Sunday School, Pt. 1
For the last couple of years I've been teaching Sunday school at Cornerstone. At first, I saw it as a way to contribute to the church that has been very good to me. Eventually, the reason for doing so changed at least the reason in the forefront was replaced by another. I found a passion in teaching and expanding that passion to teaching high school.

Last year, I saw that the kids in my class were getting a little bored with the material we were using. I thought the material was a little below their level and modified the material's format to a discussion heavy format. The activities suggested by this "series" were too -- as some of the Jr. highers put it -- "kiddie" for them.

But this isn't what this posting is about, sort of...

Growing up, I saw Sunday school (for Catholics it is called Catechism) as a waste of time. It was boring and the nuns (yes, mine was taught by nuns) were cruel and sadistic. None of us wanted to be there and the nuns knew it and punished us for thinking it.
What is Sunday school meant to accomplish anyway?
I guess the main purpose of Sunday school is to spread the word. "Spread the word" nice concept, only if we can sell it. Sunday school is supposed to "train" new or young believers and older ones in order to better reach "the unsaved". So what happened?

Song of the Day: "The Reason Why We Sing" by Kirk Franklin

Who Are You Trying To Fool?
I had a little too much fun with a vegetarian the other day. Normally, I wouldn't be so much of a... hmm what's the word I'm looking for... jerk? Ok, that's being nice. But in my defense the "veggie boy" started it. All I did was sit down to eat my lunch (Mongolian beef with a little noodle) and next thing I know I'm getting "How can you do that to yourself?" "A living breathing animal died for your lunch, how does that make you feel?" and "You should be ashamed." That last one pretty much ruined an otherwise nice lunch break. I could have moved elsewhere, but I wanted to mess with "veggie boy" for messing with my lunch break enjoyment... heh heh heh...
So I asked "Garbanzo Guy" if the reason why he became a Broccoli Buddy is that he had an aversion to eating meat or to the thought of eating meat. He gave such a trite "both" answer that I wanted to slap him around with his own answer... oh wait... I did! I asked him what he was eating - garden burger. I asked him in a roundabout way if he has ever tried the soy bacon - he has and likes them.
I can understand if the decision to not eat meat was based on a type of protest, protest against the treatment of animals, the free range question or protest against the war in Ireland - any reason of principles. In the case of "carrot chum", the reasons he gave were basically to deny himself meat and be a snob to people who aren't "Celery munchers". If he is such the "peas pal" then why was he eating so many things that remind him of meat? That's just dumb!
Well, I WAS holding back too, I didn't have a lot of time for lunch after all... heh heh heh.

Song of the Day: "Head Games" by Foreigner

Project's Done
Thank you going out to Allison, Natalie and Traci! Honorable mentions going out to Ian and Elen! Thank you very much for helping me with my interview project. The class (and professor) enjoyed it and gave their critiques, all in all -- "A+". As nervous as some of you may have been answering the questions, I was just as nervous asking them. Here are some of the reviews:

"It was very original!"........................................................................Classmate 1
"You took the assignment and made it fit to your chosen field."...................Professor A
"Which one is Natalie?"......................................................................Jan-Michael
"Dude, the back of your head is so flat!"................................................Classmate with a cast.

Anyway, Thanks again for agreeing to take part in my project. I really appreciate it.

Song of the Day: "Smile At You" by Fleetwood Mac

Aches And More Aches
The Cornerstone Community Church Flooring Crew were creaking, moaning, groaning and moving really, really slow today. Or was that just me? It was painful sitting down, it hurt standing up... who am I kidding? It all hurts.

Somebody pass the heating pad.

Song of the Day: "Flat On The Floor" by Nickelback

Floor pictures
Showed up to help out on the Stage Flooring: Day 2. I brought my boom box this time since everyone was complaining about the lack of music yesterday. As I was coming in, I heard some music already blasting so I thought well, someone thought of it too. I see Bryan and Sammy plugging away at the steps at the side door.
I joined in and after a while I notice that we are all moving... well, not moving as quickly as the other day. A lot of movement was accompanied by groans of protest and exclamations of aches and pains...
We stopped for lunch and we were joined by Tiffany. We had to get some supplies, so we headed for Home Depot (welcomed break).

