separation anxiety
| Haloscan and I never seem to get along too well. The other day I spent quite a while working on a new template, only to re-install Haloscan and have it completely reorganize everything on the template. I ended up having to revert back to my old design for lack of knowing how in the world to fix the mess that'd been made. Several weeks ago I upgraded my Haloscan account so I could have the ability to edit and delete comments. But of course, that means I had to re-install it so the site would be updated as well. I did so this morning, and voila, all of my old comments are gone. I've done the auto install and supposedly everything so that old comments would re-appear. But, all to no avail. So, if you previously posted any intelligent, witty, funny or sarcastic comments on this site - they're now gone, forever. Or at least until I figure out how to retrive them. But, don't count on it. My track record isn't good. |
posted by Christie
Thursday, September 29, 2005
a soldier's story
| If you've yet to hear Keni Thomas, you should definitely give his music a listen. Although he's had regional success here in Georgia and the entire Southeast, he has recently garnered national acclaim through his new cd, Flags of Our Fathers. Thomas is a former Army Ranger who was sent to Somalia and fought in the Mogadishu battle later recounted in the book and movie, "Black Hawk Down." He sings very simple, yet poignant songs about war, life and bravery. Yet he does so without putting a "boot in your..." like Toby Keith. Although considered a country artist, he has a classic style that definitely transcends the genre completely. You can hear some clips from his new cd here. |
posted by Christie
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
i spoke too soon
| After expressing a small amount of disappointment about the fact that I'd yet to hear back from Relevant Magazine concerning my article submission - low and behold - an e-mail arrived this morning. The editor liked my idea, thought it was written well, but wanted me to re-work some areas that she described as a little "too descriptive and punchy." So, I'm going to make a few changes and hopefully get the article sent back to her within the week. |
posted by Christie
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
blowing off the dust
| Earlier in the week, Teresa commented about the re-discovery and new found depth of a song by Caedmon's Call. I've recently had a similar experience with one of their tunes, Thankful. Although I've heard the song many, many times before - I'm not sure if the words ever reached me, until today. I wonder, could this be my life story? The lyrics are below. I ran across an old box of letters While I was bagging up some clothes for Goodwill You know I had to laugh that the same old struggles That plagued me then are plauging me still I know the road is long from the ground to glory But a boy can hope he's getting some place But you see, I'm running from the very clothes I'm wearing And dressed like this I'm fit for the chase No, there is none righteous Not one who understands There is none who seeks God No not one, no not one I am thankful that I'm incapable Of doing any good on my own 'Cause we're all stillborn and dead in our transgressions We're shackled up to the sin we hold so dear So what part can I play in the work of redemption I can't refuse, I cannot add a thing 'Cause I am just like Lazarus and I can hear your voice I stand and rub my eyes and walk to You Because I have no choice I am thankful that I'm incapable Of doing any good on my own I'm so thankful that I'm incapable Of doing any good on my own It's by grace I have been saved Through faith that's not my own It is the gift of God and not by works Lest anyone should boast |
posted by Christie
Monday, September 26, 2005
on my mind...
