200th post

Well this is my 200th post in the blogging world and it has been fun expressing my thoughts and all and I thank each one of you who take the time to check this blog out and hope that you enjoy it. This is also the final day of 2007 and I thought I'd take a little time to hit some highs and lows of 2007 before I go out to the church to Rock the Cat Box.

This year was a year of realizing a few of my own personal goals. I got and still get to play a DJ on Joy FM, I have been able to do quite a bit over there running the board during football games, and even taking the helm for a few shows of Solid Rock Friday Night and meeting and starting friendships with some of the other DJ's there. I await the chance to go back over there and have some more fun playing music.

I also hit another goal by helping promote my first concert, APOLOGETIX came to the church in May and put on a great show and had alot of fun transforming our sanctuary into a rock and roll show. Started a little friendship with the band and even still email Karl and J periodically and hope to see them again down the road. I got the chance to help promote the RTCB tonight and am getting ready to rock out and have some fun. Hopefully down the line we can do more of this when the new building is finished. I think it would be cool to once or twice a year bring a concert to FFC.

It seems that this year has flown by and doesn't seem possible to be 2008. This was the first year that I spent away from the racetrack on the weekends during the summer. Retirement from that was enjoyable to have weekends free but at the same time I missed it because I've been so used to traveling and hanging out at the track. I was able to hang out and work at the track a few times late in the year and who knows what next year will bring.

I hope you all have a good New Years Eve tonight, hopefully you'll spend it with us at RTCB but if not enjoy and see you all next year.

Laser Tag.

OK I'm kinda slow at trying new stuff but tonight Tyson, Taylor and I went laser tagging with one of Tysons buddies and his father. It was his friends birthday and that is what he wanted was to go play laser tag at a place in Muncie called Playstation. It was pretty cool and I am ready to go again. I could see the youth doing something like this in the future. First game not even 30 seconds into my gun and vest broke. I got hit once and it said game over. It is supposed to reset itself in 5 seconds or less but nothing, I didn't even show up on the results page after it was over. Made sure not to get that vest again but it was fun.

Got back in time for band practice and this weekend is gonna rock. Christmas music is nice and all but who besides me was burned out on them this year. Last week did sound cool with the laid back atmosphere but this week should be good and even rockin again. This evening I also took down the tree. This should come to a surprise to those who know us well as we normally have it down before Christmas day is even over, normally before it even gets dark. Good to have things back to normal, whatever that is.

It's all over.

Christmas 2007 has finally passed, it was a great Christmas, a different Christmas, and a hard Christmas. The kids were very blessed with all the gifts that they recieved, and today I get to take them shopping so that they can spend that Christmas money they got. Everytime that they got some money they were ready to go shopping right then and there. Tammy and I's Christmas came back in July or whenever we got this new computer so it was a fun time watching the kids. They are very different as Tyson gets excited over anything and you can get Taylor everything she wants and her reaction is always the same very subdued with no excitement. I am hoping that the kids are not starting a new tradition as they woke up at 3 am for the second year in a row.

It was a different Christmas as we did a few things we've never done before like going to the Christmas Eve service which was wonderful, then we went with Mom and Dad to the MEs Zoo for a walk through which was also very enjoyable. We had our own zoo guide (Tyson) so it was fun hearing facts about all the animals. Taylor would do the same if we went to a TobyMac museum. Ran into the Dale's as I have not seen them for awhile and got to talk to Carlie for a bit about our little band project and all, ready to get it going full steam early next year.

It was a difficult Christmas for this was the first one without Tammys mother who passed away 4 months to the day that we were over there for our Christmas with her side of the family. All of the firsts are the hard ones without a loved one but she is holding up well. Tammy started a new job today so she was a bit nervous last night but I know the way that this job came about that God has a plan for her so its gonna be all right. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and enjoy the time off if you have it.

Few tidbits

Well Christmas is tomorrow and if this past week is any indication we will be getting woken up early by Tyson. Mom and Dad give the kids what we call 7 day gifts which are small little things that they get to open 1 a day for the 7 days leading up to Christmas. It kind of gets them started to get in the flow of Christmas, like they need help, and the past few days Tyson has been coming into the bedroom around 6 or so ready to open the gift for the day. All I know its gonna be an early morning tomorrow.

Watched "The Navtivity" last night with a few of the members of The Teshuva. Its a pretty good movie and I recomend it to anyone. There were a few things that I didn't know about like who John the Baptists parents were and that his dad couldn't talk for awhile because of his unbelief. I was watching and wondering how Mary must of felt like an outcast and Joseph as well and how some people kind of turned their back on them when they found out she was pregnant. I did learn that Joseph was one of the most unselfish, selfless man that ever walked the face of the earth.

2 Christmas parties down 3 more to go then things will be back to normal. My brother and his family got us an Atari Flashback 2 for Christmas. It has about 40 old Atari games loaded inside and we hooked it up to the TV and have played video games old school style for the last few days. It brings back memories of childhood playing some of those games. If you want a flashback come over and we'll play some "old school" games. The kids think is the funniest thing some of those games.

Real quick thought

As Christmas draws near and the excitment of the season gets ahold of you and your family take a minute to pray for those in this world, country, state, and even in your very own city who are sitting around an empty tree with nothing underneath or those kids who are going through a Christmas with no presents for what ever reason. My family and alot of yours as well are very blessed to be spending this time with family and "gifts" but there are way too many who will not be. When I hear of this it gets to me and I always think, "If I had______ I could really help those people out" But its not just __________ (Insert whatever in the blank) that could help them out, its a smile, a prayer, a word of encouragment or just a good thoughtful deed that could brighten up their day. I challenge you as well as myself to not just think about doing something about it but actually stepping away from yourself, your little bubble, zone whatever it is and reaching out to those in need. If God can move a mountain I know he can move me to do something like this and you as well, I just need to let go of the wheel and let Him take over.

Are you ready?

Well the days are winding down and before you know it Christmas will be here. Are you as prepared as you want to be? Are there still things to get with no time to get them? Are you in a panic and have no idea what or when or how you are going to finish getting ready? Have you even started? Have you been done for weeks allready and are just waiting now? I am proud to say that I think we are officially done. Its all over but the wrapping, my least favorite thing about Christmas. I know that things are crazy here in Muncie on an evening around 4:30 as what used to take 30 mins to get home now takes around 40 to 45 just trying to get through the traffic and the insane drivers who always come out at this time of year. Now I'm looking forward to Monday and Tuesday, one of the best parts of those two days are watching the kids and seeing the excitment and joy on their faces, I just hope this year they wait awhile to wake up Christmas morning. Tuesday afternoon it will all be done, the tree will be put up, and things will be back to normal, whatever that is.

I was ready to rock this weekend but that doesn't look like its going to happen, all in the new band have other engagements so no jamming tonight and worship Sunday will be subdued and even dare I say it "almost country." Say it ain't so. I am still looking forward to the service to hear and see the message as from what I see will be a great visual theme to it. See you all then.

Just a bit behind

Running a bit behind today because of either A) didn't set the alarm or B) turned it off when it went off and rolled over and went back to sleep. Anyway you look at it I didn't get up until 6:30 which by then I have normally been at work for a half-hour so things got off to a quick start this morning. You know that feeling running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to cram stuff into as little time as possible. It always seems to throw the rest of the day off just a bit cause your trying to catch up but I'll get by. I view it as a preview of the next two weeks when there won't be an alarm clock everyday for me. Well heres to catching up and getting done in 9 hours what should be done in 10.

Christmas shoppers beware

Is it just me or do people who are Christmas shopping have no sense of what is going on around them. Why do some people think that they are the only ones who are in the store? Why does common sense seem to be left outside the building when shopping and sometimes it is left at home and not even brought at all. I don't know how many times yesterday while I was out shopping at some of the bigger establishments and people would either be walking so incredibly slow and or taking up the entire aisle. One lady and her friend, daughter or whatever she was came into the aisle and one stopped on the left side the other on the right and the cart was facing north and south on a east and west aisle. Are some people just that "focused" on their shopping or are they "clueless" as to what is going on around them? Am I that way when I shop? I sure hope not. And why is it that one thing that you are looking for cannot be found when you really need it. Two months ago or even a month ago there were tons of them no none to be found in town. I'm sure we will find it eventually. Any other horror stories from shopping this year? I won't even go into the traffic part yet.

Funny thing

Last night I was sitting in the computer chair just kicking back as mom and dad were there bringing the kids some gifts when all of the sudden as I leaned back in the chair POW the chair broke and i was stuck in a very leaned backed position that would rival any recliner and that little thing on the bottom of the chair that screws up or down or maybe its just for show became a projectile missile that went right over Taylor and landed about 15 feet away in the kitchen. It was a freaky but funny moment that looking back could have hurt someone but since it didn't it was pretty funny except now we need another computer chair AGAIN. Normally its the kids breaking them but this one is all me. Wish we had some video of it cause that would be funny.

