Vasilating

Moved

2009-02-26T15:09:00.004-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Time to check those bookmarks...
VASILATING HAS MOVED (again...)

You can still get to the new site by using www.brianvasil.com (as always)

If you have linked to me via the long address... kindly repoint your link to

http://bvasil.wordpress.com

This is just one part of an exciting new blog expansion I am working on...

Thanks everyone...see you on the other side!

BV

From the Shelf

2009-02-24T17:04:00.001-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

It's time to take a quick glance at the bookshelf and let you know what I am currently reading...

1) Mad Church Disease - Anne Jackson - Status: FINISHED - Rating 4.5/5 - I was a little afraid to start reading this book because I thought it was going to bash the church...that the church was the bad guy and I was the victim. Fortunately I was wrong. Anne does an amazing job at presenting a realistic look at a life out of balance. The beginning of the book reveals the trials of her life and how it drove her to write a book about burnout. After just a few pages you realize that she is more than qualified to lead her readers from the land of "I can relate to that" to a place of healing. Pastors and leaders like Bill Hybels, Craig Groeschel, and Perry Noble are interviewed and quoted throughout the book to support Anne's claims. I think the point that I took away was that it isn't church that causes burnout (although there are many elements contained therein that could)...it is a result of poor choices, lack of barriers and boundaries, the human elements of ministry, and a general unspecific tendency to drift away from disciplines we know we need. Thanks Anne for stepping out and writing about something that many deny publicly but battle in the trenches of their minds and hearts.

2) Killing Cockroaches - Tony Morgan - Status: CURRENTLY READING - A cool book on leadership written by a guy that has lived it out. I love the title...and when you think about why it's called Killing Cockroaches...it makes you want to follow Tony further down the rabbit hole. As a city manager, Tony was called in by someone who needed a bug killed in her office. He got up and did it...and then thought about it. Why did he get up and do that? He was the "CEO" of sorts... Was that the best use of his time and leadership? Was he leading out of the urgent..or did he need to lead more stratigically? Was he putting out fires or moving forward? Sound intriguing...then dive into this collection of cool leadership thoughts and strategies with me and let me know what you think.

There's a few others that I'm wrapping up as well and I will post reviews soon. Topics run the gambit from children't fiction (Kingdom Keepers 2) to Web 2.0 (33 Million People in the Room) to a re-read of a book for our Internet Campus book study (Traveling Light).

See you in the bookstore cafe,
BV

Amazing

2009-02-23T23:35:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

I just finished reading the book "Mad Church Disease" by Anne Jackson (full review coming soon) and really enjoyed it. There was one quote toward the end that really grabbed my attention and I wanted to know what you thought about it.

"People are afraid to be amazing."

People are afraid to be themselves...they have played the "role" of themselves for so long they are scared to reveal who they really are and what they really think. Also, people are scared to reveal too much about their hopes...their dreams...because what people know - they can use against them. Fear can be devastating.

Amazing requires boldness. Amazing demands discipline. An amazing life honors God.

I guess the question is... are you amazing? What is holding you back from being the you that God created you to be? Are you scared? Are you waiting?

So many of us stop just short of amazing...just short of the top...just short of what we could be...

Why?

BV

In Defense of Twitter

2009-02-21T23:08:00.006-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

Tonight was wonderful....and I have Twitter to thank for it. Yesterday I posted that I was fighting an earache, headache, and sore throat. Instantly, people that read my updated status began sending me well wishes and home remedies...and told me I was being prayed for. Tonight, as I walked from the Internet Campus studio to the control room, no fewer than 10 people stopped and asked how I was feeling... all Twitter followers or Facebook friends.

I returned to the studio and logged into the campus chat room. Several chat guests asked me if I felt better and volunteered to pray as well....from all over the world. They follow me on Twitter or are friends with me on our Internet Campus community page.

No matter what you think about social media, Twitter, or the like...there is real community happening online.

I am living proof. Thanks friends...you made me feel loved.

BV

Forward

2009-02-21T01:11:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Just wondering...

What are you looking forward to right now?

Why?

BV

Ready to Go 'Back?'

2009-02-19T15:41:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

I guess I'm on some sort of a retro-theme here...although I hesitate to admit that mentioning the new DVD re-re-re-release of Back to the Future is "retro". I'm pretty anxious to see this new version of one of my all-time favorite movies. Here's what it has going for it.