| Boycotts never really seem to serve much of a purpose. I agree that there are some companies that support ideas and lifestyles that are not right or moral. However, forming a coalition against those particular groups doesn't usually accomplish anything. I'm not advocating tolerance - that's an entirely different issue. But the answer to cultural problems is not to stay home and abstain from all things cultural. On the contrary, I think as Christians we should be heavily involved in the forming and dissemination of culture. But all too often, we're not. Certainly, there are products that I'd prefer to not purchase and organizations that I'd rather not support. Most definitely practices and beliefs abound that Christians need to take a stand against. But gathering together a denominational troop and storming the gates of the party who has brought offense isn't the answer. As long as Christians respond in that manner, we will simply remain a subculture instead of becoming the counterculture that our society desperately needs. |
posted by Christie
the clock's ticking
| A month or so ago I submitted an article, via email, to Relevant Magazine for their website edition. Although I was hesitant about doing so, I figured that I had nothing to lose. Well, the days and now weeks have passed and I've yet to hear back from them. However, there's still a short amount of time left in the six week window of opportunity that Relevant has to contact me. So, I guess all I can do now is wait and see. And maybe start on another composition. |
posted by Christie
Friday, September 23, 2005
not for the faint of heart
| Mr. Wayne is our children's minister's husband and he, along with his wife, are surely two of the most wonderful people in the world. They've only been in town a few months, but they're already like family as far as we're concerned. That being so, we had no choice but to introduce Mr. Wayne into the wonderful world of blogging. Although he's yet to get a site of his own, he checks ours out every now and again. However, the other day, he found a rather startling surprise and began to wonder about the Rick and Christie that he thought he knew. While intending to visit our place, he accidentally stumbled upon another site, whose address is only one letter different than ours. Thinking he would open up our page, something else appeared that he was rather shocked by. I'm not even going to post the link, because it's pretty profane. However, it's funny that we were confused with the crude site, even if it was only for a second. Sorry for the mix up Mr. Wayne. |
posted by Christie
i choose you
| Adoption is a topic that weaves its way into many a conversation in our home. Although we want to have children naturally and have no reason to believe that we can't, we've been compelled to at least consider the idea of adoption. Although I'm not really even sure when out hearts became burdened about this, it seems as if they always have been. However, our thoughts about adoption don't necessarily center around what many consider to be the traditional idea - taking a newborn into your home. We also have seriously contemplated the possibility of adopting an older child. And of course, that brings an entirely new dimension into play. The odds are that despite being adopted, an older child will suffer serious problems for their entire life. Likely, they've been in an environment of promiscuity, drugs, mental illness, physical and sexual abuse, and the list goes on and on. Their chances aren't good. There's no guarantee that they'll ever be "fixed" or grow up to love God and be a functioning adult. I have no desire to bring someone into my home that could likely be a negative role model for other children we may have. However, if God has called us to do this, then I will trust him with that possibility. I can't think of a more profound display of love than adoption. Despite all the unknown risks involved, still choosing to bring a child into your home and accepting them as your own - really that is far beyond me. God will most certainly have to supernaturally work in my heart for me to be able to love like that. |
posted by Christie
we're back
| But some of you may have never even realized we were gone. After having the same template for almost a year, I decided it was time for a change and I installed a new one last night. Things seemed to be flowing smoothly until the html decided to rebel and my nice new design became a jumbled up mess. Thankfully, I had the old one saved, but not on the computer I was working on. So, I had to wait until this morning to re-install the dots. Here they are, once again. But hopefully, not for long. |
posted by Christie
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
hits the spot
| Several times a week I try to inventory my statistics account for this site just to see who has been stopping by our place. Usually I find some of our regular visitors, along with a few other random passersby. However, lately our pages have had a huge amount of hits from all over the place. We've seen people surf in from Greece, France, England, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Spain, Indonesia, Italy, Finland and Germany - just to name a few. Maybe it's that we've become a favorite for the "next blog" button or something, I'm not sure. But whatever the case, I guess we've now gone international. |
posted by Christie
stranger than fiction
