Something inside me wishes this was photoshoped

But no, it's real



I know it's the right thing to do, but something about it seems so wrong. And even know I am a die-hard Cubby fan, I still have to root for the south siders this weekend. It will be cool if they win. I doubt I will watch a game, but I'll still be rooting for them. It does hurt a little that they made it back quicker then the Cubs though.

Sneak Peak of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe

There was a preview of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe at Wheaton Bible Church today. Most of us were disappointed with the amount of the film that was shown, but there was plenty of other stuff that made it worth being there for two hours.

One of those things was right as you walked into to lobby of the church. There were props from the movie displayed around. Here's a few photos of some of the cooler stuff they displayed. They were taken with my cell phone camera, which does, as you can tell, suck. You may click the photos for a larger version if you witch, I mean wish...

Armor of the Armies of Narnia:



Fawn in Armor for battle


The White Witch's Turkish Delights Box
It was much more shiny in person. No flash on my cell phone.


The White Witch's Chalice


Miniature Minotaur and Some Weapons


Very Cool (and kind of scary) Goblin Mask



The presentation itself had its moments of boredom, with some moments that were just so great it made it all worth it. They opened things up with a showing of the trailer that has been around for months now. The out came the people who talked and talked about how the Christian community could help promote it. There was also someone from Disney who showed a few slides from the movie.

After a bit they introduced Steven Curtis Chapman. He said a few words about how he found Narnia later in life and how he and his son co-wrote the song from the Narnia soundtrack. Then he sang "Remembering You" from the soundtrack of the movie. It was a pretty nice version with just him and his guitar. Steven also did a song from his new Christmas recording that was also pretty good.

We were also treated to hearing a bit from C.S. Lewis' stepson, Douglas Gresham. It was really a treat to hear some of his memories of his stepfather. It was pretty amusing to hear how he was disappointed the first time he met "Jack" (C.S. Lewis deciced as a child he didn't like the name Clive and insisted everyone call him Jack). Douglas looked like a charicter out of a Lewis book himself, with his vest and big old boots. The picture isn't the greatest, but it gives you an idea of what he looked like.

Eventually, they did get around to showing us a pretty cool 10 minute clip from the movie. And I do have to say, it does look pretty darn cool. The clip started off showing London being bombed with the children being rushed off to a bomb shelter by their mother. Next they are being put on a train out to the country so they are out of danger from the bombings, and brought to the home of the professor. After there it was a montage of many scenes. We see Mr. Tumnus and Mr. and Mrs Beaver. Both Tumnus and the Beavers look great. We see a bit of Asland. Asland is being voiced by Liam Neeson, and I couldn't help but think "is this what happens to Jedi's when they die?" The big battle between the White Witches Armies and the forces of Asland look great. They mentioned there are over 50 different races of creatures in that battle. The movie looks great. And hopefully I'll be there to see it when it comes out Dec 9th.

Happy Birthday

There is one person who is responable for probley about 25% of my 500 hits on this page, and it's her birthday today. So Happy Birthday Mom. Hope life is treating you well.

The Race

There is a poem I like to read when things are tough. The first time I heard it had to be over 10 years ago at a young adult group I use to go too. I had a bad Xerox of it for a while, then it got lost. Then back when I worked at SBC they gave us they little motivational book, which included the much loved poem in it! I think I may have let a little squeaks of joy when I saw it in there. Reading it always puts a little wind in my sails. I thought I would share it with all four of you that read this blog.

They all lined up so full of hope,
Each thought to win the race,
Or tie for first, or if not that,
At least take second place.

And fathers watched from off the side,
Each cheering for his son;
And each boy hoped to show his dad
That he would be the one.

The whistle blew, and off they went,
Young hearts and hopes afire,
To win, to be the hero there
Was each young boy’s desire.

And one boy in particular
Whose dad was in the crowd,
Was running in the lead and thought,
My dad will be so proud.

But as they sped down the field
Across a shallow dip,
The little boy who thought to win,
Lost his step and slipped.

Trying hard to catch himself,
His hands flew out in brace,
And mid the laughter of the crowd,
He fell flat on his face.

So down he fell and with him hope,
He couldn’t win, not now;
Embarrassed, sad, he only wished
To disappear somehow.

But as he fell his dad stood up,
And showed his anxious face;
Which to the boy so clearly said;
Get up and win the race.

He quickly rose, no damage done
A bit behind that’s all:
And ran with all his might and mind
To make up for his fall.

So anxious to restore himself,
To catch up, to win,
His mind went faster then his legs,
He slipped and fell again.

He wished then he had quit before,
With only one disgrace;
I’m hopeless as a runner now,
I shouldn’t try to race.

But in the laughing crowd he searched,
And found his father’s face,
That steady look that said again,
Get up and win the race.

So up he jumped to try again,
Ten yards behind the last;
If I’m going to gain those yards
I’ve gotta move real fast

Exerting everything he had,
He regained eight or ten;
But trying so hard to catch the lead
He slipped and fell again.

Defeat; he lay there silently
A tear dropped from his eye;
There’s no sense in running anymore
Three strikes I’m out, why try.

The will to rise had disappeared
All hope had fled away;
So far behind, so error prone
I’ll never go all the way.
     
I’ve lost- so what’s the use he though,
I’ll live with my disgrace;
But then he thought about his dad
Who soon he’d have to face.

Get up- an echo sounded low,
Get up and take your place;
You were not meant for failure here,
Get up and win the race.

