"I practically invented decline." -Michael Scott

Hola blogworld.


Despite what it looks like, they are not leading worship.

Nothing big to post this week, but next week.. big news. So let's get on with the random thoughts...

Consumer vs Producer.
I finally have the words for a concept that has been floating around for a while when it comes to my vision for youth ministry. We have created a generation of church consumers who rate their church experience on how well their needs are met. More and more I'm getting excited about people who are looking at the needs they can meet as part of a church family. More on this later.

One way.
Have you ever driven somewhere and only had to make left turns? I was heading to a friend's house the other day and with the exception of exiting the freeway (doesn't count) every move i made was a left turn. Kind of freaked me out.

Closure.
Speaking of driving, one of the simple joys in life that mi hermana pointed out, is when the song ends right as you are turning off the car. Does anyone have a term for this? If there isn't one out there, I'd like to suggest 'closure'. My closure record is 16 in a row over the course of a couple of magical days back in 07.

If you're on twitter, you should follow Christopher Walken at :
***sorry, the link didn't post twitter.com/cwalken

Fridays have become our office music days. so far we've had:
Otis redding/soul day
Ladysmith Black Mambazo day
Bob Marley day
Caedmon's Call day
Jack Johnson day
80's day
and i think our secretary is planning on having Yanni day.

Is it just me, or is t-pain and his robot-voice on every song on the radio?

Overhype.
This has been a word dominating my culture conversations lately. Here's my list of things that are overhyped:
watchmen (overhyped and disturbing)
bruce springsteen (i just don't get it... sorry union members)
AIG (there are plenty of other corrupt companies that need some tough love as well)
NCAA basketball (i skipped bracketology this year and haven't missed it at all)
twitter (i joined because i'm hoping someday it will be useful)
hating the new facebook layout

Kings.
Best new show on tv. It's a modern day version of the story of David, which means it will probably be the raciest show in primetime. Go to hulu.com to catch up.

Creeper.
Still trying to figure out if/what to say to chica #2. I don't really want to use facebook to ask her out, but options are limited. I'll keep you updated on what I decide/consequences.

Reminder:
The on-ramp is for accelerating to safe freeway speeds. Please do not stop at the end of the on ramp. Also, if your car is not capable of maintaing reasonable freeway speeds, please do not travel via freeway. Thank you.

Science.
The restrooms at our office complex are down the hall, and a require a key to gain entry. I have discovered that the time it takes for the key to work is in direct proportion to my need to get in.

Mafia.
I've said it before, and I'll say it a lot more, I love my friends in youth ministry out here in SoCal. I've got a long list of blessings in my life, and the people that I serve with are right near the top.

Listening:
Switchfoot: Nothing is Sound
Thrice: Vhiessu
Rancid: Out Come the Wolves
Pearl Jam : Ten
Hum: You'd Prefer An Astronaut

Reading:
Purpose Driven Life
Crazy Love
Exodus
Band of Brothers
Something Under the Bed Is Drooling.

Planning:
Camping trip
Surf lessons
Overseas vacation
Young adults retreat

One love, one heart.

A Mighty Wind.

I dare you to watch this video without laughing.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

one love, one fart.

Fall down seven times. Get up eight. - Japanese Proverb

This story is awesome.



In a culture of complaining, this story really strikes a chord with me. I would like to reiterate what DJ's dad said, this guy has nothing to be embarrassed about. Listen to this wisdom:

"If I fall, I fall. It's just another challenge. I'm going to fall, it's just the way it is; I'm going to do it. So, you know what, you get back up, learn from your mistakes, and do it again."

one love, one heart.

Action Michael, Action DJ, Rog-R-Bot and the Fire-Breathing French Dragon: as told by one of my 6th graders.

This is action figure dj, and action figure michael. They work at an electronic store called Directdisc, which is owned by a fire-breathing french dragon. The fire-breathing french dragon runs his shop like Donald Trump, telling everyone that they are fired.

Action figure Michael comes with a giant mustache/wings. He used to be a semi professional football player, but his mustache/wings prevented him from making plays, because it was so heavy. And people couldn't see the number on his jersey. He wants a new job, but it's tough in this market.

Action figure dj comes with a some mini wings, a fire extinguisher and a pet transformer named Rog-R-bot. Action figure dj used to work at a car wash, but left when he kept getting soap in his eyes, and spent all day rinsing them out.

As for Rog-R-Bot, he used to have his own kids show called 'Mr. Rog-R-Bot' where he taught preschoolers about traffic safety, but was kicked off because it stunk.

The End.