B-Day, day off

Today is Tammy's birthday so if you see her or talk to her today be sure to wish her a Happy Birthday. She even gets the day off from work, but its not the kind of day off I'm sure she wanted. Found out last night that Tyson has strep throat and has to spend the day at home. Missed not going to church yesterday and seeing the service but I think it was for the best cause it looked like it was a mess out there yesterday morning. It sure was cool to look out the window this weekend and watch it snow but I'm just funny like that. Back to work for the week than 2 weeks off and I can't wait.

1st practice out of the way

Last night was the first practice for the band that I am a part of, only problem was the only myself and Jon the guitar player were there. The other 3 were busy so maybe next week we will be able to get all of us together to work on some songs. Jon and I did come up with a few ideas to work on and did work on a few of them including a Goo Goo Dolls song called Better Days which I know they are a "secular" band but that song has great christian overtones to it. I showed him one of my songs and we worked it out a bit and got the bulk of it down and ready for the others and then I showed him the song that Carlie, Jared and I recorded a year ago. Who knows where this will go and what will become of it but it is a good release and maybe we can see some lives changed through our music or maybe it just might be like a small group setting with instruments though.

In for the day with a sick kid so we will just sit by the window and watch the snow pile up. I dig the snow both literally and figuritivly but don't want none of the ice that they keep talking about. Hopefully we can still make it to church in the morning because I think it is going to be a cool service but if not I hope everyone stays safe and warm.

Here comes the snow.

Here it is early Friday morning and yesterday the National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for us a whole 48 hours before the storm system even hits. I love snow and welcome it and get excited when they say we could be in for a big snow, unfortunately from my perspective this means that we will probably only get a couple of inches not the massive snow that they talk about. I know some people will be woohoo thats what I like no snow but I wouldn't mind playing out back with the kids throwing them in a big drift, having snowball fights and just having some fun in the snow. I do hope however that this big snow doesn't affect the services at the church this weekend, it is gonna be a great service. Last night was the first time that I've gotten to hear Tonya sing and sing she can, what an incredible voice. I only wish see could sing with us more often but then our kids would be missing out. We (as a church) are incredibly blessed by the staff in which we have and the talents that they bring to the table.

A few musical suggestions.

I've been going through a phase where I haven't been buying as many new cd's as I'd like, if it were up to me I'd be getting a new one every week, but I have come across a few good ones that I'd like to share with you. The first one actually isn't mine it is Taylors which she won at Youth Group a few months back, thanks Pink, it's Thousand Foot Krutch aka TFK "The Flame In All Of Us." Just a good rockin' cd full of energy and songs that just get me going. It came with the special DVD with the making of the cd which is always cool because you get a behind the scenes look at what goes on in making the music and such.

Another good one that I got the day after Thanksgiving for only $5 at the Family Christian Stores is Leeland's "The Sound Of Melodies." It is not a rockin' cd but the dude writes some great worship songs that would be a blast to do on a Sunday. Leeland is named after the lead singer who is only like 19 years old now and the cd has been out for a year or so and he is an incredible talent.

A couple of other ones that I've gotten are Indy's own Kids In The Way "Love Hate Masquerade" and Demon Hunter's "Storm The Gates Of Hell." Kids is just a good positive rocking cd, not much on the spiritual side on this release but good positive stuff that I don't mind my kids listening to. Demon Hunter is a brutally aggressive band that pulls no punches and is right up front with where they stand. Not alot of people would like alot of these songs as they are heavy and have the screaming going on but when they settle down a bit and just rock out and sing they are top notch. When I go back over to the Solid Rock Friday Night I'm sure I'll play some.

Now I need to pick up Seventh Day Slumber's "Finally Awake" and Red's "End Of Silence-Deluxe Edition" with the live dvd and a few others I can't remember, I'm so glad its Christmas time so maybe some of these will show up at the house. What is everyone else listening to these days? Any suggestions?

Steve Irwin Wrestling Gators Mascot

Here it is, hope you get a kick out of it like I did.

This is Sportscenter

I don't know how many of you watch SportsCenter on ESPN or even watch ESPN for that matter but last night they had a show called "This Is Sportscenter" which is their commercials that they run for the show with anchors and athletes talking about the show. I got a big kick and some good laughter out of some of them. They have been doing this for quite sometime so they have a bunch to choose from, some are more memorable than others but I was cracking up watching them. If your a big sports nut like I am you would get great pleasure out of this show. I am sure it will be on again. It takes shots at each sport and personallity on ESPN. I didn't see my favorite one last night I think I missed it at the begining, its with the late Steve Irwin aka the Crocidile Hunter and hes in the studio and he sees the Florida Gators mascot and jumps on him like he would a croc and does his whole "its a beauty" routine. The anchor is just standing there trying to tell him its not real. Just plain funny, I'll look for it and try and post it here later.

Tree is up

Well I can't remember when the last time we had our tree up this early but it is up and looking good. The kids were a big help and actually decorated it with the exception of the lights. For some reason they like to put on the tree skirt, stockings, and hats and such and then decorate it, Tammy took pictures so I'll have to put them on here sometime. They even wrapped their presents for each other and put them under the tree so as to make it not look empty. Its hard to believe that it will be here in 2 weeks and 2008 will be here in 3 weeks, where did the year go?

I am getting excited for a possible new venture that is starting Friday. I am joining a band. We have no name yet and one of the members I've never met, another one I met once and the other 2 I know really well and actually got to record a song with a year or two back so I am excited about getting back in with them. Should be fun and we will see where God takes this, it might just be a get together every Friday and jam and encourage each other or who knows maybe someday we'll tour and the Teshuva will come to our show and hang out with us. Who knows but it should be fun, I'll keep you posted on what is going down.

Crazy packed weekend

Do you ever have one of those weekends where your pretty much on the go the whole time? That was the case this weekend. Started out Friday with a little bowling action with the Teshuva, which is always fun. Got to bowl with PK, Pink, Autumn, and Zach and we had fun. There were some individuals beside us from another church who when they bowled a strike they all jumped up and chest bumped each other so Pink said that is what he wanted when he got a strike. Cooked up a little plan with PK so when Pink got a spare we ran up there to fulfill his wish only to stop and turn around at the last minute, sorry Pink but the look on your face was priceless. Got home around 1 am turned on a little Aquire the Fire on tv and saw RED preform, those guys just flat out rock. Went to bed only to get up around 8 to go to Tyson's Y-league game at 9. I was pretty dead and so was he I think. They came back in thrilling fashion to tie the game at 20 with about 2 seconds left in the game. That is how it ended though no overtime.

Got home relaxed shortly before doing some running around both east and west then had a Christmas program to go to. Tickets had the church listed on them but as we found out that is not where they had the program. They had it downtown at the old Masonic Temple which is now called something else but we got there about 10 minutes into the show. It was good and that is a pretty cool old place. Sunday had church, which was awesome of course. I have really enjoyed this series The Monster Within and have done some inward examination and found that there are things that I need to fix and I thank PK for bringing these messages and solutions. Taylor had a Christmas progam which she did an excellent job, said her lines perfectly and loudly. Went to a birthday party afterwards then Youth, which just keeps getting better and better and I am getting more comfortable with my role there. Excited about tonight cause there is nothing on the docket to do except, and I am scared to say this, put up our tree. Tammy its too early.........

Well the weather outside is frightful.....

Ah yes another lovely snow, it was so peaceful when I walked outside this morning at 5:20 just a beautiful scenery with all the fresh snow and lights glowing. That was all nice and good until I started to work and within a mile of leaving town I had allready got the car sideways in two different areas and I wasn't even going over 30-35 mph. The first time was kinda woah easy killer then as I got going again I got a good look at the field to the south of 32 then a good look at the one to the north then finally I was looking the right direction. The old heart started beating a little faster and I thought here we go were going in the ditch but someone else obviously took control and got me righted. Took a while to get to work and yeah I was a little late but I'd rather be late than stuck in a ditch somewhere. Hope this all goes away before tonights youth outing and that the freezing rain they are calling for doesn't make it here. Stay safe and enjoy the view.

Ready for a little practice

Tonight is another busy one with an M & O meeting at 6 than leaving that around 7 to go for band practice for Sunday in which yes the Christmas songs will begin. I wish I could play like Gary Hoey who has a cd collection called Ho Ho Hoey where he takes Christmas songs and rocks them up on some. They are all instrumentals but he does a great job and I wish I could play like that to kind of give a different flare to these tunes. It seems that every other weekend lately I've been gone or out for some reason or another so hopefully that is over and I can get back to playing every week, cause I've been missing that.

Welcome to winter a bit early

Don't know about you but I'm diggin' what happened last night and this morning with the snow. I know people think I'm a little different for liking the snow but I always have. Don't mind driving in it as long as others around me drive with their heads on straight which doesn't always seem to happen. I really like playing in it with the kids, stems from growing up and taking every advantage of playing in the snow as much as possible. It could be sleding behind a car, snowball fights, sleding out at Prairie Creek with 3 intertubes and about 7 people on them down the hill, going out to White River and messing around, bumpering cars, or just roaming through town staying out til early morning for no reason. I like this stuff and hope that there is more in store later in the season. Go ahead and bash me, I'll be waiting with a snowball for you at somepoint.

