tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117444892011-11-30T21:34:06.656-05:00<img src="http://photos6.flickr.com/9871283_f17c585c2a_m.jpg"><br> <b><i>Cross</i></b> - Jesus Christ, Savior, Lord<br> <b><i>Fish</i></b> - community of believers<br> <b><i>Freedom</i></b> - the full, free, abundant life<br> <b><i>Spam</i></b> - a gelatinous, random, quivering, amalgamation of "stuff" seasoned with <i>"salt"</i>...<br> "It is for <i>freedom</i> that Christ has set us free..." <i>Gal</i> 5:1Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.comBlogger2191100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-42372463564108434942008-04-22T15:25:00.002-04:002008-04-22T15:28:51.790-04:00

I was pleasantly surprised to see a Gospel message on the packaging of Brim's cheese puffs. It's a neat little company and their cheese puffs are actually really good. They even have an evangelistic message on their company website. Go out and try some.

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-2472301137633130982008-04-22T00:57:00.001-04:002008-04-22T01:03:13.400-04:00

This is a good article on some alarming trends emerging as the first generations raised by "soccer moms" and "helicopter parents" enter adulthood. I guess I can understand why so many parents of my generation feel an overwhelming need to do everything in their power to raise "perfect kids." At the risk of dabbling in some stereotypes, I do believe that this issue is more pronounced in the

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-62242381807534127932008-04-09T20:43:00.002-04:002008-04-09T20:45:40.789-04:00

It's a great time right now in Sam's magical sports land. The Mavericks are headed into the playoffs, the Wings are starting their Cup run, the Michigan hockey team is in the Frozen Four, the Rangers are now out of the gates and running, the Masters is starting tomorrow, the NFL draft is coming up, and March Madness just ended with a bang. So much to follow, so much to track, my sportshead is

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-13994986191322194052008-03-19T03:55:00.002-04:002008-03-19T03:59:02.893-04:00

Agonizing a lot these days over Hebrew. Old Testament studies, theology, ancient Hebrew - I'm trying to get this stuff down so that I can take this year's doctoral entrance exams later this year. It's tough sledding, but technology has produced an unexpected, cool study aid that I found the other day:iVocab! That's right, a Hebrew vocabulary study aid for your iPod and mobile phone. So now if you

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-83867247417141085312008-03-12T10:48:00.000-04:002008-03-12T10:49:06.906-04:00

David Mamet, noted playwright, screenwriter, and author is not exactly the poster boy for conservatism. Ok, let's face it, David Mamet writing in the Village Voice would be the last place I'd expect to find any thoughtful musings on conservatism but here it is. Mamet gives us plenty of really insightful food for thought regarding the actual process/phenomenon of politics while also doing an

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-79254217316615611712008-03-07T11:14:00.003-05:002008-03-07T11:14:51.120-05:00

Eugene Volokh (good blogger is you're into politics, law, etc.) reveals a classic ethical and moral conundrum for lawyers. In a nutshell: what if you're defending a client who admits that he committed a crime that someone else is being sent to prison for. Do you speak out and violate the sacred attorney-client privilege or do you keep the code of the law community and watch an innocent man go to

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-44132486803349744092008-03-05T01:15:00.004-05:002008-03-05T01:16:38.269-05:00

Over the last few months I have discovered the joys of Facebook. However, this blog post - Enraged by Facebook (found via Instapundit)- is worth reading if you're a pretty active facebooker. I checked some of the privacy settings after reading this and it turns out that Sarah Pullman is right, you have to really double-check your privacy settings because they can definitely default to some pretty

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-43732504235123239612008-02-27T12:14:00.002-05:002008-02-27T12:15:51.702-05:00

In Ecclesiastes it is said that there is nothing new under the sun. This truth is no more apparent than it is in the realm of politics. No matter how hard candidates, media and the populace try to perceive change in each new electoral cycle, the more things seem to stay the same. In fact, this current free-for-all between Barack and Hillary is so intriguing because it is just overflowing with

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-54423824109497476322008-02-26T13:15:00.001-05:002008-02-26T13:41:30.847-05:00

I like this response to Michelle Obama's statement that only now is she finding reason to be proud of her country. I'm intrigued by Obama, but it bothers me that he wants to "change" this nation when he doesn't necessarily love this nation. John Hawkins says what I think many feel. America is not a perfect nation, nor does it have a blameless history, but is there another nation that has

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-18396450768190711572008-02-26T01:07:00.001-05:002008-02-26T01:07:28.013-05:00

There's a reason why these pix are kinda' fuzzy - they were taken on my phone. Yes, I lucked out - a friend came up with 4 tix to tonight's game and they were excellent seats, lower bowl, 17 rows up. It was probably the closest I've ever sat for an NBA game and I love it. The proximity made things actually look smaller. We were close enough to see the game as we might watch a couple of teams

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-43621619092506880782008-02-25T11:14:00.000-05:002008-02-25T11:15:02.150-05:00

This is not going to be a post about my ineptitude with tools (although there has been plenty of that in my life). Since we finally purchased our first house I have become quickly initiated into the world of home repairs and maintenance. For some reason I really enjoy turning a wrench on cars but have no desire to pick up tools for the sake of home diy jobs. It's not that I'm a poor handyman -

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-18962455262704972162008-02-22T13:10:00.005-05:002008-02-22T13:24:53.153-05:00