With borrowed will, get up it said,
You haven’t lost at all
For winning is not more then this
To rise each time you fall

So up he rose to run once more,
And a new commit;
He resolved that win or lose the race,
At least he wouldn’t quit

Three times he’d fallen, stumbling,
Three times he rose again;
Now he gave it all he had,
And ran as thought to win

They cheered the winning runner
As he crossed the line, first place;
Head high and prud and happy,
No falling, no failing, no disgrace

But when the fallen youngster
Crossed the line last place,
The crowd gave him the greater cheer
For finishing the race.

And even though he came in last
With head bowed low unproud,
You would have thought he won the race
To listen to the crowd.

And to his dad, he sadly said,
I didn’t do so well;
To me you won, his father said,
You rose each time you fell.

And now when things seem dark
And hard and difficult to face,
The memory of that little boy
Helps me in my race.

For all of life is like that race
With ups and downs and all,
And all you have to do to win
Is rise each time you fall.

Life's Ups and Downs

Such a crazy weekend!

My plans to go to Indy this weekend got screwed up when my job insisted I work on Sunday. But luckily Amy decided to come up here and see me. Then Saturday work gave me my paperwork to get my insurance started, and I decided to do what I thought was the right thing and tell them that I accepted another position somewhere and I would be leaving in a month. I just didn't want them to go through paying for my insurance when I was going to quit two weeks after it started. Well, my "right thing" led them to letting me go an hour later.


But even with that happening, I can't seem to think this was a bad weekend. I got to spend more time with Amy. And that's always a good thing. And even with the craziness of this weekend, it was great. She is great. It seems kind of crazy to be thinking of someone as much as I do of her, and as highly as I do of her. But I do. And being with her in the mist of this craziness made a world of difference. She pushes me and challenges me to grow. She believes I can do it. She makes me laugh and smile. I don't think I can do her justice in a few words on here, but trust me when I say I am a lucky guy.

We finally took a couple photos of us together this weekend. The first one is outside my apartment building after church. I look like a robot or bored in that one, but the girl next to me is pretty darn cute. And then Amy took the next one while we were sitting on my couch.

Not What You Want To Read About The Place You Dined At Last Week

Roaches force closing of popular eatery

Tribune staff reports
Published September 13, 2005, 8:33 AM CDT

Dick's Last Resort, a popular Streeterville restaurant that cheekily calls itself the "Shame of Chicago" on its menu, was ordered temporarily closed this week after public health inspectors allegedly found cockroaches in the kitchen, WGN-Ch. 9 reported.

Food also allegedly was found stored at unsafe temperatures, and mold was discovered growing in an ice machine in the restaurant at 435 E. Illinois St., Chicago Department of Public Health officials said.

Dick's will remain closed until it corrects the problems and is re-inspected and found in compliance with city codes, WGN reported.

Amy and I dinned here last week before we took our boat tour downtown. My salad was good, but I'm really glad we didn't get sick now. Although when I told Amy this she did remind me that her mudslide was the worst she ever had. It must have been the mold.....

Who Is He To You?

I heard this at a young adult retreat a few years ago, and I'm still quite found of it, so I thought I would share it will you all (or should that be y'all).

Let us call the roll of some of the professions:
To artists, He is the One altogether lovely.
To architects, He is the Chief Cornerstone.
To physicians, He is the Great Physician.
To preachers, He is the Word of God.
To philosophers, He is the Wisdom of God.
To the dying, He is the Resurrection and the Life.
To geologists, He is the Rock of ages.
To farmers, He is the Lord of the harvest.
To professors, He is the Master Teacher.
To prodigals, He is the forgiving Father.
To the lost sheep, He is the Good Shepherd.
To thirsty souls, He is the Water of life.
To the hungry, He is the Bread of life.
To philanthropists, He is God's Unspeakable Gift.
Nineteen centuries after His sojourn on earth, His shadow is larger and
growing larger than ever before. No one can measure His height or His
influence.

(Herbert Gabhart in a message given at the Union University in Jackson, TN, January 1952 as cited in The Book of Jesus, Calvin Miller, ed., p. 43).

The Chicagoist

I changed up the links in the sidebar a bit tonight, and I added a few new one, including my new favorite The Chicagoist. It has all kind of fun little chicago happenings and stories and I enjoyed reading it's stories. It's part of a serise of sites including The Gothamist (but who would want to read about NYC? I mean if it was so cool, the would have made Gotham City based on NY and not Chicago in the new Christian Bale movie, Right?!?), The Londonist, The Seattlest, The Shanghaist amd my favorite sounding one, The Austinist (becasue it sounds like the awesomist).

New Look!

So you pulled up this site and now you are thinking, "Patrick, Whatever did you do to your site? It use to be boring, but nice. Now it's kind of a train wreck."

I'm playing around with the layout and colors of the page a bit. I had been using just the old Template that blogger gives you, and wanted to make it something that is just my own. So you may see some changes in the color and the layout over the next few days as I have time to play.

Please leave me a comment with any suggestions on colors, layouts, or whatever else pops into your brains. Feedback is most welcome.

You might have noticed I haven't been around...

Sorry it's been a little while since I wrote an update on this old blog of mine. I started to write a little review of a Chris Rice concert that I attended at my church a couple of weeks ago, but never finished it. The time hasn't been there.

