Big Rock Show

Messiah College has booked Phantom Planet, to play at the end of April. Some of you fans of the O.C., may know them because they sing the O.C. theme song "California." Others of you may recognize them because one Jason Schwartzman, a B-lister from such movies as Shopgirl and Rushmore, used to play drums for them. Needless to say, when they hit campus, it will be the biggest thing since Nickel Creek hits, one week prior.

In other rock show news, I'm thinking about going to see this band. I won't understand what they're singing about, but I hear they wear costumes.

I had thought about going to see The Cinematic Underground tonight. They look like a really neat concept. But I'm not.

I type all this, because it's been a long time since I've been to a rock show. And I'm yearning for some rockin' live music. I like to go to live shows.

Decisions, decisions

This weekend will be a cheap cultural weekend (CCW). Tonight, I am paying 100 pennies to see the Oscar-nominated film Paradise Now. Tomorrow night, I have two options. Firstly, the Heinz Chapel Choir is playing at a UCC church in Harrisburg. On the other hand, the drama troupe from Eastern University is doing a performance at a UMC church in Camp Hill. Both are free and both are good options. After careful deliberation, I have decided that I am going to hear the choir. They are a 45-voice acapella group and they should be good.

You should go get yourself some culture this weekend. It's good for you. Especially when it's free.

Shopping List

Here it is:

Paper Bowls
Plastic Spoons
OJ
Ground Beef
Birds Eye Frozen Vegetables (BOGO)
Armour Turkey Sausage
Servioli Pasta (BOGO)
Keebler Fudge Shop Cookies (BOGO) <---not for me
1/4 lb of bacon
Cheese
Pretzels

And that should be right around $20, which is my weekly grocery budget.

0330

Well, we're about two weeks or so away from the release of the NFL regular season schedule. The league made a good decision in limiting the types of touchdown celebrations, that are now completely out-of-control. They also made some other rule changes, including toughening the horse collar rule. Read more here.

One of the more frequently discussed topics (IMHO) in young adult circles is the use of profanity. Is it okay for Christians to cuss? Well apparently, people in general appear to think it's a problem, according to CNN.

Today is Thursday, and as a general rule of thumb, today is the day I make my grocery shopping list. I shop weekly. My grocery store of choice is Weis. I will usually consult their online sales circular as I craft my list. This week Birds Eye Frozen Vegetables are BOGO (Buy One Get One Free). That's on my list. I think I'm going to get some ground beef this week. Rachel Ray had this great bacon cheeseburger recipe that has the bacon and the cheese INSIDE of the burger. I think I could try that. I could definitely eat that. I think I'll post my shopping list later on today..

And finally, I've had two dreams last week. One of them involved me at Pat Summit's house (no comments Ocean) and the other involved several of my friends and I renting a beach house. In Hawaii.

My labor of pizza

Check out this menu. They actually don't have their own website, so I typed out the menu myself. It took a while...

BSAT

I thought you guys might get a kick out of some of the questions that Borders asks in it's online employment application.

Page 14 of 37

Your stuff is often kind of messy
a)Strongly disagree
b)Disagree
c)Agree
d)Strongly agree

People have a lot of arguments with you
a)Strongly disagree
b)Disagree
c)Agree
d)Strongly agree

You have a lot of different abilities
a)Strongly disagree
b)Disagree
c)Agree
d)Strongly agree

Your moods are steady from day to day
a)Strongly disagree
b)Disagree
c)Agree
d)Strongly agree

You are lively and talkative
a)Strongly disagree
b)Disagree
c)Agree
d)Strongly agree

All this, to run a register??

Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

Indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

The LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Movie Review - Inside Man

Over the weekend, I saw the latest Spike Lee Joint (that's what Lee calls his films), Inside Man. This movie stars Denzel Washington, alongside Clive Owen and Jodie Foster. You should see this movie.

If you've seen the trailer, you know that it centers around a bank robbery, which doesn't appear to be a normal run-of-the-mill robbery (if there is such a thing). And it's all that and more. Denzel plays a NYPD detective who's having some problems at work. Jodie Foster, in a very un-Jodie role, plays the role of a not-nice lady whose job it is to make other people's problems go away. And Clive Owen, plays a bank robber. Historically, I've never cared for any of Spike Lee's prior joints. However, this one is different. It doesn't have that black/white angle that so many of other Lee's movies features. And the movie makes you think. The two hours and change literally flew by. I kinda wish that Lee would make a sequel that delves into more of the characters' background and how they relate (if you see the movie, you'll understand why).

