The World According to Me

This Lenten Journey Has Brought More Questions Than Answers

2011-04-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

Only fools say in their hearts, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!

~ Psalm 14:1, NLT

Tonight Lent comes to an end as the Holy Triduum begins with Holy Thursday. This also means that this is the last daily blog post I will do for Lent. It has been quite an adventure. I realize as I look back that my blogs that they really reflect my life. The ups and downs, the happiness and sorrow, the playfulness and the seriousness all come out in my writings.

But what I didn’t expect is more questions than answers in my spiritual life. I fully expected to travel on this Lenten journey and come closer to my faith—instead I’m right where I was before. I’m not sure what is happening…am I under attack spiritually? Probably.

The hardest thing for me, and it sounds like my kids may have inherited this gene from me, is the lack of “realness”. I’ve been accused, and rightfully so, that I get too caught up in the emotions of Christianity—my highs are too high and my lows are too low. Finding that happy medium is difficult for me and I find myself hitting the bottom only to be thrust into the high. I’m surprised I haven’t broken my spiritual neck with the back and forth in my emotions.

So where do I go from here? As the scripture says, only the fool says there is no God. I’m most definitely not a fool—there has to be a creator. It takes MORE faith to believe that we evolved from a spec of space dust. But I find myself questioning biblical history. I ask myself why won’t God reveal himself to me? Why must I “think” I believe that Christ really died for me? How is it possible to come “closer” to the Trinity reading more and praying more when I don’t feel any closer to Christ than I did some 17 years ago?

I end my Lent 2011 blogs with this thought…..God, I need to know you are real. I need to know you care. I need you to reveal yourself to me FOR REAL. My soul is hanging on by a thread and my faith is more unstable than it has ever been before. Please don’t make me out to be a fool for fool’s sake. Move me like never before in REAL conversion.

Love Means Sacrifice

2011-04-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.

~ Ephesians 5:2, The Message

Imagine for one second if the world turned off its “Christian-filter” and Christian’s turned off their hypocrisy act and actually followed this bible verse.

That’s right…the world would be a better place.

This is what we are all called to be like, especially those who follow Christ. Give everything of ourselves in love to others. Instead of hating the Catholic or the Protestant or the Muslim or the Jew of the homosexual or the opposite race and instead treat them as well as you would wish to be treated….HOLY COW! This world would be a better place.

Keep in mind, Jesus Christ is the Son of Man—he is God! He could have said, “Hmmm, torture and beatings AND a crucifixion? Nah, I’ll just take the next first class flight back up to heaven.”

The point is he didn’t; he loved us so much that even knowing what he must do, he still died for our sins. He died so that we may have eternal salvation and be rescued from the fires of hell.

I can’t think of anyone who would willingly go through what Christ went through except maybe a parent for a child. Yet God sacrificed his son for us. God loved us so much that he was willing to give up his son to death so that we can live with him forever.

I have never, and pray I never will be put into a situation where I have to choose between my life and the life of my child. I will always choose my child. BUT, imagine if you had to choose between your child and the life of another—I couldn’t. My child would be my choice…and that’s why I am no god. When you look at God’s sacrifice from that point of view, it demonstrates how much the Father truly loves you.

To Be a Christian I Must Serve Others

2011-04-19T23:21:00.000-07:00

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

~ Matthew 20:28, NLT

We talked about this very idea tonight with the kids. How much more are we called to serve others when the savior of the world came to serve us? For many, including myself, this is not an easy concept to understand. Too many times in our society the label “Christian” is seen as a crazy lunatic or well off person making money off the weak.

We need to drop this facade that Christians are better than anyone else. Christ took the lowliest position at the last supper and washed the feet of his disciples. This job was reserved for those lower than slaves. By demonstrating to the twelve his servitude, we all learn from Christ we are to have servant hearts for others.

Thursday night mass we will take part in the foot washing ceremony. This is a very profound and moving act of oneself. I know I feel like proud to wash the feet of my family—to make myself the least of them to serve their needs. I encourage others to partake in this wonderful Holy Thursday ceremony before we head into Good Friday.

I Am a Hypocritical Christian

2011-04-18T22:38:00.000-07:00

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.

~Matthew 16:24

This is without a doubt the toughest verse in the bible for me.

I think it’s confession time…well, at least as much as I responsibly can share. I have a me problem. I want to be comfortable. I want the latest gadgets. I want to be entertained. I want PG on Sundays, but R the other six days. I have urges and desires I like. I want more money. I don’t like most people. I can’t stand authority. I don’t want to work hard. I do things I know I shouldn’t do and don’t do things I know I should do. I’m lazy. I don’t want to pick up my cross daily. I want salvation, and I don’t want to make sacrifices for it. I ask Christ to stay home when I go out with the boys. I am a hypocrite to my kids. I don’t respect my wife enough. I am a bad employee. I talk behind people’s backs. I don’t pay my bills on time.

I am a flawed Christian. I put myself ahead of Christ more times than I can count. It’s easy to say to myself, “Oh, you’re being too hard on yourself…you’re a good guy.” That’s not the point. The things I write are the issues I deal with in my life on a daily basis—not my cross, but myself. I struggle every friggin’ day with my faith! Just when I believe I am onto something or I’m beginning to understand what it means to be a disciple of Christ, I get in the way of myself. My pride enters and I start to wonder why other people get it. I start to doubt Christ and his sacrifice.

What does “a man of God” do? He keeps holding on.

Among the list of desires I mentioned is a desire that continues to flicker in my heart…the desire to know God. I thank God daily for his blessings. I thank God for my family. I ask God for his protection over my wife and kids. I pray for my brother and his wife. I pray for my sister and her child. I pray for my dad, my stepmom, my uncle and my grandmother. I pray for my in-laws. I pray for friends. I keep moving forward.

In my 17 years as a Christian I’ve experienced the highs and the lows—my spirit gets rattled during the lows. Yet this I know, I hunger for Christ. I yearn to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I crave to turn my back on the things of this world and live for God. Ultimately, my actions to fulfill my sinful desires show how much I don’t trust God to be my all in all. In the grand scheme of things, I am still in elementary school with my faith; I am stubbornly holding onto the training wheels—afraid to let go and let God.

All of this is not easy to share. I constantly need prayers. I wish to be broken to the point that Christ is all I need. I pray that God reveals to me what my spiritual gift is and that he uses me to the fullest—for the glory of the kingdom.

Please Lord, change my heart. Fill me with the desire to die to self and pick up my cross daily to serve you. You are my hope for eternal salvation.

I Would've Cheered for Christ Today...and Screamed to Crucify Him on Friday

2011-04-17T12:39:00.000-07:00

The crowds walking in front of Jesus and those walking behind began to shout, “Praise to David's Son! God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise be to God!”

~Matthew 21:9, GNT

As we were heading off to church this morning I was explaining to the kids about how today is recognized as the day that Jesus came into Jerusalem riding on a donkey to huge fanfare. Everyone except for the religious leaders where welcoming him with open arms. What the crowd didn’t know then that we all know now is that in four short days this same crowd will be screaming to crucify him.

Crowds and groups of people can be finicky…I can be finicky.

Whereas I spend some time last night talking to my brother about how happy I am with the Catholic church and how much I’ve grown in my spiritual life under the direction of the leaders, I found myself today complaining because “they didn’t do the Palm Sunday mass right”.

I am a tool.

I would have been someone in that crowd on that day some 2000 years ago who would cheer Christ on Sunday and crucify him on Friday. That’s not meant to shock anyone who reads this, it’s meant to demonstrate that I am human. This introspection into my heart reveals that I still need to go deeper with my relationship with Christ. I am afraid I am still too much like Peter before Christ was crucified. Around close friends and family I may stick up and embrace Christ, but out in public I might deny him. I pray I wouldn’t.

The point is this, just like the Jews from 2000 years ago I can get excited about Christ. The hope is that I realize WHO Christ is—my savior; the ONE who died on the cross for my sins; the same sins that put those nails into his hands; the same hands that comfort me when I come back to him. On this Palm Sunday I desire to be excited for Christ’s entrance into my life, but I also must remember that my Lord—an innocent man—will die on Good Friday because of MY sin.

Thank God for Easter Sunday.

Rumor Weeds and Firefighters in the Same Blog

2011-04-16T11:31:00.001-07:00

Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, quarreling stops.
~ Proverbs 26:20, GNT

One thing I have a bad habit of doing is fueling the fires of gossip.
I Wish I could say I've improved, but I suspect I still have a long
ways to go. This is one area of my life that I pray that will change.

Gossip is interesting; sometimes harmless, but almost always none of
my business. Gossip feels like twitter in a way. I feel like I have to
share the latest information with everyone in ear shot. But, gossip
should have no place in my life.

I think about an episode of Veggie Tales with the Rumor Weed. It
starts off as a small weed but with the town's gossip it grows into
this huge out-of-control monster weed. It isn't until the truth is
spread that the weed shrinks and eventually goes away.

God asks me to not even allow the weed to have a chance to grow. The
weed is also more than what we think gossip is—gossip can also be
truth. Just because it is a fact that the boss came to work drunk
doesn't mean we are to share this information with everyone.

God calls me to a higher standard, and that standard is to not add
fuel to gossip fires. I am to be a firefighter and stop gossip before
it spreads. This is easier written than done, but with God's grace I
can do it.

YELLING DOESN'T SOLVE ANYTHING, but Calmness Helps

2011-04-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.

~ Proverbs 15:1

It seems I was pre-destined to have a temper. I don’t know if it’s my father’s fault, my grandfather’s fault or even my great-grandfather’s fault—I just know that I can have a very bad temper. So, it’s easy to see why a career in outside sales was not a good mix.

Now, when the economy was good everyone was happy with smiles and business deals were being made right and left with wild abandonment. I believe I hardly dealt with a financially disappointing day. As soon as the economy tank? OH BOY, here comes the Pitts boy temper!

As I tried to continue making sales at my earlier pace, the more resistance I came across—at least it felt that way. The more desperate I got, the more aggressive I became. When a business owner decided to go with Company B because price was more important than value I became upset. It wasn’t until a general manager, who I clearly knew was using me but I held out hope he was going to keep our service, left me an email at the end of the day Fourth of July weekend that I became enraged. What was a flippant and easy email for him to send, was the livelihood of my family being tossed into the recycle bin.

I wrote a scathing email back to him. I told him he was a dishonest person who only used me for his gain. I exclaimed that he never gave me a chance to earn his business and that his mind was already made up before I sat down for our initial meeting. I stated that when Company B screws him over and lets him down that he shouldn’t think about giving me a call because I don’t do business with liars!

I didn’t send the email.

Something deep down inside of me told me that’s was not the right way to handle this. Of course, in business they always say not to burn your bridges. Little did I know then that I was living out what God teaches us to do. By not sending THAT email, but one that was more professional and left the door open for the future I was responding back not out of anger. I was talking the talk and walking the walk.

Well, the general manager called me back about six months after using Company B. He went so far as to say they made a mistake in using the other company. Instead of telling him I told you so, and asked how we could help to make things better for him.

About a month later I quit that job.

I had heard my former employer finally got the account. I even heard a sales manager took credited for getting the sale. But I know it was because I went against my built-in nature to get angry at the general manger and remain calm towards him. Little did I know then—I wasn’t strong in my faith—that I was living for Christ. A lesson I can look back at now, and see God still working in my life—even when I wasn’t devoted to him.

I've Said a Dumb Thing a Time or Two

2011-04-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal.

~ Proverbs 12:18

There was a time in my marriage when I was more of an idiot. Guess you could call it our “breaking in” period. I had to learn the hard lesson of how words can hurt—even if my intentions were for good, the meaning hurt more.

I remember one time I made a comment about my wife’s appearance. My little brain-dead mind thought I was pointing out something that could be easily “fixed”. To her, I just shot her through the heart. BUT I WAS TRYING TO HELP!!! Didn’t matter, my thoughtless words cut her deep.

Too many times I have done this same exact thing; either at work, in a social setting, in front of family, you name the place and I’ve said something stupid. Fortunately, as time has gone on I have come to realize that my words can be very powerful instruments. Today I try to teach my kids while carefully choosing my words—especially when it is a disciplinary moment.

When my kids do something stupid, I find it is important to tell them what they DID was stupid but that they are smarter than that. I focus on the action and not on the person. I see it in their eyes. I know that they are upset at their actions. I can tell later on that they believe they are better than that.

Imagine if we all, including yours truly, spent more time focused on the actions that people did and addressed those versus attacking the person for making a dumb choice?! With patience and kind words, there would be much more healing in this world.

Death Was Not on the Menu for Me Today

2011-04-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry.

~ James 1:19

Today I got into a car accident. Mind you it was a small fender-bender in the big scheme of things. But, I was very fortunate. Some might say lucky, others might say it was a coincidence but I tell you this I was blessed. Yes, I am important enough to God’s bigger plan that it was not my time to go today. As I write this now, more than 8 hours since it happen I still find myself a little dumbstruck at how God protected me.

Time feels like it’s moving so fast lately that the accident, the exchange of information, the tow out of the ditch, the police report, the last couple hours of work and the trip to the auto body shop for an estimate all seem like a blur to me. Time will move on, this is one guarantee other than death and taxes—which death was not on the menu today and my taxes were taken care of last month.

So as I sit here pondering today’s verse, I think about my initial reaction once I got out of my car. I was mad, but not necessarily at the man who caused the accident. I was mad that I now had to deal with this: insurance, tow truck, police, etc, etc etc. Then I realized that wasn’t going to make the situation better. By the time the guy came over to check on me and the car—about 2-3 minutes later—I consciously calmed myself down. This guy knew I was a little upset by my body language, but not once did I yell at him about the incident.

As we talked and waited for the officer, my first thought was to stop and listen to this guy. What was he thinking? How was he handling the situation? By being quick to listen and slow to anger I found out that this guy was a good dude. He told me what happened from his point of view and then took responsibility for the accident. This very action is what I have been trying to teach my kids—if you mess up, take responsibility for it, deal with the consequences and then move on.

When the officer showed up onsite this guy told him the same thing. The whole incident was over and done with in about 15 minutes. Everyone was professional and stand-up—something our society needs so much more of today.

I really appreciate the blessings and protection God allowed in my life today. I’m thankful that I am able to come home and kiss my wife, hug my children, have a great conversation with a buddy and write a blog post tonight. I’m grateful that God isn’t ready for me to leave this planet yet. I feel like I have so much more to share and do in his name.

Praise be to Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior! Amen.

Godless People Will Not Lead You Towards Righteousness

2011-04-12T23:24:00.000-07:00

You can be ruined by the talk of godless people, but the wisdom of the righteous can save you.

~ Proverbs 11:9, GNT

I am generally a friendly person. I usually give people the benefit of the doubt until they prove otherwise. There have been times in my life that my friendliness has allowed me to venture down the path of unrighteousness. Now, before I make this out to be a blog about how “holy” I am—stop right there. My point is this; I am also easily persuaded to follow the group. The easy road is just that, easy. It is easier to follow the crowd over a cliff then to stop in mid-exodus and turn the other way.

My past is littered with old friendships that have been severed. This makes me sad but also makes me understand that in order to get closer to God; sometimes it’s necessary to cut all ties with those who have no desire to turn towards God. Don’t get me wrong, I have friends who don’t go to church. But these same people respect me enough to not lead me down a path of destruction—knowingly. These are not the people I’m talking about.

The people I’m talking about either 1) subconsciously influence my life in a negative way by their actions or words through normal conversation or hanging out, or 2) they think all religion is bogus and deep down inside enjoy “making the Christian do bad things”. I understand this may sound like I’m attacking everyone else, but keep in mind we are all influenced by someone or some group. Our lives will show who we allow to influence us by our positive or negative thoughts and/or actions.

Lately, I have been trying to fill my life with positive Catholic influences. This is not to say if you aren’t Catholic or Protestant I will sever all ties with you. Far from it! If I feel like you are a positive part of my life I want you in it. Yet, it is important for me to grow in my faith and become a better Catholic. I love my friends…..however, I love Christ more.