Trying to find the time to write lately has been hard. There is work and driving back and forth to work (Ug commuting!), Church things (Sunday mornings- Small groups preparations, ect). But I just finished a wonderful weekend with my favorite distraction, Amy. A wonderful woman from Indianapolis that I have been having the greatest time getting to know for the past couple of months.

Amy came up to Chicago this weekend, and it was great touring around Chicago over the weekend acting like a tourist. Went up on the Sears Tower for the first time since I was in grade school, and for the first time ever at night, saw the city by boat on the Chicago River, dined at Hard Rock Cafe and Dick's Last Resort, walked along the lake-front, and learned that Chicago had a Tiffany's. Somewhere in there we also squeezed in a VERY bad David Cassidy concert, but we greatly enjoyed sitting in the back and making fun of his awesome badness. Thankfully the township that was sponsoring the performance ended it with one of the best Firework shows I have seen in the burbs in a while (The photo above is not from this weekend, but a photo I took on the 4th). Of course, none of these things would have been 1/2 as fun without the company I had for the weekend. It will be tough waiting until I get to see Amy again, but at least I have something to look forward to soon.

Short update:

Life is good. I am happy. Bummed I missed my family reunion this weekend due to my messing up the dates, but still had a great weekend.

Short and sweet today.

Give me my props!

My pal Heidi (link to the right of the screen) gave me some kind words on her blog a few days ago.

Heidi- You didn't need to say anything. But thanks.

Never know- I may need your encourgement soon. ;)

And we are off

Using a vacation day yestdsday, I began my job hunt, and was offered a job I'll be begining in about 2 hours or so. Thanks all that prayed. I'll give you more details later.

Time to pound the pavement again..... *sigh*

I thought going to work for a company that had been around for 130 odd years would be safe, but today Rhodes Furinture, the parent company of John M Smyth Homemakers, annouced they are closing 15 stores- including all 5 in the greater Chicago area. So- once again, I am updating my resume and getting ready for the job hunt again! joy. So I ask you all to lift me up in prayer.

1) Pray for me as I am homemakers, as it may become a depressing place to be. I am the only Chistian in my office, so pray that I will be salt and light in the dark time for all of us.

2) Pray the I will find something else quickly. We are still running the store as normal for the rest of the month, but August 1st the liquddater will be in change, and should be staying open for 60-120 days. It would be nice to have a job before then.

Thanks everyone. Talk to you soon

Love Life

No, this is not a post about the train wreck that is my history of romantic entanglements, but rather my rediscovery a couple of days ago at a used CD store of one of my favorite albums that I had not been able to listen to in years: Charlie Peacock's "Love Life."

I have not heard this album in close to 10 years. The last time I owned it was before I was homeless, so it has been quite a while since I had heard it. I was a bit worried it would not live up to my memories, but I need not have worried. It was as great as I remembered it. The orginal cylpiso influnced "In The Light is still way way better then the more well know DC Talk version. A have spend quite a few hours reenjoying this one of the past few days.

Down Time

I just thought I would let the four of you that read this not to expect to see much in the way of posting for the next week or two. According to the geeks at Best Buy, my motherboard has blown its compresser, so it has a hard time staying on for more then a few minutes at a time. It gets a bit aggravating to spend 10 minutes working on a post, only to have your computer crash and lose everything. I should be replacing it in the next week or two. So if you want to know whats going on in my life for the next week or two- you may have to give me a call.

Round Round Get Around I Get Around- Yeah!

I received this photo in the mail from some friends of mine (an older couple from my church that I housesat and stayed with for a couple of months last summer). The note with it said:
"Hi Patrick- We saw this "mock-up" of an old hotel near Tulenstown, New Zealand & thought of you. Enjoy!"

Its too small to see on the above photo- so here is a close up of why they thought of me.... ------>

<------ I guess this gives me the excuse to post this photo as well. This was about 6 months ago, I was driving to work, looked over to the side and saw a van driving by with my name on it. The camera phone was a new toy at that time, So I pulled it out and took a quick photo. It's an odd way to begin you day, seeing yourself pass you by.

Link-a-rama!

Here's some of the ways I have been wasting my time online these past couple of months: Beware Of Darth Tom!

A fun little site :Montage-a-google.
And the fun game they made from it: Guess-the-google

And the best way to waste your work day: Kitten Cannon

clean shaven

Yesterday I deciced to shave off the goatee. If you have known me a while- this most likely will not shock you- since I do it every now and then. but if you have never seen, here it is.

Edit to add: I just got IMed by a friend who read this and wanted to know where the update on the trip to Texas, and why I have waited so long to let her know what happened! Short story: The trip was fun, the Tina and I are just meant to be friends.

ohhhh- picture!

Had my picture taken for the church directory a couple weeks back. This is the photo. I really don't like it much. I look tired and I should have kept my tie on. Oh well.

Bulletpoint Updates

It's been a long weekend, but since I am still up I thought I would give you all some bulletpoints on the last week and half of my life.

• Just a little less the two weeks until I go to Texas! I'm really looking forward to meeting Tina face to face. I mention this first because last week Tina minorlly scolded me for leaving her last, and I would hate to anger anyone with the prankester spirit she has.
  

• My first month on the new job and I hit my sales quota (a goal they don't expect you to hit for three months) so I'm pretty happy. This month I will have to do it without a busy holiday weekend to boost me up at the end of the month thought. I hope I can do it. Overall I would still say I am liking the new job, although I do miss being able to spend time at church on Sunday (I have to run out early to get to work) and I miss the big lunches with the whole gang after church on Sunday after church. It was a nice easy way to catch up with everyone. I need to make more of an effort to do it now, and there are a couple of people falling through the cracks. I need to put more effort into staying connected with them.

