Really Bad Stunts with Pants

Friday Movie Pick: Madea Goes to Jail

Writer, director and actor Tyler Perry is on the big screen again with Madea Goes to Jail. This movie hit theaters last week, but I am not recommending Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience (Keith you may like the Jonas Brothers) or Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li for obvious reasons. Perry plays his typical three roles in any Madea movie as Madea, Joe, and Brian. The title tells most of the plot and with all Tyler Perry movies it will have a great moral undertone, hilarious real dialogue and a spiritual application.

Check out Madea Goes to Jail and let me know what you think. Oh, and don't forget Slumdog Millionaire, which won 8 Oscars including Best Motion Picture of the Year. Have a great weekend.

God Bless.

This Made Me Laugh

“I don’t like it…change is not running up even bigger deficits than George Bush did…That’s what George Bush did very well. Apparently that’s what President Obama is doing.” Democratic Rep. Gene Taylor of Mississippi concerning President Obama’s budget outline submitted to Capitol Hill.

“It’s certainly not reflected in his budget.” Rep. Taylor stated concerning President Obama’s asking Americans to make sacrifices in his inaugural address.

Time of the Salsa

I enjoy almost everything Mexican food except menudo. I have been making guacamole few several years now and love doing that, but I am tackling salsa now. This is my second batch of a fresh salsa with a slight variation with the addition of cilantro. I am not really trying to make anything unique or different, but just trying to match some of my favorite restaurant salsas (or get close).

If you have any tips, tricks or recipes, drop me a comment. God Bless.

What is Ash Wednesday and Lent?

I have had several people ask me about Lent and Ash Wednesday. Not being Catholic, I had to do some research and ask around. This information comes from several sources, but this is what I came up with:

In the Roman Catholic Church, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Ash Wednesday originated in the 900s and the official name is Day of Ashes. It is called Ash Wednesday because the saints have their foreheads marked with ashes in the shape of a cross on Wednesday (40 before Good Friday).

According to the Bible a mark on the forehead is a symbol of a person's ownership. When one has their foreheads marked with the sign of a cross it symbolizes that the person belongs to Jesus Christ. A friend of mine told me it is, “to remind us that we came from ashes and will return to ashes (death).” In addition to ashes, Ash Wednesday is also a day of fasting.

Lent is based on the passage from Matthew 9:15 (KJV) that says:

“And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.”

Some sources say the Apostles fasted as they mourned the death of Jesus. The forty day fast preceding Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Good Friday continues to be practiced today. This fast has morphed into giving up meat instead of an actually fast for most people. Some people give up other items, such as TV, video games, bread, beer, etc. Ultimately, the focus of the fast should be to focus on Christ and his sacrifice on the cross.

I don’t believe this a requirement, but is a great liturgical practice for focusing on Christ.

That is what I came up with. If you have any more information, please let me know.

Hot Hearts 2009 – Highland Lakes Encampment

Kari and I headed out to the camp in Spicewood to help put the finishing touches on sound and lights for the annual Hot Hearts Conference on Friday morning. The event was being held in the brand new Miles Auditorium. As some of you know, Miles Auditorium burned to the ground in December of 2006. Countless men and women worked without sleep and days off to hold the first event in the new auditorium this past weekend (although work is still needed, it was complete enough to have this event).

33 Miles, Mike Satterfield and Skitzo headlined the event and did a great job. As stage manager and green room host, Kari and I spent a good amount of time with each of these talented people and were very impressed by each of them. One of my friends asked 33 Miles, “You guys have gotten big over the last year, what do you think about that?” One of the band members replied, “We don’t know it.” I think this is such a great response in our “me society.” These guys were very classy and a pleasure to work with.

Bro. Mike Satterfield brought the Word. It is always a pleasure and a joy to work with and hear Mike preach. God used Mike in such a way that after the conference concluded over 35 students had made decisions to follow Christ (and only God knows how many seeds were planted!). Mike shared he recently resigned from his church and is now a full-time evangelist (don’t forget to keep him in your prayers as he embarks on this new stage in his ministry).