So I challenge you. Are you hanging around people who are truly ungodly and having a negative impact on your life and/or relationship with God? If so, maybe it’s time to make the tough choice and turn to God. In the end, the choice will be easy and God will lead you towards righteousness.

A Bible Verse That Encourages Me to Shut Up

2011-04-11T22:48:00.000-07:00

A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.

~ Proverbs 17:27, NLT

Most of my family and friends might say I can be a little "chatty", almost a little annoying when it comes to most anything. I desire to please God and live his example. Therefore, if you get a chance read my previous blogs. There you'll find my thoughts about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Catholic Church, Protestants and non-believers.

Remember this, by God's grace we are saved. It's is by the sacrifice of the Son for our sins that we may experience salvation and life everlasting. It takes a leap of faith to believe God loves us that much. Take that leap this Easter.

God bless.

Choose Fresh Living Water Instead of Guilt

2011-04-10T22:49:00.000-07:00

Jesus answered, "If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water."

~ John 4:10

I sometimes find myself a little dumbstruck at how humans can make having a relationship with Jesus so difficult. Yet, at the same time I get it—we are human; we have free will and can accept the gift of salvation or not. It saddens me though how many people will not only turn their back on Christ, but make other people’s lives miserable in the process.

I think I understand why—guilt.

You see, Christianity is not based on guilt. The foundation for our salvation is in the sacrifice that Christ made on the cross. It is by God’s grace that salvation is offered—that he sent his only Son to die for our sins for eternity. Based on that explanation, why would anyone turn away from the life giving water of Christ? Free will.

With that free will comes a sacrifice—choose Christ and die to some of the pleasures of this world or choose this world and die without Christ. Think about this for a second, the creator of the universe sent his Son to earth to die for our sins so we are not lost for eternity and all he asks in return is to confess with your mouth, believe in your heart and turn away from sin. That last reason is why so many non-Christians hate Christ.

They know in their hearts they are disobeying God. Yet they allow their minds to tell them that with thought and reason they can certainly disapprove Christianity and they should be allowed to live however they want. These people have made the choice to not accept the life-giving water of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, there are too many people in this world today who know this choice makes their souls empty. What’s the old saying? Misery loves company. If they are going to miss out because they CHOSE to disobey God, then they sure as hell aren’t going to let anyone else be happy!

These “open-minded” souls will take out their hatred on those who choose to be obedient to God; people who have chosen to let Christ be their living water for eternal nourishment. Yet, stealing the joy from others in the name of “tolerance” is quite the opposite. They will protest against the Catholic Church for its stance on homosexuality. They will write letters to ban a Catholic confession app in the iTunes store because it asks if they person has sinned by committing homosexual acts—of course no one seems to be up in arms about the portion that asks if the person has cheated on their spouse!

My point is this, if you choose not to accept the life giving water of Jesus Christ that is on you. Because you feel guilt for your choice, don’t make the rest of us Christians out to be the bad guys. We choose to follow Christ. Our faith is based on the hope of eternal salvation. If we are wrong, so be it. But if you are wrong, what are you left with? A life of hatred and anger against a group of people—an anger that did not allow you to live your life to the fullest. In the end, in both scenarios you lose.

Give your life to Christ and live obediently or simply move on with your life and leave Christians alone.

Are You "Open-Minded" to God's Word?

2011-04-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way.
~ 2 Timothy 3:16

It has taken me years to fully embrace this particular verse. Over the past 15 years I have to admit I've enjoyed the bible ala carte. I find myself challenged almost daily to what is written in God's word. In my life I find that it takes faith to believe the bible is truly God-breathed and inspired.

I used to listen to The BJ Shea Morning Experience on 99.9 KISW. It always struck me as interesting how he would go off on Christians, and in particular Catholics, because of his upbringing. To my ears it irritated me to no end. However, when Christians would call up and spout scripture to a person who doesn't believe in the bible I also thought that was dumb.

You see, NO ONE can prove without a shadow of a doubt the bible is true. No human can. Believing that the bible is indeed the word of God takes faith—something that cannot be proven. This notion brought me to a new understanding of my faith in Christ. It made me realize that I can't just say, "Because the bible says so," to someone who either doesn't believe in the bible or understand it's life giving wisdom.

I don't find myself denying the teachings of the bible when talking to non-Christians. I now look at it as an opportunity to lay the foundation to get a person to that point where they are willing to be open-minded to the possibilities and opportunities God offers in his word. In a way it's like I'm telling them, "You're not ready—that is you're heart is not ready—for the glory of God to transform your life."

It is at that moment that a person is ready to learn about God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit that mountains can be moved and lives can be changed. Until a person is willing to be open to the mysteries of God's wonderful word, they just won't understand.

This thinking will offend people. They will think they have every right to open a bible and read it—and they are correct. But if their heart is not ready to "hear" what God wants to reveal to them in those pages, reading the bible will be like reading a foreign language. God desires all to understand his word. You have to decide if you're ready to accept God's grace for the opportunity to read his life instruction manual—a manual of hope, despair, redemption forgiveness, salavation and the eternal promise.

Are you open to God's word?

So You're a Sinner. Good, Now the Healing Can Begin

2011-04-08T23:27:00.000-07:00

Let grace, mercy, and peace be with us in truth and love from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, Son of the Father!

~ 2 John 1:3, The Message

I’ve been talking a lot about reconciliation during Lent. While I was sitting at the Reconciliation service at our church tonight I got to thinking, “I wonder if people think I am just this horrible person for always going to reconciliation.” Maybe sharing about the amount of times I go to confession would put people off. Am I being a good witness by…..sinning?

The answer is yes.

The reason I share with you my sins is two-fold. First off, I want to share with anyone who will read this blog that there is forgiveness and there is hope. There is nothing you have done in your past that the Father will not forgive you for. If you come to him with an honest heart and seek forgiveness, God will meet your needs. I can’t prove this, but my faith and my personal mental health have dramatically improved since I began to go to God with my sins.

Secondly, I am a sinner. Guess what, if you are reading this you too are a sinner. Of course, if you’re not reading this you’re a sinner as well. For too long society has looked down on this term as derogatory and filthy. Here’s the deal, everyone sins and no one is perfect. I walked out of the service tonight and I’m sure I sinned. Why? Because of human nature. But the good thing is this, once you accept the fact you’re a sinner that’s when the healing begins. That’s when you let go and let God take control.

I read the other day that parish priests are actually happy to see more of their parishioners go to confession. Why? Because they say that it’s obvious that those people are trying to live more like Christ and acknowledge their flaws/sins. Give your burdens to the Lord and be FREE!!! I can’t preach this wisdom enough—I know where I was last September and where I’m at now.

Because of that leap of faith to let God take control and carry my burdens I am a much happier and peaceful man. Don’t believe me? Give it a try. But don’t be a wuss, give it ALL to God! Let Jesus carry your burdens and experience the same grace, mercy and peace that God has given to me.

Are you still reading this?! Get moving and experience God’s forgiveness and healing TODAY!!!

I Used to be Veruca Salt

2011-04-07T22:50:00.000-07:00

Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received!

~ 1 Peter 1:3

I had days where I would fall on my knees and plead, almost angrily, with God to give me the tools I need to follow him. The stresses of life easily blinded me to the goodness of God. I know over the past year I have begun to embrace all that the Lord provides for me. That wasn’t the case before 2010.

I got so caught up in things of this world that I was more focused on me and “why was God allowing me to be miserable”. I had it all backwards. Like Veruca Salt, I wanted it all—money, fame, happiness, holiness—I wanted it all and I WANTED IT NOW!!! My spoiled brat attitude drove me deeper and deeper into a feeling of worthlessness and depression. I was going the opposite direction of God.

It wasn’t until I dropped the big baby act did I finally find God—I had moved, not him. He began to show me what he had already done to help me get to know him on a personal level. It was all right in front of me and I was completely blind to his love. His faithfulness along with my wife’s patience and prayer helped me to come home.

When God sends you an invitation don’t make the mistakes I made and throw it into the big pile of busyness we call life. It’s an invitation to bring you peace and happiness. An offer to have your burdens unloaded and your soul filled anew with God’s love. The greatest thing I have come to discover is that I truly have a friend in Jesus—a friend who loved me enough to die for my sins. What a wonderful Savior I worship!

Protestants NEED to Know This About Catholics

2011-04-06T22:22:00.000-07:00

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God.

~ Ephesians 2:8, NAB

Today’s verse actually caused me to do a little research. Not because I was confused on its meaning, but more that I wanted others who aren’t Catholic to understand what the Catholic Church REALLY teaches about grace/faith/works.

Before I became a Catholic I believed that all Catholics thought they had to earn their salvation. I remember thinking that was so stupid—“the bible clearly states that if I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth Jesus is lord then I am saved.” I was wrong and the crazy thing is most Protestants don’t truly believe that nonsense either. The funny thing is Catholics and Protestants believe the same thing; it’s just that each group says it differently.

It is ONLY by the grace of God that we have faith in our salvation. It is through the good works that we do, that we demonstrate that faith. You see, it’s not a matter of faith vs. works. Sadly, that’s where the dialog gets all messy. Catholics do not participate in all of our rituals because we think our works will save us. Far from it! We go to mass, confession, pray the rosary, abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent, and receive communion and all of our other traditions so as to demonstrate our faith in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. These things won’t save us—it is the grace of God and the blood of Christ that saves us.

Interestingly enough, Protestants do the same things to demonstrate their faith in Christ’s sacrifice—attend church, meet for bible studies, do missions work, tithe, etc., etc., etc. All of us Christians do some kind of works to show our faith in Christ, not to earn our salvation. In the book of James, there is a verse that makes this perfectly clear:

Is it not evident that a person is made right with God not by a barren faith but by faith fruitful in works?

~ James 2:24, The Message

We are called to put our faith into action. Protestants do it, Catholics do it—we live our faith BY doing good works. The author further makes the point in verse 20:

Use your heads! Do you suppose for a minute that you can cut faith and works in two and not end up with a corpse on your hands?

~ James 2:20, The Message

The final point is this, we cannot separate faith and works—they must go hand-in-hand. ALL Christians are not saved by works and faith is not enough for salvation, but by God’s grace we receive faith that we put into action with our good works. Let’s come together and remember we are all serving the same lord…Jesus Christ.

"I LOOOOVE Going to Confession" O_o

2011-04-05T22:20:00.000-07:00

If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.

~ 1 John 1:9, NAB

I sin. I sin every day. Sometimes my sins are small and really don’t hurt anyone, but they are sins nonetheless. Then I have days when I bust out the industrial sized sin and just feel like a complete putz afterwards. By the way, yes, putz is the technical term for feeling like the biggest jackass in the world when I know I sinned.

So needless to say, today’s bible verse brings me comfort…daily. As one of my favorite Catholic radio hosts Lino Rulli says, “I “love” going to confession.” I joke, but I’m actually quite serious. I do like going to confession. Now that I understand the value of the sacrament that God has given to me of reconciliation, I do like going there.

However…..

I’m still a sinner—a sinner who has been making a habit of going to confession as of late. In the past month I have gone to confession three times (one of the times the priest ran out of time and couldn’t listen to my confession, apparently there’s a lot of us sinners out there). And, I’ll be going again this Friday to reconciliation mass.

Now understand this, I get that there is a difference between small sins and big sins. My understanding of “big” sins are ones that separate me from fellowship with the Lord—sins that cause me to fall and fracture my witness of the Lord. In other words, if Jesus were literally hanging out with me it would cause him to shake his head in utter disgust. The little sins? He’d give me that parent “hey that’s not appropriate” look. But the “big” ones, they make me sad too.

Yet, even though I sin Jesus is there to pick me back up. When I go to confession I tell the priest everything—thanks to an iPhone app which really helps me remember things I had forgotten. But the point is I tell him everything; get it off my chest. I acknowledge my sins before God and he forgives me…and cleanses me. That is the best part of confession, the feeling of cleanliness and holiness afterwards. It’s my moment where I am pure in God’s eyes and he’s most proud of me.

This Friday’s reconciliation service will probably not be the last time I go to confession. That’s for certain. But if I continue to aim for holiness and acknowledge my sins when I fail, God will faithfully forgive me and the blood of Christ will make me white as snow. What a wonderful feeling, what a wonderful God.

Common Sense Says I Won't Please Everyone

2011-04-04T23:58:00.000-07:00

He's a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well, a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere.

~ Proverbs 2:7

There have been times in my life when I have been very frank with my feelings about God. I wish I could say I was always strong to take God’s side on an issue. Unfortunately, I’ll compromise or take the conversation in a different direction to please everyone somehow and someway. God did call me to please everyone.

God calls me to be “candid and sincere” in my witness. If I am faithful to this, he promises to be my personal bodyguard. How cool is that?! If I make a stand for the Lord and am sincere in my witness he’ll have my back. That brings me comfort.

In our world today, doubters and unbelievers try to distort and twist God’s word. But a close examination of scripture and tradition shows that the Christian faith is filled with common sense. Just because you don’t like what God says about divorce, adultery, abortion and homosexuality doesn’t mean God is wrong. Think about it—the creator of the universe with over 4,000 years of Jewish and Christian roots and YOU think you are bigger than God. Wrong.

To turn from God’s common sense is to live a life less than fulfilled. Why should I constantly struggle with life’s issues when the author of life has already given me all the common sense answers I need?! There is no doubt that humans will try to take God’s teachings out of context or simply be unable to intelligently discover what God is trying to tell all of us. Yet, that is no excuse not to search out God for the answers to this life.

In the end, common sense says that God loves each and every one of us. We are called to obedience in his teaching, outspoken in our witness and to offer sincere love to all. Anything less would be worthless—and all who come to him are worthy in God’s sight.

God Has Given Me Everything I Need to Live a Godly Life

2011-04-03T22:41:00.000-07:00

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

~ 2 Peter 1:3, NLT

The other day my son shared with me a piece of wisdom that I thought was profound. He said to me, “Dad, did you know that everything we need to make an iPhone is here on this planet.” Granted, this wasn’t some “blow scholars out of the water” kind of thinking, but it was quite an interesting thought nonetheless. Everything man needs to make things is already on this planet.

The same is true for living a godly life.

You see, God has given us everything we need to live a godly life. Through the bible and tradition and stories from great men and women from long ago, everything we need has been given to us. Yet, sometimes I think we miss the mark. We try to over think God. In some arenas of knowledge, humanity tries to out think God.

A godly life is one which shows love for other people. This is not to be confused with acceptance for their lifestyles—no matter what the lifestyle is; if it’s against God’s teaching it is unacceptable. A godly life will love everyone, even those who sin against us. This is not easy. This is why I struggle every day. This is why I am not godly. Yet, by the grace of the Lord I am given a chance every day to grow closer and closer to godliness.

I will not achieve this in my lifetime. But I am called to live the life. I need to empty myself on a daily basis and allow God to fill my cup with his goodness and understanding of what it takes to live a godly life.

Catholic? Protestant? We Are One Body Called to Live in Peace Together

2011-04-02T22:27:00.000-07:00

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

~ Colossians 3:15, NLT

Every Christian denomination today has its roots planted in the Catholic Church. In a brief history lesson, Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany in 1517. Luther “protested” against some of the corruption going on in the Catholic Church at the time. This caused unrest in the Christian faith which eventually fractured off into many different denominations. There’s no telling how many different Christian church affiliations there are in 2011.

This makes me sad on so many levels. Because of the blatant corruption of the Catholic Church at the time, the body of Christ was divided into many different pieces. Instead of winning souls for Christ, these people were busy fighting each other. The Devil: 1, the Body of Christ: 0.

Yet, I think there is hope for the Body of Christ today. As time has moved on more Christians are looking past the denominations and realizing we are indeed ONE BODY. This is evident in our everyday lives. Catholics and non-Catholics are abstaining this Lent season for the glory of God. I have friends who are not Catholics, but are actively participating in Lent. That is so encouraging for our faith.

