A Tentmaker's Journey

"The Noticer" - A Review

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 22:40:00 +0000

The good folks at Thomas Nelson recently sent me a free copy of Andy Andrews' latest book, "The Noticer." I must confess, I was not familiar with Andy Andrews, nor his previous books. Reading the author's small bio on the book jacket, I learned that Mr. Andrews was dubbed a "modern-day Will Rogers who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America" by the New York Times. That's high praise for sure - especially the Will Rogers part! In exchange for the free book, Thomas Nelson asked me to write a brief review. With that in mind, here are my thoughts about "The Noticer."

Undoubtedly, the most powerfully influential messages are often wrapped in small packages. "The Noticer" would be one such message. Reading Andrews reminds me of yet another very influential author, Og Mandino. In fact, I would venture to say Andy Andrews is Og Mandino's clone. Like Mandino, Andrews knows how to tell a story. More importantly, he knows how to weave a powerful message throughout the story. The result is contagious - a book that is equally entertaining and deeply motivational.

Without giving away the plot, the premise of "The Noticer" is based upon true events. The story, set in Orange Beach, Alabama, intertwines the lives and struggles of its residents with an enigmatic figure named Jones (not Mr. Jones, just Jones). Jones has a knack for showing up at a critical juncture in a character's life and dispensing words of wisdom he calls "a little perspective" resulting in a life transformation for the better. Everyone in the community knows Jones, but nobody really knows Jones - which is a great literary technique to keep the reader interested.

The dominant theme of "The Noticer" is influence. Andrews uses this book as a vehicle to make a powerful statement - everyone has the capacity to influence the world. Small choices, made deliberately with passion, do not result in small changes in the lives of others. Again, without giving away too much, Andrews does a masterful job of detailing the influence of a simple choice that ended up saving the lives of millions of people many, many years later. This particular revelation is quite eye-opening!

With that in mind, Andrews has started The Noticer Project. The effort of this project is to encourage people to "notice" or pay tribute to the five most influential people in your life while you still have time to do so. Often, such tributes are saved for occasions such as weddings, graduations, or even funerals. The Noticer Project aims to get people to slow down from the busyness of life and take time to praise those who have impacted your life in a meaningful way. For more information about The Noticer Project go here.

I will highly recommend this book to my friends and family. I am also going to take the challenge issued by Andy Andrews to "notice" the five most influential people in my life. If you don't read this book, I'd still encourage you to become a "noticer" too.

P.S. If you read this book and liked it, I'd highly recommend reading "The Greatest Miracle in the World" by Og Mandino.

I LOVE MY CHURCH!

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:46:00 +0000

Our church is currently in the midst of a series called "Invasion: I Love My Church!" The premise is this: our pastors just show up at members' homes unannounced with a video camera and interview them about why they love their church. If you have time, I'd really encourage you to check out these stories.

Well, the Tulsa Campus LifeGroups Pastor, Aaron Swensen, took it to a whole new level by invading LifeGroup Leaders or members and asking them why they love their LifeGroup. So, with that said, here is the video of Michele and myself being invaded by Aaron. By the way, the videographer is a guy named Bill Aycock. He's a real cool guy and super talented.

I pray you catch the message of this video: God is a MULTIPLIER! He loves to take something small and MULTIPLY it exponentially. Our campus is just one example of this. Others are 5 loaves and 2 fish. small, then LARGE. The widow's flour and oil supply. small, then LARGE. The Acts 2 church. small, now LARGE.

So, what "small" thing can YOU offer to God so that He might MULTIPLY it?

How Much Do You Have to Hate Somebody....?

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:35:00 +0000

I don't know about all of you, but this video disturbs me. I've never thought of myself as a "hater," but I have to admit at times I fit Penn's definition of one. A good lesson for all of us I think.....you?

I LOVE THIS SONG!