1. 2. 3.

4.

Floor Master


Song of the Day: "Down On The Corner" by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Floors, Floors, Floors
Started putting down the floors for the stage at the soon to be new Cornerstone home.
Role Call:
1. Tony D. - Drill Sargeant
2. Sammy - Floor Master
3. Dave - Wake up!
4. Bryan - Foam Cutter Extraordinaire
5. Tony W.
6. Natalie
7. Bob - Floor Master Apprentice
8. Steve A. - Keep your pants on!
9. me - Pad Master

It was a great thing that Sammy was there, he took the lead and got us organized and showed us how to do things. Tony D. kept us going, even though we took many "union breaks". Dave and I took turns as human weights.
We were so glad that Steve and Bob showed up when they did. Sammy was feeling the aches and pains and they were able to take the baton which gave Sammy the break he needed.
We were so focused on getting the floor down that no one thought of bringing any "tunes" and no one thought to bring a camera, but there were more than a few "tap dancing breaks" everytime a particular difficult row was completed.
Somebidy pass the "Icy Hot" and the heating pad!

Finally completed my interview project. Thank you Natalie, Traci and Allison, thank you Ian and Elen for taping it. We all went to dinner at Guppy's afterwards. Sorry you weren't able to go with us Natalie, next time!

Song Of the Day: "Hurt" by Johnny Cash

Toys!!!!
I went into Home Depot this afternoon... enuff said.

Song of the Day: "25 Or 6 To 4" by Chicago

Today's Highlights

1. She came by to talk (43 minutes, YES, I counted!!).


2. Another she told me she was interested in dating me.

Actually, after those two, my brain melted... What day is it?

Song of the Day: "Dazed and Confused" by Led Zepplin

Highlights list

1. Read an article that I think people and especially women should know about. Very eye-opening.


2. Met Catherine Zet-Jones' younger twin... not! But could've been.


3. Introduced myself to a beautiful stranger without acting or seeming like a doofus (have witnesses).


4. Coming home to a house full of visiting family.


5. Dinner with Steve and Stephanie at CPK.


6. Able to sleep early.

Song of the Day: "One Thing Leads To Another" by The Fixx

I'm Going To Miss Her
Someone came by my desk at the college today and told me that a mutual friend had died of pneumonia 2 weeks ago.

Her name was Nancy. She was confined to a wheel-chair. I never learned why and I never bothered to ask. It didn't seem important. She didn't seem isolated to the wheel-chair, not in the way that it kept her from doing things, seeing people, going places. She used to tell me stories of trips to dance clubs with friends and relatives, trips to different states and countries, or just going to the beach or the park. She always had a smile, even when she was not feeling well or mad, angry, disappointed or just "blah" -- she always had a smile.
Every once in a while I forget that she is in a wheel-chair. I grew to care for her and value her a good friend. We confided with each other about many things, sought each other's advice and shared goofy thoughts.
I really enjoyed our conversations... I'm going to miss her.

Song of the Day: "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone" by Bill Withers

Buying A Stage Floor
Went to a discount warehouse for flooring this afternoon with Dawongz and J.P. There's something to be said for being prepared, what that is we sure didn't know because we surely weren't prepared... thank goodness for cel phones (and even then that took a little doing).
The trip there and the first 15 minutes after arriving, the question of the moment was, "So how many square footage do we need?" We tried to call the person with the measurements but between the three cel phones present only one had the number and the owner didn't realize they had the number. There was a short bout of calling carousel, resulting in the discovery of the desired phone number only to find that the person had turned off their phone.
We finally got in touch with the person, but we had to go through "3 degrees of separation". A good thing too because we had over estimated the amount of square footage by a hundred.
Then there was a concern over the checks. Tony was concerned whether or not we were going to be able to use a church check... after a little song and dance we were able to use it.
After the saleman calculated what we needed, the tally came to 32 boxes and 5 rolls of foundation. There were only four of us present - Tony, Grace, J.P. and me. These boxes were not light nor were they easy to handle and the rolls of foundation weighed quite a bit too. It took a while, it took a little... ok a lot of sweat and a lot of huffing and puffing (ok, the last part mostly by me).

