Mr. Yak

4 weeks and counting....

2009-04-13T09:40:00.003-05:00

Only 4 weeks left (or that's what the experts guess anyways)... ready or not the baby will arrive before we know it. What an incredible experience this will be. Candace and I will be moving from a Married couple to a Family, the next step in our life journey.

We are both excited as the days get closer and we check items off of our lists. We will soon know whether we will have a little boy or a little girl, whether it will resemble mom or dad.

The next 4 weeks or so will flyby as I hear the next 18 years will, what a joy and blessing that God has granted us the opportunity to become parents. We are entrusted with the responsibility of this little life to nurture, mold, educate into the person they will become. What an honor.

I have an amazing wife that I know will be an awesome mother. Through everything that she has been doing, researching, preparing, and so on she will be a great mother.

What's this Good Friday & Easter Bit?

2009-04-08T13:23:00.007-05:00

this week has been called Holy Week, the week before we recognize Eater. What is Easter? What does this week mean to you, to me, to mankind? Now I realize that the Easter day is a day that we (whoever "we" is) picked on our calender in correlation to the moon and other things so I do not believe there is any significance in the "date" of Easter Sunday. I do, however, feel that it is a good time to look at what Christ actually did for us. We as Christians should be cognizant of this at all times but during this time it almost forces us to look at the events and recount the cost. I fear in this day and age the "status-quo", quasi-christian goes through every day and rarely steps back to count the blessing and remember the sacrifice of Love that was poured out for mankind.
1st thing 1st -what's the deal with the whole Jesus dieing thing.
God made the earth perfect...it had to been a glorious sight. No Sin, no curse, no decay, no problems. It was not the government bailout, global warming, credit crunch, market crash, inflation, de-flation, foreclosure, crime-rising, doom & gloom world that we seem to be facing according to the Brian Williams of the world. It was a spectacular place. Man and God walked together, everything flowed as God intended it. But as we all know the story Adam and Eve couldn't keep up the sinless life for long. God designed them to have a choice and they choose a death sentence. The devil was actively working to deceive them back then and it worked. This simple disobedience cause all sorts of havic. God- Perfect, Holy, Awesome, Magnificent, Almighty, Creator- God cannot be tied to anything that is not pure. This sin of Adam and Eve did more than just disappoint God it separated man from God. This sin would never be able to be undone, sin enter the world and God cursed the World (hence why it is no longer a perfect world, we screwed it up) The pack your bags, grab your coat the party is over....
Rom 5:12 Therefore, Just as through on man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God
It got so bad that God wiped out everything on the earth with the exception of Noah and the animals aboard the Ark. Noah was it, the land was full of wickedness....no one other than Noah was fit to be saved.
Genesis 6:13 God said to Noah "The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence b/c of them; and behold I am about to destroy them with the earth"
God then commanded Noah and his family to multiply and fill the earth...we fast forward through the old testament and we see God giving people the law....we see through the books how people could not uphold the law. People fell short and had to seek atonement for their sins. Burnt offerings and priest were used to be mediator to God.
Man was unable to restore fellowship to God on their own. No one could keep the commandments and laws, everyone failed. God then sent his son Jesus to become the 1 perfect sacrifice to atone for our sins. Man was helpless we needed the blood of the sinless to restore the fellowship to God. Christ came to earth -lived a perfect life- then was sacrificed on a cross.
2nd - how did that help me?
Jesus was perfect, Holy, blameless, and clean. His innocence is what we needed to connect the gap between us and eternal fellowship with God, the separation that was caused by sin. It was on the Cross that Christ took on the entire sins of the World. He died for you, for me, for everyone in everyplace. Once he took on our sin he lost fellowship with God. It was this act that paid the price of our sin, that allowed the bridge to be restored. No need for burnt offerings, high priest, inter mediators, ect. We now have a way to have fellowship with God through Jesus Christ.
John 3:15-17 that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall note perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
3 What do you have do about it?
It is actually super easy, you see we do not have to "do" anything. Jesus and God did all of the work we must simply believe in him, trust in him, and obey him.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not as a result of works so that no one may boast.
Titus 3:5-7 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit whom he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour so that being justified by His Grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Step 1: Acknowledge that you are a Sinner- this sometimes is the hardest step. You have to realize that without the saving grace of God you are destined for a life of eternal separation for God. A literal Hell, a place of agony, and torment. The Bible is clear- we are sinners.
1 John 1:8&10 if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sings and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
if you find yourself struggling with this point start taking a deep look at your life. Compare it to the 10 Commandments for starters.
- ever take the Lord's name in vain?
- ever lie
- what about stealing?
- commit adultery? - even thought about it?
OK hopefully by now you are at least convinced of the point that you sin...trust me we all sin
Step 2: Believe that Christ died for your sins, and rose again
Romans 10:9 For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Step 3: Turn from Sin (repent)
Luke 13:3 I tell you, no, but unless you repent you will all likewise perish"
Acts 2:38 Then Peter Said unto them "Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 17:30 Therefore having overlooked the time of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because he has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead. In this verse Paul is talking about the where God judge the world by the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the Cross and then Resurrection (what we celebrate on Easter Sunday)
Step 4: Ask God to rule your life. Through prayer talk to God, ask him to take control of your life and give him the reigns. Allow yourself to be changed by the grace of God. Confess God as the ruler of your life.
Romans 10:10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved
Romans 10;13 Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
That is it that is the good news- it is simple, realizing the condition you are in and turning to God to "fix" it and make you pure. I realize that some of you have tuned out long ago and that is ok, if you are still reading and have questions email me..I'm no expert on the bible, I'm not the student I should be. I am still on my path to being more Christlike, i still sin, i still fall short, I still make major mistakes but I am forgiven, I know my destination, I know I am loved by the God of the universe and I give my life to him to control.

