Punch to the gut

It'a now been a full day since Alabama looked like a pee-wee team against Auburn and I'm still getting over it. Heck, I've had since five minutes into the game to reconcile with the fact that for the fourth straight year the football team I've followed since I was a kid lost to the in-state rival.

I realized something from this game. Alabama -- fans, team, coaches, everyone -- has reached a point where we are owned by Auburn. It's been the same for other teams and their fans. At one point it didn't matter how succesful a season the Red Sox had, everyone knew the Yankees would get them in the playoffs, when it counted. For a number of years Ohio State would go undefeated or maybe have one loss ... until they faced Michigan, who always beat them. That's how it has become with Alabama and Auburn.

I'm still clinging to some things when Auburn fans get on me: We have 12 national titles; we still lead the overall series; you can't match our tradition; etc. However, I'm ready to get back to the point where each year I expect us to win this game. Right now I'm in the boat with everyone else rooting for the Crimson Tide: We merely hope to win this game each year. Auburn knows they will.

You really want to know the truth behind that?

I was listening to a radio station going into work today that had Professor Griff from Public Enemy on. For those of you who don't know, Griff was the guy is this controversial rap group that the others felt was too controversial. Today he was spouting off on topics like how AIDS was a government experiment to kill black people, Christianity is a farce because Jesus really wasn't born on Dec. 25, and 9/11 was a complete and total attack on America straight from the Bush administration. You know, regular suppertime talk. According to him, America isn't even a government. It's a corporation and we are all the little inbred animals on the island to its Dr. Moreau.

It all got me to thinking. You know, I've got some conspiracy theories of my own, and it's time for the world to know the truth...

Politicians: They're all corrupt. Every last one of 'em except for maybe the small town mayor who has lived there ever since he was a kid. People already know all of his/her skeletons. Everyone above that has jumped in bed (literally or figuratively) with someone their supporters wouldn't like. When it comes votin' time, pick the one who is emitting the lowest level of stench.

Wal Mart check out lines: At no point (even at Christmas) will every single register be open and working properly. It's their way of making you wait in line so you'll get bored and buy some gum, candy or a magazine that's not worth the bird poo it will eventually be catching.

Atlanta traffic: The lady talking on the cell phone will always end up in front of me and slowing down or behind me, causing me to sprout three new gray hairs on every slowdown in the anticipation I'm going to get the new-guy-at-Attica treatment. This is all connected to the tire and automotive companies causing me to have to get my car fixed and replaced, lining their pockets with my money.

Playground equipment manufacturers: Didn't think I was going to let them off, did you? Oh yeah! No longer do you see jungle gym contraptions where you might break your skull after falling from the top and bouncing through the bars to the bottom like a human plinko chip. The fun you had before the humpty dumpty routine was worth it, pretty much. Overcautious companies and sue-happy parents have taken this fun out of childhood. Every kid needs to experience one trip to the ER or have knocked themselves out while trying to imitate an older sibling. The conspiracy here is to make us all wusses who won't attempt a marginally-stupid feat simply in respond to those words "Betcha won't!". America needs its cajones back and it starts by toughening up on playgrounds.

and finally ...

Mechanics, doctors, lawyers, real estate agents, deliverymen, kindergarten workers, drive-through people, and air traffic controllers: Basically anyone who has a leg up on information that affects me and I have to trust them. We're all over a barrel here in dealing with these people and taking their word for it. One day I can see where they all ban together at the perfect moment because the rest of us are in perfect alignment for a downfall, orchestrated by this group. This day will come. There's no fighting it.

After all, these people are all part of one big corporation.

Rammer jammer

It's been three days since Alabama smoked Florida and I'm still squealing like an excited schoolgirl about it. I tend to get excited when watching Bama play, but for the first two quarters I was running around, jumping and yelling in my living room like my Prozac subscription was WAY overdue. For some reason when I get excited watching football my voice tends to start sounding blacker, like when Will Smith talked junk to the crashed alien in Independence Day.

Back to what's right and good in the world. We Bama fans have been waiting for a win like this since, well, the '99 SEC Championship game against Florida. That was sweet in its own way for being in a championship game and seeing Steve Spurrier turn various shades of cherry Kool-Aid, but the win Saturday had its plusses as well.

One of those plusses was that Urban Meyer saw how an offense whose plays look like they were drawn up in the dirt in the backyard might work in the Mountain West, but not the SEC. Athletes here are a little bit faster. The greatest thing was seeing UA returning to the ranks of the elite. It just feels like the universe is back in order.

We can't get too cocky though. After Tyrone Prothro's TD on Bama's first play from scrimmage, my wife and I were running around and screaming, much in the same way when Freddie Milons returned the first punt of the year for a score agains UCLA in the 2000 season opener. That was the highlight of the year. The Tide stumbled the rest of the season.

This team is different though. Although this year's defense is not the '92 unit, they're tough. Brodie seems to be gearing up for three years of frustration to erupt in one final season of dominance. Kenneth Darby is one of those elite backs who somehow goes unnoticed until he's running over and around you for a buck-twenty.

Oh yes. Things are good in Bama nation. Rolllllll Tiiiiiiide!!!

Pray for Zach and the others

Everybody at some point was young enough to think it inconceivable that they could die. That's why you do so many stupid and reckless things the younger you are. More often than not, we come out okay and maybe just learning a lesson to be more careful the next time. Unfortunately, others don't survive.

When I saw this article in the local Sunday paper, my stomach sunk. If you don't know the kids, you feel sorry and bad for the parents, but then tend to move on. In a small town like Cartersville, though, it seems everyone has a connection. Therefore everyone is affected.

My connection to this goes back to my first year of teaching. Everyone will tell you that your first year in that profession is the roughest one. Even though I ended up loving being a teacher, that first semester sucked. Kids will take advantage of you and smell blood in the water. It was in my freshman geography class that I had Zach Shedd.

There are kids who make teachers want to quit, and there are those who make the job fun. Zach was one of the latter. That was a rough class and he was one of the ones who made it possible for me to make it through. Because of him being an overall hard worker and great kid, I gave him my Top Cat award, given to the top student by a teacher among all that teacher's classes.

I don't know if it was something in the water or what, but I ended up teaching a lot of twins while at Woodland. After Zach I had his twin brother, Devin, in my ninth grade English class. Teachers aren't supposed to play favorites, but there are just some kids you like more than others and you'll give them a little more slack. That's how I was with these guys. I ended up just liking them both.

One thing Zach, Devin and I would bring up around each other was Alabama football. Having a lot of class such as myself, they rooted for the Tide and we'd talk or complain about Alabama. For some reason I also kept running into these guys around town, which was cool.

