What Else Am I Doin Right Now?

It's Just a Name, Right?

2012-08-20T01:08:00.002-04:00

I was playing cribbage with Cam and his dad when I stumbled across some people that I didn't know. We were using Penn State football cards - so because I hadn't grown up a Nittany Lion fan many of the people depicted on the cards were unfamiliar to me. As we played I would read the cards and try and bolster my Penn State knowledge - even though I had already graduated and probably didn't need to anymore.

That was when I came across his card - Jerry Sandusky. I read the card and found out that apparently our nickname of "Linebacker U" had come from his work as Penn State's defensive coordinator. I was shocked - only knowing of Tom Bradley and his longevity at PSU - that there was someone else who had been more influential defensively.

That was the first time I had ever heard anything about Jerry Sandusky. I had graduated from Penn State not having any clue about him or his impact on the University.

I tell this story only to emphasize how truly unaware I was of anything he was involved in until his crimes were revealed to America. I found out when everyone else did. I was shocked - like everyone else. I was sad - like everyone else. I was angry - like everyone else.

And like everyone else I knew something needed to be done.

So stuff was done. Joe Paterno was fired in the wake of his failure to act appropriately. Curley and Schultz (people I had never heard of) were fired. Spanier was removed from office. Jerry Sandusky was arrested.

At the time I felt like some of those actions were unfair - namely the firing of Joe Paterno. He had apparently told the proper authorities, but he had failed to follow up and make sure that the situation was handled. In my mind I thought, "How could anyone expect him to do more than what he did? He isn't a cop, he isn't the president - he didn't even directly witness the crime. What else could he do?"

After reading an article written by Tim Henderson, however, I realized I had made a mistake that I feel like many would have made in a similar situation. I valued the devotion to and defense of family over the devotion to and defense of God's perfect love and justice. The "blood" I defended was the blood-tie I had formed with Penn State, but the "blood" I should always seek to defend first is the blood of Christ that unites the known universe through his forgiveness of our wrongs and promise of everlasting relationship with Him - the truly just and gracious King. Family loyalty isn't wrong. Misplaced loyalty was my crime.

I think that Joe Paterno should have done more - but I am leary of passing judgement having not been in that position. My hope is that I would have acted. I think too often we look at terrible things that someone does and think, "I don't understand how someone could do something like that," or, "Why didn't he act?" Jerry Sandusky didn't wake up one morning and decide sexually molesting multiple boys would be his plight or goal. The sin crept in over years of exposure to boys and the allowance of even small and seemingly harmless inappropriate actions. Sin never makes sense - but we often ignore this reality when the logical fallacy seems ineffectual. While I "follow" why Sandusky did what he did, he did it based on a truth that he ignored or a lie that he believed. MY UNDERSTANDING DOES NOT EVER MAKE WHAT HE DID OKAY. The ability to follow why something was done should never be the reason it is condoned.

I think this "illogical and completely horrific end" point of view, however, is what has lead to many swift and perhaps ineffectual decisions. Logical, effective decisions should have been made in the wake of the belief and tolerance of illogical decisions and lies.

I find it unreasonable, for example, to expect that the NCAA's sanctions spanning only four years would accomplish any of the goals they profess to work towards. These boys have suffered longer and those men have given in to their sins longer, so expecting those sanctions to fix everything in less time than it took the issues to develop seems unfair - especially when the sanctions fail to directly address either the punishment of the men or the restoration of their victims.

Emmert attacked what he thought was the problem - football idolization. I think that IS a problem, but not only at Penn State. Every school in the country that has a football program with any sort of reputation has an idolization issue. But let us not belittle the victims by saying the issue was a football issue. Football was a symptom. Self-glorification and satisfaction are the issues. Pride is the issue. Thinking we are the objects of glory and satisfaction is the issue.

And sanctions don't fix that.

Jesus Christ is the one who fixes lives - and that is evident in mine. Jesus Christ heals broken hearts - and that is evident in mine. What these boys need is people in their lives who will offer the hope that most of them looked to Sandusky for. They need a father - someone in their lives to let them know that they are loved - because they have been hurt; deeply and with long-term effects.

Penn State is breaking tradition and putting the players names on the back of their jerseys for next year. I heard the reasoning and was impressed. Their goal was to honor the players who were committed to Penn State in light of the sanctions from the NCAA. The more I thought about it, however, I thought to myself - wouldn't it be better if instead of honoring someone's commitment to a football program we honored someone's commitment to the value of human life?

I say don't put the players' names on the jerseys. Put the victims' names on the jerseys.

Show the nation that Penn State has one tradition that supercedes all football and academics: a commitment and devotion to the value of life and its protection at all costs. These were people with names - names that are adjectives describing the creation of a perfectly just and loving God. If Penn State plays, they should play for them - to show them that they are valued more than football. They are valued and loved so deeply that a Father in heaven would send a Son in their stead - life through relationship with Christ through His resurrection from the dead. I pray that the players would play for something more - I pray the coachs would coach with that in mind - and I pray that the victims find peace in all of this. That's what I'm doing right now.

Kony?

2012-08-07T00:28:00.002-04:00

Whatever happened to Kony? I watched a video about him that was made by one of the people affiliated with the Invisible Children...and I was moved. But for some reason nothing happened about it. I am sure it had something to do with the film's creator getting in trouble for (allegedly) being drunk in public and doing some things that are far from socially acceptable.

The funny thing is...getting drunk is something that is generally encouraged in our society. I remember countless times in college when I felt awkward and even somewhat targeted when the topic of drinking in excess was brought up. According to most, that was how you had fun.

But you can't be drunk in public. Only in private. Once you make it public you have a problem.

I feel like cursing is similar. It is okay to curse in private around people you know but once you go in to public it is generally not as acceptable. That is something that has certainly moved in the direction of becoming okay in public - as evidenced by music and television shows loosening their censorship.

I would argue - sadly - that porn is also in this category. Make it public - you're a pervert. Watch it in private - not so much of an issue. Even this is moving in a scary direction - as evidenced by what they show in many movies that are being publicly released.

This observation raises a question: what about public knowledge makes something wrong? If it is wrong, shouldn't it be wrong regardless?

As a society we have moved into a strange place. We have decided that the only issue of doing "wrong" things is the effect they have on others. If it doesn't hurt or offend someone else, then there is no problem doing what we like. So because being drunk in public is potentially offensive to someone that does not agree with getting drunk, we have declared it "unacceptable".

But what if the things we have done in private were in fact hurting someone? What if every single thing we did was known and recorded? What if we could POTENTIALLY suffer some sort of punishment for the things we have done wrong?

I would argue that all we have done, are doing and will ever do is known. I would also argue that we SHOULD have to suffer punishment for our wrongdoings. The beauty of the gospel, however, is the reality that we have graciously been forgiven for our wrongs. But what I think is often forgotten - myself included - is that even though this grace was free to us, it was not free. Someone paid for what we did wrong.

So every time we sin we hammer the nails into Christ's hands. We hammer the nails into His feet. We force Him to push up as he gasps for breath. As the blood collects in Christ's lungs, we spit in His face with our actions. And He is held responsible for what we have done.

I'm not saying I am perfect. Far from it. But I have found it helpful to remind myself that in times of struggle - when I don't think anyone would ever know about something - that God does, and it is offensive to Him when I know what is wrong but hammer the nail anyway. Yes He forgives me - but I celebrate that forgiveness by pursuing a life that display God's character and mercy in public and in private. Even though I will continue to make mistakes, that's what you can find me doin' right now.

Hip Hop Hooray

2012-07-18T00:03:00.000-04:00

I have a terrible memory. Many times all I can remember about my childhood are images in my head rather than sequenced events or memories. If I talk about them with someone usually I can piece some things together, but often times that's all it is.

So for me to remember this is pretty amazing. I remember standing over the trash can on my hall at Penn State - looking down at Busta Rhymes face. His arms were crossed and the black and white image stared at back at me with malice.

It made me nervous - thoughts creeping into my head as I stared back. "Why is it such a big deal to own this? It's good music - I listen to it all the time. Is the music really affecting me?"

I took the CD out of the case. This was it...

I snapped it. I snapped it multiple times and let the shards fall through my fingers. I watched them fall in the cracks and crevices of the trash. I stomped on the case - pieces flying down the hall. I picked up the biggest pieces and threw them in the can.

And I ran back to my room.

For a few days afterwards I would see pieces of the case on the floor as I walked to the bathroom. They were a reminder of that night - a reminder of the weight that had been lifted. But I also felt a little sad. Although it felt good to get rid of "my vice", I wasn't sure how to move on without it. I didn't have any music that good.

