If you're a big fan of the Christian rock band, Third Day, then this tour is for you. However, there is a catch: You can only win tickets to these small-venue shows. I had the great honor of winning tickets to last night's kickoff tour, here in Atlanta, Georgia, at Earthlink Live.
Sparing a long post for now, my oldest son and I attended the event. It was first come, first get for the seats. My son, who is 8, ran like the wind to get seats on the front row. We were only about 3 or 4 feat away from the band.
Third Day played the first hour (?) for a live radio and Internet simulcast. What this basically means is that the crowd and band are instructed per radio time, i.e. when to cheer and when the band was to play.
The highlight of the concert (for me) came on their second song, "Come Together", when Mac Powell waved to my son. I was beaming while my son was in shock. Of course the concert as a whole was awesome!
After the performance, Third Day was very generous to stay around, sign autographs, and talk to us. I felt bad because I know they wanted to get home to their families. My son and I met and spoke with them.
Mac, David, Tai, Brad, and Mark are the nicest, most humble guys you would ever meet. We've met them twice now (I've even met David a couple of times), and they are always willing to talk and, most importantly, praise God. If I'm sounding mushy, it's because all this is true.
I'll post a more detailed evening event later with pictures.
Be at peace!
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Chicago White Sox Win World Series
I was raised a White Sox fan from my younger days.
I remember Chet Lemon and Harold Baines. We all went to see them. They gave us brief moments of excitement. And what about Harry Caray? The seventh inning stretch was a celebration. I remember Ozzie Guillen, Joey Cora, and Tim 'Rock' Raines playing their hearts out. We had high hopes for them as players.
Now all that's changed.
The White Sox are world champions thanks to Guillen, Cora, Raines (sans 'Rock'), and Baines who are the coaches responsible for keeping this team together. Yes, I said "coaches". This is the ultimate way of taking a once lackluster team and making them champions. They created a bond so strong that no adversary could break.
Our hopes have been resurrected not by the players of the past, but of the coaches of the future. Cheers to you, the coaches, players, staff, and loyal fans of the Chicago White Sox. May this memory linger forever.
I remember Chet Lemon and Harold Baines. We all went to see them. They gave us brief moments of excitement. And what about Harry Caray? The seventh inning stretch was a celebration. I remember Ozzie Guillen, Joey Cora, and Tim 'Rock' Raines playing their hearts out. We had high hopes for them as players.
Now all that's changed.
The White Sox are world champions thanks to Guillen, Cora, Raines (sans 'Rock'), and Baines who are the coaches responsible for keeping this team together. Yes, I said "coaches". This is the ultimate way of taking a once lackluster team and making them champions. They created a bond so strong that no adversary could break.
Our hopes have been resurrected not by the players of the past, but of the coaches of the future. Cheers to you, the coaches, players, staff, and loyal fans of the Chicago White Sox. May this memory linger forever.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
We're Skeptics
While having dinner with my best friend from high school, I noticed the amount of skepticism coming from our mouths. We were skeptical on:
* Society
* Politics
* Foreigners
* Education
* Government
* Coffee
* Christianity
Why?
Because we’ve allowed ourselves to become this way. Even as Christians, we’ve become skeptical of each other. For instance, put a liberal and conservative Christian in the same room and skepticism will abound. Trust is thrown out the window. It’s even more evident on Internet blogs. Look at the interaction between liberal and conservative Christians. Instead of thoughtful and provocative dialogue, you get angry diatribe.
Have you walked into a different church lately? Sure, many of them have greeting teams or ushers who welcome you. But, we’re skeptical of them. We wonder if these folks are authentic believers or putting on a nice performance. Worse, you join a particular church and find out later they’re not authentic. More skepticism.
At probably no other time in history has it become increasingly difficult to build relationships among Christians. We’ve turned to email and instant messaging to build relationships, rather than heart-to-heart conversations over the phone or in person. We’re too worried about the minutes on our cell phones instead of our relationships. We’ve lost the art of friendships.
I once heard Andy Stanley, pastor of North Point Community Church, say that he already has enough friends and doesn’t want any more. Instead, he suggested “small groups” as a way to make friends. Wow! Now there’s an idea. Can I get a refill on my cup of “skepticism” please?
How do we stop being so skeptical of one another? Be merciful and offer grace. Sure, we can’t have a million close friends and we may not necessarily agree with each other, but we can show God’s mercy and grace as He did for us through his Son, Jesus Christ.
* Society
* Politics
* Foreigners
* Education
* Government
* Coffee
* Christianity
Why?
Because we’ve allowed ourselves to become this way. Even as Christians, we’ve become skeptical of each other. For instance, put a liberal and conservative Christian in the same room and skepticism will abound. Trust is thrown out the window. It’s even more evident on Internet blogs. Look at the interaction between liberal and conservative Christians. Instead of thoughtful and provocative dialogue, you get angry diatribe.
