Plowing My Row

Memories of Dad

2008-06-16T15:06:00.002-05:00

Props to Holly for inspiring me to tell some stories about my dad. This has not really been thought through very much, as I'm sitting in an Infiniti dealership waiting for them to program a key..(luxury dealerships have computers & Internet and free snacks) so, these are the stories I can think of on the fly, and maybe I'll add more later as they come to mind.

One time Dad and his friend Marion Hansel were at a Car swap meet, and they had some car parts laying on the ground for sale. Marion had a really nice Speedometer out of a mid 60's Corvette, and he was only asking $5 for it. A guy came by and looked it all over, inspected every inch, set it down and walked away. About an hour later he came back, did the same thing and then said, "wouldya take a dollar for it?" Marion told him no, and that 5 bucks was really cheap anyway for that part. Another hour passes and he comes back AGAIN, inspects the speedo like before, puts it back on the ground and says, "wouldya take $2 for it" at that moment, My Dad hops off the tailgate of the truck and procedes to stomp on the speedometer until it was broken beyond recognition. Then he turns to Marion and hands him $5 for it....... the guy's mouth dropped open and he walked away.... they laughed about that for years.

When I was in High School My dad repainted his Chevy truck in our garage, and it was beautiful, it basically was a show-car paint job on his work truck. We went to Dairy Queen one night to get some ice cream. We were sitting in the truck eating when an old couple in a Lincoln pulled up and parked next to us. The old man got out and kicked his door open right into the door of the truck, leaving a ding. My dad was sitting there in shock with the window down just staring... the guy didn't apologize or nothing.. Next thing I knew after they walked away, Dad gets out and stoops down under the truck for something. He was looking for a big glob of grease from underneath the truck. He finds a big 'ol glob of grease and grit, then he stands up and packs it tightly underneath the door handle of the old man's car... he got back in the truck, we backed up into the spot behind us and waited...... The old man's reaction was priceless...

When dad was in High School, he worked his tail off to buy a 2 year old Corvette. Back then Corvettes had T-Tops, which means that the roof was removable in two sections. Back in the day in Des Moines, it was cool to "Scoop the Loop" Which meant to cruise around downtown for hours looking to impress girls and drag racing with other guys...... One night he was "Scoopin' the Loop" when he pulled up next to a carload of cute girls... Dad dropped a cool 70's pick up line probably.. and just then a bird poops on his head as the ladies watch, then roared with laughter.... he went home in embarrassment.

At Christmas of 1983, I asked for a bicycle, and he got me that AND a Honda 70 three wheeler (back before they we banned) both of them were under the tree Christmas morning.

DAD RAN HIMSELF OVER WITH THE CAR. When I was really little, Dad had a T-Bucket with a huge, powerful racing engine. (Hilborn injected, 6-71 blown 350 Chevy) The car was NOT equipped with a wonderful safety feature called a "Neutral Safety Switch" Basically this feature disables the starter when the car is in gear, so you won't accidently start the motor and run into something. Well, as I said, this Hot Rod did not have that. Since it did NOT have Fenders, standing next to the car meant you were in the path of the rear tires.. (you can see where this is going) While standing outstide the car, with one hand he grabs the key to start it, and with the other grabs the gas pedal to give it some gas as he starts it up. The car comes to life, lunges forward, runs him over and drives into the garage, running into Willie Lewis' 31 chevy crunching the fender..... Dad and Willie rolled around on the ground for a minute writhing in pain, staggered to there feet, and realized that Dad was missing his shirt, and Willie was missing his pants, staning there in his tighty whiteys!!!! Dad found his T-Shirt later with a big tire mark on it, he had it hanging in the garage with pride for years.....

MORE LATER.

Evolution

2008-03-09T00:02:00.002-06:00

Norman

2008-03-03T13:50:00.002-06:00

I only lived there for a short 5 years or so, but my life was changed dramatically for the good. I found a wife, made the closest friends I've ever had, and learned alot about my black, selfish heart. I can easeily say that moving to Norman was one of those "forks in the road" in my life. After only 5 years from leaving Arizona, my life is miles away from where it would've been. Usually it takes a long time to see the different direction life has taken in result of the decisions we make, but in this short time life has changed exponentially....and I'm happy about it. I guess I could trace it back to a single decision of going to High Point back in '01... but wait, if I hadn't been at the ASU BSU, I wouldn't have known about High Point...so, I guess the point is moot.

I'm excited for what the future holds for Norman. Sometimes I wish I could be a part of it again, and if God leads that way, we'll go.

MORAL: Make good decisions. Even the little ones can change your life.

Expelled

2008-02-15T12:11:00.001-06:00

PLEASE go to expelledthemovie.com and watch the trailer... I can't wait for this one to come out.

Miracles

2008-02-15T11:31:00.004-06:00

For my class with William Dembski, renown as a leader in the intelligent design movement, we have been reading "Miracles" by C.S. Lewis. Up until today this has been a difficult and mostly academic read.

But today we started talking about if Miracles still happen. Well, of course I believe they still happen, but perhaps only intellectually. He showed a video that blew my socks off. It was an interview of a man in his sixties who experienced a miracle. AND, this happened here in DFW, not in the 3rd world like many stories of miracles

His story goes like this: His wife, daughter and granddaughter were driving down I-35 when his wife's heart stopped. The car crossed the median and hit a truck head on at 70 MPH. (They showed pics of the car, it was unrecognizable) The wife and the daughter were killed instantly, but the 3 year old grandbaby was flown to Fort Worth in critical condition. The man, Therman Scrivner (in case you want to google it) walked into the hospital and a nurse said that he shouldn't go in to the room because his granddaughter was very disfigured. He said to her, God IS going to heal her. In the interview he said that God didn't tell him as such, but he was standing on the promise of scripture. The doctors said it would be impossible for her to live. Here is a rundown of her injuries: Her knees were crushed, legs broken in two places, her face was unrecognizable, her brain had disconnected from her eyes and her spine, and she was bleeding from everywhere. Since her brain was disconnected, she was blind, and was on machines to breath.

Well, this man assured everyone that God was going to heal her 100%. He then proceeded to Pray and read scripture over her, and worship and praise God for the next ten hours.

To make a long story short, within 10 months she was completely healed with NO trace of the accident ever happening. The brought her on stage and she had NO Scarring on her face. Therman said that NO surgeries had been performed on her. "Not one knife has touched her..." he said.

The power of faith to heal.... Wow. I checked out his website, and yah, seems kinda wierd and charismatic, but I believe that this happened to this man. I'm not so sure about his "healing seminars" but it's intersting nonetheless.... Ever seen or heard of a Modern day miracle?