Because Christian hip-hop wasn't that good. Lyrically - sure. But so are hymns - and those haven't been the music of our generation since the late 50's. I wanted to listen to good quality hip-hop that was God honoring, and frankly it just wasn't accessible. The beats were about two or three years behind norm, and the lyrics felt misplaced. It felt like Christians were trying to make the mainstream audience think Christ-focused hip-hop was cool - but with antiquated beats and a message that "will be rejected" there just wasn't much hope. So at that point I could have made a legitimate argument that if I was going to listen to hip-hop it would have to be mainstream - because the alternative wasn't worth it.

But these days I don't have that excuse anymore. God has done amazing work in the hip-hop community - especially in art that is being put out by Christians artists. And the beauty of His work is that the lyrics have stayed focused on His glory while the production has caught and in some cases surpassed those in the mainstream.

And so my hope is that this post can celebrate where God has brought hip-hop but also provide any one of my readers with an opportunity to hear the hip-hop themselves. FOR FREE! Instead of having people pay for the album many of these artists have started simply asking for donations of any amount. This gives you the opportunity to donate if you have the means but does not require it to hear the music. The spread of the gospel is the goal. Amazing.

I want to tell you about ten albums that I cannot stop listening to, and I hope that you will find the time to download them yourself. After all, you could get them for free.

The Transitional Albums

These albums are phenomenal top to bottom and would be great recommendations to those who are having trouble "letting go" of their mainstream music. They would have made my break-up a lot smoother.

1. Circa MMXI: The Collective - High Society
2. Church Clothes - Lecrae
3. Hell's Paradise II: The Mask Parade - Wit and Dre Murray

The Coffee Shop Hip-Hop Albums

I feel like I use this descriptive too often, but these albums are the ones that I feel like appeal more to the laid back hipster type. The artists at Humble Beast have done an amazing job, and these three albums are just some of my favorites. Download more at the website on the right.

4. Satellite Kite - Beautiful Eulogy
5. Thr3e - Theory Hazit
6. Art Ambidextrous - Propaganda

The Radio Ready Albums

I feel like these would be solid albums to get radio play, but they also have a pretty overt Christ focus. Christian radio stations - get wise.

7. Formerly Known - Andy Mineo
8. Get Well Soon - Chris Lee Cobbins

The Southern Style Buckwild Albums

The albums both have - in my opinion - a raw southern feel to them. Both of the artists tend to sing and rap interchangeably. Canon brings a Twista/Busta Rhymes fast flow while Reconcile brings a raspy, soulful flow. So loud, so southern, and so God honoring.

9. Abandoned Hope - Reconcile
10. Blind World - Canon

Ten places to get started - ten ways to hear God honored through hip-hop. No more excuses - download these albums. I mean really, what else are you doin' right now?

Man Up 2012

2012-04-16T22:12:00.004-04:00

I remember my first time seeing Lecrae perform. He was doing a show during an Acquire the Fire conference in Baltimore. I went with a very dear friend of mine (Mark Willard - aka M-Weezy) and afterwards we were able to meet Lecrae and someone who - at the time - I was pretty unfamiliar with. A man by the name of Kevin Burgess. We waited in line for about 30 minutes and as we approached the two of them I began thinking to myself, "What do I say?"

And then I thought about my students at Robious - specifically my Men in Ties. I thought about how so many of them lacked the fatherly influence which we as men so desperately need. I thought about how cool these two rappers were - not because of their self elevation but rather because of their Christ elevation. I thought, "Man I wish I could bring my boys to see these guys perform..."

So that is what I said to Lecrae. His reply was simple - "Bring em on man!"

I made it up in my mind to do that. I began looking for an opportunity to have my Men in Ties see some of the most influential men in my life glorify God with their gifts.

Two years passed. Nothing had presented itself, and I pretty much gave up hope that anything ever would.

But the Creator of time operates on His own schedule. I was on twitter one night and saw a tweet about an upcoming "Man Up" conference. My heart leaped inside my chest. Taking my Men in Ties to a Man Up conference couldn't make more sense.

So I enlisted some help (two studs - Cornell and Cameron) and presented it to the boys. We had nine takers, and so we decided to Man Up.

After a nine and a half hour trip and hotel fiasco, we finally made it to the conference. We were greeted by 1800 other men all there ready to learn how to man up. That night, the tone was set.

There would be no dancing around issues. There would be no posturing or pretending. This would be a place where we would go from being boys II men. No mamas necessary.

We were challenged from the onset and celebrated the end of the first night with a concert by Trip Lee in honor of the release of his latest album, The Good Life. I almost peed my pants when he performed the song "One Sixteen", because that same dude from two years ago (Kevin Burgess - better known as KB) and a man by the name of Andy Mineo straight worked it on the track. Which means it was really good and I was pretty geeked up.

The next day began with a talk about avoiding Sexual Temptation and continued with seminars covering four of the most pivotal topics we as men struggle with - Authority, Responsibility, Envy and Courage. The final talk was on Repentance, and I was reminded once again of my constant need to rely on and confess all of my wrong-doings to a perfect and forgiving God.

And then God showed up on the scene - no joke. I never questioned His presence the whole weekend, but when Lecrae came out and performed his song "Just Like You" I found myself sobbing because of the sobering reality that so many of the men in that room (and elsewhere) lacked an Earthly father but have a very real and very loving Heavenly Father that wants us when He doesn't need us enough to sustain His own Son's life as he suffocated on the cross of our shame.

Real talk.

So as we went to get dinner I found myself anticipating the opportunity to celebrate the truths we had learned and the weekend we had experienced at the concert scheduled for later that evening.

That concert was one of the best experiences of my life. Being able to go dumb with Cornell, Cam and all of the boys as we jumped in the mosh pit and celebrated an awesome weekend was amazing. Esai with his hand in the air, Frank and CJ "Going Hard" and the swagg team (Eari, Darrell and DeRon) starting a "Riot" are memories I never want to forget.

We got up early the next morning ready to get back home and make the things we learned a reality in our lives. Well, at least the leaders did. The boys didn't seem so awake...

Looks like a prison photo...

And that was confirmed later....

We left VA as boys - we returned as men. Core, Cam and I were sitting in our hotel room after Saturday night's concert ended and we all agreed we might have gained more from the conference than the boys did. My hope is that everyone was impacted, and that everyone at least saw real men who have made real commitments to the only perfect Man this world has ever seen. I was reminded once again that Jesus was who He said He was and did do what He said He did. So I have unashamedly committed my life to glorifying Him in everything that I do - because that is what a real man does. Because seriously, what else am I doin' right now?

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town...a Little Late

2012-04-11T22:48:00.000-04:00

I don't know that this is a secret anymore amongst those who know me, but seeing as I cannot find an appropriate transition from what has become a three and a half month hiatus from this blog this will have to do.

I want to be Santa Claus.

I absolutely love Christmas time and - as I have previously referenced - I also love growing a beard. So obviously this is something I should aspire to right?

Judge me if you must, but it has been something that I have decided to pursue as much as I appropriately can at my current age. In fact, I have made some strides and have gained some legitimate experience in the process.

I realized early on that the first step in this process would be to procure a beard of some sort. Now we all know that a Santa with a real beard is much more convincing than a fake bearded man in a red suit - so I have spent the past couple of years growing my beard out for varying amounts of time in hopes of gauging both potential fullness and length. I am happy to say that the good Lord has blessed me with the ability to grow what I consider a competitive beard (one which serves the dual purpose of making me look like Joaquin Phoenix when he went crazy). I have also experimented with various ways of coloring and have found acrylic paint to be the most effective method that does not involve permanence.

One of the first trial runs - needed to create a sample size.

I then found myself in a situation this past year where I had the opportunity to play Santa Claus at a couple local department stores (nothing too fancy I assure you - but experience nonetheless). I feel I did a pretty bang-up job considering my lack of experience beforehand - and I came to a stunning and fantastic realization.

Santa makes bank homie.

Me holding the cutest little girl in the world.

I did receive some criticism however. A couple of people commented that Santa "was a little skinny". Don't worry world - that will come in time. And by "in time" I mean like next year. Seriously it won't be a long wait until I am fat. But until that time you can find me working on my weight and scouting the competition. I mean really, what else am I doin' right now?

Songs I Have to Hear Every Year

2011-12-23T22:54:00.000-05:00

Confession: I started this blog back in January of this year and have been looking forward to writing about my favorite Christmas music since then.

