JDs Blog

We are moving!!!

2009-12-18T23:27:00.002-06:00

I have decided to move this blog to Wordpress. They got better themes and simply look great. You can continue to follow this blog here:

http://jdizzel.wordpress.com/

This will be the last post here....go to the address above and bookmark that as the official JD blog. You can also click the link on the right hand side of this post. Thanks for your continued support.

Iron Man 2 Trailer is here!

2009-12-18T22:21:00.002-06:00

This show makes me cry

2009-12-13T19:16:00.003-06:00

Every Sunday night I watch a show called Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I watch it without fail because it has some extraordinary stories of regular americans who do extraordinary things for others. The show has a design team that goes and rebuilds houses for these everyday heroes. There are heroes among us everywhere and most of us have no idea. From that nice lady down the street who secretly buys groceries for needy families, to that normal looking teacher who identifies needy students and gets them the supplies they need.

So many stories of good people in this country who are making a difference. Sometimes I feel so guilty because even tho I'm not rich I have so many things that others would like to have but van never afford. This show gives me hope that there really are people out there who are taking their time, money, and abilities and using them to help someone else instead of helping themselves. It makes me want to reach out myself and do something for someone else. I strongly encourage you to watch this show...if you're not touched by what you see then you gotta be dead or something. Extreme Makeover Home Edition airs on ABC channel 7 on Sundays at 8:00 pm.

Crossing Guard

2009-12-13T18:42:00.002-06:00

Let It Snow

2009-12-13T18:22:00.003-06:00

I love that expression...

2009-12-02T14:57:00.000-06:00

...such an innocent look isn't it?

My iPod

2009-11-22T21:49:00.002-06:00

Oh nooo...they're lost!

2009-11-22T16:28:00.003-06:00

Keeping them safe...

2009-11-21T12:09:00.003-06:00

This is the life....

2009-11-20T17:02:00.003-06:00

This is how I came to work on Wednesday. It's great to work for a company that lets you be comfortable.

iPod touch

2009-11-05T08:44:00.003-06:00

Ok, so I got my new iPod touch 64 Gb and I just got one question...what the heck took me so long??? This thing is awesome! I love the wi-fi, the touchscreen is really good, the navigation is so easy. No way can I go back to a clickwheel. I love the fact that apps take up so little space and oh, there are so many apps!! So far I've downloaded some cool free ones for photography and some games. The only other thing that would make it even better is if it had a camera..but who cares...this thing is awesome!!!

That Boy!

2009-11-01T00:52:00.001-05:00

Crickey!!

2009-10-25T21:24:00.004-05:00

Lookit the size of that rock!

Back from Camp

2009-10-18T17:04:00.013-05:00

Camp was really really good. The ladies sure know how to party! Now, the place was really nice...everything was within steps and you did not have to go far to get to the chapel or the pool or the dining hall...everything was right there. I stayed in the nurse's station which had a living room and two guest suites. The whole place has security cameras to keep everyone safe. All in all this camp was so nice...the food was really good too.

Come to http://picasaweb.google.com/jdfonline/WomenSCamp2009# to see the album and photos of the place.

Off to camp....again.

2009-10-16T17:59:00.003-05:00

Well, I am off to the second women's camp of the year. I have to leave str8 from work and drive at night so please pray for me. I am really good with directions but sometimes a lil help is needed. We are going to a new camp which is closer. I will take pictures of the camp which I will post exclusively here and nowhere else...not the church site, not my picture site. If the camp has wi-fi then I will upload as I shoot, so if you wanna know what this new camp is like, then check back here!

Classic

2009-10-15T17:53:00.004-05:00

Stone Cold is back baby...yeeaaa!!!!

2009-10-15T09:45:00.003-05:00

After the awesome movie "The Condemned" Stone Cold Steve Austin returns with "Damaged". This is the story of John Brickner, a man recently paroled from prison after serving seven years for 2nd degree manslaughter. Remorseful of his crime, Brickner tries his best to re-start his life on the outside.

Then he is approached by Veronika Reynolds, the widow of the man he killed. She tells him it was her letter to the parole board that enabled his early release from prison. She explains to him that her daughter needs a heart transplant, but won't survive long enough to qualify for a donor. She wants him to secure the $250,000 needed to buy a black market heart. Despite his unwillingness to fight, he is offered a chance to make big money in an underground fighting circuit if he is willing to move up the ranks.

He soon finds himself engulfed in the world of fight promoters, desperate gamblers and steroid freaks that are too proud to quit. Brickner must put aside his fear of going too far in order to serve a purpose greater than himself.

Marcela Gandara

2009-10-12T17:48:00.001-05:00

That soft, soothing voice! She is one of the best singers I've heard.

The Nighmare Begins...

