A Love Poem From College

In an attempt to not become hoarders my wife and I have been cleaning out closets and pantries. It's amazing how easy it is to collect junk.  It's also amazing how hard it is to get rid of said junk.  It's been really hard for both of us to get rid of some things.  Things that we haven't used or seen in years. 

While cleaning out some old boxes my wife found a poem that I wrote her in college.  I was very nervous when I gave her this poem.  I wrote it, printed it on nice paper, and then framed it.  Monica is not the overly sappy type so I didn't know how she'd feel about it.  I think she liked/likes it.  I mean after all, it didn't end up in the junk pile. It's a little cheesy and embarrassing, but just in case you are curious here is what the poem says...

The Things I've Learned From Knowing You

I've learned so much from knowing you that words could not contain.

I am so blessed to be with you, and so thankful to be led your way.

I've learned about my selfish ways, oh how I don't deserve

To be lost inside your kindness and encouraged by your words.

I've learned about sacrifice and what it means to care.

I don't deserve your faithfulness, but still you remain there.

I did not deserve the cross of Christ so I guess it would be grace

To be given the ability to look upon your face.

Because beauty is a gift that God gave us to love.

It comes in different forms from the sea on the shore or a sunset above.

But to experience life's beauties I would not be complete

For I've seen the shore and sunset and their beauty cannot compete. 

I've learned so much from knowing you that you must be from above

Because the greatest thing that I have learned is the ability to love.

Lebron James

Since everyone and their mom are talking about where Lebron James is going to end up next year I thought I'd throw in my two cents.  In my opinion if Lebron wants to continue to build his legacy he should stay in Cleveland.  They have never won a championship and he's the biggest sports' star the franchise has ever had.  If he goes to Chicago he has to compete with Michael Jordan's legacy. He'd have to win 7 championships to compete with Mike. If he goes to New York he doesn't have a chance to win a championship...unless Dwayne Wade goes there with him. 

Now if Lebron must leave, in my opinion, there is only one team he should go to, the Orlando Magic.  Think about it...Orlando has a dominant big man and a lot of 3 point threats.  It would be the greatest team since Shaq and Kobe in LA.  Orlando has never won a title so he could bring them their first.  He doesn't have a superstar's legacy to live up to there.  Just imagine how fun Lebron and Dwight Howard would be together.

I Refuse to Be A Church Lady

I don't know at what age it happens, but at some age people become set in their ways and refuse to change.  You can see it in their wardrobe.  You can see it in the type of car they drive.  You can even see it in what type of church they attend.  I've been to churches that looked the exact same as they did 50 years ago. I don't know when it happens but I already see signs of it in my life.  I resist change like an old church lady.  Because of that I intentionally try to embrace some changes...even when I don't like it.  Case in point...

• Facebook/Twitter - there was something in me that didn't want to do either.  I mean I like email.  Add to that the fact that I just got used to Myspace when all my friends jumped ship to Facebook. It might not be this way forever but for now social media is a great way to connect with people.   
• Texting - I used to complain like a little old church lady about texting.  I thought it was stupid. I mean how hard is it to make a call from your cell phone. I remember the day when the phone was attached to the wall.  I remember when if you needed a phone in public you had to find and then pay for a dirty pay phone. No one carried a phone with them.  I resisted texting until one day I took a deep breath, and started practicing. Now I love to text.
• My hair.  I've had the same hair style for about ten years.  Before that it didn't look much different...I added gel. I don't really have an idea as to what to do with my hair.  I think the rate at which it's falling out is going to force me to change. 
• Redbox - I love going to the movie store to rent a movie.  I didn't want to go to some box that had limited rentals.  Due to the fact that all the video stores closed down around me I was forced to change. I know love the Redbox. 

Change is hard, but it's necessary.  If you don't change life passes you by.  Change brings new life, brings excitement, and challenges the status quo.  Even though the 80's and 90's were great decades for me I've got to face that the rest of the world is changing.  I can complain about it or I can use it to make a difference.  How about you do you resist change?

5 Favorites: Cartoon Edition

I've been told that I'm passionate about the things I love. The following is a list of 5 Favorites of mine.

5 Favorite Cartoons from my childhood

1. G.I. Joe - this was my all time favorite cartoon as a kid
2. Super Friends - Batman & Robin, Superman, Flash, Wonder Woman all in one show.  How could you not love it as a kid.
3. Thundercats - Two words that changed my life...Thundercats Hoooo!
4. Smurfs - If you didn't like the smurfs as a kid you would get the smurf beat out of you on the playground. 
5. Captain N: The Game Master - a kid gets sucked into his Nintendo and has adventures with Megan Man, Kid Icarus, and Simon Belmont from Castlevania...what else do you want?

I've given you 5 of my favorites now give me one of yours.

