tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-374912042012-02-20T09:37:30.623-06:00Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.comBlogger1101100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-3843585403575208492012-02-03T23:32:00.002-06:002012-02-03T23:32:43.026-06:00

But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, for You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my strength, I will sing praises to You; For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.                                                                                           -Psalm 59:16-17

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-89425460606500007112012-01-23T11:06:00.002-06:002012-01-23T11:08:49.896-06:00

I like Panera Bread. The music isn't as loud or nearly as terrible as it is at Starbucks.The breakfast is good, and typically I can get a few things done while sipping back some hazelnut coffee and siphoning wi-fi. I can pretty well be left alone. This morning, while trying to catch up on my daily caffeine quota, I overheard two elderly ladies talking from the across the room. When I first

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-63034134693559243452012-01-01T15:56:00.001-06:002012-01-01T15:58:49.641-06:00

Well, if those who are “experts” in the study of Mayan culture and calendars are right, this may well be the year the world sees its end. I’m not sure about all of that, but my world is certainly going to be different.The ushering in of 2012 represents a boatload of change for me. Prior to leaving, a few of the people close to me remarked that it was amazing that I could just pick up, move away,

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-16954291729364852592011-12-20T17:17:00.003-06:002011-12-20T17:50:09.274-06:00

I like to watch movies. As aforementioned elsewhere on this blog, Netflix has been a huge time-waste of mine that I thoroughly enjoy. I and a good friend of mine routinely would watch movies and critique (and criticize) the plot development of many of the films we watched. Sometimes, there are inexplicable gaps in plot sequencing. Other times, filmmakers include far too much minutia, as if his/

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-73385204334433502822011-12-11T20:07:00.005-06:002011-12-11T23:14:13.084-06:00

I've been a professing Christian since I was eight years old. I knew very little about Jesus at that time, I had very little doctrinal training, I hadn't even read very much of the Bible. But in a few moments that changed my life, my dad explained to me that I needed Jesus. He also explained to me what Jesus had done so that I could have what I desperately needed. In many ways, my little

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-22764551725659052812011-12-09T10:03:00.007-06:002011-12-09T11:56:08.885-06:00

You know how some things just sneak up on you?Like a deadline...or a birthday. Tax season, maybe. The past several weeks have been fairly hectic - packing, cleaning, moving, saying good-byes, traveling for Thanksgiving......when all of a sudden, I realized I had become a Trekkie. Stupid Netflix. Why do you have to be so convenient?Needless to say, my phasers are set to "stunned." OK, so I'm

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-57578222443683625832011-10-24T08:29:00.003-05:002011-10-24T09:23:31.181-05:00

This past May, a pair of tornadoes decided to pay a visit to Chickasha, OK, destroying numerous homes and properties and leaving their signature trails of destruction as mementos of their short stay. One of my closest and lifelong friends lives in what was to the be warpath of the great, unstoppable soldier. A few weeks ago, he took me around the surrounding few miles from his place, showing me

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-30336650202258517382011-10-24T08:01:00.003-05:002011-10-24T08:29:16.278-05:00

As you know, I like to draw teachable points from the world of sports. I didn't spend a lot of time watching sports this weekend, so I don't really have anything lengthy to say. However, I wanted to make a few quick observations.Tebow - 1, Haters - 0 Tim Tebow will not get nominated for the Hall of Fame this year. He will not glow and grow wings and throw lightning bolts. He will, however, gain

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-68549082278029184692011-09-21T09:05:00.003-05:002011-09-21T09:37:59.091-05:00

The following is taken from Finally Alive, by John Piper, regarding 1 John....How do people who have experienced the miracle of the new birth deal with their own sinfulness as they try to live in the full assurance of their salvation? My answer is: You deal with it by the way you use John's teaching. John warns against hypocrisy (claiming to be born again when your life contradicts it), and John

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-10713460114611608792011-09-13T16:57:00.005-05:002011-09-13T17:56:07.603-05:00

Rant time. You may stop reading now if you are tired of my grammar rants, BUT there IS a point at the end. So, I'm listening to the radio today and during one of the commercials, a lady uses the word decimation.No big deal, right? Right, except when it's used wrongly.Just like nearly everyone else I know, she used the word to describe near-total destruction. It's a great word; it even sounds

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-44574349619770958132011-09-04T15:27:00.002-05:002011-09-04T15:54:17.902-05:00

This morning, our pastor read aloud my resignation letter. It read: As many of you already know, I have resigned my position at FBCJ and will soon be moving to Colorado. This was not an easy decision to make since this is the only place I have felt at home in many, many years. When the Lord brought me here six years ago, I was an angry, messed-up kid who knew it all. You took me in anyway and

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-53301862564903129072011-07-23T20:25:00.002-05:002011-07-23T20:30:52.988-05:00

We're all full of opinions. I know that I am full of tons of them. Some of them are well-meaning, others are emotion-driven drivel. We all think certain things. But, you know when you really know that you know something?Don't get me wrong. We all know that 2+2=4, unless you're in something besides base-10 mathematics. We all know that the sky is blue and that gravity is holding us down (in a good

