SurrenderedWarrior

Jumping Ship

2008-07-24T22:32:00.002-04:00

Update you mess cause I am jumping ship over to WordPress. You can find me here. Look I had to do it. My wife made one for herself and all the kids and I didn't want to be left out.

For the finally time here on blogger.....

MUSA OUT!

14 reasons!!!

2008-07-16T18:44:00.002-04:00

14 Reasons why I love this woman!

She married me!!!

She gave me Caleb, Kennedy and Courtney.

She is a total BABE!

She brings out the very best in me and I am a better man because of it.

She is determined.

She is an encourager.

She is passionate.

She is a great cuddle buddy!

She is trustworthy!

She puts her family before herself.

She is my best friend!

She loves God!

She has a great smile, beautiful eyes and she is a "Hottie"!

After 14 years of marriage, she is my help mate, my lover, my companion, my friend and counselor. He who finds a wife finds a good thing. I believe this applies directly to me.

I love you Helen.

Saturday night Brain Dump!

2008-07-12T21:19:00.002-04:00

I did it again.... I hit the enter button and posted a blank post once again.
Saturday Night Brain Dump- Take 2

Dad had hernia surgery yesterday and came through with flying colors.
Why do my kids take their cues from each other and decide that it is cool to ask 1,000 questions about the most random things... ALL AT ONCE!
Why do my dogs sleep so much???
Why does my wife sleep so much???
Why don't I sleep that much???
My oldest will be a teenager in a little more than a month..... Less than thrilled or not feeling prepared. You decide.
On that note, He just had his yearly physical, and lets just say that he is not 5 or 6 anymore. YIKES!
My wife will have to get a job next summer. Why, because whenever I come home from work, she has taken it upon herself to rearrange 3 rooms of our house with plans for more. I can't find anything!!!! Truly frustrating
Football practice starts in 19 days.... YES!
There is nothing better than Grandma's roast and rice that is covered in brown gravy. It will make your tongue slap your brains out!

Bonus thought: After nearly 14 wonderful years of marriage, Helen has successfully made brown gravy....... YEAH!!!!

Remember to keep it real till it goes wrong!

On Eagles' Wings!

2008-07-06T22:10:00.004-04:00

Well I promised something more thought provoking and I guess I can't put it off any longer.

While on our vacation to Busch Gardens we went to the bald eagle habitat to see a collection of some rather awesome birds. Except there was one problem. None of the birds in that habitat would ever fly again. It struck me to see these birds waddle around or perched on the various rocks and branches around their en closer. Knowing that they would never again feel the wind on their wings or see a perspective of the earth that we as humans can only dream about. You see, these birds came to be there because they were either injured or became sick and thus they would never fly again.

My point is, that these birds were created for one thing, and the thing that they were created for they can never do again. God created us for one thing, and sometimes we like those birds through sickness or injury aren't able to do that thing that He made us for. Fortunately for us we have a Redeemer who is able to heal us and restore us to flight. Will you allow Him to restore your ability to soar on the wings of eagles or will you remain grounded unable to take flight again.

Look at it this way, birds fly, but eagles soar!

Country Living!!!

2008-07-04T14:03:00.002-04:00

Well since we moved to Pender County I have noticed several things about country living.

It is REALLY DARK at night!
Next store neighbors is relative considering it is about 100-150 yards to get there.
Trash from passing cars ending up all over my front yard.
Having to take my trash to the county dump.
Country bugs are bigger than city bugs.
Various forest creatures that get struck by cars and dying in my front yard. (Deer especially)
Deer that like to have their social get togethers in my front yard
Electric fences...
Riding lawn mowers.
Having a house too far from the road to get cable.
Thunderstorms are worst here, thus the need for a weather radio
Blinking traffic lights at 10:00 pm

Wordle

2008-07-04T12:42:00.002-04:00

I found this on Bryan's website and I thought it was pretty cool so I decided to try it. Just some of the random words that have appeared on my blog from time to time. Needed a space filler, what can I say.

Summer Time TV

2008-06-30T20:56:00.002-04:00

Well it has been a while since I posted so I thought I would go with this: NO Re-Runs

American Gladiator- Just as good as when I was a kid
Wipe Out-New show on ABC- Kinda modeled after the Japanese game shows- Very Funny!
Design Star- Helen loves it and I love her so there you go. Not that bad either
Deadliest Catch- Crab fishing to the MAX!
UFC Unleashed- Two Men, 1 ring, tons of pain.
So you think you can dance- Watched it once or twice. It was ok
America's Got Talent- Good if you need a quick nap before bed
Nashville Star- Watched just enough to know who is hosting. (Billy Ray Cyrus)
If you have Direct TV- Gospel Channel is a good one! Lots of good music videos and other special programs!
What not to Wear- Just started watching this again. Once again, Helen loves it so see #3

So there you have it. The Summer time viewing list.

P.S. I promise to have something more in depth to say soon. You will just have to wait for it.

MUSA Out!

Another Great Church Sign

2008-06-21T23:15:00.003-04:00

Sorry guys, I've been on vacation so there haven't been any posts coming from yours truly. With that said I thought I would get back in the groove by posting another interesting church sign that I saw just today.

It reads: "Our Sundays are better than Baskin Robbins!" Whether that is true or not isn't for me to judge, but Baskin Robbins is bringing 31 flavors so they had better come strong if they expect to top them.

Bonus sign. Actually I didn't see this one on a church sign but it is true not the less. It reads: " If God doesn't help, Help ain't coming!" I liked it, so there you go.

Musa Out!

Happy Father's Day!!!

2008-06-13T12:48:00.003-04:00

I figured I would take this time to get the first post in for Father's Day. Yesterday my nephew graduated from high school, Way To Go Matthew!!!! But anyway, it was a another opportunity to spend some time with my father and my grandfather. BTW my grandfather is 94 years old. That man is simply amazing. My grandmother is 86 and they have been married for 66 years. They are stilling going strong.

The point is that I want to honor them for their roles in shaping the man you see here on this blog and in person. These two men did what many Black men of this generation chose not to do. That is, get married, have kids and then stick around to raise them. I owe much of who I am to these 2 men. Those of you who know me best may say, but John your dad is not saved. While that is true, he did instill in me some Godly principles even if he didn't realize it. Dr. Myles Munroe said it best while visiting our church that the fathers are the foundation of the family. Destroy the foundation, you destroy the family, destroy the family, you destroy a society. Dads our roles are vital to raising great kids. It works best when there is a mom and dad to raise them, but we can't forsake our role in getting it done.

Looking at my grandfather yesterday it hit me that I am a part of the legacy and blessing because of the foundation that he is in our family. I thank God for him all the time.

Happy Father's Day!!!

Burden of Leadership

2008-06-11T16:27:00.002-04:00

If being a leader was easy, anyone could do it. I have discovered how easy it is to critic others for how they lead or conduct themselves based on the position they are in. It is quite another matter to occupy that position and be faced with those decisions knowing that the outcome of those decisions will affect those around you. This guy has made that abundantly clear as he moves ever closer to being the lead dog of this place! To make a long story short, I have taken the opportunity to not just complain about a situation but instead try a new concept and get involved to make it right. I was elected to the board of my children's school, and while I still feel somewhat under qualified, I never the less felt compelled to act. The saying: " The only way for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing!" kept popping up in my mind. I now have a chance to make an impact on something that is very important to me.

Leadership to me is best put like this: If you have to ability to act then you also have a responsibility to do so. Its kinda like seeing an accident happen and instead of lending a helping hand, we cruise on past and just rubber neck the whole event from afar. All the while saying it must stink to be in that situation or if they had been paying attention it wouldn't have happened. Catch my drift? As a christian, I haven't been called to just get by and not get involved. I am supposed to be a change agent, a catalyst, an example to those around me. So I have put myself out there for all kinds of critics to come my way.

In other words, you can criticize me all you want, but at least I am in the game!!! The view from the sideline must look pretty good huh?

I am just saying!

MUSA OUT!

Sunday Night Brain Dump!

2008-06-08T19:17:00.002-04:00

Well it is Sunday night and we don't have choir practice.... So I find myself in front of this computer typing out this blog post.

I attended a pair of funerals over the weekend, one of which I was asked to be a pal bearer as soon as I arrived at the church. Helen was worried about me. But I was honored to do it.
I saw a lady driving on I-40 and she was holding her cell phone with one hand and flossing her teeth with the other. Talented or stupid.... You decide.
It has been Jungle hot outside over the past few days.
Vacation for me and my family is one week away.
Kennedy turned 10 this past Tuesday.... My kids are going up WAY TOO FAST!
Caleb will be 13 in August. I could be wrong but I think of all my closest friends from college that Helen and I will be the first to take the dip into parenting a teenager. Fortunately we will get to practice on Kennedy before we get to Courtney. She may be the one that tests my metal as a father.
Abbye bailed on the worship team because she wanted to get ready for baby Rylee. Can you believe it. Man, this is so unfair. Seriously, it was great to have her as our Worship and Creative arts Director.
Happy Anniversary to my pastors: Ron and Norma- 39 years!!! AWESOME!
Must go to the beach this summer.

Question of the Day/Week/Month: If the only time you pray together as a family is over your meals, is that a problem?

As always.... I'm just saying..... Musa Out!

Where were you when????

2008-06-06T09:09:00.002-04:00

Since Google didn't think it was important to remember this, I figured I would do it. Do you know what today is??? Think about it for a second.... Give up?

It is the 64th anniversary of D-Day.

It has been said that the men and women from that era are known as the "Greatest Generation". I believe they may be right.

Musa Out!

TownHall- 6-1-08

2008-06-02T08:53:00.007-04:00

Well we just attended our first Town hall meeting for our church to help our congregation better understand some of the changes that are taking place here. Pastor Ron and Pastor B shared their heart and vision for the future. To me it wasn't a whole lot of new material that was shared, because to Helen and I had already made up our minds where we stood. Some things that stood out to me about this meeting:

Pastor Ron talked about the importance of the prophetic and that how it was needed less inside the church and needed more out in the world where the lost and hurting reside. To me at first I didn't get it but the more I thought about it the more I found myself nodding in agreement.

If nothing else, that statement challenged me to walk by Holy Spirit direction. How many people have I passed by that God could have used me to speak a word of encouragement to them.

Pastor Ron is moving to a role in which he will be able to pour into the leaders of our church. This really excites me because it will be a chance to learn from a great leader of men.

Pastor B doesn't have it all figured out.... And that is OK. Because it is about the pursuit of the Father.

I believe we are getting ready to enter the most challenging and purpose fulfilling time in the life of our church. 2008 is supposed to be the year of acceleration and elevation. Are you ready?

Musa Out!

Consequences to our actions

2008-05-30T11:22:00.002-04:00

Life moment number 200. Any two fools have to ability to make a baby. But it takes a man and a woman to be good parents. As for me, I believe I am some where in between those two extremes. My son was doing what 12 year olds do, when in the company of other 12 year olds. Except this time it got him suspended from school. Helen and I took the opportunity to discuss the matter with 2 of his teachers as well as his principal. While neither one of us was happy at what happened and we didn't necessarily agree with the punishment. We were able to be professional and courteous to them.

My point is simply this. We are to be a reflection of Christ in season and out of season. While I will leave it up to you what those seasons are. It was in the back of my mind during all of our meetings this morning. I wanted to get my concerns across but at the same time I needed to remain a representative of the God I serve. I hope we accomplished both. I am not perfect but I am striving even in difficult circumstances to be the same person that God wants me to be.

I am just putting it out there for public consumption... Do with it what you will!

Musa Out.

Wednesday Brain dump

2008-05-28T15:52:00.003-04:00

Well it is Wednesday so it must be time for a quick reflection of the week's events.