Beach Games 2010

Last weekend Monica (my wife) and I got invited to Beach Games 2010. It was a great night of games, hanging with friends, and cooking out.  I'm very glad that I got invited, but I'm not sure why I did. I'm not a big fan of the beach, I'm slow and not real athletic, and I'm not very good with the grill. I do however love hanging out.  I especially love hanging out with the group involved in Beach Games 2010. Now in case you are wondering what Beach Games 2010 was I'll explain like this...7 intense games, 8 1/2 competitors (I can't really count myself because I didn't compete), 9 trophy's, costumes, and a cookout.  Enjoy some pics of Beach Games 2010...

Pictured Above: Katie, Monica, Angela, Leah, Danielle, and Katie

Pictured Above: D-Reeves, Jon, Dan, Travis, Jon, Cameron, robshep.com, and Matt Toller (the host of this event )

Pictured Above: Cameron and Rob

Pictured Above: Stewart and Clair in their wicked awesome robot costumes

Pictured Above: Dan Peters competing hard

Pictured Above: Rob, D-Reeves, and Dan looking tired

Pictured Above: Jon, D-Reeves, and Travis getting their stretch on

Pictured Above: The guys getting ready to compete

Pictured Above: Travis, Jon, Rob, Stew all holding Cameron

Pictured Above: One of the funniest and toughest competitions of the day

Pictured Above: The guys with their trophies

Pictured Above: One of my many costume changes

Pictured Above: Dan Peters competing fiercely

Pictured Above: robshep.com as Batman

Pictured Above: Rob getting ready to compete in his only competition of the night...let's just say it was an epic fail

Pictured Above: Jon Lancoure bobbing for shovels in salt water

I'm really glad I got to go to Beach Games 2010. It was a lot of fun.

I have Andy Stanley's Cell Phone Number

I'm a fan of people I look up to. I like to stalk meet my favorite singers, actors, athletes, and pastors.  I don't know what it is about my personality that enjoys meeting them, but I love it.  Over the years I've had the chance to stalk meet...

• TobyMac and dc Talk - Toby was a part of dc Talk. I had the privilege to stalk meet him and the other two members of dc Talk multiple times. They are my all time favorite band.
• Needtobreathe - my current favorite band. I love their music and I've stalked run into them on multiple occasions.
• Magic Johnson - He's my all time favorite basketball player.  I didn't really get to meet him but I did get close enough to snap a picture.
• I met Super Bowl champ Mark Rypien. 
• I beat Brent Price in a game of knock out while he was a player in the NBA.
• I've stalked met the guys in Third Day, Audio Adrenaline, Michael W. Smith, David Crowder, Chris Tomlin, Grits, and multiple Newsboys.
• I challenged and then lost bad to author and pastor Mark Batterson to a game of corn hole.  He wrote one of my all time favorite books "In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day."
• I met former ESPN personality Steven A Smith while at a Lakers game. At the time he was my favorite NBA analyst.
• I have Andy Stanley's cell phone number in my phone.  He's the Michael Jordan of pastors. I will never call that number. I don't think he knows I have it,but that's not the point. 

I get really excited about stalking meeting the guys I look up to. I become almost giddy.  I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting to meet people you look up to.  I do however wish that it was that easy for me to get excited about spending time with God.  I mean I get really excited about meeting celebrities that won't remember me.  On the other hand every day I have the opportunity to talk to the God of the universe who not only knows my name but knows everything about me.  I'm praying that I become starstruck over God. I don't want to take Him for granted. It's pretty amazing thinking that the God of the Universe makes time for me.  That's better than having Andy Stanley's cell phone number.

