Stretching is an exercise that is more than just pushing or pulling muscles in order to relieve tension. I am learning that I need to stretch more. T0 stretch myself physically as well as spiritually and mentally. Stretching before and after exercise prevents injury and protects the back and joints. Stretching these other areas--pulls me out of my "box" and pushes me to my self induced limits.
Last month, I was allowed and required to stretch myself in so many ways. On several occasions, I was out of my comfort zone, in over my head and forced to ask for help and direction. I joined a group of 300 high school students on Spring Break mission trip and traveled to Mexico. This trip forced me to wear hats and take on responsibilities both new and foreign.
Those who know me well will verify that common house hold tools are not something I use frequently or have a general need for. However, on this trip, I "lead" a group of students to build a house for a Mexican family...and we did it in 4 days! I was completely lost, even with the manual, and quickly discovered that I had no natural talent or instinct for this project. I had to ask for help, learn on the fly and stretch (trust) that I could do my part and be a contributor.
This new home included 4 walls, 4 windows, 2 doors, and tin roof. I learned how to install windows properly (there is a technique!! who knew?!). I learned the difference between the beam, the truss and the perlins--that was a brand new addition to my vocabulary. The completed structure measured a full 10 feet x 14 feet. This is now a home for a family of 4! Most of us have bedrooms larger than this house. I had to stretch (my thinking) to appreciate how truly blessed I am.
We traveled from Atlanta to Matamoros, Mexico by bus. Our lodging was a bunkhouse of sorts. The water...well, you know. It was hot, dry, dusty and Spanish is not my second language! Dispite our living and travel conditions, I was constantly amazed at the maturity level and the display of servanthood I experienced with these kids. Seldom did I have to be a parent and lead...they lead me and showed me new ways to relax and have pure fun. I had to stretch (my control) and let go...enjoy each moment as it presented itself...allow God, these kids and the environment to determine what should happen next. I became an observer and a sponge...that is not common for me...I was stretched.
All this to say, don't sell yourself short...step out of your zone and do something that requires you to be humbled and learn a new skill. Expect more from yourself and expect God to show you that He can use you in new ways. Ask God to stretch you...it can change your life!
Enjoy!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
More Food and Fun!
A simple email to some friends about a local Pizza Hut promotion quickly spun out of control and gave us all a chuckle...others have asked me to share so here ya go...ENJOY!
Hey,
Just a head’s up about Pizza Hut…there is one in the Publix center across from the church…in case you guys ever need food delivered for meetings, parties, gatherings or whatever…they are now doing pasta in addition to pizza and wings…mmmmm
Revelation: You know, I hate to admit it, but you can always count on me to know the latest and greatest about food in East Cobb and the greater Atlanta area!! Its an obsession and on the verge of some type of sickness, psychosis. I think I may need a
12 Step program (another one!).
My program will look a lot like this…
Step 1—I am powerless over fast food (any food) and my life has become unmanageable (along with my long hair)
Step 2—I have come to believe a power greater than myself can restore me to sanity (or maybe I should just up the dose of Xanex/Valium)
Step 3—Made a decision to turn my life over to the care of God (I did that 30 years ago—that was before internet food ads and food blogs, food network, Willy Wonka and Biggie Size IT!) Need Him more than ever now...
Step 4—Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of myself (I weigh each week at the Y, naked, in front of 3 witnesses…not a nice visual but brutal honesty)
Step 5—Admitted to God, to myself and another human being (that would be ya’ll) the exact nature of my wrongs (burp!)
Step 6—Became entirely ready for God to remove these defects of character (as well as my spare tire, man-boobs, and 3 out of 4 chins) Maybe God will send a Plastic Surgeon my way!
Step 7—Humbly asked God to remove my shortcomings (as well as the aforementioned gut, chest and chins)
Step 8—Made a list of all persons I had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all (OR I can just make everyone a cobbler, some enchiladas or Mac and Cheese and call it even!)