I would feel comfortable giving this movie a "10" if it hadn't been for the interstices. I didn't like them all that much, but they did kind of add something different to the film. And there was this one odd camera shot of Denzel that didn't appear to fit (if you see it, you'll know what I mean). So this movie gets a "9" from me, as well as a hearty recommendation.

For those fasting this Lenten season

I found this great line from John Piper, in regards to fasting:

Our prayer, as we let go of certain things, becomes “This much, O God, I want You.”

Good stuff.

Gluttony

When was the last time you heard it being talked about in the Church? Here's an interesting take on it, courtesy of The Evangelical Outpost.

Why do they call it that?

I was touring the latest and greatest Rite Aid store model last night and I noticed that the section with the condoms and other miscellaneous contraceptives and contraceptive accessories is titled Family Planning. I may be way off-base here, but why do they call it that? Wouldn't it be better to call it Family Avoidance? or Anti-Conception Tools? Somehow the phrase "family planning" implies to me that these things will help you have a family. But maybe I just don't understand.

Ask Amy

Amy Dickinson writes a weekly (perhaps even daily) advice column entitled "Ask Amy." The column deals with matters of relationships. Please read today's column:

Dear Amy:

Two years ago, I started an affair with a married man in my office. I never thought of doing such a thing. Everyone in our office thought the world of him and his wife, and thought what a wonderful husband and father he was and how lucky his wife was to have him.

I flirted with him, and occasionally we would go out in a group. One evening he had a bit to drink and the next thing I knew he was confessing to boredom and dissatisfaction with his wife and his life. Well, I didn't think twice and we were involved in a full-fledged affair. He decided to leave his wife. She was devastated and fought to keep him, but we were so in love that she didn't stand a chance. She finally gave up.

His three children barely speak to him. We are engaged to be married and everything has been great, in spite of his estrangement from his children and the fact that his wife made out quite well in the divorce

Okay, that's all questionable enough. But you think that's bad? Read the rest of the letter:

Unfortunately, now he is sick and has been diagnosed with lung cancer. I have had to take care of him, and it's exhausting. No one in his family is willing to step up to help me take care of him. His children refuse to talk to me.

The truth is, I don't want to take care of him. I thought it was going to be different -- that it would be fun and I'd have someone to take care of me.

I still love him and all that, but, honestly, I don't want to nurse him and watch him die.

We aren't married yet -- just engaged. I want to break it off, but I hate leaving him with no one. What should I do?

I'm not going to include Amy's response here, but I think this is a sad example of how today's culture defines love and marriage. Namely that it's neat and fun when convenient, and a burden when it's not.

Cash money

I was reading today in my favorite lunch publication that more people then ever are getting larger tax refunds from the feds. I thought getting $300 back was huge, till I found out that my co-worker got nearly $3,000 back. As you can see in the article, the feds are more then happy to return the money, while they keep the interest.

Here's a coupon good for 40% off at Reebok and Rockport Outlet stores. Good tomorrow through Sunday.

I observed an older gentleman at the Turkey Hill store yesterday playing the instant win lottery. He had purchased three tickets. He didn't win anything and in disgust, he would toss each ticket back as he finished his scratching. Which got me wondering why people played the lottery. Especially people who are living in poverty. Do they consider the lottery their salvation? Their only hope? I was half-tempted to tell this gentleman that if he gave me $5.00, he would automatically win $3.00. Slots are going to be so healthy for this state...

Freuling!

Spring is finally here!!!

To celebrate the first day of Spring, head down to your local Rita's italian ice joint today and get yourself some free italian ice. It's not authentic, but it's free.

Here's the new kid..

This is Caleb. Sleeping. In my arms.

The Pizza Grille

Because The Pizza Grille does not have a website, I decided just to post their menu myself. The Pizza Grille has two locations, at 901 State Street in Lemoyne (717-731-6717) and at 3817 Gettysburg Road in Camp Hill (717-920-8465). And please note, prices are subject to change.

Appetizers

Grilled Eggplant Roll - 6.25
* Grilled eggplant rolled with pine nuts, garlic, romano and mozzarella cheese, baked with pesto sauce.
Peppadew Salad - 5.95
*Fresh mozzarella, artichoke hear, tomato, pesto sauce and peppadew (a sweet, slightly spicy pepper).
Soup of the Day - Cup: $3.25, Bowl $4.00

Salads
**All salads, except where noted come in half and whole sizes.

