Under the Dome: 2009

Just sitting at the computer this morning and set the iTunes folder to shuffle, including the entire library. So random I thought I'd document it... I take np responability for its coherence

Phenomenon - Toby Mac
Through the Fire and Flames - Dragonforce (yes the Guitar Hero Song)
The Preamble - Schoolshouse Rock
9 2 5 - Taylor Ware
Pieces - Rascal Flatts
Goofy Goober Rock - Spongebob Movie
The Streak - Ray Stevens
Comin' to Your City - Big and Rich
Sweet Emotion - Aerosmith
Every Little Thing - Hawk Nelson
Bohemian Polka - Weird Al
Finally - Fergie w/John Legend
Doctor Love - Kiss
27 - Fall Out Boy
Wizards In Winter - Trans Siberian Orchestra
Breath of God - Todd Agnew
Keeping Me Alive - The Afters
Windsong - John Denver
Rock N Roll Band - Boston
Up COmes Down - Thousand Foot Krutch

Monday, November 16, 2009

Random Thoughts on a Monday

The last time I was at this Panera was the morning of the Inauguration
This laptop needs a serious tuneup and memory boost
Sorry I dozed in and out of the Sunday Night game so much. The Colts made an amazing comeback. I know Belicheck is getting hammered for trying to go for it on 4th but who really ants to give that ball to Peyton with 2 minutes when he is locked in like he was late last night. Great game.
Pondering if Weis really will get canned at ND. I'm not saying I love the guy. Pretty much anyone I talk to says hes not a very nice person. I question how bad another rebuild (new coach) will set the program back. I know we aren't winning the big games but improvement has been noted. I'll g on record now that if Charlie gets axed, Jimmy Clausen is gone to the NFL for sure.
This is the first opening of deer season I have missed since I started hunting. I wish I was hunting in many ways; yet the rain outside and the fact that I wasn't really having that much fun because I usually feel like I should be somewhere else, doing something else plays a factor.
so many to dos on my list. I get distracted and often get nothing done.
I'm glad for the days I've taken off work, i just need to unplug from it a bit so that I get some enjoyment from them.
Excited about the HS wrestling season starting next week. Excited that my son is on the team this year as well. Trying to decide if posts to Twitter or Facebook are the best way to pass along updates from the matches. Many times, especially on the weekends, the JV and Varsity are at two different places.
this is not a very good day to burn all the leaves from my yard
I keep thinking about all the things in life that make us scared and unsure of the future. For a while now I am constantly reminded of Jesus' words; "in this world you will have trouble" and "these things must happen so the end will come". Not sure how that all fits together but that's what I'm being reminded.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Just a reminder that many men and women have made great sacrifices to ensure our right to participate in Democracy and vote tommorrow. Even in non-presidential years every vote is an important contribution to our process of governance.

We'll Call You Out

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

To Blog or Not to Blog

I keep realizing how much I want to utilize my blog. Yet time continues to be my enemy. I feel frustrated because I think that if I am not posting every day its not worth it. I think i am realizing that I can post whenever I get around to it or find something I want to share. That should help. Time for a new start... again ...

Saturday, August 8, 2009

5 Easy Steps to Wreck Your Life

I'll be checking into this series form Lifechurch.tv

Random Thoughts ...

I always think that it would be better if there were more hours in the day; I'd likely just make a mess of those as well

Football season is almost here -- high school (my son is on the freshmen team), college (read Notre Dame), NFL.

Hunting season is almost here -- Gotta get the gun cleaned up and sighted in, check the bow, get out and scout a bit.

the last month has blew past me. General Conference, 4H, family camp made the time fly.

I'm pretty excited about the way things are looking at work. A long way to go for our department but I think we are pointing the right direction.

Gotta get the book reviews for the last two books I read finished

I need to clean up my Bloglines account. Too many blogs and not the time to sift the material.

staying focused is hard. so many distractions, so many good paths to choose.
baseball season is always great. But it sure seems better when both the Sox and Cubs are battling for 1st place.
we're so busy looking for our next "blessing" that we rarely notice how blessed we are

The anticipation builds for Dekker fans ... Green is almost here

Friday, July 24, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done."