...ok back to the Easter week deal.
So Easter time is the time that we recognize the last week of Christ life on earth. It is after he spent 30 some years on the planet- all Sin free---amazing. Christ is condemned to Die by way of Crucifixion simply because they believed that he was blaspheming against God. They failed to accept him for who he was and failed to look at him as the God of the universe. The people called for him to be killed. Jesus was arrested, sentenced by Pilot to die. Upon the cross he took on the sins of the world, was forsaken by God, and died. At the time of his death an eary darkness fell over the land. (this is recognized as "Good Friday" Good becuase it gave us a way to Heaven and fellowship with God) Christ's body was removed from the cross, prepped for burial and placed in a tomb. A massive bolder was used to cover the tomb's entrance. 3 days after his death God rose Jesus from the dead. The stone was rolled back and he had risen. Jesus met up with Mary and the disciples, He conquered death, he still bore the scars on his hands and feet but he conquered death. He rose from the dead. He's alive. The power of this world could not hold him. He laid down his life to bare the penalty of sin for us, I do not do near justice in describing it, i am not the wordsmith I wish I was, I am not eloquent nor am I fluent in the bible but I know what my savior did for me, I know what it cost him and what that means for me, it changed my life, it changed my eternity, and I hope you give him that same chance to change your life. This is a good time of the year to reflect on what your life is missing, are you looking for an answer? Trying to find your importance in the world? Trying to make sense of it all?
I encourage you sometime this week or weekend to check out the story of the cruxification and resurections the accounts can be found in each of the "gospels" Mathew, Mark, Luke and John. If you don't have a bible handy you can always read it at http://www.crosswalk.com/

Mathew 27 & 28
Mark 15&16
Luke 23&24
John 19&20

Happy Friday

2009-03-06T07:51:00.002-06:00

another week goes by and another week closer to the life changing status of father becomes all to real. This weekend Candace has her first shower then next week another one, and before we know it we move into April then May (less than 10 weeks now..)

Things became more real this week as we had to go for a special ultrasound as the baby has a little extra fluid on it's kidneys. This sounds relatively common but the docs just want to monitor the baby a little closer. The part that made it real was the 45 minute ultrasound. This was not just a quick peek here and there... it wasn't this dark black and medium gray image something that looks like it belongs on the sci-fi channel this was a real 3-D image. The tech showed us the full head of hair on the baby...(already passed dad up on that)

Candace and I have also been going through Bradley Classes...similar to Lamaze but Bradley focuses on all natural non-medicated births something Candace is crazy enough, and tough enough, to want to do. The classes are very interesting to see everything that is happening during pregnancy and birth. How the baby begins to breathe on it's own after the cord is cut and how little levers close off for good or how the baby turns in preparation for delivery.

The entire process certainly should leave one to think that this is all intelligent creation and not just some random act of luck.

Hope you all have a pleasant and safe weekend. God Bless

Wake-Up America

2009-02-24T09:05:00.005-06:00

America is facing a very interesting time. We have companies closing their doors left and right, Goodbye Circuit City, Farewell World Market. I'll miss your burgers Steak & Ale. Steve & Barry's - the $6.99 store was too good to be true. Foreclosures are on the rise devaluing my property daily. The Dow keeps falling lower and lower. Is it time? Can we wake up? To we even get the point yet? We Spend More than we make!!!

Alright folks it is time to break out the wood chipper, chainsaw, hedge trimmer or plan ol' scissors. It is time to stop living on credit.

Here are some alarming facts about credit cards (according to an article that I read, I did not do the research on this)

The Average American has 4 credit cards
1 in 7 American have more than 10 Credit Cards
Charge-off rate is up 40% from 1/2008 to 1/2009
In 1990 Average American Credit Card debt was $2,966 in 2007 up to $9,840
40% of card holders do not pay of their bills monthly and of these 40% they paid the credit card companies a total of $18.1 Billion in Fees
72% of Americans believe debt is just a part of live in America
43% of College freshmen have at least 1 credit card, 74% of forth and fifth year students
US Visa Cardholders conduct over $1 Trillion in annual volume
Total Credit Card debt is roughly $880 Billion
40% of Americans spend more than they earn

If that isn't an indication of why America is seeing financial trouble now I don't know what is. Americans got caught up in this materialistic, egotistic, self-centered ideology where they expected to get whatever the media told them they had to have. Americans finance homes, cars, clothes, education, furniture, meals, electronics, toys, movies, and the list goes on.

