Full Moon

T'was a full moon outside my kitchen window this week. I wish I could take better pictures, but I'm still learning how to use my camera.

Velvet Elvis

I've been reading a book called 'Velvet Elvis' that has really caused me to stop and think about my faith. It teaches to not take everything in Christianity as it is given to you, but to challenge it and probe it. Struggling with the Bible and my faith are not actions that I necessarily enjoy. In the past I've taken scripture as it comes and didn't always understand it, but lately I've realized that a growing faith is a result of struggling to understand the truth and apply it. Not always accepting it until I have examined it. The Bible is a mystery and faith is a product of that.

The author, Rob Bell, also talks about living an abundant life like Christ has promised. I don't know many people, if any, that are truly living abundantly. He asks, "What is that makes you feel alive? What makes your soul soar?" These questions have really challenged me to discover what my passions are. I feel like a life lived sans passion and without fulfilling desires is a life wasted. Which, reminds me of everything I read in Piper's book 'Don't Waste Your Life'. I have unique talents, desires and passions that shape me as an individual in Christ's kingdom. If I don't live according to my passions, I'm not living at all. Instead, I'm following the pattern of this world and miserably wasting away.

I'm now challenged to seek the fuel to my soul; to find out what really makes me feel alive and then to do it with all of my ability.

Danny Wuerffel and Desire Street Ministries

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, we have heard a lot about people helping out. The spot light has been on celebrities who have donated some money and spent time with those who have been directly affected. I am very thankful that these icons of our culture have shown that they do care and have made sacrifices for these people.

However, many other people are also helping out and not receiving due credit for their efforts. This is a great article about how Heisman trophy winner, Danny Wuerffel, passed on a millions of dollars and sacrificed an illustrious career as a NFL quarterback to minister to children in impoverished areas of New Orleans. He now works full-time for Desire Street Ministries. Wuerffel lost his own house and all of its belongings in the storm and the ministry's offices were destroyed. Regardless of his situation, Danny is determined to rebuild his ministry and help the victims of the storm. What an awesome example he is of choosing to serve instead of living the comfortable life this world offered him.

You can help Desire Street Ministries rebuild and serve New Orleans by donating on their website.

Slainte Michael !

In case you didn't know, I have become a regular at New York City's greatest and oldest Irish tavern, McSorley's Old Ale House. I'm usually there for about two hours on Friday nights with Andrew and various others. Over the past year we've gotten to know many of the other regulars and the bar tenders very well. I gladly accept preferential treatment and free rounds from my buddies behind the bar. One of my favorite bartenders at McSorley's is Michael. He has been there for about 8 years since moving from Ireland. Last weekend he asked Andrew and I to come in last night to celebrate his birthday.

I thought we would make our usual entrance, talk a little bit and then do our own thing. Instead, Michael sat down with us at our table and brought all of his friends over and we had a birthday party McSorley's style. There was cake, burgers, and of course plenty of ale. We sang, laughed, and celebrated with our best buddy from McSorley's. It was a great time to hang out with a different crowd and meet some interesting people from all over. One guy has been a regular for about five years, one lady has had lunch there weekly for about a decade and then Andrew and I represented the new McSorley's generation.

It truly is a special place; more than just a pub. I can relate to the Cheer's theme song when I walk in where "everybody knows your name." The staff and customers are friendly and the ale is exceptional. Some of my best memories from New York have taken place there. I will never forget my times at McSorley's.

Red Cross Sends Aid to Louis Vuitton

Last week the Red Cross began distributing debit cards to hurricane evacuees in Houston. The cards were worth up to $2,000 and good for anything except guns and alcohol. Apparently the stipulations should have included handbags too. In multiple instances as far as Atlanta, Louis Vuitton has reported 'evacuees' purchasing $800 purses with these Red Cross cards. One 21 year old girl was refused by the store employee based on the immorality of the purchase.

My question is, how did these people get these cards in Houston and get to Atlanta? And, is the Red Cross giving them to anybody or are they checking to see if these people qualify for support? These three shoppers obviously didn't need financial support, so why did they receive it? At the very least, if you're buying a purse with the card, get a knock-off on Canal Street. They look identical. Its great to know that our donations are going towards a good cause.


In related news from 'Nahlins', this Washington Post writer concludes that the city will not be rebuilt.

Presidential Getaway

This is terrible, yet hysterical all at the same time.

The City Breathes

There is a coffee shop across from my building on Cedar street where I like to go for a break from work. This morning, as I was sipping my espresso macchiato and gazing outside, I remembered the feeling I had a year ago. I had just moved to the city and started working at Starbucks. I wasn't sure how long I could survive in the city working part-time, but I was willing to risk it all to experience the New York lifestyle.

I used to glance out the window, as I did this morning, and get a rush of excitement just by watching people walk the streets. Unbelief swooned my mind that I actually lived and worked in New York City. There with my espresso, I re-experienced this rush of the city; looking out the window and feeling the pulse of our society.

Sitting twenty-one floors above the street now, at my dreaded desk, I can hear the city breathe below. A year has passed with speed and created many of my best memories and relationships. My life is less stressful now. Though my job is boring, it affords me to live here so I am grateful. I can see the potential this next year in the city posses. Many relationships to grow and build, a different job and a church about to begin. Even with my experince and these changes I still get chills remembering what this city has given me and imaging what it holds for me in the future.

Photos to come

In preparation for my trip to Spain next month, I bought a new camera. I didn't need one, but I read about the Samsung Digimax i5 in Newsweek and had to check it out. Its small enough that I can carry it around the city with me and take oodles of random shots from my daily urban non-adventures. So you can expect to see more photos on here and be sure to check my flickr account too.

Home for the Holiday

After spending the entire summer in the city, save for 4 days I believe, I was in much need of a vacation. Unfortunately, I am not afforded much time off of work so I had to cram a trip to Houston into a three day weekend. Showing up for work on Friday was a mistake. Instead of watching the clock tick I went to Soho for two hours to buy some new jeans. I only do this about every year and a half so I forget what its like. I was astounded to find the average price for jeans is over $60. As Dan would say, 'WTF?' Anyway, I severed my right foot and bought the pants. Including my lunch break, that killed a good three hours of 'work'. When I got back to the office I was the only sales guy still there so I called the airline and moved my flight up two hours, grabbed my bag and was out the door to the airport by 2:45. Begin holiday.

Friday night I had some drinks with Micah, as is our Labor Day tradition, and then headed for the House of Pies to conclude the night in style. In case your wondering, I finally got my cherry pie and it was worth the wait. Saturday was the Astros game. The family sat four rows off the field and watched what should have been one of the best pitching matchups of the year. Chris Carpenter is a probable Cy Young winner and he went up against Clemens, who unfortunately gave up a few runs and then strained a hammy in the fifth to end my hopes for a pitchers duel. Sunday was set aside for eating and sleeping, which I did with success. Ryan canceled his camping plans so we went to the lake and did some skiing and wake boarding. Two days later and I am so sore that my neck squeaks. Monday was more quality time eating, sleeping and watching Curb Your Enthusiasm with the family. Then, a quick plane ride home.

Looter Warning