-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Robert Orben

"Most people would like to be delivered from temptation but would like it to keep in touch."
-- Robert Orben

Book Review - The Noticer by Andy Andrews

I finished my copy of The Noticer in just a few hours. That in no way indicates the truth and thought provocation within its pages. As with any good novel you are drawn in from the opening paragraphs. Unlike most novels, this is more than a good story. Andrews uses the story to disperse the truths about life that he has learned and passed along in various forms in his other works.

I can easily see this book being used in small groups, one on one accountability, and even as a way of personal reflection. I myself am planning on working through it with my teen aged sons. I see it becoming a good conversation starter. It's the kind of book that will make a great gift for birthdays, graduations, promotions, and any other life event.

The truths that Jones brings out in the lives of the other characters fit into all our lives at one time or another. I found my self pondering how these apply in my own life even as I continued to turn the pages. There are plenty of books to fill your time, this one is a keeper. Add it to your "to read" list and plan on getting your own copy. You wouldn't want to have to return it to the library when you are done.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Something to Ponder ... CS Lewis

"There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, ''Thy will be done,'' and those to whom God says, ''All right, then, have it your way.''-- C. S. Lewis

Time for some fresh air ...

Recently we opened the family cabin for the first time this year. Part of the process along with sweeping and setting things up is propping the door open and opening some windows to allow the fresh air to flow through it. We then typically leave two windows open about an inch so that when we return to use the cabin it has fresh air.

That's what this blog feels like. Facebook and Twitter updates are cool and I will continue to do that, probably even more than a lot of formal posts here. However, those don't quite cut it when you have more than 2 sentences to share. I'll be starting with a new batch of "something to ponder" posts and throwing in some other toughest as well along the way. One of the things I beat myself up over previously was the lack of regularity in posts. I've decided that its not a problem if I don't have a feature posts every day. I will still do the link dumps and who knows what else. This cannot and will not be a chore.

With camp coming up my web access will likely be limited, but that's OK. I look forward to breathing in the fresh air and blogging again. We are open for business ...

Monday, May 25, 2009

Link Dump -- 5/25/09

How to Create a Minimalist Computer Experience

KRIS ALLEN SINGS "GOD OF THIS CITY"

6 Unique Ways to Eat Watermelon

My Favorite Blackberry Apps

I don't want a life that requires much faith.
The OSM (Obama-stream media) theme song
How and Where Twitter Might Hinder Worship
How and Where Twitter Might Help Worship
Parent-Teen Driving Agreement
DESPITE REPORTS, WHITE HOUSE DENIES JUNE 4th SPEECH WILL DISCUSS DIVIDING JERUSALEM: But France now pushing to divide Holy City
9 Affordable Cuts of Steak
How to Pack Smart for a Trip
After the Rapture: Orlando man will deliver messages to those left behind
Fast Food: Calories per Dollar

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Link Dump -- 5/19/09

6 Small Things You Can Do When You Lack Discipline
FREE Coldplay Album Download (thanks Leonard!)
40 Most Useful Travel Websites That Can Save You a Fortune
Five quick and simple scams that could happen to you today
Keep your Twitter account clean with the Nest Unclutterer
Building a Team
Top 5 Worst Illustrations of ALL Time (let’s retire them)
Justin Masterson on his Faith
5 Ways To Start Decluttering Your Life & Home.
17 Cool Sites To Listen To Radio On The Internet For Free.
FedEx Shipping Discount Code: Up to 30% Off Overnight + Permanent Discount
Do You Interpret the Bible Literally? Take the Quiz…
A Chat with Coach Dungy
How the economy is impacting churches
The Greatest Autographed Baseballs of All Time
Steve Harvey’s Introduction of Christ
Three Lessons from Warren Buffett
Negotiating Your Salary: How to Make $1,000 a Minute
Death is Not Dying
"More Americans “Pro-Life” Than “Pro-Choice” for First Time"
Twittering the Sermon
Obama Addresses Abortion, Religion, and Race at Notre Dame
Book Reviews - This Momentary Marriage & Velvet Steel
Spurgeon on What You Watch on TV
The 100 most-read Bible verses at BibleGateway.com
Cop wins doughnut eating world title for third time
10 Basics Every Man Should Have in His Fishing Tackle Box

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

FPU Reflections

Last Sunday evening we finished our most recent Financial Peace University (FPU) class. As always, it was good for us to go through the material. We are constantly learning and growing along with the class each time we coordinate. Just like a good novel or Scripture, the is gold to mined for our lives each time that inevitably applies directly to whee we are in our current journey.

