Friday, June 8, 2007
New Poll
Since I so desire this website to reflect the needs of my numerous audience, please reflect your post preferences in my new poll to the right. I have some great shirtless photos of me that I am dying to publish.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
VBS...remember when
This week is our church's VBS. I was talking with some random person at the Kroger in our town, and I mentioned "VBS". She gave me a puzzled look, and I clarified "Vacation Bible School". She sort of said "ahh ha" and nodded, but I don't think she knew what VBS was.
That floored me. I thought even the pagans knew what VBS was. I figured everyone had a VBS experience at some point in their life, at least in the South. I looked up VBS at Wikipedia and found a weak reference. It does nothing to capture the essense of Vacation Bible School nor its impact both in churches and individual's lives. It remains the largest source of evangelism in Southern Baptist life.
More than that, it is just a great source of memories. My most memorable experience at VBS was in my 6th grade year. I was pretty mature for an elementary age Christian, and I expressed an interest in teaching the preschool kids at VBS. Hey, a boy can only make so many miniature mangers out of popsicle sticks. I was ready for something different. Besides, I figured I would still be able to go to the recreation rotation with my friends which was my favorite part. I don't recall exactly whom I spoke to or what I said, but I certainly meant helping and not actually teaching.
I show up on the Monday of VBS and low and behold I am listed as co-teacher for the 2s and 3s along with a girl in 8th grade. She came up to me with a look of horror and said "We are in charge of the 2s and 3s". I was stunned. I just liked playing with the little kids and thought it would be fun as a change of pace. Actually leading the a class full of kids was way out of my range and expectations.
As I recall, most of the mothers just dropped off their little ones with two bewildered teens without a second thought. I kept waiting for them to stay and actually take charge. Now that I am a parent I can sort of understand as you are so excited for a little break and just want minimal assurance your child will not be harmed. Me and the 8th grader were thought of as good kids, and it is VBS. 4 hour break from our kids!
Thankfully, a couple of moms stayed. I remember one mother being a little exasperated at us for being the teachers but not taking charge. She should have been exasperated at whomever signed us up. What was that person thinking? I was spiritually mature for a 6th grader, but reading your Bible daily does not teach you to change a diaper nor inspire you to do so.
 Then at the end of the day my friends who were actually in the 6th grade class kept telling me all their fun stories. Actually, they were fun in the sense of acting out in class and annoying the teacher. The preacher's grandson was the worst. It was at that moment that I began to notice a difference in myself and my friends in terms of our view of the church and spirituality. Not that I thought I was better than them or something ridiculous like that, but that I took it seriously and they did not. I was actually glad I was not in the 6th grade class because I knew I would be torn between playing along with my friends in acting out and wanting to learn and be a part of the class.
Not that I preferred being stuck with a classroom full of babies for 4 hours a day. Playing with the kids got old after about 20 minutes which was about as long as I had actually played with a 2 year old at one time. I misjudged how much I like playing with little kids. Truthfully, I liked playing with them as long as they entertained me. But I held to my committment and helped all day with those crying poop machines.
Being my 6th grade year, I was through with VBS as a student. I recall playing wiffle ball with my friends on the Friday picnic concluding VBS and feeling sad that I would not be coming back next year, neither as a student nor as duped volunteer. Looking back, VBS, for me, was not especially memorable from a spiritual growth stand point. I was not saved during a VBS nor had some great lesson that changed my life direction. The crafts were a little corny, and I was not the type of person whom crafts made an impact on anyway. Heck, my favorite part was kickball for 20 minutes with my friends.
But I would not trade my VBS experience. I associated it with Summer and Summer was not complete without it.  For 5 consective days, you get loved on by a bunch of people, listen to the piano tell you to stand up or sit down during assembly, say odd pledges and sing funny songs you never do anywhere else, actually talk to the Pastor which all kids find exciting because this never happens any other time, make some strange but occasionally cool crafts, get all sweaty playing games and then cool off eating snacks and drinking a Coke, all while hanging with your friends without the confines of sitting quitely behind a school desk.
