Jeremy Camp, Knoxville, TN

Last night I went to see Jeremy Camp in concert, with opening act: Mainstay. Both were awesome! I got in line at the ticket office (tix were on will call) about 15 minutes before they opened. By the time I got my tickets, I was pretty far back in line - stretching out in to the parking lot. It was pretty windy also and the line grew very long as the doors opened twenty minutes late! Anyway, being alone makes it easy to squeeze in with a group at a general admission concert and that's exactly what happened! So, I sat just left of center, in the third row! It was sweet! I think the best part was the second set, when Jeremy sang with his wife, who is also coming out with an album. Overall, it was an awesome experience. I've got a few more concerts coming up and I'll be sure to post on those as well. Additionally, I've decided that it's probably time I start a page dedicated to my favorite band: Third Day. I've got a bunch of great stories from the last ten years about this band and I can't wait to share some of them with you.

The "Columbus" method

The "Columbus" method according to my prof: "He didn't know where he was going when he started; didn't know where he was when he got there; and he didn't know where he'd been when he got back." That's how he described a friend's preaching. Nice.

Hey, thanks for visiting, folks! I'd love for you to drop me a line - just remember that my web form doesn't collect your e-mail, so please include your name in the message block so I know who's writing!

God Bless!

Instruments in Worship

"Am I dealing with human traditions, or am I dealing with divine traditions?" The use of mechanical instruments in worship is supposedly a human tradition and not a divine tradition according to my professor. I'm not sure what I think about the logic, as it leads me to think that this conclusion can only lead to a negative practice in my professor's mind. Now, some churches do not use musical instruments for reasons I don't plan on going into, but I'm used to it. It's how I grew up and I can't imagine a service without it. I also think that we would be hard pressed to see the lives turned around and the hearts changed that we have seen, if Christians far and wide had never picked up a guitar, learned to play "It is well with my soul" on the piano or led the beat on a bass drum. Things that make me go hmm.

"Liberty Enlightening the World" is 121 years old

After 121 years of exposure to wind, rain, snow, heat, terrorist attacks, public scrutiny, widespread praise, tears and just about everything else - Liberty Enlightening the World is still standing tall on Liberty Island (formerly Bedloe's Island). Known to most as the Statue of Liberty, this statue was unveiled in it's finished granduer on this day in 1886, a rainy day that didn't seem to go as planned. It didn't matter, though, and over a century later, the stories of the impression she has left on the hearts and minds of countless Americans, immigrants and foreigners are too numerous to even start chronicling. Next time you are around the copper gentle giant in New York Harbor, take a moment to smile at her and thank her for continuing to stand for all the great things she represents. God bless America!

Volunteers and Lectures

10.25.07 I am debating over whether or not to buy tickets to a Vols football game. It seems $40 is worth being in Neyland Stadium, surrounded by 107,000 orange and white fans screaming at the top of their lungs as UT takes out some football team. I think it would be a good investment, of course I could also save the money and give it to Rachel when I get home. Hmmmm. This is a tough choice.


Now I'm listening to my homiletics prof talk about Post-Modernism and the advent of relativism - a totally disasterous movement that is a result of scholarly thought from the 20th century. It makes teaching the Word of God next to impossible when speaking to relativists. At the end of the day, it takes a "Damascus-road experience" for these people to turn to the Lord.

We could use some more experiences like that around this country.

University of Tennessee Fun

Praise the Lord for public internet access at the UT Hodges Library! I'm way behind in my grad work and none of the company computers have Real Player installed - a program I have to have to watch my lectures online. Anyway, now I'm currently listening to my lecture while sitting at a computer at the University of Tennessee. I'm allowed 2 hours a night and that may be just enough to get what I need from the online lectures.


Work is good and I'm having fun on this business trip, but most importantly, I am finally in a position to focus on my studies. When I'm at home, I tend to spend time with my kids or Rachel rather than hit the books. I guess that's a good thing.

UT is a pretty neat campus - it really takes me back to my Georgia Tech days. The old dorms and clogged streets make me feel like a freshman again, surrounded by the sights and sounds of students trying desperately to hold on to their individualism while tragically giving up the same to become accepted. Shakespeare obviously did not understand the college spirit when he penned, "To thine own self be true."

Go Vols! God bless.

Panera Bread Co. - my beacon of hope!

