in my own little world.

I'M DOING IT...

2007-10-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

Alright. After months of deliberation and many questions asked of Blake, I have decided to switch my blog over to WordPress.

CHECK OUT MY NEW BLOG HERE.

I apologize for those of you who, like me, have to take the two seconds and change over your feed reader. However, I beg that you be gracious and do it now so as to avoid missing any of the titillating details of my life. Thanks guys (and gals).

danielrowe.wordpress.com

SUDANESE IN BELTON, TX

2007-10-23T15:55:00.000-07:00

Today was International Dress Day for Missions Emphasis Week (MEW) at UMHB. MEW is a week in the fall when 30+ missionaries from all over the world flood this little corner of God's kingdom and share with college students how they might pour their life out for the sake of the gospel. There are events all week long; seminars, missions fairs, classroom opportunities, lunches, and a Persecuted Church Simulation.

I am a co-director this year, which means that I'm get to do all the crazy things instead of just some of them like in years past. International Dress day is one of those crazy things.

This is my jalabia that I bought during my trip to Sudan in 2005. I haven't gotten to wear it much, so even though I looked completely ridiculous and got a lot of odd stares, it was worth it.

Though co-directing this week has been pretty exhausting and overwhelming at the same time, it has been good. Seeing missionaries striking up conversations all over campus and watching the people you live with get excited about God's work in foreign places is unbelievable. (I am glad that come Friday the endless questions and schedule changes will be over with.)

PS: I had a Greek test today that took 2 hours and 15 minutes to take. It did not go well. I am tired. Time for a nap.

MY #2 SIN

2007-10-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

Robert Conn had a great post the other day entitled "Question About SIN." In it, he talked about the issue of #2 sins. These are those things in your life that hide behind other "big" sins like lust, alcholism, murder, etc. You know - the super-nasty ones that get all the attention? Those that are so easy to bash.

Robert was challenging people to examine their own lives, try to find that "#2 Sin," and expose it for what it is. (At least that's what I think he was doing.)

I would say that my "#2 Sin" is busyness. I know that sounds strange at first. Sorta like, "Wait a minute! Isn't sloth a sin. Laying around on your fat butt and eating Ding-Dongs and Cheetos isn't exactly glorifying to God, right?" I agree, but I think that far too often I run to the other end of the spectrum to over committ myself in an effort at looking like I have it all together.

The feeling is almost that the more balls I can keep juggling, the more useful I am. Like the woman at the well (see three posts down), I'm more concerned with the task of carrying water or impressing someone with how much I know that I don't ever take a break. I don't rest.

I suck at solitude. Sure, I can zone out in front of the TV for a while, but if you give me a journal and a quiet room...I'm liable to freak out. I don't like being still.

There's only one problem with that - God's voice is often a whisper in the stillness (at least I think I read that fancy phrase somewhere before).

I think my "#2 Sin" of busyness is only fueling those "#1 Sins." Funny how life works, huh?

LEPRECUN REMIX

2007-10-21T11:46:00.001-07:00

Here's another version of the leprechaun sighting story. This has to be my favorite news story/rap of all time!

WEEKEND DISTRACTION

2007-10-19T20:30:00.001-07:00

"Leprecun" Sighting

Yeah... this video is a little over six months old, but it is one of the best I've seen in a while. So, for those of you who are behind the times - enjoy.

"It's prolly a crackhead..."

An Important Conversation

2007-10-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

I feel like the woman at the well. He has stopped me right in the middle of some mundane tasks and is wanting to dialogue with me. It's about something important. While I know that he's talking, I also know that I'm just as confused about the direction of the conversation as the woman at the well was.

I question him (John 4:12), demand things of him (v. 15), lie to him (v. 17), argue with him (v. 20), and try to prove to him just how much I know (v. 25). But...I don't quite understand what he's saying.

I want to hear, really hear, what it is that he is saying (v. 26) and act accordingly (v. 28). I don't know what he wants to talk about, but I do know that I'm trying to hear.

If in the course of your day you happen to remember me, pray that I would find vitality, companionship (not necessarily of the female flavor), and focus. This has been a busy month, and I need to find some time alone with Jesus at the well.

I Love Letterman

2007-09-29T21:33:00.001-07:00

I know that this is three YouTube videos in a row, which doesn't count as actually blogging (sorry, Todd). But...this video from Letterman's Friday night show was way to good to pass up.

Mute Math Covers Ray Charles

2007-09-26T21:59:00.001-07:00

I gotta be honest. The more I hear these guys, the more I like them. Yes, Blake, I'm admitting it.

The guy at the beginning is a wee bit annoying. Skip to 6:50 to start the song.

Monster

2007-09-09T20:24:00.001-07:00

I know this video has been around a while, and a lot of you may have seen it. It's just one of those that I watch every now and then when I need a good laugh. Today was one of those "need a good laugh" days. So...enjoy.

I Did It

2007-09-02T16:55:00.001-07:00

The hair is gone. Pictures and method of hair removal coming soon. Probably sometime tomorrow.

By the way...no. I don't look nearly as cool as Los (see below).

I'm Thinkin' Bout It

2007-09-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

I've had my hair shaved for a little over two years now. I cut it with no guard, so there is essentially no hair on my head at all. There is, however, a little bit of color on my head and something akin to a hair-do. I have been wanting to give the shaved-head, totally-bald look a shot for quite a while now.

In the last month or so, I've also added a beard to my "look." I like it, but now I'm wondering if I could pull off the bald head and beard.

To make matters even worse...I have glasses.

Just as I'm ready to give up hope, I notice that Los Whittaker from ragamuffinsoul.com is able to pull off a look like this with pretty good results. Take a look for yourself. Visit his site while you're at it.

So. Could I make it work? Is it even worth trying? Would I just look completely ridiculous?

It's Sorta Like Catholic Confessional

2007-08-31T22:58:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I'm a selfish jerk. In fact, I can even be a selfish jerk for extended periods of time. My true talent lies in the fact that even when I try not to be a selfish jerk...it just so happens to come off as selfish jerkiness. So, if I've ben a selfish jerk in the past, I'm submitting my universal apology. If you would like to call and let me know about a specific incident, please feel free to do so. Just know that you should probably wait until after 9:00 pm CST because I'm running low on minutes for the month.

On a more serious note about the same idea. My very wise BSM director, a wonderful woman by the name of Shawn Shannon, once said, "I am part of the reason that others suffer, and that is the most humbling of acknowledgements." Amen to that, sister. Everyone should probably go right now, grab a pen, and jot that one down.

PS: Im finding that I blog more when I have a lot of homework to do and really just don't feel like it. Strange, huh?

It's All A Headache To Me

2007-08-31T12:30:00.000-07:00

Last week, alongside 28 other students, I officially began what my professor said (in an obvious effort to calm our nerves and assure us of our future successes) would be "the most difficult undertaking of our undergraduate careers"... Greek.

