Really?... Really?

Caught this little gem of a sign in the same high school that struggled with the spelling of the word "chicken".

Now, apparently they are inviting the entire nation of Hungary to come and eat chicken biscuits.  Well, it is for a good cause, hope they sell a bunch of biscuits.

Again, please forgive the poor quality, but took it in a hurry with my phone.

Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown

Brown was a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs back in the early 1900s.  Really early 1900s.  He was a key part of their last World Series title back over ONE HUNDRED years ago in 1908.  He got the nickname "Three Finger" due to an accident when he was young that required the amputation of his ring finger and pinkie finger on his throwing hand.  Rather than being a hindrance to his baseball career, the loss of these two fingers gave the man an incredible curve ball.

I mention this for two reasons.  One, I was watching the second episode of the "Baseball" series by Ken Burns and was reminded that one thing I love about baseball is the incredible history with wonderful stories about quirky people and things like this.  I also bring it up because, as a Cardinals fan, it brings me a little joy to think about the Cubs LAST World Series title over ONE HUNDRED years ago.  They're not cursed, they've just really stunk for 100 years.

So, if a dog does have fleas between his knees,

wouldn't they just jump to another location and not be killed when the dog...

well, you know.

Oh yeah.

An update on my "get healthy" quest.  I didn't exercise too much this past week, but I was able to eat more healthily, even going without meat for two whole days before getting a bison burger (on a wheat bun, that's something, right?).  After gaining two pounds the week before, I lost a pound this last week, so yay me.

Reason for not exercising, other than walking around a roof all day?  The fitness center at the Holiday Inn Express had two treadmills.  I almost broke my neck on both of them as every 5 strides or so, the belt would stick and the whole thing would stop before jump starting again to almost shoot me off the back of the machine.  The exercise bike?  Every connection was lose such that it was too difficult to try to hold it together to be able to focus on actually riding it.  And yes, it was too cold at night for me to get out and walk, along with no sidewalks on the side of a somewhat busy road.

The Funk...

Every so often, I get in a funk.  Wouldn't call it depression, but just the Funk.  It includes varying degrees of depth and can either come on all at once or gradually.  I handle it differently (always including reflection on the great gifts God has given me and prayers of thanksgiving) and generally get the same results.  It will run its course and end when it ends and often hangs around longer when I try to cheer myself up or others try to cheer me up as I begin to feel guilty for not being more "chipper" (the mood, not Larry the baseball player from Atlanta or the potato chips at The Philosopher's Stone).

This time it kind of came on gradually over the course of a few days about 3 weeks ago.  Because I was out of town and alone much of the time, I was able to hide it when around people, I've become quite good at acting.  Anyway, today, as I was working on some detail stuff at work (which I hate, not strongly dislike, I mean hate), I began to recall lines from Office Space and began to laugh at my desk, and just like that, the funk was gone.  That's how it goes, quotes from tv shows and movies almost constantly run through my head as I go about my day and people have often caught me laughing to myself.  Even while in The Funk, these same clips run through my head and I can smile or laugh at them, but The Funk quickly returns to envelop me.  Then, one time, it's over.

So, one more time, you see what is going on in my head.  Hope it's not too scary.

P.S. If I ignored, offended or whined to you in the last three weeks... I take full responsibility and apologize.

That state of education in my home state.

Recently, I have been in a county in SC working on some schools for my work as a roofing consultant.  Last week, it was a high school, yesterday - a different high school, and an elementary school today.  Most of the work was done outside and on the roof.  But in each instance, it was necessary to walk inside and look for signs of water intrusion (cripes, I sound like an engineer now with that instead of just saying "leaks").