The art of saving for something that you want has all but vanished in this "I gotta have it now" world. As radio host Dave Ramsey says "We buy things we can't afford, with money we don't have, to impress people we don't like"

About a year ago my wife and I got on this no-debt kick. We realized the "life" we could have without debt is much better than the one we could have with debt. Sure my car isn't as nice as yours and my watch doesn't say Tag Heuer on it but I enjoy my simple life. Living below your means frees up a lot of stress and anxiety that are simply not needed. I read a story yesterday of a father that killed himself and family due to financial problems - How sad that our world view is wrapped up in the monetary substance that we place a value on. I am now convinced that Americans need a "wake-up" call. They need something to rattle their cages and make them realized that tomorrow's income is not guaranteed. Having a savings plan is smart, not being consumed with debt is smart, not allowing yourself to live paycheck to paycheck to accumulate junk is smart.

The bible is pretty clear on it's view of debt.

Proverbs 22:7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender's slave
1 Corinthians 7:23 - You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men
Psalm 37:21 - The wicked borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous is gracious and gives
Proverbs 17:18 A man lacking in sense pledges, and becomes surety in the presence of his neighbors

The bible points to debt as a point of slavery, it calls debtors foolish and even cursed. It is time America especially Christians to start acting your Wage! begin the road to becoming financially free,don't you think it is time?

Crazy Busy Life is just begining!

2009-02-16T13:49:00.004-06:00

7 Months along- wow less than 3 to go. The nursery is done, the excitement is growing, and the "time" is fading. I don't' know what it is but our schedules just magically fill up.

Sunday: Church, Church is so important to Candace and I and we love the fact that we found a great Bible preaching Church - just wish it was not 45 minutes away. After Church we typically run errands, take care of things around the house, try to nap, but Sunday Nights Candace and I co-lead a Crown Financial Bible Study. It is an awesome study on how to manage your finances in a way that pleases the one who gives it to you.

Monday nights: are now consumed with Bradley Classes, this is some new aged, hippy, child-birth class that focuses on being all natural - My wife totally wants everything natural no drugs for her. Actually I admire her for that and am glad it will not be me. The class is a 12 week program that will tell us "everything" we need to know about child birth.

Tuesday Nights: Tuesday nights are our Small group bible study night. We have some pretty awesome people that come and Candace and I have been able to make friends with people that Love Jesus and want to learn more about what it is like to follow Christ.

Wednesday Nights: Hump day, half way to the breaking point but on Wednesday nights I host a trivia show at TGI Friday's in Southaven, MS. This show starts at 8 ends around 10. It is actually pretty fun, easy to host, and brings in a little extra cash.

Thursday is a repeat of Wednesday night but instead of TGIF it is at the Southaven Buffalo Wild Wings and starts at 7:30

Friday: We are making up our first few Baby Classes that we missed.

Saturday: finally the day to ourselves. Actually this day is spent running errands, taking care of the house, and finishing construction on our 4th bedroom and office

All this to say that our lives fill up rather quickly, too quickly most of the time. It is important to not let life pass us by in the hustle. This pregnancy is an awesome time for Candace and I and as much as we anticipate meeting the new lil one growing in her belly we also want to enjoy this time. There is something to Simplicity, I have been learning contentment and simplicity over the last few months. I have to say that there is something to that. We in America tend to spend our lives striving for the next thing, the better life, the bigger house, that we too often loose focus of the here and now. We need to enjoy our lives for what we have and where we are in life. Find beauty in the ups and downs and imperfections along the way.

...did you miss me? it's been awhile.

2008-12-03T08:33:00.004-06:00

I don't know if it is a lack of excitement or the busy-ness of the Holiday seasons that has left me neglecting to post to you my very few readers. This is often a crazy time a year from the strategic shopping efforts that often ends up feeling like a combat mission to the increasingly filling calendar that reminds you that 31 days in December is barely enough.

When we step back and look at what this time of year is meant for it gives things a different perspective.

We first start with Thanksgiving. Umm Food and Football right! Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful, thankful for all the many blessings that God has given us. A time to relax with friends and/or family. Thanksgiving was originally a time to be thankful for the fruit of the Harvest and a time to honor the original pilgrims that left England. To many people it becomes a time of juggling different dinners and if we are not careful we can become so busy that we forget to stop and give Thanks.

Before the left overs are finished the next holiday is here. Shoppers head out early the day after Thanksgiving to save a buck or two. (side note: after working retail for several "Black Fridays" I do think any money is worth facing that mob) Before we know it the meaning of Christmas is swept away and filled with a consumer, materialistic, and secular focus.

This year for my wife's family we did a "stocking exchange" we each drew names and are responsible to fill the stocking of the name that we drew. Now this is going to be challenging, I cannot revel my name as no one is to know until Christmas, but I am excited about this. IT adds to what Christmas is about....I have to go out on my own and shop for something that I think will make this person feel really special.

CHRIST-mas is a time to remember the awesome gift that God gave to us, we were not deserving but because of God's love for us he gave us the gift of eternal life in Heaven with him by means of his son Jesus.

This love, this free gift was not what we deserved, however God offers it freely. I hope I can show a little of God's love this Christmas season.

20 Pounds and Falling!!!

2008-11-20T14:10:00.002-06:00

well six weeks in and I hit the big 20 lbs mark, now I did shave my beard which was getting quit bushy but I do not think that added much to the scale. The diet plan that I embarked on was 400 calories 4x a day every 4 hours. Now this is no scientific diet it is simply about the calories. I have found that this works well for me and makes me exhibit some self control. Eating now goes from being a time to gorge out to a careful selection of what will be the most filling 400 calories that I can consume. Eating this way over the last 6 weeks have put things into perspective also. We eat to live not live to eat. Now I am not a health nut but it is amazing how much better a person feels by only loosing 20 lbs. I have another 10 lbs that I would like to shed by the end of the year, that will get me below the 200 mark something I haven't seen in a long time. As I get closer to that mark I will ease up a little, take more cheat meals but I like the smaller, lighter me!

