Trey Morgan.net

WARNING: NEVER BE AFFECTIONATE WITH YOUR WIFE AT A FUNERAL

2009-11-06T07:06:00.011-06:00

It was about an hour before the funeral was supposed to start, and the room was packed with the family. I was doing the service for the family, but Lea was there to visit some friends that were part of the family that she hadn't seen in a long time. We walked around visiting in different circles, but my mind was really on the service and making sure I had all my thoughts together. Since I had already visited with the family, I had pretty much resigned to simply follow Lea around the room as she talked and hugged the necks of old friends.

As we stood in a little circle of people, I scooted in close enough to Lea that our arms touched. I noticed that as soon as we touched she moved away to put distance between us. I thought that was all a little strange because Lea is an affectionate person even in public. Wondering if it was just an accident, I tested her again. This time I scooted even closer and seriously invaded her personal space. Again she immediately moved away when I touched her, putting even more space between us. I started wondering, "Did I do or say something in the last few minutes that made her mad?"

It kind of aggravated me that the woman who was supposed to like affection was doing this too me. It wasn't like I was trying to snuggle with her at a funeral, I had simply scooted in close to her and she wasn't liking it. Still a little frustrated by the whole thing, I thought to myself, "I'll show her." So for the next few minutes, every time she moved to put space between us, I moved to fill that space with myself. I never made eye contact nor did I even look up. I didn't need to because I could feel the tension between us. Without saying a word, I could tell she was saying, "BACK OFF!" It's easy to pick up on this kind of body language after 21 year of marriage.

FINALLY, after minutes of trying, she gave in and let me stand relatively close to her. As I stood there looking at the floor, as I had done through this whole nasty ordeal, I looked at her shoes. "That's interesting," I thought to myself, "I've never seen those shoes." And then I noticed her toenails, "Black? I've never seen her toenails painted black."

Confused, I immediately looked up. To my horror, the woman standing beside me was NOT Lea. In fact, I had never seen that woman in my life. She was the same size as Lea, but this woman was definitely NOT Lea. I'd spent the last few minutes deliberately trying to invade the personal space of some woman I did not know.

I was so confused. Where had Lea gone?? When had she walked off?? How long had I actually been trying to make a pass at this woman?? One thing I wasn't confused about was the look on her face when we finally made eye contact.

I immediately did what any person in my position would have done ... I high-tailed it out of there as fast as I could. When I finally found Lea, I think she could tell by the look on my face that something was wrong. As expected, when I told her the whole scary story, instead of getting sympathy, I got laughter.

After getting my nerve up, I did go back and explain to the nice woman that I was not trying to hit on her at her grandmother's funeral. Thankfully after apologizing and explaining everything to her, she too thought it was funny.

Me? I just wanted to go crawl under a rock somewhere and hide.

"Hide it Under a Bush, HELL NO!"

2009-11-04T06:08:00.004-06:00

From the way I heard it, the sweet little curly headed girl couldn't have been more than 8 years old. She hadn't grown up going to bible class or church, but now that her parents were going to church, she was loving it.

One of her favorite parts of her new bible class was the singing and the song, "This Little Light of Mine," was one of her favorites. The only problem was that one day her teacher noticed that during the verse, "Hide it under a bushel, NO! I'm going to let it shine," she was actually singing and shouting, "Hide it under a bush, HELL NO. I'm going to let it shine."

A little horrified, the teacher very kindly explained to the little girl that the actual words to the song were, "Hide it under a BUSHEL, no," and she made sure she emphasized the word "bushel." She also took the time to explain the song and what a bushel actually was. When the sweet little girl finally got it, she said in all her innocence, "Oh! I thought it said, 'Hell No!'"

I love the little girl's heart. I also love the passion in which she would yell, "Hell NO!" I'm not advocating we change the words of the song to include "HELL NO!", but I do wish the church and Christians had that kind of passion when it comes to Satan trying to hide our light.

Think about it!

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

~Matthew 5:14-16

SUPPER TIME IS FAMILY TIME

2009-11-03T06:19:00.003-06:00

One of my most favorite family activities is supper time. We try every day to sit down and have supper together as a family. Some of our best family time is spent around the table laughing and talking about things that happened during the day.