Step 9—Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others (Back into the kitchen--cake is quick cure all!) Step 10—Continue to take personal inventory and when I am wrong promptly admit it (uh, can someone define "promptly…")
Step 11—Sought through power and meditation to improve my conscious contact with God, praying only for the knowledge of His will and the power to carry that out (Hey, I got this one down. 11 out of 12, not so bad)
Step 12—Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, I try to carry this message to others (that would be ya’ll) and to practice these principles in all my affairs (Listen, can we talk about all of this over some lunch, dinner, breakfast, a little snack, leftovers…you choose!!)
Anyway, I really was sending this notice about the Pizza Hut stuff (see below) as a head’s up!!
I need professional help……going go get some now….right after lunch….
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Some Words of Wisdom (from Today's Reading)
It's cool when we get those moments of clarity or an "ah-ha" from something we read or hear. Many times it is words, phrases or scripture that we have heard over and over but it makes perfect sense today or is completely relevant to the present situation...I believe God's timing is always perfect and His way of being present in our situation.
I have several books and devotionals that I like to read from each morning. This message from my Courage to Change book was helpful to me and I want to share it...ENJOY...
I have several books and devotionals that I like to read from each morning. This message from my Courage to Change book was helpful to me and I want to share it...ENJOY...
In the past, forgivness meant power to me. I could judge an offender--the person wasn't doing what I wanted them to do (or thought they should do)--and then exercise my power by showing that I could rise above the offense and magnanimously bestow my forgiveness. But I would never forget what had been done. Today I know that forgiveness has nothing to do with
power. It does not give me control. Forgiveness is simply a reminder that I am on equal footing with every other child of God. We all do good and noble things at times; on other occasions we may offend. I have no right to judge, punish, or absolve anyone. When I behave self-rightously, I'm the one who suffers--I separate myself from my fellow human beings, focus on others, and keep busy with hateful and negative thoughts. By taking this attitude I tell myself that I am a victim, so I remain a victim. The most forgiving thing I can do is to remember that my job is not to judge others, but to think and behave in a way that lets me feel good.
TODAY's REMINDER--I don't know the motives or circumstances that cause another's behavior. I do know that when I hold onto resentment and blame, I occupy my spirit with bitterness. Today I will find a more nurturing way to fill myself up.
"YOU CAN'T HOLD A MAN DOWN WITHOUT STAYING DOWN WITH HIM."
Booker T. Washington
We often spend time focusing on the actions and attitudes of others and then we seem to have a deep need to comment on their actions or attitudes either to them (nag) or to someone else (gossip). Alot of energy is spent on others in a futile attempt to change them or let them know we are not approving of them and/or their behavior.
I'm not sure as to why we do this, but I have decided that I don't want to do it anymore.
Be patient and give me some time. Old habits are hard to break!
Monday, March 17, 2008
ALL IS WELL
This past weekend, I witnessed some incredible leadership, planning, implementation, delegation and teamwork! All from high school kids...they were awesome! I was one of three adult "sponsors" on a weekend camping trip with the Pope High School FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) group. These kids, planned the trip, took care of all the details, bought the groceries, selected the camp site, set up the tents and made a wet, dreary weekend something to be cherished and remembered. I was literally along for the ride...what a joy!!
The weather was less than cooperative, but not one single person complained! When we got to the site, it was completely dark, but everyone worked together to unloaded the gear, hustled looking for firewood and did whatever need to get done to prepare for a wet weekend. The air was damp (so was all the wood) but they managed to create a great campfire to dry us out and then lead worship under the stars. We were awakened around 3:00am to an amazing thunder and lightning show that echoed through the mountains of the Alabama State Park...the bottom fell out and it poured for a while, then stopped. The moon shone bright enough that flashlights were not necessary "nature called" and you had to step out of your tent and wonder a few yards away from camp. The nearest facilities were miles away, oh well...
The next day, after a lesiurely breakfast of Bacon and Eggs cooked over the campfire, we hiked several trails, saw some beautiful water falls, a few jumped off of the rocky cliffs into the icy water, got out and did it again! Enjoying all that nature had to offer...free of charge! PB and J sandwiches for lunch by the creek and back to the hiking trails. We got soaked by an afternoon shower while jogging to see the last of the falls...all is well!