I also see the Catholic Church beginning to learn from the sins of the past. There is more stability and growth in the Catholic Church. More lives are coming to know Christ through the Church. Leaders in the Church are now focusing their full efforts on removing bad leaders from the pulpit and filling them with men of God. It seems this generation of Catholics is ready to fight for Christ and not for self. My brothers and sisters who are Protestants are also winning souls for Christ. Mission trips, shut-in visitations and love offering events are helping to show the lost the love of Christ.

Bottom line is this, God is in control. If we all believe that our “differences” are bigger than God than none of us know God and we should be ashamed of ourselves. What is most important? Going out into the world and sharing the Good News of salvation through the blood of Christ.

Yes, it probably saddens God that our Catholic Church was divided into many different denominations over the last 400 years ago. But I serve a God who is the creator of the heavens and earth. My God is bigger than any denomination squabble. My God calls all those who love him to live in peace. Let’s accept that we are all in this together and fighting for the same end goal: sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world and saving lives.

There is No God. No worries, right?

2011-04-01T23:50:00.000-07:00

Only fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." They are corrupt,
and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!

~ Psalm 14:1, NLT

This verse will divide family and friends. Why? Because those who
openly proclaim they don't believe in God actually are offended that
an "old book" would call them on the carpet for their beliefs. I
always find it funny that atheists and agnostics get upset over this
stuff.

You see, if it's not real or a big deal then simply ignore it. But
verses like this one convict their heart. They don't want to admit it.
It's easier to be the "master of their universe" then to rely on a
higher being. If science can't prove it, then they won't believe it.

This is not to say these people are murderers, thieves or pedophiles.
Quite the contrary. The few people I know who don't believe in God are
nice people. Pay their taxes, give to charity and help little old
ladies across the street. Yet, it's such a tragedy that these good
people turn their backs on the One who created the heavens and the
earth.

By denying the existence of God, the Enemy has won their souls. When
the day of judgement comes and they stand before God and plead their
case, the Lord will say He never knew them. They will be condemned to
the fires of Hell for eternity. It's not a matter of what's fair, it's
a call to obedience and trust in God. They turn their backs on God; he
will turn his back on them.

But hey, if it's all just a fairy tale you shouldn't have anything to
worry about.....right?

Though I Have Been Impure, God Still Fights For My Soul

2011-03-31T23:57:00.000-07:00

God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives.

~ 1 Thessalonians 4:7, NLT

Hmmm....I should have known why I was subconsciously avoiding today's blog post. Talk about a smack to the ol' being. Let me just get this out in the open.....there are times I have lived an impure life. Heck, I can't count how many times in the past 4 years I've been impure. When I say impure, I mean stuff that even nonreligious people would shake their head at. I lost my focus; I turned my back on Christ.

This I know, when I finally realized I am a sinner and I came back to God I was welcomed with a loving embrace. God knows the things I've done yet he still wanted to be with me. He didn't give up on me. He wanted to be in my life again. Since September of last year I've been with my Father. Here's what else I know, I have stumble a few times since then--almost to the point of failing yet again in my walk. But God was there to catch me, hold me, to show me he wasn't going to let go.

I was worth fighting for. Even in my sinful ways, he fought for my very soul against the Enemy.

This is my daily struggle, to live a holy life and turn my back on impurity. It's not easy. If it was, everyone would do it. The Enemy and his minions will do whatever they can to keep me away from God. Yet, I now know that I can call on my Father and he will protect my soul and lead me out of temptation. He gives me an example through Christ on holiness and a drive to live each day for him. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

I Threw My Arms Up in the Air and God Took My Burdens

2011-03-30T23:32:00.000-07:00

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

~ Romans 8:28, NLT

I was grumpy yesterday.

My day at work was amazingly boring, I got a letter in the mail delivering potentially bed economic news and the house was a mess with lazy kids sitting around doing nothing. The perfect "oh crap, dad's going to explode" type of cocktail. I was not happy.

Then my wife in all of her wisdom told me something rather strange..."so, do something about it" -- referencing the lazy kids and the messy house. So I did. Shut off the computers, put the DSs away and cleaned house. Everyone pitched in. Within an hour we got the house just about spotless...ok, maybe not spotless, but it was clean again. Yay, victory.

As I lay in bed last night I had the economic issue on my mind. I figured if there was ever a moment, now was the time to trust God. So I prayed. I put the entire issue on his shoulders. I thought to myself that if the creator of the universe wants this situation to work out for our good it will--no matter the outcome.

Today I called the company and politely explained--which is not how I roll when dealing with stressful money issues--that there was a mistake and I needed it fixed. After checking her records she discovered that there was indeed a mistake on our account and we didn't owe money, but money was OWED TO US!!! Amazing. I was stunned. She told me it was because I filled out the proper paperwork in December that allowed for this miracle to happen today. For some reason it got lost in the shuffle and I was indeed in the right.

At that moment, I was overcome with thankfulness--not because we received a good sum of money in return, but that God was faithful. He knew our needs. Struggling to make ends meet over the past three months has been a little taxing. He answered our prayer in his timing for us to truly praise him with thankful hearts.

God doesn't need our praise. He loves meeting us just when we need him so that we may glorify his name. To God be the glory!

Just a Sinner Trying to Live God's Calling

2011-03-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time - to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.

~ 2 Timothy 1:9, NLT

One of the hardest things I find in my Christian walk to do is live a holy life. I'm not sure if it's because I'm stubborn, lazy or ignorant. I imagine it's a combination of all three. Amazingly enough, I don't have to be perfect—besides the fact I literally can't be. Because of God's grace, I am saved. Because of what his son did on the cross, I can receive eternal salvation.

Our family is reading through the bible in chronological order. Needless to say Leviticus and Numbers almost caused us to stick our heads into a furnace to offer up our sanity. However, one thing I came away from those books of the bible was all the rituals and sacrifices that God required of the Jews to remain or become clean again. It's no wonder St. Paul points out in Acts that we were predestined to fail with so many rules.

I could not begin to image how many sheep and goats I would need
around the house to cleanse me of all of my unrighteousness. That's
where Christ's work on the cross by shedding his blood washed away the
old law. Through Christ we have a direct connection to God to ask for
cleansing and forgiveness. Thank God he loves me enough to not give me
what I truly deserve.

Lord, I'm a sinner. Please don't give up on me. It's by your grace I
am saved and by no work of my own doing. I am called to live a holy
life. I will struggle and occasionally fail. I'm thankful you love me
enough to see me as a work in progress, and not as a lost cause. Amen.

God Used People to Help Me Hear His Good News

2011-03-28T22:21:00.000-07:00

He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

~ 2 Thessalonians 2:14, NLT

My story of how I became a Christian is quite interesting. I actually started going to church because of a girl. I know, how original?! At the time I really liked this girl and I was open to the idea of God. I began going to church and learning about the bible. I won’t go into details, but eventually I knew that this particular church wasn’t for me. Yet, I was interested about learning who this Jesus was.

One of my buddy’s from high school gave his life to Christ the summer before and was constantly bugging me about going to church. I would give reason after reason as to why I didn’t or couldn’t. Fast forward a few months and after breaking up with the girl, I asked him if I could go to his church. Words could not express his happiness…almost to the point I was questioning asking him.

However, this moment altered the course of my life’s journey. I came to learn about Christ, accept him as my lord and savior and become active in the church. Little did I know my future wife also attended this church—something I didn’t find out about until we started dating. God had put me in the right place at the right time. I got married in that church and spread the Good News to other teens while working with the youth group. Those teens grew up to become great ministers of God’s message. God’s will was done.

It’s quite a story that a young boy, who had no church background and constantly heard the Lord’s name used in vain in his surroundings, would be used in such a mighty way to be a witness to others about how Christ changed my life. I have had bumps in the road over the years, but I think back to that time with happy thoughts. To this day, God has been faithful just like he promised me so many years ago when I accepted him into my life.

All good things happen—in God’s timing.

My Heart's Cry Revealed My Real Prayer Need

2011-03-27T21:33:00.000-07:00

Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.

~ Psalm 10:17, NLT

There have been times in my life when I have been blind to the work that God has done in my life. Either through my heart cries or by actual prayers, God has been faithful when I have not always been. I can think about a time I had my prayers answered. It wasn’t until time had passed that I realized it was my heart’s prayer that was answered.

Last year I was working at a job that I did not like anymore. From past mistakes I had made and eventual distrust by myself of upper management, I hated my job. Hate is a strong word, but I really did hate my job. I needed to make a change. God heard my heart cry even though I didn’t trust he would answer my prayers. I sinned at work. I was lazy. Although I was in sales, I stole company time by not working as hard as I could. These are difficult things to write even today even though I have confessed them six months ago to God.

That faithlessness in God’s plan lead me to a job I hated even more than the one I would eventually leave. With my attitude and continued lack of trust of upper management, that job lasted only four months before I was fired. This was humbling and a blessing at the same time. For it was at this moment that I realized I needed God. If I was going to continue in this life, I needed God’s strength to move headlong in anything I would do from that point forward.

God knew I was helpless; more importantly I finally accepted I was helpless.

The next six months would change my life forever. I began jogging on a consistent basis. I had allowed my health to deteriorate to the point I was the heaviest of my life and I was beginning to experience the ails of being overweight. I was killing myself. Over that stretch of time I lost 25 lbs.; a feat that I could not have done without God’s strength.

More importantly, I came to know Christ on a whole new level. I fell to my knees and spilled my guts to a priest during the sacrament of reconciliation. I found some new outlets to learn more about the Catholic Church and the faith I would grow to hold tighter. Different men of God like Mark Hart and Lino Rulli showed me it was ok to be proud to be a Catholic and through these men I came to embrace the Church more than I had ever before. I can honestly say that this change in me over the last nine months is due to God’s providence. He absolutely heard my heart’s cry; it wasn’t about a job or my career, it was my relationship with Jesus Christ. God answered my prayers and I am now comforted.

When God Plants a Seed, I Have to Have Patience

2011-03-26T23:51:00.000-07:00

Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God's people, Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil.
~ Psalm 97:11

One of the coolest things I've ever seen is the beginnings of a lawn. When we lived in Port Orchard 10 years ago, we got the keys to our brand new house. A house that we helped build--invested our blood, sweat and tears into that house. Yet, with a new house came no grass.

Part of the deal was we laid out the topsoil over some pretty rocky soil. This was included in the final price along with the initial spraying of seed and fertilizer on top of the newly spread out soil. After the first day we had no grass. I know, grass doesn't grow after the first day but here we were with a "green" front yard but no grass.

Over the next week we started to see the beginnings of little blades of grass. Again, I needed a magnifying glass but the grass was there! By the third week we had a full fledged lawn daycare--little baby blades of grass. But then doubt set in.

The grass seemed to hit a plateau. Was it not getting enough water? Did it need more fertilizer? Where the dang birds eating up the seedlings? I was concerned for the grass and thought it would never grow. But it did. It grew into one of the nicest lawns in our neighborhood.

You see, when it comes to joy in the Lord it takes time. In my experiences I have been "filled" with the Holy Spirit only to realize the seed was planted, but I didn't have the patience to nurture and let that faith grow. My heart was not good soil and I quickly would stray away. It wasn't until my life topsoil was almost completely
sucked dry of nutrients before God showed me how to tend to and nurture those joy-seeds.

I may have my days where I struggled to tend my joy garden. But God has shown me to have patience, feed my soul with His goodness and allow the Holy Spirit to continue to grow my faith. There will be a day when my joy seeds will become one of the nicest faith gardens ever.

God Won't Give Up On This Sinner Who Seeks Him Daily

2011-03-25T23:17:00.000-07:00

I love those who love me; those who look for me find me.

~ Proverbs 8:17

I had some time today to think about this verse. Actually, I had all day. I sneaked a peak at the verse this morning as I was thinking about what I should share today on my blog. Then it hit me; why must I always sin after I experience a victory with God. Two words: The Enemy.

You see, lately I’ve been experiencing spiritual successes and spiritual failures. Almost like a ying-yang picture in my life. I get on track, I seek God and I find Him. I’m climbing the mountain to pursue out and reach God and then it happens—sin avalanche.

Now when I say a sin avalanche I don’t mean I just went ape-nuts crazy sinning. How does an avalanche start? Usually all it takes is something small that have it all come crashing down. In my case it can be a website I go to, or a movie I watch, or my attitude and language at work or even my reaction to those who are in need. The greatest thing The Enemy can do is get just a sliver of sin to creep into my life, and before I know it the sin has happened and I’m back to square one.

This pattern seems to be set on repeat in my life. It can be extremely frustrating at times. I will find myself questioning my faith and my love for God. If God love those who love Him, and my sin is obviously not an act of love towards God, does that mean He obviously doesn’t love me? My mind and The Enemy are pounding YES into my head. God says otherwise.

I’m a sinner. A sinner. I try to be a good person, but I fail. It’s human nature. I am not perfect and I will sin. No matter how hard “I” try, I will sin. Period. Yet, I know that God will always love me—“those who look for Me find Me.” I am constantly looking for God. Even when I’m sinning, there is a part of me crying out to God for help and strength to fight the urge to sin. I don’t always consciously know this, but I know my spirit is crying out to God. How do I know? Because after I have sinned, I am sad. Sad that I have just let myself down, but more importantly I have let my Father down.

However, God’s love is stronger than the chains of sin. The Enemy might win a battle when it comes to sin in my life, but I am encouraged by the fact that Jesus has already won the war. His death and resurrection give me hope that although I stumble and fall, Christ is right there to reach His nail scarred hands to pick me back up.

The love of this father for his kids is strong. If my children disappoint me, that doesn’t mean I love them any less. I know they messed up, they know they messed up; we deal with it and move forward. That’s exactly what God requires of me and that’s one reason why I go to confession. God uses the priest to deal with my sins, forgive me and we move forward together. A God that gives me the sacrament of confession is a God who loves me enough to not give up on me—no matter how many times I need to be picked back up again.

My Brain is a Special Place...HEY Look, a Squirrel!

2011-03-24T23:30:00.000-07:00

Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.

~ James 1:23-4

I find as I get older I’m slowly starting to forget things. I’ll walk into a room and two seconds later have no idea why I went there in the first place! If I’m writing a term paper for school I’ll get stuck on words like “would” or “wood” or drift off into Never-never Land when I am reading something and forget what I just read one page earlier.

Getting old sucks. But it doesn’t have to. One area of my life that I am continually trying to exercise is my “remembering gene”…and it’s not easy. With so much going on in the world today it is easy to input information, be intrigued and then do a data dump not long after. Think about it. How many people can remember what their kid said to them this morning before they went off to school? Unless it was some “flashy” information, I’m sure they forgot it as the kid walked out the door. It’s understandable.

Information overload can drown out almost any message. If I allow that to happen, I will miss what God has to say to me about my life.

Yet, the most important aspect in my life is not only to hear God’s message, but to live it. The problem is I am that person at Sunday morning mass who looks in the mirror, walks away and two minutes later forgets what they look like. I remember going to a different parish four weeks ago. A visiting priest gave the homily and I was moved by the message. I distinctly remember telling my inner dumb-dumb, “This is good stuff! Don’t forget what he’s saying!!”

Yep. I have already forgotten it.

The point here isn’t so much to have a steel trap mind, but to LIVE God’s message. I may have forgotten the particulars of the priest’s words, but I am actively trying to live out the spirit of the message. Heck, I’m almost 99% sure that’s why I’m writing these blog posts for Lent…God’s message was to step out of my comfort zone and make a sacrifice to show how thankful I am for what Jesus did on the cross for me.

My challenge is this, for however many more years God blesses me to live on this planet I must absorb God’s message and live it daily. For it is this that will help me to remember that the man I see in the mirror is a sinner who is saved by the grace of God. A man who is loved by his Father.

He Has 99, But I Was That One

2011-03-23T21:42:00.000-07:00

"Look at it this way. If someone has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders off, doesn't he leave the ninety-nine and go after the one?

~ Matthew 18:12

The bible is filled with so many good stories and analogies about how much God loves us. I have always loved this verse. To picture a shepherd who would head out to look for one sheep while the other ninety-nine are grazing back on the ranch is quite a sight to imagine.