Saw Prince Caspian with my wife and children on Monday. Pretty good flick. I can recommend it without reservation.

I think I may have bitten off more than I can chew. So I will have to swallow this one whole. I was elected to the school board of my kids school.
It is still May and I am being summoned to football meetings and practice doesn't even start for another 2 months.
Kennedy turns 10 (I think) on June 3. There is a sleep over in my future along with another cookout.
I get to learn some new music with this lady tomorrow.
BTW, I am starting to enjoy having the newest member of our family around. You may know him as IThunder. Helen knew it would only be a matter of time.
Helen and I are preparing to move on something that is close to our heart. Pray for us.
Vacation is coming. YES!
I have decided to get back on the "Weight Lost Express"..... Hopefully I can stay on board to the end.
Geocaching--- Its all the rage... If your kids come home talking about GeoCaching. You should give it a try. Great fun for the whole family.

I think that is enough for now.

Musa Out!

I am a Transformer!

2008-05-27T11:15:00.002-04:00

This morning, before I left for work, I read Romans 12:2. I asked the Lord to transform my mind, to elevate my thinking. Helen has been faithfully reminding me to break out of the old mindsets that we as a couple have allowed to run our lives. To be honest, I was in a blue funk for most of the afternoon yesterday. I really had no reason to be. I got to spend time with my wife and children and we went to the movies. It was an extra day away from work and school and I should have been elated at the chance to be with them. And yet I found myself thinking of the things we didn't have, yet at least to me we needed. The point is that I have to allow God to change my way of thinking so that I can discern what it is He wants me to do and where I should go. I can't do that when I am stuck in an old worn out mindset. Simply because thinking like that is not on the same plain that God's thinking is, and He desires for me to come up to where He resides. So today, I am asking for a transformation of my mind, my thoughts and my desires.

Remember- If you think you can or you think you can't.... You are Right!

I serve???

2008-05-19T15:17:00.003-04:00

I figured that I would be the first to comment on the sermon from church yesterday. I was listening to a very good sermon on joining the ranks of those who contribute to the ministry, instead of just receiving from it. Now I do in fact serve in a couple of areas in our church but I guess the question I am asking myself is, while I am serving, am I serving at the level and commitment that I should be. In other words am I just paying lip service and do things half-way or am I going all out to see the vision fulfilled? Because to me it seems there is not much difference between not serving and serving half hearted. Neither is advancing the kingdom.

I am just saying, if I am going to do it then I need to be in it all the way with my hair on fire. Serving half hearted is like eating cold soup. It may fill a need but it never satisfies.

It takes a village....

2008-05-17T21:35:00.002-04:00

Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton wrote a book, called " It takes a Village". I didn't bother to read it but I believe the premise of the work deals with how it takes a community to raise your children. Now I would generally disagree with that until tonight. You see I just left the GAFA dance production that my girls were a part of. They were awesome by the way. But it got me thinking. It really does take a community to teach, train and raise our kids. The primary responsibility lies with Helen and me but there are other people in my kids' lives that are very influential. For example, I couldn't have taught my girls those dance routines. I am not gifted that way, but there were some dedicated women who poured themselves into them to bring out an awesome gift in my girls. Nothing makes me prouder than to watch my kids excel at something they have worked hard on. So were does this leave me? Well, what Helen and I do is the foundation for everything else in their lives. But we also get to build parts of their lives as well and there will be others who will build into their lives things that I can't supply. Makes you think about the people who are involved in your kids lives doesn't it? I hope this makes sense.

As always...

Musa Out!

The Un-offended

2008-05-13T11:05:00.002-04:00

God has the ability to cast my sin as far as the East is from the West and remember them no more. Now we say, how can He simply forget the wrong that I have done? Well I decided to take a look at it more closely. Many of you who read this may not be aware that my wife is white and I am of course NOT! I think the PC term for it is Inter-racial marriage. I will have a post on the whole "race" thing later. But for now let us focus in on this. When Helen and I first started dating her family was not very happy with it at all. Long story short most of her family did not come to our wedding. She had to walk down the aisle without her father. It was tough, and we could have felt justified in being angry or even bitter. The thing that kept me grounded was that I knew what the word of the Lord was to me concerning Helen and I believed in my heart that God would turn it around.

The thing that amazes me, is that God is so much better than anything we can imagine or think. He not only reconciled us to Helen's family but He so completely healed the breach that I really do not remember what it was like before He restored those relationships. To me, that is how I know when I am walking in forgiveness towards someone. When I can't recall what it felt like when the pain and offense were still new.

As far as East is from the West, into the sea of forgetfulness. Are you able to say that with a clear conscience towards those in your lives. It kinda gives new meaning to the phrase "Forgive and Forget" now doesn't it?

I am just saying.....

MUSA Out!

What will they say about me????

2008-05-07T09:59:00.002-04:00

Ever wonder what people will say about you when you die. Now don't freak out, I don't have a death wish or anything. What I mean is. If you were dead and people had to sum up your life from their interactions with you, what would they say. This is a little experiment to provoke us to live in such a way that those who knew us best would say the kinds of things about us that would be good and true. If your list of negatives is longer than the positives then maybe just maybe some changes need to take place. I am just saying....

Hump Day thoughts!

2008-04-30T15:39:00.002-04:00

Who is bigger today: the problem or the Problem solver. The sickness or the Healer. The lack or the Provider. The victim or the Victor. The sin or the Redeemer. The burden or the Load bearer. The prison or the Deliverer. The thing is, we get to decide who is magnified in our lives.

I am just saying....

MUSA Out!

Question of the Day?

2008-04-28T07:04:00.003-04:00

It is not about gifts or the calling on my life. Those things have been there since before the foundation of the earth. For me the question is: Do I have enough character to go to the next level? What flaws are there in me that prevent me from progressing any farther in Him. His love is without condition but His trust has to be earned.... I am just saying.... Something to think about!

Change is constant!

2008-04-27T20:43:00.002-04:00

Well with all the news going on around our church lately it is almost becoming anti-climatic when another big announcement comes. I have come to expect it. Don't get me wrong, all the things that are happening are exciting and fresh, but even when I had no idea what was coming, when announced I was like yeah that figures. Look it is my desire to be a part of something much bigger than me and I believe that I am. One of my favorite sayings: If you aren't the lead dog, the view doesn't change! Well I am not the lead dog and I do not have a desire to fill that role. But I do have a responsibility to pull my share of the weight. So I am strapped in and it is my intention to help the LEAD DOG pull this sled and fulfill the next phase of the vision of our house.

Hang on People, its about to get even more crazy around here.

A Man's work is NEVER done!

2008-04-26T15:05:00.002-04:00

What you see before you is just about ever stitch of clothing we own. Who is responsible for conquering this mountain of clothes???? You guessed it.... ME! Good thing the NFL draft is on. Should finish with the laundry just about the time the draft ends.... Tomorrow.

Friday night highlights!

2008-04-25T19:36:00.003-04:00

Well this has been a long week.

Working on another school upgrade project for a middle school.... Those teachers need combat pay to put up with so many knuckle heads...
I received some "fashion advice" from a co-worker on who really was in NO position to be giving any themselves.
I went to lunch with my son at his school in an attempt to spend some quality time with him. I saw him all of about 10 minutes. I guess my mere presence at a school function was quality enough for him?
I sat at a baseball for 2 1/2 hours only to watch the game end in a 1 to 1 tie....
While in the midst of that school upgrade I literally saw every kid that has played a sport with my son or one that I coached at one school.
Watched "Working Girl" with Melanie Griffin on Lifetime and Helen was NOT in the room. Why, you ask??? Just because I needed a good cry.
I found a new combo of meds to help prevent my loud snoring..... Helen was really excited.
Mowed the grass... John Deere power OH YEAH!

Saturday plans

Wash all the clothes
Fold the clothes
Watch the NFL Draft ( preferable while folding clothes)
Sleep late
Send Helen out shopping with her mother.
Movie night with the kids.

That will do for now.

So it makes perfect sense....

2008-04-24T23:22:00.003-04:00

This one will be short and sweet.... So today Helen takes Courtney to school with her because it was take your kid to work day at CFCI. Helen is a pre-school teacher and Courtney is in 2nd grade. Needless to say if you know my youngest child then this will make perfect sense. I asked how her day was and what it was like to spend the day in her mom's class. That is when the sly cheese eatin' grin came over her face as she proclaim how popular she was with the pre-school kids. They followed her all over the play ground during recess and when they went to play centers all the kids wanted to be at the center Courtney was responsible for. I summed her day up this way. Courtney got to be the center of attention and boss other people around....... She agreed and so did her mother. That's my girl!

The still quiet voice of God....

2008-04-22T17:47:00.003-04:00

This post will not start out related to anything close to the title but just bare with me..... If you have kids then you know there are times in their lives when they loose their freaking minds. Today was one such day in which my two oldest kids decide for reasons beyond my comprehension to have a shouting match in the middle of the kitchen. In an effort to settle their differences, my eldest was showing just a "bit" of attitude. Insert sarcasm where ever you like. I was irritated to say the least at him and I began to let it show. Helen and I were trying to determine a proper punishment for him and his sister. It was while I drove them to school that Holy Spirit spoke to me concerning him. Believe it or not but my boy can have a temper at times and he doesn't always know how to handle it or express himself in the right way. With that being said his heart is tender. I had a choice to feed the angry frustrated part of my son or the tender hearted side. So once we arrived to school and the girls had gotten out of the car, I told him to hang on a minute and I simply told him that I loved him and what happened that morning wouldn't dictate how his day went. He agreed and said thanks.... That was about it.

Raising kids isn't easy, but it is necessary!

MUSA Out!

Weekend Fun....

2008-04-20T19:38:00.002-04:00

Well a busy weekend draws to a close. Helen and I spent Friday and the better part of Saturday ministering at The Call to Freedom meetings with Sharon Parkes. It was busy and we stuffed alot of info into 2 days. Overall I feel like I learned some things, got free from some things and had some things released and renewed in me. It did leave me a bit tired for Sunday morning service, but I pressed in and pressed through and I even managed to break my microphone during praise and worship. But like the pro that I am, I kept on singing with my broken mic even though I couldn't be heard anymore. We just finished Saturday chores on Sunday night. Dinner will be served to my children some time around 8:30 this evening. But through it all we keeping pressing on because God is up to something good and I am determined to be a part of it.

Crazy talk.

2008-04-15T20:29:00.002-04:00

I have asked God some radical and crazy things in the last few days. Some of which I will not be able to go into at this time but trust me it will stretch my faith and that is a good thing.

For starters I have asked Him to put His finger on about 3 specific areas in my life that He wants to change/fix. Why 3, because I don't know if I could handle 4 and 3 seemed like a manageable number, so give me a break here people I am sharing my heart with you. Besides when He does and when I submit and allow Him to do what is necessary in those places I am confident that He will add another item to the plate.

Next I have asked God to make me a CRAZY GIVER. My pastor has always talked at length that he will never be rich because he gives too much $$$ away from himself. That is the heart I want and desire. Helen and I gave the largest offerings during the Myles Munroe conference that we have ever given. I believe it was a bold step for us and I am determined that what we gave during those meetings will from this point forward be the bare minimum that we are able to sow into the kingdom. I am excited to see what God will do with me and to me and through me.

MUSA Out!

Monday Brain Dump

2008-04-14T21:57:00.002-04:00

Why O Why am I watching the CMT awards with my wife dancing some kind of crazy jig in front of me..... KEEP it CLEAN People!
Why is it when people ask if you have a minute, or if they want to ask a quick question, neither is EVER true.
Helen wants a Tattoo.....
Helen also wants a new hairdo. She had BETTER LOVE IT!!!!
Have you been RICKROLLED yet?
Pastor Abbye & Lindsay..... Smell like outside!!!! What does that mean?
I was stuck in an elevator today..... I was NOT in my HAPPY place.
Ms. Coni is conspiring against Me.
My brain is tired and my feet hurt so we will end this here. For the sake of us all. Good night people.

