Stargrounds :(

I love Starbucks coffee! Nothing starts my morning better than a good cup of Starbucks coffee. Unfortunately, with the price being what it is and trying to work the Total Money Makeover stuff, Starbucks visits are not a regular thing. The closest thing to a regular cup of Starbucks other than what I make at home (which is really pretty good) is on Sunday mornings and occasionally Thursday mornings when I have to head in extra early.

However, nothing ruins a great cup of coffee than a mouthful of coffee grounds when you get to the bottom. I can't stand that. To go from pure delight to pure disgust in one mouthful is such a let down. I am able to keep them out of my home coffee, why can't those who do it professionally keep it out?

On a side note, at bible study on Wed. night, I had an Americana, at least I think that is what she called it. It is espresso mixed with hot water that simulates coffee, but has a subtly different taste. I have to say, I liked it a lot. Might become a regular!

I have become quite a fan of Dave Ramsey as of late. My friend John turned us on to him a long, long time ago when he lent us the book financial peace. Lately, I began to look at how we can improve our financial picture a little bit and stumbled across him again. I began listening to his podcast and then recently picked up his newly revised book called The Total Money Makeover. He tends to be a bit strong in his personality, but his principles and values are so simple. Taking the scriptural principle that the borrower is slave to the lender, and therefore we should not borrow, and if we do borrow, work to get out of it as fast as we can, means changing the way we live.
The difficulty is that this is a difficult process to practice because it involves great discipline and sacrifice. It is so easy just to charge something and to say we can pay for it later, but later is hard to want to pay for something that is already used up. However, it is very compelling to seek to live a simpler life that is not burdened by debt, but rather disciplined to buy when you can afford it.
So, Karen and I have begun to begin the process of the baby steps. Step one should happen real soon (hello tax return). We can then begin with step two...the debt snowball. Should be fun. We'll keep you up to date.

A Idol Worship Note

I have been a worship leader for a very long time...over half my life really. As of late, through a series of events, I have not been actively doing that, but hoping that God will lead me back that way. I was doing some research for a bible study and found this article for worship leaders. Using the example from last years American Idol winner and runner up, the author uses their lives to springboard some valuable points, all of which I agree with. I think they are timely reminders that the heart of a worship leader must be real, humble, and intentional about bringing the best they have. All of these I have and still struggle with, but I appreciated the reminder as I again try to bring my heart back into a place where God can use me in helping to lead his people in worship. It is a gift, and one that is missed.

I got a new attitude!

I have often read other peoples blogs, particularly my friends who tend to be writers of a variety of subjects, often religious or social justice or something else and been somewhat cautious about doing a blog. As the name states, I really have one for no particular reason, just have a blog. However, recently I have felt the desire to write more about the things that interest me in life. I feel like I have a fairly eclectic variety of interests and topics and sometimes don't really know where to talk about them. So, as time goes on, I will begin to present some of my interests and things through this blog. I'm sure little will come of it, but it could be a fun journey for me anyway. Until next time...

Gotta love the ER

Well, twice this month I have gone to the ER. Before that, it's been over a year since we have been there. It is not a place I typically like to visit. The first was for Rachel, who happened to have a reaction to something. She is doing better now. This morning, I made a visit because of my own stupidity. Many years ago, I was a welder, and in that profession, I was exposed to some hazardous eye conditions, resulting in slivers of medal in my eye...twice. The process of removal usually involves a small drill/bore device that removes the metal and any rust that may have developed. They then patch it up and send you on your way. This was back when I lived in San Diego, and the ER visits typically took 4 or so hours.

This time was different. I am not a welder, but obviously have not learned my lesson about eye protection. I was drilling through some medal that was over my head, and a sliver got in my eye again. I didn't realize this until Sat. night, and then didn't go in until Sun. morning. The ER, which is new and amazingly fast near our house, was quick, but rather than call in a specialist, the ER doc just took out an IV needle, numbed the eye, and proceeded to scrape out the foreign object...fun times. Though he removed the foreign object, the rust remains and I still have to go see a specialist.

So, the moral of the story...hey, eye protection...not a bad idea! As my friend JJ would say...Good Times!

Just a little shout out to my brother in law Andy for getting engaged! Congrats to you and Melissa, and the new nieces...looking forward to seeing you all soon! Also looking forward to another beach wedding on the other ocean.

Brilliant!

I read about this site on Justin Narducci's blog and was incredibly impressed. What a brilliant idea! You can setup and account and loan money to people in developing countries to stimulate economic growth, and then they pay it back. Once paid back, you can loan it to someone else. Check it out, it is impressive!

I am unique!

Got this from J.J.'s Blog...

HowManyOfMe.com

There are: 2 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?