It is as daunting as he said, and we are moving pretty stinking fast already. We had our first class on Thursday and our first test on Tuesday. I got an A, and was one of the 15 passing grades out of 28 students. It seems as though it will be a lot of memorization, a lot of long nights, and a lot of headaches. However, I love languages and think that in the end, all of the hard work will be well worth it.

For you guys (and gals) who have been through a biblical language course or two, do you have any suggestions about how to make this whole process any easier/less stressful?

Yep. That's Me.

2007-08-30T19:03:00.001-07:00

Yes, ladies and gentleman, that is my first nametag. I'm legit now. A real-life, certified intern. Though I don't get paid near as much as or share the same duties as my pastor (see below), we do have matching nametags. It's pretty sweet. Right now, I love having a nametag. It carries with it a sense of great importance. However, I'm pretty sure that in about two weeks, I'll want to run over it with my car and never have to wear it again.

By the way...I love my new job. It is working out to be just as incredible as I thought it would. I've gotten to put my OCD tendencies to great use in organizing old sermon files and even older books. Ah, the life of an intern.

And...I just found out that I'll get to start leading up a service planning and worship team for the college ministry of FBC Belton. I'm pretty pumped.

New Home

2007-08-26T21:58:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official. As of 10:30 this morning, I am one of the newest members of First Baptist Church in Belton, TX. It was my first time to actually join a new church, and it was a lot more exciting than I thought it might be. My heart was beating faster than normal, and shaking the pastor's hand was sort of a blur. I'm glad I finally made the move and am putting down roots here.

Speaking of new pastor... meet my new boss (and pastor) Andy Davis.

Over the summer, I accepted a position as the Senior Pastor Intern of FBC Belton. I'll be working alongside Andy with sermon research, hospital visits, Creative Team ministries, etc. It's really a hands-on ministry class. I've only been with him for three days and have learned a ton! This man has over 35 years of ministry experience and he is willing to teach me?!

I'm both nervous and excited about moving forward. Nervous that I might not have what it takes to do the job well, and excited to see what God has planned to teach me along the way.

I'll keep you updated.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age

2007-08-23T08:39:00.001-07:00

I know it's a sequel and there are good chances that it will terrible. But...after watching this trailer through a few times and knowing that it stars Cate Blanchett and Clive Owen - I'm ready to at least give it a shot.

Me

2007-08-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

Apparently I like words and music. I think that's a fair summary of me. Check out the test(s) at mypersonality.info.

Thanks, Clay, for the idea.

American Gangster

2007-08-19T10:44:00.001-07:00

I have a good feeling that this movie will be freakin' awesome. I can't wait till November.

There are a few more movies releasing in the fall that I'm looking forward to and will post trailers to soon.

Title Goes Here.

2007-08-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

Ever have that feeling that the person you're becoming is close to exactly the opposite of the one you want to be? Ever feel like the things you're doing and the ways you're spending your time over the course of a day aren't getting you any closer to where you want to be?

Being thrown back into Belton and back into a place where I am on my own, making my own decisions, and looking out for myself is a scary thing. I often feel like I'm just barely keeping my head above water and my secrets buried just deep enough that no one digs them up. This is not a fun place to be. It definitely looks nothing like "life to the full."

I wonder when I'll finally grow up and start making some substantial changes?

Heresy? Maybe.

2007-08-12T11:06:00.000-07:00

I think I'm gonna make the change. I think it's happening. Clay will be mad. No doubt. He'll call me a communist and tell me it's all because I watch CNN. Blake will be pleased. He'll think I've finally come over to the right side.

Here goes nothing...

I'm officially changing my preferred drink of choice to Coca-Cola.

It's crisp. It's clean. I just plain like it.

I still have a special place in my heart for the good ol' Dr. Pepper. It was my first love, and I may return to it one day. For now. For this moment in history, however. Coke is the new button I'll be pushing at the fountain.

Kite Runner

2007-08-08T15:22:00.000-07:00

I recently decided to make an effort to read more fiction books. My first attempt to branch out was...

I had heard about his book, watched the author interview with Oprah, and been bugged by my Mom to give it a try. I did, and it was very good. It's a haunting story about one man's valiant attempt to outrun his past. The book has plenty of plot twist to keep your attention, but more interesting is the unique take on life in Afghanistan. It's definitely worth some "spare time" reading.

I went today and picked up a second book called "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. I'm gonna try and squeeze it in before I move back to Belton next Wednesday. I'll let you know how that attempt goes.

Bourne

2007-08-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

I have a new man-crush.

This is by far one of the best three movies I have ever seen. It is easily the best action movie...ever. I know these are pretty big claims. Just trust me. Go see it. Now.

My Heart Is Crushed

2007-08-01T08:53:00.001-07:00

As some of you may know, one of my favorite shows on TV is TLC's "Little People, Big World." I can't really explain to you why this little family (no pun intended) from Portland, OR can make me waste hours of my life in front of the tube...but they do. Marathons of the show are especially detrimental to my productivity.

Sadly, Matt Roloff (the dad) was arrested last month after failing a field sobriety test. He was cited and released that same night. All of this according to the celebrity-gossip site TMZ.com.

Honestly folks...I'm not really sure what to think about all this. My grand ideas of a happy little family (pun intended this time) have been dashed against the rocks. I think I need a moment to collect myself.

Plus, I gotta get ready for the new episode that airs tonight.

The End

2007-07-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

It was a marathon of reading. I read both the sixth and seventh Harry Potter books in less than one week, and that was with a three day youth trip to San Antonio! I endured much ridicule and missed out on a few opportunities to hang out with friends by having my phone on silent for hours at a time. However, after much deliberation and soul-searching, I have concluded that it was...

Very good. Very, very, very good. If you haven't read the series, you really ought to give it a shot.

That's it. I'm officially a nerd.

I Love My Job

2007-07-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks of my job have been an absolute blast! Trips, meals, converstations, and a little Guitar Hero action scattered in between. I love these students...and I really will miss them when August 12th gets here and my time with them has to come to an end. Dang it! I have a love/hate relationship with college and all of its moving-here-and-there action. You never get to be in one place long enough!

On a similar note...I know that they say married couples start to look like each other after decades together. I never thought I would look so much like Clay Walker after only three months together!

This man is a great youth pastor. I've learned a lot from watching him. Thanks, Clay.

Bibletown, USA

2007-07-22T18:27:00.000-07:00

This is one of the weirdest things I've seen in a while. It's even weirder that the guy is the founder of Domino's Pizza.

Check the video and story out HERE from rawstory.com.

Also, I'll be out of town for the next three days with our high school students in San Antonio. Promise to tell you all about it when we get back.

Harry Potter

2007-07-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

I just got back from seeing the most recent movie, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." It was good. The best one of the bunch so far. The characters were developed a whole heck of a lot better in this one. It seems like the director for #5 is a bigger fan of the story than the previous ones have been. However, the special effects were a little lacking when compared to movies like "Lord of the Rings" and "The Chronicles of Narnia." No one does movies better than WETA. On the whole, I give "Order of the Phoenix" a A-.

