Thursday, August 30, 2007

Episode II: Attack of the Blogs

I am sitting watching the Jags final preseason game, and my thoughts are wondering.

If you faithful readers did not know, Michael Vick earlier this week was arrested on some pretty disgusting charges. I am not going to repeat the charges in this blog...but it has made me think about the heroes that we looked up to as kids...who did you look up to when you a kid?

For me, I looked up to football players. My first favorite playesr was Ed "Too Tall" Jones and Tony Dorsett of the Dallas Cowboys. They were the best at their time (the seventies). Later on in life, I really looked up to Emmitt Smith, and even later than that Danny Wuerffel. Emmitt and Danny were really good role models...up standing people, good Christians...amazing players...the best at what they did...but were they really heroes? I was even going to name my first born male after them, Daniel Emmitt.

Emmitt and Daniel were heroes to me up until 2001. That is when the definition of role model and hero changed for me. That is when I met a 14 year old boy in my brand new youth group named Cameron.

When meeting Cameron for the first time, he seemed like a normal kid. Liked to get in a little bit of trouble, like to surf, and he loved to spend time with his friends, and laugh. But on Sept. 16th, he let us in on his act of heroism. Cameron had cancer...the terminal kind. He was dying, and sadly all the chemo, and all the treatments in the world were not going to help him. Over the course of the next 5 months I saw this brave young man still fight, and fight, and fight. He lived every day to its fulliest. Even on his last days, he wanted people around to just enjoy their time with him. He passed away Feb. 2002. You see Cameron was a true hero...because he lived his life and was kind, and loving in the worst of circumstances...he is what I would want my son to be...that is why when I am blessed to have a son, I will name him after my hero, Cameron.

I never lost a youth group kid before then...and I sometimes I wonder where he would be right now...in college...surfing full time, or just spending time with family and friends.

God, I know I do not say it as much as I use to, but thank you for bring Cameron in my life. Thank you for showing me who and what a hero truly is.

Your Eternal Bud,

Chris

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Episode VI: Return of the Blog

Is Work the New School?

Let me explain. I am getting in to the elevator at work today, and who comes walking by, but three extremely pretty women. And when I say pretty, I mean like I did a double take. The women that I am talking about are co-workers, and people that I know who they are, and they know me...but barely...they know my name...but that is about it...they probably could not remember what dept. I am in to save their life. But I know where they are...ahhh to think of high school.

You see in high school I was not a poperly kid, I know that has to be a shock), but it is true. People liked me, people did not mind me...but I was the un cool kid...standing next to the wall, and quiet as a church mouse. No girls would talk to me...it was a bummer...flash forward to today, and I am back in high school...I am the dorky kid saying, "Hi Ladies...SNORT". and they are saying to me "Hi Chris", and not giving me another look...sigh...if I got out of the elevator, and a big mean kid gave me a wedgie walking to my car, it would be OPHS all over again. Thankful that did not happen. I left for lunch, undies in place, and went on my business.

It is funny how little events, take you back to a time in your life where you felt the most ackward, the worst...sometimes I smell things, or hears something that takes me back to a far away time...I am sure that all of you can appreciate that. It is strange to me to think about times that were so far away...but my memories are usually pretty good...and I go back at a moment notice at time.

Well, that is my thoughts for right now...but I will say that I am happy to be where I am right now...I love my friends...I love that I am not the dorky kid anymore. Hey, anyone want to go buy comic books?

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For those who are interested, I survived Jacob's and my nephew's B-Day parties...still crazy...but lucky toys kept them from keeping their eyes on me...no Lord of the Flies!

If I feel like it, i will talk about it more at another time...until then, I am Your Eternal Bud!

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Episode V: The Blog Strikes Back

This post goes out to a little buddy of mine. This little kid has gone through so much. He has had a pretty tough life, because he continually gets sick. He is similar to me when I was a kid.

You see when I was a kid, I was sick literally all the time. The amount of sick time my Mom took on me was amazing. Thinking back on it, I am surpirsed she was able to keep a job because of me. But she did...and here I am. I appreciate the sacrafices my mom did for me all those years ago. It did leave me with a damaged ear...but I have another one!

