"And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things." -Mark 6:34
So, I finally have a new username that I will, from this point forward be using as my main blog on pleonast. It is Ninja_Penguin. I might still use this blog from time to time, but, for the most part, I will be switching over to that one effective immediately.
Unfortuantely, that turned into my "crazy-person" rant blog while this one became my biblical discussions borad. I don't know how it happened, but it did. Oh well.
Name changing is lame. If people can't see past your name, they are not paying attention anyway. Most people just want cliff notes and immeadiately assume someone named "God_Guy" has something more important to say than "Armpit_luvR_23". Besides anyone who thinks Ninja_Penguin is a most respectable username probably grew up in a concentration camp. So quit sellin' out.
Who's talking about LAME? You haven't been on pleonast in over a year (because you didn't care for it) and you come on to tell me that I sold out because I changed my name. I'm sorry, my friend, but that seems pretty lame to me.
Negative. Not lame at all merely an act of kindness and intervention so you do not lose yourself amidst trying to find a persona to best fit your new situation. Some people tell others to “remember who they are”. I enforce it by any and all means necessary.
Wow! who knew you would have that effect =) your welcome to move here next! Honestly though, I hope you are getting settled in. I'm leaving for the Philippines in a few hours, but when I get back, well set up a time to get some coffee or soemthing
Something has changed. I'm not quite sure when it happened. I'm not even exactly sure when it happened or what brought on this change. The change is that I have been humbled.
A few weeks ago, Phil gave my ego a whoopin and, since then, I noticed that I had to change some things in my life. I didn't see people as equals. Instead, I would judge people as to who I was better than and who was better than me. I didn't see my interaction with people as opportunities for me to help. Instead, I saw them as obstacles to my easy life.
Since then, my wife and I have moved to Amarillo, TX. On the way here, I remember looking out from the car and thinking how far out the land went in every direction. I remember feeling small. Back home, there were always trees and hills and two-story houses that would get in the way of being able to see too far in any one direction. From Tulsa onward, the world seemed to just not stop. That's when I realized that I was going to have to REALLY change the way I looked at things. For the first time, I was really seeing the "BIG PICTURE" and I was very small in it.
We've been here for almost two weeks now and the people of the congregation have been helpful and encouraging and pleasant and just amazing. They have made becca and I feel like we were their actual family despite us being just two kids (okay, maybe one kid and one aging hipster) from Kentucky with nothing really all that special about us. We don't deserve the kindness they have shown to us and I doubt we could ever repay any of them (muchless, all of them) sufficiently.
Last night was my first time preaching here at Olsen Park. I know I am better than the effort I put forth last night. But, regardless, I did a very poor job. Ever since the elders asked me to come, I was under the impression that I was the best one whom they interviewed and auditioned. Last night, I thought of something I hadn't thought of before; maybe they chose me because I was the one who needed the most work. That had never crossed my mind before and it frightened me. All my life, I had been looking down my nose at people when all this time, I was looking at them while standing on my head.
I wonder if they have any condiments to make swallowing your pride easier. Why does Humble Pie taste so bitter?
I don't know what the purpose of this post is, but I do know that I have been humbled and I can forsee being humbled more and more as my time here in Texas progresses. I just want to do my best... no, I want to do better than my best. The sad part is that I don't fully want it to be a more effective soul-winner for God, but more because I just want to feel better about myself. How pathetic is that? Well, at least, I have something else to work on while I'm here. One thing is for sure, I won't have "nothing to do" for the next two years.
Thank you for listening. Please, no sympathy coments right now. Thanks.
I love you all.
I love you.
~Curtis
Consider this -- genuine love and sincere compassion are all you need to be a good minister. Kinda like the discussion lately on my blog about singing -- you can have all the talent and the mechanics down pat, but some other brother with less talent but more warmth and connection with people may draw out even more from the congregation. Remember what they said about Paul: For they say, "His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account." 2 Cor 10:10
always look outward for opportunities to serve. I learned that at GSP camp . When I let my light shine the joy of reaching out "in christ" no matter how small the service or consideration gave me a warm glow inside. I just pretended that the Jesus on the cross was next to me, my constant companion. Talk about humbling.
That's me, destroyer of egos. Do we have to mention people by name? Before I get labeled as some kind of monster who revels in making people feel bad, I'd like to say the ego discussion was born out of past experiences with personal ego problems and love for my brother, Curtis. "Old" preacher. Ego-annihilator. What next? Obese Cambellite?... wait a second...
Well, folks, you knew this would happen soon enough, but the time has finally come for me to change my name become a RESPECTABLE person. I am changing my pleonast username and I want your help. I need a name that is both respectable (something people won't get offended at) and at the same time, still "me" (something people are always offended at). I need a name that says, "You should listen to me because I am someone to listen to; if you don't believe me, look at the name." Yet, I need a name that says, "I'm not old. I still know how to have fun."
...
Ugh. I sound like an aging hipster.
Anyway, please submit your entries into the "Curtis' New Username" Contest. The winner will get the satisfaction of knowing that they have made me more respectable.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
I love you all.
I love you.
~Curtis
I'm not sure I can think of you as anyone but smiley_mcbutterbutt; however "TheBloggerFormerlyKnownAs_smiley_mcbutterbutt" could work. Or, if that's too long, just a bunch of symbols, though it may then look like you're cursing, and no one will be able to pronounce it...
You should put your favorite color together with your favorite rapper's name, put an underscore, then your favroite meal at Moe's. And that should be your screenname.
How about "Big Red Truck"? What's that dumb blonde joke again? Blonde calls the fire station and says that her house is on fire and the operator asks how to get there. The blonde replies, "Duh, with that big red truck." I figure most of what you have to say is a bunch of "Duh" things.
I just thought I would drop a note to all you alls informing you that Becca and I are officially moved in to our new apartment in Amarillo. Anyone liking to come and visit or send a card (or money) should send it to the below address.
Anyone wishing to call us, I still have my KY phone number (502-836-5477). So, feel free to call anytime. When we both get new phones, we'll let you know.
We went to church at Olsen Park Church of Christ last night (where we'll be for the next two years) and they were just great. Becca's grandmother (who drove the moving van most of the way) said that she could tell they will take care of us really well. I have a feeling, from all the help we got unloading the van to the hand-made card Jaxon McAnear (3-ish)made for us welcoming us here, that we will be in good hands for the next two years.
Well, I better get back to unpacking. I love you all.
I love you.
~Curtis, Texas Preacher
Hello, "Jarrod" said that I should contact you about some thoughts you once wrote about situation ethics - Matthew 12:1-8. I asked a question in "contending for the faith" about that and he thought you may be able to help.
I am glad you guys will be joining us for the next two years! I haven't had a chance to meet your wife yet, but I hope to soon! She cracks me up on her pleo. I read it, but never comment. Thats just how I roll. Its probably wierd to get comments from strangers! Lacy