I now work in Atlanta at a small newspaper. When I heard Zach was at Atlanta Medical Center, I knew I had to go. His mom, Tabitha, has been sleeping in the waiting room outside of the ICU since Sunday. When I got to see Zach, I was ready to give him a pass if he couldn't remember me. After all, the kid had come thisclose to death.

It did me good when he remembered who I was. There's a tube in the back of his head draining out fluid. His hip is broken along with his right femur. I asked him where it hurts the most and he said," My head... and neck. My leg. Chest. All over."

He doesn't remember much about the wreck and asks his mom from time to time about the others. He doesn't know that the other two girls in the back seat with him died. The doctors say it's too risky for him to know.

When tragedies like this hit, words tend to sound shallow no matter how profound they would normally be. In these, the initial stages, people want to assign blame. There will be plenty of time for that later. Right now keep these kids and their families in your prayers. Not an oh-by-the-way mention either. Don't bother if that's going to be the case. Make it real and heartfelt and earnest.

I knew it as soon as I saw it ...

As soon as I saw this story about a Reuters photographer taking a picture of a note President Bush slid to Condoleeza Rice during a UN meeting, I smiled. It wasn't because of the note itself asking whether it was a good time to go for presidential whiz, but because of how Bushhaters were going to attack it.

They jumped on it from the start, adding to their list of social gaffes by our president. Actually, many of these are funny. I suspect that my reaction to them is the same as our president's -- laugh about it and move on. In this case, he was checking with his secretary of state about proper protocol. That's it.

For the most part, I'm a Bush supporter. By that admission some people will make instant snap judgements on me. I must be stupid and uneducated. I'm a conservative just to the right of the Klan. I obviously care nothing about the environment or people of other races.

When I hear these people speak or read what they say, it fascinates me. At one time it made me mad. The longer I was exposed to their words, though, the sentiments started to sound familiar. I couldn't quite place it, but one day it hit me. For the most part, Bush-bashers (those who look for a fault in everything our president does. If it rains at their kid's birthday party, it's due to not signing the Kyoto agreement.) are those high school girls who hate other girls and have no clear reason why. There might have been some tangible reason at some point, but that was long ago and now new reasons are created at every move their object of loathing makes.

I can't stand President Bush/Tiffany.
Why?
Oh, I just can't. Look at him/her. He/She is just so stupid! I can't stand them!

That's all the reasoning needed.

Oh, some logic will be tossed in there. However, the truth will always be that if the same point were brought up by, say, any Democrat, it would be great. For Bushhaters, it's blame the messenger no matter what.

It's a shame, really. We need dissenting voices in America. Keeps people honest and jives with the checks-and-balances stuff we've been taught since fifth grade. But these folks have pigeonholed themselves into complaining about every little thing with our president. For many observers, it's made liberals' voices sound like the same old gong being pounded with no variation in frequency or message.

Here's where it's tossed in my face about the president's low approval ratings. Here it is: I don't trust the numbers. Also, if there is enough negative press, there will be polls to reflect it. Keep in mind that even though Churchill led England in the fight against Germany, he was still defeated in the next election. History has a weird way of viewing the maligned. I think it will ultimately turn out to be the same for President Bush.

Mixed start to football season

There are times where I want to be in a great mood concerning something, but there is just one thing holding me back. It's something that just sticks in the back of my head and keeps me from enjoying an overall picture.

That's the case with football right now. For me, Christmas might officially come on Dec. 25, but it actually kicks off the first week of college football. High school is already going on at that time, and I consider it somwhat of a pre-season. The NFL is a nice extra a week after college has started.

Although my old high school is doing well (2-1, ranked in their class. The only loss coming at the hands of a ranked school in a larger classification.), college is a different story. My Jacksonville State Gamecocks are staring 0-3 in the face after dropping a heartbreaker to Furman on the last play of the game and last week losing to UT-Chattanooga with 10 seconds left. UAB isn't the same team we beat in the mid-90's. They're a legit D-I school. I was looking forward to perhaps a home playoff game this year. That possibility is all but gone. We need to win the Ohio Valley Conference again just to make the playoffs.

It would be a shame if JSU goes in the tank this year and it could all be traced back to one play at the end of the first game of the year. If Furman's QB, Ingle Martin, is just tackled a second later, the clock runs out at the Gamecocks have the biggest win since the move to D-I, perhaps the biggest upset in school history.

On the same vein, Alabama's season may have been saved on Tyrone Prothro's good-grief-did-you-see-that catch Saturday night. On a fourth and 12 at the end of the first half, Prothro's 42-yard catch puts Bama at the one. One play later makes the score 21-17, Southern Miss. Without that catch, you wonder if Alabama wins.

As for the Falcons, I'm feeling pretty good about this team. It's the morning after we got back at Philladelphia for the NFC Championship game loss 14-10, on Monday night. (Monday Night Football makes me miss living in Wyoming and the Mountain Time Zone. There it's on from 7-10, the way it should be. I haven't seen a complete MNF or World Series game since moving to Georgia. Out there you also don't have to stay up all hours of the night to watch the college games out there with their teams and the crazy offenses.)

Although the Falcons won, it's different playing an Eagles defense without Jeremiah Trotter. He's one of those guys that when he's on the other team you want his head knocked off after he does one of those axe-chop deals following a big hit, but you'd find it absolutely delightful if he's wearing your colors.

As for Mike Vick, I don't want to hear anything else about him not being a true quarterback. Yeah, okay, what's your point? Don't call him a glorified running back taking snaps. If you can't bring yourself to call him a quarterback, fine. Just admit he's the only person in the NFL that does what he does at his position. He's a new breed of athlete, and this is coming from a conventional football fan that will take an awesome running game over a great passing game. I'll every time choose big-time defense over big-play offense. What we have in Atlanta, though, is something different in a quarterback and at time defies definition, so let him be.

Before and after New Orleans satellite images

This is unbelieveable. Whenever there is a flood in the U.S., it's almost always a small area or a drawn-out section, such as along the Mississippi River. What is going on in New Orleans is something reserved for disaster movies. Think of it: a city of nearly a half-million people now unliveable. Will these people just resettle in Houston or Jackson or Shreveport -- wherever the refugee bus dropped them off? This is a major city where nobody has gone to work in nearly a week now. At this time, I find myself among those dropping a ton of questions, with little answers.

Be careful around new roommates and the iron

If you've ever had a roommate in college you didn't know beforehand, you have a story. It's a fact of life. I would suspect the girl on the tail end of this beatdown would rather she didn't have this story, though. Don't mess with any Barkley women!