Thank you Mr. Soldier Man!

2008-11-11T09:09:00.003-06:00

..ah Veterans Day... sadly probably the most over looked and under appreciated days on the Calendar. What does it mean? Do you stop to think about it? We live in a country that allows us the freedom to Worship as we choose, go do and say what we want, own guns, assemble at will, vote leaders into office. All the freedoms that we enjoy are because Men and Women bravely fought for our freedom. This tradition started in 1919 with President Wilson however I do not think it does justice for soldiers.

I believe that any US Vet should have a paid day off on Veterans Day, I believe more education and information should be given within the workplace. Today I didn't realize it was Veterans day until 9 a.m.

We owe our veterans more than 1 day, more than a nod of gratitude. These people sacrifice time away from their family and their country. They have seen horrible things that will taint them forever..why? All to keep our freedoms in place that we so often take for granted.

Take time today to thank a Veteran, express to them the gratitude that you have for what they have done for our great country.

Hogtastic: my amature review of my HD test ride:

2008-11-10T12:55:00.006-06:00

This weekend the local HD Dealership Southern Thunder had their Demo Days. Demo Days is where the new HD models are transported down from Milwaukee for potential riders to take out and "demo" the rides. This was an awesome experience and I was like a kid in the candy store. I anxiously looked around and picked out what I was going to ride. I could've spent the entire day there riding all 11 models but I constrained myself to only two. The ride was about 20 minutes long with a combination of Interstate, Highway, and Local roads. This was a well planned route that gave the rider a sense of different riding environments.

The Rocker:

The first bike I took out was the Rocker, the new Softtail "Chopperistic" in style. The Rocker has the 96 cb in engine and six speed tranny that gets it done on the highway. I was excited about this bike as I like the look a lot, the fat rear tire and stretched front fork looks tasty. Upon sitting on the bike I realized that it is a stretch to reach the pedals for a vertically challenged guy like myself (5'8 with boots) Once out on the road the bike was very rough, the front end is so stretched and so light that it has a tendency to bounce around a bit more than normal. Cornering was nothing spectacular and the overall ride was a disappointment. This bike has plenty of power but the clumsiness of the control makes one hesitant to use. This bike bears a $20,000 price tag and unfortunately looks way smoother than it rides.

The Fat Bob:

Disappointed but not discouraged I decided to pick another. This time my pick came from the Dyna family, Fat Bob. As soon as my buttock hit the saddle I knew I was in trouble. From the comfortable seat to the sound of the 96 ci engine this bike was nice. I found myself more comfortable on this bike than any other I have ridden. This Fat Bob handled great, had excellent power and good ridding position. The only negatives that I can say about this bike is 1) the mid controls make it awkward to find your footing from a stop. This would not take long to get use to but I prefer more forward controls. 2) The ride was too short. I wanted to keep riding the same bike all day long, however, they wouldn't let me. This bike has a starting price tag of $15,000.

Well it was fun while it lasted, Someday I will own a Harley, however I have a feeling it will not be for another 20 years. My Honda is still in good condition and gets me to and fro. I like what Harley is about, i like the comrodery amongst the owners, the American Made muscle, and after riding I can see what the fuss is all about. Some day, but not until I have the ability to pay cash for the bike.

...a throw back to yesteryears!

2008-11-06T08:29:00.006-06:00

Wow, this picture doesn't seem to long ago in my mind but you can tell it is as the hair has since escaped my head. This picture looks back just over 10 years now....wow how time flies. This was one of my core group of friends throughout college "The Bond Squad" as we called ourselves ..a tribute to the what started this friendship.. Golden Eye 007 - this N64 game brought a new dimension to first person shooters and deathmatches.. this also was the focal point of our friendship. This group grew over the years as new members would have to beat one of the "BS Originals" to earn his ranks amoungst the best.

I guess this morning I am fealing a bit nestalgic, or maybe it is that I miss the close friendship we once had. College is a great time in a persons life, the people you meet, the connections you make change your life forever...if you are currently in the place in your life cherish these times, and the friendships that you make. Now nearly 7 years after graduation day I don't get the opportuntiy to hang out with the ol' pals. We all have families, careers, and live from California to Mississippi to Chicago to Ohio. Eventhough I do not get to see these guys as often as I would like they will always mean the world to me. (Joel, Brandon, Josh, Marc, Jayson, Brad, Akira, and not pictured Chad C, and Chad P you guys are the coolest guys I have ever known!)

is that Beth Ditto I hear singing?

2008-11-05T08:21:00.004-06:00

The Nation has spoken and the fat lady has sung (rather loudly and slightly off key). I don't think anyone is in surprise over last nights results. This man, the next president of the United States was able to gain popularity amongst young, old, black, white; his image has popped up on T-shirts, shoes, posters, mosaics, billboards, murals, and about everything else one could imagine. His support has rallied from California to Maine to Kenya and Iran. Last night analyst were calling him an Universal Iconic Symbol. Well if you have read any of my previous post you will not be shocked to find out that I did not vote for Obama. He and I just don't quit see eye to eye on more than a few very important issues. However, those differences have to be overlooked because God has placed Barrak Obama as the future head of the United States. God has also placed me under his leadership to respect and follow his lead.

