ChristopherDouglas.net

Timeout

2010-02-25T20:21:00.002-05:00

So life is a little busy now with an upcoming move. We will be closing on a house and moving out of our rent house within the next couple weeks.

I've been throwing some ideas and thoughts around regarding my blog. What I want to do with it going forward. What I want it to look like. I definitely think it's a lot like me in that it needs to be rejuvenated.

Hopefully after the move I can put some time into it and revive it. Until then, bring on the boxes.

Request for Input

2009-11-23T20:47:00.002-05:00

Here's the deal. For the 4 years that I lived in North Carolina, most of my blog posts consisted of family-related updates. Now that I'm closer to family and see them more often, I haven't felt as motivated to blog. And to be quite honest, I'm not sure that anyone really reads this silly thing anyway.

So here's the request for input. What types of things do you like to hear about or do you think I would even be qualified to write about? I know what most of you would say Ian but there's Facebook and Flickr for that. Perhaps one option is to let the blog die and point everyone to the social networking sites that I'm a part of. I don't know. Just something to chew on.

Back to the Bayou Basics

2009-08-22T17:37:00.002-04:00

Thanks to everyone who helped us load up the moving truck in Charlotte and unload it in Lafayette. It's still a bit of shock and adjustment for our time in Charlotte to be over. It was a good ride while it lasted. Lots of memories. Great friends. And plenty of learning experiences. I guess you should say I got just enough seasoning to prepare me for heading back to the bayou.

This past month has been ridiculous crazy busy. I was reminded of so may reasons why I hate moving. Mainly because it's so much 'effin work. At least we're mostly settled now.

With gratitude and humility, I thank you all so much for the support and prayers sent my family's way as we've had dealt with a couple unexpected curveballs thrown our way: my brother's car wreck and my mom being diagnosed with breast cancer. The emails, Facebook messages and calls from family and friends have helped strengthen and encourage us. Thanks so much! We're still walking in this journey, taking it day by day. Please continue to remember my family in your prayers.

God's timing and where He places us at strategic defining moments of our lives overwhelms me. I'm thankful to be closer to family at just the right time.

So it's back to the basics, the bayou basics, Louisiana-style for me now: focus on the family, enjoy out-of-this-world food, and gear up for some LSU football. Although it feels a little weird to not have many friends here yet and to not have a home church to fellowship with, I know that will all come around again in due time.

Bayou Bound

2009-06-26T15:39:00.003-04:00

It is now official. Miriam, Ian and I are bayou bound. We'll soon be moving to Lafayette, Louisiana.

To all of my dear friends in Charlotte: Our hearts are heavy with the thought of not being with you. Our 4 years in North Carolina have been a tremendous blessing. We have learned so much and grown so much during our time here--emotionally, spiritually, and well, physically with the addition of Ian to the family. You will be dearly missed. Please keep in touch!

To all of our family and friends back in the Deep South: You have been asking when we were making a move back. You got your wish! Some of you were apparently praying hard for that. Be sure to get in touch with us so we can hang out.

(August 18: I wrote this post but forgot to post it. Sorry for the extremely long delay.)

Line 6 Feedback Request

2009-06-15T15:16:00.003-04:00

I recently picked up a Line 6 Pod XT Live and am curious if any of you have some patches that you would recommend for praise and worship.

It would be great to get it setup so that I can use it for a set soon. I'm thinking that a bank with distortion, chorus, delay and maybe a clean acoustic effect would pretty much get me through a whole worship set.

Looking forward to the feedback...

Apartment Living

2009-06-13T10:00:00.004-04:00

We're so happy and relieved that our house sold recently. Now we're moved into an apartment and trying to enjoy not having to get out of the house at a moment's notice for a showing. Our options have definitely expanded now.

We even made a quick trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to celebrate and to get a little relaxation. Much overdo in my opinion. I've needed some time away from boxes and to enjoy the family.

Thank God for His faithfulness and for giving us the strength to see this process through to completion!

