Love Is Not Against the Law

News!

2010-04-11T23:04:00.000-04:00

I have to apologize that I have been behind on my updating, I have been quite busy over the last few days and weeks. I have a lot to update you on so I will get right to it.

A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to go to Columbus, OH and interview for PNC's Accel program. This is a one year program that exposes you to the entire company as well as CEO's and people you would not normally meet. I have been trying to get into the program for about six months and found out about a month before that I had made it to the final interviews in Columbus but to my surprise, I might have to move to somewhere else like Louisville or Bowling Green. Long story short, I was selected into the program and I am staying in Lexington. It was a huge relief. I actually found out while I was on my way to FL with Josh for a little vacation; more about that in a minute. I will start in June and will go to Pittsburg for a few weeks for some training. I also got a raise in pay so that helped too!

From my hotel room. PNC tower is on the left side of the picture.

Fast forward to last week, Amber had an interview on Wednesday with eCampus.com. She was asked to come back on Thursday for a second interview. They loved her so much that they hired her on Friday! She is starting Monday the 12th. We have both been blessed so much over the past few weeks. God has opened a lot of doors and opportunities for both Amber and I. I feel confident in saying that Amber and I have both trusted Him to provide for us over the past few months. We had a lot of unknowns about our future but in His timing things have come together.

Now to the vacation. Back in January when cruises were cheaper, Josh and I were thinking about going on a cruise during spring break. Well, big surprise, costs go up during spring break so we scratched that idea. Then we though about going to D.C. since we both love history and government. After a cost analysis, we decided it would be too costly and exhausting in just a few days. We finally decided to go to Destin, FL. My family and I went to Destin almost every summer when I was in elementary and high school. We drive down on Wednesday and stayed a few days. Here are the pictures from our trip.

Day 1

Our condo, Pelican Beach Resort

From our room

Day 2

We had a good time of just doing nothing. Sometimes it is nice to just forget about everything and just be. Josh and I needed this as he is finishing up grad school and my life is a about to get very busy. We needed some guy time since we don't spend a whole lot of time together with our schedules. My only complaint is that it was too short.

I think that concludes this update. More to come in next few weeks.

Eatting Big Time

2010-03-20T20:27:00.000-04:00

Amber and I ate a huge meal tonight. We decided to go big so we at steak with sauteed mushroom and onions. Our sides were salad, asparagus with parmesan cheese and macaroni and cheese. We also had wheat rolls with cinnamon butter and all of this was made by us! So good. We love eating out but staying home and cooking together really makes us look forward to getting married. Only 57 days left! Here are the pictures of out dinner.

Me and my honey

A closer look

Getting Ready

2010-03-16T00:51:00.000-04:00

Well today, March 16th marks exactly two months until Amber and I get married. We have been working like crazy (mostly Amber and her mom) to get things done. Over the past few days, Amber and I have been working on our cooking skills. So far, we have made a pizza (from scratch not a frozen one), waffles, grilled chicken, and tonight we had breakfast for dinner. Amber proclaimed that it was our best meal yet. Here are some pictures from dinner. Keep us in your prayers over the next few days as we continue to get things ready for our big day.

Doesn't that look good.....well infact, it was!

Not a bad self photo using a cellphone

Visit to Grandma's House

2010-02-16T22:00:00.001-05:00

Amber and I went to visit my grandmother this weekend since I had Monday off work for President's day. We had a great time helping Meme look for a dress to wear to the wedding, a little shopping, a lot of eating and getting spoiled.

Meme was a teacher for 30 years (correction 40 years) so she keeps this chalkboard in her house. Every time we come to visit, we leave a message and this is what we made this time.

Me and Meme

Getting ready to leave

Dad's Birthday

2010-02-16T21:48:00.001-05:00

My dad has his 55th birthday Feb. 10th. We ate at Red Robin (yumm!) because you get a free burger on your birthday. Here are a few pictures from our dinner. Happy Birthday dad, we love you!

Scary!

So cute!

This is the best we could get of Cameron smiling.

