Sunday, February 5, 2012    

I’m a What?

Friday, May 30th, 2008

Like many people these days, I am more than a little discontent with the current political process and parties. I have been a registered Republican since I was able to register and vote (I know you’re not supposed to disclose those types of things…but hey, who really cares anyway?), but I have even been disillusioned with my own party lately. I’m not exactly doing cartwheels over our Presidential candidate (although he’s a sight better than the alternatives) and they are still spending too much of our hard earned money.

So…I was doing some searching and research the other day on other parties and I came across this website that includes a short quiz that you can take that identifies where you fit on the political spectrum…and they include more than just Republican and Democrat. It’s so short they even call it:

The World’s Smallest Political Quiz

I took the quiz (takes all of about 2 minutes..tops) and found out that…drum roll please…I’m not a Republican. At least not by the standards of the quiz. I am close…certainly conservative instead of liberal. I encourage you to take the quiz yourself…be honest about your answers…and see if you’re surprised by the results (I’ve had several take it and it has been fairly accurate).

Curious to know where I ended up on the quiz? Again, take the quiz yourself first, and then you can see how I came out by checking out the comments of this post. While you’re there, how about sharing your results?  :cool:

30.05.2008 Misc Ramblings, Politics 6 Comments

What God Wants

Wednesday, May 28th, 2008

Have you ever asked yourself this question: What does God want from me? I know it sounds a little sacrileges, but I think we all wonder and ask this question in some form or another. Maybe we ask it when life is getting hard (as it often does). Maybe we ask it when our spiritual lives are running a little on the dry side or when we just can’t seem to connect with God like we want to.

So, what does God want from us?

I got the answer (or at least part of the answer anyway) in my reading from the minor prophets this morning:

The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8, NLT

Three things are listed her that God wants from us (or requires of us):

  1. Do what is right
  2. Love mercy
  3. Walk humbly with your God

Seems like a pretty simple list right? I leave that answer up to you. Which of these three do you find most difficult? Which comes most naturally to you? Which one is God speaking to your heart and spirit about as you read this right now? Let God work in your life…you know what He requires, you know what He wants…now let Him do His thing. Walk with Him and learn from Him. It’s hard at times, but all in all it’s a fun journey!

28.05.2008 Devotional, Spiritual Musings No Comments

Change of Plans: Royal Gorge

Tuesday, May 27th, 2008

Our plans changed a bit this past weekend. Memorial Weekend is our annual camping trip to Como, CO. I think we’ve been going there for the past 5 years or so (Anita will correct me if I’m off one or two). We were all set for this year’s trip, we were in the middle of preparations on Friday night, when we got a call that informed us that the road to the campsite was covered with snow and wasn’t passable. A serious change of plans was in store for our weekend.

So what did we do? We improvised of course. Friday night was spent just trying to figure it out and get over the disappointment of a lost camping trip. Saturday we spent the afternoon with everyone who was going camping (as well as a few that weren’t) and barbecued at Paul & Leslie Foster’s house…followed by a couple poker games of course (and yes, Anita won one of them).

Sunday and Monday we headed down to my Granparent’s house in Cañon City. They spoiled us rotten and took us to the Royal Gorge on Monday afternoon. The weather was good and we had a great time. Not bad for a sudden change of plans. Here are a few pictures from the trip down south. Don’t miss the video at the end (Lindsay’s favorite part of the weekend I think).

Canon City House 
My Grandparent’s Victorian House in Cañon City, CO 

GG-Ma and GG-Pa 
My Grandparents (Ross & Charlotte) posing with the kids.

Family at the Gorge 
The beginning of the Royal Gorge afternoon.

Carousel 
Lindsay, Logan & Kyle riding the carousel.

Family and Bridge 
A great view of the world’s highest suspension bridge.

Wildlife 
A little ”wildlife” (the Elk in the background too).

Petting Zoo  
Who doesn’t love a petting zoo?

Air Tram 
The Air Tram across the Gorge…did I mention I hate heights?

Skycoaster 
A little perspective for the video.
This is the Royal Gorge Skycoaster from across the Gorge.
It’s the same ride as at Elitches, but swings out over the Gorge!!

Here’s the video of Lindsay and me riding the Royal Gorge Skycoaster. We both kind of talked each other into it, but I was impressed that Lindsay went through with it (although she wanted to back out a few times). You’ll note in the video that she is the one that pulls the rip cord. The video doesn’t really do the ride justice…it swings you out over the canyon…an awesome experience…and one that I got to share with Lindsay!!

 

If you can’t see the video above, click here to see it on YouTube.

All in all a great weekend salvaged from what I thought was going to be a bummer!! You just can’t go wrong spending time with family and friends. A memorable Memorial Weekend…one for the memory banks.

