Changing the Face of Fraternities as We Know Them?

This article comes from OneNewsNow. I hope you it enjoy as much as I did!

Happy New Year!

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=365472

When the Media Makes Me Smile

Now, THIS is the type of story about a sports figure that we need to hear more of:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/8987986/Heat%27s-Wade-helps-family-displaced-by-fire?MSNHPHCP&GT1=39002

Investigating the "Twilight" Hype

So, here's the scoop. I teach on a college campus. That campus is loaded with 18-22 year old females. About 6 months ago, I suddenly became aware of something called "Twilight". Oh, it didn't happen all at once. It started in spurts with the name "Edward". My girls---not biological; the ones I teach and am around on a daily basis---were just enthralled with the name. Facebook was chalk full of flair on the guy. (If you need to know what flair is, ask the Facebook enthusiast in your house. They'll tell you all about it.) Finally I could stand it no longer. I asked my girls what the deal was. The look I got sucked the intelligence right out of me. They couldn't believe I had to even ask the question. "Mr. Fellows, come on. Edward??? He's the main character in 'Twilight'???" My intelligence points weren't getting any higher. So, one of them handed me the book. I did what I always do with books I haven't heard of, I read the jackets to see what it was about. A romance novel? Really girls? There had to be more. And boy, was there!

A few months later, a movie trailer with the same title as the book struck, and struck hard! Anytime I was in a room with a television playing this trailer around my girls, I---and every other guy in the room---was suddenly shushed with enough force to knock me over. They were enthralled again. And then, it happened. The movie premiered. What a turnout! I know this because after the latest bond movie---which I went to see---let out, I waited for "Twilight" to be done. I thought the people would never quit filing out. I wondered how the room held them all! And of course, most of my girls who saw it that night loved it!

So, I had to know. At first I thought I could get by without knowing, but my curiosity got the best of me. A friend of mine gave me her copy of the book over Thanksgiving. I'm almost done. And so far, I like it! *GASP* (Did I say that out loud??) Now, I won't say that I am enthralled like the entire---seemingly---female population. But, it is a fascinating story. And---I may get stripped of my Male Membership Card for this one---I plan on renting the movie once I finish the book.

Stephenie Meyer, the author, is an interesting storyteller. From a purely literary standpoint, I do enjoy her style of writing. The story itself has become interesting enough to keep me turning pages. And admittedly, the hopeless romantic in me.... Okay, I'll stop right there. I like my membership card.

Supporting OUR President

Throngs of Christians across the country are concerned tonight. I have already heard a few talk about moving to Canada. But let us remember one thing: God is STILL in control. And He will remain in control. Now is not the time to get down. Now is not the time to groan. Now is not the time to be cynical. Now IS the time for prayer. Like it or not, Barack Obama is the President Elect of the United States of America. Therefore, we Christians have an obligation to throw our support his way in the form of our prayers. We were a nation in need of prayer before this night, and we will be a nation in need of prayer on the night of the NEXT election. Barack Obama will be our president. Let's support him as we should. Let's be what God calls us to be; a people of prayer. Read 2Chronicles 7:14, and follow its decree.

Let's Think About This

As a black person, I am increasingly concerned about the number of black people I have encountered who endorse Obama for the simple reason that he is black. I am not disputing the fact that it would be a great historic moment to have the first African American in our nations highest office. HOWEVER, I think being jaded by that fact is wrong of us as Americans. This particular African American/Black would be wrong for our country. He believes in things that no proud American should want to endorse. If we are a nation under God, and I certainly believe that we are, then Barack's views are in direct contradiction to that. His refusal to acknowledge the very things that make us a nation under God should give any sensible American pause when it comes to electing him President of our great nation. I implore EVERYONE of our race to not be in such a hurry to put THIS black man in office. I promise you, there is a better one to come.

Attention Facebook/Myspace Users: There's a Lesson in Here!

The following article is a must read. While it contains some HILARIOUS blurbs, the overall message is a serious one for those of us who just LOVE to post photos online.

Enjoy.

http://tech.msn.com/products/articlepcw.aspx?cp-documentid=10361726&GT1=40000

The Bonds/Bondage of Attraction

Attraction-(noun)-appealing quality or feature-a quality or feature that attracts somebody[Encarta]