And in the middle of all of this you get Bible lessons every day, and these lessons speak of truths which tend to be forgotten from Sunday to Sunday but now as a daily influence seep into your mind, and these truths start to make sense that this Jesus truly loves you and that nothing in the world makes more sense than to believe in him and follow him, even if you are completely clueless of where he will lead you but it doesn't matter because if Jesus is at the center of something as cool and wild and fun as VBS, he has got to be good.
That floored me. I thought even the pagans knew what VBS was. I figured everyone had a VBS experience at some point in their life, at least in the South. I looked up VBS at Wikipedia and found a weak reference. It does nothing to capture the essense of Vacation Bible School nor its impact both in churches and individual's lives. It remains the largest source of evangelism in Southern Baptist life.
More than that, it is just a great source of memories. My most memorable experience at VBS was in my 6th grade year. I was pretty mature for an elementary age Christian, and I expressed an interest in teaching the preschool kids at VBS. Hey, a boy can only make so many miniature mangers out of popsicle sticks. I was ready for something different. Besides, I figured I would still be able to go to the recreation rotation with my friends which was my favorite part. I don't recall exactly whom I spoke to or what I said, but I certainly meant helping and not actually teaching.
I show up on the Monday of VBS and low and behold I am listed as co-teacher for the 2s and 3s along with a girl in 8th grade. She came up to me with a look of horror and said "We are in charge of the 2s and 3s". I was stunned. I just liked playing with the little kids and thought it would be fun as a change of pace. Actually leading the a class full of kids was way out of my range and expectations.
As I recall, most of the mothers just dropped off their little ones with two bewildered teens without a second thought. I kept waiting for them to stay and actually take charge. Now that I am a parent I can sort of understand as you are so excited for a little break and just want minimal assurance your child will not be harmed. Me and the 8th grader were thought of as good kids, and it is VBS. 4 hour break from our kids!
Thankfully, a couple of moms stayed. I remember one mother being a little exasperated at us for being the teachers but not taking charge. She should have been exasperated at whomever signed us up. What was that person thinking? I was spiritually mature for a 6th grader, but reading your Bible daily does not teach you to change a diaper nor inspire you to do so.
 Then at the end of the day my friends who were actually in the 6th grade class kept telling me all their fun stories. Actually, they were fun in the sense of acting out in class and annoying the teacher. The preacher's grandson was the worst. It was at that moment that I began to notice a difference in myself and my friends in terms of our view of the church and spirituality. Not that I thought I was better than them or something ridiculous like that, but that I took it seriously and they did not. I was actually glad I was not in the 6th grade class because I knew I would be torn between playing along with my friends in acting out and wanting to learn and be a part of the class.
Not that I preferred being stuck with a classroom full of babies for 4 hours a day. Playing with the kids got old after about 20 minutes which was about as long as I had actually played with a 2 year old at one time. I misjudged how much I like playing with little kids. Truthfully, I liked playing with them as long as they entertained me. But I held to my committment and helped all day with those crying poop machines.
Being my 6th grade year, I was through with VBS as a student. I recall playing wiffle ball with my friends on the Friday picnic concluding VBS and feeling sad that I would not be coming back next year, neither as a student nor as duped volunteer. Looking back, VBS, for me, was not especially memorable from a spiritual growth stand point. I was not saved during a VBS nor had some great lesson that changed my life direction. The crafts were a little corny, and I was not the type of person whom crafts made an impact on anyway. Heck, my favorite part was kickball for 20 minutes with my friends.