Now there is no doubt that i will start getting witty emails from my conservative friends filled with disrespect and fear of the new leader. Emails that tell me to move to Canada or show Obama falling off a cliff

...but I am not fearful of the future, I will not be moving to Canada, an I am not embarrassed to call Obama my president. I am, however, concerned for the direction of the country, I am concerned for what the people of this country want. This concern stems from the observation that we are moving further and further away from the values that this nation was founded on. This nation now allows such sinful things like abortion and gay marriage and the number of people appalled to it is less and less. President Elect Obama is in support of a hate crime bill that (in the way it is currently written) will prohibit anyone from speaking against homosexuality. Even quoting the bible can become a criminal offense.

Our nation will march on, day by day and year by year. God allowing, in four years from now we will vote again if we are unhappy with the job that Obama is doing, but my concern is in the direction away from God that our nation appears to be running and just how long the mighty Master above will allow it? This is not just evident in the presidential results but evident in the congressional, senate, and other bills that were voted for too.

Tomorrow is it

2008-11-03T13:21:00.002-06:00

Wow, it's been a while since I typed anything. There has been a mediocre feeling looming around. I have been loosely focused on nothing and mildly interested in little. Either way tomorrow is it, the big day. Tomorrow will be a joyous time for some Americans and a gloomy day for others. Tomorrow two Candidates put their fate in the hands of the American people and the "trusty" voting machines.

Living in Memphis, a diverse city, you see signs for both Candidates. Some are for a hope of Change and others are for McCain's visions for the US. What really bothers me though is the fact that there is this "infatuation" with Obama. My wife and I were strolling , yes strolling (it's a southern thing) through the Mall the other day and I noticed at a rather trendy store they had Obama shirts, these were not your typical campaign $5 fruit of the loom t-shirts. These were trendy shirts with cool logos and sayings. I was not really shocked but perplexed as why they only had one candidates shirt...could it be they sold out of McCain shirts? I doubt it.

It seems that for this election there are many people voting just to vote. They see Barrack for who they think he is and the icon they want to represent America but I find a very large number of voters are clueless about why they are voting for him.
I have heard several reasons to vote for Obama

It would be great to have a Black president: I agree, however, I think it would be great if the 1st African American President is a good one. I do not think color of skin justifies a vote
I am for change: however, most voters fail to tell me what this change is. What is so bad in their life that they need change
Bush recked the economy it's time for a democrat: Anyone who thinks that one person has that much control is living in a fantasy world. In America we have a thing called Congress that is responsible for the majority of what happens. There were many things that show that the republican party tried to instill safe guards against some of the economic meltdowns, however, the resistance of the dems ceased the efforts.
I just like how he speaks: Well I can see how this can be important after listening to "W" speak for the last 8 years it would be nice to have an eloquent speaker represent the USA, however, I would rather have substance than pretty talks.

Now bottom line, I don't care who you vote for, each person has the ability to vote for the candidate that he/she feels will most closely align to their values. What I would like to see is people that can back up who they are voting for with substance. Whether your choice is McCain or Obama be able to logically debate and say why you are voting for the candidate. Sometimes I feel there should be IQ test, or candidate test. You should be able to identify with what your candidate stands for, or against. No one person is going to agree 100% with the candidate that they vote for, at least I hope not.

Wake-up America! Educate yourself, and don't rely just on one source of Media to get your information.

Do they make one for babys???

2008-10-27T11:56:00.002-05:00

So, browsing the internet I found this interesting picture. I first thought wow, no more excuses we could take the bike on long trips and take the pooch also. But then I got looking at this picture a little closer, what 1%er would be seen caring a lil pooch like this one? It isn't quite the "tough bad biker dog", then I thought, umm put my wife's lil Maltese in this the image goes even down from there.

Everyone at work lately has been telling me I need to get ride of the bike now that there is a little one on the way. I tell them all the same thing...Oh I have it under control. I just purchased a backpack type carrier for the baby, should allow me to carry the baby while I ride. No i would never do that but it is fun to get the responses.

It is amazing how quickly the baby grows. On Friday Candace had another doctors appointment in which they did another sonogram. From this one you could clearly tell that it was a baby and not just a glob of left over mashed potatoes. You could see the baby sucking its toes and hands, moving around, and you could even hear the heartbeat. It is cool to think all this is going on and the baby is only 2 inches long. How can anyone look at that image and claim that it isn't a real baby yet is beyond me.

Well good news everyone is healthy and in two more months we get to see how much more the baby has grown.

There is a light ...i can see it...it's getting brighter

2008-10-22T13:34:00.002-05:00

...Ah, this week is bliss. I just completed my Capstone class. The last 8 weeks were torture. I spend countless hours and late nights working on the biggest project of my life and now it is complete. 65 pages, done! That was the big daddy, the nightmarish class, the grand kahuna that I have heard horror stories of the last three years. I did it, completed it and I think I will see an A.

This week the light shines just a lil brighter!! only 8 weeks, a little bit of homework, and one more passing grade stands between me a scholastic freedom. Long run, it wasn't that bad, I am glad I will have it completed before the new addition comes.