| The church I grew up in most of my life was a haven for odd, weird and downright strange occurrences. As a child I reveled in the interesting abnormalities that made each visit as memorable as a roadside freak show. Without fail, each service was filled with actions and stories that you would probably had to have seen to believe. But, I'll attempt to describe a few. There was an elderly lady, Mrs. Vera, who would often request prayer for television characters. And she wasn't petioning supplication for their real life situations - rather dramatic circumstances she had recently viewed on the latest episode of a particular soap opera or sit-com. Although a little misguided, I do think the antiquated little lady was sincere. I'm sure her constant prayer and support saved Luke and Laura from many a harrowing situation. The assistant pastor at our church, Mr. Dan, also served as a children's minister of sorts. He operated junior church, Vacation Bible School and the like. Although I remember him fondly, in retrospect, some of his practices were a tad unorthodox, to say the least. One of his favorite forms of punishment for the guys consisted of inscribing their names on the chalkboard, followed by "loves Becky Buckley." So, it would read something like, "Joe loves Becky Buckley." Well, the kicker is that Becky was a local lady who was was poor, unattractive, terribly overweight and spent most of her time roaming the streets and hanging out at the local convenience store. The assistant pastor was well aware that everyone, including the second grade boys he was taunting, knew who Becky was. A few other things Mr. Dan kept up his sleeve were raw egg eating contests and a wide variety of uses for snot. Let's not leave out several who would stand on Sunday morning and in great detail describe to the congregation how they had single handedly led someone to Christ. Usually it was a broken down truck driver, single mother or some other person in distress with which they had shared the good news. They would provide us with names, dates, places, smells and other commentary surrounding the conversion experience. Of course, everyone would clap and hoop and holler and then proceed to pray for brother or sister so-and-so who had recently discovered new life in Christ through the witness of one of our faithful members. Well, as the hours would pass and we would once again convene for the evening service, guilt would begin to set in. Usually enough guilt that the person who had testified to their mission efforts that morning, would then have to rise and admit to everyone that the story they had earlier communicated had been somewhat, ummm, falsified. They would then beg for forgiveness and the church would gather around the member to pray for their soul...only for a repeat incident to occur about two weeks later with the tale of another concocted salvation scenario. God, help us all. *Disclaimer: Although comical, unbelievable and sad, the above stories are true. However, the names have been changed to protect the innocent. |
posted by Christie
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
the keys, please
posted by Christie
Friday, September 16, 2005
the sky is the limit
| The idea of seminary is something that Rick and I contemplate often. Although neither of us consider it absolutely necessary for him to go, we know that it would be an invaluable resource for life and ministry. And if at all possible, I would love to attend with him. Infact, I salivate at the mere thought. We've considered courses through the internet, extension and even uprooting and moving to a campus. However, not believing it's God's timing for the latter - the two former choices seem more plausible right now. As far as what school to attend - we've looked at most of the Southern Baptist seminaries, but have also considered some other venues not as traditional. Here's a selection of our educational ponderings. Reformed Theological Seminary could be a possibility for many reasons. It has a nearby campus in Atlanta, as well as Orlando and other parts of the country. RTS offers masters and doctoral programs in biblical studies, religion, missions, apologetics, etc. They also have internet courses available, though I'm not sure how extensive the on line program is. Obviously, they are unapologetically Reformed in nature, hence the name. In their own words, "RTS is committed to the authority of the Scriptures and the call on every believer to seek the perceptive application of biblical principles to every area of life. We believe in the Reformed Faith as a 'reforming' faith, based in the Protestant Reformation and the Scriptures, always asking the question how we might better understand what the Bible is teaching us and how we should then live in this world." Mars Hill Graduate School is very intriguing, yet it is ever distant and we know very little about it. As their location in Seattle would suggest - the school is supposedly cutting edge in every way imaginable. The mission of Mars Hill is "to train people to be competent in the study of the Scriptures, the human soul, and the culture." They offer programs in areas such as counseling and theology and focus all of their studies around transforming the world with the Gospel. Unfortunately, to my knowledge, the school doesn't yet offer an extension or internet program. Certainly each school in existence has positive and negative aspects - but I'm sure that there is one out there that is right for us. For whatever educational adventure God leads us in, I'm certain we'll have the priviledge of experiencing a distinct flavor of learning all our own. |
posted by Christie
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
under construction
| I really enjoy shopping on line, but have been disappointed that the webistes for both GAP and Old Navy have been closed for several weeks. However, I was happy to find that as of this morning, GAP has theirs back up and running. And it looks as if there are some decent sales too. Old Navy is still updating their place with new features that will create an extraordinary shopping experience. Can't wait. |
posted by Christie
talent show