I'm coming to grips with the fact that I'm really not a "young adult" anymore. There's nothing like a basketball court to bring guys like me back to reality - basketball reminds me on a regular basis that I'm not 22 anymore. In light of this realization that I'm really more "middle-aged man" these days has also been accompanied by some interesting observations on those who are actually "young

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-74176411402099833232007-12-12T01:04:00.000-05:002007-12-12T01:05:27.773-05:00

What a significant moment and an interesting way to process it. It's 11:30, December 11, 2007 and I'm in labor and delivery room #9 ("Room 9" is pretty funny in Korean, by the way) at Baylor hospital. Hanna is about 6 feet away suffering through contractions as nurses and staff put in IV's, extract information, and hover about busily getting her ready to deliver Christopher. The doctor has broken

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-52564002415143557442007-12-10T01:54:00.000-05:002007-12-10T01:55:06.421-05:00

Still waiting on Christopher. Actually, other than the contractions Hanna had last Sunday, he's been pretty calm. The longer things go, the more likely it seems that he might actually make it to his due date (12/14). I just hope he doesn't arrive on my birthday, for some reason, I just think it would be nicer for him if his birthday wasn't tied to mine. I know Hanna's pretty ready for things to

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-77230859794946899342007-11-27T15:53:00.000-05:002007-11-27T15:54:12.582-05:00

Been kinda' busy, but not in any rigid, business-like manner. Here are a few things of note that have transpired in the last few weeks.The Good: Went to prison again with Jimmy - no, we're not repeat offenders who keep getting sentenced to do time. We had the chance to join Champions for Life (Bill Glass ministries) for the big Dallas/Ft. Worth Weekend of Champions outreach. Jimmy and I were

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-52652971966466464002007-11-07T10:05:00.000-05:002007-11-07T10:06:42.003-05:00

I had always believed that the missions window of opportunity in Russia was a limited one and now here's one more sign that our time of free ministry in Russia is drawing to a close. During our time living in Russia it was evident that the Russian government was ambivalent at best and downright hostile at worst towards foreigners and ex-patriates living within her borders. The process of

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-91214479795095193242007-11-05T01:56:00.001-05:002007-11-05T01:56:55.240-05:00

Anyone who had hoped that Russia's upcoming elections might be an opportunity for positive change or regime revision should just go ahead and stop holding their breath - it ain't gonna' happen. This story from the Foreign Policy blog reveals that Putin has brazenly restricted the number of election observers that will be allowed to monitor the upcoming elections - not a good sign. Just a few

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-58440450540905838672007-10-31T18:55:00.001-04:002007-10-31T18:55:49.959-04:00

I've been getting back in touch with some old friends from my Berkner days and it's been really interesting to see how many of my band friends have continued to stay involved in music - some are in church praise bands, others play in local bands, some continue to play in orchestras and symphonic bands, and some have even been able to "make it" as professionals. I got reacquainted with a friend

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-49266907007088778712007-10-29T11:35:00.001-04:002007-10-29T11:36:23.062-04:00

John Heuser of the Ann Arbor News has a great article on Jamar Adams, Michigan's senior safety and it's encouraging to read about a big-time college athlete who sees more to life than just wins, losses, and accolades - he lives for Jesus Christ and sees his place in this word through God's eyes. I've included a few highlights, but definitely read the whole thing. In September, Adams was invited

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-48810606284784627182007-10-22T16:27:00.000-04:002007-10-22T16:30:16.873-04:00

The other day I was appreciating some classic coaching meltdown/rants with Ho and John. We were especially taken with the latest Mike Gundy meltdown - "I'M A MAN! I'M 40!" This got me to reminiscing about other classic rants and decided to try and compile some of the more well-known rants thanks to the wonders of the internet and youTube. Here's Dan Hawkin's less-publicized "Play intramurals,

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-69350213830867061662007-10-03T23:57:00.000-04:002007-10-03T23:58:04.641-04:00

Some important prayer updatesFor those who are following the progress of Patrick and Christy's situation with their unborn baby, Bella, here is an update. The doctors are not certain that the mass in her chest has not stopped growing. Please pray that the mass in her body would stop growing so that she can develop healthy organs and systems. Again you can follow her progress at the Laffertys'

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-84148964860149735812007-09-25T14:53:00.001-04:002007-09-25T14:53:55.582-04:00

It's an interesting time for me as a dad. I have a daughter in middle school who is slowly but surely staking her ground in the land of "teenager-dom." I've got a little boy who is a kindergartener and I have a brand, spankin' new little one on the way. I guess it's not that common for parents to experience such varied ages of parenthood at one time - teen years, early elementary years, infant

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-8635890742126181372007-09-20T12:01:00.001-04:002007-09-20T12:01:43.637-04:00

The start of another school year also means the start of another ministry year for our Campus Crusade team in Ekaterinburg. This is also a time when there's a lot of ministry movement in various mission fields because summer projects are done and follow-up has begun. I just wanted to share a few encouraging notes from various friends in Russia, as well as extend an invitation to join in prayer

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-46703310025235108062007-09-11T13:18:00.000-04:002007-09-11T13:19:16.981-04:00

I know that the web is just replete with remembrances of 9/11 and I know that there are many who have written poignant, meaningful, and inspirational thoughts on this ignominious anniversary, but I just felt compelled to share some simple memories of that day. Maybe this is more for me than anything else.September 11, 2001. Hanna and I were living in an apartment complex north of downtown Dallas.