Dean blasts Bush for endorsing intelligent design

Why does this scare some people so much? Having an open mind means allowing concepts to be discussed that might threaten your own "concrete" convictions, right? I was taught one perspective during my entire time in school. It was seen as fact. I didn't raise a fuss about it, yet I didn't buy it. It would have been interesting to have been presented another theory or origin, such as intelligent design.

Hilton Head was pretty nice

Spent the last week in Hilton Head, SC. It was my first time there and I must say, very enjoyable. Before the trip, the only time it seemed I had heard of the place was whenever a hurricane was going to hit it.
Getting there had some problems. It's about a five-hour drive from where we live. We got a late start due to attending a funeral. This resulted in us getting on the road at 8:00, with a five-hour trip ahead of us. I drove the whole way. At one point, it rained so hard that we slowed down to a crawl.
We got to HH around one in the morning. It was still raining and extremely dark. Basically, there is one main road on the island with all the side streets nearby. Our resort was on this main road, we thought.
I say that because we didn't get our package in the mail before leaving. I had booked the cond online, and evidently, our info packet got a little hung up. My wife got in touch with the guy who owned the condo and he passed the code to the key box for us to get in.
Back to my story. We're driving along and never see the place. I start wondering in my mind if we'd been scammed, going over the name of our contact and the resort, now convinced they were both fictitious.
A guy at a store tells us that he thinks the place we're looking for is back in the direction we came from. I'm not encouraged by this, knowing I had looked carefully along the road.
We go back and there it is the Hilton Head Resort, lit up in bright lights. How did I miss it? The lights on the side of the sign facing the direction we came in were out. Nice marketing.
Oh, yeah. The key broke off in the lock. Luckily there was a spare inside. We got to bed around two in the morning.
The rest of the trip was great. We had to get used to the half-mile walk to the beach over the boardwalk, but got used to it. The walk to the beach, private beach houses being on our left and right, and hotels/public access areas being a mile or two down the beach on either side resulted in us having a semi-private beach.
One day we went into Savannah and toured the city on a trolley. That night we ate at The Lady and Sons. We had heard that this place was a little overhyped, but we loved it. I made only one trip to the buffet. I couldn't believe it. That had never happened to me before. Maybe there's some kind of Viagra-like pill for my stomach so I can perform again.
All in all, it was a good trip. The water was warm and very calm. The beaches were pretty clean. HH is known for its golfing, but I didn't feel like shelling out a hundred bucks or so just to get mad at myself. I can deflate my ego for 11 dollars at the hacker's course down the road.

The political left gets religion

November's elections revealed the voting power of evangelicals. Seeing that, the logical step for liberals was to start to try and appeal a little more to this section of the population.

What those on the left don't seem to realize is the way they vote, the issues they support, and the groups that back them reveal to the rest of us their true intent. Don't get a photo op of a group prayer and then try to keep partial-birth abortion available.

Incidentally, don't think that Republicans are above this same tactic. Politicians are wired for one goal: get elected. They generally don't care about the means.

Pro-family groups push for a la carte cable

This is something I've been pushing for for a long time, though I must say not necessarily for the same reasons. It's getting to the point that I may need to take out a second mortgage for my cable bill. The frustration on this is compounded that there are basically just a couple of channels I could have, rather than the 100 or so, and be happy.

Give me ESPN, ESPN2, FoxNews and Turner South. Have the basic channels tossed in as well, and I'm fine. My wife is addicted to the Home and Garden channel, so that would need to be included as well. Oh yeah, Nickelodeon for the little one so she can have her Dora fix. That's it. The rest of it is unwatchable crap. I've had Starz and Showtime as part of the introductory package for the past six or seven months. The only thing it's made me realize is just how many really bad movies there are out there.

By the way, the reasons given in the article have some merit. I say "some" because there are things like the V-chip to use in weeding out unwanted programming. I've got to be honest in that I'd be for it mostly for financial reasons.

I don't see this happening anyway. Cable companies have too much to lose and it's all about the profit margin. Speaking of which, I need to go sell another pint so my wife can get to watch the "Design on a Dime" marathon.

Rap is now for geeks

It appears that the world of hip hop is now stretching into parents' basements and computer labs.

First Woodstock to host singles event

First Baptist Church in Woodstock is going to be hosting a one-day worship event for singles Saturday, August 13. Click on the link or here for more information. There's a video that accompanies it some give it some time to load if you have dialup.

400 scientists sign "Dissent from Darwinism"

This is an issue that is gaining steam but those opposed to being open-minded about the beginnings of man just don't want it to build. I'm speaking of those who want Darwinism and evolution to be the end-all argument for the origin of every species on the planet. Like many of you, I was taught this in school: A loooooooooong time ago there was nothing. Billions of years later, I was sitting in a desk. Even at the time it didn't seem right.

Now, scientists from around the world have signed an agreement stating there are obvious problems with the evolutionary theory. These scientists are from all over the world. You'll be surprised to know that many are from universities such as UC Berkley and Cornell -- not exactly bastions of conservatism.

I just finished reading a book about this topic. Sure it was fiction, but the author used scientific fact to make his point. For those of you familiar with Frank Perretti, you know that his thing is spiritual warfare and that kind of gig.

His new book, Monster, grabbed me because it centers around something that has fascinated me since I was a kid: Bigfoot. Call it the possibility that there could be a real-life monster out there, perhaps it was from the cheesy 70's TV show about Bigfoot, but it has stayed with me. I'm not about to go out in the woods with a bucket of plaster to make casts of possible prints, but there's still an interest.

In the book, a young couple is camping in the Pacific Northwest when they are chased by a large animal. The last thing the husband sees is his young wife being carried off into the woods by some huge thing. From there, Peretti uses the story to ultimately explore the issue of evolution versus creationism and pointedly the tripping points of mutations leading to positive outcomes. The story is over 400 pages long and it held me enough to finish it in a week.

Video of American soldier surviving sniper attack

Every now and then we need a reminder of what our servicemen and women are going through in Iraq and around the world in the War on Terror. The link to the video is at the bottom. Thank God for body armor.

Join with others in changing the path of our planet

Want to join in with a few dozen other people who apparently have no job and therefore too much time on their hands? Click on the link to sign up.

World's Ugliest Dog

Just one word: gremlin.

When is a sport a sport or an athlete an athlete?