Back to camp to build a huge fire to dry off by. Chef Jared treated us all to Cheeseburgers and Dogs cooked over the open fire and we grabbed wet sticks to create the best S'Mores ever! Campfire talk and stories of embarassing moments, school pranks and "this one time..." Gene again lead us in worship with his guitar and group singing. I kept thinking that most adults do not work this well together (without a committee chair and strategic planning) much less allow themselves to enjoy the the moments that nature in it's purest form provides. There was no set agenda to follow, just be present, enjoy each other, respect each other and laugh alot.
The next morning, everyone up and at'em by 7:30, chipping in to pack, clean and haul all the gear back down to where the vehicles were parked and head home. I was dirty, smelly and completely exhausted. But my spirit was refreshed and encouraged by these kids. I am so glad my future is in their hands! Thanks PHS/FCA for a great weekend...because you gave so much of yourself, I slept like a baby on wet, hard ground in a cold tent--completely out of my element! Can't wait til next year...all is well.
The weather was less than cooperative, but not one single person complained! When we got to the site, it was completely dark, but everyone worked together to unloaded the gear, hustled looking for firewood and did whatever need to get done to prepare for a wet weekend. The air was damp (so was all the wood) but they managed to create a great campfire to dry us out and then lead worship under the stars. We were awakened around 3:00am to an amazing thunder and lightning show that echoed through the mountains of the Alabama State Park...the bottom fell out and it poured for a while, then stopped. The moon shone bright enough that flashlights were not necessary "nature called" and you had to step out of your tent and wonder a few yards away from camp. The nearest facilities were miles away, oh well...
The next day, after a lesiurely breakfast of Bacon and Eggs cooked over the campfire, we hiked several trails, saw some beautiful water falls, a few jumped off of the rocky cliffs into the icy water, got out and did it again! Enjoying all that nature had to offer...free of charge! PB and J sandwiches for lunch by the creek and back to the hiking trails. We got soaked by an afternoon shower while jogging to see the last of the falls...all is well!
Back to camp to build a huge fire to dry off by. Chef Jared treated us all to Cheeseburgers and Dogs cooked over the open fire and we grabbed wet sticks to create the best S'Mores ever! Campfire talk and stories of embarassing moments, school pranks and "this one time..." Gene again lead us in worship with his guitar and group singing. I kept thinking that most adults do not work this well together (without a committee chair and strategic planning) much less allow themselves to enjoy the the moments that nature in it's purest form provides. There was no set agenda to follow, just be present, enjoy each other, respect each other and laugh alot.
The next morning, everyone up and at'em by 7:30, chipping in to pack, clean and haul all the gear back down to where the vehicles were parked and head home. I was dirty, smelly and completely exhausted. But my spirit was refreshed and encouraged by these kids. I am so glad my future is in their hands! Thanks PHS/FCA for a great weekend...because you gave so much of yourself, I slept like a baby on wet, hard ground in a cold tent--completely out of my element! Can't wait til next year...all is well.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Small Plates...GENIUS!
A RESTAURANT REVIEW
7:30pm, Reservation for 4, a great meal, a great Saturday night...
It was the weekend after Valentine's Day and after 15 phone calls and signifcant web hunting, this was one the only restaurant that could seat us before 9:3opm...it was a risk since none of us had ever heard of the place. We were looking for something different, something special...we found it.
Two steps into VIII fifty on Holcomb Bridge Rd and I knew. We are not in East Cobb anymore! Situated in yet another strip shopping center eatery that Atlanta suburbs are known for, we could have easily been dining in New York, Las Vegas or Miami. This former Rio Bravo has been transformed into a stylish, modern "hot spot." The space is wide open, and the best part, it's not too loud...loved that! Guess I am showing my age.
I fell in love with the concept of Small Plates or "Tapas" several years ago while working in Miami. First, at a downtown Spanish Cafe that has been around for ages, the at TuTu Tango in Coconut Grove as well as Buckhead. The Chinese have been dishing up their small tastes during "Dim Sum" for ages. This is a great way to eat because you get to try all kinds of food, share with others and eat to your heart's content. Everyone's happy!
While "Tapas" are usually Spanish or have a Latin flavor, many chefs have incorporated or fused international dishes into all sorts of unique tastes and plated them in small portions to be mixed and matched and ordered throughout the meal. At VIII fifty this is the way to go. They do have a section dedicated to some great looking entrees but we could not get past the top half of the menu.