Heck, when I lose the remote control I will cross barren wastelands (the kid’s rooms) and treacherous caverns (the couch cushions) to find it. That is some serious passion! Of course, during this adventure I’ll walk past the television four or five times where I could have easily turned it on.

But in all seriousness the kind of love God has for me is so much stronger than that of a remote control. Although He has “ninety-nine” others, He will search high and low to find me and bring me back home. I think back to the past four years living in Puyallup. I swear I believe I tried my hardest to be lost. How silly is the idea that I could be lost or hide from God?

Thankfully he searched and searched and was faithful. He never gave up on me and eventually brought me back towards home. I know how hard I would search to look for my child; to think God has that kind of love for me is simply awesome.

Only God Could Use a Bible Geek to Reach Me

2011-03-22T23:34:00.000-07:00

Like a shepherd, he will care for his flock, gathering the lambs in his arms, Hugging them as he carries them, leading the nursing ewes to good pasture.

~ Isaiah 40:11, The Message

Baby Jesus pose.

Since I technically became a Catholic in 2007, I have often complained to my wife about how the church is kind of boring. Don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate the meaning and reverence of the mass. Once I understood what every little thing meant, I embraced the mass. But what about “fun”? At least when we went to protestant churches we could count on being “entertained” while worshiping the Lord.

So my wife did a little research—without my knowing. She ran across this young man who was a leader in the Catholic media realm. He happened to work with an extremely knowledgeable man, Jeff Cavins, to produce these things called Life Teen studies. She asked me if she could buy this “for the kids” and after the initial shock of $100 for the set I said sure—happy wife, happy life…right?

God works in mysterious ways.

After we received the DVDs, we sat on the study for about two weeks before I caved in and agreed to finally do it “for the kids”. After the first video I was hooked. You see, I still consider myself a very young Christian in my faith. I know some people look up to me and that’s very humbling, but I realize my limitations and sins. The best I can do is try to live more like Christ every day.

If you read yesterday’s blog, then you’ll know this was the man who challenged me through the television. His name is Mark Hart, or better known as the Bible Geek. He reminds me of a few youth leaders I have had the privilege to know—Jeff Costello and Kevin Alexander. This guy had charisma, smarts and funny as all heck. If I could emulate a youth leader, it would be this guy.

We finished the Life Teen series and come to find out he’s an author and has a weekly podcast that focuses on the readings for Sunday mass. Because of this man, our family now will read the Sunday mass readings before we leave the house. Then on our way to church we will listen to Mark’s six or seven minute podcast that digs just a little bit deeper into the mass readings. By the time we get to mass we actually look forward to the readings and the priest’s homily.

Amazing. Amazing how a man who produces these videos and books “for the kids” was able to reach out to me when I needed God most.

A year ago I couldn’t have cared less about church. Six months ago I couldn’t have cared less about the mass. But because God cared enough to gather me into his arms and lead me towards good pasture I am filled every Sunday with the goodness of the mass. And because good ol’ dad has finally “grown up”, my kids are starting to believe that there’s more to going to church than being bored…there’s living water ready for the nourishment of their young souls. That in itself is the greatest blessing of all.

My Confession -- I Had a Date With Forgiveness

2011-03-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

I've thrown myself headlong into your arms-I'm celebrating your rescue. I'm singing at the top of my lungs, I'm so full of answered prayers.

~ Psalm 13:5-6, The Message

It was last September that I finally came to the realization that I wanted to be a part of the Catholic Church for real. I was watching a program with my family about going through the bible in a systematic fashion that made sense. During one of the programs the speaker basically called me out on the carpet—I know, he was in the TV but nonetheless he was talking to me. Was I going to continue to run from my past or finally face it and be set free?

Later that night as I sat alone on the couch, I began to sob. I was finally ready to give it all to God. I was finally ready to come clean. So I began to search for a church in the area that provided daily reconciliation (confession). The closest? Seattle. I thought to myself how the heck I was going to get up there without raising suspicions with my wife. At this point I was more afraid of what I’d have to tell her than I was of God. I was ashamed.

The next day I dropped my daughter off at school, went to the YMCA to work out and then hustled up to Seattle. I had an appointment with my Father. As I was working my way up there it seemed like everyone driving around me was making stupid decisions—the kind that might force me to get into a fender bender. Then as I got into the city I seemed to find every red light and traffic jam. The Enemy knew I had a date with forgiveness.

I made it to the church with 30 minutes to spare. Of course there were about four or five people in front of me. This gave me “plenty” of time to think about what I was doing. Yet I knew this was where I needed to be, this was where I wanted to be. I knew without a doubt that I was going to tell the priest EVERYTHING in my past. I was scared.

As my turn came up I nervously went into the confessional and began. As I shared with the priest my sins, I started to wep. I was really telling him all the evils in my past. I was finally letting all this crap go. I was being set free. The priest listened, gave some words of encouragement and told me to say three Hail Marys before I left the church.

What a feeling! I kid you not, it literally felt like a 500 lbs gorilla had been removed from my back. I finally understood what it was like to truly go to confession. God works through the priest. The priest becomes the voice of God by teaching, comforting and verbally telling me that my sins are gone. It’s one thing to believe your sins are gone; it’s another to hear the voice of God TELL you your sins are gone.

The rest of the day was amazing. All I remember is driving around with this new spirit of hope and faith in the Creator. I shared with my wife what I had done and asked for her forgiveness as well. If you asked her today, my decision to finally let go and let God on that early autumn afternoon has been an answer to years of faithful, on her knees prayer. That day, God gave her back the husband she had prayed for.

With Faith and Love Firmly Rooted, Jesus Freaks Have Blossomed

2011-03-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It's as sound as the day you first heard it from me.

~ 1 Timothy 1:13, The Message

Too many times before I have been on fire for God only to have something trivial trip up my walk and I foolishly fall away.

People I meet today probably have no idea that I was a youth group leader in my church years ago. We were the Jesus Freaks without a doubt. We worshipped loudly. We proclaimed boldly. We loved each other. It still warms my heart to know the small seeds I've planted in God's kingdom have blossomed into lovers of Christ. A few of these seeds have gone off to flourish 10x more in their faith than I have.

Two years after I became part of the youth group, I left to pursue the false promises of this world. I disguised them up as "God focused" endeavors but they were really Rory focused failures. Instead of keeping at God's work I chased after money and status.

My roots had deteriorated to the point that life storms came and easily blew me over. It wasn't until last year that the Lord picked me up at my lowest point and began anew to repair my faith and fertilize my hope in Christ's promise of salvation...and love.

To see how far my seeds have come since those early youth group days fills my heart with joy. These wonderful people of God have taken heed to 1 Timothy 1:13 and know that the seeds they are now planting will produce a new generation of Jesus Freaks and I have no doubt they'll be firmly grounded in the love of Christ.

Holding to Her Convictions...With Love

2011-03-19T23:59:00.000-07:00

Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, and love without stopping.

~ 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

It’s been quite a week for the two heads of the Pitts family. Earlier this week we got into a deep, and sometimes heated, discussion about abortion with friends and family on facebook. Now before you say what a silly forum to discuss this hot topic, I get it. But hey, it happened and so we all kind of just rolled with it.

The one person sharing an opposing point of view is a very smart person—book smart, life smart, history smart. A very smart person. So smart that their answers were long drawn out dissertations that in the academic field probably would drip of pour gold to the intellectual mind. To this little Catholic still finding his place in this world—they were mind numbing.

What I concluded from their argument was that sometimes people can let their heads get in the way of their hearts—and in fairness vice versa. Yet, aside from the whirlwind of words from this person I learned something great about my wife—her strength to hold on to her convictions.

In my wife’s last reply she laid out her argument as to why she believes abortion to be morally wrong. Using the Catechism of the Catholic Church, she was able to structure her argument with love but with a strong resolution to her unwavering beliefs in the teachings of the church. To my eyes, she had laid out a very strong thesis for why all abortions are wrong.

There is no doubt in my mind that she added another jewel to her crown in heaven. I know that it was the Holy Spirit inside of her that enabled such a beautiful account of her beliefs to such a very divisive topic. Like Jesus, she shared this not in hate or anger but in love.

It's True, God Really Loves Me

2011-03-18T23:29:00.000-07:00

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

~ Romans 8:38-9

What a great promise of hope it is to read these beautiful words of faith. Today’s verse definitely plays into yesterday’s blog about faith. The story of Paul is a remarkable one. Here was a man who hated Christians—so much so that he would encourage the killing of them. Paul was a devote Jew who believed the followers of “the way” needed to be stopped from spreading the Gospel of Christ, even to the point of death.

It wasn’t until that fateful day on the road to Damascus that Paul was blinded and was able to see clearer than he ever had before. Jesus changed his life that day and from that point, Paul put his undying faith into the message and the hope of Christ.

For me, this passage brings me comfort—more spiritual than physical. Often times I wonder if this is all for real. What if people who mock my beliefs are right and it’s all a fairy tale? The evidence against Christianity is boundless, yet filled with more holes than the Gospel. How is it that this message hasn’t change in over 2,000 years? It would talk lies the likes of which this planet has never seen to make this up and keep it together for so long.

Smarter people than me would argue that the bible isn’t true—man wrote it so it’s flawed. I can’t deny men have done flawed or even bad things while proclaiming Christ. But I don’t believe that to be true with God’s Word. The Holy Scriptures share a message of peace, hope and love and all that is required of me is to have the faith and belief that God died so that I may live.

The very idea that NOTHING can separate me from the love of God is overwhelming. The God of the universe tells me that nothing will keep us apart. This brings me happiness.

George Michael Preaching God's Message? WTF?!

2011-03-17T20:07:00.000-07:00

Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word.

~ Hebrews 10:23

I was having a conversation with another Christian some time ago and we started talking about how you must preach the word of God in order to win a debate. I countered with my belief that if someone doesn’t put an ounce of trust into the bible, they will not understand and will discredit the argument based off of uncommon acceptance of the bible.

You see, just like that noble wordsmith from the 1980s George Michael…you gotta have faith.

Faith is something you can and cannot prove at the same time, depending on who you are talking to. No matter how hard I try, I cannot prove without a shadow of a doubt that Jesus existed and that God is the creator of the universe. I simple can’t.

However, I can see the effects of what godly people do to help the homeless, the sick, the battered, and the forsaken. I can see the wonders of this world—beautiful NW sunsets in the summer time. I can witness the birth of my children. I can see all these things and know in my heart there is something bigger at work here than myself.

I must have faith in God. I have to believe that He sent his son to die on the cross for my sins. Without faith in a bigger purpose—God’s purpose—I am merely floating through life aimlessly. It is a faith I hold on to dearly. I can’t prove my faith to you, but I can show you what has happened in my life because of my faith and attest to the Lord keeping his word.

I Will Stand My Ground, I Won't Hold Back

2011-03-16T22:33:00.000-07:00

With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.

~ 1 Corinthians 15:58

What a most appropriate verse to focus on today. The reason I say this is that earlier tonight I got into a sensitive discussion about abortion. Though I will not fill this blog post up with my position, I will point out that I unequivocally do not support contraceptive abortions—also called convenience abortions. To me this particular aspect of the abortion debate is black and white.

Funny thing was tonight I discovered how passionate I really am for this specific part of the abortion debate.

It all started with a YouTube video my wife posted on facebook. I thought to myself how brave she was to enter the lion’s den. I assumed I would sit back and watch the show. However, God had different plans for me. Within 15 minutes, I posted a video on my page…let the debate begin.

I missed the middle part of the debate as my daughter had youth group tonight. But when I got home, I decided to address all the points brought up throughout the night. I began to type. The words coming out on the screen were inspired by the Holy Spirit. I brought forth my argument with understanding, perspective and most of all I stood my ground.

By not holding back and throwing myself into my work for God, I know He was pleased. When I finished I knew that it was God who brought the message out of me. If God is at work, there is no way my time or effort was wasted.

Will I change ideas or opinions with my argument? Maybe, maybe not. But here’s what I know—I shared my beliefs and stood my ground for the Master.

Today, He stood by me.

Thank you Jesus for giving me the conviction to do the work in your name.

Putting My Trust in God...and Not My Paranoia

2011-03-15T21:53:00.000-07:00

They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.

~ Psalms 112:7, NLT

Ever since my mom passed away over 8 years ago I have been a basket case when it comes to cancer. She fell victim to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I regrettably never really talked to her about how she came about knowing she had cancer. So I basically imagine every pain, ill or random bump on my body is cancer and I’m going to die. I fear the bad news of getting cancer yet I don’t put my trust in God to live in the present.

Think about how ridiculous this is—just ask my sister, she’ll agree. I focus more on what doctors have said time and time again about what I don’t have. I mentioned my mom has been gone for over 8 years. In those 8 years the Lord gave me time to eat better, become more active, do the things necessary to dynamically avoid being another statistic. Yet, I have not. I have put my trust in laziness and fear.

The enemy takes delight in distracting me from trusting the Lord to care for me. Funny thing is, the Lord HAS cared for me. Unfortunately, my focus has been on the past and not on the blessings of the present. For example:

· I ran a 3.8 mile St. Patrick’s Day Dash in Seattle on Sunday—my body is healthy enough for that.

· My middle girl loves to hang out with dad—amazing blessing from such a beautiful heart.

· My autistic child is thriving in a regular kindergarten class and received a citizenship award today—a milestone for this boy.

· My littlest girl continues to grow and her own pace—being diagnosed with failure to thrive hasn’t stopped her from having fun.

· My oldest boy is very kind to everyone who crosses his path—kids want to be around him because he is his own person and not a copy-cat wannabe.

· My oldest daughter is blossoming into a fine performing artist—her stories entrance me and her stage presence is electrifying.

· My wife received her full childcare license in the mail today—her hard work and faithfulness to trust in God made this happen.

It is this realization of the blessings of my life that I need to trust in the Lord and that what storms may come, He will care for me.

There is a passage from the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 6 that has been penetrating my heart as of late:

26 Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds. 27 “Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? 28 All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, 29 but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. 30 “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? 31 What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.

The Father takes care of the least of these things, how much more will He take care of His children. I desire to no longer fear, but trust that God will take care of my needs—just like he faithfully has for over 35 years.

Come Back to Me, I Love You

2011-03-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

I’m ready, God, so ready, ready from head to toe, ready to sing, ready to raise a tune!

~Psalm 57:7

This is my heart’s desire.

With so many distractions in the normal busyness of life, I forget this is my heart’s desire. Praising the Lord comes somewhere between finishing my homework, paying the bills and Sunday. And even on Sundays I’m too caught up in this life to genuinely give the Creator of the universe my devotion for one hour.

It’s not that I can’t. Long ago are the days of living ardently for God—to my ol’ youth group homies, a Jesus Freak. Somewhere along the way I told God I’ll praise Him when I want to. Then it became: Why Should I? “I hate my job. I lost my mom. I can’t pay the bills. I’m too lazy to pray. I don’t want to read the bible. I’m a sinner.”

I’m a sinner.

Does God need my praise? Of course not. Does He desire to hear my voice in gratitude and thankfulness for all the blessings in my life? Absolutely. He is a loving Father—and I get that. I know how much it would break my heart if any of my kids ran away from me. I would continually desire to be with them. If they came back to me would I love them? More than words could describe. That’s what God is saying to me on a daily basis. Come back to me, I love you.

I should begin each morning with a spirit of praise. Praise Him for my life. Praise Him for my family. Praise Him for my friends. Praise Him for my health. But most of all, Praise Him that He sent His son to Earth to die…..so that I may live forever in heaven with my loving Father.

Honest Relationships is the Lord's Desire

2011-03-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales, but he delights in
accurate weights.
~ Proverbs 11:1, NLT

No, the bible is not talking about my struggles with losing weight.
Though sometimes I wish the scales would lie to me and tell me I'm
losing weight. :-)

Simple enough to comprehend on the surface—God desires justice.
This idea goes deeper than what I might think is fair or not. The Lord
desires justice in all of my dealings. There is that chance that I
might make a mistake; the point is that I deal with others in an
honest and honorable way.

