Stuff...

Rangers Game

2008-04-14T17:28:00.005-05:00

The Farris Fam took in a little afternoon Texas Rangers game last Thursday. Maybe one day they'll actually be good and some other people will join us at the Ball Park...

One of the greatest hours i've ever spent in my life...

2008-04-12T20:13:00.004-05:00

2008-04-09T09:56:00.003-05:00

"God's a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times. The moment you arrive, you relax; you're never sorry you knocked." Psalm 9:9-10

Just in case your day is leaving a bit to be desired...

Sometimes its weird/funny/crazy/silly to me that I assume (and we know what happens when we assume) that God is not interested in my struggles. Or that he's up in heaven going - "Well...you're just getting what you deserve bucko."

Its reassuring to know that no matter how discouraging life gets (even when its self-induced)...we ALWAYS have at least one person in our corner.

I just wish i could physically high-five or chest-bump him or that he could pat me on the butt sometimes....that would be nice.

Have a great Wednesday.

I wish...

2008-03-28T07:24:00.004-05:00

I had this down by now but I don't. Each day is a journey toward getting rid of what I (think I) want and replacing it with what He wants.

"Maturity begins to grow when you can sense your concern for others outweighing your concern for yourself." -John MacNaughton

I pulled this from an email I get every morning from Joey Simmons (aka "Rev Run"). Yes, that Rev Run. What a stud. If you'd like to subscribe...go to revrun.uber.com/wordsofwisdom.

Have a great Friday.

Bubble Wrap...

2008-03-20T01:28:00.003-05:00

I just finished a paper for my American History and American Literature classes (its 1:30am) and this was quite the pleasant experience in the deadness of what was my brain.

http://www.therightfoot.net/mystuff/whatever/swf/bubblewrap.swf

Enjoy.

(I pulled it from www.morethandodgeball.com - thanks JG!)

Top Ten...

2008-03-18T14:41:00.006-05:00

I know you didn't ask for it (but that's the beauty of having your own blog, right?)...

Here are my Top 10 TV shows (aside from sporting events, which of course, always come in at #1):

10. Home Improvement - Who can resist it? I miss Wilson.

9. American Idol - Used to be much higher. I'm getting tired. This may be my last year.

8. Law & Order - Don't get to watch new episodes much, but every guy needs a good police drama in their top ten.

7. Cash Cab - Makes me feel smarter than I am.

6. Trauma - Life in the ER - What a rush it would be to work in an ER.

5. Seinfeld - Major addiction lately. Effortless entertainment.

4. Extreme Makeover Home Edition - A Farris family staple. Sappy? Yes. Making an impact on people's lives? Yes.

3. Run's House - Rev Run and Russell Simmons are studs. I love watching Russell deal with Rev's faith.

2. Biggest Loser - Major man crush on Bob Harper. Another show that changes people's lives.

1. Little People, Big World - Matt Roloff is way up there on my list of heroes...if you haven't heard of him or watched the show. Take the time to google him and tune in Monday's at 7pm (central time).

duh...

2008-03-14T11:52:00.000-05:00

and...

CHICK-FIL-A!!!

I am...

2008-03-14T11:33:00.003-05:00

GRATEFUL for my life.

Do you ever have those moments (or days or weeks) where you look at other people's lives and say, "why them and not me?" Me too.

But this morning i made a list of some of the things i have to be grateful for.

My life is pretty good...

Michelle (wife)
Kayleigh (daughter)
Allyson (daughter)
Tanner (dog)
my house
my great neighborhood
Keller, Tx
racquetball
miguel who plays racquetball with me early in the morning (and lets me win sometimes)
2 cars that run
4 tv's in my house that all work (and show sports)
my church
jeff crawford (how many real 23 year best friends do you get?)
i can breathe (haven't always been able to say that)
my favorite black "Apex" t-shirt which i rescued from my truck bed after 5 months :)
mom
dad
sis
bro (who has 18 months left until his new life begins - i hope)
the coolest, best inlaws on the planet

mike and mike in the morning (espn radio's greatest show ever)

true friends (too many to name)
wii
the internet
golden corral
diet dr pepper (see February 27)
the opportunity to go to school again (and finish)
mowing season
itunes
todd snider songs (rated pg-13 but FUNNY)
music in general (and the ability to hear it)
david henry (who greats me with a genuine smile almost every morning)

Just to name a few...

