Facebook's help desk has responded!!!

I received a reply from Audrina at Facebook's Help Desk in response to my email that my last name is legit! I had to supply my exact birthdate and I think she is going to go ahead and process everything.

Stay tuned. I might be on Facebook yet! Tye out.

Facebook won't have me!!!

I tried to register with Facebook and was not able to because they deemed my name inappropriate. I guess the fact that my last name has something to do pornographers and people seeling less than reputable stuff is what has landed me in this quandary. hmmm

I sent an email per their help desk to see if there is something I can do about it. If you have any ideas on what I can do to overcome this, please let me know. We'll see! Tye out.

A pumpkin for Mackenzie

Mackenzie and I headed up to Bart's Farm for a pumpkin and a pony ride today after lunch and we were disappointed to find out that they were not offering pony rides this year. However, we did get a pumpkin and will probably do the carving tonight. Dad out.

Denver and the Mile High Orchestra

It's Saturday night and I'm feeling the effects of a recently acquired cold - I don't feel so hot. So, I'm sitting here on the couch watching an incredible football game: Ohio State and Penn State.

But you all know that I REALLY would prefer to be blowing some great jazz music, and as luck would have it I found this clip of Denver and the Mile High Orchestra and thought I would share it with you. The tenor sax solo is incredible and I love that vintage Mark VI. I had one once upon a time and got rid of it because I didn't think it could be used to glorify God. Too bad. So, I'm praying that the Lord will give it back to me. Maybe some day. Enjoy the vid. Jammin' Tye out.

Drywall taping, strategic plans, and a staff retreat

This was another busy week and I got a lot done. Tuesday night I did some work in the basement and then on Wednesday we finished taping the drywall. Thanks to Mark Retter for helping me get this done. Last night I cut the grass and cleaned out the garage. Part of that cleaning was finally fixing my racing bike and the small Trek bike I have. I haven't rode since July because of the broken rim and remodeling the basement. Scott Kacena gave me a new rim for the back and it looks really good on the bike.

I am writing this from East Iowa Bible Camp where our Elders, deacons, and equipping staff are having our annual strategic planning retreat. I have the privilege of leading worship again this year and really enjoyed playing and leading again. Tonight I shared my 5 year plans and I am sooo excited about the future of New Covenant Bible Church.

It's late, so I need to check out. Have a great weekend! Tye out.

Yogi Berra "non" quote of the week

It's been a busy week so I haven't had a chance to do any blog posts. Sorry. I'll try to get back in the saddle next week.

This week's Yogi Berra quote is a non-quote. Yogi never said it, so it's a non-quote quote:

"It's deja vu all over again."
(What a howler! Yogi never said it, Yogi says he never said it in his book, yet the clown who wrote the jacket notes of his book says he said it.)

Panera Ponderings

Today was a short day at Panera. They had too many people and offered to let me leave early, at 10:30 AM, after only working for 4 1/2 hours. So I ran home, showered, and headed on back to Panera to work on this side of the counter. I left the church last night at 6 PM with about 3 hours work left.

Last week I had a lady come to my register at Panera who was quite condescending and difficult. Worse yet, she had her teen daughter watching her pushy ways. She rattled off her order so fast not even Superman could have kept up! Then, I asked for clarification and she did it again!!! In the end her impatience and demeaning ways cost her more time than it saved her. She was back in this morning and was treating Susan like a cheap servant. Why do people do this? Is she any better than us? (hmm, I am sure glad you asked that question!)

(a slight rant warning) Some people feel they are better than others. They are demanding and demeaning to others who lack their social status. Often they are handsome or pretty, have social as well as financial capital, and are used to being in charge everywhere they go. How do I know this? (keep reading)

But for the grace of God, there go I. Once upon a time I treated people like this - ouch. I was brutal to waitresses and sales people. But you know what? Now that I work in a grace environment I cannot bring myself to act this way. But for the grace of God, those beautiful, wealthy people would not have all the above. I'm not rich, but God has blessed me as far as this world is concerned.

Instead, I want to strive to be thankful for what God has given me and use it for his honor and glory.

That's it for now. Love God, love people. Lord help me to do this. Tye out.

But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 The NET Bible

Yogi Berra quote of the week

"Even the music was nice."
(Yogi's comment about the opera Tosca.)

Watershed, teaching Trekkers, and more work on the basement

I have been very busy this week! Our five year ministry goals are due tomorrow and I just finished mine this morning. There have been a lot of meetings this week including our architect from Atlanta. Tonight I am performing at Watershed and sharing my testimony as well. The reason I do this is so that I can stay sharp with my communication/presentation skills, what little I have!

Tomorrow I work at Panera from 6 AM - 2 PM. After that I have to work on the drywall on the stairs and finish that up and get ready to hang doors Saturday morning. Then on Sunday afternoon Mark and I are going to finish the rest of the drywall tape that we didn't get to Tuesday night.