Mind Dump

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

• I ate some beans over the weekend. I was just looking out for my heart. I've heard they're good for your heart. It made me wonder though; who started the rumor that beans are good for heart? And is it true?
• My friend and co-worker Jamey Menser is about to become a competitive eater. He entered Nathan's Famous Hot Dog competition in Norfolk, VA. It's coming up on June 12. If he wins, and eats more then 20 hot dogs he will get to compete on July 4th in New York.  I plan on going to the Norfolk competition. 
• I'm interested in seeing Shrek Forever After. I didn't love the last one. The only part I remember liking is when the Gingerbread Man said, "I pooped a button." That made me laugh. Has anyone seen the new one?
• We had a great day at Waters Edge yesterday. We concluded our series Capacity Campaign. If you are a part of Waters Edge I hope you were there. After the 6 PM service one member told me that it was a top ten service of all time. 
• In an attempt to not become hoarders Monica (my wife) and I cleaned out some cabinets and closets.  It's really hard to get rid of things, but we are running out of space.  I just kept thinking that two people shouldn't have every closet and cabinet overflowing.
• I found a tick on my belly this weekend. I'm not sure where it came from. I'm also not sure why God created them. What is their purpose? I am surprised they don't sparkle in the sun. They are the vampires of bugs right?
• Lost is over. I'm still processing the series finale. It was really good, but I was expecting a bigger twist. SPOILER ALERT: I wasn't expecting it to end like the sixth sense. At least I think they were all dead. I'm still pondering it.
• 24 ends tonight. It's interesting to me that Lost seems to get a lot more media attention then 24. They both were iconic shows. The ending of 24 just doesn't seem to be getting the media hype that Lost got.
• I'm kind of bored with my music right now. I'm looking for a good new CD to buy. Anyone got any suggestions?
• Monica's car died on Wednesday. It ended up being the battery.  What should have only taken a few minutes ended up being a 4 hour adventure. My brother helped me get the battery out. It's a Volkswagen Jetta. Germans don't make their car batteries come out easy.  They also don't make them easy to buy. I went to two different Auto stores to find a battery.  Neither of them had one and none of their stores that were close had one either. I called the dealership to see if they had one. They did. I asked them to hold one for me. I left my house at 5:00 PM, they close at 5:30, and I live 10 minutes away.  Because of an accident I got stuck on a one lane road.  I arrived at 5:28 to hear the employee say, "I'm sorry we already sold it. You told him to hold it for you?" I was not happy! Right before I walked out the door he told me they had a knock off brand that I could buy. I don't know why he waited to tell me that. I bought it.
• The Lakers lost to the Suns last night. I really wanted them to win to keep pace with the Celtics. The Magic are playing like a WNBA team against the Celtics.
• I had a good time hosting Tony Morgan and James McDonald for Whiteboard.
  I was nervous that I would say something stupid around them. I don't think I did. I did however get turned around multiple times while driving Tony Morgan. I told him that I'm not from VA Beach but it was still a little embarrassing.
• I was hoping to get to spend a little bit of time with Jonathan Falwell at Whiteboard. It's a dream of mine to speak at my Alma mater, Liberty University. I don't think I would ask him if I could speak, but I would have liked to make a connection. 
• What's up with single Christian guys? There just doesn't seem to be a lot of them around. Monica and I have a plethora of friends that love God and are female. If you are a single guy and you love God visit Waters Edge Church and I'll hook you up. I can't guarantee that these girls will like you but I can introduce you to them. You'll need to have some game and take care of the rest.

Whew...I feel better now.

Luckiest or UnLukiest Man In The World

It has been said that Franco Selak is the luckiest man in the world.  The 76 year old retired music professor won the luckiest prize around, the lottery.  What sets this lotto winner apart from others is the fact that he has almost died 8 different times.  He survived...

• Being sucked out the back of an airplane, after it hit a mountain, only to land on a large heap of hay.
• A train flying through the air and landing into a cold river. He rescued a woman before he passed out.
• Being born early while his mother was on a small fishing boat and his father washed him with the cold water they were fishing in.
• A bus crash into a river
• A burning car...not once but twice before he was engulfed in flames.
• And a collision with an armored vehicle driven by a UN peacekeeper. He fell from his car right before it rolled and exploded.

Now granted winning the lotto is pretty lucky, but I'm not sure almost dying 8 different times makes you lucky. He might be the unluckiest person ever. I mean the luckiest would seem to have one good thing happen after another.  This guy seems to have one bad thing happen after another. He just happened to survive them all. What are your thoughts...luckiest or unluckiest man in the world?

Mind Dump

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

• My wife woke me up last night with one hand on my arm, half way sitting up, yelling WHO'S THERE WHO'S THERE WHO'S THERE! I looked over to see if anyone was really there. I didn't think there was anyone, but she was so panicked I figured I should check just to make sure. I then gently told her that we were all alone.  Funny thing is this type of thing happens to one of us on a somewhat regular basis.
• This Friday is Whiteboard. It's 1 day with 7 influential leaders for 30 minutes each. If you are a church leader you should check it out.
• I'm honored to get to host Tony Morgan and James McDonald at Whiteboard. I am a little nervous though. I tend to say dumb things around people I look up to.
• I'm reading Tony Morgan's book Killing Cockroaches right now.  It's a good book for leaders and pastors.
• This week is a a big week in baby world for me and Monica.  She is on triple the dose of the fertility drug Clomid. Her Dr. said that means we have upped our chances for multiples. We will take one, two, or three babies.  Any more than three and I will either sell some on ebay or get my own reality TV show.  Just joking about that last one.  Seriously though we would appreciate your prayers.
• This is a big week in TV. It's the final three on American Idol and the series finale of LOST.
• Monica and I are fans of Lee Dewyze on Idol.
• I can't wait till Lost on Sunday. I'm so curious to see how the show is going to end.
• The Lakers are looking good against the Suns. If I could look into the future and the Lakers win I'd like to see a Lakers vs. Celtics Finals. If for some reason the Lakers make it to the finals and lose I would rather them lose to almost anyone else than the Celtics.
• My pastor is now on Facebook. He's been on a week and already has close to 500 friends. 
• Speaking of Facebook...if you are on it and you would like to follow this blog you can do so through network blogs. You can become a follower by clicking on "follow this blog" on the network blog tag on my page. I've been told it's nice for people who forget to visit the blog. It updates it to your Facebook page.  
• If money weren't an issue what is one thing you would rather pay for someone to do than do yourself? For me it'd be lawn work. I hate working in the lawn. If money weren't an issue I would def pay someone to make my lawn look nice.  