At the time I was under the impression that I absolutely loved most Christmas music and looked forward to sharing some of it with my faithful readers (all five of them).

But I realized something this year. I don't love much Christmas music at all. In fact, I have narrowed it down to a few albums and songs that I find myself listening to repeatedly. So when I was thinking about what my favorite Christmas songs are, it was a much easier job than I thought it would be. I just thought about the songs I HAVE to hear each year, and the list ended up being about 25 songs. Appropriate - I know.

So here they are - from least to greatest. Enjoy them - discover them - play them again and again. But most of all have a Merry Christmas. Because that is what I am about to be doin' right now.

25. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Relient K

24. Joseph's Lullaby - Mercy Me

23. I Saw Three Ships - Robert Shaw

22. Drummer Boy - Mercy Me

21. White Christmas Makes Me Blue - Randy Travis

20. Merry Christmas, Here's to Many More - Relient K

19. Ludacrismas - Ludacris

18. Meet Me Under the Mistletoe - Randy Travis

17. Santa Claus is Thumbin' to Town - Relient K

16. The Night Before Christmas - Amy Grant

15. Christmas in Killarney - Bing Crosby

14. We Wish You a Merry Christmas - Relient K

13. Here Comes Santa Claus - The Mills Brothers

12. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays - N Sync

11. Please Daddy Don't Get Drunk This Christmas - Alan Jackson

10. In Like a Lion (Always Winter) - Relient K

9. Jingle Bells - Bing Crosby

8. Silent Night - Mercy Me

7. This Christmas - Chris Brown

6. Pretty Paper - Randy Travis

5. If You Don't Wanna See Santa Claus Cry - Alan Jackson

4. In the Bleak Midwinter - Robert Shaw

3. White Christmas - Bing Crosby

2. I Celebrate the Day - Relient K

1. I Heard the Bells - Mercy Me

Christmas at the Pub

2011-12-23T21:44:00.001-05:00

I love beer. My friends and I get together every other Monday at a pub called Rare Olde Times to talk about our lives and the directions they are heading in, and that is always accompanied by a Smithwicks or two. I love fall and winter because Sam Adams releases their seasonal brews, and nothing beats drinking an Old Fezziwig while watching a Muppet Christmas Carol. I love bitter beer and I love coffee beer. I love pretty much anything but light beer.

Because light beer pretty much sucks.

I also love choral Christmas music. Few things are more satisfying than popping in a CD of four-part carols and trying to hear and sing along with the bass part. Gimme that.

The reason I mention both of these loves is that in my mind they intersect in a very wonderful place. I find many of the carols that I listen to have a very lively rhythm to them - and that is to be expected as so many of them are proclaiming good news or chronicling stories of Christmas feasts enjoyed in the past. I find myself swinging my arm while I am driving - because in my mind that is not only enjoyable but required.

And I realized last year that my incessant arm swinging is with good reason - these are pubs tunes. Every time I hear them I imagine myself sitting in a pub somewhere in Surrey, England singing along and swinging my mug in the air. So when I say these are some of favorite carols, it is solely based on their "beer-swingability".

Now grab a mug, click the link and swing away as each song beckons you do so in a way only the Robert Shaw arrangements can do. What else are you doin' right now?

Pub Tunes

1. I Saw Three Ships

2. The Boar's Head Carol

3. Wassail Song

4. Masters in this Hall

5. Fum Fum Fum

The World Can't Have Me

2011-12-23T13:24:00.002-05:00

I listen to Christian hip-hop all the time. Even during the Christmas season - much to the annoyance of my wife. I am still amazed that everyday it seems like I am hearing a song for the first time - even if I have heard it a hundred. Lines will pop out at me that for some reason I would rap (because yes, I rap along to every song I know the words to) but not actually think about. It makes me happy.

That deep down just got twenty two nuggets in your twenty piece happy. Don't play like that isn't amazing.

So because I have a blog I feel like I wanted to share a song that did that today. Even Surrey was noddin' her head when we were listening to it.

The song is called "In His Image" and the chorus goes something like this:

Oh, the world can't have me

Say I'm actin' different - I'm just lookin' like my Daddy

I'm made in His image, made in His image, made in His image

Made in His image - I'm livin' like that

It was written by Andy Mineo and PRo - two of the rappers I listen to. The line that really hit me today was one that PRo said:

"Used to hustle to be on top 'til I finally realized Someone died for that spot"

Pretty simple. But I find myself wondering - have I actually stopped hustlin' for that spot? I mean really stopped and said to Christ - it's Yours. It was to begin with - it is even more so considering the measures You took - and I am done trying to occupy a spot that I am not even close to reaching anyway.

I'm such a pathetic dude. I mean scum of the Earth pathetic. But Christ is good. Good by true definition - no need for the word better. And through my pathetic and feeble attempts to occupy that number one spot, Christ has consistently and gracefully and justly reminded me it was never mine to occupy.

I'm made in His image - not cloned.

So yes I shine His light as much as I can and yes I hustle hard - but that hustlin' I do is to show Christ to a world that can only be changed by one thing - Christ.

So please watch this. Watch it twice if you aren't used to listening to hip-hop because the words are what makes this song amazing. I promise you won't regret it. I mean really - what else are you doin' right now?

The Son Came Out at Night

2011-12-22T09:51:00.000-05:00

I write poetry - and it sounds like rap. I started doing this while I was at Penn State, and for a couple of years now I have been doing it off and on in different ways and with different people - but I have finally come to that conclusion.

I write poetry and it sounds like rap.

But it's not rap - not in the sense that most people (especially people who do not consistently listen to rap) would characterize it. It does have a rhythm and a rhyme scheme, but it is not normally a 16 bar, hook, 16 bar, hook, bridge, shout out to the homies type of thing.

It's more like slam poetry. And I am COMPLETELY okay with that.

So I thought I would blog one of my poems that I recently wrote and performed at our church for a couple of reasons. First, it is about Christmas and Christmas is like three days away. Second, I feel like this blog is where I spell out "ME" and so it makes sense that I would post something that is what I have now come to believe is very much that.

The Son Came Out at Night

For my eyes have seen your salvation

Which you have prepared in the sight of all nations

Light for revelation

That's Luke 2: 30-32 homie go check the citation

In the sight of all the nations He came to rule us

The sickly patients

And heal the broken situation in which we existed

But don't get it twisted

Even before this entrance He still held us up

You could say He was double fistin'

But this - this is

Where He made us like no ohms

Because He eliminated the resistance

Caused by our sin sickness

In the form of an infant

I don't believe in coincidence

So when I think of how He showed up it's no surprise the setting was intimate

And yet the world seemed disinterested

In the form of an inn with no emptiness

No vacancy

But amazingly - so unexpectedly

His arrival was almost missed in an otherwise hectic scene

Expected a King - but this interpretation seems loose

Because the Savior Israel wanted to come on a horse came in the form of somethin' more like a papoose

Redefinition

If they only knew

That the sun (Son) that came out that night would shine a light so bright and so true

That death couldn't hold Him captive

He obliterated that vice

So we waste time idolizing people who only live once because Jesus Christ is livin' twice

So as we stand amongst the darkness

And stare at the stars in the sky

Let the Son of the Most High

Be the one upon which we fix our eyes

Where I Have Been

2011-12-21T21:17:00.001-05:00

Trying to take care of this amazing little girl. Pretty much no time to do anything else.

Surrey Gray Link

I mean really, what else would I want to be doin' right now?

Got My Unashamed Tatt and My Cross on My Back

2011-10-05T21:06:00.001-04:00

In the morning I set two alarms on my phone - both the same ringtone. Brianna has commented a few times about how abrasive it is but for me it is necessary. It's the beginning of a song from Lecrae's album Rehab called "New Shalom".

"I wake up - before I throw a beater on - fall to my knees, thank the Lord for that new shalom"

Maybe I'm a mediocre Christian because I don't always fall to my knees, but that song is amazing to wake up to because of the way it reminds me to think on and about God. I get a shower and I pray about my day. I think about how I can do God's work that day at school and how I can honor and care for my very pregnant wife.

I love how well it was put - "before I throw a beater on". He didn't say t-shirt or polo. He said beater - a part of his outfit that no one would ever see. So he is saying that even before he puts on the basics that no one would even know about he takes time to thank God for the peace that He has blessed him with.

