leap

I don't understand Leap Day, although I think that it is really cool. Happy Leap Day to you all and for those of you with a birthday today - congrats!

Lot's of stuff going on tonight and this weekend:
1. 4County Teen CBS Fun Night - I am really excited about a night of hanging out with my teen CBS peeps. Plus add live music from W2 and you got yourself a success.

2. SMYDEK CityReach 08 Training 1 // Saturday at 10 - This crew is trying to stay on top of things this year and also trying to throw in some training as well. Tomorrow's topic -- Shoes & Stories. Specifically looking at our stories.

3. Renn Scott Eagle Scout Ceremony // Saturday at 2 - I have never been to one but I know that it is something few people achieve. Congrats Renn! Although I'm confident you don't read this.

4. Sunday Worship - Joseph promoted from dungeon to palace

5. SMYDEK - God in Your iPod // Foo Fighters - The Pretender

Have a great weekend everyone. God bless....

gas - the kind that fuels your vehicle...not to be confused with other forms!

I love it when God reminds me of things in crazy, extreme, unlikely, unique ways that only He can. This story begins yesterday on my way home from the office - a beautiful day here in Frederick. Running dangerously low on the liquid that moves my Explorer, I decide that I don't "feel" like stopping at the station for a refill because I don't want to get out of the car. Remember that it is a nice day...when are they going to make drive through gas stations by the way???

So I make it home - thank God this entry is not about running out of gas!

This morning (truly mid-morning) I leave 257 to head to the office and I realize that I still need gas. Hmmm, can't believe that no one filled up my car while I slept! Today in Frederick is nasty, rainy, no sun, gross kind of day. I stop by my favorite gas location and pay a ridiculous amount ($3.07). While I was pumping I noticed that there was a substantial amount of gas on the ground next to the pump I was using. This was of course mixed with a large puddle of water from the nasty weather. I tried to hike up my jeans enough to keep the gas/water combo off of them.

Fast forward 20 minutes. Apparently I was unsuccessful.

Sitting in my office, dad comes in and says, "Why does it smell like gas in here? Do you smell that?" Yeah I could smell it and I still can, in fact I may be getting a little toasted while studying today! I will definitely have to go back over my notes.

What is God's lesson in this?? 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 ... "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.

Death or life. We have an aroma, a smell that goes with us. I want those I come in contact with me to say, "can you smell that? Is that life??"

passion photo & recap

Where to begin?? Well, 3,000 college students on the campus of George Mason University. Some from as far away as New York, North Carolina, Michigan and of course the local states. Passion DC began on Friday night, worship with Chris Tomlin and Charlie Hall followed by a great message from Louie Giglio. This was the first time I have heard him speak and he was the real deal. Tim Ward and I got back around midnight Friday night, crashed and then got up early in order to get back by ten...

Start to finish on Saturday was great! More Chris Tomlin, Charlie Hall and Matt Redman. To see the Passion Movement up close and personal was phenomenal and encouraging as a Student Pastor. This is the type of place that we want our students to arrive, excited and passionate about Jesus Christ. Check out the passion blog to find out more...

"Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts."

passion

I'm trying to work it out. Do you want to join me? I think it is $120 at the door. click here for more details. This is technically for college age (18 - 25). Guess I will need to take some of them with me.... any ROOTS???

worship is...

Our worship leader at FBCGV is always finding sayings or quotes on worship. Often times he will even share something that God has taught him about worship. I am excited at the things that God is teaching my friend, W2, and then in turn what he is passing on to me. Lord God, continue to use W2 in a mighty way that only displays Your Hands!

I came across this video from Worship House Media.

Worship is...

still #1?

The greatest weekend of the year, at least in terms of the sporting world is just over one month away. The opening weekend of March Madness, I love it. I haven't been able to keep up with much college basketball until this point in the season so my brackets are probably already busted. No worries, the thrills, upsets and buzzer beaters surely will carry me through the tournament.

Memphis survived and remains no. 1. A close call at UAB just nights ago to remain unbeaten. Begin chatting about whether or not they are better off with a lose or without...Some commentators drive me crazy. As if a coach is going to tell his team to throw a game or only give half-hearted effort in order to obtain a one in the loss column. So ridiculous! I think this scare from UAB may just be enough to propel the Tigers into the Final Four in San Antonio.

I have been a huge fan of Memphis coach John Calipari even going back to his days with UMASS. How can you forget that incredible team centered around Marcus Camby. Ahh, those were the days.

Good times ahead...