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-58586314000265351032007-09-07T14:58:00.001-04:002007-09-07T14:59:38.860-04:00

This article by Steve Chapman deftly highlights some of the issues that concern those following Putin's movements in Russia. Once again, I'm left shaking my head at some of the things Putin is thinking, saying, and doing."President Vladimir Putin, when he is not busy restoring autocracy to a country that has known little else, has taken on the task of refreshing Russian history with a novel

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-39739637560649373342007-09-05T15:00:00.000-04:002007-09-05T15:01:14.369-04:00

Ok, I know that the Michi gan-App State game caused quite a stir in the sports world- as well it should have. It was a truly historic loss and I am not even going to attempt to diminish the magnitude of this underdog victory. I also know that some of you have been waiting for this post. Well, I simply couldn't post on it earlier: one, we were at our annual church retreat, but more importantly, I

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-6159267290425247762007-08-29T12:24:00.001-04:002007-08-29T12:27:44.088-04:00

Weather-wise, today is like just about every other day of a Dallas summer - sunny, blindingly bright, and scorchingly hot. However, if I could adjust the weather to match my mood, it would be overcast and drizzling with a slight wintry bite in the air. I am having one of those days when various happenings and musings just seem darker, more somber, and more laced with melancholy.I found out that

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-69290118835972466202007-08-20T22:38:00.000-04:002007-08-20T22:39:14.518-04:00

In this piece from Fox News' site, Oliver North does a nice job of summarizing a lot of different things that have been brewing in the Kremlin and putting a bow on it. The overall picture he draws gels with a lot of the stories and news that has been coming out of Russia over the last year or so. If you haven't been keeping up or if you're interested, this is a good piece to give you a quick,

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-3541515447469673532007-08-16T10:12:00.000-04:002007-08-16T10:13:18.232-04:00

As I continue to think about Russia certain faces and people seem to linger on in my mind and heart.Sasha Sasha is one of the orphans we got to know in Lozhiny. One of the first things that struck me was how small he is. Though he's 9 years old, he's hardly a biscuit heavier than Caleb who is 5. Despite being a bit undersized, Sasha seems healthy enough. However, that's not what stays with you.

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-34398977832815234792007-08-12T05:04:00.000-04:002007-08-12T05:05:15.980-04:00

Despite the great technology we have these days I confess that I was either too lazy, too busy, or too preoccupied to keep a running journal of events on our Russia trip. However, others on our team did and I'm glad that they were able to share some of the interesting happenings that took place as we served in Ekaterinburg. Jimmy did a particularly nice job of blogging and posting pictures

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-80912860168590562782007-07-31T18:03:00.000-04:002007-07-31T18:15:48.946-04:00

I've posted before on the problem of negative population growth in contemporary Russia. Short life spans due to alcoholism, tobacco usage, disease, and poor living conditions, along with hidden factors such as high abortion rates have taken a major toll on Russia's population. Today they are in a negative growth phase that threatens the very future population of ethnic Russians. In addition,

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-78480442385181639512007-07-31T17:57:00.001-04:002007-07-31T17:57:48.556-04:00

Well, all the major preparation is just about done. Visas - check. Passports - check. Plane tickets - check. Supplies and gifts for people in Russia - check. Now we're just packing and hoping we can get all this stuff into the allotted bags without going too far over the weight limit. After months of preparation and planning we are finally on the eve of our summer project. God has been gracious

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-63374583159547987702007-07-19T10:36:00.001-04:002007-07-19T10:37:35.642-04:00

The Russians and the British are now embroiled in a fairly serious diplomatic imbroglio. The tiff began when the former Russian KGB agent and outspoken Kremlin/Putin critic, Alexander Litvinenko was murdered in England via high-tech radioactive toxins. The Brits have wanted the extradition of Andrei Lugovoi, a primary suspect and current Russian agent. Of course the Russians have refused and this

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-39558054352119075142007-07-18T19:00:00.000-04:002007-07-18T19:02:00.913-04:00

Things are moving forward in our preparations for this year's mission project in Ekaterinburg, Russia. I want to thank all who have been praying on behalf of our team, our project, and Russia. God continues to help us move forward one step at a time. We are now in the midst of applying for our visas. Despite various difficulties, we have been able to get our applications in and now simply wait as

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-44969273019162133802007-07-18T18:57:00.000-04:002007-07-18T18:58:50.430-04:00

I've been working as a pharmacist at a cancer research center for the last few weeks and I found that one of the studies that we're doing has actually made the news. We are taking part in the study referenced in this article about NV1020 - an experimental herpes virus that shows promise as a cancer-cell selective viral killer. The idea of engineering a virus to selectively kill bad cells while

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-8787451288771698352007-07-18T18:53:00.000-04:002007-07-18T18:56:33.157-04:00

We are excited to have another chance this summer to serve in Russia. As we shared when we returned from Ekaterinburg, Russia, we sincerely hoped to be able to continue our special relationship with ministry in Russia. Thus far, the Lord has granted us wonderful opportunities to continue serving in relation to Russia. Last year I had the chance to speak at a student retreat in Ekaterinburg and

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-60779143810076684362007-07-03T09:19:00.000-04:002007-07-03T09:54:34.727-04:00

Steve Sellers of Campus Crusade for Christ is calling on the Crusade family to remember 41 believers who are currently facing imprisonment and trials in a south Asian nation. The sensitive nature of the ministry there requires anonymity, but the following prayer letter has been sent out. I want to challenge all who feel so moved to remember these 41 believers, brothers & sisters who are suffering

