tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56959822011-07-08T05:31:42.362-05:00Thoughts, struggles, inspirations, and murmurings of one in pursuit of the AlmightyChrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comBlogger831100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-47873662228025597282009-07-26T23:23:00.003-05:002009-07-26T23:31:11.678-05:00

I've been in a bit of a writing slump lately. I try to paint creativity in my brain and weave words together that will move someone...maybe even me. The words show up. They don't dance with each other. There isn't a unity of thought. It all seems so chaotic. I've been here before. Every songwriter goes through lulls...especially the sober ones. Maybe soon the lyrics, melodies, and imagery

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-47074398980674186842009-04-08T07:24:00.003-05:002009-04-08T07:50:14.090-05:00

I stumbled in, barely putting one foot in front of the other, somehow found my way to the counter, and with every ounce of confidence I could pull from my cloudy brain said, "Could I get a tall latte?"The problem. I wasn't at Starbucks. So, I stuttered and stammered until I found the correct words to say, eventually walking out with my latte in my hand and embarrassment on my face.Language is

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-50572471109758901132009-01-29T21:00:00.005-06:002009-01-29T21:19:39.551-06:00

Jack Shepherd knows what it's like to be lost.to have his foundation ripped apartin the rubble of death to see the face of a man who lost his breathto death's blow to the gut to wander in the trees only to lose trackof where his footprints have beenJack Shepherd knows what it's like to be found.to leave behind thosehe's called his friends to walk along winding roads,stumbling in the potholes

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-24943614750360002352008-07-06T09:31:00.003-05:002008-07-06T09:59:34.237-05:00

Well, I didn't sleep as much today as I slept yesterday, but did awake this morning feeling fresh and rested. Yesterday, we took a little trip to the zoo in Oklahoma City. This is something that we try to do in every new place we visit. It's good family time, and it's always fun to see how the kids are so excited to see each animal. Above all, it's a good time to be WITH each other. To me,

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-82808879316347415272008-07-05T09:21:00.002-05:002008-07-05T09:39:19.458-05:00

Let's just say I caught up on sleep. I think I slept a total of 12 hours yesterday. WOW! I guess my body needed to catch up on some rest, so needless to say, I'm still a little groggy this morning, but am excited to hang out with my family and our friends.We are at Tye and Bronwyn's house, and it's been nice being with them. We met Tye and Bron when we were a part of an organization called

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-63507314810638150432008-04-03T17:26:00.001-05:002008-04-03T17:28:44.141-05:00

The past is a point of reference, not a point of residence.hmmm... interesting

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-14110688095402574492008-03-17T20:45:00.000-05:002008-03-18T01:47:35.462-05:00

Well, if you still actually read my blog, you will notice a couple of things.  Yes, I have re-designed, and yes, it is 1:40AM!!!!  Not sure why I decided to do this project tonight.  I guess it's like change.  When it's time to change, no need to wait until you've got it all figured out.  No need to wait until you know exactly what the finished product will look like.  No need to wait for when

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-78077318209399448912007-08-15T08:12:00.000-05:002007-08-15T08:23:16.500-05:00

I met with a group of guys this morning at a Starbucks in McKinney. This was our first meeting, with many more to come hopefully. Like any of the other first time meetings, this one was spent with us getting to know one another. So, today, I had the opportunity to listen to the story of one of the guys. He told us about a time that he came near to death after getting stabbed 8 times. As he

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-50680744266666647022007-05-15T10:35:00.000-05:002007-05-15T11:04:41.927-05:00

Caleb WILL NOT stay in his bed!!!!! Every night, we rehearse the same conversation:Daddy: Caleb, are you going to stay in your big boy bed?Caleb: Yes, DaddyDaddy: Are you going to get up?Caleb: No, DaddySo, I walk out of his room, confident that he will keep his word...yes, he's only 2...all 2 year olds keep their word! About ten minutes pass and I hear something coming from the hallway.

