Wacky Musings of a Mad VoiceBoy

How I voted in Tuesday's Elections

2010-10-31T11:39:00.007-07:00

I find it very hard to get good information on local elections. Ironically, our local elections affect our lives a lot more than national ones.

I tend to be very conservative, so in general I want the government to stay out of our lives – less laws, less intrusion, more freedom, more of me deciding how I should spend my money and what charities and causes I want to support.

As a follower of Christ, I also feel a responsibility to live a life of compassion and service to others – I simply believe people should determine how to use their hard-earned money, not the government. I don’t expect that all Christians will agree with my opinions, nor that they should. There are honest differences in philosophy, even among Christians, and I’m happy to acknowledge that. I have friends who are liberal Democrats, and though we often disagree politically, that's what makes this a great country to live in - we're free to do so!

But since I find it helpful to see how like-minded people voted on certain issues, especially in local elections, where it’s often hard to find good info, I thought others may appreciate seeing how I voted in Tuesday's election.

So my hope is this may be helpful to you as well. Here's how I voted on all the issues and candidates in Tuesday’s election and just below I’ve listed links to some of the sites I found helpful in making my decisions.

Whether you agree with me or not, I urge you to spend time researching the issues, educate yourself, and participate in our republic! If you don’t vote, you have no room to complain!

http://tomanddebspicks.com/elections/home.html

http://socoteaparty.com

http://pols.co/

http://blogs.denverpost.com/thespot

http://www.votesmart.org

http://judgepedia.org/

http://coloradoindependent.com

http://www.clearthebenchcolorado.org

http://www.kentlambert.com/Files/2010_Election_Scorecard.pdf

Federal Offices

US Senator: KEN BUCK

Rep to 112^th US Congress District 5: DOUG LAMBORN

State Offices

Governor/Lt. Governor: TOM TANCREDO / PAT MILLER

Sec of State: SCOTT GESSLER

State Treasurer: WALKER STAPLETON

Attorney General: JOHN SUTHERS

State Board of Education – District 5: PAUL LUNDEEN

Regent of Univ. of CO: STEVE BOSLEY

State Senate – District 9: KENT LAMBERT

State Rep. – District 14: JANAK JOSHI

County Offices

County Commissioner – District 1: DARRYL LeMon GLENN

County Clerk & Recorder: WAYNE W WILLIAMS

County Treasurer: ROBERT C. “BOB” BALINK

County Assessor: MARK LOWDERMAN

County Sheriff: TERRY MAKETA

County Surveyor: G. LAWRENCE BURNETT

County Coroner: BOB BUX

JUSTICES OF THE COLORADO SUPREME COURT – RETAIN – “YES” or “NO”

Michael Bender: NO

Alex J. Martinez: NO

Nancy E. Rice: NO

Court of Appeals (Retain Y or N)

John Daniel Dailey: YES

Richard L. Gabriel: YES

Nancy J. Lichtenstein: YES

David J. Richmann: YES

District Judge 4^th Judicial District

David A. Gilbert: YES

Deborah J. Grohs: NO

Barney Iuppa: YES

Gilbert Martinez: NO

G. David Miller: YES

County Judge – El Paso

Christopher E. Acker: NO

Lawrence D. Martin: NO

Ann M. Rotolo: YES

Stephen J. Sletta: YES

Jonathan L. Walker: NO

Regina Walter: NO

State Constitutional Amendments

Amendment P: NO

Amendment Q: Yes

Amendment R: YES

Amendment 60: NO

Amendment 61: NO

Amendment 62: YES

Amendment 63: YES

Prop 101: YES

Prop 102: NO

County Questions

1A: YES

1B: NO

1C: NO

1D: NO

2B: NO

2C: YES

300: YES

Head Held High

2010-09-22T06:44:00.001-07:00

To dream, perchance to sleep
Knowin' what to keep
Is half the battle
I surely can't despise
The eternity found in your eyes
Keep your heart pure
and your head held high
The Man's got a plan
& this ain't goodbye
Its just a matter of time
Before the sunrise finds us again

The Purpose of Your Life on a Starbucks Cup!

2010-09-20T09:45:00.001-07:00

Hopeful Fall Approaching

2010-08-31T06:55:00.000-07:00

Late night

Summer nears its end

Whispers of fall around the bend

Sense of hope approaching

Changes rising higher

Embers of anticipation spark faith into fire

Heaven Is Taking Its Time

2010-03-22T22:36:00.007-07:00

Feels like heaven is taking its time

And some days she just wants it now

She knows ten weeks really isn’t that long

But it feels like forever that you've been gone

Days keep marching and she’s getting by

But each morning she wakes up alone

She starts out each day on her own

Your love’s here and weeping
She’s missing your touch

Her sense of dread creeping

And she wants so much

Just to have you here right by her side

Life keeps spinning

But she wishes the ride was through

Feels like heaven is taking too long

And some days she just wants it now

She wants to be done

With the stress and the strain

Of this senseless tragedy

Its nagging pain

Your love’s here and weeping

She’s missing your touch

Her hope now is sleeping

And she wants so much

Just to have you right here by her side

Life keeps spinning

But she wishes the ride would stop

Feels like an eternity’s taken place here

Since you took your place in eternity

Holding Caden's Hand

2009-08-31T07:33:00.044-07:00

My little man! I know you have no idea how Daddy was feeling today. But I have to say, as we walked across the parking lot, it felt so good having your hand in mine as we walked toward the door together. I couldn't help but wonder how much longer you'll be ok with your Daddy holding your hand in public.

As we made our way down the long crowded hallway full of other mommies and daddies with their little ones, you were walking in front of me, and I had my hand on your back, directing you to your classroom. I realize now just how appropriate that was. You walking out front now, me behind you, giving you guidance to where you needed to go. You were a bit hesitant as you walked, but more than anything, son, there was a palpable sense of excitement in you.

I got you settled into your seat and we stowed away your new backpack (loaded with school supplies) and your new Star Wars lunch box. You sat down at your desk. I leaned down to give you a hug and told you that I loved you. And it was clear what had to come next: It was time for me to leave you.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, Caden – whether you’d be nervous and a bit clingy or not...

You weren’t.

And daddy wasn’t so prepared for that. I guess a part of me wanted you to not be ok with me leaving. Because in some ways, Daddy wants you to stay my little guy and not grow up.

That's pretty silly, isn't it Caden? We teach you to be independent, and remind you to be strong and brave and to trust God and that there's no reason to cry. And today, you did just that. You were strong. You were brave. You trusted God. You didn't cry.

But guess what, buddy? I did. At least I made it back to the car before I started.

I am crying still as I write this, Caden. Not because I'm scared for you -but because you're growing up and becoming just who you're supposed to be. You're really doing it! You’re moving on into the future God has for you. It’s wonderful but different to realize that you still need us, but not the same way you did when you were really little! You can do SO much on your own now!