But let's get back to this beautiful kid...I mean he makes my illnesses as a kid look like nothing. He just keeps fighting it though. Smiles, loves for his mom, hugs for his dad...through the whole thing the kid may have a high fever, but he is still the life of a party, and making others smile, and love being around him. He truly is a great kid...I am proud to know him...proud to call him my Godson...

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Now for my readers out there...Hi Christie! The birthday was CRAZY as most one year old parties are. I of course forgot about the party being BYOK (Bring Your Own Kid)...so there was about 3,000 little kids at the party...we are talking about Lord of the Flies...it was crazy...any parent thought that they were in charge was dilusional...it was madness...the kids took me hostage...it was only after I offer them Barbies and Hot Wheels that I was allowed to go free...

I ran out of the house crying like a baby...wait maybe I did belong there...

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Keep the comments coming everyone...I love to see them...thanks for taking the time to read my little piece of the internet.

Your Eternal Bud,

Chris

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Episode IV: A New Blog

I have been a bad blogger as of late my friends. June truly got the best of me. I did not have a chance to truly sit down at the keyboard, and put down thoughts…and a lot has gone on in my life. So I will do some reviews and some catching up here. And I will do my best to be a better blogger in the future…Scouts Honor! I do want to say thank you for everyone that is making comments…keep them up! It is SO good to hear from Karisse, Lani, and Kim…that makes me happy! And thanks to my blog Moms Laura and Lauren for keeping me to task with the writing.

Movies I Have Seen: There has been a few actually…in the months of June and July, I have seen “Evan Almighty”, “License to Wed”, “Ocean’s 13”, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”, and “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”. I enjoyed all of them thoroughly. “Ocean’s 13” and “Harry” being my favorites, and “License to Wed” my least favorite, but that is not saying I did not enjoy it “License” in the least. It was actually a great fun laugh fest. I left with a smile on my face, and that is all one can say eh?

Books I Have Read: I have finished John Eldridge’s “Epic”, Harry Potter and the Prisioner of Azkaban.

Music I am Listening To: Brad Paisley “Fifth Gear”, and I am relistening to Barlow Girls first album…quite excellent!

Work at the BCBS is going well…I like my co-workers very much. They are good people. I just keep wondering if there is something more out there. I want to be happier. But that is for more thought.

My nephew turns 2 next week, so we had his 2nd b-day party last weekend. It was a good party…and it is fun to have my brother in law’s family with my family. But it is parties like last week’s that remind me how white my family is. If you want me to talk more about that…make comments, and I will tell you more :)

So soon I will be back with the sequel to this blog…so stay tuned!

Love and prayers to you all!

Your Eternal Bud,

Chris

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Just an Average Wednesday

It seemed like an average Wednesday when I woke up this morning. I got up an hour before I had to. No alarm or anything. That part did kind of stink. But what can I do…so I woke up and started the day.

Had breakfast, and went to work. Work for the first part was in another building…it was a boring 2 and a half hour meeting. Sigh…I had no input in the meeting. And I am sure that the people in the meeting are all nice enough…but it was BORING! So got done with that, and I went to fulfill a promise to a friend. I had been promising my friend Dawn that I would come and see her, but she has been in a different building than the one I work in ever since I got my promotion…So I happily went to see her. She was not feeling well, so not really up for a visit…but she still faked like she was happy to see me. She got back from England a few weeks ago, and brought me back a gift! Can you believe someone remembered all the way over in England on their vacation? Well see did…and all of a sudden and average day became very un-average. So I was very happy to receive my Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (British version) and Westminster Abby book mark! It was fantastic.

So after that lovely time, I had another lovely time having lunch with two dear friends, Amanda and Jennifer. It was nice to have lunch with them, since both of them have kids now, and it is hard for all of us to get together. So again…not average.

So here is where the story gets average. Or does it? I am sitting at my desk later in the day (it is 5:15 in the afternoon), and I am thinking of going home. When all of a sudden, a manager of another area, and a friend, Lisa comes up to me and asks what I was doing tonight. Well it was not a date proposal, because Lisa is married, and has beautiful children. But Lisa has a free ticket to see a sneak preview of the movie, License to Wed. Robin Williams, and Mandy Moore…I accepted the ticket, and called my pal Eric to come with me. Now Eric has a family, and needed to see if the Wife would be Ok with this. LaLa was OK with it, and now the stage is set. I met up with Eric, and he and I went to the movies. The movie was pretty solid…a good date movie (if anyone wants to know)…but I laughed, and had a blast with my friend. This night is turning pretty good.