Try it.

Have a great weekend.

Take a risk...

2008-03-11T09:27:00.004-05:00

I don't write this to say that I've "arrived". Those who know me know I'm not even close.

I'm in a season of life right now where I've totally jumped out of the boat (Matthew 14). I left what I've known as my career for almost 20 years and now I'm a full-time student who mows grass to pay the bills. It makes me laugh just saying that in my head...

But here's the deal...when you take a risk, there WILL be days when you ask yourself, "what in the *%#@! was I thinking?" There are days when you feel like a failure or stupid or crazy..............But there is something about taking a risk that empowers you. And there are days when you feel God saying, "good jump!" I was speaking at a camp this past summer on Matthew 14 and I told the students who were there that there are jumpers (Peter - out of the boat), and sitters (other guys - stayed in the boat)...which would you rather be? Without thinking...most of us would say JUMPER! But then when the first sign of struggle or discouragement comes, we bail...jump back in the boat and take our seat.

I must say that there really are more exciting days than discouraging ones. But just when you start to think its smooth sailing.........I talked with a major gas station chain yesterday about bidding for their lawn care contract. They have 40+ locations in the DFW area (I wasn't bidding for all of them, just about a dozen). He asked how many locations were in my largest contract and I said, "one?". He laughed at me (literally laughed out loud). Discouraging? Yep.

But I'd still rather be a jumper.

Take a risk this week (no, you don't have to quit your job).

Snow Day...

2008-03-10T09:07:00.010-05:00

Rare snow day in DFW (last Thursday)...

Friends...

2008-03-07T12:26:00.005-06:00

Last night, we had some friends over for some taco soup and American Idol (can you believe cruella deville is still in it?!?). Some were expected and some surprised us but here's the point...

Life isn't complete without good friends.

One of the things that happens when you spend a long time in a public vocation (ministry, public office, etc) is that "people" become work. You spend so much of your working life dealing with people that (at least for me), you end up having somewhat of a social disorder, where being around people is no longer enjoyable. The reason, I think, is that when "people = work" for so long...you eventually forget how to turn that off and just relax and enjoy their company.

When I resigned from "church ministry" in August of 2007...my people tank was completely empty. What i realized in the months following was that I had not only allowed "people = work" but I just flat didn't like people anymore (My fault, not theirs). I didn't want to go anywhere, hang out, do stuff. I just wanted to sit at home (to the detriment of my sweet family who sat with me without complaining) and heal.

Well, 6 months later...here we were on a Thursday night with a houseful of people and the only word i can use to describe it is...SWEET. I found myself just glad they were here and glad we have friends who wanted to be with us.

I realize that some reading this will think - "What a psycho". And my response would be that you surely should have figured that out before now.

To all our friends who came to hang out last night and those who didn't(and who love me in spite of myself)...thank you for loving the Farris family!

Find some friends...

Life is hard enough without trying to do it alone.

Have a great weekend.

Brett Favre...

2008-03-05T09:04:00.004-06:00

Brett Favre retired yesterday.

I think just about every football fan would rank Favre among the greatest of all time. The only reason I put Joe Montana in front of Favre as the #1 all-time is because Montana has 4 rings. Favre only 1. Yes, there are other QB's with more rings than Favre, but for my money - when you look at the entire package (records, leadership, big plays, comebacks and Super Bowls), Favre and Montana rank above all the others.

What sets Favre apart for me (besides the records, including that he didn't miss one game in 16 years) is the enjoyment factor. There's something about watching someone perform who's enjoying themselves like a 7 year old kid that wins you over. That was Favre. There are alot of superstars in all the major sports that when you watch them, it doesn't appear fun...all business. No, Favre didn't smile all the time but for the 16 years that he played...he made it possible to be 12 years old in the back yard again dreaming of throwing the winning touchdown (including 38 year olds).

The other Favre factor for me was his transparency and authenticity. Favre played in an era of Peyton Mannings, Tom Bradys, Troy Aikmans. Guys who make sure they say the right thing and look the right way. Always dressed in Armani and always prepared with a cookie cutter answer. Favre? T-shirt and wranglers...always stumbling over his words trying to honestly answer the question being asked.

In an increasingly "packaged" sports society, where image is everything and guys are coached on how to "play the part" of the superstar, Favre's retirement leaves a hole that may never be filled. Favre truly was one of a kind.