100 Days

2010-02-05T17:04:00.001-05:00

Today is exactly 100 days away from mine and Amber's wedding. It can't believe how fast the last three months flew by. We had Amber finishing school (Hallelujah!), Thanksgiving, Amber's Birthday, Christmas, my mom and grandma's birthday, Ryssa's and Randy's Birthday's and anniversary, New Years, Basketball Season, Cameron's Birthday and now Amber is on a cruise. I am positive the next few months will go just as fast since there is much to do. I have started making a list of things to get done so I can hopefully avoid any missteps on the wedding day. We are enjoying the journey so far and both are just ready to be together. Special thanks to Randy and Ryssa, Amber's parents, who are working hard in Louisville on our behalf to put on the big day for Amber and I. Also thanks to my parents for getting the honeymoon details worked out for us. We both agree that we are blessed and very much so.

Helpful Hint #2

2010-01-29T20:51:00.000-05:00

Adding on to my last post, I wanted to let you know that from now until Sunday the dishes that Amber and I registered for are buy one get one free! If you are a Macy's card holder, you will also get an additional 15% off. You should check it out and save big time.

Heads up

2010-01-28T23:23:00.001-05:00

Now, I am not tell you to do anything but there is an opportunity out there that you might want to capitalize on. Macy's is having their semi-annual home sale from now until Sunday 1/31. If you need to buy a gift for someone's wedding that is coming up, you might want to check it out. Again, this is a semi-annual sale so there will not be anther sale until the end of the summer.

I am just saying......

It is coming!!

2010-01-26T19:17:00.001-05:00

We are just a few short months away from the big wedding day. 110 days left. Who is counting anyways?

I picked up our invitations that we ordered through good friend's at Daisy Days! You can check out their website at http://www.daisy-days.com/. (You are welcome for the free advertisement!!)

Since most people who read my blog are close friends and family, I thought I would give you a sneak peak at our invitations.

These just the main part of the invitations so there is more that will be a surprise!

Remember, this is a sample and Amber and I didn't change our names to Sarah and Jonathan.

(Ironic, Jonathan was my imaginary friends name when I was growing up...maybe these were his??)

These are the "Thank You" notes that you all will get for giving us those great wedding

presents!! I really like them.....pink is my color.

Check this out

2010-01-21T18:32:00.000-05:00

I had this video sent to me from a friend. I hope everyone will check it out because it is pretty strong stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4NlyZqJhwk

Little Visit

2010-01-19T23:32:00.000-05:00

My friend Casey came into town for a little visit last weekend. I think it was to see me but who am I kidding! He has a "special" friend that he came to see but we still got to hang out. Kristy had a little surprise party for Casey on Saturday night and we go to play some games after wards at my house. Here are some pictures.

Casey and Kristy sporting matching sweaters!

Playing Family Fued

Carolyn and Amber having a snack

Kelly, Tara and Whitney

Camerson's 3rd Birthday

2010-01-16T16:23:00.003-05:00

My little nephew turned 3 years old on Thursday. Amber and I have been together for 3 years and 4 months on Thursday as well so Cameron has been a huge part of our relationship. We love him so much. Here are a few pictures from our time at Kids Place.

Before the party. Really excited.

Birthday cake made by a church friend! How awesome

Gavin enjoying himself.

Watching everyone play.

Nana holding little Bro

Aunt Amer's bouncing with Cameron

The King!

And His Kingdom

Coming Soon

2010-01-12T20:57:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in a few days but two events are coming up soon. Thursday is Cameron's 3rd Birthday!! I will have some pictures to post then. Saturday I am meeting up with my friend Casey so I am going to post some pictures for that event also.

Meanwhile, Amber met with the music minister today and she is very excited about decorating the church for the wedding. She is at home again to plan, plan, plan. Only 124 days left.....

Flashback....

2010-01-07T00:16:00.001-05:00

I have managed to meet my goal so far this week and hit the gym for three days in a row!! Looks like with all the snow coming tomorrow may snap my streak. Anyways, I decided to see if there was any progress so far. I got on the scale tonight and weighed 170! I haven't weighed that since I was 14. I have lost 15 pounds since the beginning of October.