Then, I get home, and turn on my TV…and what is on the screen, but a tribute to Paul Simon. I love Paul Simon’s music! My parents use to play Simon and Garfunkel music for me and my sister on Friday nights. “Still Crazy After all These Years”, “Sound of Silence”, “The Boxer”, “Mrs. Robinson”, “Cecilia”, and my favorite song of all from them, “America”. And then there is “Call Me Al”, “ Graceland”, and “Rhythm of the Saints”. So I sat back, and enjoyed all of it. It was amazing all the stars that came out to sing Paul Simon’s songs. I was just in awe!

So here I am at the keyboard typing away, about to end this Wednesday that was definitely not average. It was Legend (wait for it) dary!

Your Eternal Bud! Chris

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

The Week in Review Ending 05/28/07

Best Movie I Saw this Week: “Shrek 2” After seeing “Shrek the Third” I decided to watch the far better prior sequel. Funny through out the whole movie, and made you see what was missing from the third one.

Also saw: “The Lost Room”- a great miniseries that Sci-Fi Network did. Very well done, and if you can find it, worth the watch. Keeps you wondering until the end. Also watched “Return of the Jedi”, “Maverick” and “The Princess Bride”.

Best TV of the Week: “Veronica Mars” series finale. Proved why it was the best TV show on TV. Great mystery, great acting, and fantastic story. The only thing that stinks is that it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, and there will be no answer. Sigh.

Best of the Rest TV: Nothing really to write home about. It all equally stunk, except for a great repeat of the “Scrubs” musical episode. It showed why it is the best comedy on NBC. I really want to start getting it on DVD.

Best Music this Week: Rediscovered Burlap to Cashmere, and their first album. It is ashamed that they did not make another album. An amazing first effort, and musically one of the best albums I have ever heard.

Best Book: Finished reading “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”. Began reading “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”, which is my favorite of all of the books. However the reading of the week belongs to John Elderidge’s “Way of the Wild at Heart”. This book speaks of how to make men better, and men better fathers. This book will be a gift to male friends all over the place…it is just amazing. Thanks to Elizabeth for getting the book for me.

Notables

Last Monday, my volleyball team lost in the second round (our first game) in the Christ Church volleyball league. I was very bummed out. We are better than we played. That is what hurts. I picked a horrible time to play one of my worst games. Sigh!

I went this weekend to NC to attend the final memorial for my grandmother who passed away in January. I was asked to speak by my Uncle, and agreed to. It ended up being a 100 times harder than I thought it would be. The graveyard gave me a lot of finality that I guess I was not ready for. Also seeing her urn was tough. Everyone said I did OK at the speech…I hope I did…but only God knows.

I really want to move to NC. This weekend proved it. I want to go back as soon as possible. I really loved it from the scenery to the temperature to the serene feeling I had there. I make plans so quickly…and never follow through…but I really want to follow through on this one.

So that is that for now…sorry it took a few extra days to write this…will be in Orlando this weekend for Paul’s bachelor weekend. Exciting stuff…will be writing more about it next week. Until then, I am Your Eternal Bud!

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Courtesy We Don't Need No Stinking Courtesy

Where is the courtesy?

After seeing Shrek the Third last night, I got in to a discussion with the friends I was with about a couple of families that brought their young kids to the show.

The conversation started with that the kids were not that bad in the movie. We knew there would be a lot of kids in the movie…come on it was a cartoon movie and a Shrek movie at that. But the thing is, does that mean that children under the age of three should be at the movie? Should they be at a movie in a prime time slot that a lot of people will be there? Should they be there when there is a full theater of people who paid at least $7.50 for a movie and at most $9.00?