While walking the halls of the two high schools, I noticed many signs up for various activities with numerous misspelled words and grammatical errors (things like "your" instead of "you're" and misuse of the tricky "their", "they're", "there" words).  An example of misspelled words?  Well, it appears that one high school is selling chicken biscuits from Chick-Fil-A on Tuesday and Thursday mornings as a fund raiser.  Apparently, there is nobody at the school that knows for sure how to spell "chicken".  Or nobody cares.  I saw many spellings (and only a few of them spelled "chikin" as the oh so cute cows spell it), including "chiken", "chicen", "chicn", "chickan" and "checkan" (what were they thinking there?).  There were a few instances of "chicken", but not many.  Are there no English teachers that walk the halls and see these things?  It's always funny to find these kinds of mistakes in places of education.

Then today, at the elementary school, we needed access to a third grade room to view the underside of the roof deck.  Third grade in SC means you get to study SC history.  What a great time.  I noticed maps of SC done by the students with the three main regions of the state located and colored on the wall outside the room.  Please see image below for an example:

It is hard to make much out of it because it is hard to take a picture of a wall trying to pretend it is a picture of the ceiling.  I think the students did a great job of locating the three main regions of the state.  Nobody can expect them to know the transition areas between these main regions.  And the spelling of "Cloumbia" and "Nort Careline" and "Jorjia" were understandable if they were done with no help from their parents or teacher.  My only complaint here is that a mistake in their education has been made.  EVERYONE of these students labeled the three regions of SC as "Lowcountry", "Midlands" and "Upcountry".  There is no region of SC known as the "Upcountry".  Whether it makes sense or not, SC is divided into three main regions - "Lowcountry", "Midlands" and "The Upstate".  Since they ALL labeled it this way, that must be what they are being taught.  I had to fight the urge to walk in while the students were in class, draw a map of SC on the board and label it correctly.  Sigh.  I think teachers are incredible and vital to this country, just wondering who told this teacher about the "Upcountry".

I know I have opened myself up to ridicule for all spelling and grammatical mistakes, but I found these incidents humorous and wanted to share.

What do I want?

I didn't see much of the inauguration today, I was at work (resisting the urge to make a sarcastic comment about taxes, etc.).  I did happen to see Bush get booed when he was introduced.  Way to keep it classy, folks.  Of course, watching most politicians, I guess people don't have much for role models if that is where they are looking.

I did start thinking last night about what I would like to see from government.

Leave me alone.  I hear politicians saying they are going "to fight for me", etc.  Don't.  Just let me take care of myself.  I think the government which governs best, governs least.  Pretty sure I read that from one of our founding fathers or one of the people that they drew upon when framing our government.  

1.  I want the government to provide for the common defense.  That means military and securing our borders.  That also means a federal agency for the assisting of local police in major crimes.  

2.  I also think the federal government should be involved in the infrastructure of the nation, like interstates and dams and bridges.  By the way, government keeps taking money from us for these things, but they sure aren't doing the work.  There are a lot of issues coming due with the infrastructure in this country, concrete is NOT a permanent material.

3.  I want the federal government to quit meddling in the economy.  Capitalism works until the government gets in the way with taxes and "relief".  I admit I know little about macroeconomics, but I have friends that do and that is where I learn, and I know communism does not work as several major economies have recently failed.

4.  I want the federal government out of the charity business.  I give my tithe to my church which uses it to help others and I support a few other charities.  I know of many other charities that work to serve the full needs of people in need and do a much better job than government programs that I would love to support but cannot because so much of my money is going to government programs that do not work (they do not address the real problem).  I am not hard hearted, I cry when I see the effects of sin and brokenness in this country (and the world), but I am tired of supporting programs that do not work.

Anyway, I am for SMALL government.  I do not know what that makes me, but I know I am not a Democrat, and I do not recognize my beliefs and values in very many in the Republican party.  I guess I am just independent.

