The Happiest States

Here is a list of the Happiest U.S. States.

Where does your state fall?

Losin' With Loggy

Our staff just recently had our Christmas White Elephant Gift Exchange. It was a great time. There were some funny gifts given. I will have to post the one I received. It was hilarious.

However, our Director of Multimedia (Michael Logsdon) went above and beyond. I would say his gift was the gift of the year.

Check it out here.

Losin' With Loggy from Michael Logsdon on Vimeo.

I Am Sorry, But I Had To Post It

My buddy Pete posted this on Facebook. I remember seeing this clip a couple years ago, but it is still as funny. I am sorry if some of you think this is gross. It is funny to me. I am thankful for things that make me smile and laugh.

Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy.

Overcome

I pray that you are blessed by this.

Christianese

Here is something pretty funny.

(HT: Mustoe)

Charlie You Bit Me (Auto-Tuned)

Back in October I posted a clip of two adorable kids. In the clip, a little boy has his finger bitten by his little brother Charlie. He goes on to tell Charlie that it really hurt. Very cute clip. I would go back to my October archive and check it out.

However, my friend Zach posted up a new clip of the two adorable kids. This time someone had spent the time to use an auto-tune tool on it. Here is how it turned out. Too good.

The Gentlemen's League: Max vs Jerry

This goes out to all of my fellow fantasy football junkies.

Enjoy!!!

Happy Birthday Brittany

Today is my wife's 30th birthday. Today I celebrate her. She inspires me daily. Her belief in me means more to me than I could ever put into words. God has truly blessed me with a great wife in Brittany. She is an amazing mother. Her faith in the Lord is awesome. She has made me a better man.

Brittany I love you, and I look forward to many more years with you.

I Love You.

Take a walk with me
And let's go back in time
Do you remember
The heat of December
and the way we walked
through pouring rain and endless talk
and the way we laughed out loud

chorus:
there was something in your eyes
and now I see it was your love for me
there was something in your eyes
and what I saw still holds me in awe
in your eyes

Spend your life with me
until the end of time
We will make more memories
and we will share the stories
of the way we walked
through the pouring rain and endless talk
and the way we laughed out loud

Chorus

And I saw a million angels
I saw an endless sunrise
I saw an open heaven
In your eyes
I saw an ageless moment
I saw an endless love
I still see more than that through your eyes

Do you remember the way we danced
And the way we laughed out loud

Chorus

(Song by David Martin)

Veterans Day

A heart felt thank you goes out to all the men and women who have served this great country of ours.

Happy Veterans Day!

Sesame Street Is 40

One of my favorite shows as a young child was Sesame Street. The show is turning 40.

Read about it here.

Who were your favorite Sesame Street characters?

Who were your favorite Sesame Street guests?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

My Iowa Hawkeyes fell to Northwestern today.

I had a feeling they would overlook Northwestern. The good news is that if they win out they can still win the Big 10.

Beautiful Love

Here is my boy Z throwing it down on the keys. The title of the song is Beautiful Love.

Check him out.

Beautiful Love - Solo from Zach Nielsen on Vimeo.

Marks of Male Maturity

Marks of mature manhood by Al Mohler (read the whole thing):

1. Spiritual maturity sufficient to lead a wife and children.

2. Personal maturity sufficient to be a responsible husband and father.

3. Economic maturity sufficient to hold an adult job and handle money.

4. Physical maturity sufficient to work and protect a family.

5. Sexual maturity sufficient to marry and fulfill God’s purposes.

6. Moral maturity sufficient to lead as example of righteousness.

7. Ethical maturity sufficient to make responsible decisions.

8. Worldview maturity sufficient to understand what is really important.

9. Relational maturity sufficient to understand and respect others.

10. Social maturity sufficient to make a contribution to society.

11. Verbal maturity sufficient to communicate and articulate as a man.

12. Character maturity sufficient to demonstrate courage under fire.

13. Biblical maturity sufficient to lead at some level in the church.

(HT: Vitamin Z)

Halloween 2009

Here are some pictures of my babies all dressed up for Halloween. They had a blast and scored some serious candy. London went as Minnie Mouse, Drake went as a monkey, and Tavery went as a football. They looked adorable. I love them so much.