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-31212216652624485202011-07-09T18:44:00.004-05:002011-07-09T21:28:19.049-05:00

Not everyone is a baseball fan. Even fewer are Yankees fans. And...as it goes, if you don't love the Yankees, you hate them.But the Captain of the most storied franchise in baseball history has a little mystique to him. For a long time, he has arguably been the face of baseball. He plays the game with legendary discipline, fierce tenacity, and passion. For a couple of years, he has been the topic

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-41586073186766514232011-05-15T15:13:00.002-05:002011-05-15T15:26:07.407-05:00

Have you ever been in traffic, rocking along at a normal speed doing your normal thing, when you hear it in the distance?You know what I'm talking about. You turn your music down to make sure you really heard it. You hold your hand up to silence whoever might be speaking, you start checking your mirrors, looking around in every direction. You know you heard it. The siren.Then you see it. Red and

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-37446391757759632542011-05-01T14:50:00.003-05:002011-05-01T15:01:44.474-05:00

I finally got around to reading Love Wins.I have held out hope that Rob Bell was more than just than just a vague inquisitor, taking to task some of the long-ingrained “values” of the Christianity of today. I have hoped that Bell was helping to serve us by making us question why we believe what we believe.Jesus Christ made everyone around Him ask some questions about various beliefs, rituals, and

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-73322878230517518812011-04-24T18:26:00.002-05:002011-04-24T18:46:02.190-05:00

Twelve years have passed since I lost dad. I had to make some adjustments.Some of the change took longer to ingrain than some of the rest. The disciples didn't have to wait three days. But I cannot imagine what an eternity it must have felt like for those men, who had surrendered everything they knew and everything they were to follow this at-the-time little-known rabbi. On what we now call

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-6530779437483908062011-04-23T11:30:00.004-05:002011-04-23T13:24:52.533-05:00

I remember the phone call. I drove hours across Oklahoma that day with my brother to get to my hometown.Something about the whole situation seemed unreal. Surreal, even.I wasn't there. I didn't see it happen. But Peter was there when Jesus was arrested. He had tried to stop the officers from taking Jesus. The others ran away. Peter watched from nearby as they spit on Jesus and mocked Him. John

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-55845937465245583592011-04-22T10:17:00.003-05:002011-04-22T10:34:30.404-05:00

On this day twelve years ago, I lost my father. If you've ever read this blog before, you already know that because I write about it every year. I have spent time reflecting on memories, both good and bad, and I have shared lessons learned over the past twelve years.Today is no different than any other day. I think about my dad daily. I often wonder how things might have been different if

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-26316297949302464892010-12-14T20:07:00.004-06:002010-12-14T21:23:20.547-06:00

"This is SO cool, guys..."His voice was exploding with excitement, yet hushed in reverence as he took careful steps across his newly-discovered territory.His eyes could barely take it all in. The wonder in every look - in every movement - communicated all that his words could not. And to think, he almost missed out on it all.Only moments before, I was working on videos with a friend while his son

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-57706708470811306672010-11-22T20:33:00.006-06:002010-11-22T21:15:54.164-06:00

I guess in accordance with the forthcoming holiday, I am grateful for a a great number of things. I'll list a few that are fresh on my mind. My Mom, Merrily, who has always loved me without fail and without condition. I do not have the words to adequately express my debt. My only sibling, Sid. You are my best friend and my humanly refuge. I could not have designed a better brother or friend. I

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-45720240406505321772010-08-28T14:46:00.004-05:002010-08-28T15:36:26.927-05:00

In our culture, self-sufficiency is regarded as among the most virtuous of traits. Especially in Texas, where I currently reside.The need for help is seen as weakness by many. Actually asking for help is regarded as doubly pathetic. Unfortunately, this attitude has flooded into the Church. "Christians" look down on those with real need - whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. True need seems

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-80969061342052433382010-05-15T09:51:00.002-05:002010-05-15T10:07:35.572-05:00

As a student of the Bible, I love to learn. I like to read and argue and debate. I especially (secretly) love it when I come up against teaching or insight that forces me to change some of what I believe to be true. This doesn't happen quickly or easily, as I believe there is something wrong both with a man who does not waver and with a man who wavers at every breeze of change. I'm stubborn. This

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-12169788443843952212010-05-09T22:41:00.003-05:002010-05-09T22:53:31.175-05:00

It's raining outside though the skies are clear.The moon lights the way, even when it is shrouded in the coming rain. The horse is restless despite its lack of concern. Respect is a funny thing.It is given in the strangest of circumstances. It is earned in private.I have often said that one's reputation is nothing more than the collective external opinion of a person, truth often be damned.