With the release of the final book coming out tomorrow, I got to thinking about the series as a whole. I read books 1-5, but seem to have lost interest soon after that. Whereas with the Lord of the Rings series, I read the whole thing front to back and have re-read a significant amount. It just seems that for some reason, Potter is not quite as captivating.

However, you can't argue that the books have created a sort of revival among young kids when it comes to reading. The series has sold over 325 million copies worldwide (an unbelievable number for a book). Author, JK Rowling, is Britain's richest woman and the world's first billionaire author. It's definitely a hit and a permanent part of our culture.

What do you think of the Potter franchise? Good, bad, irrelevant?
What book or series of fiction do you find yourself reading over and over again?

News Flash

2007-07-19T15:33:00.001-07:00

It's 5:30 PM on Thursday afternoon. My dad just called and let me know that he and my stepmom are having triplets. Yep...you read that right. Triplets.

I'm not even sure what to think right now.

Update

2007-07-15T08:26:00.000-07:00

It's 10:15 AM here at the Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX. I just woke up from a few hours of shut-eye with Clay Walker standing over my face. Believe me, not a sight I'd wish on my worst enemy.

Anyway, he tells us that the surgery went incredibly well. It only took 2 hours (an incredible time for a transplant). Her body immediately took to the new lungs, and as far as an outlook for the future, the doctor said he couldn't feel better about it.

Wayne and Mike will get to see her in about an hour, and she'll be asleep for the majority of the day.

Anyway, I gotta run. Battery power on the Mac is pretty low. Thanks for praying for Cindy and Wayne. God did an incredible thing this morning while you got dressed for church, slept in late, or caught a few minutes of shut-eye on an uncomfortable couch in the Dunn Wing ICU. He's pretty unbelievable, huh?

Love you guys.

Woo Hoo!

2007-07-15T03:10:00.000-07:00

When I got to FBC Lufkin in May, I met this one student by the name of Wayne Ramsey. Wayne and I got along pretty well, and I immediately thought, "Hey, this is a cool kid. I really hope I get to know him a little better over the summer." A few weeks later, I met a woman in her mid-fifties scooting her way down the aisle after Sunday morning service with a oxygen tank trailing right behind her. We shook hands and said "hi" to one another. I then watched her walk up to Wayne and give him a hug. A day or two later, I found out that this was his mom.

So...after asking around, I found out what the deal was with that little oxygen tank she wheeled around behind her. A few years ago, Cindy (Wayne's mom) was diagnosed with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LMA for short). This is a very rare disease that only affects about 850 women in the United States. Cindy is one of the oldest known patients, and her disease was pretty advanced once it was diagnosed. They quickly placed her on the national waiting list for a double lung transplant. Fast-forward sixteen months...

When I found out about her need for a lung transplant and that she was Wayne's mom, I quickly decided that this was one of the things I would be asking God to do before I left for the new school year. I've been praying about it and bugging Clay every few days as to whether or not there was any news on the potential transplant.

Tonight, we were standing in the game room at FBC Lufkin hanging out with some young guys after Man Night. I'm just scanning the room thinking about how much I love my job when I see Wayne on his cell phone with a strange look on his face. He pulled the phone away from the ear, grinned just a little, and said, "My mom's on her way to get a lung transplant right now."

I freaked out! I wanted to cry, jump up and down, and hug the kid all at once.

After a few minutes of praying together and shaking our heads in disbelief, Clay and I looked at each other and decided we would head to Houston to be with Wayne, Cindy, and Mike (his dad).

So, right now I'm sitting in the ICU waiting room of The Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX. It's 5:15 AM and the surgery still hasn't started yet. They say it will take anywhere from 4-7 hours. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

God is unbelievable!!! Please pray for the Ramsey's (especially Cindy) and the family of the young twenty year-old man from Houston who has given Cindy the chance at new life.

Crazy Days, Pacifiers, and Chicken

2007-07-13T14:55:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those days where you reach the end and you're not quite sure whether it was a good or disasterous one? Yesterday was definitely one of those frustratingly long days where I remembered that there are many things about myself that I'm not happy with and that this journey still has a long way to go. There were a lot of small things piled on top of one another that quickly created a mound of frustration and anxiety. As I laid my head down last night, I was just thankful for the simple fact that my heart was still beating and my lungs still taking in air. As crazy as it may sound, I think those days are good for you.

In other news, my dad called yesterday and let me know that he and my stepmom are having twins!!! Yes...you read that right. Twins. Yes...he's forty-four years old. Yes...he'll be sixty-two when they graduate. Yes...he's crazy. And yes...I still love the old man. So, sometime around Spring Break of 2008 there will be two brand new Rowes running around wreaking havoc. Crazy thought, huh?

Finally, I'm addicted to Chick-Fil-A. Three of my last four meals have been from there. I need to get a life. Or a personal chef. Let me know if you know of anyone.

David v. Goliath

2007-07-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

If you read Clay's blog, you'll notice that this past Sunday, we had our inaugural IOSM PowderPuff Football Game. It was a blast. We had a ton of girls turn out. After they played for about an hour and a half, they decided to let the guys play tackle with them. Below are two pictures from my take-down of Goliath (aka Clark Oates). It was awesome!

After this, I jumped up and screamed at the top of my lungs, "THIS IS SPARTA!" Jerk move? Maybe.

Aussie In Action

2007-07-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

I just got back from seeing Keith Urban this weekend in Dallas, TX at the American Airlines Center. Now, you won't hear me saying that I am a concert connoisseur by any means. I have seen a few in my day, most smaller than others. However, I will say that Keith Urban puts on one of the best shows I've ever seen with my own two eyes either live or on DVD.

Surprisingly, he is a lot better guitarist than his CD's let on. This man can wail on the guitar. He also sings pretty dang well live. His five bandmates were also incredible musicians. Over the course of the show, all played at least four different instruments. Finally, he played over two hours and fifteen minutes of his own music. The show was well worth the money.

There are a lot more details of the show that I would love to explain but don't feel that I could do justice to them in writing. All I'm gonna say is...if you get the chance to see him - go, and if you get the chance to grab a DVD - buy it.

This brings up a good question. What is the best concert you have ever seen live? I love DVD shows, but they won't count here. Let's hear it.

LIon Whisperer

2007-07-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

This guy is what some of us might call a little retarded.

Check some more pictures out here.

Gone to Vicksburg

2007-06-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

I'll be in Vicksburg, MS at World Changers for the next week with FBC Lufkin high schoolers. So...there won't be any new posts 'til next week. Check back in then for all the crazy stories.

Dear Link Police,
Please do not delete me next week. Thank you.
- Daniel

Strange Pics

2007-06-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure that somewhere down the line I am related to this man. He and my drunk uncle would get along well.

Kinda makes you want to avoid this joint, huh?

Blake's Nightmare

2007-06-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

Alright, I like advertising campaigns and logos. Admittedly, this is not a place I'd want to be. However, I'm pretty sure that if there ever were a hell on earth, this would be Blake Stewart's.

Check it out here.

Connecting

2007-06-16T17:10:00.000-07:00

I just finished this one today. It took me about three weeks to get through it. Part of that is because I was lazy about finishing it, but it also got a little bogged down in the middle and was rough to trudge through.