My Son Is 2

My son (Drake Thomas) turned 2 today. We had a great day celebrating with family. His favorite present by far was the little acoustic guitar that his Grandma Mellott got him. He honestly carried it everywhere all day, and wanted to take it to bed.

Drake is a great boy. He is filled with joy and wonderment that I love to watch. His eyes sparkle, his laugh makes me smile, and his kisses and hugs melt me. I am proud to call him my son, and I look forward to watching him become the man God has designed him to be.

Thank you Lord, for my son Drake. I love him so much. Thank you for entrusting him to me.

Adrian Peterson Is A Dude

Adrian Peterson is by far the best running back in the NFL. The guy can just flat out play football. Not only is he strong and fast, but the way he finishes a run is amazing. He looks to punish the people trying to tackle him. For instance, check out this run he made today against the Steelers.

Notice he didn't just run over the guy. He then stepped on him as he took off down field. Adrian is very fun to watch. This guy is an awesome football player.

Final Play

The Iowa Hawkeyes beat Michigan State on the last play of the game to remain undefeated.

This is how it went down.

Serious Range

Check out this guy's incredible vocal range. Wait, maybe this isn't called range. You let me know. Be sure to focus in on Shane's face as he hits some of the notes. Classic. I have got to give props to my boy Zach for turning me on to this clip.

Now check out Shane's range with a little help from autotune. Too funny!!!

Youth Ministarz

My boy Adam Mustoe who is the Director of Youth Ministries at Living Word Church showed this to me a couple days ago. Too funny! Where my youth ministarz? Holla!!!

Jay Cutler and Justin Taylor

Are Jay Cutler and Justin Taylor long lost brothers? You tell me.

Hawkesys Win To Go 7-0

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=200910170036&prov=ap

Charlie, You Bit Me

Here is an adorable little clip that my sister-in-law showed me today. The little boy's accent is so darn cute.

Silent Library

I posted this back in 2007, and I must admit I still laugh just as hard as I did the first time I watched this. This is a Japanese game show, and in my opinion one of the funniest things I have ever watched. Watching the guys trying not to lose it, and laughing at their friends anguish is just too much. I hope you enjoy.

My Life

Great new video from Passion.

(HT: Vitamin Z)

Adoption

Here is my great friend Zach Nielsen preaching on the topic of adoption. It is well worth your time.

Adoption Sermon - Zach Nielsen from Zach Nielsen on Vimeo.

Throwback Jerseys

My Denver Broncos played in their 1960's throwback jerseys today. They are by far some of the ugliest jerseys I have ever seen.

The results were not ugly. They beat the Patriots 20-17. Denver's record is now an impressive 5-0.

I am very happy.

Obama and T-Pain

Here is a great clip of T-Pain using auto-tune to have a little fun with President Obama.

(HT: Vitamin Z)

Something I Read Today

"An infinite God can give all of Himself to each of his children. He does not distribute Himself that each may have a part, but to each one He gives all of Himself as fully as if there were no others."

-A.W. Tozer

Sacred Parenting

Doug Wolter:

If you’ve been a parent for a few years or more, I highly recommend Gary Thomas’ book, Sacred Parenting. I remember reading part of it as a new parent and then setting it back on the shelf to find something more hands-on and practical. Now, with three children, and a little more experience behind me, I’ve picked up this book again and it has spoken to me in a fresh way.

Sacred Parenting differs from most parenting books as it spends more time on the “why” of parenting then it does the “how-to.” And this is crucial since the “why” will inevitably affect the “how to.” Thomas’ words are helpful here:

What if one of God’s primary intentions for you as a parent isn’t about successfully raising perfect children, but about your becoming more holy? The truth is, we are living in the midst of holy teachers. Sometimes they spit up on themselves or us. Sometimes they throw tantrums. Sometimes they cuddle and kiss and love us. In the good and the bad they mold our hearts, shape our souls, and invite us to experience God in newer and deeper ways.