My first plate, a salad, was Brussel Spouts. I NEVER eat Brussel Spouts...NEVER! I did during this outing and they were something else. Roasted with bacon and apples, dressed with onion vinaigrette...who knew!? I will try them again.
Another feature was they did not clutter our table with tons of little plates. In addition to the salads, we ordered another 5 dishes and they brought them on a long, skinny platter that went down the middle of our booth so that we all had access and did not have to shuffle and pass dishes all evening...cool!
Round 1: A table-top buffet of Scallops, Duck, Kobe Beef Sliders (aka mini burgers), and Lobster Corn Salad. All very tasty and easy to share. The Ceviche came in a Martini glass and was chock full of seafood, but not one of my favorites. (Sauce was a little too think and had a overly sweet, catsup-like taste). For something different we had the New Orleans Crawfish Cheescake and the Maytag Strudel...the later being the group favorite and the star of the evening!
Round 2: We ordered the Roasted Chicken Pot Pie and the Singapore Street Noodles...WOW...not Small Plates but Big Bowls! We could not finish them between the 4 of us. The Pot Pie was very Southern, very Homemade and a meal in itself. The Noodles were in a spicy, green curry. I loved the heat, but you should know, these Thai style noodles have quite a kick. Save them for last so you can enjoy the full range of sweet, savory, fresh and hearty dishes.
After all this, there are still at least 10 "Small Plates" that need to be tasted and the next time I am saving room for desserts (plural). Thanks VIII fifty for a nice dinner. We will be back...soon!
7:30pm, Reservation for 4, a great meal, a great Saturday night...
It was the weekend after Valentine's Day and after 15 phone calls and signifcant web hunting, this was one the only restaurant that could seat us before 9:3opm...it was a risk since none of us had ever heard of the place. We were looking for something different, something special...we found it.
Two steps into VIII fifty on Holcomb Bridge Rd and I knew. We are not in East Cobb anymore! Situated in yet another strip shopping center eatery that Atlanta suburbs are known for, we could have easily been dining in New York, Las Vegas or Miami. This former Rio Bravo has been transformed into a stylish, modern "hot spot." The space is wide open, and the best part, it's not too loud...loved that! Guess I am showing my age.
I fell in love with the concept of Small Plates or "Tapas" several years ago while working in Miami. First, at a downtown Spanish Cafe that has been around for ages, the at TuTu Tango in Coconut Grove as well as Buckhead. The Chinese have been dishing up their small tastes during "Dim Sum" for ages. This is a great way to eat because you get to try all kinds of food, share with others and eat to your heart's content. Everyone's happy!
While "Tapas" are usually Spanish or have a Latin flavor, many chefs have incorporated or fused international dishes into all sorts of unique tastes and plated them in small portions to be mixed and matched and ordered throughout the meal. At VIII fifty this is the way to go. They do have a section dedicated to some great looking entrees but we could not get past the top half of the menu.
My first plate, a salad, was Brussel Spouts. I NEVER eat Brussel Spouts...NEVER! I did during this outing and they were something else. Roasted with bacon and apples, dressed with onion vinaigrette...who knew!? I will try them again.
Another feature was they did not clutter our table with tons of little plates. In addition to the salads, we ordered another 5 dishes and they brought them on a long, skinny platter that went down the middle of our booth so that we all had access and did not have to shuffle and pass dishes all evening...cool!
Round 1: A table-top buffet of Scallops, Duck, Kobe Beef Sliders (aka mini burgers), and Lobster Corn Salad. All very tasty and easy to share. The Ceviche came in a Martini glass and was chock full of seafood, but not one of my favorites. (Sauce was a little too think and had a overly sweet, catsup-like taste). For something different we had the New Orleans Crawfish Cheescake and the Maytag Strudel...the later being the group favorite and the star of the evening!
Round 2: We ordered the Roasted Chicken Pot Pie and the Singapore Street Noodles...WOW...not Small Plates but Big Bowls! We could not finish them between the 4 of us. The Pot Pie was very Southern, very Homemade and a meal in itself. The Noodles were in a spicy, green curry. I loved the heat, but you should know, these Thai style noodles have quite a kick. Save them for last so you can enjoy the full range of sweet, savory, fresh and hearty dishes.