But I would not trade my VBS experience. I associated it with Summer and Summer was not complete without it.  For 5 consective days, you get loved on by a bunch of people, listen to the piano tell you to stand up or sit down during assembly, say odd pledges and sing funny songs you never do anywhere else, actually talk to the Pastor which all kids find exciting because this never happens any other time, make some strange but occasionally cool crafts, get all sweaty playing games and then cool off eating snacks and drinking a Coke, all while hanging with your friends without the confines of sitting quitely behind a school desk.
And in the middle of all of this you get Bible lessons every day, and these lessons speak of truths which tend to be forgotten from Sunday to Sunday but now as a daily influence seep into your mind, and these truths start to make sense that this Jesus truly loves you and that nothing in the world makes more sense than to believe in him and follow him, even if you are completely clueless of where he will lead you but it doesn't matter because if Jesus is at the center of something as cool and wild and fun as VBS, he has got to be good.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
My Life as a Play: Jacob and Pickles
The setting: Jacob is off screen rummaging through the refrigerator. Daddy is sitting in his chair with a cautious look on his face at the worry that can become of this situation.
Jacob walks in to the living room toward the chair Daddy is sitting in. He is carrying a heavy jar close to his body.
Daddy: What do you got there Jacob?
Jacob puts the jar on the end table next to the chair. It is a new jar of pickles.
Daddy: Do you want some pickles buddy?
Jacob: Yea.
Daddy: Are you sure you want to try some pickles?
Jacob: Yea. I love trying pickles. I just love trying pickles.
Daddy opens the jar of pickles and hands one to Jacob. Jacob smiles as he takes it and puts it in his mouth. His expression quickly changes as he sticks out his tongue and puts the tasted pickle back in the jar.
Jacob: Pickles are yucky.
Daddy laughs very hard. He thinks that it is little moments like these which bring such large moments of joy as a father.
Jacob walks in to the living room toward the chair Daddy is sitting in. He is carrying a heavy jar close to his body.
Daddy: What do you got there Jacob?
Jacob puts the jar on the end table next to the chair. It is a new jar of pickles.
Daddy: Do you want some pickles buddy?
Jacob: Yea.
Daddy: Are you sure you want to try some pickles?
Jacob: Yea. I love trying pickles. I just love trying pickles.
Daddy opens the jar of pickles and hands one to Jacob. Jacob smiles as he takes it and puts it in his mouth. His expression quickly changes as he sticks out his tongue and puts the tasted pickle back in the jar.
Jacob: Pickles are yucky.
Daddy laughs very hard. He thinks that it is little moments like these which bring such large moments of joy as a father.
Friday, May 18, 2007
5 Wonderful Years Together
Shannon and I celebrated our 5th anniversary this week (the actual anniversary is May 25th) by staying at the Whitestone Country Inn. They call it a sanctuary for the soul, and I agree. At the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, the location is beautiful. The weather has been amazing, low 70s with a nice breeze. We had a blast just walking the trails, playing tennis and ping-pong. I have found out Shannon is tough at ping-pong. I have given her the nickname of "The Wall" because she returns everything.
Our bodies have also found sanctuary here. Shannon got a facial and massage. Our room has a body spa shower with jets and a waterfall as well as a hottub which we enjoyed tremendously. The food is incredible. 4 course meal made by a professional chef. He actually made broccoli taste good!
I encourage any couple to take a few days down here. It is a wonderful gift to your marriage. Here are a few photos from where we are staying. The sunrise was shot right off our our private deck overlooking Watts Bar lake. The cottage at the end is a the Lion and the Lamb where we stayed.
Our bodies have also found sanctuary here. Shannon got a facial and massage. Our room has a body spa shower with jets and a waterfall as well as a hottub which we enjoyed tremendously. The food is incredible. 4 course meal made by a professional chef. He actually made broccoli taste good!
I encourage any couple to take a few days down here. It is a wonderful gift to your marriage. Here are a few photos from where we are staying. The sunrise was shot right off our our private deck overlooking Watts Bar lake. The cottage at the end is a the Lion and the Lamb where we stayed.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Skyscraper Ride of Death
Shannon and I went to Gatlinburg this past week for her church's staff retreat. We decided to take advantage of Jacob-less setting (he was with my parents) and go to a late showing of Spider-Man 3.
