The Red Subaru and The Flying Boogers

I see a lot of things coming to work everyday.  I am on the road for about 45 minutes – 1 hour every morning and it is inevitable that I will see something that amazes me weekly.  Today, I saw a first and I am not sure if I am amazed or not…

For approximately 15 miles, I drove behind a red Subaru this morning.  The car was loaded with bumper stickers, none of them that memorable other than the BM sticker, which should have given me some clue of what I might expect from this dude driving.  Around mile 5, I noticed that this dude was eating.  Being a little bored, I drove a little closer to his bumper to see if I could tell what he was eating.  The best I could tell he was eating a Pop-Tart.  I thought that was pretty cool since I just crammed my own Strawberry-Frosted Pop-Tart.  You will not believe what happened next.

This dude puts his Pop-Tart down on the other seat.  He puts his hand to his face and blows his nose into his bare hand.  He then opens his window and dries his hand off and begins to rub his fingers together.  That’s right, his booger pieces start flying back and hit my windshield.  I honestly did not know whether to laugh or gag myself.  To top it off, he repeats himself, allowing more booger pieces to hit my windshield.  Being the sanitary guy he is, he finished off his Pop-Tart.  Yum…I am glad he got his extra protein today. 

OK.  I can admit that in my lifetime I have flicked my share of boogers.  Shut up!  You know you have too.  But, I cannot recall in my lifetime going to this extreme to blow my stinkin’ nose.  I think he might want to consider going back to the conventional way of booger picking and flicking.  Maybe the next time I am on the road, I should make my way to pass him and show him how its done. 

Ms. Peachez Fan Club

Last year, one of the college students that work for me showed me THIS and I swear it cracks me up every time I think about it.  If you have some time, look at the other Ms. Peachez clips.  I am always telling people about her and for all you chicken lovers, I know you appreciate her skills.  Too funny… 

Big Daddy’s Review of the Grammys

Sunday night’s Grammy awards pretty much sucked.  Being a big Alicia Keys fan, I would have to say she was the highlight of the show.  I was glad to see that Amy Winehouse was out of rehab and trying out for Hairspray.  Or was that Grease?

Anyway, to see my girl Alicia’s performance click HERE (I included bonus coverage of Beyonce and Tina Turner, which came in a close second). 

 Yo Ross…are those the same earrings we saw in Red Robin?  We might need to get the girls a pair for Valentine’s Day…or you think TN has a pair or two from her Bon Jovi archives that we can have?  I heard she has one of those silver outfits that Tina Turner had on last night in that same box?   

Back at Home

Last night, we had our first Hi Def Student Ministry meeting and I had a blast.  Mark and April really did a great job and the kids were absolutely the best.  I can’t wait to see where God is going to take Hi Def.  My prayer is that the students realize they are part of something special.  In this life, you are not given many opportunities to help build something from the ground upward.  I believe they are going to see God so much more clearly by being involved in Hi Def. 

I know Mark has mentioned that it had been awhile since he and I worked together in ministry.  We spent years together laboring with a bunch of young married couples who Teresa and I love like family and I know Mark and April do too.  Some of you were a big pain in our backsides BUT I would not trade those years for nothing.  Those are some of the most special times that I know the O’Neals and Atkins will cherish forever.   

When Mark and I started leading our own separate groups, I honestly felt like my right hand was missing most of the time.  Sometimes in ministry, you find certain people that you know you would lay it all down for them.  That is how I feel about Mark.  I cannot thank God enough for allowing me to part of Hi Def and giving me the opportunity to feel back at home again. 

One last thing to all parents of middle and high school students that read my blog:  There are great youth leaders / pastors in Alamance County.  I am here to tell you that your kids WILL get the BEST of BEST from Mark and April Atkins.  God knew what he was doing when he called the Atkins to work with your kids.  Continue to pray for Hi Def in anticipation of what God is planning to do.  

Hope ya’ll have a great week!   Peace Out!        

Big Daddy Goes Dancing

With all the crazy activities and constant “busyness” of life, it is very seldom I get to take a moment and appreciate the fact that I am a DAD.  God has blessed with me with two incredible kids and I forget what a huge responsibility that is.  I never knew how fast kids grow up until Seth and Anderson reached elementary school.  In the past 12 months, I cannot tell you the changes we have observed.  Our little kids have become little people.   

Last night, Anderson and I went to our first Daddy / Daughter Dance at the YMCA.  She was absolutely beautiful.  I have to say I was proud to be her daddy.  It was yet another reminder that my little girl has become a little lady.  I have to tell you that I was a little hurt because my date ditched me after we had our pictures made - she had to hang with her BFFs.  All was not a loss, I did get see some of the dads I haven’t see in awhile…guys, we need together more often.

Dads…take it from Big Daddy: don’t wait until that first baseball game or daddy / daughter dance to realize God has placed a special blessing in your life.  Know your responsibilities are great and the He has entrusted you with much.  Know that the legacy you leave in them should include Him.  Know that mommy should never fly solo.  Know that it is OK to show them love and know that they will will look to you always for guidance. 

For those of you that wanted pictures of me shaking my money-maker, no such luck – maybe next year. 

        

Big Daddy HATES Dook

I am not one to talk a lot of smack before a Carolina – Duke game BUT I never hesitate letting people know how much I hate Dook University.  Let me explain.