Son, how you handled this moment in your life made me unbelievably proud. But a little sad too.

Proud because I realize this is a new chapter for you, Caden. I know that you're ready for this. Ready to move on and learn what it means to forge your own path, without Mommy and Daddy right beside you.

Sad because whenever a new chapter opens, it means the old one is closing. And that brings with it an element of pain. It's hard for mommy & daddy when we realize just how much you’ve grown, and how quickly it’s come upon us.

The Bible teaches us to "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he's older he won't depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)

That truth becomes more evident in your life every day. It was obvious when we were driving to school this morning and I prayed for your day - for God to guide, protect, and use you. And when I was done, you said you wanted to pray too. You prayed by faith for all the new friends God was going to give you. And amazingly, you even thought to pray that God would bring your daddy a new job today. Wow! That shows character, Caden. You were moving into a new and (somewhat) scary adventure, but in the middle of all that, you thought not only of yourself, but even to pray for your daddy. I wasn’t expecting that.

Caden, your daddy is SO incredibly proud of the little man you’re becoming. I want you to always know that!

Did you know just how ready you were for this new adventure? I suspect you've sensed it for a while but today it really hit me:

Even though Mommy and I don't feel completely ready to let our little guy go out into the world, you are ready!

You’re going to learn some great things, Caden, but you'll also encounter some of the evil in this world. We'll do our best to shield you from it, but we won't be able to forever. Right now you’re innocent and have a genuinely sweet spirit - you love others and it shows. It's part of what makes you who you are, and something we don’t ever want to change.

Mommy and I pray you would continue with your strong, simple faith in Jesus, even as you encounter the tough truth that sometimes people will be cruel and will hurt you.

We trust in our gracious God to not throw things at you too quickly. And to give you (and us) the grace to handle whatever comes your way. And we’ll take everything – the good and the bad – one day at a time.

You are an amazing boy, Caden, and God has incredible plans for your life. Mommy & I will always love you unconditionally–no matter what!

When you make great choices, we’ll be proud of who you are and we’ll love you. And when you

make poor choices, we’ll still be proud of who you are and we’ll love you.

Nothing you do can ever change how we love you – Jesus loves us with unending love and that’s the way we will love you. We promise.

It’s funny - you were here at home with me, being my sidekick, for the last three weeks before your new school started. Some days you got on my nerves a bit and made it tough to focus on getting work done. But this morning, you're not here and the house feels empty. I'm missing you already, and part of me is wishing you were still here, with your silly wild screaming, your Game-Boy playing, and your way-too-much-Star-Wars-watching!

But you can't be here, of course. You need to be exactly where you are - out there, growing up. I know you're going to have a great day full of surprises, find a plethora of new friends ready to be made, and learn many new things.
Still right now I can't help feeling that pickup time at 4:00 feels an eternity away. Caden, know that when that time comes, I'll be right there waiting when you come out. I can’t wait to hear every last detail of how your day went and all the new experiences you had today. I know you won’t be stingy with the details! (Like father, like son!)

But just a warning for ya, buddy – when I get there and walk you back to the car, whether you want me to or not, your daddy’s gonna hold your hand!

Cranium's Ark - Review

2009-08-29T18:55:00.013-07:00

David Hames, owner of Red Balloon Entertainment, has just released a new animated Christian children's video series, called "Cranium's Ark".

I had the chance to watch the first episode, and it's excellent! In my opinion, it's similar in production values to shows such as "Dora the Explorer" and "Blue's Clue's", but more educational - plus it incorporates our faith and teaches kids about God's love! My favorite element is the music. The songs are super fun, very catchy and there's a great stylistic variety - from Caribbean to big band to hip-hop! The show is targeted at preschoolers, age 1-5 and the first episode is called "I Can Count to 20!".

I was also really encouraged to hear the owner's behind-the-scenes backstory on how the show came about - while watching "Blue's Clues" one day with his son, David thought how great it would be if there was a preschool show that was not only educational, but also taught kids faith-based principles to inspire them in their personal walk with God. Soon after, David sensed God calling him to make just such a show. So he did.

It's such a quality production that you'd never know from watching the show that a dad of two young sons created this in his own basement!! Our kids, Caden & Aubrey (6 & 4) loved it when we showed it to them this morning, and I know it's going to be repeatedly played in our house for many weeks and months to come.

This is a great find for families with preschoolers. There's nothing else quite like it. And priced at just $9.99, "Cranium's Ark" is a bargain compared to many children's videos which sell for $15 or more.

Check out the clip of the show in the post below for more info or head on over to http://www.craniumsark.com, where you can pick up the show, as well as an EP of all the catchy tunes featured throughout the first episode.

Sneak Peek of Preschool Video: Cranium's Ark, Episode One

2009-08-29T18:46:00.005-07:00

Sneak Peek of Preschool Video: Cranium's Ark, Episode One from Red Balloon Entertainment on Vimeo.

Red Balloon Entertainment, an independent production company, is proud to present "Cranium's Ark", a faith-based, Christian video series for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners that offers the academic focus needed for success in school and combines it with faith-based principles that will inspire children in their personal walk with God. In episode one, Wesley the Lion wants to count his bouncy balls, so the Captain and crew hurry to help before Devious and Musty can stop them.

THE MISSION OF CRANIUM’S ARK:
Our mission is to create an outrageously creative and fun Christian Video Series that’s “Monkey Bars for the Brain. Juice Box for the Soul.™” What does that mean? It means each "Cranium’s Ark" video is designed to help prepare toddlers and preschoolers for the academic requirements of school and inspire them to be the amazing boys and girls God has created them to be.

That's ok, I didn't have a stamp anyway...

2009-08-24T08:46:00.001-07:00

A mix of songs I've been liking this summer

2009-08-06T06:56:00.002-07:00

Get Up Off Your Belly!

2009-08-04T07:00:00.005-07:00

The other night, our four year old daughter, Aubrey, had disobeyed several things Joy & I had asked her to do. As we were tucking her in, we reminded her that bedtime was bedtime, not a time to repeatedly get out of her bed to play (her specialty of late!). We let her know if she chose to get out of bed and disobey, she would have a consequence.

A few short minutes later, to our surprise, we witnessed Aubrey, creeping ever so slooooowly out of her room on her belly, and she crawled like this all the way to the bathroom. A couple minutes later, she emerged and immediately returned to her belly and crawled all the way back into her bedroom. Now, Aubrey knows she is allowed to get out of bed to use the bathroom at night, but in her four year-old mind, she wasn't taking any chances on getting into trouble again, hence the army crawl. She didn't realize that we were upstairs and could see her, much to our amusement!

I was thinking about that this morning and smiling at Aubrey's silly behavior when God reminded me how often adults do the same thing. We choose to run in a direction that God has clearly asked us not to go, and try to convince ourselves that He can't see us. The enemy certainly helps by whispering to us that "What can't be seen surely won't be punished. It can just be our little secret..." And more often than we'd like to admit, we take that bait.