Skitzo, the hilarious Christian drama team, brought down the house with laughter. Chris H. leads this comedy group and always has everyone laughing no matter what. We enjoyed the bonus comedy show in the green room.

The auditorium was very live and the band, maybe a little too loud at times, but the volume did make improvements at each session. Overall, I think it still needs work, but it was great first event in Miles Auditorium. I believe God is going to continue to use Highland Lakes in a mighty way and I am excited to hear how the summer goes.

Breaking News: It’s a Boy!

As most of you know already, Kari and I have announced we are having a boy. Thanks to Insert Title Here and Facebook, the information is easily disseminated. Here is a peek at what happened yesterday:

Wednesday morning Kari and I slept till about ten and Kari was craving a sausage kolache. We went to the one place we know that makes great kolaches, Donut Palace in Pflugerville. With time to spare, we ate breakfast and also planned a trip to say hello to our friend Herb.

At about one o’clock we headed to the hospital. Kari drank the required 20 plus ounces and we arrived before our 1:30pm appointment. At about 2:30pm and two restroom breaks later, we finally saw the ultrasound tech. There my wife confessed she could not hold it and had emptied her bladder. The tech was very forgiving and even said, “Don’t worry; it will fill back up by the time this is over.”

We were in the room for about an hour. We saw almost all of Baby’s growing body. The images I enjoy the most are shots of the bones and than seeing the skin forming around the bone. The details on these ultrasounds are amazing (although the attached prints aren’t that great). The weaving of life in my wife’s tummy is very awesome.

Our baby boy is 11 ounces (don’t ask me how they know that) and a few days older than what was speculated. This will not change the current due date of July 20th. His heart beat ranged from 150 to 160 beats per minute. We counted the four chambers of the heart, 10 little toes and 10 little fingers.

He moved the entire time. At one point he was opening and closing his mouth. He was doing flips, kicking and raising his arms up and down. The ultrasound tech even had trouble getting a few shots he was moving so much.

The ultrasound appointment was completed and we headed to the monthly checkup. Our doctor was out yesterday so we met Dr. Campbell. She talked to us briefly and checked baby’s heartbeat and we were out the door.

At this point it was already 5pm. With plans to meet my Dad and Donna at Patsy’s Cowgirl Café we headed south. We arrived in south Austin and headed to Target for some baby registering. Kari and I spent about 45 minutes shooting various items from pacifiers to strollers.

At about 7:00pm we arrived at Patsy’s Cowgirl Café to meet my Dad and Donna. They greeted us with gift for our baby boy, an Amarillo Gorillas hockey T-shirt. We enjoyed the conversation, dinner and a show with them and headed home about 9:00pm (Patsy’s Cowgirl Café review to come). By the time we got home, we were beat. I quickly posted the below and went to bed.

Thanks for all your prayers and support. God Bless.

We're Having a Boy!

Click on the picture to make it bigger.Sorry for the delay. News and info to come tomorrow...Time for bed! Did I say we're having a boy?

Pre-Baby News

Today Kari and I are headed to the doctor to see Baby. Kari is really looking forward to dreading drinking 20 ounces of water and then holding it for an hour before the appointment. It should be an interesting hour since she usually uses the restroom at least 10 times an hour.

We are very excited about today’s appointment because we will learn the sex of Baby Hellums. Thank you so much for all your voting on the poll. Later this afternoon (4ish) we will officially announce if Baby is a boy or a girl and release new Baby pictures; stay tuned to Insert Title Here.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers. God Bless

Happy Birthday, Mom!

David T. in Las Vegas

I have a buddy named David who felt called to pick up and leave Austin, TX to help start a church in Las Vegas, NV called the Verve. So, that’s what he and his family did at the first of January, they packed their earthly treasures and headed to the desert.

