Straight No Chaser - 12 Days

I know, the holidays are just about over, but the time is always right for some great sounding a Capella, even if it is the "12 Days of Christmas".

Thanks to Cindy Campbell of Q106.5 FM for the link.

Tastes Like Chicken

3:16

Upon leaving work today, by buddy Dave comes up to me and says, "Merry Christmas" and hands me the new book by Max Lucado called 3:16: The Numbers of Hope.

The title and book are on the following scripture, John 3:16:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

I almost hate to admit this but, I have never read a Max Lucado book. However, I am excited to delve into this one. This scripture alone is enough to fill anyone with hope. Even though too many have had it crammed down their throats but crazy evangelists, fanatics and those people that go to sporting events with the homemade sign that says "John 3:16". There are so many out there that give Christ a bad representation. But that is for another post.

Personally, this is one of my favorite scriptures that I find truly remarkable. But speaking contextually, I really think any "3:16" reference should be followed up by John 3:17:

"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."

God sent Jesus into the world to save us, not condemn us. Unfortunately, too many non-Christians see and here the condemnation aspect from other Christians rather than the love. It is truly awe inspiring that God loves us so much and yearns for a relationship with us so much that he would send his only son to be the sacrifice for us so that we can reconnect with our creator. Wow.

I'm eager to see what Max Lucado has to say on this topic.

14 Years...

Today, Jess and I celebrate 14 years of dating/marriage. We just passed the 7 1/2 marriage mark, leaving you to do the math for the rest of our relationship.

On December 21, we started going out. Of course, this was after being turned down for a first date (Can you believe it?). I asked her to go to a hockey game. The second date was obviously more successful...

So to celebrate this week, we went to a hockey game on Tuesday night. The Portland Pirates played a game at Alfond Arena. Great time but wow, the Pirates were awful. Good thing I had great company.

Tonight, we went to Starbuck's on a "Hot Chocolate Date".

Now, when we were first going out we were in college and didn't have a lot of money (wait, we still don't have a lot of money), so we went on Hot Chocolate dates to McDonald's. We decided after 14 years we could upgrade a little.

However, it is roughly 7:00 P.M. and Jess is about to doze off. And I don't think I am too far behind her.

We're getting old(er)...

Tastes Like Chicken

I'm guessing Peter's tree is looking a bit like this with his small child's decorating sense.

I, Robot

Much to Esther's chagrin, the Sci-Fi theme continues, at least for a little while.

I just finished reading I, Robot by Isaac Asimov. We have been doing a Sci-Fi unit for English class, so I figured the way to end the unit was to watch a Sci-Fi movie, and because we had read an Asimov short story, I decided to watch the movie of the same name.

If you look at Amazon or your local book store, you'll find the I, Robot cover with the ever-hunky, Big Willie style all up in it, Will Smith cover. But do not be fooled gentle reader, the book has little to do with the movie. Some of the themes and characters are the same, but that is where the similarities end. Detective Dale Spooner, the main character, isn't even in the book.

With that said, the Asimov book is pretty good. It is a collection of short stories all revolving around robots and the Three Laws of robotics. It is dated, but still a good read. A couple of the stories had more appeal for me than the others.

I would only recommend this book for the hardcore Sci-Fi fan.

I am Iron Man!!!

Okay, the comic book theme continues with this new pic of Iron Man! Can't wait for this one! It is gonna be amazing. I hope...