What foolishness! God, who loves and adores his children, promises in Hebrews 13:5, that He'll never leave us. Moreover, Luke 8:17 says, "For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open."

God loves us and wants us to make good choices. Not because we could ever do anything to earn or deserve eternal life and forgiveness - we can't! But because He desires for us to walk in freedom, in purity, in holiness. The grace He offers us is not only grace to forgive us when we've sinned, but also the grace to not commit that sin in the first place! It's grace that enables us to stay close by His side, to run to Him, embrace Him and seek His strength to overcome whatever temptation our flesh, the world, or the devil is dangling in front of our faces at any given moment.

The truth is, many times we lose the battle simply because we don't believe we're strong enough to overcome whatever is tempting us. We forget the truth that once we've accepted Christ, sin no longer owns us. Our old self has been crucified in Him and we are a NEW creation! Romans 6:17-18 offers this sweet truth: "Thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin...You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. "

So the next time you find yourself crawling on your belly in the wrong direction, remember: You are not alone. God sees you. He loves you. And He offers you freedom from sin and the grace to choose life - all you have to do is get back on your feet and run to Him.

Ruminations on Michael Jackson

2009-07-10T10:15:00.006-07:00

So a friend of mine who rarely watches TV and is not really into popular culture asked me recently who Michael Jackson was and why everyone was making such a big deal about him dying.

I was saddened by just how many nuggets of wonderment my friend has missed out on and gave him the following list so he'd be up to speed on all that made MJ the King of Pop. Now, for your reading pleasure, I present said list to you:

1. Michael was the first man ever to walk on the moon. Later he incorporated this experience into his dance moves.

2. MJ's father, Joe Jackson, was a popular singer in the 70's and 80's with such hits as "Steppin' Out" and "Breakin' Us in Two".

3. The Gloved One (and only one) wrote the sequel to "Alice in Wonderland", which he called Neverland.

4. Michael Jackson was a child star on 70's TV show "The Jeffersons". He was just "Dyn-o-mite!"

5. MJ was the cousin of hockey great Bo Jackson, the nephew of that girl Victoria Jackson (who used to be on Mad TV), and the brother of Randy Jackson from American Idol (he's the mean British one).

6. Michael's first band, the Beatles, broke up after Lisa Presley and he married. She alienated Michael from other band members, and most of his writing during the period of their marriage did not live up to his previous work. Michael and the Beatles finally patched things up after Michael dueted with Paul McCartney on "The Girl Is Mine", a song about Madonna, who they were both in love with.

7. In the 90's, Michael was fond of smashing car windows while simultaneously, uhhh (how to put this delicately?), "treating his body like it was an amusement park". (See Neverland)

8. He was the inventor of the Commodore 64 computer. Or wait - scratch that. I think he was an original member of the Commodores. Yeah, that's it.

9. More recently, MJ got in trouble when in Europe he decided to dangle a blanket over the railing of his hotel room balcony. It's still not clear to me why this was such a big deal. Rock stars trash their hotel rooms all the time, so why can't MJ throw his bedsheets around, even if OFF the balcony? The media is so weird.

10. In 2005, while performing "Walk This Way" with Britney Spears at the Super Bowl, there was a wardrobe malfunction when Britney accidentally ripped of Michael's pants, revealing MJ's "Man in the Mirror" to an international television audience, for a few brief seconds. Multiple obscenity complaints and legal battles between ABC and the FCC followed.

As I explained to my friend, those are just a few of the myriad reasons why his passing is of such tremendous import to America.

***To ensure accuracy, all facts verified via Wikipedia.

A Challenge for the Guys

2009-06-16T15:49:00.007-07:00

Guys,

1 Peter 3:7 says "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."

If you're anything like me, you don't always live up to the high calling of that verse. It is unbelievably hard, often times, to overcome our own selfishness, pride, etc. and sacrificially love and serve the wife God has blessed us with. And if we're honest with ourselves, we likely haven't taken seriously enough the responsibility of serving our wives and children as Christ served the church (Ephesians 5:25).

A good friend shared this sermon (by Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle) with me on this very subject that has challenged me in a major way. It is not easy, but I admit it's a message I needed to hear (and continue to!). And now I want to share it with you.

I am writing this because I am thankful my friend shared it with me and challenged me to not just be an OK husband, but to work on being the type of husband Jesus calls us to be. I believe change only happens when we challenge one another in life, and as we seek God's strength and power to be more like Christ ("iron sharpening iron"). Single guys - there is incredible teaching and biblical truth here - stuff I wish I had been privileged to hear before I got married - so this is for you as well!

Here's the sermon description from the website: Jesus is the only perfect man to ever live. Because most men fail to look to Him as our example, there exists 2 extremes in men: chauvinism and cowardice. Pastor Mark Driscoll preaches to men about being real men who love God and serve their family well in this sermon from the "Trial" series.

Here's the link:
http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/trial/marriage-and-men

You can watch it online, but since it's long (over 70 minutes), I recommend you download the video or audio (both are available on this page under the tab that says "Downloads") to your computer or ipod to watch/listen to later.

And if you get into this (or all the way through it even) and don't believe it applies to you, I challenge you to ask your wife to check it out and lovingly tell you your blind spots - we're all in need of continual improvement in how we love our wives and if you don't take anything out of it, I am pretty darn sure your wife will have some suggestions for how you can better love her!

; )

I've listened to it a few times in the last couple of months and will continue to revisit it every so often, so I don't forget the lessons here.

Thanks to all the men in my life who challenge me to be better - you know who you are!

Ladies - please pass it on to any guys in your life who could benefit from hearing it...

I'd love to hear any ways this message challenges and encourages you, as I believe it will, if you are willing to put your pride and defensiveness aside (as I had to) and really hear what Mark is saying.

May God bless you and your marriage and may we all have a hunger to grow closer to Christ and be a little more like Him at the end of every day!

"All My Tears" by Jars of Clay

2009-05-12T07:43:00.002-07:00

I was listening to this song this morning and reflecting on how powerful the lyrics are. I'm guessing the premise for the song comes from Revelation 21:4: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

We truly are only here for a short time, like a mist in the wind, and then our lives will be over. In light of that, what could matter more than getting to know Jesus better every day? Those who have accepted Christ will spend eternity in His presence and all the troubles of this world will be done. All the pain, all the suffering, all the misery, all the tears - wiped away!

We'll have eternity in paradise - what an amazing gift grace is!