David is a servant of God. He is always willing to help anyone, almost any time it seems. I met David through another friend and hung out with him once about a year ago. In the conversation I mentioned I was moving. He boldly said, “when and where?” I gave him the details and he showed up. He was such a huge blessing to our family. We would go on to make several short films and have many laughs together.

I wanted to recommend David’s blog so you can follow him and his families journey in Las Vegas as they serve God and others. Oh, and don't forget to keep them in your prayers. Just the trip alone to Vegas was very entertaining, so check it out.

God Bless.

Where in the Picture is Jeremy?

My friend Lindsay emailed me this picture last week. Can you find me?!? Go Bastrop Bears!

Oswalt Concerning Performance-Enhancing Drugs in MLB

"A-Rod's numbers shouldn't count for anything. I feel like he cheated me out of the game."

"It does bother me. Especially for the guys that went out there and did it on talent. We're always going to have a cloud on us, and that's not fair at all."

"I'm going out there with the ability God gave me. They have that ability, too, and they're putting something on top of it."

Friday Movie Pick: The International

Each time I see the preview I get very excited about this film. I was telling a buddy yesterday I want to see Taken (see previous Friday Movie Pick) and The International. The International hits theaters today.

Clive Owen plays an Interpol Agent named Louis Salinger in The International. Along with Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Eleanor Whitman played by Naomi Watts, these two investigate one of the world's most powerful banking institutions in order to expose their worldwide corruption. This film takes the characters worldwide as they gather evidence against the corrupt bank and they must guard their lives in this action suspense film.

Let me know if you see it and what you think.

Poll Note and Other stuff: Only a few more days left on the question, “Baby Hellums? Boy or Girl.” I am very excited to see such much participation in the poll. At this point 56% believe Baby Hellums is a boy and 43% say Baby is a girl. If you haven’t voted yet, get your vote in before Wednesday and keep an eye out on Wednesday for Wednesday Baby News: Major Announcement.

Happy Valentines Eve. God Bless.

Valentines Blog Tour: For Couples Only: Eyeopening Insights about How the Opposite Sex Thinks

Unfortunately I did not actually get the time to read or have someone else read these two books. I did pass one to a friend, but she was to busy to find time to read. I have looked at the introductions of both books and within the first few pages did learn something new about myself and my mate. The introductions give chapter summaries that look to be filled with insightful information and I am looking forward to reading them. So, most of the following is from the publisher:

The For Couples Only is a boxed set of For Men Only and For Women Only. These books provide the perfect resource to help you understand what you never knew about the woman or man in your life. Written by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn these two stand alone books are based on input from more than a thousand members of the opposite sex—including an unprecedented nationwide survey and hundreds of personal interviews.

Whether you are newly dating or have been married fifty years, get ready to know each other in a whole new way. The adventure is just beginning!

Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn hold graduate degrees from Harvard University and are active church members and the parents of two young children, and they enjoy every minute of living life at warp speed.

Check out this set at amazon.com. I think it is worth your time.

This post concludes the Valentines Blog Tour, but if you missed the previous post check out the book reviews for I Do Again and Love As A Way Of Life Devotional. I hope that everyone has a great Friday the 13th and a wonderful weekend. God Bless.

Valentines Blog Tour: Love As A Way Of Life Devotional

Love As A Way Of Life Devotional by best-selling author Dr. Gary Chapman guides readers on a 90 day look at seven characteristics of authentic love. I did not have 90 days to complete this devotional, but did get a chance to review several of the daily reads. Kari has read the introduction and for the purposes of this tour I read several days in one day. The seven characteristics mentioned are kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty.

This is an easy to read devotional. Each entry opens with a passage of scripture and than tells a short story accurately portraying the characteristic of love indicated in the section of the book. The contagious aspect of this book is how applicable and to the point it is. A reader can sit down and in less than 3 minutes read through the daily devotional. I would encourage spending more than 3 minutes on the scripture, mediation and prayer, but it is good to know you can put the positive aspect of love in your head quick and dwell on it throughout the day.