Whew...I feel better now

5 Favorites: Cereal Edition

I've been told that I'm passionate about the things I love. The following is a list of 5 Favorites of mine.


5 Favorite Cereals

1. Frosted Mini-Wheats
2. Oh's
3. Peanut Butter Crunch
4. Kashi Cinnamon Harvest
5. Frosted Flakes

I've given you 5 of my favorites now give me one of yours.

Everything Doesn't Happen For A Reason Part 2

I wanted to clarify my earlier post a little bit.  I do believe that God is in control. I do believe that God has a plan. I believe that God works for the good of those who love Him.  I just don't believe that everything happens for a specific reason.  This post was inspired by a conversation I had with a friend of mine. He is a contract worker and his job has been put on hold for an unknown amount of time.  He doesn't know if he'll get paid in a week, month, or even a year. It's a tough situation for him.  When we met he was driving himself crazy trying to figure out the reason why this would happen.  This line of thinking led him to one of two conclusions...

1. I've done something wrong and I deserve what has just happened. He didn't know what he did but he was scared that he had somehow upset God and God was punishing him. 
2. God has done this to teach me a lesson. He kept wanting to know why God would allow this to happen to him.  He was focused on finding out the why and my concern was that it would lead to anger at God. 

Saying that everything happens for a reason can lead a person to believe that God caused the tragedy or pain.  Did God allow it...yes. Did God cause it...I don't think so. 

It would be like this...a parent buys their child a brand new puppy.  He does so out of love and because the child had been asking for one for a long time.  After a few weeks the parent decides they would like to teach their kid a lesson.  So the parent lets the dog out into the street and watches the dog get hit by a car. Now the parent wants the child to learn the reason but he never communicates that with them. He just hopes the child will find out the reason and understand.  The child then leaves confused. Why did my parent cause this to happen? Did I do something to make them mad?

I'm not saying I'm right on this matter, and one day I may change my belief.  I just think to tell someone that something bad happened for a reason is insensitive.  To my understanding I would say God works more like the following...

A parent buys their child a brand new puppy.  He does so out of love.  After a few weeks the dog escapes outside.  It wasn't on purpose. No one intentionally caused it to happen, but because of free will the dog ran into the street and died.  At this moment the parent holds their child, comforts them, and when the time is right maybe even teaches them about how fragile life truly is.  When the child asks why this happened the parent doesn't give them an answer. Instead the parent loves them through the difficult situation.  One day down the road the parent shows the child how they can learn from this awful situation. Even though the child is sad they find comfort in knowing that their parent is there for them. 

What's the reason for...

• children to be born with birth defects
• a man's wife and daughter die in the exact same week
• cancer taking some one's life
• a man working hard his whole life to be fired for a young up and comer
• a young teen being sexually abused by a relative
• a child losing both his legs in a mowing accident.  A few years later he and his mom are killed in a car accident

The above are all real life examples that I've been around.  My point is that instead of trying to figure out the reason we should search for God.  When we find God in the midst of suffering He gives us a joy that surpasses all understanding.  When we draw near to God He shows us how He can use the tragedies of our lives to make us stronger.  When we draw near to God He shows us how He was there for us in the midst of the pain.

Everything Doesn't Happen For A Reason

Everything doesn't happen for a reason.  Some things happen for a reason.  If you make a poor choice and you reap the consequences then there is a reason for that.  If you work really hard and see the fruits of your labor then you can know the reason for that.  You see I believe that some things happen for a reason, but I don't think everything happens for a reason. 

Here's why I came to this conclusion.  Three years ago my wife and I went to a Dr.'s appointment to hear our babies heartbeat.  When we showed up we were told that our baby had died.  Over the next few days I started asking why? Why would God allow something like this to happen? What was the reason? I started driving myself crazy trying to figure out why this would happen.  Did I do something wrong to make God angry? Was there some lesson that I needed to learn? 

You see I don't believe that everything happens for a specific reason.  I believe that we live in a fallen broken world where people get sick, bad stuff happens to good people, and Justin Bieber causes rioters...just joking about the Bieb.  My wife's watching him on a talk show and it made me think it'd be funny to include him in that list.

I think our response to difficult situations shouldn't be to ask why.  Instead I think we should try to apply 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 which says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." You see when we go through hard times our response should be to pray and give thanks.  That's God's will for us.  If you ask why it will drive you crazy, but if you seek God by praying you'll find joy.  It's not easy, but it leads to a healthier place then the question why.  