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:29:00 +0000

Porky Pig - Blue Christmas

Elevator Games

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:20:00 +0000

I don't know what it is about an elevator, but it usually brings out the ornery side of me. If you know me well, you know that I'm a prankster at heart. When I first got out of pharmacy school, I worked in a hospital where I used elevators all day long. So here's a list of some of the pranks I've pulled while in an elevator, some of them involving my friends:

One time I walked into an elevator and didn't turn around to face the door. I just continued to face all the people. It definitely created an "uncomfortable moment" because everyone in the elevator didn't know what to do!
One time I got on an elevator, and as soon as it started going up I said real loud "I'm too young to die!" I said over and over until the elevator stopped.
One time I got on an elevator on the very top floor. It was crowded. I rode it down one floor and got off. Then I quickly ran down the stairs to the next floor and when the elevator doors opened I was there waiting and got back on. You should've seen the looks on everyone's faces!
One time I got on a crowded elevator. As I assumed the normal "elevator posture" (you know, facing the door, looking up at the numbers) I looked at the total stranger next to me and said in a loud voice "I've got new socks on!" Their facial expression was priceless.
Another time I got on an elevator and there was someone in there about my age. I quickly got excited and said "Hey, it's great to see you! I haven't seen you since high school! You haven't changed a bit!" It was so great to see them squirm and fake their way through the conversation as if they remembered me.
One of my best all-time great gags was one I pulled on my best friend. He and I got into a crowded elevator on the ground floor. We were going to the fourth or fifth floor, so we were going to be in there a bit. In a loud tone, I asked him "So dude, how's your rash doing?" Immediately, everyone in the elevator got super quiet. My buddy's face turned beet red, but I didn't let up one bit. I continued with "So are you still super-contagious or what? Should I be standing this close to you?" By this time, people were squirming and trying to move away from him as discreetly as possible. At the next stop, EVERYONE got off the elevator! I laughed so hard I nearly wet my pants!

What about you? Got any fun elevator gags?

What Are You Bringing to the Table?

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:44:00 +0000

Thanksgiving is upon us. I can't tell you how much I love this holiday. Why? Mainly because it's a chance for me to get to see extended family, but I'd be lying if I didn't say THE FOOD! My family isn't shy about bringing the food to the table. In fact, each year there are certain items I look forward to - for example, my Aunt Virginia's taco salad. Now you might think a taco salad doesn't belong on a Thanksgiving table, but her's most definitely does! Sadly, she won't be able to make our Thanksgiving gathering this year, so no taco salad for me. Thanksgiving just won't be the same for me.

I often use Thanksgiving as an example for small group ministries. You see, we all, like my Aunt Virginia, have something special to "bring to the table" for our small group. That something special is your spiritual gift. Maybe it's mercy or wisdom or prophecy or even hospitality. The point is, it can't benefit the group if it's not brought "to the table." Can you imagine Thanksgiving without the turkey? Or your Aunt So-and-so's pecan pie? Your group feels the same when you aren't there.

So, the take home point here is this: you have something everybody wants to enjoy, so be consistent in attending your group, whether it's a Sunday School class or home-based small group. You have something special to give, so bring it!

Thoughts?

Our Family Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:47:00 +0000

If you're interested, Michele and I have a family blog dedicated to all things related to our new family. You can check it out here.

Enjoy!

Gimme my bottle and nobody gets hurt!

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Pic #1: Kari was hungry one night, so she latched onto my honker while mommy was making her bottle & commenced to start sucking!

Pic #2: Sucking even harder. I'm laughing so hard I can't move.

Pic#3: Not willing to let go. No mercy. Look how red-faced I am!

