Holidays and Hotwings

Monument

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 20:25:00 -0700

www.monumentchurch.blogspot.com
this is a link to our church blog. check it out.

www.myspace.com/monumentbiblechurch
this is a link to our myspace.

You can go to either site and subscribe to our Monument podcast

Illuminate

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 14:25:00 -0800

First Podcast
Dec. 28th 2003
First Baptist Church
Phoenix, AZ

Check out my podcast from this past weekend. I review a show we saw at Metro and spin some old vinyl blues favorites I've found.

Ski Trip

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 09:20:00 -0800

I just got back from a four day trip to Purgatoy, CO. We took 29 youth and leaders for a few days to go ride. The kids where awesome and had a great time on the mountain.

Sasha

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Fri, 3 Feb 2006 14:40:00 -0800

This is our new chihuahua / doxon puppy. She is about 4 months. We got her last friday when the rescue called.

House update

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Thu, 24 Nov 2005 09:41:00 -0800

We refi-ed and paid off some high interest school loaned and credit card debt. It's very exciting to only have "good" debt now. Our house is awesome and a huge blessing! I have been on "brain lock" with the back yard for the last 3-4 weeks. We have a sprinkler system, drip system, trees, shrubs,patio extention with fire pit, rock, and on the way...grass.
right now I am watching the thanksgiving parade and the lip-synching program sucks.

Halloween was a bust

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Tue, 8 Nov 2005 17:35:00 -0800

we had no kids. Well...2 of our friends brought their kids by for candy. So we have a grip of candy in our pumpkin left over. Chris eats like 5 pieces a day!
Today was my first real experience on myspace. I've been their to look at bands before but I didn't know you could do a high school search. What was the most shocking was how all those people you thought where gay in high school turn out to really be gay! It was really weird to see so many old friends online. weird.

Frances is Elvis

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Mon, 31 Oct 2005 11:32:00 -0800

We went to a pumpkin party last night over at Ryan and Candys. Frances went in his Halloween costume. He was a real embarrassment. He spent his time stealing pumpkin pie, barking/ biting at our friends, and trying to escape out of his costume. Frances lacks many social graces and it might be awhile before he gets to go out again.
Tonight will be my first time ever passing out candy to trick or treators. I always lived out of town on the farm where no one came or as I got older...went out on the town. So, I am excited to sit with my costumed dog and pass out candy to the Mexican kids that will be knocking at my door.

People of the Lie

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 11:46:00 -0700

So I just read this book by Dr. Peck. REALLY interesting. Some of the chapters where at bit of hog wash as far as I understand theology, but particularly his chapter on Mental illness and the naming of evil was eye opening. (this book is about recognizing evil people)
In one of the cases he presents a daughter sick of her mother oppressing her and scapegoating blame to others so that she can appear to have good intentions to others. In the case the daughter diagnosed her mother by saying, "Sick, not evil." but the Dr. Peck replied, "What's the difference?".
He says Evil people are really people with a personality disorder that includes the following symptoms;

a)consistent destructive, scapegoat behavior, which may often be quite subtle
b) excessive, albeit usually covert, intolerance to criticism and other forms of narcissistic injury
c) pronounced concern with a public image and self image of respectability, contributing to a stability of life style but also to pretentiousness and denial of hateful feelings or vengeful motives
d)intellectual deviousness, with an increased likelihood of a mild schizophreniclike disturbance of thinking at times of stress

"Ambulatory schizophrenia" are people who generally function well in the world, who never develop a full blown schizophrenic illness or require hospitalization but who demonstrate a disorganization in their thinking particularly at times of stress - which resembles that of more of a obvious "classical" schizophrenia.
Peck argues that many evil people are diagnosed with ambulatory schizophrenia. Their not identical but their is much over lap.
What blows my mind is how in our culture today we don't want to label anyone "evil" because...That's just not nice. But the true matter is their are many evil people. Many evil people sitting next to you even in church. And if it "evil" is a disease than we need to help bring people out of their dysfunction.
As I read this book, some names of people started to pop in my head. I was like, "Wow, I need to go tell these people their evil and they need help!" But then I remembered that God tells us to pull the plank from our own eye. And then I could see so much of my own evil and depravity. Now that verse in Matt. 7:3, isn't saying don't judge anybody, it saying check yourself first. But we as believers are to hold one another accountable. And that is what the verse is telling it's audience, get your heart right before you go gracefully admonish another.
Anyway, I just wanted to encourage you readers to recognize that evil is real. Evil people exist even though we don't like to call them that. And that we as the family of God have a great deal of self reflection to do, so that, we can help the rest of the family be cured from their disease.

