Friday night, Laurie and I went with Brian and Heather to hear Rob Bell speak on his “The God’s Aren’t Angry Tour.” We weren’t entirely sure what to expect. I think Brian and I had a basic idea, he would talk – without PowerPoint, or visual aids and would be fairly good at it. I think Laurie and Heather may have had an even lesser idea of what they were going to. Heather tried to explain it to someone as a “not a conference.”
In the end I walked away curious, contemplating and amazed. Bell spoke for nearly two hours without notes, a chalk board, white board or any other visual aids other than a replica of an alter on the stage.
He dressed in plain clothes – black jeans, a black shirt, white belt and tennis shoes. And he walked onto the stage, applauded the audience and went right into his message. There was no, “Thank you Dallas.” No, “I’m so glad you’re here.” Just the message he plained to give.
Continue reading The Easy Way Out
Month: November 2007
What being rich tastes like
D Magazine blogger Sarah Eveans shares a humorous side of Starbucks in Highland Park:
This morning I stopped into Starbucks in Highland Park Village to get coffee. (I know, I know, but I really don’t go very often, and the aforementioned Trinitinis were making my head swell.) I ordered my drink, and the barista called the order back. But instead of saying, “One grande, nonfat, sugar-free vanilla latte,” he said: “One grande, nonfat Highland Park.” Apparently, this drink is so popular ’round these parts they have renamed it to make their lives easier. So, when my red cup was placed in front of me, I took the lid off and poured the steaming coffee right into the lap of the first Botoxed cougar in $700 workout clothes I saw. No, I didn’t. I drank it, and it was gooood.
Reminds me of Chris’ trip/interview to People Newspaper, D Magazine’s sister publication. He said when he walked into the office he felt like alarms were going off all around him saying, “POOR! POOR! POOR!“
Matthew steals the show
Matthew
Originally uploaded by Jonathan D. Blundell.
We enjoyed an early Thanksgiving dinner with my family today at the retirement center my grandparents and Kara and Tim live. The center provided dinner for all the residents and their families.
It became apparent as soon as the forks and knives settled that Delaina’s son Matthew was going to steal the show. It’s crazy to think that he’s a year old. One of Laurie’s first contact with my family was right after Matthew was born and he was having a minor heart murmur. With her medical experience, Laurie was able to give some advice and comfort to everyone involved. I guess it’s just hard to believe that wasn’t much longer than a year ago. (read my dad’s blog entries at the time)
I’m so thankful for my wonderful amazing life and her amazing smile, comfort, peace and love she brings with her everywhere she goes. God has been good and my love for both Him and Laurie just continues to grow every day.
My granddad and cousin Delaina
My mom, Aunt Beverly and Matthew
We’ll have more Thanksgiving fun this Thursday with Laurie’s family and then with again with my immediate family. I checked the scales last night and I’m down to 228. It may be the first time I’ve been below 230 in 5 or 6 years (if not more) – the real test will be whether I can keep dropping with all the Thanksgiving food that’s on the way.
Chuck Norris approved
I know my cousins are going to hate this… (found out today they’re not fans of my political blogging) but I had to share Mike Huckabee’s first TV ad. It’s Chuck Norris approved.
From the campaign: Continue reading Chuck Norris approved
Videos from Nigeria
Just posted the first video from the CWF trip to Nigeria. At least two more are on the way.
Wear that red dress
From StoryCorps:
Danielle and Gabrielle Hall came to StoryCorps in San Francisco to remember their mother Martha, who died of breast cancer in 2003 after fighting the disease for 14 years…
“Mom was amazing,” Gabrielle Hall said.
Danielle added, “She was determined and strong and intense and good at everything she did more than anybody else’s mom that I knew.”
“She’s still better than everybody else’s mom we know,” Gabrielle said. The sisters laughed at the thought.
Danielle remembered the time that her mother sent her a poem. It said, “If you’re having a bad day, bake a cake. And if it’s still bad, put on a red dress.”
While wearing her new red shoes to her chemo treatment, their mother Martha said, “You can’t have a bad day if you’re wearing red shoes.” Sounds like someone who definitely made the most of her situation.
What is it that always cheers you up? What is it that gets you through the rough days and prepares you to face your lion?
Well worth a listen – especially right before Thanksgiving