Okay. I have to comes to terms with it. I am a chronic attractee. I am one man. ONE single man among SCORES of attractive women. To what am I attracted? Oh, the list is extensive. To who am I attracted? That list may be growing. In fact, I KNOW it is. I am, as I said, a chronic attractee. Well, what is that? It is one who is single and seeking. Well, doesn't that apply to a LOT of people? Okay; yes. So, why chronic? Let's supply a deeper meaning. It is one who has LONG been single, and LONG been seeking. I am past the normal age of single and seeking; normal by human standards, anyway. So, now, the range of attraction seems to be growing by leaps and bounds, and thus has become...chronic. I see a woman with physical features that capture my attention who looks remotely single, and I become immediately captivated. The physical features vary. She could be tall. She could be short. Her hair could be long. Her hair could be short. She could be of average build. She could be a little heavy of build. But something about her catches my initial fancy. And then I'm gone. I'm gone into the world of "how can I get to know this woman"? There are times when I have to let it go. Then, there are times when I have the choice of whether or not to go over to her and strike up a conversation. I'm pretty proud of myself when I get to do that. This affords me the opportunity to ascertain her "significant otherness". If she is married, all bets are immediately off, and so is the pressure of being attracted. (Side note-not all women wear wedding bands on a regular basis, or I could figure that one out much quicker) If she reveals a boyfriend, the bets lessen, but may not be off. "Boyfriend" can sometimes mean, "I'm with him, but only for now". So, I then become cautious, but keep the lines of communication open. If singleness is the case, the pressure of the attraction takes on greater proportions: now, I have to maintain the ability to be interesting, while holding on to the thought that I may NOT be attractive to HER.

It's all quite an ordeal. Is there a cure for being a chronic attractee? It is suspected that the one and only cure is finding a monogamous relationship. I long for that day. Being a chronic attractee can be quite tiring.

The Cardboard Testimonies

This is powerful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ

Healing

Wednesday night, at the first ever Commit Conference, I was sitting on the steps of the UAM Fine Arts Center. I put my hand down to get up, and racked my finger across a piece of clipped wire that I didn't know was there. A tiny piece of it embedded itself in my finger like a splinter. It hurt for a few minutes, but I soon forgot about it. Later that night, something put pressure on that finger in the very spot where the sliver of metal was still embedded, and the sting of pain reminded me it was there. This went on for several days; I'd forget, inadvertently rake across it, and the pain would remind me. Finally, I decided to get it out. After allowing a nurse to poke and squeeze on the finger until this sliver was removed, it began to be a constant ache. I asked myself, "why didn't I just leave it alone?" Well, the answer is because eventually it could get infected and become a much bigger pain than it was now.

Then I had the thought, "isn't this indicative of our lives as children of God?" A lot of times we allow situations to go on in our lives, believing that they don't really cause us pain. The longer we allow them to "fester", the longer we wallow in our sin, or watch a friend wallow in theirs. But the minute we decide to face them, the pain becomes, well...PAINFULLY obvious. But, that's all part of God's healing process. We must face the pain and endure the pain in order for Him to truly heal us.

What are you allowing to go on in your life that you need to take to God? Take it to Him. Let Him have it. Oh, I guarantee you, it WILL hurt. But once it "heals", you'll feel a freedom you never knew existed.

One Year In

Today I am a year into my 40s. One year ago, when I hit the milestone, I said I would keep you posted on any revelations I had once turning 40. All can say is God is sooo good! He continues to reveal Himself to me in new and interesting ways! Isn't that just like our God, though?! My prayer is to continue to listen and hear.

God Bless!

My Cause for the Occassion

So the cause is human rights. There are many worthy things that I could blog on. But the one thing that is REALLY bothering me today is watching our gas prices continue to rise. While this may seem selfish in the face of the many worthy causes out there, I do believe that our rights as humans are being violated by the oil companies of the world. I know, I know. There's NOTHING we can do about it. AND it's not a cause of which people aren't aware. Still, I felt compelled. I mean, what about the nations trucking industry, parcel and package delivery, etc. Everyone's affected! Are the oil companies truly going to be happy when we have to revert back to the horse and carriage to get from place to place? How will they make their money THEN?? I just think our government is turning its back on us. Yeah, yeah. It's FIVE DOLLARS a gallon in Brazil. Well, that's a MAJOR violation, and something should be done about that as well. Do I have a solution? The only one I have is for congress to step up to the plate and actually take real action for once. This is an issue that affects EVERY senators constituents. SO DO SOMETHING!!

Well, that's all I have. My apologies to those of you who had more worthy causes, but I'm tired of getting dumped on by people in high places.

Living Out Loud

The term and admonition "live out loud" has been sneaking in and out of my consciousness lately. I know that, being an avid listener of K-LOVE, there is a popular song by Stephen Curtis Chapman with that title, and I have likely heard the song within the past several days. But I don't think that's the only reason those words are ringing in my ears. I think I'm being convicted by these words!

As followers of Christ, we are all called to "live out loud". What does that mean, exactly? Well, I can tell you what it means for me. You see I tend to do everything in a rather subdued, quiet manner. It's just who I am. I am more comfortable blending into the fabric of what's going on around me, rather than creating some of the fabric myself. But as a Christian, this doesn't really work. I may be perfectly happy blending in, but I don't think God wants me to do that. It's way too comfortable. The life giving power of Christ is not something I can continue to bottle up. It's time for me to "create some fabric"!

