Beauty School Drop-outs 2

Beauty School Drop-outs

Rock Star & Razr

The Shan

Caught Red-Handed

"We've never done this before."

From Brown to Cherry Red

San Antonio Pics 3

Angles

What is it?

Shadows

In the Frame

Down the Ailse

San Antonio Pics 2

Remember the Alamo!

Guarding the Alamo

San Antonio Pics

San Antonio (Saint Anthony)

Me

Me and Jason @ The Westin

Jason

Jason and his sister Elizabeth

Dear R.C.

I flew home this past Monday because of the death of my friend and former youth, R. C. Allison. The funeral was on Tuesday, and Sparta Baptist Church was packed with people in the sanctuary, hallways, fellowship hall, foyers, and nursery. I've never seen so many people there for anything. That was the impact that R. C. had on people. He loved all, and all love him. So I've decided to write him a letter. As my friend Betsy says, writing is therapeutic.

Dear R. C.,

I'll never forget you, my friend. You will be missed for now. We had many good times together. I think of all the times we shared laughs and more serious conversations.

I remember when I first met you at Camp Crawfordville. My first memory of you is playing volleyball. I even think I have you on video. You were so young then. Speaking of video. I remember that video scavenger hunt we did at the Pierce Memorial UMC VBS. That was hilarious.

Oh, what about the time you, me, Kyle, Wesley, Ben, and Jesse went camping at the quarry! Haha. We almost burned all of our stuff when a can exploded from the fire and coals went everywhere. It was quite a sight! What about the time we were in the woods and you decided to start a fire. That one almost got out of control. We went to church that night smelling like smoke.

I remember going to Six Flags with you, Kyle, Kevin, and their mom. There was a girl that Kyle was checking out, and you told him not to stare. You two together always had a way to make me laugh. I was usually left shaking my head and smiling.

I really enjoyed being your youth minister. Sometimes I couldn't keep you quiet, and at other times you were the biggest help in keeping others quiet. No matter what you did, no one could really get mad at you. That just the kind of person you were. It was great getting to teach you from the Bible, taking you to camp and retreat, riding with you to eat in Sandersville, and just hanging out with you for the fun of it.

Do you remember the time Ben and I came over and we spent about an hour and a half discussing the theory of time travel. Man we were getting deep!

I remember four years ago when Jamie and Amanda got married. We were there together. You came up to me, and I guess you read my face like a book. You knew what I was thinking. 'Will I ever get married?' You encouraged me so well. You were a good friend.

The sheer number of people that showed up at the funeral home and the funeral showed proved that you were a good friend to a great many. You had quite an impact on people. Bro. Jerry and I were talking about you. You were like one of our own (a son to him and a brother to me). To tell you the truth, I've never seen Bro. Jerry more upset than at your funeral. He loved you, and so did me and Jamie. Shoot, a lot of people loved you. Bro. Jerry and Bro. Allen did a good job at your funeral. You would be very proud of them. I don't know if you were able to watch or not (I don't know how that works), but it went well. I hurt with your family for their loss. As I told your granny, 'we grieve, but not like those who have no hope.'

You, however, I'm happy for. You have gone home to be with Jesus Christ. It must be something absolutely wonderful!

Man, I could go on and on, but I'll stop for now. I look forward to seeing you again and talking with you about so many things. We never were able to get together to eat before I left for Texas, but we shall feast together in heaven.

I don't know how long I have left on this crazy world (only the Lord does), but to you it will seem only be a few minutes before I join you in heaven. Until then, I bid you farewell.

Your friend,
Bob

Adventures in San Antonio: Days 6, 7, & 8

Here's a recap of my last three days with Jason in San Antonio.

On Friday, St. Patrick's Day, we met up with his friends (and mine now) to see V for Vendetta. Great movie! The message, however, is very clear. If you've seen the movie, you know what I'm talking about. If you are planning on seeing it soon (don't worry, I won't ruin it for you), you won't be disappointed. After the movie, we met back at Jason's house to hang out for a while. After most had left, a few of us watched Boondock Saints to celebrate the holiday. Oh yeah, for the first part of the day, Jason and I worked on our book idea.

On Saturday, we worked on the book some more. We imagined what it must have been for writers such as Tolkien and Lewis to sit down together and work on material. That evening, we went over to Kimberly's house for dinner. Johnny, Elizabeth's boyfriend, joined us and we had a grand old time. The weather was perfect. The wind and temperature provided a great backdrop for backporch grilling and chatting. The dinner itself was fantastic (grilled chicken, salad, rice, grilled vegetables, etc...mmmm)! After we ate, we watched The Count of Monte Christo. Excellent movie! "GOD WILL GIVE ME JUSTICE." Amen!