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-14518478289190422332007-04-17T08:12:00.000-05:002007-04-17T08:31:02.303-05:00

I am right. Let's just get that straight right from the beginning. When it comes to Eschatology, I'm right. When it comes to the gifts of the Spirit, I'm right. When it comes to the role of women in ministry, I'm right. When it comes to a "style" of "worship"...whatever that is, I'm right.Ok, now that we have that straight, who cares. Now, I'm not de-valuing the importance of knowing

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-66151016978371687702007-03-30T11:22:00.000-05:002007-03-30T12:16:06.874-05:00

My fence lies broken in my yard. What a mess! It used to be a strong fence, atleast that what all the neighbors thought. What they didn't know was that it was falling apart, and all it took was for stormy winds to come and blow it down. This is exactly what happened, and now I can't hide how broken it is. I need a new fence. However new fences take resources; they take skill to build. The

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-26275860042952957882007-03-21T00:32:00.001-05:002007-03-21T00:33:01.857-05:00

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1150204937269038152006-06-13T08:21:00.000-05:002006-06-13T08:24:10.803-05:00

I enjoy taking my children to the pool. My daughter loves the water and has recently become more of a swimmer, so much so, that she no longer has to wear a flotation device. However, my son must wear floaties because he cannot swim. He is no tall enough to stand up in the water, nor is he strong enough to keep himself afloat without some kind of assistance. However, I am a grown man who can

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1143129796101147252006-03-23T09:48:00.000-06:002006-03-23T10:09:19.576-06:00

"I had rather exercise faith than know the definition thereof"-Thomas a' Kempis.I have studied theology for a number of years, and I am not certain what a good definition of faith really is. I can't elaborate it. However, I can see it, have seen it, and praise God for it!I have two new friends, Frank and Erica. Frank and Erica gave their lives to our Lord and Savior, Jesus about two months ago

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1135055821220275582005-12-19T23:15:00.000-06:002005-12-19T23:17:31.630-06:00

The story behind the song.Thanks Len.

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1133903705018594032005-12-06T15:11:00.001-06:002005-12-06T15:15:36.410-06:00

You are a Mystic, known for your imaginative, intuitive spirituality. You value peace, harmony, and inner silence. Mystics are nurtured by walking alone in the woods or sitting quietly with a trusted friend. You may also enjoy poetry, meditation, wordless prayer, candles, art, books, and anything else that helps you connect with God.Mystics experience God best through rich images and symbols. You

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1133323346774886802005-11-29T21:56:00.000-06:002005-11-29T22:02:26.790-06:00

Well, I'm not too sure why I'm posting because I don't really want to. In fact these days I don't want to do much of anything. I am tired. I am burned out. I am weak. I am an oxymoron...or maybe just a moron :). I have been overcome with struggles lately. Without going into specific detail, let's just say that the enemy continues to prowl around me like a roaring lion, waiting to devour me

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1128911977549410032005-10-09T21:33:00.000-05:002005-10-09T21:39:37.553-05:00

Here are a couple of things I've written over the last few months.Fast Pace:Empty spacesOn crowded facesWhere will you walk?Tainted tracesOf all God's gracesToo tired to talkStop.Rest.From life's listless races.Here's another one written while waiting for my flight at Dallas Love Field.Gate Six:Gate sixJust tasted my caffeine fixYea, I'm awake,But is that what it takesTo seeTo readBetween the

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1128435243824785342005-10-04T08:45:00.000-05:002005-10-04T09:16:18.546-05:00

"Looking out at the road rushing under my wheelsI don’t know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels"Ok...nothing like taking something out of context to prove a point....please forgive me. In 1977, Jackson Browne released the album, "Running on Empty", and on that album, the title track, by the same name appeared. Although, Jackson Browne did not intend, at least I think, to make

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1128363329196589942005-10-03T13:05:00.000-05:002005-10-03T13:15:29.236-05:00

Well, blog, I know that I have not spent time with you lately. I am sorry that I have avoided you. I've been so busy that I have not had time to cultivate our relationship...too busy...will I ever not be too busy? Besides who is in control of my schedule? Don't I say yes or no. Ok, anyway, I've wanted to talk to you for a while, but I felt like so much had already gone unsaid. I know that