Have you walked into a different church lately? Sure, many of them have greeting teams or ushers who welcome you. But, we’re skeptical of them. We wonder if these folks are authentic believers or putting on a nice performance. Worse, you join a particular church and find out later they’re not authentic. More skepticism.
At probably no other time in history has it become increasingly difficult to build relationships among Christians. We’ve turned to email and instant messaging to build relationships, rather than heart-to-heart conversations over the phone or in person. We’re too worried about the minutes on our cell phones instead of our relationships. We’ve lost the art of friendships.
I once heard Andy Stanley, pastor of North Point Community Church, say that he already has enough friends and doesn’t want any more. Instead, he suggested “small groups” as a way to make friends. Wow! Now there’s an idea. Can I get a refill on my cup of “skepticism” please?
How do we stop being so skeptical of one another? Be merciful and offer grace. Sure, we can’t have a million close friends and we may not necessarily agree with each other, but we can show God’s mercy and grace as He did for us through his Son, Jesus Christ.
Monday, October 24, 2005
What Women Really Want?
From FoxNews...Ubersexuals Leaving Metrosexuals at the Spa
I didn't even know the term, 'metrosexual', was even a word until a co-worker explained it to me. I still don't know if I fully understand the word. I mean, outside being a swimmer and competitive bodybuilder, why would a guy shave his chest in the first place? No hot blooded Irishmen I know shave their chests!
This article takes the viewpoint that women don't want a guy who's full of himself. No, they want a man who takes out the garbage, without complaining, and washes dishes, without being told to. I vacuum and do the laundry (hint: Don't mix reds with the whites. I've never done this, but my father has. It's not pretty.). I've been doing it for years. Now women want this in their man, plus love and stability. Good for them. Hopefully, this time, they'll remain this way.
I didn't even know the term, 'metrosexual', was even a word until a co-worker explained it to me. I still don't know if I fully understand the word. I mean, outside being a swimmer and competitive bodybuilder, why would a guy shave his chest in the first place? No hot blooded Irishmen I know shave their chests!
This article takes the viewpoint that women don't want a guy who's full of himself. No, they want a man who takes out the garbage, without complaining, and washes dishes, without being told to. I vacuum and do the laundry (hint: Don't mix reds with the whites. I've never done this, but my father has. It's not pretty.). I've been doing it for years. Now women want this in their man, plus love and stability. Good for them. Hopefully, this time, they'll remain this way.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Typical Political Garbage
From CNN...'Cheeseburger bill' puts bite on lawsuits
If you were to look at the issue of frivolous lawsuits altogether, then Congress and the Senate should do their best to prevent them.
Why?
'Cause it seems Americans today don't have common sense anymore. Take for instance this so-called, 'Cheeseburger bill'. Really, if you believe that you can't get fat, while eating large amounts of any fast food with no exercise, then you need to see a psychologist immediately.
Is this bill a necessity? No, but therein lies the point. Many, if not most, Americans have become gluttons to the idol of the fast food joint. Americans blame the fast food joint for their fat, unhealthy bodies instead of themselves. Just look at this quote from Rep. Bob Filner - D. California:
"Congress has allowed the need of big corporations before the need of our children,"
Are we not accountable and responsible for what we put in our mouths? We shouldn't blame ourselves for clogging our own arteries?
Duh!
And please don't give me this, "But what about the poor who can't afford a better meal?" Last I looked, it is still cheaper to cook a decent meal, for a family of four, than serve them fast food garbage. Take the time to become a smart shopper.
Parents please take my advice: It's never too late to begin teaching your children healthy eating habits. Start now before their health is jeopardized.
P.S. This isn't a Democrat/Republican or liberal/conservative issue. This is an issue of common sense and putting the blame on ourselves, not big corporations or politicians. They don't have to raise our children. We do.
If you were to look at the issue of frivolous lawsuits altogether, then Congress and the Senate should do their best to prevent them.
Why?
'Cause it seems Americans today don't have common sense anymore. Take for instance this so-called, 'Cheeseburger bill'. Really, if you believe that you can't get fat, while eating large amounts of any fast food with no exercise, then you need to see a psychologist immediately.
Is this bill a necessity? No, but therein lies the point. Many, if not most, Americans have become gluttons to the idol of the fast food joint. Americans blame the fast food joint for their fat, unhealthy bodies instead of themselves. Just look at this quote from Rep. Bob Filner - D. California:
"Congress has allowed the need of big corporations before the need of our children,"
Are we not accountable and responsible for what we put in our mouths? We shouldn't blame ourselves for clogging our own arteries?
Duh!
And please don't give me this, "But what about the poor who can't afford a better meal?" Last I looked, it is still cheaper to cook a decent meal, for a family of four, than serve them fast food garbage. Take the time to become a smart shopper.
Parents please take my advice: It's never too late to begin teaching your children healthy eating habits. Start now before their health is jeopardized.
P.S. This isn't a Democrat/Republican or liberal/conservative issue. This is an issue of common sense and putting the blame on ourselves, not big corporations or politicians. They don't have to raise our children. We do.
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