Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Biblio-meme

Ok, so usually I don't get too into memes. They're typically annoying, in that, they make me think way too much. But I ran across this book-themed meme (rhymes!) posted by Chantell on Ninety and Nine, and thought it might be fun to pick through some books I've loved and hated. Besides, it's been a while since I've posted.

Here goes:

1. One book that changed your life: A Call To Die - David Nasser: A 40 day journey composed to teach you to die to yourself and seek the mind of Christ. I've only successfully completed the book once, but I attempted it 2 other times. Proceed with caution!

2. One book that you’ve read more than once: Maniac Magee - Jerry Spinelli: A touching story about an orphaned boy who returns a town near where his parents lived. The town is seperated by intense racism, but "Maniac" is innocently blind to the feuding. His actions help each side (the town is literally separated down the middle) a little closer to understanding one another. I first read this book in the 5th grade, and read it more than 15 times through Middle School. Then I read it one more time in High School. I'll probably go back and read it again now. It's a book every kid should try and read, especially if he/she lives in an area affected by racism (from any ethnicity).

3. One book you’d want on a desert island: The Bible - "Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine" (Proverbs 3:9-10). As long as I can build a make-shift barn, I should be good.



4. One book that made you laugh: The Calvin and Hobbs Treasury. No other comic strip has ever been more honest and insightful into the life of a 6 year old boy.

5. One book that made you cry: Where the Red Fern Grows - Wilson Rawls: Still cry every time I read it....only a little though. No boy should have to bury his dog and watch another one suffer from grief.

6. One book that you wish had been written: Every Answer You've Ever Needed, Spelled Out Perfectly: Vol 1-100 - God

8. One book you’re currently reading: And Then There Were None - Agatha Christie: There's actually quite a few I'm "currently" reading, but I've just started reading this one again, and Ican't remember how it ends. I'm pretty excited about it.

9. One book you’ve been meaning to read: Church Marketing 101 - Richard L. Reising: I started it over a year ago, and never made it half-way through. It's really a fascninating book regarding marketing your church to nonbelievers.

This was actually a lot of fun. I realized that most of the books I've read that have had some sort of significant impact on me, were read when I was still in Middle School. That's kind of interesting, because that was before my family got a TV. Coincidence?

Monday, November 19, 2007

Articles like this bother me. Not so much the subject matter, but the people who raise their voices crying "Infringement upon civil liberties!"


Boston police are launching a program that will call upon parents in high-crime neighborhoods to allow detectives into their homes, without a warrant, to search for guns in their children's bedrooms.

The program, which is already raising questions about civil liberties, is based on the premise that parents are so fearful of gun violence and the possibility that their own teenagers will be caught up in it that they will turn to police for help, even in their own households.

In the next two weeks, Boston police officers who are assigned to schools will begin going to homes where they believe teenagers might have guns. The officers will travel in groups of three, dress in plainclothes to avoid attracting negative attention, and ask the teenager's parent or legal guardian for permission to search. If the parents say no, police said, the officers will leave.

If officers find a gun, police said, they will not charge the teenager with unlawful gun possession, unless the firearm is linked to a shooting or homicide.

[...]

"I just have a queasy feeling anytime the police try to do an end run around the Constitution," said Thomas Nolan, a former Boston police lieutenant who now teaches criminology at Boston University. "The police have restrictions on their authority and ability to conduct searches. The Constitution was written with a very specific intent, and that was to keep the law out of private homes unless there is a written document signed by a judge and based on probable cause. Here, you don't have that."

The truth is, that the 4th ammendment to the Constitution does not, in fact limit VOLUNTARY searches of personal property.


Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
-United States Archives


If an individual who owns property VOLUNTARILY allows the police to search that property for their own security, what CIVIL LIBERTY has been thwarted? Who came up with this term CIVIL LIBERTY anyway? The Constitution and its subsequent amendments was drafted for the security of the American People, by process of limiting the power of the Federal Government. It was not drafted to keep cops from finding illegal guns. It was not drafted to protect the rights of non-citizens (actually the very first Article of the Constitution addresses the legal process for immigration). It was not drafted to "protect my privacy." "My Personal Privacy" has become a cry by people who fear that their illegal or immoral activities may be discovered. A Christian who serves Christ faithfully should NEVER have any fear of his/her privacy being invaded.