Last night as I sat at the table and listened to the boys laugh and talk, I realized how important eating together has become for our family. We all have busy schedules, but we try hard to plan supper around a time when everyone can eat together.

Here are a few things you can always expect at our supper table ...

If at all possible, we don't start until everyone is home. There have been times when all of us but one have sat down and just waited on the last person to get home.
Someone is going to say or do something that is going to make everyone laugh. Bonus points if you say something so funny that it makes milk comes out someone's nose.
Cell phones are off limits. You can't answer cellular phones or text during supper.
If the phone rings, we let the answering machine get it.
If it's Sunday, we talk about what we learned in bible class or what the sermon was about. During the week we talk about what's happening at school, in sports or in the world. Anything to communicate together.
We pray together, thanking God for the food and our family.
Everyone has their official place or chair where they sit.
We tell Lea/mom, "Thanks for supper, it was good."

The only thing missing from the supper table right now is Taylor. Thankfully he will be home for a week at Christmas to take his regular spot at the table.

Are your meal times like this? What are some things your family does?

5 THINGS YOU WON'T & 5 THINGS YOU WILL FIND ON MY iPOD

2009-11-02T07:39:00.006-06:00

WON'T

Celine Dion - I'm a man, don't make me explain.
Stevie Ray Vaughn - Not a big fan of the bluesy rock.
Country Music - Sorry, just can't do it.
Nickleback - Sounds like the lead singer needs to clear his throat.
Bluegrass - When the boys are arguing in the back of the car, I punish them by turning it to the bluegrass radio station. With in seconds they change their attitude. :)

WILL

Lots of Rock (Classic & Modern) - Steve Miller Band, Boston, Journey, Creed, Collective Soul, Stone Temple Pilots, Audioslave, etc
The 3 J's - Jack Johnson, James Taylor & John Mayer
A little Black Eyed Peas

Cold Play - probably my favorite band right now.

Lots of 70's music

What IS and ISN'T on your play lists?

TOO COMFORTABLE TO GET OUT OF THE BOAT

2009-10-30T10:03:00.010-06:00

Last Sunday after church my friend John David said, "Let me know when you're through with this new series so I can come back when it's over." He was kidding me about making him uncomfortable with the message. I've have to admit, I was just as uncomfortable as anyone.

Somehow last weeks message, "Jesus will Wreck your World," didn't record. I'm guessing Satan had something to do with it. I'll be re-preaching it in a couple of weeks, hopefully I'll get it recorded and put on my podcast site then. If you want to follow along with this series, there's a "Subscribe thru iTunes" button on the right side under the "My World" category.

This Sunday's lesson, "Too Comfortable to Get out of the Boat," is about stretching your faith. If there was ever a sermon that I wanted to apply to me, it's this Sunday's lesson. I guess you could say I'm preaching this one to myself, and if you want to listen along ... you're welcome to :)

I hope to see the Childress community there. Bible class is at 9:30 and Worship is at 10:15. If you're not a regular at our church, let me say we'd be honored to have you come check us out. If you're a member, not only are you expected, but let me ask, "Who are you bringing with you?" :)

10.25.09 – “Jesus will Wreck your Life.”

11.1.09 – “Too Comfortable to get Out of the Boat.”

11.8.09 – “Being UnChristian”

11.15.09 – “Dirty handed Christianity”

11.22.09 – “Do a Greater Miracles than Jesus.”

11.29.09 – “Dangerous Christianity”

WANT TO FEEL INTIMATE WITH YOUR SPOUSE? TRY THIS...

2009-10-29T08:36:00.006-06:00

I absolutely LOVE to hear my wife pray. About a year ago I wrote this about how husbands and wives should be praying together. I still believe that prayer with your spouse can be as special and intimate as your sexual relationship with them.

I heard someone quote a statistic recently that said, "Only 8% of married couples pray together." My first thought was, "No way is this possible," but the more I've thought about it, I'm beginning to think that maybe the statistic is right.