Our Depravity Meets His Divinity

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Mon, 17 Oct 2005 12:41:00 -0700

...its a beautiful collision. This is what the new David Crowder Band album reflects on. We went to see them a couple of weeks ago, and to be honest...I wasn't that impressed witht the show. This is hard to admit because the last 13 times I have seen them they have always blown my socks off. So, I made an assumption the new album wouldn't be good. Boy, was I wrong! A COLLISION is the greatest! It was done so creatively and artisitc. My linear thinking seminary friends don't get it, but my banner waving friends do. (thats a lie, I don't have any banner waving frineds) This album has covers of Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Jonhhy Cash, and my latest favorite Sufjan Stephens.
Anyway, I thought I would plug a great album.

Our New House

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 22:19:00 -0700

My Tech world turned upside down

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 21:40:00 -0700

Today was a milestone. I downloaded the itunes 6 update to find that thier is a new ipod out that plays not only music, stores data, and archives pictures...but now stores video. And on itunes you can now download your favorite TV shows and music videos.
Also, I saw a visa card vending machine. I walked up, swiped my card, pressed the Dr. Pepper button...and presto! one fell into my hands with NO PAPER MONEY!
So, how does this advance mankind you ask...I have no clue. But now i can watch last nights episode of Lost when I go to buy a Dr. Pepper out of the vending machine, even though I don't have any change.
Life is better.

The New House

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Wed, 12 Oct 2005 14:33:00 -0700

We finally have offically moved in. There is some work that the builder needs to do around the house, but for the most part its ready. We took this picture right after I installed the carriage lights you see above the garage.

We got a sailor!

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Wed, 12 Oct 2005 14:27:00 -0700

Chris is at the helm going about 2 knots. She was quite the sailor that day!

the last month

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Mon, 10 Oct 2005 12:45:00 -0700

How the crap did I let almost a month go by without a blog! wow.

Well my first excuse is;
we had family in town
we then had a wedding
then we closed on a house
then we moved in a house
then we where out of town

2nd excuse is we haven't had internet in a long time.

neither are good excuses fro the amount of good stuff going on. Chris and I just went sailing in San Diego. She partied a little hard and ended up throwing up over the side of the boat. She also had a hard time at the helm. It must have been all those mimosas.

We are offically "moved" in to our house. We have satelite televiosn and wireless internet. We are so spoiling ourselves! frances has not peed on the new carpet yet. I installed a garage door opener, carriage lights, and surround sound speakers in the walls. Chris has put the house together beautifully. We should all come out and see it.

I have to go to class. We don't have internet in the classroom so I can't chit chat as much.

Sonoita

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Fri, 16 Sep 2005 08:19:00 -0700

There is Josh and Tim with our horse blacky. Tim was actually a pretty good roper. Josh was horse challenged. Chris and I took the youth leader team down to Sonoita for a leadership retreat this past weekend. They roped and rode, they went to Mexico, they ate pizza at the Velvet Elvis. Everybody is ready to go back.
School started this past week for me. All my classes are great. Especially my class with Dr. Roger Ball, he is an amazing teacher. The class is called "Leaders who develop leaders" and he walks the walk. If I could be mentored / work for him I think I could really benefit spiritually and in my leadership skills.
Anyway...Our carpet was put in our house on Wednesday. Our carpet rocks! The contractor and his buddy took a nap on it yesterday. It is just so soft and looks so good. I know I am a bit obsessed with the carpet but...I am.
My Parents closed on their own ranch property in Alpine, Arizona. Their property sits at about 8,000 ft. Which is about the third highest elevated mountain in the state. So their is plenty of snow in the winter for skiing and snowmobiling. So they bought 30 some acres off of Luna lake, which backs up against national park property (so no new neighbors coming in). There is two large cabins with wireless internet and satellite television. There is a horse barn and chorales with a few horses. There is a boat for the lake, some 4 wheelers for the woods, and some snowmobiles for the winter. The property is located 45 mins for the states best ski resort. And the best part.....We have keys. We can party up there anytime. So, pack your bags and head to AZ so we can vacation at the new ranch!

I'm a published author (and I can't even spell!)