Kleenex available upon request...

Have a great Wednesday.

I'm excited about baseball...

2008-03-03T16:35:00.005-06:00

Those who know me well understand that for years, baseball has been pretty low on my list of sports I enjoy watching. Well...this year, I seem to be really excited about the new baseball season.

Yes, our hometown team (Texas Rangers) is notoriously mediocre but that doesn't matter I still can't wait for our first trip to the ballpark April 9 (Thanks JK!), which also happens to be $1 hot dog night (can you say "gluttony").

Now don't confuse this "rebirth" of excitement to mean that I would actually watch a game (other than the World Series) on TV, but I will follow and I will go to games. Besides, I cannot bring myself to watch Arena League Football. It just doesn't seem right.

Have a great week.

Little People...

2008-02-28T16:10:00.003-06:00

The new season of Little People Big World starts this coming Monday, March 3 @ 7pm (central) on TLC.

Yes, I love the show. Matt Roloff (the dad) is a stud. How a 4 foot tall crippled guy can accomplish all he has amazes me.

If you haven't seen it...you should (you can catch up on other seasons by watching episodes on www.tlc.com). If you think you're too cool to watch it...you're not.

Diet Dr. Pepper

2008-02-27T09:09:00.009-06:00

Has to be the greatest drink invented in my life time. I've come to love it even more in 2008 b/c I've had a goal of drinking 80 ounces of water a day which means I drink less Diet DP, which only means that when I do get my hands on one??? Oh my goodness...(creepy, I know.)

Anyway, I get on kicks where I'm all about Diet Pepsi too, but my mainstay is Diet DP. ("There's nothing diet about it" you know.)

So here's the deal...There are indeed different Diet Dr. Peppers. You can't just assume that the Diet DP you get at one location is the same as it is at another place.

My Top 5:

5. Whataburger Diet DP - You gotta love the thick styrofoam cups but that's about it. Sometimes its too syrupy, sometimes too carbonated but never "just right". Another reason WB is at the bottom of this list...I often get Diet DP from the self-serve fountain thingy only to sit down and realize that they've actually hooked up regular DP to the Diet. If you're a hardcore Diet drinker, you know that is NOT a pleasant experience. So why did it even make #5? Because its WHATABURGER and i'll gladly sacrifice the perfect Diet DP once in a while for the perfect WB, mustard, pickles, onions only (no cheese).

4. Sonic's Diet DP just isn't sweet enough...if by some chance the president of Sonic is reading my blog (which i'm sure he/she is), you guys need to cut back on the carbonation and add some syrup. Sonic does score some points though because they have the greatest ice on the planet.

3. McDonalds Diet DP - now if you know me well...this could come as somewhat of a shock, because I have for years, been anti Mickey D's. I don't like there food (still) and I've always hated the fact that when they serve you a drink there, they give you a 1977 wax paper cup with like 4 ice cubes. Can you say unacceptable? But...that all changed over the past couple of years when two things happened: McDonalds FINALLY switched to styrofoam (welcome to the 21st century) and many locations now have self-serve drink stations like WB and other fine establishments.

2. Diet DP (and Caffiene Free Diet DP) that you buy in the store (cans - i'm anti 2 liter - don't ask me why), is awesome if you keep it cold in the fridge then poor it over ice. But if you keep it room temperature then poor it over ice...NOT good. Drinking straight out of the can is not an option either. Makes my eyes water.

That leads us too....

1. Chick-Fil-A Diet Dr. Pepper - matched by no other...Chick-fil-a is hands down the greatest blend of syrup, aspertame and carbonation ever created. I cannot remember ever being disappointed with one Diet DP from the "Christian Chicken", which I guess makes it the "Christian Diet DP", which really doesn't matter b/c I'd still drink it no matter what. It has it all...Thick styrofoam, perfect ice level and perfect Diet DP. Life is good. So......just about ever morning around 8am, you can find me at 2301 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake, TX getting my morning fix of the greatest beverage on the planet.

Have a great Wednesday.

uh....no.

2008-02-25T16:19:00.003-06:00

It has come to my attention that today's last picture (Baby Luke) may have led some to believe that we have had a new addition to our family. Uh...no. That would be Luke FERGUSON (Matt and Jen?).

The Farris family "store" went out of business about 6-7 years ago. Thank you Lord.