I was talking with a co-worker of mine today and sports was brought up. She is a former cheerleader -- did it basically from third grade on through college. She says it's a sport and the athletes involved don't get the credit they deserve.
Here's the problem I have with that: Anything that requires judges isn't a sport. It's a competition. Don't give me the referees-are-basically-judges argument. Sports where there is a point system (not given out by judges, a la ice skating) are the only ones that are just that ... sports.

Are horses athletes? There was some flap when Secretariat was named one of the top athletes of the century, but I'll go along with this. Out of a field of 15, one horse runs the fastest. He/she is an athlete. It's simply a footrace, or hoofrace, only they happen to have a 115 pound Venzualean clinging to their back.

How about competitive diving? Sorry. They are athletes, sure. I contort my body into two positions at the pool: can opener and cannonball. However, it's a competition. There's a difference. Swimming, sport. First one to the wall wins.

This is one reason I have more trouble than I should staying with the Olympics when they're on. Anything with judges just loses me. How do I know Bulgaria doesn't have it in for anyone from Moldova? How can I sleep at night worrying that Nadia Koroshivakamic's gold medal in baton twirling might not be legit due to some fued between countries?

Enough about all of this. I have to go see if Kobayachi can stuff 50 hot dogs in his mouth on ESPN2. Now that's a sport!

Adulterers now have a place in the greeting card section

It's great that crazy (married) kids in love can now voice their love to one another via greeting cards. Reading this gave me one of those "hell in a handbasket" moments for society in general and our country in particular. Kelly Boggs has a good column on Baptist Press going a little more into this.

Come to think of it, maybe I'm being a little too harsh. Actually, there are other star-crossed lovers who might need their own place in the Hallmark store coming soon.

Pedofiles -- Why should age be such a hinderance?

Beastiality -- Species, shmeshies. It's all good.

Cars, boats, etc. -- Guys already give them female names. You're basically only one step away from a visit to a Massachusetts altar to make it legit.

Here's something to consider. Take the effort you put into covering up your infidelity and use it to fix up your marriage. Your kids will appreciate it.

Apparently never too soon to start thinking of your kid's college

Oh dear Lord, what have we become? These kids have no shot! It's indoctrinization! It's brainwashing! It's ... wait, there's one for Bama?

Maybe it's not such a bad idea to put kids on the right path ...

Okay, let's have an open conversation ...

It's interesting how in the world of academia it's okay to have an open mind as long as certain viewpoints are not given a seat at the table. The National Education Association, by far the most powerful of teacher unions, has long held a liberal platform in its policies, bowing to pressure from leftist groups.

Here's the biggest problem I have with this. Teachers and principals are overall antsy about the promotion of Christan clubs or anything to do with Christianity today. The reason being is that groups such as the NEA and ACLU will come attacking with the banner of separation of church and state. Education funds are stretched to the max. Therefore, the safe thing to do is to not allow those clubs to meet, or at least make it a big enough headache so that they meet at the nearby church.

Case in point. This month, a parent in Cobb County observed a bench bearing the words "Jesus Loves You" in front of Marietta High School. He said there was no intention of filing a lawsuit, but that his stance on it "will depend on the legal ruling by the school system." He went on to say that it was "best at this point to give [the school board] the opportunity to figure out where they stand."

What a swell guy.

To think how many kids over these years the bench supplied by private donors may have damaged. Absolutely, psychologists all over the area have certainly been working overtime to help the hoards of fragile adolescents no doubt permanently scarred by such a hideous message.

Johnny, why did you shoot up your classmates and attempt to overdose on pills before driving home and filleting your parents?

What can't your read? That bench says Jesus loves me! I can't deal with that kind of pressure!

Whew. At least the free speech of gangsta rap and the National Man Boy Love Association is protected.

One more thing: The parent who raised the question on the bench doesn't even have children at the school.

If you're going to allow free speech, then do it. Get to the root. Is it causing damage? Is it actually provided by private individuals? Allow viewpoints that challenge your own to be heard. Don't trumpet yourself as an accepting intellectual when your just as scared of a dissenting view point as those you attack. Stop hiding behind the hypocrisy of a determined agenda designed to look open-minded. We can all see through the charade.

We have clearance ...

000_0016
Originally uploaded by sbarkley.

This was actually riskier than it looks. Every toss in the air meant water falling down in my eyes. I kinda had to do a no-look catch a couple of times.

I've heard it called a sword ...

If you ever go on a plane, don't make the same mistake as this pastor did in Nashville.

Vacation plans gone awry

As I write this, I'm scrambling to fix the problem of going to Destin and face a hurricane. It's quite possible I'll get to enjoy driving seven hours to the beach, stay one day, and be told to turn around with the other 100,000 vacationers to hobble our way back up the interstate even before the first sunburn.

I"m hoping this thing takes a turn and goes somewhere else. I've already been on the phone with the people at the resort. The place has to close in order for my parents (yes, we're piggybacking on them for this) to get their points back. I would hope that a possible Category 3 would be enough to shut the doors on the place and my folks get to go on another trip, hopefully one not interrupted by a major act of Mother Nature.

On top of that, I don't want to drive the distance there only to snake my way through traffic for 20 hours. I could do that any day in Atlanta, and at least by paid for it.

Let the metrosexual backlash begin

Finally, this has started. I was getting really sick of shows on TV celebrating the sissyfying of men. I'll wash my hair, but I'm not getting a perm. Manicure? I'll bite my nails during football, basketball and baseball seasons. Pedicure? Please. When the toenails start sawing small slits at the end of my socks, I know to get out the nail clippers. I'll jog and exercise, but not necessarily to get in shape. Instead, it will be so that I can polish off the pizza and wings while only gaining two pounds instead of four.

There's a new world cham-peen

It's amazing what lengths people will go to win a contest ...

Police sew man's lips shut

If you're ever arrested in Pakistan, watch your mouth.

Billy Graham NY crusade sees thousands come to Christ

Unbelieveable. Billy Graham's message when he preaches is simple. It's barely strayed during his ministry. Despite this, the result is always the same. There is something that touches people in his words. It's like when someone is trying to overcomplicate a procedure and another person steps in and says "Wait a minute, get back to the basics."

People are looking for something to fill their spiritual void and aren't interested in the peripheral arguments regarding political and cultural controversies. They understand their current state of being is lacking something. Throughout the years, when Billy Graham speaks the message has connected.

Christianity and zombies

This writer makes some observations between Christianity and what is portrayed in zombie movies. Some interesting takes in this one.