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Fri, 2 Sep 2005 10:19:00 -0700

Hi! Just wanted to let you know your quote was selected to appear in a book we¹re publishing next spring called Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot! We¹re just using your first name and city. We are peppering the book with little insightful quotes from readers who shared their insight into planning different aspects of the wedding for cheap. It will add some visual interest and give the reader a sense that they¹re not the only ones who are trying to save $$ on the wedding.
I¹d love to send you a PDF of the book once it¹s designed so you can seeyour quote. Just let me know.
Thanks again!
Cara
Relevant Books (partner of relevant magazine) is publishing our ideas for postcards as wedding invitations and cupcakes instead of cake.

New Golf Clubs

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Thu, 1 Sep 2005 07:35:00 -0700

I went to Prescott to visit the fam this past weekend. My uncle took me to play golf with him. He has all the lastest and greatest stuff, like a remote control caddy. Anyway, he just got the new G2 ping irons. So, he let me play with his "old" clubs. After I shot an 88 he said I could have them! So that was awesome. Now Christine can learn to play golf, since she has been asking forever.
Living in the Casita has been nice. It's comfortable. It seems like there is alot more food around. We got cable, starbucks, and wireless internet, so it's going easy. We received our closing date on the house...September 28th. So we are on the count down!

I am a M-A-N

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Tue, 23 Aug 2005 19:15:00 -0700

This past Sunday I did man stuff while Chris was at her drunk-fest wedding shower. I haven't done much mechanical in a while and it felt good. I repaired a 4 wheeler that wouldn't start. I came back to the house smelling like oil and gas. It was a great accomplishment. I think it even surprised my dad.
Summer session ended this Monday. I am on short break until Fall starts after Labor day weekend. Chris is on a crazy diet. All she is eating is pizza, ho dogs, and cheeseburgers....A lot. All the time. It is out of control and she should be called out. School is great and I can't wait for Fall because I will only be in class on Monday days and Wednesday nights.
Our house is looking awesome. They are painting it tomorrow. The cabinets are in and they look better than I thought they would! At the end of the month we will go to "summer camp" for a few weeks when we stay with the Lamirand's or in Casa Grande.
Work is good, I just planned a retreat in Sonoita for the youth leaders. I really liked it! Maybe I should be a Camp Coordinator. I was geeking over planning sessions, lessons, and activities. Plus it's Sonoita, so I am excited just to take everyone there. Ooh pizza man is at there door, gotta feed the wife.

Out of the Lease

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Thu, 11 Aug 2005 16:27:00 -0700

Well...Chris got us out of our lease. Yea! but...our closing date on our house moved back a month. Boo! so...I think we will still move out but we need a place to move into. Speaking of our house, this morning I got up at 5:30am to drive down and wire the house for surround sound. Good thing too, I was about 5 minutes ahead of the dry wall guys. Yikes! almost missed my chance!

I don't know what to call this

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Tue, 9 Aug 2005 20:00:00 -0700

This weekend I learned a lesson in patience. Being in a group where everyone has an idea but no follow thru nor an authoritative leader was hard for me. Complete dysfunction. Chaos yet... i dunno. Some say the matriarch is sovereign but that would only apply to one with a system. There is no system. It's emotional and easliy persudaed. It was like the wind constantly changing directions or herding cats.
I somewhat expected this and decided the only way this OCD lil guy would survive would be to keep my mouth shut and stand close to my wife. Let everything go and have absolutely no imput. Somehow my anxiety was still at record highs.
On the way over instead of listening to the audio CD playing "we" decided that it would be more fun to talk on the phone with our family and friends for the 8 (but turned out 12)hour drive. I'm sure everyone in the car didn't mind listening to the conversations being had "privately" on the phone for that period of time. The following day my wife said she would be gone an hour (the "kids" were to have the day to do their own thing while the "adults" went and played) but it turned into the whole day. I enjoyed watching straight to video movies on HBO the ENTIRE day. good times. Sunday came and I got to meet all the wonderful old people of Calvery Church in Bakersfield. This included some very interesting characters. Many didn't function at a high level but that was OK I didn't mind repeating my name and how old I was for hours on end.
After the "party" we decided it was a no nonsence drive home. I had learned my lesson on the way over so on the way home I stuck to my noise canceling ear phones and DVD's on the computer. It really made the 45 minute runs between "stops" just whiz by. I think greyhound makes less stops and travels faster.
Highlights where the food. no doubt. I had the best calzone I have ever eaten at Fugotti's. I also had some decent BBQ at Jake's. I had an amazing shake at Dewar's. And I also got to eat in-and-out (which is a special treat in my family).
All-in-all it was nice to get out of town, stay in a hotel, not have to drive, and eat some good food. It was great to hang out with Micah and Emily. So...would I do it again. No.