Here's the site:

http://www.tlsm.org/index.htm

30 Things that make me happy (prompted by Amy)

2008-02-11T17:51:00.000-06:00

1. When Amy is really excited to see me when I get home from work.
2. Driving away from work at the end of the day.
3. Thanks or encouragement from others, written or verbal.
4. Driving my 38 Chevy.
5. Going to bed on Friday night, knowing tomorrow is Saturday.
6.Losing weight.
7.Hearing from/talking to OU friends.
8.Thinking about future ministry opportunities.
9.Seeing Max, Strap and Kels in the same place at the same time.
10. Eating. (which conflicts with #6)
11. Looking at/talking about old cars with Scott or other car folk.
12.Telling stories about my Dad or my Grandparents.
13.When Amy says she loves me a thousand times a day.
14. Giving Amy gifts.
15. Fixing something broken.
16. Playing Guitar/leading worship.
17. Any of my favorite music LOUD.
18. Comments on my Blog.
19. When Jenny comes to visit.
20. Hanging out in Corpus with the VanDycks.
21. ASU Football, or when any Arizona team wins anything. (rare)
22. Arizona in general.
23. Building/playing with model cars.
24. Shaq getting traded to the Suns.
25. Spending time in the Word.
26. Norman, Ok
27. Going to River when in Norman.
28. Loud exhaust pipes on cool cars.
29. Reminiscing about Project Impact LA (Disneyland especially)
30. Thinking about the Cruise and the possibility of another one next year.

Harold Bullock Conference

2008-02-10T21:44:00.000-06:00

Sometimes we don't realize that certain moments were pivotal in our development until much later. I can say that the conference I just attended has the potential to be one of those moments. The reason I said 'potential' is because I need to systematically go through and process all the Areas that the Holy Spirit was challenging me. If I just put my notebook on the shelf, I'll forget it by next week. Harold was telling me that he went to a conference in 1974 that Max Barnett put on. He said that it was the most amazing conference he had been to. He spent many of his free moments going back over the content of the conference. He said it took him 14 years to do it. Wow.

I also want to start a "blogging series" as I unpack the stuff from the conference. I hope that writing about it will aide in processing and applying it to my life.

Just a teaser: To still be walking with Jesus and Making Disciples in 30 years, an MDiv just won't cut it. I need more specific character training. I'm not giving up on Seminary, but there are some opportunites at Hope coming up that will help with this. I'm praying about taking a light load at Southwestern to make time for this training.

On a side note, an Awesome pastor from an Awesome church in California asked if I would come and lead worship and start a college ministry at a nearby campus.... what an honor! I told him that we needed to stay here for now, but to keep me in mind for the future. ..

Friend Divorce

2008-01-31T23:12:00.000-06:00

I just went through friend divorce. While not as painful and life shattering as real divorce, it's painful nonetheless.

An old friend and I had last commuicated on less than friendly terms. The other day we sat down to get some resolution like the Good Book says we should. It was clear through body language and cold, professional responses that I was not on his christmas list anymore. (The following may be completely biased, but it's true...) I did the best I could expressing regret and asking forgiveness with what had transpired. I let him know that I cared for him and would do what I could to help if he ever needed it. My open heart was met with a locked door, not just a locked door, but a door with 3 locks and a table with a fat guy sitting on it.. he was closed for bizness! (I often use humor to ease pain)

It's obvious I have been evicted from his life.... a life that I invested in, and still care for. That's the sad thing about divorce, it only takes one person to make it happen.

Here's a few things God has shown me through this:
-You're only responsible for yourself, do what YOU have to.
-God doesn't promise fairytail endings when doing his will in obediance.
-Will I let hurt and dissapointment hinder me from discipling from the heart? I hope not.
-Am I willing to risk losing a relationship to tell the truth? Or would I rather tell people what they want to hear so I can be everyone's buddy?
-I need to be thankful and treasure friends that have stuck around through thick and thin.
-Max is right, to make disciples we need a thick skin and a soft heart.

HodgePodge Post

2008-01-01T21:21:00.001-06:00

Could there be a more BORING bowl season? I've been longing for competition since the last regular season games... it got to the point where I was rooting for Auburn to beat Clemson... I don't care about either of these teams. Rose Bowl= The cure for insomnia. Sugar Bowl=Lawrence Welk on Sat. night. I hope OU wins the Fiesta bowl, but I hope it's a close one, just to satisfy my need to see a good game.

There was a car show at an old time Burger stand in Dallas today (jan 1). Amy and I blew the dust off the 38 and headed to Dallas at 9am. WOW. There was like 3 cars on the road. It was nice... until... we hit Cotton Bowl traffic. Because of this traffic I offically hate Arkansas and Missouri. Here's a pic at the "Dairyette" on Oats and Ferguson.

I'll be starting seminary at Southwestern this semester. That freaks me out a bit 'cause I wasn't exactly the best student the last time I was in school.

Right now I'm watching the episode of the Office when Dwight tries to take over the branch. Hilarious...

Amy is at the movies with some female friends (I can't bring myself to say 'girlfriends') so I decided to make cookies?? I've lost 15 pounds by the way.

I am a horrible waster of free time. That is, the little bits of time I get to myself, I blow it on nothing... ever heard of more-disciplined free-time? That's what I need. Maybe I should read a book.. I've been wanting to read "Hells Angels" by Hunter S. Thompson, but I feel guilty about that because its about bikers doing whatever they want.. I don't know why, but right now i can't bring myself to read a "Christian" book.. don't worry, I still love Jesus, just in a funk I guess.

I want to punch myself in the face everytime I log on facebook, but yet I still do it.

I learned some "hacks" for a Furby. Remember Furbys? If you feed him 3 times in a row, the pet his back, he'll burp 8 times. Cracks me up everytime.

I can be so melancholy. Amy and I have a running joke that if I won the lottery, I'd worry about the taxes. Sunday is usually a waste because I worry all day about going to work on Monday. It's like a disease and I hate it. I'm praying that the cruise is not ruined by my stupid preoccupations.

Merry Christmas to.... ME!

2007-12-18T12:19:00.000-06:00

This is what Amy got me for Christmas... Cool, huh. And, like the smart money-wise person she is, she bought it off Craigslist alot cheaper then Guitar Center... Way 2 go honey! I know there is probably only one or two readers of this blog who will appreciate this as much as me.

In case you think its an airconditioner, or a cabinet of some sort, it's a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 40 watt 2 channel guitar amp...

Steriod Witch Hunt

2007-12-14T11:37:00.000-06:00

Holy Moly. I think some people are taking this thing too far. In case you don't know what I'm talking about, here's the skinny: Yesterday the findings of an investigation on Steroid use in Major League Baseball was released, and they named names! Many famous players were named including Roger Clemens, who might be the best pitcher of the modern era.

I just heard an uptight congressman say on Fox News that anyone who used should have the games they played in expunged because they 'cheated'. Also, they should not be let into the Hall of Fame, and that any game they EVER played in should be discounted because of use. Sheesh.

One thing they didn't say (but I didn't read the 500+ page report) is how long each player used. That should matter!! If one guy used it earlier in his career, he shouldn't be punished for guys like Barry Bonds who amp up daily.

Yes, it is wrong to use steroids. But we're forgetting something here: raw talent and hard work. Give me all the steroids in the world and I couldn't hit a ball of Roger Clemens, or anyone else for that matter. These guys are good, really good. Should we deny the Hall of Fame and punish them severely for just gaining an 'edge'? I don't know.. feel free to disagree and comment!

Musings about Work

2007-12-07T16:09:00.000-06:00

Work: hate it, love it, need it.

My job is eh..... how you say.... less than satisfying. I'm realizing each day how I crave to be around people, and that God has given me a desire to work with people. Right now I'm not doing much of that, as I spend somedays completely alone or talking on the phone for purely buisness reasons...

AUTHORITY: I guess I have a problem with it. Not all authority, but most. In other words, I'm coming to the realization that the majority of Authority in the world (which is put there by God) is unpleasant, and difficult to be under, and the Christian community is no exception. My dad would only get a job when he absolutely needed one, and would quit when he could get back to working for himself. My dad did not like to be told what to do, and I'm realizing I might have inherited some of that.