Also, I've seen a lot of quotes from folks today about "I am proud to be an American today."  I don't know what that means.  Am I proud to be an American today?  Absolutely.  But, I am no prouder today than I was yesterday, last month, six months ago, 6 years ago or 25 years ago.  This is a great country with a system of government that is still great (and I believe would be much greater if we would return to the original ideals set forth by the founders).  We help a lot of people and countries around the world with seemingly little gratitude.  I hear about us helping monsoon victims in Asia but not others helping us after hurricanes or the flooding in the midwest.  Maybe it happens and doesn't get reported, I don't know.  But, I don't want us to help because people will love us for it or help us in return, I am proud that we do it because we are able and it is the right thing to do.

Setback...

Well, had a little setback this week in the losing weight category.  While out of town for work, I gained 2 pounds.  I tried to work out, but there was no fitness room in the hotel. I went for a walk twice, but that was a little difficult as the hotel was on a busy highway and we often worked right until dark.  I tried to make decent choices with meals and think I did okay, except for breakfast where I basically had to choose from the menu at Chick-Fil-A.  I went with the multi-grain chicken bagel, guess I should have just gone with the large fruit cup and been hungry before lunch time.

Think I am supposed to be going back down there for two other jobs this week.  Hope I make better choices and at least not gain any weight.

The price of good spiritual advice...

How much would you pay for spiritual advice?  $50  $75  as much as $100??

No need friends and neighbors!!  Down the street here from my hotel in Beaufort, SC, I passed a sign advertising "Spiritul Advisor: $10".  That's right, you can get spiritual advice for only $10.  What a deal!  All you have to do is head south on Hwy 21 towards Hilton Head and turn at the giant inflatable Santa Claus and Frosty lawn decorations.  Yes, apparently the neighbors can get spiritual advice for $10, but if the want the Christmas decorations taken down, that's going to be extra.  Sorry I have no picture, but I didn't take a camera with me while I was walking and I'm not sure I will be back that way with a camera.  If so, the picture will be right here for your education and entertainment.

Seven...

Seven can be a great number... especially when it is the answer to "How many pounds did you lose last week?".  That's right, I lost seven pounds.  I thought some of my clothes were getting a little looser (meaning ones that were really tight were getting less tight) and was tempted to weigh earlier, but I know the fluctuations weight can have, so I held off until this morning which is one week from the last time.  I went from 282 to 275, so I am happy.

I am trying to do this by changing lifestyle and not severe diet, which is what I am doing so far.  Just eating smaller portions and making wiser decisions when I get food (ate at a barbecue place and got green beans and a side salad instead of what I really wanted, fried okra and mac n cheese).  Probably most importantly, i exercised in some way four times - 45 minute walk on Sunday, workout on Monday including 30 minutes of cardio, spin class on Tuesday and 45 minute walk on Saturday.  Had a very bad headache on Wednesday and was up late Thursday to keep me away on Friday, but 4 times was a good number.

This week will be a challenge as I will be out of town for work and it is very hard for me to eat well when eating in restaurants for every meal.  I will try to get some exercise in in the evenings (hopefully the hotel has a workout room or I will be doing some walking).  

I understand that you lose more weight right at the beginning of losing weight, so I don't expect to lose 7 pounds each week.  Really, I am hoping to not gain weight this week on the road, any weight lost will be gravy.

One more thought from yesterday

I can't believe I left out my most important issue with the crucifix.  It depicts Christ as still on the cross.  I believe the Bible teaches us that Christ died on the cross to satisfy the penalty of death for our sins, but he conquered death by rising from the dead to give us eternal life.  He is not on the cross anymore.  I think the crucifix minimizes this great truth.

Thoughts from a funeral

Went to a funeral today and noted some interesting things.  As a seminary graduate and former minister, it is dangerous going to churches and services as there is sometimes a desire to "critique" things instead of worshipping.  I try to remain conscious of this and focus my attention on God, where it should be.  This funeral was at a very large Presbyterian church and it was being held in a chapel, not the main sanctuary.  We got there early and got a chance to walk around in the sanctuary to look around.  

The first thing I noticed was that the sanctuary laid out in the shape of a cross, in the style of many of the old cathedrals.  It was also very big with lesser and greater elevated pulpits at the front of the sanctuary.