So the BIG question is, "Why aren't married couples praying together?"

Uncomfortableness?

Fear?

Pride?

I'm going to bet in most cases that it's because the men won't man-up, take the lead and say to their wives, "Honey, let's spend some time in prayer together." How do I know? I was there once too. I have no doubt, if the husbands would simply ask, the wives would take them up on it in a heartbeat. Men, if you are not praying with your wife, you're missing out on some incredible intimacy.

I have NO clue how to put a poll on my blog, but I would love to know if you pray with your spouse. Leave me a comment, either anonymously or not, that simply says, "Often," "Rarely," or "Never." I'm hoping we average out better than 8% on our survey.

So which of those 3 is it?

I DON'T LIKE ME WHEN I'M ANGRY

2009-10-28T06:36:00.000-06:00

I've been asked before, "Trey, what gets you angry?" My response is always the same, "Nothing really. I don't have a problem with getting angry." That was until recently...

It was about 5:00 in the morning. Although it was dark, my buddy Randy and I were running on a street that was pretty well lit. About two miles into our run we came to an intersection where we had the right of way. Generally we don't see any cars, but that morning we both notice a vehicle pulling up to the intersection.

"I don't think he's going to stop," Randy said.

"Yea, he'll stop," I said, as we ran right out into the intersection.

About 2 seconds later I found myself upon the hood of a pickup, beating it with my fists so he'd stop and not finish me off. I was dazed and a little confused about what had just happened. Instantly a feeling of fear swept over me, followed by an amazing amount of anger.

The man immediately threw on his breaks and stopped. From his window I heard him say, "I'm so sorry I didn't see you." I remember that his voice sounded scared.

Heart racing about a thousand beats a minute and still very angry, I yelled, "BUT DID YOU NOT SEE THE BIG RED STOP SIGN?!? My tone was very harsh, my words were sharp and I was still angry.

Randy said, "You alright?"

"Yea, I think so," I said, as I was trying to calm down and check myself out.

We started to run again and the guy in the pickup yelled apologetically, "Are you alright?"

I hollered back, as we ran off down the street, in a little kinder tone, "It's okay, I'm fine."

Because of the darkness, I have no clue who he was. I honestly felt really bad that I raised my voice and was short with him. I also know that I was scared, and what I did was a natural response to a scary situation. That's how God made us when we're put in a situation like that.

I still don't like that out-of-control angry feeling I felt, and I'm SO thankful that I really don't have a problem controlling my anger .... unless of course, you RUN ME OVER!

MAN-LAWS and GOD-LAWS

2009-10-26T06:39:00.008-06:00

There's nothing like a good "Man Post," to start the week and get the testosterone flowing.

A few of us guys were visiting about man-law after church recently. All of us were saying that we were doing our best to teach our sons the rules of "man-law." Man-law is an unwritten code which men live by. I'm not a man-law expert, but I do think I know a man-law when I see one. For example here are a few man-laws I live by...

On a road trip, the one with the strongest bladder, not the weakest, determines the pit stops.
No man shall EVER wear an article of women's clothing unless they are the loser of a bet.
Grilling, no matter the weather, is always the first choice of cooking.
Under no circumstance do two men share an umbrella.
Men can watch chick-flicks on occasion, BUT they are never to be watched without the presence of a girlfriend or wife. And you should NEVER be seen crying.
When it comes to bathrooms, there are MANY man-laws to follow. First and foremost, men must follow the rule of the "buffer-zone." That means where there are more than two urinals, there must always be one urinal of separation between you and the next man. You NEVER sidle-up to another man when there's an empty urinal down the line. If you need help with this rule, here is a game you can play to teach you. This law is void when there are dividers between the urinals.
Another public restroom man-law that I saw broken recently was, if you are first in the bathroom and there are only three urinals, you must not take the middle urinal. If you encounter this, just do what I did, clear your throat and say, "Dude!" Generally they'll realize their error and move down one, obeying the law of the urinal buffer zone.
One final restroom man-law, being chatty in the bathroom is inappropriate, a simple head-nod is all the conversation that is needed.
Crying is okay when your team has just won the big game or a heroic dog dies saving his master from death.
There is NO reason for a man to EVER watch ice skating or men's gymnastics.
All serious arguments can be settled with a game of rock, paper, scissors.
While walking with a group to the car, a soon-to-be occupant may reserve the front passenger seat by calling out "Shotgun." All passengers must honor and respect the calling of shotgun. On those occasions where there is a tie while calling shotgun, a race to the car decides who gets the front.
Men can comment on how much they enjoy manly smells of things like a baseball glove, a new set of tires, the smell of gunpowder, campfire, sawdust and bar-b-que grills.
Man-law states that short-shorts on men have officially been banned. Throw them all out.
When greeting another man who is walking past you, no words are needed, a head not is acceptable.
No man shall ever watch a soap opera ever! Period! (That's for you Matt.)
A man is allowed to scream ONLY when he is caught off guard and bitten by a large deadly snake.
The official start date of the male shopping season is December 23rd, as compared to the female season, which opens on the day following Thanksgiving.
Under no circumstances shall a man EVER defer control of the television remote to a female.