Good time

Tyson and I had a great time in Indy Sunday enjoying the Colts-Jaguars game, unfortunately for Tyson the Jags got beat but not without a fight. We got there around 11 not too long after the doors opened and just hung out watching the players practice and run through drills. Got a quick bite and a foam finger for him then off to our seats to get ready. That place gets pretty loud (you know they pump in the crowd noise, there is no way 57,000 + people could make THAT much noise ;}) when they introduced the Colts and they came running out. We were on the opposite end of where they come out but Reggie Wayne came running over to our section and started playing with and pumping up the crowd, I found out later that where we were sitting is known as Reggie's corner. It was fun and got a high five when the Colts scored from someone I have no idea who he was just a big fan I guess. I have never seen so many Colts jerseys in all of my life, everywhere you looked there were people in Colts jerseys. Tyson had fun and now wants to play football, after its over for his age group, so we will see what happens next year.

I do think that Indy floods worse than Muncie though, we had to walk about 6 blocks in the rain after the game and I think I've finally dried out but it was worth it to get to hang with the boy for a day just doing guy stuff.

Tomorrows view

This is the approximate view that Tyson and I will have around 1 pm tomorrow except there will be about 55,000 other people there as well. Look for us on tv, Tyson will be the one in a white Jacksonsville Jaguars t-shirt. Should be fun. Go Colts.

I wanna be in the light....

Tonight during my reading time I read 1 John 1:5 - 7 which reads This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

And yes after reading this I started singing to myself,
I wanna be in the light
As you are in the light
I wanna shine like the stars in the heavens
Oh Lord be my light and be my salvation
Cause all I want is to be in the light
All I want is to be in the light

Lyrics by Charlie Peacock, made a hit by DC Talk.

I am glad that I am able to have fellowship with others who are in the light as well each and every weekend at FFC.

Final hint for the weekend

I've been having fun thinking of ways to drop hints as to what Tyson and I will be doing on Sunday and this is the final installment. I hope that I am able to make it back in time for Youth Group but if not I know it is going to be a good day hanging out with the boy.

Earl Pitts?

In the imortal words of Earl Pitts, "You know what makes me sick? You know what makes me so angry I just wanna spread my ears with jelly and roll in a big anthill." (thats funny if you know who Earl Pitts is, if you don't your probably thinking what is this all about). I noticed last week that there were quite a few houses on the way to work that allready had up Christmas decorations. Now don't get me wrong I think it is cool to see the houses all done up and all but to have it done before Thanksgiving is just plain crazy I think. Now I know alot of people who put the tree up either on Thanksgiving or the day after and more power to ya on that. It seems that each year it is getting earlier and earlier that decorations go up. My own personnal rule is it has to be December before decorations go up, but if you really know Tammy and I you will know that it is not uncommon for it to be the week before Christmas when the tree finally goes up and usually on Christmas day the tree comes down and is put up. We are not Scrooges by any means but I guess we just like our living room as normal as normal can be. Now shopping for Christmas (notice I've never once called it anything other than Christmas. No holiday day or whatever these crazy people want to call it so no one gets offended, get over it people) is another story, Tammy has been know to start as early as July or August hiding stuff in the closet and the kids know to stay out. I've never been one to search the house to see where presents are hidden, thanks Mom. Dad did that once, he found a real nice radio Mom bought him and laughed and teased her about finding it so she took it back and got a cheap little radio (which they still have and this was 25 or so years ago) so I took a mental note and never looked.

I forgot yesterday so here is the hint for what is going on this weekend, I'll be spending time with a few cats and horses. More later...................

Ripped off

During this past weekends message one of the points PK brought up was how sometimes we feel that God has ripped us off in some way or another. This was a very good point and I sat and thought do I feel that way, is there some area in my life that I feel I've been jipped in. And to be honest I couldn't think of many if any and most of them were by my own doing. Later at Youth Group we talked about being a witness, not only with what we say but our actions as well. And that got me thinking as well, what is my witness like? Not just what I say but what I do, what I wear, what I watch and listen to. When people see and hear these things what do they think of my witness are they thinking "I thought he is a christian" or do they think "he is strong in his faith." Which then brings me to this point, I think that the one being "RIPPED OFF" is God. How many times have I wasted an opportunity, not helped someone out, spoken words of encouragement, etc. I am thankful that God is always there no matter how many times I rip him off waiting with arms wide open for me to come back around. Unfortunately this happens far too often than I would hope. This does go to show that the messages that we hear at church each and every Sunday speak to us and teach us and I thank all of the pastorial staff for being obedient to what God has laid on their hearts.

Problem avoided

Do you ever have that feeling when your leaving somewhere that you didn't do something you were supposed to do like turn something on or off? Last night I was running the board at JOY FM while Naomi and David were on location and after they were finished and signed off I started the last song of the hour and turned the lights off, locked the doors got out to the car started it up and sat there for a second thinking I forgot something. I debated for a quick moment if I should leave or go check. I decided to go check so I ran back in unlocked everything, luckily the song was still playing, I peeked into the control room and noticed that the box on the top was white instead of red which means that when that song was done nothing would have happened but a bunch of dead air. I had about 2 seconds of dead air as I manually got the 7 o'clock hour rolling. That could have been catastrophic with a bunch of dead air had I taken off but something or should I say someone said go back in. Problem avoided.

I had a few little glitches during the broadcast like starting a song and for some reason the song and a jingle both started at the same time but I caught that one and fixed it rather quickly but it just sounded funny for about 5 seconds. And one other thing I was all caught up in a song with a cool bass line just air jamming away when it ended and I noticed that I didn't have the auto on button on but took care of that quickly as well. I guess I need to use the break option instead of turning the system off.

I'll be listening at 8 again to hear PK and Pink on the air should be good. I did make a quick list of songs that we as a worship team might have to learn and they are as follows:
Storyside B - Be Still
Robby Seay Band - Song of Hope
Newsboys - In Wonder
Matt Redman - Beautiful News
Connersvine - Live For You
Echoing Angels - You Alone
Leeland - pretty much anything from Sounds of Melodies esp. Tears Of The Saints, Yes You Have, Beautiful Lord, Reaching.
I'll miss this Sunday again because of something to do with something from Florida and something from Indiana. More details and hints later.

Back to it.

Well I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving break and didn't eat too much and for those of you who braved early morning Black Friday shopping I hope you got what you wanted. We waited this year till around 8 to head out, good to get a little extra sleep but I missed watching people going crazy when they cut the shrinkwrap on items and they start flying, maybe next year. We did put a pretty good dent in this years shopping though and had fun.

It was really good to see alot of people at the Saturday night service and the message that went along was great and it was cool to see the Wii giveaway. I'm glad we went Saturday night because yesterday I had a little "wardrobe malfunction" and had to run home after the first set to change, so I missed a bit of the message Sunday, did get back in time to watch the video from the night before.

Youth group was good again as well and James message on being a witness was a good one and made me think if I am doing everything I can to be a witness or is it just when I want or find it convenient? I hope alot of the kids take up the challenge and we leaders do the same and make a difference in our community. Hopefully I'll be back in time next Sunday to make it to YG, more on that later this week. Get to head over to the radio station again today to run the board while they are on a remote for a couple of hours. Should be fun.

What do you think?

Here's a little question for you - What do you think of cussing? Do you use these words? Do you think these words? Do you just use them around certain people or doesn't matter whose around? Do you NOT use this type of language? What if your child uses (used) this type of language?

I am happy to say that it has been a few years since I have used this type of language. Back in the day I could talk like a sailor because I thought that it made me look older, cooler, tougher, insert any other excuse but all it really did was show that I had a limited vocabulary. I also as a child had a few tastes of soap which after the first time should have triggered something saying "Hey its not worth it" but I probably did it again.

Ephesians 5:4 - "Obscene stories, FOOLISH TALK, and coarse jokes - these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God." That is all I need to know for my own perspective.

One day closer to my fave holiday.

It is one day closer to my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. Now I've always liked Christmas but Thanksgiving has long been my favorite because one look at me and you'll know I like to eat. And there is always plenty of good food to go around for a couple of days on this holiday. Throw in a couple of football games and a nice nap and you've got yourself one great day. I remember years ago I just got into eating stuffing, for some reason one year I tried it and there was nothing else like it, and so everyone knew that I really liked it. Well my late Grandpa Ullom also liked stuffing but he liked oysters in his so Grandma would make a regular one and an oyster one. This year there was only one on the table and of course after I got a big helping he told me it was the oyster one so I was picking at it slowly looking for oysters until Grandma brought out the oyster one and set it in front of him. I never lived that down and he got the biggest kick out of that, I only wish he was still around because I could get back at him with Tyson as my helper somehow, all in good fun.