Fishermen

2008-04-09T22:15:00.003-04:00

Matthew 4:19

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

What do you think of when you see this scripture??? In my mind I see a boat with some old guy sitting there most likely with a pole or maybe even a net since the context of the scripture deals with letting down your nets for a catch. The more I began to think of it though it became more clear to me. We aren't the guy in the boat. We are the BAIT! We are the ones Jesus is using to bring in the fish. If the bait is no good guess what the fish won't bite. But if you have ever seen any of those fishing shows on ESPN, it always seems those guys are pulling fish out of the water left and right. Why, because they have a bait that the fish can't resist. Bait does you no good in the safety of the boat just like Christians aren't doing any good in the safety of the church. Have to get out of the boat any into the water where the fish are.

Makes you wonder.... Are we being the right kind of bait to attract the lost, are we being the fragrance of Christ to this world? Hey I am just asking these questions of myself. People just want something that is real. For people to want Christ, they have to see Him in me.

2008-04-09T18:27:00.003-04:00

I will be serious later, right now I have more pressing matters on my mind. Blogging, Twittering and now Facebook. What in the world is wrong with me. While it has been awesome to reconnect with people this is beginning to get a little out of hand. Fear not citizens, I still don't have a My Space account........ YET!

Musa Out!

Great combinations!!!!

2008-04-08T18:16:00.002-04:00

The bible talks about "He who finds a wife, has a good thing. I have my good thing... That much is for sure. But it prompted me to think of some other great combinations.

Starsky and Hutch
Tom and Jerry
Chocolate chips cookies and a cold glass of milk-- yeah you are feelin' me!
Movie popcorn with butter and plain M & M's-- You have to try it!
Sweet tea and fried chicken
Pastor B, Pastor Abs, Carolyn, Pastor Matt and Port City Java.
Me and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.
Green eggs and ham
Batman and Robin
Snoopy and Woodstock

Why did I do this??? No reason just felt like writing something. No need to be serious all the time.

Case of the Monday's

2008-04-07T21:24:00.002-04:00

Yeah for all those you just got this blank post the first time Sorry. Got a little too anxious with the "enter" key.

I must have a case of the Mondays. Here we go!

I am convinced that everybody has watched professional wrestling at one time or another. We just won't admit it.
Thunder is spending the night again. Spoiled rotten.....
Will I ever be as popular as Los?
Will Carolyn still speak to us after her visit with Los? Just kidding Mejia!
I had chocolate cake and coke for breakfast. Hmmm Breakfast of Champions.
When I was a religious man, I often play the role of Judge, jury and executioner. My how twisted that was.
A little Matrix for you... Ever wish you could have said," Why didn't I take the blue pill?"
I want to visit here, with my wife.
Helen is trying to convince me to let Thunder sleep @ the foot of the bed...... Again SPOILED ROTTEN!
If a married man such as myself really has only 2 choices when dealing with his wife, you know do I want to be right or happy.... Is there such a place where I can be full to overflowing with happiness and begin to explore the desire to be right once and a while. Just asking.
I need to pray for my Pastors more.

That's enough

Musa Out!

Changed My Mind!!!

2008-04-02T14:05:00.002-04:00

After a weekend of powerful teaching, my mind is being renewed and my way of thinking is becoming radically changed. I had a opportunity to talk with someone I know about a situation in their lives. This person is not saved but they are "open" to spiritual things. When I think about witnessing to people I used to think it was some crazy religious way to introduce Jesus to people and basically talk about what He did in the bible. That is messed up and backwards thinking. What is a witness? It is someone who has first hand knowledge of an event. Well how can we have first hand knowledge of Christ in the bible? We are witnesses for him because we have first hand knowledge of what He did in our own lives. That is the key to being a great witness. The ability to share what Christ did in you, with the rest of the world. It may sound simple but it has impacted me in a way that I never thought possible. It means that everything I have been through in life had a reason, a purpose. It will be useful one day when God directs my path across someone that needs a touch from Him. It will be at that moment that I will take what happened to me and share it with them and relate how God's faithfulness brought me out of difficult circumstances and into victory. The gospel is not difficult, I just think we make it that way. Hope this helps!

Musa Out!

Good Foundation

2008-03-31T23:29:00.003-04:00

I wish I could go to bed, but as it stands I am unable to... Our church just finished tonight hosting Dr. Myles Munroe. He laid out some deep things of God and about Kingdom principles. The thing that has been on my mind since I left church was the foundation. You see as a Man my job is to be the foundation of my family. What is a foundation.... It is something to be built upon. A load bearer. Something that carries the full weight. When done correctly it is not seen. As the foundation of my family I am setting an example to my children of what kind of foundation my son will be and what kind of foundation my daughters should look for in a husband. And they will build off of what I laid down. Foundations are generational.... We past them on to our children's children. If I am a good foundation then my kids have something solid to build on. If I am shaky then I give them something uncertain on which to stand, and destined to crumble thus leaving another in my blood line to start anew and build it right. No one else can build it for me. Think about it, what do they call a child that comes from a dysfunctional family??? A broken home. The foundation is not right. It needs repair. I think I will go lay down now.... I doubt sleep will come quickly.

Musa Out!

Dr. Myles Munroe

2008-03-31T09:17:00.002-04:00

Well there are 2 meetings down.... All I can say at this point is... DEEP! I have taken a lot of notes, but still a lot to absorb in my mind and spirit. More to come.

Failing education... Peace or Mercedes

2008-03-28T14:33:00.002-04:00

Well for those who know me best, you know that I like to follow all things political. Hat tip to Michelle Malkin on this one. Just goes to show, that if you are going to use your God given rights to protest something that you should at least be smart enough to get your symbols right.

Sign of the times....

2008-03-27T17:46:00.003-04:00

I must admit that one of my favorite things to do is people watch. The thing that goes along side that is I also like to ready bumper stickers on cars because it will tell you a lot about the person driving the car. (Political, religious, etc...) With that being said I saw a church sign at a local church here that said volumes to me about what is going on at that church. The sign simply said "Sinners welcome, Come on in!" Now I agree that sinners should be welcome into our places of worship because ultimately that is what we are here for. But considering that many lost people don't know they are lost, how is that an effective ministry tool.... Looking at it from my perspective if I was a "lost" person or "sinner" it wouldn't inspire me to darken the doors of that church. My point is that I have been hearing for several weeks/months about direction and vision for our house, is to meet the people were they are. For us to create an environment for the lost that will draw them into the presence of God. That environment starts in our workplaces and neighborhoods. I am just saying that "cute" little signs on church billboards don't attract people to church nor do they win them to Christ. Flesh and blood believers with a calling and passion for God do that. It became easier for me to understand this once I realized it wasn't about me anymore.

It is just my opinion of course.....

Musa Out!

Questions???

2008-03-26T22:02:00.002-04:00

Can I be more than what I am right now?
Am I convinced of God's call and purpose for my life?
What am I looking forward to.... Right Now?

I don't know how to do it...

2008-03-23T18:39:00.003-04:00

When I was in college we used to do Friday and Saturday night evangelism on and around campus. A sort of cold call sales pitch where we would approach a complete stranger and present them with the gospel. While it served a purpose, I don't recall gaining much fruit from our labor. Now jump forward to my senior year at App, my roommate and I decided to witness to our entire football team. To be able to do that we had to have the respect and trust of our teammates. We approach our head coach with an idea of presenting the whole team with their own personal bibles. Now I only know of one of my former teammates who professed Christ as a result of our efforts but to me it was a endeavor well rewarded. We also decided at the beginning of the season to hand out copies of the Gospel of John to the players of the opposing teams. Now if you didn't know our football uniforms did not have pants. So we got one of the trainers to hold on to them for us and we would get them from him after the game. We would write a small note in the front of each gospel track complete with our phone numbers. Long story short, I don't remember hearing about the fruit of that labor but the one thing that made it all worth it was the fact that I saw that trainer maybe a year later and he shared with me how those tracks and what we wrote in them had impacted his life. As a result he recommitted his life to Christ. He wasn't even our target audience but God knew what He was doing all along. The point is, I have been in a funk as to how to be an effective witness in my work place. When really all God was calling me to do was be an example of Him in the earth. Believe it or not it is possible to do without condemning someone to Hell. I wrote some names down this morning. People I want to be saved. For them to come to Christ it will require something of me.

SO HERE WE GO.......

Musa Out!

Showing some love....

2008-03-22T12:58:00.002-04:00

I have to show some love to a great friend and Brother. Mr. Kevin "Cubbie" Thomasson for a great post on the fruit of the Spirit. Made me stop and think.... How fresh is your fruit? Check it out. Great Read!

Why didn't I think of this sooner.....

2008-03-20T19:08:00.002-04:00

We have been in "discussions" with Caleb our 12 year old. He has done what any other normal pre-teen has done. He decided it was easier not to be honest with his parents than just be truthful. While the details of the offenses (yes offenses) were minor in scope, taken collectively they become a major issue because Helen and I will not tolerate lying. That being said, consequences were quick in coming. Which led me to ask to more in depth questions. We found out that Caleb was having issues with a classmate that was giving him a hard time. The father in me wanted to rise up and tell him to handle his business and fight back. Knowing that would not be the best course of action I tempered my speech to remind him the nobody has the right to put their hands on him. After a few minutes of talking about it, we told him that this kid may not have a great home life which could be the reason for his actions toward Caleb. Caleb has never had a problem making friends and he is very well liked by his classmates. Then it hit me.... I told him the next time this other boy begins to mess with him that Caleb should simply say... " Hey Man you seem to be having a bad day.... How about you let me pray for you? Just saying that should freak him completely out. If he says no, pray for him anyway out loud.

My son laughed and said you know dad.... It makes sense.... Look out but I think he is beginning to get it. That's my boy.

Hump Day

2008-03-19T16:49:00.001-04:00

One more workday and then off for a 3 day weekend.... Yes!!!!

Two more old friends joined in to Twitter.... Welcome Kevin and Caroline

Restore the Roar!!!!

2008-03-18T18:57:00.003-04:00

Psalm 51:12
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

I have been thinking alot about what Pastor B, said this week and I have come up with another thought on the matter. He was talking about remembering moments in our past and how they affected our lives. He shared about the miscarriages that his wife had and the pain associated with them. He talked about how time has the ability to take the edge off to a point of numbing the hurt but that he never forgot. It is quite simple. In some ways I believe at least for me that I have allowed myself to forget what it felt like to be Christian. The time in my life when I have a burning desire to save the world even when I couldn't recite a single scripture. I can remember the day I was baptized and the night after campus ministry in college when I received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. All were milestones in my walk with God. All that being said I have asked God that Psalm 51:12 would be my prayer and my desire. Restoring the Joy of HIS salvation in my life and more importantly a WILLING SPIRIT to do what He has called me to do.

MUSA Out..... Restoring the ROAR

A case of the Monday's

2008-03-17T21:46:00.002-04:00

Well another Monday is in the books. Going to be a busy week. I am the project lead on the computer upgrade project for one of our local elementary schools. Caleb started baseball tonight and Helen is well, let's just say she is tired. Some doors are opening for us and I need God's wisdom to know if it is Him or just a distraction. Just to be sure I don't believe it is the latter. So the question remains will I have the courage to move into it? I know the Lord is up to something and it is something good. I am trying to figure out my part in it and what it will require of me. Do I have the chops to go all the way. I have come too far to turn back now, to leave this thing only half done. Mondays tend to bring it out of me because I am trying to set my mind for the week ahead. No matter what God is good and faithful towards me.