Secret: Don't eat out. It will kill you. Plus, taking your lunch to work everyday saves you so much money.

Work On It

2010-01-04T22:52:00.000-05:00

Many of us tend to make some great New Years resolutions this time of the year. Instead of make up some I won't keep, it is time for me to get with it and work out. Not only because I want to be healthy but my wedding is approaching fast - great motivation! I managed to get through the holidays without gaining any weigh so lets see if I can keep it off and get looking good.

Today was Day 1...

I'll keep you posted...

Goodbye Harringtons

2010-01-01T13:03:00.001-05:00

Our friends the Harrington's left to move to France. They won't be back in the states until 2014 so we had to say goodbye today. Amber and I hope we can visit them soon on a little vacation to France!! Nothing like a local tour guide. Well, we love them and wish them the best.

Michael with his brother, Ryan, check-in

Bye Bye!

Reminder....

2009-12-30T23:38:00.000-05:00

So I have not been very good about keeping my blog up-to-date. After a little encouragement from my mother, I am going to try and post on a regular basis.

Tonight I was reminded about marriage. I was reminded about what I am getting myself into. I was reminded of the sacrifices that people must make before and during a marriage. All of these thoughts came to me after Amber said "Remember, what's yours is mine and what's mine is mine!" Oh boy, what have I done?

Don't forget to check out our wedding website for the latest info on the wedding:
http://weddings.theknot.com/pwp/pwp2/view/MemberPage.aspx?coupleId=5324856665570841&MsdVisit=1

Meme's 80th Birthday

2009-12-29T00:09:00.003-05:00

Our grandmother celebrated a grand birthday with us while she was here for Christmas. We were very happy to have her with us on her birthday and to celebrate Christmas this year. Usually she is at home in Russellville but this year we got her to stay with us. Here are some pictures of our dinner at O'Charley's (one of Meme's favorites) and her opening some presents.

Barth's Tacky Sweater Party

2009-12-29T00:01:00.005-05:00

So the Barth's had all of us over for a great evening of food, games and friends. (Most everyone) came with a tacky Christmas sweater on and the winner was Travis (see below and you will know why). We had so much fun. Thank you Barth's!!

Ashlyn showing her teeth off.

The Winner!

This one belongs on someones wall

Amber's Graduation

2009-12-28T23:53:00.004-05:00

Ms. Carolyn and Amber

Me and the Amber

The graduate with her family

The McGehee's

Her graduation present (a coffee mug)

Picture with the dean and associate dean

Run Down the Aisle...

2009-03-11T22:28:00.002-04:00

I have recently been stuck on the story of the rich young ruler. This degraded Biblical character is categorized by Christians as a down right example of foolishness. The young ruler can represent many things we see today. For example, selfishness, greed, the destructiveness of the soul for money, not wanting to submit to a higher power or calling, etc. (you add your own here).

Funny thing about this "poor: soul is how he is judged by Christians rather than used to examine our own lives. Lets replay the scene....

MARK 10
"17 As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

18 And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.

19"You know the commandments, 'DO NOT MURDER, DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, Do not defraud, HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.'"

20 And he said to Him, "Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up."

21 Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, "One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

22 But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.

23 And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, "How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!"

WOW! All I have to say is we need to thank God that Jesus interceded for us and we don't have to work our way into heaven! What a calling from Jesus! The first thing to notice is how the man's thought he was acting right by kneeling before a rabbi and ask for his yoke (truth/teaching); much like we thing that just because we tithe or go to church we are doing right. While this looked great to everyone watching, boy was he surprised by Jesus' answer.

How awesome that Jesus first felt love for this "poor" (well at least in spirit) guy before he judged him. Do you feel the same way toward the rich young ruler? I don't think I need to continue with my point but it is obvious that this is a hard, no an impossible answer for Christians today to accept. Jesus wants the rich to sell everything and give it to the poor? Why, because we love our stuff? Because it binds us from being available to His call on our lives?