SO... big surprise, I'm under some unpleasant authority. Don't miscontrue what I'm saying. I mean that exactly, it's just unpleasant...not horrid, cruel or miserable (only every now and then) on average, it's just an unpleasant experience.

COMMITTMENT: Signer beware! Be prepared to fulfill any contract signed, and make sure you READ all of it and understand it. Nuff said.

I read proverbs 3 the other day, and it had some tough, but at the same time encouraging words... "the Lord disciplines those He loves" and of course vv 4-6: "Trust in the Lord..." but I must say... Easier said than done!! To be honest it's a moment by moment yeilding to the Spirit to work hard with a good attitude.

On the bright side: I've been given the OK to scale back to part time (30-35 hours) and begin attending Seminary... Hooray!! Maybe my attitude towards my job will change because I am currently working 55-60 hrs, and that's pretty much my life. I hope that I will be able to tolerate it more when I'm here half the time.

I keep thinking that God is preparing me for something.... holy moly. I guess life is just going to get harder, and this stuff will seem like childs play in a few years......... YIKES.

Stumbling

2007-12-05T21:02:00.001-06:00

I've been using stumble upon lately, and this made me laugh out loud.

Ninja Parade Slips Through Town Unnoticed Once Again

Roped in by Reality TV

2007-12-02T19:35:00.000-06:00

Somehow I watched 3 episodes of a "Beauty and the Geek" Marathon today. I first started watching because nothing else was on, but after a few minutes I was sucked in. The premise is that a beauty and a geek are paired up and they compete against other teams of beauties and geeks, and a team is eliminated at the end of each episode. Seems simple, but I must say there seems to be some value to the nonsense! What sucked me in was seeing how they evolved and through adversity became friends by breaking down commonly held stereotypes of geeks, and uber-pretty people.

I even found myself hoping that at least one beauty would like one of the geeks and they would live happily ever after. The reality is that the beauties look at there geeks like there cute, helpless puppies. Unfortunately for the geeks, nobody wants to hook up with puppies!

There were many funny geeky lines, but this is the one I remember.
BEAUTY: Why do you have a roll of ducktape on your belt?
GEEK: You never know when you'll need ducktape. It's like the force; dark on one side, light on the other, and it holds the universe together.

Sinterklaas!

2007-12-01T14:23:00.001-06:00

Sinterklaas, kapoentje
Gooi wat in mijn schoentje,
Breng wat in mijn laarsje
Dank je Sinterklaasje.

Gifts

2007-11-27T11:46:00.000-06:00

What a gift is a Godly wife! And I have one. She loves me very much. That may sound like a cliche, but its actually loaded with meaning. She loves ME. If you know me, that can be a challenge. I don't always treat people like I should, I hold grudges, overthink everything, have perfectionistic tendancies, I make fun of EVERYTHING and take out frustrations on her just because she's close in proximity. How's that fair?? It's not. I often don't know why she chose me, but she did, and I know that God directed her to do so... Thank God!

To know Amy is to love Amy (as the old song goes). She makes everything fun, and I make fun of everything. (I think that was a parallelism) She's honest, open and teachable. I have alot to learn from my wife. Why is it, that anyone who knows her for more than 5 minutes wants to call, come by or just in general be around?? She loves Jesus and that overflows on the rest of us. I, on the otherhand, rarely get phonecalls, emails, from people.(not fishing) Instead of depressing myself, I'll just chalk it up to guys don't do that sort of thing.

To you single folk: Look at the heart (figurative) and look for qualities of teachablitiy, faithfulness and vision. Or just look at Amy.

I am not Godly.

2007-11-26T16:00:00.000-06:00

No, I'm not a comment whore that is begging for pats. But my feelings can be way wrong sometimes. I was called a 'boy' today, and boy did it hurt. I just want to do what I want to do, and have no consequences. Ya feel me? If you know me and care for me, please pray that the powers that be will have mercy on me, and show me compassion by letting me out of a committment I made. If not, well... I don't want to think about that right now. Do I deserve this? No. But that's what's so amazing about grace...

Heard a Rumor

2007-11-26T15:49:00.001-06:00

I heard a rumor that blogging is cool again... of course I don't care about that! I've got lots of thoughts. I hope you're ready to read them... or not.

Fan Story

2007-06-25T17:28:00.001-05:00

It's been a long time since I blogged. I guess I haven't had anything good to say. One cool thing that has happened is my SunDevil Fan Story. Check it out at sundevilcentral.com

Click on the one that says "friend of the devil" you'll have to fill out a short form, but it's worth it, trust me. If I was brilliant I would figure out how to put it on YouTube. But I'm not.

Since I don't check this very often, you can reach me at haydanhay@gmail.com.

ASU is hot, hot hot.

2006-08-14T22:17:00.000-05:00

I'm Speechless. Totally Awesome.

2006-08-03T22:49:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of Sun Devil Fan Stories...

The "Real" Sparky

Tucson Cop

It's Granny's Birfday

2006-07-28T12:17:00.000-05:00

Edward "Bob" Foster

2006-07-11T23:22:00.000-05:00

This week my grandpa turned 93. Wow. We're still glad to have him around. My grandma led him to the Lord about a month ago. She's been praying for him since they met in 1941. They married in 1945 after only getting to know one another through letters. They only had one date before grandpa was shipped overseas, and it was only 2 months from the time they reunited in 1945 until they married.

Here are some more fun facts about Bob.

He was born July 6, 1913 in Hamilton, Iowa. I've been to hamilton, it's not much more than a spot in the middle of the road.

He ran away in his teens several times, and in the 1930's moved to Southern California to wrestle professionally. He wrestled under the name Thomas Timothy O'toole. He was a pretty tough guy. After that, he refereed wrestling matches until WWII and again after he returned from overseas. I was watching a special about wrestling once on TV, and the guys that inspired Hulk Hogan and some of the older wrestlers, they were all friends of Bob. Guys like "Killer Kowalski" and "Gorgeous George"

In WWII, he was in the army air-corp, the 117th bomb group. His position was navigator on a B-26 bomber named the "Coughin' Coffin", which is the plane that inspired the famous song "Coming in on a wing and a prayer" because it had landed once with only one wheel down. Since he was the navigator, he has lots of pictures of bombing sites taken from the airplane. He also gave me pictures when he toured the Holy Land in 1944. He also has pictures of death camps that his unit went through. I think Eisenhower wanted everyone to see what Hitler did.

After the war he joined the Polk County Iowa Sherriff's Department where he was a deputy from 1955 to 1979. He was always assigned as head of security when an important person came to Des Moines. He has a big frame on the wall of his house with pictures and letters from all the famous people he guarded. Eisenhower, JFK, LBJ, Nixon, and other governors, senators, etc. My favorite is of Him and then Senator John Kennedy (1958)

Then in 1979, he started to play golf everyday. And he did until about 10 years ago.

The many faces of Jenny.

2006-06-23T22:35:00.000-05:00

Our friend Jenny is a deep, multifacted human being. The following is just a few of the 87 different emotions of Jenny on Facebook. Enjoy.