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1121894959554199212005-07-20T16:26:00.000-05:002005-07-20T16:29:19.560-05:00

Well, I am finally back on the blogosphere. I am sorry that I have been silent for so long, but I have not had internet capability (very frustrating). You never really know how much you rely on something until it is no longer there. Anyway, there is much that has changed and much the Lord has been teaching me since I posted last. I will post specifics later. I just wanted to send a brief

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1117342788108934752005-05-28T23:59:00.000-05:002005-05-28T23:59:48.113-05:00

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1116206184379622712005-05-15T20:15:00.000-05:002005-05-15T20:21:15.936-05:00

You scored as Cultural Creative. Cultural Creatives are probably the newest group to enter this realm. You are a modern thinker who tends to shy away from organized religion but still feels as if there is something greater than ourselves. You are very spiritual, even if you are not religious. Life has a meaning outside of the rational.Cultural Creative88%Fundamentalist69%Postmodernist50%

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1115311461318031612005-05-05T11:16:00.000-05:002005-05-05T11:44:22.310-05:00

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfuits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies (Rom. 8:22,23).In high school I ran the 100 meters, a race that requires a responsive start as soon as the starting pistol fires.

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1111378148967070682005-03-20T21:59:00.000-06:002005-03-21T22:55:46.160-06:00

[Bands] don’t survive by accident. It takes will, intent, a sense of shared purpose and a tolerance for your friends' fallibilities and they of yours.This is taken from Bruce Springsteen's induction speech that he gave for U2 on their induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As soon as I heard this line, I was floored because it sent waves to my heart that found their way to my brain, and I

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1109731194894945262005-03-01T20:27:00.000-06:002005-03-01T20:39:54.896-06:00

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt. 6:19-21)I was speaking today with another teacher, and we were talking about

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1109094260169181092005-02-22T11:29:00.000-06:002005-03-01T20:41:56.720-06:00

Wow, I can't believe it has been so long since I last posted!!!! So much has changed.Here's the skinny:I just recently, within the last month, started a job at Curtis Middle School in Allen, TX, where I am teaching 8th grade English and also serving as the assistant 8th grade cheerleading coach...yes, I am coaching cheerleading! When you take over in the middle of the year, there are certain

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1102440463683401222004-12-07T11:22:00.000-06:002004-12-07T11:27:43.683-06:00

I like this translation of Matthew 7:6 in the Message, "Don't be flip with the sacred. Banter and silliness give no honor to God. Don't reduce holy mysteries to slogans. In trying to be relevant, you're only being cute and inviting sacrilege." Jesus is much more than a nice saying on a sign or a sly illustration in a book. He is our mysterious Savior. In all of our attempts to be relevant

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1101250958637255032004-11-23T17:01:00.000-06:002004-11-24T13:16:58.576-06:00

Once upon a time there was a seed, but he didn’t really want to be a seed. He wanted really to be a tree. So, he began to learn everything there was to learn about trees. He read books like, The Purpose Driven Tree and The Emerging Tree. He interviewed people who had been trees for a long time whose leaves were so many there was no number that could enumerate them. He asked them questions like,

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1100629576630581002004-11-16T13:24:00.000-06:002004-11-16T12:26:16.630-06:00

Who I am is not a reflection of what I do, but what I do is a reflection of who I am. Who I am is the reality while what I do is the reflection.

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1099675317745709432004-11-05T11:20:00.000-06:002004-11-05T11:21:57.746-06:00

Well, Caleb is now 5 months old, and he has been sleeping through the night for just about three months now. However, this has not always been the case. It seems like not so long ago that Caleb would wake up numerous times in the middle of the night or at unscheduled times during the day. You may be thinking, “what is so wrong with that?” Well, his awake times were not pleasant because much

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1097276140979935822004-10-08T17:51:00.000-05:002004-10-08T17:55:40.980-05:00

Sarah McLachlan has the right idea of service...check out the video for "World on Fire". We all need to be reminded that there are people all across the world who need our help and prayers...may we all listen to the Lord and allow Him to teach us to look outside of our perceived difficulties and serve those in need.