I love waking up that way. I love listening to gospel hip-hop on my way to school. I find myself being blown away day after day by some of the biblical truths interwoven into this music. I reference what I hear all the time - to Christians and non-Christians. I listen to it in my trailer during my planning period and before and after school.

It makes me want to read scripture. It makes my heart leap when I read something in scripture that I heard in a song and just never realized was biblical.

And yet I still don't read my Bible consistently. I do pray for my wife, but my attempts to be a good husband fall short in so many cases. I often fail to share the gospel at key opportunities because I am scared or nervous about how a student or teacher will react. I am so worried about whether or not I will be able to be a good father, and I have such a weak character when it comes to enduring difficult situations.

But this summer, after going to the Dominican and seeing God's beauty and majesty in a different part of the world, I was reminded of all that He has done in my life despite the epic failures I have been a part of and responsible for. I don't have a hope without the grace of the Lord, and as I was listening to the music of the 116 Clique it became clearer than ever that God has a completely wonderful plan for my life - one that is meant to honor Him and all He has done.

So I made a decision to get a tattoo. I had at that point been considering getting one for a while, but the final push came from reading Romans 1:16. I had read it before, but for some reason it struck me in a deeper way.

¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

I feel so much shame for so many of the things I have done in my life but the reality is that God in His infinite grace forgave all my misdoings - past, present and future. And so when I think on who He is and what He has done despite who I am I find myself completely overcome by His love.

I should be ashamed of the things I have done to dishonor God, but this verse reminds me that there is something I can be unashamed of - who God is and what He has done.

So I got the 116 Clique's logo tattooed on my left bicep for a couple of reasons. I got it because my body is a temple - and the temple is where the Jews went to praise God and be close to Him - to honor Him. I believe my tattoo is a way that my "temple" is made more honoring to God and will be that until they throw me in a box and bury me. I got it because of the verse it represents (Romans 1:16), and I got it because of the opportunities it will present for me to talk about the God who hung the moon and the stars up.

I have already had the opportunity to tell people about what I believe and why I believe it. I can't wait to continue doing that. I mean really, what else am I doin' right now?

Why I Hate The Pittsburgh Steelers

2011-08-19T13:06:00.003-04:00

If you know me even a little and we have talked even a moment about sports, then I think it is a safe bet that you have heard me reference how much I hate the Pittsburgh Steelers. But for those of you that have not had the pleasure of uttering Pittsburgh in my presence...this post should hopefully enlighten you to some of the reasons I loathe and despise everything that has to do with black and gold.

(Note: Each Pittsburgh Steelers reference will contain a link to something I think is better than the Pittsburgh Steelers - because that is how much I hate them. Enjoy.)

I loved book fairs in elementary school. I always bought posters at the book fair - because I hated reading - and I remember the year that I bought a Marshall Faulk poster. It was 1994 - his rookie year. I had until that point been a Redskins fan - by default I would say - but I decided with the purchase of this poster that I would be a Colts fan.

Steps for Becoming a Fan of a Team:

1. Have a reason. (check: Marshall Faulk)

2. Figure out who else is on the team. Start with the quarterback if he wasn't the initial reason.

Enter Jim Harbaugh.

1994 was nothing to brag about for Harbaugh. He only started 9 of the 16 games, and threw 9 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in that time.

And then the 1995 season came along.

If you look at the Colts record that year (9-7), it would be a fair assumption that if they did in fact make the playoffs they were a Wild Card team and probably had no chance at even winning the first game.

In actuality, they were the 5th seed. The 4th, 5th AND 6th seeds were 9-7 that year.

In addition the Colts' losses were, with the exception of one, all by six points or less. They were riding the legs of Marshall Faulk and the determination and fourth quarter performances of the eventual Comeback Player of the Year winner Jim Harbaugh. It was the most exciting season of football I have ever watched.

They had to win the last game of the season to make the playoffs. They did - by three. Then, they had to face a team they had already lost to that season. And proceeded to win by 15. Being the fifth seed meant they would next have to face the team with the best record in football that year - the Kansas City Chiefs.

So you know this was a long time ago.

The Colts won that game on a late field goal and so were headed to the AFC Championship Game to face none other than the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It was the fourth quarter. The Colts were down 20-16, and they were driving down the field to win the game. It came down to the last play of the game - a Hail Mary into the endzone. Harbaugh threw the ball in the air - like he had done so many times before that season - and I saw Aaron Bailey catch it.

The Worst Moment in My Sports Life

And then I saw him drop it.

And then I couldn't see much more through the tears in my eyes. I sobbed because we had lost a game I knew we should have won. I was angry because it was CLEARLY pass interference and he had STILL almost made the catch, but couldn't hold on. I cried because they didn't call it, and I cried because I was a 9 year old kid who had loved a team and it's quarterback more than I had loved almost everything else up until that point in my life.

So my hatred of Pittsburgh began. The Colts lost to the Steelers by 28 points in the playoffs the next year, and eventually drafted some punk out of Tennessee to replace Harbaugh. Guy by the name of Peyton Manning.

And so my love for the Colts dwindled as the true reason I had loved them left, and my hatred for the Steelers was born as they stole our season on a bad call and proceeded to blindfold Neil McDonnell for the Super Bowl - wasting that stolen opportunity. The Colts would have won it all - there is no doubt in my mind. Harbaugh finished second in the MVP voting that year, and I have never enjoyed watching someone play the game of football as much as I enjoyed him.

Fast forward to Penn State. I had gone on to follow the Eagles for a bit - because I enjoyed watching Donovan McNabb for some clearly unknown reason - and Penn State seemed to be a wonderful place to continue that. The Eagles had no rivalry with the Steelers so I didn't see any problem coexisting with those fans and cheering for my team. Until I became friends with some Steelers fans. And lived with one.

Because I realized how incredibly obnoxious those stupid towels are. And how incredibly frustrating it is to hear someone reference 4 Super Bowl wins that happened AT LEAST 20 YEARS before they were born. I don't care what happened in the 1970's. It has no bearing on your team now. And our teams don't have a rivalry - so please stop asking me the ridiculous question, "Wait, how many Super Bowl wins does YOUR team have?"

BECAUSE IT DOESN'T MATTER! When I make the comment that my team will be good this year, the response that I am looking for is, "Yeah? We probably will be good too. Maybe we will play in the Super Bowl." Then you can ask me the question about Super Bowl wins. Because if you beat us in that game, it matters. Otherwise it has NO BEARING ON ANYTHING because there is no bad blood between our teams in any other location but the middle of an otherwise deserted area of Pennsylvania - State College.

So why do I hate Pittsburgh? Because for four years I was convinced that I SHOULD hate Pittsburgh. Well now I do - and I don't feel bad about it. Nothing would please me more than to watch that stadium burn to the ground. I would rather PAY to watch a WNBA game than BE PAID to watch the Steelers play. I would rather stick my hand in a working piston and listen to each one of my fingers break than wrap my hand around one of those insidious towels. Because this hatred has grown to such an extreme, I have found only three reasons why the city of Pittsburgh is worth keeping. And trust me, one bad experience would certainly shift my feelings in the wrong direction. They are as follows:

1. Primanti Brothers

2. PNC Park

3. Brett Kiesel's beard

The third of those reasons is clearly conditional, as I believe he is currently regrowing said beard. So there are really only two reasons that make me have even a speck of respect for anything the city of Pittsburgh does. My brother in law Cameron said it best: The state of Pennsylvania should do what Virginia did and cut off the crappy part of it - leaving Pennsylvania and West Pennsylvania.

I could not agree more. I hate Pittsburgh, and I will until they bury me six feet under the ground. What else am I doin' right now?

The World Series, Game 1

2011-07-30T13:36:00.001-04:00

So a couple of things are going to happen right now. I am going to reveal another one of my favorite things, and I am going to do so by addressing a question that caused a LOT of controversy during my recent family vacation.

First of all, I love the Phillies. If baseball was the only sport that happened during the year and all of the other sports fell off the map I would feel no remorse. That's how much I love the Phillies - enough that it overrides the need for any other sports to exist. My classroom is not decorated with student work - it's decorated with Phillies photos and memorabilia. That's how much I love the Phillies - enough to warrant displaying it in my classroom INSTEAD OF anything related to the subject I teach.

So if you understand how much I love the Phillies, then you now have an idea of how much my brother loves the Braves.

Let's just say that the love we have for our respective teams has polarized my family. Except it's really more like a Phillie massacre. Because everyone but my wife and I loves the Braves. So whenever we get together the topic of whose team is better comes up.