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-90150173371571286802010-04-22T20:19:00.002-05:002010-04-22T20:56:06.191-05:00

As is my custom on 4/22, I usually lay pretty low and reflect on life with and without my Dad. Today has been no different. With each passing year, there's more to mull over than the year before. It's hard to believe it's been eleven years. Some of these eleven years have been far more difficult than others.I have learned much in these years that have passed since losing Dad.In the past four or

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-90293225499189069672010-03-11T20:32:00.002-06:002010-03-12T10:26:56.880-06:00

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: All disappointment comes from unrealized expectations. No matter now realistic the expectations are, when they go unmet disappointment ensues. I tell students this all the time. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.*This week has been full of disappointments for me. Some were unrealistic expectations, some were the

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-4202091101857021232010-01-05T20:27:00.002-06:002010-01-05T21:10:56.815-06:00

I've never been much for fiction.Of course, I've never much cared for sitting still long enough to read much of anything. If ever I am compelled to read anything, it is usually either the Bible or any number of books with the Bible as the main topic. I am enthralled by the Biblical narrative and equally astounded by its timeless astuteness.Sure, when I was a kid I read a few Hardy Boys episodes,

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-38789705608472490432009-12-22T07:44:00.003-06:002009-12-22T22:04:16.351-06:00

Normally I like to get on my soapbox around this time of year to believers who think that JC Penney's should make their employees say things like "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays," explaining that it is our job to live out the truths of Christmas rather than getting up in arms because some corporation won't make their employees say "Christmas."This year, I feel as thought I've beaten

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-75766777550887905132009-08-31T20:14:00.002-05:002009-08-31T20:31:35.363-05:00

Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-58513617987804177382009-07-04T16:52:00.007-05:002009-07-04T17:39:21.515-05:00

In his letter to the Romans, Paul wrote some very interesting words about freedom and slavery as both pertain to sin.He explains that Christ "died to sin, once for all," and that we should also consider ourselves "to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus."That's akin to one of those great statements that preachers make from pulpits but don't really explain the dynamic of how that works

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-57928393743488025702009-06-23T14:52:00.003-05:002009-06-23T15:16:19.974-05:00

Running errands this morning, I was listening to a little ESPN Radio. The Michael Irvin show was just coming on, and he was recounting being on Joe Buck's show on HBO with some comedian (whose name I cannot recall). At any rate, during the show the guy apparently made a spectacle of the whole thing, and Michael Irvin was perturbed at him for overrunning the show with his crass act. So he said so

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-1564033801850990182009-06-22T18:29:00.003-05:002009-06-22T18:33:37.290-05:00

So there they were, staring across the vast into nothing.Nothing.As far as the eye could see, there was nothing. It was almost breathtaking, but it lacked something, lacked anything at all. It was missing everything.I often wonder what went through their minds as they pondered the existence of nothing. I often wish I could see what they saw as nothingness ceased...When empty filled.I often try to

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-54618721160768721812009-06-21T21:38:00.002-05:002009-06-21T22:13:53.982-05:00

"Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.""Love God with all of your heart, mind, and strength...love your neighbor as yourself.""As you have done to the least of these, you have done unto Me.""They will know who you are by your love for one another."...terrifying.

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-1370955836296155132009-05-25T16:24:00.003-05:002009-05-25T16:28:52.817-05:00

Wear your grudge like a crown of negativity.Calculate what we will or will not tolerate.Desperate to control all and everything.Unable to forgive your scarlet lettermen.Clutch it like a cornerstone. Otherwise it all comes down.Justify denials and grip it to the lonesome end.Clutch it like a cornerstone. Otherwise it all comes down.Terrified of being wrong. Ultimatum prison cell.Saturn ascends,

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-26292602343879364082009-05-12T23:18:00.003-05:002009-05-12T23:51:06.251-05:00

I saw an incredible sunset today.I pulled over and jumped out on the road, camera in tow. It's hard to describe. It was perfect.Tufts of wheatgrass lined the crooked highway.Just beyond, a picture perfect barbed-wire fence the sole disruption between me and the setting sun, lying to rest just over a rain-greened pasture stained only by a sun-colored pond.It was picture-perfect.However, it wasn't

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-53594857407578803402009-05-10T15:52:00.002-05:002009-05-10T16:21:52.446-05:00

Happy Mother's Day!In keeping with the spirit of the day, I want to write a few words for Mom......a woman to whom I could never do justice with this little blog entry. ...who has loved me a infinitely more than any person deserves to be loved....who is an indescribably wonderful person and mother. ...who, despite what you may think of me, did a fantastic job raising my brother and me....who

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-48513659541056652272009-05-06T23:34:00.002-05:002009-05-06T23:55:49.120-05:00

Earlier today, I spent a little time out by the creek. Of course, the water wasn't nearly as clear as the picture may indicate. Tossing pebbles into the water, I pondered over a few of the topics that cycle in and out of my mind on a regular basis. As I watched the ripples echo out from the point of impact, I couldn't help but wonder what happened underneath the surface of the murky water as the

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-3091426704845778612009-04-22T23:30:00.002-05:002009-04-23T17:28:41.006-05:00