Jesus said, "No one lights a lamp and puts it in a jar or hides it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light." He wanted His followers to know that we have something within us that should not be hidden. We are to live our lives in such a way that the Holy Spirit, who indwells us, has no choice except to be seen and heard by all with whom we come into contact. For me, although I have seized a couple of opportunities with two close friends of mine recently, I don't speak up NEARLY enough. When I'm in situations where I stop and wonder what the person who doesn't know me as well will think, those are the times that I need to "shout" the LOUDEST! And so the words "live out loud" are quite convicting.

Are you living out loud?

In Awe of History

What started out as a routine recruiting trip for the UAM band program, wound up being one of the best days I've ever spent. I had to travel to two Little Rock high schools yesterday to listen to several kids, interested in playing in the UAM band next fall, play a mini audition for me. My second stop would thrust me back in time, and it was an honor and a privilege to be there.

I knew my second stop of the day would be at Little Rock Central High School, but it wasn't until I drove down the street named after Daisy L. Bates that it began to dawn on me where I was about to go. You see, I had never been there before, despite how long I've lived in Arkansas, or how many times I've been to Little Rock. And then...I pulled up in front of the building. I looked over at the senior music major that accompanied me on the recruiting trip, and said, "Oh man...do you realize where we are? We're at CENTRAL High School." We both just stared at the front of the building for a while before deciding that we simply HAD to walk up those steps!

Once inside, the first thing we noticed to our right was a trophy case that enclosed plaques in honor of the nine students on whose shoulders the task of integration had been placed in 1957. After reading these for several moments, we finally made our way into the main hallway. That's where the painting commemorating this years 50th anniversary of the event caught our attention. The painting depicted two giant hands in a semi-cupped position, one hand white, the other black, with children of both races interacting within the hands. In the paintings background was the front view of Central High School. But what really made this a truly awesome painting was, in the center of it all were these ethereal figures watching the childrens' interaction. They had no faces, and were dressed in all black. Upon counting the figures, we noticed that there were nine of them; they obviously represented who we now know as The Little Rock Nine.

I finished the day by auditioning two great Central High seniors who I trust will become UAM freshmen this fall. As it was it promised to be a memorable day. As it ended up, I received a marvelous opportunity to have an experience I'll never forget.

Discipleship

I just read a myspace blog post by a good friend of mine on being disciples of Jesus and what that means exactly. I know that when we read the Great Commission, we always think of going to a foreign land to do our mission work and win souls for Christ. But just as we don't need to think too small, I believe that we do not necessarily have to focus on "big" right away. Your personal mission field could be right where you are, i.e, your local church. For example, my friend knows that there are professed atheists attending her local church (and I bet there are other churches where this is going on as well). Other places that you can minister right where you are, the supermarket, the barbershop/hair salon, the coffee shop (I have personally used that last one, myself), and the list goes on. In fact, I believe discipleship is one of the areas in which good stewardship can be seen. I believe that if we learn to be good disciples right where we are, God will continually increase our mission field.

Just some thoughts. :)

TEAM of the Decade...? No. Let's Try...PLACEKICKER

When this decade comes to an end, NFL historians and the so-called experts (otherwise known as sportswriters) will name a team of the decade. This honor was bestowed upon the Pittsburgh Steelers in the '70's, the San Francisco 49ers in the '80's and the Dallas Cowboys in the '90's. The criteria: these were the teams that won the most Superbowls within those decades.

When 2001-2010 is complete in a couple of years, it's a safe bet that, despite their coming up short recently, that honor will be given to the New England Patriots. This of course is contingent upon neither the Bucaneers, Steelers, Colts, nor Giants winning the next three Superbowls. You see the Patriots already have 3 Superbowl victories this decade.

However, I have made an interesting (to me, at least [probably the result of drinking espresso so late in the afternoon]) observation. And perhaps it'll be interesting to other true NFL fans. Instead of TEAM of the decade, I submit we hand 2001-2010 to the PLACEKICKER of the decade.

I can't believe I didn't see this before. I now know why the Patriots didn't win Superbowl XLII. It was due to the absence of one man....ADAM VINATIERI. The Patriots teams that won Superbowls XXXVI, XXXVIII, and XXXIX had Adam Vinatieri as the placekicker. The Indianapolis Colts team that won Superbowl XLI, had Adam Vinatieri as placekicker. So, in this decade, each time a team with Adam Vinatieri on the roster has gone to the Superbowl, they have emerged victorious. How many times has that happened? Let's put it this way: Tom Brady has 3 Superbowl rings this decade. Adam Vinatieri...has FOUR! (Incidentally, in those Patriots wins, the margin of victory each time was THREE points, meaning Adam Vinatieri was the difference in ALL of them. Tom WHO??)

Now you may be saying, "wait a minute. Is that right? That's not true!" But, search your "feelings" NFL fans....You KNOW it to be true.

Side Note:
My team, the St. Louis Rams, just saw their 15 year veteran kicker Jeff Wilkins retire. (This news was overshadowed by the retiring of some guy named Favre) I think I'll petition them to trade for Adam Vinatieri. I mean, after all, he's only the Placekicker of the Decade. :)