This particular vacation was no different. It came up, but I feel like both parties handled it very well. Until my brother and I were talking on the beach with our cousin Sumter. I don't remember how the question came up, but we were talking about how the Braves have good pitching this year. So someone asked - probably me - who the Braves should start in game one of the World Series.

So obviously this was hypothetical and highly imaginary. Because there is no way they make it there this year.

But if the situation were to come to fruition, both my brother AND Sumter said they would start Derek Lowe. No question. Because of his experience in the playoffs. So I immediately asked - because it is a logical question - why they wouldn't start Tim Hudson. Or Jair Jurrjens. Or ANYONE BETTER than Derek Lowe.

Their response - experience matters more in the playoffs. Cut and dry.

Their argument is that in a situation where you must win a game you would start someone who has more experience in the playoffs over someone who has more talent. So I then asked them what I thought was a great example of a counter to his argument.

You are the Giants and you have a choice between Barry Zito and Tim Lincecum. Barry Zito is 4-3 in the playoffs with a 3.25 era. His starts came in the same time frame as Derek Lowe's starts, so it is a fair comparison. Tim Lincecum is 15 years old - he just started shaving - so he has no playoff experience. Do you start Barry Zito because of his experience?

Their answer was no - as was the Giants answer last year when Tim Lincecum was amazing in the World Series. I felt like this was a pretty solid counter argument, and I explained that I feel like you should start your best pitcher in the toughest situations - therefore I would start Hudson over Lowe and Lincecum over Zito.

To me, experience is certainly important, but when you compare Lowe's numbers to Hudson's numbers in the playoffs, I don't feel like Lowe's numbers "wow" me enough to start him over someone who has very similar numbers yet has an ERA that is 0.40 lower over his career and a win percentage that is ten points higher. Neither has a winning record in the playoffs. So when I look at the fact that Hudson has a winning record this season and an ERA that is almost 1.00 below Derek Lowe, I go with the person who is performing. And that's Hudson.

While I thought I presented a pretty good counter argument and explanation for my choice, they both still refused to acknowledge my reasoning as legitimate. This led to a few other conversations about the topic and just a general disagreement about everything baseball for the rest of the trip. But as we were disagreeing, I thought about who we (the Phillies) should start in Game 1 of the World Series.

If I take the stance of experience in the playoffs the pitcher that should start is Cole Hamels. He has more playoff experience than both Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay AND has won a World Series.

If I take the stance of overall experience including post season, we should pitch Cliff Lee who is 7-2 in the playoffs, has pitched in the last two World Series and has much more experience pitching during the regular season than Cole Hamels.

But as I said, I put my best pitcher on the mound. So without a doubt I start Roy Halladay - arguably the best pitcher in baseball right now. His first time in the playoffs was last year. He threw a no-hitter in his first game.

A no-hitter.

Like, he only walked one person on a questionable call (in my opinion) and faced 28 batters in his first game EVER in the playoffs.

Roy Halladay starts because Roy Halladay is our best pitcher. Call me crazy, but the Phillies (and every other team in professional sports) pay these players too much money to worry about who is going to need a tissue in tough situations. Pitch according to your ability when I need you to or have a seat.

Now I am going to go enjoy the rest of our season with Hunter Pence on our team. And when we get to the World Series I am going to giggle like a school girl when Halladay starts Game 1 and Game 2 because he is that good. If you need to find me, that's what I will be doin' right now.

The Dominican

2011-07-28T16:42:00.001-04:00

First of all, I feel like that would be - and has probably already been used as - a great movie title. Secondly, I must apologize to my readers for not updating the blog sooner about one of the best experiences I have ever had. I went down to the Dominican Republic with our church to do some missions work in the town of Hato Mayor. Our goal was to accomplish two things: build a church in one of the communities that Shalom (my church's partner church) has been working to help and witness to the many children running around the community while we were building.

My hope with this post is to just share a little bit of what was amazing about my trip through pictures of some of the people and stories about what I experienced. The best way I can think to do that is by talking about three things: the people I worked with, the things that I witnessed and the lessons I learned.

The People I Worked With

I was on the trip with 19 other people. There were people who ranged in age from 14 to 44. At first I thought that might create some awkward cliques as the trip went on, but I could not have been more wrong. It became clear that each one of the people on the trip had gone to the Dominican with the purpose of growing closer to God, and as He often does I feel like God displayed His glory through the relationships we formed with each other during the week. I got the opportunity to talk with some of the high school boys about struggles they have had living a Christian life in such a secular school environment. I had the opportunity to form friendships with people my own age, and to learn from those who have had children and have lived more life than I have. It was amazing.

The people I spent the week with.

We also met and worked with some of the most dedicated people I have ever known. We had two "translators", Lionel and Mario. The reason I put translators in quotes is because when I think translator I think someone who speaks both their native language and the translated language fluently. Let's just say communicating didn't go as smoothly this week as I would have hoped. But aside from that, these two men were such amazing brothers in Christ. When we met them initially they both seemed shy, but as the week went on I saw them worship and praise God so passionately both during church services and through the work they helped us do that my view of who they were was totally changed. It filled me with such joy to know that we were spending time with brothers of the faith who worship the same God that we do even if they don't really speak the same language that we do.

Lionel on the left, Mario on the right.

We also met one of the most intimidating men I have ever seen. Not intimidating in the usual sense, but moreso intimidating based on things he did throughout the week. Like hammer a 3 inch nail into the structure with one swing. His name was Woscar, and in case you are wondering that translates into English as: Woscar. He was the right-hand man of Pastor Carlos, and pretty much didn't talk to anyone. But if he did talk to you, you listened. And immediately asked someone to translate in case he asked you to do something.

Woscar guarding the bus.

We also had the opportunity to work with a couple of pastors from the churches associated with Shalom. Pastor Cruz and Pastor Rudolfo would probably have been considered our project managers when it came to the church. Rudolfo spoke through the work that he did, and Cruz spoke through a loud and joking demeanor. Rudolfo would point and often speak in one word commands whereas Cruz would joke with the people around him, laugh at us and then tell us what to do. Neither of them spoke English - but neither of them really had to. Their work and personalities spoke for themselves.

Carlos on the left, Cruz in the middle and Rudolfo on the right.

Last but not least, pictured on the left, was the head pastor of Shalom, Pastor Carlos. I cannot say enough about the work he is doing down in the Dominican. He has such an outstanding relationship with the community - given what he does for a living - and has such a heart for the people of Hato Mayor and the communities surrounding it. He took us to see so many different areas that Shalom has been able to reach out to and explained why certain things were handled the way that they were. He is a big man - he is tall and has a very strong presence. He was driving us home one night on the bus and someone on the street hit the bus as it went by. He immediately stopped it, got out, and walked up to the person to see what the problem was. He didn't lose his temper, but I am sure if he had the person would have soiled themselves.

The Things that I Witnessed

When I wasn't helping to build the church, I spent my time with the kids who were all around us. I got to give some of them piggyback rides. I got to twirl some of them around and around and then just let go. I got to play baseball in the Dominican.

In a field.

With cows right beside me.

And their feces right beside that.

Playing baseball with people that don't speak English. Making a catch in the outfield. Beside a cow. Whaaaat?

We also played a little soccer, as you can see. Soccer and baseball - two sports the rest of the world plays. AWESOME!

I got to see people worshipping the same God that I do in a completely different language and in a very different way than I normally would. We went to church on Sunday and heard Pastor Carlos preach, and on Tuesday I went to a church in Guayabal. I also got to share my testimony on Tuesday.

Me with my ridiculous beard sharing my testimony.

The church we went to on Sunday.

Something else I witnessed: some of the best fried chicken I have ever had. From a place that also sold Chinese food. In the Dominican Republic. You serious Clark?

Chinese in the Dominican.

I saw kids chasing our bus. Like in a movie. Because they genuinely enjoyed us. So cool.

Seriously the coolest thing ever.

The Lessons I Learned

1. Kids are kids everywhere. Just look at some of these pictures. I loved getting to know some of them even in the short time we spent together. These kids were so excited to see us everyday. It made me so much MORE excited to be having a daughter. It's gonna be awesome.

2. My beard was so ridiculous that I could fit 78 toothpicks into it without any of them falling out. And look tribal while doing it. Weird.

78 toothpicks. Say whaaat?

3. When you get people together and they get on a plane to the Dominican Republic with the intention of doing God's work, His work is done quickly and beautifully. Look at this church!!

4. People all over the world worship the same God that we do. It was so amazing to SEE that - to spend time with those people and worship Him at the same time. What a glorious God!

