Blogs I like ... Unclutterer

Got too much stuff? Pack Rat itis? Unclutterer is just the blog for you. Articles and tips on keeping your home, workspace and life cleaned up. Another fun feature are the examples of uncluttered workstations and desks. Ever wonder the best way to have a garage sale to get rid of stuff? Or how to neatly store all those parts to your George Foreman grill? Check this one out and you'll surely add it to your feed reader...

Penguin Escapes Whales; jumps in boat

ht : Bag of Nothing

Worst soccer shot ever....

A Thanksgiving Turkey Tribute

Only You Can Prevent Turkey Fires

Star Trek Trailer

Drunk Driver Fail

Every Pastor and Sunday School teacher needs to watch this:

Shopping Cart Mishap...

Blogs I like ... Uni Watch

Uni Watch describes itself as the obsessive study of athletics aesthetics. This is perfectly stated. Each and every day a new post regarding uniforms and unifom accessories is read by an unknown number of readers and commented on by sometimes hundreds. Even the smallest details don't get past these guys. If you have any more than a passing interest in sports I can guarantee you will enjoy checking out these posts. You can even get your own personalized membership card that looks like your favorite team's jersey!

Hammer Juggler

Frozen Car Funny

In honor of the early winter weather here I felt this appropriate. Has this ever happened to you?

Pride Comes Before the Fall -- MMA Knockout

Link Dump 11/21/08

How to Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half - we will continue to see more practical stuff like this as the economy struggles

The Lazy Man’s Guide to Getting Things Done

Six Simple Housework Hacks

10 Reasons Why Veterans Make Great Employees

Why Couples Fight Over Money and What to Do About It

Why Churches Should Stop Marketing

Empowerment Versus Delegation

Download Porn Again Christian—Free!

World's Hottest Burger, on A Current Affair

Sarah Palin in her own words

Are You Busy? - CJ Mahaney hits it on the head

Dispatch from the UK: Turkish Delight

In Times Like These

Sex Offenders Sue for Right to Volunteer in Churches

10 Things You’d Love to Say at Work ... But Can’t

10 More Things You’d Love to Say at Work ... But Still Can’t

5 Reasons You Should Be Glad the Election is Over No Matter Who You Voted For

Save Money by Converting Your Lawn Into a Garden [Environment] I'm podering this for next Spring...

Amazon Offering "Give One, Get One" XO Laptop Deal [In Brief]

Barack Obama Forced to Kick BlackBerry Addiction [Email]

BlackFriday.info Rounds Up the Post-Thanksgiving Deals [Deals]

Lend Your Money this Christmas

Help! I Can’t Pay My Bills. Part 1

WAR WITH IRAN?: LATEST ASSESSMENT FROM JERUSALEM

BIN LADEN VOWS MAJOR NEW ATTACKS: Olmert vows to divide Jerusalem

7 Important Security Tips For Your Windows PC

Understanding Four Views on the Lord's Supper

Pivot Head Hex Wrenches -- cool Christmas idea

Can Obama Call Himself a Christian?

The Coming Religion

9 Minutes Over Baltimore - a breakdown of the final minutes of ND v. Navy

Thinking Biblically About Facebook

Nine Innings No Matter What

Salvation Army goes hi-tech with credit card scanners on signature red kettles

Thanksgiving is around the corner

63 Questions Top Obama Official Have to Answer

Coming of Age: The Importance of Male Rites of Passage

22 reasons to bless the Lord from Psalm 103

Leading the church in uncertain financial times...

A Great method for spending time alone with God...

Something to Ponder ... William A Ward

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.

-- William A Ward

Something to Ponder ...

"Time is that quality of nature which keeps events from happening all at once. Lately it doesn't seem to be working."

-- Anonymous

Something to Ponder ... John Wayne

"Talk low, talk slow, and don't talk too much."

-- John Wayne

Something to Ponder ... Henri-Frederic Amiel

"The man who insists on seeing with perfect clearness before he decides, never decides."