Now I am not saying that kids should not be able to go. That is not fair, and that will be something a parent will remember: a child seeing their first movie. Seeing their eyes get wide, when the screen turns on, or looks backwards when the stereo system brings a sound behind them? I get that. I understand that. But why not take them to a movie when it is in the afternoon, in the middle of the week, when not as many and if any people are there. Or take them in a few weeks when the movie is not as popular. I am a supporter of kids. I personal cannot wait to have one! (Or make one for that matterJ) But when I do have kid(s), I understand that there are other people out there besides me, and that I will have to be denied some things when I have them. It is a part of the joys of parenthood. Understanding that your child is going to hoop and holler at times during a movie (that is what they do). And they should be able to do that. They do not understand that they have to be quiet…and it is not fair to them to try to get them to stay quiet. Rent a movie!

It is just a lack of courtesy that is going on in this world right now. It is the not so friendly finger that goes up when you are driving and make a mistake…or when someone pulls in front of you, and then slows down. It is when you let someone in the lane you are in, and they do not wave.

It is the person that stays on their cell phone when they are checking out at the grocery store instead of actually speaking with the clerk. Honestly, is the cell phone one of the most convenient, and yet rude inventions ever made? It is so great, because you can be reached just about anywhere. It allows you to be able to leave home, and run errands and not have to wait at home for a call. But also, on the dark side, when people are hanging out, and a cell phone rings, the person will get on the phone and talk with the person about nothing at all. Not anything important, just a checking in call. Where is the courtesy in that?

When do we stand up and say, I am going to think of someone else this time? I am going to think not to talk on the phone when I am with my pal that took the time to see me. I am going to wave to others to say thank you when they let me in. I am going to treat people like I want to be treated. I am going to look at people with Jesus’ eyes…that is it though? Not everyone believes, not everyone knows. That is where the courtesy is…it is taken away from the cross. The cross is where courtesy, love, and respect starts. It is when we look away from the cross that it ends. And I am to blame just like everyone else could be.

I will do my best to look to the cross. Is anyone else with me? I will keep you all updated on my progress.

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Week In Review ending 05/19/07

I sit here at my computer with Empire Strikes Back in the background, and I start to think about the week at hand. I was thinking that maybe telling everyone out there about the highlights might be something you out there in cyberspace want to read about…and if not ignore it and wait for my next posting…

The Week in Review

Best Movie I Saw this Week: “Good Will Hunting” This movie was on regular TV today, and I just sat back and enjoyed it without the bad words. And you know something, it still works. The bad words were never needed. The movie is well done from the fine script to the great acting. Robin Williams, won the Supporting Actor Oscar that year, his only one. A young Matt Damon and Ben Afflack won the Best Original Screenplay Oscars as well. If it was not for a little movie called “Titanic”, it probably would have won Best Film. I think it should have…
Also saw: “Shrek the Third” and the aforementioned “Empire Strikes Back”

Best on TV: Gilmore Girls series finale. Well done in every way. They closed the book in style. It reminded me of the old writing that was not there this season. It was a nice send off to a good show.
Also good: “How I Met Your Mother”, “Smallville” was fantastic, “Grey’s Anatomy” and “24”.

This Week in Music: Nothing really notable to discuss. No new albums bought or borrowed. Will try to do better next week.

What I Read: Rereading “Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets”. Nothing Biblically, and that saddens me to have to admit that. I will remedy that by next week’s post.

Notables

On Monday, my volleyball team Catch, Carry, Throw won our second game in a row, moving us up to the second seed in our league, which means we get a bye in the first round of the tournament on this Monday.


My friends Amanda and David gave birth to a beautiful little girl, Rebecca Lee on Monday. She and mom are healthy, and the baby’s measurements are 7.4 pounds and 20.5 inches.


On Thursday went to doctor. Everything is good. Just the wait to see the doctor was bad.
Was given my first big assignment this week under my new boss. It was due on Friday, and I think it went really well. I was tired at the end of the week…but happy.


Nothing new on the weight front…will keep you posted when I start working on it again.
Head doctors…got to love them. Sigh.


Nothing new on a relationship front. Going to start a single’s class in a few weeks when I am done traveling the next few weekends.


Memorial Day weekend, I am going to NC with my Uncle, Aunt, and cousin. Doing a memorial service for my Grandmother up there. Mom and Zan will go up later this year to do their own.


First weekend in June is my friend Paul’s bachelor weekend…so going to Orlando to play some golf. It should be fun.


Weekend after that, I just got invited back to the big O (Orlando) to attend my friend Mel Mel’s send off to Brazil. I am hoping to be there…will be a money decision. I want to be there.