I am teaching the Trekkers ABF here at New Covenant Bible Church this Sunday so I have to get ready for that. I am going to be sharing about David and Goliath. That is a great example of David's servant leadership early on in his life and how his attitude of serving helped him become the "Great King David."

Have a great weekend. Tye out.

Judy begins clinicals at Hiawatha Care Center

Yesterday morning Judy made her way over to Hiawatha (a couple miles) to start the hands on aspect of her RN training. She spent most of the day researching drugs but did get to give a shot to someone - and so far they have not died!!! ha! The picture was taken at 6:40 AM and she looks ready-to-go!

These are busy days around the Male's household. Two people in college, a basement remodeling project, and jobs for three of the six in our home. Judy has never worked outside the home so this has been an adjustment for everyone. Thankfully the children are older now and can fend for themselves. Mackenzie needs coaching every now and then but pretty much knows what to do.

Congrats Judy on another milestone. Tye out.

NCBC big band performs

Sunday was an awesome day as the NCBC Big Band performed in all four services. We played a real kicking version of Blessed Assurance arranged for Denver and Mile High Orchestra. Then we played a saucy version of a hymn that has escaped my mind right now - it's late. Listen here.

I never dreamed there would be a day when I would be playing my fave kind of music in church. Thanks to Gary and Angie who work so hard so that we can use our gifts and talents for the Lord.

The bedroom window and wall are done!!!

Welp, it's been a long time coming and tonight I put up the drywall in the bedroom that marks the end of the drywalling! That egress window put the brakes on the project for quite some time because I couldn't decide what to do. The route I took was a lot of work but in the end I believe we did the right thing and it turned out even better than I expected. You can click on the pic for a sequence slide show of the work.

I still have to do something around the electrical panel but that shouldn't be too difficult. Tuesday night we are going to do some more taping and mudding. It won't be much longer and we'll be hanging doors, painting walls, and moving Andrew in.

Then I'm going to take a day off. Tye out.

Yogi Berra quote of the week

"Why buy good luggage? You only use it when you travel." (However, Yogi says he has since changed his mind on this subject.)

Jazz at Konstantino's

Last night I had the privilege once again of playing in the Iowa Vanguard Jazz Collective in downtown Cedar Rapids at Konstantino's. It was a good night. We did several rock numbers and also latin tunes. I prefer the straight ahead bepop and hard-swinging, Basie style tunes, but it was still fun to play with such a talented group of musicians.

Thanks to Dave, MaryAnn, and Karen who stopped in to listen. It was cool seeing familiar faces. Dave asked me why I play and I simply told him "pure joy." It is absolutely pure joy to play with a big band.

What do you do for the pure joy of it? I can tell you that I sense God's pleasure when I play music. Tye out.

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 There is nothing better for people than to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in their work. I also perceived that this ability to find enjoyment comes from God. 25 For no one can eat and drink or experience joy apart from him. 26 For to the one who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy but to the sinner, he gives the task of amassing wealth - only to give it to the one who pleases God. This task of the wicked is futile – like chasing the wind! NET Bible

Britney Spears

A young Britney Spears as a "Mousekateer"

Is anyone else out there tired of hearing about all Britney's issues? Here's a past member of the Mickey Mouse club who has had unbelievable success, and that before she probably turned 16. This is a recipe for disaster because someone this young rarely has the maturity to deal with the power and prestige that comes with fame. Just think of all the woes young professional athletes go through. You give a pro athlete or performer (actually those terms are interchangeable) a millions dollars a year and it's a wonder more of them don't screw up their lives.

On a positive note, what if Brit was to have given God the glory for her life and instead of living for herself (hedonism) she was to live for others? What if she took her dancing, singing, and performing gifts/talents and used them to glorify God instead? What if she was to become fully devoted to her husband, K-Fed, and then mother her children? What if she still sang and danced her heart out, but for the glory of God instead? She might not need rehab.

I'm thankful for my modest girls who live in my home. I'm thankful that they love God and want to bring him glory. Thanks Judy for teaching and modeling for our daughters modesty.

So, as I was ranting away here on Britney, let's say a prayer for her and her kids. She is someone's daughter, mother, wife, and friend. God loves her and so should we. And I'm just wandering if I have given into pursuits that do not bring glory to God? hmmm. Tye out.

Ecclesiastes 12:1 So remember¹ your Creator in the days of your youth – before² the difficult³ days come, and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; 12:13 Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion:⁴¹ Fear God and keep his commandments, because this is the whole duty⁴² of man. Net Bible

Growing up fast

This weekend was a great weekend for our two daughters who are senior high. Morgan is in 9th grade and was asked to go to another high school's homecoming on Friday, and also went to her own on Saturday. Morgan is in the red and white dress. Click on the pic for a slide show.

It was a nice evening because they always go as a group which makes it more fun. We are so proud of Morgan. She looked so lovely in her new dress. I'm glad you had a good time! Dad out.

You've got to see this...