| I always laugh at Rick because he's so versatile. He's the kind of guy who can take a shower, cook popcorn in the microwave and run a cement mixer - all at the same time. This weekend, he reminded me once again of his great skill. He was in the front yard putting the finishing touches on our sprinkler system, when out of no where, he accidentally cut our telephone line. He walked inside, picked up the receiver, looked at me sheepishly and without saying a word communicated his folly to me. Rather forlorn, he walked back outside to continue his work. However, before long, the phone rang. Startled, I answered and found Rick on the other end. I didn't think that the telephone company would have serviced our line so quickly, and I was right, they hadn't. Rick was calling on his cell phone to tell me that he'd not only finished installing our sprinkler system, but that he'd also spliced our telephone line back together. He could definitely give MacGyver a run for his money. |
posted by Christie
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
i deserve it most
| I've talked to some who, in a strange way, almost seem pleased with the fact that hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. I've heard comments ranging from ludicrous, to more ludicrous, but all inferring that the storm was God's judgment on the people of the city for their evil way of life. Certainly, I don't pretend to know the mind of God, and I'm not attempting to act spiritual, but my thoughts center more around the idea that if God sent Katrina as a judgment on sin, why He didn't send it directly to my address? |
posted by Christie
Monday, September 12, 2005
to whom it may concern
| It has recently been brought to our attention that some have found our blog to be insulting, mean and basically offensive. And to those who fall into that category, we offer you our sincerest apologies. Although these pages may sometimes take a critical and honest look at certain topics - the words have never been intended to bash anyone. The purpose of this blog has been nothing more than to reflect on ideas and obtain the thoughts and input of friends. In particular, it seems that we have brought offense to some by our comments concering the town in which we live. We love it here, know that God has called us here and yes, do occassionally take a jab at the fact that it's a little backwards and off the beaten path. Mainly, because it's much like the towns both of us grew up in. We never meant for anything to be taken personally by anyone. We've not written a word about Hazlehurst that we haven't already said to most of you, face to face. It has never been our intent to hurt anyone who grew up here. For any of our words that have been understood in that manner, we are sorry. It is also important to us that you know that there is not a page, paragraph, word or syllable on this site that has ever been inteded to be secretive. Our pastor reads here, along with other staff and church members, youth and friends and family. Each post is open to all who would take the time to view them and we would not be embarassed for anyone to read all the contents contained. The site is public and has our picture on it, so obviously, it has never been intended to be a covert operation. Again, we offer our sincerest apologies for any hurt we may have caused and ask for your forgiveness. If you feel it necessary, each of you are encouraged to come and talk to us personally when you come home, or if you'd rather, you can email us at coupleofwords@yahoo.com. If it's your desire, all of you are welcome to continue visiting our pages. You can stop by, any time of the day or night. Rick & Christie |
posted by Christie
Friday, September 09, 2005
road trip anyone?
| According to MTV, Switchfoot will be holding a free concert this Saturday at the Santa Monica Pier in California. Their new nonprofit organization, Lowercase People, will be collecting donations on behalf of the Salvation Army to support the victims of Hurricane Katrina. By the way, Switchfoot has a new album, entitled Nothing is Sound, that will release next week. |
posted by Christie
here we go again
| Even though I think the show has taken a nose-dive, I'm still a loyal Survivor fan. I'm just not sure why. Either way, it is that time of year again. In just a few days, Survivor: Guatemala will premier. And just like last season - and every season before - the cast is full of your stereotypical members. Of course, there will be a few muscle-bound frat boys, and several bikini models. Also, the resident old guy and the mid 40s, semi-handsome ex firefighter/football player/marine - you choose. Don't forget the menopausal mother, masculine lady, feminine man and computer geek. I think that about covers it. Tune in to CBS Primetime on Thursday, September 15 @ 8 pm and watch the antics for yourself. If you can stand it. |
posted by Christie
Thursday, September 08, 2005
furry friends