Catching Up

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:41:00 +0000

OK. It's been far too long since I last blogged. Much has been going on and it's been a little difficult to get the creative juices flowin', but I think they are rebounding slowly. To catch everyone up, here's what's been cooking in my noggin lately:

I'm writing a book, which has been fun and frustrating at the same time. I'll spend an hour or so typing, then read what I've typed, delete it all, and start over again. So far I've got the introduction and half of the first chapter in the can. The topic? Our adoption story parallelled with the adoption story of Moses.
So, did you hear Obama was elected Prez? He wasn't my choice, but that doesn't mean I'm going to be a hater. In fact, I believe God (and America overwhelmingly) chose him to lead our nation for the next 4 years, so I'm going to commit to pray for him regularly. I'm not going to speak negatively about him either. I sincerely hope and pray he holds true to the faith he proclaims and does a great job. Oh, I don't believe for one second he's the Anti-Christ. This kinda stupidity has got to stop!
I've been dealing with work drama a lot lately. I have a staff of three women and I'm the lone male. Enough said.
I just finished teaching a four week class at church on men and leadership. I called it "MENERGY," and after the final session last night, all the men wanted to continue meeting weekly for encouragement and accountability. Awesome!
Kari is growing like a weed! She has discovered she has a voice, and likes to use it. A lot. LOUDLY! Each morning she likes to just lay in her crib and babble and scream - just because she can! Her mother and I just lay in bed watching her on the monitor and laugh. She's also somehow rearranging herself in her crib. I'll lay her down in one position only to find her flipped 180 degrees the next morning. I don't know how/when she does it - she can't even roll over yet, but she's trying!

There you go! More to come - including pics of you-know-who! By the way, did you notice the new profile pic?

For Those Who Weren't There......

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:32:00 +0000

"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how
the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could
have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually
in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood,
who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and
again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming,
but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who
spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows,
in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the
worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly,
so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls
who knew neither victory nor defeat."

-Theodore Roosevelt (emphases mine)

This past Monday night I led a "class" of men from my church in a discussion about this very quote. I challenged each and every one of them with these thoughts:

Every man has an "arena."
The "arena" is for testing.
Many men avoid the "arena" because of fear of failure.

We started off by identifying their particular arena(s). For some their arena was in the area of finances, others it was their family time, some it was their God-given purpose in life, and a few acknowledged it was their marraiges. These were areas they felt led to "fight" for, and yet for some reason weren't giving 100% effort to do so. Why? Because failing was too scary for them.

So, I challenged them to consider this quote I read in Craig Groeschel's new book "It" (provided by my boy Scott Williams from the N-Dub! Thanks again, buddy!):

"Failure is the tuition you pay for success." - Walter Brunell

I don't know Wally, but that guy has it all figured out! We have to change the way we view "failure." Now, I'm not saying we should rush out and fail, fail, fail. What I am saying is we should be willing to risk failure to experience our "triumph of high achievement."

What about you? What's your "arena?" More importantly, are you in it?

365 days ago....

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:09:00 +0000

Yesterday in church, a thought came rocketing into my skull from out of seemingly nowhere...

"Do you remember this time last year?"

Immediately my mind "rewound" the last 365 days or so. I realized it was about this time last year when Michele and I were perhaps in the darkest days we have ever experienced. We had just went through an IVF procedure only to find out that it had failed. We were numb with grief. We were shocked from pain. We were angry from feeling betrayed by the Father. Why hadn't He heard our prayers?

Little did we know that He had. He had heard us. He was working. Our answer was already forming even as our tears were falling. Like a mystery that He is, He chose for our baby to come to us through someone else's womb. Our pain, her conception - all of this, approximately 365 days ago.

It's amazing what a difference a year makes. Thank you Abba.

Thoughts about Temperature and God

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 23:31:00 +0000

Now that it's starting to get a little chilly outside, I've noticed something. In my car, I have a digital display that tells me the temperature both outside and inside the car. The other day I noticed it was a chilly 43 degree morning. As I started my car, the air conditioner was already pre-set on 68 degrees from the day before, when the outside temperature was in the 70s. What struck me was this - the day before 68 degrees felt cool, but on that particular morning it felt warm. What gives?

It's not that suddenly overnight 68 degrees changed it's mind and decided "Hey, tomorrow I'm gonna be a warm 68." No, 68 degrees is a constant. 68 degrees is 68 degrees all year round. So what changed? What changed is the environment by which I experienced 68.

