Rick Warren and Islamic Convention, Part 3

After my initial post criticizing Rick Warren for speaking at the Islamic Society of North America's Annual Convention, I received a comment asking how I could be so critical of Mr. Warren. I then decided to address that comment with another Warren post, which you can read here. Well, now I have received another comment that again criticizes my criticism of Warren. Whew. That was a mouthful. Basically, someone else had a problem with how could I dare say Warren was wrong for speaking at the Muslim convention. The commenter pointed me to a Warren site where Warren himself defends the interfaith mingling. You can read Warren’s defense here. But back to the problem that I originally brought up. The following is what Warren shared at the Islamic Convention according to the Washington Times:

Although he is an evangelical pastor, Mr. Warren was sparse in his mentions of Jesus and God. Muslims believe Jesus was a prophet but not God incarnate. "My deepest faith is in Jesus Christ," the preacher said at one point. "I am committed not only to the good news but the common good. Scripture says 'love your neighbor as yourself.' I am commanded to respect everybody."

Warren failed (again) to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying people. I simply cannot understand it and apparently I am not alone in my criticism. Here is what some others had to say about Warren’s speaking engagement and lack of the Gospel.

Speaking at interfaith meetings should not be done if a person does not tell the listeners that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven – period. By not doing this, a person is saying that all ways lead to God by works. Sincere Christian faith is never afraid to tell others that Jesus Christ in the only way to heaven. – Apprising Ministries

Pastor Warren, you pleaded with 8,000 Muslim listeners on Saturday, July 4, to work together to solve the world’s greatest problems by cooperating in a series of interfaith projects. You said, “Muslims and Christians can work together for the common good without compromising my convictions or your convictions.”
Pastor Warren, you needed to compromise the convictions of the Muslims in attendance. To just say that “My deepest faith is in Jesus Christ” was not enough to a thoroughly lost crowd. The hour is too late to withhold a gospel message without which they will face a Christless eternity, and you will be held accountable. The “world’s greatest problems” will always be with us and the Bible says so in Matthew 26:11. Sin is at the root of them. I have to conclude you are more interested in ecumenical unity and solving AIDS, poverty, and other social issues. Last Saturday you were given a golden opportunity that 99.9% of American Christians could never get. You said you were not interested in interfaith dialogue, but you seize every opportunity to talk to all religions and you always leave out the gospel. You even address Jewish groups but you tell them how to grow a mega-synagogue like your own church, Saddleback. In this “can’t we all get along?” generation, you usually leave out the only good news left: There is salvation in Christ and Christ alone (Acts 4:12), and the hour is late, so make a conscious decision to be a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. - Open Letter to Rick Warren

Happy 500th Birthday John Calvin

Today we celebrate the 500 birthday of one of the great fathers of reformed faith, John Calvin.



Celebrating Calvin's birthday for Christ - Desiring God Ministries

James Michael Smith actually gives a fairly good summary of the five points of Calvinism in his short article, "Happy birthday John Calvin - from a non-Calvinist".

Calvin, keenly aware of his shortcomings, was solely devoted to demonstrating the sovereignty and glory of God. He rarely included himself in his writings and even in death he avoided turning attention to himself. His wish was to be buried without memorial and in an unmarked grave. To this day, the exact location of his grave is unknown. - Lillian Kwon, Celebrating Calvin, 500 Years Later

Home Decor - New Couch!

Here are some pics of the new couch we bought on the Fourth of July! We used money we were blessed with from the wedding, so if you're reading this and you contributed, thanks a bunch!
P.S. yes, it is every bit as comfortable as it looks.





BONUS PICS: Here are two pics of some tacos Jenny and I made with the left over steak from the 4th.
P.S. yes, they were every bit as yummy as they look.

Fourth of July

Forgive me, but this post will be short on pictures as I regrettably forgot my camera when we went to my mom's house to celebrate.