Cool and weird at the same time

Watching the service yesterday online was both cool and weird at the same time. It was cool that this option is available if you are unable to attend for whatever reason and you don't miss out on the message. It was weird cause I should have been there and it was happening just a few blocks away from where I was at. This weekend was one of those wasted weekends in a way with Tyson being down with a cold and a touch of a fever. Missed out on being at service and youth group but I know it was worth keeping the kids in and doctored up so that they can enjoy later this week. I am getting ready for some good food Thursday and hopefully some shopping and people watching early Friday.

It was good having Tammy home last night, I'm glad she got to go down to Tennessee but I am more glad that she is back home. Took a little ride checking out the new and improved Main Street and it is good having the main road finally open again. Tammy brought home some of the most incredible fudge I've ever had from a little town just outside of Jamestown, TN. For $10 a lb. it was definately good. And she has officially started Christmas shopping as she picked up a few gifts down there. Man Christmas will be here before we know it.

Try something new tomorrow.

I am going to check out the service tomorrow live on the internet. Normally I would be there and playing but Tyson started running a fever this evening and allthough it seems to be going away I'm not going to chance it and just stay in and doctor him up. It will be different but I have been intrigued by it after hearing about it just to see what it is like.

Could be a father of the year moment.

I got to work at the radio station tonight and since Tammy is in Tennessee I took the kids with me. I also let them introduce a song each than one at the end together. That could have quite possibly got me the "Father of the Year" award. It was so cool and fun to see them introduce the songs they did and to watch them and wonder if they new that people in the area and for that matter all over the world could have heard them. They were so good.

Here is tonights playlist:
Holy Soldier - Promise Man
Hillsong United - Break Free
All Together Seperate - Paradigm
The Unknowns - No More (Sounded familiar)
Falling Up - Hotel Aquarium
Toby Mac - Boomin' (With Tyson intro)
The Almost - Southern Weather
Kids In The Way - Your Demon (With Taylor intro)
Project 86 - Evil, A Chorus Of Resistance
Demon Hunter - Fading Away
The Showdown - It Drinks From Me
(Talked about Rock and the Cat Box)
Red - Let Go
P.O.D. - Going In Blind
Day Of Fire - Through The Fire
Pillar - Resolution (With Tyson and Taylor intro)

Lot of fun but don't know when I'll get to do it again for a while until basketball is over. It you listened, thanks for the support and I hope you were entertained. And for those who missed it I'll keep you updated on when we'll do it again.

Ready to ROCK

I am excited for tonight because it is another chance to hang out at the 88.9 JOY FM studios and do a little DJing, if there is such a word. I will be on from 10 pm to 11 pm and will kick out the jams and even get to talk about the youth event that we are having at FFC on New Year's Eve. Taylor and Tyson will be joining me and who knows maybe you'll get to hear them as well. While all this is exciting and I can't wait for it this weekend will be a lonely one as Tammy and her Dad head down to Tennessee for a few days so I'm gonna be missing my wife big time this weekend. You can just call me Mr. Mom for a few days.

Practice went well last night and we are doing a couple of songs we haven't done for a while and one we haven't done for quite some time. Here is the list for this weekend so you can get your singing voices ready.

1st song is a surprise for the opening and greeting
1st set: All The Earth Will Sing Your Praises, I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever, Oh Praise Him
Offering: My Glorious
2nd set: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, All Who Are Thirsty, My Savior My God.

Human Tetris II

Ah, the games that people will play.

Watch what you say...

I have found out, and I think I might have mentioned it before, we used to say that we (Tammy and I) would never get to the point where we were on the go all the time. We always said that we wouldn't allow that to happen. Guess we should have never said never. I now long for the day where when we get home from work there is nothing to do, nowhere to go and no one to see. Just nice quiet time at the house, we don't even have to be doing anything of particular importance just hanging out. Tonight is one of those nights where it will be a "hi see ya bye" kind of night. I have practice and Tammy is cleaning the dentist office because she is heading down south tomorrow morning. I get to play Mr. Mom this weekend which should be an adventure to say the least but we will be allright.

Heard there is a slight chance of snow today which for me is cool, I'm allright with it. I always say the more the merrier. I look forward to another blizzard, and not the Dairy Queen type, this winter where its stay at home, go out and play in it for a while then back inside with some hot chocolate and hanging out. I know I'm not right.

More lyrics

Yesterday I got a cd in the mail that I won from the Weekend Top 20 Countdown show that is on JOY FM every Saturday at 3 pm. It is the cd IWorship 24:7 and there is a song on there from New Life Worship called Here In Your Presence. Sometimes something you heard or read just sticks with you, gives you goosebumps, strikes a nerve or whatever and this particular piece did that to me last night as I was listening to the cd. So without further ado here it is

Heaven is trembling in awe of Your wonder
Kings and their kingdoms are standing amazed


Here in Your presence
We are undone
Here in Your presence
Heaven and earth become one
Here in Your presence
All things are new
Here in Your presence
Everything bows before You

I've never......

Sunday at youth we played a little game called "I've Never" which is a fun little thing that allows you to kind of get to know some people and a little about them and it also gives some comic relief seeing bodies flying across the room. The game is played with one person in the middle and everyone else sitting in a circle on chairs when the person in the middle gives their I've never.... if you have done it you must move to another chair, last one standing is in the middle and gives the I've never thing. It was funny watching some of the youth messing with others by blocking chairs and bodies flying and diving and even saw a block put on someone that would give NFL players a run for the money. Fun stuff. Of course when I was in the middle mine was I've never owned a country music cd.

I saw where FFC is JOY FM's church of the month. Go to 889joyfm.com to check out all of the details and if it hasn't happened yet they are supposed to talk to PK on the air some morning. Speaking of JOY FM, I'll be back over there Friday night from 10 to 11 pm for a little Solid Rock Friday Night action so check it out. They will be starting basketball coverage after Thanksgiving so I don't know when I will be back over there but I will keep you informed. So tell your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, enimies, people you don't know, basically everyone to check it out. It will be a rockin good time.

Weekend wrap-up

This weekend just absolutely flew by, lot of fun, lot of running around like a chicken with its head cut off, and even a little bit of rest. Saturday Tyson had a basketball game which his team won which is good but the bad part is the team they beat had 2 of his buddies on it (Lane and Justin). My worst fear of the game came true when he had to guard Lane. I didn't see this but Tammy told me that when he was guarding him Lane got away from him so Tyson started yelling for him. He even got to bring the ball up a couple of times and once he just stood out there dribbling and looking around like he was in control of everything then he passed it off and took off running and skipping again.

Small group was fun as usual, I really enjoy that time in that type of setting and it makes me wonder why we got away from them for awhile last year and most of this year. I look forward to next Saturday but I will be flying solo as Tammy and her dad head down south Friday. After small group took off like a bat out of you know where to make it to the McAllisters before they got there for a sursprise party for Elizabeth. That was fun to hang out with them and the others that were there even got to play a little euchre and spoons.

Sunday was another great day and I must say that another awesome series has kicked off. PK's messages are always great and I'll admit I got my toes stepped on a bit but I know that these messages are done for a reason for each one of us. I really did need to examine my heart and take care of business and get things straightened out. Thanks for that message PK. I have to say great job to the worship team as they all did a good job yesterday and big kudos to Jennifer for her singing on Here I Am To Worship. Once again I loved the "free worship" at the end of service, I know we have a set list and schedule of service each week but when God steps in and takes over that is just soooooooo cool. The last song of the set I Give You My Heart was thrown in late Thursday but what a perfect fit. Youth group was fun again and I am getting a little more comfortable with my role there and look forward to each Sunday evening and getting to know more of these kids.

Is it the weekend yet?

It is my personal belief that weekends should be longer than 2 days, case in point this weekend which is packed full of games, meetings, church and other gatherings. It will be a whirlwind weekend with alot of time spent away from the house, which means no nap, but a fun filled and enjoyable time. Tyson has his Y-league game at 10:00 Saturday morning with pictures before than a break until small group and a few other fun gathering afterwards. Sunday of course is all about the worship and message at church which I am excited at the begining of a new series. Had practice last night and have a surprise for this weekend, two weeks ago we had a young lady on the piano starting out with us and this week she (Jennifer) will make her singing debut and I think she has an awesome voice. Missed last week so I am ready to get back to it. Then top off the day with a little youth group and football watching for a bit on the BIG screen, poor Pink will be a lonely man Sunday night during the game.

Connersvine live (Hunter the punter)

Here is a video of a new band called Connersvine. If you have never heard of them the guy playing the electric up front is Hunter Smith who is the punter for the Indianapolis Colts. This song is called Live For You and if I could ever find the music for it I think it could definately work its way into a Sunday service. Check it out.

Not there yet.