su-fee-yawn

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Tue, 2 Aug 2005 18:07:00 -0700

I loved the show. I don't know where to begin. They came out in the costumes to the right and did cheers, songs, praises, and chants! It was comical, nerdy, witty, and moving. What surpirsed me the most was the audience. His music is heavily bango driven and it was all high school kids. I have no idea when high school kids started listening to talented musicianship but they where there. I think the sound was James Taylor meets Napolean Dynomite and the audience was a bunch of glasses-wearing, mac-using, band nerds. They rocked my nerd socks off! It was nice to be in a small venue too! Liking unpopular bands is great because you actually get to see them up close. I hope you will all catch a show when they come thru your town, speaking of which they are from Holland, MI so I don't know how some of you didn't see this guy coming!

Sufjan Stevens Concert

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Mon, 1 Aug 2005 10:06:00 -0700

We are going to see Sufjan tonight at a little theatre here in town tonight. I am ready for some fun because we have too many balls in the air. My anxiety is high. Christine's job isn't paying what we need and could be problematic with closing on our house, music ladies are giving me a hard time at church, our apartments living room was flooded with water and we had to stay in a hotel, I need to registrar for class but we are tapped out on cash, did I mention we are trying to close on our first house. Anyway, I am about to blow up internally and I am ready for a good concert.

Loud Music

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 14:48:00 -0700

Sunday I had an old lady come up during rehearsal before the service. She approached making a painful face with her fingers in her ears and proceeded to tell me "God doesn't like Loud music". I wanted to recite to her a few Psalms that exclaims just the opposite, but this was just part of all the pains this weekend. I continued to be reamed by a few individuals who attend our tradtional service during the rehersal about the music. Then during the service the most unpredictable thing happened. During the forth song of the music set the worship service coordinator walked down the center ailse and spoke and used hand gestures to tell everyone to set down. So they did...right in the middle of a song. Many found it distracting and others laughed at her. I knew why she did it though. She had taken it upon herself that we had been standing too long. And since some of the old people like to sit after a couple of songs she thought everyone needed to sit.
Along with this kind of service I also had a dead car battery problem, broke the button on my shorts (which kept falling off at my friends kids birthday party), stepping in pudddles with sandles, dog extracts all over the washer and dryer that was either poop or throw up, and bad weather.
Today is better. I went to school. rewired a car stereo for a friend, and brought home a special lunch for my sick wife. So I have a happy face now. Still can't believe the "God doesn't like loud music" thing.

Christine exposed

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Tue, 19 Jul 2005 19:21:00 -0700

After church on sunday we went to my parents house to kill time before our small group met. As Christine wakes up from her nap with some rice krispi treats in mouth and hand the movie National Lampoon Van Wilder is on the tv. My mom is ironing in the room and says in a disapproving way, "Do you guys like this movie?". I answered, "I don't but this is like Christines favorite movie". Chris tried to defend herself by saying, "No it's not" with her guit spoken words. But....then it happened
We all know christine can't resist a fart scene. And as she says "No it's not" her FAVORITE scene comes on. As the boys from Van Wilder enjoy a table dance from a stripper and go to put money in her g-string...the stripper blows mighty wind in the near presence of the boys face blowing their hair back as if they where on the back of a motorcycle.
As Christine tries to act like she disapproves of this raunchy film to my parents she completely looses herself in the stripper fart scence. She cried thru her laughter and didn't gain control for about 10 minutes. My mom looked upon Christine with disapproval. How can anyone laugh this hard at a movie that they "don't" like? very, very funny.

Sally

jlwalker_1@msn.com (James) — Tue, 12 Jul 2005 15:10:00 -0700

My litle sister Sally stayed with us for the weekend (and a few days in the week too)! We had fun. Movies, eating out, and itunes was what we did all weekend. We also talked alot about church and mormons. She likes church. Unusal for a young teenager in my family. Chris thinks Sally and I are the most alike....maybe so. Sorry for no posts in like forever, the last three times I tried blogger wouldn't let me make a post. I know I know....you where on the edge of your freakin seat with your panties about to explode wondering when I would post. well...here you go!