Rabbit trial: Deal or No Deal... What a great waste of an hour!!! No skill involved just the luck of the draw..... Perfect!

Change is coming

2008-03-16T21:12:00.003-04:00

Everything I knew or at least thought I knew about church is about to change. Should I be concerned??? No not really! Scared? Never! Excited and expectant??? Better Be! Pastor B has been bringing a word to us about how to be an agent of change in our everyday lives. A catalyst. I must admit that I have failed miserably in this category. I have plenty of head knowledge on what is right and wrong when it comes to the Word of God but I have been lacking in the Love department. Bryan stated it so today when he proclaimed it was time to put away the finger of accusation and open up the arms of love. Immediately I was convicted because I have done my share of finger pointing. But letting go of that proved difficult because I wanted to defend my position with the thought of defending the truth of the Word in regards to sin. It is not my job or place to sit in judgement of those who don't know the truth of Jesus. I am called to be an example of Him and do so in love. It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict the heart of the lost. I am discovering that if I will just do my part God will do His and use me in a greater measure. I heard it said once that we are simply to be to this world, "Jesus with skin on." Looks like I have some work to do.

Musa Out

Pregame...

2008-03-16T07:56:00.003-04:00

As we say here in the South... I am fixing to go to church. I believe my heart is ready to worship the Lord this morning. There will be no need to prime the pump today. My expectations are high and I look forward to seeing what God will accomplish in his people this morning. Rock are you ready???

Musa Out!

Weight Of Worship

2008-03-14T21:23:00.002-04:00

While at the Unleash2008 conference I was struck by something Lee McDerment said during one of the break out sessions. He was sharing a story of how he was at a conference and the Evangelist, who was the key speaker pulled Lee aside to tell him that he was going to be held more accountable for what came out of his mouth than the Evangelist was. The reason being is because during worship the people's hearts are more open to have something imparted to them. That hit me square in the face. I love worship and I love being a part of the worship experience in our church. I had never looked at it in that manner before. It made me think about the times that I have lead worship and question whether my motives were right towards God and the congregation. I am certain that they were not always right and I asked God's forgiveness. I desire a fresh perspective on worship and how important it is to setting up the rest of a church service and putting the enemy at bay so that the Holy Spirit can move more freely.

Musa Out.

2008-03-14T20:13:00.003-04:00

I Twitter and I don't know why....... So should you....

appstate38 is the handle.... obiviously

Unleash Highlights.....

2008-03-14T14:06:00.004-04:00

Word of the day- Flamboyant, Tony Morgan

Pastor Norma intentions to go and MINISTER to Pastor Ron... Draw your own conclusions.

Perry Noble: Packs heat! to go along with his Jelly doughnut.

People of NewSpring...... Awesome!

LOOONG Van ride

Ms. Barbara came within inches of having to remove her shoe!

Moses leaning of his staff- Helen didn't get it!

Awesome worship

Main thing I will take away from this conference.... Be Relevant!

Helen wants a IPhone..... Thanks Pastor B, Carolyn, Jen!!! You are all out of the will

Musa Out!

Dead Man Walking!!!

2008-03-10T19:13:00.004-04:00

Ever feel this way..... Normally I am not one to be governed (a great deal) by my emotions. But lately I have been in a funk that has been difficult to shake. I would call it a rut. My Pastor would call it a grave with both ends kicked out, thus at least for me the Dead Man walking. It is something I can not fully describe but I am very aware of its existence. The status quo has been my home, my comfort zone. I have found myself to be unsatisfied with being satisfied, and yet I still feel like I am unable to see over the side of this trench that I am in. Can anyone relate? Funny thing is, God has been ever faithful and patiently waiting for this moment to come. Perhaps even bringing it to pass.... Yeah that's not like Him at all is it??? This week I will be attending the Unleash conference in Anderson S.C. I believe it will be a powerful time with many believers from all over the nation. My desire is for this conference to stir something deep in me that has laid dormant for far too long. Truth is, if I don't take what is imparted and apply it then I will find myself right back in the same place. That is unacceptable. The question that remains is a very simple one. Will I be the Surrendered Warrior and yield to what God is directing and instructing or will I return to walk the same course of the status quo. Seems on the surface to be a no brainer. But I was always somewhat hard headed.

MUSA Out!

Lunch Time Thoughts....

2008-03-06T12:28:00.003-05:00

This is one of the few times that I can sit down at lunch in front of my machine and actually put down some thoughts. Just finished setting up some laptops for one of our many elementary schools when I got a call from my Bride that she was having trouble with her flash drive that I bought for her. So I got to drive to her school and fix that for her. Poor thing is still sick.... But now I am rabbit trailing: Lunch time thoughts.

I love to sing and I love great praise and worship music. We are learning some new music for Easter and there are a couple songs in that list that to me have to potential to be very powerful and make a great impact in our worship time. Great worship makes it easier for the rest of the service to flow better. I guess that is part of the reason that Joshua sent the singers and dancers out ahead of the army. Because the battle that was being fought was not being conducted initially in the physical realm but in the spirit realm. The people's part was to sing and praise and dance before the Lord as they marched around the city. Our worship confuses the enemy and brings more of God's power into our situation.

With all that being said, I began to think back to some of my younger days and to the artists who God used to make a big difference in my life. Guys like Keith Green, Rich Mullens, Ron Kenoly, Alvin Slaughter, Fred Hammond, Commissioned. I could even throw in an old Sandy Pattie song for good measure. Larnel Harris as well..... Songs by people like this, I could sing every note to even though I haven't heard the particular song in years.

So there you have it.... Worship and the people who have made some great music is what is on my mind....

Musa Out!

Tuesday Brain Dump

2008-03-04T14:03:00.003-05:00

Well I thought I would try it again since it was so much fun last time. If you have never been to Apple website to check out the latest movie trailers then let me be the one to suggest a visit. With that said, a few movies that are on my summer watch list are as follows:

Get Smart- Steve Carell is just plain funny, Plus The Rock is in it has well.
Iron Man- Cool toys and lots of explosions.... What's not to like.
The Dark Knight- Its Batman need I say more.
Hancock- Will Smith movie where he plays a bitter superhero. Good enough for me
Indiana Jones- The first 3 were great... No need to expect anything different!
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian- My kids are as excited about this one as I am
Wall.E- Disney Pixar film Love the animation should be another good one.

That's my list.... What's yours?

Tuesday Brain Dump.

2008-02-26T20:42:00.004-05:00

This is my first and possibly last brain dump. Since my wife regularly states "How can I not be thinking anything???" Honey this one is for you.

American Idol- Huge disappointment
It is impossible to unlock an open door. God has opened it... No keys necessary just walk through it.
24 won't be back until January 2009----:(
Unleash 2008 Looking for great things from this conference.
Tired of Presidential politics and its only February.
Spring Practice for the 3 time defending National Champion Appalachian State Mountaineers started yesterday. Looking for number 4!
Bud Light commercial.... Man talking with his dog and all the dog wants is sausage- truly funny... at least to me.
Working on a project and work. Upgrading the existing computers with new machines. Lots of lifting and moving etc.... Not as young as I once was.
I am not very good on the Wii..... Very disappointing. My girls school me at bowling.
If you aim at nothing you will hit it EVERY time.
My in-laws have collie puppies.... Guess who is getting one????
Back to American Idol.... I don't think Paula could criticize poop.
Doughnuts and french fries... is there anything better.
If you like subs... I recommend Fire House subs.... HMMMM tasty.
Ear ring or Tattoo
Goat Tee or Flavor Saver (soul patch)

That's enough

MUSA out!

How do you eat an elephant????

2008-02-16T21:18:00.003-05:00

Answer: One bite at a time.

This has been a busy weekend, what with Helen and Kennedy being out of town and all. I had alot going on. Almost to the point where I could have let it overwhelm me. Yeah I know Helen is starting to rub off on me. :) But I figured out a way to deal with it. I did not focus on all my events at once, instead I decided to take them all in slices. A sort of check list if you will. I just worried about what was directly in front of me and focused in on it. And once it was done I disgarded it out of my mind. I am happy to report that I got all my tasks done today and I was even early for all my events and enjoyed each one. Now that I am home I can focus on what I love to do the best during the weekends.... NOTHING!!!!

P.S. Cleaning the house was not on the list... Sorry Helen!

What was I thinking???

2008-02-15T20:49:00.002-05:00

The wife is away in Nashville with Kennedy, Courtney is at Grandma's house and I am at home with Caleb and 3 of his closest friends. They have just settled in for what appears to be a long night of playing the Wii (especially Guitar Hero 3). What was I thinking??? Don't get me wrong they are great kids but man I sure do love my Friday nights relaxing on the couch. Looks like I am going to miss it this week. Oh well there is always next week.

