Evidence of Knowing God

There is a great difference between knowing about God... and knowing God. We may know a great deal of theology, we may understand the Bible from cover to cover, we may be able to rattle of God's redemptive plan of salvation, or we may be able to stand toe-to-toe against even the greatest critics--it is possible to fill books with our knowledge about God and at the same time, know nothing of Him.

In Knowing God, J.I. Packer gives 4 evidences of knowing God:

1. Those who know God have great energy for God. The heart of those who know God beats with a desire to see His name and cause known. Those who know God will feel compelled to stand for Him... even at the great cost of their reputation (or even LIFE). Those who know God will also have a great deal of energy for PRAYER.
   
   "... we can all pray about the ungodliness and apostasy which we see in everyday life all around us. If, however, there is in us little energy for such prayer... this is a sure sign that as yet we scarcely know God (Packer)."
   
   
2. Those who know God have great thoughts of God. The heart of those who know God understands that there is no other above God. Even in the face of our "losses or crosses" we understand that our God is in complete control. When the world around us crumbles, those who know God do not tremble... the know and trust.
   
   "Is this how we think of God?... Does this tremendous sense of his holy majesty, his moral perfection and his gracious faithfulness keep us humble and dependent, awed and obedient...? By this test, too, we may measure how much, or how little, we know God (Packer)."
   
   
3. Those who know God show great boldness for God. The heart of those who know God beats with a courage that the world doesn't understand. They are not reckless, but they take great risks. They know what they are doing. They count the cost and do what is Right... no matter what the cost.
   
   "They may find the determination of the right course to take agonizingly difficult, but once they are clear on it they embrace it boldly without hesitation (Packer)."
   
   
4. Those who know God have great contentment in God. The heart of those who know God rests easy. They have a peace which the world (and sometimes even they themselves) cannot understand. They are secure in the truth that Jesus has made peace with them. They rest in the fact that there is "no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)."
   
   "There is no peace like the peace of those whose minds are possessed with the full assurance that they have known God, and God has known them, and this relationship guarantees God's favor to them in life, through death and on forever (Packer)."

Do we desire more that mere knowledge of God?

Do we desire to know Him? Then we must do 2 things: First, recognize that how much we actually lack knowledge of God. Ask (pray) Him to show your lack of knowledge to you. This keeps us humble and aware of our natural state. Second, seek the Savior. Jesus promises that as we seek Him, we will know God. The greatest single thing the followers of Christ can do is to seek Him through Prayer!

April Book - Invitation to Solitutde and Silence

And now for the April addition of... "The world really does care about my opinion so I'll tell you what I think about the books I read." Or "Book Reviews" for short. I know nothing about literature. I can't tell you about imagery or prose or onomatopoeia... but I can tell you what I like or dislike so here goes.

Invitation to Solitude and Silence
by Ruth Haley Barton
pub. InterVarsity Press

"Ruth Haley Barton describes how she has discovered the real presence of God--the God who is present through the practice of solitude and silence. Her book invites you to meet God deeply and fully outside the demands and noise of daily life. It is a call to the adventure of spiritual transformation--an adventure that will lead you to freedom and authenticity, allowing you to become the person God created you to be (ivpress.com)."

Book's premise (no spoiler): One of my goals for the year was to read a book on certain spiritual disciplines... specifically those I struggle with. This book is (as the title slightly suggests) and invitation to solitude and silence; that which our culture seems to fear. Blaise Pascal pointed out that the only reason prison is such a dreadful place is that "people so much love noise and stir... the pleasure of solitude is a thing incomprehensible." But he also points out that it is only in stillness and silence that we can truly be refreshed and restored.

What I liked about the book: I love Barton's use of the life of Elijah as an example of our need for solitude and silence. She also offers VERY practical tools we can use in our pursuit of silence.

What I didn't like about the book: It's just a little boring... that's all.

Random passage: "We don't always think of caring for the body as part of our spiritual practice, but the story of Elijah that many times this is where it all begins.(pg 14)."

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars!

March Book - Vin†age Jesus

And now for the fourth addition of... "The world really does care about my opinion so I'll tell you what I think about the books I read." Or "Book Reviews" for short. I know nothing about literature. I can't tell you about imagery or prose or onomatopoeia... but I can tell you what I like or dislike so here goes.