10.22.07 "Free WiFi" signs remind me of when you used to see "Diner's Club" signs in the windows of business willing to feed to growing dependency on the Credit Card. Our nature of dependency hasn't really changed much, but the terms have. Tonight I spent at least 45 minutes driving around the outskirts of Knoxville, TN looking for free WiFi, as though it would be just plain wrong to support an establishment that didn't offer this service. Starbucks gave me a grande Hot Cocoa, but T-Mobile wanted my Credit Card info for the WiFi, so I pulled stakes and moved out. I got lost a couple times, but eventually (and with some aid) happened upon the coveted Panera Bread Co. My WiFi savior was waiting for me - with a "Pick Two" deal to support my more animal instinct to eat. Now, here I sit, listening to jazz and experiencing the peace of mind that was lacking up until my two e-mail accounts had finally been checked for important correspondence. My heart rate slows down and the nice hourly-wage employee with the apron takes away the remnants of my dinner snack. All is well that ends well, and this day has definitely ended well.
In other news, I am (obviously) away from home, on a business trip to Knoxville, TN. I'm hoping to catch a Vols game while I'm up here - mostly because the LSU - Auburn game last weekend proved to me that the most exciting conference is the SEC, no doubt, and the stadium at UT is only about 2 x the size of GT's homefield. I could use some good clean, college football fun one of these weekends. Wish me luck as I search for some good seats. God Bless!

WDW Pre-Cursor

You know what - I never talked about Disney World and the whirlwind tour my son and I took of the WDW Resort over Labor Day weekend. Remind me sometime to re-attack that story. . . .

Underdogs rule

WAR EAGLE! GO YELLOW JACKETS! I love watching an underdog win a big game. It just makes everything else go away for a little bit. Like the 320k+ mile Jeep I own that is now in the shop or the crabgrass that is still lingering in my lawn. Most important, and this is true in football as it is in just about everything else, the story of a successful underdog is a continual reminder that all things can be made possible through Christ. I have realized that I am an underdog. Satan is up, 453-2 (I picked up a safety back in Elementary School), yet I am assured a victory if I continue to press on toward the goal. The points don't matter and the time left is unknown (kind of like soccer). All that counts is the scoreboard in the end, and just like the sign that loomed over the hedges in Athens, GA following the GA Tech victory in 1998 (21-19), the scoreboard of life will also be in my favor. If you want to know more about this, please contact me. God Bless!

Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell

This is a good day, just like all days. It really comes down more to what we make of the days than what we think of the days. I'm reading a terrific book, Lone Survivor, by Marcus Luttrell, a Navy SEAL. It's pretty remarkable what these guys go through to be SEALs - definitely not a walk in the park. I can say assuredly that it is well more intense than anything I've done or probably ever will do and I'm not really sure if that comforts me or makes me feel worthless. Regardless, you should decide for yourself and check the book out. Like an impatient ninny, I bought the book in hardback, brand new, with 10% sales tax yet I am very pleased with the investment so far.


On a side note, I think the site needs a redesign. The pictures aren't very well organized and the overall appearance is somewhat archaic. Please feel free to contact me if you have any suggestions.

GA Tech vs. UVA - a sad tale

I'm totally depressed that my Yellow Jackets couldn't pull out a win this week. They lost to the Virginia Cavaliers, 28-23, after a fatal fumble during a punt - of all things. Ironically, there are few things that have been truly consistent about Ga Tech's football over the last ten years (the last season they accomplished anything truly significant), yet their special teams has always seemed to stay the course. Even today their place kicker hit a 51-yarder and their punter drove a punt over 60 yards, yet they (literally) dropped the ball this one time and UVA took the next play and turned it into the touchdown that would put them over the top for the win. It wouldn't be so bad except that Tech wasn't able to squeak out a win (much less any offensive yardage) again Boston College last week, either. So, now we are 2-2, 0-2 (ACC) and on our way down the road of what we will all call a "rebuilding" season. Hogwash. I don't know what it is, but Division 1-A college football programs do not need to be wasting ticket dollars and alumni donations with years spent "rebuilding". Tech's defense needs to get back to their roots - zone defense, blitz everytime, and put up a wall against the rush. Tech's offense needs to rebuild the option that took Joe Hamilton to near-Heisman status and the team to a shared spot as ACC Co-Champs. Finally, the special teams needs to keep doing what they've been doing and not screw up again. Yes, they did not lose this game - if anyone did, it was the defense for letting UVA get that fast one past them immediately following the fumble recovery, late in the 4th quarter, but it is an understatement at this point that only perfection will keep such a fragile lead, as Tech had in their hands prior to that fumble, alive. That is of course, just the words of a naive couch-potato coach, so take them for what they're worth - or not. Regardless, this should count as a legitimate post for all those who've been complaining about my prolonged absence of late. God bless you all and good night!

