How many 5 year olds could you take on at once?

Ok, so let's say this situation presented its self. You somehow get in a situation where you must defend yourself against a heap of 5 year olds. Here are the specifics.

- youre in an enclosed area, roughly the size of a basketball court. there are no foreign objects.
- youre not allowed to touch a wall.
- when youre knocked unconscious, you lose. when they are all knocked unconscious, they lose. once a kid is knocked unconscious, that kid is "out."
- The pool will be 50/50 in terms of gender and will have no discernable abnormalities in terms of demographics, other than they are all healthy americans.
- the kids receive one day of training from hand-to-hand combat experts who will train them specifically to team up to take down one adult. you will receive no training.
- there is no protective padding for any combatant other than the standard-issue cup.
- the kids are motivated enough to not get scared, regardless of the bloodshed. even the very last one will give it his/her best to take you down.

Again, this is purely hypothetical, so how many could you take down before they took you down? I could imagine myself all ninja-like. My answer will come later.

"Holiday on the rocks" Momentum Christmas Party

Last night was my company's Christmas Party. Can I just say....it was a night of surprises. So first of all Momentum rented out this bar in downtown STL. I know you are thinking "gross a bar", but can I just say...this place was HOT. It had the high ceillings...exposed brick walls... a loft area...AND a wine cellar (which was so hot). It was a very stylish place. Anyway, so Shane and I get there and we grab some food and walk upstairs to find a place to grab a table. We are hanging out when they start to announce the first round of winners of the prizes for the evening. Let me just tell you...when momentum does something...they do it big. Two years ago they gave away ipods and like $50 dollars to Crate and Barrel (plus more gift cards). So of course knowing this I'm thinking...they are gonna give away good stuff. So anyway, they call the first name for a gift card to Blueberry Hill (restaurant). Shane looks at me and is like, "See...we don't want the small prizes like that." They call somebodys name and they go and claim their prize. They then announce that the next prize is an iTouch. Me and Shane were like...that would be so hot to win that. We kinda laugh and say wouldn't it be funny if they called my name. So they call they name for the iTouch..."And the winner is....Brenna Glasgow" Wait....WHAT???? Ya'll...I didn't believe it. So me and Shane are like in shock pretty much the rest of the night. So I guess about half way through the party one of our higher ups Bill gets up there and talks about one of the momentum employees that died in a car accident about 18 months ago. He talked about how she was just such a great employee and how you could always count on her for anything and how she was a great representative for momentum and should what momentum was all about. Some of the employees wanted to do something to remember her by. They decided to make an award that would be given out annually. 21 people were nominated for the award. The winner would have their name added to the award and would receive $1000. Out of 300 people...I was nominated. I was one of the 21 people. Now...I know you are wondering if I won...and no I did not. But can I tell you...I was so surprised...and honored that my name was even put in. I for real almost cried ya'll. I mean...that is some touching stuff you know. So....as you can read...it was a really great night. I really do work for a great company...not just because I got an iTouch...i mean...that is just a bonus ya know. Okay...I gotta do work. Love ya'll!!! Glasgow-out!

Revealing your True Hue

Through the Bible, there are many uses of analogies to help us understand a principle. I love using analogies. I oftentime use and analogy to explain something to Brenna and oftentime (it's a good word, get over it) I exaggerate the analogy, so it's meaning gets lost. Hopefully, you'll be able to follow this analogy.

One thing i try to do is see God through His creation. Here at Emerson (where i work), we have a long entranceway that leads to our security gaurd shack and then onto campus. This road is lined with these small trees that, as of a couple weeks ago, have beautiful red-orange leaves on them. I've noticed that on sunny days, the sun shines through the leaves and multiplies their color. They give off a brilliant reddish orange hue on those days. On cloudy or rainy days, those same leaves look brown or even dead. So, on those days, they're just not as noticeable or nice to look at. So, here's kind of what God was telling me. When we let his Son shine through us, we are a much more vibrant person. People will want to know what's different about you and why you have that glow about you. When there's no sun or Son, we look pale and dark. Thoughts? Additions?

A two-way relationship and communication

(stick with me through my preface here) Television is a one-way communication, as is radio for the most part. The internet is a two-way tool where you can search for information as well as add your own so you can communicate with others (wikipedia, blogs, youtube). A telephone is two-way communication device. You can talk directly to another person (unless you're trying to call Charter Communications), but still, you are unable to see them, so some information is lost through body language. A face-to-face conversation is probably the most effective way to communicate, especially if you already know the person you're talking to. When you first meet someone, you still don't know their quirks and tendencies when they communicate. Do they talk with their hands or exaggerate their stories? Are they serious when they write you birthday rap songs? (loved it, Adam) So, when you get to know them, you understand them better.
The more time we spend with a friend, the more we know about their family, about their past experiences, their funny stories, their dreams and visions for their futures. In much the same way, when we get to know God and his holiness, we're able to have more effective communication with Him too. It's not only a one-way deal, since you begin to learn how to listen for and to him. To know him, "you hide his Word in your heart", right? That way, when he speaks to you in a certain situation, through scripture you're able to apply it. I pray you guys continue to grow in the Lord and use your talents to build God's kingdom. Love yall.

Can a church be too big?

So here's a topic of debate. But, here's a preface to the question. Currently, our church here in St. Louis has been growing at an average rate of 5% per year over the last 10 years, which is great. (I do know it's not about the numbers of your church, but hear me out.) This past Sunday, our pastor cast a vision to the chrurch about how our church should be a "Simple Church" by Connecting (through Worship), Growing (through the study of God's word in small groups), and Serving (kinda self-expalantory). And it would be sort of a cycle: Connecting, Growing, Serving, Connecting, Growing.... So, the staff believes this is how we will grow as a church, in relationships and numbers. We don't have to have all kinds of commitees, activities, and events to connect to people to grow a church. Obviously, St. Louis is a large city and we want to look to bring in the lost people to the church, and not just look to grow the church by stealing members from other churches.