However...we love playing with Luke and a multitude of other babies then sending them home with their parents.

Glad we've cleared that up.

A few pictures...

2008-02-25T09:36:00.010-06:00

Right before her first ever soccer game

Ally and her best bud Victoria

Kayleigh starts high school in 5 months...sigh.

Baby Fergie (aka - Luke)

One of the greatest causes of disappointment and depression...

2008-02-20T09:32:00.004-06:00

Taking ourselves too seriously.

Its great to take life, family and our job seriously...but one of the greatest abilities we could ever develop is learning to laugh at ourselves. I'm thinking its a life-long lesson b/c I still revert back to "protection" mode sometimes (often). But I'm convinced that taking myself too seriously is what leads to alot of my stress.

Next time you get embarrased or do something to humiliate yourself...embrace it and laugh. Life will weigh less.

Have a great Wednesday.

P.S. - Remember the pink "No complaints" bracelet? Thought i'd give you an update...I've now been wearing mine for 5+ months and my record is 11 days without switching. The goal is 21. I shall not give up! (though i'm becoming convinced one of my spiritual gifts is criticizing other people) For more info read the October 30, 2007 post.

Choose your words carefully...

2008-02-19T09:39:00.002-06:00

Do you have one of those "thorns" in your life that you feel no matter how hard you try...you can never get rid of? One of mine seems to be shooting off my mouth without thinking about how my words will affect other people. Whether its my wife or kids or the fast-food worker or the police officer who pulled me over a few weeks ago...once the words come out I never get them back. The damage is done.

The fix is simple...THINK BEFORE I SPEAK. Stop long enough to collect my thoughts and calm down for a second. For whatever reason (self-centeredness mostly), sometimes I just blurt out what's on my heart in the heat of the moment and when I do...the hurt I cause others can never be "taken back".

I know...we're all human and from time to time say things we wish we hadn't said. I'm not trying to be Ghandi...just something I've been more aware of lately.

Next time you're about to stab someone with your words. Stop and think.

Have a great day.

Slow down...

2008-02-16T13:04:00.002-06:00

I almost had a serious wreck yesterday because i was in too big a hurry. You know, one of those close calls that leaves your heart pounding for a few minutes. For what? Chick-fil-a Diet Dr. Pepper. (I know, some of you agree that's something worth hurrying for.)

But, it made me (once again) stop and think..."Why am i always in such a big hurry?" So i resolved (once again) to slow down and enjoy life wherever i am. Whether its in traffic or the grocery store line...slow down.

Have you ever noticed that old people are never in a hurry? I wonder what they know that we don't?

Save your comments...

2008-02-15T10:25:00.002-06:00

I know...its been like 57 weeks since i left something here. Like most good habits in life...blogging takes effort. I resolve to put forth effort at being more consistent with this little writing thing.

Now that confession time is over...

2008 is well underway. I'm still plugging away at school. My days consist of things like Geology, US History and American Literature to name a few. It looks like we are facing 1 of 2 scenarios as far as when i will finish my degree.
#1 is that i have 4 semesters remaining, which is actually 3 since i'll take all the mini-terms that i possibly can including summer. #2 is that UNT will give me "Life Experience Credit" which is basically free hours for old people who've come back to school to begin a second career. You tell them what you've done with your life for the past 20 years and they say, "we'll give you this many hours." Or, they could say "we don't do that." So, that's where we are with school.

Life in general is blessed as usual. I know that when i resigned from my job in September and told people i was going to mow grass and go to school full-time, there were probably thoughts of, "those poor folks will be on food stamps soon." (which by the way, there is NOTHING wrong with food stamps :)). But, we haven't missed a beat. God continues to provide and other than "tightening our belts" a little, life is pretty much the same. Mowing season starts here in Texas in about 1 month and we're hoping to be overwhelmed with customers. We'll see.

In closing...if you're a reader (which you should be), i just finished a book that's short, easy to read and pretty challenging. Its called, "In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day" by Mark Batterson. Go pick it up.

Have a great weekend.

Life Passions

2007-11-14T20:56:00.000-06:00

Here's one of mine...

http://www.racquetballonline.tv/live.asp

Man these guys are good.

You have to put in an email but its free to watch. This is the US Open. (The "Big Boys")

COMPLAINT FREE UPDATE:
I finally made it one day on the same wrist!!! Then abrubtly had to switch the next day so i'm still at zero.