Here are the lyrics - check the song out if you don't know it - from the excellent album "Good Monsters":

"All My Tears"

When I go, don't cry for me
In my Father's arms I'll be
The wounds this world left on my soul
Will all be healed and I'll be whole
Sun and moon will be replaced
With the light of Jesus' face
And I will not be ashamed
For my Savior knows my name

It don't matter where you bury me
I'll be home and I'll be free
It don't matter where I lay
All my tears be washed away

Gold and silver blind the eye
Temporary riches lie
Come and eat from Heaven's store
Come and drink and thirst no more

So weep not for me, my friends
When my time below does end
For my life belongs to Him
Who will raise the dead again

What joy we have to look forward to - praise Jesus for His mercy on our wretched souls. Amen?!

There's This Cricket...

2009-05-01T09:32:00.002-07:00

There's this cricket
It lives upstair
I can't find it
When I go there

Now it's chirping
Chirping lots
I go up there
Then it stops

I will smash it
If I find it
It must know this
And would mind it

So I'm dealing
With the racket
When I see it
I'll attack it

It knows I lurk scarily
Yet chirps on merrily
Without a care in the world

With crushing destiny
It soon will have a date
But hey, it got to star
In this blog update

An Up-Down Conspiracy? or Reflections On How English Is A Really Weird Language

2009-03-24T13:38:00.003-07:00

Follow me DOWN the proverbial rabbit hole, if you feel UP to it...

This is a verbal checkUP - I'd offer a checkDOWN but it just can't happen.

Once you pick this UP it's hard to put it DOWN.

We can sit UP or DOWN, but only listen UP.

You can be beat UP or suffer from a beat DOWN but can only jot things DOWN and only look things UP.

We can calm or settle DOWN but not UP.

I can be DOWN in the dumps, but never UP in them.

We could hook UP for coffee later but could never hook DOWN, whether we wanted to or not.

What's UP with that?

I can be DOWN for the cause, but only UP to the challenge.

I can only straighten UP but not in both directions.

Why do touch DOWNs and touch-UPs have so very little in common?

I could move DOWN under but not UP it.

It would be quite chaotic to be dressed DOWN while being dressed UP.

You wanna get DOWN with some more or have you had it UP to here with this?

Just thought I'd break it DOWN for you.

I was UP to my neck in deadlines writing this so it came DOWN to the wire & I was UP all night finishing it.

Ultimately, it all boils DOWN to this:

It's UP to you to decide if you're DOWN with what I'm saying.

And for the record, I did just DOWN some 7-UP, but no, I'm not Catholic - why do you ask?!

I'm OUT.

Wacko Sales Manager Spot

2009-03-16T18:49:00.003-07:00

This one is quite ridiculous and would probably annoy me if I were to start seeing it on TV - but then again, most car commercials are that way, especially local ones. So I will spin it that I was just paying homage to the genre. That sounds artistic, sorta, doncha think?

Heavy Metal for Preschoolers

2009-03-10T15:06:00.003-07:00

My Super Bowl commercial debut

2009-03-01T10:17:00.005-07:00

Isn't it awesome to discover obscure commercials done overseas by megastars like George Clooney & Brad Pitt?! Wouldn't you love to watch one of their obscure cheesefest commercials and laugh at it right now? Well, too bad. You're on my blog, not theirs, so you'll just have to settle for me in my much sought-after, little-seen, now finally available Super Bowl commercial debut.

Try to contain yourselves.

Obsessed With FaceBook Friends?

2009-02-15T19:31:00.010-07:00

Like many folks, my wife and I had resisted the urge to join in the whole facebook trend. But a couple of months ago, we finally gave in and decided to join, mainly to see what all the fuss was about. Overall, we're glad we did - we both rather enjoy being able to reconnect with old friends we'd lost touch with and the sense of community that comes from being more connected on a day-to-day basis with people we otherwise wouldn't hear from very frequently, as, let's face it, life is just BUSY, especially when you both work and have young kiddos, like we do.

One thing I've noticed that disturbs me about facebook though is the way some folks seem a bit obsessed with having more and more "friends". Now, we all have real needs for love and to feel that we belong - there's certainly nothing wrong with that.

But I've seen enough facebook status's along the lines of "only 40 more friends and I'll have 1000!" that I'm starting to wonder if some of the pursuit of greater and greater numbers of "friends" isn't perhaps more symptomatic of a larger trend going on in our culture - that being, the busier we get, and the more technology we have in our lives that supposedly make things easier and more convenient, the less real meaningful social interaction we may be having with REAL people in REAL (i.e. non-internet) life.

Is this pursuit of more and more virtual 'friends' perhaps covering up the fact that we don't have true friendships and community in our lives? When I speak of community, I mean people who are available, both emotionally, and time-wise, to us, who are able and willing to share the joys and sorrows of life along-side us. People who will be there when the inevitable crises of life crop up. People who will challenge us, encourage us, and celebrate our victories with us. People who will invest both their time, trust, and love with us, and who we invest back those same valuable commodities with.

Joy & I have been searching for that kind of community in our own lives. We haven't found it yet since moving a couple years ago to AZ, so we can certainly understand feeling lonely and isolated at times. But we're not giving up - we're continuing to trust that God can and will bring that into our lives, as we believe He desires us to live and grow our faith in just such a community.

But back to this phenomenon of facebook - if you're one of those folks with hundreds and hundreds of friends in your virtual community, I hope and pray that you're blessed to have at least one or two people in your life you can call true friends. But if those types of relationships are lacking for you, I challenge you not to substitute quantity for quality when it come to friendships - don't give up!

Risk being vulnerable with other people.

Risk being a true friend to others, even if you're not quite sure they consider you a true friend yet.

Risk opening up and being honest about an area you're struggling with in life.

Risk the pain of possible rejection.

If you aren't willing to do that, you may end up spending way more lonely nights talking to your "friends" online and missing out on the better way God has in mind for you.

I think He has a greater plan for your life - one where you live in community with people who love and encourage you to be all God created you to be and where likewise you do the same for others. If you can be honest with yourself, I think you will agree that you want that as well.

Don't settle for anything less than God's best for you!

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13

Why "You Can Do It. We Can Help." Should Also Apply To Homework

2009-02-06T15:23:00.013-07:00

After this was graded and the child brought it home, she returned to school the next day with the following note:

Dear Ms. Davis, I want to be very clear on my child's illustration. It is NOT of me on a dance pole on a stage in a strip joint. I work at Home Depot and had commented to my daughter how much money we made in the recent snowstorm. This drawing is of me.... selling a shovel.

Mrs. Harrington

The Ultimate Disclaimer for Every Occasion!

2009-01-21T07:16:00.030-07:00

This posting does not reflect the thoughts or opinions of either myself, my company, my friends, or my cat; don't quote me on that; don't quote me on anything; all rights reserved; this document is distribution copyrighted to the extent that you may distribute this posting and all its associated parts freely but you may not make a profit from it or include the article or parts of it in commercial publications, or as part of any fee-based services or products. FaceBook does not have a face nor is it a book and should not be considered as such. Do not TAUNT Happy Fun Ball.