I want to share a quote from Leonard Ravenhill's book "Why Revival Tarries" as he talks about the problem with the Church in 1959!!....

"We have many organizers, but few agonizers; many players and pay-ers, few pray-ers; many singers, few clingers; lots of pastors, few wrestlers; many fears, few tears; much fashion, little passion; many interferes, few intercessors; many writers, but few fighters."

The Christian church must see that we, not unlike the rich young ruler, are paying our way to build happiness in the church and with God. Lets stop giving our money to our entertainment and give it to the poor. Our community and God need us to reach the places no one wants to go. I'll leave you with a question and the rest is between you and the Great Provider.

Do you have on hand in a pot of gold and the other in God's sight?

Thought of the Day

2009-03-09T20:45:00.001-04:00

I have had this song in my head today and I just thought I would pass it on to you because it is wise......

"Sometimes the hardest thing and the Right thing are the same...."

If you need to right something and it is hard, I encourage you to do it today!

Heaven?

2009-02-22T21:53:00.002-05:00

So we had a prayer service and a question came to mind.....

Would you still want to go to heaven if there were no streets of gold, crowns of jewels, or old family and friends that have passed away?

Would you??

New Job

2009-02-02T22:02:00.003-05:00

Well the time has come for a something new. Woodmen was an ok experience but now it was time to be serious. I just got a full time job with National City, what will soon become PNC bank. The great thing about this job is there are going to be some great opportunities as the company changes. I hope that I will be able to move into a new position in the company in the next 6 months. We will see! I will be at the Tates Creek branch (the one right next to the PNC branch) so come in and say hi.

Faith in 3D

2009-02-02T21:52:00.005-05:00

The real reason for going to Disney was for a 4 day youth conference. There were 2500 youth plus adults and it was great to get away from the cold KY weather. I got to see a lot of old friends from camp and even ones I didn't expect to see...

My Great friend from my first summer camp experience with Passport "G" was there!! Total surprise!!

Guitar for the Rockin RollerCoaster, the Aerosmith Ride! It was cool especially since I love some Aerosmith.

Tower of Terror Sign

The Tower....it was awesome!

Disney World

2009-02-02T21:36:00.006-05:00

I got to head to Disney World on Jan. 15-19. Here are some pictures I took with my phone (so the quality isn't that good) of the safari ride.

Lion and Lioness hanging out together! I thought I would have to go to Africa for this shot!!

A huge White Rhino. Very cool animals.

Cheetah taking a bathroom break

Baby Giraffe

Officially Employed

2008-06-03T13:51:00.002-04:00

In order to be officially hired with Woodmen of the World, I needed to be licensed with the state of KY. I had to take two exams yesterday and I passed them both! Praise God! If you need some financial advise, give me a call.

(Right now isn't a bad time to buy if you have the money, because we stocks are low and can go up! Plus, when we change Presidents, the economy really likes it and rebounds some!)

Camp Address

2008-06-03T13:43:00.003-04:00

Well I am sure you all know, I am heading out of the Great Lex Vegas tomorrow to head to camp. Even with all of the greatness of camp, times can still get lonely and I will miss you all. So here is my camp address if you want to send me something (wink, wink!!)

Kent Billingsley
PASSways Staff
Wingate University
P.O. Box 2672
Wingate, NC 28174

I accept checks!

Ouch! That Liquid Stings

2008-05-21T13:30:00.002-04:00

I think we should all pause for a moment and realize history in the making...........Gas prices are $4. Wow! I never thought I would live the day. But who is to blame? Well, as you know I don't like to pick an agenda because then you will just agree with me since most of you are my friends and family, but who is to blame?

The President? I would suggest not totally because he isn't selling oil to the U.S. I think he is an easy target.

Those big oil companies?

Who know? Who cares, I just want it cheaper.

I read an article on MSN.com that was a hard pill for most Americans to swallow.