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-86703400463161920232007-06-30T01:48:00.001-04:002007-06-30T01:48:41.182-04:00

If you think about it, everything in my dealings with God can ultimately be tied to grace. I look at it this way: God's favor can never be truly deserved. What could I possibly do to "force" or "obligate" God to show me good will or grant me blessings? Yet God pours into my cup again and again - He is so generous He pours until my cup overflows. This beautiful image of never-ending hospitality

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-850865001017180262007-06-25T17:07:00.001-04:002007-06-25T17:07:55.656-04:00

It's been a busy stretch - as evidenced by the dearth of posts on my part. This is the first time I've felt like I've had a chance to catch my breath in a while. I've been working anywhere between 20 and 40 hours a week at various cancer treatment centers and medical research sites. I've also found myself continually involved in various church ministries with the upcoming mission trip to Russia

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-51083668808764182342007-05-18T12:29:00.000-04:002007-05-18T12:30:14.742-04:00

Hanna is currently in Houston attending a pharmacy conference. Normally guys would actually relish a few days home without the wife since it might afford them the chance to relax and experience a little freedom around the house. As I settled in last night to watch the Red Wings and Ducks I realized that I'm really not doing anything that different from when Hanna is around. If Hanna were here,

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-74377611840644399442007-05-10T12:56:00.000-04:002007-05-10T12:57:09.468-04:00

Yes, I know that Hanna posted about her first official doctor visit and we're definitely excited about Won #3 (or should we just call the baby "won-3" or "1-3" or just "thirteen"?). Anyway, we're thankful for mom and baby both being healthy and progressing well. I don't know what to make of the baby possibly being born on my birthday. As for the possibility of the baby being a girl, I am fine

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-61877882719463995862007-05-04T11:31:00.000-04:002007-05-04T11:32:19.210-04:00

If pictures are worth a thousand words, here are a couple that will save me a few on this post:There are no good reasons or excuses. My prediction/hopes for the Mavs hinged on GS being human and feeling some pressure (obviously they are a bunch of basketball droids that feel no pressure) and the Mavs manning up - well, the first picture pretty much sums up how that went. Dirk is not an MVP player

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-92167234109221250692007-05-02T12:08:00.001-04:002007-05-02T12:09:05.067-04:00

Alright, maybe some of you thought I was about to break into another sports post about 3 games or a player with the number 3. There is plenty of sports to talk about - great Mavs desperation win last night, Red Wings locked in a great series with the SJ Sharks (what is it about Bay Area teams tormenting me?), Rangers pretty much eliminating themselves from September contention in April, etc., but

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-61628020144536278942007-04-20T17:30:00.001-04:002007-04-20T17:41:34.924-04:00

I've had some time to process events of April 16. As the previous posts show, this event has weighed heavily on my mind and heart. What's done is done and much light has been shed on this tragedy. In fact, the media has gone so far as to induce Seung-Hui Cho fatigue for most people, especially with the earlier non-stop showings of Cho photos and videos. I am now past some of the initial shock and

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-36120976858255207702007-04-18T16:01:00.000-04:002007-04-18T16:03:39.954-04:00

My friend Bernard, a co-founder and board member of the Mirae Foundation has just sent me information about a group of Korean-American organizations that have joined together to establish a memorial fund for the victims of the Va Tech massacre. The fund will be used to support the families of those affected by the tragic shooting. Here is the official press release. This is a positive gesture by

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-79871425020760475662007-04-18T03:31:00.000-04:002007-04-18T03:32:43.408-04:00

Upon looking back at my post on the Virginia Tech murders I realized that I may have come across as having no sympathy for Seung-Hui Cho and his family. I'm definitely still struggling with anger because of his nationality, and moreso because of his background. It seems that Seung-Hui Cho was the prototypical Korean immigrant kid - parents who worked hard owning a dry cleaners, an over-achieving

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-74151221910014308942007-04-17T17:33:00.000-04:002007-04-17T17:34:02.613-04:00

Words are communication symbols that represent thoughts, ideas, and emotions inside the human mind and heart. There are times when the medium of words and language simply do not do justice to the true state of affairs inside the soul. The Virginia Tech mass murder is so mind-boggling on many levels. The sheer scale alone makes it a historically significant event. The senselessness of it - the

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-37188683174530135752007-04-12T18:05:00.000-04:002007-04-12T18:13:25.603-04:00

Thanks to David from The Anti-Manichaeist blog for this excellent write-up on the Orange Revolution from a Christian perspective.He also recommends this site, Ukrainiana for good updates on happenings in Ukraine.

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-91035305566180464852007-04-11T15:04:00.000-04:002007-04-11T15:05:02.428-04:00

Those who thought that the Orange Revolution of 2004 would represent the glorious dawn of a new, democratic and free Ukraine probably didn't count on the persistence and intense hatred that marks Eastern European politics, especially in former Soviet states. Evidently, the battle for Ukraine is far from over and the rift between a pro-west Western Ukraine and a pro-Russia Eastern Ukraine only

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-59764116271690415872007-04-10T11:40:00.001-04:002007-04-10T11:40:40.020-04:00

As Easter has come and gone, we have had the good fortune of receiving cards and greetings from friends in Russia. As I looked at pictures and read words of encouragement from old friends my thoughts naturally turned towards our time in Russia. Usually these moments just pass on as pleasant reminders of faces & places that have meant so much to us. However, for some reason, yesterday night I