• Would you believe I am going to Texas one week from Wenesday?!? I hope my TPing skills are up to snuff!

• The new small group we started up at church is going great. I really have high hopes for what the summer will bring, and I hope it continues into the fall. I would love to tell you more about it, but as the saying goes "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!"

That's all I can think to tell you about right now. Besides the fact that I am going to bed. Good night!

Where have I been?

Sorry its been a bit since I gave a real post on this thing. It's been a bit of a nutty month, and I have three reasons (or more likely- they are excuses.) Here they are in no order of importance.

REASON #1: Computer problems. I have actually attempted to post once or twice, but my computer has been playing this game with me. It likes to turn itself off when I am in the middle of writings Bible studies, having conversations with friends, or making a post onto my blog.

REASON #2: I started a new job, and I no longer have spare hours every day to devote to posting my random thought. The job is going well. Overall, I would say I am enjoying it, although I am not crazy about working every weekend. But the money is nice to have.

REASON #3: I have begun pursuing this girl from Texas. I'm actually going down there to meet here. Her name is Tina and she is really quite amazing. Why she likes me I haven't quite figured out yet, but I'm looking forward to our face to face meeting next month. She is a seminary student with quite the sense of humor. She has a blog of her own that you can check out if you want.

Well, that catches you up a bit. I'll try not to stay away so long next time.

165 Things You Probably Don't Know About Me

Bold anything that applies to you.

