Connexion

Lance Armstrong's Comeback ...looking forward to 2009

Lance's Comeback to Cycling in 2009 -- powered by http://www.livestrong.com

Lance had a pretty tough day at the office though in Vegas. According to cyclingnews, he got his butt handed to him in a cyclocross race. He's actually quoted as saying, "These guys ride fast, there is not doubt about that. They are obviously well-trained for this. It looks so easy on the bike... It's not so easy, and hats off to these guys!" His competition has to hate that! ...losing will just make him train harder!

Call + Response ...the Movie/Rockumentary

My wife and I are definitely planning on attending - I'd love to get a group together to go eat, then watch the movie or vice/versa... So if you want to go with us, email me and let's work out the details!! ASAP!!!

You can buy your ticktets online (for the Austin, TX showing on Ocober 9th) here.

Here's what the Dobie has on their website:

This first-of-its-kind feature rockumentary reveals a terrifying secret: There are more slaves today than ever before in human history. Call + Response goes deep undercover where slavery is thriving. From the child brothels of Cambodia to the slave brick kilns of rural India, slave traders made more money in 2007 than Google, Nike and Starbucks combined. First-hand accounts from luminaries like Cornel West, Julia Ormond, Madeleine Albright, Daryl Hannah, Ashley Judd, Nicholas Kristof and others provide the backdrop for a 21st century nightmare. Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed artists including Moby, Natasha Bedingfield, Cold War Kids, Matisyahu, Imogen Heap, Talib Kweli, Five For Fighting, Switchfoot, members of Nickel Creek, Rocco Deluca and others perform live creating this century's first abolitionist songs.

Dave Madden Promo Video 2008

At Phoenix Church, we consider ourselves pretty blessed to have Dave Madden in charge of all things musical. He's talented, thoughtful, and alive spiritually. I just ran across his latest promo video. Enjoy...

Paul Newman's Legacy

Like many, I was a fan of Paul Newman. I can't remember the first movie I ever saw that he was in, but rarely was his acting ever a disappointment. By the way, I loved him in Road to Perdition. Because of my age, I never really got to know the "young" Newman, so the news stories of his passing have been somewhat of a learning experience for me. Two amazing things though have astonished me - and I believe far outweigh his acting.

• Philanthropy - It's estimated he gave over $250 million. He not only gave - he created opportunities and companies that gave. Pretty impressive...
• He was married for 50 years to Joanne Woodward. That's something to brag about in Hollywood.

Here's a great eulogy, Paul Newman: More than just a pretty face  

What you missed last night at Phoenix Church

Last night rocked at Phoenix Church! Dave and Brandon (minus that ACL lovin's Chris) really were on their game... Coldplay, David Webb, and Crowder - all very, very good. We had probably our best crowd in months, which was really fun. I spoke on God's focus on the small things in our life - before the big stuff. The audio should be up on itunes in a few days. It was a fun night. Come next week!! Here's the silly video - Tobey did an awesome job and showed his capacity for doing it all :)

The Beauty of a Lazy Man

This video comes courtesy of one of the band members of David Crowder Band. All of us hate mowing the lawn, right? Where there's a will and a lazy man all things are possible...

Your mouth and you are connected...

I was in a meeting last week. It was a good meeting: The conversation was stimulating. The participants were lively. Everyone was invited to participate, and many did. I found myself listening though... In fact, there were a couple of times that I started to speak, but I didn't. Moments like that are pretty rare for me. I don't often "just" listen, typically I feel the need to say something. To be honest, I think a lot of times I speak up just to get attention - to be heard. Its rare when I say something that is truly profound or wise...

This morning I am preaching from this verse - Proverbs 10:31 - The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.

Have you ever thought about how much your mouth (what you say) reflects whats on the inside? Think about it for a second: Your mouth is the spokesperson for your soul.

Jesus said what's on the inside is reflected by our speech and James warns us constantly to watch what we say. I think its true: Your mouth and you are connected - so what does that say about you?

"It" Blog Tour stops at my blog today...

I was so honored - blown away actually - when Craig Groeschel called me the other day and asked me if my blog would host some discussion on his latest book, It. He's having a whole book tour and its stopping at some very, very bigtime blogs. I was so honored in fact that I agreed on the spot!! I mean, its Craig Groeschel and he's a huge deal and he definitely has "it" - and my blog is a perfect fit because my blog (and I) definitely have "It" as well!

Okay, all kidding aside... He didn't call. I'm a nobody and I probably don't even have "It." ...but I am reading It - and its actually pretty good.

Start thinking about Christmas NOW!

This year, I'm hoping Phoenix Church will join in the fun... Anyone want to join me?

Eight Keys to Being Successful

I was looking at my old High School's football website (for a soccer booster club link which is nowhere to be found) and ran across this magnificent, inspirational list. Its one of those lists you should read aloud to inspire everyone near you. It's also probably best if you imagine it coming from a slightly overweight guy in a ball cap with too tight a shirt and those sport shorts all the football coaches wear. I'll leave it to your imagination to decide whether he has dip in one cheek or not... Here you go! 

"Boys, there are Eight Keys To Being Successful"

1.  Fear no opponent.  Respect every opponent.
2.  Remember,  It's the perfection of the smallest details that make big things happen.
3.  Keep in mind that hustle can cover up many mistakes.
4.  Be more interested in your character than your reputation.
5.  Be quick, but don't hurry.
6.  Understand that the harder you work, the more luck you will have
7.  Know that valid self-analysis is crucial for improvement
8.  Remember that there is no known substitute for hard work and careful planning.