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-22071716311327237832007-03-27T20:09:00.000-04:002007-03-27T20:10:22.805-04:00

Ok, I'm just too lazy to diligently update goings-on in my life so here's another bullet-point riddled update on random stuff.Finally starting to break the Impreza in. For a while I've treated the car with kid-gloves and been afraid to really do any wrenching on it. I'm finally starting to see it as my car and so started laying the wrench to her. Just did an oil change and will soon replace the

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-21602882598376121212007-03-21T18:58:00.001-04:002007-03-21T19:03:13.845-04:00

Here's a very interesting article about the Bible and postmodernism by James Arlandson from The American Thinker. How do you view the Bible? How do you relate to it? Has postmodernism "in the air" affected your understanding of the Bible? It's worthwhile stuff to chew on. I also like his use of Yeats' mysterious and provocative poem, "The Second Coming." Is Jesus Christ Savior and Lord or Rough

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-65802465565388426142007-03-06T00:34:00.001-05:002007-03-06T00:37:02.806-05:00

In the last few days two media/political critics of Russia's government and Putin's policies have died in events that seem way too suspicious to be mere coincidence. This is sadly probably not going to be the last time a member of the "free" Russian press ends up the victim of some horrible act of "suicide" (emphatic air quotes here). In this story a known critic of Russian policy is murdered in

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-44555160367602167112007-03-02T12:44:00.002-05:002007-03-02T12:51:04.913-05:00

I've always questioned the motivation and methods behind traffic law enforcement. I'm not anti-police, but I do believe that many tickets and citations are issued out of convenience, as a money-grab, and in relation to some form of profiling. This story about red-light cameras seems to confirm my suspicions and fears about the not-so-noble state of traffic law enforcement in America.On Thursday,

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-81737822435094708402007-03-02T12:44:00.001-05:002007-03-02T12:44:37.437-05:00

This past Sunday was my last sermon as the EM pastor at Hanuri and now we look forward to the ministry of our new EM pastor. I'm looking forward to finally turning my full attention to preparations for doctoral work at Dallas Seminary. I know that the Lord has exciting new lessons and experiences in store for me as I head into this new chapter of my life. I really enjoyed my studies at Dallas

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-61218356240264375612007-02-13T19:39:00.001-05:002007-02-01T15:09:06.645-05:00

Please keep Dajin in your prayers. She should now be in Kuwait where she will train before going into Baghdad. Having some time with her and her family before she left was encouraging. Dajin's attitude and strength gave me confidence in what she is about to do. More importantly, the reality of God's presence and her faith gives comfort regarding a tremendously difficult situation. As Jimmy posted

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-83278143795157396282007-02-01T14:46:00.001-05:002007-02-01T15:09:06.695-05:00

I'd like to put out a request for help finding employment for two Russian students. Natasha and Pasha are two of our close friends from our time in Ekaterinburg, Russia. They are both eligible to come to America this summer through a work & travel program. They will be here from the end of May to September and will have the chance to work and get a taste of life in America. In order for them to

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-57386204406120602832007-01-23T02:53:00.000-05:002007-01-23T02:54:21.072-05:00

Haven't had a lot of time lately so I'll do a quick "bullet-point" riddled catch-up entry...Caleb moment #1: The family's in the car going to church and Caleb suddenly asks, "Who gave me Optimus Prime for Christmas?" As I'm driving I reply over my shoulder, "Mom & I." Caleb then asks, "Who's 'Ahmenai'?" I sarcastically reply, "An Egyptian god." He just says, "oh."Caleb moment #2: Caleb, Rachel

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-65922438584606980252007-01-03T19:55:00.000-05:002007-01-03T19:56:32.270-05:00

The Good...We've had a great Christmas break. It's been enjoyable having lots of friends over for fun and games during this holiday season. When we sought to finally buy a house, one of the main reasons was to be able to have a place we could invite friends and family and enjoy warm fellowship and fun. Having a full house almost every night of the break has been great, including playing Settlers

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-79632669684196515042006-12-14T11:36:00.000-05:002006-12-14T11:37:16.151-05:00

This Wall Street Journal op-ed piece brings to light the darker side of sexual "freedom" that few in today's society seem to want to acknowledge. Sadly, it is viewed as primitive, uninformed, narrow-minded, and backwards to see sexual relations as a special part of a marriage relationship. Educational institutions and societal agencies promote free sexuality and amoral sexual activity as

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-75551221577678528982006-12-14T10:43:00.000-05:002006-12-14T11:06:35.098-05:00

In reference to my earlier post on ominous developments in Russia, here is an excellent piece by Thomas Lifson of The American Thinker that examines the significance of Russia's strong-arming of Shell in the Sakahlin-2 project.This piece by Jeremy Sharon, also at The American Thinker, sheds insightful light on Russia's "neo-Imperialistic ambitions."For further proof that "something wicked this

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-19717069044128560392006-12-13T03:18:00.000-05:002006-12-13T03:19:13.180-05:00

Over the last few days I've been reminded that I am turning 37 today. I really didn't think of this birthday as a big deal and I really don't feel anything significant today. However, the gestures and gifts friends have sent have meant a lot. I am not particularly excited about turning 37 or about it being my birthday. I am excited, however, to be reminded that the Lord has filled my life with

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-62762293889097308632006-12-11T19:46:00.000-05:002006-12-12T11:56:41.158-05:00