Churches take heed on Supreme Court eminent domain ruling

The fact that the basic freedom of owning and maintaining property is now in jeapordy due to the eminent domain Supreme Court ruling is an eye-opener for churches. Think about it. How many historical churches are located on prime real estate across America. Theoretically, those churches can now be bought up and demolished in order to make room for a business facility. Read the article to get more info.

Churches take heed on Supreme Court eminent domain ruling

The fact that the basic freedom of owning and maintaining property is now in jeapordy due to the eminent domain Supreme Court ruling is an eye-opener for churches. Think about it. How many historical churches are located on prime real estate across America. Theoretically, those churches can now be bought up and demolished in order to make room for a business facility. Read the article to get more info.

The idea behind the ruling is that more property taxes are generated if there is a business employeeing many people located there. Churches are tax-exempt. Dontcha think a local government low on funds will look at generating some extra revenue by closing down church, sanctuary, etc.?

SBC and public school flap only going to grow

This issue is fast becoming the elephant in the corner for Southern Baptist leadership. Last year a resolution advocating the pullout of Southern Baptist kids from public schools got buried in committee before making it to the floor for debate. As far as I know, the same thing happened this week in Nashville.

The debate over this is going to increase. SBC leaders won't dare support it publicly now, with good reason. A large number of Southern Baptists teach in public schools, and would take it as a slap in the face for this motion to pass. As a former teacher in the public school system, that was my immediate response. All Christians in these classrooms walk a tightrope in being a good witness while maintaining discipline in the classroom. You often have to be a hard case in order to do your job. It's a tough position to be in, but one from which Christians see a lot of fruit. That's why they stay. They won't abandon the ministry -- and it is just that -- which God has given them.

Girl saved by Lions

Pretty amazing story. A young girl is kidnapped and beaten by a group of men, one of whom is going to force her into marriage. She is saved by a group of lions that chase the men off and then guard her for a few days.

Careful, that's not lemonade ...

I imagine more guys than you would think have had to make a pit stop when there just wasn't enough time. Therefore, you use what's handy. I never knew it could become such a problem, though.

Tubing

Tubing
Originally uploaded by sbarkley.

On Weiss Lake, Gary tries to trade places with the tube. It didn't work.

Playing with Nana

Playing with Nana
Originally uploaded by sbarkley.

This was taken at the Wills family reunion near Birmingham. No matter what kinds of contraptions are on a playground, Rylee loves to just grab onto something and swing.

Pro-life video to see

You might remember Nick Cannon, yeah, the guy in Drumline. He's released a CD containing the track "Can I Live?", which is based on his own story as one who almost was aborted. Scroll to the bottom to see the video. Really good.

Koran flushing story may reveal more about ourselves than we realize

I agree with the basic premise of this column. One thing to not forget, though, is that the ones rioting over perceived Koran abuse also are so fervent about the book that they whip men whose beards aren't up to snuff and torture women for flashing an ankle. Be careful about how far to take it.

Christian student group denied admittance on campus

It makes you wonder. The sticking point with the college in this story has to do with criteria for members of the Christian Legal Society. There's one particular requirement for this Christian group which apparently won't do for the powers at Southern Illinois University.

Hope and joy personified

Having a child has changed my perspective on some things. If it looks like she's in danger, I tell her no. If it's past bedtime, she needs to get back to her room. If she's not eating her supper, there's no dessert. Basically I've become a parent.

Being in this role doesn't just mean setting limitations, though. I also get to see her advancements. I hear the first time she says my name clearly. When she puts her basketball through her tiny hoop. When she tells us she has to go potty BEFORE she actually does it.

In 1 Thessalonians 2: 17-20 Paul talks about his desire to see those in the young church planted in Thessalonica. Earlier in the book he talks about imitating the right things and taking up those habits. In this passage, he comes back to that and addresses the readers as his hope and joy. Makes sense. When Rylee does something well, I'm proud and want to take at least a little credit. At the same time, the accomplishment is hers.

Paul saw these young believers as the evidence that the gospel he was spreading was taking root. I can see him seeing it as a vindication for himself that, despite a lot of trouble encountered on his mission trips, some were getting the message.

I know my daughter's accomplishments will continue to mount. They will be things I can easily do myself, of course. But I get the satisfaction out of seeing her do them herself. It's a joy to watch.

Spray can increase people's trust

I wonder if the Amway people have heard of this stuff ...

Rylee and Heather at Turner Field

Braves
Originally uploaded by sbarkley.

This has been awhile, but I pretty much had a Braves weekend earlier this season. On a Saturday we went with my brother and his wife, Heather, who is holding Rylee here. The next day I caught a day game with Amy's brother and dad. Both games were wins over the Cardinals.

Universities tolerant of all viewpoints, except Christian

Though I've never been to a Promise Keepers meeting myself, it doesn't seem that an organization devoted to drawing men to take care of their familes would give anyone a problem. That's not the case, though, for groups opposed to PK.

Evidently, the notion of having a rally at a state university is just too much diversity for those with no tolerance for this group's message. Note the comments of the Promise Keepers rep: "If you're going to be an open organization, and if you're going to invite in a diversity of opinions, Christianity, certainly, gets a seat at the table." Preach it, brother.

In promoting diversity and tolerance, those doing so typically say others opposing are afraid of change and what might be presented could shake the normal way of thinking. Perhaps. What if men started taking the PK message more to heart and became more involved in their familes? What would happen if husbands and fathers invested more time in their wives and children?

Maybe tolerance/diversity people are right in this case, even if they didn't mean to be. Too bad they follow their own logic only when it suits them.

No way dude! Petra's retiring!

Deciding to not take a page from the Stones and instead call it a career, the members of Petra have decided to retire. Back in the day, this was the first band I listened to that made me realize I wouldn't go to hell just because I liked hard music. Guitarist Bob Hartley is still the man. My personal favorite album? Beyond Belief.

Interesting that when they first came on the scene Christian bookstores wouldn't even carry their music. Now it's a multimillion dollar business. Third Day, Switchfoot, P.O.D -- they all owe a big chunk of their success to Petra.

San Francisco losing its families

An interesting article. It seems there are fewer and fewer mom/dad/kids families in San Fran. It's at the point that the mayor has put finding a solution at the top of his agenda.

Some random thoughts ...

Wow, it's been longer than I meant to be since my last post. I've been really busy writing at work for the paper. Wednesday was the worst commute of my entire life. Truly, I hope the guy who drove the dump truck full of gravel on 285 is okay, that way a thousand fleas can invade his armpits.

Two hours and forty-five minutes -- that's how long it took me to make a drive that normally is about an hour. At one point I really started wondering if I might as well turn around and go back to the building, crash on a couch and be there for work in the morning. In the time it took me to get home I could have watched an entire baseball game. That's nearly three hours of 24. It's almost a couple of Back to the Future movies.