1) Huey Lewis and the News not only do some of the music...Huey is in it as the nerdy teacher. They've always been my favorite band...
2) Michael J. Fox - "Teen Wolf" himself...in his prime...
3) Biff Tannen - A classic heel... Every school had a kid like that...
4) Doc Brown - Christopher Lloyd - Steals every scene he's in...
5) I've also heard that it has the entire BTTF ride video from Universal Studios on it!

Not to mention a flying DeLorean, Marvin Berry, the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance, Crispin Glover, the flux capacitor, the Twin (Lone) Pines Mall, Einstein, and Calvin Klein.

If you've never seen it...it's definitely worth your TIME. Get it. Time. The movie's about a time machine that.... never mind.

If you have seen it...what's your favorite part?

BV

Do You Know Ben Cooper?

2009-02-19T10:09:00.001-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

On the heels of yesterday's 1970s memory/confessional...I have one more. Did anybody else beside me buy and wear those vinyl Ben Cooper Halloween costumes? You know the ones...plastic mask with a thin rubber band that would break after about 10 minutes inside it... Vinyl non-fire proof suit with a poorly printed picture of the character you were supposed to be... good times, good times.

I was pretty much every character from Star Wars, Spider-Man, Batman, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the Devil. Yes, my parents dressed me up in a Ben Cooper devil outfit when I was 4. I walked around innocently (yet comically) as the prince of darkness begging for Pixie Stix. Thanks mom and dad....

Did you ever wear one of these costumes? If so, what character were you?

BV

Dented Lunchboxes

2009-02-18T11:28:00.002-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

If you were a child of the 1970s (like I was)...there were probably two things you did that kids today can't really relate to. When it came time to bring your homemade PBJ, more than likely, you rocked one of these metal lunchboxes (complete with hard plastic thermos).

I LOVED my lunchbox when I was a kid. Mom and I made choosing my yearly lunchbox a big thing... We'd drive to Zayre's and spend the better part of an hour looking at each design and picking the coolest one. Some of my lunchboxes included: The Six Million Dollar Man, The Super Friends, Star Wars, Land of the Lost, and Spider Man.

Problem with me and these lunchboxes were that they would dent easily. Mom would always wonder why my lunchbox would come home bent. I told her I dropped it a lot...but if she looked at the dents a little closer, she would realize that they were head-shaped. That's right. I used to clock my buddies over the head with my aluminum lunchbox. Hard. I wasn't trying to hurt them...but I was 9 and it seemed like the right thing to do when they wouldn't trade me for my sandwich. Give me some grace...I was 9.

What's the other 1970s thing we all did? Come back tomorrow to find out...

BV

B.V.

2009-02-17T08:32:00.002-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

Today, in my car, I found a water bottle with my initials on it. "B.V." Clear as day in black sharpie marker. Problem is, I don't remember ever writing them on that bottle...in fact, I don't remember the last time I've had bottled water. Then it hit me.

That was Brianna's bottle. B.V. are her initials, too.

I know that's pretty obvious to most...but this morning it hit me. I share initials with my daughter. Then it got me to thinking. What else have I passed down to her? My love of Christ? My perseverance? My character? My passion for learning?

Or has it been other things... my sarcasm, my temper, my fears, or my desire to please everyone?

I desperately want Brianna to discern what is good and what isn't good from me and incorporate the best traits into her life. Problem is, she probably won't be able to. Our kids pick it all up...the good and the bad...and become, in part, like us. What a huge responsibility we have as parents...to pass down more than just our initials...but a Christ-like example of what a good human being should be.

BV

Man vs. Food

2009-02-12T01:23:00.004-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

I've got a confession to make. Recently, I started watching a show on the Travel Channel called "Man vs. Food"...have you seen it? If not, it's a show about a guy named Adam who travels around the country looking for the greatest eating spots....and samples some of the local specialties. In Boston he eats the "Fisherman's Plate" or in Atlanta he tries the "Midnight Train" (4 HUGE chicken wings and some waffles on the side). You get the idea.