The pastor at the church we visited this weekend had a few good points that I would like to tell you about. The message was on personal worship and some of the things that this includes. First was prayer. This is something that I do daily as I hope you do as well. That being said though sometimes my prayer life isn't where it needs to be. Do you ever find yourself during prayer letting your mind drift off in another direction thinking about something you forgot at the store, what your doing later, something that happened earlier in the day, etc.... I have a problem with this alot of times especially during the drive into work. That is when I have a little prayer time but my mind starts going to what am I going to blog about today, what are we doing at practice tonight, etc... One of his suggestions was to go to a quiet place where there are no distractions where it is just you and God. This is something that I definately need to work on.

Another point was on reading the bible daily. I have been on a reading schedule from Deliberate People, check the site out at the side, and have done good at times staying on schedule than other times I get a day or two or more behind. I am back on track now with the schedule but sometimes I feel that I am just reading and not getting anything from it. Once again the mind drifts, someone asks a question, something happens on tv and I am not fully in. I do know that next year when I start this all over again I am going to do a journal and hopefully find a time and a place where I can get fully locked in with what I am reading and how to apply it.

There was a third point but right now I totally forget what it was, I sometimes wonder if I got ADD or am just getting old because I forget alot of stuff anymore and feel scatterbrained everyonce in a while. Does anyone else feel this way?

The weekend that was.

Where does the time go on the weekends, anyone know? Got to have a three day weekend thanks to inventory at the shop didn't have to go in Friday. Tyson had his first Y-League game Saturday and I think he had some fun. The team lost 28-24 which isn't bad considering that after the first quarter they were down 16-4. They got within one at 23-22 but couldn't do much from there. Should be a fun year with the team.

Spent yesterday morning with a friend at his church just for support for him. He's had some hard times and made some mistakes but has just recently given it all back to God and is using his situation to help others, God is good. He said after people talking to him and things falling on deaf ears it was a powerful video that got things back on track. The video, which was posted on here a few weeks ago, is for the Lifehouse song "Everything" and is a very powerful drama video, check it out on either you tube or God tube.

Spent last night in Indy checking out my nephews band in a battle of the bands which unfortunately they didn't win. They are called "Fake Is The Latest Trend" hailing from the rock and roll capitol of Cowan High School. It was looking to be a good evening until someone decided that they needed his footpedal and guitar case more than he did. It was shame that it had to ruin a good evening. It was the first time I've got to see him in action and if you knew him he's a shy kid who comes to life on the stage.

Y league basketball

Started my role as an assistant coach for Tyson's Y-league basketball team last night as we had our only practice before the opening game this Saturday. This is the second year he has played and he really digs it. It always strikes me funny as he is a little fellow but likes basketball and all of the running around. It was kind of crazy that we only get one practice before the season starts so we spent last night seeing who could bring the ball up and teaching some defense and the like. Tyson is all excited because he gets to play against a couple of buddies (Lane Lewis and Justin McAllister) at some point during the season. I just hope he doesn't decide to start talking to them when he is supposed to be guarding someone else but you never know about him.

Did anyone else have a great weekend?

I know I sure did. I know alot of people like the warm sunshiney days but I really dug Saturday, with the cool temps a little rain, just like fall should be. Got to go shopping with the family and went to Muncie and got a mouse, not another pet but a wireless mouse for the new computer. The mouse we got with the new computer had a mind of its own and sometimes we were just mearly giving it suggestions on where to go. The new one is cool. No chord to get stuck anywhere and it even has a button on the side that is used for a back button talk about lazy don't have to go to the little arrow at the top of the page to go back, what a country.

Spent Saturday night with some of the youth and some youth from another church, didn't catch the name of the church, at the 1 fun farm and the haunted maze. It was fun and not really scary but I did get a scare at the start of the maze when a dude or dudette jumped out, not scary, but then they proceeded to bring together two cymbals about an inch from my right ear, was not expecting that. The rest of the maze we caught up to the group in front of us so when someone jumped out they didn't have time to get back in position before we got there. It was fun though and I think I'm really gonna like hanging out with the Teshuva people.

Yesterday another good day at church, the praise and worship was on, music at points though was a little off from where I was. I do know that the singing was right on and LOUD again. I liked the whole different perspective with PK in the balcony at first and James singing from the seats. Gotta mix things up a bit. I finally did what I've been talking about for a few months when I gave the new guitar a little spin around the neck, I didn't know how people would take it but I totally didn't expect the response that was given with all the hootin' and hollerin' kinda got me a little embarassed. If you missed it sorry but I'm sure at somepoint we'll do it again. I really liked the way service ended where it really didn't end for a while. God moves in those times and I know that he was moving in the building. Ended the weekend by all of us in the Chalfant household getting haircuts for those school pics for the kids.

One bummer though in a fun way, Tammy went to a concert this weekend and I didn't. If you know much about us I love going to concerts and she doesn't like them as much. She and Angel went to see Todd Agnew and enjoyed it. So I think it's time for me to go to another one now right Tammy?

GUITAR FLIP GONE WRONG!!!!!!

I am glad that this didn't happen Sunday, would have been bad. I totally wasn't expecting the yelling and cheering but it was cool.

Pastor appreciation

October for those of you who don't know is pastor appreciation month so I would like to take a few moments and appreciate our pastors.

Pastor Kris- Awesome messages each and every week. He brings his "A game" each week and his messages are full of truth and practical ways to live them out. He is not afraid, or doesn't seem to be, to speak on issues that some of us don't want to hear about but stuff that God has laid on his heart to speak on. On those messages he seems to take them to another level. I know that God looked down at FFC one day and said something big is going to happen there and I know just the man to put there to lead them, PK. Thanks PK for all you do here at FFC.

Pastor Marggy- I have never seen someone more organized than her. I know I get some inside info with the M&O meetings with some of the behind the scene stuff here at church and I know that everyday her plate is full of things to do and take care of and she makes things run smooth without alot of recognition so thanks PM for all you do here at FFC both seen and unseen.

Pastor Jeff- He was made for outreach. I have never seen anyone with a bigger heart for servanthood then Jeff. To see his eyes light up and his spirit pick up when he was talking about the new building and the Angel Food area and all the things that will be done in that area is just too cool. Thanks PJ for all you do and your serving nature.

Pastor James- He has big plans for the Youth group and I really believe that they are going to happen. It still amazes me how his hiring just fell into place, must have been a God thing. It has been fun starting to work with him and the youth, our future leaders, and seeing the connection to God that they are making. Thanks PPink for having a heart for the youth and leading them to God.

Pastor Tonya- She has taken the foundation that Connie had set up in KidZone and ran with it. It reminds me of our new building project how she has taken what was here and is "building on" and getting our children to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. Once again it has definately been a God thing that has placed her here and I see big things happening with our kids in the coming years. Thanks PT for your obedience to God and your passion for teaching kids.

Pastor Debi- She has a heart of gold and a real strong passion for the Lord and seeing that those who are unable to make it to church still have a little church brought to them. She is a genuine individual with a real gift for reaching out to those in need. Thanks PD for taking the time for those who are unable to get out as much and being there for them.

Thanks again to all of the pastors and their desire to see lives changed and helping us all to grow each and every week.

Question for you

Can a person be both bummed out and happy at the same time. I know it seems like an oxymoron thing or a double negative but I am both. I am bummed for Tammy because she was supposed to go to Tenn. this weekend to see her mothers headstone which is now in place and to visit with family but due to unforseen problems, they have fallen through. So I am bummed that she does not get to go but I am happy because this is a four day weekend for the kids and her and that means we get to hang out and who knows what will happen. I do hopefully get to go golfing this weekend which will be the first time this year that I get to play. Nothing like waiting till the last moment to do something.

Where's the camera

We needed to bring our camera with us last night so I could show a picture of what we saw. First around 7ish there was a rainbow to the south but it hadn't rained in a while so that was kinda wierd then around 7:30 Tammy calls and told me to check to the west and of course all I saw were the backs of houses so we went to Parker to get gas and the sunset was unbelievable. Now I'm not a big sunset kinda fellow but God painted one cool picture in the sky last night, I only wish I would have brought the camera to only give you a brief look at what we saw.

Could this be fall?

It is finally starting to look and act like fall. The constant rain, cooler temps, leaves falling, and as we found out Saturday it still "snows" around here in October. We got our annual TPing and gave our annual TPing Sunday night. A lady that Tammy worked with her family always comes and does our house than we return the favor, the kids get a big kick out of it. Everyonce in a while they or we do a little something different like sticking plastic forks all over the yard or this year tied ballons to a string and hung them on the trees. All in good fun.

I have to thank James for making me hungry and ready for Thanksgiving as on his facebook he asked a question about your favorite thing to eat around the holidays and reading the answers I started getting hungry and am really looking forward to all that good delicious food. Turkey anyone?

Give me my rookie stripe

Got to participate in my first Youth Group meeting last night and it was fun. I got to crack up a few times, meet some new people and learned to stay clear when the suckers start flying because its everyone for themselves. I have a feeling this is going to be a fun ride.