Don't get me wrong. I'm not in favor of Big Brother. I just hate when people try to "interpret" the Constitution to meet their own agendas. It's right there in black and white (or rather Black and Parchment). Take it, or leave it...or attempt to Ammend it. But PLEASE don't misinterpret it!



(also, the Bible is not open for interpretation either. That's for Bro. Derek :D )

Friday, November 16, 2007

12 Reasons to vote Huckabee

Here are 12 reasons (actually 13) why Mike Huckabee is the best candidate for President in 2008:
(Quoted from an article by Jeff Bristow from The Bristows Dot Com)


I have a friend who was asking me who I thought they should vote for in the Republican primary. So, I told them who I think is the best republican candidate for the job and why. They then told me I should ‘officially’ endorse them. So I decided to go ahead and do just that.

Here are my 12 reasons to vote for Mike Huckabee.

1. Mike’s understanding of the 1st Amendment. “The First Amendment requires that expressions of faith be neither prohibited nor preferred.” - Mike Huckabee

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

The Screwtape Letters

Be sure to check out the new blog by Uncle Screwtape. It's his instructional letters to his nephew, Wormwood. Learn how the Devil thinks. Awesome new blog!!!

The Screwtape Letters

Thursday, November 8, 2007

This Model is gonna kill me!


This is a pic that I took at youth service this past Wednesday. I thought it looked really neat (love that texture on the right, still don't know what it is), but the "model" said she'd kill me if I put it up. Personally, I think she looks great. Happy and ready for church! Kinda wish the shutter would have been about one stop quicker, and my focus would have been a liiiitle closer, but it's still fun. What do you think? Pretty "artsy" for an amature huh?



Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Why kids rock!

Most people think I'm weird and/or atypical because I'm a twenty-three (and a half) year old guy who is almost as excited about having kids as I am about getting married. The truth is, I don't ever want to not be a kid myself.

I idolize people like Lloyd Squires, Bill Cosby, Jim Carrey, and other "big kids." I'm so nostalgic for my youth, that I'll spend hours on Google Earth and Microsoft Live Maps looking at the home of my childhood, and regretting that the woods behind my house were torn down for a school (a great school that I never got to attend).

It's no wonder why I love Children's and Jr. High Ministry so much. Lori tells me that she would never have the patience to deal with some of the things I thrive on dealing with (teenagers...bah!). And it's true, few people really have what it takes to minister to these up and coming, soon-to-be hormonal basket-cases. But There are times when it's so magical.

Every now and again there's a glimpse of hope for our very dreary future. Every now and then there's a Crusader camp where over 200 kids are filled with the Holy Ghost and used in miraculous ways. Every small once-in-a-while, there's a 12 year old like Logan who speaks the incredible truth of God's love after he's had to "put down a calf."

Thank God for Young People who desire to be used of God. Thank God for Deuteronomy 6 Parents who care enough about their children to "train [them in the way they] should go."


Click here for more information about Logan, the 12 year-old who asked God why he had to "put down" a calf.

Friday, October 12, 2007

We're going on a cruise!!!

...well, after we're married, of course!



We're taking a 7 night exotic Western Carribean cruise aboard the Norwegian Spirit, out of New Orleans.

Our ports of call are:
  • Roatan, Honduras

  • Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala

  • Belize City, Belize

  • Cozumel, Mexico

Needless to say, we're quite excited! We finally know where we are going and what we are doing for our honeymoon. We'll get to go underground rafting, zip lining horseback riding, snorkeling, Mayan exploring, and...other things....



Go to our website to vote for which excursions we should do. There's still a few we haven't decided on.

Also, if you haven't already, check out our engagement pics at Matthew Foster's Website. Let us know what you think (about Lori, we already know what you all think about me...man, I'm fine).