When I try to take advantage of others wether it be in business,
friendship or family the Lord hates that. Eventually, as they say,
I'll get what's coming to me. No matter what I do, God wins. All that
matters is that I'm on God's side of justice and righteousness.

Grandma Pitts - A Wise and Kind Person

2011-03-12T21:05:00.000-08:00

A wise person gets known for insight; gracious words add to one’s reputation.

~ Proverbs 16:21

This is the first bible passage I’ve run into while doing my daily Lent blog that has stumped me. I could write the typical stuff that everyone already knows—I mean the verse alone fills in all the gaps of any pearls of wisdom I might accidently stumble upon. Yet, as I ponder a deeper meaning I think about my 85 year old grandma.

The matriarch of the Pitts family, my grandmother is one of the kindest women I have ever known. I truly believe she doesn’t have one mean bone in her body. Ever since I was a kid, my grandma has always been loving, kind and never once included in a conversation gossip or slander about someone else. Heck, I remember times when I would try to get her opinion about someone or something and she would always take a neutral position.

Don’t get me wrong, she loves her kids, grandkids and great grandkids more than anyone could possibly imagine. However, if she has favorites none of us know who they are. She is the one woman who could keep the peace in our family and make it look effortless.

I could learn a thing or two from my grandma. She is a wise woman who understands family is more important than anything else. Now only if the rest of us would follow in her footsteps.

God in the Real World

2011-03-11T23:59:00.000-08:00

You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

~ Matthew 5:8, The Message

I’m jealous of my wife.

I’m sure that’s not a biblical statement, but it’s true. Kristy has undergone a radical transformation over the last couple of years since becoming a Catholic. It’s not that she didn’t take her faith serious before, but it seems like she has found the right password to God’s wi-fi connection. It’s truly a blessing for our family.

When I read this bible passage my first thought was how great that must feel to have your inside world set straight and be able to see God in the outside world. Then I realized that person is living under the same roof as me.

This is a constant struggle for me…even before I became a Catholic. For quite some time I’ve be torn between the world and all its false promises and the spiritual-world filled with eternal treasures. I desire to find that same peace my wife has with her inside world so I too can see God in the real world.

Blessings When I Stay on God's Path

2011-03-10T22:24:00.000-08:00

You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.

~ Psalm 119:1, The Message

Whenever I go through a stretch where it seems like God’s outpouring of love is abundant, I typically notice that I’m doing what God calls me to do. Pray, donate clothes or money to those in need, going to church, keeping my focus on Him and not me—these are the times when I feel like I’m doing God’s work and He’s walking beside me.

However, I am a sinner.

I will once and a while dance next to the line of sin thinking “I’m filled with the Holy Spirit, there’s no way I’ll stumble.” It’s usually at this point that I picture God doing a *facepalm*.

You see, I allow myself to get off course. I will then find my walk to be shaky and at times down right depressing. Who’s to blame? Certainly it isn’t God…He’s still on the path. And that’s where God’s mercy is best put on display. God is still on the path, with His arms outstretched calling me back. What a beautiful image of the Lord calling His child back to Him.

There’s a prayer I usually pray to God daily. It’s a simple prayer because, well…..I’m a simple man. “God, please don’t give up on me.” Thank God He never will.

Rory has shared a Huffington Post article with you

2011-03-10T12:15:00.001-08:00

Why Evangelicals Hate Jesus
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/phil-zuckerman/why-evangelicals-hate-jes_b_830237.html
- sent by Rory

My Private Witness May Be More Important Than My Public

2011-03-09T18:01:00.000-08:00

When a man walks in integrity and justice,

happy are his children after him!

~ Proverbs 20:7, NAB

I love the book of Proverbs. It seems as though you can find any life-giving piece of advice in there. Through my struggles with my faith over the last couple of years, my kids have been watching me. How I have been working through it and relying on God’s mercy for help will either imprint a positive or negative image on their minds.

Though we focus on our public witness to others, there is nothing stronger than the witness you display for our kids.

In those moments where I want to do what’s best for me, it’s important to realize that there is much more involved in a rash or carefully thought out decision. Can my kids be proud of me for doing the right thing? Would they remember how I dealt with an issue? Could I expect them to make right choices?

With my private witness, I must prepare my children to be God-fearing, productive members of society—people who will choose the narrow road, not because it’s easy, but because it’s the right thing to do. If I rely on God for guidance and support, I will have done my part to prepare my kids for a righteous future.

40 Days Towards a Better Understanding of God

2011-03-08T23:06:00.000-08:00

In short, Lent is a 40 day period between Ash Wednesday and the Saturday before Easter. This tradition excludes Sundays from the 40 days because they are set aside to commemorate the Lord's Resurrection. In the Catholic Church we officially end Lent on Holy Thursday in preparation for Good Friday, Good Saturday and Easter Sunday.

Lent means something different to everyone. For me it's a time of self-sacrifice, reflection, obedience and down right spiritual spring cleaning. Lent is a time to give more of myself to God and at the same time learn how to be more faithful to the teachings of Christ. This doesn't mean I shouldn't do this the other 325 days of the year--God knows I should. It simply means that during this period when I'm "sacrificing & suffering" like Christ, I need to draw closer to him. I need to empty myself out.....so I can allow Christ to fill me up.

So for Lent I have decided to forgo drinking coffee and soda. These are both vices of mine that I will eliminate from my life for the next six weeks. I see this as relying on the comfort of Christ instead of running to a comfort drink. I will also post a quick daily blog based off of the scripture readings I receive in my email inbox from Air1 Radio. Nothing deep, just a short reflection on what I take away from the reading.

In the end, I expect to come away from this Lent season a little more mature in my faith and a lot more understanding of what it takes to truly follow Christ.

My Online Social Life Needed a Break

2011-03-03T00:42:00.000-08:00

I walked away from facebook on February 3rd. I came back March 3rd. Why?

The short answer? I needed a break.

You see, facebook became what Mark Zuckerberg would call my "social life online". Although this is a remarkable breakthrough in communication over the past 7 years, this is also a dangerous way to live your life. I started to be more concerned with my virtual life and not so much with my real life. Facebook became my drug of choice to get away from the sometimes pains of real life.

So I challenged myself. Could I resist not posting on facebook?

It started off as just a couple of days. My first challenge was not posting about the Daddy Daughter Dance. This was tough, but I did it. Then came the Superbowl--my first "blowing off steam" event. Not one mention. However, to be honest I did use twitter during this time. Apparently I still have to share my opinion with anyone who will read it. LOL! And the last hurdle? Not mentioning one damn thing about the Cougars win over the Huskies AT Hec Ed. That's when I knew I beat facebook at it's own game.

During that month's time I learned some things about facebook and the community of individuals that use it. We all post some really dumb things. Although I boycotted posting, I still watched and learned about how we communicate on there. Some of you understand what took me a month to learn. Others of you don't get it yet. This is by no means a judgement on anyone, merely an observation.

What I learned is this:

I am not as important as I think I am and at the same time I am more important than I realize.

A few of you were thoughtful enough to post encouraging, yet words of concern about me and my well being. You do not know how tough it was to ignore you and not respond. Just remember your kindness won't be forgotten. May God bless you. :-)

So what does this all mean?

I have changed for the better. As I come back to facebook I see myself a little more mature in my thoughts and actions.....however, let not your heart be troubled.....not too mature. ;-)

Had a "Dumb" Coffee-filled Weekend with My Oldest

2011-02-28T00:23:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I had the chance to spend some time with my oldest daughter. When I got off work I picked her up and took her out to dinner and a movie. We grabbed some good grub from Qdoba and then went and saw I Am Number 4. She was a little hesitant at first to see it based off her blasé reaction to the trailer. But I told her this movie would be right up her alley--supernatural teens and a love story. Again, dad knew what he was talking about--she liked it. ;-)

We then walked over to Cold Stone and enjoyed some ice cream. Who cared if the weather was less than 30 degrees outside?

We didn't end the evening there. What happened next is one of those moments that I had so longed to share with my kids when they got to a certain age: we watched Dumb and Dumber. I could tell by her laughter that she loved it. Stupid senseless humor and most importantly we shared the moment.

Then I introduced her to something she'll probably experience in a couple of years with her friends: 4th meal. We made an 11:30 pm run to Sonic for some midnight yummies. It was a great night.

The following day we woke up at 11 am and decided to spend the day in Seattle around the Greenlake area. Over the past summer I took numerous trips up there just to enjoy the day and we even took the family up there 2 days in a row during a hot summer weekend for some awesome swimming. Needless to say we added more memories.

She chose to get pizza for lunch so we ate at Zeeks Pizza. That is some pretty good pizza! After we plowed through a medium meatlovers I had a coupon for a free drink from Peet's Coffee so we walked over to the other side of the lake. When we got to Peet's, the lady at the register told me to hold on to my coupon and use it again another day! Free drink, woohoo! It was a bright and sunny day with quite the side wind. It was so cold out that I ordered an extra hot mocha--by the time we crossed the street and got back onto the walk path it was just a warm mocha!

Feeling a little guilty for some of my sins in the past month, I decided to head over to St. James Cathedral for a some confession. I used this new iPhone app called Confession. I love this app even though I had AT LEAST 20 things I wanted to talk to the priest about! Guess I should be a good boy or go to confession more often! LOL!!!

Afterwards we went up to Capital Hill and we grabbed some more coffee at the Peet's on Broadway--Free drink, Part Deux...so I thought. I did get my free drink, but this barista took my free coupon. Oh well, can't complain; free coffee all-day!

Once we had coffee and tea in hand we walked over to Twice Told Tales. I had been here before and knew my daughter would love this place. I finally had the chance to show her the bookstore. Talk about a kid in a candy store--she loved the place! Books everywhere and at least 4 cats roaming around looking for attention. We both grabbed a couple of books and even got an early birthday book for my wife.

I then had the crazy idea of heading over to Bellevue Square just for more fun together. We spent time in the new Microsoft Store and just roamed around the mall people watching (should be an Olympic sport!). We grabbed some dinner from Chipotle and then worked our way back home through DT Seattle.

This has to be by far the most fun I have had with Jessi. She always brightens up my day and I'm so thankful that God has blessed me with this beautiful child. I look forward to many more fun adventures together. :'-)

Happy Day for a Sad Uncle

2011-02-22T11:50:00.000-08:00

I found out today that my sister who I haven’t had contact with in over 7 years has just given birth to a baby boy. Even though I am very happy for her with this being her first child, I find myself filled with sadness that I’m not part of her life.

I could go into detail about why we haven’t had communication, but it’s not important. Today is her day, her baby boy is healthy and the world is a better place because of it. May God bless her child and bring them both health and happiness in the days, weeks, months and years to come.

Congratulations Dani and Brandon!

Motivation, I've got it.

2011-02-15T23:47:00.000-08:00

Facebook Oversimplifies Life

2011-02-11T23:58:00.000-08:00

To avoid depression and despair, stop stalking your acquaintances. Instead use a phone call to connect with friends.

Justin Rastelli
THE DAILY EVERGREEN

*Poke* New notification! Your friend just posted a status, “OMG Mr. Mittens just sneezed!” Meanwhile, another moment of your life slips away. Facebook has successfully reduced our entire existence into a few short, semi-witty sentences. These mind-numbing status updates, coupled with a recent study suggesting Facebook may actually cause unhappiness in people, suggests now is the time to cut back on our usage.

A recent study from Stanford University found that being an active member of Facebook results in lower levels of happiness for the user. The study determined members of the site overestimated how happy their friends actually were, causing them to believe their lives paled in comparison. Thus, individuals experienced more feelings of loneliness and depression. Perhaps this is why there are so many heads hung low while walking across the mall.

The site designed to bring people together and create a community is in fact driving people apart. It removed the socialization from socializing. No longer do you require interaction with a friend to learn about their lives. Instead, you simply read the highlight reel that is a Facebook wall.

Facebook, in less than a decade, has also successfully replaced the term “acquaintance” with “friend.” I hate that I have to be the one to tell you this, but you do not actually have 500-plus friends. More accurately, your “friends” are a group of people you do not talk with but instead watch. One of these “friends” is probably looking at your photos right now. In all likelihood, they are judging you and those extra pounds you gained since high school — comparing their life to yours in the hopes of feeling better if only for that split second.

The amount of time spent creating a single status about that silly thing Mr. Mittens just did may seem negligible. Over time though each status update, page browsing and photo creeping adds up. Each refresh is another moment of delayed and wasted potential.

I challenge everyone to go an entire week without poking, notifying, tagging or even logging into Facebook. A whopping seven whole days spent calling up and making plans with friends instead of watching them. Go on an adventure, create something or learn a new talent. Use this week to call up that certain someone you have been watching for a while now.

If going without your profile is too much, you can always stand on a corner with pictures of yourself and a page-long biography, all while shouting every inane thought that pops into your head.

To be fair, there are few tools more effective at organizing events and people than Facebook, and the birthday notification system is a great way to know your friends have not passed away yet.

Conveniently enough, these tools already exist. It is probably sitting in your pocket in silent mode lest that incoming text disturb those around you. Here is a crazy idea, when you want to hang out with friends, try calling them. Of course, you could always just send them a text message if you have forgotten how to talk on the phone.

The greatest social networking site ever to be created has started to cause more harm than good. It is no longer a means to connect with friends. It has become an excuse to sequester us away so we can avoid reality. In the end, it is actually causing us to feel more disconnected from our friends and family. It is time to log off Facebook and go experience life in its true form. I can almost guarantee you will be happier for it.

Justin is offline.

Who the Frick Ripped Holes in My Parachute?!

2011-02-11T00:05:00.000-08:00

It's been over two months now since I started my new career in IT. I find myself learning something new everyday and that's what motivates me to get up every morning. I can tell you it's not because of the entry-entry-level pay, it's because I love computers. This is definitely the field I want to be in. This is the career I've been looking for.

However, making this transition from my old career in sales where I made $$$ but hated everyday of work to a beginning position in IT has been a financial earthquake for us. I am much happier, but now I'm making the same amount of scratch that I made 11 years ago! Thank God my wife has a part-time/small business that helps fill in some of the cracks. I know I am not alone. I had a chance to talk to two of my good friends yesterday...one on the phone, the other through email. Seems almost everyone is still smarting from an economy that has tanked and is SLOWLY working it's way back to health.

Of course I'm not an oil baron or professional athlete or movie star so I'm still working through this economy just like everyone else. But mark my words, if I win the mother-effing lottery tomorrow....I promise you I will never work another day in my life! Until then, I'll focus on living a fuller life with less Benjamins in my pocket.

Facebook - This is How You Should View My Life

2011-02-09T23:58:00.000-08:00

It's been 7 days since I last posted a status update on facebook. I have to admit I have sneaked a peak on there at least once a day. I've even posted a link to two of my blog postings on there. I am amazed (and I don't know why) that I only received one "thumbs up" for my post about my daughters. One.

For the life of me I don't know why this effected me so much. You see, for the last two years I've been on facebook daily. Multiple times. I've been the funny guy, and the serious guy. I've been the cheerleader and the bitcher. I've been the religious man and the wild man. But most of all I felt like I was part of the group.

This past week opened my eyes to what facebook really is...a forum for how we wish others view our lives.

Again, I am not bashing facebook. I think it's pretty obvious it has changed our lives, some for the good and others for the not-so-good. My point is this: in order to coexist with facebook and others in your "network", don't take yourself so seriously.

You are not as important as you think you are. Yet, you are very important to quite a few people. Some people get an extra hop in their step when you brighten their day with a funny or encouraging post. Did you post something because of your ego? Or did you post something to make someone's day? Only you can answer that.

But remember just like Spider-Man, "with great power comes great responsibility".

You also need to realize that not everyone cares if you "can't wait to get your drink on" or you "just ate the world's greatest piece of cake" or your kid "just crapped their pants for the first time". And that's OK too. Just don't become so wrapped up in your life to think it's more important than everyone else's.