After all this, there are still at least 10 "Small Plates" that need to be tasted and the next time I am saving room for desserts (plural). Thanks VIII fifty for a nice dinner. We will be back...soon!
Friday, February 15, 2008
EVER NOTICE?
Ever notice that when your car is stuck in the mud, the faster you make the wheels spin, the deeper they go?
Ever notice when you force the automatic revolving door at the airport to move faster, it stops and alarms go off?
Ever notice when your fingers are stuck in one of the Chinese Finger Traps--the harder you pull the tighter the straw draws around your fingers?
Ever notice when you try to stubbornly force your opinions onto your children, they cling stubbornly onto theirs?
Ever notice in Tug of War, the harder you pull the harder your opponent pulls?
Ever notice when you pray for patience, the longer it seems to get an answer?
Ever notice the more you focus on losing weight, the more you think about food?
Ever notice when you nag or try to change a loved one, they dig their heels in even deeper?
In physics as in life...force = friction.
Sometimes we just need to allow things to work out on their own, in their own time, as they were created.
From today's reading:
"It does not help the locomotive for its axles to become hot; their heat is only a hindrance. The axles become heated due to unnecessary friction. Dry surfaces are grinding against each other instead of working in smooth cooperation...The words FRET and FRICTION are very similar. Friction caused by fretting is an indication of the absence of the anointing oil of the grace of God. When we worry, a little bit of sand gets into the bearings. It may be some slight disappointment, ungratefulness, or discourtesy we have experienced--suddenly our life is no longer running smoothly. Friction leads to heat, and heat can lead to very dangerous conditions." from The Silver Lining
Dear restless heart, be still; don't fret and worry so;
God has a thousand ways His love and help to show;
Just trust, and trust, and trust, until His will you know.
Dear restless heart, be still! Don't struggle to be free;
God's life is in your life, from Him you may not flee;
Just pray, and pray, and pray, till you have faith to see.
Edith Willis Linn
Good Stuff...enjoy!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Day Two--DISCLAIMER!
On more than one occasion, my mom said to me in exasperation... "Please think before you say something like that again..."! This lesson would be in the same vein as "Look before you leap," or "Stop, Look and Listen." I know this is wise counsel, but you should know that I am still a work in progress when it comes to this type of forethought and restraint...
That being said, I am going to post this "DISCLAIMER" as a notice to all readers that the primary goal for this blog is to simply share my thoughts, experiences, and observations...
My family gave me a T-shirt a few years ago printed with the words: "I MAKE UP STUFF" and I wear it proudly! Now you know what to expect here.
While my plan is to be brutally honest and share from my heart, I understand that some experiences may take a spin and fall into a tall tale of sorts. This writing style would be for added effect and for your enjoyment only. I think that is called-- writer's priviledge or poetic justice or something like that...anyway, just a head's up on that point.
Also, some of you might get a mention or two from time to time. You should know that I do NOT plan to change names to protect the innocent. I am saving that for the TV, Screenplays, and Hollywood genre and I have not decided to go in that direction at this time. I will, however, give full credit where credit is due! In some instances, I may resort to some type of code that is intended to provide some cover but communicate as needed.
The intentions for my bloggery are for pure, clean fun! Apologies all around for any future remarks or comments that may be TMI and have been included for shock value or are just darn true! If I step on a toe or two...oops, my bad, no harm intended and I am sorry. Just shake your head and Bless My Heart!
Now, I will move on with the assurance that you have been duly informed and I have taken the necessary steps to communicate the intended use of this material.
Nuf said!
(Effective today's date: February 14, 2008...how appropriate!)
That being said, I am going to post this "DISCLAIMER" as a notice to all readers that the primary goal for this blog is to simply share my thoughts, experiences, and observations...
My family gave me a T-shirt a few years ago printed with the words: "I MAKE UP STUFF" and I wear it proudly! Now you know what to expect here.
While my plan is to be brutally honest and share from my heart, I understand that some experiences may take a spin and fall into a tall tale of sorts. This writing style would be for added effect and for your enjoyment only. I think that is called-- writer's priviledge or poetic justice or something like that...anyway, just a head's up on that point.