-- Henri-Frederic Amiel

Blogs I like... Hunter Angler Gardner Cook

Ipicked Hunter Angler Gardener Cook this week in honor of the fact that if all is going well as this post is released I will be in the Michigan woods on the second day of shotgun season in pursuit of a whitetail deer.

This blog is unique in that it deals with the preparation of game. Not just the basic stuff; taking your hard earned game and turning it into a GREAT meal. I had never put much thought before into using any more of a duck than the breasts. Some great suggestions are covered on the blog. Check it out and you'll see why I list it as one of the blogs I like...

Something to Ponder ... Ellen Goodman

"Normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work and driving through traffic in a car that you are still paying for - in order to get to the job you need to pay for the clothes and the car, and the house you leave vacant all day so you can afford to live in it."
-- Ellen Goodman

Something to Ponder ... Oscar Wilde

"Morality, like art, means drawing a line someplace."

-- Oscar Wilde

Something to Ponder ... Franz Kafka

"There art two cardinal sins from which all others spring: Impatience and Laziness."

-- Franz Kafka

Something to Ponder ... J.W. Eagan

"Never judge a book by its movie."

-- JW Eagan

Another Pee Wee Football Hit...

Something to Ponder ... Jack Handey

I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

-- Jack Handey

Something to ponder ... Dr. Who

"First things first, but not necessarily in that order."

-- Dr. Who

Water Tubing Meets George of the Jungle...

HT to : The Fail Blog

Pee Wee Football Hit...

Squirrels vs. the Yankee Flipper

Something to ponder ... George Bernard Shaw

"Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve."
-- George Bernard Shaw

The Irish are who we thought they were…

What a frustrating game to watch. 17-0. not one single point. I think that if we had been told that the Boston College offense would be held to 10 points most of us would have thought that the Irish would have taken the game. Not so fast…
It seemed like it took forever for Notre Dame to get anything going on offense. When they finally did, the consistently found ways to shoot themselves in the foot; sometimes both feet at once. Early on they just could not move. They field position keeping them pinned at their end of the field. But even when they did move the big mistake came EVERY time.
The defense did a commendable job holding back BC , especially in the early stages when it seemed that each time they got the ball it was on the ND side of the field. Yet in the end, they could not hold them back nor make the “big play” that would help change the tide of the game.
The absolute back breaker came at the beginning of the second half. After holding the Eagles to three and out at their own end, Golden Tate fumbled the punt. BC took advantage, driving then to score their only offensive score of the game. Things only continued o unravel for ND from there. Knowing that the Irish were pressing to get back into the game, BC was able to play a soft defense in the secondary that allowed them to be ready to pounce on Jimmy Clausen’s mistakes.
I think that it is time to accept the fact that we fans drank the kool-aid a little early on this squad. The facts are beginning to be clear:

· This IS an improved football team
· This IS NOT a legitimate top 25 football team
· When the season started the most realistic predictions had ND losing 4-5 games
· The future is very bright for this squad
· We are watching the growing pains. One minute they will be world beaters, the next they cannot get out of their own way.
· ANY bowl bid should be considered progress
· A bowl win would kill a monkey that has been on the program’s back and continue to build to the future
· If the Irish can handle the two teams left that they should (Navy and Syracuse) that is a step in the right direction.
· Honestly, the USC game could be a season maker or a true disaster
· We need to continue to cheer these guys on, understanding that rebuilding to an elite level has become a process.

GO IRISH

Blogs I like ... JosephSangl.com

JosephSangl.com is a great place to go about finances. This guy not only has the head for the money game he has the passion and heart of a teacher. Joe is on staff at Newspring church in South Carolina. He has written a book, "I Was Broke But Now I'm Not" that I have written about before. His blog is easy to navigate and use. You'll find all kinds of tools and tips to make your finances a sucess and lead yourself to financial freedom.