Vin†age Jesus
Timeless Answers to Timely Questions
by Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears
pub. Crossway Books
re:Lit books

"In Vintage Jesus, one of America's most influential young pastors teams up with a seasoned theologian to lead you on a hilarious theological journey chasing Jesus through Scripture and pop culture. The authors provide timeless answers to twelve timely questions about the most important man who has ever lived. Each chapter concludes with answers to common questions about each subject (relit.org)."

Book's premise (no spoiler): Jesus Christ is easily the most influential name on the planet. His name is also one that stirs up the most controversy and confusion. Ask 100 people who Jesus is, you'll get 500 different answers. Driscoll and Breshears team together to evaluate the different views of Jesus throughout pop-culture and religion, and weigh those views against what the Bible says about Him.

What I liked about the book: Everything. No secret here, I am a big fan of Driscoll. I am very grateful for his writing and preaching and will continue to read and listen.

Specifically, I really appreciate Driscoll's depth. He is a very thorough teacher and gives a TON of information. And while you may think that might make this book read like a text book, Driscoll does a great job of balancing weighty information with stories and humor.

What I didn't like about the book: When I read books or listen to speakers/ sermons for my edification, I can't help but also think through the lens of what a non-believer (or even someone hostile to the speaker or the Gospel) might be thinking. There are times when Driscoll's sarcasm and humor makes me a tad uncomfortable. I catch myself thinking, "I think that this is hilarious, but someone else might use that as a reason to check-out."

Favorite passage: I don't think I will fully understand the impact that this passage has made on my ministry/ preaching/ relationships for a long time to come. I can't get this passage out of my mind.

Chapter 3 "How Did People Know Jesus Was Coming?"
pg 66

"Sadly, it is too common for churches not to speak of Jesus, which is a tragedy akin to a wife rarely uttering the name of her own husband. In our day when there are innumerable contradictory beliefs about who God is, Christians must be clear that their God is Jesus Christ alone so as to communicate the same central truth that Scripture does. No matter how many verses are used, the Bible has not been rightly understood or proclaimed unless Jesus is the central focus and hero (emphasis mine)."

Random passage: "There is even a Canadian nudist-arsonist cult that thinks the word 'Jesus' in the Bible is a code word for hallucinogenic mushrooms that are to be eaten before getting naked and lighting things on fire (pg 14)."

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

Still Resolute

I know it's nearly the end of January, but I've decided to share a few of my 2010 resolutions. I have my goals broken down into 4 categories, Physical, Financial, Professional and Spiritual. I won't bore you with all of my goals, but I will share a goal from the Spiritual Category.

As much as I would like to call myself a reader, I'm not sure that I deserve the title. Coffee drinker? Yes. TV watcher? Of course. Costco Pizza connoisseur? Without a doubt.

But reader? Probably not. I have the best intentions. Even worked through some pretty thick books during the Christmas break (3 of the Harry Potter books hardly makes me literati) .

The reality is, my stack of unread books is getting taller... as is my stack of "books I tell people I am reading but in reality I stopped somewhere around chapter 3."

In an effort to remedy this, I have given myself the lofty goal of reading at least one spiritually focused book per month. Here's my list:

1 Mark Driscoll book (my January choice... book review next week).
1 John Piper book
2 Brennan Manning books (this will get me closer to #16 on my 101 list).
2 Philip Yancey books (this will get me closer to #15 on my 101 list).
Donald Miller's new book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.

Here's where I need your suggestions!
I want to read 4 books on specific spiritual disciplines (Prayer, Meditation, Fasting and Scripture Memory). - suggestions?
That leaves me with one wildcard book. - I'm taking suggestions here too.

Thanks for reading.

#5 Check

Well, like I said in my last post, I've "restarted" my 101 in 1001 list. Perhaps it's cheating, but as I re-read my list, I noticed that I've accomplished some already. Well I'm keeping those on the list so I can start out with a WIN!

# 5
Be a part of the solution in Africa

I know, I know... "Africa" is such a trendy cause. And there are SO many problems for which to be a solution. War. Poverty. AIDS. Malaria. Thirst. Hunger. Where to start? How do I make a lasting impact. How do I do more than put the proverbial band-aid on a broken leg?