Thankfully, the next two days weren't that bad. Tonight, Amy, Rylee and I had steak and chicken fajitas here and went to Brusters for ice cream. Good stuff.

For any of you aspiring journalists out there, here's some places for you to go for tips on how to get better. Poynter and Bob Baker's Newsthinking have already given me some tools to use.

Wondered what it might be like to be persecuted?

Unless you hop a plane to Somalia or China, it's likely you won't experience true persecution as a Chrisitan in the U.S. However, if you want a taste that gets a little closer, but still not being the real thing, that opportunity is now there for you with this group offering persecution experiences.

Teacher fired for using religious music

This kind of hits close to home. I got in a debate one time with a friend/coworker (who was also an athiest) who was upset over music with Christian overtones being used at a school function. His stance was that no religious references of any kind should have been used, mine was that we live in a Judeo-Christian area of the world. The song choice reflected the culture. If I were living in Utah, I would expect references to Joseph Smith, in the Middle East, to Muhammed.

NC Pastor resigns following political remarks

This was a quick way to put a stop to the media attention given this story. There's a fine line here people are talking about: Should the church have any involvement in politics, and if so, where is the line to come to a stop?

I have no doubt this guy crossed the line in what he said from the pulpit. He messed up when he singled out John Kerry and those who supported the Democratic candidate. The final meeting where he resigned had several tense moments. Read here and scroll about halfway down to get pretty much a play by play on it.

At the same time that people are coming down on this guy, though, for his comments, I wonder what they would say to the German churches who said nothing during the rise of the Nazis. At some point leaders of faith do have to take a stand on their precepts, even in political matters if topics of morality are being discussed.

Carolina church in hot water

Oh boy. This was bound to happen sooner or later. One side says they were forced out because they areDemocrats (actually, one is a Rebublican) while the other is saying they're just stating that Christians should vote according to the Bible.

Problems with Vonage

You've seen the commercials, right? "People do stupid things, like pay too much for phone service." Well, we tried to go the Vonage route and save a little on our phone bill. We're trying to cut corners, and one of those areas we looked at was our phone bill. There was even a time when we considered dong away with our regular phone and going all cell, both my Amy and I have phones of our own. The problem with that, though, is we get bad reception at our house, so that was a no go.
Amy thought she had it figured out with this Vonage thing. For those of you who don't know, this is a phone setup through the Interet; you just have to have high-speed access, which we do.
As with everything electrical, things didn't go as smoothly as it should have. I hooked everything up right according to the idiotproof CD that came in the box, but no dial tone. I placed a call to a guy from India. Due to the fact that I was talking in Southern English dialect on a cell with bad reception and he was speaking in a heavy Indian accent, we basically had to say everything at least twice to be understood. He went through several steps with me on checking my connection, often going back to the phone to check for a dial tone, but nothing happened.
I could tell he was getting frustrated. At times he would place me on hold to talk to a "supervisor," but I could only imagine him talking to a coworker about this moronic American who probably didn't even have the computer plugged in ("Jabir, I am telleeng you, Theees maan ish shtoopid! I keep telleeng heem and telleeng heem but eet ees no good!")
After nearly an hour, he tells me I will be connected to a "Level 2 supervisor." About 30 seconds after that, while on hold, the line goes dead. I look at the phone and see no bars. Remember, bad cell and bad reception. Perfect.
I decide to try again Monday night at around 8:00. This time I get a gal (Indian, but a little easier to understand) who simply decides defeat won't be an option after I explain my first bout with the Vonage box. Oh, she had no idea.
About an hour later, we're still trying to figure out why I can't get a dial tone. We've checked everything, and I'm panicking because 24 is about to come on and I've got to see how Jack Bauer is going to keep a nuclear warhead from going off. I am told once again I'll be connected to the mysterious "Level 2 supervisor," but after about 10 minutes on hold and Jack preparing to storm a Chinese emabassy, I put priorities in order and hang up.
There you have it. Staying up to date on the happenings of a fictional show is more important to me than saving money on my phone.

The worst place on Earth

North Korea is a place that we all have very good reason to believe is as close to hell as we can imagine. The only reason we don't know the extent of its misery for sure is that Kim Jong-il won't let anyone have a look inside. This guy, referred to as "the Gargoyle" by Neal Boortz (I like that) is the ruler of what has basically become a slave state, according to the writer of this article
Call it the macabre side of me, but I've been fascinated with rulers of a country who can oversee the systymatic torture and murder of its citizens. I've read up a little about Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot in this regard. We've heard the stories about Sadaam and guys like Idi Amin. To have the conscience that allows one to place an entire country under their despotic thumb and force servitude, or outright kill 'em if they pose a threat, is something that's gone on for a long time, and I can't figure out why that is so.
I remember the stories for the 90s on North Koreans starving in large numbers. Check out what the author of this piece says he was given to eat on a tour of the country as a "privileged guest." The most fascinating thing here, though, may by the nighttime sattelite picture of the Korean peninsula. It speaks the truth not only literally but figuratively.

Early summer and going on missions

One thing I have great memories of from college is going on summer missions. I only went a couple of times, actually, but it led to other short-term trips and a two-year stay in Wyoming with my wife.
Without those trips, I wouldn't have done much travel at all outside of the Southeast. I wouldn't have gotten to experience some different places and met other people. Most of all, I wouldn't have had the time of growth with God that I did. It was in those times that I learned to not depend on myself, but instead to depend on Jesus.
Recently, I got to see a bunch of college students from around Georgia go through their commissioning service in Macon. It was really cool seeing how excited they were about getting out and serving Christ. About half are going out of the country to places like Corsica (yes, like in the Bible), the Philippines and Mozambique. Others are staying in the country but serving in such states as Alaska, Colorado and Georgia, to name a few.

Aspiring writers wanted for Ridgecrest retreat

I've often thought about trying to write a book of some kind, if only I knew what kind to write, got disciplined about doing it, and then had the first clue as to going about putting it together and getting it published.
You know how sometimes you'll sign up for stuff and clubs on the Internet, mess around with it for awhile, then eventually stop it? For all you know you may still have a membership there? A couple of years ago I did this with a place called Faithwriters and stayed with it for a few months. At the time I was teaching and even a couple of my students joined. There's a free membership, but like all other places, they'll ask you to chip in a little for more benefits.
Recently, LifeWay had a retreat for those wanting to have their work reviewed by experienced writers or others who wanted to get serious about their writing. I remember running across this awhile back and wanted to really look into going, but it obviously slipped my mind.
I still at times think about writing a book. A lot of people have done it. Why not me?
I'm curious if there are others reading this who have thought of the same thing ...