Dr. Gary Chapman is the author of twenty-six books, including the New York Times bestseller The Five Love Languages, with more than 4 million copies in print. The author is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton College, Wake-Forest University, and Southwestern Seminary, serves on a church staff in North Carolina.

Check out this book at amazon.com

Are you Ready for Socialism?

I have limited access to Rush Limbaugh, but I heard him talking about Tom Daschle’s book Critical: What We Can Do About the Health-Care Crisis. He went on to talk about the proposed Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research, how our medical records will become digitized and medical treatment trends followed by the federal government.

Then I was forwarded this link.

This is an article by Betsy McCaughey who is the former lieutenant governor of New York. She highlights Bill Number H.R.1 (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009)

McCaughey points out that, “Daschle says health-care reform “will not be pain free.” Seniors should be more accepting of the conditions that come with age instead of treating them. [He] also praises Europeans for being more willing to accept “hopeless diagnoses” and “forgo experimental treatments,” and he chastises Americans for expecting too much from the health-care system.”

The President is now pushing and advocating the passage of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 as quickly as possible so he can begin the transformation of America. After reading this article, I don’t like this new transformation (or change).

Are you kidding me! The links are there, read them yourself and make your decision. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is not the answer and neither is Obama.

Buckle your seat belts.

Valentines Blog Tour: I Do Again

“It was extremely insightful.”

“The book is very encouraging.”

I Do Again by Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs are the founders of Hope Matters Marriage Ministries. After years of frustration, Cheryl’s desire for emotional fulfillment led to an affair and, finally, divorce. Seven years later, Jeff and Cheryl once again stood at the altar, promising to “love, honor, and cherish” one another. A new and vibrant love had risen out of the ashes of this family’s pain.

My mother in law, Ruth, came over for the weekend and picked up I Do Again from my coffee table. I told her about the plot and she asked, “Can I read it?” I replied, “Sure.” I have taken her thoughts and some words to give you an idea of how amazing this book is.

This book is about change. One of the biggest overlooked problems in a marriage is changing oneself for the betterment of the marriage. I Do Again demonstrates two people “letting God completely change them; otherwise they would not experience their current marriage "made in heaven".” Watching this couple make changes in their own lives is an encouragement to try and make steps to see what changes I can make to improve my marriage.

I Do Again is written like a diary from each of their points of view. This easy to read writing style allowed me to read to book in three nights. It gives insights from both the husband and wife perspective revealing what one another thinks and feels about the situation. Cheryl describes how she felt during the first marriage and yet is unable to express this to her husband. Jeff’s describes that he was just going along thinking everything was fine.

Ultimately this first marriage ends in an affair and divorce, but God shapes Cheryl and Jeff in His own time. This is a huge reminder that God doesn't work on our time. God has His own clock and calendar and have to abide by it. Often times we find ourselves asking God to hurry so we can KNOW and this book shows you to just do what you know He wants you to do now and wait. He will clearly answer in His own time.

This book was extremely insightful and very encouraging.

Check out this book at amazon.com

Stay tuned for more from the Valentines Blog Tour.

No Bailout in Monopoly

Kari and I were over at some friends’ house this weekend and we played a mean game of Monopoly via Play Station 3. Clay and I battled it out for about 2 hours. Clay filed for bankruptcy first and I went head to head with the computer. After mortgaging everything and barely making it by, time had run out and we just decided to quit playing. Gameover!

The interesting thing is, Mr. Monopoly was not willing to give Clay nor I a bailout package. I am sure if we had a bailout package we could have won the game. Although we did not ask because when you play the digital version of Monopoly once you don’t have anymore more cash or property the game is over and you loss your assets to the person you owed money to.

As the house and senate prepare to reach and accord on the America Investment and Recovery Act of 2009, I fear we are on the brink of something any President can't control. Can the American people pull themselves up by their bootstraps? I think so. I just don’t think any federal bailout is going to help. If is a business is out of money, Gameover! I will leave you with this:

"I know that some are skeptical about the size and scale of this recovery plan. This will include unprecedented measures that will allow the American people to hold my Administration accountable. Instead of just throwing money at our problems, we'll try something new in Washington - we'll invest in what works." President Obama

Guess we’ll sit back and see what happens.