I encourage you to pick up this book and let God parent you and shape you through your children. Gary Thomas also wrote the following books I highly recommend as resources for couples.

• Sacred Marriage … one of our favorite books on marriage!
• Devotions for Sacred Parenting
• Devotions for Sacred Marriage
• Sacred Influence: How God Uses Wives to Shape the Souls of Their Husbands

Don't Look Now

I know it is still early in the season, but my Denver Broncos are now 4-0.

They had a great win against the Dallas Cowboys today. This Denver team has really improved their defense.

Check out how they won today.

This Is Our Time

Check out this adorable little guy do his version of the Pre-Game speech that Coach Herb Brooks gave the 1980 U.S. Olympic men's hockey team.

We may have a future coach on our hands.

Read about the story behind this clip here.

Crazy WIn For A Vermont Football Team

Check out the end to this crazy game. Some coach needs to polish up on the rules.

Check it out here.

Pomplamoose-Single Ladies

Here is a very cool version and very interesting video of the song "Single Ladies". I like this girl's voice a lot.

(HT: Vitamin Z)

I Introduce To You, My Son Tavery Joseph

Brittany and I have once again been blessed. Our newest addition was born to us at 9:45 am. His name is Tavery Joseph. Tavery weighed 7 lbs 12 oz which was a pound more than our other two. He was measured to be 20.5" long. Brittany and the baby are doing great.

We want to say thank you to everyone who has kept us in your thoughts and prayers. The Lord is so good. This morning before we left for the hospital God led me to this part of scripture for my quiet time. This comes from Psalm 77.

I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Your ways are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.

God is so faithful, and those words are so true. Here are pictures of our newest miracle.

I introduce to you, Tavery Joseph.

For All You Parents

Tylenol has recalled some of their children's medications.

Read about it here.

The Greatest Poverty In The World

Here is a great quote from a book I am reading right now. Mother Teresa in the book "The Joy In Loving" says...

"The greatest poverty in the world is not the want of food but the want of love. You have the poverty of people who are dissatisfied with what they have, who do not know how to suffer, who give in to despair. The poverty of the heart is often more difficult to relieve and to defeat."

World's Longest Basketball Shot

I don't know if this is actually the longest shot in the world, but it is a

long shot either way.

You tell me if you think it is real or fake. I actually think this may be a legit shot.

Check it out from two different angles.

Read about the shot and the guys behind the shot here.

Rain City Hymnal

I strongly recommend this album. It an album of 12 great hymns done by 5 different bands. Each song is a raw, crisp, and contemporary take on a classic hymn. I think you will enjoy it.

Check out this site and you can get a few of the songs as free downloads.

Former Heisman Trophy Winner To Start Career In MMA

Herschel Walker, the 1982 Heisman Trophy winner is going to start a career in Mixed Martial Arts. I don't know if this is such a good idea. Now don't get me wrong, Herschel Walker was a great athlete. I am sure he still is a great athlete. This is a guy who was one of the best college football running backs of all time. Walker was an NFL running back. We also should not forget the man was part of the two man bobsled team that competed in the 1992 Winter Olympics in which he finished seventh. There are other great credentials to his name as well.

Walker has always been a man of great strength. His training has always been a thing of intrigue. Herschel was an athlete that became successful without the use of free weights. Walker used bodyweight exercise and conditioning to mold his body. That is the way a lot of these MMA fighters train. He also is not a stranger to the martial arts world. Walker holds a sixth degree black belt in tae kwon do. I just have a feeling his age may play tricks with him.

Maybe the guy needs the money. Maybe the guy just can't let go of the desire to compete. I just hate to see a guy like Herschel Walker get hurt, or tarnish his athletic reputation. I don't want my last memory of Herschel Walker to be of him laying on the canvas after getting knocked out by a guy who was a bar fighter for a living.