Happy

Sad

Elated

Exhausted

Perplexed

Worshipful

Celebratory

Inquisitive

Loyal

Hungry

Depressed

Suicidal

Hopeful

Bashful

Sleepy

Dopey

Sneezy

Grumpy

Doc?

Mischievous

Angry

Melancholy and the infinite sadness.

Worried

Friendly

Anxious

Proud

Safe

Alegre!

Trendy

And Scared

There you have it.

Silly Shirt Sightings

2006-06-22T13:22:00.000-05:00

Danny E. Hay: March 26, 1952- May 8, 2006

2006-06-09T10:30:00.000-05:00

I have to tell you, this whole situation is quite strange. For a person like myself who is usually in control of their emotions, and has a fairly firm grip on reality, this has thrown me for a loop.

I've figured out that there is no "standard" for grief. Everyone grieves differently. I've discovered that I can hold it together when I need to, in public or at memorial services. But in private tears are random and frequent. Just the littlest thing can set me off.

At the memorial in AZ, I didn't hardly cry a drop. I was worried everyone thought I was strange for not looking upset. In fact, my uncle and I were joking around alot. I guess that's how we deal with pain.

Denial aint just a river in Egypt. I understand what this means now. Your mind knows what happened, but your heart won't believe it. It's like I have to tell my heart over and over again what happened, and everytime, it acts surprised.

His story is a great testimony to the power of Jesus. I shared at the memorial that Dad and I didn't get along when I was young...that's an understatement. Then about 6 years ago or so, he accepted Christ.. Talk about a complete 180. He became the Dad I had always hoped for. Sure, he still had his faults, but the last 5 years have been the best ever. We did stuff together, talked stuff out, prayed together, and said "I love you" pretty often... amazing. My mother said at the memorial that she didn't know the guy everyone was talking about. (They divorced 11 years ago) She's right. That's how big of a change he made.

So many people were in tears looking at me. It was a little strange. That's because I look alot like my Dad, and have many of the same manerisms. I remember when I was a kid I hated the fact that my name was the same as his, and resented it when people said we looked alike. Now, I couldn't be more proud to pass on the high forhead, no butt and Santa belly.

My earliest memories of my father was watching him work on his 1938 Chevy. He bought it in 1970 when he still lived with my grandparents. It was all original and somebody had painted it blue with a brush and roller. I think he said he paid $400 for it, to which my grandpa thought he was nuts paying that for it. It was a rust free car (rare in Iowa) and it was sold new at Fletcher Jones Chevrolet in Phoenix, Az. That's ironic because we lived in Iowa, and eventually moved to AZ.

He finished hot rodding it in 1982. The following year we drove to OKC to the Street Rod Nationals. There were 12,000 cars there that year, and Dad won a Top 25 award. That means the car was judged as one of the top 25 at the show. He was very proud of this because all the other award winners were red Fords, and he had a purple Chevy.

He did everything to the car himself in our garage except stitch the upolstery. He put every amenity that new cars had on this one. Power windows, door locks, cruise, tilt wheel, automatic trans, automatic headlights, power antenna, power seats A/C, power steering, AM/FM Stereo...It has a 327 V-8 from a 69 corvette. Even though the restoration is more than 25 years old, you can still look closely and see Dad's attention to detail. That car is as shiny and clean on the bottom as it is on the top.. many of the brackets and pieces he made himself because he couldn't afford to buy one.

Miss you Dad.

2006-05-10T00:33:00.000-05:00

He said I was in my early forties
with a lot of life before me
when a moment came that stopped me on a dime
and I spent most of the next days
looking at the x-rays
Talking bout the options
and talking bout sweet time
I asked him when it sank in
that this might really be the real end
how�s it hit you when you get that kinda news
man what'd you do

and he said
I went sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named fumanchu
and I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I gave forgiveness I'd been denying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.

He said I was finally the husband
that most the time I wasn't
and I became a friend a friend would like to have
and all the sudden going fishin
wasn't such an imposition
and I went three times that year I lost my dad
well I finally read the good book
and I took a good long hard look
at what I'd do if I could do it all again

and then
I went sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named fumanchu
and I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I gave forgiveness I'd been denying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.

Like tomorrow was a gift and you got eternity to think about
what'd you do with it what did you do with it
what did I do with it
what would I do with it?

Sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named fumanchu
and then I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I watched an eagle as it was flying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.
To live like you were dying.

Mystery Pooper

2006-05-01T22:55:00.000-05:00

It seems "he/she" has struck again. Always without warning, cruel unusual, somewhat impressive, but definitely gross.

Let me take you way back to ... saturday. Fudd and Amy awoke to a large 'tootsie roll' in the toilet. The crime scene was very clean, literally, as there was NO T.P. in the the bowl. Grody you say? Yes, but a crucial clue proving the perp was proud of thier doo-ing, and didn't want any T.P. to hinder the viewing of said creation.

Of course noone in the household admits guilt, but after examination of the doors there is no evidence of forced entry. So, that means either it was an inside job or they knew the perp and unwittingly let him/her in. Hmmm...

Which brings us to this afternoon... after a hard day of moving, I glady slurped up a large drink courtesy of Sonic. Shortly thereafter I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen signaling that my blatter needed some relief. I went into Amy and Jenny's bathroom, lifted the lid... dun dun dun! The horror which I felt is undescribable. The smell I experienced was ungodly, and I may have nightmares. They struck again. Same M.O., nobody home, and no evidence of a flush. ( I'll spare you the details)

After the second incident, I think we have a serial pooper on our hands. Which makes me want to wash my hands for some reason.. (sick)

Beware, your toilet could be next.

I spent a month in a VW one day....

2006-04-16T09:13:00.000-05:00

I made it to my dad' s house in Mesa, finally. It was an eventful Saturday, let me tell ya.

I picked up the car in St. George Utah at 9pm friday. Went to bed. Got up to see that the front tires are trashed, and won't make it very far, (thanks for telling me steve) . I went to the tire store and the car is so low that no tires will fit under the fenders, and the size of tires it had were a special order item that nobody carries. I thought I was going to be stuck there for a couple of days.. frustration was an understatement... so, I just stopped, sat down and prayed for a little bit..

God calmed my heart, then I got my thinking cap back on. I remembered that the front suspension on this VW is adjustable, meaning that I could raise the car up, put on the different tires, and be on my way. Well, the guy I bought the car from was sure that it was already raised up (idiot) but it was actually at it's lowest setting. So, I finally got some tools, and stuck the nose of it up in the air. Then I drove to the tire store and put some new kicks on the front, and I finally left St. George at noon.

I didn't get the speedo hooked up before I left, so I was guessing the speed. Whatever speed I was going, it was about 25 mph slower than everyone else on the freeway... when I looked in my mirror, I felt like the pacecar at the Daytona 500, watching all the swirving to get around me. In my defense, I'm pretty sure I was doing at least 70, which means everyone else was hauling some hiney yesterday.

But the car ran pretty good, except the idle was a little rough.. no biggie...

After getting through Las Vegas, I drove over the Hoover Dam, on the dam road. It was quite impressive... I was sad that I didn't have a camera, or anyone with me to enjoy it.

Anyways.... I got to Wickenburg, Az, which is only about 60 miles from my dad's house when....

I stopped to talk on the phone, dropped the clutch to leave and heard the nastiest grinding and breaking metal sound. I thought that I'd fried the clutch. After some investigation, it wasn't the clutch, but the rear axle had stripped out the splines in the brake drum..... causing the axle to spin free inside the wheel.. Praise God because that's a much easier fix than a clutch.

