My Dad and Addy

I forgot about this picture until I stumbled across it on my work computer. It is too funny! I thought I would share...

Random Thoughts...


Home Work
I got those wood floors installed over last weekend. I put in 13 hours on Saturday and another 8 on Sunday. It was definitely some hard work, but the finished product was worth it. I will get some pictures taken and post them on here. We installed the flooring in the living room, dining area, and master bedroom...about 700 square feet. It was definitely a good experience.

We got a pretty good deal on the flooring, along with not doing as much as originally thought...so we are using the extra money (not a ton) to do a few extra things. Liz and I can't stand gold/brass fixtures, so we are replacing a few lights in the house. We are doing a few window treatments. Also, we are attempting to paint kitchen cabinet/drawer handles...along with door knobs. We aren't sure how the painting will go, so we will keep our fingers crossed...it is just so expensive to replace a large quantity.


Decorating
Liz is off work today, so her and Addy are decorating for Christmas. Yes, I know it is the day BEFORE Thanksgiving, but Addy won't be home until late Sunday (or 7am Monday, just depends) because she is going with her daddy to Dallas to see his family for the holiday break. Also, it is his regular weekend. I'm glad they are taking care of the decorating now, while I am at work...less work for me. haha!


Rock Band!
I really want this game for the xbox 360. I have been wanting it from the time I first heard about it. You get drums, guitar, and a mic with the game...you get to play instruments along with famous/popular songs. I think it would be very fun. There are two problems, though.

First, it is pretty expensive at $169 plus tax. It would be tough for me to spend that much money for something that won't be used but maybe once a week. Second, even if I could spend the money...you can't find one!

I still want one, but I will have to settle hearing all my friends and co-workers go on and on about how cool the game is. I work with 3 people that already have it and love it! I'm really trying not to be a jealous person. haha!

Thanksgiving
I love this holiday...my second favorite behind Christmas. I honestly believe that everyday should be thanksgiving.

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name." (Psalm 100:4)

I am so thankful every single day for all that the Lord has provided. I am SO blessed! I could go on and on forever about my blessings. Like our pastor, Craig Groeschel, says...we live in a house, soft beds, with our heat and air conditioning, full pantry and refrigerator, get in our cars, with heated seats...and there are people in the world that won't eat today! We should not be comfortable knowing this...we should ache for people in the world. We don't realize, even the small things we take for granted, just how stinkin' blessed we are! Now it is my duty to share those blessings to others...we should strive to share the love of Jesus in our lives. I am thankful everyday...I don't need a holiday to remind me that I need to be. It is still nice, though!

We live in the most blessed country in the world, serve the most amazing God, and have so much to be thankful for. What if, we lived as though we believed it?

Another STEP closer!

After many delays, we are almost there...we are getting real close to having our wood floors. After many mix ups with the store we purchased from (and them trying to mess up our plan), we should have at least most of the flooring, if not all, installed this weekend. We are so excited! It is purchased and should be delivered today.

We will stay at Liz's parents this weekend, then I will go back and forth with her dad...which is helping me install it all. Hopefully, it will all be complete. We are putting it in the entry, living room, dining room, and master bedroom. Just say NO to stained carpet! ;-)

Pride of Oklahoma!

I have to admit...I have never been a big fan of our OU band, the Pride of Oklahoma. I love Boomer Sooner and all that...but I could never stand their halftime shows. I always thought they were boring and so traditional. I love those type of "think outside the box" marching bands. I have to give it up to the OU band this past weekend. I would have loved to be in attendance for the game, but I always end up watching on tv. I missed a treat, if only I had been there. Thank goodness there is the internet where I can still enjoy the show. By the way, Addy (step-daughter) is a huge fan of the movie 13 going on 30, she loves the song/dance of Thriller...I'm sure she would love this, too!

Baby for the Weekend...

Ok, we get to play "parents of a baby" for the weekend. This is the best baby and definitely so, so CUTE!! It is one of Liz's daycare kids and we love her to death. We've been begging to get to keep her overnight, and we finally got our wish. Actually, it is even better...not only did we get to keep her last night, but we also get to keep her tonight. We've had a blast. Liz got her all fixed up with a hair band and bow that she made...also, she got her all dressed up in some of Addy's clothes when she was that size. We went out and showed her off...she looked so cute and turned several heads.