Jenny and I have been remodeling the house and decorating with all of our wedding gifts and wedding money. As much as I loved my aqua and bright orange DPS couches, we decided it was time for an upgrade. The morning of the fourth I woke up and decided to call to see if some furniture stores in Abilene were open and sure enough, they were! I woke up Jenny and we visited two. We found a couch we loved at each one and finally decided on one and bought it! They said we could pick it up and take it home, but we were out of time (had to get going to the cookout) so we told the saleswoman we'd be back Sunday to claim our new couch.

Next, we went to my mom's house were the cookout was going on. We had so much delicious food, and again, I am kicking myself for forgetting my camera. The menu consisted of steak, sausage, ribs, grilled corn, jalapeno poppers, baked potatoes, Neely's macaroni, and grilled asparagus. For dessert sopapilla cheesecake and homemade ice creams.

While the food was still cooking Pete and I decided to make a last minute run to a fireworks stand to pick up some fun stuff for that night. There we had an interesting encounter with a street evangelist, but more on that later. When evening arrived we drove out to the airport area of Abilene to watch the annual fireworks show. Unbeknownst to us, the stinkin' show was cancelled because it was too windy. Of course since no one knew this, there were only about 20,000 disgruntled people miffed that they drove out there for nothing.

When we got back to my mom's we decided to make the most of the night by having our own mini-show consisting of roman candles, sparklers, tanks, hens, bees, and some other loud, sparkly things I know not there names. It was a blast and by the end of the day, I was beat.

Does God Hate Unrepentant Sinners?

Here is a little something to ponder in regard to the question, "Does God hate unrepentant sinners?"

The more important question would be, "do unrepentant sinners hate God?"
The answer: Yes.

Is God obligated in any way to love those who hate Him?
The answer: No.

When we were dead in our sins and trespasses, did we saved Christians hate God?
The answer: Yes.

So God chose to love us despite our hatred of Him. Which is pure grace. Those God chooses to leave reprobate in hatred of Him, is pure justice.

Follow Up on Rick Warren

This post is in follow up to a previous post I wrote about Rick Warren speaking at the Islamic Society of North America's Annual Convention. I received the following comment regarding that post:

"I'm sure he would give me some weak answer about 'unity' or 'showing love' blah, blah."

Wait a sec. Why is "showing love" a weak answer and followed by "blah blah"? Isn't the great commandment part 2 "Love your Neighbor as yourself"? Isn't showing love of paramount importance? Sure, not to the point of sacrificing part 1 about Loving God, but how is speaking at a Muslim conference violating Loving God, or any other Christian doctrine.

Sure, Warren could say something that's not Christian, or denies the gospel. Sure. He's sinful and makes mistakes. But just speaking at the conference alone does not mean he is sining. Indeed, quite the opposite if he is going there in order to "show love, blah blah." He is actually following Christ's admonition to love.

Pie,
First of all I want to thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my blog. I want to respectfully address your comments and perhaps clarify my original sentiments. First, you are absolutely correct in about what the scriptures teach about love, specifically who we are commanded to love. Jesus does call us to love God first, and second to love others. Jesus says these are the greatest commandments and they are essential to the Christian faith, so again, yes, you are correct they are of the highest importance. My point of contention with you however is how you are defining what it means to show love to others.
Reaching out to, or loving, the unregenerate is certainly something we are called to do. However, loving people in the sense that we merely entertain them (tell them what they want to hear) is insufficient and unscriptural. If we truly love someone, then we will not simply give them what they want, but rather what they need. What every person in the world needs more than anything else is to be reconciled to God. Of course this is only possible through faith in Christ Jesus. Reconciliation to God is the gospel message and the gospel is what mankind needs more than anything else.
This is exactly the problem I have with Rick Warren and his decision to speak at the Muslim convention – Warren is not loving the Muslims in attendance if he is not presenting the gospel. At this point I want to make it clear that if Warren did present the unfiltered, scriptural gospel message, including telling Muslims that Islam is a false religion and Christ is the only way to God, then I was wrong about him in this particular situation and I will certainly follow up this post with another apologizing to him. I certainly hope that is the case, however, as I pointed out, Warren’s past actions lead me to believe this is sadly untrue.
First, Warren’s theology is not scriptural or doctrinally sound. This is clearly evident is his most popular book, “The Purpose Driven Life”. For scriptural evidence of this, please read this excellent article by Bob DeWaay. Another example is Warren’s refusal to take a biblical stance on controversial issues, such as homosexuality. Originally Warren did put out a video message where he encouraged his church and others to support Proposition 8. However, after complaints and backlash from homosexuals, Warren saw that he was being portrayed unfavorably. Once Warren’s pride would no longer stand for him to be spoken of negatively, he recanted his original stance and said he wouldn’t support the biblical standard of marriage.
Next you say, “Sure, Warren could say something that's not Christian, or denies the gospel… But just speaking at the conference alone does not mean he is sinning”. On the contrary, Pie. Warren claims to be a Christian minister and as such he has an obligation to preach the gospel. By not presenting the gospel, then he is essentially denying it and therefore I have a problem with his message.