I know I have been long winded and have included a ridiculous amount of pictures, but this trip was amazing and I feel like you need to see what I saw in order to appreciate what I say all the more. There is still work to be done though, so you should go too. I would go with you! Seriously, what else are you doin' right now?

Movies, The Final Installment: Amazing Cinema

2011-07-12T17:49:00.000-04:00

As these posts come to a close, I find myself having less to say about the movies I am recommending to the general public. It would seem logical that this post would be the most involved as it will reference some of the most amazing cinema I have ever witnessed, but I am at a loss for words. I feel like these movies speak for themselves.

So technically they should have already told you about themselves?

Anyway, I have cited in other posts that I don't expose myself to that which will make me feel the need to take a shower later. If taken too far, that argument could be used to justify forgoing movies like Finding Nemo or The Lion King because of the topics those movies touch on. People have different levels of tolerance for movies and what they will and won't expose themselves to. I feel with some cinema there comes a point when there is not enough positive take away to overcome the negativity being sprayed in my grill. But I acknowledge that I am a conservative dude, so to each their own.

So as I reveal these amazing movies, I will split them into three lists: movies that don't cross the line and are amazing, movies that are too much for me but are really freakin' good, and movies that I love but are probably not that good.

Amazing Movies That Don't Cross the Line:

1. The Dark Knight - I saw this movie FOUR TIMES in theatres. FOUR TIMES!! I probably gave a solid $80 to $100 dollars to the benefit of this film via ticket and concession expenses. Someone had to help pay Heath Ledger's child support...

2. Invincible - I love Philadelphia, but I know that not everyone else does. I can't for the life of me figure out why, but I promise after watching this movie it will be a struggle to continue hating on the best city in the state of PA.

3. Inception - Two reasons to watch this movie: Leonardo DiCaprio. Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

4. The Prestige - This is the third movie I have mentioned that is directed by Christopher Nolan. Perhaps he is the reason they are so phenomenal. Either way, bring your thinking caps and your David Bowie wigs to this one.

5. The Bourne Ultimatum - The Bourne series is amazing, so watch the first two movies and then watch this one. And marvel at the amazing things Matt Damon does time and time again.

Amazing Movies That Fly Over the Line Like a Bat Out of Hell:

1. The Departed - I distinctly remember being so shocked by what I was witnessing that I crawled up the back of my seat in the theatre hollering in disbelief.

2. V for Vendetta - Who knew someone could make wearing a mask so cool...

3. Gladiator - Russell Crowe beats people up off set. Probably why he was so successful in this role.

4. Good Will Hunting - Matt Damon and Ben Affleck WROTE it.

Amazing Movies That Probably Aren't Actually That Good:

1. Blue Streak

2. You Got Served

3. Fool's Gold

4. Angels in the Outfield

Yeah right...they are freakin' amazing.

Watch these movies! What ELSE are you doin' right now?

Movies, Part 3: Based on a True Story

2011-06-11T08:07:00.000-04:00

If someone started at the beginning of my blog and read all the way through, I feel like it would be evident at this point that I value truth very highly. I'm not interested in pretending to be things that I am not. I'm not interested in spending time with people whose focus is continually being something that they are not. It's just not worth it. From a worldly perspective (assuming there is nothing after this life) it is a complete waste of the time we have. From a God-centered perspective, it is deceptive and completely goes against God's call for us to confess the truth that we have done wrong and need Him. So either way, no thanks.

So if that is how I feel, then naturally I would love cinema that "honors" the truth about someone's life or a series of events. Now it must be addressed that Hollywood, like almost all forms of entertainment, is just that - entertainment. I honestly have to remind myself of that at times. Hollywood loves to create false drama just to make a true story "better".

Can we address how hilarious and also disturbing it is that Hollywood would take somebody's life and change things about it? If what happens in your life is a perfectly orchestrated plan that has been put into place by our Creator, how presumptuous and prideful it is to change it!

Then to top it off, we drink it in and sop up the leftovers with our dinner rolls.

Need for a Savior: illustrated. Save us from our desire to rewrite the works of someone who invented writing.

Yet and still, I do enjoy the entertainment provided by watching a movie that is "based on a true story". So it might be short and sweet, but I will sign off with two lists. The first will be a list of some of my favorite true movies. I will list them in order of what I believe to be increasing truth - because yes, I do love the truth. The second list will be movies I wish were true. They will be listed in order of my desire for them to be true.

Based on a True Story:

1. A Beautiful Mind

2. Catch Me if You Can

3. Walk the Line

4. The Blind Side

5. The Social Network

6. Stand and Deliver

7. The Passion of the Christ (you are welcome)

Awesome if They Were Based on a True Story:

1. The Lord of the Rings trilogy

2. Alice in Wonderland

3. The Pirates of the Caribbean movies

4. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

5. Harry Potter movies

I feel like I need to go paint my Dungeons and Dragons characters while I play Magic: The Gathering after composing this second list. Just sayin'.

Enjoy these movies and the sickly attempts they make at portraying the truth. Then think of the Truth.

What else are you doin' right now?

Movies, Part 2: The Movies I Don't Tell Most People That I Like

2011-06-07T23:41:00.000-04:00

Let's get really real right now. I have some movies I absolutely love, and most of the time I just keep it to myself. I don't know if I would call it shame, but I most certainly wouldn't have these listed on Facebook.

Probably because I don't have a Facebook on which to do that. Join me in the rebellion, fam.

But perhaps the reason is the social pressure that I guess we all fall victim to at some point. Even though I do my best not to give in to such whimsicality, I must admit that until I started typing this post only a select few would have known of my love for these movies.

Now the whole world could know if they wanted to. Provided they have access to a computer. And the internet. And searched the exact phrasing that led them to this obscurity of a blog.

Rambling aside, these five movies are but a select few of those that could be listed. I honestly feel like these would be the most socially acceptable to claim enjoyment from. So hear goes:

1. Despicable Me - This movie is freakin' hilarious. If anyone ever reads this blog and hasn't seen it, stop reading and go Redbox the jaundice out of that movie right now. I have had debates with my wife about whether or not to name our little infant girl (SKELETOR!!!!) after the unicorn-adoring Agnes. That is how unbelievably cute she is, and how much I love this movie.

2. Fantastic 4 - Whaaaaat? This movie is one of the most entertaining movies I have ever seen and each time I watch it I cannot for the life of me figure out why. I saw it twice in theatres. TWICE! There have only been two other movies that I have paid to see multiple times, and future posts will reveal what they are. It must be the lack of thought that needs to be put into understanding the movie, or maybe its the sweet rock dude falling in love with the blind chick. Who knows - who cares. It's amazing.

3. The Wizard of Oz - Here's where ish gets real. I watched this movie so many times when I was a kid that I often find myself saying the lines without even thinking about it - AND MAKING THE VOICES! I sing along with every song, and I can't stand the Wicked Witch of the West. To clarify, if I had lived back then I would have avoided any opportunity to meet the actress who played her in person. That's how much I hated her. Enough to treat the actress as if she wasn't acting. But the movie is amazing.

4. Live Free or Die Hard - This one probably comes from watching it at my Penn State bachelor party. I'm pretty positive that we had half of a leftover keg of beer and a bottle of Manischewitz. Which means (because I had just turned 21) that I had a beer in one hand and the sacrament in the other. Meanwhile, I watched Bruce Willis crash his car into a flying helicopter and mount a jet as it flew underneath a highway. I'm not kidding. That should be enough to warrant watching the movie twice a day for two weeks.

5. The Holiday - Last but not least I would like to throw all of my masculinity out the window and say that this movie is one of my all time favorites. There is nothing wrong with it. It was cast perfectly. I don't care what anyone says: Jack Black was the best person for that role. I had to stifle tears when the little girl calls her family the three musketeers. If you were a decent human being you would too.

Kidding...

But seriously.

So there it is. My reputation laid out on the blog/table for all to see and witness. Laugh if you must, but I do not regret loving any of these movies. Go watch them and try to act like they aren't amazing - just try. What else are you doin' right now?

Movies, Part 1: The Classics That Are Truly Worth Viewing

2011-06-04T02:15:00.001-04:00

The more I write this blog, the stranger I realize I am. Stranger in that I feel like not too many people share the interests I have. Which is fine - but this post will probably not be any different, because in this first of four posts I am revealing that one of my favorite things to do is watch movies that came out between 1930 and 1960. I feel like that span of 30 years or so was a time when most - but certainly not all - movies retained a certain modesty while remaining poignant and entertaining.