2009-09-28T09:58:00.002-05:00

Way back in the 80's when the first Nightmare movie came out we were all scared spitless. The story was intriguing tho...a guy who comes after you in your dreams?...that was really unique cause we all assume we're safe in our beds. This story is one that a lot of people think of as some guy killing just because he wants to, but really, he kills because he was murdered himself. The remake has just finished shooting right here in Chicago (I think it was shot here cause we actually have an Elm Street) and it looks real good. Check the trailer below.

Amazing Talent

2009-09-24T21:22:00.002-05:00

Ok you've got to see this guy. He is an amazing singer and his name is Sam Tsui. He does a lot of acapella singing...meaning he sings all the instruments. This guy will go far if he continues, Anyways he sings this amazing medley that I wanted to share...what a voice!

Check out his MySpace for more info: http://www.myspace.com/SamTsui

This Is It!

2009-09-17T09:39:00.003-05:00

I am soooo going to go see this!! The final footage of the greatest (yes...THE greatest) artist of all time deserves to be seen and shared with the world!

Is he crazy???...or just plain stupid?

2009-09-14T10:00:00.005-05:00

Last night at the MTV Video Music Awards the most unbelievably retarted stupid thing happenned. Teen singer Taylor Swift won the award for best video and as she went to accept this happened:

What is he thinking??? Nobody cares Kanye...nobody cares! You are just rude and opportunistic. Nobody is buying your records and that's why you act like a child. This was totally rude of you to do...a gentleman doesn't do this to a lady.

Thankfully Taylor pulled it together and performed her hit beautifully and with no problem. Kanye however got kicked out of the awards and had to finish watching it from his house. MTV did the right thing. Beyonce was a class act, she was a total lady and when she won an award later this is what happened:

I commend Beyonce for doing the right thing and correcting Kanye's rude behavior.

New Music - Fireflight

2009-09-13T18:06:00.005-05:00

I just got this new CD from an awesome band called Fireflight. It is a Christian rock band in the style of Skillet, FM Static, etc. The lyrics are totally amazing and the musicianship is awesome as well...these kids know what they're doing. The lead singer is a girl named Dawn and wow...she rocks. I love it when lead singers are all in your face and sing the words with confidence and conviction and Dawn definitely delivers. The CD is named Unbreakable and the song is about the woman that was caught in adultery but was not condemned by Christ. You can check the band out on their MySpace at this address: http://www.myspace.com/fireflight. You can also visit their website at http://www.fireflightrock.com.

In Remembrance....9/11

2009-09-11T09:57:00.003-05:00

"Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature, and we responded with the best of America"

President George W. Bush
September 11, 2001

My day at Steven's house

2009-09-06T00:18:00.008-05:00

Today I spent the day with Steven and his dad. The day was so awesome. We had breakfast (prepared by his mom before she had to go on a ladies trip to a waterpark) and I got to know Steven and his dad a bit better. His baby sister Joyce was there and I got the chance to shoot some pics of her...she is quite the little model! I am honored to have been invited to come out there; Steven is quite a kid; I learned a lot about him just from watching him and talking to him as well. Check out some of the photos I took today below.

Hanging out with Steven

2009-09-03T13:16:00.002-05:00

This weekend I have been invited to hang out with Steven and his Dad at their home. For you that don't know Steven is one of my Sunday School kids; he is really into church and Jesus and is one of the most awesome kids I know. He's also a good photography model (that's him in the picture above). I am really excited and honored to have been invited...I'll let y'all know what happens. By the way, you can visit Steven's blog by clicking on the link to the left.

Happy Birthday MJ!!!

2009-08-29T08:43:00.000-05:00

You are so greatly missed.

Finally!!!!

2009-08-27T13:02:00.002-05:00

I cannot wait for this!

My Personal Worship Playlist

2009-08-25T09:40:00.005-05:00

Some people have asked me what songs I listen to when I want to have a private personal worship time. I usually do this every morning on my way to work and these are songs I chose specifically for this purpose. It's important to start the day right and doing some personal worship really helps us to connect with God so that the rest of our day goes smoothly. So, here are the songs on my iPod's Personal Worship playlist. I have them in this very specific order on purpose because I find this order to be just right based on the song. They are listed by song name-artist-CD

Healer-Hillsongs-This is Our God
Mighty To Save-Michael W. Smith-A new Hallelujah
Amazing Grace-Michael W. Smith-A new Hallelujah
Deep In Love With You-Michael W. Smith-A new Hallelujah
Healing Rain-Michael W. Smith-A New Hallelujah
Majesty-Michael W. Smith-A New Hallelujah
You Are God-Gateway Worship-Wake Up The World
We Cry Out-Gateway Worship-Wake Up The World
Save Me-Gateway Worship-Wake Up The World
Awesome God-Michael W. Smith-Worship
Let it Rain-Michael W. Smith-Worship
Ancient Words-Michael W. Smith-Worship Again
I Give You My Heart-Michael W. Smith-Worship Again
I See You-Michael W. Smith/Worship Again
Come Holy Spirit-Planetshakers-All For Love
The Anthemn-PlanetShakers-All For Love
We Exalt Thee-Petra-Petra Praise: The Rock Cries Out

Murder was the case...someone's in trouble!