001. I miss somebody right now.
002. I watch more TV than I used to.
003. I love olives.
004. I love sleeping.
005. I own a home.
006. I wear glasses/contact lenses. (all the cool kids do!)
007. I love to play video games. (love may be a bit strong a term. Certian games though)
008. I've done something illegal. (I am a known traffic mennes)
009. I've watched porn movies. (It was my B.C days. I was still in high school, maybe even Jr. high. My dad had them around the house, and a couple of friends wanted to see them, so we watched them. I thought they were gross.)
010. I have been in a threesome.
011. I have been the psycho-ex in a past relationship.
012. I like my handwriting.
013. I have acne-free skin.
014. I like and respect Al Sharpton.
015. I curse frequently.
016. I have changed a lot mentally over the last year.
017. I have a hobby.
018. I've been to another country.
019. I carry my knife/razor/whip/whatever weapon you want here everywhere with me.
020. I'm really, really smart. (I would settle for just really smart ;) )
021. I've never broken anyone else's bones.
022. I have a secret that I am ashamed to reveal. (But its not about me)
023. I love rain. (Nothing like watching a powerful thunderstom while sitting on a porch)
024. I'm paranoid at times.
025. I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free. (You would think with how insacure I am about my looks I would, but I would feel like I wasn't me. Kind of like the one time I tried to dye the grey out of my hair)
026. I need money right now.
027. I love sushi.
028. I talk really, really fast sometimes.
029. I have fresh breath in the morning.
030. I have semi-long hair.
031. I have lost money in Las Vegas.
032. I have at least one brother and/or sister.
033. I was born in a country outside of the U.S.
034. I shave my legs.
035. I have a twin.
037. I couldn't survive without Caller I.D.(But I do like it)
038. I like the way that I look.
039. I have lied to a good friend in the past 6 months.
040. I know how to do cornrows.
041. I am usually pessimistic.
042. I have mood swings. (Sometimes when I overannalize things)
043. I think prostitution should be legalized.
044. I think Britney Spears is pretty.
045. I have cheated on a significant other.
046. I have a hidden talent.
047. I'm always hyper no matter how much sugar I have. (close enough)
048. I've been sexually intimate with less than ten people.
049. I am currently single.
050. I have kissed someone of the same sex.
051. I enjoy talking on the phone.
052. I practically live in sweatpants or PJ pants.
053. I love to shop. (yeah- I'm weird)
054. I would rather shop than eat. (i like to shop, but I'm not crazy!)
055. I would classify myself as ghetto.
056. I'm bourgeoisie and have worn a sweater tied around my shoulders.
057. I'm obsessed with my blog.
058. I don't hate anyone.
059. I'm a pretty good dancer. (Doesn't stop me from trying though!)
060. I don't think Mike Tyson raped Desiree Washington.
061. I'm completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother. (Depends on when you ask me)
062. I have a cell phone.
063. I watch MTV on a daily basis.
065. I have passed out drunk in the past 6 months. (Try never)
067. I have never been in a real relationship before.
068. I've rejected someone before.
069. I currently have a crush on someone.
070. I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life.
071. I want to have children in the future.
072. I have changed a diaper before.
073. I've had the cops called on me before. (Loud music)
074. I bite my nails.
075. I am a member of the Tom Green fan club.
076. I'm not allergic to anything. (I use have them really bad as a kid, buyt i grew out of them)
077. I have a lot to learn.
078. I have dated someone at least 10 years older or younger.
079. I plan on seeing Ice Cube's newest "Friday" movie.
080. I am very shy around the opposite sex.
081. I'm online 24/7, even as an away message.
082. I have at least 5 away messages saved.
083. I have been rejected by someone.
084. I have made a move on a friend's significant other in the past.
085. I own the "South Park" movie.
086. I have blown off work to have some fun.
087. When I was a kid I played "the birds and the bees" with a neighbor or chum.
088. I enjoy country music.
089. I love my best friend(s). (does anyone have best friends they hate?)
090. I think that Pizza Hut has the best pizza. (If you live in Chicago you know this is not true)
091. I watch soap operas whenever I can.
092. I'm obsessive, anal retentive, and often a perfectionist.
093. I have used my sexuality to advance my career.
094. I love Michael Jackson, scandals and all.
095. I know all the words to Slick Rick's "Children's Story".
096. Halloween is awesome!
097. I watch Spongebob Squarepants and I like it. (well, I'm not crazy about Patrick the Starfish, but its still pretty funny)
098. I have dated a close friend's ex.
099. I'm happy as of this moment.
100. I have gone scuba diving.
101. Had a crush on somebody I had never met. (You can change that to "has" a crush)
102. I've kissed someone I knew I shouldn't.
103. I play a musical instrument.
104. I strongly dislike math.
105. I'm procrastinating on something right now.
106. I own and use a library card.
107. I fall in "lust" more than in "love."
108. Cheese enchiladas rock my socks. (they are good- but not "rock my socks good)
109. I think The Lord of the Rings is one of the greatest movies/books ever.
110. I'm obsessed with the TV show “The O.C.”
111. I am resentful that I have to grow up.
112. I am an entirely different person around different people.
113. I think the world would be a better place if people just smiled more often.
114. I think ramen is one of the best foods in the whole world.
115. I am suffering of a broken heart.
116. I am a nerd. (can I double bold this one???)
117. No matter where I am or who I'm with, I always seem to be lonely.
118. I am left handed and proud of it.
119. I try not to change who I am for someone.
120. My heart resides below my feet.
121. I have dated someone longer than 6months.
122. I enjoy smoothies.
123. I have had major surgery.
124. I have adopted a pet from the ASPCA.
125. I am listening to Radiohead right now.
126. Some people call me by a nickname.
127. I once stole something. (yeah- sorry to say I have)
128. I like pumpkin pie.
129. I love NASCAR!
130. I own over 200 CDs. (maybe not anymore- I just sold a bunch)
131. I work 7 days a week.
132. I have had mono.
132. I don't have the ability to make decisions without changing my mind. (but sometimes I have doubts)
133. People tell me I have a horrible sense of humor.
134. I'm still in my PJs. (It's 7:20 PM- so I hope not)
135. I'm looking for love in all the wrong places. (I'm hoping I'm looking in the right places)
136. I have a tendency to fall for the wrong boys, or have them fall for me, so I can't help but reciprocate. ( I don't fall for boys, but most of the girls I have dated were girls that could have been the right one. Only one that was not right)
137. I'll try anything three times. (One time)
138. Done drugs other than alcohol or cannabis. (never done the pot either)
139. I'm having trouble sleeping.
140. I am a cuddler.
141. I love John Waters films.
142. I have made a pornographic videotape.
143. Sloth is my favorite deadly sin.
144. One of my boobs is bigger than the other.
145. I know all the words to the "Firefly" theme song. (see #116)
146. I love Dr. Pepper
147. I'm a programmer.
148. I can't explain why I'm unhappy at times.
149. I own and have read all of the Harry Potter books. (own the first three, but have read none of them)
150. I like to smell my own hair.(that would be really hard)
151. I carry a book with me almost everywhere I go. (At the very least I have my Pocket ESV Bible)
152. I have an eating disorder.
153. I have flown to a different country to see a band.
154. Been hospitalized for "mental issues".
155. I have survived totaling a car I was driving.
156. I am addicted to a Manga/anime.
157. Somehow I always seem to get myself into trouble.
158. I have dated someone for longer than 5 years.
159. I have been hit by flying Eric Szmanda spittle.
160. I have lived in three different countries.
161. I have tattoos.
162. I have lost someone I cared about deeply.
163. I've filled out an obscenely long quiz.
164. I am not human until I have had some form of caffiene.
165. I can't use can openers.

Patrick Gaffney A-Z

A - Age you got your first kiss: 15
B - Band listening to right now: Playing a song that was sent to me tonight by the person in the next letter,(Hi there!) a really cool arrangement of "Ancient of Days"
C - Crush: Tina (Hi there!)
D - Dad's name: Patrick

E - Easiest person to talk to: Lately- it's letter C (Hi There!)

F - Favorite Bands at the Moment: Been listening to some of the old favs lately- Charlie Peacock, Steve Taylor, Keith Green.
G- Gummy Bears or Gummy Worms: Gummy Bears. Not a big sour fan
H - Hometown: Elk Grove Village, IL
I - Instruments: Sound board
J - Jam or Jelly: Peanut Butter
K - Kids: None
L - Longest Car Ride Ever: Chicago to St Louis
M - Mom's name: Valerie
N - Nicknames: Trick, Gaffer, Groovy, and my newest seems to be "sunshine" (Hi there!)
O - One Wish: To visit Texas (Hi there!)

P - Phobias: I don't know if its a phobia, but I hate to drive over bridges.
Q - Quotes: If that is the worst thing to happen to me today, today will be a pretty good day
R - Reason to Smile: well, there is this girl.. (Hi there!)

S - Song you last sang: I was singing along to the radio at work, but I dont remember what the song was.

T - Time you woke up today: about 7ish
U - Unknown Fact About Me: If I told you, it wouldn't be unknown.