Update

It's very interesting how the number of visitors decreases whenever I stop posting updates for a long period of time. I've been a little busy, yes - but mostly I've just been getting things done that were more important that this blog. I bought an edger and made my front lawn a little bit more manicured. We had our sunday school class over for a baby shower - 22 adults and 12 kids can successfully be entertained in our new home! Let's see, I've got some new students and I'm working daily to help them and teach them, while also learn from them. There have already been some challenges, but I didn't take this job lightly and I certainly expected a few tough moments along the way. Overall, though, we are having a great time! The heat is finally letting up and the rains have moved in. I'm thankful for every drop - it lowers the ambient air temperature, saving me in my electric bill, and it waters the lawn, saving me in my water bill. Praise the Lord! I started my third semester of graduate work yesterday. Hopefully I will be able to juggle this with everything else going on - after this week, I won't have much of a choice in the matter, anyway! God bless you all!

CW II

8.11.07 Greece! A new country for my map of 'hits'. I have to assume it's due to a visit from our friends, Paul and Sarah, but I can not confirm or deny that until I hear from them. They were supposed to be traveling in Greece together, so I'll watch my e-mail and let the rest of you know if I was right!


Today I took CRABGRASS WARS to the next level. I established my "shock and awe" policy and now I have craters all over my backyard where the little buggers once spread. The next step is to quickly establish a foothold in the bare regions with new seed and some water. Wish me luck as I continue to take on the fight for well-kept suburbia.

CW I

I've been 30 for a day now and I still feel 29. What's up with that? I did get a call from everyone in my family - thank you all - and today I sent 12 students off to take on the challenges of their next chapters in life.

It's hot here. I'm trying to be joyful about it, but it's still hot. It reminds me of how appreciative of my salvation. The rich dude who "looked the part" was sent to hell where it was hot. Nothing he could say or do at that point mattered - it was still hot. Don't be that guy - find out how by reading the book of John, 4th gospel in the Holy Bible.

On a side note, I've been fully engaged in what has become, "CRABGRASS WARS". Just this week, in a lawn far far away, the evil sprouts of wide-bladed weeds began their attempts to take over. I ran a covert operation a few weeks ago using "Weed and Feed" - no good. So, this week we attacked in full force - first we took out the sprouts of seeds, then we mowed - at a greater height than I usually mow. I will probably get in trouble with my HOA because I won't have the suburban "crewcut", but I don't care - the crabgrass must not get any room and the right height is the first step. Next, I carefully removed a few complete plants. Now, we wait. Water, mow, wait. Hopefully I will get an idea of what works best, but until then, there won't be much to talk about. Wish me luck!

God bless you all!

Pensacola and Google

8.6.07 Back from Pensacola, FL - spent some time on the beach and kayaking with some of our friends down there - watched a couple movies (Live Free or Die Hard: 2 Thumbs up; Ocean's 13: 1 Thumb up, 1 Thumb down) - mowed the lawn. My students graduate this friday and I finish my second semester of graduate work (1 class) this friday as well. In a much odder discussion, though - I would be very interested to know who found my site after searching google for:
"dreaded sister-in-law's visit"
Now, I have some extraordinary sisters-in-law and I don't dread any of their visits, so I was intrigued as to what on my site would have led a google search straight to Mediocre, Alaska. Lo and behold, a quick search myself for:
"dreaded sister-in-law's visit"
on Google directed the user (on the 10th listing) to my 5.19.07 blog entry. Heh heh. Anyway, there's nothing too special there except an entry describing our fun visit to my brother's house. Go ahead and check it out sometime!
Also - I'd be very interested to know who in Israel is checking out my website - so, please drop me a line if you get a chance! God Bless everyone!

Georgia's in the house

Drumroll please. . . . After much ado and waiting, the highly anticipated "Georgia Entry" on my "Fifty States" page has finally been posted. Please enjoy and feel free to comment!

My first trophy!