I hope that better preparation will take place in the installation party, but sadly... since I'm organizing that too...

Song of the Day: "The Work Song" by Herb Alpert

Able To Catch Up
Cornerstone had a seminar for their Sunday school teacher and soon to be teachers. It was very informative. I had thought it was going to be more instructional, something I could always use more of. I make it very clear that I need to know/learn more. It never seems I know enough to answer all the questions I have rattling around in my head.
Today's seminar was more in the inspire, up-lift, general "you ought'a do this/ you ought'a know that" and basically a "rah-rah" type seminar. There is nothing wrong with that, I even got a few "rahs" in there.
I don't really need the "rah-rah-rahs". I consider myself passionate and excited about teaching Sunday school. My problem is that, I have the drive but I lack the knowledge. I don't have the background as a lot of the others at Cornerstone. I was raised catholic and after Catechism, (Catholic Sunday school) which lasted up to my 9th grade of high school, I no longer had the bible studies and it was not impressed upon me to go read the bible. Now, I always feel I am always trying to catch up. No matter how much I study, read or listen in on different discussion on this or that particular passage, there are these "holes" that I can't seem to fill.
So, I basically read, listen and pray in the hopes that one day I will be able to catch up.

Song of the Day: "Running Out Of Days" by 3 Doors Down

Still Don't Have A Clue
I have a project due in a couple of weeks and I am recruiting some help from some of the high school girls from my church. They will be asked certain questions regarding their high school life and experiences. For some of them, the questions are going to be difficult only because they have never really thought about it or no one has ever asked them their opinion about such things, so they have never thought to form an opinion.
I did not want to give them the exact questions, but I wanted to let them know the overall topic, so they won't be totally unprepared.
For their help, One of the things I wanted to do for them is to take them all out to dinner at one of their favorite places...Guppy's.
Even with all the preparation time, I still don't have a clue...

Song of the Day: "A Woman's Worth" by Alicia Keys

Deliberate
To think about or discuss issues and decisions carefully. Still mulling over the Challenge walk in September. I would really like to go for it but I am now thinking about the time required to train for this, do I have it?

That plus I have to find sponsors and stuff. Apparently, I have to raise some $$ for this, there is a minimum amount that I have to raise...

Song of the Day: "Dreamer" BY Ozzy Osbourne

Back To The Rack
I missed a whole week of going to the gym. Went back toady and well... I had a lot of extra time so I spent it there. I thought I had a lot to make up for since I missed all of last week. I wanted to step it up. I am thinking of registering for the Multiple Sclerosis Challenge Walk in September. It is a 3-day, 50 mile walk from Carlsbad to San Diego. I am weighing the realities of being able to take on this endeavor.
I've been setting personal goals (baby steps) to mark my road back to health and fitness (and back to a size 36 pants). I am wondering if I should make one big step. I wonder if this is the step.

Song of the Day: "Walking Away" by Craig David

It Only Took Days
A couple of days ago I was raving about a band I saw featured on a show on PBS called Los Lonely Boys. Today on the radio, there was a commercial announcing their debut album "available in a store near you". I realized that the episode of Austin City Limits aired in January and their concert took place last year in September, but I just saw the show a few days ago. So, as far as I'm concerned, it only took days...

What does that say? Things move fast or I am so far behind...