Blog update

Here's a quick rundown of what's going on at the blog and in the Silva's lives:

FINALLY finished and posted the Jenny's Birthday celebration pics/story. I actually started it about 2 weeks ago but didn't have the pics to go along with it. They were on my laptop and I have just been so busy with all kinds of other stuff, I hadn't gotten around to it. It is now however finally finished so check it out here because you've never seen this one it's a big, juicy post.

Also updated yesterdays post about our four day weekend with pictures. It's much more exciting! Check it out here.

Look for some pics coming in the next couple of days of our new house! Well, we didn't actually buy a new house, but we are completely redoing our current home. Nothing too major, at least structurally, but we are moving our bedroom, getting new furniture, and completely redecorating. Gone is the bachelor pad of the past as we welcome the new family home! Don't get it twisted - no one is more happy that it is now a family home than yours truly!

Finally, as for spiritual posts, I have been reading some good stuff on election, predestination, and Calvinism vs Arminianism. I hope to have some good posts up soon regarding what I have been blessed by.

Don't forget to bookmark the blog and check back often!

Four Day Weekends Are the Best!

The weekend started off for me on Thursday morning when I got off work at 8:00. I went home and took a quick nap, waking up at 11:00. Jenny and I got dressed and went to meet a friend for lunch at Jason’s Deli. I had Pastrami/Corn beef sandwich and I am sorry but I don’t remember what Jenny had but I know it tasted good. After lunch we ran a few errands and then that evening we went to my mom’s house to begin preparing for our garage sale! We priced things and arranged as best we could so that we would be ready to go early Friday morning.
Friday morning came and we had great success! It was hot and there were annoying mosquitos, but other than that it went well. We stopped about 1:00. After the sale, we were all so tired. Sure we didn’t do much, but setting up, sitting outside, and then putting up all that junk in 100+ degree heat, really takes a toll on you. Pete, Phil, Sarah, and Jenny all fell asleep in various places throughout Nance’s house. I finally woke up Jenny because I had nowhere to sleep and we went home to nap in our own bed.
Jenny and I woke up about 7 and we were hungry so we went to the grocery store and bought hot dogs and chili for chili dogs. We also rented two movies – He’s Just Not That Into You and Revolutionary Road. I was not very impressed with either and to be fair, we didn’t even finish Revolutionary Road because we were tired again and needed to get up early for part II of the garage sale.
Saturday morning Jenny and I awoke about 6:30 and went to mom’s. Sarah and Nance had already starting setting up. We finished up and waited for the crowds to roll in. And we waited. And we waited. It never got as busy as I thought it would be for a Saturday. We definitely had people come by but I think Friday was busier. Nance’s neighbor came by and gave us a flyer for a church-run thrift store. The flyer said they would come and pick up any left-overs from garage sales for their thrift store so I called them to come by about 1:00. We donated all the remaining clothes and some other small odds and ends. We kept the big furniture like my desk and we will try to sell that on Craigslist.