Chopped Salad - 6.25/10.25
*Chopped mixed greens, grilled chicken breast, garbanzo beans, tossed in Dijon vinagrette with diced tomatoes.
Sicilian Chopped Salad - 6.25/10.25
*Chopped mixed greens, garbanzo beans, salami, provolone cheese, tossed in a red wine vinagrette.
Caesar Salad - 5.95/8.95
*Romaine lettuce tossed in our own dressing and served with seasoned bread.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad - 6.95/9.95
*Caesar salad with grilled marinated chicken breast.
Spicy Shrimp Caesar Salad - 7.75/10.75
*Caesar salad with spicy marinated shrimp.
Crab Cake Caesar Salad (only available as a half) - 11.95
*5oz broiled jumbo lump crab cake served over our half caesar salad.
Salmon Caesar Salad (only available as a whole) - 11.95
*Fresh grilled filet of salmon served over our whole caesar salad.
Organic Green Salad - 5.75/9.75
*Organic spring mix, plum tomatoes and Dijon vinagrette.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Salad - 5.95/8.95
*Sliced, grilled pork tenderloin drizzled with a honey, vanilla and balsamic vinegar glaze, served over a bed of mixed greens tossed in a champagne vinagrette.
Melange Salad - 5.25/9.25
*White tuna, spinach, romaine lettuce and plum tomatoes tossed in a roasted red pepper and tarragon aoile.
Feta and Sun-dried Tomato Salad - 6.25/10.25
*Mixed greens, crumbled feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes with balsamic vinagrette.

Specialty Pizzas
**All pizzas are available in 8 or 10-inch sizes.

#1. Traditional - 4.50/7.75 
*Tomato sauce with mozzarella cheese.
#2. Pepperoni - 4.75/7.95
*Tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
#3. Hawaiian Bar-B-Que Chicken - 6.25/9.25
*BBQ chicken, carmelized onions, mozzarella cheese and pineapple.
#4. Five Cheese - 5.75/8.75
*Smoked mozzarella, fresh mozzarella, monterey jack, shaved parmesan and romano cheeses with fresh basil and tomatoes.
#5. Smoked Mozzarella with Spinach and Mushrooms - 5.95/8.95
*Sauteed spinach with wild mushroom puree and sliced mushrooms.
#6. Turkey Sausage - 6.25/9.25
*Sweet, spicy turkey sausage with roasted red peppers, tomato sauce and mozzarella.
#7. Spicy Shrimp - 7.50/10.50
*Marinated shrimp, carmelized onions, spicy tomato sauce and mozzarella.
#8. Pizza Margaherita - 5.75/8.75
*Fresh mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, garlic and virgin olive oil.
#9. Cheese Steak Pizza - 6.25/9.25
*Sliced steak with sauteed mushrooms, onions, red peppers and mozzarella.
#10. Grilled Vegetable - 5.75/8.75
*Grilled zucchini, yellow squash, roasted red peppers, carmelized onions, garlic, olive oil and mozzarella.
#11. Three mushroom - 5.75/8.75
*Portobelo, Shiitake and white mushrooms with monterey jack cheese and mushroom puree.
#12. The Pizza Salad - 5.75/8.75
*Thin crust with virgin olive oil and shave parmesan cheese, baked, then covered with cold crisp mixed greens tossed in a Dijon vinagrette.
#14. Mexican - 6.25/9.25
*Chorizo sausage with tomato sauce and monterey jack cheese, baked, then covered with chopped lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream.
#15. Chicken Cheese Steak Pizza - 5.95/9.25
*Sliced chicken with sauteed onions, red peppers, mushrooms and mozzarella cheese.
#16. Spinach and Artichoke Pizza - 5.95/8.95
*Fresh basil, spinach, marinated artichoke hearts and fresh mozzarella cheese.
#17. Greek - 6.25/9.75
*Chopped spinach, feta cheese, sun-dried tomato and black olives with garlic-olive oil and a blend of fresh and traditional mozzarella cheese.
#18. Chicken Pesto - 6.75/9.75
*Our homemade pesto sauce, pine nuts, grilled chicken breast and mozzarella cheese.