I Need Advice

Are you a good neighbor? I don't think I am.  From time to time I try to be.  One time I mowed all of my neighbors front yards.  They were all looking pretty rough.  I live in a town home so it didn't take too long.  Afterward I didn't get a thank you.  Not that I did it for a thank you, but I would have at least liked for it to open up the door for conversation. Another time my wife and I invited our whole block to an open house.  We made a buffet of desserts, passed out invitations, and waited patiently.  Finally one couple showed up. I think they showed up because they felt bad for us. 

I have two neighbors that are friendly.  They at least say hi.  I have others that look the other way when I wave.  I think part of the problem is that we host two Community Groups at our house.  Every Monday and Wednesday cars and people gather at my town home for a couple of hours.  I don't think my neighbors like this. 

If this was the first time I didn't click with my neighbors I would put it on them.  The truth is that Monica and I have lived in 4 different homes and the result has always been the same.  We just don't click with our neighbors.  I hate not being a good neighbor. I hate that I don't know the names of the people that live right down the street from me.  I hate that one of my neighbors died and I didn't know about it until a month later.  He was hit by a car while on a walk. He was one of the few neighbors that would talk with me.  The only reason I knew he died was because I made a point to ask another neighbor about him. I hadn't seen him in a month and I was curious to know where he was.  Come to find out he was dead.

So if you are a good neighbor what advice would you give me? What can I do to get to know my neighbors?

Guest Post: Moriah Elmore

To Brad:
From: Mo

What do ya say we fill the frame for Round Three at prom 2010? -Mo

Movie Review: Robin Hood

Like Batman, James Bond, Zorro, and the Lone Ranger; Robin Hood is one of those classic characters that reemerge for each generation to enjoy.  As a kid I loved the Disney cartoon version of Robin Hood.  As an 8th grader I fell in love with the movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. For this generation Ridley Scott once again teamed up with Russell Crowe (he directed Crowe in Gladiator) to give a new spin on a familiar tail. 

Lets start off with the good from this movie.  It's a very original take on a story that is very familiar.  This go around is almost like a prequel to Robin Hood's famous outlaw days.  This movie gives you a back story that you've never seen.  In fact it leads up to Robin becoming an outlaw and eludes to the hero he will become. 

Now for the bad...if you were expecting Gladiator Part 2 you will be sorely let down.  There are parts to this movie that I liked.  I found myself wanting to like it a lot.  The problem is the film is slow, the characters are at times dull, and the fight scenes are not epic enough.  It's not a bad movie, but it doesn't live up to it's potential.  I know that Kevin Costner has one of the worst English accents in movie history when he played Robin Hood, but I'd take Robin Hood Prince of Thieves over Robin Hood every day of the week. 

It's rated PG-13 for action violence. I give it one thumb 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

Wipe Your Own Butt

When we were babys it was ok to have someone wipe our butt.  I mean we couldn't do it for our self.  But now as adults it would be laughable to ask another adult to wipe your butt.  We all know this is true when it comes to cleaning up our poo, but we forget this principle when we are dealing with the messes of our life. 

I'm all for helping people, but sometimes people want you to do for them what they should be doing for themselves.  Here are some examples of times when I, as gently as possible, give the advice to wipe your own butt...

• When someone is lonely.  Most people don't call, so be the bigger person and make the call.  Be the friend. I know it's hard but you are old enough to take the initiative. 
• When someone asks for accountability.  People have said to me, "if I just had someone to keep me accountable I wouldn't have done x, y, or z."  Really? Yes you would have.  Here's my advice don't hang out in places where you are tempted and call for help way before you get tempted.  People will help if you ask, but very few people will check in on you.  You've got to wipe your own butt and that means check in with other people.
• When people forget deadlines.  We all make mistakes, but for this to happen on a regular basis is irresponsible.  Wipe your own butt and stop expecting people to clean up after you.
• When someone doesn't delegate.  Wiping your own butt doesn't mean you don't need other people.  It just means you have to be responsible for what you can do.  Sometimes that means asking for help.
• When a Christ Follower doesn't read the Bible or pray.  Sure there are times when we all don't feel like it, but you can't expect someone to hold your hand and make you do it.  Not spending time with God is like getting married and living in separate countries.  It just doesn't make sense if you want to be a Christ Follower. 

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 1 Corinthians 13:11"

5 Favorites

I've been told that I'm passionate about the things I love.  The following is a list of 5 Favorites of mine.

5 Favorite Movies

1. The Dark Knight

2. Raiders of the Lost Ark

3. Die Hard

4. Home Alone

5. Batman

I've given you 5 of my favorites now give me one of yours. 

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

At Waters Edge Church we are in the middle of a series called Capacity Campaign.  We've had a lot of fun playing off the word capacity.  In fact the Capacity fever has spread to our Community Groups.  Last week for Community Group each group was challenged to come up with their own capacity challenge. That is to see how many people they can cram in an everyday object.  The winner was promised to be featured at robshep.com.  Here are the winners for the adult Community Group and then the Student Capacity Challenge. 