Friday, September 28, 2007

The great IPOD project

** Update - 103 Albums (Music) listened to so far**

8,430 is a big number. Anyone who has 8,430 of anything has probably not seen, heard, felt, experienced, etc any of the thing of which they have 8,430. Thus began my Great IPOD Project (or GIP).

About 3 weeks ago you may have noticed a short list of Album titles on the left side of the blog. My goal is to listen to EVERY song on my IPOD in "Album-alphabetical" order. If you'd like to track my progress, I'll update this post as I go along with the albums I've already listened to. If you're lucky, I may provide links to amazon for my favorites.

Here's what I've listened to so far: Started August 20, 2007



  • 1.22.04 Acoustic E.P. - Maroon

  • 100 Best Opera Classics (disks 1-6)

  • 20 - Harry Connick, Jr.

  • 20/85 The Experience - Hezikiah Walker

  • 2003 Higher - JCM (not looking forward to this one)

  • 2005: The Christmas Sessions - MercyMe (Yay! Christmas)

  • 20th Century Masters - Three Dog Night

  • 20th Century Piano Genius (2 disks) - Art Tatum

  • 35th Anniversary Hits Collection - 2 3 Dog Night Songs

  • 500 Years of Guitar - John Williams

  • 8 Days of Christmas - Destiny's Child

  • 9th Ward Pickin' Parlor - 2 songs from Shawn Mullin's Album

  • Abandon - Jason Morant

  • Absolute Favorite Christmas - Various Christian Artists

  • Adam Up - ApologetiX

  • Album Wrap - Opera Overtures - W.A. Mozart

  • Album Wrap - Complete Etudes - Chopin

  • Alive in South Africa (2 disk) - Israel Houghton

  • All Day - William Murphy Project

  • All of the Above - Hillsong United

  • All Things New - Steven Curtis Chapman

  • All This Time (Live) - Sting

  • All To You...Live - Lincoln Brewster

  • Alone - Clint Brown

  • Amadeus Soundrack - W.A. Mozart (Only the Requium clip)

  • Amazing - Parachute Band

  • Angelic Voices - Vienna Boys Choir

  • Anthems of Praise - Bethany (church in Baton Rouge)

  • Any Way You Bless Me - William Toney and Telios

  • Anything Worth Saying - Aaron Shust

  • Are You Ready? - Woodlawn Sanctuary

  • Arriving - Chris Tomlin

  • Art of Breaking - Thousand Foot Krutch

  • Art of Translation - Grits

  • At All Times - IBC

  • Ave Maria - The Silos (Benedictine Monks)

  • Awaken The Dawn - Mickey Mangun

  • Awesome Wonder - Kurt Carr

  • Azusa Praise-Jubilee - Carlton Pearson

  • B.B. King, 36 Greatest Hits (Disk 2) - B.B. King

  • Bach:6 Motets BWV 225-230 - J.S. Bach

  • Bach: Cello Suites, Vol.1 BWV 1007-1009 - J.S. Bach


  • Updated - October 18, 2007


  • Back Home - Caedmon's Call

  • Background Check - Elevate 2004

  • The Band and Soul Sessions - Pilippe Saisse Trio

  • Barlow Girl - Barlow Girl

  • Battle Cry - Michael Gungor

  • Be Exalted - Marvin Sapp

  • Beautiful Sound - Yancy

  • The Beautiful Letdown - Switchfoot

  • Beautiful News - Matt Redman

  • Beauty From Pain - Superchick

  • Beethoven: Sonatas for Piano 14,8, and 23 - Rudolf Serkin

  • Beethoven: Piano Sonatas (Sonata 21:Waldstein) - Emil Giles

  • Beginnings - Big Daddy Weave

  • Believe - Natalie Grant (Christmas Album!)