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1096039918136703172004-09-24T10:30:00.000-05:002004-09-24T10:34:09.710-05:00

Here is a wonderful teaching on the Day of Atonement. May we all approach the throne of grace with confidence remembering what our Lord and Savior has done for us, individually and corporately.

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1095956320419534742004-09-23T11:06:00.000-05:002004-09-23T11:24:22.100-05:00

If you go to just about any Christian bookstore, (is there really such a thing...can bookstores be redeemed?) you can find numbers of books written about the church. If you scroll back to my previous blogs, you will also note my ponderings of what the Church is. What is interesting about all of this Church talk is that just about everyone wants to reform the Church, and just about everyone has

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1095700877238098342004-09-20T13:21:00.000-05:002004-09-20T14:03:33.463-05:00

You got my back? Have you seen Napoleon Dynamite? Great movie!!!! As I was watching it (for the second time) last week, one scene particularly struck me. After Napoleon and his brother return from a karate class, Napoleon is at school talking to his new friend Pedro. As they are sitting in the bleachers during their P.E. class, Napoleon asks Pedro, "Do you got my back?" The first time I saw

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1093371812686815042004-08-24T12:36:00.000-05:002004-08-24T13:23:32.690-05:00

Some thoughts if I may...some days it seems like church is just man organized at a mediocre attempt to achieve "encouragement" while subconciously seeking comfort in numbers, acceptance here on earth, "paying back" some of what God has given us. Those will continuously see church pessimistically because they will never find those things in a church, subconsciously or consciously. Those are to be

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1091479680188911782004-08-02T15:36:00.000-05:002004-08-03T12:26:22.856-05:00

Church is for the unsaved but primarily i would say it is for the saved. It is were we receive training and encouragement. I am not much of a cook, so i will bring potato salad. --Ruth Ferguson Ruth, first of all thank you for your input. Basically what I see you saying is that church is for both the saved and unsaved. My question to you (or anyone who would like to offer) here is: Do we

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1091405966771148392004-08-01T19:16:00.000-05:002004-08-01T19:19:26.770-05:00

I would like to do sort of a "pot luck" blog for the next week or so, depending upon how the dialogue goes. Here is what I'd like to discuss with all of you who are willing to offer: Church, what is it, who is it for? (please offer b/c it is hard to have a pot luck when you are the only one who brings the food!!!)

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1090878719582673552004-07-26T16:49:00.000-05:002004-07-27T12:55:33.360-05:00

Not too much to say right now...maybe I talk too much anyway... Many thoughts brewing, but none have completely come to the surface yet. Please don't go away. I don't know if my poor self-esteem could take it.

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1089126455637893232004-07-06T09:40:00.000-05:002004-07-06T10:07:35.636-05:00

Much has happened since the last time I blogged. A few weeks ago I had to buy a new computer because my other one decided that it had had enough. It revolted...went on strike...retired...quit! So, I was quite frustrated since I do nearly everything on the computer. About that time, Gracelyn had another incident. She was playing and turned her head quickly, straining a muscle in her neck.

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1087442917761652622004-06-16T22:23:00.000-05:002004-06-16T22:30:09.170-05:00

Satire: A literary work in which human vice or folly is attacked through irony, derision, or wit. Just in case you haven't found this out yet, the article below is a satire...it took me a few days to figure this out, but it isn't real. What is sad, however, is that it isn't far from the truth! Although the events described in the article did not happen, are they so far removed from the truth

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1086727716029859292004-06-08T15:37:00.000-05:002004-06-08T15:48:36.030-05:00

Worship Festival "Sucks" The worship scene in Seattle may be losing momentum. According to attendees of last week's Bowels of Praise '04, many worship enthusiasts "just weren't into it." Said Ryan Conklin, 17, "I don't know, man. Like, there's usually a lot of crying going on if the worship is good. But people were just standing around, listening to the worship. I can't get into the worship if

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1086451863670273452004-06-05T10:58:00.000-05:002004-06-05T11:11:03.670-05:00