If you have no idea what i'm talking about check out previous posts.

Goodnight.

Biggest Loser

2007-11-06T21:59:00.000-06:00

I confess...I LOVE THAT SHOW!!!

Yes, i know its overflowing with drama and overkill but i've never found any television show that more motiviates me to care for my physical fitness and shows the power of the human spirit and the good that God has put in all of us.

If you haven't watched it yet...you should.

If you have and hated it...try it again without a skeptical attitude and take it at face value.

Okay, that's it for my Biggest Loser rant.

PS - i think i have a man-crush on Bob.

COMPLAINT FREE WORLD UPDATE:

Still haven't made it one day without switching at least once but we're making progress. Only 4 switches today. Its amazing how aware i am of complaining and criticizing.

If you'd like more info or want to try the challenge for yourself...go to www.acomplaintfreeworld.org

Goodnight.

Complaint Free World - Part 2

2007-11-01T20:11:00.000-05:00

Okay, 3 days into this little project and here's what i'm realizing. I complain and criticize ALOT. (i was just as shocked as you are.)

And when i complain...99.9% of the time, my complaint is directly connected to my selfish nature. I complain because someone is going to slow when i want to go fast or because someone took "my" spot or in general because someone didn't do something that would have made my life more convenient for ME.

So here's the equation...

SELFISHNESS = COMPLAINING and CRITICISM

My prayer this week is that God will take my focus off of me and put it on others which is where real joy comes from anyway (seems like some guy in the bible mentioned that). Think about it...i've never chosen to do something for someone else and felt bad about it. I always feel joy.

For the record: 6 switches today.

Goodnight.

I Love Thursdays!!!

2007-11-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

It seems like over the years, i've grown to love Thursday more and more. Especially in the fall.

Its the first "real" college football game of the week...its when FFL'ers (Fantasy Football Geeks) get serious about looking at their lineup for the week and it just feels good on Thursday knowing that Friday is peeking around the corner. :) Silly i know...but true.

HAPPY THURSDAY!!!

Celebrate by doing something nice for someone else and asking for nothing in return.

Complaint Free World

2007-10-30T21:28:00.000-05:00

How many times have you made a decision to do something, only to find yourself saying, "What in the heck was i thinking!?!?"

Several months ago i saw an article on foxnews.com about a pastor who made these bracelets and a website called complaintfreeworld.org. I was motivated so i ordered some bracelets. 5 months later :) they finally arrived (yesterday).

So here's the basic idea - wear the bracelet (which happens to be pink...lovely) and everytime you critcize, gossip or complain...you switch the bracelet to the other wrist. The goal is to keep it on the same hand for 21 days, thus creating a "complaint free habit" which in turn leads to a complaint free world.

Day 1 results - 11 wrist switches and a "few" others that i rationlized to myself that they weren't really complaints.

Day 2 comes early (was that a complaint?)...

Goodnight.

Did you know?

2007-10-24T21:34:00.000-05:00

That taking Econ, Algebra and Geology during the same semester after a 15 year layoff from school is NOT a good idea?

My brain hurts.

Goodnight.

Dora the Explorer and other childish things...

2007-10-24T00:13:00.000-05:00

Okay, its my first blog and i'm already getting misty.

i was driving home today and my daughter called me on her cell phone...normal conversation but after we hung up, something hit me: My daughter has a cell phone. Which means my girls are growing up!!!

We are officially past the "dora the explorer", "cinderella" stage. We used to love Dora...now? Not cool. You know that little girl, imaginary, everything's gonna work out stage where dad is bigger than life and knows everything? Gone...Forever.

So here's my "blog thought" for today...SLOW DOWN and enjoy every moment of your life. We get in such a hurry to get to the next thing, stage or place that we miss the sweetness of the moment God has given us right now.

So last night was Monday night...a big TV night in the Farris house. We watch tivo'd Extreme Makeover Home Edition, then Little People Big World, then some MNF (yes, we Farris's live on the edge). It was finally cold last night so we cranked up the fireplace and camped out in the living room for 3 hours...doing nothing...together. I wasn't thinking about what i had to do tomorrow, i wasn't worried about the bills (because worrying hasn't made them go away yet), i wasn't thinking about anything else but - "God, thanks for my amazing family and this brief moment in time that you've given us to just be together."

Okay...i'm done. Racquetball comes early. Goodnight.