Pictured Above: Brian Jump's Community Group stuffed in a dog cage

Pictured Above: Lindsey and Andrea's Student Community Group stuffed in a pair of local high school sports superstar, Mike Maloney's, sweatpants. 

Mind Dump

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

• Lakers beat the Jazz.  They swept them...that means they won 4 games in a row without the Jazz winning one.  Now it's on to play the Suns in the Conference Finals.  Time to pull out the Lakers jerseys.  I wear them while I watch the conference finals and, if they make it, the Championship.
• I have to pull out the old suit twice this week.  I did a funeral yesterday and I have a wedding this weekend.  All I need is a baby dedication and I will have completed the circle of life.
• As of late my cereal of choice is Frosted Mini-Wheats.  I don't like regular Frosted Wheat, but there is something about those bit sized minis.  
• I picked up two Frappuccinos from Starbucks yesterday.  One for me and one for the wife.  Good thing it's happy hour at Starbucks from 3 to 5 PM.  That means half price Frapps.  Can you dig it?
• The summer movie season has begun.  I'm excited to see Robin Hood this weekend.  Look for the review at some point this weekend. 
• I love the song "Love Left to Lose" by Sons of Sylvia.  I heard them on American Idol a few weeks ago.  You can watch their idol performance here. 
• I had a great time at a Community Group dinner hosted by Waters Edge Lead Pastor, Stu Hodges.  We had Carrabbas for dinner. I love Carrabbas! It was a great time hearing the vision for multi-site at Waters Edge. 
• I borrowed a PS3 game from one of my students. It's called Batman: Arkam Asylum.  It's a really fun game. Batman is my favorite superhero, so that makes it that much more fun. 
• I've been trying to walk more lately.  The WEC staff all have pedometers.  We are competing to see who can get the most steps in a day. Apparently I don't move during the day because my steps are pathetically low.  It's helped motivate me to go for walks at night.  
• I've been hearing a lot of good things about the TV show Parks and Rec.  Do you watch it? If so do you think I'd like it? 
• Speaking of good TV the Office may be ending after next season.  Steve Carell keeps hinting that next season will be his last.  If so the show might be over.  
• Are you on Twitter? If so what is the one celebrity you wish would follow you? I would have to say Steve Carell or Magic Johnson for me.  

Whew...I feel better now.

robshep.com and Andy Stanley

In the church world Andy Stanley is the Michael Jordan of Pastors. He's the Payton Manning, the Will Smith, the Chipotle Burrito if you will.  In other words when it comes to pastors there are a lot of great examples out there, but Andy Stanley is arguably the best. 

Last week I had the privilege of attending the Drive Conference at North Point Community Church (Andy is the Lead Pastor there).  I saw Andy a couple of times in the lobby... TIME OUT:

In case you are new to the blog you may not know that I have a way of putting my foot in my mouth.  When I get around someone that I look up to I end up saying the dumbest things.  Click here to read an example. TIME IN:

but I was too scared to talk to him.  Instead I opted for a photo.  A photo that he didn't know was taken.  I snuck up behind him, pretended to open a soda, and then looked up for my friend Jamey to take a picture.  The results are below...

Pictured Above: Rob opening a can of soda and Andy Stanley

Movie Review: Iron Man 2

The summer movie season has officially begun. Iron Man 2 kicks off the popcorn season with a bang.  If you haven't seen the first Iron Man I recommend renting it.  It's a super hero movie but it feels different than all the other super hero movies.  It's a great movie.  Now on to the sequel...

Iron Man 2 picks up where the first one left off.  Tony Start is a billionaire playboy with issues.  He has a HUGE ego, self destructive behavior, and he's created a weapon in the form of an iron suit. With his suit he's created world peace while at the same time creating arch enemies. 

Iron Man is a good movie. It has great action sequences, humor, and Robert Downey Jr as Tony Stark.  Downey has a way of making you love Start despite his flaws.  He is supported by a stellar cast including Gwyneth Paltro, Scharlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Mikey Rourke, Samuel L. Jackson, and Jon Favreau.  Interesting note: Jon Favreau is the director of Iron Man 1 and 2, and he also directed the movie Elf with Will Ferrell.

In my opinion Iron Man 2 is not as good as the first one but it is still a really good movie.  I love the characters, the action, and the comic book references scattered throughout the film.  If you are not a comic book fan you may not know that Iron Man is setting up an eventual super hero powerhouse movie called the Avengers.  The Avengers include Iron Man, Thor (movie coming in May 2011), Captain America (movie coming in July 2011), and the Incredible Hulk.

Iron Man 2 is rated PG-13 for mild swears, and action/violence.  I give it (for the first time ever) one and 1/2 thumbs up.