Short Story -Final Part 4

2008-02-15T09:08:00.004-05:00

Aaron could do nothing but prepare himself for the worst. Damon held out the strap and yelled!
“I bind you, Aaron, speak no more! You are cut off from him now and forevermore!” The strap disappeared from Damon’s hand and found its place on Aaron’s mouth. A single tear rolled down Aaron’s cheek as he could only watch Chester’s destruction. How Aaron longed to go to Chester’s defense but he was powerless to do so, especially when Chester was a willing accomplice to Damon’s schemes. With Aaron silenced Damon was now free to assault Chester with scenarios and fantasies as the images flickered on the screen.
Damon began the cruelest twist of all, when he placed a suggestion of boredom in Chester’s ear and suggested that they “surf” the net for more appealing and fulfilling things. Chester, like a lamb being led to slaughter, obeyed his master. As Chester disappeared into the bedroom, Damon held out his hand in Aaron’s direction and said. “Come on.” Instantly the chains that bound Aaron levitated off the floor and moved in Damon’s direction. Aaron had no choice but to go where the chains led him. Aaron shuffled along as fast as he could down the hall following Damon into the bedroom.
As Aaron entered the room he found Chester seated at in front of the computer already beginning his internet surfing. Damon directed Aaron to stand in the corner like some first grader being sentenced to time out for bad behavior.
In Damon’s mind this was a sure thing and he enjoyed the drama and build up to Chester’s demise as much, if not more than actually landing the death blow. Damon began with suggesting that they “check the email account first before heading out on another surfing adventure on the net.”
Chester, doing as he was told, obeyed him. Nothing new; the usual spam and other random emails from people he knew. But one email caught his eye and he decided on his own to open this one. Damon, seeing no harm in it decided, “What can it hurt?” Upon opening the email Chester, with Damon close by, began to read. Aaron noticed that Damon’s facial expressions began to change. Damon began to try and plant more suggestions in Chet’s mind, but he was focused and determined to finish what he was reading. Aaron removed himself from the corner, made his way over to them and began to read it for himself.
It was a letter from some pastor that Chester had apparently met earlier that evening, hence the reason for his late return home. It was filled with the usual things that a thank you letter would contain, complete with the phrase “I am praying for you.” This development seemed to give Aaron and glimmer of hope, but in reality it would mean nothing unless Chester wanted it too. Damon was not without his counter punches and he began to put them to use.
“Yeah, that was a nice letter and all, but he doesn’t really care about me.” Damon suggested. “He only wrote it because that is what he is supposed to do.”
Chester wasn’t biting.
Damon continued, “I bet if I were to call him right now he wouldn’t even remember my name and I’ll bet this is some form letter they send to all their visitors”
Chester seemed to soften at that suggestion.
Damon, feeling that he was back on course, began to plant more suggestions about were to surf and googling the key words and phrases that would produce the desired results.
Damon turned to Aaron briefly and commanded that he return to his corner. Aaron obliged him.
As Chester began his internet surfing, Damon dropped thoughts into his mind about girlfriends from his past and the physical nature of those relationships. His suggestions had served to sink Chester deeper into depravity and seal Aaron’s fate.
Damon, fully satisfied with himself sat back on the bed with a wide smile and proclaimed his victory.
It would be short lived, as the phone rang and broke Chester’s concentration on his internet activities. Aaron mumbled to himself, “Please answer that phone!”
Chester paused and reached for the phone on the desk. “Hello,” he said.
Damon, not appearing phased by this interruption, continued with his victory chant.
Aaron, however, was paying particular attention to the nature and mood of this phone call. Chester seemed confused and uncertain. This suggested that he was not familiar with the person on the other end of the line. But when the mystery caller identified himself, all doubt quickly dissipated.
“Yes Sir.” stated Chet. Thank you for calling and following up on me.
“No Sir, you are not bothering me, I was just finishing up some work from the office.” (An obvious lie) “What can I do for you Pastor Thompson?”
“Call me Jeff,” said the voice on the other end.
“Ok Jeff, what’s up?”
Upon hearing that statement Damon leaped to his feet in a moment of panic trying to decide what his next move should be. He decided to play it cool and merely suggest: “Man, why is he calling me? I just left his church! Doesn’t he realize that he is being a huge inconvenience to me right now?” Chester seemed to agree and he attempted to cut the call short by pretending to need to get back to work.
Apparently Pastor Thompson realized his window of opportunity was closing because he cut straight to the reason for his call. He told Chet that the Lord had put him on his heart ever since they left church and that he felt led to call him. Chet tried to cut him off but the pastor wouldn’t let him. Chester fell silent as Jeff continued.
Damon figured, if he couldn’t get this intrusion off the phone that he would at least suggest that Chet continue surfing the web. Chester was unfazed by this suggestion and Damon was not at all pleased. Damon would try for the entire duration of the conversation to wrestle control back from that pastor, but to no avail. Damon finally accepted it when Chet turned off the computer all together and continued to listen to Jeff Thompson. Toward the end of the call Chet mumbled the words, “I can’t. It’s too hard.” Followed by, “I have been this way for a long time.”
More one sided conversation continued from Jeff and he told Chet to write something down before they ended the call.
Chester did so and said goodnight to Jeff.
Damon, not wanting to waste a moment, suggested a return to their previous activities, but that did not sit well with Chet. He was not interested in the computer at that time. He was captivated by his phone call and he poured it over in his mind. Aaron knew exactly where this was going and he was eager to help it get there. Damon on the other hand decided to switch tactics and he began to heap mounds of guilt on Chet. Chet began to buckle. It was his Achilles heel and Damon knew it. Aaron, having no active part, except that of a spectator, wanted Chet to remember that note that he scribbled down. As Damon heaped more guilt, Chester buckled all the more. Even though the lights were on in the room, an eerie darkness began to creep out of the corners and surround Chet. Damon could only laugh as he found a new and exciting way to condemn Chester actions, basically nullifying the earlier conversation.
Chester was stilled seated at the desk when he looked once again at the note he had written down. He began to mumble something under his breath. At first neither Aaron nor Damon could make out what he was saying. Damon assumed that it was the weight of guilt that lay heavy on Chester’ heart, so he began to taunt Chet. But with each taunt, Chester’s words became clearer. It was two words: SHUT UP!
It caught Damon by complete surprise and he fell back onto the floor. Chester repeated himself, as if he was actually talking directly to Damon, SHUT UP!
Damon demanded that he not be spoken to in such a manner, but Chester continued, “SHUT UP!”
With that the leather strap disappeared from Aaron and found its home firmly around Damon’s mouth. He was flabbergasted. Aaron couldn’t help but laugh as he watched Damon shake his finger at Chet demanding, by virtue of his body language, that he stop.
Chester refused.
Through the remainder of the night Chester continued on his new found course and with each command of his voice, Aaron grew larger and Damon shrank. The chains that once bound Aaron, suddenly found a new home on Damon. When Chet had finally gone off to sleep, Damon and Aaron stood in front of the desk staring at the note. It simply said: Do not let your flesh rule over you! DEMAND DISCIPLINE! It was followed by Jeff’s phone number.

Short Story Part 3

2008-02-12T18:15:00.000-05:00

Aaron broke his gaze and looked through Damon when he said. “We plan on using our opponent’s over confidence against him.”
Sensing the fun was gone Damon turned serious. “OVER CONFIDENT! You’re damn right! That’s it; I am going to be all over you like a fat man on doughnuts!”
As Damon marched out of the bedroom, Aaron sat there, knowing that he had struck a cord.
It was 8:30 and Aaron had not spoken since their exchange over an hour ago. Damon was getting a little anxious, ready to deliver his death blow to Aaron. Aaron was also anxious, but for very different reasons. He pondered what he could do to help Chester be free from his addiction. He also knew that Chester had gotten himself into his present situation and that Chester would have to make the first move to get himself out.
Aaron tried to convince himself that tonight would be different, but existing in that fantasy was not long lived when Aaron looked down and saw his chains. Aaron refused to believe that there was no hope, but the situation was becoming all the more desperate, at least from his perspective.
Like a father, waiting for the birth of his first child, Damon paced the floor, wringing his hands and flexing his fingers. He also mumbled something under his breath almost as if getting ready to deliver some grand speech or take part in some major sporting event. Aaron just watched as Damon paced, but the look was unmistakable. Damon had his game face on and he meant business.
Finally the headlights from Chester’s car lit up the living room, and Damon began to bounce around and shake his arms like a boxer preparing to answer the first bell.
“Here we go, here we go” shouted Damon and pointing at Aaron. “You are done, do you hear me? DONE!”
Aaron didn’t move, much less respond.
“Yes sir! I am gonna show you ‘over confident’. You just wait.”
It seemed like an eternity before Chester entered the house. His arms were full of the items from his day, each telling their own story of the places Chester had been and the things he had done. He sat his things on the kitchen table and then proceeded to check his messages. No calls. Hungry, he decided to rummage through the fridge for a snack. He found some leftover spaghetti and a bottle of water. Not bothering to heat the food, Chester strolled from the kitchen and into the living room where he plopped down on the couch, turned on the TV and began to devour his meal.
If one word could describe Chester, it would be average. Not to be construed in a negative way, but he was just that, average. Average height and weight, average build and average looks. Nothing too flashy about his personality or the way he conducted his every day life. He was very out-going and he rarely had trouble making friends. As he sat channel surfing and finishing his meal Chester seemed a million miles away, as if something heavy lay on his mind. Aaron knew this look all too well. It was an internal interrogation that Chester would work through most nights after arriving home. Aaron only hoped that Chester would reach the right conclusions once the session was over. Suddenly, as if the opening bell had been sounded for a prize fight Damon started bouncing around the room even more. As per his usual custom Damon addressed Aaron only once to say, “Here I go!”
Aaron looked on with impatience.
Damon, now slowing his bounce, moved around behind Chester to begin his “suggestions”. “Man, I am bored tonight.” Damon whispered into Chester’s ear. Just like clock work Chester repeated the phrase word for word, seeming to forget the things that were on his mind 30 seconds ago. “Man what a day I had.” Chester repeated this phrase as well. As minutes passed like seconds, Damon continued in this vein trying to ease Chester into his trap. Damon then proceeded to escalate the suggestions by saying: “Gee I wonder what’s on HBO?” Chester obliged him.
Damon had used this doorway numerous times before and he figured, “if it’s not broken why fix it.” It was at this point usually that Aaron would try to interject a slice of reality by suggesting that: “Maybe I shouldn’t be watching this stuff, again.”
But Damon would always have a quick retort in return to thwart any effort Aaron might put forth. Thus the war was on, and as per their usual, Damon would fire the first shot and send Aaron reeling.
With the channel selected, Damon began to toy with Chester’s mind as the images on the screen rolled past his eyes. Chester’s thoughts and imagination became focused on what he was viewing and thus consumed by them. While Chester was occupied with the TV, Damon turned his attention to Aaron who was trying to contemplate his next move. Damon’s words were stern and direct. “You are finished, Little Man!” And with that Damon produced the leather strap once again and he moved in Aaron’s direction.

Short Story Part 2

2008-02-01T18:12:00.000-05:00

Aaron’s response, “Can’t you just leave him alone for once? You don’t care what happens to him.”
Damon, with sarcastic surprise: “What do you mean I don’t care? I care more than you know,” thumping his chest for emphasis. “I mean, what would his life be like without me.” (Pausing for effect) “BORING!”
“Why are you so Hell bent on Chester’s destruction?” demanded Aaron.
Refusing to acknowledge the question, Damon shot back. “Why are you so determined to help him? You can’t win.”
“You know Damon; things aren’t always what they seem. Eventually, they will change.”
“Things aren’t what they seem,” mocked Damon. “Man, that is a tired line, don’t you have any new material for me rip to apart.”
“It’s true,” stated Aaron flatly.
“Oh yeah how’s this for truth, I have Big Chet wrapped around my little finger and soon you won’t be around to proclaim your ‘truths’ to him. Which reminds me, how are those chains feeling? Any heavier today? I hope you noticed the new links I added the other day. I think they do a lot for your ‘Personality’, don’t you?” in his feminine interior decorator voice.
Determined to remain stoic, Aaron tried some sarcasm of his own. “What these old things? I hadn’t noticed the new additions.”
“Liar” rebuffed Damon. “But it doesn’t matter, because after tonight I won’t have to hear your whining little voice anymore.”
“What are you babbling about now Damon?”
“Oh I forgot to tell you about my surprise gift for you, didn’t I?”
“Gift, what gift?”
“Hold on a sec, Aaron I have it here somewhere”, Pretending to look through his pockets yet knowing were it was the whole time. “Ahh, here it is” proclaimed Damon. “Now close your eyes because you are in for a big surprise”
Aaron had no intentions of closing his eyes and stated so flatly. “What is it Damon?”

“Why, I am glad you asked, because here it is.” From his pocket Damon produced a leather strap about two and half inches wide and eighteen inches long. The strap was worn and weathered which made it very flexible, but quite sturdy.
“What do you plan to do with that?” asked Aaron.
“Well little man I plan on binding those loose lips of yours of course.” You see I have grown increasingly tired of our partnership.”
“Partnership, what partnership?" Aaron looked confused
Damon narrowed his focus. “This little arrangement we have, this joint venture. It’s going to be a one man show after tonight.”
“YOU CAN’T DO THAT! You don’t have that kind of power!”
“Aaron, Aaron, shame on you… You know very well that I do and it’s only a matter of time before I shut you out all together.”
Aaron was beginning to see Damon’s plan all too clearly now. It was true and there was no denying it. He was running out of time. Aaron shuttered to think what would become of Chester if Damon succeeded in shutting him out completely.
Perplexed, Aaron could only wonder how things had unraveled so quickly. Yet in reality, this point had been coming for some time and deep in his heart Aaron knew it.
As Aaron sat down on the foot of the bed, Damon finally removed himself from the mirror and walked around the bed directly in front of Aaron. It was here that Damon began his sadistic sermon.
Using his best southern fire and brimstone preaching voice, Damon thundered off loudly! “You see what we have here, is a failure to communicate” pointing his finger directly at Aaron. “This poor boy has just run out of gas, come up against a superior adversary. Face it boy you LOST!”
Now switching into his sports reporter mode… Damon continued. “Thanks Chuck, I’m sitting here with Aaron, the Little Man. He has been humiliated and defeated time and time again. As a matter of fact he is riding, what a 10, no, 15 game losing streak! Aaron, do you have anything to say to our viewers?”
He did not look in Damon’s direction. So Damon continued with his one man play.
“ Hmmm no response.” Damon pretended to be puzzled. “Well, Aaron, can you tell the viewers out there what your plan is for breaking this more than modest losing streak? I mean, do you plan to make some changes to your staff? Perhaps firing a coach or two would help right the ship.” As he held out his imaginary microphone.
Still no response from Aaron, so Damon continued, looking into his imaginary camera. “Well ladies and gentlemen; this has to be one of the toughest interviews yours truly has ever done, but not to worry ‘because I am determined to get the story.”
Damon, now with his arm around Aaron, “Come on buddy, can you throw us a bone? I mean you are out-weighed and over matched against your opponent. Can’t you give us some insight on how you plan to WIN this time? Not that we believe it or anything. It’s just that we want to be able to follow your story line to know what’s going on.”