This morning, I took a little trek to my old hometown.To visit my mom's mom. To poke around at the old farm where my dad's parents had lived, where I spent many of my days growing up - both playing and working. To visit the cemetery where we buried my dad ten years ago. Ten years ago today, I lost my father. Ten very long years, gone in an instant.I drove past the barbed-wire fence Dad and I

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-42521671233252643762009-04-05T22:10:00.004-05:002009-04-05T22:17:56.205-05:00

Here is a quote from Francis Chan's Crazy Love that I recommend spending a little time with in meditation:Many Spirit-filled authors have exhausted the thesaurus in order to describe God with the glory He deserves. His perfect holiness, by definition, assures us that our words can't contain Him. Isn't it a comfort to worship a God that we cannot exaggerate?Wow.

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-48213209407479012332009-03-31T23:14:00.007-05:002009-03-31T23:37:31.870-05:00

This week, I started a seven part series in my Sunday morning class entitled "The Laws of the Harvest," based on a book by John Lawrence of the same name. The first law is "We reap much we did not sow." I found this odd since the book is based on Paul's statement to the Galatians that "God is not mocked; a man reaps what he sows." So, of course, the first thing we learn is that reap what we did

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-76503032094963860492009-03-15T20:22:00.002-05:002009-03-15T20:44:47.724-05:00

Isn't it funny? Not the kind of funny that makes you laugh, but the kind that just makes you shake your head in disbelief leaving with nothing to do but laugh. I was having a half-asleep discussion with a friend of mine the other night about how frustrating it is that it is so difficult to do what we want to do and so easy to do the very things we hate. I am a follower of Jesus, but often it

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-11081807105889438572009-03-04T22:45:00.002-06:002009-03-04T22:48:25.901-06:00

It is a rare occasion that I am lost for words. More rare still is the day that I fail to speak the words that I have. Today is a day that marks both of these occasions.Happy 17th of July.

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-68127289339430199432009-02-28T07:53:00.002-06:002009-02-28T08:26:21.040-06:00

I recently had the privilege of taking a trip to a part of the nation I had never been before. Eight days I would be gone, and I had not fully committed to being "away" completely. After the first few days, I settled in and made an earnest attempt to "get away for a few days."Like the wise have always said, one can only move away from places. I can't run from myself. I'm not certain it's possible

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-6547089509856522892009-02-17T14:11:00.005-06:002009-02-17T14:41:17.924-06:00

Earlier today, Alex Rodriguez held a press conference at the New York Yankees' training facility in Tampa, FL regarding his recent admission to using banned substances following a Sports Illustrated report that Rodriguez tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in 2003 while with the Texas Rangers.In a recent exclusive interview with Peter Gammons on ESPN, A-Rod admitted using

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-18726430651570284042009-01-06T08:52:00.003-06:002009-01-06T09:13:59.493-06:00

Ignorant at best, unwilling at worst.Either we don't know, which is bad enough, or we suffer from a far worse condition of not caring.Apathy, they say, is a killer.For certain, you and I care about different things. We harbor different passions. We lie awake at night and think on different things. Apathy is a strange malady, for its very nature often prevents us from knowing we are stricken with

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-30859097665942717452009-01-04T22:56:00.005-06:002009-01-04T23:06:09.935-06:00

I want to be the guy that writes the check. And it's not about money. It's about being in touch.Ever hear those stories where someone or some group of people needed something really specific, and mysteriously a check shows up for the EXACT amount, seemingly at random?I want to be the guy that writes the check....or fills the need, in whatever form. I want to be so in touch with God that I can

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-85543105063694791012009-01-04T15:03:00.005-06:002009-01-04T15:10:43.249-06:00

The look on Chad Pennington's face says it all. After throwing only 7 interceptions all season (NFL best), Pennington - rattled by the Baltimore Ravens ferocious defense - threw FOUR interceptions today in Miami's loss to the Ravens in Miami. After being so clutch all year long, this game is certainly going to grind at Pennington until next season.Many had favored the Ravens to win this game, but

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-88036675956902814412009-01-01T15:06:00.002-06:002009-01-02T17:49:53.798-06:00

Before the 2007 NFL season had ended, the Miami Dolphins organization was undergoing major surgery.Again.Since Dan Marino retired following a 63-7 embarassment against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 1999 playoffs, the Dolphins have been a revolving door of quarterbacks and coaches - a door that owner Wayne Huizenga finally decided to demolish after a dismal and club-worst 1-15 record in 2007.