As much as I love man-laws, I must never forget that "God-laws" always trump all man-laws. God-laws are laws such as these...

A real man loves his wife and is faithful to her sexually, emotionally and mentally.
A real man prays with his wife.
A real man is involved in his children's lives.
A real man puts his family before his job, hobbies and buddies.
A real man is the spiritual leader in his home.
A real man isn't ashamed of his faith and puts God first in his life.

Can you think of any I've missed from either of these two lists?

10 THINGS I'M STILL LEARNING ABOUT MINISTRY

2009-10-23T07:10:00.004-06:00

It doesn't matter how long I've been in ministry ... I continue to learn new things about God, myself, others and church. Here are some things I'm learning about ministry and life right now...

I'm learning that ministry is not a job, but a lifestyle. It's who you are, not something you do. When I start seeing my ministry as a job, I need to get out of it and start doing something different.
I'm learning that rest is important to ministry. It's okay to rest, relax and sometimes run away and hide. Jesus did it.
I'm learning that I can't please everyone all the time. So I'm not going to sweat it.
I'm learning that ministry is about people and when you're not involved in people's lives, you're not involved in ministry. Also, in order to be around people, I must get out of the office.
I'm learning that some of my most valuable relationships are those with people who are really different than me, and some down-right strange. They're the ones that keep life interesting and they're the ones Jesus would have been spending all his time with.
I'm learning that far more important than my ministry, and only second to God, is my family. God did not give me a family to place on the back-burner of my life. Never neglect or sacrifice your family. They are your MOST important ministry.
I'm still reminding myself to avoid with all my might the three "G's", gold, girls and glory. Nothing will kill your ministry or witness quicker than one of these three things.
Never stop learning. Most jobs require CE's (continuing education) because it's necessary for us to continue to learn as we go.
Practice what you preach, even when no one is looking. That's called character.
Don't beat people up spiritually, build them up.

What are some things you're learning?

SATAN'S BLOGGING NOW

2009-10-23T06:09:00.004-06:00

I found this funny...

COMFORTABLE - NEW SERMON SERIES

2009-10-22T09:31:00.005-06:00

I'm excited about the next six weeks of lessons I'll be doing. The series is called "Comfortable." Jesus never called his followers to be comfortable or to take up their easy chair, but to take up their cross. Like it or not, crosses are not comfortable and their purpose is for dying.

If you're in the Childress area, I hope you'll come and catch the first lesson this Sunday called, "Jesus will Wreck your Life." Our worship starts at 10:15 a.m. For more information on the church and a map, visit our website...

IT TAKES MORE THAN SPERM TO BE A DAD

2009-10-21T07:25:00.003-06:00

This coming year 40% of the children born in our country will be born in a home where there is no father.
The average church attendance breaks down 61% female and 39% male.
Every Sunday 25% of Christian women go to church without their husband by their side.

We've quickly become a country where the men like to play around, but they don't like to stay around. Despite Ephesians 6:4 saying, "Fathers bring your children up in the training and instruction of the Lord," it's the mothers doing the job because the men won't step up and be a real father. It's time for fathers in the home to start being the spiritual leaders God has told them to be.