Tuesday Baby News

On Saturday, February 7th at approximately 10:50 pm, Kari received two swift hits in the belly. Baby delivered the first hit, the smaller of the two and than closed with a shocking hit making Kari exclaim, “Wow, that was a shock!” I asked Kari what it felt like and she replied, “It felt like someone was poking me, but from the inside." WOW, I can’t even imagine how amazing and strange that would be. This was the first major movement by Baby to date.

Kari is now experiencing daily movements by Baby Hellums, but mostly occurring late at night. About midnight on Sunday night, Kari was actually able to feel the movement with her hand. I tried to catch a bit of the movement, but missed out.

This new phase of the pregnancy has now made me a little more anxious about February 18th. I have being doing very well mentally about not being to consumed with thinking about that appointment, but since these movements have started it is becoming harder. Kari is now experiencing weekly morning sickness, but weekend reprieves.

Other News: Insert Title Here occasional participates in blog tours and is proud to announce this week begins the Valentines Blog Tour. I signed up for this tour sometime in January and forgot to mention it to Kari. These books are love and marriage related and so I received a text message from my wife stating, “Just got a bunch of marriage books in the mail, are we ok?” I laughed out loud to myself and responded, “Its part of the blog tour, LOL!” It was a pretty funny moment. So, stay tuned for the Valentines Blog Tour.

RSS Note: Feedburner got bought out by google. If you are a subscriber please make sure your feed reflects the following: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/insert_title_here and if you have any problems with it, let me know.

God Bless.

America Investment and Recovery Act of 2009

This is a portion of a response to my message concerning the America Investment and Recovery Act of 2009 from Congressman John Carter:

“Thank you for contacting me to express your opposition to H.R. 1, the America Investment and Recovery Act of 2009. This is President Obama's unprecedented $825 billion spending bill which will exceed more than $1.1 trillion when adding in the interest ($300 plus billion) between 2009-2019 to pay for this package.”

“H.R. 1 passed the House on January 28, 2009, 244 to 188, I voted against this spending plan as did every Republican member of the House. H.R. 1 is currently in the Senate where they are actively debating this bill.”

I urge you to contact your senator concerning this matter. Check out these two links: U.S. Senate and U.S House of Representative.

Friday Movie Pick: Holy Spirit Empowerer

Phoenix Films is at it again. No Hollywood today, just some guys making films with no budget and whatever they can find. Lovin' it. Keep up the great work. Have a great weekend. God Bless.

Tomorrow is National Wear Red Day

Join with millions of women, as well as companies, organizations and cities across America on National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 6, 2009. By wearing red and making a donation, you'll help the American Heart Association support ongoing research and education about women and heart disease. For more information on the movement, visit: http://www.goredforwomen.org/index.aspx

Something to think about…

Our apartment complex just installed new energy efficient light bulbs. I am all for saving electricity, recycling, etc., but doesn’t it defeat the purpose if I turn one light on, can’t see because it is too dim and than have to turn on two other lights to make up for the loss of lumens*. Just something to think about.

lumens*- a measurement of the perceived power of light.

Wednesday Baby Report

This week marks Kari’s 16th week. If you have been following, than you know her morning sickness is still hanging around. This past weekend was a really good one for her and we thought the morning sickness was gone.

On Monday, she was back to her normal morning sickness routine and vomited three times. Tuesday she took it down to twice and so far today she has only thrown up once. We ask that you please keep Kari, Baby and I in your prayers.

Documentary note: Kari has agreed to start allowing some filming of the pregnancy. It will be a work in progress (obviously), one that I am very excited about.

Keep it tuned to Insert Title Here for an announcement tomorrow and Friday Movie Pick.

"Give me Liberty, or give me Death!"

