Winning people over

I've never bought anything from Argo Tea.  After two weeks of satisfying sidewalk samples all around the loop, today Argo invited people inside their store for free coffee.  I was able to see the store, get free coffee, and sample more amazing tea as I waited.  EVERY drink I've tasted there has been refreshingly satisfying.  They've earned a new customer. Marketing done well.  Valuable lessons on how to sell products/brands/ideas to people who would otherwise not care ...  now how do I properly apply this method to the things I want others to "sample"?

Remembering Binil

It was about this time late at night I was awoken by a phone call from my brother.

I want to express what's going on in my head, but it seems the most important thoughts are the hardest to write. As I hit the one year anniversary of Binil's death, I've been thinking for hours of what to blog, tweet, or talk about with friends. But I am at a loss for words. I guess that's how I'm handling it this week. Last year at this time, I wanted to talk my mouth off. This year, I find myself remembering and reliving everything I thought and experienced when I first heard and for the days and weeks to follow.

I remember Binil today ... the impact he had in my life, before and after he left. I'm glad I had so much one-on-one time with him eating lunch after lunch after lunch, sharing our passions, our jokes ... hanging out at Marina Towers, chasing The Dark Knight filming locations, and just doing stuff together.

As the night goes on, I realize that Binil himself would not want the nostalgia to focus on him. He would want us to all remember Jesus. So I have shifted my focus to Him.

So tonight, I also remember Jesus. Thanks for taking the punishment for my sin, and giving me a new life ... I owe everything to you.

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions
never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Lamentations 3: 22-23

The cup of suffering

(Mt 26:39) And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will. "

He says it again later in the same chapter. Then in John's version (Jn 18:11), he's basically saying "how can I not drink the cup my Father has given me?" ... His human side prayed three times for this piece of suffering to be removed. But clearly over time, he knew this suffering was for a reason, for God's greater purpose.

Do you have a situation or circumstance which you want God to remove or fix or change? Sure you can pray for it to get easier, but ultimately just pray for God's will. He will probably change your heart and attitude before he changes your circumstance ... just like he did for Jesus.

Trip to church for Christmas?

It's funny to read about about people who want to go to church for the carols, even though it's not their "scene". I wonder how this list was put together? Based on name, description, biblical content, or lack thereof?

... they at least sound like comfortable and welcoming places for casual church-goers ...

Very interesting.

Thankful

I am very thankful.  For Jesus, for my great wife, my fun son, my extended family, my friends, my job, my stuff, and each new day of life.  I understand a little better that any of this can be taken away from me at any time -- except Jesus.  He's the one thing I can count on regardless of situation and circumstance.  And for that, I give thanks.

Real Beauty

I've shared this before, but it's worth sharing again. This video is reality behind the images we see every day, and the men, women, little boys and little girls are all affected by the artificial creation of the new norm. How will this affect how you raise a daughter? I know it has me worried, if I were to have a daughter, God-willing.



It's kinda scary if you ask me. Dove has a great campaign going, and the famous reality videos are just a small part of the whole thing.

Illinois 28, (1) Ohio St 21

This is a crazy thing. Most people don't understand. But this is nuts. We beat the Buckeyes. The national championship is up in the air!