Don't get me wrong, it's a great follow-up to "Inside Out". Once again, Dr. Crabb has got a pretty good and original idea that everyday believers in small, connected groups can have the same effect as trained, professional counselors. That's a pretty big admission from a man who has made his living in the counseling profession.

What he envisions is much more than a small group that we think of in a church setting. Crabb admits that the idea probably fails if the group is larger than three or four.

This one was really good for me where I am now. It was especially good at giving me practical ideas about how to better relate to and care for the close friends I have right now and prepare for the daunting task of caring for a family in the future.

All in all, it's a good read with a great idea. A little wordy and maybe a little long. However, the last four chapters of the book are probably the best I've read at providing biblical and practical advice for difficult relational situations. It's definitely worth your time.

A Revival of Sorts

2007-06-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

I recently bought my first pair of boots and caught a lot of flack for it. Everything from "Oh, Daniel's going country on us." to "What the crap is that on your feet?!" But you know what? I like 'em, and they're probably one of the most comfortable pair of shoes I've owned.

This got me to thinking. Since I've been at college (and I'm not exactly out in the wild, wild west) there has been something of a revival in my life.

Weird Occurence #1) I've started listening to country music almost exclusively. I grew up around banjos, steel guitars, and fiddles but deserted them in middle school. Couldn't even really explain to you where this new found appreciation came from, but I like it. I've even started buying tickets to country concerts and visiting one or two honky tonks.

Weird Occurence #2) I've picked up fishing again. My dad used to go all the time and tried to get me involved. As a kid, I wanted nothing to do with it. Now, it's one of my favorite ways to pass a pretty Saturday afternoon or relax after a day of class and work. Once again, not sure where it came from.

Weird Occurence #3) I have this insane desire to give horseback riding a shot again. I was thrown off my first and only horse and into a barbwire fence in the sixth grade. I swore I'd never get back on one of those monsters again, but now I'm looking all over the place for opportunities to ride.

Weird Occurence #4) The boots.

For those of you who've known me a while, these revelations might be a shock to the system. It's weird for me too... but I like it.

So, for you senior citizens who wander onto this blog, the question of the day is this: What crazy things did you find yourself returning to or trying for the first time when you finally left the nest? Let's hear it...

Peelin' Like A Banana

2007-06-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

So I went to the lake this past Saturday with the students from the youth group. I thought I'd be a "man" about the whole situation and not use that sissy invention you mere mortals call 'sunscreen'. I spent two hours on the lake with nothing to protect my pretty face from the sun. As you can see in the photo below, my "manly" plan did not work out well, and now I'm peeling like a pink banana. Gross, huh?

Anyone have an idea about how to make this experience less painful or disgusting? Come on now people...I'm hurting here.

Snake v. Wallaby

2007-06-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

Yeah...I didn't believe it either.

Check it out here.

A Long Second

2007-06-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

So...it has been a while. I have no excuse. I've just been lazy. Thanks for asking about me though. Things are going well here at FBC Lufkin (they want me to call it Lufkin's First Bapist Church, but I just can't). We have an Astros game coming up on Thursday with the high school students. I'm pretty pumped about that.

Question: I just signed up for a two-week free trial with Netflix.com. Has anyone used them? If so, what did you think? Are you still a user or have you canceled?

I'll Be Back In Just A Second...

2007-04-30T11:52:00.000-07:00

I know Todd doesn't like to hear complaining on one's blog about how busy one is/is not. So, I won't tell you that this is finals week and that I'm both busy and sleepy. I will, however, tell you that my job with Clay Walker at FBC Lufkin starts May 15, and I'll for sure keep you up to date a lot more frequently about the goings-on in L-Town.

Promise. Check back soon.

Frustrationville, USA

2007-04-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

I've been really frustrated lately - the kind of stress that makes your neck/back tense and gives you a migraine headache. So, I need your help. What is your favorite/most successful way to relieve stress? I don't care what it is...I'm willing to try it. If it involves alcohol, that is fine and maybe even a little better.

Ready? Set? Go!

Birthday Cards For Shane

2007-04-19T10:00:00.001-07:00

Spend a dollar or two and send this incredible kid a card.

http://www.shaneswish.com/index.php

Misfire

2007-04-14T22:37:00.000-07:00

I just got back from seeing "Shooter" with Mark Whalburg. I'm gonna recommend that unless you enjoy action with no plot that you avoid this one. It's quite predictable from the very beginning and contains a lot of details (some larger than others) that make absolutely no sense.

Plus...here's something that bugs me about movies. I don't pay $5 to hear some director spout his opinions about how our "broken American democracy" is the reason why there is evil in our world. You won't find me telling you that America is God's gift to the world, but come on...give it a rest Hollywood.

I will, however, recommend "Flushed Away." It's an animated comedy from the guys who did "Shrek" and "Wallace and Gromit." I've watched it twice in the last two days and laughed more in the second viewing than I did in the first.

The Frozen Easter Egg

2007-04-10T08:56:00.000-07:00

It snowed it Belton this past weekend. It was one of the coolest things in my life! However, I am pretty sure that while I enjoy the snow every now and then...it would suck to be snowed in constantly. It was really nice for a night though.

LEGO TP Dispenser

2007-04-07T18:20:00.001-07:00

How ridiculous and awesome is this invention submitted to a recent high school science fair?! It dispenses, folds, and cuts the toliet paper...all with LEGOs! I kinda want one.

Not Sure How This Makes Me Feel

2007-04-04T07:50:00.001-07:00

What's your first reaction to this MSNBC Report?

Obsession?

2007-04-04T07:35:00.000-07:00

I've always heard that "Cleanliness is next to godliness," but where is the line when it becomes minor OCD? I'm pretty sure my roomates would argue that I've crossed that line a long time ago. ...I can't help it!

Gig 'Em 'Stros!

2007-04-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

Today's the first day of Houston Astros baseball! It's been a long time coming. Here's the starting line-up:

2B Craig Biggio
CF Chris Burke
1B Lance Berkman
LF Carlos Lee
3B Morgan Ensberg
RF Luke Scott
SS Adam Everett
C Brad Ausmus
P Roy Oswalt

Thank You Todd Wright

2007-03-21T18:12:00.001-07:00

I know, I know. Todd posted this already today. But, for those folks who hit up my blog and not Todd's...enjoy.

By the way, check out Todd's link over there ->. He's probably one of the bestest, most creative worship leaders and people I know.

I Almost Peed My Pants

2007-03-21T17:52:00.001-07:00

This fat kid almost fall off a roller coaster! Some of the stuff that he says/screams is some of the exact same stuff I yelled at my dad during my first roller coaster ride.

Really Random Question Looking for a Really Random Answer

2007-03-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

I've been looking for a summer internship in the Colorado/Arizona region for awhile now. I can't exactly find one that fits. Ideally, I would love to work as an intern for a senior pastor, but I'm not even sure that job exists.

What I'm asking is...do any of you guys know a pastor or church from that area I could contact. If so, leave me a name and city on my comments. Thanks for your help guys.