  • Beneath Medicine Tree - Copeland

  • Best Friend - Hillsong United

  • The Best is Yet to Come - Martha Munizzi

  • Best of Daryl Coley - Daryl Coley


  • Updated - October 24, 2007


  • The Best of Kansas - Kansas

  • The Best of Mozart - W.A. Mozart

  • The Best of Saint-Saens (Disk 1) - Camille Saint-Saens

  • The Best of Simon & Garfunkel - Simon and Garfunkel

  • Bethany Dillon - Bethany Dillon

  • Better Days - Robbie Seay Band

  • Better Days Ahead - BDA

  • Beyond Imagination - Opera Babes

  • Biblical Graffiti - ApologetiX

  • Bigger Than My Imagination - Michael Gungor

  • Blessed By Association - John P. Kee

  • Blue Hats - Yellowjackets

  • Blues Brothers[Original Soundtrack] - The Blues Brothers

  • Bone-a-Fide - T-Bone


  • Updated - November 7, 2007


  • The Boy Vs. The Cynic - John Reuben

  • Brendel Plays Beethoven; The 5 Piano Concerti - Alfred Brendel

  • Brian Regan Live - Brian Regan

  • Bring Glory - Scott C. Riggan

  • Bring It On - Oasis Praise

  • Building Championship Teams - Thrive Communications

  • Caedmon's Call - Chronicals - Caedmon's Call

  • Carmen (3 Act Opera) - Georges Bizet

  • Carried Me - Jeremy Camp

  • Carry Away - Shane & Shane

  • Casting Crowns - Casting Crowns

  • Celebrate - Ted & Sheri

  • Celebrate - Gateway College

  • Change Your World - Darlene Zschech

  • Chaotic Resolve - Plumb

  • Chariot - Gavin Degraw (Really good! never heard of him before)

  • A Charlie Brown Christmas - Vince Guaraldi (composer for ALL the Charlie Brown Music)

  • Chicago Mass Choir Project Praise - Chicago Mass Choir

  • Chocolateville - Don't know the author but this song is hilarious


  • Updated - November 20, 2007


  • Chopin Waltzes Impromptus - Rubinstein

  • Christmas - Kirk Franklin & The Family

  • Christmas in Black and White - Nichole C. Mullen

  • A Christmas Reunion - Various Christian Artists

  • Christmas Songs - Diana Krall

  • A Christmas Together - John Denver & The Muppets

  • Christmas With Babyface - Babyface

  • Classic Sinatra - Frank Sinatra

  • Classical Genre - Various Western Classics ranging from the Baroque to the Early Contemporary Periods - 146 songs over 15 hours

  • Classical Guitar - Tom Hambleton

  • Classical Masters; F. Chopin - Frederick Chopin

  • Clean - Shane and Shane

Friday, September 14, 2007

See You at the Pole - September 26, 2007

See You at the Pole is coming up! Young people, represent your faith and your youth group. Show up early at your school to pray for our nation and our leaders. Find out if a group is gathering and join them. If not, spread the word to your Christian friends (you do have Christian friends don't you). This could also be a chance to share the gospel with your Non-Christian friends. Invite them to join you at the flag pole.


"If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I'm leading you when
you get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you'll be an even
greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when he arrives in all the splendor of
God, his Father, with an army of the holy angels."

(Mark 8:38 The Message)



This was sent to me by the American Center of Law and Justice:

One of the most significant - and highly contested - rights in our country today is the right to pray.

Unfortunately, attempts to squelch public expressions of faith have spread from the courtrooms of our nation to its classrooms.

As concerned parents, grandparents, school teachers, and church leaders, the most important step you can take right now is to know your student's rights before he or she sets foot on a public school campus.

In fact, what many do not realize is this: Prayer is a protected form of speech that cannot be banned by school officials when it is being offered in a manner such as See You At The Pole (TM). A school official who refuses to allow students the right to pray on their campus is engaging in censorship.

In recognition of the upcoming nationwide See You at the Pole event this year on September 26, I have pulled together a critical and informative online bulletin regarding students' rights ... and the public schools' responsibility to acknowledge those rights. Please feel free to share this bulletin with local school administrators - including principals, board members, and teachers - to advise them on the current state of the law.