Homeless

2009-05-26T22:08:00.002-04:00

So it appears that after having our house on the market for a while now that we will finally be homeless in about a week.

Now we're extremely, crazy, ridiculous busy trying to get all of the details together for the move. It looks like we'll be moving into an apartment somewhere in Charlotte for now.

More to come soon. Keep us in your prayers! We still have a lot of things to line up and work out.

Bear With Me

2009-05-11T10:39:00.002-04:00

I know I haven't posted in a while. There are a number of things going on that I'll be able to share in due time. Until then, bear with me.

It's all good. I promise. Hopefully I can share soon.

Introduction to Drafting

2009-03-18T15:48:00.002-04:00

I helped Miriam put together this video for her dad to use to present to a Boy Scout troop. Not bad considering we just used our Sony digital camera (not video camera) to shoot the video.

My wife is incredibly intelligent and some kinda gorgeous. Enough said.

New Videos

2009-02-17T10:38:00.003-05:00

Keep an eye out on my YouTube page throughout the day. There are a number of new videos being uploaded of Ian.

And I know that most of you check the blog for Ian, not to read what I have to say. It's OK. I'm a big boy. I can handle the truth.

UPDATE: The videos finished uploading. Check them out!

Emptying

2009-02-10T18:01:00.001-05:00

Emotions and what you're going through are sometimes a very difficult thing to put into words. Sometimes I'm not even sure what's going on. Those are times when I think God is doing things behind the scenes that I'm totally ignorant about. Times that require an incredible amount of trust.

And there are times that a song can capture where you're at, what you're feeling. That song came to mind today at the end of my work day, Kevin Prosch's Kiss The Son:

When you've been broken, broken to pieces.
And Your heart begins to faint
'cause you don't understand.
And when there is nothing to rake from the ashes.
And you can't even walk
onto the fields of praise.

But I bow down and kiss the Son.
Oh, and I bow down and kiss the Son.

Let the praise of the Lord be in my mouth.
Let the praise of the Lord be in my mouth.

Well, though You slay me, I will trust You, Lord.
Well, though You slay me, I will trust You, Lord.
Though You slay me, I will trust You, Lord.
Though You slay me, I will trust You, Lord.

When the rock falls, falls upon you.
And you get ground to dust
no music for your pain.
You open the windows, the windows of heaven.
And then You opened me
and You crushed me like a rose.

I definitely believe that the last year has been an emptying phase of my life. A time of reflection to examine my heart and for there to be clarity in areas that I questioned God about. A time of encouragement and stretching.

It's been a difficult but rewarding time. With that being said, I hope that this chapter is completed soon. But I don't want to rush it either because I don't want to repeat it. I'm confident and I trust that the work that He has started will be completed.

End of Self Imposed Exile

2009-01-16T07:42:00.000-05:00

I know I have not blogged in a while. I admittedly spend way too much time on a computer and the internet, even when it doesn't involve work. So as the holidays approached, I wanted to consciously scale back my time on a computer so I could focus on other things. And as a result, no new blog entries for about a month.

On one hand I almost feel bad about it for some odd reason. But on another hand, I feel a sense of pride. I'm glad that I did it because it has allowed me to evaluate a number of things in my life and has provided me with more time to really think about a lot of things going into the new year.

Sometimes we have to shake things up in order to be shaken up!

Blog Killers

2008-12-11T18:16:00.000-05:00

I've figured out why I haven't blogged more lately. It's rather simple actually. Blame it all on Facebook and Twitter.

It seems that writing a blog entry is a more labor intensive activity than just checking Facebook every now and again or updating my status on Twitter.

I'll try to do better to not neglect my blog friends and family. But if you're itching to find out what's going on with me, follow me on Twitter and add me on Facebook.

Ian's First Thankgiving

2008-11-28T20:03:00.002-05:00

Miriam and I were able to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal at Cracker Barrel with Ms. Peggy and Melissa. Ian enjoyed all of the attention and good food!