A short story I wrote..... Part 1

2008-01-25T13:32:00.000-05:00

FLESH AND BLOOD

Damon and Aaron had been here before, it was seven o’clock and the house was empty. They had fought this fight a thousand times and would probably fight it a thousand more. Damon was considerably larger than Aaron and it had been that way for long, long time. Aaron couldn’t remember the last time he was able to look at Damon face to face or eye to eye. Yet there was still something in him that kept him coming back for more. He didn’t lose every fight with Damon, but lately it seemed that his victories, especially in this particular arena, were becoming farther and farther apart. Aaron would reminisce to when they were much younger, when he would win more than he lost, but those days seemed long gone. Damon had become much more confident and self assured with each victory over Aaron and he did not mind rubbing Aaron’s nose in it either. Damon would taunt and tease Aaron relentlessly in attempt to drive him into seclusion.
If it ever came down to a shouting match, Damon would win hands down. Like a whining two year old, he had a way of dominating and drawing all attention to himself. Yes, you could say Damon was cocky, arrogant and proud of it. His skills had been refined after years of practice. One could ask why Aaron would remain around such a formidable opponent. Why would he continue to take this abuse day in and day out? What was that thing that kept rising up in Aaron that said maybe today will be different. That thing, that cause, that calling if you will, was Chester.
“What time is he gonna be home?” asked Damon, staring into the bedroom mirror.
“I don’t know. He is usually home by now.”
“You ready for another whipping? It's gonna be just like last time little man!”
That became Damon’s pet name for Aaron. “You know”, Damon mused.
“You could just roll out of here when Chester gets home. He doesn’t want you here anyway.”
Aaron drew his breath in slow and let it out even slower before he responded.
“Shut Up!” demanded Aaron, looking for some respect.
Damon barely flinched from his primping in the mirror and said, “Hmmm, feeling a little testy tonight I see.” sarcasm dripping from his words. “I would be to, after all the abuse I’ve been laying on you lately.”
Aaron, trying to drum up his confidence, “yeah well today will be different.”
“Oh how I have heard that before” boasted Damon, now examining his mustache.
“You absolutely kill me with this hope against hope CRAP! Man, when are you going to learn that I own Chet? He is mine. That’s the way is it and that is how it will remain. PERIOD!”
Aaron had to concede (but only to himself) that Damon was, in part, right. Damon had owned Chester, especially in this arena. Aaron feared that it would only be a matter of time before Damon dominated the rest of Chester’s life. Aaron believed that things were beginning to become desperate. He needed to do something and soon. But as per the rules of this game, he could only make suggestions. Damon knew these rules as well. It seemed that his suggestions were having more influence and impact on the decisions that Chester was making, hence the disparity in size between them and the chains around Aaron’s ankles and wrists. Aaron at times, had wondered if things remained as they were if he would disappear all together into the dark recesses of Chester’s mind, to remain there as some distance after thought.
Aaron would try to bury those feelings whenever he and Damon came into conflict. The more he tried to bury them, the more Damon exposed them. It was never enough for Damon to just humiliate Aaron when he won; he would also heap mounds of guilt upon Chester. He was truly a skilled combatant, able to defeat two enemies at once. Damon could not decide what he loved more: torturing Chester or gloating about it to Aaron because it upset him to see Chester defeated yet again.
“Hey, little man,” called Damon. “What should I use tonight, ‘The Internet?” There are some great new websites that I want to suggest to him.” No response from Aaron. “Hey, how about that new lady in accounting?” He’s been eyeing her from some time now. Nah, that means I would have to wait till tomorrow. I guess we could go with the old stand-bye and see what’s on T.V. Hey little man, you awake over there? I am talking to you.”

More to Come.... Enjoy

Thursday Thoughts Part 2

2008-01-24T21:51:00.000-05:00

Tragedy struck someone I knew this week. One of the young men that I coached in football, his father died suddenly this week. As I sat in the funeral many thoughts flooded my mind. I watched the grief on faces of his family and knowing that nothing could really be said to stem that grief except the process of time that eventually lessens to some degree the pain of loss. Events like these tend to cause us to take stock of what is important in life and unfortunately some of us wait till after a loved one is gone to tell them how we felt about them or why we didn't focus on the most important things in our lives instead of the mundane tasks of life.

2 things came to mind immediately:

What would my legacy be if I were gone tomorrow? What have I done that would live on beyond me? My children are my greatest legacy and raising them is the most important job I have, but what else.

2nd what would I do if it was Helen??? A thought that I don't even like to dwell on. How would I make it because she is the most important person in my life. Don't misunderstand me. I do not fear death, but I also don't have any desire for me or anyone else I love to leave this world yet either.

Lord shake me out of spirit on contentment!!! It is like poison to a dreamer. And when we stop dreaming and having vision, we might as well be dead because they are the only ones who can't dream anymore.

MUSA Out..... For now.

Thursday thoughts...

2008-01-24T19:00:00.000-05:00

Looking through my blog over the last several posts its seems to me that I have had nothing of consequence to add to the blog sphere. Some the other writers that I like to read from time to time seem to have some great insight into the things they are pursuing and the things going on in their lives. So here it goes.

I recently applied for a promotion at work which I didn't get. The interview was good, but I had a sense that I would not be getting the position. The bottom line is that now the opportunities for advancement there seem to have dried up. On top of that my responsibilities have changed as well. The change I believe at least in part was to kinda soften the blow of not getting the position. So what will become of me in terms of my present employer and position. Time will tell.....

I am feeling a bit lost at the moment. Trying to discern what I should be doing verses what am I passionate about. Unfortunately nothing is really coming to mind. I can remember a time when I felt like I knew what I was supposed to be doing with my life and what the ultimate goal for me was. Now I am not so sure. I feel like I have gone back to square one and I have returned to the discovery phrase again to find out what direction this ship is to be pointed in.

Change is good, change is necessary, and it is inevitable.

It is that time again....

2008-01-18T18:46:00.001-05:00

Friday, Friday, Friday!!!!! WHEEEW!!!

It is the weekend and it calls for sleeping late, Honey-Do's, Carolina basketball and the NFL playoffs. These are a few of my favorite things. I can remember in my much younger years that if I didn't have some place to go and something to do then I was missing out on some awesome experience that would never come my way again. Somehow having children has cured me of the need to be in the middle of the "in crowd". My co-workers talk of big plans and of the places they will be going. Just give me a couch and remote and I will be in hog heaven on a Friday night. Don't get me wrong, I still have some fraction of a social calendar, its just that it is not as important as it used to be. We closed out the work week with a bang. In my line of work, I work on computers/networks for the school system. We had to re-image an entire elementary school today. It was a fairly smooth process until we discovered that in so doing we may have accidentally erased one of the teacher's flash drives with all her info on it. Hey it happens, and before you ask I was not the one who did it. Long story short, being such great technicians we were able to find a data recovery program that should restore all of her lost files.

What else can I say.... Its the weekend and a 3 day one at that. Life is good!

Absence makes the heart...

2008-01-15T19:18:00.000-05:00

My wife and daugthers left Caleb and me for the weekend to go to the Dance Revolution conference in Winston Salem over the weekend. Big plans for the boys right? Wrong. Caleb played guitar hero and I was on the computer playing games as well. Funny thing was we were only 1o feet apart from one another. Caleb said later that he had a great time spending time with me. Funny huh. With that being said, I have been married almost 14 years; to the point that I have forgotten what it was like to be single. I missed my wife while she was gone. I hate to go "Jerry Macguire" on her but "You complete me". Glad to know that she can only be gone for 2 days and yet I long for her return. The house feels different when she is gone, kinda like to corner piece of the puzzle is missing and the picture won't be complete until that piece is in its proper place. What can I say, I like being married to that woman. End of story.

MUSA Out!

How is your Holiday Festive???

2007-12-23T20:37:00.001-05:00

Helen and I took the kids to Mike's Farm last night to take part in the hay ride and spend some quality family time together. We waited about 2 1/2 hours for a 30 minute hay ride to see their Christmas lights. It was worth the wait... I maintained my festive Holiday spirit through out the wait. So much that the kids have been asking me.... Dad are you maintaining your Festive, all day today. So amidst all the shopping, cooking, cleaning, decorating and such.... Hope you are maintaining your Holiday Festive and remember why we celebrate.....

BTW... Watching " How the Grinch Stole Christmas on ABC family.... Jim Carey was good in this role.

What does it mean???

2007-12-18T16:28:00.001-05:00

Peace on Earth, Good Will toward Men.....

What does it mean to have Peace on Earth. We hear this phrase and many like it during the Christmas season. But have we ever really stopped to think about what it means. It seems a contradiction in terms when you consider that our country has its brave men and women in uniform involved in 2 separate armed conflicts. Peace, is it a place or a state of mind? The more and more I think about it, it has become a state of mind for me. Can I have peace whether things are smooth or whether I am in the midst of a raging storm.

May your state of mind this Christmas season be one of Peace on Earth and in so doing/being may it provoke us to have good will toward all men.

P.S. Make a point to say MERRY CHRISTMAS to all you see instead of Happy Holidays. Its almost like people are afraid to say it anymore.

Top Christmas gifts for Dad!!! Old School edition

2007-11-28T20:32:00.000-05:00

Brut 33 cologne- As bad as it sounds.
Socks
tie
Something that looks like an ashtray that you made in class

These are some of the things I can remember giving my father as a child. Man, he really got hosed. Thankfully I don't have to face the same problem that dads from the '70's had to face. Because God saw fit in His great wisdom to invent BestBuy. It is single handled my favor store in all the known universe. Plus I have the extra bonus of having a December birthday. I will be 38 in case you are wondering. My bride gets mad at me cause all I want for Christmas is gift cards from there. The way I see it, you use less wrapping paper, it takes up less space under the tree, which if you have ever seen my mother-in-law's house on Christmas Eve, then you know this is a good thing. In my mind it is a win-win situation.

MUSA Out!

The great debate...

2007-11-27T11:21:00.000-05:00

In keeping with my new found inspiration for Christmas. I thought I would let you in on a little publicized, yet hotly contested battle that goes on in my house about this time of year. The great Christmas tree war. You see, my lovely wife is just CRAZY about Christmas. She would start decorating and preparing in August if she could. But I digress, for you see every year that we have been married she has gotten to decorate the tree any way she wanted. For the most part, that has been fine with me, except for one sticking point: THE LIGHTS! When I was a kid we decorated our trees with the multi-colored lights and mismatch ornaments. We even had a multi-colored star that lit up on the top of the tree. And as many of you know, my wife is very precise when it comes to decorating, especially at Christmas time. She likes the white lights and matching ornaments. The color schemes have varied only a little since our first Christmas. The main themes usually being gold and burgundy and some shade of green. I thought I would have had some allies when we had kids because I was able to successfully bring them over to my side of this fight and push for the multi-colored lights. I was sad to say that my Helen was a Rock unto which our watery assault beat in vain. She has stood fast and held true to her decorating prowse. Will I ever get my wish, who knows. But it is not for lack of trying.