We just got back from taking Caleb to get some blood drawn. He is a bit jaundiced, so they needed to check his bilirubin (ok...that is enough medical jargon). While they were drawing his blood I was standing above him, rubbing his head for comfort (I'm not sure if it was more for my comfort or his). As soon as they pricked his foot, he began to cry...ok scream. I could have stopped them from

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1086122532459263672004-06-01T15:31:00.000-05:002004-06-04T21:29:39.146-05:00

Today as I was holding my son (I just love seeing that in print), he was grabbing my finger. What an incredible feeling it was to have my son who is completely dependent upon me to provide for him holding on to my finger. My fingers seemed to be ten times larger than his. He has such small hands. My hands are bigger than his...I can do for him what he cannot do for or by himself. My

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1086047883521317702004-05-31T18:57:00.000-05:002004-05-31T18:58:03.520-05:00

Caleb Baggett is officially here!!!! 6 lbs 9 ounces 19 3/4 inches long Will blog later with more details. God is most definitely good!!!

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1085072540368397862004-05-20T11:57:00.000-05:002004-05-20T12:02:20.370-05:00

Check out the list of banished words for 2004 compiled by Lake Superior State University in Michigan. Banished words. What would some of your banished words be?

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1084989882781397132004-05-19T13:04:00.000-05:002004-05-19T13:06:17.216-05:00

Which Princess Bride Character are You?this quiz was made by mysti

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1084900927061950552004-05-18T11:55:00.000-05:002004-05-18T12:22:07.060-05:00

Disclaimer: Please do not read if you are looking for any answers... Is the Church today any different that Ci Ci's? If you were to ask just about any owner of Ci Ci's Pizza, what do you think is their priority. Is it serving high quality pizza? If you have eaten there, you know what the answer is. No, their priority is the bottom line...how much money are we bringing in. More people in

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1084386545770330642004-05-12T13:20:00.000-05:002004-05-12T13:31:23.283-05:00

Sorry, I haven't posted in a while, but I just got a new job at a rockin' coffee house in the Colony called Java Haus. I'm really excited about it because it will give me an opportunity to hook up with some Colony folks and be around the sweetest aroma ever created...coffee! I think I have problem...maybe no...maybe so...anyway. As I was thinking about my job and the other folks that work

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1083303442393582622004-04-30T00:37:00.000-05:002004-04-30T09:32:14.233-05:00

The morning awoke weary and sudden As you walked with your first born To God's mountain. With faith in your feet And hope in sight, You knew everything would be alright. "Where are we going, dad," Your precious son said. "To offer up my lamb," you replied. On the altar you had prepared, His body you laid; assured his life would be spared. With the knife in hand, you raised your arm. "Wait!

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1083092935455843852004-04-27T14:08:00.000-05:002004-04-27T14:11:59.856-05:00

I would very much appreciate it if all of you who read this would pray for my little girl, Gracelyn. She is having surgery tomorrow morning to drain a hematoma from her left cheek. Thank you for taking this to the Lord on her behalf. I look forward to sharing with you what the Lord teaches all of us through this.

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1081398017843055082004-04-07T23:20:00.000-05:002004-04-07T23:23:02.373-05:00

This past Saturday, Berry, Mark, and I were at a work day at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (the church who rents us space on Sunday nights). We were asked to dig a hole for a tree that was going to be replanted. As we were digging, God began to give me a picture. It was as if He was using this experience to teach me something. So, I want to take a few minutes just to share with you some

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1080930997834971732004-04-02T12:36:00.000-06:002004-04-02T12:46:08.843-06:00

I know it's a day late, but this is pretty interesting. Check out the history of April Fools Day.