The second thing I noticed was, "there is a lot of intricate stained glass here".  All the windows were detailed stained glass scenes.

Next, "there are what look like carved heads on the railing at the front... sure enough, wonderfully carved heads about the size of a fist sat atop the railing at the front of the church separating the nave from the chancel.  There were 12, all looking different, one as a king even.  From hearing some older members of the church, they were the 12 apostles.

Next, on the greater pulpit area (complete with a short spiral staircase to ascend into it from behind) are carvings of men.  One is Calvin, one looks like Luther, one in robes (maybe Augustine?) and another I think might be Knox (a man I am apparently distantly related to, good Presbyterian to the core here).

I'm thinking at this point, this is great woodwork and art and a great commemoration of some of the heroes of the faith, but I don't think the sanctuary is the place for this.  The human heart is an idol making factory and in a place of worship, those things can be a great temptation to violate the first commandment.

Then... SWEET MERCY THAT'S A CRUCIFIX DEPICTED IN THE STAINED GLASS AT THE VERY FRONT OF THE CHURCH!!!!!  Never seen one of those in a Protestant church (and this church was built in the 50s as a Presbyterian church, not converted from a Catholic church).  But sure enough, a very well groomed European Jesus is hanging from the cross with a crown of thorns placed daintily upon his head.  Never mind the gross inaccuracies of the portrayal of the crucifixion, this is something the second commandment talks about.  Wow.

The chapel was more of the same only with images of European Jesus from his ministries in the stained glass and no statuaries or "icons" in the chapel.  The service was good with great scripture and great hymns (A Mighty Fortress and Amazing Grace). I do wish the preacher had used some of that scripture as the basis for his message instead of the good but lacking Gospel message poem he did use.

Oh well, my aunt was a great woman saved by faith in Christ who is now free from her suffering and in Heaven.  God bless you Aunt Cele.

Plugging along...

Not a whole lot to say but did want to keep you updated on the New Year's goals...  

Worked out Monday and went to a cycling class this morning (no fun).  I will not be working out tomorrow morning as I have physical therapy for my ankles at 7:30.  Back at it Thursday morning, though.  I am still on track for the reading through the Bible goal.  Six days and so far, so good.

I just added another little goal for myself, too.  Reading through Calvin's Institutes this year.  It is a great systematic theology written by a great man, John Calvin.  I was challenged/inspired to this goal by my friend, Jake Hunt in his blog.  I would link to it but I don't really feel like it right now so you can look over there <----- to the left and click on the one that says "Wiser Time".

Enjoy.

Christmas gift cards and thoughts while walking...

I got a lot of gift cards for Christmas this year.  Normally, I am not a big fan of gift cards, but this year, I asked for them because I couldn't think of things I really needed this year for Christmas and was really in between clothes sizes (need to buy bigger sizes but I hope to lose weight instead, we'll see), so I asked for gift cards and iTunes cards.  I got some great music (talk about that in a bit), a camera from the Best Buy cards I got from my brother, and this chair from Dick's from a card from my parents.  It is a sturdy chair that folds up and should come in handy for overflow seating when I have folks over to watch football or other things, also for going to baseball or softball games for my niece and nephews and for tailgating or maybe camping (thought it is definitely not something to carry for a backpacking trip, maybe car camping or something).  I like it and hope it holds up, it did come with a one year guarantee from Field and Stream if it doesn't hold up.  Hope it lasts for more than one year though, lol.