A few years ago there was a full page ad in USA TODAY that was divided into two columns. On the left-hand side of the page it said: What it takes to be a father. Underneath was the picture of a single sperm. On the right hand side of the page the heading read:

"What it takes to be a dad."

Read to your children.
Keep your promises.
Go for walks together.
Let your children help with household projects.
Spend time one-on-one with each child.
Tell your children about your childhood.
Go to the zoo, museums, ball games as a family.
Set a good example.
Help your children with their homework.
Show your children lots of warmth and affection.
Set clear, consistent limits.
Consider how your decisions will affect your children.
Listen to your children.
Know your children's friends.
Take your children to work.
Open a savings account for your children.
Resolve conflict quickly.
Take your children to a place of worship.
Make a kite together.
Fly a kite together.

It takes more than sperm to be a dad, it takes a man to be a dad.

LOOKING SEXY TO MY WIFE

2009-10-20T06:02:00.007-06:00

We have a weekly bible study in our home for a group of young adults. I try on bible study days to help Lea around the house in different ways. Yesterday, I grabbed the vacuum and thought to myself, "I'll just vacuum the living-room, because it's the only room anyone will see."

When Lea saw me with the vacuum, she looked me over, batted her big brown eyes and said, "You know, you always look SO sexy to me when you're running the vacuum cleaner." Wow! I stood up a little straighter and my chest swelled with pride. I finished vacuuming the ENTIRE house while flaunting all my sexiness. I even did all the rugs and one celling fan.

She sure knows how to build me up :)

:52 SECONDS OF COOL

2009-10-19T06:52:00.000-06:00

(Tegucigalpa, Honduras airport runway)

I'm headed to Honduras in about 8 weeks for the "Jesus Banquet" at the dump. I'm excited about the trip, including the landing at the Tegucigalpa airport.

I took the above picture of the airport runway back in August. The runway looked small then, but I didn't realize at the time that it is the second smallest runway in the world.

Because the runway is built on the top of a mountain, it makes it one of the shortest and toughest places to land a big jet. Besides having to come in amazingly low, the second the plane touches down the pilot has to stomp on the breaks to get the plane stopped before it reaches the end of the runway. I never realized just how amazing a landing was, until I watched the video below. You have got to see this :52 second video.

WHAT WOULD JESUS TWEET (OR HIS FACEBOOK STATUSES LOOK LIKE)

2009-10-16T07:52:00.006-06:00

Can you imagine if Jesus would have had a Twitter or Facebook account? His status updates would have been THE best. Maybe they would have looked something like this...

Didn't tell my parents I'd be hanging at the temple for about 3 days. Mom and Dad just found me. Wow, Mom looks mad.
Totally freaked out my disciples with that miracle. Wish you could have seen the look on Peter's face. Priceless!
Just pulled the boat up at a cemetery. A screaming naked demon possessed guy came running up. Apostles are refusing to get out of the boat.
Just sent a bunch of demons into a heard of pigs. I call it swine flu.
Sleep evaded us all last night. Andrew snores like a three-humped camel with asthma.
The Pharisees are mad at me again. Honestly, is there ANYTHING I can do on the Sabbath without getting into trouble?
Just changed water to wine for the wedding feast. Let's see the preachers try to explain this one in 2000 years. :)
Poor misguided Pharisees, when will they ever catch on?

What can you add?

STUPID CHURCHES ARE ALIVE AND WELL

2009-10-14T14:44:00.004-06:00

Stupid churches are alive and well: Check out this video about the Amazing Grace Baptist Church in Canton, NC. You won't believe what they're doing ...

SHEESH....

STUDYING THE BIBLE FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS

2009-10-13T07:16:00.006-06:00

I'm really bothered by people who focus only on the negative side of their faith. There are some that are SO engrossed in the rules, keeping the rules and on others keeping their rules that they miss what the gospel is really all about. For example, a bulletin article from a church I won't name, rolled across my desk last week. The title of the article was, "5 Reasons We Should Study the Bible." Here were their five reasons to study the bible...