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1080664161214715052004-03-30T10:29:00.000-06:002004-03-30T10:31:57.076-06:00

Last night Kristi, Gracelyn, and I were on our way back home after a trek to the local Wal-Mart, when Gracelyn said, "You know why we have the bestest family?" Kristi inquired, "why?" Gracelyn then replied, "because we love each other." Gracelyn seems to be a source of wisdom often for me. Although Gracelyn said very little, her words still resonate in my heart today. She knows that we

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1080334085333019942004-03-26T14:48:00.000-06:002004-03-26T14:50:37.123-06:00

Ok...with all this pressure to blog, I don't know if I can perform. It's almost like when I go into the bathroom to urinate and there is some guy at the urinal right next to me. I get nervous...I can't go. I keep telling myself, "go already. this guy's gonna think you're some weirdo." Then when he walks out I am finally able to go. So, in other words. You guys get out of the bathroom!

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1080234088790284242004-03-25T11:01:00.000-06:002004-03-25T11:04:00.060-06:00

Blog coming soon, so please stay tuned...

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1078428757600621232004-03-04T13:32:00.000-06:002004-03-05T22:45:13.530-06:00

Kristi and I were having a conversation the other evening about a conversation that she had with a woman at work regarding the movie by Mel Gibson, the Passion of the Christ. This woman was very upset about the portayal of Christ in the film because all she saw was suffering. She kept saying, "What's the purpose? People still suffer today." I was thinking about this today as I was reading

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1077860325982777892004-02-26T23:38:00.000-06:002004-02-26T23:40:49.293-06:00

It amazes me how much we do for God on accident. We go to the grocery store, and it just so happens that even though we were only going for some bread, we wind up discussing spiritual matters with someone in the parking lot. Or, we go walk the dog because she won't shut up, and the neighbor asks about church. None of these things are ever planned. We just sort of trip over them. Tonight at

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1077135439738446612004-02-18T14:17:00.000-06:002004-02-18T14:19:14.966-06:00

You've probably heard the expression, "I've got a little junk in the trunk." Well, I'm starting a new one: "I've got vomit in the backseat." The problem with this expression though is that it is true. A couple of weeks ago while I was driving Gracelyn home from school, she wasn't feeling well, and she said, "Daddy, I think I need to frowup (throw up...sometimes she has trouble with "th")."

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1076737997593720812004-02-13T23:53:00.000-06:002004-02-13T23:55:52.996-06:00

Shadow is a good dog. Her hair is black like coal and her nose as cold as the bathtub on a winter morning. Her legs don't move as quickly as they once did and there is a little more grey around her face than when her body was smaller. But I guess with more grey comes more wisdom. Tonight as I sat down at my computer and had an opportunity to think about all that has transpired this week, I

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1076389204486803112004-02-09T23:00:00.000-06:002004-02-09T23:03:12.716-06:00

I write tonight because my heart is heavy. The past couple of days a brother and sister in our Father have become ensnared and dragged away by their own evil desires. My heart aches not only for their misteps, but for the pain that they have experienced prior to this and since. I cannot go into greater detail, but please pray for them. I am afraid that they will compound several poor choices

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1075931466908436372004-02-04T15:51:00.000-06:002004-02-04T15:54:23.496-06:00

Lately, the Lord has been teaching me much about giving versus taking. He has reminded me that it is not the “church” that has become consumerized (interested in taking/getting). It is me. I am a consumer, but I like to blame the church because if I blame someone or something else, I come out clean. Therefore, I would like to take an interesting look at a parable that Jesus told. Although

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1075439165662488712004-01-29T23:06:00.000-06:002004-01-29T23:07:41.326-06:00

Last Sunday, Berry, Mark, Justin, and I went and sat under the teaching of Brennan Manning. He said many things that took residence in my heart, but one story he told in particular struck a chord in me. He recited the story of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. His premise was that we should all have a story and tell it. However, when he finished the story, I saw myself in the story. Here

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1075410955512334342004-01-29T15:15:00.000-06:002004-01-29T15:36:57.936-06:00

When I was in elementary school, my pappaw (grandfather) used to take me to church to this thing called royal ambassadors. I really have no idea what it really meant or what it was about. All I know is that we would build the cars and race them down a track. Mine very rarely won because my wheels always seemed to be crooked. I can't really tell you anything else about what we did or what I

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1074664214722611632004-01-20T23:50:00.000-06:002004-01-20T23:51:41.606-06:00