"The next time you have to take out a loan just to fill up your tank, remember this: Four-dollar-per-gallon gasoline is cheap.

There's no doubt that high fuel prices are hurting low-income consumers, and high energy costs are placing a tax on the economy that is slowing investment while sending billions of dollars overseas. It's unsurprising that presidential candidates and members of Congress issue new proposals practically every day for lowering gas prices: Stop filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve! Suspend the federal gas tax! Open ANWR to oil drilling!

These proposals are delusions, and Americans are living in a fantasyland when it comes to energy and energy prices. Over the past few years, consumers have been inundated with news stories about the soaring price of gasoline. Invariably, these stories include comments from a motorist who is outraged at the evils of a) Saudi Arabia, b) OPEC, c) Big Oil, d) all of the above.

But by almost any measure, gasoline is still cheap. In fact, it has probably been far too cheap for far too long. The recent price increases are only beginning to reflect its real value.

Paying 1920s prices
When measured on an inflation-adjusted basis, the current price of gasoline is only slightly higher than it was in 1922. According to the Energy Information Administration, in 1922, a gallon of gasoline cost the current-day equivalent of $3.11. Today, according to the EIA, gasoline is selling for about $3.77 per gallon, only about 20% more than 86 years ago.

Given the ever-increasing global demand for oil products -- during the first quarter of this year, China's oil consumption jumped by 16.5% -- and the increasing costs associated with finding, producing and refining crude oil, it makes sense that today's motorists are paying more for their motor fuel than their grandparents and great-grandparents did.

Gasoline is also a fairly minor expense when you consider the overall cost of car ownership. In 1975, gasoline made up 33.4% of the total cost of owning and operating a car. By 2006, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, gasoline costs had declined to just 17.1% of the total cost of car ownership. Of course, fuel costs have risen by about $1 per gallon since 2006, but even with those increases, fuel continues to be a relatively small part of the cost of car ownership.

By contrast, the fixed costs of ownership -- insurance, licensing, taxes and financing -- have increased nearly fivefold since 1975. Maintenance costs have also quintupled over the same time period. Given those increases and the relatively low price of fuel, it's not surprising that Americans are opting for big vehicles with powerful engines.

Considering the overall cost of owning a vehicle, fuel expenses just aren't a very big deal.

High prices, lower consumption
Significant declines in U.S. oil consumption have occurred only after prolonged periods of high prices. Over the last two decades, U.S. consumers have been spoiled by low fuel prices. And those lower prices led to a buying binge that put millions of giant SUVs, pickups and other gas guzzlers on our roads.

Today's higher prices are forcing consumers to adapt. The EIA now expects U.S. gasoline consumption to decline this year -- the first drop in demand in 17 years. In April, sales of small cars in the United States were up by 17% over the same period a year earlier, while sales of SUVs, trucks, and large cars all fell by about 30%.

On the environmental front, people concerned about greenhouse-gas emissions should be cheering today's oil prices. Expensive motor fuel is the only thing that will lead consumers to use less and make the switch to hybrid vehicles, smaller cars and public transit. Higher oil prices are persuading automakers to change their fleets.

Last week, Nissan Motor Company announced that it will begin selling an electric car in the United States and Japan by 2010. Carlos Ghosn, the chief executive of Nissan, made it clear that fuel prices were a factor in the company's decision to build electric cars, telling The New York Times that "the shifts coming from the markets are more powerful than what regulators are doing."

A gallon of gasoline in the U.S. is also dirt-cheap compared with gas in other countries. British motorists are paying about $8.38 per gallon for gasoline. In Norway, a major oil exporter, drivers are paying $8.73. In 2007, out of the 32 industrialized countries surveyed by the International Energy Agency, only one (Mexico) had cheaper gasoline than the United States.

Last year, drivers in Turkey were paying three times as much for their gasoline as Americans were. The IEA data also show that in India -- where the per-capita gross domestic product is about $2,700 (about 6% of the per-capita GDP in the United States) -- drivers have been paying more for their diesel fuel and gasoline than their American counterparts.