On the way to the theater, I saw one of those mini-amusement parks with go-karts and a few big thrill rides. On a whim, I pulled in to see about doing one of the rides. They had a special for $35 to do a 70' bungy jump, a giant swing (not featured on their site) and a 150' Skyscraper ride which spins you around in circle perpendicular to the ground while you are at the end of the arm in a harness which spins from the force of the twirling arm.
I am out with my baby with no kid to come home to and I just turned 32 this week. I was feeling young and spry so I bought the special and headed to the bungy jump. It was my first bungy, and I enjoyed it. I admit when I first looked down and realized that I was supposed to fall face first toward the ground from 70 feet up that I had serious second thoughts (and thirds and fourths...). But, I told myself I could do it and made myself fall forward.
I liked it and would do it again but it is over with very quickly. I next went to the giant swing. It puts some strong G-force pressure on you, and it does take you parallel to the ground, looking straight to the ground from about 25' up. The swing was fun, but I pulled over to ride the Skyscraper.
Rather than describing the experience of riding the Skyscraper, let me show through a video they recorded. Notice my relative lack of yelling and smiling. I did scream out a couple of times, mostly to convince myself I was having fun, show others I was not scared and did not make colossal mistake. Shannon said it best that she got nauseous just from watching me on the video.
On the way to the theater, I saw one of those mini-amusement parks with go-karts and a few big thrill rides. On a whim, I pulled in to see about doing one of the rides. They had a special for $35 to do a 70' bungy jump, a giant swing (not featured on their site) and a 150' Skyscraper ride which spins you around in circle perpendicular to the ground while you are at the end of the arm in a harness which spins from the force of the twirling arm.
I am out with my baby with no kid to come home to and I just turned 32 this week. I was feeling young and spry so I bought the special and headed to the bungy jump. It was my first bungy, and I enjoyed it. I admit when I first looked down and realized that I was supposed to fall face first toward the ground from 70 feet up that I had serious second thoughts (and thirds and fourths...). But, I told myself I could do it and made myself fall forward.
I liked it and would do it again but it is over with very quickly. I next went to the giant swing. It puts some strong G-force pressure on you, and it does take you parallel to the ground, looking straight to the ground from about 25' up. The swing was fun, but I pulled over to ride the Skyscraper.
Rather than describing the experience of riding the Skyscraper, let me show through a video they recorded. Notice my relative lack of yelling and smiling. I did scream out a couple of times, mostly to convince myself I was having fun, show others I was not scared and did not make colossal mistake. Shannon said it best that she got nauseous just from watching me on the video.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Understanding SAML
I have been quite busy this week with work. There are two interoperability tests I am ramping up for and need some test plans out this week. But I thought would add a link to my company's monthly newsletter which just came out and its main feature is a short article I wrote. One of my goals with this site is to become a better writer. Writing which is technical in nature is actually quite tricky because it is so easy and natural to be strictly technical which makes it boring which means no one reads it. The challenge is balancing the necessary technical content with a form and voice which is interesting and readable.
Here is the newsletter featuring my article on SAML. You probably don't know what SAML is, but this is written to explain it to a novice. In re-reading it, I found a couple of places which could use some additional clarity, but it is not bad. I always try to come up with analogies to tie commonly understood concepts to the lesser known technical points I am trying to explain. I pulled from my 11th Grade US History class for this article. Enjoy.
Here is the newsletter featuring my article on SAML. You probably don't know what SAML is, but this is written to explain it to a novice. In re-reading it, I found a couple of places which could use some additional clarity, but it is not bad. I always try to come up with analogies to tie commonly understood concepts to the lesser known technical points I am trying to explain. I pulled from my 11th Grade US History class for this article. Enjoy.
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