It's Gonna Be A Good One

2007-03-16T23:39:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty excited about the look of the earliest shots from the new Potter movie. Check it out...

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/wb/
harrypotterandtheorderofthephoenix/large.html

300...Eh...It was...

2007-03-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

I saw "300" a couple of nights ago, and here's the deal. I wasn't exactly expecting "Braveheart" or "Gladiator." I didn't think there would be dialogue to really make me think or blow me off my feet. I knew there would be a lot of blood, severed body parts, and cool special effects. And...

I was right. It was a movie with a lot of fighting, a little sex, and even less good dialogue. It definitely entertained, and I wasn't so bored that I checked my watch every five minutes. But, it didn't blow me away, it won't be standing in line to buy it, and I wouldn't even place it on a top twenty movie list.

It's probably worth seeing. Wait and watch it at home where you can pause it and go pee, check your e-mail, or whatever when the repetitive blood-spattering just becomes too much.

Maybe you liked it. Maybe I'm wrong. Who knows?

Incredible

2007-03-09T14:34:00.000-08:00

This journal entry from John Piper about the death of his father is quite possibly one of the best and most honest takes on death that I have ever read. Please check it out. I promise you won't be disappointed.

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/
ByDate/2007/2013_Hello_My_Father_Just_Died/

(Sorry about the copy and paste. The hyperlink took wasn't working for some reason today.)

Tomorrow!

2007-02-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

Only 34 hours left until the return of the greatest show in American history!

Yeah...she's pretty good.

2007-01-31T10:35:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. I never would have heard of her were it not for the radio and pop culture. I'm just jumping on the bandwagon because it's the "cool" thing to do. Whatever...

This girl is amazing! Yep...I said it. It's all I've been listening to for the last three days.

FREAKIN' SWEET!

2007-01-24T11:04:00.000-08:00

This is probably THE MOST AMAZING THING I've ever seen...at least in a long time!

Check out THIS LINK.

One Of My Favorite Things

2007-01-11T23:21:00.000-08:00

I think that sand sculptures are one of my favorite things in the world. Check out this link for some pretty stinking cool pictures.

2006-12-29T17:04:00.000-08:00

SNL -- Apocalypto Recut

...hilarious!

2006-12-28T12:13:00.000-08:00

injured, injured bad...

I know this is an old video, but it makes me laugh everytime i watch it. Here's to hoping you guys have a great day.

2006-12-26T10:26:00.000-08:00

Straton's Story

I know it's been a good while since I've last posted anything. Here's a pretty good video from the Chronicle Project to ease me back into blogging existence.

Check out www.chronicleproject.com for more info.

Short Days...

2006-10-31T14:05:00.000-08:00

The days have been really short lately. Not because of the time change. I just feel like I never get anything done, especially things like finding time to get alone by myself and just be quiet. Then I well...well genius, that's nobody's fault but your own.

So...this weekend, a good friend and I are leaving Friday afternoon to go fishing and then camping that night. It will be a good time to turn the cell phone off, laugh a little bit, and get to know a good friend a little better.

I think that's all I have for now. Adios.

Need To Take A Breather

2006-10-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

Wow...these past few weeks have been a blur. We're getting ready for Missions Emphasis Week at UMHB. Being on the steering committee has me running around crazy trying to get the loose ends tied up before thirty or so missionaries show up on campus next week. I promise to get back to somewhat regular blogging after next week. Adios amigos.

A Son...?

2006-09-27T22:24:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about Galatians 4:6-7 that says:

And because you are sons, God has sent the spirit of his son into
our hearts crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave,
but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Basically, what I'm wondering about is the father/son relationship between myself and God. Do I see him as a father or do I project the broken, worldly image of dad onto him? Do I see myself as a son of the king, a prince, valiant and courageous? Or have I bought into the same lies about my masculinity and character that are fed to me daily by those I know here on earth?

What would my life look like if I saw the Father correctly and behaved, not like a slave, but like a worthy son?

The Latest Happenings

2006-09-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been quite a while since I last posted. Since then...not a whole heckuva lot has changed. I did buy The Ragamuffin Gospel the other day. And yes, I know I'm a few years behind. I think it'll be pretty good. I also want to get to Recapture The Wonder by Ravi Zacharias. Who knows though...it'll prolly just be a good dust collector for a couple years before I get the chance to read it.

I'm leaving Friday for College Station to see my man-crush/Todd's arch-nemesis (sp?) in concert. For those of you who can't figure that one out...it's Derek Webb. Should be pretty sweet. I'll be sure to let you in on all the details later.

One last thought. A few nights ago, as I laid down to catch some shut-eye, I thought to myself, "Hmm...I wonder what it would be like to lay down one night and not regret something I'd said that day." I know it'll probably never happen, but it is kind of an interesting thought. Anybody else have questions like this you ask yourself? Let me know. Adios amigas.

it's here...

2006-09-09T15:17:00.000-07:00

I just got my new laptop yesterday, and I must say...it's awesome. Kinda an early birthday gift to myself I guess. Hope everybody has a great weekend!

Sunrises and Tattoos

2006-09-02T22:38:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking lately about what Christ is to me? Part of this comes from Joel P. Sure, I would say that Christ is my Lord and Savior...but, what about my treasure? Is he that which I value above all else in life? Would I (rather, do I) sacrifice all for the pearl of great cost?

And then...what about him being the bridegroom? A friend of mine, Andy Schulz, and I were talking the other day about the difference between saying that you "love" someone and that you "are in love" with someone. It seems that when I hear the latter from a husband or wife, it just carries so much more weight?

All of this is to say...that I think I have neglected some necessary aspects of my relationship with Christ. I have neglected spending precious time together for the sake of my own comfort. I have cherished other things besides him and invested more time in other relationships around me.

So....one tangible thing I have resolved to do in order to fix part of what is lacking is to get up about an hour or so earlier in the morning to spend time in quiet. You have to understand that I hate the mornings and love sleep, so this is one way that I could physically show my desperation and longing for an intimate bridegroom-bride relationship with Christ. I want to be pursued by him. To be loved by him. To be captured by him.

I've done that for a couple of days now, and I've seen a big difference in my days. Not that there's necessarily anything sacred about the mornings...but, it's what my heart needs right now.

By the way...I'm thinking about getting a tattoo on the inside of my left wrist. That way, I would see it everyday, but it could be covered up with a watch or long-sleeve shirt for jobs and such. Anybody got any ideas about what to get? And yes Todd, sarcastic remarks are welcome.

Some Good Words

2006-08-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

Christianity has not so much been tried and found wanting, as it has been found difficult and left untried.
-G.K. Chesterton
Our progress in holiness depends on God and ourselves - on God's grace and on our will to be holy.
-Mother Teresa

Update

2006-08-18T22:03:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update on how things are going. I'm all moved back into school, and it is glorious. My roomate won't be here for a while, so it's quite and peaceful...ahh...just soaking it in. But, Welcome Week starts tomorrow morning at 7:00am. All the new freshmen will be here with all their crap that needs to be hauled up the stairs to there new homes away from home. I can feel the muscle cramps already and have loaded up on ibuprofen.