What's this life about anyways?

2008-10-21T10:28:00.003-05:00

Whether, then you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31)

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength (Mark 12:30)

But if we walk in the Light as He himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7)

But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ (Eph 4:15)

These verses are all verses that our church is collectively memorizing. Each of these verses tie into a purpose for our live.

To Please God - Worship
To Belong in God's Family - Fellowship
To Become like Christ - Growth

This is what living is really all about. It isn't about the things of this world but a chance to get to worship the father in heaven, fellowship with other believers and grow in Christ.

This series at church has been an interesting time of personal reflection. Changing attitudes and lifestyle to align myself closer with the God that I serve.

Having a baby really makes one think. It puts this "life" thing into perspective. What am I living for? What example do I want to be to my children? and What will my Children take from my life. It is time to get serious.

Fat Dad....not if I can help it.

2008-10-17T08:45:00.002-05:00

so in an effort to avoid looking like the gentlement picutred left I have embarked on my yearly weight loss program. You see I am not much on the whole diet and exercise bit but I do want to look and feel healthy. I really do not want to look like a fat dad in May when we get pictures with our first baby.

Last time I was home my dad say "hey you've got the executive gut"...and with that I knew it was time. Anytime the scale approaches the 230 mark it's time to cut back and work to drive it back down.

I find it very hard to "eat" healthy in the work place. We are constantly going to business lunches..eating wonderful fattening lunches on the companys dime. This with the lack of excersise tends to increase ones waist.

The diet that I am embarking on has a good history with me. Last year I lost 20 some lbs in one month (acourse there was money on the line then). I eat four 400 calorie meals. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack) and try to walk a couple miles in the evening.

So far the progress is going well. I am down 6 lbs in 5 days and I am not constantly starving like on other diets. Subway becomes a frequent friend (6 inch Chicken breast on wheat..hold the cheese)

McCain or Obama

2008-10-16T11:16:00.003-05:00

John or Barack...

Here it is, we are in the thick of it

Election time is quickly approaching and last night the candidates finished up their last debate. This debate was probably better than some prior debates but still do we know anything more about either candidate? Well we know that Obama can side step issues like no other and McCain is prouder of his record than Twisted Sister is of Stay Hungry .

Personally I do not like either candidate, I think both miss the mark and some major issues. SO now it becomes a process of voting for the one that I dislike least....or which one scares me least.

Abortion - This is a big issue for me. I cannot vote for a candidate that believes Abortion is a viable alternative. This goes again my moral code of ethics. This also puts me on the republican ticket the majority of the time. Last night Obama tried to reason his pro-choice votes but it comes down to the fact that he is pro-choice. Bottom line I have to go for McCain.

No I think and expect some criticism for this, which is fair that is part of the lovely country we live in. Each person can make their decision based upon their own belief system and what they feel is best. We do not have to agree, or like what the other person says ..and at the end of the day That's OK!!!. For me human life is more important than Money, economic issues, etc. That is why i vote Pro-Life. I think Roe v Wade was one of the greatest upsets in American history

Economics - This is another issues (much smaller one than Abortion) I worry about both of the Senators plans. I do not think either of them have proven themselves to be an economic savior. Obama announced the other day that his plan would allow for people to take money out of the 401K's penalty free for a period of time. If this happens - look out. Economic chaos continues. McCain on the other hand does not have any brilliant ideas either (although I do like the limited government approach). American has spent itself into a problem. We pay Medicare- which we cannot afford, we borrow from any country that will give it. We need to scale back spending in a major way. Limit the "perks" of government. Pay people that deserve it (teachers, police, fireman,) decent salaries but cut back on Congress' salaries. Why is my state senator making $160K a year and my teachers $30,000K

Health Care is another issue they touched on last night. I don't think anyone has a great plan. Obama thinks socialized health care is the answer...scary on many levels. McCain thinks that the government should stipend you for your health care - why? When has health care became a right of living in America? If we focused on creating jobs and benefited the company's for providing health care packages there need for health care would largely be met....

End of the day either candidate will not be able to do what they say. The presidential position is much more of a figure head than what we often think. Congress is votes and passes through the majority of what is decided on. And as a christian I am called to respect either candidate that gets elected.

Romans 13 1-2
1. Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God ; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.

So regardless of the who the candidate is, I will show respect whether in agreement or not. God has a plan for American, God is in ultimate control of you, me and this country and His Will will be done. I will head out to the polls and Vote for punch my card for McCain/Palin the rest is out of my control and into God's.

Class is kicking my butt

2008-10-14T08:24:00.003-05:00

OK, so forgive me for using the overused Iconic American kick butt symbol...ode to Chuck. I have senor-itis of the graduate level... this capstone class is really starting to wear me thin. The good news is I see a distant glow of light at the end. My weekend was full of this homework garbage. I spent about 4 hours on Friday, a couple hours on Saturday, and 12 hours on Sunday doing homework yes I completely missed the Bears screw up a win. This is the sixth week in a row that I have spent upwards of 20 hours just on homework. The good news is that in two weeks this class will be over and onward I go to my next and final class. When it is all over they had me a little thin 8x11 piece of paper and tell me that my life will not be better. 3 years of waiting and my life will final be better.... I don't think so...you see education, social acceptance, salary, possessions to not mean anything in the grand scheme of things. Yes they may help me advance my career and may provide me better opportunities to take care of my family, but they really do not mean anything of importance.
Our earthly mission is short, just a glimpse of what eternity is. The important things on earth are those things which will carry forward in Heaven. So as I said above Education, Social Acceptance, Salary, possession are not important but rather Spiritual Education, Godly Acceptance, doing God's will, and spreading the good news about Jesus is.