Song of the Day: "But It's Alright" by JJ Jackson

Diving Into The Deep End
I don't know how to swim. But I remember back in Guam and Hawaii, the beach or the swimming pool was the place where everybody (all my cousins) almost always hung out. I don't really know how it happened or how it didn't happen, but I never learned how to swim.
Marco Polo was a favorite game and if you have ever played Marco Polo, you know that players who can't swim are stuck in the shallow end of the pool (because they can't swim, they have to stand to keep their head over the water). Marco (the person who is "it") usually spends a lot of time in the shallow end too, because it is easier to start from there. Ever try running stomach deep in water? You can't go too fast (remember can't swim) nor can you do it quietly enough for Marco not to hear you. It got old real quick for me since all everyone had to do when I was Marco was to camp out in the deep end. They were pretty much safe there. One day out of frustration, I dove intot he deep end... it took two of my cousins to pull me into the shallow end of the pool...
The beach was another thing all together. There were more than a few times when by all rights I should be at the bottom of the sea somewhere. For all the times I got swept out by rip currents or riptides, for all the times I dog paddled my way back to shore the LONG way. I remember one time when a lifeguard actually saw my predicament and made sure I made it to shore. As I got to the shore he told me that he saw that I was swept out by a rip current but he saw that I knew enough to swim parallel to the shore and work in towards the shore. I wanted to tell him why didn't he come out to help me, but I was out of breath.
One of these days I'll learn...

Song of the Day: "The Cisco Kid" by War

Sleep... I Need Sleep
As I was leaving for the evening's festivities last night, I received a call from a friend from church asking if I can play with the worship team for today's service. That meant that I had to be at church around 9 am. I knew it was going to be a pretty late night and an early morning, but I said yes. I knew I was going to pay for it... little did I know.

Last night ended about the time, I thought it would end (I got home at 4:00 am).
I knew that if I went to sleep I was not going to get up or be able to get up, so I stayed up and did a few things around the house. I was able to shower and shave (leisurely, tell me when any one of us have been able to do that), have a little breakfast (a grapefruit) and read a little of the Sunday paper (though, I was still the last one to arrive...). We had our pre-service rehearsal and things were going alright. I was a little tired but no worse than any other Sunday morning.

A half hour before service started I get a call from my sister reminding me that the family was meeting for lunch for our cousin's birthday. I guess that's when the fatigue kicked in. I knew I was going to the lunch, I was not about to miss this lunch for my cousin. She is one of my favorite cousins and I don't see her enough so off I went.

Again, I was the last one to arrive. Turns out my cousin's brother and wife were in town from Florida. They have this annoying habit of not telling anyone they are coming and just suddenly show up at get togethers. Well, they had two surprises for everybody. Turns out they had moved back to California and that his wife is 6 months pregnant. Well, so the get together went into overtime.

It was great having everyone over but every so often I kept sneaking off for 5 minute sprint naps...

So now everyone is gone. It was a great day... WHAT AM I STILL DOING UP?!!
g'night all!

Song of the Day: "Hole In My Head" by The Dixie Chicks

Gas Prices
I was filling up at a gas station this morning. I was not particularly paying attention to the guages so when the pump clicked off telling me my tank was full (or almost full, I admit I tend to top it off = habit), I put the pump back and saw that a full tank for my car cost $25 dollars! I thought "Whoa!! Did I just fill up my car with SUPER DUPER unleaded by mistake?" I looked back to make sure and no, it was regular unleaded. I took a closer look and I realized that the price was at $2.30 a gallon! Have I been this out of touch with this whole gas price thing? My car is somewhat gas economical, I get about 35 miles per gallon and if the wind helps and it is all downhill, I can get about 37 miles per gallon. Still, I was starting to get a little outraged at how fast the gas prices have been going up. I was just about at the height of my anger when I saw the line of SUVs behind me and at the other pumps. I debated whether or not to stick around and see how much it would cost to fill up one of those monsters, but I did not want to invest that much tim eon a curiousity, I had places to go and better things to do.
I wonder how the people and companies that drive big rigs are handling this situation? I bet that the independent trucker are really being hit hard by the gas prices too. I don't think the price for diesel have stayed the same.
I guess, I am not so bad off after all compared to others...

