A good friend of mine recently posted this image on his blog and shared his take – follow the link to Kyle Landis on the right if you’d like to read. I’m so drawn to this because I believe this image speaks truth that we don’t, or simply aren’t willing, to realize. Maybe this is what it means…I’m interested in your thoughts…

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…” – I Peter 3:15

I think quickly on my feet. When a scenario presents itself and calls for action, whether favorable or unfavorable, I’m able to react and make quick decision. And most of the time, everything works out just fine. I might get a tad nervous and the blood immediately drains from my hands every time but, I’m cool. You also have to remember that I’m one of those strange people who would rather sing in front of 20,o00 than give a devo in front of 20.

Today for instance, I had taken a restroom break, made a quick call to Erica and was headed back into my office. I’m also one of those guys who wanders when he talks on the phone. I meet all kinds of interesting people in the hallways and it’s not uncommon to pass someone who I don’t know. But they usually don’t follow you. I had just sat down at my desk when they guy I passed in the hall walks in our office. I figured he’s lost. Nope, he’s a reporter for FOX 13 and wants me to give a public relations perspective to the recent Starbucks announcement that all 7100 stores nationwide would be closed for barista training for three hours tonight. I should have known…

I introduce him to the team, we satisfy the man to his liking to which he promptly asks which one of us would like to say that on TV. Five minutes later, I’ve got a lapel mic through my shirt and that annoying light in my eyes. FOX holds true to its stereotype, chops up my sound bites and manages to miss my best material for the other lines where I stuttered. Great. Oh well, the reporter mentioned Obsidian PR as one of the top firms in the city and I plugged a client in the process. It made my boss happy!

All in all not a bad turnout but when I woke up this morning – no idea I was going to be on TV. I would have shaved, picked a better shirt, ironed that better shirt and so forth. I would have been more prepared. I would have written talking points the day before, made sure I was on message and rehearsed so the words rolled off my tongue effortlessly. But I didn’t have that time..I had to think on my feet and my performance worked, but it wasn’t the best.

I’m wondering if that’s the same way I treat chances to be different, to be distinct, to show others that there’s something else driving my life. Am I quick enough on my feet to display the cross I bear? Do I miss opportunities because I haven’t consciously made the decision to live Jesus first, and self second? Do I just nod in agreement, look concerned and completely miss a chance to pray with someone? Am I prepared to fully claim Christ crucified and bear the consequences? Am I strong enough to make decisions and give the real reasons behind them? Will I shy away when it’s time to step up and respond?

I’ve really identified with St. Francis of Assisi in his exhortation to preach the gospel by the life I live…and if necessary, use words. I just want to be ready for that opportunity to say what the Spirit places on my heart when it’s time to use words. Roll tape. Am I ready?

I’m doing it again. I get on this blogging phase in my life, create one then promptly neglect it for a week or more. It’s a terrible disease…anyone have the cure? Anyways, things have been happening, life is being lived and God is good. But for the purposes of this blog, why don’t we delve into a few…

Work – Stuff is happenin in the PR world, folks. It’s going really well and continuing to increase in workload, which is a good thing. I’ll be writing copy and project managing Web sites for three different clients in the next month so if my eyes look bloodshot, they probably are. We just hired a new account executive that starts in March and an intern who’s working with us three days a week with Nashville connections…who would have thought? Gave the office a face lift this week as part of our expansion. Man it’s some kind of fun…

Sports – Same ole same ole…the Tigers are the No. 1 team in the nation and the Grizzlies are idiots. It’s really telling when more people show up to the FedEx Forum to see the Tigers pound Siena (who?) than come watch the Grizzlies play Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. I’m flabbergasted at LSU for firing John Brady and I get more and more turned off to Major League Baseball with every headline I read. Oh and there’s a 5% chance I’ll be scooting in to watch the Memphis vs. Tennessee game…oh man…

And I want another tattoo. I think I’ve been quite responsible in waiting more than 3 years since my first. It’s about time.

Quote of the Day:

“Stop talking about love. Every _______ in the world says he loves somebody. It means nothing. It still doesn’t mean anything. What you feel only matters to you. It’s what you do to the people you say you love, that’s what matters. It’s the only thing that counts.”

Man, give it up for the Giants…let’s count the story lines shall we?

Eli – How awesome was it to see him make that last drive – people who have been dogging him all season are now calling this game his “coming of age.” He’s a Manning people…wake up. Peyton couldn’t be more proud

Strahan – The man who almost didn’t show up for training camp with rumors of trades will now be boasting a Super Bowl ring

Coughlin – The man who was nearly fired after last season’s 8-8 finish gets his moment of glory with a team who deserves it

Plaxico – I believe this makes a season filled with injuries and questions just about worth it – way to make that last one count

Giants defense – I literally giggled every time you threw Brady to the ground…way to make it happen

Tiki Barber – You wanted to keep your pretty face for the TV cameras and snub your team the way to retirement…look where that got you

Patriots – You showed the world yet again why you don’t deserve any respect…take your records and “might-haves” with you. Your coach perfectly displayed the lack of class with which the entire organization seems to conduct itself. By the way, the better team won tonight.