So we can increase our knowledge to fight against false teaching.
So we can stand against false doctrine.
So we can tell our lost friends the truth about the bible that they don't want to hear.
So we can defend the truth against new teachings.
So we can be uncompromising in our fight against unscriptural teaching.

WHAT? I'm really confused on this. I don't know about you, but I think somewhere the writer missed the most important things like ...

Study to learn God's will for your life.
Study to learn how to be more like Christ.
Study to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior.
Study to learn about what Jesus did for you.
Study to learn about forgiveness, salvation and love.
Study to learn to share the gospel with others.
Study to learn to show kindness, mercy and grace to others.
And on and on...

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for taking a stand when needed, but if those first 5 points are the only reason you're studying your bible, you're missing what the bible is all about. The gospel is NOT about rules, it's about relationship. It's not a plan for debating those you don't agree with, but a plan for salvation. It's not a lesson on how to do the smack-down on your unscriptural friends, but it's a lesson in God's love being so great that He'd let his Son die for us. THAT is what the bible is all about.

Jesus told the Pharisees in John 5:39, "You've got your heads in the scripture (the bible) thinking you'll find eternal life there, but you miss it ... it's right in front of you (Jesus)." All the Pharisees did was spend time in the scripture trying to make sure they and others were right about stuff. Because they were so concerned with being right they missed Jesus, the very one who was right in front of them.

Like it or not, I'm going to say it ... if your religion is only about those first five points, I don't want to be a part of your religion. It's okay to stand for what the bible teaches, but don't get SO caught up in doing it that you miss the important stuff in the bible... like Jesus.

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY PARKER

2009-10-12T07:32:00.005-06:00

We can't ever get a decent picture, because no matter how hard we try, you can't get everyone serious at the same time.

HOW GOOD ARE YOU AT DATING YOUR SPOUSE?

2009-10-09T07:12:00.005-06:00

I know it's hard sometimes when you still have children at home, but it's healthy and essential for your marriage to spend time with just your mate. That's why you and your spouse should go on a date once a week and go for an overnight date once a month. It's also been said you and your spouse should get away for a weekend trip twice a year.

Lea and I find it easy to date once a week, but it's much tougher to get away for an overnight trip once a month. Sometimes we're only able to once a quarter. One of the things we struggled with as a young couple was not feeling guilty about leaving our kids. We finally learned that even though it's tough to find a place for the kids, they'll survive without you.

I'm doing a wedding in south Texas tomorrow, so we're going to be able to pull off the "over night" trip this Friday and Saturday. We've got friends watching the boys, and Lea and I are excited about spending some time together this weekend. Just the drive time alone will give us a chance to catch up with what's been going on.

I'm curious...

How well do you (or did you) do at the once a week date and once a month trip thing?
Do you (or did you) struggle with leaving your children?

CAN YOU IMAGINE LIVING IN SEVERE POVERTY?

2009-10-08T07:36:00.006-06:00

Meet Fernando, Doris, Katty and Monica. These are four siblings that Casa de Esperanza, the children's home just outside of Tegucigalpa Honduras, has rescued. Many of the kids that are at Casa are there because they've been physically abused, sexually abused or found on the street. These four were taken out of severe poverty. This is their home below. Can you imagine living in a home like this?

These pictures remind me to do 2 things:

Thank God for blessing me the way that He has.
Share what I have.

(1 Timothy 6:17-19)

2009 MLB PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

2009-10-07T07:19:00.002-06:00

It was a good year for the Rangers. They did better than anyone expected, but still came up a little short in the end. I'm thinking the Rangers should have bought the Morgan family season tickets, because they didn't lose a single game that we attended. They could have gone undefeated for the season! :)

I'm looking forward to the baseball playoffs starting this week. Here are my predictions for the 2009 baseball playoffs...

1st ROUND:

Angels over the Red Sox - Angels just have too many weapons.
Yankees over the Twins - Yankees have too many weapons, because they buy them.
Cardinals over the Dodgers (sorry Tiff) - Pujols + Halliday + good pitching = series win.
Phillies over the Rockies - As much as I'd love for the Phillies to loose, I just don't see it happening.