The last time I took a break from facebook it was out of anger. This time it was out of the depths of my sanity. I will come away from this exercise a little more centered about what really matters to me in my life and what is just entertainment.

A father's love blooms into a priceless tradition

2011-02-05T22:58:00.000-08:00

What started off as a fun little thing to do with my daughter on a cold February day has turned into one of the greatest traditions our family has. Tonight I attended my 9th Daddy / Daughter Dance and couldn't believe how far we've come as a family since that very first event all the way back in 2003.

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

When all is said and done in my life I'll know the greatest thing I've ever accomplished is giving my children a father who loves them and to make my future son-in-law's earn the right to be with my girls. You better believe I've set a high standard for those men. :-)

The Steelers are still from Crapsburgh

2011-02-05T00:15:00.000-08:00

I hate the Steelers.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I really hope Aaron Rogers explodes all over that Steeler defense on Sunday in Superbowl XLV. There's really two parts to this hatred. The first is quite obvious for those of us who live in the Pacific Northwest: Superbowl XL, or as I like to call it the "Raping of the Seahawks in Detroit". Speaking of rape, looks like our boy Ben is partying it up just before the big game.....

But enough about sour grapes served by the ass clown refs on that horrible February day back in 2006. Let's talk about the other reason I hate the Steelers...their legacy and more importantly their fans. Is there a more irritating group of people? Maybe Yankees fans but really both groups should be dropped off in the middle of Cairo with signs that say they support the soon to be removed president.

Yeah, the Steelers are an incredible franchise with a winning history. But listen to me: I DON'T CARE! I will forever be bitter about the first reason. I couldn't care less if Rapistberger wins 5 more Superbowls, I will always hate the STEALERS.

But hey, at least I don't have to live in Crapsburgh next to this douche waffle.....

7 Years of Facebook: A Retrospective

2011-02-04T15:18:00.000-08:00

7 Years of Facebook: A Retrospective

I find it a little humorous that I make a big stink about cutting back on facebook yesterday and I post a link to a retrospective on facebook over the last 7 years.

Goodnight Mr. Zuckerberg

2011-02-03T18:58:00.000-08:00

So I've made a a new discovery today....I am too addicted to facebook.

"Did anyone reply to my post?"

"Who just ate a ham sandwich?"

"When is that event I'm not attending?"

Enough is enough. For this blogger facebook has become a time waster, but more importantly it's become a life waster. Sure, it's great to catch up with old friends and stay in touch with family. However, do I really need to take my social life online? Hell, I don't have a social life right now!

This is by no means a knock on people who use facebook--it can be a great social media tool. But I believe it's time for me to cut back my involvement on facebook SIGNIFICANTLY. Don't get me wrong...in a weird sick and twisted way I love to entertain the masses with new things I find or funny pictures and I will continue to do so. Just not as much on facebook.

Time to get off the internet and go spend some time with my family. ;-)

You’re Fat – So Whatcha Gonna Do About It?

2010-07-31T01:00:00.001-07:00

Before you start crying and raising the fur on the back of your neck, let me say this…..YOU ARE FAT.

Piss you off? Good—because you and me and a lot of other Americans are fat. I’ve finally come to believe this after spending the last two weeks keeping track of what I’m eating on a daily basis. I’ve brushed off this notion, probably just like you too.

“I’m not fat. Ok, maybe a little bit. But I’m not as fat as that guy.”

We find ways to justify our horribly unhealthy diet.

“Well, I’ll get a Diet Coke with my Whopper (with cheese) and large French fry.”

You’re fat, I’m fat, almost everyone is fat. Don’t believe me? Record what you eat on a daily basis. I dare you. You might not be happy with what you discover. For example, here’s an average day for me when I used to work in sales and “didn’t have time" for breakfast at home or want to take a lunch to work.

BREAKFAST

Starbucks Mocha 20 oz. 340 cal
Starbucks Breakfast Sandwich 350 cal

LUNCH

SNACK

Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato 24 oz. 330 cal

DINNER

Red Baron Buffalo Style Chicken Pizza 680 cal
Salad 30 cal
Hidden Ranch Dressing 280 cal
1% Milk 16 oz. 204 cal

SNACK (2)

Dreyer’s Rocky Road 760 cal

TOTAL 4134 CAL

Maybe this is close to your daily consumption, maybe it’s not. The point is look at how many calories I would consume during the day—4134!!! And that’s probably a conservative take on my daily calorie consumption. On top of that, include a extremely inactive lifestyle and it’s easy to see why I am fat. Is it the fast food industries fault I’m fat? Nope. I’m the reason I’m fat. By not taking the time to care about the fuel I put into my body, I have created a body that is well on its way to a heart attack, diabetes and numerous future health problems.

“Well, I’m happy with who I am and I don’t mind if I’m overweight.”

SHUT UP!!! SHUT THE FRICK UP YOU PIG!!!

That is one of the biggest bull-crap lies you can tell yourself. Are you really happy? Wouldn’t you like to walk up just one flight of stairs without breathing hard? Do you enjoy squeezing in the movie theater seats while you overflow into the next one? How much fun is it to have people smirk and chuckle at your lard ass? Stop settling for this. You are better than that. How do I know? Because I’m better than that.

I’ve been slowly gaining weight over the last 16 years—hmmm, same amount of time since I’ve been out of high school. I weighed about 170-80 lbs after I graduated. I now weigh 271 lbs. At my biggest, I tipped the scales at 292 lbs. That is ridiculous, especially for the father of five and the husband to a beautiful woman who birthed those children (BTW, she has basically maintain herself even after having five kids). Me, I needed to change.

The doctor told me two years ago I had a fatty liver. I didn’t know what that was. Turns out it can be a very dangerous thing. Your liver is extremely resilient, but even your liver can only take so much abuse until it gives up the ghost. “Well”, I thought to myself, “

I’m 32 years old, I’m smarter than the doctor. I’ll just eat healthier and whatever.” Then earlier this year I noticed a pain in my side. After doing some research and talking with a friend of mine I realized I was having problems with my gall bladder. The liver never gave me a sign it was in distress, the gall bladder left me with a constant pain.

Not having insurance (I had just switched jobs), I couldn’t go see a doctor. I had to solve this problem. I had to change my eating habits. That’s when I decided to use the power of technology to help me take back my life—and yes, there is an app for that.

My average daily consumption of calories should be between 2200 and 3000 calories per day. That's a big range. But look a little closer. With my horribly inactive lifestyle I should have been consuming no more than 2200 per day. Remember that number above? 4134. I was almost consuming twice as many calories per day then I should have and not exercising. Now that's a great recipe for changing my legal name to Fatty McGee.

How about you? Are you consuming the right amount of calories per day based on your activity? Chances are you are not. And what about my beer drinking friends? A yeah, those brews are truly adding to your beer gut. A macro brew like Budweiser--143 cal in a 12 oz can. Seriously, who just drinks one can? I digress.

"But counting calories is pointless. I watch my fat intake and carb consumption."

Yeah, well how has that been working for you? I've tried that too.

"Well, I've used a national weight loss program to watch what I eat."

Again, how's that been working for you? Throwing money away every month because some rich celebrity endorses the product. Really? Don't be dumb with your money. I have come to the conclusion that the only way to lose weight, and keep it off is permanently changing your lifestyle.

For me that comes in the form of recording what I eat and counting my calories. Want proof? Head over to my weight loss blog Losing The Past and see how far I've come in the last two weeks. Not only am I keeping my net calorie intake under 2200, but I'm also exercising every other day. I jog, but I've also realized that an hour of walking can burn so many calories too! I want to run a 5k within the next six months--that's why I jog. But you can walk an hour every other day or thirty minutes every day.

Get your calorie intake in check and exercise. That's the secret. Simple. Yet, you struggle to do it. Why? Stop making excuses and decide you're tired of being fat and unhealthy. Look in the mirror--are you really happy with what you see? Now do it naked. Yeah, it's pretty scary how fat we've become. But we are still young enough to make that change.

I began this post calling you fat. You are fat. But you don't have to be. The choice is yours. Aren't you worth it? Don't your kids deserve to have you around to celebrate first dates, graduations, weddings, grandchildren and life? You're damn right they are and so are you. Make the change today, fatty. ;-)

I Was Fired Today

2010-07-23T23:53:00.000-07:00

That was what my blog post was supposed to say today. Given a verbal warning on June 23^rd to improve my production or face termination in one month, the hope was that by making more sales I would inevitably save my job. Well, the production didn’t improve – it actually got worse – and so I was let go two weeks into this four week window. I haven’t talked much about my termination in the past two weeks ‘cause I wanted to let the dust clear before I discussed my feelings about what has happen.

Let me begin by saying the best vision in the world is described is that of hindsight – 20/20…can’t get much better than that. I left one career that I had been a part of for almost 10 years. I felt it was time to go. As the economy was getting tighter for a sales guy and then to have them add a second sales rep, I just couldn’t see making a living through all of that frustration. Are there things I could have done better at that job? Absolutely. Are there things that upper management could have done better to help me through that frustration. Definitely. At the end of the day we both failed each other and I left a company that began as a family, but then felt like a marriage that was over and no one really knew why. It just was.

In stepped an opportunity to start fresh in a new career selling a pretty simple product. My buddy told me that when he first started there were some frustrations, but now things were better and all in all it was a good company with good pay. So I contacted the sales manager and within two weeks I was hired. However, the whole hire process was a little suspect. For example, I was told that I needed to meet with the general manager before a decision could be made. Ok, no problem. Well, they needed me to meet him in a spur of the moment meeting three days later…at 9 am. That wasn’t going to work since I needed to give proper notice to take a personal day and Mondays were sales meeting days. The future company wouldn’t budge and I uncomfortably asked for and took off that day to meet with the general manager.

Here’s where the first red flag came up. I show up Monday morning to meet with the general manager. I even arrived 15 minutes early to make a good impression. I introduced myself to the receptionist and told her I had a 9 am appointment with the general manager. The blank look on her face said it all. She knew of no meeting. She said she would make some calls and see what’s what.

Twenty minutes later (9:05) she instructs me she is still trying to find out what is going on. Finally, at 9:20 we get an answer from the HR manager. You see, no one instructed her as to the meeting because she was on vacation the previous week. And to top it off, the general manger who I was suppose to meet? You know, the meeting that was so damn important that I looked like a fool taking a personal day off for. Apparently, he was called away to a very important meeting at corporate and totally forgot about the meeting. You guessed it, there was no meeting. Is this how a company runs their operation? Nah, my buddy said they were good people. Hindsight is 20/20.

To list the rest of the various reasons why it didn’t work would be a waste of typing and reading. Ultimately, and this is my humble opinion, the position was a wall sticker job. What I mean is that if you throw enough spaghetti against the wall, some of it’s bound to stick. There were things I was told about the job that NEVER came to be. When I expressed my concerns about the job during the hiring process and help I would need to be successful, those concerns were addressed in such a way that I felt comfortable choosing this company as my next career. Besides, my success is tied to their success so it’s in their best interest to help me succeed, right? I should’ve known I was dealing with sales representatives.

In the end, was it a good decision to leave the company I had known for almost 10 years? Yes. The love was gone. Was it a good move to choose the following company? No. But here’s my Doogie Howser/Wonder Years/Family Ties/Full House moment – I’m happy. I learned that I do not like sales. I also realized I have a chance to move forward in a career that I truly want to: Information Technology. I’ve mapped out the rest of my classes with my adviser to finish my Management Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree next Fall 2011. Aside from friends and family – and a good pizza – I love computers. I’m a technology geek. I’m an iTard for new gadgets. This is my passion and that’s what I want to be a part of.

I have a loving and supportive family who understands the stress and hell that I have been through over the past 3-4 years with my job, our finances and my faith. Is this my “coming to Jesus” moment – I know my wife hopes so. But here’s the bottom line – and thank you for staying with this blog because it’s abnormally long – I believe in a higher power. And I believe that in life you have to scrap up your knees before you truly learn how to be humble about your place in this world and your short time on this planet. Life is never promised to us as being easy and can sometimes get downright effing hard. But I now understand, it’s what I do from these life lessons that shapes and molds my integrity and who I be for the rest of my days. And the reason I do what I do is that I have 10 little eyes watching, learning and remembering how dad made it through those rough years and I want them to be proud of the better man and father that I ultimately become.

Happiness: 6 Myths and Truths

2010-07-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

Happiness: 6 Myths and Truths

Even haters belong in America

2010-07-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

As the 4^th of July celebration begins to settle down, I find myself thinking about a few things I’ve read and heard over the last few days that really gets under my skin. From people complaining about the fireworks themselves, to others making fun of our country by sarcastically saying “yay, liberty…go freedom” it makes me ponder how would these folks love to live somewhere else. Now don’t get me wrong, because of this country and the men and women who fought and died for their freedom of expression these people have EVERY right to say what they said. It just burns my butt when too many Americans take that freedom for granted.

American is the greatest country in the world. Period.

There are things that, as a country, we don’t do right. I will be the first to admit our history is littered with bad decisions with painful outcomes. From the Trail of Tears to the Iraq War, we have made our mistakes. But we learn from our mistakes -- or at least we try. We learned that slavery was evil and blacks have rights just like white people do. We spend more money on charitable work here and overseas than any other country on this planet. We’ve put a man on the moon and developed vaccines to nearly eradicate diseases like polio. We’ve braved the wilderness and created cross-continent railroads. We’ve have taken to the skies that was once the domain of the birds. And we have created a country that over 1 million people annually have decided to become a citizen of. This is a great country.

This great country allows us to choose what we like, express how we feel and be a part of groups that might not be popular. And in this great country, as long as you are not taking away the rights of others, chances are you enjoy this freedom too. For example, I have friends and family that I love very much. However, some of them participate in things or associate themselves with groups that I don’t care for. THAT’S GREAT!!! Why? Because what floats their boat doesn’t necessarily float mine -- and vice versa. You wanna be gay? Good for you! You like listening to country music? Awesome! You like living in the city? Spectacular! You enjoy zombie movies? That’s terrific!

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

The point is this, at the very least respect America. Respect the freedom you enjoy that other generations have died so that you might be able to post on facebook that your precious snowflake just did a poo-pee in the toilet. Respect the freedom that allows you to express your frustration with people that are shooting off fireworks. Respect the freedom that allows you to enjoy a lifestyle that is not considered normal be it a devout Protestant or a liberal gay couple. This freedom allows us to live in a country where we can love one another as countrymen even if we disagree on the little things.

I’ll leave you with this. In a country where two rival schools can tease and taunt each other on a daily basis in good fun, if there ever came a point where we would have to fight an invading country that was trying to take away our freedom – I would go to battle with a Husky and call him my brother. Why? Because I love this country enough to go to war and die for the freedoms I all too often take for granted today, even with a Husky. May God forgive us our mistakes as a young nation, and bless us with the humanity to respect and love each other in freedom.

A love story for today? You decide.

2010-07-01T14:42:00.001-07:00

Ben has to make a choice. This is a decision that he does not want to
make -- but has to. For some time now he's been wooed by the young
Joslyn. No longer a girl, but not quite a woman, Joslyn's devotion
towards Ben has been an incredible turn on. Not to mention the day she
removed her shirt. Oh that chest! A firm body with that build. It was
almost too much for Ben to handle.

You see, his heart belongs to another gal. Quite shy in school, but
very mysterious in an erotic kind of way. Ever since they met, the two
of them have been inseparable. Elana's family is also great. A cool
brother who he could call his best friend. A crazy sister who seems to
have a problem with her emotions. And another brother who always seems
angry while the other sister was like a big sister to him too. Elana
was his destiny. But she left him before; broke his heart. That's
where Joslyn stepped in and his feelings for her changed.

So who does he choose? His head or his heart. In the end, his
attraction to the stunningly gorgeous Joslyn would lose out to his
infatuation with Elana -- his true love.

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So your thinking, this story seems a little inappropriate. Why would
anyone write about a guy and his choice over the sexy and beautiful
young lady and the mysterious and erotic quite girl. If you haven't
figured this out by now, thats the double standard in our society.
Imagine if Twilight was truly about a boy deciding between to chicks
-- oh the outrage, oh the perverts, oh the humanity! However, it's not
and so therefore women -- young and old -- can ogle all they want
about a teenager and a young man. Yep, that's a double standard.