...garage sale bargin or not....

2008-10-13T11:44:00.003-05:00

So this weekend Candace and I decided that we would get a jump on things. It is still very nice down here so the garage sales were in full swing. We thought we would venture out and see if we could find any "bargains".

This trip was for the most part unsuccessful, we did pick up a baby bathtub thingy for $3.00. This item probably sells in stores for $25.00 netting us a $22.00 savings. But then you think about it we spent probably about 3 hours "garage saleing" and drove probably 20 miles.

Gas Cost: 1.33 Gallons x $3.25 = $4.32

now the savings drops from $22 down to $17.68

Divide that out by the 3 hours we spent and in essence Candace and I made a combined $5.89 an hour.

Hopefully the next trip out will be more rewarding. One thing that I noticed was how dirty things were at the sales. Why would people not clean items that they were putting up for sale. We were in nice communities, with nice homes, and presumably nice people - I would be embarrassed to have dirty items sitting out for the neighbors to come and buy.

2008-10-08T23:34:00.002-05:00

Today was it, the doctor told me I was looking at my child. He even pointed out the hear beat which would've been way cool...if I knew what he was pointing at. It was cool though to see him point out the head and etc.

We also had an interesting experience when it came time to pay the bill which made me think just how vulnerable people are at certain times in their live. Example is having a baby. This is our first baby, neither Candace and I have been through anything like this before so we take everything at face value. The doctor says pay this much..we say sure because we think we are suppose to and we are to excited to argue. After talking to a few people with prior experience and my mom with medical billing experience we realized that the doctor is not "helping" us but looking out for his best interest.

This is a good lesson to learn early on, watch out for people, ask questions, and don't assume that people are doing things the correct way.

enough with the downer! Enjoy the video of Lil' Yak!

A Birth, A Wedding, A New Computer

2008-10-07T22:40:00.003-05:00

What a weekend, Candace and I traveled up to Northern IL for a wedding. While we were there we were able to spend some time with family and have an early Thanksgiving with my family to eliminate the need for a return trip next month. Turkey and dressing in October just does not taste the same. The meal was good, the company was great but it was just weird having a Thanksgiving dinner prior to Halloween.

The wedding we attended was very nice, Congrats Matt & Tasha!! On Monday my cousins Matt and his wife Sarah had their first child..very cute Congrats Guys!!

Upon returning home we were forced to purchase a new computer. My 7 year old machine decided it was time to go to the computer afterlife, now for the joy of transferring all the data that I can pull out. It would not have been such an urgent purchase if I was done with school but unfortunately it is required for me to do my homework in Office 2007 and my work laptop is 2003... oh well this purchase will be very useful once the baby comes.

On the baby front Candace has her 1st doctor appointment in the morning. I don't know what to expect, I of course will go along for support however, I am not sure what I am getting myself into...i'll update you tomorrow.

Friday's...a beautiful thing

2008-10-02T14:48:00.004-05:00

Today is my Friday, what a great feeling. It does not matter if your last day of work for the week is Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday it all has that joyful bliss of being your last day stuck in the rate race we call work. Why is it then that on the last day your motivation level creeps downward as the clock begins to tick at an ever slowing pace? You would think that you would be super productive since you know you are about to head out, but no I find my thoughts drifting, my energy fading, and my desire to stay all but gone.

This weekend is extra special. Candace and I get to head up to the frozen tundra (ok it probably isn't that cold yet) of Northern Illinois. Her cousin is getting married so we get to see her family and also will have a day to hang with my family. Unfortunately the trip will be quick and not time for friends or anything else but it will still be nice to see both sides of our family.

See all you children next week!

Where are your treasures stored?

2008-09-30T09:21:00.001-05:00

401K, Mutual funds, stocks and bond? Yesterday's sever hit on "The Street" had every news station talking. Speculation of what the economy is going to face next and the doom and gloom presence of the liberal media telling everyone the world is over, thanks DubYa. They interviewed people that lost thousands in retirement accounts...which people tend to forget that there is a level of risk involved in any investment, but that is another post another day.

This morning the chapter I read in the Purpose Driven Life was talking about where your treasures are stored. I think most Christians are familiar with Matthew 6:20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steel" While reading the chapter this morning I found the timing ironic, many Americans and investors worldwide are closely watching the happenings with Wall Street to see if it will come back (which it is up a couple hundred so far this morning). This chapter was a breath of fresh air, I have heard the message time and time again but it was simple reminder to say "It doesn't matter what happens the things of this earth are not important." Keeping your focus on Christ and taking your focus off of the earthly things makes everything just a little more bearable. Sure we (as Christians) are called to provide for our families, and I believe that includes being financially smart with your money. It is wise to invest, it is good to have plans, goals and budgets, but it is not good to get consumed by the market. Your emotions should not fluctuate with your portfolio.