God is like 68 degrees - He is constant. Our perception of Him, however, can change much like the temperature. Sometimes it seems as if my relationship with Him is hotter than the surface of the sun itself. Other times, He has seemed as cold and distant as the planet Pluto. What changed? Not God.

Have your times with God become stale? Change the environment. Have your prayers become routine? Change the environment. Has your "family time" become uninspiring and lost its originality? Change the environment. When the temperature dipped into the 40s, I experienced 68 degrees in a whole new and fresh way. Why? Because the environment changed. The same can happen with your relationship with God. Try it!

Mawwage

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:35:00 +0000

Princess Bride - The Wedding

My youngest brother, Brian, got married this past weekend. It was a really small wedding - very quaint and intimate. Tried as I might, I couldn't help but recall this scene from the Princess Bride. In fact, we were quoting it as we drove him to the wedding ceremony! Anyways, Brian and Amanda's story is an amazing one filled with love, forgiveness, grace, and hope. Their union is truly an answer to many prayers, and Michele and I are so glad to welcome Amanda into our family. During the ceremony, the pastor (who also married Michele and I) shared their goals with all of us - the number one being they wanted to serve God through the local church. True enough, the next day (after their wedding night!) they got up early and went to church. I am so proud of them!

Why on Earth Can't the Candidates Debate about the Real Issues?

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:27:00 +0000

I truly wish the candidates for President would stop arguing about the economy, tax breaks for the wealthy, healthcare, national security and the war. Instead, I wish they would have the courage to talk about the real issues....like these guys do.

Flight of the Conchords- Issues (Think About It)

We Should Listen to Our Elders...

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:02:00 +0000

I don't know if any of you are familiar with the Fruitcake Lady or not, but she appeared ever so often on The Tonight Show. She reminds me a lot of my great-aunt Mary Jo, or Jo-Jo as we called her. Just to warn you, she does use some bad language - but of course, so did Jo-Jo ever now and then! Hope you enjoy!

The Apocalypse is Upon Us! #2

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:44:00 +0000

A continuation from this post...

Revelation Chapters 2 and 3 were letters from Jesus addressed specifically to 7 different churches which existed at the time the Apostle John was alive. In effect, we are getting to read Jesus' emails to each of these churches. Here's a brief synopsis of what each letter said:

Ephesus:

Jesus chastised this church because it had "departed from your first love." The original Greek word for departed literally means "divorced." Basically, this church had become spiritually complacent.

Smyrna:

This is the first church Jesus doesn't admonish. Jesus warns this church of coming persucutions and encourages them to remaing strong and faithful. Their reward will be the crown of life - eternal life untouched by spiritual death.

Pergamum:

This church had within it certain people who claimed to be Christ-followers but were participating in idolatry and sexual sins. Christ warned this church to repent or face judgement. Those who repented would be rewarded by Christ Himself.

Thyatira:

Like Pergamum, this church had serious problems. Specifically, a woman "prophetess" was leading its members into idolatry and sexual immorality. Jesus announced his judgement upon these individuals was coming soon unless they repented. For those who did, Jesus would reward them.

Sardis:

This church was on the verge of becoming spiritually dead. They were a hypocritical church - longing for the recognition of being Christ-followers but severely lacking in living it out. Jesus warned them to repent or else.

Philadelphia:

This is the second church that Jesus doesn't admonish. They were being obediant despite being persecuted. Jesus encouraged them to remain strong and promised them victory over those persecuting them. He also promised to spare them from "the hour of testing" the rest of the world will have to endure.

Laodicea:

This church was full of self-pride. They were a wealthy, prosperous community and had become too dependent upon material possessions instead of Christ. Jesus pleaded with this church to humble itself and repent.