2009-08-24T18:12:00.002-05:00

The Los Angeles County coroner has ruled Michael Jackson's death a homicide. The coroner determined a fatal combination of drugs was given to Jackson hours before he died June 25 in his rented Los Angeles mansion. Forensic tests found the powerful anesthetic propofol acted together with at least two sedatives to cause Jackson's death. Dr. Conrad Murray told cops he had been treating Jackson for 6 weeks for insomnia -- giving him 50 milligrams of Propofol every night through an IV. Dr. Murray reportedly told cops 10 minutes after administering Propofol ... he "left Jackson's side to go to the restroom and relieve himself. Murray stated he was out of the room for about 2 minutes maximum. Upon his return, Murray noticed that Jackson was no longer breathing.

He's in so much trouble!

Where's that post???

2009-08-24T10:33:00.000-05:00

Earlier this month I posted about the Q&A and asked you to send in your questions to my e-mail. Well I have gotten soooo many questions...more than I thought actually. I didn't think that many people read the blog...so thank you for reading my crazy stuff. Unfortunately I was doing some cleaning up here before the Men's camp and I accidentally erased that post...ooops! With all the business of camp I have been trying to answer the questions you have sent...but I am a little behind, so please forgive me. I will try to answer a good bunch to post for the first part. Stay tuned...they will be posted soon.

New lens!

2009-08-21T12:06:00.003-05:00

So...a few weeks ago my zoom lens died on me. It happened suddenly and with no warning; it just stopped focusing properly. After much anguish, with the men's camp coming up I decided to buy a new one. My camera is a Sony and my busted lens was a Tamron which was fine. This time I decided to buy a Sony lens and...woow! Much better! The pics seem sharper and more vivid. This is the lens I should've bought to begin with. So the moral is: stick with the same brand lens as your camera...your pictures will definitely be better.

Men's Camp food

2009-08-19T00:00:00.011-05:00

If you take a look at the food from the ladies camp and the food below you will notice a difference. Menno Haven food is better quality and there are more choices. The food doesn't look mass produced and seems more appealing. If the new camp shapes up the food then it will be a more well-rounded place.

Men's Camp 2009

2009-08-17T11:39:00.013-05:00

We're back from an awesome camp! Those three days seem like a week of fun and great times. Once again we had a variety of people come and participate in the awesome fellowship. But, we also missed those who couldn't come. As usual Menno Haven was very accomodating. The food I have to say...awesome as always I sure will miss it when we switch camps. Of course I ran around as usual with my camera stuck to my face trying to capture everything. Heck, I even had a chance to drive around outside the camp with the Apostle and see some awesome fields of corn and soy and even some windmills. Ok, enough talk...here are some pics.

Procs catches one as always

One of the glorious services

The boys gather to discuss the day's plans

Esdras gets all huggy about it

Nasser shows the right way to kiss a dummy

Steven strikes a pose at the pool

"I once caught a fish this biiiig!"

It's that time again!

2009-08-12T09:42:00.006-05:00

The Men's camp starts tomorrow...so I will not be updating the blog until next week. Some of the images will appear here, and some personal ones will appear on my photo blog (click on the Shoot The World link at left to see my site). Of course, the church website will have all the images available as well. I hope everything goes well this time; last year my camera stopped working for some reason. This will also be the last time at Menno Haven...we will be using the camp the Ladies used for their trip (check out some of those pics below). More to come!

Slamball!! Have YOU seen this???

2009-07-25T10:06:00.008-05:00

I just found this new sport as I was watching a game of basketball on TV. It's called Slamball and it looks really interesting. Basically it's a cross between basketball and full contact football...where players can block each other and use trampolines to make the baskets. I know, I know..."trampolines??" you say. But, it's not as easy as it sounds because you can even get blocked and painfully slammed in mid-air. Now, the dunks look awesome as heck and boy, can they get creative. Look at the video below and tell me that doesn't look cool. I would definitely play this.

If you wanna see more (I know I do!) go to http://www.youtube.com/user/SlamballArena

Women's Camp 2009

2009-07-16T22:47:00.007-05:00

Well the camp was pretty good. I don't have much of a review here...but I can definitely say the food is better at Menno Haven, altho the lodgings are way better at Dickson. We had the meeting place below the bunkrooms so no walking was needed. They have a good audio/visual set up and the place is pretty clean too. Below are some pics of what the place looked like.

This is the dining room

Here is one of two fireplaces for bonfires

Here is the slide at the lake

Here is the lounge at the Lodge we stayed at

The entrance to the lodge

One of the bunkrooms

The meeting room

The outside of the dining room

The outside porch

The hallway outside my room (that's Johanny in the background)

Breakfast

My private room that Alex and I shared (these pics taken after we had packed up) we had our own bathroom too!