Rob's Rating System:
Two Thumbs up = I loved it, worth paying full price, and I will own it on DVD.
*One and 1/2 Thumbs up = It's not earth shattering, but it's a great popcorn flick. If you like this genre of film it's worth paying full price.  A definite DVD buy.
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

Things I just don't understand...

• Why some jean companies put the size of the jeans on a back patch right above the pocket. Who wants to have their pant size advertised on the back of their pants?
• Why people stop in the middle of a crowd to talk. It's not that hard to move over to the side to finish your conversation.
• Why my headphones get tangled in my center console. They go in untangled but come out tangled every day.
• How slugs make it into my house. They are the slowest moving creatures and they leave a slimy trail. You'd think I'd see them coming, but I don't. They just magically appear from time to time.
• Why boogers form.
• How fat decides to grow in certain places. Some people only get fat in the belly. Some people only get fat in their butt. Some people get fat all over.
• The cause of high maintenance people. Is it chemical, hereditary, or the cause of bad parenting? Even worse is why high maintenance people don't see that they are high maintenance.
• Headaches.
• When people think they know what caused their headache. Have you ever heard someone say it was caused by loud music, sinuses, stress, or lack of caffeine? How do people really know what caused the headache? They don't. If they did no one would ever die from a brain aneurysm.
• How hair knows where to grow and where not to grow. Why don't I have hair on my forehead? Why don't all men have hair on their backs? Why don't eyebrows keep going around the side of your face to your chin? Why aren't the palms of our hands hairy?
• Why men wear scarves. I'm not judging a guy who rocks a scarf, but I just don't get it. My neck never gets cold, and I don't really like things rubbing up all over my neck.
• How my digestive system knows I'm out of town.  Whenever I go out of town I stop dropping deuces.  Then when I get back home I become regular.
• Why so many people haven't seen Iron Man. That movie was a HUGE hit. Add to that the fact that it's a great movie and it just doesn't make sense why a person hasn't seen it. Over the last two weeks I've talked to multiple people who never saw it.
• Why armpit stank, feet stank, and belly button stank all smell different. They stank because of sweat right? You'd think they would stank the same.
• Why women are more prone to spider veins than men.
• Why schools make you take math past elementary school. I think high school math should consist of learning how to balance your personal budget, and well...that's it.
• Why we call the American language English. It's nothing like English from England. I know...I tried to watch the English version of the Office and I couldn't understand a word of it. We speak American.
• Why some farts stink and others do not.
• Why I feel the need to lie if someone calls me and I'm sleeping. The person on the phone always asks if they woke you and everything in me wants to say, "no I'm wide awake." Why do I want to do that?

The 80's Ruled

I saw the above picture on Chad Swanzy's blog. As soon as I saw it I had one thought...the 80's were AWESOME!

Today there is a massive void of original, creative characters. Think about the things that make up pop culture today. Today is made up of sub par movies based on 80's classics like Transformers, and G.I. Joe. I'm amped about the new A-Team movie, but part of the reason I'm so excited is because I loved the A-Team growing up in the 80's. Music today hasn't produced a legend like the 80's Michael Jackson or Madonna in their prime. I dare you to come up with one pop culture character that is better than what the 80's produced.

I dare you to try to compete with Hulk Hogan, Mr. T, Ninja Turtles, G.I. Joe, Ghost Busters, Voltron, Knight Rider, Super Mario, Rambo, Goonies, Indiana Jones, Dukes of Hazard, Pac-Man/Mrs. Pac-Man, He-Man, or two out of the three original Star Wars movies. Sure they may not all hold up well today but they were original and creative. The 80's ruled!

5 Random Facts About robshep

1. I can be shy at times. If I'm not in my comfort zone I tend to sit back and watch. I think this throws some people off because they've seen me on stage at church or with my friends. It often doesn't take me long to break out of my shell, but if I don't know many people I tend to get quiet.
2. I take 4 vitamins every day. I take a men's multi-vitamin, two cinnamon pills, and one biotin pill. I take the multi-vitamin for overall health, the cinnamon because it's supposed to speed up my metabolism, and biotin because it's supposed to strengthen hair. I don't know if any of them work, but my back hair now feels like porcupine needles. Just joking about that last one.
3. When I practice a talk for church I pace. When people see me before the service they think I'm nervous. I often get asked if I'm ok on Sunday mornings before a talk. I don't know why but I need to be moving when I'm gathering my thoughts for a talk. When I'm at home practicing I pace in circles.
4. I like Pepsi better than Coke. I like Coke from a fountain better but if it's from a can or bottle I'm going with Pepsi.
5. I still like the band Jars of Clay. I own every CD they've ever made. Most people I know stopped listening to them after their debut CD. You know the one with their hit song, "Flood." They are still a band that I will buy their entire CD and not just a couple of singles. I don't love every disc they put out but I still enjoy a lot of their music.