To sum it all up, the word "repent" was repeated seven times. Jesus makes it plain He will not tolerate a complacent attitude towards sin in His Church. This reminds me I need to do the same in my life. I think our churches do a great job of preaching the grace and mercy of Christ, but a lousy job of preaching about our personal responsibility to turn from sin daily. It's as if the word repent has become a Christian's curse word or something. Repentance takes time, sometimes a lifetime. The point is to be continually in the process. And for those who overcome, the reward will be worth it!

Thoughts?

Odd, Quirky, Silly, and Just Plain Fun Factoids

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:52:00 +0000

OK. Not a terribly serious post today. Rather, I decided to have some fun. Today I thought I'd share a few silly facts about me, with the hope you'll comment back with some silly facts about you. Ready to play?

Whenever I get ice out of the ice tray, I ALWAYS drop at least one ice cube. EVERYTIME!
I have to have my khaki pants and dress slacks hung on plastic hangers. No wires for the pants! And yes, I change them out to plastic once they get back from the cleaners.
Whenever I go into Wal-Mart or Target, I HAVE to look at the pens. I may not buy any, but I at least have to see if there are any I don't already own. I can't leave the store until I do.
Latest and greatest additions to my iPod are: Paramore's "Riot," The Very Best of Hall & Oates, and Genesis: Turn It On Again (Greatest Hits).

So there you go. Your turn.

Acting and Marriage Vows

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:02:00 +0000

There's a great story I read this morning about Kirk Cameron. Basically, he has made a commitment not to kiss anyone but his wife, especially while acting. You can read about the story here.

Here's what I like about this story:

Kirk wants to honor God with his marraige.
Kirk wants to honor his wife above all others.
Kirk has a plan to do both #1 and #2.
Kirk is not afraid to stand-up for his principles. I like the fact that he wouldn't kiss the actress playing his wife in his new movie, but rather kissed his "stand-in" wife. In my opinion, it probably made the kiss more believable as well.

So, what do you think? Should married actors/actresses think twice about kissing someone other than their spouse on-screen?

The Quest for Security

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Let me just say this to start - this world is not safe. Before you label me a "Debby Downer," let me flesh that statement out a little bit.

Over the past few weeks the Stock Market has been taking a nosedive. Understandably, this has a lot of people upset and on edge. There is great concern about our nation's economy and whether or not we are headed towards another Great Depression.

This November, we will be electing a new President for our nation. It's clear there is passion for the nation on both sides. There is also, in my humble opinion, a tremendous amount of fear and worry that the "other side" will win the election. Repubs are scared to death the Dems will win and vice versa. Each party only sees gloom and doom if they don't win.

My friends, this world is not safe. It was never meant to be safe. We can not place our security in the things of this world, for it is not our home. The one thing we can be sure of is this: God will be on His Throne whether the Stock Market completely falls apart or the "other side" wins this election. God is Sovereign over all of it. Trust in Him, not in these other things.

Confession time: God is stretching me big time in my "quest for security" in my finances. Lately, I've noticed my mood fluctuates with my bank account. When I deposit my check, I'm a happy camper. At the end of the month when things are a little tight, I'm a grump and worrier. This must break the heart of God big time. After all, He is still the same God when my bank account is full or low. Where is my hope? In God or money?

Repenting and chasing Him all the more today.

How about you? Where do you naturally drift towards for security?

Creature of Habit

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:48:00 +0000

I went and got my driver's license renewed this morning before work. Now I'll be honest, I know a lot of people pay extra special attention to their driver's license picture, their hair, make-up (girls), and such but I do not. Not an especially important matter to me, just a piece of plastic I need in my wallet so that I may enjoy the privilege of operating a motor vehicle in the State of Oklahoma. I knew I was going to be taking a picture, however, so I randomly chose a shirt out of my closet that I knew was clean (meaning one that didn't have any food stains on it) and headed out the door. Today that shirt happened to be a yellow polo shirt with blue horizontal stripes.

So while I'm waiting for the Tag Agent lady to type in all the necessary information into the computer, I whipped out my expiring driver's license and looked at the picture. I couldn't believe it! In the picture I had taken four years earlier I was wearing.....wait for it..... a yellow polo shirt with blue horizontal stripes! It wasn't the same shirt, but it looked very similar.