The World Remembers...

2009-07-07T14:31:00.005-05:00

Today was the memorial for the incomparable, irreplaceable, one of a kind Michael Joseph Jackson. It's amazing how many lives were touched by this musical genius I first heard his music in 1983 and I remember thinking how amazing and unique it was and how it drew you in. You couldn't help but tapping your finger, bobbing your head or foot to it...and it still has that effect today. His music will always be relevant, and most if not all today's artists...christian and secular...owe him a lot for the ways he revolutionized the music industry. It's too bad that a lot of Christians out there are taking this time to criticize and still throw stones. The man had his flaws...just like you have yours and I have mine. Nobody's perfect, sure; but his accomplishments far outweigh his shortcomings and all the good things he did can never be erased by the critics and the naysayers.

The memorial service was awesome...all the celebrities who sang, the poems, the speeches...really good. I think the highlight of the event was 13yr old Shaheen Jafargholi's rendition of "Who's Loving You"; simply amazing. I loved the fact that the family, including Michael's children came out and were seen. It would've made it better to have an open casket but it's understandable that the family wants us to remember him the way he was.

His legend will never die, and as I said before I will always be a fan...my iPod now has most if not all his songs, including some very amazing unreleased songs and instrumentals that he created. I am looking forward to more of his unreleased music being made available to us his fans.

He was a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Often imitated but never duplicated. His music broke walls of culture, language and race. He sought to unite and make us see that we are all different but still one single race and we should treat each other as brothers. He saw the world in a way that the rest of us were too blind to see. To me he is, was and always will be a legend, musical genius, humanitarian. The greatest entertainer in the world to ever live....ever.

Happy 4th!!

2009-07-04T17:37:00.002-05:00

I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!!!

Mirelis Hannah Ferreras

2009-07-03T17:07:00.002-05:00

Born today at 4:04 pm.

Check out my shirt y'all!

2009-07-02T20:10:00.004-05:00

It's here!!! This is the official photowalk t-shirt that I will be wearing to the walk. This shirt is available to regular photowalkers as well but without the "Leader" designation on the back. I got this baby locked away and ready to be seen on the Big Day (July 18th).

Wanna come with me? Click on the link to the left and sign up...not a lot of spaces left!

More Michael on the way???

2009-07-01T09:40:00.003-05:00

AEG Live, the company producing Jackson's 50-concert London tour, videotaped all the rehearsals and the company has roughly 100 hours of rehearsal footage (including last Wednesday's practice run at the Staples Center, which was the night before the pop icon died). The tapes include enough audio to fill two live albums worth of material, and these recordings could end up being incredibly profitable. Jackson never released a live album during his career.

AEG spent $30 million putting this together. The video, the lighting, the staging - it's all extraordinary. They're the first to use a new 3D projection that will blow people's minds. Another first for Michael....the 3-D show was going to give the audience the illusion of actually being inside his videos with him. He keeps breaking ground even after his death...woow! I can't wait to hear the live performances.

Stewart Little

2009-06-28T23:40:00.005-05:00

Michael Jackson Dead

2009-06-25T19:44:00.007-05:00

I am saddened to report that Michael Jackson has died; he was 50 years old. He was the most influential artist of our time. He changed the way music is made...even Christian music. His use of technology and the way he created influenced and changed the way music is made forever. He was loved, he was criticized. He was controversial and eccentric. He made friends and was known personally by most celebrities out there. His groundbreaking use of music videos as a way to tell a story was very special.

He was, is, and always will be influential and relevant to the music world...nothing can change the good things he can accomplish..he was truly an Icon and a Legend in every sense of the words.

The seventh child of the Jackson family, he debuted on the professional music scene at the age of 11 as a member of The Jackson 5 and began a solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group. Referred to as the "King of Pop" in subsequent years, five of his solo studio albums are among the world's best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995).

One of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, his other achievements include multiple Guinness World Records—including one for "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time"—13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles in his solo career—more than any other male artist in the Hot 100 era—and the sales of over 750 million albums worldwide. Cited as one of the world's most famous men, Jackson's highly publicized personal life, coupled with his successful career, made him a part of popular culture for almost four decades.

I have always been a fan of his. I remember when Thriller came out and being so mesmerized by his music...never having heard anything like that before. I will always be a fan. Rest in peace Michael...

District 9

2009-06-25T13:43:00.001-05:00

If you like alien movies then this one is a good one for ya. At first it looks like a documentary about immigration...but then....

Those Eyes!

2009-06-21T00:00:00.003-05:00

New Find!....Jesus Culture

2009-06-14T20:22:00.002-05:00

Here's a great video by an exciting band called Jesus Culture. This is a band originating from Bethel Church out in Redding, California. Their style is kinda like Hillsongs and Planetshakers but way fresher. Check 'em out...

