Weekend Retreat

This past weekend was spent in Glorieta, NM - about a hour north of Albuquerque. The church had our annual retreat there. I enjoyed myself except I need to remember to bring my own pillow with me next year.

I was blessed to have found a theme scripture while I was there:
Hebrews 12:25
25See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?

The lessons weren't long, nor did they contain a lot of substance, but one lesson on Saturday yielded that scripture. If I'm going to do a great job worshipping God, I need to live out that scripture (I know, some of you believe that even if I live out that scripture I will never do a great job of worshipping God. All I can say to you is :-( ).

I was also blessed with spending time with my lovely and wonderfully incredible girlfriend. I think we both realized just how little time we've spent with each other and how much more time we should spend with each other.

Last, but certainly not least, congratulations to Lon and Carla who found time to get engaged while up there! I'm still surprised Lon used my suggested location to propose. Their wedding will probably be at the end of the year.

Price is Right & Brother's Birthday

Happy 29th birthday to my brother. Enjoy the last year of your youth! I appreciate everything you've done for me this year. Rest assured, when you need me, I'll be there for you.

As for the Price is Right, I have no problem with Drew Carey being the host provided he is himself. If he tries to treat it as another opportunity to do stand-up comedy, the show will eventually be cancelled.

NBA Refereee Betting Scandal

When I first heard about it this morning I was shocked. But as more details have come out and the more I've thought about it, the more it has been obivous to me.

First of all, gambling is something that we have the right to choose. Personally, I have lost money gambling at the casino's or during a poker game. I have never placed a bet in a casino on a sporting event (although I've thought about it afterwards). Second, I have suspected since the Knicks/Bulls playoff series in the 90's that NBA games were fixed. When Michael Jordan can get away with pushing off in game six of the finals against Utah for the game winning shot or all the times he would be called for a foul and yell (on t.v.) in the face of the official who called the foul without a single technical foul called or when Charles Smith is getting hammered underneath the basket while trying to make the game winning lay-up, you know something is wrong (and just to soothe you Bulls fans, I'll include Dick Bavetta's missed call against Scottie Pippen in '94). I hope that this all comes to light because I personally think the NBA has a bigger issue here than they realize.

Just my two cents - for now.

3 Month Warning

You are receiving your 3 month warning.

If you can find a wonderful gift for my girlfriend you will make me happy. However, if you choose to buy me a gift, shop early, shop often.

Milestone

One of the things I looked forward to the most when I started dating Natalie was her birthday.

Well, that is today.

My wonderful, awesome, gorgeous, superb, intelligent and spiritual girlfriend's birthday is today. I really can't wait to take her out tonight and encourage her socks off (figuratively, not literally).

To me, this is one of the benefits of dating. Giving to her makes me feel encouraged.

Happy Birthday Sweetie! I love you!

Question Your Faith!!!!!!

The Pope and the Vatican are at it again, sticking their collective noses out for all to punch. Can someone tell me where in the Bible the term "Catholic" is used? Where in the proper context of the Bible that a "Pope" is mentioned? More importantly, can someone use the Bible to tell me that being a "Catholic" is the only means to salvation?

Live Earth

You may or may not know that starting tomorrow (in the U.S.), Live Earth, a worldwide concert to raise global awareness of climate changes happens. I plan to listen to as much of it as I can, especially since it will be on XM Radio and I will do some driving tomorrow (of course, Natalie will change the station but when she isn't in the car, I will listen to it). I just hope the music doesn't suck because that will detract from what the whole concert is supposed to be about.

The cities:
New York
Washington, D.C.
London
Rio de Janeiro
Johannesburg
Hamburg
Shanghai
Tokyo
Sydney

I suggest you Answer the Call too.

Celebrating Freedom

Happy 4th of July to everyone! Today, take some time to really ponder the meaning of the fireworks that will be shot off. Remember that they are supposed to represent the battles that were fought to grant us the freedom that we enjoy and take for granted everyday.

Speeding Doesn't Pay

Take a read and think twice about 1) driving in Virginia and 2) speeding while driving in Virginia.

Fortunately, most people take public transportation on the east coast but isn't their something in the Constitution known as cruel and unusual punishment? Doesn't this fit that description?