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My Favorite Songs of 2008

2008-12-22T17:00:00.006-07:00

These are the songs that I found myself returning to over and over again in 2008...enjoy.

Feel free to comment. Agree/disagree/call me a tool for liking David Cook (you know you watch that show too - stop judging!). Whatever floats your boat. (where did that expression come from, anyway? We'll save that for a future post...)

Myspace Girl – The Afters
Say This Sooner - The Almost
Dirty And Left Out - The Almost
Amazing Because It Is - The Almost
Roast Beef - Andy Gullahorn
That Guy - Andy Gullahorn
No Ones Gonna Love You - Band Of Horses
Britney - Bebo Norman
The IV – Braille
Give Me Your Eyes - Brandon Heath
Believe - The Bravery
Empty Me - Chris Sligh
Eleanor Rigby - David Cook
Hello - David Cook
Everything Glorious - David Crowder Band
Remedy - David Crowder Band
(If I Called) All of the Ways the World Will End – Dawson Wells
A New Law - Derek Webb
Jealousy Hurts - Dizmas
Shake It Off – Dizmas
Little Is Much - Downhere
My Last Amen - Downhere
Last Night - Elias F. Tyrone Wells and Kaboose
Let’s Go Back - Everyday Sunday
Free Me - Fike & Dana
Come Into The Light - Fike & Dana
Not Crying - Flight of the Conchords
The Most Beautiful Girl (In The Room) - Flight Of The Conchords
Robots - Flight Of The Conchords
Handlebars – Flobots
I’m So Sick - Flyleaf
The Pretender - Foo Fighters
Best Days – Graham Colton Band
Let Go - Grey Holiday
Where I’m Not Wanted - Heath McNease
Tick Tick Boom – The Hives
Joy Control – Ian Gallaghar
Blessed Be - Jason Gray
Hypocrisy # 785 - Jeremy Casella
Say - John Mayer
Make Money Money - John Reuben
The Cure For Pain - Jon Foreman
America & The Soul - Justin McRoberts
Done Living - Justin McRoberts
Run On For A Long Time (Featuring Chris Sligh) - Kevin Max
Tennis Shoes – The Khrusty Brothers
Don’t Hear a Single – The Major Labels
4321 – Manafest
We Could Take the Backroads – Micah Dalton
Prodigal - Michael Gungor Band
Song For My Family - Michael Gungor Band
White Man - Michael Gungor Band
Perform – Monarch
Mugiboogie – Mugison
Welcome To The Black Parade - My Chemical Romance
You Waste Time Like A Grandfather Clock – Myriad
Sleeping In – Nevertheless
When Angels & Serpeants Dance – P.O.D.
To Bring You Back – Paul Allen
Down to Earth – Peter Gabriel
Emergency Broadcast – Playdough
Breathe Into Me - Red
Already Over - Red
What Happens (At the End) - Remedy Drive
Heartbeat - Remedy Drive
Buildings & Mountains – The Republic Tigers
New Day - Robbie Seay Band
Rise - Robbie Seay Band
Fake lt - Seether
Something Wrong - Separated
Crack the Shutters – Snow Patrol
beautiful the blood - Steve Fee
Save Your Best – Steve Reynolds
Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman
You, Me & The Bourgeousie – The Submarines
Down in Flames – Superbeing
By Your Side – Tenth Avenue North
This Is Who I Am – Third Day
Slow Down – Third Day
Born Again – Third Day
Falls Apart -Thousand Foot Krutch
My Favorite Disease - Thousand Foot Krutch
More – Tyrone Wells
Patience - Tyrone Wells
This Is Beautiful – Tyrone Wells
Honestly - Vota

When I'm the Man...

2008-12-11T14:45:00.004-07:00

When I'm the Man I want to Be

You'll know that Love and I are tight
By the patience that I show
When I'm stuck behind your car
And you're just driving way too slow

When I'm the Man I want to be

My eyes will turn from hungering
after more things for myself
Plasma HDTV?
I don't need you on my shelf
And while you're at it, Vickie
Keep that Secret to yourself

When I'm the Man I want to be

You won't need what's on my bumper
Or to read my clever shirt
Cuz you won't hear me speaking words
That tear you down or hurt

My mouth will fill your ears
With words that build up and bring trust
And my treadmill will wear out
While my remote's collecting dust

When I'm the Man I want to be

Are You TrueFaced?

2008-12-04T07:25:00.022-07:00

Have you learned to wear a mask to hide your true identity?

Do you believe it's way too risky to show God and those closest to you (and even yourself) who you really are?

TrueFaced: Trust God & Others With Who You Really Are challenges us to take these masks off and be real with ourselves, God and others.

I must admit that though I love to read, it's much easier when I'm tired at the end of the day to veg in front of the TV than read, though reading is far more satisfying in the long run. I'm glad I chose to make the time to read this book. God has been showing me a lot about myself and how I have related to Him through the material.

We are asked to consider whether we really TRUST God, or whether we are more likely working to PLEASE Him, and what the difference there looks like. The book deals with unresolved issues we may struggle with, i.e. sins we've committed against others or that they've committed against us, how forgiveness really works and what it looks like in relationship, and learning what God's heart for us really looks like.

TrueFaced also speaks to the importance of being in a community of grace, where people will love and accept you right where you are, and how those people will help you learn to trust God with your whole heart, and all that you are, the good and the not so good. I'm still seeking out that community, but I know if I don't give up, God will provide it.

This book has helped me see that I've lived a lot of my life trying to please Him, rather than living in grace and realizing that what He wants most is for me to trust Him. And that He desires to walk alongside me (not condemn me!), so that we can work on my issues together. A much different perspective than my constant sense that I need to work on my sin alone to prove to Him that somehow I am good enough. Because I'm not good enough and I never will be. If I was good enough to deserve grace, I wouldn't need it. (reminds me of those righteous theologians, the Newsboys, who once sang "When we don't get what we deserve, that's a real good thing. When we get what we don't deserve, that's a real good thing." But I digress)

TrueFaced talks about how God has a specific dream for your life - a unique destiny He has mapped out for how He wants to use YOU to love others with the same grace He loves you with. And as you learn to trust Him more, He will reveal that specific plan to you, in His timing, once you're ready for it.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." --Hebrews 12:1

God longs to help each of us release the burdens of our lives that weigh us down and keep us from the path He has created for us to run.

I cannot recommend TrueFaced more highly. You will be impacted by reading this book! And if you do pick it up, I'd love to hear what God has to say to you through your reading.

Tears For Fears "Head Over Heels - The Literal Version" - This Rules!!

2008-10-30T14:34:00.002-07:00

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Sprain in the Spirit

2008-07-03T11:09:00.004-07:00

Here's a little story I cooked up after my wife and I were having a conversation recently about church healing services...I couldn't resist writing it once I thought of the title!

