God doesn't make sense

I don't get God. In fact there are a lot of things about God that just don't make sense. Like why doesn't He show up anymore? In the Old Testament He seemed to show up a lot. I'd like a burning bush every now and again. Another thing that doesn't make sense is how God is one and yet at the same time three...Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That may not be a big deal to you but that claim almost got Jesus stoned (and I'm not talking about the wacky weed). I don't get why God doesn't step in more when tragedy arises. I don't get why God allows negligent, unloving people to have kids, while potential great parents are barren.

There are a lot of things about God that just don't make sense, but some how God still makes sense of my life. I don't get God and truthfully I'm glad. If I could fully understand God what type of supreme being would that be?

What makes sense to me is that I need Him in my life. Without Him I'm lost. I'm a better husband, friend, and human being because of God. What makes sense is that I'm imperfect and in need of a Savior. What doesn't make sense is how God would love me despite my imperfection. What doesn't make sense is how God would pursue me despite how many times I've turned my back on Him. God doesn't make sense but He makes sense of my life.

Movie Review: The Blind Side

The Blind Side is one of the best movies I've seen this year. It's heart warming, funny, and inspirational. It has something for everyone in your family.

The Blind Side stars Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw (yes the country music superstar). The film is based off the real life story of Michael Oher, a NFL lineman. Oher was on the streets, and a below average student when a family took him into their lives. This movie has something for everyone, sports, drama, humor, and an engaging story. It's also one of Sandra Bullock's best performances. It's rated PG-13 for brief violence, and a few swears. I give it two thumbs way up.

Rob's Rating System: Two Thumbs up = I loved it, worth paying full price, and I will own it on DVD.
One Thumb up = An OK movie, worth a matinee showing, and I may buy it on DVD if I see it in the $5 bin.
Thumb to the side = Wait and rent it. I wouldn't be mad if someone gave me this DVD, but I wouldn't buy it.
Thumbs down = I hated it, wish I wouldn't have wasted money on it, wouldn't own it on DVD

Random Things I'm Thankful For...

Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks. I'm thankful for my wife (she's the best wife ever hands down), I'm thankful for my family, my friends, my church, and I'm thankful that God found me. There are also a lot of random things that I'm thankful for, like...

• The inventor of toilet paper, Joseph C. Gayetty. Before him people used the Sears Catalog, grass, leaves, sponges, shells, and corncobs. Read those last two again and you will be thankful for Joseph C. Gayetty.
• The inventor of the phrase, "righty tighty lefty loosey." I don't know who that was but they have saved me a lot of time and frustration.
• Chipotle...nuff said.
• People falling down. It makes me laugh and laughter is a healthy thing.
• Ice Spiker hair glue. I've used it for years. It works really well.
• Wireless Internet. We just got it for Monica's (my wife's) b-day. Before that we were stuck up stairs on a computer that was worse than having dial-up.
• Underwear. It rarely gets seen but it's one thing we all have in common...at least we should.
• Texting - so simple but yet it's revolutionized the way we communicate.
• The fact that my butt has never been featured on the news when they talk about obesity. Have you ever watched the news when they talk about obesity?
• The Nintendo Wii. It's fun and it's name opens itself up for immature jokes.
• Speaking of immature humor who came up with the name aspergers. It's a serious condition that many kids have, but someone should have thought through that name.
• Naps - if I was in charge I would allow a 30 minute nap everyday. We force kids to take them but then we don't take them ourselves...a little hypocritical don't you think?

That's it for me. So what random things are you thankful?

Rob's new hair

I have not kept it a secret that I know that I'm losing my hair. I posted about the time my barber told me I was at stage three for hair loss...there are only four stages. I posted about the new shampoo that is supposed to work work wonders. It's expensive. It also brings fear to me every time I use it because I'm nervous it's not going to work on my head...but shampoo has to touch other parts of my body when I wash it off. I'm afraid I'm going to turn into a bald wookie (for none Star Wars fans that's what Chewbacca is).

This visor could solve that for me. We saw it at a restaurant in Nags Head and it made us all laugh. I hope you enjoy the pic.

Can You Fall Out of Love?

I'm not a big fan of the phrase I fell in or out of love. I often use it, but I'm not a fan. The problem I have with it is that it makes love completely about a feeling. It's relatively easy to fall in and out of love when it's comprised of feelings alone. Something new can evoke a feeling that we mistake for love. Attractiveness can evoke a feeling that we mistake for love. Instant gratification can evoke feelings that we mistake for love. The need for companionship can evoke a feeling that we mistake for love. Love goes beyond feelings. It's a choice!

Feelings are fleeting. True love sees the worst you have to offer and still sticks by your side.

I know we can't always control our feelings...but that is why when it comes to love it has to be about more than feelings. If you want true love in your life then choose to love others well...despite their flaws. If you want true love in your life love beyond the feelings.

If you can fall out of love then was it ever love to begin with? Maybe it was just a feeling. I have enough feelings in my life...I want to choose to love.

Movie Review: Twilight Saga New Moon

I don't get it.

I give it a thumb to the side.

(For more review check out the comments...)

