy self image or maybe she just didn't care. She entered the Corral unabashed, unhindered and mostly unclothed... Sometimes I just don't know what people are thinking!

Reflections on the N.A.C.C.

Well, the NACC is in my rear view mirror now, but the experience will not quickly pass. It was an action packed few days in L-ville. I went with out many expectations. All I really only knew for sure was that it would be a good time with my friend Soren and it was. We had a blast...we talked, we laughed and we got very little sleep, but hey... that's what make these things good times. The convention far exceeded my expectations. I had my right-wing guard up, but there was really very little in the way of liberal drivel. My favorite part was definitely the preaching: All of the guys brought it! Steve White especially inspired me with his admonition for us to "not go soft" on baptism. It was almost worthy of an invitation to Delmarva Family Camp! The funniest moment had to be when Jeff Walling gave his bible to Dave Stone as a heartfelt gesture of unity only to have Dave give him what appeared to be a Southeast pew bible! You had to be there, but the next day Rick Atchley (one of my personal favorites) busted Dave's chops about it. It was great. I also got to meet some of the guys from the CCToday discussion boards and NO ONE looked like I'd expected. I met a few othe bloggers and I also got to see some of the RM bigs wigs & megachurch personalities from afar. Mike knows everybody! I met many people and was surprised to see several others, like Gary Thompson who is the guy who led me to Christ back in 1983. It was truly a good time. I guess the inspiration carried over to Sunday because I was preaching with serious intensity resulting in some folks saying things like "we need to send to you away more often." One last thought - Mike and I went to the Louisville Slugger museum and it was very cool. I got in the batting cage with a bat made identical to the specs for Ted Williams' bats back in the day. It was a serious piece of lumber and I could barely catch up to the 40 mph fast balls! Ted was the man!