Church choir sings Hip Hop

I'll give you a nickel if you can watch the whole thing and not crack up...

Something to ponder ... Hemmingway

"Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know."

-- Ernest Hemmingway

Something to ponder ... William Booth

You must pray with all your might. That does not mean saying your prayers, or sitting gazing about in church or chapel with eyes wide open while someone else says them for you. It means fervent, effectual, untiring wrestling with God...This kind of prayer be sure the devil and the world and your own indolent, unbelieving nature will oppose. They will pour water on this flame.

- William Booth

Link Dump 11/8/08

top 10 stupid things americans say to brits
Three Unique Subscription Services that Might Save You Money
10 Reasons Why You’re Probably Going to Fail
Obama Did Well Among Catholics & Young Evangelicals
Specific Prayer Requests for Sunday's International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
How To Drive More Economically And Save Money On Gas.
Christian Generosity?! I Don’t Think So…
Two Things Great Leaders Must Do in Turbulent Times
My Four Commitments to Barack Obama
Obama Releases Election Night Flickr Set [Politics]
Budget Booster - Swagbucks
Spanish Beans and Chorizo
The Treatment of Bush Has Been a Disgrace
Puerco Adobada (Red Chile Pork)
It’s Over; but It’s not Over (one Day it will be)
8 Tips for Spending Less on Food
Your Halloween Costume Was Not This Good [Baby Mangino]
Billy Graham's Reaction
How to Get Your Email Inbox to Zero Every Day
The Gamla Synagogue
Longhorn Cut Because of Obama Slur
How to Give and Take Criticism like a Man
In Videos: Burger King's Mushroom and Swiss Commercials with Simon and Garfunkel
I believe in America...

The day of the animals...

All three of these stories came across yesterday...

Car Impounded After Dog Drives Away From Car Wash

Buck Crashes Through Door of Business Named Deery

Fox Bursts Into Church, Bites Pastor's Daughter

Something to ponder ... Ben Franklin

“The heart of a fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is in his heart”.

-- Ben Franklin

Something to ponder ... Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The modern day church is often a weak and ineffectual church and is often an arch-supporter of the status quo.

-- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Something to ponder .. Bono

The Left mocks the Right. The Right knows it's right. Two ugly traits. How far should we go to try to understand each other's point of view? Maybe the distance grace covered on the cross is a clue.

-- Bono

Obama Victory Speech

Short, and to the point. Typical Obama verbage. I hope he can follow through on the good that he says he can bring.

McCain's Concession Speech

I have even more respect for this man than I did before. What a great speech! I hope that people truly listen to his words and that he continues to have great success in his service to Congress. To bring unity is truly what our nation needs.

2008 Election -- After Action Report

An After Action Report (AAR) is filed in the military and other places after any significant battle, test, incident or the like. This is my AAR of the election.
As the final results of the election continue to trickle in I have sat in reflection and realize that I have as many, if not more questions than answers. The war is over, all that is left is the mop up of small areas.
This may be a continued post, I'm not sure how many of these will come to my mind. These are coming in no special order, just as I can get them typed.

Will Christ Followers pray for the newly elected/ reelected even if they were not who they voted for?
We have a clear Biblical mandate to do so. See Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-17; 1 Tim. 2:1-2. Or did we really just vote so that we can complain and lob grenades the other direction if things didn't go the way we wanted. What about praying that the Spirit gets ahold of them before they take office and write/ pass any legislation.

How many voted for our first African-American President simply because of his skin color?
Isn't that the essence of racism? We have been told all along that this election will show if we are ready to move on as a society in race relations. They are estimating that Obama got 96% of the black vote. Did all of those voters really look at the issues instead of the color of the man's skin?