I decided that the best thing I can do is bring others along with me on the journey. To share the burden that is in my heart and hope that it catches on. I am in such a privileged position to be able to influence high school students at Sun Valley. One of my favorite parts of my job is the Student Leadership Team. Last May, we started dreaming about how we could help meet some of the basic needs for our neighbors in Africa.

Long story short... we stumbled across an organization called Charity:Water. Among other things, Charity:Water exists primarily to bring fresh water (by digging wells) to some of the poorest communities on the planet. The cost to dig a well? Just $5,000.

For $5,000, they will dig a well that will provide hundreds of people with clean, safe drinking water. Enough to meet all of their cooking, cleaning and drinking needs. Since the beginning of the school year, our students have been hosting fund-raisers, putting on benefit concerts, and giving sacrificially so that they can answer God's calling on their lives to not merely be people of "good intentions," but people who really reach out in love.

So far, they have raised $4,287! Just about $700 shy of our goal of $5,000 by the end of the school year.

I know they will reach their goal.

For more information, please visit CharityWater.org. Or to help the students reach their goal, get in touch with me (Greg) via the Sun Valley Community Church website.

:: 3 Sets of Jones' ::

One weekend, 3 different families set out to the coast to enjoy a weekend ‘adventure.’

The first family arrived at the coast late Friday evening. They unpacked their car and loaded all their gear into their sailboat… ready for their adventure. That evening, they ate dinner on the dock and headed off to bed early in the hull of their craft. They woke up late Saturday morning and shared a breakfast of bagels and fruit. They spent the afternoon sunbathing on the deck of their ship while sipping iced tea and discussing the weather… entertainment… politics… and other surface subjects. They ate dinner, went to bed, and woke up Sunday morning to do the same. They packed up their car after dinner, and headed home.

Same weekend… same coast… different family. They also got to the coast late Friday evening. After unpacking their car, they loaded their gear into their sailboat. They ate dinner on the dock and went to bed early. They woke up Saturday morning to the sound of seagulls and shared a quick breakfast. They un-tethered their sea craft, started up the motor and set out for their adventure. They spent the entire afternoon trawling around the harbor, looking at the other ships... maybe some fishing. They talked about each other’s lives… a little. “How was your week?” “What did you do?” “How are things going at work?” They got below the surface of each other’s lives… a little. Evening was spent docked in their spot at the harbor. They ate dinner, looked at the stars, and went to bed. They woke up Sunday morning to do the same. They packed up their car after dinner, and headed home.

Same weekend… same coast… family three. They got to the harbor late Friday evening. They unpacked their car and loaded their gear into the sailboat. They ate dinner on the dock but refused to call it a night. After dinner, they un-tethered their sea craft, started up their motor and set out for their adventure. It was dark now, already a mile offshore, they could still see the lights of the city. They decided that this was a good place weigh to anchor and sleep for the night. They awoke the next morning to see the sunrise, and set of to continue their voyage. They hoisted sail and ventured onward. Soon they couldn’t even see the coast anymore. They found themselves surrounded by a myriad of sea life… dolphins, whales, sea lions, birds, and they SWEAR they saw a shark. With only their sea charts and a compass to guide them, they were at the mercy of the wind and they went where it willed. They found an island a few miles off shore and landed for the night. They spent the night on the beach underneath the stars, listening to the sound of the waves. They talked about life! “What are your hopes and dreams?” “What are you fears?” “What do you think heaven will be like?” They lay on the beach, really getting to know each other. They lay on that beach learning each other… learning to live… learning to love. The next morning, they set sail towards home; more in love then when they left.


That Monday, they would all return to work and they would all be asked, “How was your weekend… what did you do?” And they would all reply with the same answer, “I went sailing.”


What will 2010 look like for you? We are all on a journey… we are all on an adventure. But what will yours look like? Will you just sit still, safe at the dock? Will you just soak up the rays and never get below the surface? =or= Will you simply test the waters? Will you open your eyes and see what’s around you but still play it safe and stay in the harbor, never really digging more than an inch deep? =or= Will you sail? Will you see all that God has to offer? Will you take risk? Will you submit yourselves to His will and His ways and welcome the adventure He has for you?!? Will you sleep underneath His heavens and embrace the depths of life… love… and why?