So I called my Uncle David, and he brought the trailer, and we rolled in about 8:30 pm. Then scott came over and brought a used brake drum and we jacked it up on the trailer and fixed it in about 20 minutes.

Geez. What a day. God is good, I could still be in Utah or stuck on the road a lot farther away..

Despite the problems, I'm happy with the car. It does have a few problems that need fixing... like, no lights work except the headlights and tailights. So I need to fix the brake lights, turn signals, dash lights and license light.... whew.

See you guys late monday- early Tuesday morning!

Dan

Another song (from childhood)

2006-04-12T16:53:00.000-05:00

Well, when I was a kid I'd take a trip every summer down the Mississippi
To visit my granny in her antebellum world
I'd run barefooted all day long climbin' trees free as a song
And one day I happened to catch myself a squirrel
Well, I stuffed him down in an old shoe box, punched a couple of holes in the top
And when Sunday came I snuck him into Church
I was sittin' way back in the very last pew showin' him to my good buddy Hugh
When that squirrel got loose and went totally berserk
Well, what happened next is hard to tell
Some thought it was heaven others thought it was hell
But the fact that something was among us was plain to see
As the choir sang "I Surrender All" the squirrel ran up Harv Newlan's coveralls
Harv leaped to his feet and said, "Somethin's got a hold on me", Yeow!

Chorus

The day the squirrel went berserk
In the First Self-Righteous Church
In the sleepy little town of Pascagoula
It was a fight for survival that broke out in revival
They were jumpin' pews and shoutin' Hallelujah!

Well, Harv hit the aisles dancin' and screamin'
Some thought he had religion others thought he had a demon
And Harv thought he had a weed eater loose in his Fruit-Of-The-Looms
He fell to his knees to plead and beg and the squirrel ran out of his britches leg
Unobserved to the other side of the room
All the way down to the amen pew where sat Sister Bertha better-than-you
Who'd been watchin' all the commotion with sadistic glee
But you should've seen the look in her eyes
When that squirrel jumped her garters and crossed her thighs
She jumped to her feet and said "Lord have mercy on me"
As the squirrel made laps inside her dress
She began to cry and then to confess to sins that would make a sailor blush with shame
She told of gossip and church dissension but the thing that got the most attention
Was when she talked about her love life and then she started naming names

Chorus

The day the squirrel went berserk
In the First Self-Righteous Church
In that sleepy little town of Pascagoula
It was a fight for survival that broke out in revival
They were jumpin' pews and shoutin' Hallelujah!

Well seven deacons and the pastor got saved,
Twenty-five thousand dollars was raised and fifty volunteered
For missions in the Congo on the spot
Even without an invitation there were at least five hundred rededications
And we all got baptized whether we needed it or not
Now you've heard the bible story I guess
How he parted the waters for Moses to pass
Oh the miracles God has wrought in this old world
But the one I'll remember 'til my dyin' day
Is how he put that Church back on the narrow way
With a half crazed Mississippi squirrel

Chorus

My Song (not about Amy)

2006-04-12T16:50:00.000-05:00

Well, I was raised in a sophisticated kind of style.
Yeah, my taste in music and women drove my folks half wild.
Mom and Dad had a plan for me,
It was debutantes and er-symphonies,
But I like my music; I like my women wild.

Yeah, an' I like my women just a little on the trashy side,
When they wear their clothes too tight and their hair is dyed.
Too much lipstick an' er too much rouge,
Gets me excited, leaves me feeling confused.
An' I like my women just a little on the trashy side.

Shoulda seen the looks on the faces of my Dad and Mom,
When I showed up at the door with a date for the senior prom.
They said: "Well, pardon us son, she ain't no kid.
"That's a cocktail waitress in a Dolly Parton wig.
I said: "I know it dad, ain't she cool, that's the kind I dig."

Yeah, an' I like my women just a little on the trashy side,
When they wear their clothes too tight and their hair is dyed.
Too much lipstick an' er too much rouge,
Gets me excited, leaves me feeling confused.
An' I like my women just a little on the trashy side.

Instrumental break.

I like 'em sweet, I like 'em with a heart of gold.
Yeah an' I like 'em brassy, I like 'em brazen and bold.
Well, they say that opposites attract, well, I don't agree
I want a woman just as tacky as me.
Yeah, I like my women just a little on the trashy side.

Yeah, an' I like my women just a little on the trashy side,
When they wear their clothes too tight and their hair is dyed.
Too much lipstick an' er too much rouge,
Gets me excited, leaves me feeling confused.
An' I like my women just a little on the trashy side.

Yeah, I like my women an' I like 'em on the trashy side.

Cool

2006-04-10T22:38:00.000-05:00

Thrilla

2006-04-04T00:18:00.000-05:00

Watch for the honky in the white tee-shirt... I like his moves.

Bug Selecta

2006-04-03T11:26:00.000-05:00

Click on the link to play Bug Selecta.

You can choose style, color, accesories, ride height for your VW in a flash game.

Flames and Bugs

2006-03-30T14:39:00.000-06:00

I got bored and painted flames on my 1980 Honda. I can paint your car too for a small fee...

Introducing, the newest member of the Hay family.. a 66 Beetle. I don't usually name my cars, but I'd like to know what you think it should be named...anything goes except names of old ladies, 'cause that's just lame. I was thinking of "The Low" or "El Dub" or "ol red"

It currently lives in St. George Utah, I'm still figuring out how to get it home.

Peace

Diet of the Pros.

2006-03-20T11:23:00.000-06:00

I Found this "diet" on the internet... enjoy.

1. For breakfast, just have cigarettes & coffee( no sugar, only sweeteners allowed)! The idea is that the cigarettes raise your metabolism and curb hunger, while the caffeine from the coffee also raises your metabolism and releases some of the fat molecules that was stored the night before.

2. Stock up on frozen entrees(only the lean kind under 300 calories) & mixed frozen veggies in a bag:carrots, peas, green beans and lima beans. Mix about 1 cup of veggies with the frozen entree and what you have is a satisfying, high fiber, low fat/calorie, filling meal under 350 calories! This is great for busy people since, all you need is a microwave.

3. Stock up on Dexatrim Max diet pills. I prefer to take 1 of these right before my workout ---This stuff really works. The rush and energy you get is amazing.

I've already lost 8 pounds and have just 7 more to go...Ultimately, my goal is to reach my original weight of 110----- cross your fingers! =)

Every Woman's Desire

2006-03-06T23:07:00.000-06:00

Hey ladies, I know this guy personally. I can hook you up.
He's pretty much Billy Graham that looks like Fabio.

Blah-gger dot com

2006-03-06T13:56:00.000-06:00

Blah blah something witty... an interesting link or funny video. Something that bugs me told in a funny yet bitingly sarcastic way. Something spiritual more meant to impress then to discover God. Meaningful song lyrics...

La la la
Blah blah blah
hurt, pride, bitterness

La la la
Blah blah blah
Love, joy, forgiveness

A challege to act. A short summary with a witty statement hoping to incite comments.

Hot as a Pistol

2006-02-27T13:28:00.000-06:00

This is awesome.

I'm a tinkerer.