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-20699993442253096362008-11-20T00:37:00.003-06:002008-11-20T00:57:12.150-06:00

Earlier today, New York Yankees' pitcher Mike Mussina called it a career. As expected, "Moose" retired from Major League Baseball after 18 seasons. Mussina retires with a career record of 270-153 and an ERA of 3.68. His postseason record was 23-15 with a 3.43 ERA.Moose notched his first 20-win season this season in a down year for the Yankees, after struggling through a long and difficult season

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-11011897000711770482008-11-19T00:20:00.004-06:002008-11-19T00:27:16.621-06:00

Tar and feathers hide your feelingsIf you even know the meaningYour high road is overratedYou left your guru out there hangin'Don't stayDon't stayYour appetite's insatiableDevouring one thousand soulsIts more or less the same old storyThe princess and the whore: the ladyNobody sees itNobody hears itNobody breathin' in a comaSo keep your secretsYour perfect secretsIt's just a game but no ones

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-40970884745540597692008-11-17T13:09:00.002-06:002008-11-17T13:11:15.637-06:00

Autumn has finally shown herself, and winter is on her heels. It's high time it got wintry around here.Bundle up!(For those wondering about the pointlessness of this post, it's to test a new RSS feed setting.)

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-62235776502033463002008-11-14T12:00:00.003-06:002008-11-14T12:13:43.512-06:00

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.-Jesus,Matthew 16.19 (NASB)What does this mean?

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-9686894409456447952008-11-07T16:44:00.026-06:002008-11-07T22:48:24.509-06:00

Former Texas LonghornBuck BurnetteWednesday, University of Texas backup offensive lineman Buck Burnette (left) was excused from the team, a ramification from posting racial slurs on his Facebook page following the election of Barack Obama on Tuesday night.Today on ESPN Radio, a debate raged through the airwaves: Was head coach Mack Brown's decision to remove Burnette from the team even legal?I

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-65995374226745805412008-11-05T22:23:00.003-06:002008-11-06T00:59:43.663-06:00

Election '08 is over. "The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly," conceded John McCain.Spoken clearly, indeed. President-elect Barack Obama & his vice-president-elect Joe Biden will acquire the oval office next year with a Congress in tow and a nation that is ready for a change from the Bush Regime. Change in this country was desperately needed. Change in a direction away

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-64493116875813645072008-11-03T20:15:00.002-06:002008-11-03T20:17:35.503-06:00

It's time to decide the direction of this nation for the next four years.Where do YOU stand?

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-12529296280053272652008-11-03T09:13:00.004-06:002008-11-03T09:16:10.377-06:00

The clocks have been set back.November has come!It's time to break out the parkas and scarves, to adorn our fireplaces with flames, and to bundle up tight...winter is here!...or not. November 2, 2008: 85 sweat-hot degrees.Ugh.

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-76363320246229770862008-10-22T01:35:00.003-05:002008-10-22T01:58:45.122-05:00

Broken dreams.Shattered hopes. Disappointment.All of us have it. We've all experienced it in one way or many. Disappointment comes from misplaced expectation. When we expect something to happen and it doesn't, we're disappointed.When we expect someone to do something or say something or be something and they don't or aren't, we're disappointed.We want a certain someone to look our way. We expect

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-17655427622065371392008-10-14T00:20:00.003-05:002008-10-14T00:31:09.554-05:00

God is bigger than me, and bigger than you. I got a reminder this past week.I love when God speaks. Even in my refutation of Calvinism, I have no problem admitting that I believe that God is sovereign and is active in His creation. I believe that not one iota of life is outside of His working.I meet with a young man on Tuesday mornings for discipleship. This past week, I slept in. He was late. We

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-13761007707219759192008-09-29T15:55:00.003-05:002008-09-29T16:10:59.933-05:00

No coffee. No Diet Pepsi.Half a cup of decaf, but that crap is still disgusting. 31 days to go...

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-82898039590648888142008-09-18T00:26:00.002-05:002008-09-18T00:51:35.524-05:00

At the center of the ages-old Calvinism debate is the priority of God's sovereignty. Modern Calvinism, which is a loose translation of Calvin's own writings, is rooted in the Reformation. It's famous (or infamous) 5 points, known as TULIP*, were written in response to the writings of Jacob Arminius, whose systematic beliefs became appropriately known as Arminianism. John Calvin himself did not

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-1155096148407120972008-09-13T21:51:00.007-05:002008-09-13T22:20:13.000-05:00

On September 11, 2008, Charles Gibson of ABC News conducted GOP Vice-Presidential Nominee Gov. Sarah Palin's (R-Alaska) first national interview...and he crucified her. ...at least, he tried. Gibson and all of ABC News' editing team made one of the worst attempts in recent history to butcher-and-paste an interview to paint a candidate as an agent of evil. The interview came out looking more like

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-69409514404493128052008-09-12T21:32:00.003-05:002008-09-15T20:29:27.244-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Election 2008!In the Blue Corner, Barack Obama!In the Red Corner, John McCain!Who will it be?