V - Vegetable you hate: Big veggie fan! I cannt think of one now.

W - Worst Habits: Putting myself down
X - X-rays you've had: they did it last time i was a the docote a couple of years ago, but it was just a check up

Y - Yummy Food: Big juicy cheeseburger!
Z - Zodiac Sign: Whatever Dec 13th is

What Kind Of American English Do You Speak?

Your Linguistic Profile:

75% General American English

15% Upper Midwestern

5% Midwestern

5% Yankee

0% Dixie

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

Give it a ry and post what you re here. Concidering I am in the Chicago area, and lived her my whole life, the results are not that suprising!

The Pope And Forgivness

With the Pope's passing the weekend, I was reminded the of when he forgave the man who shot him years ago. Steve Taylor wrote a song about it, and I'm going to post it on here today. I've upleaded the song on herre too, so if you click the following link, you should be able to hear it, or just read the words if you want. It's a bit 80's sounding, but hey, it's from the 80's so I guess that's okay. It's still a song I like from one of my all time favorite artist. (You can read more about the Pope forgiving the man who shot his here as well.

Download 04_to_forgive.wma

I saw a man
He was holding the hand
That had fired a gun at his heart
Oh, will we live
To forgive?

I saw the eyes
And the look of surprise
As he left an indelible mark
Oh, will we live
To forgive?

Come...
Find release
Go...
Make your peace

Follow his lead
Let the madness recede
When we shatter the cycle of pain
Oh, we will live
To forgive

Come...
Find release
Go...
Make your peace

I saw a man
With a hole in His hand
Who could offer the miracle cure
Oh, He said live
I forgive

Oh, He said live
To forgive

Forgiveness

Over on Monday Morning Insight yesterday, they made a post that has the roll of Christians in forgiveness so wrong, I just feel like I need to talk about it a bit.

I'm going to start off quoting the article a bit, then responding to what he said.

The author says: The critical question that needs to be answered here is, “how does God forgive us?” Let’s answer this question in two ways. First, how does God forgive us as Christians, His children, those born-again? The answer is found in 1 John 1:9. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Is God willing to enter into full fellowship with us in our daily lives when we refuse to acknowledge our sins against Him? According to this verse, the answer is no. God’s forgiveness toward us in our walk with Him, those who are destined to spend eternity with Him, occurs only when we acknowledge our sins. Until then, His sweet fellowship in our daily lives is withheld.

This paints of a picture of God, sitting up in heaven, arms crossed, pounting, and saying "well, I'm not going to forgive them unless they say they are sorry first. This is not the Christ I have read in the scripture. The God of the bible activity pursues his people. He doesn't wait for us, but rather, while we are still sinners, he came to us and offered his life for our forgiveness.

The author adds "Second, how does God forgive those who have never entered into a relationship with Him?" I also think the author misses the point when he says Gos is not willing to enter into fellowship with us unless we repent. God greatly desires a relationship with us. The problem is we don't desire a relationship with him. God isn't with-holding his fellowship. Its we, the people, that refuse to enter into fellowship with him.

For example, let's say I have done something against you. I did something that caused you pain and has severed our relationship. We want nothing to do with each other. Now somewhere down the road, something moves in your heart and you forgive me, but I am still mad and don't accept your forgiveness. "I don't need your forgiveness! Why would you forgive me. I still hate you. " Even thought you have forgiven me, our relationship is still severed because I have not accepted your forgiveness.

This is very similar to how things are between God and us. He has forgiven us, but we cannot be in fellowship unless we accept that forgiveness, repent of our own wrong behaviors (sins), and then our relationship is restored with God. It's not about our repentance. That's not what says us. Its us accepting the forgiveness that has already been offered to us.

I'm not saying we do not need to repent. But that is what comes after forgiveness. Not before. A couple of weeks ago I talked about the movie "Beyond the Gates of Splendor". What if Elizabeth Elliot and the other wives waited until the men of the tribe who murdered their husbands had repented? Sitting back and waiting for the other person to say sorry first is the way of the world. I don't believe it is the way of those following the cross.

Image at the top of the post came from lorashelley.com

Driving Around In A Fog

Sunday morning I had to drive through the thickest fog I think I have ever seen. I couldn't see more then about three car lengths in front of me. It was really kind of odd. I knew where i was just because i drive to church so much I could do it my sleep, but it felt like i was somewhere else. Many of house and buildings on the sides of the roads were missing . Shopping centers were out of sight. The water towers and office buildings had been swallowed in this thing fog as well. I imagined myself back in a time before cars, lost, but only a couple of hundred feet from shelter, but not knowing it. I really found it kind of cool. And I don't think I'll look at fog analogies in the same way again

Apostle to the Irish - The Real Saint Patrick

Lat year on St Patrick's Day this was Chuck Colson's Breakpoint. I thought I would share it with you all on the St Patrick's Day.

Oh - and Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

If you ask people who Saint Patrick was, you're likely to hear that he
was an Irishman who chased the snakes out of Ireland.

It may surprise you to learn that the real Saint Patrick was not
actually Irish-yet his robust faith changed the Emerald Isle forever.

Patrick was born in Roman Britain to a middle-class family in about A.D.
390. When Patrick was a teenager, marauding Irish raiders attacked his
home. Patrick was captured, taken to Ireland, and sold to an Irish king,
who put him to work as a shepherd.

