September 01, 2006
Days of youth
I haven't been very good about posting here, but this was something that I thought my family and friends might get a kick out of.
The year was either late 1983 or early 1984. I can't really remember. My school was having a talent show. For some reason, I and a group of my friends decided that we may have enough talent to at least make an appearance. I'm thinking this decision may have been influenced by the smoking of marijuana.
What ensued was a trainwreck. View it here.
| By newcity | 06:05 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
January 17, 2006
Welcome to the world, Cole!
I now have a new nephew, born yesterday morning. Here is his big brother Chase checking him out.
Congratulations to Brandon and Tina for producing another cutie! I hope to come down soon, so he can meet his uncle.
| By newcity | 08:44 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
November 20, 2005
Communal Grief
Sometimes the lives of strangers can affect a whole community. This morning, I feel affected. Grief. Confusion. Inadequacy.
Here is the reason why. I read their blog from time to time, so even though they are not personal friends, or even acquaintances, I have an awareness of their lives that makes the news feel more personal. I'm sure that many in the community around Chattanooga feel the same way.
I'm sorry, Mendonsas. I don't have the words to ease your pain. Just know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many today, and for days to come.
| By newcity | 05:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
November 11, 2005
Who 'da thunk?
I've become a cat lover. Ok, maybe "lover" is way too strong of a word. But at least I've become a person who shows a small amount of compassion for cats.
Those who know me are laughing in disbelief. Those who don't are probably wondering why. You see, I've always thought of cats as demons incarnate. They walk around, pretending to be all cute and lovable, but their real purpose on earth is to make me miserable. They use their charm to strategically locate themselves in anticipation of attack. Unknowing friends and family are tricked into bringing me within the cats' spheres of influence, where they unleash their wickedness upon me. They have supernatural powers that enable them to make my breathing very difficult. They afflict my eyes with the curse of a thousand itches. They think it's funny to disable me with fits of sneezing and wheezing. All the while, maintaining that "who...me? I'm too sweet" attitude.
But, thou shalt love thy enemy.
Shortly after moving into my house in North Chattanooga, I happened to notice one of the enemy spying on me. He was a small fellow. Many times I'd walk out of my house and see this racoon-tailed kitten darting away into the underbrush. Eventually, I noticed that he must be sleeping under my Jeep. Early in the morning, I'd see him running out from under my car. Once, I even saw him sitting on top of my tire in the wheel well.
So wouldn't you know it. I'm in Target one day and somehow I got diverted down the pet aisle. I ended up leaving the store with a bag of generic cat food and a plastic food/water bowl.
For several weeks, I'd leave food and water outside without ever seeing the kitten. He was a sneaky thing. The food was needing a refill daily, but I could never catch him in the act. I would still see him on occasion, away from the food, and he was getting bigger. He also didn't seem as skittish. Sometimes, he'd start to run, stop, turn and look at me, and just sit there a moment. But if I started walking towards him, he'd dart away.
Just recently, I caught him eating. I opened my back door and startled him. He looked at me for a while, and I didn't move, so he kept eating. I started trying to check for him every day at that same time, and I saw him a few other times. I'd always let him know I was there, then just leave him alone. Sometimes, I would see him coming, so I'd let him see me putting the food out, and just hang out at a distance.
I felt like I had become wrapped up in a game of persuasion. I wanted to see if I could convince him to let me come close. Wednesday morning, I got as close as I've ever gotten, and I had my camera ready. Here is what he looks like.
I suppose I've gotten close enough to feel like I've won the game. I certainly don't want him ever getting close enough to cast his spells of debilitation on me. So I'll just go on feeding him (generic cat food is really cheap), and hope that someday he'll remember to show kindness and not afflict people with his witchery.
| By newcity | 06:29 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
November 09, 2005
Holy Strollers
Tonight I'm going to go walking. I love walking around here. I can walk out my front door, head down the hill a little way, and I'm out on Frazier Street, the gateway to walkers' paradise. You've got a choice of three bridges to cross, from whence you can choose to explore downtown, the Bluff View Arts District, or if you're hardcore, you can walk for miles and miles down the riverwalk. The thing that makes it so appealing is that the scenery and people are so interesting. You hardly even remember that you're exercising.