Jesus is...

2009-06-11T21:49:00.002-05:00

Shy Girl

2009-06-08T09:42:00.005-05:00

Andy & Steven

2009-06-07T20:34:00.003-05:00

Lonely Girl

2009-06-07T20:28:00.004-05:00

This is big!

2009-06-05T11:47:00.004-05:00

This year's Worldwide Photowalk is gearing up to be a huuuuge event! There are already over 9,000 photographers in 676 cities around the world taking part. Last year there were only 236 cities. I will be leading a group this year, so if you want to go with me and haven't signed up yet, hit the link to the left of this post for the Photowalk page and to sign up. I've already got a nice little group, but the limit is 50...so sign up today!

On his way to school...

2009-06-04T11:48:00.002-05:00

Adrian

2009-05-28T20:36:00.001-05:00

City Of Ember

2009-05-28T12:18:00.001-05:00

For generations, the people of the City of Ember have flourished in an amazing world of glittering lights. But Ember's once powerful generator is failing... and the great lamps that illuminate the city are starting to flicker. Now, two teenagers in a race against time, must search Ember for clues that will unlock the ancient mystery of the city's existence, and help the citizens escape before the lights go out forever.

This is an awesome family movie!

Gabriel

2009-05-25T22:39:00.002-05:00

Inspirational

2009-05-23T17:54:00.000-05:00

Bruce Willis is back baby!!!!!!

2009-05-22T09:38:00.006-05:00

Here is the first trailer for the awesome movie Surrogates, starring possibly the best actor out there today Bruce Willis! The movie takes place in the future where people can buy robots of themselves and not leave home but have their robot go out and live their lives. People can control their other "self" from home, feel what they feel, see what they see, etc. But what happens when a surrogate kills??? I can't wait to find out, this looks like a good movie. God, I love Bruce Willis!!

Exciting news!!!!

2009-05-18T21:50:00.006-05:00

As some of you may know last year I was one of 8,000 photographers that took part in Scott Kelby's 1st Annual Worldwide Photowalk. this event took place simultaneously on the same day

47 Countries had participating cities
44 States in the US had PhotoWalks
We had a total of 236 cities worldwide
More than 1,017,125 photos were taken on walks that day

Well guess what?????? (I'm so excited!!). The time has come for the 2nd annual event. It will take place on Saturday July 18th. On that day photographers from around the world will walk thru their city and take pictures randomly. Last year I attended the Michigan Avenue walk and let me tell you, it was so much fun! But that's not even the best part. Ready?....

I have been selected to lead a Photowalk!!! That's right....me!!!!! Whooooo-hooooooo!!!!

My photowalk will take place at the Chicago Botanic Gardens, but get this...there's only room for 50 people to come with.

To sign up go to the link at the left of this blog and sign up. This is gonna be bigger than last year baby...yeeaaaaaahhhh!!!!

Update!!! As a photowalk leader I also get to choose the best photo of the day from among my group and that photographer will also receive a free copy of the book. Here is the book:

Star Trek

2009-05-13T09:54:00.005-05:00

So...I saw the new movie theother day and it was....freakin' awesome!!!! I have been a huge Sat Trek fan since childhood and I've probably seen every episode of the original series as well as the Next Generation. This movie makes lots of sense even to those who don't know the Star Trek storyline.

The way they explained how the original crew got together makes total sense and there were surprises throughout the film (which I won;t give away...you'll have to see it yourself...sorry). The special effects were pretty darn good on this one I must say.

This movie is so good I think I might go see it again...I'm sure there's things that I might have missed. I love the dynamics between Kirk and Spock...the actors were well-picked and they interacted perfectly with each other.

Roberto

2009-05-10T19:51:00.006-05:00

Against All Odds

2009-05-07T21:55:00.002-05:00

I love this song, especially thru the talented crystal clear voice of Mariah Carey. That woman can sing! This song is about what happens when someone leaves a relationship and the effects it can have on the person being left behind. Lyrics are below the video.

How can I just let you walk away, just let you leave without a trace
When I stand here taking every breath with you, ooh
You're the only one who really knew me at all

How can you just walk away from me,
When all I can do is watch you leave
Cos we've shared the laughter and the pain and even shared the tears
You're the only one who really knew me at all

So take a look at me now, oh there's just an empty space
And there's nothing left here to remind me,
Just the memory of your face
Ooh take a look at me now, well there's just an empty space
And you coming back to me is against all odds and that's what I've got to face

I wish I could just make you turn around,
Turn around and see me cry
There's so much I need to say to you,
So many reasons why
You're the only one who really knew me at all

So take a look at me now, well there's just an empty space
And there's nothing left here to remind me, just the memory of your face
Now take a look at me now, cos there's just an empty space

But to wait for you, is all I can do and that's what i've got to face
Take a good look at me now, cos i'll still be standing here
And you coming back to me is against all odds
It's the chance I've gotta take

Oh Becky!