What got me watching it was a show he did while in Columbus, Ohio. He ate at a place in the German village called Schmidts...complete with a spicy sausage called the Bahama Mama. I have eaten there myself! A great place that's been there forever...I remember it even had a sausage buffet (and some of the best cream puffs I've ever eaten). Good times... good times...

The crescendo of this ode to dining is at the end of the show. He tries to take on a local eating challenge. For example, one show has him eating a 12 egg omelet with sour cream and chili (weighing in at over 5 pounds)... another show has him trying to devour a 13 pound pizza...or downing a true dagwood sandwich (larger than his head) in Ohio...or a 72 ounce steak...or a 5 pound hamburger...

I know this sounds gross...but it is strangely mesmerizing. I love shows that reflect local culture and cuisine and this one certainly does that. Have you seen this show? What do you think?

BV

Moving Forward

2009-02-10T12:42:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney

I love this quote from Walt. It absolutely defines who he was as a man..always pushing the envelope...challenging himself to go beyond the obvious stopping points of life.

Yesterday in staff meeting, Pastor Scot Mendendhall said something that made me think of the quote listed above. Scot said that when he runs marathons, there is always a point in the race where it becomes mental...where you have to decide whether or not you are just satisfied with finishing...or if you want to better your time and push yourself harder.

I love and hate that at the same time.

I love the fact that other people want to coast sometimes, too..just get through life. I feel like that occasionally. I feel like coasting...my knowledge, my spouse, my weight, my parenting, my ministry, ...there are many more. I wonder sometimes how far I could get with just revving my life up really hard...really go after it...and then just coast a few years. Not very far I would guess. That's like sprinting the first 5 miles of a marathon and then crawling to the finish line. Yes, I'd be done (same result)...but my time would stink.

I hate it because I come up against that thought a lot. Every fiber in my being wants to pause...to rest...to somehow convince myself that I have worked really hard and deserve it. Sometimes I have to force myself to do what I don't want to do to prepare myself for what God has gifted and called me to do...and it's hard. Growth hurts sometimes. Changing myself, while necessary, can feel lonely and painful...but it has to be done.

I'm going to stay curious, driven, and focused on what's really important this year...and thereafter. I can promise you this... I will keep moving forward. How about you?

Words

2009-02-09T08:45:00.004-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

I have written and re-written this post a few times... It talks about something that I regret sharing in the first place. One time, while I was teaching on the weekend, I mentioned that I suffer from OCD (Obsessive Complusive Disorder). Not terribly bad, but it does affect me. I check the stove knobs for 5 minutes to make sure they are off...and check the door locks at least 7 times to make sure they are properly closed. I have struggled with this for years and have basically come to terms with it. My case is not severe...on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being a debilitating case, mine is about a 2-3.

But that's not the point of this blog post.

In the past couple of weeks, it has come to my attention that many people think OCD is something of a joke. I've been doing a task with them and they just casually say "Oh, that's just my OCD kicking in" or "It's just my crazy OCD brain" They don't really suffer from it....it just seems to describe their detail-minded tendencies. I fake a smile and keep on going...but you know what...it hurts. I wish I didn't have to deal with it....that I could somehow convince myself that checking to make sure things were done once was enough...but I can't. I know people don't mean it when they say things flippantly like that... they probably don't realize the impact of their chosen words.

How many times have I insensitively used words like "crazy" or "retarded" in my everyday speech? Too many. I sometimes forget that people are hurting...and I don't know what they might be dealing with for real. Are they struggling with mental illness? Do they have a learning-disabled family member? I don't really know... but I use those words anyway. Our word choice can hurt even when it isn't intended to. I've begun to focus on this verse:

"Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." Ephesians 4:29b

I'm really making an effort to choose my words more carefully. I know I have hurt people in the past unintentionally with my comments and I regret it. I know how it stings.

Sorry if this sounds like a rant or a sermon...I just really felt convicted to share my thoughts on this. Please don't ask me to elaborate on my OCD...I don't understand why I have it...and can't really help others get through it yet. I feel like I should be able to just flick a switch and turn it off...like I'm a prisoner in my own mind sometimes...and I hate it. Just pray for me...and try your level best to think through your words before they come out. I'm trying too.

BV

iPhone finds

2009-02-08T13:18:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Once in awhile, somebody will ask what I'm running on my iPhone...not sure why...but I guess they figure the iPastor would be in the know for the best iPhone apps...