2006-02-21T22:48:00.000-06:00

I like to tinker, build, modify anything that moves. It's in my jeans. Literally. I have a 1/2 inch end wrench in my pocket right now. When I had my rad Impala Wagon SS, I could do this, but it's gone. I love my truck, but it gets horrible fuel mileage, and I'm all tinkered out with it. It's advertised right now. PLEASE PRAY RIGHT NOW THAT I SELL MY TRUCK! I would use the cash to help Amy and I start a life, and to buy something for me to tinker with. For example, check out the following....
(click the image to make it huge) Here's a great little specimen advertised online. It's a 62 bug with a cool ragtop. It's got a 1776 cc engine with a freewayflyer transmission for the passing lane on I-35. Nice interior, cool maltese cross on the door, and Praise 'd Lowered it sits low! Lowered VWs handle like a Go-kart.. you can make a u-turn at 40 mph...

Your probably thinking "why would he want that?" well, one man's trash is another man's treasure, and I didn't say a word about your shot glass collection, or whatever other wierd tastes you have.......... so there.

Grillz

2006-02-17T17:20:00.000-06:00

I shoulda got me a grill yesterday..

My favorite person ever

2006-02-16T19:17:00.000-06:00

Look through my eyes today.

Yeah, kinda like that

2006-02-09T10:35:00.000-06:00

I could use this right about now.

Recent Musical Selections

2006-02-02T01:20:00.000-06:00

...He will make your paths straight.

2006-02-01T13:58:00.000-06:00

I discovered recently that the word 'straight' in this verse means clear, or obvious. That is, His will for our lives will be as obvious as the grass is green. But why doesn't it seem that obvious? Let's look at the first part of this passage. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart.." Most likely I'm not completely trusting in him. This kind of trust says 'YES!' before even knowing what will be asked. I think many times we say to God "Lord show me your will so I can consider it." And then we wonder why there is silence from Him. That's not the way He plays it.

"...don't lean on your own understanding" - Say yes and don't 'weigh pros and cons'

"...in all your ways acknowledge Him" - don't compartmentalize your life. Make Jesus Lord of everything. Relationships, work, school, family.

And HE will make your path clear and obvious.

Liar Liar Pants on Fire.

2006-01-30T22:45:00.000-06:00

I don't like being lied to. I mean, what could be bad enough that someone wouldn't just tell me to my face? "I ran over your dog. Your breath stinks. I hate your face. Oh yeah, and that thing that we've been talking about for the last 3 years is still festering... not healed but a cleverly disguised sore covered with the pretense of good behavior." Am I an unforgiving person? Someone please tell me... and don't lie about that too!

All kidding aside, it hurts very deeply. I use humor to diffuse the pain. Can't we just be honest about our flaws, allow others to see how we really are? That's what God wants I think.

Pirate Convention

2006-01-25T13:21:00.000-06:00

Cuba Libre!!

2006-01-24T17:26:00.000-06:00

I'm amazed at what's going on, and has been going on for 50 years 90 miles off Key West. You don't have to go around the world to see suffering, oppression, poverty, evil... it's right in our backyard.

A little history: Bautista was the President of Cuba in the 50's. He was a very corrupt man, allowing american mafioso to live like kings in Havana. He frequently exploited cuba to line his own pockets. Along comes Fidel Castro and Ernesto "Che" Gueverra. They offered hope to cubans, promising to restore cuba to it's former glory if they help overthrow bautista.

To make a long story short, they traded a corrupt politician for an evil dictator. oops. Castro has murdered thousands of his own people, including his friend Che. That's right... Che was getting pretty popular and Fidel worried that he was too popular. So, he sent Che off to south america to run an errand or something and was "killed". Then Fidel forged some letters from him saying that he would always be faithful to " la revolucion". Essentially Castro murdered him then made him a national hero... genius.

The believers in Cuba fear there lives. One tactic of the government is to make everything seem calm on the surface... people tend to let down their guard..but in reality there are spies everywhere. Satan works the same way. If we don't believe in him, or think he's powerless, we let down are guard and he can gain a foothold.

Pray for Cuba, and my cuban friends. God will know who you're talking about.

Chronicles of Narnia..

2006-01-11T13:15:00.000-06:00

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.

2006-01-10T13:28:00.000-06:00

My Last Christmas....For a while.

2005-12-29T09:15:00.000-06:00

No, I'm not depressed, and no, I'm not dying. It's just that I was spoiled beyond belief this year, with enough gifts to last a few Christmases. I'm thankful and awestruck simultaneously, which combined spells "awe-ful"........... I guess that's not an accurate description of how I feel. I guess "undeserving" is more accurate.

Here's a list of the highlights:

* iPod video from Mom
*3 pairs of jeans, a sweater, Visoneering book, from Amy
* iTrip from Matt
* Gift Certificate from Sis
* Car from the Barnetts
* New Tires for the car From Toadie
* Home entertainment system (DVD/Surround) from Strap.
* Sweet radio control Jeep from Jenny
* 3hp 21 gallon Air Compressor
3/8 air rachet
Air tool accessories
Goodyear Airhose
Tool Set- pliers, test light, allens, screwdrivers etc etc.
Nose hair trimmer
One million candle power Coleman Spotlight
new undershirts/socks
-All from the Van Dycks
(I felt weird after opening all the aformentioned gifts because it was like, I hope you enjoy your CD I got ya!)
* I got to see almost all my family in Iowa, Arkansas, and the Van Dycks plus David and the Cottle Clan.

I'm not trying to brag, but wanted you to get an idea of the spoil-age. Anywho, I'm thankful to the givers and to Jesus who saw fit for me to have some cool stuff. It was a pretty rad Holiday after a long semester at Seminole.

Remember This Face.

2005-12-27T12:36:00.000-06:00

Tonight, 7:30 pm central I think (check your local listings) The insight bowl is on. Tune in and watch Arizona State ravage Rutgers.

Bidi Bidi Bom Bom

2005-12-24T09:10:00.000-06:00

We're finally here, and after much traveling and relatives, we landed last night in the city of Corpus Christi, hometown to the slain Tejano music sensation, SELENA.

We've also been in ye olde Buick for about a week. But we did learn ten verses by just riding in the Max-mobile. We went from Norman to Bella Vista Arkansas, then to Des Moines Iowa for 2 days, back to Arkansas for 2 days. We opened presents with my family thursday night. Then we drove back to Norman on Friday, picked up Jenny and Buki, then headed for the sea. We stopped in San Antonio and had dinner with the Cottle fam. We then drove on to Corpus while watching "Can't Hardly Wait" on my laptop, arriving at 11:30 pm. Wow, it was a long day.

Amy's mom has about 974 presents under the huge tree, (little full, lotta sap) Anyway, the hugest present has my name on it, not sure how we're going to get it home. It's so big that 4 oompa loompas could be living inside.

Whelp, see ya later.

Name That Tune, Original Artist Please...