What if the Church was as energetic about being the Church and fulfilling the Great Commandment and the Great Commission as they have been about the candidates?
I venture to say that if that were the case the world would truly be getting changed. We would be seeing revival, transformation, and hope all around us. The truth of the matter is that the Church (especially here in America) is truly more like the nation of Israel in the book of Haggai than the body of Christ. We continue to think that we as individuals and a nation have a better blueprint for life than the one outlined for us by God. He is allowing us to have our wish just like He did in 1 Samuel 8 when the people wanted a king to lead them rather than God. Check how well that worked for them. All of the zeal and fire I have seen in person, online, on TV, etc in the past several weeks and yet we struggle to get enough people to have effective ministry happen in our local churches. It is just this type of pathetic focus that proves how weak we are.

Will it be a good thing that the Democrats have control of the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives at the same time?
All I know is they surely won't be able to say that they didn't have their chance to run things and prove that their philosophy of government is right. I have my suspicions, but they will get their shot. I hope that too much damage is not done on the wrong track.

Am I doing enough/ my part in regards to the things I have noted above?
Are my actions focused on unity, especially within the Body, or on creating an air of disunity? Am I willing to let God speak to me and direct my paths? We are a stubborn, stiff necked people and I am one of them.

That is all for now. Congrats to Mr Obama and Mr Biden. Once you take that oath you are my President and I will treat you as such. America Bless God!

Something to ponder ... Oswald Chambers

God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede.

-- Oswald Chambers

Will you vote ... for FREE coffee ???

If you can't seem to find another reason to take the time to vote today, I'll give you one. Between 8 AM and 10 PM today you can get free Starbucks. I did not stutter. Just go in and tell the barista that you voted and you will be rewarded with a FREE tall coffee. If the issues won't drive you to the polls. maybe a bribery of caffeine will.

Prayer for an election...

24. For an Election

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

taken from the Common Book of Prayer

A write in Candidate for President! Bill Cosby

I am copying this post from Ben Witherington ' s blog. I thought adding a little levity on election day would be a good thing. I do however, think Bill has some valid points...

Bill Cosby has now decided to throw his hat in the ring in the Presidential race asa write-in candidate. Here is his platform. See what you think...

(1) 'Press 1 for English' is immediately banned. English is the official language; speak it or wait at the border until you can.

(2) We will immediately go into a two year isolationist posture to straighten out the country's attitude. NO imports, no exports. We will use the 'Wal-Mart's policy, 'If we ain't got it, you don't need it.'

(3) When imports are allowed, there will be a 100% import tax on it.

(4) All retired military personnel will be required to man one of our many observation towers on the southern border. (six month tour) They will be under strict orders not to fire on SOUTHBOUND aliens.

(5) Social security will immediately return to its original state. If you didn't put nuttin in, you ain't getting nuttin out. The president nor any other politician will not be able to touch it.

(6) Welfare - Checks will be handed out on Fridays at the end of the 40 hour school week and the successful completion of urinalysis and a passing grade.

(7) Professional Athletes --Steroids - The FIRST time you check positive you're banned for life.(8) Crime - We will adopt the Turkish method, the first time you steal, you lose your right hand. There is no more life sentences. If convicted, you will be put to death by the same method you chose for your victim; gun, knife, strangulation, etc.

(9) One export will be allowed; Wheat, The world needs to eat. A bushel of wheat will be the exact price of a barrel of oil.

(10) All foreign aid using American taxpayer money will immediately cease, and the saved money will pay off the national debt and ultimately lower taxes. When disasters occur around the world, we'll ask the American people if they want to donate to a disaster fund, and each citizen can make the decision whether it's a worthy cause.

(11) The Pledge of Allegiance will be said every day at school and every day in Congress.

(12) The National Anthem will be played at all appropriate ceremonies, sporting events, outings, etc.

Sorry if I stepped on anyone's toes but a vote for me will get you better than what you have, and better than what you're gonna get. Thanks for listening, and remember to write in my name on the ballot in November.God Bless America !!!!!!!!!!!Bill Cosby!!!!!!!!