Ok, it was a busy weekend. I needed to get rid of almost a ton of dirt that I had dug out of the window well where we put the oversize (in my opinion) window. This amounted to about an extra 2-3 days work, but who's counting.

So, I backed the little pick up truck to the dirt pile and shoveled it into the truck. It was probably too much dirt, and the tires where way under inflated. See pics in slide show.

Very slowly I traveled to the dump area. Then out to the field where I dumped the dirt. Then the truck wouldn't start. I knew the battery was shot, but failed to replace it. The door standing open for an hour killed it. I called Judy and she came out and gave me a boost - out in the field. Thanks for taking time from your studies to help me.

I went over to Sam's and got a battery. Works like a charm!

Back home to shovel more dirt - another entire truck load! Allyson and Morgan were being picked up for their homecoming dance while dear ole dad shoveled more dirt. I did get to see them off though - I think.

Finished up around 7:30 PM and Judy asked me out for a sandwich - first time ever in 22 years! Wow! It felt good! Red Robin to share a hamburger and then Culvers for custard. Tired Tye out.

Yogi Berra quote of the week

Baseball is ninety percent mental; the other half is physical. Yogi Berra

Remodeling, Panera Ponderings, Bible Reading, Indians win, and home life

Personal - This has been a long week. I must confess that I finally ran out of gas last night around 7:30 PM and was unable to work on the basement. I wound up watching the Cleveland Indians win their second game against the Yankees. Having lived in Cleveland for 15 years I would probably have to say I am an Indians fan. However, since I live in Iowa now I have also adopted the Cubs as a team to root for. Everyone loves the underdog, right? ha!

Bible readings - I just passed the one-third mark of my read-through of the NET Bible. I really like it's readability. I am using the "Reader's Edition" which is in columns, but I wish they would publish one in paragraph form. It's much easier to read paragraphs across the page than down columns.

Panera Ponderings - yesterday was a good day at Panera. I trained a newbee on the cash register and was reminded of how much I really enjoy training and equipping people. I have to figure out a way to train and equip people in my "second" vocation; probably in my half-time as well.

Remodeling - the basement remodel is not going very well. I was so busy this week that I had almost no time to work on it. Today will be a 12-14 hour day. I also have to get rid of about a yard of dirt from the window well. Mark and Larry are coming over to help tape this morning. I'll be REALLY glad when this is over.

Home life - just when I didn't think it could get any crazier, yesterday it did. Mackenzie had to sing three songs for 10 minutes at Linn-Mar High School for I don't know why. (a little rant there) Morgan, at the same time, was being picked up to go to Kennedy's Homecoming dance. I was having issues with some work items, and Judy was studying. Andrew had class Friday night and I still don't know where Allyson was/is. HA!

Looking forward to a break...Tye out.

Church Sign Update

I saw this on Eric Bramlett's blog and thought I would share it with you today.

Faith is a journey, not a destination.

Tye out.

a self-serving king

As my blog readers know I have a passion for servant leadership, partly because of the pain I have experienced in the past due to abusive leaders.

A few days ago I was reading about King Saul who started out well, but did not finish that way. David killed Goliath the giant and won the affections of the people. Saul was happy that David took the big guy down, but became sad when David's fame rose above his own. Here's what Samuel records:

The women who were playing the music sang,

"Saul has struck down his thousands,
But David his tens of thousands!"

This made Saul very angry.... So Saul was keeping an eye on David from that day onward.
1 Samuel 18:7-9 NET Bible

Later we find Saul trying to kill David. This is because deep down inside Saul is a very insecure leader and because of that could not celebrate with David. This is a tragic mistake many leaders make.

So, how do you respond when someone else succeeds? When the team chooses another's idea over yours? Are you able to celebrate other people's accomplishments, even when they supersede your own? It's not always easy for me, but I sure try. Tye out.

The bedroom window is in!!!! Yeah!!!!

Ace Concrete Cutting came over around 12:45 PM today and commenced cutting the concrete on our foundation. The cut was only 8 inches down and 47 inches across. You can click on the pic for a slide show of the whole ordeal, I mean project.

Once he finished the cutting, he told me I would need 2x8 framing, not the 2x4 I had planned so it was off to Home Depot for some lumber.

3:30 PM - I started the framing process. I wasn't exactly sure what to do so it took me a while to figure it out. I finished framing it in, screwed the frame in to the opening, and then set the window in place. Whew!

Today is a big day. Today marks the end of a long process of debating about what to do with that window opening. I'm glad it is over, but it has taught me something. First of all, I can do it given enough time. Second, you have to have the right tools. Ted had the right tools - that saw went right through the concrete. Lastly, you have to budget more time than you think because you never know what you will run into. I missed teaching a lesson at 5 PM, big band rehearsal at the church at 6 PM, and CR Jazz at 7 PM. I finished around 8 PM. Tye out.

Yogi Berra Quote of the week (actually last week's)

"Better make it four. I don't think I can eat eight."
(Yogi's reply when asked if he wanted his pizza cut into four or eight slices.)