Sunday was a sad day because I had to leave. Jason and I went to UUMC that morning, and I said goodbye to the gang. Elizabeth treated us to Papasitto's for lunch. When we got back to the house, I gathered my belongings and said my goodbyes to Johnny, Elizabeth, and Jason. The trip back was horrible. A four hour drive turned into six hours! It was a combination of the weather and the Spring Break traffic.

I want to thank Jason, his family, and his friends for their gracious hospitality! I really enjoyed my Spring Break in San Antonio! 'Till next time...

Adventures in San Antonio: Day Five

Another great day! Sleep and reading made up the first part of the day. Then Jason's friend, Christine, came over and the three of us had a good time discussing life. After a while we went to Border's and Barnes and Noble to spend some more time in the book stores. Book stores are wonderful by the way. We also made a trip to Old Navy for Jason to get a St. Patrick's Day shirt and to Target for me to get mine. Christine also bought some stuff and both places, but I can't remember what they were.

Tonight was Bible Study night for the college group at UUMC, so that's where we went next. We had an awesome time singing, studying the Word, and praying together. They are such a great group...Jason has some great friends, and it was fun meeting them.

Afterwards, we (me, Jason, Lauren, Kara, Brian, and Christine) headed over to Double Daves Pizza for some supper. This is also Adam's workplace, and since he was working, we got a 20% discount. Hooray for Adam! The pizza rolls were fantastic...definitely the best I've ever had! The fellowship of friends was good too. I really enjoyed chatting with Brian about the NCAA tournament and Da Spurs.

Ice Age was next on the agenda. We met back at Jason's to watch the movie. It was my first time seeing it, as well as Kara's, and I have to say it was very funny.

Don't forget, "It's St. Patty's Day, everyone's Irish today."

Adventures in San Antonio: Day Four

Today, we slept in. It was very nice. For lunch we ordered a pizza from Pizza Hut, and watched TV for a while. Then it was off to the local book stores to do some research for our book.

When we got to Borders, we realized that neither of us brought anything to write with or on. However, Borders sells journals and such. We'll just buy a pen and a journal...so we thought. The journal wouldn't have been a problem. The pen, however, was. I can't believe they don't sell pens. There were no stores nearby either so we took ourselves to Target to get some cheap notebooks and pens.

In the same shopping center stood Barnes and Noble. We went in, found some books to check out, and found a table. As time passed, our table acquired more and more books. We found some good ones, and we found some not so good ones for our research. I wish I could tell you more about it, but I'll keep it between me and Jason for now.

After spending three or four hours in the bookstores, we headed back to the house for dinner. We watched Tarzan with Elizabeth, and then headed out to go flip some cards with the boys (some of Jason's friends). The game (which lasted several hours) was Texas Hold 'Em (tournament style), and I ended up in second place! I had a good time hanging out with those guys.

As for moving to San Antonio, Jason is up to reason #5,005 (we skipped around a bit). Well, I'm really tired now, so I'm signing off. Chill to the next episode!

Adventures in San Antonio: Day Three

Hello all! Thank you for joining me again for this edition of my ventures in San Antonio. I think Jason and I are on Reason #3122 for me moving down here. Things have been great, and I'm loving it.

This morning, Jason made some excellent pancakes for brunch and we were off to see the Alamo. Before we go there though, we stopped in to see Kimberly, Jason's sister who provided us with the Spurs tickets. We also ended up going to visit Elizabeth again at the Westin.

When we arrived at the Alamo, I was impressed. I've read and studied about it (I mean, I did major in history), but to actually see it in person was quite an honor. Since it is spring break, there were so many people there...people everywhere. You're supposed to be quiet and respectful when visiting the old Spanish mission, but anything but quiet and respectful was happening today. After checking it out and snapping a few photographs, we left to head towards the Quarry area of San Antonio.

Jason had applied for a youth position at a church over there, so we stopped in so he could check up on it. While he was inside talking to the youth pastor, I was outside doing some photography. There was some beautiful architecture. I found my way into a garden chapel, it was a great opportunity to pause and reflect on God's greatness. After a bit, I went back outside to take some more pictures. That's when an old couple (obviously German and from out of town) decided to flag me down and ask me for directions. I really wanted to help them, but I myself wasn't from around here...so I pointed the way to the church office.

I eventually made my way inside to find Jason. He and the youth pastor were talking and they invited me in to join them. After a bit more of chatting, we were able to tour the church. They have fantastic facilities with a lot of room for growth. The sanctuary was beautifully built in the old gothic style in the shape of a cross (cruciform), like so many sanctuaries and cathedrals. It's designed to aid in worship. Unfortunately, most of our churches have to operate on a very tight budget and can't build sanctuaries that cause you to stand in awe of God's majesty.

After that, we headed back to Jason's house to eat. That was the plan anyway. We ended up just watching TV and falling asleep for a little while. This was not a bad thing, however, because we needed to rest before we went to the game.