Also, I'm a dad for Welcome Week, which means that I have a dozen wide-eyed, impressionable children at my command. Scary...I know. Anyway, this means that the next week will be insanely busy with very little time to post or even breathe. But, I will let you know how things turn out when it's all over. See you in a little while.

Sunburns and Infomercials

2006-08-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

First of all, aloe vera is a miracle plant straight from heaven. I got sunburnt at the lake this weekend, and it has been the one thing keeping me from tears everytime I take a shower or roll over in bed.
Second, what is it about infomercials that keep me fixated on them in the wee hours of the morning? I have been known to watch a ten minute one on salad spinners and not even realize what I was doing. I think my favorites are the ones for knive sets and ultra-powerful mops.

That leaves the burning question for the day...what's your favorite infomercial?

Books, Books, Books

2006-08-03T10:12:00.001-07:00

So, over the summer I decided to read a few new books. Here's the ones I finished, and I'd recommend them to anybody...

Velvet Elvis:Rob Bell
Buck Naked Faith:Eric Sandras
Wrestling With God: Rick Diamond

If you've got any good ones...let me know. Thanks guys.

Question

2006-08-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

Here's something that has me puzzled...
As believers, what is our proper response to sin with regards to prayer? How are we to present ourselves before God when a blatant, intentional sin has occured? Do we openly confess it and ask for grace and mercy? Or, as a heard quite a few times, do we just claim our new life in Christ and thank God for already forgiving that sin and all future ones we will commit? Or is it a little of both?
I'm convinced that there is a definite answer to this question, so let me know what you guys think.

Confession

2006-07-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

I figure if Blake can boldly confess his man crush on Shawn McDonald and Robert can openly admit the same for M. Night Shyamalan, then I must tell you mine...

Yep. Derek Webb. What else is there to say?

2006-07-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

I'm discovering something. I think I'm finally finding a way to freedom, but it is a road that I hate the mere thought of traveling. It is the road of community, the road of opening up my life to people around me and just being honest about who I am, where I hurt, and how much I need help. You see, in my family, we never showed any weakness or let down our guard. You kept the hurt bottled up at all costs. Do not ever pour your heart out to anyone else. Those feelings are for you to deal with alone.

But, surprise of all surprises, that's not working. I can't live like this anymore; trying to walk through adversity and pain all alone. I need community. Even though it is unnatural and painful, I need someone who can look in my eyes, know the hurt that's there, and walk with me through it. I need to know that people can accept me, brokenness and all. And you know what....as I open up, I'm finding that people really do care, and will listen to me as I share the dark, embarrassing parts of me. It makes the battle with the demons of my past much easier when I know that there are true brothers who are honestly watching out for me. Does that make sharing any more unnatural and uncomfortable? No. But, it does make the pain bearable and the journey joyful.

"There can be no vulnerability without risk; there can be no community without vulnerability; there can be no peace, and ultimately no life, without community." -M. Scott Peck

"What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured." -Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

2006-07-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

I'm reading a new book called "Buck Naked Faith" by Eric Sandras that really got me to thinking about something. Maybe a large part of my struggle to really hear God consistently is my lack of the ability to focus or meditate on something for any long period of time.

Think about it. I (and probably many of you) have become very adept at consuming mass amounts of information everyday. Thousands of pieces of information flood our heads daily, and we've been forced to become experts at warp-speed processing. Sadly, in my own life, much of that information comes from constantly having the television on and switiching between FOX/CNN, the Astro's game, and a new episode of "Run's House" just so I can know the latest about everything. Then, I check GoogleNews at work and at home, never reading an entire article...instead, consuming just enough to understand a rough outline.

The problem is, I don't think that's how God is wanting to speak to me. Short snippets, raw facts, and thirty second conversations cannot be what the Father wants with me, and it's definitely not what my soul needs most. But how do we, how can I, turn this trend around?

Real, tangible things like leaving the television off when I walk into a room, driving without talk radio, and being okay with not knowing every single detail of pop culture and world events are a good start for me. I don't want an ADHD faith that is satisfied with just a rough outline of the raw facts. I must practice meditation and silence. It's not just something for monks and crazy new-agers.

I want to listen. What a difference it would make to sit at the Father's feet and just listen to the very words that can bring mercy and restoration to my wounded soul.

2006-07-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

So...today was a pretty big day for me. Had a doctor's appointment with Dr. Bob this morning, only to find out that I probably have MONO. Yep, so that's the little culprit that's kept me sick for a week. But, I won't know for sure until tomorrow afternoon. That's when the blood results get back. And, check this out. I had to go (*throat clearing*), well you know, in the little cup today. I must say that I was nervous, but everything went great. So, I can hold my head up high because I took it like a man.

Also, it's official...Todd Wright, the ruler of the blogosphere, has placed my blog back on his links. Yes, it is at the bottom, but who cares? Simply to be acknowledge by a man of such tremendous stature is a humbling accomplishment for my poor, downtrodden soul. So Todd, I raise my glass of grape juice to you, and say "Thanks!"

2006-07-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah...how the heck did I forget?

Go Italy!

2006-07-10T10:46:00.000-07:00

So, the movie "Click" got me to thinking about some stuff. Am I on auto pilot, letting everything zoom by in fast forward, just living for the good times?

I'm at least a quarter of the way through my life, and I find myself asking, what good have I done? How much of my twenty years on this earth have been an absolute waste, doing things that have no eternal value, and ignoring other people's needs? How selfish can somebody be?

I was laying in bed last night thinking about all of this, and I started listening to my heartbeat. I got to thinking, "This could be the last beat. My life could end right now." A little morbid, I know. But seriously, it could all be over before the sun sets today. And, what impact have I made? What good have I done?

I'm afraid the answer to both of those questions is very little. I want to place other people above myself. I want to quit ignoring the problems of my friends and the eternal lives of my relatives. But, I also know that I cherish complaceny and the easy way out. If these changes are to happen in my life, then God will have to do it. I will work toward change, but an alteration of my heart will have to come from the Father.

2006-07-09T11:43:00.000-07:00

just a couple of random things this afternoon -

1. "Click" is a pretty good/funny movie. Definitely worth the $5 bucks on a Saturday with nothing to do. But...if you haven't seen "The Family Stone," you have to, without question, go get it right now. It is one of the best movies that I've seen in a while. Kind of a Steel Magnolias and Meet the Parents fused together. If that doesn't appeal to you, then just ignore the analogy and go see it anyway.

2. The little boy that lives next door to me, just rang the doorbell and asked if he could please borrow "Carrots to the Pair of Beans." Which in four-year old talk apparently translates to "Pirates of the Carribeans." Yeah, that's cute and all, but I swear if he scratches that DVD that I will smash his face!!!

3. Finally, I am sick as a dog today with a fever just under 100 degrees and a throat that is swollen almost shut. So, if it crosses your mind, you can send me get well goodies. They would be greatly appreciated. And, when I get to feeling better, I will post again. Adios Amigos.