Sandwiches

Grilled Chicken Sandwich - 6.75
*Grilled chicken breast with mixed organic greens and champagne vinagrette on foccacia bread.
Grilled Vegetable Sandwich - 6.50
*Grilled seasoned vegetables, mixed organic greens on foccacia bread.
Rosen-Burger - 6.75
*8 oz. lean ground beef on a kaiser roll with lettuce, tomato and no onion.
BBQ Chicken Breast Sandwich - 6.25
*Grilled chicken breast with our own BBQ sauce on a kaiser roll.
Tuna Salad Sandwich - 6.25
*White tuna salad with roasted red pepper and tarragon dressing on a baguette.
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich - 6.25
*Grilled pork, mixed greens on a kaiser roll with honey, vanilla and balsamic vinegar glaze.
Chicken Caesar Sandwich - 6.50
*Chilled, grilled chicken with crisp romaine lettuce tossed in caesar dressing on a baguette.
Cheese Steak Sandwich - 6.25
*Thin sliced steak with sauteed onions, mushrooms, red peppers and provolone cheese on a baguette.
Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwich - 6.25
*Thin sliced chicken with sauteed onions, mushrooms, red peppers and provolone cheese on a baguette.
Crab Cake Sandwich - 11.95
*Jumbo lump crab meat, served with house salad with red wine vinagrette.

They also have your normal array of beverages. The Camp Hill location has a liquor license, but Lemoyne is BYOB.

Won't you join me...

in a game that perpetuates the drunken Irish stereotype?

Mousercise

Last night I did something crazy and new. No, not that. I worked out in front of the television. Not only did I work out, but I actually worked out to a cardio kickboxing workout show on the telly. I've never worked out to a video or television fitness show. Until yesterday. I was thinking that if anybody peered into my windows and saw me kicking and punching, they might think I had gone crazy. And it would probably scare them away. I actually felt a bit silly at first copying the moves that the blonde Australian was performing. However, the silliness faded when the sweat started. And I did sweat. I was expecting not to be pushed, but I was and I actually started watching another episode because the first one was too short.

So here's to you blonde Australian, and your camoflauged back-up worker-outers. I'll be seeing you again.

All Hart

If you've got good eyes, you may have noticed that I'm reading a book by a guy named John Eldredge entitled "Waking the Dead." I haven't been very good at reading it until this week when I decided to really buckle down and get into it.

He was talking about the heart and how the heart is the part of the body most susceptible to Satan's advances. Think about it. Every action that you make is directly related to your heart.

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6.45

Now read what John says in his book:

...the Enemy knows how vital the heart is, even if we do not, and all his forces are fixed upon its destruction. For if he can disable or deaden your heart, then he has effectively spoiled the plan of God, which was to create a world where love reigns. By taking out your heart, the Enemy takes you out.

He goes on to talk about the various things that the enemy uses to weaken our hearts. Things like pride and busyness. Anything that distracts us and causes us to take our eyes off of Him.

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul talks about putting on the armor of God. Check out what the amplified Bible says about the breastplate of righteousness:

Stand therefore....having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God.
Ephesians 6.14

That's what we've got to do. We have to be careful to keep our guard up. Because the devil isn't going to cut us any slack.

Spur

Monday night I was doing my devos and I came across this verse:

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Hebrews 10.24

So I got to thinking, how can I better spur on my brothers and sisters in Christ? Most times I don't feel like I'm in a position to tell them how to live their lives. That they shouldn't really be doing that. Or that they could really be a blessing to somebody if they did this. But I do see areas of their lives that are ripe for development. And I don't necessarily share this information. I'm pretty sure that people don't consider me to be an authority on spiritual matters, and as such, it may be hard for people to believe that I'm trying to encourage and exhort them. They may think that I am actually telling them how to live their life. Which I suppose I am. But I'm trying to do it in love. But I don't know that they can see that. Which brings me to this thought (flimsily disguised as a question):

So how do you spur on your fellow Christian brothers and sisters?

New Kid on the Block

Mind the Gap is proud to announce the arrival of my nephew, Caleb Jonah, born yesterday morning at 6.19 AM and weighing in at 9.72 lbs..

I'm working on my shopping list

Some startling news in the paper today. First off, Northwest is going to start charging more for seats in the exit rows, as well as aisle seats towards the front of the plane. That takes nickel and diming to a whole new level.