Lately, as I've been out on my walking excursions, I've noticed that the Walnut Street Bridge seems to be a popular place to go proselytizing. Just a few weeks ago, I was approached by a bicycle-riding young man in a tie, asking me if I was familiar with the gospel message of the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-Day Saints. I politely brushed him off, mostly because I was trying to exercise. I didn't want to have to stop to talk. Too bad he wasn't there Monday evening, when Sarah and I went for a leisurely night-time stroll. It would have been interesting to hear what he had to say. But I guess Mormons go in after dark. Or at least change out of their white shirt, tie and bicycle helmet.
We did see some preaching going on, though. A young, hip-looking fellow was sitting on the boardwalk with a guitar in his lap and the guitar case open at his feet, as is commonly seen on the bridge. Usually, the musician would actually be playing some music, but this poor guy wasn't. Two other men were talking to him. Actually, only one was talking. The second one was just there for moral support, and to hold the literature. (People are less likely to be a complete jerk and blow you off if there are two of you.) The talker was crouched down, so as to be on the same level as the recipient of his message. I could tell he was a type-A personality. Very aggressive. He kept talking, gesticulating and persuading. I found myself wondering how the guitar player got into this situation. Did these two men just approach him and start talking? Or were they more subtle. Maybe they sat for a while, listening to his music. Maybe they put a dollar in his guitar case. Maybe they complimented him by commenting on how God has really blessed him with a lot of talent, using that as their opening. I don't know. I wish I did. It would be cool to know.
We sat down on a bench to admire the river, not far from the trio, and from time to time I'd take a peek to check on the progress. We sat for about 20 minutes, and not once did the kid play his guitar. He was engaged in the conversation. Or at least he was listening. I wish I knew what he was feeling. I couldn't tell from just looking at his face. Was the Holy Spirit at work, convicting him of his sin and leading him to repentance and acceptance of God's gift of salvation? Or was he thinking, "How the hell did I get myself into this?"
As we walked back, the three men had their heads bowed in prayer (type-A was the one doing the praying.) I wonder if a life changed that night on that bridge. Did the musician go home that night feeling as if he had experienced divine intervention in his life, setting him on the right path? Or was he just thankful to finally get away from those guys? I really think that the answer could have been either. But a certain skeptic I know asked me an intriguing question. "Do you know anyone who came to Christ and changed their lives based on an encounter with street evangelists?" I've known a lot of Christians, and I couldn't think of a single one. If there are any of you out there, let me know.
So why do they do it? Well, I know why they do it. They aren't out to sell their religion. They are there to be tools of God, allowing the Holy Spirit to put the right person in their path, and to either plant the seed or reap the harvest. They have faith that it is the right thing to do, and they are putting their faith into action. Can't fault someone for that. Unless their belief is wrong. Or unless it does damage. Does the small percentage of spiritual successes produced by street evangelism justify any damages done to the cause of Christ by making people think all Christians are weirdoes? During the last Harley Davidson Rally here a few months ago, I saw a street preacher downtown, using a bullhorn, trying to be heard above the motorcycles. As the bikers drove by, they would all rev their engines to drown out the message of hellfire and brimstone. I seriously doubt that anyone was spiritually influenced by that guy. He was a weirdo. Instead of making himself a nuisance for a day, he should have concentrated on making a real friend that could be influenced by his lifestyle and faith. Showing real care and concern for someone, being willing to enter their life just where they are and showing love for them, regardless of their spiritual condition, seems to make one a much more effective tool to be used by God.
I hope the guy on the bridge made two new friends, not an uncomfortable memory that makes him prejudiced against people of faith.
| By newcity | 05:49 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
November 08, 2005
Perks of Business Travel
I've posted a new photo set. Last week, while travelling to Erwin, TN on business, I was struck by the beauty of the area. My timing was perfect. The autumn colors seemed to be at their peak. Luckily, I had my digital camera with me, and a little extra time on my hands. These photo's just don't compare to being there, though. Take a peek anyway!
| By newcity | 10:04 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