Sprain In The Spirit - The People vs. The Holy Ghost

-Goodyear, AZ

Calling himself a "personal spiritual-injury attorney", Donald P. Schmuckford claims that hundreds, if not thousands, of believers have been injured by the Spirit of the Lord and he's decided to take his case to court, having recently filed a class-action law suit against the Holy Spirit himself.

Schmuckford says he's received call after call from clients who have attended various church healing services, only to be further injured in the process. "It's just not right," he says. "These people in trust are coming to healing services with a variety of ailments, only to be further harmed by careless pastors whose sanctuaries are not properly outfitted for this."

When the pastors pray over them, and inevitably press forcefully on their foreheads to initiate the healing, Schmuckford claims his clients at times fall backwards onto wooden pews or equipment on the stage, in cases where the pastor slays them in the wrong direction.

"Frankly, I'm not sure why pastors can't set up cushioned mats behind parishioners, or mattresses, or something, to prepare for these healing services. Or better yet, why can't they have church members sit or lay down first, then go for the forehead? I'm not even sure I get the whole forehead-pressing thing, myself - can't they get slain with a light tap on the back, or perhaps an energetic high-five? We'd see far fewer injuries that way and it might be more fun, no?"

Schmuckford doesn't deny that folks are often healed by the Holy Spirit, only adding that they sometimes then suffer further injuries through the slaying process, he says.

"One poor guy suffered from severe ingrown toenails going into the service, which the Holy Ghost did indeed heal. But because he fell back onto a sound-mixing board when the pastor gave him the 'old-V-8-tap' on the head during the slay-ification process, he ended up needing back surgery due to the tremendous impact of that fall. It's nuts."

The legal beagle also details a story of several parishioners who were injured in a domino-type effect when fourteen heal-ees were slain simultaneously, leading to several broken bones, a dislocated shoulder, and one groin injury.

When asked why he's suing the third member of the Trinity, rather than the pastors who would seem to be more at fault, Schmuckford retorts, "You've got to go after the source of power, and clearly the Holy Spirit is ultimately responsible in such mishaps. Besides", he adds, "where would the sizzle and publicity come from if I were to sue 'Joe Pastor of the local congregation'?! You gotta go after the deep pockets - that's just the way the system works!"

Check out the powerful music video for "Slow Fade" by Casting Crowns

2008-06-04T15:41:00.010-07:00

Casting Crowns song "Slow Fade" makes a strong statement about how easily small choices can lead to devastating consequences in our lives. I thought the video (just released) was extremely powerful and an encouragement to pursue purity with all the strength I have, lest I fall victim to temptations in life that will lead me away from God and my family.

Our culture is loaded with ideas about doing whatever feels good and putting yourself and your needs (and wants) above all else. But in reality, we are called to sacrifice and love one another as God loves us (remember that Golden Rule you learned as a kid?), not to selfishly chase after what we want.

I think this video is a great reminder of why we need to put others before ourselves in life. Click here to watch it.

I've also added the song's lyrics below, in case you'd like to read them. And please share this with other folks who will find it encouraging!

Lyrics to "Slow Fade" by Casting Crowns

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

MMMMMM...freeesh vooice demooo

2008-05-07T09:24:00.004-07:00

NOW packed with more versatili-ticiousness in LESS time than EVER before!!

CJ Adams.mp3

Antonio & the Pasta Contest

2008-03-22T08:06:00.003-07:00

4/17 - UPDATE - Apparently some PC-users can't see the video here - not sure why, but you can find it on YouTube by searching "Antonio and the Pasta Contest" - or you can watch it here also...enjoy!

Jingle all the way...

2007-11-07T17:23:00.007-07:00

Here's some jingles I did recently. The rock one was especially fun as it's the closest I've ever come to imagining I was a rock star (the client wanted a Van Morrison sound-alike). Even though it was for a casino commercial and not for a stadium of my adoring fans - STILL cool! ; )

Return of the VoiceBoy

2007-11-07T16:10:00.002-07:00

I'm BACK, BAYBAY! (think George Costanza)

It's been forever since I posted anything to this account, but I'm really focusing on doing more voice over work now so I thought I'd test out Blogger's capabilities. I just learned you can actually upload content here, so I am posting my demo for any and all to hear.

Eventually I'll create a new blog just with my voice over work solely for business purposes but this is just to try it out...

So for anyone curious as to what kinds of voices I can do, enjoy.

Also, I've now added a couple more spots below - one being the Ah-Nold one from the radio station morning shows I did, and the other is my favorite character of all the ones I've created for various commercials so far...

See ya!

CJ

OK, so HERE'S the Ah-Nold I promised a long time ago..

2007-11-07T16:07:00.002-07:00

This came about when I called in to Peak 95.1's morning show back when I was living in CO Springs - they asked listeners to call in with their best impressions of Arnold Schwarzenegger, (at the time, Arnold was the newly elected Governator of CA). They had listeners call in to vote for the best one, and I won the contest.

This then led to them asking me to call in occasionally just to do impromptu "chats" with them as the Governator. It was a blast doing it. None of this was scripted, so I didn't always come up with the perfect line, but for what it was, I think it turned out pretty well and was fun to do and a good test of my improv abilities...!

Mr. Know-It-All

2007-11-07T16:05:00.002-07:00

This is a fun character I created called Mr. Know-It-All. He turned out to be so popular with car dealerships across several states that I ended up doing about 100-150 different spots as him (for about 60 different clients) over a period of a couple of years (some of them may have even aired in your neck of the woods!).

This particular ad was my favorite one, as it was well-written and had some fun interaction with another voice actor...

Me as Ah-nold on Peak 95.1 a while back

2006-06-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

For your listening pleasure, I'm posting the MP3 of a couple of times I was on the radio here locally as Ah-nold "the Governator" back when he was elected as the governer of California. They had a contest one morning when I was driving to work on who could call in and sound the most like him, so I called in and won the contest, then they had me call in every few weeks for a while to check in and do "exclusive" interviews with them. I didn't get copies of all of it but what I did get is pretty fun stuff. So enjoy...

The perils of being an 'Underwear Guy'...

2006-04-05T11:59:00.001-07:00

My very fun two-and-a-half year old, Caden, seems to enjoy the utter silly-ness of his daddy's sense of humor.

Recently, as I was getting ready in the morning, and I was about to get Caden dressed, he commented that I was only wearing underwear, just as he was. I said "That's right, buddy. I guess that makes us 'Underwear Guys', huh?!" For some reason, he loved this idea. In his mind, maybe that's along the lines of superheroes such as Batman, Superman, and Spiderman, that he's so fond of (without having ever seen any such shows or movies, mind you - clearly it's an innate ability of men to enjoy superheroes, even from a very young age!)

So he began every morning to parade into our room in his undies, and when he happens to find daddy also not yet fully dressed, he'll gleefully exclaim "Daddy, we're Underwear Guys!", as if someone, somewhere is just waiting for us to spring into action! 'Oh, no, Sally! I've run out of clean underwear.' 'Never fear, the UNDERWEAR GUYS are here!" Or ...something.