I have to say...after all this, I definitely want a baby. It was such a good feeling being out with a baby and having everyone oogle over her. Plus, our baby will always be so cute and fixed up...whether a boy or a girl. I can't wait! I also have to say, I couldn't imagine being a single parent doing everything myself. Liz did all the work during the night...I am glad I have such an awesome wife, which is also an amazing parent. Thanks to our friend Jessica for letting us have her baby for the weekend!

Child of God!


A seminary professor was vacationing with his wife in Gatlinburg, TN.
One morning, they were eating breakfast at a little restaurant, hoping to
enjoy a quiet, family meal. While they were waiting for their food, they
noticed a distinguished looking, white-haired man moving from table to
table, visiting with the guests. The professor leaned over and whispered
to his wife, 'I hope he doesn't come over here.' But sure enough, the man
did come over to their table.

'Where are you folks from?' he asked in a friendly voice.

'Oklahoma,' they answered.

'Great to have you here in Tennessee ,' the stranger said. 'What do you do
for a living?'

'I teach at a seminary,' he replied.

'Oh, so you teach preachers how to preach, do you? Well, I've got a really
great story for you.' And with that, the gentleman pulled up a chair and
sat down at the table with the couple.

The professor groaned and thought to himself, 'Great .. Just what I need
...another preacher story!'

The man started, 'See that mountain over there? (pointing out the
restaurant window). Not far from the base of that mountain, there was a
boy born to an unwed mother. He had a hard time growing up, because every
place he went, he was always asked the same question, 'Hey boy, Who's your
daddy?' Whether he was at school, in the grocery store or drug store,
people would ask the same question, 'Who's your daddy?'

He would hide at recess and lunchtime from other students. He would avoid
going into stores because that question hurt him so bad.. 'When he was
about 12 years old, a new preacher came to his church. He would always go
in late and slip out early to avoid hearing the question,
'Who's your daddy?'

But one day, the new preacher said the benediction so fast that he got
caught and had to walk out with the crowd.

Just about the time he got to the back door, the new preacher, not knowing
anything about him, put his hand on his shoulder and asked him, 'Son,
who's your daddy?'

The whole church got deathly quiet. He could feel every eye in the church
looking at him. Now everyone would finally know the answer to the
question, 'Who's your daddy?'

'This new preacher, though, sensed the situation around him and using
discernment that only the Holy Spirit could give, said the following to
that scared little boy.. 'Wait a minute! I know who you are! I see the
family resemblance now. You are a child of God.'

With that he patted the boy on his shoulder and said, 'Boy, you've got a
great inheritance. Go and claim it.'

'With that, the boy smiled for the first time in a long time and walked
out the door a changed person. He was never the same again. Whenever
anybody asked him, 'Who's your Daddy?' he'd just tell them, ''I'm a Child
of God.''

The distinguished gentleman got up from the table and said, 'Isn't that a
great story?'

The professor responded that it really was a great story!

As the man turned to leave, he said, 'You know, if that new preacher
hadn't told me that I was one of God's children, I probably never would
have amounted to anything!' And he walked away.

The seminary professor and his wife were stunned. He called the waitress
over &asked her, 'Do you know who that man was -- the one who just left
that was sitting at our table?'

The waitress grinned and said, 'Of course. Everybody here knows him.
That's Ben Hooper. He's the former governor of Tennessee!'

Someone in your life today needs a reminder that, above all else, they're one of
God's children!

'The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of God stands
forever.' ~~Isaiah

YOU'RE ONE OF GOD'S CHILDREN!!! HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Future of the Church 2 (of 5)


More Bible, Less Fluff

When I was a kid, many churches didn’t engage my generation. Most of my friends “went to church” but we didn’t follow Christ. The American church (for the most part) lost touch with how to engage the younger generations.