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-52005331835626366752008-09-11T01:57:00.002-05:002008-09-11T01:58:26.788-05:00

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-26980652388053362702008-09-10T11:52:00.003-05:002008-09-10T12:08:18.067-05:00

I know what you're expecting.Stop.This is not a post about modern-day Pharisees or how much of the religious system I despise.Don't worry, I don't have a fever. I just wanted to take a moment (that I don't have) to write a few lines about one of my favorite things in the world: yellow legal pads.Yes, seriously.There is no finer writing pad than the yellow legal pad. Of course, my favorite isn't

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-78080998369435515412008-09-04T02:43:00.005-05:002008-09-04T08:52:14.042-05:00

One of my favorite renderings of the definition of insanity is "doing the same thing and expecting different results."Recently, I undertook the process of professional counseling.I carry a lot of emotional baggage that, honestly, I don't care to carry. Such baggage has taken its toll and rooted itself deep in anger, bitterness, and cynicism that have defined my life for the past 5-6 years.Now,

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-16633780863256945912008-09-03T23:27:00.003-05:002008-09-04T02:21:23.538-05:00

This is embarrassing.Thanks, Clay Bennett. You can go back to Seattle now.One chance...and there it went.

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-83116129467479484822008-09-03T08:36:00.002-05:002008-09-03T08:57:01.535-05:00

For the first time in 15 years, it looks like it's going to be a Yankee-free postseason in Major League Baseball. Most of the sports world is rejoicing at the fall of the "Evil Empire," including me. But for an entirely different set of reasons than most. I'm not thrilled that my team is at this moment 11 games out of first place in the AL East and 7 games out of the Wild Card. In fact, I'm

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-71238339971057110792008-08-27T21:53:00.003-05:002008-08-27T22:21:38.155-05:00

Thunder, Energy, Wind, Barons, Marshals, and Bison. One of these six words will forever define the state of Oklahoma's one chance at professional sports.Honestly, I'm less than thrilled at the potential of this. Granted, a few of these are above mediocre, while a few of them carry the power of forever disgracing Oklahoma in the professional sports world. Long has OKC been the top of NBA's list of

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-64729153187424273132008-08-19T00:52:00.004-05:002008-08-19T01:28:20.354-05:00

Alarm ringing.Piss. Already?Snooze. Overslept it. Just as expected. I can justify it, having not heard it. Oh, well. I know better. Not a good start to a day sure to be packed with excitement. I slept plenty of hours, but can't feel it. But I know what I hear.Piss. Is that...Ugh. Rain. Should've put the new window in. Before my feet hit the floor, today is well on its way to being ruined and when

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-17004698198194592952008-08-11T15:49:00.009-05:002008-08-11T16:15:31.884-05:00

"...you can't fight the tears that ain't comin'or the moment of truth in your liesWhen everything feels like the movies,yeah, you bleed just to know you're alive..."-from Iris,by The Goo Goo Dolls"...There ain't nothin' like regretto remind you you're alive..."-from Difficult Kind,by Sheryl CrowThese words - from a songs almost a decade old - are vicious, cutting, and potent.It is impossible to

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-34833332734891182182008-07-04T19:52:00.003-05:002008-07-04T20:13:23.334-05:00

The air is absolutely still. The water so much resembles glass, it's almost convincing.The leaves are painted on their stems, the branches firmly on the trunks.It's like looking at a photograph.Listening to one, too.In the west, the sun nestles with silent fluidity into the golden and crimson horizon. Silence.Stillness.It's unnerving, almost. No birds are chirping. No junebugs are junebugging.The

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-59075479206409154182008-06-12T08:17:00.004-05:002008-06-12T09:06:41.287-05:00

I still have that piece of paper.I was in the basement of a rent house my family lived in, hurriedly piecing together slapdash a model of something or other. Car, most likely. If I recall correctly, it was cold that Sunday afternoon. It was September 18, 1988 - my brother's birthday, oddly; this was odd because soon it would become my birthday as well. We had been to church that morning, as was

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-75208433416823177382008-06-11T19:05:00.004-05:002008-06-11T19:11:44.756-05:00

We're leaving Saturday morning for a mission trip to New Orleans. Please be praying for us as we go to take part in helping rebuild the city ravaged by Katrina. We'll be helping with some home construction and some neighborhood VBS activities. Keep us, as well as everyone in New Orleans, in your prayers. Thanks!

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-39851752287709879802008-06-07T19:05:00.001-05:002008-06-07T19:09:30.767-05:00

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-18024956911850815372008-06-01T21:14:00.003-05:002008-06-01T21:41:21.919-05:00

"Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge," writes the ever-wise Solomon in his magnum opus and memoirs, The Book of Proverbs.*The earliest of believers held the majest of the sovereignty of God in high regard, His name to be worshipped, but not to be spoken.The name of God was held in such high regard that it wasn't even written, lest it be defiled. This resulted in a loss of pronunciation

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-36174012420163280802008-05-20T00:20:00.005-05:002008-05-25T06:41:43.264-05:00

Speaking of throwing stones at Mr. Barron (see this post), I'd like to step this conversation up a notch. I learned this trick from Jesus, though I'm not nearly as good at it.Also, I'm not the Son of God. I know none of you were confused about this fact, I just wanted to make sure that you know that I know.Moving on.In the Bible, there's a story about the religious leaders dragging a woman

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-84737838525286390492008-05-16T19:00:00.007-05:002008-05-20T00:20:08.429-05:00

Today in Bryan, TX, Prestonwood Baptist Church minister Joe Barron was arrested and charged with solicting a minor for sex. Allegedly, the girl he thought he was driving to Bryan, TX, to meet was only thirteen years old. Police arrested him on arrival. Full story here.The facts speak for themselves.