2005-12-18T23:27:00.000-06:00

I believe in God the Father
Almighty Maker of Heaven and Maker of Earth
And in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son, our Lord
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit
Born of the virgin Mary
Suffered under Pontius Pilate
He was crucified and dead and buried

And I believe what I believe is what makes me what I am
I did not make it, no it is making me
It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man

I believe that He who suffered was crucified, buried, and dead
He descended into hell and on the third day, rose again
He ascended into Heaven where He sits at God's mighty right hand
I believe that He's returning
To judge the quick and the dead of the sons of men

And I believe what I believe is what makes me what I am
I did not make it, no it is making me
It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man

I believe it, I believe it
I believe it
I believe it, I believe it

I believe in God the Father
Almighty Maker of Heaven and Maker of Earth
And in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son, our Lord
I believe in the Holy Spirit
One Holy Church
The communion of Saints
The forgiveness of sin
I believe in the resurrection
I believe in a life that never ends

And I believe what I believe is what makes me what I am
I did not make it, no it is making me
I did not make it, no it is making me
I said I did not make it, no it is making me
It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man

I believe it, I believe
I believe it, I believe

Dave, your date's here..

2005-12-18T00:01:00.000-06:00

Stupid Awards 2005

2005-12-15T23:41:00.000-06:00

**this is a re-post, so comments didn't transfer.

NOTE: These people aren't stupid, but the awards most definitely are. Without Further adieu..

"Best Fiance I've Ever Had"
Amy Van Dyck

Everyone now.... Awwww.

"Most Likely to Start a National Trend and/or catchphrase"
Mark Cone

Everything he does is art.

"Most Popular Girl in School"
Allison Powell

Nuff said..

"Bah-haha Award"
Dave Elliff

Thanks for bringing the laugh to Oklahoma, what a contribution.

"GQ Called" Award
David Cottle

Also the "Dude I've missed most lately" award

"Greatest O-stater"
Grant Bivens

Seminole already misses him.

"Best Picture Smile"
Jenny Van Dyck

So consistent, regal

"Hottest Grandma"
Junk Jennings

(insert your own commentary)

"Lewdest Facebook Picture"
Matt Carpenter

I had to edit this pic... never know when the kids are blog hopping...gross.

"Most likely to take Steve Jobs' Job"
Ryan Mock

His new invention is an MP3 player for foot doctors, it's called the iPodiatrist.

"Most Eligible Bachelor"
Shane Kammerer

He's pretty much Billy Graham that looks like Fabio.

"Coolest Teacher at OU"
Susanne Scott

Ich wünsche, daß ich sie als Lehrer hatte. Stoppen Sie bitte, mein Fett zu ergreifen.

"Chillaxin' Award"
Thad Lanthripe

Am I right, Am I right?

"What Tha..." Award
Anthony Chastain

Long Story...

"Hey Friends" Award
Tygre Meniolberg-stein

Sheesh.

Whelp, that's 5 minutes you'll never get back... comment if I missed any awards.

The Chronicles of iPodia.

2005-12-12T23:39:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm very happy, I got my Christmas present from my mom early... a 30 gb ipod video. It's totally sweet and lives up to the hype.

I also won a home theater system in a trivia game today.. long story. But it's free! God has given me so much stuff lately, I really don't deserve it.

So, come by and I'll give you a demonstration!

Ah, the holidays

2005-12-11T15:38:00.000-06:00

God Bless us, everyone!

Amy's Favorite Christmas Movie

2005-12-09T13:07:00.000-06:00

Take a guess, then, Click the link to see if you were correct!

Merry Christmas!

What a Provider!

2005-12-06T13:47:00.000-06:00

A little disclaimer first: I don't base my love or faith in God on what he gives me, because sometimes He sees that it would be better for me to be without. But when He does provide, and in a major way, I want to stand up, sing loud and do a little jig for my Lord!

Today a good friend and mentor donated his car to Amy and I. Amy's current car has one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel, so this was such an answer to prayer.

What moves my heart the most is the fact that I haven't been very faithful lately, and it has felt that I have neglected my relationship with Him. Today I totally feel loved, and that my acceptance and forgiveness is not based on what I've done, but what he's done. Yet another undeserving gift given to an undeserving person... as if his life wasn't enough...

Um, er,uh, like.....I should stick to text posts.

2005-12-05T22:57:00.000-06:00

And now...the Rest of the story.

2005-11-29T11:25:00.000-06:00

Here goes. The weekend before thanksgiving there was a car show in Scotsdale, Az. My dad and his friends from the "Zonie Motors" car club decided to have some fun this year, because car shows can be quite boring at times. So, they decided to have a Mardi Gras party, and so they drove around the place playing cajun music and throwing beads at people. (they didn't have to do anything to get the beads)

This car was built just for the event. Four guys from the club got together and bought this 51 Chrysler. (yep, it's got a hemi!) They cut the roof off, lowered it, painted it flat black, put flamethrowers in the exhaust and stuck them through the hood. So they would drive around throwing beads and shooting fire from the pipes.
It was a trip, to say the least. It was really funny watching the all the over 50 car guys party. They were all hammered and dancing around by noon both days.

They also had about 5 blenders that were powered by weed-eater engines making drinks all day.

Eventually, they got in trouble for the flamethrowers, apparently they're illegal.. so in protest they stuffed newspaper and hot coals from the grill in the pipes and set them on fire.. real mature, huh?

You'll see the entire event in the upcoming video "Old Fogeys Gone Wild" which will be available for $19.95 on late night cable TV.

THE END

Weenie Roast?

2005-11-27T23:58:00.000-06:00

This is what I want for Christmas.... or an ipod I guess.

There's a story behind this. Not a very good one, so don't get your hopes up...

I will say that actual weenies were roasted on this flame, as well as popcorn, buns, and anything else we could find to stick in the pipes.

Stay tuned!

I'm off to the 602...er uh 623....no wait ...480.

2005-11-17T21:33:00.000-06:00

Back in the diz-ay Arizona only had one area code for the entire state. Around the Mid-80's the boom to move out west hit, and Phoenix and the surrounding communities were growing like crazy.

I just remember that it seemed like overnight we went from one area code to several. I think it was when I was a freshman in college. Well, the 'rappers' liked to call Phoenix the "602" because...well... I guess it sounded cool. So, out of habit I call it the "602" 'cause I'm straight gangsta'. Technically though, my dad doesn't live in the 602 area code, but it just doesn't feel right to say that I'm gonna be kickin' it in the 480. So, for our purposes, I'm bouncin' to the 602.. ish.

Here are some fun Arizona images.

The Canyon (grand)
The Tempe Town Lake on New year's

Suh-weet
Palm Walk. You can see how it got its name. DUH! Runs north-south through campus. I've walked on it like....1,000 times.
The Bridge over University Ave. The beginning of Palm Walk.
A rare geological find discovered in Tibet and transported carefully back to ASU. They found it just like that, I swear.
Seriously... not at Thanksgiving though.
Go Devils!

Learner??

2005-11-16T15:03:00.000-06:00

Today I'm having an internal struggle with what I know is true, and what I really believe. I've committed to be a learner for the rest of my life. But sometimes that's easier said than done. I know that God has put certain people in my life to learn from, but right now my pride doesn't want to hear it. Maybe I just need a vacation.

Lord, help me to learn all I can from everyone I can, not just the ones I choose to learn from.

Speaking of Pride, I've got plenty enough to go around lately, and I'm afraid to pray that God will humble me. So, I'm trying to 'humble myself in the sight of the Lord' so He doesn't have to.

Unconnected thoughts

2005-11-14T00:13:00.000-06:00

Ray Charles. I like his music. His life was really messed up though. So was Elvis. Maybe that's the trade-off. Fame comes at a price.

Having a bad day? Need a cheer up? Watch this video. It'll make you cry, and yet you'll want to jump for joy simultaneously.