It is imperative that local school officials be informed in order to avoid violating the First Amendment rights of students and others. See You At The Pole and the National Day of Prayer are student events - not organized or conducted by school administrators or officials. Students of faith across the nation annually gather with like-minded peers around the flagpole at their respective schools before classes begin and pray for their schools, teachers, administrators, and country.

It is their First Amendment guaranteed religious right to participate in such an activity ... and it is a bold expression of their faith that should be highly encouraged.

Learn more about student free speech rights on public school campuses - particularly the right to engage in religious expression at See You At The Pole events on September 26.

And please keep in mind:

This bulletin is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. If you are in need of legal counsel regarding a specific situation, you should contact an attorney or the ACLJ for assistance.
Thank you!

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?!

Tonight at 7:30 (cst) marks the beginning of the 2007-08 NFL Football Season. Your New Orleans Saints will be battling the Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome in Indy. Slated with four Prime Time Games this season, the Saints and Saints fan's expectations have never been higher. This year they'll be moving foward with last year's number ONE offense, and a greatly-improved defense (including former Indy linebacker Jason David).

The odds makers have Indy listed as a "less than" six point favorite, but with these two powerful, vertical offenses, it's more than likely that the last team with the ball will win. So go warm up some Nacho Cheese (as opposed to NaCH3O cheese Josh), grab your black and gold pom poms and get ready, because Who Dat Nation,

This is next year!!

Friday, August 31, 2007

The coolest thing ever?

Ok, so I started using Statcounter yesterday right? Yesterday! In less than two days, I've had 20 unique visitors (ok 19...one was me). This is the Geopolitical breakdown of where they come from:


37 - 77.08% - United States

4 - 8.33% - Spain

2 - 4.17% - Slovakia

1 - 2.08% - Brazil

1 - 2.08% - Switzerland

1 - 2.08% - Norway

1 - 2.08% - Argentina

1 - 2.08% - Canada


I don't think I've ever met a Slovakian or a Norweigan before, and if you've come back again - It's very nice to meet you.

I've basically grown up hearing and learning how big the internet is, and how it's bringing the world together with instantaneous communication, but this kind of puts things in perspective.

Groovy. Guess I better let this little light of mine shine.

Feel free to leave me a message, especially if you're from another country. BTW, who do I know in Georgia that spent over 8 hours viewing my blog? Am I that pretty? lol

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Cool Church

Check out this church

The Cool Church

1 Peter 1: 15-16 "But just as He who called you is cool, so be cool in all you do. For it is written, "Be cool, because I am cool."


I just perused their site -really cool site by the way- and was quite impressed. Their name makes them sound like just another backboneless charismatic church. But they actually have a very pronounced stance against sin. They even teach that baptism was always a part of salvation in the Bible, so it is today. Kinda cool. Their name actually came from the people of Tuscon, AZ. Bro. Parker should definitly get some earrings like that pastor has. Sweet. lol.

I laughed till I cried

Ok, so for those of you who've been monitoring my blog roll, you've seen quite a few additions lately. They're all really cool blogs that I like to go too, so check them out. You might find some funny blogs, or serious blogs. Shoot, I've even got some historical blogs.

I added a new one to day. Crummy Church Signs. I added it after seeing this hilarious post. What I read about half-way down the page had me almost in tears. But I'm not sure how many people will get it. Josh Lincecum might, but I don't know if anyone else will. This is what I read:

"Alpha is coming!"
submitted by Lauren Johnson
[the blogger's comment]Better Delta soon!!


O! M! Gah!!! If you don't get it, ask me, and I'll explain Greek and Mathematics to you. I'm still ROFLing.

Monday, August 27, 2007

So...

I guess I'm supposed to put something in this blog. Not exactly at the top of my "to do" list right now...as is apparent by my lack of posting. BUT...here I sit anxiously hoping to feel as if my posting duties are done for this evening. Nah, in all seriousness, now that I know how to log on, I may add a few more things so my fiance doesn't kick me off as co-contributor.