Pirates...

2006-07-07T13:50:00.000-07:00

I went to the 12:01 showing of the new Pirates of the Carribean movie last night, and I really liked it! The effects and make-up were incredible--especially for Davey Jones. It was pretty long...2 1/2 hours, but I think everyone was pretty entertained all the way through.

If you weren't a fan of the first one, then you'll probably not want to rush to see this one. However, if you liked the first, then you'll love this one. Sure, the ending is pretty abrupt and leaves you hanging. But hey, the final one's coming out in just a few months.

So anyway...I definitely recommend it. Probably the best overall movie of the summer (except Cars, but I am a sucker for Pixar movies). Let me know what you thought.

2006-07-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

So...congrats to me on finally slaying the dragon from hell that is my Literature class today. You see, I enrolled in an online English class thinking, "Hey, this'll be easy and really cheap." It was cheap, but it was one of the most annoying and work-intensive classes I've taken. I hated it.

Let's just say that if I ever met the professor, we'd have words. His a nice guy and all, but I spent four nights a week writing papers! That's just insane. This is my summer! I'm entitled to three months of slothfulness, and he robbed me of that...Even better news, after I post my final paper tonight, I begin TWO additional classes from even deeper pits of hell! I can't wait!

...

2006-07-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

So...the last couple of months have been quite a journey. Most of my days have been long, full of questioning, and made me deeply unsatisfied when I lay my head down at night to survey what my life looks like now. It has truly been a battle that I find myself feeling as though I'm loosing. Rest assured that the next few posts will fill you in on most of the details.

Anyway, something I read the other day gave me tremendous hope about the process that I'm going through. Rick Diamond, in his book called "Wrestling with God," says that the struggle with the flesh is not what is evil. The struggle is assured. It is the attempt to deny or downplay the struggle that is evil. Jesus never condemned the individual people over there sins; he condemned the thing that was broken within them.

My acceptance of the lifelong battle does not mean that I can role over and be a passive sluggard. But, it does let me see that I am not bad. My heart is not evil. Yes, something inside me has gone terribly wrong, and I am a broken person. But, I have been given every tool I need to wage this lifelong battle and be victorious.

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. -- Romans 7:24-25

...

2006-01-13T13:39:00.000-08:00

I have decided to quit blogging for a while. Mainly for one reason... my words no longer mean anything because they are not infused with the truth of God and affected by a thriving relationship with him. To really understand what I mean, take a few minutes to read this article from relevantmagazine.com. Also, my good friend Jason Fullen recently posted a list of New Year's Implementations on his blog. The number one implementation was to "spend more time talking to God and less time talking about him."

I feel this is exactly what I do. I have become really adept at speaking about God in a religious way that fools some people. However, I have forgotten what it means to talk to God in that deeply personal way. My words are no longer weighty (they haven't been for a while), and my actions are beginning to show it. So, yes Robert, I am very tired of blogging. I don't know when, or if, I'll start back up. Until then, I love all you guys.

(In the meantime, I really need a male mentor here in Belton. So, if that ever crosses your mind while you're talking to the Father, I'd appreciate it. Thanks again.)

2005-12-12T07:36:00.000-08:00

Okay, here's a few words of wisdom following a quite exciting experience of mine this morning:

It's a really bad idea to wake up at 8:24 am for your 8:30 am final in Christian ministry when you live ten minutes away from the building. I did make it on time by running faster than I've ever ran in my life. But...it's really hard to think of the right answer when you're only half awake and your breath tastes like roadkill in your mouth.

Just thought I'd pass that along in case you find yourself in a similar situation.

2005-12-10T22:42:00.000-08:00

A few suggestions....

Go now and see "The Chronicles of Narnia!" It was unbelievable. The metaphors and allegories will blow you away when you can actually see them. It's well worth the seven or eight bucks. And, take your siblings with you (if you have them.)

Second, I just finished reading "The Barbarian Way," by Erwin McManus. I can't even begin to explain how challenging this book is. You have to read it! I promise that in no way will you be disappointed, and it's not long at all. It has only begun to challenge me, so I dare not even try to explain what I'm thinking now. Plus, I really don't want to ruin it for you.

Love you guys. Adios.

2005-12-07T23:04:00.000-08:00

So, it's been quite a while since I posted; a lot longer than it should have been anyway. But, I'm not exactly sure anyone's really reading this whole thing. Just in case you've stumbled this way, here's how things are doing in Daniel-land...

The last week has been great, except that I've been coughing up a lung. Yeah, I just can't seem to shake this cold. But, spiritually things have really been improving. It iced in Belton today, and I just got back in from an hour and a half out sliding on the sidewalks. After some major thigh bruises from being knocked over, I decided that for the sake of my cold it was a good idea to come inside.

Finals start tomorrow at UMHB, but my first one is Friday afternoon. So, I'm gone to crawl under the heated blanket and hibernate for a while. You guys have a great weekend, and I'll post again when finals end and I'm back in Lufkin. Masalama!

2005-11-21T10:02:00.000-08:00

One of the things college has done for me is allow me to realize the importance of relationships. I never truly understood how much of an impact interpersonal relationships can have on a person until I was hours away from those people I truly care for.

Though my family is the most important, what I'm really talking about here is friendships with fellow believers. I was just reminded over the weekend how good it is to be in the company of those you care so deeply for. Nothing can ever replace true community once it has been shared with other believers. And just to sit again in the presence of those you have laughed and cried with is one of the greatest opporitunites found on earth.

I pray we will never again take for granted the special relationships God has formed in our lives.

2005-11-15T09:44:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to clarify a statement from my last post. I said, "But, why was I persuaded the Jesus Christ is the only means by which I could receive salvation?" As I read over that, I realize that what I said is referring to Christ as an means to an end. It's probably a good idea to clarify that this is not at all what I believe. He is not a tool I use to cleanse myself so that I might escape the terror of hell for an eternity. He is the glorious, loving, righteous, jealous, merciful Suffering Servant.

May we never see him as anything less.

2005-11-11T10:18:00.000-08:00

So, we were having this conversation in my Old Testament class yesterday about the "Servant's Songs" in Isaiah. We started talking about 52:13 - 53:12 where the author describes the Lord's suffering servant. Dr. Stripling (the coolest old man ever) was telling us how Jewish scholars take the point of view that this verse is either discussing the nation of Israel or an individual like Moses, Jeremiah, or King Jehoachin.

Then, he started talking to us about how Christians view these scriptures as prophetic, Messianic verses. That got me thinking. If I were born into a Jewish family, and raised in the synagogue, would I have come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah? I'm so quick to question, "How can they not see it?" But, why was I persuaded that Jesus Christ is the only means by which I could receive salvation? Would I have "seen the light" if I wasn't raised in a Christian culture and family?

Let me know what you think. Later.