U.S. troops almost had Zarqawi in Feb., says report

As an avid viewer of "24," this caught my eye because every time Jack Bauer is about to nab Habib Marwan, the guy gets away! In the real world, though, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is a dangerous and evil man who, in the eyes of many, has replaced Bin laden as America's number one enemy. Read this to see how we almost got him a couple of months ago.

Town selling land dirt-cheap for revitalization

My boss at work pointed out this story to me for its great lead. I used to drive by this place whenever I went north from Cheyenne to Wheatland, Douglas or Casper. I remember a chili mix they sold here – you could get free samples at the store just off the interstate – and that it was pretty good. This will probably sound crazy to the sardined communities of metro Atlanta, but there are small towns out there where people are moving away and no one is coming in to replace them. An interesting read.

Foxworthy is highest-selling comedy artist ever, no kidding

This was kind of hard for me to believe until I read it. Think about it -- there's Cosby and Carlin, Seinfield and Murphy, but Jeff Foxworthy has outsold them all. Read this and see how Foxworthy's people packaged him and made him what he is today, not to mention opened the doors for other country acts such as Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall and Cartersville's own Cledus T. Judd.

Safe to go back to the chili again

If you've been put off of going to Wendy's because of the story of the lady finding a severed finger in it, don't worry. It was all a hoax she had put together for some quick cash in a settlement. Really, how badly must you want to avoid getting a job to hide a severed human finger in your chili to pay the light bill? It also makes you wonder if there's some guy out there who can now only count to nine (based on his assumed intelligence if he went along with this. Let's give him credit he'd use his toes and go all the way to 19)and is wondering if he'll ever get his payday.

Sixteen pastors, nearly 900 Christian jailed in Eritrea

Persecution has been running rampant in this nation on the east coast of Africa. A handful of those jailed are released after signing a document stating they will not take part in the religious services again. Makes my complaint on getting up at 7:45 on Sunday morning seem pretty shallow ...

Barna comments on state of the church

George Barna weighs in from time to time on the state of the Protestant church in America. Here he talks about the growth of megachurches and how that trend has led to a somewhat anonymity among members but at the same time there has been a movement of sorts towards smaller groups meeting in homes, which is leading to more in-depth relationships and study of the scriptures.

Religious liberties group getting comments on Cobb County Creationism flap

A religious liberties group has said that the recent decision of a Cobb County judge sets a dangerous precedent for Christians bringing an case before a court. The argument is that believers will be judged prematurely due to their faith in God, and therefore won't receive a fair hearing.
I wrote an article on this for the Index. The subject wasn't so much on the court's decision as it was with parents, students and pastors weighing in on the controversy. The bottom line and ultimate question is whether or not one theory has more weight over another theory and should both or just one be taught in public schools.

For those interested in the Vietnam War

A college professor who served in Vietnam has authored a series of books pointing out myths of the war, particularly the effect of protesters on the war's end. He says there are half- and un-truths being handed out by the Right and Left, and these are still given today in college and high school classes.

Recounting Australia's passage of a marriage amendment

Not known as a bastion of conservative views, Australia has already passed a bill stating the concept of traditional marriage as that between one man and one woman. Australian native and evangelist Warwick Marsh led that charge and got support for it at a time when it seemed gay marriage was a certainty. However, he and others led the passage of this bill even with the help of political leaders not even religious, just with the viewpoint that the foundation of marriage is in its traditional sense.

Christian download site goes up

I know some of you guys like to download music. There's a new site out which is kind of like a Christian I-tunes. I just browsed around on it, and since it's pretty new, doesn't look like there's been a whole lot of activity on it yet.

Pretty cool biker church

I wasn't able to be there teaching my class at church today, but instead got to cover a pretty sweet assignment for the Index. Up the road a bit in Calhoun is Meadowdale Baptist Church. Each year for the past six years, they have held a biker church. I talked to the pastor and deacon who got this started up. Both were great guys. It was something else to see all of the bikes in the parking lot. We'll get the article out in the paper next month, more than likely.

It was a trip to see a lot of these guys and here how Christ had saved them. Evidently, there are a lot of bikers who believe in Jesus, even to the point of having organizations like the Christian Motorcyclists Association. It was pretty cool to see a crew who looked to be just as comfortable pronouncing their faith in God as they would in the front row of a Skynyrd concert.

An important point was made to me of which I hadn't been aware. The pastor told me that they donate any money raised at these things to children's charities and the like. The reason being is that bikers are apparently really into that stuff and support it. I asked why that was and he talked about the real sense of family and community found among bikers, and how they are all affected if something happens to one of them or one of their kids. It's a very relationship-driven culture filled with friendly people who love to hang out and get to know others. It's interesting to point out how churches have trouble maintaining such a cohesiveness.

Political correctness monitored through "Campus Outrage Awards"

It's crazy to hear how only certain types of free speech are protected on many college campuses. Several examples are given from recent events at colleges in the country.

Can we get sucked out of airplanes?

Not since living in Cheyenne and flying back and forth have I spent much time in a plane. There just hasn't been a need for it.
This article at Slate reminded me of a time I was on a flight coming into Denver late one night. I was in one of the seats toward the back of the plane, which didn't have that many people on it. All of the flight attendants were up toward the front and it was eerily quiet.
It was then that I looked at the rear door just a few feet away from me and wondered what would happen if there was some deranged guy in my seat who decided to pull the lever. Would we all get sucked out? Would the plane depressurize and go down? It was one of those "What would happen?" conversations you have with yourself.

Passion leader recounts movement among college students

In case you're not familiar with Passion or Louie Giglio, they are both something to know about. College students are an incredible resource for impacting the world for Christ. In this article on Baptist Press,Giglio talks about how he has seen this movement take shape around the world.
It was during college that I came to have a more intimate knowledge of Jesus. Before then, I was pretty good at playing the church game. It's during the years in higher education that we make the decisions which shape us for the rest of our lives in so many ways. We decide who we're going to believe and what will have top priority. Hopefully, at the forefront of that is our relationship with Christ and how we are to serve Him, whether that is through vocational ministry or in the business world.

Christian teachers in public schools get some representation

Oh, how I wish I had known about this during my teaching days. It's basically necessary in the profession to have a membership in some kind of union. However, those groups would typically have social stances with which you might not agree as a Christian. It's not surprising that someone took the steps to establish a base for believers who feel it is their calling and ministry to be in a public school.