Enjoy the Golden Age of Technology

2010-06-28T22:32:00.001-07:00

I was reading an article today that is required reading for one of my college classes. We Are the Web by Kevin Kelly was written almost five years ago. The main idea behind Kelly's article was about how fast the internet has grown in the last ten years.

Some of the history Kelly talks about is how a lot of big wigs dismissed the power of the medium and how they couldn't possibly see a way to monetize the web. Now granted, radio and television can reach an audience of almost 90% of our population. But think about the advances we've seen since 1995.

You can download music from a website on to a portable device smaller than a Walkman (for those of you born after 1990, it was these bulky things that played cassette tapes and could only hold 9 or 10 songs at a time). No longer do you need to run down to the video store....mostly cause they're all going out of business. Just sit in your pajamas and choose what DVDs you want Netflix to send to you. Heck, why wait for the physical movie, watch it instantly on your computer or iPad...and soon your iPhone!!!

Who writes checks anymore? Simply click your bank's bill pay option and violà! Your money digitally disappears into your vendor's bank account. Want to know the latest gossip on Lady Gaga? There's a website for that....actually there's 312,000,000 different links when you Google the Gaga (that sounds dirty, but I digress).

The internet has come so far in just a short time. What does the future hold for this utility that is as common in a family's home as a car or refrigerator? Great things if we allow ourselves to dare to dream! My first thought is things I saw on a cartoon I watched as a kid (and even those were reruns from almost 50 years ago!)...The Jetsons.

Now, we all know there are no flying cars yet. That disappointment will have to be saved for a different blog. But just watching an episode will show you the things that were dreamt up back in the 1960s have become a reality today. Heck, even Captain Kirk inspired today's cell phones!!!

In the next 15 years we will see the desktop as we know it disappear. With so much information being stored in the "cloud" online, people will choose this over continually upgrading their OS to the latest overpriced product. Consumers will want to get online as quick as possible to access their information.

Computing devices will continue to be made more efficient. Items like the iPad and the HP Slate will be seen as the beginnings of hand held computing systems that are just as powerful, if not more so, than the desktop dinosaur. People will be in constant contact with the information they need. And in 15 years this won't be a bad thing. Many consumers of all things internet will be able to learn to balance online with offline life. I don't believe we'll allow ourselves to end up like the humans on Wall-E...at least I hope so.

I too believe, just like Kelly, that we will look back on this time as the Golden Age of Technology and people will write stories about us and how great it must have been to be part of it. We'll tell our grand-kids that back in our day, we had to use our finger to open up the apps on our mobile devices. My how technology has evolved.

The new iOS 4 upgrade for the iPhone 3GS is a must get!

2010-06-23T00:16:00.000-07:00

It’s been a little more than 24 hours since I upgraded my jailbroken iPhone 3GS to the new iOS 4 software. This sneak peek was available to current iPhone and iPod Touch users a few days before the actual release of the new iPhone 4 with all it’s cool little features. Having enjoyed some “extra” features by having a jailbroken iPhone, this new update included very similar offerings that got me wondering if this iOS 4 would be worth updating my “so last year 3GS”. Well, I did update and I find myself 99% satisfied with the new OS running on my old 3GS.

MULTITASKING
This has always been a big deal for iPhone users, the ability to run apps in the background while using other apps. This was a great feature I thoroughly enjoyed on my jailbroken iPhone. With the iOS 4, I found this feature very user friendly. By double clicking the home button, the user is able to scroll through the open apps. I did find some apps operate like I just clicked them for the first time, others continued where I left them. I figure this is just a software fix on the developer’s side and soon many apps will truly run in the background. My only gripe? The fact that if I want to close the apps, I have to do it one-by-one instead of initiating a nuclear close on all the open apps. Minor complaint.

FOLDERS
This was another feature I enjoying having on my previous iPhone OS. All I can say is Apple hit this one out of the park! This feature works so much better than I could have imagined. By simply moving one app on to another, you can create a folder. Opening up the folders are just as easy. Clicking on the folder opens to a new page on top of the UI with the apps in just that folder. Very user friendly. By going through my iPhone, I went from maxing out my apps to reducing my app pages to four! My only gripe? Only allowing twelve apps per folder. I’ve had to name a folder “Games” and “Games 2”. Yet, if that’s my biggest complaint then it’s not a big deal.

EVEN BETTER MAIL
This feature takes some getting used to. After using the email programs on the iPhone basically the same way for the last two years, getting used to this new format took a little bit. But I can tell you this much, I love it! I now have the option to go through all of my emails on one screen or if I so choose, browse through each individual inbox. This feature was strange at first, but now I think it’s great! No gripe.

iBOOKS
I bought the iPad about two weeks ago. Having played with the iBooks app, I was fairly familiar with the same app on the iPhone. This app is very reminiscent to the Classics app found for free in the iTunes App Store. I don’t know if Apple paid those folks off or just simply stole their UI, but either way the iPhone user wins. Not as great as the iPad, just merely for the size comparison, but the iBooks on the iPhone works great for catching a quick read without breaking out the bigger iPad. No gripe.

CREATE PLAYLIST
This is a feature I have been dying to see come to the iPhone. Too many times I’ve wanted to create playlists away from my computer, but never been able to. With this new feature you can create a playlist of just what you want to hear and don’t need to connect to your computer! Very happy with this addition and definitely have no gripes!

5x DIGITAL ZOOM
Not only does this feature rock, but it takes pretty good pics too! I tested this upgrade against an app in the iTunes App Store called Camera Zoom. Even at its closest close up, Camera Zoom is no match for the upgraded camera feature. And let me add the camera seems to take quicker pictures and overall just operates faster. This is a very well done upgrade and I have no gripes whatsoever!

So what’s my 1% dissatisfaction? TETHERING!!!

With my jailbroken iPhone I was able to use an app that turned my iPhone into a WiFi hotspot. This was great since I opted to bypass the iPad 3G and just stick to the WiFi version. If I was out, I didn’t need to find a hotspot in order to use my iPad. It was great. Now, I’m back to square one. This one feature only may be enough for me to jailbreak my iPhone yet again. Come on Apple and AT&T…..MAKE THIS HAPPEN!!!

There you have it. Overall, this OS upgrade is a very nice addition to the already great 3GS. I didn’t mention some other minor tweaks and fixes that make this new iOS 4 a must have upgrade to your 3GS iPhone. Unless you’re dying to get your hands on the new iPhone 4, I would recommend just upgrading the 3GS to the iOS 4 software. It runs smooth, has great new features and most importantly…..the upgrade is free!

A story of love snatched from the hands of hate.....

2010-03-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share a little something with you—today is Ryan’s 5th birthday. My little guy was born with such vigor and hope. Over time he became more than a handful and withdrew from us. My wife suspected something was wrong, but my first thought was my kid’s no retard he just needs to have his ass thumped.

It all came to a head on a road trip to Oregon two years ago. Ryan brought me to my knees, but not how you’d think. I got so angry with him like nothing I had ever experienced with the first three. He was being a super-ultra-mega brat and I couldn't take it anymore. You see, I was ready to abuse my child—my innocent 3 year old boy who, as I would find out later, could not control himself. It was this self awareness of me that led me to seek answers. I have never beaten my children and couldn’t believe I was about ready to.

A week or two later he was officially diagnosed with autism.

There was a reason for his misbehavior, but my original perception of autism was that of dumb and retarded kids. I couldn’t have been more wrong. We enrolled Ryan into a special education class and occupational therapy. The results have been amazing.

I’m to the point now where I can almost have a conversation with this guy. Two years ago he was speaking gibberish! He recently was tested so as to be put into an autism focused class for kindergarten and scored super high on intelligence. This little man has done something to me again, brought me to my knees.

I’m thankful I didn’t beat my child that day. I’m thankful I dropped my pride and listened to my wife. I’m thankful Ryan has received such good care and treatment through the Puyallup School District and dare I say it—The University of Washington Autism Research Program.

So on this day where we celebrate Ryan’s 5th birthday, I truly thank God for giving me such a wonderful son. Happy Birthday little man!

Pure Joy Making Video Dedications For the Family

2010-02-12T17:25:00.000-08:00

It's been a fun six weeks working on some dedication videos for my family. The very first one was for my youngest daughter Bella.

Next was my little man Ryan.

Then came my first princess video for Kaylie. Let the tears begin.

I choose this song for my oldest boy Jon, because it came out right around the time he was born and really made me think about being a dad to my little boy.

Finally, the video that took the most work was for my baby girl Jessi. Amazing to see how much she's grown.

And not to be out done, I surprised my wife with a special Valentine's Day present for her.

In all, a lot of hard work was put into everyone of these videos. It's nice to give the family something that shows how much they mean to me. I imagine I'll be doing something like this again in the next 10-15 years...especially when it's time to walk one of my little girls down the aisle.

**All music in the videos are the sole property of whoever owns them. My purpose for putting the videos together was for family and not for profit. Please view these videos with these songs as honoring the musican's craft and I'd prefer you wouldn't sue me. Buy these songs from iTunes, eBay, Amazon, Best Buy or wherever.**

20 Years Ago Heavyweight Boxing Died

2010-02-11T17:34:00.000-08:00

It continues to amaze me how time flies. I know we all talk about it, but it truly is one of this world's most inconceivable things. I heard on the radio today that it was the 20th anniversary of the night Mike Tyson was knocked out in Tokyo. 20 years ago?! Holy crap!!!

In our house, we were raised on Mike Tyson. My father and grandfather were big boxing fans and back when fights were on regular television, they would make sure to drag us along to watch this Tyson kid. My God he was a bad ass.

Seemed like every time we watch he was knocking fools out within the first 90 seconds. Incredible. His upbringing was rough and an old time trainer took him under his wing and made him into a champion. Mike Tyson was one of those athletes like Jordan or Griffey, Jr you stopped everything you were doing just to see what unbelievable thing he'd do next. He was that great.

Until that night 20 years ago. All the fame and fortune went to his head. Don King took over as his manager. Everyone was looking forward to the Evander Holyfield match-up scheduled for later that year. Buster Douglas was a no one and this was just another fight. Problem is...someone forgot to tell Buster Douglas that.

I remember to this day the shock I felt about hearing the champ had been defeated. I believe it was on cable at the time, so we just got the news and they broke the story the champ not only lost but was knocked out. I was crushed. An invincible athlete proved that night that he too was only human.

That night in Tokyo, boxing as I knew it died and was never the same again.

2009...like wine, only got better with time

2009-12-29T23:10:00.000-08:00

2009.

Where do I begin?

It has been quite a year. It amazes me to look over various pictures, facebook & blog posts and even my top iTunes songs I’ve played this year to get a good feeling of what 2009 ultimately means to me. First and foremost I’m thankful that life is a marathon and not a sprint. This is evident in how the year started off for me.

In January I found myself in a deep depression. We were three months into our apartment life with an unclear future to what was next—staying in Puyallup or moving back to the Kitsap/Mason County area. For me, the effects of my business decisions in 2007 had finally caught up to me in the failures of 2008. I felt like I had let my family down and I was in a pretty bad place. I still remember the day I visited Flaming Geyser State Park and wasn’t sure I was going to come back. I found true therapy in writing…and that’s exactly what I did. I wrote out my life’s story—the pain, the failures but also the joy and happiness that there was in my life. I’m very thankful for that rainy day in January.

Well, except for the usual whining associated with my job and the economy, it was a fantastic year! The house we left for dead in foreclosure remarkable came to life in February. I figured with all the fervor behind President Obama’s plans to help people keep their homes I’d give it a shot. We were already experiencing the worst case scenario financially so we had nothing to lose. We finally moved back into our home in June and the loan re-modification was finalized in November. Things will still be tight, but this puts us in a better situation than before. Just need Kristy’s daycare to take off to help with the mortgage. ;-)

I also witnessed the gift of a second chance. My little brother stepped up to the plate again in May and found a beautiful bride. I was honored to be the best man at Russell and Brecken’s wedding. He was lucky enough to find such a caring and precious woman to put up with his crap. I think she gets a gold star for taking him off the down-on-your-luck streets of Kirkland. LOL!!! I also enjoyed injecting a little fear into the best man’s speech—if you know, then you know. It was probably the most beautiful wedding I’ve ever seen and it was wonderful to see a buddy of mine, Pastor Steven Davis officiate the ceremony. It was a great day.

But before the wedding could happen, there had to be a bachelor’s party. Where else should we go then out of the country and tear up Vancouver, BC. Peter, Russell, Jeremy, Randy and I had WAY too much fun. A good amount of alcohol was consumed, a car was impounded and Russell got intimate with a dishwasher (don’t ask). Probably the most fun I had ever had with the boys…..until October.

OMG! Oktoberfest in Leavenworth. I’m pretty sure we drank the beer garden dry. We had such a wild and fun weekend and horribly nasty hangovers that I’m not sure we could ever match it. But, that’s what I said after Vancouver, BC. LOL! I also had the great opportunity to catch up with old friends. It was awesome to hook-up with Glenn and Shelby Miller. Ask Shelby about the Leavenworth pumpkin sometime. Ha! Ha!

This past year also was a chance to try new things. I picked up the hobby geocaching. For those of you who need a refresher:

Geocaching is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure (not $$$). A geocacher can place a geocache in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology and then share the geocache’s existence and location online. Anyone with a GPS unit can then try to locate the geocache.

Geocaching is a silly little hobby, but three things attracted me to it: 1) IT’S FREE!!! 2) I could do it with the family—Jessi and Jon really got hooked, and; 3) the thrill of the hunt is greater than the finding of the treasure. I really enjoyed looking for caches while listening to the Seahawks suck it up this year—figured it was better than wasting my time actually watching the games. It was a tough year for me for sports.

The Mariners were the only bright spot for me. It’s nice to see the M’s turning things around after many dismal seasons. The Seahawks saw the winningest coach in team history leave, only to be associated with rumors of replacing the general manager before he was shunned and took a new job in Cleveland. For as successful as the ‘Hawks had been, it appears things are going to get worse before they get better. Speaking of getting worse, I can’t leave out my beloved Cougars—one of the most horrible seasons ever. There are numerous reasons for why, but there are many more reasons for hope in the next few years—it’s always darkest before the dawn. GO COUGS!!!

I had the chance to fulfill a dream of mine during the summer. I decided to enter myself into a contest called Joe The Fan that was being put on by 950-KJR. I was fortunate enough to be chosen as one of the four finalists. I took to the air like a fat kid at a candy store. I ate it all up and had so much fun. Although I didn’t make it out of the first round, I had a blast. My prize allowed me to take Kristy out for a great night at the M’s game and enjoy a comfortable stay at the Silver Cloud across from Safeco Field. Big thanks to Ian Furness and the rest of the KJR crew!

Some local stories that unfortunately made national news had a big effect on me in 2009. The most prominent, and closest to home, was the senseless murder of the four Lakewood Police officers. The Forza Coffee shop where it took place was a location I had visited many times in the past for a cup of joe. I still cannot imagine how the families will move forward except with courage and faith that life goes on. The memorial service was amazing. I watched the entire event at PLU and couldn’t keep my eyes dry. Losing a total of six officers since Halloween has been heartbreaking in the Puget Sound. My prayer in 2010 is laws are changed and we don’t lose anymore of the men and women in blue. May the ones we've lost find peace in wherever their journey takes them next. Gone, but not forgotten.

No way to flow from that so, shifting gears…

The kids had a lot of fun in 2009. Jessi and Jon were part of the local community play, Oliver. They put in countless hours of rehearsal and performed exquisitely when the show hit the stage in July. This was such a great moment for me being their dad. I think I watched half the performance through water stained eyes!