Though we are pretty settled into life in America, we continue to have our hearts knit tightly to Russia and special people there. If you might have gotten the sense that there is a lot going on in Russia due to increased stories and news items, I don't think you're imagination is running wild. There is really a lot going on in Russia these days and most of it is not good. If you connect the news

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-75180388196586331212006-12-05T13:13:00.001-05:002006-12-05T13:13:55.013-05:00

Really encouraged by the way our EM has responded to the call to focus on evangelism and prayer. I am very appreciative of those who have been sacrificing their Saturday morning sleep-in to come out and pray. I am absolutely certain that the positive things taking place in our EM are very much linked to our renewed heart for prayer. Thanks to all who have made Saturday mornings meaningful.Also

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-33832661007610445622006-11-17T19:03:00.001-05:002006-11-17T19:06:15.907-05:00

This is legendary Michigan coach Glenn E. "Bo" Schembechler, or as most know him, simply "Bo." He passed away this morning from terminal heart failure while taping his weekly show on Michigan Football. He had a history of heart problems and it was no secret that he would pass one day, but he had a toughness and a persistence that seemed to make you wonder if he'd ever really pass away. Well, that

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1162999826892175882006-11-08T10:12:00.000-05:002006-11-08T19:27:51.910-05:00

Upon further observation and thinking (or poring over the entrails as Chris Wallace of Fox news said yesterday), I now realize what that familiar feeling was as I was watching various Dem big shots give their "things will be better" speeches. The Dems were basically just playing the role of the sore loser kid that is a part of any playground culture. The kid that threatens to go home with the

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1162970724774842112006-11-08T02:24:00.000-05:002006-11-08T02:25:24.786-05:00

I'll begin by stating my affiliation: I've pretty much been and continue to be a Republican. Values, such as small government, lower taxation, social conservatism, a strong military, and free-market economic principles cause me to stand fairly firm as a Republican. However, I also admit that I admire the Democratic track record on civil rights and some aspects of their social activism -

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1160524333014459492006-10-10T19:51:00.000-04:002006-10-10T19:57:45.913-04:00

This is one of those political and historical situations that is like a bloomin' onion - the more you peel away the outer layers, the more stuff just keeps coming up. North Korea is really about every other nation of significance in the world. If you play "Six degrees of North Korea" you'd find that they are like the Kevin Bacon of world politics (no offense intended towards Mr. Bacon). This

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1160018410477898042006-10-04T23:19:00.000-04:002006-10-04T23:20:10.503-04:00

Well, thanks to some very generous (and strong) friends, we were able to finish moving into the new house on Saturday. Special thanks to Ho, Charlie, Stefan, and Alex for doing some pretty heavy lifting on Saturday. Thanks also to Christine and Sandra for doing some heavy lifting of their own. Thanks also to Jimmy, Eddie, and Larry for all the help they provided (especially to Larry who gave up a

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1159222173771364892006-09-25T18:09:00.000-04:002006-09-25T18:09:33.786-04:00

We closed on our house on Thursday. It was definitely a significant moment for our family as we are now proud owners of our first house. We are all excited and despite all the work ahead, we are humbled by God's grace in providing this house that will be our home. As Hanna said in her blog post, this house is not "our" house, but it is God's house and we are the caretakers. This means that our

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1158467086865302732006-09-17T00:24:00.000-04:002006-09-17T00:25:42.940-04:00

Gotta' enjoy this game. We might lose the next one but I'll worry about Wisconsin later. This was one of those games where everything just went beautifully. The Wolverines were just hitting on all cylinders -- Henne and Manningham had a passing TD hattrick, Hart ran well, and the defense just took the heralded ND offense behind the woodshed for a serious whuppin'. It doesn't happen often so I'm

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1158332226003525202006-09-15T10:56:00.000-04:002006-09-15T10:57:06.016-04:00

We are in the midst of buying our first house after 12 years of marriage (why so late? something about being in full-time ministry can take precedence over owning a house). This is the good news. Hanna is excited and I have to say that God's grace has led us to this house. However, there is a negative side to all this: moving! I hate moving. I don't know why, but it seems that I have more of an

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1158105045150516672006-09-12T19:22:00.000-04:002006-09-12T19:55:21.656-04:00

In the midst of all the media buzz surrounding the fifth anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the WTC, I took some time to think about what happened that day and how it affects this day. First of all, I want to pay my respects to those who lost their lives that day and express my thanks and admiration to those who lost their lives in the line of duty - the NY fire department and police

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1158103048139970712006-09-12T19:17:00.000-04:002006-09-12T19:18:50.800-04:00

Just had to post a few video clip diamonds that I've found in the rough...Baby Power Fart (this kid will be lighting some blue flames someday) Treadmills Rock! (this is just weird-funny, must see stuff)

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1158102923007540512006-09-12T19:14:00.000-04:002006-09-12T19:15:23.020-04:00

A Russian airliner with about 170 people, including 45 children, crashed in Eastern Ukraine and all aboard were killed. As I read this story it hit close to home for several reasons. First, we were in Ukraine not too long ago and there's something sad about knowing that a tragedy took place in a place you are familiar with. Secondly, the airline that was involved, Pulkovo is an airline that I've

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1155711837538257272006-08-16T03:03:00.000-04:002006-08-16T03:03:57.550-04:00

Dilbert is definitely a very funny comic strip, always worth reading when available. However, after coming across Scott Adams' Dilbert blog recently, I must say that his blog turns out to be pretty funny in its own right. It's cool to see that his sense of humor works well in the humorist/blog medium and not just in a more visual medium like comic strips. Anyway, here are his thoughts on the