Check out the article of Herschel's return to sports here and here.

Upset Clemson Fan Overreacting

Here is a great clip of a Clemson Tiger fan overreacting to their loss last week to Georgia Tech.

These two kids are just torn up over the loss, but check out the kid on the right. He just can't take the pain.

I had a tear run down my cheek I was laughing so hard.
Enjoy!

Jesus Plays Football

I stumbled upon this as I was looking for a picture for my last post and I had to post it.

Is that little kid trying to tackle Jesus? Do you think Jesus lets him take him down or does he pull a Bo Jackson on him and just run him over? Is Jesus handing the ball off or is he running the option?

Amazing statue! Too funny.

Check out some more Jesus Inspirational Sports Statues here.

For All You Fantasy Football Buffs

NFL.com reports on key injuries that happen in week 2.
Read it here.

Why NFL Players Go Bankrupt

Interesting article discussing the issue of why so many NFL players go bankrupt.

It does blow my mind how many players this happens to.

Consistency In The Home

Zach Nielsen posted something from his time at the Act29 Houston Boot Camp. I found it to be powerful and wanted to pass it along.

Here is how it read.

Matt Carter at the Acts29 Houston Boot Camp:

It does not matter what you accomplish in ministry if your children and your wife cannot look at you at the end of your life and say, “This man lived out in our lives what he preached”.

ACORN: You Have Got To Be Kidding Me

ACORN strikes again. This time we are treated to an ACORN worker in California. This is unreal. I honestly can't believe it. When the lady started talking about how she shot her husband and how Heidi Fleiss was her hero I just lost it. You can't make this stuff up.

Read about it here. However, make sure you click on the video link within the article and watch the four parts of the video. You have to see and hear it with your own eyes.

Kanye Says He Is Sorry On Leno

Last night on the Leno show Kanye West apologized for what he did to Taylor Swift on the VMA's. At one point he even starts crying a bit. BOO-HOO Kanye! It would be one thing if this was the first time you showed up at an award show and acted goofy, but this isn't. He should be ashamed.

It is too bad that Kanye acts this way because his music is great. I hope that this kind of behavior stops soon.

Check out his public apology below.

NFL News

Reports are that Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher is out for the season.

Read about it here.

This is very bad news for the Chicago Bears.

Jim Rome and Gym Guy

Another funny take by Jim Rome. Listen to it here.

(HT:Vitamin Z)

How Great Is Our God Part 3, 4, and 5

Here is part 3, 4, and 5 as I promised. Enjoy. It is awesome.

How Great Is Our God Part 1 and Part 2

Here is the first and second parts of Louie Giglio's talk titled "How Great Is Our God". I hope you are as blessed as I was by it. I will post parts 3, 4, and 5 later today. Enjoy!

Michael Jackson Remix

Am I seeing double? Whatever it is, it sounds good.

Michael Jackson remix @ Yahoo! Video

Michael Jackson

The Ultimate Youth Pastor

You have to watch this.

(HT: Chris)

The Unlucky Rookie

A great NFL tradition with most teams is to have the teams rookie first rounder take the team out for dinner. This year in San Diego Larry English was the unlucky rookie. The team is usually not shy about ordering what they would like.

Larry's teammate Shaun Phillips tweeted this year's dinner info along.

American Idol's New Judge

American Idol has named it's replacement for Paula Abdul.

Drum roll please....................Ellen DeGeneres.

Read about it here. I can't figure this one out.

Technorati Tags: American Idol, Ellen DeGeneres

Kaboom!

Imagine being this guy's neighbor. Are you kidding me? You have to read this.

Great Story At The U.S. Open

Melanie Oudin whos is 17 years of age is causing quite a stir at the U.S. Open this year. It has been very fun to watch.

So far she has defeated Elena Dementieva, Maria Sharapova, and Nadia Petrova.

Read about it here.

Motivation

This is a funny motivation poster my two friends created. It made me laugh.