Rob's Rating System: Two Thumbs up = I loved it, worth paying full price, and I will own it on DVD.
One Thumb up = An OK movie, worth a matinee showing, and I may buy it on DVD if I see it in the $5 bin.
Thumb to the side = Wait and rent it. I wouldn't be mad if someone gave me this DVD, but I wouldn't buy it.
Thumbs down = I hated it, wish I wouldn't have wasted money on it, wouldn't own it on DVD

Conflict Part 3

Conflict happens for two reasons.

1. Unmet expectations
2. Unrealistic expectations

Conflict arises when someone doesn't meet or exceed your expectations.
Think about something you think is rude...someone texting during a meeting, a girl farting on a first date, someone constantly interrupting you when you speak.

Now the question you need to ask is have I communicated this expectation? If you haven't then your first step is to communicate it. Not when you are upset or mad, but when you can communicate it clearly.

Ex: The guys in my Student Community Group often text during the lesson. I felt like that was a distraction but I never communicated that with them. I can't get mad if they text if I never set up a ground rule. So the new rule we have in group is everyone shuts off their cell phone before the discussion.

Now if you have communicated that expectation then you need to answer a second question...is it unrealistic? In premarital counseling the example we always give to guys is that it's an unrealistic expectation to have sex every day with your wife. That's unrealistic! Understanding if it's realistic or not can help you decide if you should address the conflict.

If you have communicated the expectation and it is realistic then it's healthy to confront. In fact it's the only way to grow and move past this...for you and for the person you are in conflict with.

To be continued...

Conflict Part 2

How do you feel about conflict?

I hate conflict but I've come to believe that conflict can be healthy and necessary to maintain healthy relationships. With that being said I still want to avoid it like the plague.

The reason that conflict can be healthy is because, when handled right, it can help restore a relationship, heal a wound, or help a person get to the next level.

Think about it this way if someone had a problem with you and it wasn't petty wouldn't you want to know? If you had a blind spot in your life that drove people crazy wouldn't you want to know? If you had unintentionally hurt someone with your actions wouldn't you want to know about it?

Now if it's a high maintenance friend who always complains that you don't call, don't hang out enough, or leave them out then you may not want to know. But if I'm doing something and it's affecting the quality of someone else's life I'd want to know. The key to conflict and overcoming it is in the way you communicate...

To be continued

Catalyst: One Day

On Monday the WEC programming staff went to Maryland for a conference called Catalyst One Day. It was a great day and a good conference. This trip was extra special because we brought our wives. Enjoy some pics of the trip...

Pictured Above: Bethany and Phil Poteat

Pictured Above: Stu (with strep throat), Tab, Jamey, and Carlyn.

Pictured Above: Our staff was blessed with a homemade dinner for the ride up and a basket filled with sparkling cider, chocolate covered strawberries, mixed nuts, and grapes. All of this was provided by one of the WEC volunteers!

Pictured Above: We took the WEC party bus.

On our drive up the party bus broke down. Lucky for us Bill Laws was with us. Not only did he drive us he also pulled a MacGyver and fixed a leaky hose with duct tape.

Pictured Above: All the liquid leaking from the party bus .

We stopped at a Wal-Mart in hopes to find the parts we needed to fix the bus.

Pictured Above: Carlyn and Tab pretending to dual.

Pictured Above: Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel spoke at the conference.

Both were top shelf!

Pictured Above: Steve Fee led worship. If you don't have his new disc you need to ASAP!

Pictured Above: The WEC staff and wives singing We Shine by Steve Fee

Conflict Part 1

I learned in a college psych class about Flight or Fight. According to Flight or Fight we all have a tendency to either flee confrontation or fight when a problem arises. For me I'm a bona fide flighter. I hate confrontation.

Because I hate it I have a hard time talking to someone when they hurt my feelings. I analyze it to death, have conversations in my head, and then dismiss the issue because I convince myself it's not that big of a deal.

Here's what I've learned with conflict...it shouldn't be avoided. Conflict should be handled with care and done in a respectful way, but if you avoid it the problem it never goes away.

To be continued...

Monica's Birthday

30 years ago today my wife was born. I can't tell you how thankful I am to have her in my life. Without a doubt every day is happy birthday to me because of her.

I love you Monica!

Movie Review: This Is It

"This Is It" is the documentary about the prep for Michael Jackson's last concert tour. As you probably know Michael never got to preform that concert so all the footage is of rehearsals for the show.

"This Is It" is a great film. Maybe it's because MJ's music is so timeless but the film is very enjoyable. At times you can tell MJ is going through the motions but even at 50 years old it is evident that he is a stellar performer. The sets for the concert are mind blowing, the dancers move effortlessly, and the concert shows why MJ was one of the greatest entertainers ever.

I probably won't own this on DVD but it's such a great theater experience I have to give it two thumbs up.

Rob's Rating System: Two Thumbs up = I loved it, worth paying full price, and I will own it on DVD.
One Thumb up = An OK movie, worth a matinee showing, and I may buy it on DVD if I see it in the $5 bin.
Thumb to the side = Wait and rent it. I wouldn't be mad if someone gave me this DVD, but I wouldn't buy it.
Thumbs down = I hated it, wish I wouldn't have wasted money on it, wouldn't own it on DVD

Catchphrase

Catchphrase: "A phrase that is recognized by it's repeated utterance and often becomes apart of culture."I don't know about you but I like to know where phrases that people say come from.