Let me make it clear - if it is not already - that I really think about what I engage in and view. More than most people I know. I feel like God has called us to live a life of holiness so that we might honor Him, and so when I think about what I am going to watch or invest time in I want to make sure that after I have done so I will not need to feel guilty or ask for God's forgiveness. I know that sounds strict and as if I am taking it way to seriously. But when I think about all God has done for me - the things I have done in past that left me dead in my sin and the way that He cares for me when He has no real need for me - I find it hard to watch movies that leave me feeling like I need to take a shower because of how filthy they are.

Which would be any movie like Black Swan or A Clockwork Orange. Or anything directed by Quentin Tarantino.

I understand why people find them entertaining - because I used to and probably still would. But just because something is entertaining doesn't mean it is beneficial. Sin is entertaining. That's why we all have problems with it.

So my hope with this first post is simply to speak on some classics that I have found truly entertaining as well as modest. I have decided to speak through the lens of a few of my favorite actors from this time, as they play a large part in the reason that pursuing the viewing of these movies is worth doing.

Clark Gable - It Happened One Night, Gone With the Wind

It Happened One Night was, from what I gather, a chick flick in its time. Such an entertaining story - certainly one that has had overwhelming influence - and an all around good movie.

Yes, I do in fact know how long Gone With the Wind is. Because I watched it. All that I will say is that you should do the same. Trust me when I say that you will not regret spending four hours of your time doing so.

Humphrey Bogart - Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon

Casablanca is so famous that I felt like I wouldn't like it because I don't typically like to follow society's trends. Yet, as evidenced by me including it in this list, it is well worth watching. Humphrey Bogart is great in the film. He epitomizes cool.

The Maltese Falcon is probably one of my favorite movies of all time. Probably the most entertaining mystery/sleuth film I have ever seen. Paul Newman (Cool Hand Luke - also worth seeing but borderline over the top at one point) must have watched this movie five times a day so that he could learn how to be half as cool as Humphrey Bogart.

James Stewart - The Greatest Show on Earth, It's a Wonderful Life

The Greatest Show on Earth is probably not often thought of when James Stewart is being discussed - for two reasons. One: Charlton Heston. Two: Clown costumes truly are the best disguise anyone can invest in. This, along with Gone With the Wind, is a long movie. BUT IT'S IN COLOR!!! You're welcome.

I have trouble remembering movies that have taken my emotions on a roller coaster ride like It's a Wonderful Life. Don't watch it at Christmas - because that takes away from how wonderfully crafted this film is and how wonderfully happy you should be around Christmas. Enjoy it some other time. It will honestly make you consider attempting to throw a lasso around the moon.

Bing Crosby - White Christmas, Going My Way

You probably have to like musicals to enjoy White Christmas. But if you don't like them, just remember how much you love Bing Crosby's version of the song White Christmas. That will make it enjoyable. You could also think about the movie Christmas Vacation, when Chevy Chase references Bing Crosby tap dancing with Danny Kaye. After you have seen White Christmas you will know exactly what Chevy Chase was talking about. Boom.

Going My Way is the only thing that might make me consider becoming a Catholic simply because of Bing Crosby's performance as Father O'Malley. But then I would look at the cons list...and would never become a Catholic. Little known fact (I think) - Bing Crosby won Best Actor for this role and the movie won Best Picture. He also partially owned the Pittsburgh Pirates. Guess you can't win 'em all.

With summer around the corner, think of the opportunities that you would have to watch these movies. After a long day on the beach, come in and watch The Maltese Falcon. Rainy day? Gone With the Wind sounds great. Thanks to the library, you can see all of these for free. It's not even fair how easy it could be to watch them. It's like fishing with dynamite.

So give it a shot. I mean really, what else are you doin' right now?

Baby Girl

2011-06-01T20:27:00.000-04:00

I am going to be a father. My wife is currently bearing our soon to be daughter, and I am so excited to be able to hold her. I can't wait to read stories to her (and make voices for each character). I can't wait to teach her how to throw a baseball. I can't wait to serenade her with off-key versions of my favorite Mills Brothers songs. I can't wait to sit down and have a talk with her future potential boyfriends. Actually, I can wait on that. Until she is 25.

What a wonderful God. I know I say it often, but it needs to be said often. When I look at my past and who I was - the things I did - it is very clear that God must truly love me gracefully.

Because I don't deserve to have a kid.

But we are, and I cannot wait. Thank the Lord that He knows me fully and forgives my misdoings.

So we were in the ultrasound room yesterday - looking at our infant - and it was so amazing. We actually saw the heart beating. All four chambers pumping in sync to the rhythm God gave that little girl. We saw her brain developing, and we witnessed her stubbornness as she refused to turn and lay in the "baby pose". Where does that stubbornness come from? From both her mother and myself - no question about it. This kid is gonna stomp the yard with her personality. Bring that on.

But the best part was seeing her face. Or rather...seeing her skull, because her skin has not yet developed fully. So weird, and kinda creepy. I am now calling our daughter SKELETOR, and I will be shouting it in my best cheesy announcer voice should you ever here it cross my lips. I have also included a picture of what our baby currently resembles.

SKELETOR!!!!!

I can't wait to hold my daughter.

I am so nervous already. That's how I am feelin' right now.

Why I Do What I Do

2011-05-25T00:33:00.001-04:00

I feel like if you were to meet me on the street one of the things you would immediately notice is my beard. I have recently felt the insatiable desire to grow my beard out, and have yet to fully determine what a good stopping point might be. So I just keep letting it go. It has begun to move from a Fully Clean Fully Full into an Intimidation/Look What I Can Do beard - much to the chagrin of my beloved wife. It has gotten to the point where I feel a sense of comfort and warmth as I gaze upon it, and as a result I feel compelled to speak on my happiness. So my hope with this post is to explain each of my four types of beard classifications as well as clue the world into why one might pursue bearded bliss.

The first, and perhaps most widely recognized as "socially acceptable", is the Fully Clean Fully Full version. I tend to reference these beards as "commanding beards" - because I feel they command a certain amount of respect towards the individual who has donned the facial masterpiece.

A good judge of the Fully Clean Fully Full is this: The beard urges - nay - compels you to follow every order of the person wearing it.

I have found a few examples of those people whom I believe have "commanding beards".

John Smoltz...thank you for the opportunity to follow your orders.

Casey Blake...your beard was the only thing ever worth "witnessing" in Cleveland.

The second, and perhaps slightly less widely appreciated, is the Natural Tendency approach. These beards are worn because it just makes sense. The people wearing these beards literally exited the womb with them. I am sure you know someone with a Natural Tendency beard. I have included a few examples.

Baron Davis...having shaved five minutes before this picture was taken.

Zach Galifianakas...sporting the same beard he had when he was 3.

The third beard one could potentially attempt is the Decoy. Perhaps considered more of a personality trait, the Decoy is typically worn by people that can grow amazing beards but often times "go chameleon" and chop them off. Though spectacular when viewed, they are unpredictable at best. I found a couple that I was pretty excited about - a few men who created a comedic gem at an early age. Little did they know that old age would spring the arrival of a glorious bearded reunion.

Dumb

Dumber

The fourth, and perhaps most exciting, is the Intimidation/Look What I Can Do beard. The purpose of this beard is simply to impress upon the masses an understanding that the wearer of said beard could care less about what is residing on their chin.

Now I know that when I reveal my two pictures the immediate thought will be, "Wait, don't those guys spend tons of time growing out their beards and even grooming them? How is that a 'care-less' attitude?"

My response is to ask you to think deeper into the matter. At a certain point one must consider that an Intimidation/Look What I Can Do beard can take months and potentially years to grow. The wearer has therefore spent each and every day skipping the process of shaving almost entirely, and has therefore afforded more time to focus on other more pressing and important matters. Like being one of the best closers in the game. Or being the only player worth any sort of recognition on the worst team in all of professional sports (The Pittsburgh Steelers). Or in my case worrying more about glorifying God than shaving my face.

So I leave you with a couple of my favorites, and I hope that in viewing these you might come somewhat closer to understanding why I do what I do. Because seriously, what else could I be doin' right now?

Seriously, how can anyone focus on the baseball?

The only semi-acceptable thing Pittsburgh has to offer.

The Rapture and Why it is Probably the Best Thing that Could Happen to This World

2011-05-23T00:13:00.002-04:00

Christ comes back.

CHRIST COMES BACK!

JESUS CHRIST COMES BACK TO THE WORLD HE SAVED SO THAT HE CAN MAKE ALL THINGS NEW.