This class is harder than most for me to say goodbye to. Believe me when I say that I am happy to reclaim the hours back into my schedule. Yet, the diversity and insight that these class members brought was very enjoyable. I know that these families will do well. And the Kingdom will be better for it. Here's a snapshot of the couples involved:

There always seems to be a level of attrition for any FPU course. This couple was unable to continue do to childcare issues and concerns over pregnancy complications. They were really growing. They are starting a home based business. My hope is that they will build in the foundation of the first 4-5 weeks and jump into another class when life settles for them a bit.

This couple in their late 40's came because her mother and father paid for then to do it. They were reluctant and missed several classes but you could tell that they were seeing the benefit of the material. The mother who paid the way passed on during the course which I think helped them want to honor the gift. They too I hope will build upon what they have and return to it again.

My third couple are remarried and just beginning the "empty nest" stage. They came into the class looking to learn each week and you could see it in their reactions and looks to one another as the videos played that it was sinking in and they were "getting it". They are type A personalities and they are going to kick down their debt and begin to pass the baton to others, you can just tell.

The next couple is in their 20s and yet to have their first child. They fire me up because they are starting out on a road that will involve a much smaller hole to dig out of and the building process and winning will come more quickly. They are bright and gifted and I can see them free to do the work they are wired to do and never have to have a plain old "job" just to make the ends meet -- VERY COOL

The last couple is by no means the least. This pair included a very reluctant spouse. The husband came (barely) to the opening classes because his wife dragged him along. After the budgeting lesson they put the wheels in motion that have revolutionized their finances, and I believe their marriage and lives. He works independently and travels a lot. He mentioned Sunday that the ability to not have to worry about where the money is coming to cover the week's expenses has given him peace. They killed all of their credit card debt during the class and their debt snowball is really rolling. The extra cool thing is that they did it while she is not working. This stuff works!

I'm not sure at what point we will be offering the class again but I encourage everyone, no matter how well off you are, to get into FPU and explore God's and grandma's way of handling your finances.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Something to Ponder ... CS Lewis

"It is a dreadful truth that the state of having to depend solely on God is what we all dread most. And of course that just shows how very much, how almost exclusively, we have been depending on things. But trouble goes so far back in our lives and is now so deeply ingrained, we will not turn to him as long as he leaves us anything else to turn to. I suppose all one can say is that it was bound to come. In the hour of death and the day of judgment, what else shall we have? Perhaps when those moments come, they will feel happiest who have been forced (however unwittingly) to begin practicing it here on earth. It is good of him to force us; but dear me, how hard to feel that it is good at the time."

-- C. S. Lewis

So much to write about ...

Seems like I am constantly noting things that should be blogged about. Yet a lack of time, and quite often lack of discipline leads me to either start a post that then seems irrelevant by the time I get back to it or they just become good thoughts, never to be written.
I am in need of trying a new approach to being consistent. One thing I have found is that my Twitter account makes giving quick comment and a link on a particular subject/ article easier. Still I need to process more in depth through the blog. Here's hoping the new approach works; you'll know as much as I if the posts flow more consistently.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Link Dump -- 4/27/09 Where Does Time Go?

10 normal words that sound funny when you think about them too long.
The Morning After Pill and the End of Parenthood
The DIY Gym: 8 Pieces of Equipment That Will Get You Strong & Save You Money
A MODEL OF HEROD'S TEMPLE
The Problems with Socialism
Kathy Ireland's Pro-Life Testimony
22% of “Christians” Strongly Agree that Jesus Sinned
An Ark of Biblical Proportions
Seven Productive Things To Do When You’re Bored At Work
Buyers Beware…
Al Gore, You’ve Truly Outdone Yourself
Questions for Secretary Napolitano
What Else is in the CIA Memos?
A Real Self Defense Success Story
Top Reasons Budgets Fail
How Do Non-Christians View Your Community Service?
10 Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe
#529. Manly Men Retreats
Townhall for HOPE - Reflections
The Awesome Art of Getting Great Deals Online

Friday, April 24, 2009

Blue/ Gold Game Pictures

Especially for those of us who were unfortunately unable to attend this years Spring game. Here is a reader-submitted photo gallery from the game via

The Blue-Gray Sky .