Family is doing well. Dad advised to us, that he is in need of possible knee surgery. Will be waiting to hear more.

I think that is all for now…until next time…peace out and Word Yo!

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Thoughts in a Blender

Trying to not have to do laundry...it is almost 11:00, and I need to do laundry to have work clothes...and I do not want to do it...so I will blog away.

Why do you park in a drive way, and drive on a park way?
Why is the last thing you see in an airport the word terminal?

Why is addiction so difficult? I have been battling addiction for the better part of 20 years, and I still cannot beat it...even if I know how to beat it...it is like a blanket...something to come back to...as uncomfortable as it is...it is still comfortable.

Which is a better trilogy? Back to the Future or Lord of the Rings?

What is your favorite Billy Joel song? I am really discovering "New York State of Mind" again.

A lot of babies have been born that are from people I know in the last couple of weeks...I guess April and May are good birth months.

I love the Direct TV commercials that are the parodies of movies with the same people that stared in the movies...good stuff!

I want football season to start tomorrow...I miss seeing Urban Meyer, and his perfectly brushed hair...I really want someone to mess it up this year.

I really want to be in a committed relationship right now...but I really need to be happy with myself first...I am working on it.

I have been trying to remember what was the last VCR tape I bought...and I cannot think of it.

You know what I miss? Jello Pudding Pops...those things were great!

Why is it when people think of the Flintstones today? From a cereal and not a classic cartoon? And no one remembers that the Flintstones was created off of The Honeymooners.

The fires are awful right now. We all need to pray for rain.

On Veronica Mars tonight, they talked about an organization called "Invisible Children"...I want to learn more.

That is all for now...be back soon.

Monday, May 14, 2007

I May Never Watch CBS Again

To continue my TV theme...and this should be my last TV posting...or at least for a while.

The best comedy on TV is "How I Met Your Mother" (HIMYM). It is funny, and Neil Patrick Harris steals every scene he is in. Doogie kicks it. Tonight's episode was fantastic...funny, sad, happy...all the emotions you need for a good show. It is so much fun. I have not seen a bad episode yet. To me it is "Friends" in its prime. The cast have a very good chemistry...it is jsut fun...for a half hour, i forget the world...that is the power of good TV.

But tonight might be HIMYM's last show, because CBS might be too dumb to keep it. And it will be a complete shame. If the show is cancelled, I will not watch any more shows (except sports) on CBS. I will keep this sacred oath if it gets cancelled I promise!

I am tired of all my shows getting the boot! I may only have Smallville to watch next year...and 24 when it comes back on.

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On another note...thanks for everyone and your comments...even you Eric (dork!)...I hope to keep reading them. It was nice to see Karisse make a comment...sorry it took so long for me to write back.

OK, next blog will not be about TV...I am not sure what it will be about...but it might be Movies, Music, G to the O to the D (GOD) "Oh My Dad!"...we will see.

Peace out and word to all of you.

I May Never Watch CBS Again

To continue my TV theme...and this should be my last TV posting...or at least for a while.

The best comedy on TV is "How I Met Your Mother" (HIMYM). It is funny, and Neil Patrick Harris steals every scene he is in. Doogie kicks it. Tonight's episode was fantastic...funny, sad, happy...all the emotions you need for a good show. It is so much fun. I have not seen a bad episode yet. To me it is "Friends" in its prime. The cast have a very good chemistry...it is jsut fun...for a half hour, i forget the world...that is the power of good TV.

But tonight might be HIMYM's last show, because CBS might be too dumb to keep it. And it will be a complete shame. If the show is cancelled, I will not watch any more shows (except sports) on CBS. I will keep this sacred oath if it gets cancelled I promise!

I am tired of all my shows getting the boot! I may only have Smallville to watch next year...and 24 when it comes back on.

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On another note...thanks for everyone and your comments...even you Eric (dork!)...I hope to keep reading them. It was nice to see Karisse make a comment...sorry it took so long for me to write back.

OK, next blog will not be about TV...I am not sure what it will be about...but it might be Movies, Music, G to the O to the D (GOD) "Oh My Dad!"...we will see.