The church needed to change. And it did. We needed to become more relevant in the way we engaged non-believers, challenged believers, and presented God’s Word. One result was the “seeker-sensitive” church. This movement brought some very positive changes, including:

We don’t assume everyone is a believer when they come to church.
We don’t assume everyone knows our language, has a Bible, or even cares about Christ.
We are more outward-focused.
In my opinion though, in recent years, the pendulum has swung too far. Now, in some places, church is so relevant that we almost seem to worship culture more than Christ.

It’s sad to me when pastors think a church must have:

Cool lights and videos
A coffee shop
Sermon series with catchy titles and intro videos
A stool and a table on the stage
Buildings with no Christian symbols
_________________
(Fill in your own blank. There are too many of these things to list.)

When people do finally come to church, we should help them experience Christ—not just something that looks like a rock concert, coffee bar, or movie theater.

(I’m not saying they can’t experience Christ in those environments. I’m saying that some churches are putting more energy into environments than into the preaching of God’s Word.)

Environments don’t change lives. Christ changes lives.

The churches that thrive will be Biblical churches. God’s Word will be preached. People will feel uncomfortable, challenged, convicted. The future church will be more about preaching and living God’s Word than about attracting people with clever sermon titles, videos, and programs. Sure, we might use those things (or maybe not… GASP!). But only those who preach God’s Word will thrive. The rest will die

Going All The Way...

Our pastor Craig Groeschel at LifeChurch recently wrote another book, this one called "Going All The Way". I can't wait to have the chance to read it! This book is meant to help people prepare for a Godly marriage. I have been married for over a year now, but I still can't wait to read and apply God's word into my marriage.

You can find out more about our pastor and the church at www.lifechurch.tv

Future of the Church part 1 (of 5)

I told you about this reading from my Senior Pastor at LifeChurch, Craig Groeschel. This is a series on his theory of the future of the church....

What will the local church look like in the next ten to twenty years? This week I’ll offer some of my theories.

I’m writing from an American perspective. (Those of you around the world can help broaden my perspective.) Many of you will disagree. Please express your theories and we’ll learn from each other.

Larger and Smaller
Churches will become larger and smaller.

Some say mega-churches won’t last. Others think megas represents the only future. Some are convinced small churches will all die. Others believe small churches will be the only ones left standing.

I believe large churches will grow larger and small churches will increase in number.

Here’s why I believe this to be true:

The mega church can do so much with an abundance of resources (including money and people) having a regional, national or international impact. As multi-site ministries expand, the ability to reach more people efficiently will enable churches to grow exponentially.

To me, the biggest downside is that many people are becoming increasingly skeptical (even hateful) of mega-ministries.

As some people reject the mega version of church, house churches will also thrive. (The mega church actually can have both, but that’s a whole other subject.)

On the positive side of house churches, people can engage in deep community and thrive in Acts 2-like living. The danger (in my opinion) is that these groups could easily barricade themselves from the rest of the world and become inwardly focused.

In my opinion, the mid-sized churches will struggle the most to survive and thrive.

I’d caution people from taking pride in their preferred church size. Bigger is not best. Smaller is not best. Whether large, mid-sized, or small, the important thing is that Christ is preached and the gospel is lived.

What do you think?

Hey Everyone!!!

How is everyone doing? I know, it is like a month in between my posts. I don't want to be a once a month blogger...it has just gone that way lately.

I thought I was finished with the hotel life. Apparently, I'm am pulling a one nighter back in this particular Elk City hotel. The good news is I'm not working at Sayre...a little place that I'd love to forget. I spent 7 weeks straight in this hotel while working at that place and hated every second. Tonight I am here for one night while helping at in Butler, which is about 25 miles from here...but this is the about as close as you can get to a hotel. haha!

There is nothing I hate more than being away from my wife overnight. I know she gets a little better sleep, so she doesn't mind it every now and then. She gets tired of it after a couple days, too. I mean, she likes the help around the house, too. I just can't sleep at all if she is not beside me. I will be awake half the night...sleep a little, wake up, etc. The falling asleep is the most difficult. How did I make it 25 years, I don't know. haha! Again, I am so happy it is only for one night...I can't complain. I think about military and so many people go for long periods of time apart. My heart goes out to them!