Today's catchphrase: "Sorry Charlie."

Origin of Sorry Charlie - according to Wikipedia "Sorry Charlie" comes from a popular tuna commercial that played up until 1985. It was said by Charlie the Tuna after he would escape the fisherman's hook.

Student Group

Every Wednesday night 8-12 junior and senior guys come to my house for Student Community Group. We hang out, laugh, play the Wii, eat snack, and talk about God. It's a big part of my life and I think it's a big part of theirs as well. One of the students needed some pics for their school yearbook. After taking some I thought I share them with the rest of the world. Enjoy.

Rob's Observatory

Rob's Observatory: A place where Rob observes the world around him.

Observation: I take a men's vitamin called One A Day (Pictured Below).

While taking this vitamin I noticed that it was sponsored by Major League Baseball. I don't know if I was a vitamin or supplement company if I would want to be sponsored by a league that is so known for their use of steroids. Come to think of it I do feel a little stronger since taking One A Day. Maybe it is a good thing for them to partner with the MLB.

Mind Dump

My brain feels constipated with thoughts. The following is a brain dump of all the random stuff going on in my head.

• I can't believe it's November. I love this time of year.
• My wife's birthday is this Sunday. She leaves her 20's. I can't wait to celebrate with her this weekend.
• We got a new heater for our house. It's been 70 some degrees ever since we got it. It's November...time to get cold. I just want to try this bad boy out!
• Next Monday the programming staff at WEC is going to a conference called Catalyst One Day. We are leaving on Sunday after church and we are taking the party bus. Good times.
• The Lakers are playing pretty well. Even with two starters injured.
• Speaking of Lakers...I watched the Klomar wedding. That's Lamar Odom and Kloe Kardashian. Apparently they got matching tattoos with their names on it. Too Soon! Wait until you've been married for 5 years before you ink yourself.
• I feel kind of mean writing that last dump. They both did look happy. I hope they both have a long life together.
• I love the Amazing Race. It's one of my favorite shows on TV.
• Speaking of favorite shows I also really enjoy Flash Forward. Great new show.
• I feel like TV is back. There are a lot of great shows on TV right now. What's your favorite?
• Switchfoot has a new album drops on November 10. That's today!

Whew...I feel better now.

The Car Accident

This past weekend I saw a car accident. What happened after this accident sets it apart from all other car accidents. It was weird.

I'm turning left and a car pulls up beside me to turn right. I'm patiently waiting when all of the sudden a car comes crashing into the car next to me. The driver hit the other car hard enough to move them up a few feet. The car also dented in the back side of the car it hit.

Now I never know what to do when I see an accident. I think I'm supposed to stick around and be an eye witness. My brother was with me and I asked him what he thought we should do. Before he could answer I noticed the driver who hit the other car was smiling like he just heard a good joke.

The driver in front of him then pulls over to the side of the road. At this point I was thinking they were going to get out of their cars and talk about what just happened. While still smiling the driver who hit the car pulls out and starts driving like he's not going pull over to the side of the road. The car who was hit then quickly pulls out in front of him and they both drive on their merry way. It was weird. The weirdest part though was the smile the guy had. Maybe that smile scared the other driver away and that's why he didn't stop. Do you have any theories?

Big News Today

Today I find out the gender of my lil bro and my sis in-laws baby. This is exciting stuff for us. We are meeting at IHOP to hear the big news. Very exciting stuff.

Japanese Products

America needs to get on the ball. The following are Japanese products and they are ha-lariously awesome.

Ruin Me

I love my life. Right now there is a low level of drama and a high level of fulfillment. One of the last things I want to do is ask God to ruin me.

I recently read a book by Craig Groeschel called "It." It has nothing to do with the scary clown in Stephen King's fictional novel. It has everything to do with having God radically move in your life. Some pastors and churches just have it and some don't.

I was really connecting with the book until he said, "Whenever I meet someone who has it - a heart abandoned for Christ - I'm meeting ruined people. I'm not talking about a destructive ruin. Sin destroys and ruins. Burnout can destroy and ruin. Anger can destroy and ruin. I'm referring to the work of a loving God who breaks us and ruins us for his glory."

I'm scarred to ask God to ruin me. I know in the end it will be a good thing but it sure does sound painful. I want God to move in my life. I want to have it. I prayed to have God ruin me. We'll see what happens.

Rob's Observatory

Rob's Observatory: A place where Rob observes the world around him.

Observation: Sketchy people don't know they look sketchy. If they did they wouldn't look sketchy any more.

Pic of the week

My wife and I were pulling into the grocery store to park and in the car next to us was...

After leaving the grocery store we noticed what the dog was doing with his teeth and he made us laugh. Monica, my wife, suggested we take a picture. She took the picture as I got the car ready to drive away fast in case the owner woke up. She also suggested that I post it on my blog. I hope this pic makes you smile like it made us. Enjoy.