Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Mr. Escalade Man

Today I was driving and got stopped at a red light where I was the first person in line. The road was the type of road that is two lanes when you stop at the light, but on the other side of the light merges into one lane. A Cadillac Escalade pulled up next to me at the light and at first I did not think much of it, but my thoughts of Mr. Escalade man quickly changed. When I looked over at him Mr. Escalade man mouthed the following words, "I am going to beat you."

I have had people pull up next to me rev their engine and then peel out on multiple occasions, but this was the first time I have ever seen a grown man do anything like this. Mr. Escalade man, I hope that wherever you are tonight that you feel really good about yourself because you did in fact beat me.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Blog Self-Conciousness

I must admit that I am a bit self-conscious about this whole blogging thing. I think I feel this way for several different reasons...

1. It is a bit odd that people can come read this and never let me know that they did. This leads to number two...
2. Often I have no way of knowing what people think about what I have to say. Do they like it? Hate it? Not get it? Think I'm a crazy idiot? Sometimes blogging feels like your having a conversation with your self that other people are allowed to hear, but are not required to give feedback.
3. The third thing that makes me uncomfortable is the seemingly finality of a post. Once I click the "publish post" button, my thoughts are available for anyone who wants to read them. This is especially nerve wracking when writing about things of a theological nature. What if something I say is way off and completely heretical? Or what if I am challenged on a point that I make, but do not have adequate knowledge to respond.

I definitely feel that at times blogging takes me out of my comfort zone. I am trying to come up with a nice and neat conclusion for this post, but I cannot seem to come up with one. So long for now anonymous readers.

Friday, January 4, 2008

3 Words

As Megan and I were driving back from STL on New Years Day I posed the question, "If you could choose 3 words that you would hope describe 2008 for you what would they be?" Here is what I came up with and why...

1. Blossom- By this I mean that I hope to figure out more this year about what I want to do long term. I know that I want to go to seminary, but what I will do with the degree is still unknown. I would also like to see this blog blossom over the year as well.

2. Charity- I use this word in two ways. The first is the idea of charity being Christian love. I would hope that I can say that I loved others well at the end of the year. By charity I also mean that I would like to become more generous both financially and with my time.

3. Deep- I want to develop deeper relationships with God, Megan, and others. I want my life to be deep rather than shallow.

Let's hope this is a blossoming, charity, deep filled year for me!

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Holiday Update

I suppose I could blame my posting hiatus on the busyness of the holiday season (which is partially true), but I definitely have had the opportunity to blog. I think I will give an update on my Christmas break and then get into posts with more substance in future posts.

1. The first big part of the break was the time Megan and I spent puppy sitting. Megan and her siblings decided to get her mom a dog for Christmas and we took care of her (the puppy) for a few days. Highlight: When the dog crapped all over the floor while Megan and I opened each other's presents Christmas morning...not quite how I envisioned Christmas morning, but exciting nonetheless.

2. Gifts. I have a couple of thoughts on gifts I received this year. First, I have been wondering how much money is spent a year on Christmas presents that the recipient will not like or ever use. While I appreciate the thought that someone had to get us a Hershey Kiss shaped fondue pot, the money probably could have been spent more productively. On the other hand, I did receive several very sweet presents. My three favorite were season 3 of the Office, a new golf bag, and a video camera.

3. Megan and I took a trip to Chicago for a couple of days. It was really nice to get to take a short trip with her and experience something new. If you have never been, Chicago is crazy and big. Everywhere you look is very tall buildings. I have seen pictures, but being there in person leaves a whole new impression. Chicago is also known for being a city that is great for shopping. As we shopped, I thought about all the money people were spending and I drew two conclusions. One, everyone there must have a lot of extra money to spend. Or two, all these people have a lot of credit card debt. I think I saw about a million girls sporting Uggh boots, Coach purses, and NorthFace jackets. Those don't come cheap!

Anyways, break has been nice. I am trying to get back into work mode again. Once again I take on the challenge of teaching the future leaders of our world!