Here are a few standouts that I really love on my phone:

Vlingo - an amazing program that lets you search maps, update your twitter status, dial contacts, and perform Google searches...all with your voice! (FREE)

Facephone - sync people's Facebook photos with their contacts on your phone...always know who's calling by their Facebook photo! ($2.99)

Multi-photo - Email multiple photos at one time! If you email a bunch of photos, this is a cool app. ($2.99)

USA Today - Great news, sports, weather, etc. and FREE!

ToDo - Synced with my web-based task management app, Toodledo...keeps my to-do list in perfect sync between my phone, computer, and the net. ($9.99)

Instapaper - Install the free instapaper extension to Firefox and it puts a bookmark on your browser. Then, if you see an article on the web that you can't read right away...simply click "Read Later" and you can read it on your iPhone! Very convenient! (Basic- FREE / Pro - $9.99)

That's just a few...

Enjoy!

BV

Darth Daddy

2009-02-05T10:04:00.004-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

I present to you for the first time... Princess Leia's birthday cake.

If you get the reference, you earn +2 geek points.

Is it just me, or is the image of the dark lord of the sith holding an innocent child made of frosting a bit disconcerting? Just me? Alright.

BV

It Came...

2009-02-03T23:37:00.004-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

It finally came. I've been waiting for it since 2006 and it arrived yesterday. The harbinger of doom...the signal flag of seniority...the evidence that it is no longer cool to reference Back to the Future....the dreaded 20th high school reunion notice.

Don't be offended if this has already come and gone for you...didn't it sting a little to open that envelope? 20 years? Seriously?

As I held it in my hands, I began to reflect on what has come and gone since then... I've come to terms that the Cavaricci's that I always wanted will never be in my closet... or that Six Flags Atlantis will never reopen...or that Max Headroom will never re-appear on a Pepsi commercial... or that my hair will never again be that thick. I mean seriously...why didn't somebody tell me I looked like a hybrid of a microphone windscreen and Ronald McDonald? (see photo)

What does the 20th high school reunion signify? Mid-life? Quarter-life? I'm not sure. I do know that I'm not going to the reunion. I never really made many friends in high school....and if I did go, it would be a lot like the last Indiana Jones movie.... all the recognizable characters were older, wider, and slower than I remember them 20 years ago.

At 37, I have a lot more wisdom and perspective than I had at 17. I'm married. Have a beautiful family, a mortgage, and bad knees. I get to serve at an unbelievable church with great leaders...pastor the most amazing team I've ever been a part of... and have the satisfaction of knowing that out of all the graduates that left Nova High School that year, I'm probably the only one with more toys now than when I attended there.

I guess I should look at it positively... I have my health... they still want me to be a part of the class... and it didn't come attached to an application to join AARP.

BV

Did you?

2009-02-02T23:10:00.002-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

Did you experience last weekend? A great lesson to kickoff a life-changing series!

Here's the pre-teaching intro...

Pre-Teaching - The Family Series Week 1 from Flamingo Road Church on Vimeo.

Also, a great voiceover...

BV

I was in a rock band.

2009-01-29T09:49:00.005-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Yesterday was a very odd day for me on Facebook. I woke up as I always do and check my iPhone...schedule for the day, ad for new hard drives, Google alerts... and then I saw them... 2 Facebook friend requests from names that I recognized...my bandmates from my old Rock Band, Forte! Tim and Doug... the heart and soul of one of the greatest bands that has ever played in the courtyard of Nova High School. That's right...the juggernaut of music that was the band Forte was back together. The world has been calling out for a reunion tour, but we had lost touch and moved to all different parts of the country... Viva la Facebook!

Tim (the guitarist) got married and moved to Maryland. He still plays guitar regularly but took a regular gig working at a school. Doug (the drummer) also got married and moved to the Carolinas where he took a job as a newspaper writer. I hadn't really talked much with them over the years..it's one of those "we'll always be buds" things that ends up drifting and eventually falls apart... But now here we are...reunited thanks to the Internet...and ready to melt some faces with a sound that's one part rock and roll and one part approaching-40 wanna-be garage band legends.

