If you are a web developer, designer or a website owner, you might be wondering how to personalize or create your own favicon. A favicon is that cool little graphic that shows up in most browsers in URL/Address bar just before the web address. Here is a website that I often use to do just that for my clients. It is called Favicon from Pics. It will create your favicon from a graphic, and there are even some tutorials to help you implement it on your site. Check it:
Actually, that’s not entirely accurate. I do play golf. It’s just that I’m averaging about once every 2.5 years. I consider my “handicap” when I play each time the very fact that I’m on the course. 
It’s just not pretty.
Yesterday my parents call and my mom wants to take Kim and the kids to the zoo in Columbia while my dad and I go play some golf. Sounds like a fun day so they all take off, and my dad and I head off to our high class, high dollar golf course: Jim and Lily’s in Jackson, SC. It’s a redneck golfers paradise. You can play and ride 18 for about $15.00. The fairways are a lovely mixture of dirt, sand, weeds and the occasional plug of grass. We decided that we would be good for 9 holes so that’s what we played.
My dad has macular degeneration so his eyesight is not the best. So, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Well, we played 9 holes, and my dad did really good. I would have to help him spot where his ball went, but he drove the ball well and putted well. In the end, his score was 58. I did beat him…..by only 7 strokes. Like I said, I probably shouldn’t golf. But, we had a great time, the weather was perfect…it was a good day
I’m sitting at home doing some work and watching the Masters Par 3 tournament. Two guys commentating. It’s the first time that the par 3 has been on tv, and it is on ESPN. And they too have a british commentator. It all began with the now retired commentator (can’t think of his name) who always called the Masters tournament. Now everyone who covers golf HAS to have a british chap calling the action. You know what I’d love to see for just one day…on ESPN during the par 3, I would love to have….Dickie V call the action: “BIG T TIGER WOODS IS ON THE PROWL, BABY!!!” That would be fun…just for kicks and giggles
I was reading Batterson’s blog this morning and I think the guy has been reading my thoughts. Seriously, I have been thinking about this for the past two years:
You see the shift in current sermon message styles and even in newer worship music styles. Here’s my hypothesis:
The seeker sensitive shift that occurred in the 1980’s (starting with Willow Creek, Saddleback and others) was to have worship experiences where those that were unchurched or had been burned by the church could come, hear about the Love of Christ in a way that was non-judgemental. The idea was that people would not become theologically aware until they become environmentally comfortable. I agree with much of that sentiment. There is much good in that.
The danger in that is that some pastors, and I don’t think it is a majority, but some have backed away from preaching the full counsel of the Bible and have soft served key teachings that might be offensive. Words like “sin” and “repent”, words that are in the Bible are often winced at and instead the temptation is to replace them with words and phrases that are more….palatable.
What I see among churches that are experiencing growth, that are reaching the unchurched, are impacting rising generations, and that are becoming leaders in new and innovative ministry are those that 1. chose to do ministry in ways that are creative, innovative that push the boundaries of “we’ve always done it this way” 2. communicate the Gospel and God’s Word in a way that is honest, real, challenging, sometimes confronting, and relevant.
The shift that I see and that Batterson touches on is that while the seeker sensitive approach was in part due to a generation that had seen a church that was “bible thumping”, rising generations value authenticity, the real deal, and honesty. You don’t have to be “beating someone over the head” to show them the truth of scripture. I think it is not only possible, I think it is CRITICAL that if we are to continue to reach and engage the culture, we must communicate in our music, in our messages, in our communications, and in our relationships in ways that are real, relevant, Biblically centered, full of grace and love, and honest.
My little girl Hannah turns 10 years old today….and I feel old
Seriously, I remember the day that she was born very clearly. I remember walking down the hallways of St. Joseph’s Hospital feeling like I was floating - it was just magical. There is nothing like holding that precious gift in your hands and the reality hits you that God has entrusted her to Kim and I. WOW!
When Kim was pregnant with her, we had all of these people saying “oh your life is going to change….” to the point that if we heard it just one more time, we might have gone Old Testament on em. However, there was one old man that walked up to Kim one day and obviously, she was showing big time. He said something that I remember to this day: “Oh, honey you don’t know what love is until you have a baby.”….There is a lot of truth in that. As I was holding this incredible gift 10 years ago, experiencing the amount of love at that moment, the thought nailed me “This is what the Father gave for me? Now that is love.”
Happy Birthday Hannah-Bear!
I just want to say that I’m glad that Kansas beat UNC. I was surprised that they actually pulled it out. They staved off a mid game UNC run and defeated them soundly in the end. Kansas just had too much size and Hansbrough just couldn’t deal with their big men down low. Kansas suffered when they moved away from the low post but went back to it in the end. Hansbrough is a great player, but the boy mugs everybody and never gets called, yet he always gets the call including several flops tonight that were great acting jobs. He’s like the Vlade Divac of the NCAA. Anyway, kudos to UNC on a great year, and it should be a great matchup on Monday with Memphis. Memphis is fast, tough and big.
I think a couple of UNC fans will need some love as they will be pretty down. Like this guy, and this guy
Some avoid talking about death for different reasons. Kim and I have had some conversations about what would happen if one of us were to go home with Jesus. If I was the first to go, she only has one instruction for my funeral…just one. If you were to ask her, she could tell you easily. It is that one song be played, preferably by the loudest southern rock/gospel band you can find with a guy or girl that has a very cool gravely voice that can bring down the house
It’s the song Ain’t No Grave. It is old school, but son, I hear that song and good God Almighty!! I want to preach!!!! It’s like having church on my iTunes…not just church…CHURCH!!
Check it: 
For the believer, we’re just going home. Man, can you just imagine what that will be like? Unreal. To see His face..
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
wow, what a great pick this is. Some of it is on the latest passion offering, a few gems that are not.
Check it:
oh….my….goodness. I watched this this morning, and it rocked my world. Wherever you are at, the Grace, Mercy and Love of God is available to you.
Today is Autism Awareness Day. It is the very first one. I am so thrilled about the increasing awareness of autism in our country. Spencer, our 6 year old, is on the autism spectrum. He is on the high functioning side of autism which we are so thankful for. So many families have children, even multiple children that are autistic. Some cases are very severe as well. If you study the increase of reported cases by the CDC since the late 80’s…even 90’s is staggering. Here are some links if you’re not sure what autism is or would just like more info.
http://www.autism-society.org
http://www.autismspeaks.org
http://generationrescue.org/
http://www.defeatautismnow.com/links.html