Ah yes, the game! Go Spurs Go! I had a blast at the SBC Center, home of the San Antonio Spurs, NBA Champions 1999, 2003, and 2005. The New Orleans Hornets kept it a pretty close game with the Spurs only getting ahead by ten points at any given time. It was a great game! I loved getting to see Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Brent Barry, Michael Finley, Manu Ginobili, Robert Horry, and Nick Van Exel. What a great team! The Spurs defeated the Hornets 96-81.

After the game we came back home, laughing all the way. Tomorrow, we turn our attention to our book idea. Tune in tomorrow for more updates on the adventures in San Antonio.

Adventures in San Antonio: Day Two

Sleep, sleep, and more sleep...finally, I was able to sleep. I love spring break. Today has been a good one. Jason and I had quesadillas for lunch. For dinner, we went to the Westin downtown and met his sister, Elizabeth, for a fabulous meal together right on the San Antonio River. Even the conversations were great, most of them being about relationships, and it's encouraging to hear that there are actually ladies out there looking for good men. It was an absolutely gorgeous evening. The temperature was just right. Of course, Jason asked me throughout the night about moving down here.

San Antonio is a beautiful city! Jason and I did the whole River Walk thing and took the boat tour. I learned some interesting things regarding the city and its history. Oh, downtown actually has trees. I think it's a city ordinance for businesses to have a certain amount of trees. Downtown San Antonio, with its trees and river, is absolutely beautiful...quite a sight for sore eyes. I mean, what does Fort Worth have? The Water Gardens...yeah, that was a big disappointment when I went to see that.

I also have eyes for the romantic. I am a romantic. Jason and I walked around discussing various locations that would make great dates. For example, the mall area on the river would make a great date. You have the river, the lights, and the music. Since there's music, you could do some dancing on the bridge. On top of those things, there are the stores at the mall to look around in, and lots of great restaraunts to eat at.

After getting back from downtown, we watched a movie about doing away with evil and injustice. It was a good one. Now, it's time for bed because Jason and I have another exciting and fun-filled day planned for tomorrow. In the morning, we're going to see the Alamo and some stuff downtown. I hope to do some photography while I'm there. Tomorrow night, it's off to see the San Antonio Spurs take on the New Orleans Hornets. Jason's other sister, Kimberly, was able to get us free tickets to the game. Sweet! It's always good to get to see one of your favorite sports teams play at home. Last year, I was able to see the Yankees play in Yankee Stadium, and now the Spurs at home!

This was also a cool day because I learned that my cousin William and his wife, Amy, brought a baby boy into the world. I send them my congratulations and my prayers. I can't wait to see him!

Adventures in San Antonio: Day One

Well, I'm on spring break; and let me tell you, I'm so happy. For one thing, I'm away from classes, work, and Fort Worth for a whole week! Second, I'm able to spend the whole week in San Antonio with one of my best and most loyal friends in all of the world, Jason Weaver.

It's been great so far! Jason has asked me at least a dozen times already about when I'm going to move to San Antonio. Who am I to say that I won't one day? Only the Lord knows that, but it would be fun. Come to think of it, San Antonio does have an extention center for Southwestern...

The drive down from Fort Worth only took about four hours, and that was with heavy traffic, especially in Austin. By the way, I've discovered that Texas needs something else to interest its people other than a car pulled over by a cop. Traffic came to a hault. It was stop and go for a long ways. I was thinking, something really bad has happened ahead of me. No! It was just some guy stopped for speeding or something (I really don't know), and I guess the others drivers had nothing better to do than stop and look intently.

After arriving at Jason's, we played pool, played Halo (I'm terrible now...I miss the Halo nights at Northside), went to Chili's for supper, and hung out with his friend Adam (an awesome guy by the way...very knowledgeable) until about midnight. Jason and I caught up with one another, laughed a lot, and he even filled me in on some information that I didn't know (man, that's just psycho). We're home now...I'm looking forward to a wonderful week with my friend.

"The Bridge"

My friend, Mike Nelson, wrote this poem about the atonement of Jesus Christ. I'd like to share it with you.

There is a place I want to go,
but an obstacle I have encountered.
It is my sins that are blocking my path,
and preventing me from going any farther.
I can see the light of heaven,
but how can I possibly span this great divide?
So I wandered hopelessly through the darkness,
looking for anything that might provide,
a means of somehow traversing my sins,
so that I could get to the other side.
I tried everything that man could think of,
but these all failed to get me across.
Then I came upon a narrow bridge,
its shape in the form of a cross.
At its entrance hung a very large sign,
addressed simply to "The Lost."

So I approached the sign with caution,
and slowly began to read.
It said, "Although His holiness demands judgment,
His love desires to set all sinners free.
So be careful not to slip or stumble,
on the blood that you will see.
For it is the price that had to be paid,
to make atonement for you and me.
Forgiveness awaits all those who enter,
but to enter you must first believe,
in the one who shed this righteous blood,
so that divine satisfaction could be achieved.
For this bridge stands as the Holy testament,
to what God has so graciously done.