Tune in next week, when in the year 3035 AD, action figure Michael and action figure dj fight over 'love interest'. action figure dj loses his hovercraft-truck and action figure Michael uses his mustache to win over the ladies.

one love, one heart.

Happy Birthday Chuck Norris.

I think the picture speaks for itself. But if you feel like you need to learn more about Chuck Norris, check out his fact page.

one love, one heart.

Guest Blog from OK Chick

Hola Blogger World! I’m OK Chick, and I am your guest blogger. Now, I assume most of DJ’s readers reside in sunny, beautiful, close to the beach, CA? Well, I reside in Oklahoma. It’s possible; some of DJ’s sunny CA readers have a misconception about my fine state. I mean really, who comes to Oklahoma for vacation? No one. Furthermore, I’m sure what national news coverage we’ve received; hasn’t been flattering. I realize you’ve probably seen the shirtless redneck, missing two front teeth, give his tale of the tornado, which just destroyed his mobile home. Well Blogger World, there’s more to Oklahoma than rednecks, OU Sooners Football, Indians/Tepees, Barry Switzer, Toby Keith, and Garth Brooks. So please, step inside my world.

Wind
We have a lot of it here in Oklahoma. I know everyone thinks Chicago is the Windy City, but that’s only because Oklahoma wasn’t counted as a state when Chicago claimed the nickname. Really, Oklahoma City should be called the Windy City. This morning I was up at 5:15am for a run. Do you know that the wind was already blowing 22 mph? True story.

Thunder
No, not the sound made by lighting; the basketball team. Last year we stole an NBA team from Seattle, and changed their name to Thunder. It has made Oklahoma Thunder one of the most hated professional sport organizations in history; or so my buddy Bill Simmons from ESPN.com argues. Whatever, we have an NBA team and Seattle doesn’t. Get over it! We pack The Ford Center every game to see our Thunder lose. Besides, I support Seattle economy almost every day by stopping at Starbucks. It’s practically even. Folks, I buy a lot of nonfat Chais.

Oklahoma and Texas is basically the same thing
I would like for you to erase that statement from your brain. Go ahead- erase it. We are nothing like Texas. Have you met people from Texas? They have big hair, huge belt buckles, and talk with reeaaalll Southern accents. We Oklahomans like to keep our hair and belt buckles to a minimum level. Also, we do not talk with Southern accents. Fine! If you go to the backwoods of Oklahoma, waaaay south, you’ll find some folks that speak with southern accents. But here in OKC, no way. Also, I don’t know if you’ve heard of the Red River Rivalry? Yea, that right there proves how much the two states hate each other.

Fatties
Yes, we are more on the hefty size here in Oklahoma. It’s to be blamed on all the fried chicken, turkey legs, Indian tacos, bbq, fried okra, biscuits and gravy, and Sonic slushies we consume. Last year OKC Mayor made Oklahoma’s weight his top priority. He went on every nationwide news show and called our state fat. Yeah, it was a great moment. He challenged our stated to lose one million pounds in a year. It’s been over a year and we’ve lost 300,000 pounds. Needless to say, we don’t care that we’re fat because fried okra dipped in ranch is dang good!

Friendly
Down here people acknowledge each other. It’s not out of character to have a stranger strike up a conversation with you in line at Wal-Mart. However, I do not fit this mold. If I’m in Wal-Mart and I spot someone from High School; I will run and hide. If it helps me avoid having meaningless talk with them, I’ll go stand in the dog food isle for ten minutes. BUT generally, everyone is very friendly in this part of the world. Not saying the people of sunny CA are not friendly, but we’re REAL friendly around here.

Tornadoes
We have a lot of these in Oklahoma. Tornadoes are kind of a big deal around here. We take our weather and weather people very serious, probably more than most state. Every true Oklahoman knows what weather person is associated with each channel; and each person has “their weather person”. It’s kind of your go-to person when the sky is dark and it’s raining. I’m more of a Gary England girl. He’s on CBS. Lord Gary, as we call him, has been tracking tornadoes for 100 years. Really, he’s old. I trust a person that has lots of experience in this field. Also, he’s so funny to watch on TV. When he starts cussing it’s hilarious! Oh and they have even developed a drinking game for Lord Gary/Tornado Season. I’ve never played. I prefer to be sober during tornadoes. You know, in case a tornado comes ripping down my street, and I need to get in the closet.

Hopefully, I’ve cleared up any misconceptions. By the way, I’m jealous of you folks that live in sunny CA. You have the beach!

**be sure to check out OK Chick's Blog, it's a must read!

one love, one heart.