Burning Vapor

Burning Vapor is Moving Back Home

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 01:33:00 +0000

Why do I write? It's a question I was asked while preparing for a little part time work and it's a good question. Currently, my writing is a hobby. I have been blogging for about 10 years and my blogs have revolved around my interests in life. I have never focused on a certain topic or theme, just life. My writing has included topics such as adoption, ministry experiences, theological meanderings, and a whole host of family related stories. I'm not particularly good at writing, but I enjoy it.

I also write because it helps me stay in touch with friends and family around the globe. One of the downsides to living in so many places is that you must leave good friends behind. Writing helps me stay connected to them and they to me.

Writing also allows me to get my thoughts out on 'paper'. I have found that I can become very myopic in my views of life, so I like to step back and look at what I have written. It helps me understand the world around me a little better. My perspective is so narrow, isolated, and me-centric. With almost everything that I post I will get an email or Facebook message. These comments help shape me and my understanding of life.

And to be honest, I'm a little competitive. I like seeing viewers pop up from around the world and I like to see more and more readers. Seriously, it's not because I think I'm a great writer...I really just like seeing the numbers climb...hey, I'm easily entertained.

So, with all of that said, I am moving our blog back to it's original spot at http://www.burningvapor.com. I'm still toying with themes and such, but this will be it's new, old location. If you have a blog, I would love for you to update the new address or add me to your reading list. See ya there!

GVFXCFV15819618

Bri's Custom Made Shanks coming to market soon. This version is for your lovely wife.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 01:50:00 +0000

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/aXFECqBrVP/

Second Place in His Age Group! #caleb #chickfila5k

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 19:33:00 +0000

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Chick-Fil-A 5k - Loved Running with These Two #5k #chickfila

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 19:33:00 +0000

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Look Closely, Do You See It?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 20:40:00 +0000

Before I even clicked on the video I knew what I was about to see. I have black children and I work with predominantly black employees. My children have experienced stereotyping and I hear about it from my employees all the time.

You are probably getting a tie for Fathers Day. My two youngest daughters just made me a shank.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 03:33:00 +0000

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Men, Stop Trying to Fix Your Wives!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 20:50:00 +0000

I could not resist reposting this.

So You Had A Bad Day

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 18:44:00 +0000

I am having a bad day. It is a bad day in the middle of a bad week. Why? Well, there are a lot of reasons why and none of them really matter much. And compared to a lot of people, my bad week pales in comparison - nonetheless, it's a bad week. But what do I do to fight out of a bad day or a bad week?

I do several things to help me fight through. First, I acknowledge that I'm having a bad day. It's an important first step or I would never decide to fight...I would just keep existing and allow the day to continue flushing down the toilet. Once I realize that I am indeed having a bad day, the fight begins.

1. What's weighing on my heart on mind? Is it sin? Is there something to confess? Many times it is not directly sin, but my response to situations lead me into sin. If it is sin, then I confess it. Repent of it. Replace the sinful thinking or actions with God glorifying, heart satisfying truth. (1 John 1:9)

2. I read the Bible. Personally, I usually read through James or I will grab an epistle and let my mind be distracted from my bad day by someone elses bad day. This helps me. Sometimes I will take a picture of a verse on my phone and make it my screen saver. (James 4:13-17)

3. I get up and move. The absolute worst thing for me to do is close in on myself, sit in my office, or hide away. I get myself busy with something productive. This is another practical thing that helps stop my mind from going down a bad trail. By getting up and moving that means cleaning a particular part of the house, going for a walk or run, throwing frisbee, gardening, cutting grass, or even just standing outside in the sunshine.

4. I drink a little more coffee and eat a little more food. Just being honest, but coffee and food make me feel better. Sometimes I will even treat myself to a snickers bar...like yesterday, or a Mountain Dew, like today. This helps my energy level and helps with #3.

5. I tell someone. Usually I tell Jennifer. I need someone else to know that I'm struggling with life, sin, work, parenting, ministry, or whatever it may be. Jennifer has learned how to encourage me. She speaks truth to me. She asks me what things are dragging me down and I have trained myself to not cop out and say, "I don't know." (James 5:16)

6. I listen to music. Music is one of those things that lifts my spirits, and it really varies what type of music I may listen to.

And after all of that, I watch the video below. I watch it because it makes me smile. I need to smile. If not the video below, I'll watch something that will make me chuckle or at the minimum, smile. So that is what I do when I'm having a bad day...and I'm starting to feel a little better already. :)

Classic #1931 #cars

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 15:33:00 +0000

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Welcome to Braves Country #braves #McConnell