(Gasoline is also cheap compared with other essential fuels. A Starbucks venti latte costs the equivalent of $23 per gallon, while Budweiser beer runs $11 per gallon.)

The simple truth is that Americans are going to have to get used to more expensive gasoline. And while they may continue grumbling at the pump, they need to accept the fact that even at $3.50 or $4 per gallon, the fuel they are buying is still a bargain."

This article was reported and written by Robert Bryce for Slate.com.

Published May 20, 2008

Even though it hurts, I will quote my father. "Suck it up, you'll be alright"

First Job

2008-04-23T00:08:00.002-04:00

I have accepted my first job!! I am going to be a financial adviser for Woodmen of the World. The branch is located in Nicholasville currently, but the future plans are to move to Lexington. I will be advising people on how to plan for their futures by selling them Life, Health, and other related insurances. I will also help people set up IRA accounts, 401Ks and children college funds.

The opportunities are really great in this job for me to meet lots of people and help people at the same time. Woodmen does a lot of philanthropy in the communities that they work in, which I will enjoy. The first few years will be hard but I will be rewarded based on how hard I work. I don't have to work in an office all day and the hours are not necessarily 8-5. Don't get me wrong, I will work a lot to get started but I am excited. Pray for success and if you think you might want to be one of my clients let me know!! I believe you can trust God with your future and still plan for the future, even though some would disagree.

Finally A New Post

2008-03-31T01:37:00.002-04:00

So my sister asked me the other day why I never post on my blog. Well for one reason, I don't seem to have the time. The second reason is that I don't believe the anyone will read it. If you read it, leave me a message with your thoughts so I will know who is reading it....

Tonight's post will hopefully be one of many. I have really been studying the issues of the poor and the socioeconomic issues that go with it. I just finished a book, "Banker to the Poor" by Noble Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. He is the founder of micro-financing and social business. Here is an over view of what the new concept of social business is and how it works. It isn't a pleasant read, but God encourage me as I wrote it.

A “Social Business” is a non-loss, non-dividend enterprise, created with the intentions to do good to people, to bring positive change to the world, without any short-term expectation of making money. Basically, social businesses make products and provide services that benefit society. Traditional free-market fundamentalism says businesses should maximize the profit for shareholders to receive the maximum return on their investment. Social business organizational structure is basically the same as profit maximizing businesses (PMB). The objective is to employ workers, create goods and services, and provide these to customers for a price consistent with the objective of the social business. The firm must make a profit (thus social businesses are non-loss). Like many non-profit and government aided businesses, they do not make enough to cover their initial investment and accrue losses for many years. A social business makes a profit but does not return it to investors as dividends (non-dividend). The profits are then reinvested into the business to provide better products, services, lower costs, and increase efficiently of the social business. An indirect effect of making a profit is that time spent raising funds can be spent elsewhere. As firms profitability is stable, they can move into new areas and impact other low socioeconomic areas.

So what is the role of investors after they are repaid for their investment? They keep the money and remain as owners. The money they receive can be used for personal use or reinvested into another social business. People who give to philanthropic groups have the same incentive to invest in social business: it makes them feel good. The difference in investing in social business is that the money is returned, like a zero-coupon bond except with no interest. Investors currently have to “re-donate” to the American Red Cross or UNICEF but once a social business becomes self-sustaining, they will never need to provide startup capital or sustainable capital for the same social buisness again. But how will we know we are not giving to a bad social business? Theoretically, there is no bad social business. First, investors will get their initial investment back so they will not loss money. Secondly, when social businesses compete, they will compete just like two profit maximizing businesses do except for a different objective.

PMB’s compete to have the best rating system from rating firms like Moody’s or Standard and Poor’s to attract investors. Investment firms also hire analysts to project the future profitability of PMB so that investors can choose the firm with the best-expected future profitable outcome. Social business will do the exact same except the firm that produces the greatest possible good with their resources will attract investors. Competing social businesses will push each other to innovate and be more efficient like firms in the free-market system. Where PMB’s compete for daily stock returns, social businesses will compete for who can provide the most impact.