ALCS:

Yankees over the Angels - Again, the Yankees win because of the players they've bought.
Cardinals over the Phillies - The Cards pitching makes the difference in this one.

WORLD SERIES:

Cardinals over the Yankees - Once again proving to the world that underdogs can still pull it out. Oh, and their pitching is better than the Yankees.

How do you see the baseball playoffs going?

THINGS I'VE LEARNED FROM RUNNING

2009-10-06T06:51:00.001-06:00

I'm phasing out my running blog and moving my running posts over here. So from time to time you can expect something on running... sorry :)

1 - A good run is a great cure for a bad day.

2 - It's always okay to make fun of the men who are wearing shorty-shorts, but only behind their backs.

3 - It's fun, when running with a group (or in a race), to remind the guy who is really struggling, "Hey Buddy, just in case, I know CPR."

4 - Occasionally you'll swallow a bug, just accept it.

5 - If you're running a race, don't run it in the new shirt you just received for that event ... it'll make you look like a rookie.

6 - NEVER expect a car to stop when it's supposed to. (I found that out the hard way).

7 - Be a cheerleader and encourage a new runner.

8 - Learning to blow snot out of your nose without slowing your pace is a blessing. Just make sure you're down wind (sorry Zach).

9 - If you're not tough enough to be a runner, maybe you can get a bike and be a cyclist. (Right Dustin?)

10 - Run (or exercise) not so you can live long, but so you can live well.

NOT ENOUGH SEX

2009-10-05T06:53:00.001-06:00

"You sure talk about sex a lot on your blog," my mom said to me recently. I smiled and thought, "That sounds like something a mom would say." I really don't think I've blogged too much about sex, but neither do I shy away from it.

I personally feel that Hollywood and the media have taken over the topic of sex. It's their favorite subject because sex sells for them. They preach it loud and often. The problem with the media over-saturating our society with the subject of sex is that they have the message all wrong. THEN what bothers me even more is the church and Christians stand by and remain silent on the subject. Someone needs to be telling the story right when it comes to sex.

The world sells us on things like this new commercial that says: "Life is Short, Have an Affair." It tells us anything goes and with anybody. The world tells us that sex within marriage is dull, predictable and often absent. But the truth is God tells us that sex is a gift from Him to be enjoyed in marriage. Sex can be everything you've dreamed about when you follow God's guidelines.

God is the creator of sex, and he made it as a gift for married couples. That's the message the world, our churches and our children need to hear. Sex isn't dirty, it's a gift from God. The subject of sex was important enough to God that He devoted an entire book of the bible to the beauty of it (Song of Solomon).

I want the world to see from my blog, my pulpit and my marriage, just how awesome love, sex and marriage can be. I don't think I over do it on the subject of sex on my blog. In fact, I'm not sure I talk about it enough. :)

THE SLING SHOT MAN

2009-10-03T07:26:00.003-06:00

Maybe it was because I had a slingshot when I was little, but I found this video to be absolutely amazing. Other than one lucky shot that hit my brother (wow, did I ever get in trouble for that), I couldn't hit the side of the barn with my slingshot. Check this guy out.

WHAT'S YOUR EATING PLEASURE?

2009-10-02T06:18:00.004-06:00

When I was in high school, my friend James and I would clip the "buy a dozen donuts and get a dozen free" coupons from the local paper. During our afternoon class we'd make a flying trip to Duncan Donuts, split the cost of the first dozen and get the second dozen free. By the time we were pulling back into the high school parking lot, I'd be polishing off the last of my dozen donuts, and James would be doing the same to his dozen. I could easily eat a dozen donuts in about 10 minutes. Boy, those were the good old days. In fact, I think I could still polish off a dozen today.

Times have changed in my life. I have to be careful about what I eat. Donuts are not on my menu, nor is whole milk, the thing that goes perfect with a donut. But someday, someday in heaven I plan to eat my weight in donuts and whole milk... every day :) They are by far my most favorite guilty pleasure.

What's your weakness or guilty eating pleasure?