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1155670112596651562006-08-15T15:28:00.000-04:002006-08-15T15:28:32.620-04:00

I know Jimmy will have an ironic laugh at this and Joyce might simply feel even better than she already does about her conversion to the Apple cult..."There have been numerous recent news reports about Dell laptops bursting into flames, and pictures of some of the charred machines have circulated on the Internet..."I'm glad I currently use my Dell Inspiron as a de facto desktop and don't even

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1155144289007707692006-08-09T13:24:00.000-04:002006-08-09T13:24:49.023-04:00

Well, Rachel had her first day of school today. It was nice to see her excited about the first day of school. As she packed her backpack and got everything ready I realized that my little girl is now starting the 5th grade! I sure don't feel like I'm old enough to have a daughter in 5th grade (but then again I probably don't feel old enough to have celebrated my 12th wedding anniversary either).

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1155079477389600372006-08-08T19:24:00.000-04:002006-08-08T19:24:37.406-04:00

This past weekend our good friend from Ekaterinburg, Alexei, visited en route to Hawaii where he will begin his masters studies at the University of Hawaii. As we showed him around Dallas and spent time with him I couldn't help thinking about how cool it was that Alexei was actually here with us. Alexei was the first student we got to know when we moved to Ekaterinburg almost 4 years ago. He

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1154477563647054242006-08-01T20:12:00.000-04:002006-08-01T20:12:43.706-04:00

12 years...12 years...interesting to think about the meaning of 12 years. For a middle-schooler it's a lifetime...3 Olympiads...the time it takes to graduate from high school...med school, internship, and a residency for some doctors...a solid career for a pro athlete...a drop in the bucket for a retiree. 12 years ago Forrest Gump won the Oscar for Best Picture, the hit sitcom Friends debuted on

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1154367099103660152006-07-31T13:30:00.000-04:002006-07-31T13:33:30.223-04:00

This is a great cinderella story for soccer fans, Dallasites, and anyone who simply loves a good "David v Goliath" story in sports (Hat-tip to Bob's Blog). Roma FC, a Dallas amateur club side have defeated Chivas USA of the MLS in one of the biggest upsets you can find in sports! Imagine if a recreational league basketball team had beaten the Houston Rockets in a basketball tournament - well

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1153924722296490862006-07-26T10:36:00.000-04:002006-07-26T10:38:42.313-04:00

One of the harder aspects of any missions project is the time following the trip. Every time I've taken part in a project there has always been a period of time following the project when I feel a bit like I'm in limbo. I'm not really fully here nor there. I am glad to be back home and enjoy some of the creature comforts we lacked in Ukraine. I'ts good to be back home where we have many good

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1153201168316724262006-07-18T01:38:00.000-04:002006-07-18T01:39:28.330-04:00

I'm sitting at Terminal 3 of Heathrow following 2 weeks of ministry in Ukraine. I am very tired, but not tired. It was exhausting, challenging, even intimidating at times. Still, I will never grow tired of seeing God bend down to listen to His children and do amazing things in response to their child-like prayers of faith. I will never grow tired of seeing suspicious, hard stares turn into

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1151969101522788882006-07-03T19:24:00.000-04:002006-07-03T19:25:01.540-04:00

Well, we're now officially in the final countdown stage. Less than 24 hours to go until we depart for Ukraine. Most of the big preparations are done, but as always, there are countless little things that seem to need attention. It's so hard to focus on the truly important things - the Gospel, the hearts and minds of Ukrainian kids, our hearts and minds as God's followers. The most difficult thing

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1151443483870374102006-06-27T17:24:00.000-04:002006-06-27T17:24:43.906-04:00

The word "ukraine" actually comes from a slavic word root meaning "edge" as in "out there" and we're going to Ukraine! Well, we're now officially in final gear-up mode for our Ukraine missions project. Our church will be sending its first overseas missions team to L'viv, Ukraine to serve with Josiah Venture at a youth camp. We've got a lot to do in preparation and a short time to do it. Obviously

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1150995032188483492006-06-22T12:49:00.000-04:002006-06-22T12:50:32.213-04:00

I'm past the immediate pain (again, gut-punch, combat-boot-to-the-face, kick-to-the-crotch feelings) of watching Dallas get eliminated in game 6. I give Miami all the credit for playing great, especially D-Wade. I was wrong about Miami's supporting players. I'm throwing up a little in my mouth as I give credit to 'Toine, GP and Zo for playing well when it counted. Shaq did the best he could at

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1150831774346258732006-06-20T15:28:00.000-04:002006-06-20T15:30:55.460-04:00

Ok, it's taken me this long to finally get past the gut-punch, throw-up-in-the-mouth, kick-to-the-crotch feeling I had after Game 5. I am more confident than ever that the Mavs will win. They must win. They simply have to defeat the evil forces of David Stern, Stu Jackson, ESPN/ABC and the NBA refs. I know that all this is just crying from a Mavs fan, but I can't just sit here and not say that it

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1150510989128100112006-06-16T22:22:00.000-04:002006-06-16T22:26:25.206-04:00

USB drives are great modern gadgets. They can store amazing amounts and types of data in such a small and convenient medium. I've gotten a lot of use out of my USB drives and now we see that they can be so much more useful than we ever thought. al-Zarqawi's death has caused some significant fall-out both in Iraq and here in the US. This story reveals that one of the biggest victories we might