This quote popped into my head earlier today and I found it to be very profound. This phrase originates from Patrick Henry’s speech to the Virginia Convention on March 23, 1775. It is of most historians’ opinion that this speech was one that helped convince the Virginia House of Burgesses to pass a resolution sending Virginia troops to the Revolutionary War. Obviously we would go on to win the Revolutionary War and bask in the many freedoms this country guarantees us by the Bill of Rights. Henry was willing to die for nothing less than freedom, therefore breaking free of bondage and tyranny.

• Liberty is 1: the quality or state of being free: a: the power to do as one pleases b: freedom from physical restraint c: freedom from arbitrary or despotic control d: the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges e: the power of choice.

Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

This statement takes a whole new meaning when it is juxtaposed by the freedom that comes in Christ. As we travel any path: high school temptations, college graduate indecision, expecting father, divorced mother of two, you name it our paths are riddled with battles. Battles could include things we find ourselves “slave” to: internet pornography, arrogance, adultery, etc. In Revelations chapters 17-20 you can read about the many battles that are to come.

These battles are faced by everyone on a weekly, daily, minute by minute frequency, but the neat thing to consider is the battle has already been won (Revelation 20:10 “And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever”). If these battles are lost without Christ than we are left to death, (“For the wages of sin is death…” Romans 6:23a), but liberty or freedom can be found in Christ, (“…but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23b).

Christ died and through His death, we can become liberated. Freedom is at hand, we only have to choose to accept it. The grave could not hold Him, so three days later Christ rose and ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of Father God interceding for you and I (ie. victory in Rev. 20:10).

Henry one of the most influential advocates of the American Revolution eventually would see freedom. Christ brings freedom to those “…who are weary and burdened…” He …”will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Liberty or Death?

God Bless.

Yellow Super Bowl: “…a Hit!”

Super Bowl 43 field was riddled with yellow penalty flags it seemed most of the night, but I still thought the Super Bowl was a Hit!

The Pittsburg Steelers came out looking like the champions, but Larry Fitzgerald 64 Yd touchdown reception from Kurt Warner looked to foil the Steelers victory. The game winning touchdown by the Pittsburg Steelers Santonio Holmes sealed the deal for the Steelers; it was an amazing catch. I didn’t mention the 100 interception return for a touchdown, wow, it was a great game till the very end.

Kari and I went over to the Patterson’s house for barbequed steak, chicken and jalapeño cheese sausage (and other sides) for some HD Super Bowl watching. We had a blast enjoying one another’s company and laughing at the commercials.

A few of my favorite commercials: the Doritos one where the guys gets hit by a bus, the one where the guy punches the koala bear gets punched and I didn’t see it, but Kari and Sara claim laughing your butts off commercial was very funny.

How did you spend your Super Bowl?

On The Road To Beautiful by Charlie Hall

I crumble at Your kiss and grace
I'm a weakling in the dust
Teach me how to cling to You
With all my life and all my love

Father come to me, hold me up 'cause I can barely stand
My strength is gone and my breath is short, I can't reach out my hands
But my heart is set on a pilgrimage to heaven's own bright King
So in faltering or victory I will always sing

And on the road to beautiful
My seasons always change
But my life is spent on loving You
To know You in Your power and pain

Father come to me, hold me up 'cause I can barely stand
My strength is gone and my breath is short, I can't reach out my hands
But my heart is set on a pilgrimage to heaven's own bright King
So in faltering or victory I will always sing

You're my portion in this life
You're my strength now in my fight
And to You I pledge my heart
In the pain and in the dark I'll love You
I'll love You, I'll love You

I'll love You...

Father come to me, hold me up 'cause I can barely stand
My strength is gone and my breath is short, I can't reach out my hands
But my heart is set on a pilgrimage to heaven's own bright King
So in faltering or victory I will always sing

And my heart is set on a pilgrimage to heaven's own bright King
So in faltering or victory I will always sing

I love You

Check it out here.