Just over 4 months until the season kicks off ...

Dave Ramsey's 3 things to do if you are struggling with Hope

If you were not able to attend a venue or listen via radio to Dave Ramsey's Town Hall for Hope last night you definitely missed out. There is much to talk about from the event but I wanted to post the 3 things he shared in closing. Addressed specifically to those who have lost or are struggling having Hope during these uncertain days.

1) GET UP -- TAKE ACTION

- You will never win sitting still

- "there is a great place to go when you are broke ... to work"

2) DONT PARTICIPATE IN LOSER TALK

- your attitude determines your altitude

- be a reader/ feed your mind

3) LEARN TO GIVE AGAIN

- America is the most well off, we need to rediscover giving

- give not just money, but time

For more information, resources, and to find out what you can do next; check out townhallforhope.com .

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Thoughts on Discipleship

Ive been mulling over these thoughts on discipleship posted by Heather this week. How do they impact my personal journey? How do they/ should they impact our discipleship efforts in the church? How do they impact what you think about discipleship? Thanks forf keeping us thinking Heather.

Discipleship is about the journey more than the destination.
Discipleship is more about process than product.
Discipleship is more about completing spiritual workouts than completing spiritual worksheets.
Discipleship is more about relationships than program.
Discipleship is a discovery process.
Discipleship always includes relationships.
Discipleship includes relational, experiential, intellectual, personal, and incarnational dimensions.

Something To Ponder ... A. W. Tozer

“Oh, brother or sister, God calls us to worship, but in many instances we are in entertainment, just running a poor second to the theaters. That is where we are, even in the evangelical churches, and I don’t mind telling you that most of the people we say we are trying to reach will never come to a church to see a lot of amateur actors putting on a home talent show.”

-- AW Tozer

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Napoloen

Napoleon Bonaparte

"History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon."

Monday, April 20, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Oswald Chambers

(Fretting) always ends in sin. We imagine that a little anxiety and worry are an indication of how really wise we are; it is much more an indication of how really wicked we are. Fretting springs from a determination to get our own way.

-- Oswald Chambers

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Something to Ponder ... John Wooden

Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation.Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

-- John Wooden

Sarah Palin Addresses Evansville Right to Life

Video automatically skips to the next segment

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Curry R Blake

If your gospel isn't touching others, it hasn't touched you.

- Curry R. Blake

Friday, April 17, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Le Iacocca

"Motivation is everything. You can do the work of two people, but you can't be two people. Instead, you have to inspire the next guy down the line and get him to inspire his people."

-- Lee Iacocca

Great Thought from Albert Pujols

People sometimes ask me, "What is your job?" Everybody thinks that it's playing baseball., but that's not my job; that is the platform God has given me. My job is to be obedient to Him and do the things that He wants me to do for His will, not Albert Pujols.

-- STV Magazine (Apr 2009) pg. 10

Read the entire article HERE

Thursday, April 16, 2009

One Week Until The Town Hall For Hope

One week from tonight is the big event. Join us at CRMC and hear what Dave has to say.

Something to Ponder ... Vince Lombardi

The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur.

-- Vince Lombardi

Free Wake Up Calls

I bumped into THIS site earlier this morning. I gace it a couple trys and it works flawlessly. I know we all have our alarm clocks and cell phones but who hasn't forgotten to turn on their alarm, set it to PM instead of AM, or other reasons for not hearing or having an alarm go off. I think this would be the perfect back up plan. If you want to pay the very minimal premium rate you can even get repeat calls set for the same time each day or use the snooze function. Give Wakerupper.com a try and let me know if you like it.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Dick Vermeil

If you don't invest very much, then defeat doesn't hurt very much and winning is not very exciting.

-- Dick Vermeil

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

What Is Dyngus Day ??

Had this thought when I saw this morning's paper: Dyngus Day is in reality a day for politicians who have diaharrea of the mouth to gather folks to talk to and eat foods that will likely cause the real thing.