:: Obligatory New Year's Post ::

Today marks the beginning of a new year and a new decade. Since I was born in 1980, today also marks the beginning of my 4th decade... the year my wife and I will both turn 30! As is the custom out here in the Blogosphere, I would like to look back over the last year.

If you want to skip on back to Facebook... wouldn't blame you.

Let me start by saying that 2009 was a year in which God moved in nothing short of miraculous ways. For as long as I have known Christ (over 12 years now), I have been praying that my family would come to know Him as well.

In April I was blessed (in the truest sense of the word) to be able to baptize my mom. Seriously, one of the best moments of my life!

Our next blessing came from my sister and brother-in-law.

I'M GONNA BE AN UNCLE!! Seriously, I love this little girl already and pray for her tons!

A good chunk of my generation has decided to leave the Church. They say they're disenchanted with the way things are done. They say the Church has lost her way. I'll write more about this later but, in short, they are arrogant... and wrong. Which leads me to the next blessing in our lives, Sun Valley Community Church. I could go on about how God is moving in this church. For now, I'll focus on things in which I am more intimately involved.

This year God led Robert (the High School Ministries Pastor) and I to start a student leadership team. Through their service and leadership, the students of Sun Valley have collectively raised over $4,000 in one semester (our goal is $5000 for the whole school year). This money is going to Charity:Water and will be used to bring a fresh-water well to a village in Africa.

Robert, the other two Student Ministry pastors and I also dreamt and developed an intern program for the student ministry. We took the program live in August. We have had one intern for the last semester and have 3 more on deck for this next semester.

Let's see, what else happened this year? Shannon and I got our own apartment in Gilbert. I got to take a group of 9 students to Jamaica. I landed a part-time job at Eddie Bauer (yes, I'm 29 and yes, I work at the mall).

As I look ahead at 2010 (or "Oh Ten"), I am looking forward to 2 things: What is God going to do in us this year? What is God going to do through us this year?


Also, the Cardinals all the way this year. There, I said it.

What you're moving towards

I don't have a car... I have a motorcycle. In Arizona you can ride year-round (although it's WAY cold most mornings right now!). I've been riding for about 4 years now. When I first got my bike, I took a motorcycle training course and I'm glad I did. As it turns out, riding a motorcycle is one of the most counter-intuitive things I've ever done.

For example, you'd think that when riding a motorcycle you'd want to stay vertical as much as possible. While that's mostly true, they teach you that you are supposed to lean into a turn. You'd also think that you should turn your handlebars in the direction you wish to turn. Instead, as you lean to turn, you are to push that handle bar forward. So if you want to turn right, you lean right and push the right handlebar forward!

The most important thing I've learned while riding. Your bike will go the direction you are looking. If you look right, your bike will start to veer right. When you're turning, they teach you to look way ahead of you... to where you want to go. Instinct tells me to look at the ground directly in front of me to avoid any treachery awaiting me at the corner. That is a sure way to lay your bike down. "If you look down at the ground, you'll end up on the ground."

You will go the direction you are looking. The same is true in the rest of life too. Whatever you are looking at... whatever gets your attention guides your direction. At my church, we have a term called 'negative meditation' (I'm sure we didn't coin the phrase, but that's the only place I've heard it). Simply stated, we cannot help but be consumed by those things we meditate on. If I dwell on the fact that I don't have as much money as I want or think I need, then my life will become about money. If I focus on the problems in my marriage, then my mind will be consumed by the flaws in my marriage... the flaws in my spouse.

I think the same is true of my own sin. What happens if my thoughts are dominated by a particular sin mine? What could be wrong with obsessing over trying to break a sinful habit? Obsession.

I'm not saying that we shouldn't take all of those things seriously. God is very concerned with our handling of our finances. He wants us to make healthy relationships and marriages a priority. And of course He wants us to take our sin seriously. Just like there's nothing wrong with checking my mirrors on the bike, there's nothing wrong with giving those things some attention. My focus should be forward, however. Too much time looking in the mirrors and I'm in trouble.

Focus. "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself (Matthew 6:25-34)."

My sweet Marilyn

I will miss you

I will miss you, 2008. We shared many experiences together. Some of them great, beautiful, joyful, encouraging, uplifting. Some of them hard, ugly, frightening, sad, frustrating, heart-breaking.