Yet another theoretical idea of social business is the idea of a PMB that is owned by the poor to help the poor. The social benefit does not come from the service or product give to society but rather, the owners will give profits will go to help those in need. When the poor run a business, the need for government assisted aid will become irrelevant (assuming every person in need can own a business or have a social business in their community to work for). When government food stamps and social security are not being distributed, foreign aid, road improvements, healthcare, and funds for education will now be available requiring schools to stop selling candy bars for school supplies! The cool thing to remember is that social businesses can also help with these problems when governments cannot find the funds. Social businesses can build roads and schools, make cheaper school supplies, or create a healthcare system for the lower 20% or 50% who do not have healthcare.

The idea of social businesses is based on the facts that there are people who are willing to help. Is their anybody out there willing to help? Yes and they are everywhere. All kinds of organizations are trying but they just can’t get there with handouts because handouts do not fix the long-term. Soup kitchens save millions of lives each year but they need to be restocked, remanaged and refinanced each day. Handouts and government grants are only short-term fixes to the problem. Social business creates a system that actively engages the poor with sustainable income and irradiates the problems of poverty. When 1/5 of the people on Earth that live on less than a dollar a day, 1.1 billion people, start contributing to the economic growth in their own countries, the gross “earth” product will increase. Because globalization is connecting markets and people more each day, the contribution of the bottom 1/5 of the people on Earth will shift short-term and long-term growth rates out faster than before. The reason that economies do not grow as fast as they potentially could are for very complex reasons but much is based on those that job less, homeless, and take up government funds to offset the food, clothing, and healthcare they cannot afford. When did we get the notion that people like handouts? The poor does not and they are more willing to help themselves than we are to help them. When the back of the train is pushing as well, the train will go faster! By bringing the lower portion of the economy, the part that seems to slow economic growth down, the economy is free to move faster: everyone wins!

Isn't this cool?

Hard Working Man

2007-09-28T00:56:00.000-04:00

This semester I would like to book about 1 gig every month. I love leading worship and since I don't have very many opportunities like I did last year at the BCM, I miss it.

The good news is I do have one thing November 2-4. If you know anyone who needs a worship leader for a weekend or even a night thing, let me know. Let them know about me. If you get me a gig, we are friends!! If not, I will just have to play for you.

One Big Joy

2007-09-28T00:55:00.001-04:00

So I love spending time with my nephew and he is just great. I haven't talk about him on here so I wanted to post a recent picture to show him off. He just does something to me.

Great Friends and Great Music

2007-09-08T16:41:00.000-04:00

2007-09-08T16:40:00.001-04:00

Here are some pics from Shane and Shane, Bebo Norman, and Monk & Neagle

UK vs. Eastern

2007-09-08T16:34:00.001-04:00

So one of the many perk of dating such a wonderful gal like mine is that she is a director for SAC (Student Athletic Council). This means that see gets ticket for football and basketball games, close ones! We are going to UK vs. Kent State game today. Here are a few pics from last week.

Shane & Shane Concert

2007-09-01T12:26:00.001-04:00

I don't know if you all know this about me but I love me some Shane & Shane. If you also love Shane & Shane, then we are friends and I have a surprise for you. This THURSDAY at Asbury College the boys will be playing and the tickets are only $10 for students! Visit www.itickets.com to preorder or get them at the door for $15. If you want to go with me give me a call.

Remember today that the people you judge the most are people just like you.

Cheezy Biscuits

2007-08-17T22:52:00.000-04:00

Eating with my family...

A few weeks ago, my roommate and I were enjoying a great American family tradition with my parents: Supper (or dinner, whatever you call it). My parents called me and asked if I wanted to go eat with them at the oh so good Reb Lobster! Of course I said yes!!

We showed up, sat down, and started talking with my parents.

While we were waiting for our food to come, I noticed something that reminded me of the summer I had. There were 4 tv's just in our section of the restaurant. 4 TV's!