So for the wedding update...tonight Jessy and I went and picked out his tux, and the others as well. We now have just about everything decided upon...except for my dress!! I do realize this poses a problem. Trust me....I'm told daily (from the ladies at work) that if I don't hurry, I may not get the dress back in time. If that happens, then I'll know my suggestion to go to the courthouse was one sent directly from God. I do go home next week and will start looking with my mom, maid of honor, and one of my bridesmaids. Until then, this is one task left to do.

Okay, so I think this is it for now. I should be good, posting wise, for a few days...maybe weeks. (crosses fingers) Hopefully I've redeemed myself as helper of "our" blog. I hope you enjoy Jessy's daily contributions. Maybe you'll look forward to the not so frequent ramblings that I'll contribute. Till next time!

In Memorandum of "What To Wear"

Baptizm by Fire...hose

This is probably not what John the Baptist meant when he said

"I baptize you with water for repentance, but the One who is coming after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to take off His sandals. He Himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." (Matthew 3:11 Holmann Standard Christian Bible)

These people actually consider themselves "Apostolics" and "Pentecostals." None of what they say or do is biblical, although I move that we start calling Bro. Cox "Sweet Daddy Cox". lol

Here's the link again

European Terror Alerts

The English are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist threats and have raised their security level from 'Miffed' to 'Peeved.' Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to 'Irritated' or even 'A Bit Cross". Londoners have not been 'A Bit Cross' since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies all but ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorized from 'Tiresome' to a 'Bloody Nuisance.' The last time the British issued a 'Bloody Nuisance' warning level was during the great fire of 1666.

The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from 'Run' to 'Hide.' The only two higher levels in France are 'Surrender' and 'Collaborate.' The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France 's white flag factory, effectively paralyzing the country's military capability.But it's not only the English and French that are on a heightened level of alert.

Italy has increased the alert level from 'Shout loudly and excitedly' to 'Elaborate Military Posturing.' Only two more levels remain: 'Ineffective Combat Operations' and 'Change Sides.'

The Germans also increased their alert state from 'Disdainful Arrogance' to 'Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs.' They also have two higher levels: 'Invade a Neighbor' and 'Lose.'

Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual, and the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels .

The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy...

What's with that?

If anyone decides to peruse the links to the other Revolution Staffers, they might discover that I'm the only person who updates my blog every stinkin' day. What's up with that? Where you at staff?

Friday, August 24, 2007

Al Qaeda and the "Emergent-Church"

I was led to this article by the blog of a friend of a friend of mine. The author of the article is a popular Christian radio broadcaster in Los Angeles, CA, and was the winner of the 2006 National Religious Broadcasters Talk Show of the Year. His opinion on the new wave of "Emerging Christianity" deals with the Radical Muslim agenda to enforce their doctrine on the world. Take the time to read it.

What I want to know is...

What was the best thing before sliced bread?

Well? We all know how awesome sliced bread apparantely is. So what was there to be in awe of before someone decided to slice it up?

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Irony - It's not just what you do to your clothes when they're wrinkled

Aug 23, 5:18 AM EDT
Pit bulls at Vick's house face deadline
By ZINIE CHEN SAMPSON Associated Press Writer
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- More than 50 pit bulls seized from Michael Vick's property face a Thursday deadline to be claimed. If no one comes forward, they could be euthanized.
See here full the full AP release.

Michael "Ookie" Vick and his cohorts are the same guys who have all pleaded guilty to pitting (pardon the pun) dogs against one another, as well as commiting "inhumane" acts in disposing of losing dogs. So it turns out that the dogs he didn't do away with....well... They still gonna git it.

Does anyone else see strange irony in that? When I heard that on the news this morning, I laughed out loud in my car. I knew I had too look up this article and tell somebody about it.

As one commentator so aptly pointed out..."It's ok if the guv'ment wants to do it."

Friday, August 17, 2007

155 Days and counting

Our wedding is only 155 days away. There's still dresses to get, cakes to taste, pictures to take...a ton of stuff to do!

Check out our website www.therussellwedding.com and leave us a comment.

More later

-Mr. and Future Mrs. Russell