We saw the 1-year aniversary of my beautiful wife and I -- You saw me perform the wedding of my baby sister -- You followed us through a move from Chicago, IL to Gilbert, AZ -- You were there through the frustrations and ultimate joy of Shannon's job search -- We saw the loss of my grandmother and an old friend -- You watched me gain... then lose... then gain again -- You followed Shannon and I on many adventures -- We saw wars and hatred -- We saw generosity and kindness -- We saw public figures rise and fall -- We saw hidden greatness step into the light

But mostly, we saw the Kingdom breaking gracefully into this world. Yes, I will miss you, 2008. But there are those around me who see something beautiful on the horizon of 2009... and I belive them. So, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The Prodigal Jon

This week I thought I'd highlight another of my favorite bloggers. His name is Jon Acuff and he writes a couple of blogs. The one I frequent most often is called Stuff Christians Like. That blog is dedicated to the wonderful world of the 'christian' subculture. For example, here's one of my favorites: #277. Crazy rapture products.

Most of the time they are just plain funny. But from time to time (and I'm sure this is Jon's point), I get convicted, or angry, or frustrated because he's right... we do some dumb things. I should probably point out that Jon is a very committed Christ follower. He's not just some angry guy out to get us 'real' Christians. He seems to truly love Jesus. He also doesn't seem like one of those super cynical Christians that says "I love Jesus, but I hate Christians." You know the type, they think most Christians are entirely too judgmental and will be the first to throw that stone.

Every once and a while, Jon inspires me. Today was such a day. At another blog of his (the guy writes like 20 blogs!!), he wrote this. Thanks for the swift kick, Jon.

I will not fall asleep

Black Friday Indeed

Black Friday Indeed

Each year around this time, I start to wrestle with two warring voices in my head. The one that says, "Time to make my list!! Let's see... Xbox 360?... iPhone?... Tickle Me Larry the Cable Guy?" -- and the quieter, prophetic one that warns of the onslaught of consumerism headed my way.

I'm not going to lie, I LOVE getting presents. Sure, I like getting new things... SHINY things... things with BUTTONS and bright LED screens! But more than all of that, I love the look on my wife's face when she realizes that she picked out the perfect gift. I love the look on my parents' faces when they get to spoil their little... er... big boy.

But when I hear stories like this, I just want to be done with the whole dang circus that is the Holiday Season. I'm sure there was a time when this season really was about giving... loving... Peace on Earth... Good Will Towards Men and whatnot. Can we get back to that time?

what have we become?



A Ture Conspiracy

• Did you know that on average, Americans spend $450 billion a year on holiday gifts?! That's $450,000,000,000!!
• Did you you know that NOTHING kills more people every day than lack of clean water?!
• And did you know that the estimated cost to bring clean water to EVERYONE ON EARTH is only $10 billion?!

I'm not saying that we forgoe the gift-giving festivities. I'm NOT saying that giving gifts is evil or wrong. But look at those numbers... something is wrong. What if we changed our priorities this year? What if we all gave up one gift and spent the money on something else?

It's called the Advent Conspiracy


Here are some great ideas!!


What are some of YOUR ideas?! How can we GIVE?! How can we change the world?!

6YearMed: Dayenu

I love stories. I love telling them... I love hearing them. That's why the 'blogosphere' has such a draw to me. All over the world, stories are unfolding. And all over the world, people are desperate to share their stories with whomever will listen.


One particular blog that I follow is written by a woman named Danielle. She is currently a "6th year med student." She is currently working in a Neonatal ICU. She is a deep and passionate and gifted writer. As a doctor, she is close to many beautiful, or heartwarming, or funny, or sometimes tragic stories.

Dayenu

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is by far the most emotionally charged placed I have ever stepped foot in. The highs are high and the lows are devastatingly low. It is the first time since becoming a physician that I actually feel like someone's doctor. My parents will see me in the hall and wave, and every family member who visits their respective isolette asks to shake my hand. "So YOU'RE Sophie's doctor! Nice to meet you."

I recently discharged a baby boy home to his parents who had been waiting years for a baby. They struggled with infertility and multiple pregnancy losses until one day, they found themselves pregnant with twins. Two boys, who they gave strong, Biblical names. And then one day, and many weeks too soon, they met them. And while all I could think of was how unfair and sorry I was that they would only take one baby home from the hospital, their mom, a strong and compassionate woman with happy eyes, came back on Monday with a basket full of cookies. She brought them to the front desk, and asked to see, me, her boy's doctor.

