Take Two

This is one of the best responses I’ve ever seen by a politician. I hope the guy wins.

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Well, the song I wanted to upload was too large so here’s a goody that fits. I love to sing Psalm 103 and Tye Tribbett does an exceptional job. As a side note, this live album is one of the best I’ve ever heard. Enjoy.

Transitions

About four years ago, our church was blessed to have LJ and Andrea Harry join the pastoral staff. I grew up with LJ and it has been a joy to watch him develop. As background, our pastor had a heart procedure in 2005 at which time I admonished him to do succession planning (it was understood that I had no interest in pastoring our church). This, in part, precipitated the Harry’s arrival. Andrea is our music director and frequent worship leader and is tremendously talented. She elevates our worship services to a level not seen in many years (if ever). LJ is a gifted speaker who loves people and is one of the kindest people I know. He is also a master of organization. Tonight, LJ cast vision for the church for the coming year. While he is not (yet) the pastor, it was wonderful to see him act pastorally tonight. He has assumed an increasing amount of the day to day management of the church and the people love him. One of the major reasons he is loved is because he has never taken the reins. He has waited to have them handed to him. Taking over for a pastor who has served for 34 years is no small feat. LJ has handled it with aplumb. He has treated the pastor with the utmost respect. Pure class. Too many churches fall apart because the pastor either won’t bring in new blood or, if they do, won’t let them have a meaninful impact. When this happens, the church stops being about making Jesus famous and becomes about the pastor’s ego. It is one of the surest ways to kill a church. I have seen it happen far too often. It becomes the rule more than the exception which is very sad. Perhaps that’s why I’m enjoying watching this transition so much.

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Every now and again, I get to lead a hymn or older song at our church on Sunday night. I don’t think I’m up tonight but here’s a little Donnie McClurkin to put a spring in your step. Enjoy.

PS- If you like this song, you’ll love tomorrow’s offering.

Blogging from the Road

I’m typing this post out on my Blackberry just east of Terre Haute, Indiana (fear not, Charity is driving). We are taking Becky to Gateway College this week in Saint Louis where she’s enrolling. Very exciting time for her and us. Interestingly, I don’t have any of the anxiety I had when she went to Paraguay. I’m excited for her to move on in the next phase of her life and experience all that college has to offer. Hopefully, I’ll have some pictures to put up when we get to Saint Louis. Also, apparently a major winter storm is going to rip through Indiana tomorrow which may delay our return trip. Thankful that life is never dull.

(via juliasegal)

The de-volution of the species.

nevver:

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I have felt this way in the past. Fortunately, those days seem to be gone.

My rant regarding the TSA continues. I understand some of the foolishness has gone by the wayside already. I hope it’s completely gone when I go to Florida next month.

“There have been exactly two things since 9/11 that have improved airplane security: Reinforcing the cockpit doors and convincing passengers they have to fight back. Everything else has been a waste of time and money.”

BT Group PLC Chief Security Technology Officer Bruce Schneier quoted in the Wall Street Journal, December 18, 2009.

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I love me some Jay-Z. And New York. And Alicia Keys.

I think that’s it.

ceonyc:

amber-rae:

i heart ayn rand.

I figured this out at some point in the Spring of 1997.

Good advice!

Every Christmas Eve I become Santa. It’s pretty cool.

nevver:

Empire

Merry Christmas!

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kennathehenna:

Christmas Time is Here (Vocal Version) by Vince Guaraldi Trio
From A Charlie Brown Christmas. My favorite Christmas song. I love it so.

Merry Christmas everyone!

#xmas

“
Mr. Axelrod said the provisions benefiting specific states, like Nebraska, and favored constituencies were a natural part of the legislative process.

“Every senator uses whatever leverage they have to help their states,” Mr. Axelrod said on the CNN program “State of the Union.” “That’s the way it has been. That’s the way it will always be.”
”

From the New York Times, December 21, 2009.

In short, the American people should expect Washington to buy and sell votes with our tax dollars. Or, we could vote every incumbent out of office and burn the Capitol to the ground.