2009-05-06T23:12:00.001-05:00

Eyes

2009-05-06T23:11:00.001-05:00

First official Iron Man 2 photo!

2009-05-01T09:36:00.001-05:00

Here it is...the first official photo from the sequel to Iron man. Check out the Iron suits behind Tony! Looks like it's gonna have a lot of action.

Church Mice

2009-04-30T17:47:00.002-05:00

Friends

2009-04-26T21:41:00.002-05:00

The Snake

2009-04-26T21:33:00.002-05:00

Jonathan

2009-04-20T17:29:00.003-05:00

For Them

2009-04-07T12:10:00.003-05:00

Did you know that right now there are 100 million children living in the streets around the world?? Can you imagine the dangers that these kids face every day? Hunger, cold, abuse, pain...something's got to be done. Everyone says they care but nothing is being done except by a few. We need to create awareness to this problem because these kids are our future and if nobody gives them a chance then what future can we expect?

Please view the video below by Troye Sivan.

Lil Logan

2009-04-07T11:14:00.009-05:00

Here are some screencaps of the boy who plays Wolverine. His name is Troye Sivan and he is very talented. You can type his name on YouTube and check out his videos.

Tulip

2009-04-06T13:13:00.004-05:00

Wolverine leaked on the internet!

2009-04-03T11:20:00.005-05:00

Yep...someone leaked the new Wolverine movie to the internet on the 1st. Now, I have seen the movie, which opens in theatres in a month and I can tell you it is awesome. The story is really good and easy to follow and the guest appearances do not disappoint. Here are some screen caps for ya:

Runner

2009-04-02T11:27:00.000-05:00

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize".
1 Corinthians 9:24

The Club

2009-04-02T11:14:00.001-05:00

Who belongs to this one?

My Chicago

2009-03-28T17:49:00.006-05:00

Thanks!

2009-03-26T10:33:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to say thanks to all my friends who have wished me a Happy Birthday.

To my PK's around the world whom I talk to almost every day, you guys are my support, my best friends, the ones who make me feel comfortable. Another year has gone by and I've enjoyed you all immensely. Let's keep going!!!

To my boys at church..my babies!!! I love you all very much, you know who you are. Every hug I get makes me feel younger and younger...keep em' coming! To my family, my nieces, nephews; much love!

To my blog readers...I love you all.

The Champion

2009-03-23T14:29:00.001-05:00

The Bike

2009-03-23T14:27:00.006-05:00

St Patrick's Day parade

2009-03-16T13:26:00.006-05:00

I went downtown to the parade on Saturday the 14th. The river being colored a bright green...the crowds, the floats. It was all a bit overwhelming to tell the truth. Lotta walking too....

The Eyes

2009-03-07T14:32:00.002-06:00

Can you tell whose eyes these are? Can it be George Washington, Abraham Lincoln? Maybe they're the eyes of Andrew Jackson, or Benjamin Franklin...

A good recipe

2009-03-05T16:04:00.003-06:00

A good friend sent me this picture and recipe. Looks real good...try it!

BEEF WITH BOK CHOY

Ingredients:

3/4 pound boneless beef steak (such as top round, flank or sirloin)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 pound baby bok choy
1/4 cup salad oil or olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoon oyster sauce
Ingredients for Cooking Sauce:

3/4 cup chicken broth
4 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons dry sherry
Instructions:

Cut beef with the grain into 1 1/2 inch wide strips, and then cut each strip across the grain into 1/8 inch thick slanting slices. Place meat in bowl, stir in soy sauce and let marinate for about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut bok choy leaves from stems. You should have 6 to 8 cups total lightly packed bok choy.
Place a wok over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of the oil to wok. When oil is hot, add garlic and bok choy. Stir fry for 1 to 2 minutes.

Add water, then cover and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally, just unil the bok choys are tender to bite. Remove from wok and set aside.

Pour remaining oil into wok. When oil is hot, add meat and stir fry until browned (1 1/2 to 2 minutes) and add 2 tablespoons oyster sauce.

Return bok choy to wok. Stir together the ingredients for the cooking sauce and add to the wok.
Cook stirring, until sauce boils and thickens.

Serves 2-3.

David!

2009-03-04T22:58:00.001-06:00

Spy alert

2009-03-02T10:37:00.005-06:00

One of my favorite songs called "Deceive And Destroy" talks about how we have to be careful as an army of God to make sure we expose those spies in our midst. People who have enjoyed our company and our good times but suddenly turn against us and begin to try and plant doubt. People who drink from our wells and then turn around and poison those wells. As I mentioned in yesterday's service we have to be careful to defend ourselves from all enemies...foreign and domestic. It's the domestic ones that we have to keep more of an eye on.