I'm two weeks away from graduating another class of anxious and ready students. They are excited and it always gives me a great feeling to see them continue on into the next phase of their lives. Almost as noteworthy were the events of this morning. I've never competed athletically (yes, I was on the JV golf team my 9th grade year, but I was far from competitive in that!) and I've run a few 5Ks or fun runs just, . . .for fun. Anyway, yesterday I found out that one of my coworkers and several of my students were going to run a 5K near my home, so I decided last minute to join the fold to get a nice run in on a Saturday morning while raising money for the Red Cross. Lo and behold, a thin crowd and my over-zealous spirit was enough to walk away with the 1st place trophy for my age group! You have to understand, this was truly my first sports trophy ever. I never did the little league thing like my brothers or take up any sports very seriously through high school or college, so I was pretty pleased. Anyway, it's interesting that a few songs came to mind as I took on the ups and downs of a local neighborhood for 22 minutes and 51 seconds (official time): Consuming Fire by Third Day and The Finish Line by Steve Taylor. The latter, I sang to myself twice and I am positive that the notion and visage of Christ rising to His feet as I stretched towards the finish line of life was a very motivating notion. It was fun, too, to stretch myself and do something different. That, too, is what Mediocre, Alaska is about - waking up to a new ambition and taking it on, head on. I'm thankful to my coworkers and students who came up with the idea and I've been encouraged to try it again sometime.
I think I need to archive some of this.

Not quite Mediocre, Alaska

What a whirl-wind two weeks! We closed on the house on the 25th and immediately drove to meet friends and family waiting with a 24' U-haul ready to unload. There was little time before I would have to pay a second day on the truck, so we emptied the whole thing in less than 1.5 hours! It was definitely impressive and I made the deadline, saving some cash in the process. Since then, we have tried to settle in, but life never stops in our household - the night of the 27th all four of us left for Atlanta. Rachel and the kids on their way with her family to Missouri while I flew to Alaska to get in some fishing and take care of some business.


The Much More than Mediocre Fishing Trip

Fishing in Alaska is nothing like fishing in other parts of the country. Besides the size of the catch and the lengths gone to get it, the distances between spots and homes is pretty absurd. For instance, I flew into Fairbanks, AK to meet my friends. From there we drove over 3 hours south to get to the campsite for the first fishing trip, a chartered king salmon trip on the Gulkana river. We didn't pull into camp until past 3 in the morning, yet we still made our 6 AM charter and limited out. Next was a 2 hour drive south from there to Chitina, where we would take a half-hour boat ride down one of the most treacherous rivers in the world to dipnet for our allowed 43 sockeye (red) salmon and 2 king salmon. Now with over 170 lbs of salmon fillets in the coolers, we headed south to Valdez, another couple hours through some of the most beautiful country in the world, to get our fish vaccuum sealed and frozen solid. So far we had slept about 6 hours and spent the nights at a campground and in the forest on the cliffs of the Copper River; needless to say, a night in a hotel would be nice. So, we got the last room in town and crashed after some celebratory pizza. Sunday was a day of rest and trout fishing at Blueberry Lake just outside of town as well as fishing for pink salmon off Allison Point. We resettled at our final campground for Sunday night and slept well before our 12 hour halibut charter from Valdez Harbor. The halibut charter left a little to be desired as far as service, but the captain had some things working against him - so I don't hold him completely responsible. Regardless, we ended the long day at sea with meeting our limit yet again and taking home a "souvenir" decent size sea bass as well (not the tastiest, but hey, fish is fish!) Now, with over 230 lbs of salmon, halibut, and sea bass in the coolers, our crew of three drove north, arriving back home around 2 AM, Tuesday. Tired, smelly, disorganized, yet laden with the best fish in the world, we understood why it is called the "suicide run" of fishing. For me, though, it was certainly far from mediocre! Thank you friends, and thank you, Alaska!

Homeowners Eve

Tonight is the last night we will spend in a base house for who knows how long. It could be 3 years, it could be the rest of my life. I know that we are supposed to be moving and buying this house, I believe God ordained it and set everything in motion in the world and in our hearts to make it happen, though I am still bittersweet regarding the thought of never living in base housing again. It was always nice to be living in a safe, gated community, with top-notch armed security surrounded by people who are going through most of the same stuggles and heartaches. It was also nice having quick access to work and great benefits like commissary shopping or 0% sales tax.
In the end, I do not regret any of the time we spent in military housing over the course of the last 6 years. We have lived in some pretty awesome housing and some pretty shabby housing, but it was the constants mentioned above that make it such a great experience.
By the time I make my next entry, we will be homeowners! Praise the Lord!

E up the wall

Yes, it has been way too long! SO, I will make it up to you all by posting this great video of our amazing daughter scaling a climbing wall a month after her second birthday. Enjoy and please feel free to share with your friends!