Link Dump -- 4/14/09

Don’t Have Time for Goals? Simplify Your Commitments
Protecting Yourself from Medical Billing Mistakes
6 Solid Online Resources to Help You Find a Job
INCHworm shoes grow with your child’s foot
Making a family first aid kit
Is the Obama administration leading us to . . . fascism?
VOM Invites You to Pray And Get Involved on Facebook
Free Estate Planning & Retirement Resources.
Free Song Downloads at Amazon MP3
Side Businesses You Can Start in Your Spare Time [Money]
Gordon Ramsay Demonstrates the Perfect Scrambled Egg Breakfast [Cooking]
Make Your Own Super Cables for a Streamlined Charging Station [DIY]
Top 10 Home Office Hacks [Lifehacker Top 10]
15 essential checks before launching your site...
Could Notre Dame Stadium Host The World Cup
The World Series Rings of the 21st Century
God Bless the Seals!
FanHouse Talks to Coach John Wooden
Next Steps on Facebook Governance
50 Books DG Staff Are Reading Right Now
A Conversation with Death on Good Friday
5 Cool Things To Try This Weekend At Your Church!
Faith-Based Council Doesn't Include Tony Dungy After All
Messy Marriages in the Hands of a Gracious God
All fried pork, all the time at ‘BaconCamp’
Happy National BLT Month!
The Challenge of Islam -- A Christian Perspective
Newsweek -- The End of Christian America
4 passion week posts to ponder
If Jesus didnt rise

Monday, April 13, 2009

Charlie Weis has Twitter

Uncle Charlie has joined the Twitter bandwagon. GO HERE if you'd like to follow his comments.

Nose says to grindstone; "hello"

Had a great week off. Got some things done. Some others intended, not so much. Looking at the upcoming week(s) I see us on the run for a preiod. It was a timely slow down. The off week included quite a drop in personal web time as well. Been spending a bit of time skimming through the blogosphere posts I missed in the hopes of putting a Link Dump out tonight. Some of my highlights from the Srimg Break week of vacation I took:

got at least 6 or 7 hours sleep every night
got some needed work done at my mom's place
had a great 2 days at the Kalahari in Sandusky
a thought provoking Good Friday Service
great Easter celebration
great Easter lunch by my wife
watched a few movies (saw Bedtime Stories, Seven Pounds, and Quantum of Solace)
a lazy Sunday to finish out the week and recharge before going back to the grind

Addicted To Bacon

Created by Recipe Star

Take the quiz for yourself HERE

Something to Ponder ... Martin Luther King Jr

Everybody can be great ... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.

-- Martin Luther King Jr

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Booker T Washington

Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.

-- Booker T Washington

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Robert Fulghum

Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.

-- Robert Fulghum

Friday, April 10, 2009

Something to Ponder ... George Bernard Shaw

Instruction in sex is as important as instruction in food; yet not only are our adolescents not taught the physiology of sex, but never warned that the strongest sexual attraction may exist between persons so incompatible in tastes and capacities that they could not endure living together for a week much less a lifetime.

-- George Bernard Shaw

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Wynton Marsalis

Don't settle for style. Succeed in substance.

-- Wynton Marsalis

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Robert F. Kennedy

Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.

-- Robert F Kennedy

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Helen Keller

Security os mostly a susperstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as awhole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long runthan outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.

-- Helen Keller

Monday, April 6, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Chuck Noll

The mercenaries will always beat the draftees, but the volunteers will crush them both.

-- Chuck Noll

White Sox Homw Opener Snowed Out

Word has come down that due to predicted snow, cold, and high winds the home opener at US Celluar has been moved to Tuesday. I wonder how many of the players will join in the fun these Mariners are having ...

The joys of spring in the Midwest.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Benjamin Franklin

'Tis great confidence in a friend to tell him your faults, greater to tell him his.

-- Benjamin Franklin

SNAFU leads to 11,000 free pizzas

Dominos set up a free pizza password at their website. A blogger found out, shared the info, and a few hours later 11,000 free pizzas were given away.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Something to Ponder ... Mark Twain

Twenty years from now you will be more dissapointed with the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

-- Mark Twain