Domestic enemies are basically traitors. Something somewhere sets them off and they turn against the people who welcomed them, who shared with them,blessed them. That's a bad thing, children.

One of the best ways that illustrates how bad it is to become a traitor within your camp is the Marines. They have a motto: "Semper Fidelis" which means "always faithful" Now. because they are a select few, the best of the best, they are expected to live this motto for life in everything they do...everything. So, when a Marine is unfaithful to his wife, he has betrayed that motto and is no longer worthy to be a Marine. When he speaks against his leaders, he is unworthy. When he does things to undermine and hinder and prevent an organization he belongs to from moving forward, then he is a disgrace. This is why you see that Marines who do not live up to the motto are basically branded as good for nothing all talk and no substance...something that is next to impossible to over come. He must now work extra hard to prove himself worthy and it's rare that people ever trust him fully again. God's army is the same...we expect faithfulness because we are faithful.

There are people in the army of God who are like that...then they expect things to just be ok and to be trusted and considered. It's easy to just say "I'm sorry" after they've spread lies and put others down and intentionally caused damage. It is intentional because nobody spreads gossip and lies without knowing what they are doing..you'd have to pretty much be a retard to do that.

So, be careful who you listen to. Just because they appear to be active in the church doesn't mean they are trustworthy. The Bible says that by their fruits you will know them. If they look one way but their fruit is another, then listen to them politely but do not take it to heart...they are up to something.

Matches

2009-03-01T18:04:00.003-06:00

A Good Movie!

2009-02-28T19:43:00.003-06:00

I saw this movie last night. It was awesome and very well recommended. The story is about a boy from the slums who wins a game show in India (Who Wants To Be A Millionaire) and everyone is wondering how he did it. Kids in the slums are called "slumdogs".Since he is homeless and has no parents everyone assumes that a slumdog like him is not smart enough to do it without cheating. The movie shows how he draws from events in his life to be able to give the correct answers. The boys who acted in this movie live in actual slums in India where poverty, disease and abuse reigns. Kids there are exploited by handlers who pimp them out to be beggars and even prostitutes. This movie won 8 Oscars and they are very well deserved.

My New Phone

2009-02-26T20:26:00.003-06:00

I am so excited to get this phone...I can finally represent! I chose the Motorola Q because most of the technicians at work advised me it is a better phone than the Blackberry (but not quite as good as an iPhone). Since Motorola invented the cell phone I felt very confident in their product, and working for a cellular company I know them well. As you can see I also got a nice black rugged case for it which matches the one I have on my iPod. Of course, you know once the iPhone is available for U.S. Cellular I will be getting one; until then its Motorola baby!

An Encounter With God

2009-02-25T10:59:00.004-06:00

A while back I told you about the awesome book called The Shack. The book is about a man named Mackenzie whose little daughter is murdered in a shack in Oregon. Four years later he receives a letter in the mail from God inviting him to spend a weekend with Him at the shack. What he finds there changes his life.

This book is awesome in so many levels. As Mackenzie talks with the Trinity that is God, he learns some valuable insight on humans and how God views us as well as how He works for our good. I thought I would share some passages so you can see a little bit of how wonderful this book is.

When Mackenzie asks God if he honestly enjoys punishing sinners, God replies: " I am not who you think I am. I don't need to punish people for sin; sin is it's own punishment, devouring you from the inside. It's not my purpose to punish it; it's my joy to cure it."

Mackenzie then asks if the Father is the boss of the trinity. God answers: "We have no concept of final authority among us, only unity. We are in a circle of relationship, not a chain of command. Once you have a hierarchy you need rules to protect and administer it and then you need law and the enforcement of the rules. Hierarchy imposes laws and rules that make you miss the wonder of the relationship that we intended for you."

Basically there God is saying that we don't need all these rules to have a close relationship with Him because they make us miss the experience of a true relationship. That's deep folks.

Hey, if you get a chance pick this book up. It it available at Barnes & Noble, Borders and places like target as well. It will be of great blessing to your life.

The Gift

2009-02-21T19:42:00.001-06:00

For those of you who play guitar...enjoy this short animation.

2009-02-13T16:10:00.003-06:00

The church is in crisis!

2009-02-09T14:54:00.004-06:00

Did you know that nowadays more and more people are quitting the church? They still believe in God and are good Christians but are disillusioned with a lot of the stuff that goes on in churches today. I find it appalling that in a recent study shows that out of 300 million Christian in this country 129 million have stopped going to church because of various issues.

Some are disillusioned that the church appears to not care about people's issues. Some others feel their church is insensitive to their needs while demanding more and more. A lot of people are suspicious of their pastors and ministers, citing the recent scandals and bad deeds of other ministers, pastors and leaders.

Time magazine published the following statement recently: "More evangelicals are abandoning mega churches for mini churches based in their own living rooms". That is outrageous, in other words, more people find it OK to worship at home rather than come to church! Most say that church services have become boring, banal, and even painful to go to.