I think I'll start using the motorcycle now...

Song of the Day: "I Can't Drive 55" by Sammy Hagar

Los Lonely Boys
I was watching KLCS and there was this show called Austin City Limits. The show was featuring a couple of bands, Guster and Los Lonely Boys. I was really impressed with the second band, Los Lonely Boys. They were very good. As it turns out, they are Willie Nelson's favorite band and I can see why. They have a pretty good sound. There is something to be said about family bands, when they click, they click. I am looking forward to hearing more from these guys. I think I will order their album, from what I can see, it is only available from their website.

Song of the Day: "Heaven" by Los Lonely Boys

More Bombings
Just heard about the bombings that occurred earlier today in Madrid. What do these people hope to gain by such actions? I often wonder do these people have families themselves?

Song of the Day: "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles

The Barbie Mobile Is Gone!
The GEO Metro convertible has finally been sold. It is no longer in the driveway and no longer taking up room! Here is to the new owner may she have LOADS of fun with it!

Song of the Day: "Paperback Writer" by The Beatles

I Don't Want To Go...!
What a beautiful day! I got out of the car and was treated to such a day. There was no spectacular view, but the sun was out. There was a nice steady breeze so the heat wasn't uncomfortable. Scattered clouds made a nice variety of sun and shade. It was the kind of day I would imagine inspired Mark Twain (I know, I know... Samuel Clemens) to write Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, George Seurat to paint "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" (I'm sure you've seen this painting) or kids to skip school.

It was a welcome change from the cold and wet weather of the past weeks. As much as I enjoy the rain and the "misbehaving weather", the change was nice. I had a spring in my step and I was feeling good. I was actually being energized by the sun, then it dawned on me... I was going to work... and I was going to be inside all day... By the time I get off work, the sun will be going down... WAH! I don't want to go...!!!!

Song of the Day: "Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days Of Summer" by Nat King Cole

What Not To Do In Class
I use a laptop in my Monday night class. Recently, the college provided wireless connections in the classrooms. So, what do I do with this free internet connection while in class?

• Look up pertinent information for the class?


• Look for references that may enrich the discussion?

NOOOOOOOO
What do I do with it? I chat with friends. I chat with another person in the class, I chat with friends from work and I also chat with a friend from church.
On one hand I'm glad that it is there for all to use. but on the other hand... I'm thinking, "This can really get out of hand!" I can really get out of hand with this thing. I spent a good deal of time talking to my friend. She is funny and has a good head on her shoulders (when she decides to use it - Sorry shorti, but I had to say it).

Song of the Day: "This Love" by Maroon 5

That's A Switch
After service every Sunday, there are usually two or three groups that go out for lunch. Not everyone can agree on where to go that's why there are usually 2-3 groups heading out in to different places. Where the groups go usually depend on the group. The families usually go to fast and "inexpensive" and basically the kids like the fast and "inexpensive"; the younger folks with the "disposable incomes" usually go to a nice sit down place and finally once in a while a third group would form, a group of adventurous souls, going to a NEW place, a new place that has caught someone's ears, nose and/or eyes.
Today, the groups made some uncharacteristic decisions. The families went to a nice sit down Thai restaurant and the younger crowd went to of all places Der Weinerschitzel's. It's not really a big deal and the "switch" happens more often than how I make it sound, I just thought it was odd.

Song of the Day: "Catch Me I'm Falling" by The Kinks

The Lie
It started out as just a couple of the guys going out for a drink. There was one drink then another and then another. It became a series of "one for the road". Stories of past glories and long forgotten friends gave way to sad reminiscence of a more exciting and therefore preferable time than "the now". Memories tarnished with drink and altered with fading recollection. Each drink adds fuel to their longing to relive the "old days", but the realities of weary bodies and tired spirits dampen the fire and results in a grim reminder that adventure is no place for the old. So, they sit and order another round, and look back with fondness of days long gone and look forward to the comfort of home and hearth.