Moments like this are a reminder to me that I have the capacity to be predictable. Repeatable. Habitual. Stale. Especially in my personal daily walk with Christ. Honestly? Jesus could probably say that I've been wearing the same "shirt" for some time now and I know He'd love for me to make a "wardrobe" change for the better. Starting today.

What's your "go-to" shirt? Where, in your walk with Christ, do you need to freshen up your "wardrobe?"

Out and Open...and What Now?

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 23:51:00 +0000

If you haven't heard by now, last week Ray Boltz announced he was a homosexual. Yes, "Thank You" Ray Boltz said he was gay and has been for his whole entire life. You can read more about it here.

There have been several bloggers give their two cents about it, like this one. Personally, I'm amazed at some of the comments left on others' blogs about this topic. It certainly appears as if We, The Church, are quite divided on this issue. So I figured I might as well weigh-in too. Here's some of my thoughts, and as always, feel free to chime-in with yours too.

1) I want to first say that I have many friends who are gay, and everything I am about to say I have said to their face with all the love of Christ I had in me at the time of our conversation.
2) Homosexuality is a lifestyle of choice, not birth. God doesn't make someone gay as much as He would make someone a child-molester or murderer. These behaviors are all choices made by the individual, and as such carry consequences.
3) Homosexuality is clearly defined in Scripture as contrary to God's will. Therefore, it is without question or debate sin. See this, this, and this.
4) Just as homosexuality is a sin, so are heterosexual perversions, i.e. adultery, prostitution, etc. GOD HATES ALL SEXUAL SIN.
5) Homosexuality can be overcome, with the power of God, through faith in Jesus Christ.
6) The overcoming may take time, if not a lifetime for some. The point is, they may need a helping hand to keep them strong and motivated during their battles.
7) We, The Church, should support any and all who are battling this sin nature.
8) Oftentimes however, The Church does a very poor job of doing this (#7) - which breaks the very heart of God.

The problem I have with the Homosexual Agenda is this: they are attempting to force upon us an acceptance for their behavior. Once they are "out", they are proud of their lifestyle. They show no remorse for their actions, because they don't think it's wrong or sinful. If someone disagrees with them, that person is a "hater" or "intolerant." My friends, we can not be afraid to stand up for the Truth. However, we can't beat them over the head with it either. Don't be discouraged or afraid to speak the Truth in love. Because, after all, that's all anyone wants in this life - to be loved - even homosexuals.

Thoughts?

Where Were You?

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:02:00 +0000

September 11, 2001. It's one of those days we will always remember when, how, and where we were at when we heard the terrible news.

Me? I had worked the evening shift at the hospital September 10th, which meant I had gotten home around midnight. Fortunately, I had the next day off and I was looking forward to getting some errands done. I remember getting woke up by the phone ringing that morning, but I don't remember exactly what time. I remember being a little upset that someone not only woke me up, but that they called so early in the morning. That person was my wife, who was at work. She asked me if I had been watching the TV and if I knew about what was happening in New York City. I quickly turned on the TV just in time to see the second airliner fly right into the second tower. I immediately went numb. The rest of the day was spent on the couch, in my boxers watching, crying, praying, seething, and hurting for all of the lives affected by such a cruel act of terror.

Seven years has gone by so quickly. So, where were you? What's your story?

I'm All About Shattering Taboos...

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 05:09:00 +0000

OK. I'm ready to just put it out there. I'm sure I'll get some criticism. Fine. I'm sure I'll get some comments. Even more fine. I'm hoping to generate discussion - that's the whole purpose of a blog, right? With that said, I want to shatter the politics/religion taboo (you know, the two things you don't talk about in a public setting) by revealing my choice for President and why.