The second set or worship set yesterday was great, everything flowed nicely and it was cool to look out and see people worshiping in different ways. Got to hear the message twice as I played Saturday night as well and the part that really sticks out to me and I enjoyed it Sat. and it really hit me Sunday was the part where PK talked about us being slaves and lust bidding this and greed that and power that then, this is the part that I really enjoyed and created a really vivid visual in my mind was when he said then a nail pierced hand goes up in the back and says I give my blood for that one. Powerful images just go through my mind when I hear that.

Friday was my swan song for the football broadcasts and I must say that the past few weeks have been a really neat experience and very enjoyable. I am going to miss running the board for them but basketball season is right around the corner so I'm sure I'll be back over there for them. Now I am waiting to hear on what is next for me there, I did get to hang out for the last 15 minutes of the sharathon Friday and it was crazy as they were closing in on the amount needed. Finally got to hang out this weekend with my nephew who sold his guitar to Mom and Dad for me as him and I and Taylor went to that wonderful toy store called Sam Ash, I could really go crazy in there. We played with the lighting system they had there and I thought this is what we need at church with the intellegent lights. Maybe someday......

Great time

Last night I went with about 20 others to Ft. Wayne for the Portable Sounds tour with TobyMac, Barlowgirl, and Thousand Foot Krutch and I must say it was a great time. The show was good and hanging with others from the church is always a good thing even if I was the oldest one in the group but thats ok. Went to one of the nicest Arby's I've ever seen then on to the show with the line to get in that looked like it would never end. There were alot of people at the show and Toby dropped as he said a "Joy bomb." We (Taylor and I) just saw Toby a few months back on the first leg of the tour and it was cool to see the changes that were made this time around. One thing I like about him is that even though his name is on the marquee he gives everyone in his band a time in the spotlight at various points in the show.

Another cool thing is the fact that he as well as Barlowgirl just opened up the bible and started reading from it which I think is lacking in some shows. I like what Barlowgirl stands for, purity, modesty, and commitment to God. It is great to see role models like these for my soon to be teenage daughter. They also said something about not dating, which I also like that for Taylor (hehe) so I wouldn't have to worry about all of that. TFK brought the RAWK and the only complaint I have on them is that they didn't play long enough.

I'm a little groggy this morning as it was around 1:30 to 2:00 for I finally went to sleep and woke up at a little after 5 to be to work by 6. Made without being late but don't know how I'll be around 10 or 11. Go to the radio station again tonight so listen in around 10 and we will have some fun.

Keep an eye on the sky?

Looks like there might be some wacky wild weather today so be sure to keep an eye on the sky today, allthough I think its gonna be more bark than bite. Looking forward to going to Ft. Wayne with the Youth tonight to see a little TobyMac/Barlowgirl/TFK at the Grand Wayne Center. Good thing they have a big building where you stand in line inside incase its raining. Should be alot of fun and I'm sure I'll have a story or two for tomorrow. I had an idea for the blog this morning on the way here but now somewhere in the halls of my mind it is hiding or slipped out the back door. If it comes back I'll let you know what it was or if you find it let me know so I can get it back.

4 day weekends rock

The picture above is from Speed51.com a racing site from North Carolina who came up to Winchester to have live updates on Saturday and Sunday from the speedway. This shot is on pit road looking up between turns 1 and 2. For those who don't know the turns are banked at 33 degrees and it is fun to try and walk up them and even more fun to drive your car around them as you feel as if the car is going to tip over. There were 40 cars on hand to make the race which all 40 started and if you have ever seen 40 cars on a 1/2 mile track it is a sight to see. The stands were packed the campground was packed and it was a great weekend of racing. I even got to step back into my role which I left after last year as being the scorer for the festivities on Saturday, it was like I never left. I do miss hanging out at the track with the whole CRA crew and drivers and maybe next year if the schedule pans out I might have to hang out a little more with them as long as I'm home on Sundays for church and YG.

Speaking of Youth Group I am ready for tomorrow night with TobyMac, TFK, Teens, and Barlowgirl in Ft. Wayne. Taylor and I saw Toby and TFK a few months ago on the first leg of the tour in Anderson and it was good so I know tomorrow will be the same. Looking most forward to seeing TFK again. Then Friday it will be off to the radio station for the final time during football season, don't know yet what is going to happen after football is done how much or when I'll be over there but when I find out I'll put it here on the ole blog. I'll leave you with some words from TFK "THROW UP YOUR RAWKFIST IF YOUR FEELIN' IT WHEN I DROP THIS."

It pays to blog.

It definately pays to blog as I found out Sunday. When I got home from the track Mom and Dad came over with a little something hidden behind her back. A few weeks ago I blogged about using my nephews guitar and how he was looking to sell it but I wasn't able to buy it and it was a Jackson which is my dream guitar. Mom and Dad read that then worked it out with Tammy and my nephew and the rest is history. Thanks Mom and Dad and Tammy and Tyler. See it pays to blog. They all kept it a secret from me for a few days so yesterday I started getting calls asking if I liked it and YES I do.

Went and hung out at the radio station yesterday watching and learning what all goes on during the afternoon show so if someone is sick or on vacation I might get a call and get to have some fun there. I'll be having some fun there Friday night so check it out around 10. Busy weekend and I'm sure I'll talk about it later.

Fall Sharathon

Joy FM's fall sharathon has kicked in and will be with us for the next two days. If you listen to Joy FM and or like what they are doing for our area won't you please help them out. It is a listener supported station so in order for it to keep going they need to raise 80,000 to keep going for the next 6 months. Any amount is good and at some points during the day they have a dollar for dollar match so if you pledge $50 it becomes $100 and so on. Just listen for those challenges. It has been really cool to be able to go over there and have a little fun on Friday nights and I thank God for the chance to try something I never thought was possible.

I am getting really excited about this weekends Winchester 400, we have teams from Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Alabama, the surrounding states and who knows where else coming in to run 400 laps around the "Worlds Fastest Half Mile" so it should be interesting. We even have two NASCAR Nextel Cup drivers flying in Sunday morning to start at the back of the field to race with us and they said they might bring some friends from the south with them. Of course I'm talking about Kyle Busch and David Stremme. I am ready for it.

Check it out

I read this last night and as Perry Noble says "It rocked my world."

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him. Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done. Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world and not from Christ. For in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body, and you are complete through your union with Christ. He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe.
Colossians 2:6-10 NLT

One week

It's been one week since I drank a pop
Cocked my head back and took a big drink of
Five days since I thought about doing this saying
"I think I can make it for 2 more"
Three days since I had a big craving
It was hard till I made some tea
Yesterday I'd made my goal
but it'll still be two days till I decide when to drink one

Sung to the tune of One Week by the Barenaked Ladies

It has officially been a week since my last soda and to be quite honest I've only had one real big craving and that was Saturday night. Taylor has even had a few cans in the fridge for school, we never got to have pop at school Mrs. Ingalls wouldn't allow it, but I have done good and I don't know how long this will go but I have proven to myself that this is possible.

The weekend that was.

First off I want to ask did anyone else get chills when at the end of He Reigns when we stopped playing and someone kept singing then everyone else followed for a few minutes, that was powerful. I always like those unplanned things like that when they just happen, ONLY GOD. Speaking of ONLY GOD, I am blown away at the numbers for the building to bless campaign, whoever would have thought that something like that could happen in Farmland, once again two words sum it up ONLY GOD. There are big things that are going to happen here and we all get to be a part.

This is a short work week because of the nice long weekend with going out to the Winchester Speedway for the Winchester 400, it has been my favorite race for quite sometime. The first one I went to was in 1981 I believe and I haven't missed one since, helps that I've worked all of them since 1986. I only wish that the late Roger Holdeman was around for this weekend. He was the former owner of the speedway until his death and this was his baby. I miss Roger and just hanging out during practice and laughing and carrying on. Still keep in contact with his wife Linda who ran the track for a few years after her passing. Should be fun.

Panic at the Radio Station

No its not the new band Panic at the Disco, but it was panic at the radio station tonight. During the show I had a cd set up, introduced it then started it and it sounded funny then I noticed it was skipping, so I put another one in and tried to play a song but it could not catch up to reading it so I had to start a third song that finally worked. I can laugh now but was freaking out there. It was fun again as always kind of did a little mellowier show, see list at end, but it was good for a quick 35-40 minute show. Go back in two weeks on a Friday but I get to go over there a week from this coming Monday and watch and who knows maybe even help out with the afternoon show. Here is the songs from tonight.

Something Like Silas - When I Search
Pivitplex - You Know
Jonah 33 - This Is It (You Instead Of Me)
Apologetix - Jericho
Falling Up - This is the one that skipped so I tried some Family Force 5 and it wouldn't work either.
Decyfer Down - Break Free
The Almost - Southern Weather
Kutless - Run
Bride - Mountain

Thanks to those who listened and we will do it again in two weeks.