All-Star Saturday Night

One of the greatest weekend's for the NBA, before the finals in June at least. This is the second ever All-Star Saturday Night hosted by the 257 Yoho's. This year we will be taking full advantage of the ManCave facilities. Come on by, there will be plenty of chili, hot dogs, chips & soda. The only requirement is that you need to wear a jersey!

a valentine PARI

I have no clue what that word or prefix is but it is neat. Pari! Meaghan took the day off yesterday so that we could have a complete Valentine's Day. Take that Hallmark, we didn't even purchase cards or chocolate or stupid stuffed bears. We decided that we just wanted to spend the day together. It was a huge success. I think those who participated would be interested in doing it again.

The day basically began with a nice "Dude, it is no longer Good Morning but a Good Nearly Afternoon to you." Yeah that's right, no good Valentine Day at 257 begins before eleven! After awaking we headed to the gym. Meaghan on her vintage 2008 Mongoose and I in the 97 Explorer. What a team...

Following our runs, stretches and abdominal strengthening I found Meg upstairs shooting J's. I took some foul shots (seriously, from the actual line...not saying my shots smelled bad -- although umm...) and then we played some 21. Of course, I had most of the advantages (i.e. height, weight, superiorness) and that led to my victory but it was a close match. A lunch fit for a king followed at Cafe Nola on Patrick Street followed by coffee at Proof right next door.

What happens next may take you by surprise. We went to Pari Spa for an afternoon of massaging and facials. Actually it was a half hour of each but it was awesome! I really enjoyed and can't wait to go back. Try it sometime. The lady told me that her goal was to make me addicted to the massage. I would say that she nearly accomplished that in one short session! Now before you take away my Manhood for the facial, it was like a face massage with some lotions and hot towels. Hot towels are awesome by the way.

Then it was off to Wal-mart, Blockbuster and Giant. We purchased a nice steak (his), salmon (hers) and potatoes (both) to make for dinner and went home to enjoy a lovely meal. Top that night off with LOST and you are all set.

A beautiful day with my beautiful wife. I love her more than words, more than massages and more than steak.

Then, since I had disconnected from much of the world yesterday, I went to the gym this morning and was thirty minutes late for our staff meeting. I totally forgot all about it until a got a phone call when I was coming out of the gym...oops!

texting courtesy

I love texting. Many times I find myself in a situation where I would not be able (or shouldn't) make a phone call but I can roll off a text with no problem. Here is where I have a slight beef. Sure I am okay with the fact that sometimes people don't answer their phone but they will respond to a text. Sure I am okay that some people just loathe talking on the phone.

What I don't find appropriate is this:
If I call you and you proceed to text me back. That's not cool. If I call you then you should be calling me back!

I know I am a little fired up about this but I think that this is what some may consider courtesy.

FYI, I went over my 300 texts last month and it cost me!

rock the vote

I'm off to the Rec Center to vote in the Chesapeake Primaries. Meaghan and I did some significant localized research last night. Mostly on the Board of Education people! I would let you know whom I was voting but then again I would not want to taint your voting experiences.

This election is certainly going to be an interesting one. I am kind of hoping in the back of my mind that McCain and Huckabee and Chuck will partner up to form a solid President and VP. Maybe that would be enough to defeat the Democratic party, whichever one wins this close primary.

Well, that's all I've got to say about voting and the elections. Peace!

My voting place happens to be in my gym so I guess I will stay for a nice little workout!

update

For those of you keeping score at home. By my calculations there have been six weeks of this glorious new year. You will recall my goal previously stated of working out an average of four days a week. I have increased my running regiment, I am now going 3.15 miles per. That's still a long way from running a half-marathon!

Well I am happy to report that to date I have worked out 25 days. My overall health seems to be improving and I just may forgo any insurance at all!

Have a great weekend...
I am heading skiing tomorrow...
Don't be jealous...

new series

starting this Sunday night at SMYDEK...



Well the idea was not an original but the songs will be! I am looking forward to searching for God's truths in unique places...

GOD IN YOUR iPod // 1

Jack Johnson - UPSIDE DOWN

42 // sub-par

Extreme disappointance with this years SuperBowl commercials. There have been times in the past we have been extremely wowed and times when they were just so so. Alas, this year was the dumps. I barely recall any that stand out and some I would rather not recall at all.

I did think that these three were blog-worthy...

Great job Doritos!


Who doesn't love Diet Pepsi Max...


Ahead of it's class - FedEx (can you see the arrow?)