I had the wonderful privilege of partaking of some tasty Chinese food with a fellow servant of the Most High, Justin Nygren who shepherds a flock at Mars Hill in Richardson. Justin is an incredible brutha in the faith who has contagious passion and vision for the church. It was refreshing to sit and listen to his vision. Check out his blog tribalicious. I can promise you that you will browse

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1074573911129075852004-01-19T22:45:00.000-06:002004-01-20T11:42:24.716-06:00

"No, daddy! Nooo, daaaaddyyyyyy! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Gracelyn screamed as I turned off the television. "If you are not going to listen to me, then you cannot watch television." I exclaimed in my look-at-me-I'm-a-tough-father voice. Yes, that was the tragedy in my house tonight. I turned off the television, and Gracelyn came unglued, undone. She would not listen to me, so I redirected her

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1074059227799808402004-01-13T23:47:00.000-06:002004-01-13T23:57:31.856-06:00

Well, I am awake because I drank so much caffeine tonight that I will not sleep for days. In fact, it is as if I can feel the caffeine dancing in my stomach. Wow! Maybe I drank too much? No, I don't have a problem...it's...it's only caffeine...I mean I can quit anytime. Ok, I know I'm sorry...If you've ever drank too much caffeine, you understand my ramblings. And, yes, I am actually

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1073368843510860512004-01-06T00:00:00.000-06:002004-01-06T00:01:55.466-06:00

Isecurity Lies next to me. "Look into my eyes," He says, "I want to tell you lies." "You aren't good enough." "You might as well give up." His voice echoes inside my head. If I could just turn this thought light to red. Why do I listen to his words? He never says anything I haven't heard. Still I listen anyway, Hoping soon he will go away "You are not welcome here!" I shout, Hoping that will

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1072246570541081182003-12-24T00:16:00.000-06:002003-12-24T00:17:45.030-06:00

It all began at hello. I clicked over to the other line, and proceeded to receive an over-the-phone tongue lashing about a really stupid issue. In fact it is so stupid I really don't want to get into it. Nonetheless, as I was being sucker punched by one word after the other, I felt myself choking on my pride, holding back what I really wanted to say, which was something along the lines of, "

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1072112231451864742003-12-22T10:57:00.000-06:002003-12-22T10:58:09.093-06:00

The precious is mine. I found it. oh, the precious....the precious. Berry, Mark, and I braved the long lines at a local movie theatre this weekend, trekked our way to our seats, and prepared to witness the "Return of the King," the most recent Lord of the Rings. What an incredible movie! In fact, you know a movie is great if you come away with a character's identity... Berry--Aragon Mark--

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1071853194747906172003-12-19T10:59:00.000-06:002003-12-19T11:00:48.560-06:00

Well, I'm finally done with seminary! I want to say that I am really excited, but I'm not really sure how I feel because it does not seem like a reality yet. But, it does feel nice to read what I want, write when I want, and be back to "normal" life. Seminary has been an interestingly scary experience. I have been able to taste what it would be like to live in a white-washed world where the

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1070551052504774142003-12-04T09:12:00.000-06:002003-12-04T09:18:12.076-06:00

It has been a month since my last blog...I can't believe it. I shouldn't really even be blogging right now, but I am so overwhelmed I have to have some type of outlet. Maybe an electrical outlet, maybe an outlet mall...man my brain is scattered, like marbles on the kitchen floor, like chickens in the presence of a wolf. What am I talking about? This is your brain...this is your brain on

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1067877341956665272003-11-03T10:35:00.000-06:002003-11-03T10:35:40.296-06:00

In Exodus 3, God informs the Israelites that He has come to rescue them from the Egyptians and take them to a land (Canaan) flowing with milk and honey. In my previous study of this passage, more specifically the phrase, "milk and honey." I had always interpreted that as a land flowing with an over abundance. However, this week I heard an interpretation this week that seems to fit the idea of

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1066320286819949012003-10-16T11:04:00.000-05:002003-10-16T11:04:46.906-05:00