I have been reading something interesting from Craig Groeschel (our Senior Pastor at LifeChurch) about the future of churches in the next 10 to 20 years. It is his theory on the "future church"...some of you may have seen this already. I will be sharing some of that with you over the next couple days...stay tuned!

AMAZING GRACE...

Props to my friend Jimmy for posting this...I just wanted to share it.

Just Another Day...

You know the life...just dining with OU football coach Bob Stoops. That is just how I roll! We went out to Red Lobster tonight...some guy comes up to the table wanting to take a picture with me. I kindly obliged...

The Silent Killer...

My wife sent me this link, it is very powerful and troubling. We have definitely made changes in our lifestyle...with more to come as we are able to discipline ourselves. Check this out:


A silent killer that’s worse than alcohol, nicotine, and drugs is likely lurking in your kitchen cabinets and even your child’s school cafeteria. It’s monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer that’s known widely as an addition to Chinese food, but that’s actually added to thousands of the foods you eat.

In the following videos, you’ll find out why Dr. Russell Blaylock, a board-certified neurosurgeon, describes MSG as a dangerous excitotoxin, and learn how this toxin could be making you fat.

Bad Blogger

Wow, I have not been a very good blogger. Not that many people outside of my wife and mother-in-law pay much attention to my blog anyway. I have been out of town much of the last 7 weeks for business. I can't stand being gone now...I miss life at home way too much. I find myself sleeping only a hour here and there throughout the night, simply because my wife isn't right beside me. Hopefully, that is pretty much over with and I won't have to stay overnight anywhere for a long time.

I took last Thursday off work, as did Liz. Liz had a doctor appointment at 10:30, then after that we were going to the fair. We had a little incident in finding our Disney on Ice tickets for the evening, so after the doctor visit we had to go back to the house. It turned out to be a blessing because we received a call on our way back from an old daycare parent. She was extremely, extremely sick and desperately needed someone to care for her child for what turned out to be 2 nights.

Liz and I were glad that we could help...the lady's friends and family all live in Tulsa. We were definitely glad to help and figured it was the Lord's plan for us to come back home for those tickets. We picked him up from his current daycare provider and took him with us to the fair.

We had a blast at the fair...Addy called it "the best day of her life!". Liz and I haven't been in about 7 years. Addy got her picture taken while holding a 6 week old white tiger...and also while riding a camel. We got to see and do so much...plus, we helped ourselves in the fair food department. We were out there from like 1:00pm - 6:30pm...after that we went inside for the Disney on Ice show.

We waited in line and got up to the door...just to be told that we had to check all strollers into the white tent (we had one for the kid we were watching). After that, we finally made it back through the line and to our seats. Addy screamed at times, and she sang along with the songs...it was worth the cost of the tickets for her to have such a good time. Right near the end, I told Liz that I was going to get his stroller before the rush. I timed that about right, because right after I got his a mass of people started pouring out of the building.

I thought we were ahead of the game by doing so...we got to the car and pulled out of the parking spot at 9:15pm...we made it out of the parking lot at 11:20pm. It was FREAKIN' ridiculous! People getting out of their cars, yelling, honking, and even people getting out to write another car's license plate number. At least we had some entertainment during a 2 hour fiasco. It was just ridiculous that people are so impatient and think that cutting other people off is going to get them that much further ahead. If everyone would just be patient and wait their turn, it would go amazingly faster.

We made it home around midnight and got everyone to bed. It was really a fun day, especially with all the missed family time while I was gone...it was real nice.

Hymn #365

I got this in an email from my mom...I thought it was pretty funny. I thought I would share it with you to enjoy, too. Here ya go:


A minister was completing a Temperance sermon. With great emphasis he said, "If I had all the beer in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."

With even greater emphasis he said, "And if I had All the wine in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."

And then finally, shaking his fist in the air, he Said, "And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."

Sermon complete, he sat down.
The song leader stood very cautiously and announced With a smile, nearly laughing, "For our closing song, Let us sing Hymn #365, "Shall We Gather at the River"

So Moving...