Peace out and word to all of you.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

I Take a Lot of Crap For This

I like Gilmore Girls. I am a guy, and I am not gay, and I like Gilmore Girls. I receive a lot of grief from my friends about this fact. The show cracks me up. I am in love with Lauren Graham...

I like the writing a lot. It is one of the smartest written shows I have ever seen. Very similar to West Wing, where it makes you laugh, think, and enjoy the characters that were created.

Amy Sherman Pallentono is brillant...she has a new show coming on Fox next year, and even though Parker Posey is in it (she was in Superman Returns, and I do not like her as an actress), I am still going to watch.

Did I mention Lauren Graham? She will be in Evan Almighty later this year...and I would go to that movie just for her alone...

I will miss the show. There is not a lot of shows out there that I like anymore. I watch some shows just to fight boredom...but I think next year will bring me reading a lot more. I am hoping Veronica Mars (VM) will make it to another season...it is truly the best show on TV right now. VM is a combination of West Wing and Gilmore Girls...it is a heck of a mystery show...but it will probably be gone soon...because all good shows get cancelled.

Good bye Girls, this man will miss you.

So enjoy your TV next year...I will be reading.

Sunday, April 8, 2007

Say What??

I am sitting at my keyboard, and I am wanting to say something important, something that will help change people's lives or at least make people laugh...and I got nothing. So I decided to type a few Chrisisms for you so that you will know them for later on use. At one point in time they were called Hollisms, but that is no more. So, here are some things that only I Chris will say...feel free to wait for next post if you need to...

"I got nothing"
"Oh my Dad"- From Will Ferrell on SNL
"Good ooglie mooglie"
"That girl is a Whoa Danger"
"Chris' rule # 2: Never dress in drag."
"I am so dead, they are going to have to bury me twice." -from movie License to Drive
Almost anything from Ghostbusters, or Caddyshack
"Woo-hoo cookies!"
"Oh really fool...yes really fool"-from Billy Madison

That is what I could think of so far. Please in the comment section, feel free to add more.

Also, a plea to Flaglerites who read this, please pass this site to anyone I know...there are some people out there that I would like to get back in touch with...so please help...Dana DiLisi, and the Allmans most come to mind...also, post comments about that.

Until we meet again...

Your Eternal Bud,

Chris

Six Hours One Sunday

Six Hours One Friday

Happy Easter to all! The Lord has risen, the Lord has risen indeed! Hallelujah! Without Easter, without the resurrection, what would be the reason to call Him Savior? Easter, Resurrection Sunday is the reason why we follow Christ; it is why He is special. But that was Jesus as part of the Trinity, all God, and the one who destroyed Hell. I think something just as amazing happened two days prior. What we call “Good” Friday…but it happened six hours on Friday.

But let me talk about Thursday first. I often wonder about that night before, and what Jesus was thinking before hand. He had just had an amazing supper with all of His best friends in the world. All the disciples were there. I am sure that Matthew was there worried about the bill. That James was telling stories of when he and Jesus were younger. I often wonder if maybe Peter was telling jokes. Do you think Peter told jokes? I know the disciples had no clue what was to come upon them in the next 24 hours, but Jesus knew. As He was hearing the laughing and the talking, knowing what would come in the next 24 hours, what was running through His mind? Was it disbelief? Was it fear? Did He feel like running away? Did He feel like telling everyone, “Hey Judas is about to betray me…kick him out of here”? Was that going through Jesus’ mind? I know it would have gone through mine!

Then we turn to that night, when Jesus asked His closest friends to stay up and pray with Him. Prayer, the most intimate thing you can do with someone, and he wanted His friends to pray with Him. His last night, was not spent partying, or trying to figure out how to get out of this most important thing. No, it was spent in prayer…preparing for what was to come. And what of His friends? They fell asleep on Him not once, but twice! He asked a simple favor, and they could not come through. The disappointment must have been great.

Then before the same evening ended and before morning broke: the kiss. As Judas was walking up to Him, was Jesus thinking, “Can I make a break for it”? No, He stood His ground. He knew what was coming, and He knew He had to stay firm. There was a whole lot riding on the next day…salvation of God’s people was riding on this one man (but Jesus was no ordinary man), and Jesus knew it, and accepted Judas’ kiss. And that horrid day began.