She was thankful for all the care they received, and for her one baby who was home asleep on his daddy's chest. And for the moments she was allowed with her other son, right here, in this very hospital, before he had left us.

If I would have become a mommy, even for a moment, it would have been enough, and we are thankful.

But now I have one son, and he has blue eyes and perfect, kissable cheeks.

Dayenu.

If I had been born in the most prosperous country in the world, it would have been enough.

If I had been given shelter and food and education, it would have been enough.

If I had been raised by loving and gentle parents, it would have been enough.

If he had recovered from cancer, it would have been enough.

If I had been granted a job and friends and stability, it would have been enough.

But it's always more.

It would have been enough, and I am thankful.

Wicked ill yo

This is me (but cooler cuz it's British)









p.s. I stole this from another blog... a COOLER one.

Needed: a swift kick

The Kingdom is an interesting place. When I do something to grow as a believer, it is not only for my benefit, but for that of the Kingdom of God as well. That means, when I make a commitment to grow, I am not only committing to myself and to God, but to my brothers and sisters in the Kingdom. I was re-reading some past entries into my journal (man's diary) and I came across a commitment I made back in July...JULY... that I have yet to start on. I made a commitment to memorize 40 passages in the bible in 1 year. I have it broken down into 4 sections.

10 passages about or by Christ
10 passages about character/ virtues of a Christ-follower
10 passages about sin/ grace/ freedom
10 passages about the Holy Spirit

Today I started making my list. I decided to start with the second 10 (virtues). Here's what I came up with.
Contentment - 1 Timothy 6:6
Endurance - Philippians 3:12-14
Faith - Matthew 8:5-13
Forgiveness - Ephesians 4:31, 32
Holiness - 1 Peter 1:13-16
Honesty - 2 Corinthians 8:21
Integrity - Titus 2:7, 8
Purity of Thought - Philippians 4:8
Steadfastness - 1 Corinthians 15:58
Trust - Psalm 37:3-6


This is a Kingdom commitment, so ask me... quiz me... pester me about these.

Moving Woe's (Part 1)

As Shannon and I are getting ready for the move back to the desert, our lives are a bit hectic.
This is our living room!

(can you see Shannon buried in the mess)

Chi-Town

Well, my two-year and a half year adventure in Illinois is coming to an end. I hate to admit it, but this desert boy has really loved living here. Having lived in Arizona my whole life, it was really magical to live where there are 4 seasons (the leaves are changing right now) and SNOW. Even greater than that, it was great living near one of the funnest cities on Earth. Our apartment is only 40 mins due West of downtown Chicago.

As our time here is drawing to a close, we've decided to take as much advantage of the city as time will allow. Last week, Shannon's dad came out to visit for four days. During his time here, we went to Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum, went to the top of the Sears Tower, and went on a boat tour of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Besides going to Wicked with my wife, the boat tour was the coolest thing we've done in Chicago. Basically, as we floated up and down the river, and eventually out into the lake, our tour guide gave us an architectural history of many of the buildings in the city. I know it sounds really nerdy, but it was facinating. Here are some of the sites:

This fountain was built to commemorate the reversing of the flow of the Chicago River. It took 25 years, but the river now flows out of Lake Michigan, instead of into it. The fountain shoots across the river for 10 mins at each hour, on the hour.

This is the Carbide and Carbon building. It was built in 1929, at the height of the Prohibition Era (1920-1933). As an act of defiance, the architects designed the building to look like a giant champagne bottle... note the top looks like the foil atop the bottle neck.
(it's covered with real GOLD!)

The new Trump Tower... 'nuf said.
(I'm pretty sure this is the one being built by the winner of the first season of The Apprentice)

The greatest skyline in the country (as seen from Lake Michigan).

Another great view of the skyline, this time right outside the Shedd Aquarium.

Our friend Melissa is in town for a few days and we'll be visiting the Art Institute of Chicago!!

stay tuned...

I'll start with a list...

I'm going to give this blogging thing another go. To start, I'm going to strait up steal an idea from a friend, Melissa. In Feb of '07, Melissa set out to accomplish 101 in 1001. That is, 101 goals in 1001 days. Well like I said, I'm gonna strait up steal her idea.