For He has reconciled a world of sin,
through the sacrifice of His Son.
His holiness and love collided,
at this bridge called Calvary.
There is no greater act of kindness,
that mankind will ever see.
So please step forward and put your faith,
in the one who gives us the victory.
For the blood that purchased this bridge to heaven,
came from Jesus of Galilee.“

So I opened my heart and invited Him in,
and off across the bridge I went,
with the blood He shed cleansing my sin,
and to me His righteousness being sent.
Now I serve as His disciple,
helping others to know what it meant,
for God the Son to come to earth,
in the form of a humble servant.
His sinless body they did slay,
but not without His consent,
and not because He deserved to suffer,
for innocence need not to repent.
But in our place He willingly died,
so the Father is now content,
to forgive all those who believe,
of the sins that they commit.

© 2006 Michael T. Nelson

Suns 115, Mavs 107...Scorched!

Wisdom from the Fool

I recently read The Praise of Folly by Desiderius Erasmus, and I have to say that I found a lot of it to be quite humorous. Not much has changed from his day to ours. Anyway, as I was reading through, I came across a line and said to myself, "That would be great for the quote page." Well, I started seeing a lot of those great lines, so I decided to put compile them together, instead of putting a lot of quotes by Erasmus on the quote page. Erasmus wrote this book from the perspective of folly or foolishness personified, so keep that in mind as you read these.

"The flatterer adorns a crow with other birds' feathers, washes the Ethiopian white, and, in sum, makes an elephant out of a gnat."

"To know nothing affords the happiest life." -Sophocles

"What is it in children, that we should kiss them the way we do, and cuddle them, and fondle them--so that even an enemy would give aid to one of that age--except this enchantment of folly, which prudent nature carefully bestows on the newly born; so that by this pleasure, as a sort of prepayment, they win the favor of their nurses and parents and make these forget the pains of bringing them up."

"Men who really are among the most foolish have thought that by nights without sleep, and by their sweat, they could purchase fame--I know not what sort of fame, but certainly nothing could be more empty."

"Indeed, we distinguish a wise man from a fool by this, that reason governs the one, and passion the other."

"Men everywhere teem with so many forms of folly and daily devise so many new ones that a thousand Democrituses would not suffice for laughing at them--and there would be work, then, for one more Democritus to laugh at the laughers."

"Here is a fellow dying for love of a sweet young thing, and the less he is loved in return, the more helplessly he is in love."

"Let me turn to those who maintain among mortals an appearance of wisdom and, as the saying is, seek for the golden bough. Among these the grammarians hold first place."

"A prince is in such a position that if he lapses ever so slightly from honesty, straightway a dangerous and vital infection spreads to many people."

"Fortune loves those who are less than discreet, she loves the rasher sort, and the ones who are fond of that saying, 'The die is cast.' But wisdom makes men meticulous, which is why you commonly see that the traffic of wise men is with poverty, hunger, and smoke; you see them living neglected, inglorious, and disliked."

"If you don't have a thing, simulate it."

"To pretend to be a fool is sometimes the highest wisdom."

"It is sweet to play the fool in season." -Epicurus

"Be giddy and taken for a dolt, than be wise and fret." -Epicurus

"Everything is full of fools." -Cicero

"Human life is nothing but a sport of folly."

"Solomon, Chapter 15: 'A fool,' he says, 'delights in his folly,' that is, he clearly acknowledges that without folly nothing in life is sweet."

"No fools seem to act more foolishly than do the people whom zeal for Christian piety has got possession of; for they pour out their wealth, they overlook wrongs, allow themselves to be cheated, make no distinction between friends and enemies, shun pleasure, glut themselves with hunger, wakefulness, tears, toils, and reproaches; they disdain life and dearly prefer death; in short, they seem to have grown utterly numb to ordinary sensations, quite as if their souls lived elsewhere and not in their bodies."

"Plato defined philosophy as 'a study of death,' because it leads the mind away from visible and bodily things, and certainly death does the same."

"Even a foolish man will often speak a word in season." -Greek proverb

Back on the Board

Since the weather has been absolutely fabulous, I decided to get out the skateboard (a gift from Ben Joiner) and get some exercise and fresh air. Although it's been a while since I skated, my feet felt natural being back on the board. My ollies aren't what they used to be though...gotta work on that. I pretty much skated all over my neighborhood in Fort Worth, but after a while my left foot started hurting because it was not used to being planted on a piece of wood on wheels. That will go away with a little more time on the board, though.

I'd also like to comment on Kristen's cousin's knowledge of skateboarding...I'm impressed.

Spurs 98, Mavs 89...Oh Yeah!

Psalm 23

The Ten Commandments