A Brief Survey

My buddy Nik (a/k/a "My quarterback...my teammate")posted this in a note on Facebook. It's a brief survey to see how well you know somebody. So, I'm posting it here.

It should be noted that knowing a bunch of facts about someone doesn't always mean that you know them. Just had to throw that in there.

Anyway, here's the questions. Feel free to respond by leaving a comment.

1. The love of my life:
2. Where you and I met:
3. Take a stab at my middle name:
4. How long you've known me:
5. The last time that we saw each other:
6. Would I ever go sky diving?
7. Your first impression of me upon meeting me/seeing me:
8. Am I funny?
9. My favorite type of music and song:
10. Can I sing?
11. The best feature about me:
12. What do I want to do more than anything?
13. What is one thing that you think I should do?
14. Do I have any special talents? If so, what are they?
15. Would you call me preppy, average, sporty, punk, hippie, glam, nerdy, snobby, or something else?
16. Have you ever hugged me?
17. My favorite food:
18. Have you ever had a crush on me?
19. If there was one good nickname for me, it would be:
20. Your favorite memory of me:
21. If you and I were stranded on a desert island, I would bring:
22. Do I believe in God?
23. Who is my best friend?
24. Can i dance?
25. One random thing you know about me:
26. My favorite drink:
27. Am i smart? If yes, more book smart or street smart?
28. Would you ever be embarrassed to go in public with me?
29. What is one thing you've wanted to always tell me but couldn't?
30. Have I ever done something nice for you? If yes, what?
31. What is something that would make me upset?
32. Will you re-post this so I can fill this out for you?

Guns & Pants

The headline in the Yahoo! article reads: "Guns, pants seized at Burress' home". Is that really a phrase you want to see in a headline about yourself? This, of course, refers to the recent travails of NY Giants WR Plaxico Burress. Still, though. Would you want a headline about yourself to have that phrase? Just trying to find a bit of humor in sad situation.

Here's the link: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=ApkYqQX4GPHtou7GgLRRpXM5nYcB?slug=ap-burress-searchwarrant&prov=ap&type=lgns

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Yesterday, after church, the Sunday School hosted a birthday party for Jesus. We had cupcakes, punch and sang "Happy Birthday". I was pleased at the turnout despite the worsening weather. Here's a few pics from that event. Enjoy!

Trying Something New

Today, I signed up to do fantasy golf on Yahoo! I've only been playing golf a couple years. I've been watching it on TV for less than a year. But, I decided to give it a try. My present fave pro golfer is Padraig Harrington of Ireland. Above you'll see a clip and a pic.

More Kids Service Practice Pics

Here's a few more pics from the practice mentioned in the other post. Enjoy!

Kids Service Practice Pics

On the Sunday before Christmas, our church has the children's program/worship service. Today, we had the practice for the aforementioned program/worship service. Here's some random pics from that event. The kids are going to do a great job. The program is based on the Christmas story as it is found in Luke 2. We're also doing a couple other Scripture readings, but a couple of hymns. We will close out with the Litany as the prayer for the church and the benediction.

A BIG "Thank You" to all the volunteers and the kids themselves. It's going to be great!

My Christmas Tree

Here we have another example of me posting a pic simply for the sake of posting something.

This is my Christmas tree that I just put up a couple nights ago. I agree that it looks kinda weak for a Christmas tree. But, it works for me.

Enjoy!

Random Chapel Pics

I volunteered to lead worship for the chapel service at Trinity Lutheran Church in West Seneca, NY. It was a real joy. I love doing that! Anyway, I took a few pics. Enjoy!

Random Hiking Pics

I took these 2 pictures while I was out hiking. These are both taken at Evangola State Park in Angola, NY) One is a view of Lake Erie. The other is turkey tracks in the snow. You can probably tell which is which. Enjoy!

PS: I am posting these simply for the sake of posting something.

Inauguration Invocation

So, I see that president-elect Obama has selected Rick Warren to be one of the speakers at his inauguration. This has upset many Americans in the gay and lesbian community. Obama defended is choice, saying he is simply respecting the diversity of American viewpoints.

My question is, why are people surprised at this? After all, Obama is a Christian. He's made that perfectly clear. People are upset that Obama has invited a member of a Christian church who has a fundamental disagreement with a certain segment of the population.

Again we have to ask why people are surprised? Here again, Mr. Obama is not being dishonest or traitorous. He said in his acceptance speech and other places that it's OK to have an America where people disagree.

Were people so unrealistic that they thought the end of George W. Bush's tenure would bring about an end to religion in the public square?