What Really Happened

Went out with the Wongs from Cornerstone to Farmer's Market tonight. Bradley was really hungry and Burger King was not going to cut it tonight. We needed some volume.

We parked on the top floor of the parking garage, we figured that it was such a nice day that the evening's view from the top floor would be really nice. Sure enough, it was spectacular. We all took a moment to look at the Hollywood to the east. It was a nice view of the Grove from the top. Natalie couldn't get high enough, she needed an extra boost from dad.



Well, there was so many different types of food to choose from that everyone was happy with their choices. Brad even had room for dessert that he was nice enough to share with everyone. There was a lot of entertainment there. At the east pavilion where we were they had a stge set up for karaoke. The people participating were having a lot of fun which made it a lot of fun for everybody else watching. On another stage on the west pavilion a jazz band was playing. At the Grove, a rock and roll band was entertaining the crowd in the center of its pavilion. We walked around the Grove for a while. Natalie wanted to do some shopping for a present for a friend. Over all it was a lot of fun.

One hungry bradley

Song of the Day: "Soul Man" by The Blues Brothers

Am I Addicted To This?
I have been asked by a few people, "Since you post an entry every day, are you afraid of getting so hooked that... well... you get hooked?"

That's a fair question and I must admit that the thought may have crossed my mind once or twice. I am more aware of things and try to be more observant of the things around me. I tend to be more thoughtful in dealing with people and things I come across with in my "travels". If those are the by-products of my blogging then great. Still, it does not answer the question of whether or not it is becoming an addiction so I took a test.
Yes, there is a test and the question is, "Does my weblog OWN me?" Here is the result.

18.75 %

My weblog owns 18.75 % of me.
Does your weblog own you?

Song of the Day: "I'm Free" by The Rolling Stones

Extreme Ping Pong?
I was surfing through the channels this afternoon and on ESPN2 the had "The 2002 KillerSpin Extreme Table Tennis" tournament. They were just announcing the show so I had all these outrageous images of ping pong players (yes, I call it ping pong) throwing things at their opponents while hitting the ball over the net or the game being played on stilts or rollerblades.
As soon as it started... WOW! These guys playing were all over the place. They were slamming the ball so hard and fast that one player was as far as 10 feet away from the edge of the table and still returning the ball to the other side to his opponent.
As with all things, there was something about the tournament that I found amusing. They tournament was being held at the United Center Pavilion in Chicago. They had, from what I could see, around 6 tables set up on the floor and there were people in the seats... a lot of people! Now these people must be really like Table Tennis a lot to go want to watch it from that far away! I was watching it on TV and I had a hard time following the action. How in the world were those people in the "cheap seats" even see the ball shooting back and forth as fast as it was from a 100 feet and further?
As the players were introduced, they came walking out from wherever the basketball players come from underneath the arena with a lovely escort and strobe lights and smoke. I don't mean to lessen their standing as an athlete after all they are really good at what they do and they do break a lot of sweat, but come on! Smoke, lights and escorts? It's like football, boxing and basketball all wrapped up in one.
The male players were escorted by attractive ladies to the table while the female players were escorted to the table by guys from FLEX magazine or somethinlike it. These guys were huge, muscled and did I mention HUGE?
Anyway, I did enjoy the games they showed, I used to play the game quite a bit many pants sizes ago.

Song of the Day: "Spirit In The Sky" by Norman Greenbaum

All Kinds of Silly Web Fun
#1

How would you do on American Idol? by geela
Name
Age
Simon says	Screeching cats sound better
Paula says	My favorite performance
Randy says	I'm with Simon on this one
Success level	You are the World Idol!
Created with quill18's MemeGen 3.0!

#2

I am a Gauntlet Adventurer. I strive to improve my living conditions by hoarding gold, food, and sometimes keys and potions. I love adventure, fighting, and particularly winning - especially when there's a prize at stake. I occasionally get lost inside buildings and can't find the exit. I need food badly. What Video Game Character Are You?