But we weren't quite complete. There was one more member of Forte that had yet to be found...arguably the most talented musician in our band, Ken (the keyboardist). So I went to work...and found him on Facebook as well! I sent him a friend request and he accepted it...along with a very cool note talking about our past glories. NOW we were a full band again (if only in the computer)

Will Forte every play again? Should Forte ever play again? The world only knows...but just to think that I woke up yesterday morning and was but a lonely bass player with memories of a rockin' day gone by...and now I have been reconnected with three guys who went through it all with me... amazing. Thank you Facebook... thank you Tim, Doug, and Ken... and thank you to all of the fans that prayed this would happen... our first song on the tour is dedicated to you.

BV

Internet Campus Baptisms

2009-01-27T10:30:00.002-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers....

Last night was GREAT on the Internet Campus! The Lidster family came to get baptized! They have been a part of the Internet Campus since we began 16 months ago...and were ready to take that next step of obedience. Pastor Arturo and I were honored to baptize such a wonderful family of 4! Congratulations Lidster family!!!

BV

This Weekend...

2009-01-27T00:12:00.006-05:00

Don't forget...a new series begins this weekend!

Family Series Promo from Flamingo Road Church on Vimeo.

Does the narrator sound familiar? I love that little voice-over artist!

BV

A Public Prayer Request

2009-01-26T08:56:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

I come from a very small family. How small? Basically, all that is left is me, my brother, my mom, and my grandmother. I have a few uncles from my dad's side around, but we have lost touch over the years and I very rarely ever hear from them. I would say that the entire remaining Vasil family could fit comfortably in a hospital elevator.

Time has not been kind to my family. Many of them have lived self-destructive lives....ending way too quickly. I've done several funerals for my own family members and said goodbye to people I've loved long before I expected to. They made poor short-sighted choices that I wish I could go back in time and change or influence so that I could benefit from their wisdom today.

Then there are those in my family who have just battled illness. Which brings me to the reason for this post...my Grandmother seems to be dying. She is 80 years old and is currently battling dementia, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy. I visited with her last week at her assisted living facility and it absolutely broke my heart. She isn't talking...barely eating...and battling near-pneumonia (on top of everything else).

Last week, I sat with her as we watched President Obama's inauguration. I held her hand and fed her some soup broth (or as much as she would tolerate). I'm not sure she even knew I was there. She hasn't recognized me for awhile now...but that is to be expected. She is under hospice care. The hospice nurse told my mom that there is a slight possibility for her to recover but to begin preparing things for her death.

I know God can do miracles. I know my Grandmother can recover. But something inside me knows what is about to happen. My small family is about to get smaller. My last living grandparent is about to go home. It might be 2 days, 2 weeks, or 2 months..but Grandma isn't going to beat these three huge illnesses. I would ask you to please pray for my little family. Pray for healing, wisdom, strength, and peace for all involved.

Sincerely...thank you for your prayers and support.
BV

Lessons from a LOST Party

2009-01-22T09:25:00.002-05:00

Greetings faithful readers,

Last night I was invited to join an entire room of LOST fans for the kickoff of season five. I heard that they had done this in previous seasons, so I was anxious to see what exactly would happen when 30+ LOST fans got together to watch an episode...and I wasn't disappointed.

As I approached the house, I knew I was in the right place because of the fully-burning tiki torches out front. That wasn't all...the Garcias went the extra mile and actually had those whispery spooky voice noises coming out of the bushes...a nice touch. I knocked on the Dharma logo on the front door...and the night began.

I was greeted by a polar bear (Olivia). Yep. A polar bear. I knew right away that my Dr. Marvin Candle scientist garb was definitely not going to win best costume. Passing the polar bear, I was greeted warmly by the black smoke monster (Roberto) and someone dressed like Hurley. At this point, it didn't matter whether or not I even saw the show...I was already having a good time!

I grabbed a Dharma water and sat down for a night of LOST-y goodness (It is important to note here that there were many Dharma products available...water, corn, dip, soda, etc. all over the counters. The attention to detail was astounding) I sat in front of Scott/Steve (convincingly portrayed by Stacie and Stacey) and behind Juliette (Rebecca as a blonde). To my right, an extremely accurate Faraday (a bearded Yoel) and to my left an equally convincing Mikhail (Carlos) The HD screen was huge and the anticipation was growing more and more as the magical hour approached.