To cheer up all of my friends and family after the LSU loss, be sure to check out the newest uploaded pictures on Flickr!

Stirring It Up

2008-11-21T21:05:00.002-05:00

Do you have things that you enjoy doing and haven't done them in years? Me too! I haven't drawn anything in forever and decided to take the plunge and try to learn some Illustrator.

I feel I have a decent grasp of Photoshop but am clueless with Illustrator. I picked up a cheap tablet off Craigslist this week and after a bit of playing around, I was able to put together a quick and dirty picture.

For not having done this in forever, I feel fairly satisfied with the results. I think if I can put some time into this and stir up those old talents, I have an outside chance of holding my own.

So you have an old passion and interest that you have neglected? Stir it up!

New Pictures: Ian and a Bubble Bath

2008-11-17T21:30:00.003-05:00

What is it about bath water and bubbles that can make a kid smile and laugh so much? I'm not sure but I'm sure thankful for that. How can seeing a smiling face like Ian's not make your day?

Be sure to take a peek at my pictures on Flickr because there are even more new pics there!

Saturday Night's Main Event

2008-11-13T14:48:00.002-05:00

I am getting amped about the upcoming UFC fights on Saturday, November 15, especially the Randy Couture vs Brock Lesnar fight. As always, I will be meeting with a group of guys at The Fox and Hound at Johnston and Ballantyne to watch the fights. If you're planning to go and meet up with us, just let me know so I can make sure we have a big enough table.

Here are my initial thoughts on the main event. I have been a big Couture fan and would love to see him win, but I have my doubts in this fight. Lesnar is bigger, younger and stronger; Couture hasn't fought in over a year. So as much as I'd like to see Couture put a big ole whoopin' on Lesnar because I think Lesnar is a punk, I think he may be too much for Couture to handle for this weekend. I hope I'm wrong.

Bama vs LSU

2008-11-07T10:36:00.002-05:00

Here's a refresher to remind everyone how good the game was last year. Here's to another LSU win.

When Florida beat LSU, my cube at work was wallpapered in Florida garbage. I sure hope LSU whoops Saban so my cube will stay crimson free.

Naturalized Citizens

2008-11-02T21:34:00.000-05:00

Have you ever experienced something and knew it was something new and unique but couldn't quite put the whole experience into words? I've been chewing on one of those experiences for the past week and will attempt to describe it.

One of my coworkers became a U.S. citizen last week. I rounded up the troops around the office and wanted to be there to support him during his swearing-in ceremony. I had never been to one of these ceremonies and being a citizen is just one of those things you don't think about if you were born in this country. All I could see was teeth when I saw him because he was all smiles. There were 90+ people from 40+ countries proudly waving small U.S. flags who were proudly becoming naturalized citizens that day.

Being able to observe the ceremony gave me a renewed since of pride as an American. It also made me ponder a number of things. I never had to do anything to be a citizen. I just am one by birth.

And now the deeper thoughts. Parallel that ceremony with what happens when you became a citizen of heaven. There are no citizens by birth in heaven. Only naturalized citizens. Us celebrating with my coworker were pale in comparison to the celebration that takes place in heaven when someone becomes a new citizen.

How often do I not celebrate my citizenship enough? How often do I completely take it for granted? How many times have I not been there for someone to help them become a citizen? How often do I neglect my responsibilities as a citizen and not take advantage of the rights I've been given? How often have I not properly represented my country? Far too often and far too many times.

Do The (hair)do

2008-10-31T07:19:00.000-04:00

Long story short (or long hair now short), check out the new 'do.

October Ramblings

2008-10-27T18:41:00.002-04:00

So it's been 3 weeks since I made a post last. My how time flies! Weekends have been a blur and the weeks have seemed to string together. And then BAM! You realize how fleeting every moment is. Life is truly a vapor.

Lemme think. What's new lately? Some LSU wins. A couple horrible LSU losses. And believe me, I've heard plenty and have been given the business at work when LSU looses.