| Our first dog was Valerie. We rescued her on Valentines Day, hence the name. She was a cute, happy little mutt that we really enjoyed. I'm not really an animal person, and I even liked her most days. Except for the time that she had a litter of puppies in my car seat, we got along great. Once when she was sick, I even cooked her homeade chicken and rice. I won't even do that for most people. However, after having her a year or so, we moved into a house that was right on a main highway - so we ended up givng her away to a family with kids and a yard. Also, around the same time we had Valerie, there was Horton. Horton was a black cat that Rick felt sorry for and brought home - against my wishes. I'm convinced to this day that Horton was evil. The only time I've ever seen Rick really lose his temper, this cat was involved. Horton eventually ran away, never to return. Next, was Puffy. Remember? We basically fed him, and that's it. His fate was less than pleasurable. (Teresa, you probably shouldn't click on that link). And most recently, there was Philly. As we were packing up the bus to leave for Philadelphia this summer - this cute, starved, beagleish looking pup wandered our way. After several minutes of conversation about the dog, Rick finally decided to convince some friends to take the already named dog home with them until we returned a week later. We soon found that Philly liked to chew, slobber, jump and most of all, bark. And bark she did. All night long. Every night. For hours on end. We tried everything, but to no avail. We eventually came to the conclusion that we kept her pinned up for far too many hours each week and that we were going to have to give her away. Either that or move. So we ousted the pup. Tuesday we said goodbye. The parting was far more sweet than it was bitter. Now, we can sleep. I think we're going to be far less sympathetic to abandoned animals in the future. |
posted by Christie
help is on the way
| I've been learning the guitar for almost a year now, pretty much on my own. Except for the good advice of a few friends here and there, it has been a solo journey. However, I'm getting to the point that if I want to progress much further - I'm going to have to take advantage of some outside resources. I know lots of chords, but I struggle because I know very little about music. When it comes to things like tempo and strum patterns - I never really have a plan. I just play. Thankfully, I've not had too many traumatic experiences in public and I always seem to eek by with the limited amount of knowledge that I do possess. Yet, I have this nagging desire to be more proficient in my playing - so, I am going to begin guitar lessons on Monday. I know, I know - I won't have the bragging rights of being "self taught" and I'll never be able to play in an indie band - but I think it will be worth it in the end. We'll see. |
posted by Christie
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
an interesting decision
| Making, what I would consider to be, a pretty controversial move, the folks over at Relevant Magazine included a full page ad space for PETA in their current edition. Anyone familiar with Relevant on any level is aware that they are definitely not right-winged Republicans, however I am surprised at their advertisement of such an extremist group. I'm not sure what this move means for Relevant, but I'm afraid that it's not good. Just in case you're not aware of exactly what PETA stands for, let's reminisce.
Essentially, PETA considers human life to be equal to, or less than equal to, animal life. Certainly I believe in the humane treatment of animals, but I don't agree with Relevant's support of this group. |
posted by Christie
not if, but when
| Some rather strangely accurate predictions were made last year concerning a hurricane that would eventually hit New Orleans. This article, published by National Geographic, sounds as if it could have been written only a few days ago. The piece begins as follows: It was a broiling August afternoon in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Big Easy, the City That Care Forgot. Those who ventured outside moved as if they were swimming in tupelo honey. Those inside paid silent homage to the man who invented air-conditioning as they watched TV "storm teams" warn of a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico. Nothing surprising there: Hurricanes in August are as much a part of life in this town as hangovers on Ash Wednesday. But the next day the storm gathered steam and drew a bead on the city. As the whirling maelstrom approached the coast, more than a million people evacuated to higher ground. Some 200,000 remained, however—the car-less, the homeless, the aged and infirm, and those die-hard New Orleanians who look for any excuse to throw a party. The storm hit Breton Sound with the fury of a nuclear warhead, pushing a deadly storm surge into Lake Pontchartrain. The water crept to the top of the massive berm that holds back the lake and then spilled over. Nearly 80 percent of New Orleans lies below sea level—more than eight feet (two meters) below in places—so the water poured in. A liquid brown wall washed over the brick ranch homes of Gentilly, over the clapboard houses of the Ninth Ward, over the white-columned porches of the Garden District, until it raced through the bars and strip joints on Bourbon Street like the pale rider of the Apocalypse. As it reached 25 feet (eight meters) over parts of the city, people climbed onto roofs to escape it. Thousands drowned in the murky brew that was soon contaminated by sewage and industrial waste. Thousands more who survived the flood later perished from dehydration and disease as they waited to be rescued. It took two months to pump the city dry, and by then the Big Easy was buried under a blanket of putrid sediment, a million people were homeless, and 50,000 were dead. It was the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States... You can read the article in its entirety here. |
posted by Christie
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
gutter ball
| I was reminded, once again, why I should stay far, far away from the bowling alley. Although I did break my personal high score of about 37, it wasn't by much. Even after being coached feverishly about how to hold my hands, my feet, my head and every other body part involved - the ball somehow found another route to travel than down the middle of the lane. I guess they make bumper bowling for people like me. Oh, well. At least I got to wear the cool shoes and eat pizza and nachos. I think I'll stick to the skating rink from now on. |
posted by Christie