The plan was to pause the show for 30 minutes to allow commercial-skipped viewing during the show. At 9:08PM, somebody hit the wrong button...and began playing the new show live. The room erupted and people searched frantically for the remote to pause it and rewind. With that sorted out...the show began (for us) at 9:15PM. Two episodes later....the LOST faithful in the room had a few of their plot questions answered, and a few new ones to chew on.

We took our group photo and said our good-byes. I had a great time and was thankful for the invitation. The shows were good...but the group I got to enjoy them with made it even better

Namaste!

BV

Congratulations

2009-01-20T09:49:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

Congratulations to the Obamas and the Bidens. I am praying for both men to lead with faith, courage, and strength.

BV

I like caffeine, but...

2009-01-15T12:41:00.006-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

I'm into the occasional blast of caffeine...but how about this from the website:

CRACKHEADS2 Candy
Each box of Crackheads²® contains the same caffeine in approximately 6 cups of coffee, 7.5 Red Bull® energy drinks, or 11 cans of Mountain Dew®!.

7 1/2 Red Bulls? Does it come with a defibrillator? If you eat these, please do me a favor, take your pulse. Let me know if it sounds more like machine gun cover fire or the opening drum beat to the song "Orange Crush" by REM.

I'll just stick to the occasional pop rocks and diet coke.

BV

Online Student Ministry

2009-01-15T09:04:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

Just an amazing night last night from the online student ministry....we had two rooms full of energy, some awesome games (with iTunes gift cards as prizes), and a great time of learning and personal development.

The photo to the left was sent to us by "Turbo" and "Little Turbo" watching from Illinois... They told us that it's the way they spend every Wednesday...connecting with students from around the world!

How cool is that?

Pastor Scot and his team have been doing an incredible job at developing this online experience. There are some exciting changes just ahead for "The Rush" online... stay tuned!

BV

A few thoughts from my dad...

2009-01-14T12:22:00.002-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

In honor of what would have been my dad's 69th birthday, here are a few of the sayings that he used to tell my brother and I that made absolutely no sense...

1) "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?"

2) "What did you wash your hair with, a Hershey bar?"

3) "You'd be mad if somebody peed in your ice cream."

4) (When we ate too fast)... "Easy there, Henry...the beheadings aren't until 7"

I never understood any of them...when he'd say them, my brother and I would just look at each other and shake our heads. I do find myself saying them to Brianna every now and again, though...

Even though they didn't make sense, I'd give everything I have to hear him say them one more time.

Happy birthday, dad. I miss you.

Love, Brian

What I'm Reading

2009-01-12T13:29:00.007-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

It's been a while since we've taken a stroll over to Brian's bookshelf...here's what is currently stimulating my brain:

Outliers (Malcolm Gladwell) - An interesting book about the reasons for success. I enjoyed blink...but I think Outliers is better...a very interesting read

33 Million People in the Room (Juliette Powell) - A great study of Social Networking and it's effects on connectivity and growth for business. Many of the principles apply to ministry as well!

Don't Make Me Think (Steve Krug) - What do people feel like when they visit our Internet Campus website? Where do their eyes go? What are they thinking when they click a button or fill in a form... this book lets me know...

iPhone Fully Loaded (Andy Ihnatko) - A hilarious look at the iPhone and what you can do with it. It isn't an average "how do I set up push email" type of book...it maximizes the iPhones potential...a cool read!

ON THE RADAR FOR THE NEAR FUTURE

Enough - John C. Bogle

Facebook Marketing: Leveraging Social Media to Grow Your Business - Steve Holzner

SimChurch: Being the Church in the Virtual World - Douglas Estes

That should keep me busy for a little bit...what are YOU reading in January?

BV

Christmas Residue

2009-01-06T10:54:00.006-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

I just looked through my iPhone picture file and found a couple of disturbing images that I photographed during the holiday rush.

First is this Santa beard...you're supposed to put it over your face and look like Santa...but from the looks of this mask...it's more like Satan.

B/t/w does it seem odd that you'd have hair on your forehead and cheeks as Santa/Satan?

Next is an interesting Christmas item that I found in one of those "claw" toy vending machines...you have your usual collection of teddy bears, cute mice, a doll or two, and a wise man with his myrrh. Can't you just hear the conversation?