In his excellent book, How the Irish Saved Civilization, Thomas Cahill
describes the life Patrick lived. Cahill writes, "The work of such
slave-shepherds was bitterly isolated, months at a time spent alone in
the hills."

Patrick had been raised in a Christian home, but he didn't really
believe in God. But now-hungry, lonely, frightened, and bitterly
cold-Patrick began seeking out a relationship with his Heavenly Father.
As he wrote in his Confessions, "I would pray constantly during the
daylight hours" and "the love of God . . . surrounded me more and more."

Six years after his capture, God spoke to Patrick in a dream, saying,
"Your hungers are rewarded. You are going home. Look-your ship is
ready."

What a startling command! If he obeyed, Patrick would become a fugitive
slave, constantly in danger of capture and punishment. But he did
obey-and God protected him. The young slave walked nearly two hundred
miles to the Irish coast. There he boarded a waiting ship and traveled
back to Britain and his family.

But, as you might expect, Patrick was a different person now, and the
restless young man could not settle back into his old life. Eventually,
Patrick recognized that God was calling him to enter a monastery. In
time, he was ordained as a priest, then as a bishop.

Finally-thirty years after God had led Patrick away from Ireland-he
called him back to the Emerald Isle as a missionary.

The Irish of the fifth century were a pagan, violent, and barbaric
people. Human sacrifice was commonplace. Patrick understood the danger
and wrote: "I am ready to be murdered, betrayed, enslaved-whatever may
come my way."

Cahill notes that Patrick's love for the Irish "shines through his
writings . . . He [worried] constantly for his people, not just for
their spiritual but for their physical welfare."

Through Patrick, God converted thousands. Cahill writes, "Only this
former slave had the right instincts to impart to the Irish a New Story,
one that made sense of all their old stories and brought them a peace
they had never known before." Because of Patrick, a warrior people "lay
down the swords of battle, flung away the knives of sacrifice, and cast
away the chains of slavery."

As it is with many Christian holidays, Saint Patrick's Day has lost much
of its original meaning. Instead of settling for parades, cardboard
leprechauns, and "the wearing of the green," we ought to recover our
Christian heritage, celebrate the great evangelist, and teach our kids
about this Christian hero.

Saint Patrick didn't chase the snakes out of Ireland, as many believe.
Instead, the Lord used him to bring into Ireland a sturdy faith in the
one true God-and to forever transform the Irish people.

Chuck Colson's Breakpoint: March 17, 2004

Tooting My Own Horn

I made it through 34 years in my life without ever being in the news. On January 16th an article ran in the Sunday Daily Herald in the Neighbor section that mostly interviewed my friend Rocio, but also featured a couple of quotes from me. I figured I would put it on here because it saves me from having to type out something longer on my own for a couple of days

Sidewalk salvation
Group finds field work the best way to spread Christian message
By Henry Stuttley Daily Herald Staff Writer

Armed with religious tracts, blankets and brown bags stuffed with
food, Rocia Rosas and other members of the Chicago Outreach Ministry
stroll through downtown Chicago.

As they pass the busy shoppers on State Street, they spot a homeless couple cuddling in the cold as they sleep on the corner.

A sign reading, "Just Plain Hungry," is propped up against them while several suitcases and a trash can sit behind.

Rosas, of Carol Stream, kneels and offers them sandwiches, potato chips, a thick blanket and socks.

Without hesitation, they accept.

After eating, Rosa prays with the couple.

"You don't have to stay out here," she says before calling several shelters to find refuge for them. "When you get back on your feet, always seek God first."

Rosas and other members of the Chicago Outreach Ministry believe they're called by God to travel outside of the church to spread their Christian message.

Members of the ministry, an evangelistic group, are parishioners of Harvest Bible Church in Rolling Meadows.

Once a month, Rosas, who is Chicago Outreach's discipleship coordinator, helps lead a group of volunteers that travels around the Chicago area.

The trips are as much a mission to spread Christianity as they are an attempt to help people.

Consisting of six to 20 people, the volunteers also pass out spiritual bracelets and questionnaires about religious beliefs.

They have set up prayer stations at O'Hare International Airport, Grant Park and Navy Pier, where they held their first outing in 2002.

Volunteer Patrick Gaffney of Naperville said it's a way of going outside the walls of the church rather than waiting for others to come to God.

"You can take it to people and not be offensive and in their face," he said. "If our faith is so important to us, it shouldn't be something hard to talk about."

Some reject their message.

But some have become Christians or renewed their faith in God, organizers say.

The one-on-one ministry is something many Christians embrace as the best way to spread the word.
Some talk about their faith at work, sporting events or even grocery stores.

Listening to people will make a difference, too, Gaffney said. But he doesn't believe God would want him to always be silent.

"If Christ is the most important person to you, you want to talk about him," he said.

Beware The Ides Of March

Julius Caesar, Act I, Scene ii

SOOTHSAYER: Beware the ides of March. CAESAR: What man is that? BRUTUS: A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March. CAESAR: Set him before me; let me see his face. CASSIUS: Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar. CAESAR: What say’st thou to me now? speak once again. SOOTHSAYER: Beware the ides of March. CAESAR: He is a dreamer; let us leave him: pass

Beyond the Gates of Splendor

A couple of years ago, I went to see Steven Curtis Chapman on his Live Out Loud Tour. It is a concert that stays in my mind two years later. And its not because of the great music or the friends I went with. The memories of that night that are the strongest for me is when Mr. Chapman performed his second set. Rather then doing the normal "concert thing" of just being up there on stage with his band singing his songs, he did something that was much more powerful.