By this time, Jenny and I scurried back home so we could get showered and finish packing for our trip. We left Abilene at 4 and arrived in Millsap (between Mineral Wells and Weatherford) about 6:00. The wedding started at 6:30. It was outside but under a covered tabernacle, plus it was overcast, so we were spared some of the heat. The ceremony was very pretty and the reception was indoors and also a lot of fun. They grooms step dad made the food, but it was ridiculously good! The menu was brisket, chicken, potato salad, baked beans, and rolls. Seriously, I can’t convey how good this meal was. I will be attempting to get the recipe for the potato salad, as it was the best I can remember eating. The cake was yummy too and in lieu of a groom’s cake, they had an ice cream bar. I elected not to put any topping on my ice cream and instead just mix it with my cake. Jenny and I danced a few songs, mingled with some of her other friends from Hardin Simmons, and then saw the bride and groom off with sparklers. We had a great time celebrating with everyone!






It was about 9:00 when we left the wedding and headed to Jenny's parents house. It took about an hour and 15 minutes to get to Aubrey so Jenny’s parents were still awake. We chatted for a while and had a snack of tamales and then it was time to turn in as we were beat. We had been up since 6:30 and go-go-going all day in the heat. Needless to say, we fell asleep pretty quickly once our heads hit the pillows.
Sunday morning we woke up early to go eat breakfast at the local café. After some delicious pancakes we went to Jenny’s church she grew up in and that her parents still attend. It was fun because it was the first time Jenny had been there with her husband, so I was introduced to everyone. After church we drove to a nearby town where we met up with Jenny’s grandparents and brother for lunch. We ate the famous “Babes” in Sanger. Babe’s is a really fun restaurant where the waitresses sing and dance. The food is great too (had some yummy fried chicken) They serve it “family style” where they bring out the sides and you pass the bowls around.



After lunch, we went back to the house to change out of our church clothes and then we drove to Denton to change Jenny from her family’s cell plan to mine. We stopped at Wal-Mart and then back home to rest up a bit. Jenny’s mom and dad went to a small group meeting from their church and Jenny and I drove to the church she used to attend when she was going to school in Denton. We had the best time at church that evening and I can honestly say that one of my favorite things to do is to worship my God alongside my wife. After church we stopped by another Wal-Mart to get a new cell phone as mine had died completely. I just bought the $30 cheap one and put my sim card in. It was now about 9:00pm so we had to find a place to eat some late dinner. I told Jenny to take me somewhere we didn’t have in Abilene, and since she’s such a great wife who knows exactly what her husband loves, she took me to my favorite hamburger place in the world, Fuddruckers.
We slept in Monday and awoke to the most pleasant surprise – it was raining! When you have had about 10 consecutive days of 100 degree plus heat, an overcast day with rain is tremendously welcome. Jenny’s parents both had to work, so they were gone when we woke up. For lunch Jenny’s grandmother took us to her favorite Mexican restaurant, Ernesto’s. After lunch we packed up and said our goodbye’s and then we headed back to good ole’ Abilene. I can say we definitely had a great weekend!

Survey

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
my dad – “you’re not my dad” (a Sarah quote)

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Sunday night at church

DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes – its manly

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Honestly, just about anything

DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Not yet

IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
No, I have enough friends

DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS
Yes

WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
no

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Honestly, just about anything

DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Only two pair

DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
the strongest

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Honestly, just about anything

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
their face

BLACK OR PINK?
Black

WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
I love my sin too much

WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST
Jenny

DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SE ND THIS BACK TO YOU?
nah

WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Black

WHAT WAS THE LAST THI NG YOU ATE?
Cereal

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Nothing – its silent

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Being a crayon would be boring

FAVORITE SMELLS?
Jenny

WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
A Trooper

DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
yes

FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Football

HAIR COLOR?
black

FAVORITE PET?
Maggie

DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No

FAVORITE FOOD?
Mary’s chicken fry, movie theatre popcorn, sushi

SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Year One (sucked)

WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Blue

SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer

HUGS OR KISSES?
Kisses

FAVORITE DESSERT?
cheesecake

MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Sarah

LEASTLIKELY?
Jenny cuz she’s too good for surveys

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING
None right now. gonna start a new one. What should I choose?

WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE?
At work – DPS symbol, at home – a pic of Jenny and me

WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
Didn’t watch TV , listened to a Paul Washer sermon

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
No

DO YOU BELIEVE IN ANGELS?
Yes, but only biblical ones

What's up with Sprite?

Jenny and I were eating dinner the other night at a local fancy restaurant. Both Jenny and I got sodas and we both generally choose from either Dr. Pepper or Coke. Tonight, however, i decided to change it up a little and I got Sprite. I took a big drink and it was really good. I told Jenny, "man Sprite's kind of underrated. I forget about how good it is sometimes." She replied, "yeah, it is pretty good. It's just weird 'cause you generally think of it as being directed towards a certain group." I immediately knew exactly what she was talking about and I blurted out, "yeah, what's up with Sprite always being marketed to black people?"
I thought about all the Sprite commercials I had ever seen and they all involve people playing basketball or dj's spinning records with fat beats in the background. Now I know Coke has commercials/advertising that has people of all kinds of ethnic backgrounds, African-American included, but that is just it. Coke markets to everyone. Not Sprite. I honestly cannot think of one single advertisement for Sprite that had just some white kids in khakis and polos talking to blonde girls.
So what is it about Sprite that made it's manufacturer, Coca Cola, to decide, "oh yeah this soda is for black people." I can think of lots of ethnic foods that generally get stereotyped as being a "black" food or a "mexican" food or whatever. But even these foods are generally marketed to everyone. That is what is so weird about Sprite. There are no ethnic ties to it like it's mexican food or asian food or soul food. It's just a neutral soda, yet Coca-Cola definitely wants black, urban people to enjoy it.
Don't believe me? Browse around the Coca-Cola website here. Just a regular website for a soda. It seems very racially/ethically neutral.
Now check out the Official Sprite website here. If you have your speakers turned up, you will hear thumping beats playing and you see some earphones, a turntable, and Lebron James.

Am I saying that Coca-Cola is somehow being racist or stereotyping with Sprite compared to Coke? No, not really. I guess I just think it's weird Coca-Cola wants Sprite to be an African-American drink.

What do you think? Am I way off base here or does it come across the same way to you?

Real Life Experiences

Today I am sharing an old story from several months back. Enjoy!

Yesterday I was looking through one of my old filing cabinets and I found $60 cash! I had put it down there months ago and I guess forgot about it. Jenny is in love with Catfish Corner especially Wednesday cuz they have all you can eat shrimps. She didn’t know I found the money and I forgot to tell her. Then that evening she said, “Do you think since today is the beginning of the new month (we start our new budget for the month and I got paid) we could go to catfish corner? They have shrimp tonight”
Well honestly I wasn’t hungry and Catfish Corner didn’t sound that good. I know right now no one believes me but I swear that was true. I told her I wasn’t that hungry but she is so cute that if she had asked if we could go to the moon, I would have figured a way to take her precious self. So I said okay and then I was getting ready it was like my stomach knew we were going or something cuz it got sooooooo hungry. We went and it was so yummy. What do you think is a lot of food to eat there? We were wondering if they made a challenge how much it should be. I said 15/15/15. 15 pieces of fish, 15 fried shrimp, 15 boiled shrimp plus sides and hushpuppies. Too easy? I didn’t count but I am pretty sure I was at 10/10/10 last night and I was full but could have done a little more if it was a challenge.
While we were there we saw a guy who looked just like Justin Timberlake, but the young one like from N’sync. Jenny says the Silvas and Andersons always think people look like people so now whenever I tell her someone is a look-a-like, its kind of a joke cuz she always says no way. Anyway, I seen this dude and I was like, “Babe, young Justin Timberlake, from N’Sync just over your right shoulder. Striking.”
She slowly turned around, trying her best to be nonchalant and then turned back and said, “wow, he really does. Weird”. For the first time I can ever remember, she agreed with me that someone looked like someone! And that’s when I knew it was gonna be a special night….