Lots of people think that my fashion sense leaves something to be desired. But guys, if you were getting married and your bride wanted to wear this, I think you would at least ask her "What's up with that?" I'm no expert, but I am traditional. And I would like to think that if you were going to a wedding, and you were the bride, you should probably wear a dress. But then again, I'm old-fashioned. (And I actually see a whole other post I could create on this theme....)

A March Monday

So last night, the NCAA announced who would be invited to the Men's NCAA tournament (Women's field is being announced today). Normally I get real excited around tourney time because I like college basketball. Not so much this year. I haven't figured out exactly why, but I'm just not as excited as I normally am. Perhaps it's because my team (Maryland) didn't make the tournament this year. I am actually considering not filling out a bracket this year (which I think I've done every year since I knew what a bracket was). Crazy, huh?

I'm also now considering taking a trip somewhere in April, dragging along my roommate if possible. Currently considering visiting SLC, DEN, PHX, SEA, or LAS. Also thinking about MUC, but without the roommate.

I'm also seriously considering having a yard sale this Spring. I have a lot of stuff that I don't need.

And I would also like to personally welcome Antawn Randle-El as the newest member of the Washington Redskins. He'll be good for us. Ellie, if you're looking for an NFC team to root for, the Redskins will be happy to have you. And Randle-El would appreciate your support.

An Ode to my small group

This past weekend, I spent the weekend with four rather dear people. These four people are members of my small group. I like these people. Nay, I love these people. We may have different opinions about things, but our one common denominator is Jesus Christ. Sometimes it's easy to be a friend to people you see once a week. But what if you had to see these people for 48 consecutive hours!! If you had the wrong kinda people, it could be disastrous. However, I had the right kinda people. The flexible kind who don't throw things at me when I sing really old CCM. The kind that don't mind waiting a few extra minutes to take a group photo (even though they sigh, just to let me know that they are being put-out). The kind that volunteer to cook meals when they aren't required to, as well as clean-up. The kind of people whose opinions you value and seek. The kind of people you don't mind going out of your way for (even if it means the opposite direction). The kind of people you are more than happy to pray for, encourage and support.

These are good people. And I'm thankful for them.

And if I could do it all over again next weekend, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

It's gonna be a good weekend

And you know why? Because I had a banana for breakfast this morning. That's right. A banana. It is important for me to use the word "banana" as many times as possible. Today is the first time I've eaten a banana in probably 25 years. At least. I don't like bananas. Their consistency leaves a lot to be desired. But I know that bananas are good for me and full of potassium. So I should probably eat like one a week. So here's to bananas!

Now that's customer service!

This morning I'm talking about Sausages by Amy. SBA is a company that makes several different types of sausages. Over the past several years, I have been making a conscious effort to reduce the amount of pork I consume. And I've called on chicken to pick up the slack. Well, I found SBA because they make chicken sausage. And it's good chicken sausage. Except for last Saturday.

Last Saturday I was noshing on a couple of sausages when I noticed something in my mouth that didn't feel very sausage-like. I managed to separate it from the rest of what was in my mouth and spit it out. It appeared to be a small rounded piece of cartilage or bone. Well, I got to wondering about how this had gotten into my sausage. And as I am a stickler for customer service, I decided to drop a note to SBA to let them know and ask them how this might have happened. Here's what my note said:

My name is Mind The Gap. Several months ago, I discovered your Chicken Andouille Sausage at my local Costco. I bought the three-pound pack and was instantly hooked. And I've never had a problem with your sausage. But I'm writing now because I have a problem.

Today for lunch I had two sausages and as I was eating them, I found what appeared to a hard white object like gristle or bone in one of the sausgages. I was wondering if you could tell me what it was and how it might have gotten into my sausage. Here is the producti information: Andouille Chicken Sausage , 3 lb. pack, Item #75348, Sell by MAR 12 C6.

I do want to emphasize that I've never had any problems with your product before and I wish I could find more of your product in the Central Pennsylvania area. But any information, you could give would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I sent the email Saturday evening, and this is the reply I received Monday morning:

Dear Mr. Mind the Gap,

I am very sorry to hear about your experience with our Chicken Andouille. Although a rare occurrence, it is possible that a small piece of bone or cartilage may have gotten through our bone collector and inspection systems. We purchase bone free chicken, then inspect it, and finally run it through a processing system with a bone collector. We will use your information, code date of the item, to trace the product back to the production batch and vendor. Again, we offer our apologies for your inconvenience, and would like to send you some complementary product for your taking the time to share this experience with us. Be assured that we will follow-up on this matter to minimize the possibility of any re-occurrence.