Here are my 101 goals I hope to accomplish in the next 1001 days.
1001 days from today (October 2, 2008) will be June 30, 2011.

1 – Graduate College (projected July 29th)
2 – Go deer hunting with my dad… and kill a deer.
3 – Record a CD of my OWN music
4 – Find a doctor I like
5 – Be a part of the solution in Africa
6 – Sponsor a child with Providence World Ministries
7 – Visit that child in Honduras
8 – Camp in the woods for a month (survivor man style)
9 – Ride my bike from West Cost to East Cost to raise awareness and $$ for a cause
10 – Go to Israel
11 – Lose 35 lbs.
12 – Buy a house
13 – Start an HSA
14 – Adopt a dog and name him Gunther
15 – Read every Philip Yancey book (3 of 8)
16 – Read every Brennan Manning book (1 of 14)
17 – Audit a photography class
18 – Take a beautiful picture of something common
19 – Take lessons for a new instrument (either piano, cello, mandolin, or drums)
20 – Visit Alaska
21 – Do a 7-day fast
22 – Run a mile with my wife
23 – Go deep-sea fishing
24 – Make a coffee table
25 – Invest
26 – Hike Picacho Peak with Shannon
27 – Hike Camelback with Shannon
28 – Visit my sister and brother-in-law in Vegas
29 – Rescue someone
30 – Go on a motorcycle trip
31 – Tattoo
32 – Learn to golf
33 – Be an extra in a movie
34 – Learn to love vegetables
35 – Do something I hate to challenge myself
36 – Give up something I love to learn something new
37 – Do 10 chin-ups in a row
38 – Do 100 push-ups in a row
39 – Play guitar and sing at an open mic night somewhere
40 – See a stand-up comedian
41 – Go to the Opera
42 – Have an entire conversation in Spanish
43 – Go for a morning jog everyday for a month
44 – Write a love song for Shannon and sing it for her
45 – Be alone for 48 hours
46 – Take a 24-hour vow of silence
47 – Cook an exotic meal
48 – Read a book in 1 day
49 – Write 10 poems
50 – Teach Melissa to grill meat
51 – Go to Portland
52 – Eat Mexican food in Mexico
53 – Learn Photoshop
54 – Design a website
55 – Go to a Jazz gig
56 – Wine tasting
57 – Buy a nice camera
58 – Grow an herb garden
59 – 2 words… Chia Pet
60 – Audit an Astronomy class
61 – See the Blue Man Group
62 – Bet $25 on Black
63 – See 15 of the AFI top 100 movies that I’ve yet to see
64 – Buy stock in a company I believe in
65 – Ride a horse
66 – No soda for a month
67 – Video myself sleeping
68 – Collect all State quarters in both mints (59/100)
69 – Play hookie w/ Shannon and go out of town
70 – Get a Pedicure
71 – Contribute the max to an IRA for 6 months of a year
72 – Buy a rifle and a handgun
73 – Teach Shannon how to shoot
74 – Do a home improvement project
75 – Go a month without eating at a restaurant
76 – Go a week without buying anything
77 – Surprise Shannon with a trip somewhere
78 – Switch to energy-saving light bulbs
79 – Learn to cook 5 organic meals
80 – Ride my bike to work once a week for 4 months (actual weeks… not average)
81 – (when we have a house) – Audit energy consumption for 2 months.
82 – Then cut energy usage by 25%
83 – Buy all organic produce at a Farmer’s Market
84 – Raise awareness and $$ for a cause
85 – Research socially conscious companies and buy clothes from them only
86 – Apply to be on a game show
87 – Buy a juicer
88 – Buy a food processor
89 – Try a yoga class… a macho one
90 – Learn to do a back flip
91 – Reupholster my motorcycle seat
92 – See Switchfoot or Jon Foreman in San Diego
93 – Visit a coffee plantation
94 – Eat Sushi
95 – Fly first class
96 – Buy an original painting
97 – Share my faith with a stranger
98 – Update my blog at least weekly
99 – Go on another LeaderTreks trip
100 – Go mountain biking on South Mountain
101 – Save $10 for each 101 accomplished (including this one) and put it in my sock drawer… I MEAN… A bank guarded by ROBOTS!!