This isn't an attempt to sway your opinion. This isn't an attempt to stump. All I'm doing is telling you who and why. I welcome your comments that agree/disagree with my decision. After all, iron sharpening iron isn't necessarily a feel-goody experience is it?

First and foremost, even though I'm giving this ticket my vote, I do not agree 100% with their agenda for the future. I like some things from both candidate's platforms. As far as my choice is concerned, I tend to agree more with one than the other, however.

Secondly, I am excited that both candidates profess a genuine faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I realize this doesn't mean they are perfect in their morality, after all, who is? I'm not choosing because I think one is a "better" believer than the other. That's being judgemental.

Third, I feel both candidates would bring "change" to America. Either way, this election will be monumental. Either we will have the first President with African heritage, or we will have the first female Vice-President in the history of this nation. America will never be the same no matter which party wins.

So, who am I voting for? McCain and Palin.

Here's why:

First, McCain is a true-blue American. Obama grew up for most of his childhood outside the continental American states (he moved to Hawaii two years after it achieved statehood at a time when there still was a huge anti-American sentiment present and then the Islam-majority country of Indonesia). As a result, I feel he lacks, for lack of a better term, a certain amount of "American pride" that only comes from growing up in America.

Secondly, McCain is a champion for the unborn. He and his wife even adopted two girls from Mother Theresa's orphanage who most certainly would've died had they not done so. Obama's voting record on abortion is radically more liberal than even that of NARAL, the National Abortion Rights Action League, one of the nation's most powerful pro-abortion lobbying organizations. If you've kept up with my blog at all, Michele and I have just adopted a baby girl whose own life was in the balance shortly after her conception. I can't imagine my life without her. I simply can't give my vote to someone who won't fight to defend the unborn.

Thirdly, McCain has sacrificed his own body for this nation. He has shed his own blood for this nation. He has literally had his bones broken from torture for this country. His body is a testimony of his self-sacrifice for this country. Obama says America needs to come first, McCain has lived it.

Finally, McCain is more experienced to lead this nation. Obama announced his candidacy a mere 143 days after being sworn into office in the U.S. Senate. He had 143 days of work experience under his belt and then decided he could run this country? You couldn't become the chief of surgery with 143 days of surgical experience. You couldn't become a CEO of a Fortune 500 country with 143 days of business experience. You couldn't become a space shuttle commander with 143 days of astronaut experience. I have been a pharmacist for 8+ years now. I am a much better pharmacist today than I was after being on the job for only 143 days. Why? Experience. Obama may one day lead this nation, but right now, his lack of experience as an executive leader is a major reason why I can't vote for him.

So, there it is. What are some factors playing into your decision for President?

Oh, Did I Mention....

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 03:37:00 +0000

No, your eyes are not deceiving you..I decided to upgrade the layout of my blog. Hopefully, it will generate more looks as well as stimulate more comments. Anyway, hope you all enjoy!

What do you think? Like? No like?

The Apocalypse is Upon Us!

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle P.) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:29:00 +0000

So my LifeGroup has embarked on a journey together through the book of Revelation. I'm quite proud of them, because they suggested studying this very complicated book of the Bible. To help, we are using this study guide by John MacArthur. Growing up, I don't recall a whole lot of teaching about or from this enigmatic book. So, I thought I'd blog some thoughts as we go through it each week and invite all of you to comment (hint, hint).

Chapter One:

I'm struck how Jesus is contrasted in Revelation 1:13-18 to this prophesy of the Messiah. Philippians 2:6-8 (I like the way The Message says it) reveals Jesus' mindset in transitioning from his heavenly form to human form. So basically, Jesus took off his crown, his robe, his power and strength, and laid them down - the NASB says He "emptied Himself" - to become one of us - weak, frail, powerless, vulnerable, human. Can you imagine if the Queen of England suddenly decided to become a commoner? Not only that, but what if in doing so she then declared everyone in England royalty, worthy of sitting on the throne of England? Can you imagine? This, my friends, is exactly what our Jesus has done for us.

Wow!

I'd love to hear your two cents.