Hitchhiker murders woman following choir practice

I've had these debates with people before on whether or not Christians should pick up hitchhikers. Be sure to go ahead and read to the bottom, as some interesting information and web sites on hitchhiking is included.

TV commentators unsure of what to make of young people's devotion to Pope

One of the things covered at arm's length regarding John Paul II is the attraction he had from young people. The mainstream media doesn't quite know how to associate a percieved secular youth culture with a pope who had conservative views and would not budge on so many moral issues. The truth could be that maybe this segment of the population is looking for something deeper than the media would have us believe. It was indeed because of, not in spite of, the pope's stances on these issues which attracted, and still attracts, young people to this day.

Great day at church

Boy, I needed it today. I've been busy all week and church was great. It left me charged up and ready to go at it for another week. Powersource was good as well. We talked about how choices have longstanding results and the way they play into our relationship with God.
Back to the worship service. There's something about that song "Only a God Like You." It reminds me of how unique and special our individual relationship with God is. Only a God like the one I serve -- the one true God -- can love me despite all of the things wrong with me. That makes my Lord worthy of my praise and all my hope and faith.

Book explores the absence of men in church

You can't deny it. There are a lot of guys who would rather sleep in on Sunday or catch up on yardwork rather than go to church. This is a book review exploring that. It points to a "feminization" of the church that results in an environment men simply don't want to be a part of.

Gettin' in shape for a marathon

I have enough trouble getting myself to read the Bible daily. This is pretty cool, though.

Pope's death leading to Irish return to church

I was wondering if this sort of thing might happen. With the death of John Paul II, more traditional Catholics are starting to search about their faith. The Index ran a series of articles last year about a great revival which happened in this part of the world. Interesting to consider when the same thing will happen again.

Here's the article about the revival.
http://www.christianindex.org/735.article

These are stories from those who heard about it from relatives and others.
http://www.christianindex.org/759.article

UNC believers become champs

It's always good to hear stories like this one regarding athletes and their relationship with Christ.

Kiss goodnight

Kiss goodnight
Originally uploaded by sbarkley.

Kiss nite nite

Academic Bill of Rights for college students?

It's about time. Although there were very few professors of mine I had a problem with, the majority of them could be considered as liberal. None went to the extreme as the examples given in this story, though. Hopefully, the measure mentioned here will lead to more academic freedom and less intimidation for students with conservative viewpoints.

CFBC folks might want to plan a trip to the Legion Theatre

Look at this link and see who is Male Actor #2. If you haven't gone to a play at the Legion Theatre in town, this would be a good time to go. It's a small, intimate setting and something a little different than what you might normally do in Cartersville.

Amy Grant to host reality show

Young Filipinos reshaping their country

This is an amazing example of how a generation is moving in their country for God and see results.

"Jesus is a foreigner's god ..."

In recent testimony before the United Nations, one person gave witness to Christian persecution alive and well in China.

Just a few minutes from mayhem

100_0397
Originally uploaded by sbarkley.

At this year's CFBC Easter Egg hunt, I witnessed something extraordinary. About 500+ eggs were gobbled up by around 100 or so kids making like crazed pac-men.

First steps of Nicolae Carpathia's rise?

This will resonate with those of us who've read the Left Behind books. It kind of ticks me off that we have this technology going on and yet still don't have flying cars.

April 14,15 could be interesting days at your school

Can't say we had these kinds of days when I was in school...

More Americans getting religion elsewhere

When you click on the link, scroll down to "More Americans skipping church." Makes you wonder why this is happening. Is it a lack of conviction for people to be with a group of believers, or is the church doing things to drive those folks away?

Conservative speaker heckled at KU

It astounds me when stories like this come out. I'm not a huge fan of Ann Coulter, but for some reason liberals are tolerant of all viewpoints except conservative ones. The thing about it is that I'm not even shocked by this. If a conservative speaker goes on a college campus, you know there will be protesters present. Don't these people have jobs or papers due or something? Don't like what the speaker is saying? Do what I would do and don't go! I'm sure there's a good hackeysack tournament on ESPN4 or Real World reunion you'd rather watch.

What me, think?

In being on a jury, the individual is called to view from the perspective which he or she has acquired. Everyone understands this. It's why different types of people are called to make up a jury.
The question in this case is not if it was wrong to use the Bible to decide a man's fate, but is it okay for jurors to call upon a higher authority or moral center from which they judge? The answer is yes. Everyone has a starting point and concrete foundation where they form their basic opinions on right and wrong and, therefore, what is just. In this case judges are throwing that principle out because they didn't approve of the jury's decision.

Day after Easter ...

While it seemed everyone south of Cartersville in the state of Georgia was scrambling from the oncoming onslaught of tornados, my family and I were embarking on what has become somewhat of a regular occurance – driving to Alabama. The reason today was for Easter dinner with my family.
Seen as the most holy day on the Christian calendar, Easter seems to have one of the more intense identity problems in holidaydom among its participants. For many, it's one of the few days in the year they'll darken the doors of a church. For others, it rings in the unofficial start of spring (baseball purists, begin arguing here) and therefore means we start wearing more brightly-colored clothes. For still others, it translates into a spike on the sale of eggs, bunny stuff, and chocolate.
The truth is that Easter is a day, or weekend, when we recognizing perhaps the most possible contrasting (on the surface) events in human history. We try to somehow comprehend the intense suffering of Good Friday and then revel in the resurrection of Easter morning. It can be easy to not think about what was going on in between those two things. Did Jesus literally kick down the gates of hell and take the keys of the chain around Satan's belt? Was there a quick trip to heaven with the thief on the cross ("Today, you'll be with me in paradise.") before a U-turn back down to Hades? Were there captives in purgatory freed and brought back?
I'm not going to pretend to have the answers on these – just musings on my part – but it does make me think again about myself. Like Christ on the cross, I died at one point. That came when I was a kid and gave my life to him. I died to self. One day, I'll be taken to be with him, just as he ascended on the Mount of Olives.
The part that still gets me is what happens in between. Have I kicked down any gates? What obstacles have I faced down? I have my victories and defeats, my good days and bad. But these are the struggles we can anticipate and even welcome. Without the fight, whether it be intellectually/physically with someone else or spiritually on our own, we can't see our capabliities.
Each day is an "in between" day. It's a fight. My desires want to do one thing while my will dictates something else. I go down in defeat when I listen to the former. I feel closer to God when I stick with the latter.

Me and Rylee 

Me and Rylee 

Here I am with my lil' un, Rylee.