And there you have it 5 Random Facts about me. Now it's your turn. What is one random fact about you? Leave a comment.

Mixed CD's

I love a good mixed CD. You know, when someone puts a bunch of random songs and mixes it onto one CD. Over the years I've made lots of mixes for my wife. Some of our friends have ended up hearing the mixes and have then asked me to make them one. I typically make them for road trips, or for my wife's birthday. I have some rules that I try to keep when making a mix.

• Put new songs on. This is tough because some songs are new but they are already played out. I try to find new music that is popular, but has not yet been overplayed.
• Old songs. A great mix has old songs that you love. I tend to always put an 80's or 90's song on every mix I make.
• Mix up the styles. A little hip hop, a dash of rock, a sprinkle of country, and then add in lots of pop and you have a good mix.
• I take at least one risk. There are songs out there that I know I like but I know my wife doesn't know yet. I put one of those songs on the CD hoping that she'll like it. Sometimes it's a swing and a miss, but other times it helps create a home run CD.
• Vary the pacing. Because most of my mixes are road trip CD's I put on more upbeat then slow songs. With that being said I believe it's crucial to include a good mid-tempo or slow song. When there is a slow song I try to pick it back up soon after.
• Vary the bands. I try to not have the same artist on a mix more than once. Every once in a while I will put two songs on by the same artist, but I try to avoid this.
• Know the type of music the person you are giving the CD to likes. I know Monica's type of music pretty well. I try to make CD's with her in mind.
• Listen to the CD before you give it. Sometimes I listen to a CD and it just doesn't flow right. I'll go back and remix things up whenever that happens.

And there you have it. I can't promise everyone will love every mix you make, but following these rules has worked pretty well for me.

Reasons Why I Don't Like the Beach

1. There is no air conditioning.
2. I feel dirty walking through the sand and swimming in the pee infested water.
3. Sharks kill people.
4. Riptides kill people too.
5. I have hair on my back.
6. Hot girls in bathing suits. I try hard to guard my thoughts because I love my wife and because Jesus told me to. Going to the beach is asking for temptation. The whole time I'm there I feel like I have to look down just to avoid some girl popping out of her bathing suit.
7. Fat people in bathing suits. I think I can say this because I am one. I try not to be judgemental but the beach just brings it out of me. I see some people in a bathing suit and I think, "they should really cover that up." That thought makes me feel insecure about my lack of a 6-pack because I know people are thinking it about me.
8. During the summer it's hot. I don't like laying out and the water grosses me out. I end up just walking around with my head down sweating to death.
9. Bugs. I don't like em and they are at the beach.
10. Public restrooms. I already feel dirty, but after visiting a beach public restroom I feel gag nasty.
11. It's nothing like the show Baywatch. I'll admit that I've seen an episode or two of Baywatch. That show had action in it. The beach is nothing like the show. No one runs in slow motion and nothing exciting happens.
12. Laying on a towel in the sand is uncomfortable to me.
13. Laying on a pool chair that feels like it's going to collapse under me isn't much better.
14. All my friends pee in the ocean. They try to convince me that this is ok by saying that the fish pee and poop in the ocean. THAT'S NOT OK WITH ME!
15. Being at the beach makes me hungry.
16. I get bored easily there. After about 30 minutes I'm ready to go home.
17. Have you seen Jaws? Nuff said.
18. I like to be comfortable. I'm just not comfortable there. At all.
19. People bring way too much stuff to enjoy it. Chairs, snacks, music, towels, games, and other people. If it was really that great why would you need so much other stuff?
20. I'm basically albino. I hope that doesn't offend any albino's but I'm really white. My skin burns easily so I have to lather up in sunscreen. I have to put on SPF 102 just so I don't burn. I put so much on that when I leave the beach I don't get tan. If I could get tan I'd like the beach more, but since I can't...I say blah.
21. I once got sunburned so bad I developed a heat rash. With a heat rash it blocks your skin from sweating. I sweat. I sweat a lot. This thing was awful! I'd rather have leprosy then have this again.
22. I tend to get hurt at the beach. I cut my foot on something under the water, burn my feet on the sand, pluck out my eye because some girl plopped out her bathing suit, or I just suffer from boredom.
23. Water in the ear, also known as swimmer's ear. This is the same water that fish pee and poop in. Add that to the fact that all my friends pee and poop in it as well and I'm utterly grossed out.
24. My butt crack tends to find it's way out of my bathing suit. I try to cover it but at least once my wife will say "pull up your trunks, I saw your butt." I've bought multiple swimsuits and the same thing happens. At some point I'm going to show some crack, thus causing other people to lust. I can't live with myself knowing I caused someone else to stumble.
25. The beach is supposed to be relaxing, but I leave stressed. I guess I just have too many issues to enjoy it. Whenever we leave I'm relieved of my stress.

Reasons Why I Love the Beach

1. It's one of my wife's favorite places to be. I love it cause she loves it.