27.05.2008 Family, Recreation, Vacation, Video 2 Comments

NM Chili Cook Off

Friday, May 23rd, 2008

This is one of those email chains we all get and usually throw in the trash, but this one is hilarious (in the same vein as one of the most popular posts on my blog: The Taser). If you’re ever feeling depressed just read either one of these posts and you’ll be laughing in no time. We are off to Como, CO for the rest of the weekend camping so no posts for the next few days, but plenty of pictures and tales of our adventures when we get back. Happy Memorial Weekend!! Enjoy the laughs …

**************
Please take time to read this slowly. If you pay attention to the first two judges, the reaction of the third judge is even better. For those of you who have lived in NM, you know how true this is. They actually have a Chili Cook Off about the time Halloween comes around. It takes up a major portion of a parking lot near the fairgrounds. Judge #3 was an inexperienced Chili Taster named Frank, who was visiting from Springfield, IL.

Frank: ‘Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a chili cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge’s table asking for directions to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (Native New Mexicans) that the chili wouldn’t be all that spicy and besides they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted.’

Here are the scorecard notes from the event:
*****************************************************
CHILI #1 MIKE’S MANIAC MONSTER CHILI…

Judge #1 – A little too heavy on the tomato. Am using kick.

Judge #2 – Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.

Judge #3 (Frank) – Holy crap, what the hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames out. I hope that’s the worst one. These New Mexicans are crazy.

******************************************************
CHILI #2 AUSTIN ‘S AFTERBURNER CHILI…

Judge #1 – Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.

Judge #2 – Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.

Judge #3 – Keep this out of the reach of children. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.

*****************************************************
CHILI #3 – FRED’S BURN DOWN THE BARN CHILI…

 Judge #1 – Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick.

Judge #2 – A bit salty, good use of peppers.

Judge #3 – Call the EPA. I’ve located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I’m getting drunk from all of the beer.

*****************************************************
CHILI #4 BUBBA’S BLACK MAGIC…

Judge #1 – Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.

Judge #2 – Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods not much of a chili.

Judge #3 – I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the beer maid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. That 300-LB woman is starting to look HOT. Just like this nuclear waste I’m eating! Is chili an aphrodisiac?

*****************************************************
CHILI #5 LISA’S LEGAL LIP REMOVER…

Judge #1 – Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.

Judge #2 – Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.

Judge #3 – My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I’m burning my lips off. It really ticks me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming.

*****************************************************
CHILI #6 VERA’S VERY VEGETARIAN VARIETY…

Judge #1 – Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance ofspices and peppers.

Judge #2 – The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and garlic.  Superb.

Judge #3 – My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I pooped on myself when I farted and I’m worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that Sally. Can’t feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my rear end with a snow cone.

*****************************************************
CHILI #7 SUSAN’S SCREAMING SENSATION CHILI…

Judge #1 – A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.

Judge #2 – Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment.
**I should take note that I am worried about Judge #3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably.

Judge #3 – You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn’t feel a thing. I’ve lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava to match my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they’ll know what killed me. I’ve decided to stop breathing its too painful. I’m not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I’ll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach.

 **************** ****** *******************************
CHILI #8 BIG TOM’S TOENAIL CURLING CHILI…

Judge #1 – The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.

Judge #2 – This final entry is a good, balanced chili. Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge #3 farted, passed out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he’s going to make it. Poor feller, wonder how he’d have reacted to really hot chili?

 Judge #3 – No Report

23.05.2008 Humor No Comments

Walking with God

Thursday, May 22nd, 2008

Walking with GodI have been reading a new book by John Eldredge called Walking with God for a couple of weeks now. I am only about about 70 pages into the book, but had to write about it before I was anywhere close to being done with it.

Plain and simple: You must read this book…immediately (if not sooner).

This is one of those books that is life changing! It will transform how your think about walking and talking with God. It has challenged me, encouraged me, and brought me to my knees more than once. Eldredge addresses spiritual issues that I have simply either been ignoring or didn’t know how to deal with them.

John is sharing his own struggles and his own walk with God over the course of a year…and it is an encouragement to the reader to see how he deals with daily life and walking with God through the process of life.

Have you ever wondered if (and how) God speaks to us? Ever wished you could have such a close, intimate walk with God that you could have conversations with Him? Ever wondered what it would be like to deal directly with the life wounds you’ve been carrying around for so long you don’t even remember when or where they started?

Then get this book today and start reading it. Don’t read it cover to cover in one sitting…take your time and let God use it to speak to you…and to teach you to listen to His voice. This is almost a money-back-guarantee. If you do buy the book and start reading it, please come back here and share your thoughts and comments on the book and how it is (or isn’t) affecting your spiritual journey.

Here’s the jacket cover description of the book for quick reference:

Walking with God moves through a year in the life of John Eldredge showing and teaching what an intimate relationship with God looks like day to day.

God longs to speak. And it is our right and privilege to hear His voice. Our deepest longings could all find sufficient fulfillment in God’s company. Yet, somehow, the looming discontent of most Christians is a lack of intimacy with God. Walking with God is unlike any book John has written. It moves through a year in his life showing and teaching what conversational intimacy with God can be like. It teaches readers how to make decisions aligning with God’s will, understand barriers and “agreements” keeping them from the life God intends, fight spiritual battles for their own heart and for others, and much more. Ultimately, Walking with God shows readers that walking intimately with Him can be a normal part of the Christian life.