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-83317754140143170102008-05-15T01:19:00.005-05:002008-05-15T18:13:47.242-05:00

Like the old saying goes, "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder."So, apparently, is guilt.Why are we so convinced that our jaded view of certain events gives us a crystal-clear perspective of a bigger picture?Why are human beings so quick to judge others?You're guilty, I'm guilty, we're all guilty. An incident implicating myself: Last year, at an event our church held, I was dismayed by the

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-5849535061818978212008-05-10T16:53:00.003-05:002008-05-10T17:20:57.701-05:00

While the world goes to Hell, the questions keep coming. "Why?""How could a good God allow so much suffering...""...let alone be responsible for it?""Is this God's retribution...""...or just another 'natural' catastrophe?"These questions are weighty, to be certain. I don't want to discount their importance.They aren't the ones crawling under my skin right now, though.With estimates ranging

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-85415940526976840362008-05-09T13:11:00.003-05:002008-05-09T13:50:19.501-05:00

Should a church be elder-led?What about the countless churches who are deacon-led?Is it just a misappropriation of terms or should deacon-led churches seriously stop and re-evaluate their structure?Just curious as to your thoughts.

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-45477540490576680662008-05-08T13:12:00.001-05:002008-05-08T13:21:21.332-05:00

I am incredulous.I'm only twenty-seven years old.This isn't supposed to happen until...well, ever.But already?!The phone in my office is a piece of work. It can do everything. I'm pretty sure it make omelettes, but I don't know yet how to program the thing.In fact, I can't even transfer a phone call, the current source of my bewildered state.Simple procedure.Right?Yikes.Remember how you always

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-22733401906932472212008-05-07T23:23:00.000-05:002008-05-07T23:52:55.742-05:00

I have not wrestled with any one particular spiritual issue more than I have wrestled with this issue we call "predestination."Some call this a theological issue.Some refer to it as an issue of academia. Predestination is for scholars to debate.For Calvinists to propagate.For Arminians to castrate.Certainly not for the layperson to deliberate.It's too heavy.For me, it is THE heavy.More than a

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-29530106702183290562008-05-07T00:39:00.000-05:002008-05-07T00:44:54.488-05:00

Unwind.Wind.Unwind.Wind.Two pots of decaf later, and I feel like I've had caffeine injected directly into my brain. One pseudo-mental-meltdown later, the day is coming to an end. What an afternoon.Head aches from the chaos of the war of thoughts that has ensued. Unwind.Unwind.Unwind.Unwind.The ceiling isn't nearly as interesting as I'd hoped. It only complicates

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-52952449196425196772008-04-30T23:23:00.000-05:002008-04-30T23:27:06.390-05:00

And clearly, my brain is too inundated with randomness to write about something worthwhile.

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-1855037622606620472008-04-24T19:31:00.000-05:002008-04-24T19:32:54.818-05:00

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-54404845775866087192008-04-11T13:36:00.001-05:002008-04-11T13:49:27.055-05:00

Bill Self made a name for himself long before Monday night. At Oral Roberts University and across that Oklahoma town at the University of Tulsa. Bill Self made a name for himself and earned a reputation: winner. Anyone who even remotely cares about college basketball knows by now that the Kansas Jayhawks, a perennial presence in the phenomenon known as March Madness, made a near-impossible run to

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-416272926564954312008-04-04T14:49:00.000-05:002008-04-04T14:59:09.888-05:00

Churches always are encouraging people to get "plugged in."Some churches have a ministry specifically designed for every demographic category imaginable, and then some. Others have a limited few ministries, and none of the luster of mega-church settings.And there are myriad other churches somewhere between those two.Why are we still encouraging people to come to US to "get plugged in"? Why are

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-50216693015988495062008-04-03T11:52:00.000-05:002008-04-03T12:27:12.428-05:00

Opinion, opinion, opinion. Endless opinion.And here I thought that exegesis was supposed to settle matters of opinion. But I guess if we could systematise all of who God is, then He wouldn't be much of an Almighty, would He?Systematise [sis-tuh-muh-tahyz] - to arrange in or according to a system; to reduce to a system, to make systematic.I usually don't look up the definitions of words for which

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-60558458394914883062008-04-01T20:58:00.001-05:002008-04-03T12:30:26.657-05:00

I think my keen ability to let people down all hinges on my inability to manage time effectively. Just a thought.