So one night after his bath a few weeks ago, we asked Caden to go get his jammies and his underwear, so we could help him get dressed for bed. Well, he came in with his underwear, and I, being in quite the silly mood, decided to make my son laugh by taking his undies from him and proceeding to place them on top of my head. (I'm convinced this is a silly dad instinct)

He then of course cracked up and found this hilarious.

My wife, however, seemed to find this way more funny than she typically does such stunts of mine. And she appeared to be fixated to the top of my head, where some sort of silly underwear (the Incredibles, Thomas the Train, C-SPAN, who knows?) was perched on my noggin. As she also seemed to be having trouble breathing, I asked her why she found this so amusing. Between trying to catch a few breaths, she managed to wheeze out "Caden....where...did....you get...those underwear from?!"

At this point I began to feel a bit of alarm.

"From there!" Caden exclaimed, pointing, to my horror, at the hamper outside our laundry room, and NOT, I repeat, NOT his bedroom dresser.

This was about the time I looked at my wife and said "this underwear is dirty, isn't it?" My wife gleefully nodded while simultaneously shrieking with laughter, tears now streaming down her cheeks.

Thus I swiftly extricated the aforementioned cotton briefs from my cranial area. And sure enough, they were soiled. Not just dirty, mind you, but more along the lines of something from a diaper. Let's just say that using the word thick would not exactly be stretching the truth. You see, Caden at this time was in the middle of being potty-trained, so the whole wiping thing was not yet a skill in his repertoire.

After having snatched the vile undies from my head, I then went through the emergency-checking-for-poop-on-your-head-in-the-mirror-while-your-family-can't-breathe-from-laughing-so-hard-dance. You know the one.

So this is why I warn all current and future fathers out there that there are indeed perils in serving as an underwear guy.

Maybe this makes me the Johnny Cochran of daddy-dom, but here's my new slogan for when such duty calls:

If it's white, it's quite all right
But if it's brown, put the darn thing down!

Don't say you haven't been warned.

Recent Musical Coolness

2006-03-30T09:09:00.001-07:00

I just found this cool site - www.christrock.com It's a blog that has music reviews of a lot of cool new bands, concert reviews, and even free music downloads on Mondays.

And now, for your listening pleasure, here are the top 10 albums I've acquired recently and can't quit listening to, in no particular order:

NeedtoBreathe - Daylight (I got a prerelease and it comes out in a couple weeks) - Christian but going the dual label route with a mainstream release on Atlantic/Lava Records (home of Skillet) and Sparrow Records on the Christian side - kind of a cross between Lifehouse, Third Day, and maybe a little Dave Matthews in places - not too hard, but nice upbeat rock/pop sound. Lyrics are good and songs are amazingly catchy from the first listen - I can't stop listening to it!

Jonah 33 - The Strangest Day - just got this and am loving it - very solid Christian lyrics, and there's a great song on being pure with our eyes called "Desensitized" - not quite as rocking as their first disc to my ears, but just as good if not better

Crossfade - self titled - a secular band, kind of like Creed and a little POD sound at times - decent lyrics that are kind of introspective and somewhat hopeful - great rock sound - kind of hard but not much more than a typical Creed/POD album

House of Heroes - self titled - very inventive lyrics, very different for Christian band and good rock sound - quite original

Kutless - Hearts of the Innocent - another prerelease that I think comes out this week or next - very good if you like Kutless. A good combination of their first album and 'Sea of Faces' - not much worship a la 'Strong Tower' but a good mix of upbeat rockers and mid-tempo songs. Strong lyrics. If you like Kutless's sound, you'll dig this.

The Killers - Hot Fuss - highly talented secular band - sound a bit like Duran Duran - I am not that into the "new" 80's type bands, but they are just phenomenal and the whole album is great - I tend to listen to all the songs, which is rare!

Fall Out Boy - From Under the Cork Tree - another secular band - kind of a pop punk thing with rock elements - I'm not that into punk sounding guys such as Blink 182 but this is really good stuff. Big hits on this one are 'Dance Dance' and 'Sugar, We're Going Down"…

Marty Casey & Lovehammers - self titled - this is the guy that came in 2nd place on Rock Star: INXS - the guy has the intense singing style of a Curt Kobain or Scott Weiland - glad he didn't win the show, as his style is too hard for the poppy INXS - another great secular album from start to finish - check them out even if you didn't watch the show, as they're quite talented - good rock sound and nice hooks

P.O.D. - Testify - it's great - much better than their last album - closer to 'Satellite' and more back to roots sounding POD, after the somewhat disappointing (to me anyway) 'Payable on Death'

The Lonely Hearts - Paper Tapes - coming out soon I think - another prerelease I got - a Christian band with a great sound - these guys used to be called Holland but have changed to a more upbeat sound than their first album - somewhat reminiscent of Beatles-type melodies - so kind of poppy and not that hard - but good songs with strong lyrics and good hooks - catchy.

Rock on!

Daughter Humbles Daddy

2006-03-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me realizes I'm the type of guy that thrives on being funny. I just love making people laugh, and always have...and it's clear that I'm a lot like God in that way (ducking that lightning), because He obviously also has a very well-developed sense of humor.

You see, He decided that since I enjoy making people laugh and a large part of my identity is that I see myself as quite a humorous individual, that what would be good for me is to have someone in my life that just doesn't find me funny. (I don't count my wife in this role. She found me hilarious when we were dating, but now pretends she's heard all these stories before. My theory, though, is that women like to be in control, and a humorous man such as myself takes that control by inducing laughter. So rather than suffer chucklencitis, the little-known condition where the body goes into shock from so much hilarity, she protects herself from this by continual subtle lip-biting. This pain keeps her from actually verbally expressing laughter.) But I digress.

It's really our daughter, Aubrey, who God has sent to humble her daddy. For no matter what I do, she's not amused. She just looks at me with her big, beautiful blue eyes and blinks. I've tried everything. Dancing like a spastic fool to some crazy rap song? Aubrey yawns. Gregorian chanting while juggling flaming monkeys? Nothing. Sucking in helium to sing Bohemian Rhapsody all the way through in my chipmunk voice while standing on my head wearing a clown outift? Uh-uh. Aubrey falls asleep. Resorting to allowing my son to hit me in the crotch (as everyone knows, crotch-pain humor is the most desperate of all humor offerings) with a light saber, while simultanously gargling with guacamole? Aubrey pretends to find our cat fascinating.

The good news, though, is that she definitely has the ability to laugh. Loudly. And repeatedly... at my son, Caden. He goes up and just says hi really close to her face, and she thinks this is just the bee's knees. He runs around in a circle and then falls over. She snorts milk through her nose. I mean, we're talking really pedestrian material that my son is coming up with, yet she finds it hysterical.