Cracker Jack MBA

2008-09-29T08:36:00.000-05:00

so as I approach the end of the MBA journey I started to think "was this worth it" This journey started just about three years ago, cost about $30,000 and many hours of my time. My last class is the big daddy Capstone class. In this class we are forced to work in teams and due to the transition I am doing everything online. One of our team members was ridiculously lazy, wrote poorly, and put no effort into the team. It took almost four weeks before the proverbial poo hit the fan. This team member submitted a final draft for one section of our project that was completely unacceptable (this was so bad that if I had submitted it to my 5th grade teacher she would've failed me). DUN DUN DUN.... the confrontation

Being the meek quite type (sarcasm) I spoke up and let this team member know that he wasn't pulling his weight. What does he do? emails the entire team and said he quit because of what I said. (my email wasn't that bad). So for the next week he didn't participate in our group and we were forced to redo his portion of the assignment. Something that should have taken two weeks we now only had two days. We did it, finished it and the professor gave us great compliments on it..but back to the story...

This team member (after the majority of the work was done) emailed everyone an apology and asked to be accepted back in. ...yeah I was shocked... it gets even better.

The professor had a conference call with everyone to discuss how we could let this individual back into the group. The professor worked every angle she could to get us to allow him back in, she actually believed him that he is trying.

We stood firm , he was not allowed back into our group and I really do not know what has happened to him since. This experience really ticked me off and got me thinking "What's the MBA really worth?"

If the professor and this student had their way he would've been accepted back in, done minimal work and walked out with the same grade and degree that I did. Then this guy getting into the "real world" proclaims that he earned an MBA from Keller bam the value of my MBA just dropped.

I take pride in my work, I am running a 3.95 GPA for my grad classes but if the school and professors continue to pass through undeserving students the value of the MBA program will diminish little by little.

The title to this blog Cracker Jack MBA.... It's like grabbing a box of cracker jacks, dumping out the popcorn to find your prize,

there it is...the golden ticket...

a nicely packaged MBA Diploma

.....you lucky dog you...

Simplify. Do What Matters Most!

2008-09-28T17:27:00.000-05:00

Today our church launches a 40 day campaign called "Simplify. Do What matters most" This campaign is much like the purpose driven life campaign that swept through the US a few years back. Our church will be using this book, the video message, and our pastor's own messages to help us to focus our lives to do what matters most. This is also paired with "Front Porch Groups"..what's that?...(yeah I know it's a southern thing I think) Front Porch Groups are small groups that extend beyond the walls of the church. The idea is to get people in the church involved with those that live near them. This involvement the moves outward to neighbors and communities. Candace and I are hosting a Front Porch Group to reach anyone in the Southaven, MS area..it should be fun. If anyone is interested in listening to our pastor's message it should be available via our website soon. http://www.colliervillebible.org/

On the baby front.. Well today Candace told me she wants to have Peanuts for dinner....i guess the cravings are starting. She also feels a little nauseous in the mornings but not terrible. It is approaching the time for her first doctor visit. We went on a tour of one hospital in our area - it was weird to be touring a hospital thinking we are actually planning on using this place... well more to follow ahead stay tuned!!

Bail me out too Uncle Sam!!!

2008-09-25T13:48:00.000-05:00

Wow, $700 BILLION bucks....thanks but no thanks. What a deal a debacle of bad business decisions all erased as the government scurries around to work out a bail out deal. Now I will not pretend to be smart enough to understand either the circumstances of doing something verses nothing but I am smart enough to know that it is a ton of money that we do not have. With the financial markets in question it made me glad that Candace and I took part of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. It was an eye opener for sure. Can we really live a debt free life in America? I don't know but it has to be worth a shot right? Think about it, completely debt free... that has to rock.

Candace and I are on our way, we have some of my school debt and our house and then we can celebrate. Think about this, we as Americans view debt as a necessity, matter of fact we often do not consider debt really debt. Home Depot, Best Buy, and any furniture store sells to you on the premise that you can "Pay over the next 5 years Interest Free" Americans take this hook, line and sinker. Sign me up and max me out. Matter of fact I use to be the same way, shoot I can afford $50 a month...but are you getting ahead? The average person using plastic spends 25-30% more on their purchase, and don't even think about it if you miss paying it off on time...ok a little side tangent but back to the point... when people think about how much debt they have they think the big stuff, House, Car..they do not think about the little purchases, the zero percent cards, etc. Americans need to wake up and live a life within the means of their wages. This crisis has a two fold bad guy

1. the underwriters of the paper, they new what they were doing but business was good

2. the receivers of the loans. People should know what they can and cannot afford. If you live well within your means you can adapt as circumstances change in your life.

Now to tie this back to the baby theme.....what does this mean for our future, our kids.... I don't' know but it does make you think. I know that by living a life within our means we will be able to adapt to the changing markets. I plan to teach my young'n the value of a dollar and how to use it wisely.

8 weeks...wow it must be real

2008-09-24T11:26:00.000-05:00

...OK so today I was just working away and my lovely wife sends me an email saying it is officially 8 weeks. She then wanted to also celebrate with subway (face it where else can you get a satisfying meal for 2 (or 2 1/16) for 5 bucks...seriously anywhere?..) As I am super stoked about the idea of being a father there is something weird when you think that there is a little one the size of a grape growing inside my wife's belly. I guess it will not be really real until I see the sonogram or hear the heartbeat but the excitement is building.