Keepin the streak alive

Today marks day number 4 that I have gone without drinking. Pop that is. Monday at lunch I had a Diet Pepsi and once that was gone I haven't had any since. Some people can do this without problem, take my wife for instance, she can go days and weeks without drinking pop but me I never could until now. Do I miss it? Yes, but so far it hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be, now Sunday when I'm watching the NASCAR race or the Colts it might be another story. I used to drink a 2-liter at work in a couple of days or a 20 oz or two a day and could go through a 24 pack of cans in 5 or 6 days. Especially Diet Mt. Dew which I know is the worst diet drink you can drink but it tastes so good. I don't know how long this will go on and to some it might seem silly but thats ok its a big step in the whole trying to slim down from the being a BIG boy to just going down to a BIg boy than a Big boy than finally a big boy.

I'll be back over at the radio station tonight and hopefully will be doing the last hour again rockin out, havin fun, and reachin and teachin. I might even have someone in China listening in, there are a few people from the shop that had to go over to set up some stuff at our plant in Wuxi and Patti is taking her laptop and I told her if she thinks of it at 10 tonight which will be like 2 in the afternoon tomorrow there to give a little listen. Technology is cool. So tune in around 10 and rock out with me.

Blessed

After a few days of nothingness and basically laziness I'm back. I've been thinking lately about how blessed I am. I look at what God has done, what he has taken and how he is using me for his kingdom. He took, and blessed, someone who gets nervous getting up in front people and had minimal ability to play guitar and learn the bass and used them on a worship team. I've told people in the past when they come up and say "good job up there today" that it's not me. I've also been blessed with a wonderful family and friends who are there when you need them and I am glad to be there when they need me as well. Been blessed to venture into radio which has been a total blast, I don't know if there are 10 people, 100 people, or 1,000 people listening but it doesn't matter as long as 1 person is listening and gets something out of it then its all good.

Now I have been blessed to add something else to the fold, youth group small group leader. I'll be starting that in a few weeks and I pray that God uses this dork to help reach or lead some of our youth towards him or closer to him. It is a step out of the old comfort zone but as long as God is in control it will be amazing. Seems like that comfort zone is getting smaller and smaller. It still blows me away that God would use me to reach people that I might not even realize I'm helping to reach for Him. Is God awesome or what?

Monday morning quaterbacking

Another good weekend has come and gone, packed full of activites, good times, hard work, and a little bit of fun thrown in for good measure. Friday was fun hanging with the youth group and all those who drove said youth to New Castle for a little Taco Bell and bowling. Saturday was a wear yourself out work day as we helped out Tammys brother and his wife at her Dad's old house cleaning up brush and tearing down the two old sheds in the backyard and cleaning that all up. Got done with that and went home around 5:30-6:00 and was pretty much toast for the rest of the evening.

Sunday was great as usual, words can't describe what it was like watching all the people going up front and dropping the pledge cards down, then the little kidzone kids bringing theirs in. I think we will blow this thing out of the water. I'm anxious to see what God has done here next weekend. Got to fulfill a dream this weekend when I got to play my nephews Jackson guitar, that is my dream guitar for oh I don't know about 20 years or so. He is trying to sell it to me and I would take it in a heartbeat, we'll see what happens. Funny thing about yesterday on something that started as kind of a little joke but when it was done was cool. During practice Thursday as we were doing How Great Thou Art I said kind of jokingly that we should do the chours to How Great Is Our God at the end kind of a reverse of what we normally do, we tried it and it was good and I think it went over well yesterday.

Went with the Prices' to Pizza Hut after church and hung out had a good time and ate some good pizza as well. It you ever get the chance to get a buffalo chicken pizza there do it, it's killer as is the apple cinnamon dessert pizza and the cinnamon breadstixs and the...........
Got a cool opportunity on the horizion that I am excited about, more on that at a later date, that could be life changing not only for myself but others as well.

Tim Hawkins - GPS

Saw this guy last night after we got back from bowling with the youth around 1:30 am. He did a bit with worship songs with different lyrics like instead of Better is One Day it was Better is Hunday and I only eat margarine instead of I can only imagine. I was rolling. Had fun with the youth and bowling with Aaron, PK and Pink.

Mr. Bean

Enough all ready

We were watching TV last night as the season premieres of Criminal Minds and CSI:NY came on and we have been waiting for the new episodes for awhile now. We were missed Criminal Minds but we taped it and will watch it probably tonight but caught CSI:NY and I noticed something, every spot for a new show or for one that is coming up in the next few days all seemed to have the same theme..........sex. Now I know that this has been happening and increasing on tv for quite sometime but last night it just hit me that every commercial for a show had some sort of sexual theme weather it be a scantly clad woman or even the big bold letters used in some of them and I was getting tired of seeing it. It seems that all of the women on television now must also wear the lowest cut top that they can and squeeze into. 5 years ago I probably wouldn't have had an issue with any of this but now its just getting old. I like it when you don't have to monitor what is on when the kids are in the room but those shows are slowly fading away. What happened to the day when all this stuff was taboo and only on the pay movie channels? How far will the envelope be pushed? How long til there is no restriction on what is permisable on tv? Its no wonder why I like to watch sports on tv, preferably racing, football, baseball, and college basketball. Maybe I'm taking too much of a prude attitude towards todays society and what is acceptable but I don't like where this is all heading.

Side note check out Perry Nobles blog from Tuesday and Wednesday if you get a chance.

Song that fits the campaign

There is a new artist out there that some of you might have heard of his name is John Waller. Saturday night we did a song of his that fit the BtB campaign and his first song also falls in that catagory. We really should have learned this song and done it during the services for this campaign. Here it is and I think you will agree that this should be the theme song for Building to Bless.

"The Blessings" by John Waller featuring Mark Hall from Casting Crowns

Let it be said of us, While we walked among the living
Let it be said of us, By the ones we leave behind
Let it be said of us, That we lived to be a blessing for life
Let it be said of us, That we gave to reach the dying
Let it be said of us, By the fruit we leave behind
Let it be said of us that our legacy is blessing for life

This day You set life, you set death right before us
This day every blessing and curse is a choice now
And we will choose to be a blessing for life

Let it be said of us, That our hearts belong to Jesus
Let it be said of us, That we spoke the words of life
Let it be said of us, That our heritage is blessing for life

Chorus again

For Your Kingdom, for our children, for the sake of every nation

Only God

What an incredible weekend at FFC. First the leaders get together to make thier pledges and it is almost $700,000 for just 40+ households, two word- Only God. Then we here of stories of two lives that have been changed here recently at church and once again two words- Only God. Then what a great message with a simple principal, viewing and treating everyone like God sees them--Precious (Just for you PK), I am taking the challenge to view everyone this way, somedays will be harder than others but I'm up for the challenge. Finally last night I went to get Taylor and Tyson from Youth Group and X-Men and hear that there was over 40 kids at Youth Group and two words come to mind- Only God. Only God can use a simple church in a SMALL town to make a BIG impact, isn't it amazing. We are in the midst of something that is going to be huge, the testimonies that are going to be pouring in over the next three years are going to blow us all away and lead us to say......ONLY GOD.

Another solo flight on air

Here is my view on a Friday night at the JOY FM studio in Union City. Not big and fancy as alot of other stations but I think its pretty darn cool. The board is below that controls what is being heard on air and the computer above is where all the music is and is normally what is running every hour except for the Solid Rock Friday show which we use 2 cd players that are to the left of the board as you are facing it. Can you find Sherry in the picture? Sherry is the drawing that they say you are to talk to, she is your audience so you don't get freaked out over how many people are really listening kind of funny I think. It was my second solo flight and I have 2 more lined up as I will be doing every other week with my good pal Dan Conner, he's got next week than me and so on. I appologize for the audio during the football game if you were listening it was rough and hard to hear sometimes. They were broadcasting from the east side of Dayton so the cell phone reception obviously wasn't that great. Here is the song list from tonight....
Flood - Jars of Clay
No More - The Band With No Name (Give you a hint its some people who are local)
The Wait is Over - Disciple
Open Your Eyes - Stryper
I Am the Door - Day of Fire
Mr. Do Wrong - Guardian
Are You Real - KJ 52
Who Am I - Deliverance (I introduced this as a song title people would recognize but a little different)
Resolution - Pillar
Move - Thousand Foot Krutch (Requested by Taylor and Tyson)
Reconnecting - Tait

Fun show even challenged the listeners to A. Get involed in church somehow someway, B. Read their bibles, and C. Share their faith with someone. I have more challenges and other goodies in two weeks. Thanks to those who listened.

Another round of football

Tonight will be another round of high school football and the opportunity to run the board which I might add is alot of fun. After learning how to take care of the board it is funny to listen to a ball game or race or something like that and know the inside of how it is ran. Same goes with just listening to the radio and with the chance that I've been given knowing a little bit of the ins and outs of what it takes to make a station tick. The only bad thing about tonight is that I'm going to miss the Building to Bless leadership campaign kickoff. I know that it is going to be an amazing evening and I wish I could be present for it. I know I am ready for 4:30 pm today as I am walking out of the shop for a full weekend of things to do, places to go, and people to see.