 

Beginning at birth, I was told that I would go to Carolina one day.  Honestly, I never thought any different.  In the Fall of 1988, Carolina was the only university that I applied.  On a Thursday in December 1988, I opened up the mailbox to find a thick envelope from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  I cannot tell you what a life-changing moment.

 

In August 1989, I stepped foot on a campus to live in a dorm that had more people than the town where I grew up.  Better yet, the street where my dorm sat had more stoplights than the entire town.  There were more students living on one floor of my dorm than students that attended K-12 in my hometown.  I felt like one of the Clampetts in the Beverly Hillbillies.

 

I was raised to respect the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).  If Carolina was not playing, I was expected to cheer for any ACC team if they were playing outside the conference or cheer for any NC school over the out-of-state conference teams.  That really never changed, with ONE exception.

  

After one month on campus, there was a hate that began to consume me.  Every time this one team was mentioned, I would be one step closer to a diarrhea event.  For some reason, I became a DOOK HATER.  There is much speculation as to why this occurs in many students that attend Carolina every year.  Maybe it’s because 80% of the students do not appreciate the South because they have never lived here.  Maybe it’s because they have no game other than basketball or golf at Duke and have to constantly invade the nightlife on Franklin Street.  Maybe it’s because most Duke students do not know how to stinkin’ drive or have common sense.  Who knows???

 

I can admit that I have appreciation for Coach K’s accomplishments and how he has built Dook basketball.  I have to appreciate the recruiting prowess and the caliber of players he attracts.  I can appreciate it even more because my boy, Roy, has quite the rep too.

 

You see, I am not just a Carolina Basketball Fan.  I am not just a Carolina Football Fan (when they’re winning).  I am a Carolina Fan.  I am that kind of Carolina fan that wants my kids to know what Carolina is all about from the academics to social activities to sports.  I am the kind of Carolina fan that loves to walk on campus at the change of the seasons, I am the kind Carolina fan that loves the Old Well and the Bell Tower.  I am the kind of Carolina fan that loves to watch student athletes sign autographs for kids at Sutton’s Drugstore (even when they are between classes trying to grab lunch).  I love the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

 

As for tonight, with or without Lawson, I will be cheering for the Heels.  Win or lose…I hope that the boys in the darker shade of blue have a harder time getting out of bed in the morning. 

 

Peace Out!   

Get Amped!!

I love everything about the Super Bowl.  Last night’s game was great!  BUT, I had a dream about one of the commercials and I may be scarred for life. 

To see what I dreamed about, click HERE!

Hold on to the Vision…Be True To It…God Will Rock Your World

We talk about vision a lot at Pine Ridge Church.  I cannot tell you how important it is for us to support, protect and defend the vision that God gave Tadd for this church.  If we can’t do that, we have no reason to darken the doors of Pine Ridge on Sunday mornings. 

I believe with all my being that is why God is doing a great work at Pine Ridge.  We are staying true to that vision.  You must understand that vision is much more than a new coat of paint, new carpet or new programs.  I know too many churches that let tradition, new programs or money dictate how they do ministry.  Some churches abandon their vision over and over because people are offended and get their feelings hurt.  Better yet, they continue to try to relaunch the same vision over and over using different language or a different method trying to convince the people that get mad everytime.  Hint:  They ain’t gonna change…they’re gonna keep gettin’ ticked off.  I just encourage all you vision casters out there:  Hold on to the vision that God has given you.  Be true to it.  Surround yourself with a group of people that will defend it to the end.  I assure you God will do something special and rock your world! 

For an update on what God is doing at PRC, click HERE.       

Peace Out!   

Last Week in Review

Whoever said,  “you always need a vacation from your vacation,” I owe you a twinkie.  Last week dragged on like no other week than I can remember.  Here is just just a brief summary:

On Monday,  I came down with a bad cold and immediately started popping pills.  On Tuesday,  Seth and Anderson had physicals.  We witnessed a psycho-mom verbally abuse her child along with all the other staff in the MD’s office.  Can I say, “Call a Social Worker!”  My girl was way too out of control.  By the way, I was still popping cold medicine.  As for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, I honestly do not recall too much.  Between the cold medicine and lack of sleep, I think I was a walking around like a stinkin’ zombie.  I did manage to post a couple of times…I am glad I did not write anything way too inappropriate. 

Yesterday, I played dad and took Anderson to her soccer scrimmage.  Then I did the ultimate dad-thing and went to see Hannah Montana in 3D with the family.  Thanks to the Norris family for getting our tickets.  Hannah did her thing on the big screen and Teresa N. shook her groove thing in aisles, Caitlin and Grayson say they will never be the same.  (Still popping pills!)

As for today…another incredible day at PRC!  Stay tuned for a post describing my thoughts on today’s events – should be posted shortly!  I am little slower than normal.  Why?  Still popping pills.   

     

Response to Disney Observations

Ross and I have not had a lot of time to collaborate this week re: Disney but I have to say he sums it up over at the Holla pretty doggone good.  I still have a few posts I am working on but thought I would officially comment on a couple of his observations.   

1.   Those stupid scooters…I am telling you, there are plenty of people we observed that needed to ride around the parks in their special rides.  BUT, for the family that rented one for every member and acted like you were all pimped out for the Grammy Awards.  I wanted to say, “GO BACK TO THE STICKS!!” 

2.   As for the Under Armour:  Fellas, there is no need to show off your twig and berries to Mickey and his friends.  The visual…one pair of biking shorts vs. 400 lb. man.  YUK!   

Peace Out!