Child: MOM! Can I have 5o cents?
Mom: Why honey?
Child: I want to win a stuffed toy!
Mom: No, you have so many of those at home...
Child: Not like this one...it's bearded and ornate!

There...got that out of my system...and out of my iPhone.

BV

WHEW! What a holiday!

2009-01-03T02:49:00.009-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

Happy New Year! Wow! What an amazing last couple of weeks! Two weeks ago, I was preparing the lesson for last weekend...and, oh yeah...Christmas! Here's a quick recap of the last fortnight in the life of your iPastor

1) I got the chance to meet Paula...one of our Internet Campus members visiting from Long Island, NY! What a sweet lady!

2) In addition, I got the change to meet (in the studio)...Manfred from Innsbruck, Austria! A very cool cat indeed!

3) The Internet Campus was AMAZING during the Christmas Services...including our exclusive Christmas Day service! What a team I am blessed to be a part of! Our Christmas Day service was off-the-hook... we had 175 computers connected from around the world and a room full of teammates to share it with in the studio! It was a very cool time! 2625 COMPUTERS CONNECTED!!!

4) Thanks to all of you who encouraged me before, during, and after my chance to teach last weekend at the Cooper City Campus. I am humbled by your words. I was completely honored to be up there closing out the Gift Revolution series. It is my prayer that those that came left with some hope for 2009...

5) I am on vacation this week....so I won't be hosting the Internet Campus this weekend... who will? You'll have to join us to find out! :-)

6) One of my favorite gifts from this Christmas? My Chuck Norris page-a-day calendar...favorite so far... Chuck Norris is like one of those Russian nesting dolls...if you open him up, there's another a smaller and angrier Chuck just inside...

7) Got my iPhone replaced at the Apple Store... only took 90 minutes... but they replaced it because of the broken switch...

8) Took this photo of myself in the War Room during the Gift Revolution. I know. I know. Mindy's a lucky girl...

Happy New Year! Let's have another great year together on Vasilating!

BV

Want to laugh?

2008-12-27T14:56:00.004-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

Bloopers from Flamingo Road Church on Vimeo.

I laugh every time I watch this video. I remember shooting some of these...and we couldn't stop laughing.. I think my favorite is the butchered Spanish translation close to the end...

Good times, good times...

BV

Making Room Monday - Christmas Week Edition

2008-12-22T08:33:00.004-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...
It's been awhile, faithful reader, but "Making Room Monday" has returned..just a random romp through my brain...making space for some new thinking this week:

1) It's finally here! Christmas week is here and the Internet Campus is ready! I'm really looking forward to meeting some people in the studio, serving with some awesome volunteers, chatting with new folks online, and celebrating Christmas around the world... if you read this blog and don't have a church home, I'd love to meet you on our Internet Campus... www.frclive.tv

2) We are doing an Internet-only service on Christmas Day...the team is ready to go and I am anxious to see who connects with us...

3) Headed to the Apple Store today to have my iPhone replaced/repaired. The silent/ringer switch broke off on the side of it. Bummer. It's still the best phone I've ever owned...

4) I'm teaching on our Cooper City Campus this weekend! I'm looking forward to sharing what God wants me to talk about! More details soon...

5) I bought myself a little Christmas present early... this beautiful coral to add to my tank. Here are a couple of photos I took of my saltwater tank a few days ago (The new coral is on the left photo):

That's it for this week! I will try to blog a couple more times this week...but between services, Christmas, and writing my sermon for the weekend...you know how it goes :-)

Merry Christmas,
BV

Only a few days left..

2008-12-19T13:51:00.002-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Alright...if you've been waiting for the last minute to participate in the Gift Revolution...this is it! We've only got 6 DAYS left to inspire the world through random acts of kindness. If you've been following my blog, you may have been with me during the 25 gifts in 25 day challenge! We're going for it again! Let's get out there this weekend...hit the malls....the Christmas parades...the parking lots...ANYWHERE...and brighten someone's day with something special. If you need ideas, you can go to www.thegiftrevolution.com and read the over 45 pages of stories from all over the world!!!

I hope you'll join me on this important opportunity! I look forward to reading your stories!

BV

Have you seen this ad?