My wife posted an incredible skit...it was so powerful. If it is ok with my wife, I will go ahead and post the video here, too.

I Think I Love My Wife...

This past weekend, my wife and I watched a movie called "I Think I Love My Wife". We won't even talk about all the f-bombs used in the movie. I want to talk about the story of the movie. There is this investment banker (the main character) who is married with two children. He used to live a more exciting life, then got married, had kids...he feels he lives such a boring life. A girl from his past finds him and is constantly putting the moves on him. He is so attracted to her and just can't seem to help himself. He wants that lady so bad...well, he really just wants sex.

Liz and I just shook our head during this movie constantly. I guess Liz and I just have such a strong view on marriage and commitment. We are loyal to one another, value what God says about marriage, and it just would never cross our minds to even think about cheating or adultery. I guess I have my blinders on, because I didn't think or couldn't imagine doing that...yet alone finding out the following statistic.

50% of men and 42% of women will commit adultery...according to the most conservative survey. I just can't comprehend that statistic.

You shall not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14

It is one of the 10 commandments...how can we just ignore what God has told us not to do?

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Hebrews 13:4

How can I protect my marriage?

1. Radically reduce the risk
Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house, lest you give your best strength to others and your years to one who is cruel, lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich another man's house. Proverbs 5:8-10

Keep a growing relationship with Christ.

Get accountability.

Never be alone with the opposite sex.

Never talk about your marriage with opposite sex.

Hang around those with strong and faithful marriages.

Get out of inappropriate places.

2. Invest passionately in your marriage.
May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer - may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love. Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another man's wife? Proverbs 5:18-20

3. Visualize the destruction.
For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave... Proverbs 5:3-5

In the movie, he never slept with the girl. One time he was in her apartment and going to give into temptation. As he started to take off his tie, the tie ended up around his head as he looked in the mirror. In the movie, he put his tie around his head while chasing the kids around. He did exactly item #3...He visualized his family time and the kids. He immediately ran home to be with his wife and kids...doing all he can to make his marriage work and never talking to that girl again.

If we reduce the risks, by avoiding those circumstances and focusing on God...if we invest our time and passion into our marriages...and if we visualize the destruction it causes to ourselves, our wife, kids, etc... If we do these things, I don't see how anyone would do those things. I will not be one of the 50%...guaranteed. It just won't happen...I won't allow myself to be in that situation. I won't even go eat lunch alone with another woman...as my wife won't with a man. It is about respecting our marriage and not putting ourselves in that situation. It must be a pretty big topic, if God addresses the issue from every angle and over and over again. I mean, saying you shall not do it in the 10 commandments is clear enough for me...but it goes on to talk about all the circumstances like mentioned above. Plus, if you are still not convinced check out...

Job 24:15, 8
Proverbs 2:16-18
Proverbs 6:25-29, 32-34
Proverbs 7:19-23

By the way, I don't recommend the movie...it wasn't good. That storyline really stuck out to me. The provided ways to protect your marriage are compliments of Craig Groeschel...my pastor at LifeChurch.

As for me...there is no thinking required. I KNOW I love my wife!! I love you, Liz!!

Support Our Troops!

This guy makes me so upset! I'm glad he gets pounded by the host of the tv show. It sure is easy to sit in your air conditioned house playing Dungeons and Dragons, while your freedom is being fought for by many men and women who volunteered. Check this out:


Michael Crook takes a pounding on Fox News

More Videos

SuperTech

As many of you know, I have had to stay out of town either all or a portion of the last 4 weeks. Welcome to Sayre, OK. We have been installing a huge intercom/security surveilance/phone system at the school district there.

I won't bore you with all my 4 weeks there. Lots of hard work and sweat sums that all up. I just had something pretty interesting to share that happened this evening.

After leaving the school at 7pm, we headed back to the hotel...we are staying in Elk City. Upon arrival back at the hotel, I pull my laptop out to check emails and all. No internet...I go down to the front desk and the lady said they have been down for awhile and guests are complaining. She said that she called the general manager (which was on the way) and they will contact someone to fix it.