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-28388188245325344412008-03-28T22:20:00.000-05:002008-03-28T22:34:17.498-05:00

There is a war raging around us, and it has been raging for millenia. The wars of human beings are triggered by the wars of the heavens...and Hell. The forces of darkness manifest hate, dissent, greed, and discord in the lives of human beings and whom do we lash at out? That's right. Human beings. The battle IS raging. If you are rolling your eyes at this point, then you are losing. This isn't

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-60290238675505957172008-03-25T00:22:00.000-05:002008-03-25T00:27:18.539-05:00

So we do a little men's basketball action on Monday nights, sort of a hang-out-outreach type of deal. None of us are really any good. In fact, our best player is our pastor's 13-year-old son. At any rate, we try to play in a manner that glorifies Jesus while still being guys being guys being competitive. Tonight, tempers flared, and mine was the first to go. The fouling was bad tonight. Elbows,

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-61897948895988451222008-03-23T22:29:00.000-05:002008-03-23T22:51:00.463-05:00

Earlier this weekend, I wanted to rant and rave about how stupid it is that a rabbit who gives children candy and hides eggs got associated with Easter......but I won't.Not this time. Not too long ago, and more than once, I wrote about how the church needs change. As an organization, the "church" leaves people in the ruts of life, covered in the grime of selfish humanity.Let me tell you about the

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-67254344704743543382008-01-07T08:14:00.000-06:002008-04-03T12:32:42.637-05:00

No, not on a basketball court...though I most certainly would. No, I won't post any videos of our pick-up soccer game to show anyone my total lack of offensive competency balanced only by my mediocre defensive abilities. We won't talk about how technology has dwarfed my knowledge of video games since I was last interested in one (Metroid:Prime for Nintendo GameCube, if you were wondering) and how

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-38855813242871806322008-01-01T18:01:00.000-06:002008-01-01T18:10:04.599-06:00

Happy new year to all!I hope that 2008 is the greatest and most productive, most insightful, growth-filled year of your life. Anyone got any "New Year's Resolutions"? If you hate that term as much as I do, perhaps you have some "goals" for 2008?Anyone care to share?I have five:1. Spend every day in the Word, and to read the Bible through twice.2. Write a book.3. Record an album.4. Buy a Jeep.5.

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-53358014110780160782007-12-17T11:37:00.000-06:002007-12-17T12:24:18.736-06:00

In a recent message titled "The War Against Christmas," Dr. Charles Stanley of InTouch Ministries, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta, GA, suggested to his congregation that there is a war at hand. A war over Christmas. He spoke passionately about the need not to let society remove the word "Christmas" from holiday greetings and public vernacular. He suggested that we, as Christians

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-3635431064483523842007-12-08T12:39:00.000-06:002007-12-08T12:53:07.372-06:00

I leapt from my slumber this morning at around 6, looking forward to a brisk 1 mile run with Steven, who is going into the Army to be a Ranger. I told him very arrogantly that I could easily make a mile in 6 minutes, and chastised him for his disbelief. So this morning, he put me to the test. 6 minutes? Piece of cake. Didn't even come close. This, of course, should not have surprised me since the

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-34146339367929277202007-12-08T12:26:00.000-06:002007-12-08T12:51:26.688-06:00

I have three very terrible habits, and they all involve coffee.First of all, I'm addicted to the stuff.Secondly, every single time I pour a cup of coffee, I take a giant drink right out of the gate. I can see it steaming. I know it's hot - I just made it. So my tongue hurts. And the roof of my mouth. And my throat, because my first instinctual reaction to having magma-hot coffee is to swallow it

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-52190971040487549552007-12-02T23:03:00.000-06:002007-12-02T23:06:54.741-06:00

I do sometimes. Thought this was funny. Enjoy your day!

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-60336196029332309432007-11-30T15:14:00.000-06:002007-11-30T17:47:10.294-06:00

As I am writing this, a man with a bomb strapped to his chest is holding the campaign headquarters of Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-New York). Earlier there were two hostages, maybe four, but according to FoxNews.com, those hostages have been released. CNN.com also confirms this. As I'm writing - according to both sites, the man is still inside the office, alone,

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-76323367553205074832007-11-29T10:43:00.000-06:002007-11-29T11:40:30.042-06:00

I told you there would be some random posts about things that amount to nothing. Chalk one up.I am taking a break from reading blog after blog from leaders of the emerging church to bring you this (not-so) important NFL update!Tonight on the NFL Network, the 10-1 Dallas Cowboys will host the 10-1 Green Bay Packers at Texas Stadium. As a football fan, I am thrilled at a game of such magnitude

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37491204.post-75571211602964552262007-11-26T13:24:00.000-06:002007-11-26T18:15:18.142-06:00

In honor of an official request by thedefense.org, this blog is finally being resurrected!Last night as I was driving west on I-20 outside of Fort Worth in some weather that could best be described with the word "nasty," I was awe-stricken. The sporadic sleet was suddenly replaced by the most beautiful, full-bodied snowflakes that I have ever seen outside of Colorado.Not only that, but almost as

Gastonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416254872244064054noreply@blogger.com8