Steven and his band still performed bunch of songs, but they thematically linked together his songs with scenes from a movie that was being made about the story of Waorani tribe from Ecuador, the missionaries who lost their lives trying to reach them, and how the love of God and of the families of the victims of those murders changed the Waorani from a group of murdering people with no rules, to a group that is now doing the same work the missionaries went there to do, reaching out to the surrounding tribes in the name of Christ. After he was done with the set, Steve Saint (the son of one of the missionaries that was killed in 1956) came out and spoke about how the people there has impacted his life. It was so amazing to hear how the grandson of Nick Saint considered one of the men who killed him his adopted grandfather. It was very powerful, and my copy of the Book "Through the Gates Of Splendor", in which the wife of one of the slain missionaries tells the story of the five that were killed and of her living with the tribe that killed them a couple of years later, was borrowed by about five of my friends. And I knew I would have to check out he movie when it came out.

The movie, "Beyond The Gates Of Splendor" did come out late last year, and had a very limited release (three cities no where near Chicago). But last night my church was luck enough to have a screening for our missions fest. so after a couple of years of waiting, I got my chance to see it. As I implied above, I have read the book "Through The Gates Of Splendor" in which Elizabeth Elliot tells her and her husbands story- and the story of the others to a lesser degree. And it's a great, powerful, classic.This movie does a great job of telling that story, with lots of photos and home movies from the families of the missionaries. But it goes beyond the story told in "Through Gates Of Splendor", and gives us a very detailed picture of what the Waorani were like in the years before anyone had contact with them, with interviews of the people of the tribe telling about there childhood, and how commonplace the spearings were.

The movie also tells us the story of the tribe from their conversion to today, and how it inter-winds with the families of those men murdered all those years ago. One of the most powerful moments of the film (which was also one of the most powerful images of the concert as well) is of Nick Saint's grandson talking about his adopted Waorani grandfather, who is one of the men who speared his grandfather to death. It's just amazing how these people embraced the people who killed their husbands, fathers, and grandfathers. It's the kind of miracle is only possible with God.

If you get the chance, please take the time to see this film. I do not think you will regret it.

It's a Bird...

I have a blurb for this on my sidebar, but I feel like getting a little deeper into it. And isn’t what blogs are for?

I spend a wonderful couple of hours this afternoon with the graphic novel “It’s A Bird…” written by Steven T. Seagle and art by Teddy Kristiansen. This is a book that I think deserves a place among the all time great graphic novels, such as Frank Muller’s “The Dark Knight Returns” and Alan Moore and Dave Gibbon’s “Watchmen” (for any of you out there that are not familiar with these books- they are widely considered among the best mainstream comic novels ever produced)

The book tells the story of Steve, a guy who has become a comic book author, a career path that surprises him since he spent much of his childhood not liking comics because he associates them with the death of his grandmother when he was five. When we meet the Steven of today, he is dealing with his father going missing, a long term relationship, and being offered by his editor the chance to write the character he most associates with the tragic events of his past, Superman.

It's amazing the way Seagle weaves his charactersers views of the man of steel with the events going on in his life. Not once does it feel forced. They help us to see what is going on in (the character) Steven's mind, and his emotions.

The art by Teddy Kristiansen is perfect for this volume as well. The style changes for the different aspects of Superman's world we look at, and there was not once where I thought he made the wrong choice.

This book works on so many different levels, and doesn't misfire on any of them. From human drama, to superhero deconstructionism, and even as an insight to the creative process of an author. It's one of the finest comics I've read in a long long time, and I really hope some others out will share in the experience of this book

Memories

More then once I have tried to write the story of my life. Not that I think its all that intresting, Its just something I’ve tried to do.

It’s harder to do then you would think. Memories don’t seem to flow from a point A to a point B. The memory of kissing a girl when I was 15 isn’t next to the Chrstmas of that year (which was only a few days later), It’s next to memories of the last girl I dated. Even the memory of the wake I visited this evening isn't next to the meeting at chuch I went to an hour later, it's next to the memories of my great-grandmothers wake when i was 8 or 9. and Greg Vinson's wake when I was 19 or 20 and had to face a friend dying for the first time in my life.

It’s hard to access memories in a way that it makes sense as a story. I can tell what happened at certain times and in certain places. But to make my whole life into a story, it’s harder then I thought.

One neat thing about writing. I have had this idea for some charaters and a setting for them bouncing around in my head for years, but I could never figure out a way to make it work. It was these bits and peaces of this story, and I knew they were the same story, but I couldn't figure out what the story was. I think I may have figured it out and I've actually started to do some research on things.

I just wish I could make the story of my life fit together in the same way.

Random Thought from a Geek

I've started to do a blog a couple of times before, and here's how it normally goes. I write a bunch of stuff for a week or two, and then I forget about it. I'm started blogs on Zanga (I think that's what it was called.) I started one here on Typepad not to long ago, and then quickly forgot it. And yet, here I am again. Leaving my footprints out here on the world wide web once again.

So I don’t know what I’ll be writing, but my goal is to leave something on here at least once a week. It may be my thoughts on something that happened in the world, a review of some comic book I have read or a TV show I have watched.

Depending on how this week goes- it may or may not count as my entry.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for reading. LEave a comment and let me know what you thought. And please come by again.