Most of you know our dog, Maverick. He's a Lab/Aus. Shepherd mix and he's a little more than 3 yrs. old. He's a really great dog, but one of the downsides of having him around this time of year is the shedding. Maverick sheds and he sheds a lot. We've dealt with this for a couple of years now, but with the baby coming we decided to take a more proactive measure---shaving. I took Mav to PetsMart today for a much needed bath, but this time I had them shave him down. Not a complete shave, but just about even with the hair on his head and legs. I knew he would look funny because I've never shaved him before, but it was still pretty suprising and hilarious to see how he turned out. Below is a before and after shot of the Mavster: More »

Yesterday, my church hosted a regional conference for the Acts29 Network, a church planting organization, and I decided to hang out there for the day. The three featured speakers/guests were Barry (our pastor), Matt Carter (pastor of Austin Stone, where Chris Tomlin does worship), and Matt Chandler (pastor of The Village). I didn't learn anything earth-shattering, but I enjoyed hearing the stories of how these churches concieved and what the journey has been like for them. There was a good Q&A session in which several people asked some great, practical questions, like how to raise money, what the first hire should be, how to maintain a healthy work schedule/family life, etc. Every great question was met with some even better answers, in my opinion. I really gained much more respect for my pastor (not that any was lacking) and Matt Chandler in regards to their philosophy and leadership abilities. A good time was had by all and it was nice to talk to several church planters and hear their stories as well. God is doing some great ...More »

Americans will be safe from terrorists for another three years. At least on 24 they will be. The great Kiefer Sutherland has signed a contract for a cool $40 million to return as Jack Bauer for an additional three seasons. He's also upgrading to executive producer and will get to develop his own production company. I don't know how the show will be able to keep exceeding our expectations, but I'm sure they will continue to thrill their audiences. In other 24 news, it looks like Jack will be hitting the big screen in '08. The wheels are in motion to produce a 24 movie, which will shoot in '07 and be released in '08. The real-time aspect will have to be compromised, though. Supposedly, the story will cover 24 hours, but time will have to lapse in order to fit a 2 hour movie. That will be one crazy thrill ride. More »

Well, it's happening. Before, it was just a daydream or a pleasant thought. Now, it's a functioning reality in my life. We are having a baby.....and soon. Last week we got a baby stroller and went to a two-week frequency in doctor visits. Sunday, we bought a baby crib and yesterday I put it together. This weekend Katy is having her first baby shower. I am slowly being squeezed out of my home office by an assorment of baby furniture, gifts, and hand-me-downs. When we return from the Abilene baby shower with another load of gifts, I will be forced to dismantle my workspace and rebuild it in our bedroom. I will have to pack up my reading library and find a place to store my books with possibly some other furniture. After that, Katy and I will be going to a couple of classes. Then, there will be more showers, more baby furniture, and more doctor visits. Basically, this 18-year (at least) journey is about to begin. We're loading the luggage and warming up the ...More »

I really haven't won very many things in my life. The only thing I can remember winning relatively recently was a Palm at Youth Conclave, but even then I won in kind of a shady way because I was technically a vendor and vendors aren't supposed to participate in the giveaways. So sue me. Anyways, all that was to say that I won a pretty dang cool (and much needed) prize at a local web designer meeting last week. I won a Lacie 500gb hard drive with triple interface! Now, I suspect that most of you are thinking, "A hard drive? Doesn't your computer have one? Why would you need another one?" The truth is, I was beginning to cramp up my Mac's hard drive with all of my Photoshop files, designs, photography, music, and iPod video. Things were getting very tight. I was hoping to hold out until next Christmas, but now I don't have to! This thing rocks. I know it's difficult to imagine a hard drive being "cool" or "fun" but that just shows ...More »