#3

I am a Halo. I believe I am perfect. Others may not think so, but those others are wrong. What Sort of Hat Are You?

Ok, one more...

#4

A GREEN Dragon Lies Beneath!

My inner dragon is the embodiment of Nature and the Earth. I'm also the Earth Elemental dragon; the defender of all living things. You've heard of forest spirits? Well, I'm as big and tough as they get. Click the image to try the Inner Dragon Online Quiz for yourself.




Well, those were sort of fun. I was so bored at work today, not much to do. Everything that needs to be done is done and no emergencies... very rare.
She is supposed to stop by today... waiting sucks.
*this is where the waiting music starts*

Song of the Day: "Right Here, Right Now" by Jesus Jones

Look! In The Sky!
I love it when it rains. I love it after it rains.

I was on the way to my ESL class this afternoon when it started to rain hard. It was great. I guess I am one of those weirdos (that's a heck of an opening folks, take advantage!) who enjoy driving in the rain. The traffic slowed down to a crawl, but it didn't matter I was early. I was watching and listening to the rain hit the hood of my car and singing "Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain..."

By the time I got home, it was pretty late and the rain had come and gone. I was pretty tired, grumpy and HUNGRY (I guess that would explain grumpy). As I was walking up the driveway, I happened to notice that the sky was uncommonly bright so I looked up and there it was! Actually there they were! STARS! There were a few clouds and they were lit up very well, their "silver lining" was very prominent. Usually that would be more than enough, but NOOOOO! It was topped off by a spectacular STARS Show! The stars were so bright and there were so many of them! The last time I got this excited over seeing so many stars was when I took a drive out to Joshua Tree for a meteor shower. I was outside, standing in the driveway, gawking at the sky.

Oh and by the way, she stopped by today. She was tired and had 4 more hours of classes to go; she had nothing to eat since breakfast and was behind on some research; she didn't have a lot of makeup on (not that she needs a lot of makeup) and the wind and rain "messed up" her hair; AND her book bag is "this close" to falling apart.
All the while she is telling all this she was laughing and smiling as if she telling me a story of a fun day at Disneyland or some place similar. This girl is weird... cool.

God is good.

Song of the Day: "I Can See Clearly Now" by Anne Murray

The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King
Yay! The movie won every single Oscar for which it was nominated, even Best Movie. As I am a big fan of both the book and the movie, I couldn't be happier about the news. I am getting that "Jump on a horse and charge a giant elephant on steroids" feeling. Giddy up!!

Song of the Day: "Swing, Swing" by The All-American Rejects

Still Processing
Coming to work today I was still trying to process most of what I saw last night and a thought kept wanting to creep in but everytime I started to write it down it would vanish. I would try to remember and I would end up banging myself in the head in hopes of knocking it loose.
Another question that came up in the after movie discussion was "Did the movie humanize Jesus for you?"
There I guess the expected answer was yes, I say that only because of the looks I got when I said that it didn't. I would like to think that I have above average will-power and though I may have a lower threshold for certain types of pain (I and deathly afraid of needles), I can and have taken a lot of pain in my many accident and stupidity prone life. But seeing the scourging scene and reading what I've read on the history of the roman empire, I can only imagine that Mel Gibson held back in his depiction of it. Those tools did exist and they were used in those times. But I'm rambling now... The reason why I answered no to that question about whether the movie humanize Jesus for me was because I know that I would have passed out after the first 10 seconds of that beating. Just to be able to take all that and still carry a cross across town? That is so more than human. So, if that was the wrong way to feel or the wrong answer or I just didn't get it... I am going to need someone to explain to me why it should have humanized Jesus.
I really felt that this movie can be used to open doors in introducing the Word to many people. It will/has created enough controversy that it will create curiousity. I just pray that those curious enough will find someone who can open that door wider.

Song of the Day: "My Immortal" by Evanescence