Yesterday I pulled up behind a Mini Cooper with a license plate that read “OOPER K.”  My first thought was– oh, wow… uber lame.  And my second thought was this:

Which brought to mind these thoughts:

1. Remember when Ben Stiller was actually funny?
2. It’s really hard to sing in Pig Latin.
3. I haven’t seen one of these “2 disc set” infomercials in a looooong time.
4. #3 might be due to the fact that I haven’t watched daytime TV in a loooooong time.
5. Or the fact that I don’t have a digital tuner and get zero channels.

Filed under: Humor | 1 Comment

There are those who say, who will show us some good?
Lift up the light of your face upon us, oh LORD!
You have put joy in my heart more than when their grain and wine abound. 
In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
For you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:6-8

In a time where there seems to be nothing but bad news, people are desperate for someone to “show some good.” I’ve had a pretty rough week as far as news goes. There’s been a lot of disappointment and frustration coming from many different angles and–like most people–I’ve felt worn down by it all. In many ways it seems like there is no good to be found.

As a Christian, however, my outlook on life isn’t dictated by what I see on CNN.com or the pages of BusinessWeek.  Times are hard for (most) everybody.  There are struggles and worries that are legitimate.  Despite all these, I have a joy that’s stronger than the those afforded by comfort and luxury and a peace that’s deeper than financial security.  But my hope in God is greater.

I was reminded of those truths today.

Filed under: Bible Study | 4 Comments

This is awesome.  I wish all local news was this corny on purpose.

[HT] Mike Oz @ FresnoBeehive.com

Filed under: Humor | 7 Comments

I’m wearing a particularly stubborn shirt today.  It took me a whooping 20 minutes to get it decent for work and honestly, it still looks pretty wrinkled.

All of that ironing time gave me a change to think of this post (I know, sooooo creative…)

Do you iron your clothes?  Or do you have someone else do it?  Or do you just walk around looking wrinkley?

Filed under: Fashion | 8 Comments

This post might get a little random–it’s all just off the top of my head.

This weekend I was reminded of how much I love leading worship. We had a great service at RVC– simple, familiar songs, a great worship team, and a well-thought set that flowed musically.

Sometimes I get sidetracked by the stress of getting everything together in a mobile setting, the pressure to perform to a list of (often nonexistent) expectations, and the plans I have for our teams and congregation.

Going into this weekend, I spent a lot of time in prayer and made a conscious decision to set aside those things that distract me and just focus on leading simply. It was great! I don’t think much changed musically or thematically in our service, but I felt much more relaxed and confident in what I was doing.

As much as I’d like to do this full time, it’s part time for now. I love chances to lead at other churches, bible studies, and random events. About a month ago I made a decision to take every opportunity to lead worship that came my way. I’ve had the chance to lead with my old band at a graduation event for a local high school and this coming Sunday I’m leading at an evening prayer service at a church down the street from RVC. It should be a good time.

So… If you’re in the Fresno area and need someone to lead worship, let me know!

Filed under: Worship | 2 Comments

I’m waiting in line at the Fashion Fair mall for a new iPhone 3GS. After weeks (ummmm… or months) of tracking rumors on tech blogs it’s here. I developed at bit of an addiction to TUAW, my favorite Apple blog.

Here’s what I want to know: do you read tech blogs? If so, what’s your fave?

Filed under: Technology | 1 Comment

A little bit of a vacation and a busy return to work has left me with a neglected blog! I thought I’d take a minute to check in with you all though–everyone doing ok? Good.

Sarah and I had a great time in Sonoma just hanging out, enjoying one another’s company, touring some cool vineyards and farms, and eating fabulous food. Oh the food. Wine country cusine is my fave…

Anyhow. I’ll get back to some regular posts soon, but for now here’s a cute picture of Sarah buying fancy cheese and a not so cute picture of me eating said cheese.

Filed under: Life | 1 Comment

Growing up, I hated sunflower seeds. Even when I was playing baseball I didn’t like them. I think it was because you go through so much work for such a little payoff.

Cubicle life has changed me though. I chomp on these bad boys all day long. Yay sodium!

How do you feel about seeds? Yay or nay?

Filed under: Food | 4 Comments

I read an interesting article the other day about different types of tech users and the role that social media plays in their lives.

The article speaks a lot about the cognitive dissonance many users feel as they engage in the many different networks and tools available in the online community.  For many, these networks become their primary forms of social interaction and the decision to shut down (even temporarily) causes feelings of guilt or anxiety.

This is actually a topic I’ve been thinking a lot about lately.  I have a bit of an addictive personality, so I need to watch how much time and energy I devote to these sort of things.  Last week I made the commitment to go 7 days without updating Twitter.  It turns out I didn’t develop any twitches, no one called me wondering if “everything was all right” and–well–I really didn’t miss it at all.  It was pretty nice to take a break.

I think the trick to healthy usage is to view these networks as optional tools.  You don’t need to read every Tweet in your stream and you don’t need to update your Facebook status every time you start a new activity.  These are things you do with discretion.  They should be purposeful.  I took the quiz offered by Pew Research and here’s what they had to say about my internet usage:

You are a Media Mover– you have a wide range of online and mobile habits, and you are bound to find or create an information nugget, such as a digital photo, and pass it on. These social exchanges are central to your use of information and communication technology. Cyberspace, as a path to personal productivity or an outlet for creativity, is less important to you.

How do you use social media?  Do you ever feel like it’s “too much”? Do you ever unplug?

Filed under: Technology | 1 Comment

i married her 3 years ago

it was the best wedding i’ve ever attended

even though i didn’t get to try our cake

(my only regret)

today, i still feel like a new groom

still excited

still nervous

still mostly clueless

but i’ve learned a lot

and gained some weight

(i eventually ate some sort of cake)

things haven’t always been easy

but they’ve been good

i’m thankful for everything the last 3 years held

and i’m looking forward to all that the next 3 (and 9, and 18, and 36…) will bring

Filed under: Marriage | 5 Comments