Also, some of you might get a mention or two from time to time. You should know that I do NOT plan to change names to protect the innocent. I am saving that for the TV, Screenplays, and Hollywood genre and I have not decided to go in that direction at this time. I will, however, give full credit where credit is due! In some instances, I may resort to some type of code that is intended to provide some cover but communicate as needed.
The intentions for my bloggery are for pure, clean fun! Apologies all around for any future remarks or comments that may be TMI and have been included for shock value or are just darn true! If I step on a toe or two...oops, my bad, no harm intended and I am sorry. Just shake your head and Bless My Heart!
Now, I will move on with the assurance that you have been duly informed and I have taken the necessary steps to communicate the intended use of this material.
Nuf said!
(Effective today's date: February 14, 2008...how appropriate!)
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
My First Time!
NOW WHAT?
I have a blog spot, a blog site, I own and operate a blog...now what?
I am now a "blogger"? What does that mean? I thought this would be an easy, fun new project...now what?
All those words and ideas that I had in my head were destined for this exciting new site to be forever logged and an inspiration or entertainment for all!...Now WHAT?
I have to really do this all myself? What was I expecting? Why is this so hard? What am I afraid of? What do I do now?? NOW WHAT?
Oh well, here goes alot of nothin...enjoy...
As parents, Kim and I have spent the last 21+ years nurturing, teaching, molding, guiding, mentoring, and nagging our children. Add in alot of prayer, hope and trust that they will turn out to be decent, loving and most of all independent members of society. As the father of 2 amazing daughters, Lindsay, a 22 year old college senior and Madison, a 16 year old high school junior I am overwhelmed and inspired almost daily by these young women and the insights and lessons they now have for me!
Lindsay has a blog http://www.lindsaylamphere.blogspot.com/ that makes me laugh and cry each time I read it. So proud yet so awestruck that she has grown up to become this beautiful young lady with her own, independent thoughts and ideas! And the confidence to share them with the world...Wow! How did this happen so quickly?
Madison is behind her in age only! She too seems to know and understand so much. Her strong grasp of what is right and good...she is very organized and so responsible for a sweet girl of only sixteen. She is strong in spirit and in faith...Wow! What did we do to deserve these blessings! Thank God for Kim!!!!
Anyway, Lindsay says that I should have a blog...some professor in one of her PR or Communication classes says they are essential to success in this techno age.
So with Lindsay's sage advice and direction, a blogging we will go...
It's my first time, so be gentle :)
Enjoy!
I have a blog spot, a blog site, I own and operate a blog...now what?
I am now a "blogger"? What does that mean? I thought this would be an easy, fun new project...now what?
All those words and ideas that I had in my head were destined for this exciting new site to be forever logged and an inspiration or entertainment for all!...Now WHAT?
I have to really do this all myself? What was I expecting? Why is this so hard? What am I afraid of? What do I do now?? NOW WHAT?
Oh well, here goes alot of nothin...enjoy...
As parents, Kim and I have spent the last 21+ years nurturing, teaching, molding, guiding, mentoring, and nagging our children. Add in alot of prayer, hope and trust that they will turn out to be decent, loving and most of all independent members of society. As the father of 2 amazing daughters, Lindsay, a 22 year old college senior and Madison, a 16 year old high school junior I am overwhelmed and inspired almost daily by these young women and the insights and lessons they now have for me!
Lindsay has a blog http://www.lindsaylamphere.blogspot.com/ that makes me laugh and cry each time I read it. So proud yet so awestruck that she has grown up to become this beautiful young lady with her own, independent thoughts and ideas! And the confidence to share them with the world...Wow! How did this happen so quickly?
Madison is behind her in age only! She too seems to know and understand so much. Her strong grasp of what is right and good...she is very organized and so responsible for a sweet girl of only sixteen. She is strong in spirit and in faith...Wow! What did we do to deserve these blessings! Thank God for Kim!!!!
Anyway, Lindsay says that I should have a blog...some professor in one of her PR or Communication classes says they are essential to success in this techno age.
So with Lindsay's sage advice and direction, a blogging we will go...
It's my first time, so be gentle :)
Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)