Went for a walk this afternoon as part of my physical therapy on my ankles.  Got some tightness in my legs, especially the right one, that seemed to threaten me not to try to run.  But, hope it will improve.  While walking, I listened to my iPod and some of the new songs I got with the aforementioned iTunes gift cards.  One song was "Sheep go to Heaven" by Cake.  Not sure if you are familiar with it, but I like the strange rhythm and odd beat of it.  Anyway, one of the lines is something like "As soon as you're born you start dying, so you might as well get busy having fun."  I think this is very true, but the question is, how do we best have fun?  Some would say it is through wild partying, some say through getting in tune with nature, some say it is through getting rich and having the best toys. I believe God when he tells us in His Word "I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly" - John 10:10.  If we are seeking "fun", the key is to realize that we will never have it so good and so full as when we give our life to God, follow His will and live in the blessings He gives back to us.

Thanks for reading...

New Year's "Goals"

A friend, Jay Denton, and I have been working out since a few weeks before Christmas and we were talking about how crowded it would be the first Monday of the new year.  Right now, nobody is there at 6 in the morning, but we're expecting a big crowd this Monday and for that to  last for a few weeks to a couple of months.  We'll see.  I've made resolutions in the past and none stick.  So I didn't make any resolutions last year.  Sure enough, nothing really changed.  So, this year, I am setting a few goals.  Maybe, being goal oriented, thinking of them as goals will help me carry them out.

1.  Read through the Bible this year.  Got a reading plan, got a group that is reading through it for support and accountability, we'll see how it goes.

2.  Lose 32 pounds.  Seems odd, but I currently weigh 282 and want to get to 250 by December 31.  I really just want to be healthy and think that leading a healthier lifestyle, will cause me to lose weight.  I'll weigh each Sunday and keep you updated on the weight.  I plan on working out 3 times a week before work and adding in some exercise like cycling (class at the Y or maybe buy a bike) and running in there, maybe some swimming, too. Maybe do some flatwater kayaking at the whitewater center some too.

3.  Go on at least 12 hikes this year.  I figure one time a month is not too much to shoot for.  Was going today, but still recovering from a chest cold.   Starting small though... Crowders Mountain (kind of a hill near Charlotte) will be the first.

4.  Run a 5k race by the end of the year.

5.  Visit some minor league ballparks in the area... Asheville, Chattanooga, Durham, Kinston, lot of good ones in the NC/SC/TN area.

I'll try to keep you updated on how it goes this year.

Maturity

I got to work early and decided to read some message board chatter about the Clemson game yesterday...  shocked at the lack of maturity and class shown by some "adults".  There was a lot of animosity and name calling and making fun of Cullen Harper because of his play (which was not good), but also because of his looks and his mannerisms.  I understand he said some very foolish things when Bowden resigned, but I guess I expected adults to act with more maturity.  At a lot of places, fans turn on a player as soon as they outlive their usefulness to the team.  Clemson has been different than that, often recognized as a different type of place by those that witness the atmosphere.  I guess we are becoming more like everyone else now.

Note:  I was very disappointed in Harper's play yesterday and upset with him.  I was critical of his play.  I hope I was able to restrain myself for personal shots.  I wish him the best in his future and thank him for what he has done for Clemson during his time there as a back up and a starter.

Avett Brothers

As I sit here semi-watching ESPN over hype college football, I have the pleasure of sharing with you some of the scenes from The Avett Brothers' concert I went to  last night with five lovely ladies.

Yes, it is a

 little blurry,

 it's the picture, not them.  Apparently I have the shakes... and it took me a while to find the "limit shake" option on my camera.

Auld Lang Syne (I think?) opened the evening... well, about all that can be said of them is that they used TWO recorders at one time.  How often do you see a recorder in a band, much less two?  You can see one in the woman's hands here, the other is being played by the guy on the far side and not seen here.

Then it was Jason Webley, who played guitar (until he broke it) and an accordion (not at the same time, obviously).   He was a very spirited young lad from Seattle that did a lot of dancing/stomping around on a raised platform that amplified the sound such that it was part of the music.  Very fun stuff.

Then came the main event and I don't want to try to describe a lot of it as that would just take away from it.  I'll just say that the band played guitar, banjo, upright bass, cello, drums and a piano.  How could they not be good?