22.05.2008 Books, Review, Spiritual Development No Comments

Last Week of School

Wednesday, May 21st, 2008

This has been a hectic week (hence the lack of postings the last few days). I am in my last week of school for this class (and this school year), which is always busy as I finish up big papers and all the lose ends of a class. On top of my schooling, it’s the last week of school for the kids…always hectic as well as they wind down the year and get jazzed up for the summer.

We are also preparing and planning for our annual Memorial Weekend Camping Trip to Como, CO. The trip is a blast (assuming the weather holds out), but it’s one more thing on top of an already busy week. Frankly, I can’t wait for it to get here so we can all relax a little and spend time with family and friends in God’s country (just wish Bill and Cindy could make it this year, won’t quite be the same without them)!

In the midst of all this busyness and craziness, God gave me these words of encouragement this morning. I hope they encourage you as much as they do me:

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these?
If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
Romans 8:31, NLT

21.05.2008 Family, Friends, Misc Ramblings, Recreation, School No Comments

Happy Birthday Kyle!

Saturday, May 17th, 2008

  Our littlest dude is six years old today…freaks me out how fast time continues to fly. He had a great party this afternoon (with more Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys than he could have dreamed of) capped off by going and seeing Prince Caspianfollowed by ice cream. What more could a six year old ask for? Here is the little man in his favorite outfits (it’s either jammies or a Spiderman costume). More pics to come, but the PC with the photos is current “under the weather”…

Kyle Likes His Gift 

Kyle in His Doctor Jammies

17.05.2008 Family 1 Comment

Not Sure What I Think About This…

Friday, May 16th, 2008

As I have stated previously, I am working my way through the minor prophet books in the Old Testament in my morning devotional time. For the past few days I have been in the book of Jonah. A story many of us have heard since Sunday School as little kids. It’s a short book (four small chapters) and there is a lot packed in there. This morning, something jumped off the page at me:

When God saw what that [the Ninevites] had done
and how they had put a stop to their eveil ways,
he changed his mind and did not carry out
the destruction he had threatened.
Jonah 3:10, NLT

So what jumped out at me? Seems like a fairly innocuous passage right? God had planned on destroying Nineveh because of their evil ways. Most of the book is about Jonah wrestling with God about going to Nineveh (the whole swallowed by a fish thing). But that’s not what struck me this morning.

It was this phrase: “…he changed his mind…”

I don’t know about you, but I don’t typically think of God changing His mind. It doesn’t fit neatly into my theology. God knows everything right? God knows exactly what He’s going to do, right? So, did God really intend to destroy Nineveh or was He “playing a game” with them? Of course, my issue isn’t with Nineveh specifically (although it torqued Jonah off pretty good, read Chapter 4 for that story).

My issue is with you and me. Does God have a plan for you and me? Is it set in stone? I know that we have free will and all…but I don’t always act like it. There is contention in my ind and spirit around God’s sovereignty and our free will. I have swung back and forth between these two ends of the spectrum. This morning? Like I said, I’m just not sure what I think about it…your thoughts?? :?:

16.05.2008 Devotional, Spiritual Musings No Comments

My Favorite Chuck Norris Facts

Thursday, May 15th, 2008

If you’ve never been to the Chuck Norris Facts website you are truly missing out! You must stop what you are doing right now and check it out. Legend has it that these were started on some college campus, but they have taken on a life of their own. Chuck Norris has even endorsed them and selected his favorites from the thousands of facts (you can see his list on the website). Here are some of my own personal favorites:

  1. When an episode of Walker Texas Ranger was aired in France, the French surrendered to Chuck Norris just to be on the safe side.
  2. Chuck Norris once roundhouse kicked someone so hard that his foot broke the speed of light, went back in time, and killed Amelia Earhart while she was flying over the Pacific Ocean.
  3. The quickest way to a man’s heart is with Chuck Norris’ fist.
  4. Chuck Norris can win a game of Connect Four in only three moves.
  5. Chuck Norris once shot down a German fighter plane with his finger, by yelling, “Bang!”
  6. Chuck Norris CAN believe it’s not butter.
  7. Chuck Norris is the reason Waldon is hiding.

Did I miss your favorite? Leave a comment with your favorite Chuck Norris fact(s)…

15.05.2008 Humor, Misc Ramblings 4 Comments

Election Poll

Thursday, May 15th, 2008

I haven’t posted much about the election since my boy Huckabee bowed out. It has certainly been an interesting primary election year, and the real fun looks like it is about to start. I’m not sure I really like any of the candidates that are left (nor any that I think will be standing come the general election cycle). Here’s your chance to let your voice be heard before it becomes official…

[poll id="3"]

15.05.2008 Politics, Poll 2 Comments

Previous Entries