My mother-in-law tried to extend an olive branch on my behalf and she bought me a 3 ft tall fake tree with the multi-colored lights on it. It was displayed in a less than prominent place in our apartment, Helen won again. Fortunately all is not lost, because where I have failed on the lights I have gained ground with the mis-matched ornaments. My secret weapon.... The kids. Did you know that kids make and collect all kinds of crazy ornaments and then have the nerve to want them on the tree. I feel like a field general positioning his troops for the final assault. Helen doesn't stand a chance.

P.S. Don't tell her I wrote this.

MUSA Out!

How smart do you have to be...

2007-11-27T10:55:00.001-05:00

.... to be a dumb ass??? I say this in all sincerity. In life there will be times that you will look back and say, If I would have done this or said that then I could have avoided all the crap and trash that followed because of a wrong decision or worst yet, no decision. So since it was a banner week for me last week. I hereby crown myself Dumb ass of the week. This title will be available to all of you who have made silly mistakes in life.

MUSA Out!

The plans are set in motion!

2007-11-07T19:49:00.000-05:00

For those of you who thought this Christmas thing with me wouldn't last well shame on you. Because at this very moment (well not exactly but close enough) my plans for being formed and things are being set in motion that will forever change Christmas at the Fuller home! Dramatic isn't it??? Well maybe forever is a little too strong of a word, how about making a significant impact in my family's holiday cheer. Stay tuned, more excitement is on the way.

BTW- Helen just got Hip Hop Abs in the mail. Yes this means I will be doing them with her. If you have seen the info-mercial then you know what I am talking about if not then check out this site. Many of you are thinking by now, will there be pictures of yours truly sweating to some pop and lock routine, or can we expect some of these moves to be unveiled during church one Sunday..... Hmmmm NO!

I have no pride left, this is the final humiliation. In the words of that great '80's rapper, "Don't hurt'em Hammer!"

MUSA Out!

Long time no see....

2007-10-30T15:01:00.000-04:00

Yes I know it has been a long time since I last typed out a blog or anything else. I am truly sorry that I haven't subjected you to my rantings and writings. Football and the other parts of life have been all too consuming these last 2 months.

With that said, Today is Oct. 30 and in 2 days it will be November. The beginning some of the craziest times of the year. I have decided now before the silly season gets really silly to make a significant effort to enjoy the holidays this year. That goes from shopping to, helping decorate the Christmas tree, to doing other holiday related activities with my wife and children. In times past I have just put my head down and tried to mow through, well not this year. I plan to be fully engaged with as much holiday cheer as possible. I know my wife will be licking her chops once she reads this, but such is life.... Bring it on!

What I have planned thus far is very simple. I want to watch the Grinch with my kids and enjoy to 40 days of Christmas that they show on the ABC family channel. Full of all the great animated stories that I enjoyed as a kid. From Rudolph to The Little Drummer Boy to Frosty the Snowman. I will keep you posted.

MUSA OUT!

News of the Day Part 2

2007-09-29T08:17:00.001-04:00

From one of the biggest to the Smallest. This baby was born in Germany. With Life Chain coming up this week I thought it would be appropriate to give a little glimpse into the miracle of creation and the will to live. So tiny but yet still a baby.

MUSA Out!

News of the Day!!!

2007-09-26T11:29:00.001-04:00

Thought the mother from among my readers would find this interesting to say the least. Child birth at its best! A mother in Russia gave birth to a "LITTLE" girl!

All I can say is "WHOA"

MUSA Out!

You know the old saying....

2007-09-23T22:39:00.001-04:00

When people ask you how you are doing or how things are going and we respond nothing to complain about.... Usually the end of that statement is something to the effect that nobody cares or it wouldn't do any good if we complain because nobody is listening. Well I am here to say that the one thing I hate the most is complaining, it drives me crazy. Well life at my house as been quite busy which has prevented me to one degree or another to continue to post on my blog on a regular basis. For that I am very sorry. I think I am losing my zeal for blogging just a little. But I think that is due to my previous statement. But back to my reason for this post. Complaining is a pet peeve of mine. I would have to say that is the one thing that will put me a bad mood fairly quickly. I understand that things happen that are beyond our control, and I also realize that I am not beyond doing my own share of bitching and moaning. I would like to think I keep it to a minimum, Helen can tell you for sure if that is true. I guess complaining people at least to me are always fairly negative about most everything and I don't want to be around those types of people. I would just assume to surround myself with folks who tend to be positive and as least try to see the bright side of things. That's it.....

Musa Out

The fun part of parenting!!!

2007-09-13T21:10:00.001-04:00

Yes I know it has been a while since my last post and for that I am deeply sorry. Life has still moved on and quite well without some of my daily rantings. So on with the show. Caleb and I had another opportunity to have some quality father/son time. For those of you that have only girls... well what can I say.

We talked alot about school and how things were playing out in his classes. The fun part of this was I only had to ask one or two questions. Caleb did the rest of the talking. It was awesome! My son had opened up to me with more than one or two word answers. We laughed and talked about which parts we should keep to ourselves and not tell his mother... We cracked jokes that were actually very funny and I got to share about some of my own life experiences that I hoped would make sense to him.

So in the end, we really only fail as parents if we give up. Do you want to be the hammer or the nail?

Enough Said!!!!

2007-09-01T20:14:00.002-04:00

APPALACHIAN STATE 34 MICHIGAN 32

Nice long weekend!

2007-08-31T06:57:00.001-04:00

I don't know about you but, 3 day weekends are great. I have an ever shortening list of "honey do's" and some extra computer work to do over the weekend. The Boy has his first football game tomorrow and I am very excited to see him get after somebody. College football started officially yesterday but the Mountaineers don't tee it up until tomorrow at High Noon. Can't wait for that one either. Man this is without a doubt my favorite time of year.

BTW... Helen and I were talking and she informed me that Caleb took a bold stand in his class yesterday on abortion. I am very proud of him, that he would take a stand for the unborn without his mother and father having to be there. We have talked with him at length about how important it is to be a leader and to stand up for what you believe in especially if it is not the popular opinion. Just when you think things aren't sinking in... WOW, good seed as been planted in fertile soil and it is bearing fruit. It reminds me again that I no other vocation except to raise Godly children for the next generation.

Oh yeah.... Did I mention I love football!

Musa Out!

I love football season....

2007-08-29T21:54:00.000-04:00

Now before you stop reading... There is a reason I titled my latest blog this way. First is because I love football, but more important than that is for 3 nights a week I get some great time to spend with my son. I am not coaching his team this year which has been a mixed blessing. On the one hand he is getting a chance to learn from someone other than his daddy, and on the other hand I have really not had a chance to see how he is progressing because I am still coaching one of the other younger teams in our organization. I get to watch him get after his opponents has a father and not a coach... Big Fun for me.... Putting all that aside Caleb and I get about 30 minutes a night after practice to just talk, cut up or maybe even hold hands on the drive home.(this one is still a little weird for me... but he is my boy and I love him) We were talking tonight about the Lord and Caleb shared with me how he couldn't understand how God wasn't restricted by time. I tried my best to explain it to him as I understood it, you know how God is outside the limits of time and space, I even referred to the scripture about a day being a thousand years to the Lord and a thousand years is like a day to Him. The point is, that we had a conversation about something that had some spiritual and practical significance. First we were talking about the things of God and second I had another opportunity to spend time with my boy and talk to him and listen to what he had to say. I had become more aware of how important these car rides home from practice were when a couple years ago Caleb brought up how much he liked riding home with me from practice because it gave us time to be together.... and it wasn't even football season when he said this. In the context of that conversation he told me that it was some of his favorite parts of football season. I would have to be a complete moron not to take advantage of that kind of quality time with him, especially if he remembers it to that detail.

Jumping Ship!!!

2007-08-27T20:22:00.001-04:00

I feel like a man without a country... well not really but I thought it sounded good. I am torn about what to do. I am considering jumping ship from blogger and going over to wordpress for all my blogging needs. Pastor B says wordpress is so much better. The problem is that all my college friends are on blogger while all the people I attend church with are on wordpress. So I need some reasons to stay put or something that will put me over the top and jump to wordpress.

Random thoughts...

2007-08-26T20:35:00.000-04:00

In no particular order, some of my thoughts of the past few days, weeks and months.

Windows Vista is looking more and more like a Mac OS.
Olympic workouts are the best weight loss plan. :)
"Water Sucks.... Gatorade is better!"
I prefer my fried chicken cold.... right out of the frig.
Being a night owl I often speculate how much sleep I will get if I go to bed... right now!
As my wife Helen said, I am a glass half full kind of guy, but I prefer a bucket, because it holds more water. ( I mean Gatorade)
My favorite snack is provolone cheese, salami and french onion dip. Don't knock it till you try it.
No matter how hard you try... You are like your parents and your kids are just like you. Comforting thought Huh??? Big Smiles!
Dogs have masters... cats have a staff.... That why I hate cats!
Sometimes the keys to success are locked inside the vehicle.
I have a Master's degree in Sarcasm.
A great comedian once said...." You can't fix stupid!"
True Love is being able to kiss your spouse in the morning before they brush their teeth!
On that note... Is there anything better than spooning on a rainy day.... I don't think so!
Kids can drag out bedtime for an hour if you let them.
Don't sweat the small stuff.
I have not yet been promoted to my highest level of incompetence.
Sometimes in life you can be the hammer or the nail... which do you choose?
Home improvements shows... Not just for the ladies anymore.
My wife is PHAT! Pretty Hot and Tempting!!!

Musa Out!

It's time machine time!

2007-08-23T23:25:00.000-04:00

In yet another shameless attempt to increase blogging traffic, I began thinking of some more favorite child hood things. Great TV shows come to mind here, so in no particular order.... here we go!

BattleStar Galactica-- If you loved Star Wars like I did as a kid then this one is a no brainer!
Buck Rogers-- Same as above
Miami Vice-- OK I was close to being a teen when this one was on TV... But the plastel t-shirts that Crocket wore were the bomb!
S.W.A.T-- More early 80's or late 70's, it wasn't on very long but boy it was cool
T.J. Hooker-- William Shattner, how can you go wrong.
G.I. Joe- even though no one died in the major battle scenes, still a great cartoon.
Air Wolf-- Cool helicopter

First day of School!

2007-08-21T21:08:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is the first day of school for my kids, and while I can hardly believe the summer is over for them it got me wondering and remembering just what it felt like when I was their age. The mix of excitement and dread, another year older and "more mature". Starting school was usually pretty fun for me. We had open house tonight for them and as I watched Caleb interact with his classmates it made me laugh out loud. One because he will be in the 7th grade (wow let me catch my breath) and because it is still an awkward time. He is still trying to figure things out for himself and I can still see the shy little boy come out in him from time to time. The funniest thing to me is to watch how he acts around the girls in his class. Now Caleb is 115 pounds and he is solid, but just about every girl is taller than him. To make is worst they are almost as tall as me..... Talk about Amazons.... whew! I guess what I am getting at is that even though my boy is quickly becoming a young man, I am still in awe of the fact that there is still something innocent in him. In this day and age, I think that is something to behold. Believe it or not I am looking forward to his teen years. I will have the most unique opportunity to help guide him through some potentially difficult years. I am looking forward to it... My girls may be a different story but we will worry about that a little later. Anyway he will be 12 on Sunday and I look at it as the mile marker from childhood to young adult. I can't wait to see what develops.

Child's play

2007-08-19T20:22:00.000-04:00

After not having much to say this week and watching my wife sit in the next room and watch "High School Musical 2". It got me wondering what kinds of things we watch and or do that should by all accounts be things our children would be doing. Now I am not talking about watching a kids program with your children. For example our kids had gone to bed one night and I had control of the remote and I could have watched anything I wanted yet I found myself watching Kim Possible.