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1150468447515667332006-06-16T10:33:00.000-04:002006-06-16T10:40:09.270-04:00

Ok, I'm officially worried now. Last night left me feeling physically ill. I was supremely confident that this series was a done deal with the Mavs winning in 5. I knew that Miami would play well at home - you cannot keep players like Shaq and Dwyane (yes, spelled correctly) down every game. Also, there's an almost unwritten law of basketball which states that role players/bench players will play

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1150150343021950762006-06-12T18:11:00.000-04:002006-06-12T18:12:23.053-04:00

I am a P-1. This means that I am an avid listener of Sports Radio 1310 The Ticket. I like the various Ticket radio shows but I really dig BaD Radio. This is not "bad" radio as in poor quality radio, it is BaD radio as in the "Bob and Dan" show. Bob Sturm is your quintessential sports guy, maybe even a sports bully. He knows about every sport, loves stats, plays recreationally, collects

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1150143198828543072006-06-12T16:12:00.000-04:002006-06-12T16:25:51.930-04:00

Here's my prediction from before the Finals (not bad for an amateur if I do say so myself):Ok, I know everyone in the media is now making their NBA finals prediction so I guess I'll try it for fun.I'm honestly a bit surprised that so many "experts" are picking Miami. I'm not saying that Miami is bad, but I'm pretty confident that the Mavs are simply a better team than the Heat. As in the Suns

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1149562786830264452006-06-05T22:57:00.000-04:002006-06-05T22:59:46.846-04:00

Actually found a house we like and began the buying process. In a way, it's pretty nerve-wracking signing the first batch of papers because of the enormity of the investment, but it's also pretty exciting. Twelve years of marriage and we're finally buying our first house. I guess that's just how life in ministry can be sometimes.Just took my Pathfinder out for her last ride. That truck was pretty

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1149397075718388032006-06-04T00:57:00.000-04:002006-06-04T00:57:55.730-04:00

I keep thinking this can't be happening. It's been a long journey, but this Mavs fan is just permagrinnin' and in shock. I always believed in the Mavs, but it's just plain surreal to see and hear everywhere that the Mavs are in the finals. The finals have eluded the Mavs for so long and in such heart-breaking ways that it seems too good to be true right now. I wish I could say something clever or

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1149280075360137122006-06-02T16:27:00.000-04:002006-06-02T16:29:34.410-04:00

Bill Simmons sizes up late developments in the NBA playoffs and does not disappoint. His latest entry at ESPN Page 2 is outstanding (mainly because he puts Dirk into the "pantheon" and cracks on the Suns/D'Antoni crying-whining shtick). He even includes a link to possibly the funniest unintentional comedy moment ever: William Shatner's rendition of Rocket Man.As usual, check out Simmons' article

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1148922127433146062006-05-29T12:58:00.000-04:002006-05-29T13:02:07.446-04:00

If you look below you should notice that almost all of my observations and thoughts about the Mavericks-Suns series have turned out to have some credence. Now that the series is 3 games old and the Mavs are up 2-1, it seems that the Mavs are simply asserting themselves due to their superiority down the line. As I noted, the Suns top stars may match up pretty well with the Mavs' top stars, but the

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1148532680124563122006-05-25T00:50:00.000-04:002006-05-25T00:51:20.146-04:00

I'm just as disappointed as any fan that the Mavs squandered away a lead and lost game 1. It was ugly and I offer no excuses. Avery coached poorly (definitely some questionable decisions in this one) and the players didn't execute like champions.Yet, here are a few reasons why it's too early to push the panic button. I still think we will win and here's why...It is what it is... We're simply a

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1148408347738838042006-05-23T14:17:00.000-04:002006-05-23T14:19:07.766-04:00

I'm still soaking in last night's win over the Spurs. My friend Hosuk and I even went to the airport last night to welcome the Mavs back to Dallas. It was pretty cool to be right there, just a few feet away as the Mavs rolled past in their cars. They looked pretty excited and rightfully so. The fans showed them just how much their incredible performance in this series was appreciated. I've been

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1147995466695728502006-05-18T19:36:00.000-04:002006-05-18T19:37:46.713-04:00

Here's a nice article by Professor Stephen Bainbridge on the new film version of the Da Vinci Code. If you are not entirely familiar with some of the root issues in the controversy surrounding the DVC, this article gives you some good, general perspective. In essence, it comes down to understanding that Dan Brown's pseudo-historical theories on Jesus Christ are not cut-n-dry facts. I actually

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1147242956218152912006-05-10T02:34:00.000-04:002006-05-10T02:35:56.233-04:00

Been so busy lately with so many things, but just wanted to leave a couple of links to some very funny stuff.If you don't already know, I'm a huge fan of Bill Simmons. He's really the voice of my sports generation and my pop-culture crowd. He's come through again with a great look at the first round of the NBA play-offs. His stock report on the "Association" is hilarious, including a couple of

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11744489.post-1146506475633262292006-05-01T13:58:00.001-04:002006-05-01T17:31:24.983-04:00

We've come to live in a new world and a new era where the spectre of the cold war and clashes with communism are no longer the terror du jour. What is unfortunate is that we seem to have quickly forgotten just how horrible and far-reaching the negative consequences were during the time of communism's greatest influence in the world. It's unfortunate to see how easily the new generation takes for

Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04659942070692762612noreply@blogger.com1