Friday, December 19, 2008

Are you a Dog or a Cat

DOG DIARY
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1 :00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11 :00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

CAT DIARY
Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.

The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

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We have both a dog and a cat in our house and I would have to say that their behavior is pretty consistent with the attitudes conveyed above.

I have often used a "Dog" metaphor to describe Christian Faith. As a dog LOVES his master and would do anything to please his master, the Christian loves God and will do anything to please him... or at least that is the way that it should be. The dog basks in the glow of his owner's attention and praise. So should we. A dog starts every day brimming with enthusiasm. There are times when I think that my dog's butt is going to fall off, she is wagging so much! Each night ends with a deep sense of gratitude as she curls up with a member of the family was we relax for the evening.

The most notable thing about dogs, something that every Christian should aspire to is their capacity to forgive. A dog loves its master SO much that it will forgive anything and everything. Have you every forgotten to feed your dog? It forgives you? Have you ever failed to let your dog out to relieve itself in a timely manner? It forgives you? Have you ever inflicted pain upon your dog (accidentally I hope...)? It forgives you? Have you ever scolded your dog, or yelled at it for no reason? It forgives you?

We know that God does ALL things for good, but certainly there are times when bad things happen, and we blame God! Seems like we could learn a thing or two from our dogs.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

The Mom Song

I don't know about you, the the past 48 hours have been an absolute nightmare for me. I'll spare you the details. I spent an inordinate amount of time praying for patience, grace and a heaping dose of mercy!

My neighbor, Table group member and friend, Laura sent me this today. It brought a much needed smile to my face. I hope that you enjoy it too! The "mom" song.

We are expecting a foot of snow overnight, so I may have some extra time tomorrow to compose a posting with a little more "meat" to it. Or not... ;-)

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

The World is Obviously Desparate for News... ;)

Last week I was a guest on BlogTalk Radio. This week, my cousin, Jeff Muscarella is a guest on CNBC discussing Alternatives to Job Cuts. Jeff is a Partner at NPI "Real Experts, Real Savings" located in Atlanta, GA.

Coincidentally, Quality Systems Solutions, Inc. is working with NPI to update their current technology infrastructure to improve productivity and enhance mobility.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Do Sports drinks actually make a difference??

Even as a "Techie" I am often astonished by two things. First what people are actually able to do these days, and second, that they have the time to do it!

Do Sports drinks actually make a difference??

Monday, December 15, 2008

Gary Haugen ROCKS!

Gary Haugen is the President and CEO of International Justice Mission. He was the guest speaker this past weekend at Willow Creek Community Church. We are in the midst of a series called PREPARE and the topic for this message was "Prepare: Impact the World."

I don't know about the World, but he certainly had an impact on me. Without question, he is one of the most compelling speakers I have seen in quite some time. He was a faculty speaker this past August at the Leadership Summit, but I was unable to attend the session that he presented. What a blessing it was to catch him this time around.

Here is a link to some of his content posted on YouTube. If anyone is interested in the presentation that he made Sunday, I'll see what I can do about getting a copy and posting it there.

A segment of David's Story was shown as part of the presentation but the real power of the message came from the compassion and conviction in Gary's voice.

Gary and his team seem to "get around" so if you ever have a chance to hear him speak, don't pass it up!