So after we ate Catfish corner, I said lets go to a movie but we never looked at times so we just drove to Park Central first but the only thing good playing was Monsters Vs Aliens. It’s last show as at 7:45 and it was 8:20. Did you know it costs an extra $2.50 to see it? I guess the 3D costs more. Then we went to Century but nothing good there. The mall had I Love you Man at 9:30 so it was now about 8:40 so we had to kill some time. We went to that arcade right across from the theatre. (normally weak, I know, but we were teens on a date so we had to do it). I got $3 in tokens and we played air hockey, ski ball, basketball shooting and foosball. There were two guys there that I really think were husbands. They were with a boy about 10 years old. One guy had on a tie-dye shirt and a bandana with long hair out the back. The other guy was tall, older looking about 50 with white hair and glasses – kinda looked like a shy professor. Trust me. Anyway the hippie dad was playing all the games and giving the tickets to the boy and was really like yelling and laughing like a child. I kept telling Jenny they were “My Two Dads”. First we played air hockey and I won. Jenny told me later that evening that the shy professor was watching us play and laughing when we said funny stuff. I really never knew he was watching because he was behind me the whole time. It almost made me a little mad that he got pleasure from us.
Anyway, then we played ski ball and we wanted to play head to head. Out of 7 ski ball things, 5 had tape over them or said out of order. I put in my token and got balls and she put in hers and nothing. We put in another and still nothing, so I told her I would go tell the girl there that it wasn’t working and was out of order. On the one I played on that worked, we got like 10 extra balls for some reason. Normally you get about 8 balls, this one gave us 20. I was seriously tired of rolling them. The score also went off and quit counting. It was really ghetto and made me mad cuz everything was broken. I went to ask this stupid girl who worked there for our two tokens back and she said she could only give me one. I said but it took two. She said I know but it only takes one to play. So I said “basically you are telling us we shouldn’t have been so stupid to put in another coin?” She said “well, I’m not gonna say that.” I was really trying hard not to get mad since I been working on it and I think Jenny could tell cuz she told me it was okay and to just come play with her. I told Jenny I was gonna get .25 cents worth of something out of that arcade. I thought about breaking some machines but 1) that would have been over .25 cents worth damage and I am not a jerk 2) everything was already broken. So then I thought, maybe there is some way I could get a token from there. I said, “I know, I’ll look on the floor!” I got down on my knees to look for tokens under the machine and that’s when I heard a loud RRRRIIIIPPPPPP! I was wearing those old ratty blue jean shorts of mine and I tore a hole in them! I asked Jenny if you could see anything and she swore you couldn’t but it was huge hole on the inside of my right leg! Lets just put it this way, if I didn’t wear undies, I would have made my two dads night.
So Jenny reassured me that you couldn’t even tell it was torn from the back and the front was good too. You could only see if you looked at the inside of my legs so I just kinda stood with my legs together. We also won some tickets from ski ball. Jenny said we should give them to my two dad’s son cuz he was cashing in a bunch that the hippie had won. She went and gave them to him and I said “that was sweet of you babe. Was he very excited?” she said, “actually he didn’t say a word”. I was like, “you mean other than thank you?” “nope, not even thank you”. Ooh-wee baby, now I was really getting peeved. I asked her if I could go get them back from him but she said no, it was no big deal.
Now about the problem of the money owed to me. By now it was like 8:53 so the girl was trying to clean and get everything put up for closing at 9:00. That’s when I saw the opportunity so I took it. They have a bunch of little tables and chairs in there. I told Jenny to pretend she was playing games and I pulled a bunch of chairs out and went and sat by her. I spread the chairs out as best I could without the girl noticing anything too obvious. They were all scattered. Then we were across the room and I saw the girl walk over there. When she saw all the chairs scattered and moved, this perfect look of anger/despair/frustration came over her face and I knew it was worth at least .42 cents! Then we walked out (carefully so as not to indecent expose anybody) and it was now 9:00, still 30 mins away from our movie and we were right there at the theatre already. We were wondering what else we could do to waste a little bit of time and that’s when it hit me…