Po'. Where' all my money going? To McDonalds I think. Hope I can make it to the 480.. (slang talk for phoenix)

Vee Dubs, I'd really like to own one.

Ripped Off

2005-11-09T14:50:00.001-06:00

I don't like to whine, but today I'm hurt. Some of you may have heard that when I play music with my homies, we like to call ourselves "Deer Pants." One of the first praise songs I ever heard was "As the Deer Pants for the Water..." Immediately the metal image came into my mind of a Deer wearing pants. So, I thought it would be cool to name a band that name.

Some friends of mine told their dad about our clever name, and he proceeded to copyright the name and start a Men's ministry at his church with the same name. They have a website where you can buy hats and aprons with MY band's name on it. This ministry is going nationwide in that they're creating reproducable curriculum a la 'Men's Fraternity'.

This pretty much means that legally I can't use the name. You know what I would hate more than being jailed for copyright infringement? Someone coming up to me and saying "Hey, did you copy your name from that men's Bible Study?" I think I would lose it. Ever seen that movie "Falling Down" with Michael Douglas? Yeah, kinda like that.

So.. for the handful of people that read this, I need ideas for a new band name. Here are a couple of ideas: (please don't steal and copyright) "Red Letter Edition" or "Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters"...

Dying Americana

2005-11-06T00:38:00.000-06:00

A bunch of us went to the Drive-in Movies tonight... I say Movie(s) because it was a triple feature for 5 bucks. I got a little nostalgic, because to me, the drive-in represents the innocence of the 1950's, which is all but lost.

We're lucky to have such a cool drive-in so close. In 1958 there were 5000+ drive-ins, and now there are less than 500 nationwide. The Winchester, located in south OKC has been owned by the same family for 68 years.

Anyone want a HOT DOG?

John Wooden

2005-11-03T18:23:00.000-06:00

I'm reading Wooden's Autobiography "They Call Me Coach" He was the UCLA basketball coach for 27 years, and has been called America's winningest coach, with 12 NCAA titles, and 7 consecutive titles from 1967-1975. He's coached greats like Kareem Abdul Jabaar, and Bill Walton.

He reads his Bible everyday, and considers faith to be essential for coaching. To be entrusted with the lives of young men without God would be impossible, says Wooden. His coaching style reflected all of life, not just basketball. He taught his players respect, integrity and hustle.

Guys like Wooden really know how to lead and teach men. Seems like discipleship closely parallels the training on sports teams.

You should read some biographies. It doesn't take long, and their are some cool men and women out there that we can learn from...

What's a vice?

2005-10-27T15:36:00.000-05:00

In case you were wondering Amy, (the only reader of this blog) a vice is used to hold something while it's being welded, cut, shaped, etc. One turns the handle to tighten or loosen the jaws around the object. Now you know.

Can you see how this relates to my life? The word "vice" is a double-entedre. It can also mean:

1 a : moral depravity or corruption : WICKEDNESS b : a moral fault or failing c : a habitual and usually trivial defect or shortcoming : FOIBLE vice of curiosity>
2 : BLEMISH, DEFECT
3 : a physical imperfection, deformity, or taint

The sinful nature of man. The vice we fight against.

Disunity

2005-10-11T23:28:00.000-05:00

Seems like were at that point in the living arrangement when we're starting to get real with each other, and when I say real, I mean real selfish. What I do is stuff "stuff" down deep and it begins to simmer and rears it's head as anger a month later. Others are withdrawing, talking trash behind each other's backs..etc. Well, the bottom line is that our sin is keeping us from honoring God where we live. So, who's gonna be the bigger man try to unify this house? I hope Dave will do it, but I need to step up. I think they're looking to me because I'm the oldest. Lord please help me remember that I don't have any rights, and that I must consider everyone better than me, for You oppose the proud, but give grace to the humble.

Decisions !?

2005-10-10T15:12:00.000-05:00

It's time I started getting things off my chest. Maybe I'll do it here, maybe I won't, but today I will.

I've been quite frustrated lately with the way people I care about are making decisions. These are people with lots of knowledge in their heads that is apparently stuck in traffic on the way to their heart. In other words, to know and to do are two different things. They know, but don't do.

BIG PICTURE: My dad always uses the expression, "stepping over dollars to pick up dimes" This is the idea that sometimes we get so wrapped up in details, or things that aren't important, and forget the vision that God has set before us. That's what I see happening all around me. People are dying and going to hell, guys are everywhere that need training, and all that dominates the mind is a GIRL. I have nothing against Girls, in fact, I'm going to marry a fabulous one. But God is clear about these matters... IDOLOTRY.. substituting the creator for the created.

ME ME ME Good 'ol fashoined selfishness. It's all about ME and what I want, MY happiness, what's best for ME. And God surely doesn't know what He's doing, if I trust Him, I'll probably get an ugly, nerdy boring person that will make me miserable. That's why I must take control of this area, becaues God will rip me off. It also doesn't matter in the least if the other person is ready, or if they need time to heal from past wounds, because, let me remind you that it's all about numero uno.

Counsel VS Advice This is the most tender point of my frustration. Advice is taken as a suggestion, Biblical counsel should be heeded. Most confuse the two.

Heart Friends We all need people who know us on a heart level. Most people know me on a factual level, Name, age, favorite color, etc. But these people are easily fooled by my tricks because they don't KNOW me. My heart friends know me so well, they can smell my BS a mile away. They know my past, my hurts, my tendancies, my struggles, and can make accurate assessments in light of scripture on my life. In other words, they have all the facts before drawing conclusions. These are also they people that I don't want to talk to when I mess up, because I can't fool them by telling them it was someone elses' fault, or some other lame excuse. I know exactly what they'll say because I know them on the same level.

So, I've been lonely lately because I know a few on this level, and they Know what I'd say about a situation, and are avoiding me. Instead, they take opinion polls from people who don't know anything in order to justify their actions and make them feel better about it. Sad, isn't it?

Guilty I have been guilty of everything I just said at one time or another, but I had some heart friends that LOVE me, and helped me see the big picture, and that God was trying to form my character and show me how selfish I am through these situations.

I'm spent.

What is the purpose of blogging?

2005-07-22T11:46:00.000-05:00

Having a blog is definitely the cool thing to do. Let the record show that I had a blog long before the wave hit.

So, what is a blog's purpose? If it is to get thoughts out in written form, then why not buy a journal? They're must be something intriguing about everyone with internet having access to my own thoughts. Maybe this is our 15 minutes of fame...

I've also noticed that bloggers tend to start blogging as some sort of cathartic release of thoughts and emotions, but it quickly becomes consumer driven. The worth and value of a blog is usually equated to how many comments have been made on each post. Is that what this is all about? Popularity? What happens is bloggers post things that will yield the most amount of comments. So, then is it for the reader, or the author?

Trying to understand

2005-07-13T15:01:00.001-05:00

I very aware that I don't know everything. I don't even claim to know 1% of everything, but I'm trying, and all I ask is that people would extend grace as I try in my awkward way.

Leading is hard. I'm still learning.

Jesus says "For the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for many" Did I come to be served? I wonder.

big deuce

2005-07-13T15:01:00.000-05:00

The Machiavelli of bloggerdom

2005-07-13T14:17:00.000-05:00

Well after a bit of a break, I'm back. I'm too much of a show-off to have a private journal, so I came back from blogging death for all the world to see.