My wife can also make her laugh. You know, by kissing her face, ohhh...LOOKING AT HER.

But that's ok, because I know one day it will happen. I'm plotting all sorts of joviality to unleash that she won't be able to resist.

But hey, even if I never make Aubrey laugh, that's ok. Because I know someone who is just CRACKING UP AT ME.

God.

I'll have the last laugh on Him too though. He'll never see this one coming...

(He doesn't know it yet, but my next tithe check? Only 9%. Heh heh.)

Um, that wasn't thunder...

Was it?

Sound Beating

2006-02-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

This is great! You've got to listen to this phone call from a man in Texas who witnessed a car accident that involved 4 elderly women. CLICK HERE to check it out!

Why Hillbilly Graham Crackers?

2005-12-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

Some of you who didn't get the original email have asked what the heck "Hillbilly Graham Crackers" is all about. Well, here's the story:

Because I'm strange, I have always thought it would be a hilarious name for a band, if I ever were to start one. I mean, you've got hillbilly, Billy Graham, and graham crackers, all in one spot! What could be better?!

The scary thing is that I did a search a couple months back on Google, and there's actually a band named this. It seems frightening that someone else would/could share my odd sense of humor, but I guess that just means I'm unique, just like everybody else!

Worship complainer - the REMIX!

2005-12-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

Worship Band Complaint!

Apparently this is a REAL voicemail left at a church complaining about a gal in a worship band. You can listen to it by clicking here:

Concerned Attender Voicemail

But then the genius worship pastor (or some other clever soul!) took the phone message and made a remix dance version of it:

Concerned Attender: The Dance Remix

This is just hilarious, and I needed a laugh today!

They'll know us by our...?

2005-11-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of singer Derek Webb (formerly of Caedmon's Call). He's got two solo albums out, the 2nd of which, "I See Things Upside Down" I just got yesterday. He does a great job, in my opinion, of challenging the church in our complacency. I wanted to share the lyrics to one of the songs off of his last album, as I think it's a great reminder and challenge to us as Christians to stop being so judgmental, and instead to be about the business of Christ: loving people into His kingdom!

"t-shirts (what we should be known for)

by Derek Webb

they'll know us by the t-shirts that we wear

they'll know us by the way we point and stare

at anyone whose sin looks worse than ours

who cannot hide the scars of this curse that we all bear

they'll know us by our picket lines and signs

they'll know us by the pride we hide behind

like anyone on earth is living right

and isn't that why Jesus died?

not to make us think we're right

when love,love,love is what we should be known for

love, love, love - it's the how and it's the why

we live and breathe and we die

they'll know us by reasons we divide

and how we can't seem to unify

because we've gotta sing songs a certain style

or we'll walk right down that aisle

and just leave 'em all behind

they'll know us by the billboards that we make

just turning God's words to cheap cliches

says "what part of murder don't you understand"

but we hate our fellow man

and point a finger at his grave

they'll know us by the t-shirts that we wear
they'll know us by the way we point and stare
telling 'em their sins are worse than ours
thinking we can hide our scars

beneath these t-shirts that we wear

If you find it easier to judge people than to love them, as I am definitely guilty of at times, I hope these words are an encouragement to you. Christ can transform our hearts and our perceptions of each other, if we continue to seek Him out and ask for His heart and mind for people.

Love in Christ,

Carl

Nonsensical Disclaimers

2005-10-27T08:14:00.001-07:00

Here are some random thoughts & nonsensical disclaimers:

Children, get your parent's permission before reading.
Not for internal use.
I love escalators because they can never break - they can only become stairs.
Not to be consumed with shellfish.
Rinse, lather, and repeat.
Not for use while sleeping.
Really, don't you have work you could be doing?
I like refried beans, but I wanna try fried beans 'cuz maybe they're just as good and we're wasting time.
Apply generously, then wait ten minutes.
I saw a subliminal advertising executive, but only for a second.
Why is it, "A penny for your thoughts," but "Put your two cents in?" Someone's making a profit on that deal!
This blog not to be used as a flotation device.
I like rice. Rice is great if you're really hungry and you want 2000 of something.
Individuality--great in everything but police line-ups.
The trouble with being punctual is that no one's there to appreciate it.

Long live Antonio!

2005-10-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

A link to a fun video I starred in last year for Vanguard - my church here in the Springs...

http://balloonballoon.com/pastacontest/

Look at my pretty bonnet!

2005-10-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

Here's our most recent shot of our beautiful 3-month old, Aubrey!

My little man

2005-10-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

Caden - a few months ago, but my favorite picture of him!

Look, I'm Blogging and I Don't Know Why!!

2005-10-25T07:38:00.002-07:00

Well, since my friend John just sent me a link to his blog, I thought it may be fun to set one up for myself. But then I realized, hey, don't you have to have something to talk about? So I guess I'll have to figure that out as I go along. I'm new to this, so hopefully as I have time I'll learn ways to make this more interesting and fun to read.

But seems a good way to stay in touch with my more distant friends, who I don't have as much opportunity to talk to in person/via phone as I would like...

Joy and I have been married 4 1/2 years now and she is incredible. I couldn't have asked for a better wife. God obviously knows what He's doing when He brings you your spouse. She is so supportive and understanding of me and also a phenomenal mom. I'm very blessed at all she knows about kids, having worked for 15+ years in the childcare industry. It definitely made the transition into fatherhood easier, knowing Joy had a lot of knowledge an experience with how to handle kids!

Being a parent is such an awesome experience. Humbling? You bet. Exhausting a lot of the time? Definitely. Worthy every sacrifice it requires? Without a doubt!

Caden is two and talks up a storm. It's incredible the things he knows, so he just continually fascinates me with his verbal ability. The downside is sometimes we wish he had an off switch! Lately we've really wanted that as he's taken to waking up at 5:30 am no matter what time he goes to bed. What makes him especially challenging is that he wakes up going 100 miles per hour. There's no warm-up period for Caden! He wakes up, and is in our room asking about breakfast, telling us to wake up, knocking on our eyeballs, etc. Who would have known he'd be able to figure out the combo lock we had on his door, too? Ah, kids. Gotta love 'em!

Aubrey is our beautiful little 3 month old. She's very dramatic and has two extremes: extremely sweet, smiling and gurgling at us ("goo" is literally her favorite "word"), or crying her head off! She will be fine, and then if she's hungry or suddenly decides it's time to be held, she is not shy about letting us know. This is maddening occasionally, but I think it's God's way of showing us ourselves, and how we may whine and cry to Him about why His will (or what we hope it will be!) takes so long. God has that way of making us learn things, doesn't he? And my kids, like my wife, have a way of holding up a mirror and really showing myself back to me. Which is important, so we can try and keep growing.

Well, I guess that's all I'll write for now. A decent start, but definitely rambling. (see, the title is a disclaimer, really!)

Until next time...

The Mad VoiceBoy