By the time the walk to Golgotha began, Jesus had been beaten, spit on, had His clothes torn off and stolen from Him, had a crown of thorns placed on His head, and then beaten some more. That is not including, His best friend Peter say he did not know Him, not once but three times! And that was before the walk.

Let us not forget the ridicule that Jesus also had to face with the Sadducee and Pharisee priests. He was mocked, and thrown in front of a weak ruler, two of them to be exact, that kept passing the buck on whether Jesus should live or not. And finally, the ruler still did not make a decision…Pontius Pilate wussed out and made the people decide. Did Jesus look at all of them and go, “My Father told me to do this, and if I did not have to, I would go over there and show you what real power is!” All Jesus had to do was call on one angel, and this whole debacle would end. But Jesus knew He had a mission to complete. He knew it was His time to save the world, and like a true hero, Jesus knocked it out of the ballpark. Superman got nothing on Jesus!

So then we come to the walk, and I am sure you remember the detailed images from the movie, The Passion of the Christ”. The cross was heavy, heavier than anything we could image. Blood was running from just about every part of His body. Pain coursing through His body with every step. But Jesus took every step with dignity, and honor, and knowing He had to. Again, if Jesus wanted to, he had every out in the world at His disposal. He had to tell His Father to take it all away. He looked in the crows, and saw so many mocking Him…He was going to save these people? I would have been angry. Jesus was not, and looked at each with compassion and love. That is why Jesus saved the world, and not Chris. I would have choked. We all would have.

Then there was Golgotha. The place meant Hill of Skulls. This is a place where bad men died. Killers, thieves, abusers of the law died here, not Saviors. And yet, here was the Savior being placed on that cross. Remember all the bleeding, and pain He had gotten through…and now to be pinned to a cross, had two to three feet nails hammered through the wrist (or palm), and both feet one on tope of the other.

You would think that is how people died were hanging on that cross long enough, you would die. But that is not the case. You died on the cross by suffocating to death. People being crucified would use what little strength they had left to use there feet from time to time to lift up enough to get a few breaths. That is why eventually, they broke the person’s legs…to prevent them from lifting themselves up. Prevent them from breathing.

But Jesus took it…He did call to His Father with all the pain coursing through His body, and asked “Why have you forsaken Me?” But Jesus never complained, not once. Even when the soldiers gave Him vinegar and not water…HE DID NOT COMPLAIN! I am still in awe of all that…He did not say one word. Jesus knew it was time to complete the mission. So after six hours of ridicule, pain, sadness, agony, looking for friends, and not finding any, He died alone on the cross. For the whole world…He placed our sins on Himself and took them on, and then died with our sins on Him. The one with out sin…died with a multitude of sins on Him, because He loved us that much. At that moment of time, and through out the rest of our feeble lives, when we ask for forgiveness, we are without sin because Jesus took them all on. The greatest heroic act known to man accord…Jesus saved us all from Hell. He saved us all!

People were actually happy with Jesus’ death. And guess what, they were sucker punched in the end. Jesus raised from the dead, and took His rightful place on the thrown. His super heroic act completed. And because of His death, Hell was beaten back, and now the Father when seeing us sees the clean in us, and that was because of His Son…our Savior Jesus Christ. Our Lord has risen, He has risen indeed! Hallelujah!

Friday, March 30, 2007

Save My Shows

This is the time of year, that many, many shows are on the verge of being renewed, or being cancelled. Many of the shows that I watch are on that edge of going bye bye forever, and that saddens me. So, I am going to mention a few of them.

"How I Met Your Mother", is one of the best if not best comedies on TV. It has a great ensamble cast...a few of my favorite TV people are in it, with Alyson Hannigan, and Neil Patrick Haris (NPH). NPH steals every scene that he is in, and makes the show's laughs ongoing. Great show...Monday nights at 8PM.

My two major Tuesday night shows are on that edge. Gilmore Girls, and Veronica Mars are two amazing shows. I know I get a lot of crap from my friends about Gilmore, but it still makes me laugh very hard. Lauren Graham is a very underrated actress. She is going to be in "Evan Almighty" this summer, so I hope that people will start to notice her...she is beautiful too, so Chris likes! And speaking of beautiful and talented, there is Kristen Bell in "Veronica Mars". A very smartly written and crafty show. Mysteries that will keep you guessing until the end, and another great cast. WATCH THIS SHOW! Tuesdays on CW...please watch!