And there's the stuff you really care about and want to hear about. Miriam and I took Ian on his first camping trip a few weeks ago. I just uploaded some of the pictures so be sure to check them out. You'll also be able to see Ian getting into all sorts of stuff. Let's just say that taking pictures of him getting into things around the house is no challenge at all these days.

I was given tickets to the Bobcats season opener this coming Saturday versus the Heat. I'm really looking forward to taking Miriam and Ian to their first Bobcats game. Miriam's brother, Andrew, and his wife Cindy are going to go with us as well. I'm sure we'll have a blast.

Invitation For A House Tour

2008-10-06T21:41:00.003-04:00

Some of our family and friends have been able to visit us in Charlotte. For those who have not, here's your chance to take a tour:

A tour of el casa de Douglas

We have put so much time, work and money into the house that it's ridiculous. Hopefully we will be able to get a good price for it.

Coughing

2008-09-28T21:19:00.002-04:00

Just when I think we have a grasp on keeping up with Ian, he does something new and unexpected. Apparently he figured out a few days ago that he gets Mommy and Daddy's full attention right away if he's coughing. So now he intentionally coughs when he wants us to look at him or give him attention. He even laughs about it and thinks it's funny.

Travel Week

2008-09-14T16:22:00.003-04:00

It feels a little weird at the house alone. You don't realize how much you enjoy and take for granted an average day until something changes. Miriam and Ian flew out yesterday and will be visiting family in Louisiana for the week.

I will be leaving out on Tuesday to attend a conference for work in San Diego. I'll enjoy being out of the office for a few days but will look forward to getting back and seeing my babies.

re:mix Music Review

2008-09-05T17:32:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since I've posted a music review. Leave me a comment if you have any creative ideas of what I could title music reviews in the future.

Below you'll find a number of new CDs that I have worn out lately. I've listened to my fair share of new CDs and tracks and these are the ones that I keep going back to. I'm still trying to find the best way for me to format a review and what information may be helpful to you as a reader. So here's my feeble attempt by providing some quick notes about each of them for you.

3 Doors Down - 3 Doors Down (Rock)
Favorites: It seems that the best ones are on the first 1/2 of the disc
I can't say that I've really given much of a listen to any of their previous material but this CD somehow caught my attention. I find myself listening to it over and over again. There are CDs with only one or two really good tracks. This is not one of them. Lots of strong tunes.

Elevation Worship - We Are Alive (Worship)
Favorites: All Things New, We Are Alive, All Around The World
I actually visited Elevation Church (Charlotte, NC) for the first time when they released this CD. I picked up the CD and figured I'd give it a listen. I'm glad I did. Most of you have probably never heard of them because the CD is not a major label release. It was released by the church itself. I suppose I like it as much as I do because it's in the same vein as other modern worship music that I like such as Hillsong United, Desperation Band, and Healing Place which leads me to...

Healing Place - Epic (Worship)
Favorites: I Love, The Creed
Another church release (Healing Place Church, Baton Rouge, LA). I have every CD they have ever released and will probably get every new one from here on out. This is their first release that was from their youth worship teams. Isn't it sick when a church can put out a CD this good by their youth worship teams? There's some sick talent in that house!

Re:Zound - Abandoned To You (Christian Rock)
Favorites: Beautiful, How Amazing Are You, I Will Bow Down
I guess more than anything the lyrics of the songs on this CD jump out at me. Many Christian releases these days aren't as forward as Re:Zound is with these songs. Like the 3 Doors Down CD, this one has had lots of replay value on my iPod.

The Afters - Never Going Back To OK (Christian Rock)
Favorites: Ocean Wide, Myspace Girl
Although not as forward in their lyrics in expressing their faith, listening to this CD just puts me in a good mood. Some of the hooks just got stuck in my head and couldn't find their way out. There are a range of styles of songs on these CD but for some reason they remind me of Weezer. It's no wonder that The Afters have garnered their fair share of mainstream success also.