Recently a Pastor issued the following 9 challenges to the church, hoping that some change might come of it:

1. Worship is stale; 'same old same old"
2. Preachers are watering down their theological beliefs
3. Congregations are still split into all black, all white, or all Hispanic groups...in other words, there is no diversity.
4. Many young Christians don't take the Bible seriously especially on issues like divorce and premarital sex.
5. Christianity in America has essentially no built-in cost.
6. Any expression of the supernatural has been taken out of worship
7. No one is ready for the fact that the next generation of youth are going to reinvent the church.
8. Churches in the U.S tend to compete rather than cooperate
9. There is a lack of leaders with a vision.

Storm in Black & White

2009-02-08T18:41:00.001-06:00

Gateway Worship - We Cry Out

2009-02-07T15:07:00.002-06:00

Now this song....this song brings me to my knees every time.

Gateway Worship - You Are Good

2009-02-07T15:02:00.004-06:00

Here is a clip of an awesome song from Gateway Church, a 15,000 member congregation located in Southlake, Texas. Their latest CD Wake Up The World is awesome. This is one of the most awesome worship songs I have ever heard...

Reptilian

2009-02-05T10:45:00.001-06:00

You know you're a photographer if...

2009-02-03T14:48:00.002-06:00

4 GB of memory lasts most people a month but barely lasts you the afternoon.

You know what aperture-priority means.

You delete more photos in a week than most people make all year.

You need just one more lens.

You’ve crawled on the ground to get a shot of something rusty.

Your camera equipment is worth more than your car.

No one else brings a camera to an event if they know you’re coming.

Your family doesn’t recognize you without a camera covering your face.

You have thousands of pictures and you’re not in any of them.

You’ve been up before dawn or out in the freezing cold or even done something semi-dangerous… all for a photograph.

Your friends ask you to shoot a family Christmas portrait for them as a favor.

You wish your camera equipment cost less so that your insurance would cost less.

You put your digital film wallet in your pants pocket in the morning even before your car keys.

You have enough camera bags in your closet to pack up your entire house.

You choose airlines based on carry on baggage allowance.

PS7 is a software program and not a school you attended as a child.

Your family cringes every time you say, “I’ll be right there, I just need to take a couple shots of this.”

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

2009-01-29T16:08:00.005-06:00

I just got done watching one of the most inspiring touching movies I have ever seen:The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.

It is about a young boy, Bruno, the son of a Nazi lieutenant colonel. He has a headstrong sister, Gretel (called "the Hopeless case"). They used to live in a five-story mansion in Berlin but are one day suddenly transferred to a place called "Out-With", by his father's boss, the "Fury" Adolf Hitler ("Out-With" is really Auschwitz, and the "Fury" is the Führer, but Bruno can't pronounce the words correctly). Bruno , angered and confused by his father's decision to move and desperate to go home, spends his time in his room, without any friends to play with. He misses their old home. In such a small space, there isn't any room for exploration (a hobby of Bruno's), as there was in the house in Berlin.

From his bedroom window, Bruno spots a fence behind which he sees many people in 'striped pyjamas'. These are Jews, and they are in a Nazi concentration camp. One day his parents come to an agreement that both Bruno and Gretel need a tutor for their education, so they hire Herr Liszt. To Bruno, Herr Liszt is the most boring teacher one could ever have; he teaches social science instead of reading and arts, which Bruno prefers. So, in boredom and confusion, Bruno wonders what is going on at "Out-With" (Auschwitz) and why people are always dressed in striped pyjamas there. One afternoon, he goes exploring, and meets a Jewish boy called Shmuel, a name Bruno has never before heard but that apparently is quite common in the concentration camp. Shmuel soon becomes Bruno's friend and Bruno visits every afternoon to talk. Bruno is told that the people in the striped pyjamas on the other side of the fence are Jews and that he and his family are "the opposite".

It has a very tragic end; I won't spoil it for you but it left me crying. This movie is a good one for kids to watch because it teaches about the Holocaust from a very innocent point of view.

Daisy

2009-01-24T20:27:00.003-06:00

Golden

2009-01-23T16:41:00.002-06:00

National Hugging Day!!!!

2009-01-21T11:55:00.002-06:00

National Hugging Day: When: Always January 21st

What a great day! This is an opportunity to give and to receive. Give a hug, and you automatically receive one in return. Sure, someone might not hug back. But, how often does that happen!?! Hugs are loving. Hugs are therapeutic. Hugs are caring. Hugs are celebratory. Hugs make you feel good inside. A Hug can heal someone who is suffering or going thru a hard time.

Have you ever received a hug from someone who didn't care? I didn't think so. That's proof positive that you're loved and cared about. Celebrate today by giving hugs to family, friends and loved ones. You'll love the warm feeling you get.