AND PERFECT.

FOR ETERNITY.

We get to spend eternity with our Maker. In a world where sin no longer exists. No more sadness, no more sorrow, no more death, no more shame, no more pain, no more affliction, no more hunger, none will thirst, no more fatigue, no more pride, no more temptation.

Sounds like a bummer.

Except not really. The only real bummer is that Christ hasn't come back yet.

Are there things I want to see and experiences I want to have and life I still want to live? Sure. But if I was put in a position to choose living the rest of my life or Christ coming back, I would have to say...

CHRIST

COMING

BACK!!

Because it's Jesus. The reason that all of those things matter.

So yes, I tell people the good news. The good news is that the God who formed every inch of this universe sent His Son to atone for our sins, and then blesses us with the opportunity to live a life that honors Him until He returns to make all things completely perfect again. Should we fear the Rapture? Not from where I am standing.

But that's because I am standing in Christ and by His grace.

That's what I am doin' right now.

What A Beautiful Savior

2011-04-24T03:13:00.002-04:00

Sometimes I just don't understand how I can ignore who Jesus is and what He has done in my life. I went to Penn State ready to do whatever I wanted. But low and behold God had other plans. Life altering plans. Life crushing and restoring plans.

I think the most amazing part of the change is that it was and has been and I believe will be better than anything my pathetic mind could have even remotely conjured.

As I think about who He is, I find myself filled with a desire to proclaim His glory. So on this day of Easter, I hope you don't mind. These are some verses that amaze me each time I read them - feel free to click on the links and check them out. I just wanna brag on my Lord...

Isaiah 9 : 2 - 6

² The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. ³ You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. ⁴ For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. ⁵ Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. ⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 52 : 13 through Isaiah 53

¹³ See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. ¹⁴ Just as there were many who were appalled at him his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness— ¹⁵ so he will sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.

Isaiah 53

¹ Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? ² He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. ³ He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. ⁴ Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. ⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. ⁶ We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. ⁷ He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the laughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. ⁸ By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished.⁹ He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. ¹⁰Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. ¹¹ After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. ¹² Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong,because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Who is like Him? Nobody.

He was who He said he was.

John 4 : 25-26 : ²⁵ The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” ²⁶ Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

He did in fact do what He said He did.

I will never forget when my dear friend (Greg Boros) said that during one of our Bible studies at Penn State, and that phrase (He was who He said He was and did what He said He did) always reminds me that Jesus wasn't messing around. He was either telling us something very very true or telling us something very very false.

I believe with everything that is in me that He was telling the truth because He is the Truth. So as I go get some sleep before I spend the day thinking and bragging on my Lord, I ask you to think about the same things I am. Think about the love of God that He would send His Son to do these things for us, a broken people.

I mean really - if He was who He said He was and did what He said He did, your world should be rocked like mine with a desire for living water. Come on - what else could you even consider doin' right now?

The Public Library

2011-04-14T20:48:00.002-04:00

I am shocked it has taken me this long to write about one of my favorite things in the world. I don't know how it happened, and I don't know why it didn't happen sooner, but I fell in love with the freedom and promise offered to me by the public library and have never regretted a second of it.

It's hard to hate on free entertainment. Now I understand that we do in fact pay for it with our taxes, but the last time I checked not paying your taxes was pretty much illegal. So even though it isn't technically free, I feel like my obligation to paying taxes makes me feel like it is. Therefore, I refuse to have my hopes squashed.

I have consistently had at least one item checked out for almost two years now. These items range from standard books - always hard cover if I can help it - to audio books. (Yes, I do in fact love audio books.) I also make a living watching classic movies on DVD. The demand for new movies at the library is typically too much to wait for, but since the thoughts and pressures of society tend to piss me off anyway, I really don't have a problem watching current movies on a one or two year delay. If a movie was good in the first place it will continue to be good a year or ten later.

Let's address the pros and cons of the public library:

PROS: You can check out a DVD for free for a week. You can check out a book for free for a month. They also send reminder emails when you have things due - so you don't really have to worry about late fees unless you just don't check your email. They even allow you to renew your stuff online, and unless no one has requested your copy you can keep it for the same amount of time longer. What could be bad about this?

CONS: I know the public library has a stigma. But I also don't care about what people think very much. As is evidence by my outfit here. (shout out to Cam with the link usage) There are no other true cons. Just stereotypes and singularly bad experiences.

Though it is not too deep or in depth, I hope my love for the public libraries of America has been conveyed in even the smallest way, and I hope you go get a membership.

Because seriously, what else are you doin' right now?

Christian Athletes

2011-04-05T23:59:00.001-04:00

I am so excited to be going to the Dominican Republic because I can't wait to see people in a different part of the world who know and love and worship the same God that I do. It blows my mind that all across this planet there are people who share my beliefs. I think this same love is what makes me seek out other Christians within the media and on television.

That's probably why I love rooting for Christian athletes. I feel like we are on the same team. I feel like the success they experience is shared by the all of the Christians across the world. Perhaps that is taking it a little too far. Perhaps those thoughts are strange. But I still cheer relentlessly for those that I know are serving the Lord with their gifts.

I remember when Josh Hamilton was in the Home Run Derby and hit 28 home runs in one round. It was one of the most amazing unimportant sports moments I have ever seen. Unimportant because it was a home run derby which has no meaning beyond personal success. Amazing because of what was happening. He was replicating his swing in a way that enabled him to consistently hit inconsistently thrown slow pitches out of a Major League ballpark. He had overcome drug addiction just a year before and was now displaying his talent and brute strength in front of a national audience.

At that point he had NO worldly reason to acknowledge anyone but himself.

But he did. He continually - through awkward interviews and situations - gave all the credit to Jesus Christ. Not just God - Jesus. What a complete rebel. So many other people would have taken all of the credit. But he gave credit to the God that created every quark of every proton of every atom of every molecule of every cell of the body he used to hit each and every one of those home runs.

And all the while I felt like I was on his team - standing "beside" him as he made claims to what I also believe is true. That Christ was who He said He was and did in fact do what He said He did.

So go find those people fighting for the cause with their gifting. We really are one body - many members - praising one glorious and graceful God. I mean really - what else are you doin' right now?

One Liners

2011-03-05T00:55:00.000-05:00

I have a love for words and the way people use them. Music is something that I truly appreciate more than most people and the way that artists orchestrate their lyrics - the way they mold words into such beautiful stories or truths - just gets me excited.

While I love albums and appreciating them in their entirety, I also have a love for the one liners of the music world - the phrases or even choruses that just stick in your head. The one liners that instantly turn your thoughts to existential matters or make you forget you are listening to a song because of the emotions or realities they provoke or address. They have their place and serve their purpose.

I would argue that the music that the 116 Clique is putting out right now has some of the greatest one liners anybody could ask for. Whether someone believes what I do or not, these phrases are just loaded with truth and a sense of purpose that are rivaled by few.

So I want to write about some of the lines that I find phenomenal. I tried to put them in an order that is similar to how my experience with God has panned out. I am only listing a few but my hope is that anybody who might read this blog is drawn to hear more and experience where they came from - but more truthfully - who they were meant to honor.

1. I been burned by the world - and it showed no sympathy - I would give my all and it stripped me of my dignity - stripped of my reason, my morals and my temper - stripped me of everything - I was in love with a stripper (Higher Love - Sho Baraka)

2. They say you came for the lame - I'm the lamest - I broke my life but You say You'll replace it - I'll take it (Just Like You - Lecrae)

3. Get loose - let me know you got that Truth - say "I'm not a slave" - don't take no abuse (Get Loose - Trip Lee feat. Lecrae)

4. And I'm quite your momma told ya not to trust just anybody - but tell me "Who is like the Lord?" - not anybody (I'm a Believer - Tedashii feat. Trip Lee)

5. I wake up - before I throw a beater on - fall to my knees thank the Lord for that new shalom (Hold Me Down - PRo)

6. Readin' the Word in morn' got me feelin' strong (Used To Do It Too - Lecrae feat. KB)

7. Until they put me in the grave I will not be a slave today (Fight Music - PRo)

8. Opposition in my face - tryna play defense - I'm bigger than this dude that don't make no sense - I Kobe Bryant on 'em (Kobe Bryant On 'Em - Sho Baraka)

9. My greatest satisfaction is makin' His name famous (Chase That (Ambition) - Lecrae)

10. It don't matter if the world don't see us, we still mean the world to Jesus (Take Me As I Am - Lecrae)