I told the lady that I do this for a living, if she could tell me where the equipment is I would take a look. She gave me the keys and told me where to go. I had it fixed in less than 2 minutes and walked back to the desk....she essentially wanted to know if I couldn't find the room, I told her that it is already fixed. She was astonished that I got it all back up and running so fast. She gave me a pretty good discount on the room every night for the whole week...the bad part is the company is taking care of the room anyway. I don't get anything out of it...other than it was worth it just to get online faster.

That is it today for the adventures of SuperTech...check back for more stories. ;-)

Marriage Meme!

My mother in-law, Ann, tagged me for the Marriage Meme. I'm supposed to list EIGHT things about my marriage.

Well, let's see. Liz did this already, too...you can read her's here.


1. We met online. She swears that she messaged me and I blew her off...only a month later I ended up messaging her to chat because she was on my friends list (and I didn't remember her). We found out how much we had in common after talking awhile. We are so much alike, it is crazy!

2. On our first date, I met her at the chapel where she works. I picked her up there and headed to Chili's to eat. After eating, it was so late that there wasn't much else to do. We drove around Midwest City and Choctaw showing places/houses from our past. When I took her back to the chapel to her car, she slammed my hand in her car door. Yikes...I should have saw the spousal abuse that accompanied her at that point. I'm still being beaten, pinched, and bit on a daily basis. ;-)

3. We got married after knowing one another only 3 1/2 months. We were engaged after about 2 months. I proposed to her on Easter of 2006. I made her an Easter basket. I had plastic eggs and spelled out Will You Marry Me? with each word being in an egg. Then I also had a stuffed Easter bunny and tied the engagement ring around it's neck with ribbon. Luckily, she didn't see the ring before opening all the eggs...so after she had all the pieces out I untied the ring from the bunny and got down on one knee. It was pretty cool...at least I thought so!

4. We share the same sense of humor. Some people may not like our sarcasm. We enjoy being able to battle it out...we are both quick witted. It can be fun around here, let me tell ya.

5. We both have the same love of the Lord. At first, we had our church differences. I liked where I was, she liked where she was. The problem was, I wasn't open to change because I was "comfortable". I was in my comfy zone and didn't want to change. Deep down, I knew that I had not been really moved by the Spirit or feeling on fire for God in quite some time. I was just going through the motions. After a ton of time in prayer, I was then open to change. I had been taking it personal when we talked about a change, instead of letting the Lord have His way. Now, I have been going to Life Church for over a year every single week. For the first time in my life (since around the first of the year) we tithe every week, give to missions, volunteer/work during extra services, etc...I am remembering what it was like to serve our God. I can't tell you how awesome the services are...both preaching and music. I have never left LifeChurch without an awesome sermon taken to heart!!

6. We both want lots and lots of kids! The plan is to have a child of our own, then adopt a baby from China, then more and more kids to follow. We joke about us needing a 15 passenger van to haul us around...I hope it comes true, though. I would love to be a large family. I will take as many as I am blessed with! Liz has Addy from a previous marriage, which I care for her as if she were my own. BUT I still don't have my own kid. I can't wait to be there from birth and be "Daddy"! I can't express how excited, ready, and anxious I am...if only Liz felt the same right now. She is excited about it, too...we are just trying to wait another year before trying. Things will be a little more stable.

7. We both share the simpler life idea. We want to live in the country, homeschool, prepare our own meals, little to no television, have a vegetable garden, etc. Currently, we have one of those items...we homeschool. Well, Liz does all the teaching...we don't want me to be doing any teaching, now do we? haha! Hopefully, we will get this house sold in a year or two and be able to have some land.

8. I love the time we have together. Every minute with her is like gold to me. Every night, after Addy goes to bed...that is our time. We talk, watch tv/movies, have our intimate times, etc. Addy stays with her daddy every other weekend...so if Liz doesn't work on that Friday night, we usually have some sort of date night...date nights are awesome! We love getting all dressed up to go out. We both think it is important for us to have our romantic times together...and value the time we share together.