I've always looked at a Pastor and his Church as a shepherd and his sheep. John 10:3 says "3To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out." I know this verse is commonly translated to mean the shepherd is the Lord and he knows us all individually by name. But, could this also mean that a Pastor should know each one of his sheep by name? So, is a church too big if he doesn't know the people of his congregation?

Here is an interesting reply from Andy Stanley to a blog-conversation that took place a couple of years ago. Adam W. Cleaveland, the author of the blog, stated that he couldn't possibly attend a megachurch like North Point since there wasn't any real community experience. Eventually, Andy himself replied.

"I’m writing to aplogize for the size of North Point Community Church. When six of us gathered to think through the idea of beginning a church we had no idea that it would become so large. For this growth I am truely sorry. I realize that the size is intimidating.

I have read the comments on this site and have decided to make some changes. To begin with I am going to spend time with each and every parisioner so that they can get to know me personally. Like many of you, I wouldn’t want to attend a church where I could not connect personally with the pastor. I’ve shared this with my wife and three kids. They are in complete agreement. So beginning next Sunday I will be at the back door to shake hands.

Secondly, I am going to suggest to our elders that we sell our three campuses, consolidate, and move the church into a much smaller building. Smaller space will mean smaller crowds. And aparently large crowds are unbiblical. I agree, the church should be no larger than 40 to 50 people. Most of whom are believers.

Regarding my shallow, simplistic preaching…for this I am truley sorry. I am doing the best I can. I know deeper is better. I’m just not deep. I’m not really sure what to do about that.

These changes will take some time. Please be patient. If you have any helpful suggestions as to how I can transition North Point Community Church into a church made up of a handful of believers who enjoy deep preaching please let me know.

On a positive note, the 8,000 adults who meet in groups of 8 to 12 in homes throughout our community can continue to meet in spite of the fact that they will no longer be able to worship together.

Thank you for your valuable insights. And please accept my apology."

Andy Stanley
Pastor, North Point Community Church

So, with a good bit of sarcasm, i think we know what he believes. I guess the size of the church isn't as important if there's connection in a type of small group. I guess that small group is usually Sunday School classes.

I do enjoy reading everyone's blogs. I think it helps us all in the study of the Word.

So you think you can dance.....

No, i have no witty anecdotes for you about me and Brenna embarassing ourselves dancing or something. We are actually going to "So You Think You Can Dance" tonight. I think it's gonna be kinda like how American Idol finalists tour around and sing in a bunch of different cities. We'll let you know how it went.

I got back from San Francisco on Sunday, almost a week ago. I had SO much fun. I put a bunch of pictures on facebook, so if you haven't seen em, go look. It was the Industrial Design Society of America National Conference. I came away very inspired, and that's for another blog. I went away wanting to change the world.

On Tuesday night, Brenna and I went with our Associate Pastor, Russ (also our young married class teacher) to a haunted house. Yeah, it was his idea. We get there, and this thing is like $20 to get in. Russ ended up paying for me and Brenna, which was nice of him. He always tries to pay for us since his family is now debt free. I really wish everyone could have seen Brenna. It was hilarious. She was so scared the whole night. There were guys with chainsaws, (no blade, of course) and Brenna was terrified of those guys. It took like an hour to go through this thing. It was huge. There were some parts inside, some parts outside, which was nice. It was a good range of scariness. There was a part where you even did a hayride.....a haunted hayride. Anyway, it was a lot of fun and i wish yall could have seen Brenna.

Ok, i need to get off the toilet. Glasgow 1 out.

Hefty, and i'm not talking about the trash bags....

I'm talking about my weight gain. As Joel has mentioned, life for a young male just out of college is a cruel world when it comes to gaining weight. No longer can you just go and play volleyball for 3 hours whenever you're inclined to, nor are you able to just run down to the student ac(t?) and play some basketball or racquetball whenever you feel like it. You get in a routine and the routine does not usually include exercise.
I play a lot of golf, and i guess when i walk the course, carrying my bag, that's considered exercise to some. I have read where walking burns almost as many calories as jogging and it's easier on your knees. But really, I need to sweat some for it to be considered exercise. (i keep wanting to spell exercise, excercise. but, if i did, Virg would harass me, so i keep fixing it, oh yeah, there's spell check i can do) Umm, yeah, exercise is boring. Running, lifting weights = boring. I need something like flag football, softball (go ahead, laugh), basketball, or even some tennis for me to feel like exercising. Brenna likes to walk around the neighborhood, but you can't keep score when you're walking. But, good for her.
I currently weigh somewhere in the range of 179-184. At Auburn, i tipped the scales at 165, max. This past Saturday, i tried on some jeans that fit fine 1 month ago. Astonishingly, i'm unable to even get the button to the button opening on the jeans. These are jeans i've had since I was a junior in high school. They were so comfortable. So, no more are the days of 32 waist jeans, I'm strictly a 34 now.
I think this winter, i'm going to develop a work-out routine. We have a fitness center here at work, that i could easily workout at for a one-time fee of $15. It gets so cold here in the winter that all outdoor sports are out of the question, except for skiing. (we do have a small ski resort here in Stl.)
Ok, that's it. Kinzie has probably already stopped reading, and Joel has skipped the 3rd and 4th paragraph, but reading this one for some closure. Oh yeah, one more thing, Brenna wore my jeans to work today. Wierd, huh?