Something to ponder ... Mark Beeson

"Did you accept Jesus into your life, or did you give your life to Jesus?"

- Mark Beeson

Link Dump 11/3/08

The 7 Keys to Turning Bad Habits Into Good Habits
Coca-Cola states Coke is "Wholesome and Suitable" for Kids!!?
Are you effectively raising up new leaders?
12 Powerful Life Lessons
World's Largest Deliverable Pizza, 54" x 54", Los Angeles, CA
Keeping perspective on the election
As though not voting
MLB Off-Season Timeline
Copper Mine of King Solomon Discovered
Three Christian Uses of Scripture
Are You Self-Righteous?
Someone Is Finally Looking Into Accountability On Wall Street.
Five Memberships Worth Signing up for [Saving Money]
Top 10 Online Freebies and Deals [Lifehacker Top 10]
Best Ways to Get Online in the Boondocks [What You Said]
Best Out of Office Replies
Hammer Juggler
Pre-Election Final; "This Is Delusional": Robert P. George on Obama and Abortion
Portion Size: Then and Now
The Banana Diet: The New Grapefruit?
7 Benefits of These Good Old Bad Times
7 Questions Every Church Must Answer
Poll: Young evangelicals surging towards ... McCain?
Charles Spurgeon: The Christian Is A Warrior
Inequality of Possessions
To My Fellow Believers on This Election Eve
One of the dumbest headlines ever
Faith, Feelings And Corrie Ten Boom
Free Election Day Krispy Kreme
20 Manliest Mustaches and Beards From Facial Hair History
22 very simple ways for a new blogger to improve.

Huckabee and Maher talk religion

ND not quite ready for primetime….

The Irish proved on Saturday afternoon that while they ARE vastly improved as a team. They ARE NOT quite ready to move into the top level of college football. After a good drive, a turnover, and another touchdown the Irish went to the locker room with a 17-3 lead on Pitt. Things were looking under control. Only someone didn’t tell Pitt that the game was going to be out of reach.
In the second half Notre Dame had a hard time mustering any consistent offense and the defense wore down. Suddenly, the game was in overtime, where neither team would find the end zone. The game became a battle of field goals and the Irish blinked first. On a kick that appeared from home to go over the upright, the call was “no good”. Pitt converted their FG and the game was over.
There is obvious growth in almost every facet of the game each week. And that is great news. The defense is improving as a unit, Micahel Floyd is amazing, remember that Clausen is just a sophomore, Armando Allen will break a huge run at some time. All that and the inconsistencies of a young team could not be overcome. For the future I am excited, for Saturday I am mad we didn’t take advantage of the opportunity to climb back to the top 25.

Obama speak on the Freedom of Choice Act

"The first thing I'll do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act"

Blogs I like ... The Persecution blog

Persecution Blog

OK, definately not a warm, fuzzy, funny blog. But an important one. I just added this to my reader fairly recently but it is an eye opener. The blog is run by Voice of the Martyrs. Especially as Americans it is easy to overlook what goes on throughout the rest of the world to our brothers and sisters. Did you know that 7 Christians were recently killed in Iraq? Or that a Taliban hit list assassination was carried out on a Christian? Or that Christians are now the most persecuted group globally? You need to have this coming across your inbox. It will renew your perspective and shuold change the way you pray.

Hines Ward is at it again...

GO IRISH... Beat Pitt !!!

The stakes are high on this one. Notre Dame is in need of consistency to show that they are a legit top 25 consideration. On top of that, a win makes us bowl eligable. Which gives you the opportunity to get that terrible bowl loss streak off your back.

Wannstasche is on the ropes and the Irish need to deliver another knock out blow.

Let's get this done boys!!!!

My prediction: ND 34 Pitt 24

John Piper on the Election

The World Series is over but...

As I was clearing up some more articles in my feedreader I came across An Interview with Ben Zobrist . A great article and a great testimony. If I had remembered this I may have been pulling for the Rays.