2005-11-08T20:17:00.000-08:00

So, I have this friend of mine, Jake, from Arizona. He's always coming up with crazy crap that his state does. Like, for instance, did you know that Arizona is the only state in the U.S. that doesn't observe daylight savings time? And, for some reason, he thinks this makes them really smart. I argue it's dumb because you'd get confused about what time your TV shows and stuff were supposed to happen.

Anyway, today he asks me if I've ever had "a bean burrito - enchilada style." So, like any normal human being, I say, "What the heck is that?" Jake tells me that it's a soft tortilla with beef or chicken on the inside, then covered in cheese and enchilada sauce. So, I think about this for a few seconds and say...."That's a freakin enchilada!"

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't what he described an enchilada? I mean, come on!

2005-11-06T15:26:00.000-08:00

"Beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God."

- 2 Corinthians 7:1

If any of you have other verses that follow this theme, please post them. Thanks guys.

i hate coming up with titles

2005-10-27T23:50:00.000-07:00

Well, this week is Missions Emphasis Week here at ol' UMHB. It's been pretty good, and last night was a extremely good. We watched an amazing movie called "Invisible Children" about child abductions in Uganda (Click here for more info). It totally broke my heart, not only for the unbelievable hardships these children endure, but especially because of the hardness of my own heart.

I realized anew just how filthy I am both mentally and spiritually; how many liberties I've taken to wander into repetitive sin all in the name of grace. It was sickening to think of some of the sins I commit daily in light of the glories of God's salvation. How can I be so double-minded and hard-hearted?

Revelation 3:1-2:
"And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: 'The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. " 'I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of God.' "

This is me! I put on a face everyday as I walk about the campus to my "Christian studies" classes and pretend that everything's well and good inside. And it's killing me. I want to be woken up. I want so bad to be stregthened. And this is what I said to God last night. And guess what I found this morning at desiringgod.org (click here)?

If you do not burn for God with the zeal that you long for, are you willing to make some experiments with high-dosage, extended-time, prayer-driven bible meditation?

-John Piper

So, I ask myself if I really want this or is it just another selfish desire to be thought of as good and clean? I think I really want it.

yeah...umm....

2005-10-24T23:35:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a really long time since I've posted last. You see, it has been rediculously busy with papers and such. Plus, I can tend to be really lazy at times.

Well, I've been watching "Lost" and I just gotta say that it doesn't catch my attention as quickly as "Alias" did. Although, I do think "Lost" has a lot of potential; it's just taking a really long time to get there. But, I'll hang in and let you know how that goes.

I'm also reading "Brothers, We Are Not Professionals" by John Piper for my Christian Ministry class. It's really good so far, and I'll do my best to keep you updated on how that goes over the next couple of months.

I'm really gonna try to make it to bed at a decent hour tonight, so for now I'm outta here. You guys have a great tomorrow. Masalama!

darkstew

2005-10-12T23:36:00.000-07:00

Yes ladies and gents...the new look is complete. And, I owe a ton of thank yous to my friend Darkstew. He's a freakin genius at things like this, and I learned to use his talents to my benefit. Anyway, I promised him I'd give a "shout out" to his site. It's www.darkstew.com and it's awesome! Be sure to check out the 'Ask A White Dude' and 'An Alternative View' by my friends Austin and Jared. Anway, that should about do it for this post. I gotta run and study. I guess 11:30 PM is as best a time as any to read forty pages out of my Western Civ book. Adios amigos.

Oh yeah, in case you missed all those links to darkstew.com, just look to your right and double click with your mouse on the link 'darkstew.' Thanks guys.

beautiful east texas?

2005-10-09T15:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, the beautiful pine tree, or pinus taedas, as it is more commonly called. You see, here in East Texas this is pretty much the only tree we have. Our economy grew out of a dependency on the harvesting of the trees. Even the area I live in is nicknamed the "Pineywoods." So, needless to say, these trees got pretty old pretty fast. As a matter of fact, all I can really remember about these trees from growing up is that they were ugly and mundane.

That is, of course, before I left the Pineywoods for college. Every time a professor asks where I'm from, I respond with East Texas. Inevitably, their response is something like this..."Oh, I love East Texas with all her tall, gorgeous pine trees! That's beautiful country out there." And the first couple of times I heard this, I laughed. What the heck?! East Texas, beautiful? No possible way!

So I'd been away from home for about a month and something hit me on the way home two days ago. Just between Centerville and Crockett, there's almost a 'wall' of pine trees. They go no further west than this point, but they dominate all the land to the east. For the first time in my life, I felt welcomed by the huge evergreens with their slim, needle-like leaves. There was something inviting about that green I'd grown up with. I don't know if it was kind of cool just to come home or if the trees really are as beautiful as my professors say. But, for the first time I could agree with the phrase "beautiful East Texas."

However, this discovery has no impact on the fact that I live among some of the craziest, most redneck, backwoods people I've ever met. But hey, it's home.

cramming isn't fun

2005-10-07T00:03:00.000-07:00

So, I had a HUGE Western Civ test today. Wow...it kicked my butt. See I knew this test was coming and yes, I did look over the information a little. But, last night I started to really study heavy for the test and realized how much information she was expecting us to know. Anyway, I was up until about 2:45 or 3:00 this morning just reading and highlighting and reading and highlighting. Then, I had to get up and go to work at 8:30 this morning. So, that kinda stunk, and I couldn't really answer the 27 point essay question on the test because I honestly didn't even know where to begin.

But, that was all made better when I got to the cafeteria at UMHB, Hardy Hall, and today was chicken fried steak day! You see, our cafeteria is disgusting about 99% of the time. So chicken fried steak days are a blessed retreat from the taste of cardboard that we get every other day of the week. It's those kind of moments that really make you appreciate life.

I'm headed back to Lufkin tomorrow for a four-day weekend, so I don't know how often I'll post over the next few days. Gotta run practice for my speech real quick like and catch some shut eye. Later guys.

an awakening

2005-10-05T00:27:00.000-07:00

Realize that my last post was meant to be a funny one. However, I got a calendar in the mail today from Voice of the Marytrs. It's an amazing calendar, but it brought up a beautiful point.

The picture for May is of a Chinese Christian whose face is bruised from being beaten by police. The corresponding verse for this picture is Philippians 1:14 that reads, "Many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear." Oh yeah, the watermark across the bottom of the picture says "bold."

Yeah, I can joke about the modern day pleasures I enjoy here in a private, American, Chrisitian college. And, I'm not attempting an argument that those things are evil. It just seems that these passing pleasures trump the desire to posses the faith required of me and prevent me from being "much more bold to speak the word without fear."

Yet, as I write this, the TV's on and the music is playing. I don't know why silence is so terrible - why I'm so afraid to sit with God in the way Christians who are removed from the Western world do. I want to have the faith of Christians in Sudan, North Korea, China, and Sri Lanka.

Father, help me realize that this 'waging war' will not disappear outside of the glory of heaven. Make me aware of the enemy who is out to destroy my hope and rob me of my joy. Please, give daily the power and grace to stand strong in the face of a culture that detests silence and discourages boldness of faith. Make me aware of the sufferings of Christ and the great hope and serious responsibilities those sufferings bring. For the glory of Your name.