It hit me on what I could do to kill time and it hit me that I had to take a massive poop. It was the same thing hitting me. So we went in the theatre and of course we had to wait in line behind a slow man buying some popcorn. He got the small and it was seriously like one cup of popcorn, like the literal measurement of one cup’s worth. Lame. Then we saw all these posters for the new movies and then one poster stood out. It had a kid looking sad with a video camera and it was a warning against making pirated movies. Lol. I don’t know why but it was funny. It was still hitting me that I had to poop so I scurried into the bathroom, grabbing a pamphlet of upcoming movies so I would have something to read.
Thankfully Wednesday night at 9:00 is not peak movie watching time so I had plenty of privacy. It did make me mad because the toilet paper in there sucked. It was very thin. Not the actual thickness of the paper itself, but the width of the paper off the roll. It was only like 3 inches across or half the size of normal paper. There was also a lot of writing on the walls in there. Someone had carved “Jesus” so I wasn’t sure if a Christian or a Mexican crapped in there before me. Also someone put up some gang signs and I wondered why a gang would want to claim a bathroom stall at the movies. Anyway someone came in so I had to wait for them to leave so it took a little while longer, plus the pamphlet was interesting. Then we went in the movie and the theatre smelled soooo good! It was hands down the best smelling theatre I have ever been to. Smelled kinda like cherry scent from when you go get your car washed or something. Kinda hard to explain but Jenny can confirm it was very lovely. The movie was okay. Not as funny as I thought. There were kind of a lot of people there for Wednesday night. We still laughed a lot and had fun. Then when we were leaving Jenny saw something on the ground…..

It was a quarter. In the end I got my .25 cents back after all!



The moral of the story is this – if you put too much of that habanero sauce on your fish at Catfish Corner, it will jack up your stomach and you will have b.g. ‘s bad!

P.S. some would say that since I got my quarter back, I owe that girl since I messed up her chairs for nothing. I would say that she shouldn’t have had a piercing above her lip. Oh I forgot to mention, she had a piercing above her lip. I thought it was ugly.

Great Book Bargains

I was fortunate this past weekend to attend the Friends of the Public Library Sale in my hometown of Abilene. It has become my own annual tradition to make it to the sale and as nerdy as it may sound, I have gone every year for at least the past 5, but I think it goes back even more than that. Basically, each June for a weekend our local Public Library has a huge sale of books that are either old or they have too many copies of. They literally have tens of thousands of books laid out on hundreds of folding tables. The tables are divided into categories and you just walk in and peruse the tables until your hearts content (or your bag breaks, whichever comes first). I always have to hit up the "religion" section and in the past have found some great gems. Friday and Saturday the books are priced at $1.75 for hardbacks and .75 cents for paperbacks. Then on Sunday you pay $10.00 and fill up a paper sack with as many books as you can. Basically, the library is giving these books away. As I was saying, my real affinity for the sale lies in the Christian books. With three Christian Universities in Abilene, there is a pretty good accumulation of books - about ten 6-foot tables worth. Of course, there are some books in there that are pretty much as valuable as toilet paper, but there are also a few good finds, if you can dig through mess. Here are a few that I found this Friday:

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt

Charismatic Chaos by John MacArthur

Glory of Heaven by John MacArthur

Morning by Morning Devotional by Charles Spurgeon

Christ's Words from the Cross by Spurgeon

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

Growing Wise in Family Life by Charles Swindoll

and last but not least - what may very well be the steal of the day -

The Book of Confessions - Presbyterian Church USA