She’s been alluded to in previous posts, but I believe it’s high time she made her debut appearance in this blog. Ladies and gentleman, it is with great pleasure that I present to you – Erica Joy Seawel, my best friend and love of my life!

Have you ever had that scenario where you felt like you had to fulfill someone’s request, did so to avoid discouraging them, then came out feeling like it was all worth it? This was my weekend at Stream 2008 in Franklin, TN. It’s amazing how God can completely take control of a situation you thought you had figured out.

It wasn’t like I was opposed to going or had some personal conviction that made me hesitate. From the position of a worship leader, I had every reason to be there and everything to gain. And even though my first response was out of reluctance, I’m really better off now having attended. I was challenged, I was edified, I was convicted and I was even forced to get out of my comfort zone a little (always a sign that God is near.) Thank goodness Diane, the elders at Highland in Abilene and most assuredly the hand of God all agreed that allowing Mike Cope to make an exception to his sabbatical was a good idea! All of us were blessed to be with Mike this weekend as he led us into the throne room.

We all tend to be snobs in our own ways. Some of us are clothing snobs, who only wear the latest from Banana and JCrew. Others could be car snobs, who crave that Mercedes emblem and all that it entails. My cousin Jim Sallie just brought this one to my attention – some of us are even coffee snobs. Now there you might be getting close with me. Folgers and Maxwell House just don’t cut it anymore since I’ve seen the light and I just might fit into that category. Nevertheless, most of us have that one thing. Is it scary that my initial reluctance to the idea of going to Stream was because I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of Ken Young leading worship?

I don’t think it’s a bad thing that Brandon Scott Thomas and the Zoe Group are my absolute favorites when it comes to worship. I had just come off my first Zoe Conference in October and I really didn’t think Ken and Hallal would quite compare. And after it was all said and done, I still prefer the Zoe Group but the important thing I gained was not more validation for my preconceived opinions. I saw God this weekend. It was Lisa, the Memphian turned Franklinian whose husband left her a week ago but she is seeking the face of God instead of relying on anything else to get her through. It was the drama on Friday night, the one that often defines my life so eloquently – I cry every time. It was the testimony of Mike Cope, who only now is allowing himself to grieve after years of trying to be the strong one. And it was my Dad, who never fails to show me how to be a better man.

Strangely enough, I took away a song or two from worship with Ken that I think we might be able to use at Highland. Never thought that would happen but it just might. And what could be better than toping it off by having lunch with Justin + Carrie, a random appearance by Mike Beck and another sweet victory by the No. 1 Memphis Tigers. Honestly…if I could have shared it all with Erica. But that’s another conversation for another day in the blog world. This week, don’t be afraid to let God change your perceptions – you’ll probably be better for it.

Normally when I get off work I’m exhausted and last night was no exception. But it was Thursday night and anybody who’s anybody knows what Thursday night is. Basketball night. It’s that one time a week when the “Has-Beens” shake off the rust, lace up the worn Nike’s and hit the court full speed…or at least we’d like to think so.

Last week was a thrilling game of 3-on-3 that lifted our spirits and egos that night, yet attacked our bodies with bruises and aches the next day. Last night was fun as well, even though we had fewer people – I’ve recently garnered a huge respect for the guys that get 15-20 rebounds a game. That stuff straight up wears you out. But I love the game…more on that later.

The real reason for this post was to share with you, the avid viewer, my new calling…maybe. After basketball and dinner, my roommate and I borrowed Guitar Hero II from an unknown source and decided we’d give it a shot. Both of us had played previously but hadn’t felt success at the highest level. And we’re both too cheap to buy the game. We set the thing up in our living room and began playing a seemingly harmless and trivial game of DDR for your fingers.

However, those of you who have been enlightened by this game know what happened next. We looked at the time and it was nearing midnight. We started at 9:00 in career mode. And we only had 13 songs left – can’t you understand the urgency and immediate need of winning and achieving Guitar Hero immortality? We did…and…we did. We proclaimed ourselves victors at 1:30 this morning after having played “Freebird” to a raving crowd who clearly wanted more.

How am I ever going to focus at work today…

I’ve tried this once before. I was living in Greece at the time and blogging was the most convenient way to let everyone know the wonders I had seen and experienced that day.

Once back in the States, I was quickly consumed and had (or made) little time for writing. It’s like that time I started a weight-training program and began drinking protein shakes…it lasted about a week.

But I want this time to be different. Before, I had to be wary of what I wrote about and careful not to offend. Now, with seasons of life having passed and the freedom of clean slate, I can set sail for what I’m sure will be a challenging yet rewarding time of reflection.

I long to be shaped and molded by Christ – a desire I hope rests deep within all of you, if you happen to wander these pages. I didn’t form this blog to house my personal vendettas or blast people from the supposed safety of the Internet. And I’m not entirely sure why I made this.

But this just might be the best thing ever…