We had the chance to surprise our big Twilight fan with a surprise trip to Forks in September. The look on her face when we pulled out of the drive-way and broke the news was priceless. Forks was littered with tourists and shops took advantage of the Twilight craze by selling merchandise and land marker maps. That was a great day to be the parent of a tweener. Our adventure took us out to LaPush where this country has some of the most beautiful landmarks out in the Pacific Ocean. We all had a blast and were dog tired by the time we got back to our hotel.

In all, 2009 was a very good year. When I finally realized there was more to life than chasing around every temporary high—yep, stole that from Stacey Orrico—I knew that when life gives you lemons, you throw them back and absolutely demand cookies!!!

I raise my flask (groom’s present) to 2009 and embrace all the great memories. I pray that 2010 brings hope and prosperity to those who truly seek it. As for me, I’ll continue to seek the winning lotto numbers. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Let the contest begin...

2009-07-09T21:43:00.000-07:00

I went up to Seattle today to be an in studio guest at Sports Radio 950 KJR AM for the Joe The Fan contest. It was so much fun. I met the other guys and then we had a chance to spend an hour with the host, Ian Furness and talk about ourselves and some of our views on sports. I could have stayed at least 4 more hours!

I have spent the last two days getting the word out to friends and family to head over to www.kjram.com to vote for me. The support has been outstanding, but the contest isn't over yet! There's three rounds/weeks of voting and I can't become Joe The Fan without everyone's help.

Cool thing is, even if I don't end up being Joe The Fan, Kristy and I will enjoy a special gift of a stay at a hotel by Safeco Field and a gift certificate to Jimmy's Restaurant.

I am cautiously exciting and can't completely let loose until I am declared JOE THE FAN! Thanks again for everyone's help and support!!!

Joe the Fan!!!

2009-07-08T22:14:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been awhile since I posted to the blog. Been pretty busy. Life got a little more interesting today. I've been selected as one of the final four to remain in a contest called Joe the Fan on Sports Radio 950 KJR!

I entered the contest because I figured I am the right sports nut for the job. If I win, I receive season tickets to any local sports team for one year! Plus Kristy gets a gift for putting up with my sports butt!

So please head over to:

http://www.kjram.com/pages/ianfurness_page.html

and vote for me to be Joe the Fan. I would appreciate your support so much and please tell your family and friends! Thanks!!!

A terrible loss...

2009-01-20T23:39:00.000-08:00

My heart cries tonight for the Hizey family. As most people know, young Sebastian Hizey lost his life last Friday night at the monster truck show at the Tacoma Dome. The six year old was enjoying a fun family outing when a tragic accident took his life. Now the family has to learn how to move on without their boy.

I had the honor of meeting the father this morning. It was only a 20 second meeting, but it broke my heart. I shared my condolences, gave him a hug and told him our family is praying for their family. I walked away almost in tears.

I’ve taken my kids to the monster truck show. It was a fun family event and we expected to walk away with great memories. I cannot begin to understand or comprehend what the Hizey family is going through. The loss of any of my kids would be devastating.

The greatest lesson I will take from this is to hold my kids closer and spend just a little more time with them. Please keep the Hizey family in your prayers and if you feel moved, donate to the Sebastian Hizey memorial fund at any US Bank branch.

When it rains it pours!

2009-01-08T00:35:00.000-08:00

As of now, the Pitts clan is surving the Great Flood of 2009! Fortunately we find ourselves on the right side of the Puyallup river as the west side is starting to flood. It's insane to see how fast the river is flowing and the size of the logs floating down towards Tacoma.

I stopped by the boardwalk under the Puyallup River Bridge to a crowd of other looky-loos and I was shocked at how quickly the river was rising. The apartments in the background of the picture were experiencing a flooded parking lot and were getting ready to evacuate the tenants!

I talked to the folks at the office of our complex and they reassured me that it's never flooded the neighborhood so that was good to hear! The kids have no school on Thursday because of the flooding. So far they've missed four days between the snow and the floods...should be in school until the end of June...ha ha ha!!!

Other then that, we had a good time at home celebrating New Years Eve by eating lots of juke food and playing Rock Band on the Wii. As a family we expect GOOD and big changes this year in almost all aspects of our lives. As the year rolls along, I'll share more of what we know and what you don't ;-)

Stay dry, stay safe and most of all...stay sane!

That Crazy Pitts Family: Stunts Gone Wild!

2009-01-06T00:37:00.000-08:00

Hanging out in a winter wonderland

2008-12-22T19:05:00.001-08:00

It's a little after 8pm on the 22nd day of December and I wanted to get an entry in before I head home from the coffee shop. A lot has gone on since my last entry (not including Holy Crap It's Cold!).

My uncle celebrated the big 5-0! The whole family got together for some good old mexican food at one of our favorite restaurants...Puerto Vallarta in Port Orchard. It was great hanging out with everyone and especially the man of the hour decked out to the 9s for his big day!

The biggest thing to happen...SNOW! Lots and lots of snow. I haven't seen it like this since I was in high school....1990! Of course we've all had fun in it. Kids sledding down a little stair case, me doing donuts in my AWD! Fun, fun, fun!!!

My little girl also celebrated her first birthday. What a whirlwind of a year. I can't believe it's been a year since she came into our world. I was going to get fixed after we had Ryan...I thank God I didn't! She is so precious and a great finish to 5 wonderful kids!

Russell and Brecken came over last Friday and spent time with the kids and gave Kristy and I a break. The kids had a blast with their auntie and uncle...mom and dad had a nice dinner and some great time alone. Thanks Brussell!

As the year comes to a close, sales have become pretty much non-existent. I have spent the time working on my plans for the first quarter in '09 and ed-u-ma-cating myself on how to do my job better.

Kristy and I both agree that 2008 has been a year for the record books. I think I speak for the whole family when I say let's move forward and bring on 2009!

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Take care and God bless!!!

HOLY CRAP IT'S COLD!!!

2008-12-18T18:03:00.000-08:00

The 4th Annual Pitts Holly Day was a smashing success!

2008-12-08T12:25:00.000-08:00

It's days like this past Saturday that make me feel a sense of purpose in my life. Our family celebrated our 4th Annual Pitts Holly Day by hanging around Puyallup and doing some fun holiday things.

We started off by having a big breakfast at the only place I can afford to take my family any more...the Old Country Buffet. Food was pretty good. Funny thing though; a nice old lady came up to us and told Kristy and I how well behaved our children are and how beautiful our family is. After thanking her she started to walk away. All of a sudden Ryan yells out, "Hey grandma, get back here. Hey grandma, where you going?!" We all just about fell on the floor!

Next we headed over to the Old Cannery in Sumner to see Santa. The store was set-up very festive and all of the employee were super nice. I stood in line for an hour while everyone else got to spend some time playing and watching the trains. Kristy was kind enough to rescue me from a very nice, but overly chatty lady and her surprisingly well behaved kid. We also ran into an old friend from school, April Durbin. It was good to chat with her for a little bit.

We were then off to the big parade. The Santa parade in DT Puyallup was great. The weather cooperated and the sunset was spectacular. The way it shone on the new town hall it almost felt like we were on the palouse in Pullman. Bella and Ryan had a blast with all the sounds and lights. It was great to see so many people out celebrating the Christmas holiday spirit.

Great story from after the parade. Jon was sitting next to a little guy who had a toy tractor. Right after the parade was over the family high tailed it out of there. Jon grabbed the toy thinking if we ran into them we could give it back. On our way to our last event, we spotted the family walking into a Taco Bell and when Jon caught up with them, the mom was super happy and couldn't believe we found them. Jon felt really proud to return the toy.

Finally we capped off the night with a trip to the Victorian Country Christmas at the Puyallup Fairgrounds. We think the kids enjoyed it, but sadly to say Kristy and I were very disappointed. It's not quite what it's advertised to be. We figured a very cool set-up with a Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol sort of set-up...nope. It was basically booths set-up up for merchants to peddle their goods. But, they were dressed in the era garb. If you haven't gone, your not missing much.

All in all it was a good Holly Day. The kids were pretty good and I think they had a blast. I pray the memories we created for them will stick to them like velcro. It's important to Kristy and I that kids love this time of year and think of family. Some day they'll have their own families and I want them to remember old mom and dad when they make holiday plans.

It worked out real good that our plans this year where within 5 miles of each other. We planned on staying close to home compared to other years for the obvious reasons everyone else is feeling in their wallets this year. My hope is to celebrate our 5th Annual Pitts Holly Day somewhere super special next year--maybe Leavenworth?!

What else can I say...a good week!

2008-12-05T18:53:00.001-08:00

It's been a pretty good week for the Pitts clan. Kids got their reports and did pretty good. Jon had one little behavior issue (ya, I know...go figure), but other than that Kristy and I were pleased.

I went back to eating better and working out. Lost about 7 lbs this week...most of it coming from eating bad Sunday night! The exercising makes me feel better I've noticed. An old friend, Matt Scott, told me one time that the more you exercise the better you'll feel and man if he wasn't right!

Work has been rewarding and trying. I've tried a new approach to my sales process. Basically I am injecting a little more humility into the mix and less over confidence. Though I didn't get the sale I had 50% success on my list of prospects who I could not get in touch with for the life of me. They seemed very appreciate to my new attitude.

Business is slow...duh! But seems owners are scared to make any changes right now. Best thing I can do is be a resource for those who are interested but not ready to make a move.

I have begun to look for a part-time job. We would like to buy a home in the next few years and will need to save for a down payment. Plus we are planning a big trip to the East Coast in 2 years and will need to save for that too. All exciting challenges to take on!

We stayed pretty honest to the budget this week. Our van repairs were $1000 more than we expected but at least it's running like a champ! I am just glad we had extra funds to cover the rest of the repairs.

So all in all, a good week. We are heading out tomorrow for our 4th Annual Pitts Family Holly Day. We are going to visit Santa at The Old Cannery and then see him again in the DT Puyallup Santa Parade and end the evening at the Victorian Country Christmas. Should be lots of fun!

I'll make sure to post some pics of the festivities! Take care and enjoy the season!!!

Jump starting my New Years Resolution by sleeping in on Black Friday!

2008-11-28T15:50:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone! Hope your Thanksgiving was good. Our family got together
with my in-laws and had a great day! Very thankful for such a blessing
of a day.

I didn't participate in the mad rush of getting up early for Black
Friday. Unless it's all for free, I see no need to get up at butt-
crack early. Besides, it can be deadly! A Walmart employee in New York
was trampled to death this morning! That's ridiculous! What a bunch of
jack holes!

Well, we start our budget Monday and I am also going to get back on
the eating healthy and exercising horse. I have gained almost 15
pounds in November...unbelievable! Figured with the budget and diet,
we get a jump start on our New Years resolutions ;-)

Here's to saving money and losing my gut!!! See ya!

Rory

rorypitts.blogspot.com

The economy sucks, so be thankful

2008-11-26T15:23:00.000-08:00

With the doom and gloom being reported by the media and the cautiousness of business owners I've seen out there, one would believe the good times are over and hell has come to earth in the form of a recession.

The signs are there for our family as well. As many of you know our situation up to this point, we now have a chance to "do it right" with our financial future. Yet even with a reduction in expenses we still find our family budget teetering on the edge of being in the red come February 2009.

So all the signs point to a miserable life continuing and all those woe-is-me blogs in the past should continue as well....guess what? Not now!

You see as I sit here in my favorite coffee shop Forza (Bryan, you will owe me some advertising fees!) I type an optimistic blog. And I really don't have a reason to except for him:

and them:

and these guys:

So many life lessons have been shared and learned in this year of 2008. The most important of them all is that my family is my life. The iPhone, the career, the house, the money all mean nothing if I can't share life with my little Pitts clan.

Kristy, Jessi, Jonny, Kaylie, Ryan and Bella....I love you very much and I thank God with every breath for you. That is what I am thankful for.

Yes, that would be a "poop-eating" grin on my face!

2008-11-23T09:35:00.000-08:00

How 'bout them Apples?!

2008-11-22T21:35:00.001-08:00

What's better then winning the Apple Cup? Knowing the Huskies are
going to finish the season winless!

What a good part of my day. My company had our holiday party this
afternoon at the Palace Ballroom in Seattle. I know it's not
Thanksgiving yet, but having it before turkey day is sort of a
tradition with our company.

The linner was delicious. One of the best get togethers we've had.
Everyone was on good behavior and our new west coast boss gave a good
message about keeping our heads up during these economic times. Kristy
and I really enjoyed ourselves.

Afterwards, we walked around Seattle for a little bit and then enjoyed
some "us" time at Starbucks on Alki. It was good hanging out with
Kristy...something we don't do a lot, but eventually will in about 18
years. >8-{

Overall, a good day. Enjoyed good food, mingled with co-workers, spent
time with my wife and the Cougs beat the Huskies! It's good to know
that I don't support the worst college team in the Pac-10!

iPhone update is saved by Forza Coffee!

2008-11-21T21:23:00.001-08:00

I found out today that the iPhone had a new update. However, being without the internet at home I had to scramble down to the cabana and download the update. Of course...the WiFi is NOT working, AGH!

Plan B, I'll head to Starbucks right down the road...closing in 10 minutes...DOUBLE AGH!!!

Plan C, and I am embarrassed because it should have been Plan B: Forza in DT Puyallup. My buddy Bryan runs an awesome coffee shop with great employees. I walked inside and half the population of Puyallup had the same idea! So instead of cussing, I simply asked for help.

Forza's employees are the best. Haley hooked me up with a table and chair and I was able to get my iPhone updated!!! I hope Bryan forgives me...he's a good guy so he probably will.

So iPhone's updated, weekend's here and it's time for the Apple Cup. The teams suck, but it's still the Apple Cup. I am dreaming of a 0-12 Husky season...Santa would be giving us Coug fans an early Christmas present.

28-24 Cougars win the 101st Apple Cup!!!

GO COUGS!!!!!!!!

...and the angels in heaven rejoiced!

2008-11-20T19:37:00.000-08:00

TRUST YOUR CRAZY IDEAS

2008-11-20T18:59:00.000-08:00

I've been reading this pretty cool book I picked up from Starbucks last week, Where will you be five years from today?. It basically is a "self-help" book that challenges you to design the road map of your life over the next 5 years.

The thing I like about this book is it has challenged me to look inside myself and find the happiness in my life. I've asked family and friends recently for help with my life and to show me what they think my purpose is.

It's amazing how almost all of the responses came back to my family--my wonderfully strong wife and great kids. There was a quote in the book that brought me to tears and made me realize what everyone has been telling me:

"To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world."

~Josephine Billings

Is that good stuff or what?! I have six "one person" people waiting at home for me. I'll leave you with this. Going through this little trying time emotionally and spiritually I now I understand that a success is not what my bank account says, but how many lives I touch in a positive way.

Not enough time at the end of the day

2008-11-04T23:00:00.001-08:00

I was hoping my first blog would be a podcast. As you can see it's not.

I find there is more stuff than there is hours of the day. Sleep sometimes takes a back seat. Bills need to be paid, sales need to be made, I need to get....um, let's move on.

The idea of creating my own podcast has interested me for sometime. I have always had a dream to do radio but not the stomach or drive to deal with the crap side of the business. So, I am actively setting up my podcast.

I hope to incorporate me in it. As must my family and friends now, I am different and I love to have fun. Funny sounds, inappropriate humor and my opinion should fill it out pretty nicely!

Keep an eye out for my first podcast. Hopefully, I can deliver it sooner than it took Guns 'N Roses to release Chinese Democracy!

In football as in life, remember to hold on to your balls tight and look for good penetration,

-Rory

What a historic day

2008-11-04T22:52:00.000-08:00

What have I just experienced tonight? A black man (that's right PC police, I said black) is the president-elect of our country. Amazing stuff.

I was happy to share this important part of history with my family. Not that I am old enough to REALLY understand the significance of this, but my children don't even begin to comprehend the struggle it has been for our country to get past the color of someone's skin.

I voted for Obama for one reason alone...he has given our country a vision and a direction and a chance for us to believe we can be better. Being a history buff, I have envyed those who got a chance to feel the energy of John F. Kennedy and his vision for America. I hope what I feel now is something close to that.

Obama is not perfect. But he is what we need as a country right now.