I'm always on the lookout

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to visit Potbelly Sandwich Works. I liked this place. It had a very rustic feel to it, with lots of wood (flooring and tables) along with the requisite stove. And the food was good. I had a meatball sub on wheat which I found rather tasty. Much better than a Subway sub. I also got crazy and tried some Cricket Cola. I probably shouldn't have. They mix in green tea with their cola for a very different taste. But I know for next time. For desert, I decided to clean up with an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. It was outstanding. I had noticed on their website that they offered the cookie and that's one of the things that drew me to their eatery. And I was not disappointed. If you have the opportunity to eat at one of these stores, I would recommend it.

Reflection

I read the following quote from Beth Moore last night:

We must find satisfaction in God because dissatisfaction or emptiness waves a red flag to the enemy. The empty places in our lives become the enemy's playground.

It is so true. Think about areas in your life where you are unhappy or satisfied. Whether it's finances, or relationships, or career. What are some of the feelings that you have in this area? Jealousy? Bitterness? Loneliness? Inferiority?

I got news for ya. That's the devil talkin'. If we give him an inch, he'll try to take a mile. And he knows the hot buttons that each of us has. He will also know when we shift our gaze. When we take our eyes off of Christ and start looking at ourselves and others, we forget about the completeness we have in Christ.

I think this is one of the biggest things that Christians struggle with. I know I do. I've been doing the same type of work for almost the past nine years. And I don't like it. I liked it for the first couple of years, but since then, I've been trying to get out and into another area of work. And to date I've been unsuccessful. And that's disappointing to me because I don't feel motivated or challenged in my current position. And it's very easy to get down on myself because I go to interviews and I don't get the job. Especially when I look around and compare myself to others. They're not only paid well, but they enjoy their work! But I can't look around. Because if I find my satisfaction and contentedness in other people or objects, I'm denying God that opportunity.

So I continue to fight. I'm often successful. But sometimes I slip. Yet, I continue to fight and I will fight until my dying day. And I would also like to encourage you to fight as well. Because it's important.

TLTWTW News

Hello.

I wanted to pass on this information to those who might want to know. Buena Vista is releasing a four-disc version of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe this December. Check out the details here. I'm actually looking forward to this release. I was rather disappointed with the lack of stuff that was on the initial releases. I'm the guy who likes to watch a movie with a commentary, likes to watch bloopers, and likes to watch all the behind-the-scenes stuff. So this makes me happy. I may not be able to afford to buy it, but maybe I'll have Netflix by then.....

I've been thinking about Israel

Something that has been bothering me over the past couple of days, is the statement made by the United States that said something to the effect that a cease-fire would not be good if there wasn't some kind of agreement to back it up. Can someone tell me in what situations a cease-fire would be uncalled for? I can't think of any.

I have been encouraged by our willingness to speak with many of the countries in the region to try and come up with some plan of action. Perhaps if the UN adds some muscle to the Lebanese military forces, they can attempt to keep Hezbollah in check.

I've also been trying to figure out what Israel is hoping to accomplish through this show of military might. I get the feeling at this point in the conflict that Israel's continued response is just fueling the fire at Hezbollah headquarters. And that just makes me wonder if Hezbollah has something bigger planned.

Just some things I've been thinking about..

Yesterday was a beautiful day

So I decided to take a couple of pictures. The first one is of the Harrisburg "skyline." Look at those clouds..


And this one is a photo of the Market Street Bridge, spanning the mighty Susquehanna River.

Just out of curiousity...

Do any of you recognize these lyrics?

My name is Stegasaurus
I'm a funny looking dinosaur
On my back are many bony plates
And on my tail there's more!

Just somethin' to think about..

This quote from Nicole Russell

"Relationships of lasting impact take quality time and solitary focus."

Attention Derek Webb Fans

Starting 09/01/06, Derek will be giving away his most recent album, "Mockingbird." The entire album will be available for download here for three months. Mark your calendars accordingly.

One of those days

Have you ever had "one of those days?" Yesterday, I did. And it was awesome. I got to do two things that I really enjoyed.

1. I got to go flying. It's been a while since I've flown (probably four or five months). I don't know if people understand how much I like flying. I don't know that I can really relate how much I can like it. Leaving the ground and rising through the clouds. Watching towns, lakes, and fields roll by. And the clouds. I love clouds. Like these clouds here:

I thanked God that he made clouds.