Most of you are probably thinking so what 4 tv's, I have 5-8 in my house. Some people don't eat and we have 4 tv's!

Back to Red Lobster.

My mom was talking to me and I will be honest, I wasn't listening. Why? I was watching that new show power of 10 with Drew Carey. I had never seen it before but I was so interested in what percentage of Americans thought they would win a duel against VP Dick Chaney.

The worst part, I knew what I was doing because I was thinking about it in my head.

Here are my thoughts: I am at dinner with my parents and I can't stop watching tv. I am ignoring my mom right now. I am ignoring everyone at the table. There are about 40 people in this room who are probably doing the same thing. We can't eat dinner at a restaurant without having tv's to keep us up to date. I don't know what they are saying on the show because the volume is muted, but I can't stop watching it.

Now there is a question for you Power of 10. What percentage of Americans watch tv while eating supper with their family?

I am not tv bashing. Nor am I bashing America. Remember I try really hard to keep agenda's out of this blog, I am just expressing how dumb I felt.

So what does all this mean. Wow, we are super busy. We talked about stillness at the camp I worked at this summer and it was by far my favorite day. "Be still and know that I am God." Right, try it.......

.................

So you probably just stopped for a second and thought, "oh God you exist. I am being still." Well, I am not sure what the "right" amount of being still is, but being at peace with God is so much easier when we practice stillness.

The fellowship time that I missed out with my mom was due to a tv show. I will be able to buy the first season at Wal-Mart in a few months anyways, but I won't always be able to eat dinner with my mom and have a conversation.

So slow down.....slow....down. This is the hardest thing for me to do. Even as I write this I am typing so fast.

Your challenge, next time you want to watch tv, go to your room. Shut the door. Do nothing. Don't pray, don't read your Bible. Just be still. You might see something you have never seen before. You might hear something you have never heard before. You might be free for the crazy life for the first time in a long time.

As always, remember love is not against the law.

(Special thanks to Red Lobster)

The Title

2007-08-13T03:29:00.000-04:00

As I promised to revamp this blog, I have had a hard time making myself write. I have been thinking the last few days about what could I post, what is "post worthy"-for any Seinfeld fans.

I think it is appropriate that I only first talk about the blogs title.

Love is Not Against the Law.

Where did it come from? Well I must thank Derek Webb.

Derek never fails and seems to insist on piercing my heart with the truthful words in his albums. The first time I listened to his CD "the House Show", I hated it. The things he talked about seemed so legalistic and messy.

The more I listened though, the better it got. I suggest you listen to it.

Back to the title...

I picked the title because I think love seems to be again the law these days. I know this is no profound statement and I am not trying to be cliche, but seriously.

Love Is Not Against the Law.

How many times do we talk about "love God and love people"? A lot. Then why do we point and look away when people show love toward our enemies?

Love Is Not Against the Law.

As Christians, our faith is based on love. "For God so loved..." Hello Church. The cross is the picture of love to me. In pain, there was love. In death came victory, and that victory gave us the freedom to love "the unlovable".

Love Is Not Against the Law.

Sidenote: the reason I am " " so many phrases is that I hear them in Christian circles all the time, yet we don't believe.

I admit, I cannot be the first to cast a stone at someone for not loving "those people". I can't even love myself sometime after I have done something wrong, but I shake it off and move on.

I truly believe that love is the easiest gift for Christians, as well as humankind, to give away. The return that you get for loving someone is so instant, so passionate, so intimate that is makes you want to do it again.

Love Is Not Against the Law.

Do you live it?

Thought of the Day

2007-07-25T21:48:00.000-04:00

"Flattery at its very best will encourage really nothing more in you and in your community than behavior modification. Modifying your behavior to hide the things you do that are wrong and try to amplify the things you do that are right."

Chew on that for a while!

Working on it

2007-07-25T21:26:00.000-04:00

Well if you have been here lately, you would know that I have not changed much in about 6 months. I am working on updating this blog so that people might want to actually come read it. Check back in a few days to see what's new.