Another Monday night show...Studio 60 is a Aaron Sorkin show. Sports Night and West Wing were masterpieces by his hand...now Studio 60 is not quite there...but it could get there. It has the cast to get there. It has the writing to get there...it just needs time. Like a good stew it needs time. So Monday nights at 10 PM...watch that too!

If you go to Eonline.com, you can vote to save one of these shows...so vote for that too...Veronica Mars was my pick. So pick one of these shows for me. Watch not for you, but watch for me to save these shows!

Til next time!

Your Eternal Bud,

Chris

Sunday, March 18, 2007

A Lot of Informercials

Since I got the new position, I have been considering getting cable back. Yes, for over a year and a half, I have not had cable television...I have had to deal with rabbit ears, and bad reception for the longest time. It is bad...I have not seen a show cleanly except for when I have been over at friends houses. But I was thinking, it is time for cable again.

Well, I just house sat over at a friends house, with full cable television...and you know what I have noticed. There is a whole lot of informercials out there for just about anything, and everything you can possible think of. Make-up, exercise equipment, exercise programs, blenders, books...basically you name it, and it is out there in infomercial land. And the funny part is, it is the same 5 0r 6 commercials...over and over and over again! Almost makes me want to pull my hair out.

The one infomercial/commercial that cracks me up more than most is the local commercial, "The Slasher Show"...this show is a rather loud guy shouting at the camera about cutting deals for used cars. It is a funny commercial, because they are SERIOUS...it is really unreal. And my man is always on TV. And on every kind of channel you can think of. It reminds me of one of the opening scenes in the move "City Slickers"...Billy Crystal is getting yelled out by his boss about buying bad commercials...and he is reminding Billy of how they use to buy smart ads, but he is not buying it anymore...makes me think the same about who is buying this JUNK! But some body is, and it is ending up on my TV...sigh.

Well where does cable come about with all of this...I thought cable would be the answer to all my problems...but it is NOT...the sam infomercials are on...just on more channels. Needless to say, I was pretty depressed. I am not sure what I am going to do...but infomercials must go down, and they must go down hard!

Who is with me?? Death to all infomercials!

Untils next time!

Chris (Your Eternal Bud)

Friday, March 16, 2007

My Last Day...

Today was the last day of my old position at BCBSFL. I am no longer an hourly employee, I am a salary employee, who has expanded responsibilities and duties. To say, I am nervous, is an understatement. The position is huge...and it is different from anything and everything that I have or had ever done. Can i do this? Can I pull this job off? Did I just do a huge head fake to a new boss, when i am actually not able to do the job??

I can do the job...I can...it is all nerves. I had a fantastic send off from my old area today. I was given a couple of really nice gifts, and a scrap book of my co-workers, my friends who wanted to tell me good bye. I was blown away by it. I was actually speechless. (I know what you are thinking...that is just not possible...but it was true)

So I leave this old area with positive thoughts and feelings, and go to the new area with a determination that I can do this. I am ready to rock and roll...needless to say I will keep you psted on the progress...

Until I type again, I am Your Eternal Bud.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Diet is DIE with a T

People tell me not to diet...that I need to change my eating habits. I agree with that. I do need to change my eating habits. I do need to eat better. I need to exercise more...a lot more. I need to do some serious construction on my body. But believe it or not people it is HARD. I am overweight by so much now, that just to even try is hard. It kills my knees, makes my heart race, and makes me feel awful.

Take this new food program I am on. It is a portioned meal program done through Baptist Health. It is a good program. It is a program that could really work! The problem is, I am hungry ALL the time with it. It is almost depressing. What am I talking about? It is not almost...it IS depressing. I truly got myself to be in this position? It is almost unreal...I cannot believe I got myself roped in to this.

I wish I learned how to take care of myself sooner before it got this far out of control. Fact is I didn't. Being an addict is hard...getting over the addiction will be hard...I am still not sure if i can do this...thank goodness, I do not have to do it alone. "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.' Mark 10:27. The question is now...will I trust Him enough?

I guess, I will have to find out. Sigh...I hate this part.