Mother Teresa and Helping Others

Here is an excerpt from a book I am reading entitled "Mother Teresa: The Joy In Loving".

A rich man came to me and said he wanted to give up something in his life-his house, his car. I suggested: When you go to the store to buy a new suit or some clothes, instead of buying the best, buy one that is a little less expensive and use that extra money to buy something for someone else, or better still for the poor. When I finished saying this he looked really amazed and exclaimed: 'Oh! Is that the way, Mother? I never thought of it.' When he left he looked so happy and full of joy at the thought of helping others.

After reading this I was questioning my attitude and heart when it comes to helping others. What about you? Is your heart full of joy at the thought of helping others?

The Hawkeyes Escape The Jaws Of Defeat

As some of you know I grew up a majority of my life in Iowa. I grew to be an Iowa Hawkeye fan. Today the Hawkeyes played the University of Northern Iowa Panthers. I attended both universities so it is always hard for me to root for one more than the other. I always tend to lean towards the Hawks.

It appears I missed quite the game today. Check it out here.

The Hawkeyes did something I don't think I have ever seen. They blocked back to back field goal attempts in the closing seconds. I know my friends back in Iowa were going crazy. It would have been great to be there.

Skype

I know that Skype is not a new thing. I know that I am behind the times. However, now that I have a web cam, I am all over this Skype thing. I am all about it.

I will admit that it is a little creepy at times as someone can just look in to your office as you are speaking to them from miles away, but I love it. It allows me to see friends or family that I may not be able to see for some time.

I have been able to speak with three good friends over the last couple days. Obviously, I know you can do that over the phone, but with Skype you have the video feature which is what I like.

This is going to allow us to keep up with our friends and their children that are miles away. We can watch as their kids grow and won't feel like we are missing it.

Now I have to get the grandparents in on this. That may be a tough one.

Do you have Skype? If so, what is your Skype user name? I can add you as a contact.

Musical Preferences and The Church

Thought provoking article posted by my friend Zach. Read it here.

How They Looked

Interesting little article about how 20 popular websites looked when they first came out. Check it out here.

(HT: Justin)

Oh No She Didn't!!!

My wife is the bomb! Today she comes home and surprises me with a brand new iMac 24-inch widescreen computer.

As some of you know, I have been using a very old IBM ThinkPad. It has not been giving us a lot of problems as of late and I have had many close calls to throwing it out of my window.

This new computer is amazing. I have never owned a Mac and have wanted one for some time. My friend Zach has been telling me to get one forever. Now I know why.

Blogging is going to back on. I am sorry that I have been so bad at it, but if you only knew how much of pain my old computer was, you would understand. 

Pictures will now not shut down my whole computer. I will now be able to download something on to my computer without it taking an hour or more. I am so pumped. So blogging here I come. Look for some changes. I am back baby!!!

It Just Got Personal

Check out itjustgotpersonal.com

American Idol Predictions For Tonight

It is time once again to make my American Idol Predictions. Season 8 brings us many talented singers. I also think this year is filled with people that should not have made it this far.

Here are my predictions for the 3 people I believe will make it to the next round.

Left to right: Danny Gokey, Anoop Desai, Alexis Grace

technorati tags: American Idol Danny Gokey Anoop Desai Alexis Grace

What Is Going On?

Is this for real?

technorati tags: Joaquin Phoenix David Letterman

Fingernails On A Chalkboard And This!!!

Think of the worst sounds. Sounds that make you cringe. People smacking their Food. Maybe it is fingernails on a chalkboard. Maybe it is this!!!

technorati tags: American Idol Tatiana Del Toro

Question of the Day

What is your favorite Web site?

Question of the Day

What do you order when you eat Chinese food?

Question of the Day

If you could live in any home on a television series, what would it be?

This Is Moving

Stevie Wonder is by far one of my all time favorites.
Listen to him sing this song at the Luther Vandross funeral.
If this doesn't move you, I don't know what will.