Check this out

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5

We got a video email the other night and it was a very powerful and cool one so I thought I'd try and share it. Don't really know what I'm doing but if the above don't work go to Godtube.com and search for Lifehouse Everything Skit. It is pretty cool and I think you will think the same. Let me know what you think.

Pure Volume

I found a cool website a few months ago and have found myself checking it out more and more. It's called pure volume and can be found at http://www.purevolume.com it is a music related site where you can search for a band and they have info on the band as well as songs that you can listen to. They have bands that you know and love and bands that you've never heard of before. When you find something you like you can add it to your very own player if you join up. Its free and if you enjoy music like I do you can find some cool stuff. Right now on my player is 3 new songs from the just released Thousand Foot Krutch cd, and let me tell you it rocks. I also have some Decemberaido, Dizmas, Todd Agnew, downhere, Disciple, Ilia, Project 86 and others. The only bad thing is I wish that I could burn these songs on a cd because it would make for one cool jam cd. I enjoy adding songs to my player but I also enjoy taking songs off of it because that means that I have finally gotten off my lazy behind and went out and bought the cd.

Introducing SPOT

I would like to take this time and introduce to you our pet SPOT. Spot has been hanging around the house now for a few weeks if not months at our front door. We used to take a broom and clean the webs off the porch but the next day they were usually back so we decided to keep Spot. We even turn the light on at night to feed him for a few minutes each night. The kids used to be afraid of the spiders outside even though they were 4 feet above them so we started naming the spiders all Spot. They even got freaked out by flies that make it into the house so we started naming them George and Henrietta even when there are more than 2 flies in the house they are always those two names. I know we are off center but how many other people you know have a pet spider hanging outside on the front porch? So I think that makes us more unique. So stop over sometime and say hey to Spot and George and Henrietta.

Dome of Disciples

Went to the Dome of Disciples meeting last night and talked more about the Building to Bless campaign, I am excited about the opportunity that lies in front of us with this campaign and what an incredible impact this can and will make on our community. I've seen the blueprints for the plan and could see somethings as I looked at the print but last night with the 3D model that Kyle brought just put everything in a whole new light and looked so much more real. Kyle did a great job on that and I also need to give a shout out to Amy Chamberlin for the wonderful job she did on this meeting and on the other two as well. It was very well put together and organized, just top notch stuff. We had settled on a amount a few weeks ago but now we have decided to change that figure and to be challenged and blessed and have our faith stretched to new heights and I challenge all of you to do the same. This is going to be exciting.

I forgot to mention yesterday about the HOT DATE that I had with my wonderful wife. It was refreshing to get out for an evening without the kids and just enjoy each others company. We started off at our growth group at the church which was a blast and we laughed quite a bit during the meeting and just had alot of fun. Then we went to Muncie for our HOT DATE really with no firm plans other than going to the Wal-Mart to get some toliet paper, which was the big topic at our growth group. After that a trip to the video store and a quick bite at KFC it was back to the homestead to watch WILD HOGS which was pretty funny. Tammy dozed off during the special features at the end and I did the old head bob so it was time for bed all before midnight. I remember on our "date nights" of past waking up around 2 or 3 and taking a nice relaxing drive or sometimes even staying up that late but its funny how the older you get its all about how early you can get to bed, or is that just me?

Still get nervous

Every once in a while I still get nervous when playing with the worship team, most of the time it is when either I start a song or have to play at somepoint by myself. I was doing good throughout the first song set then it came. As we are getting ready for the offering song I started getting nervous. I had to start the offering song and allthough it is a pretty easy riff and during practice and while practicing at home it went smooth but to start it off my fingers just didn't want to go and do what they were supposed to do until i either hit the wrong note or didn't hit the note enough to hear it then I settled down and the rest of it went good. Don't know why I still get that way I've only been playing in front of the church for 2 years now you think it would go away at somepoint. Kudos to James again for doing a great job, I know in what he was saying during practice that I think he did a phennomenal job. And big ups to Nate for starting the Come Thou Fount song. Now standing right next to him I could hear him without the mic and I was standing there thinking, the dudes got a good voice which later got me thinking with no offense to anyone why don't we have more than one singer per week. We have 4 very talented individuals who sing well we need to utilize this. Get everyone there everyweek and let Brent sing a song or two and James the same with Nate and David doing one as well or even have 2 or 3 or all 4 of them trade off on a song, I think that would be cool and would give a new view and allow different types of songs. One last thing on songs and once again no offense to anyone but I believe that there are more worship song writers out there than Chris Tomlin and David Crowder. Now while these two are great and write some pretty awesome songs I know that there are plenty more out there. It seems like we are getting in a rut of doing 3,4,5 or more of these guys songs each week for the last few months. I remember when we used to do 6 or 7 songs a week with all of them being by different artists. Maybe this is what is comfortable for the new guys for now and it will change later we will just wait and see. Everyone is doing a great job and I think that the worship portion is going good, we still have a few kinks to work out from week to week but we are getting there. Enough of my rant, enjoy the week and get involved.

Not what I thought but its all good.

We'll last night was not what I thought it was going to be to be quite honest with you. I figured it would be like the first week I went over there for the football with the solo flight after the game but that wasn't the case. Another fellow from the SRF crew showed up around 9:35 to do the last hour so I started it off and let him take over. Thanks to all who listened, I appriciate your support, and at the same time I want to appolgize for not being on there more or misleading anyone. I obviously made more out of it than what it was. I was all ready to rock out but maybe next week. I was asked if I felt comfortable doing the board for the football games by myself and I said yes so I will be doing the game again next week and then we will see about the last hour. The guy who sets up the last hour is not the same guy who sets up who runs the board for the game.

Last night during the game though I was having alot of fun had everything set up for each break, had the halftime music set up and had more than enough set up for the post game which didn't last very long but I was prepared. Big kudos to Dan Franks, general manager of JOY FM, for answering all the questions I had last night and for all the help he gave and the opportunity. The only bad thing was I started the last song of halftime before they called back ready to go so we had to fade out of it and start the game back up. Never knew how to do that but learned quickly and it was pretty easy. We will be ready for next week to do this all again only bad thing is I will have to miss the Buliding To Bless dinner/meeting at the church. I was supposed to hook up with Ryan and Mandy to do some worship but I will have to miss out on that. I was looking forward to sharing the stage with those two again, maybe some other time.

Ready for a HOT DATE with my wonderful wife tonight, it has been long overdue, thanks to the Silvers' for keeping the kids and I am sure we will return the favor sometime.

Are You Ready.........Ready to Rock

I think that 7 o'clock can not get here soon enough, I am ready to get the football game going and do my thing then have Solid Rock Friday start up, don't forget to listen tonight around 10 pm to 88.9 on the FM dial or if you can't get that go online to 889joyfm.com and click the listen live button. I've allready got a few tunes lined up we got some Day of Fire for Tammy, some TobyMac for Taylor, got a Newsboys song for Tyson, some Red for PK and Jeff, some bumpity bump music for Bryan, some Gaithers for Bly. Hold on that is another show for another host. Even got a request from Jamie Rowe who is the lead singer for one of my favorite bands ever Guardian. He is a friend on my facebook account and I dropped him a line telling him what I was doing this evening and he wrote back with a request so we will get that on for him and I got an email out to Chap Stique from Family Force 5 with the same deal. Did I mention that facebook is a cool little thing, the only bad thing is dodging sheep that are tossed around.

No fear just FAITH

We went to a Building To Bless meeting last night and got some great information about the new building and improvements and how they all tie together now and for how they can tie together in the future. Some of this seems like big dreams for such a little town but remember you can't outdream God. If we step out with no fear, just FAITH we will be amazed at what God can do through our church in little old Farmland, IN. We were talking about how the church has allready changed lives here and telling stories about it and I am still amazed when I look around on any given Sunday or Saturday at some of the people there that I went to school with or knew from back then and how God has changed not only them but myself and family as well. If you would have told me years ago that some of the people that go here would be devouted Christ followers I would have said something like "that would be cool but I don't see it", I even probably said that about myself as well. FFC is all about changed lives and our next growing season which is upon us will mean MORE lives being changed, and in a few years there will be more growing and more lives changed. I view it as a snowball rolling down a hill, gaining momentum and growing with each and every roll. This is exciting stuff that we all get to be a part of and I can't wait to see the result when this phase is complete.

On a side note in my daily bible reading, which I have fallen a few days behind but am catching back up, I have finally made it to Isaiah. I have been looking forward to reading this book and to see how alot of what he said came to fruitation when Christ was sent to earth and how alot of the scriptures are repeated in the New Testament. I told Tammy I will be in this book for the rest of the month. You should read as well.