2. I got to go hear some live music. I really like to hear live music. And obviously, if it's free it makes it that much better. I got to hear the Herm Miller Orchestra. The audience was mostly blue-hairs, but the band was pretty good and you could tell that they loved playing music.

These two factors, combined with being able to sleep in, led to "one of those days." And I can't wait to have another one.

Exciting movie theatre news

For me anyways. Starting today, AMC Theaters in the Harrisburg area will be charging $4 for weekend movies starting before noon. I'm all about the cheap cinema. Read more here.

100 Years

Next year will be Hersheypark's 100th anniversary. Check out what they have up their sleeve.



You can read more about it here.

Kudos

Kudos to the Washington Nationals. They get it. Starting later this month, they are dropping some of the prices on their cheapest tickets from $7 and $11 to $3 and $5, respectively. And they're beefing up entertainment and food choices. Read more here.

Pure Passion

Yesterday, Italy won the World Cup by beating France in penalty kicks. I had the opportunity to view the game at a local italian establishment that bled azzuri blue (I know I just said blue blue, but so what). I found great joy in watching them celebrate their country's victory, as they chanted, banged on stationary objects and ran around the restaurant. Their passion warmed my heart.

I enjoy seeing people passionate about things that I am passionate about. I am not a fan of Italian football, but I heart British football. I can imagine that I would have celebrated in the same manner had my lions won the Cup.

And that got me to further thinking, "How do people know what I'm passionate about?" I know a friend is passionate about music because of his extensive knowledge and understanding of music. His passion is evident when he talks about music and when he's imparting some of his knowledge to others. Otherwise, he wouldn't care if you knew the difference between Snow Patrol and Arctic Monkeys. I have another friend who strikes me as passionate about her work. Ask her about crank-shafts or counter-weights and she gets animated. I can't understand all that she's saying, but her passion is evident. Otherwise, she wouldn't bother explaining it. I will often engage these friends in conversation because I enjoy seeing their passion come alive. I like music, but I'm not passionate about it. And let's not talk about work.

But I like to think I'm passionate about my faith. And I hope that is evident in the way that I encourage others in their faith. I am interested in people's spritual lives. So much so, that some may call me nosey. But when it's your life at stake, I don't think I would be a very loving person if I wasn't concerned and interested in what was going on in your spiritual life. And I would be upset if there was something that I could have done for you and I totally missed it.

Ocean Waves and Coffee

I am dedicating my post today to a most worthy cause. My fellow blogger, Ocean Waves, has a tremendous opportunity in front of him. He has been accepted as a resident assistant at the Black Forest Academy in Kandern, Germany. However, because this academy is for missionary kids, this position is a missions position. As such, he is responsible for raising the appropriate level of sponsorship for his two-year commitment.

And I'm writing here to request that you prayerfully consider supporting him in this ministry opportunity. Whether you can support him on a monthly basis, with a one-time gift, or with prayer, it doesn't matter. He's just looking for your support.

To read more about his efforts, check out the blog he created to chronicle this new adventure. And I'm sure he would be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Thanks.

Just so you know (AKA Knowledge is Power)

How to Deal with Being in Prison

1.Do not cry, show fear, or a vulnerability publicly. Doing so will quickly make you a target for other prisoners.
2.Learn to play spades, chess, or hoops as it makes the time go by faster.
3.Get a prison job which will keep you occupied as the days pass by.
4.Read a lot. They have a library there so use it. Catch up on your reading. 5.Consider taking correspondence courses and continuing your education.
6.Consider writing as well. Letters to friends and family, fictional short-stories, and poetry can make time pass a bit faster.
7.Brace yourself for the social dynamics of prison. There are certain ways to behave towards others if you want to get by:

a.Do not become a 'punk' (girlfriend). While becoming a punk might give you some fleeting, temporary protection from other inmates, you will be a virtual slave to one. Punks are used and abused. They are traded away in card games and sold for cigarettes. It is not a path to long term survival in prison.
b.Do not snitch. If you see something illegal or violent, walk away and do not divulge any information if questioned later. Being known as a snitch will make bad things happen to you. (Of course, you have to decide whether your fellow inmates or the authorities are more dangerous. If you're questioned and lie to the jailkeepers, you can get in serious legal trouble.)
c.Stick up for yourself or you will be turned into a punk. It's better to get into a fight and lose than to be seen cowering or placating. Your reputation is more important than your desire to avoid pain, so guard it with your life. Ultimately you should avoid any confrontation if you can, but if you can't avoid one, react quickly and with aggression. So swing first. If you happen to get beat down never call for the correctional officers--I repeat, never. Doing so will get you labeled a punk.
d.Keep to yourself, keep your mouth shut and don't tell anyone about your personal life, family, or criminal history--keep them wondering, but don't overdo it. Do not discuss politics or personal feelings about anyone. In other words, don't put your business out on the street. At the same time, don't get involved in other inmate's business.
e.Become religious. Inmates tend to treat those always carrying a Holy Book and praying with more respect than others. In addition, many people find a church and belief in a higher power protective and supporting.

8.Recognize that nights are the worst. You will miss your family, and freedom. You will probably cry, so stifle it into your pillow so no one will hear.

Movie Review - Superman Returns

The Man of Steel is back. Last night, I went to see Superman Returns. I have to say that initially I wasn't too hot on seeing this movie. Then I saw a trailer with Lex Luthor in it. And I was hooked.

In a nutshell, Superman has been out of the scene for the past five years. He returns and tries to reunite with Lois Lane. Unfortunately, as a result of Supes absence, Luthor has been released on parole. And he's still a bad seed and up to no-good. Which is good, because it gives Superman something to do.

I liked Brandon Routh as Superman. He kind of appears to be more naturally aloof then Christopher Reeves. Kate Bosworth plays Lois Lane pretty well. Or maybe it's that she plays a lover scorned well. Hmmmm.... In my opinion, Kevin Spacey shines as Lex Luthor. You can't replace Gene Hackman, but he was a baddie for an earlier generation. Spacey oozes both sarcasm and evil.

I really enjoyed this movie. I'm giving it a 9.5. The only reason I'm not giving it a 10 is a technical issue. I should also mention that I saw the movie in an IMAX theater which showed several scenes in 3D. That was really neat. The technical issue had to do with the transition from 2D to 3D. But I would definitely recommend seeing this movie.

Fourth Memories

I don't have many memories of July 4th. I don't know whether I should or not. But there are three that come to mind. In my formative years, I used to attend the local fireworks at Smallwood Village with the neighbors. The memory I have from recent years is when some friends and I went down to DC for the fireworks a few years back. My friends got free food from the Hare Krishnas and decided to take a walk down to the Lincoln Memorial after the fireworks.

But the memory that prompted me to talk about memories, was something neat that I got to do when I was in college. One summer I worked at a movie theater. The manager was no-nonsense and didn't really seem to like us. But this one night he did. When we had started the last set of movies, he opened up the roof hatch and let us climb up on the roof to watch the fireworks for a bit. As I look back on it, there wasn't anything really remarkable about the memory. I just suppose it was the combination of our tough manager showing us some love and being able to be on the roof that kinda set it apart.

And I think that's the great thing about memories. We all have them and we have them for various reasons. What's significant for one person, may be trivial for someone else. But it doesn't make them less meaningful.

Happy Independence Day!

Health news

So I'm working on trying to eat better. I've outlined some of the stuff in past posts. However, I've decided that I'm going to try and start using something I never thought I would. Nutritional supplements.

My vegetable intake is nowhere near what it should be. And while I do a decent job with fiber intake, I could do better. But I take some solace in the fact there are lots of folks who aren't eating all the veggies and fiber that they should. So while I work on improving my diet, I thought I would get the ball rolling with some all-natural supplements. Try to fill in some of the nutrients that I'm not getting now.

Because we could all use a little extra Spirulina in our lives.

Grateful

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to attend a free concert put on by the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. They did something really neat that I was appreciative of. As they were getting ready to close the concert, they played a medley of all the songs and hymns from the various branches of the armed services. As each song was played, the conductor had the veterans and active members of that service stand up to be recognized. And the audience clapped for them.

I was really grateful for the opportunity to recognize these folks. Sure, it wasn't a big deal. We just clapped. But it was something. And I am always interested in recognizing those who have served our country. And it was good to recognize them. Because I'm grateful for their service and their willingness to serve and protect.