Where was this public furor and outrage when Bill Clinton tapped Billy Graham for the same service?

See the story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081218/ap_on_go_pr_wh/inauguration_minister

My 2009 Resolutions

I'll admit it. I'm one of those people who makes New Year's Resolutions. Actually, they're more like goals, instead of resolutions. And, like most of the people who make such goals/resolutions/whatever, my results are usually a mixed bag. But, that's because I usually make the statement without a plan. This year, though, will be different. I won't get into all the details in this post. I'll just share the changes I want to make in 2009.

Do you make resolutions? Do you achieve your goals?

1. Lose 50 pounds.
2. Learn the Seneca Language.
3. Get better at golf.
4. Make friends in Canada.
5. Donate $100 to five charities. (Each one gets $100)
6. Organize my study.
7. Become a better preacher.

This is what I have thus far. I'm sure there will be a few more added.

It's Funny Because It's True

A big "Thank You" to dear reader Dave in Flint, MI for sending this video. It's absolutely hilarious! Just something to brighten your day. Enjoy!

Texas Pics 4- The Baptism

The Baptism of Blaine Gabriel Reynolds was pretty much the whole reason for my visit. Here's the pics from that day. The pics were taken at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Kingwood, TX.

Enjoy!

Texas Pics 3- My Accomodations

Clint and Bev already had family staying at their place. So, Clint's dad, Don, was kind enough to book me a room at the La Qunita Inn in Kingwood. A big thank you for that! Here's the pics from the room and the grounds.

Oh, if you ever find yourself near the Kingwood, TX area, I'd recommend staying here.

Enjoy!

Texas Pics 2- Whataburger!

This is one of my fave things about Texas. Whataburger is a fast-food chain in Texas. It's fast food with actual flavor! It's really tasty. I was so excited about eating there. I even got a picture with one of the employees. It was fantastic!

Enjoy!

Texas Pics 1- Random

This set of pics was taken in Houston Hobby airport and parts of Houston itself. There's some pretty random pics, and no real order to any of them. Enjoy!

Atlanta Airport Pics

This past weekend, I had a real privilege. I was asked to fly down to Houston, TX and baptize the infant son of some very dear friends. What an honor! What a joy!

The next few posts will tell the tale in photos taken on my cell phone camera.

The first set were taken in the Atlanta airport during my nearly 4-hour layover. During this layover, I outlined my sermon for 12-14-08, finished a book I was reading, ate at Chick-Fil-A, did some more reading, made some phone calls that needed to be made, and was otherwise generally productive.

Enjoy the pics!

Avery's Suspension

By now, this clip has been seen around the world. It features Dallas Stars hockey player Sean Avery making some off-color remarks regarding players who date his ex-girlfriends.

I felt like I had to comment on this. See, regular readers (going back to the old MySpace and Yahoo 360 days) know that I've had several relationship which ended badly. Some of my reactions to those badly-ended relationships ended up on those old blogs. And those comments have gotten me into varying degrees of trouble at times. So, in a sense, this post is really a plea for leniency for Sean Avery.

Is this much different than my old postings? (Don't worry, I beleive they've been taken down.) True, I didn't go the extreme that Avery does. But still. We all say dumb things. Sometimes those dumb things are said more publicly than at other times. I also have be a bit more careful about what I say, when I say it, and who I say it to.

It's no secret that Sean Avery is not well-liked by his teammates. And, it seems likely that Avery is probably being punished for his enitre body of work as a pest in the NHL. That's no original thought. But is this worth an indefinite suspension? Watch the clip and decide for yourself.

The Sports Nickname List

Not many of us get to play pro sports for a living. Which is OK by me. I mean, I'd be happy with a pro paycheck, but I wouldn't be the same if I weren't a pastor. Of the few that do play professionally, there is an even greater group. I'm speaking, of course, those that get nicknames. Here's a list of my faves. As always, the list is in no particular order.

1. The Polish Rifle (Ron Jaworski)
2. The Freak (Jevon Kearse)
3. The Big Hurt (Frank Thomas)
4. The Golden Jet (Bobby Hull)
5. The Great One (Wayne Gretzky)
6. The Fridge (William Perry)
7. The Wizard (Ozzie Smith)

I know this list is skewed to American sports. If any of my international dear readers have any nicknames abroad, please feel free to leave a comment. I also am aware that I am probably skipping some.

Random Snow Pics 2

These photos were taken at Evangola State Park in Angola, NY. I took a hike this afternoon. I hate driving in snow, but I love hiking in it. Winter can be really pretty.