Please e-mail me your address, so I can send your complementary product package.

Regards,

John
QA Manager

I received their package yesterday. It contained NINE POUNDS of chicken andouille sausage. So I wanted to publicly recognize SBA for showing me some love and going way, way, way beyond the call of duty. And I wanted to give them a plug because they make food that's good to eat.

Traylors

A Prarie Home Companion

X3: The Last Stand

Lonesome Jim

Find Me Guilty

Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing & Charm School

I'm thinking of a word..

There are lots of characteristics that I consider to be key in whether or not a lady is attractive to me. We all have our own little lists of what we think makes a person attractive. But let me share with you one characteristic that makes me want to turn and run away.

Women who curse like sailors. Really make me want to run away. I was reminded of this last night. I was working with some women who were dropping f-bombs and b-dogs like there was no tomorrow. I really wanted to run far away. But I couldn't.

We could sit hear and argue about cursewords and vulgarity till we're blue in the face. But I'm not one to argue. But I know what I find attractive. And it's not cursing women.

This would be fun.

I found this tour operator this morning. I think some (not all) of these tours would be pretty cool to take.

Oscar Fashion Wrap

I was going to do a fashion report here (and I had actually started writing it), but then I realized I didn't want to impose my fashion sense on you all (some of you are already familiar with it). So no fashion report from me. I know you're all sad, but you'll get over it.

Ps. 51

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.
5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.
14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Remembering

Don Knotts passed over the weekend. He was a funny guy. I always enjoyed watching him, whether it was on The Andy Griffith Show, The Apple Dumpling Gang, or Three's Company. He also appeared in one of my favorite obscure movies, Gus. And he appeared in a series that my nieces currently watch. He seemed to be a genuinely nice guy.

It's rather sad for me, because he's part of the old-school of comedy. People like Carol Burnett and Tim Conway. These are funny folks. These are the people I grew up watching on TV and in movies. But they're getting old. I suppose that happens, but I don't have to like it. I'll take my old-school guys over Drew Carey or anybody on the roster of Comedy Central. Anytime, anywhere. And I take comfort that I'll get to chat up Don when I get to heaven.

TAR9 - Episode I

So we had the big two-hour season premiere of The Amazing Race last night. If you haven't seen it yet, please be advised that there are spoilers ahead.

The race started in Denver, CO, specifically in the seating area of the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Eleven teams of two hit the ground running. Up front, I have to say that my favorite team is David and Lori. They seem to just really enjoy each other and the competition and they haven't belittled each other. My second favorite team is the "Glamizon" team of Lisa and Joni. At the moment, my least favorite team is the team of Eric and Jeremy. They just don't appear to be all that nice.

The teams flew from Denver to San Paolo, Brazil and most of the show took place in Brazil. They did a lot of running around for clues, and we had our first detour. A detour is a choice between two tasks. One task was a helicopter ride to locate a clue. The other task was to put together a motorbike. Incredibly, four teams attempted this difficult task, but only teams actually completed it. The other two teams backtracked to try to accomplish the helicopter ride.

In the end, John and Scott were the last team to arrive and were eliminated. Their taxi ride ended up being disastrous and allowed Lisa and Joni to edge them out.

Watch your life

That was the topic of the sermon Sunday morning, delivered by author and speaker, Gary Thomas. It was quite good. As most of you weren't there, I'd like to give you the synopsis as something to think about as we enter this Lent season.

He talked about three areas of our lives that we need to watch closely. First up, was the spiritual aspect. He summed up each area with a question, and the question he asked here was "How's your prayer life?" The second area was the personal aspect. His question here was "Are you cooperating with the devil and his schemes?" When you are tempted by sin, do you run away? Or do you put up your dukes and try to fight it? The last area was the relational aspect. He asked us: "Are you cultivating wise relationships with people who will support you?" In this area, he also asked us to consider disengaging from unhealthy relationships and embracing healthy ones.

The underlying question to the entire message was this:

Is it wise?

The relationships that you participate in. The things you say. The actions that you take. Oftentimes, the first question we ask ourselves is "Is it sin?" But he talked about taking that one step further and always considering whether or not what we are doing is wise. Something to think about.