"Well, I've gotta have faith, faith, faith." (Yes, I just quoted a line from a George Michael song. I can't believe I did it myself, but it seemed appropriate! Please forgive me.) Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). If there is any word that is resonating with me right now it is faith. You see, because I stink at it! I have faith

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1065278905747317532003-10-04T09:48:00.000-05:002003-10-04T09:48:25.423-05:00

Anyone who has seen the movie Field of Dreams is familiar with this concept. For those who maybe have slept since the last time they saw the movie, the phrase is something that the main character, played by Kevin Cosner, hears repeated. The idea is that if he will build a baseball field in his corn field, some of the old, legendary baseball players will come. So, he obediently responds,

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1064438720083316742003-09-24T16:10:00.000-05:002003-09-24T16:29:09.973-05:00

Mystery of Mercy My God, my God why hast thou accepted me When all my love was vinegar to a thirsty king My God, my God why has thou accepted me It's a mystery of mercy and the song I sing (Caedmons Call) I really like it when a songwriter is able to grab a hold of my heart and play it as his instrument. That is the case with the song that contains these lyrics. I am not certain why God has

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1063205775257774872003-09-10T09:56:00.000-05:002003-09-10T10:00:11.136-05:00

Today is like any other day, but it is not. Usually on Wed. I am rushing trying to get the powerpoint finished, polishing up on the study for tonight, preparing for an afternoon of lunches at the local high school, and schooling the pastor at a little ping pong. However, today that is not the case. This is my first Wednesday away from youth ministry. Although you would think that I am a bit

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1062605038219424182003-09-03T11:03:00.000-05:002003-09-03T11:08:30.883-05:00

Fuel 5 Sometimes when I am sitting outside on the porch of my house my dog, Shadow, walks up and sits down at my feet. Why does she do this? Is she hungry? Does she want to play? Does she want me to pet her? Or does she just want to be close to me? I think maybe it is for each of these reasons at different times. Sometimes she does want to play, sometimes she does want food, or just to be

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1061994148188112412003-08-27T09:22:00.000-05:002003-08-27T09:22:28.363-05:00

One day there was a man who was walking beside a river whose current was flowing rapidly along, and as the man looked across the river he saw a scorpion helplessly being carried away down the river on a leaf. So, the man reached out his hand to rescue the helpless scorpion, but when he grabbed the leaf the scorpion sunk his stinger into the man's hand. After a few seconds of writhing in pain

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1061845369091835032003-08-25T16:02:00.000-05:002003-08-25T16:02:49.030-05:00

Fuel 4 As I prepare to go meet with our small group at Resonance, the Lord has been impressing upon my heart a lesson that He would like to teach me through the music that we will be worshipping the Lord with tonight. Songs: You Are So Good to Me (Waterdeep) Surrender (Marc James-Vineyard) Unashamed Love (Ten Shekel Shirt) First of all, I must recognize that regardless of the circumstances

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1061830565547041782003-08-25T11:56:00.000-05:002003-08-25T11:56:05.493-05:00

I've just recently been reading a book by Michael Slaughter that is entitled, Unlearning Church. This book essentially discusses what the emerging church leaders must unlearn in order to be relevant to this generation of post-Christians. As I have been reading it, I have been pondering what it is that I must be willing to unlearn. What is it that I have embraced over the years about church

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1061315228515083322003-08-19T12:47:00.000-05:002003-08-19T12:47:08.630-05:00

We live in such an impatient, give it to me yesterday society. We don’t have time to finish our “to do” list. We are in too much of a hurry to eat healthy meals. It takes too long to actually cook a meal that we will microwave it. Our hurried lifestyles manifest themselves in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. We want the Lord to answer our prayers now, or He doesn’t exist. We don’t

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695982.post-1061222423665102462003-08-18T11:00:00.000-05:002003-08-18T11:07:47.550-05:00

Well, this is my first attempt at blogging, and I can honestly say that I am a bit excited and nervous...kind of like my first date. Hopefully the results will be better here than on my first date. I can remember it like it was yesterday. We left her house and were driving to a local movie theater for a nice movie and some interesting conversation. Everything was going well until IT happened.

Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17704705434612692054noreply@blogger.com