I am still a cartoon junkie at heart: I mean Tom and Jerry, Bugs and the like. I would still like to see some Mighty Mouse or perhaps some Fat Albert.

BTW... I had not been too old to play with Caleb's army men when he wasn't around... Not the little plastic ones, no sir I am talking about the 12 inch fully poseable G.I Joes.... Yeah man.. Only has old as you feel Baby!!!!

Fat Man Challenge!!!

2007-08-13T12:57:00.000-04:00

Inspired by my friend Kevin over at DTOTB, I have decided to begin my own personal FAT MAN CHALLENGE!!!

At present I am weighing in at a robust 263 pounds (as of yesterday morning). It is my desire to lose about 30 lbs. My wife as decided to enter this with me and shoot for the same goal of 30 lbs. She has already lost about 25 lbs so far and she is looking GOOOD!!!! Way to go Hoddie!

Any way if you want to join us then leave me a comment complete with the total amount you want to lose and what you are doing to achieve your goal. You don't have to post how much you weigh now if that is too personal, but it would help so that we can share in the encouragement. I will have weekly updates every Monday to keep you up on the progress.

Hope you will seeing less of me in the weeks and months to come.

Ties that bind us together...

2007-08-12T22:54:00.000-04:00

Tonight we had a opportunity to spend some quality time with 2 of my former roommates and their wives from college. Over dinner we talked about those long ago days of how we became friends and laughed over stories that we hadn't told since the last time we saw each other. We shared about our children and the things they were all into these days. Unfortunately we didn't have a chance to find out a great deal about what God was doing in each of our lives but none the less it was time WELL spent. I felt like a 20 something all over again. The amazing part of it is, is that it was like we just saw each other last week instead of several years ago. People that I would go to war for in a heart beat and that would do the same for me.

Let me encourage you to look up those people that were milestone relationships in your life. Find a way to reconnect and see what God would do. Those people weren't in your life by accident. To my friends Adam and Anthony, it was time well spent and greatly appreciated.

MUSA Out!!!

A little help requested...

2007-08-07T21:15:00.000-04:00

Since I have not had much to say lately I figured I had better post something before I get out of the habit of blogging all together. So with that in mind try this on for size. I am looking to increase my dvd collection very soon. I have some great movies like "The Italian Job", Batman Begins, and National Treasure. I also have all three Jurassic Park movies as well as the first two Spiderman movies. Some titles I am considering:

King Arthur
The Shooter
Spiderman 3

Need some more suggestions...

Almost forgot.... We just got as part of a house warming gift- One Night with the King and Facing the Giants. Looking forward to watching both of those films.

Hit me with some of your favorites from your own collection

Musa Out!

It's Kennedy's turn

2007-07-28T14:24:00.000-04:00

Tribute to my 2nd Child... The thinker, whose name means "helmeted one" and full of grace. They are growing up way too fast! I love you Kennedy!

Aroma of Christ

2007-07-24T19:23:00.000-04:00

Think about your sense of smell, the things you can detect with it. How certain favors and scents can invoke certain responses in our minds. I was taking the garbage out to the dump and today I struck a little more by the foul stench that came from there. The first thing I thought of was what does my sin smell like to God. Probably not much different than that trash dump. We were created to be the fragrance of life and the aroma of Christ to a lost, dying and stinking world: 2 Corinthians 2:14-15

14But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 15For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

How awesome is that, that God the Father and creator of the Universe would consider us to be the aroma of His Son. What does that mean???

When Helen gets out of the shower she smells like the scented soap she uses and the lotions that she applies afterward. Those scents are pleasing to me ( very pleasing), but that is beside the point. She smells good and I like to be near her when she smells good. Conversely, I have no desire to stand next to a garbage dump for any extended period time.

Basically it means that to God we smell like Jesus. What a sweet smell that must be to our Heavenly Father.

So let us consider how we can become the fragrance and aroma of life to this world and in so doing we will draw all men unto Christ because we smell like Him.

MUSA Out!

video tribute to the BIG DOG!

2007-07-19T20:57:00.000-04:00

I figured since everyone else is using video in their blogs, that I should give it a shot. And since football season is right around the corner I felt it only appropriate to share a few of Caleb's football photos with you. I will be following with tributes to the girls as well. Since he is the oldest he got to go first. If you can't tell, I am a proud papa!

Moved to the bottom of the page...

Finished!!!

2007-07-17T10:51:00.000-04:00

Has I drove into work this morning I was listening to a song called "At the Cross". It was arranged by Reuben Morgan. The part that impacted me was the bridge in which it simply states:

"You tore the veil, you made a way when you said that it is done!"

Think about it, all that was needed was done when He stretched out His hands and died on that tree. At that moment the veil was torn from top to bottom. From every thing I know about that veil, it was a thick piece of material, not likely to be torn by accident or by the hand of man.

What did this give us? It gave us access to the Holy of Holies. It paid all our debts in full. No other sacrifice was necessary. My debts and yours were cancelled when He said it was finished. I thought about how many times I have reminded God of my many shortcomings and failures. I was thinking about them again this morning until this song came on my Ipod. He simply said to me Johnny, I have taken care of it. It is finished. Let it go. I cried out to the Lord in thanks and praise for what He had done for me. I declared back to Him what He declare to me.

It is finished, it is over and done with. No more sacrifices are necessary. In a nutshell, I was reminded that I was free because of the finished work of Christ. God is GOOD!

MUSA Out!!!

Happy Anniversary Hoddie!

2007-07-16T12:06:00.000-04:00

13 years of marriage excellence!!!

Yes I said excellence... Not necessarily perfection but excellence. In that time we have had 3 wonderful kids, 3 dogs, 3 apartments, 2 houses and 7 cars. We have lived debt free and paycheck to paycheck. I have had 6 jobs, some good and some not so much!!! We have attended 2 churches and had 1 real family vacation. We have purchased 3 couches, 1 washing machine, 3 mattresses and 2 computers. That is a snapshot of our married life by the numbers.

The highs and the lows, the imperfections, the disagreements, the plenty and the lack, the grace and patience are all rolled up into these 13 years of marriage excellence. I would do it all over again in a heart beat with you.

Happy Anniversary Helen!

Remember these words from our wedding day!

But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me."

I LOVE YOU

Praise and Worship!!!

2007-07-14T09:54:00.000-04:00

What are some of your favorite Praise and Worship songs/artists?

Right Now My favorite is Israel Houghton- basically anything by him.

Failure

2007-07-13T07:57:00.000-04:00

What is your reaction to it??? How do you respond??? I am a failure, once again. One more time I have allowed the little foxes to tear up my vineyards. No excuses, no exceptions just the facts. So what will I do now. Will shame and seclusion be my best friends or will I allow redemption and forgiveness to come along side me and lift me up? God is still good and I know He wants the latter. I have heard it said and have said many times myself that failure is a result of giving up the fight. So in hind sight I guess that I have only failed if I give up. This just the feelings of the moment.

MUSA Out!!!

Hanging on and looking to right the ship!

An interesting question...

2007-07-12T20:00:00.000-04:00

Kennedy asked me the other day a very good question. She wanted to know why God created the Devil when He knew that the Devil would one day betray Him and try to take over. Helen and I thought about it for a minute and I honestly did not have what I considered to be a very good answer. My answer basically consisted of an "I don't know" which was followed by "You can ask God when you get to heaven" and finally the best answer: Maybe the Devil had free will as well, because he, like us is a created being, and it maybe all of God's angels have free will to choose whom they would serve. Those angels that sided with the Devil had a decision to make and they chose poorly. But it does raise an interesting question. Do the angels have free will like us? And did the Devil have free will to choose to disobey God and foolishly believe that he could overcome the creator of the Universe?

Just one of those things that make you go Hmmmmmmm!

MUSA Out!!!

2007-07-11T18:04:00.001-04:00

Say It with me.... GOD is GOOD all the time and all the time He is GOOD!!! Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of this simple truth. If need be, we should practice in front of the mirror so that we can see the words forming in our mouths and know that it is us actually saying it. So go into your bathroom and practice.... Go on, I will wait for you!

MUSA OUT!

One bite at a time....

2007-07-08T23:34:00.001-04:00

How do you eat an elephant??? See above. Something that seems insurmountable can be defeated and over come if you exercise patience and perseverance. There are still some areas in my life that I have not totally submitted to the authority of God completely. I draw comfort in writing this because I know that I do not ride in this boat alone. Everyone reading this has some mountain to move in their lives, so be of good cheer and let me share with you what I believe the Lord is doing with me. While I was enjoying the series on New Beginnings in church today I believe the Lord spoke two words to me. They are simply win today. If you stop and think about it, it makes perfect sense because we are directed in scripture not to worry about tomorrow and that we should take care of what is in front of us-TODAY!

So I have made a list of the top 3 things that I want to be better at. Before you start there are more than 3 but I limited myself to these because I believe they are the most pressing things that I need to work on in order to move to another level in Christ. I can not effectively conquer these challenges if I try to take a long term over arching view. It is just not how I am wired. But I can take it one day at a time and make a concentrated effort to be better today and hopefully climb this mountain one step at a time, one day at a time and eat this elephant one bite at a time. It is now 12:00 am, Time to go WIN TODAY!

MUSA OUT!

???

2007-07-07T11:31:00.001-04:00

I have had nothing of note to write for the past few days.... That being said, I feel I need to jot down a few thoughts if for no other reason that to just get them out.

I love my family, my immediate and extended and church family very much. Don't always like them, but that is the beauty of family. I am bound to these people for life. I will take both the good and the bad, the pleasant and the nasty. My pastor has often said that if you are looking for a perfect church that we aren't it and even if you found it that you shouldn't go because you would mess it up.
I have taken an oath by covenant, by birth and by my word to remain true to my family. It is a commitment that should be reaffirmed everyday.

This is just my thoughts for the day....

Marriage challenges

2007-06-30T21:00:00.000-04:00

As I listen to my XM radio pumping out the 90's hits, I have discovered that during the course of my marriage to my wonderful wife, that there are certain things that we shouldn't do together.

As I type she is up stairs ironing the curtains for one window. Yes I am hanging curtains, and if the amount of trauma I just endured to hang this one window is any indication of what's to come, I am in big trouble. So this leads me to my point. Obviously, at least to me, cooperative home decorating is something we should never ever try to do together again. It seems that there is missed communication all over the place, which is leading to frustration and high anxiety. Fortunately, I think we have worked it out to the point were we should be able to finish the family room without too much difficultly. Pray for me... and Helen. :)

Well she is back, so I must go.... But I must say she looks mighty cute standing on that ladder. Maybe all is not lost after all...... Do I hear the Olympic theme music in the background.... We shall see.

Change

2007-06-24T23:42:00.000-04:00

It is late and I should be in bed fast asleep but instead I am sitting at this computer typing out this post. It may be a good thing because my allergies are acting up and it seems to be a good thing to give Helen a head start on sleeping before I join her and start sawing logs.

Things are always changing, aren't they? I mean sometimes it takes major life upheaval for us to notice, but change is a part of life. Just the other day I was looking through some old pictures of my children with amazement because it was difficult to remember them at those ages. Change is one of those parts of life that has a way of being exciting and feared at the same time. It is something that will happen whether we want it to or not, we can't control it, but we can control how we respond to it. It is simply my desire to be prepared the best I can for when those changes come, so that I will be able to take them with grace and humility whether they be good or bad. The one thing I find in an ever changing world is that my God is the same yesterday, today and forever. And that in Him there is no shadow of turning. He holds true every time.

MUSA Out!