2008-12-18T09:58:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

I've been holding off writing this post for a little while, but I have to get it out. Have you seen the TV ad yet...you know the one...the Walmart ad for this Christmas? No, not the cute one with the kids running down the stairs with huge smiles on Christmas morning... No, not the one with the register lights blinking to the tune of "Carol of the Bells"

I'm talking about the one with the mom talking about all of the awesome gifts she is going to buy at great, low prices for the kids....some toys, a video game, and a copy of "Black Ice" by AC/DC. Nothing says stocking stuffer like a CD full of tremor inducing guitar solos, nearly incoherent lyrics, and tunes with names like "Smash N Grab" or "War Machine".

I can just picture it:

Mom: "Alright...let's see what Santa put in your stockings this year... [gives a knowing wink to Dad]

Girl: "Cool! Jonas Brothers lip gloss! That Kevin...he's so dreamy!"

Boy: "WOW! Mom! Look what Santa gave me in my stocking! Just what I wanted! AC/DC!!! Now I have something to listen to while I unleash my inner rage on the contents of my room! Mom..dad...you're the best"

[all smiling...]

SCENE

Don't get me wrong...I enjoy the occasional track off the "Back in Black" album... but it just seems a little off-putting to see it on a Walmart Christmas ad being hocked by a suburban soccer mom.

In any case, for those about to rock...Merry Christmas!

BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 25

2008-12-17T23:03:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Tonight wrapped up our 25 day challenge...what an incredible, life-changing chance we had to inspire the world!

Gift #25 was a 10 dollar gift card to Walmart. Mindy was in line buying some stuff and the lady behind her was having a VERY tough time with her son. There were some heated words between mother and child exchanged and you could just see the stress on the mother's face. My wife went through the line, bought the gift card, handed it to the cashier with a Gift Revolution card and asked her to give it to the lady behind us.

It is our prayer that a simple gift card would give her hope (and a little less stress) during the holidays.

The Gift Revolution has certainly changed us as a family...it has helped us focus on what is REALLY important during the holidays... the needs of others.

Thanks for staying with me these 25 days...I have truly enjoyed the journey.

Blessings,
BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 24

2008-12-16T09:57:00.000-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Well...it happened again. I got home late last night from our book study and noticed that my neighbor's garbage can was left out by the street. If you know these large plastic cans, they aren't too easy to maneuver...and my neighbor is elderly. So, like before, I walked it back to his home for him.

The greatest part of this gift is that now I plan to do this regularly. Before the gift revolution I guess I always assumed that he was "managing" and it would be OK to let him do it. Now that I've been living through the lenses of the Revolution... I see opportunities to love where I once saw just a can left out by the street.

One more day left in the challenge...

BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 23

2008-12-15T14:32:00.000-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Today's gift revolution sounds like a good one...the NEW CD from Flamingo Road Church! Someone in our chat room that lives locally said that they wanted one...and I let them know they could have one from me...complements of the Gift Revolution.com!!!

Happy listening...see you tomorrow!

BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 22

2008-12-14T22:52:00.002-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

Today's gift challenge was really special...we got the chance to do the Gift Revolution for the Gramlings! We stopped over Pastor Troy's house and delivered a gift on behalf of the Vasils and the Internet Campus... We tried to pick out gifts that were symbolic of those that attend the Internet Campus each weekend... The package included:

1 German pickle ornament
1 English Big Ben ornament
1 French Eiffel Tower ornament
1 Box of Swedish mint chocolate wafers

...and of course, a Gift Revolution card!

It was awesome to be able to gift our Pastor... what will we do next?

Check back tomorrow to find out...

BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 21

2008-12-13T20:15:00.001-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

Today's gift in the 25 day gift challenge was a tasty one... My family and I were in Chipotle and decided to pay for the order of the woman behind us... She ordered some crispy tacos (with a side of guacamole) and received it free...complements of the Gift Revolution! What a great way to pass along a little love this Christmas - in a tortilla shell!

See you tomorrow as we tackle day 22 of 25!

Now get out there and join the Revolution! :-)

BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 20

2008-12-12T19:00:00.000-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

Today I got word that someone I know needed a little Christmas boost...

You know what I'm saying...things get too busy...days come and go...and before you know it, Christmas is upon you.

If you're not careful, you'll miss the joy of the season...

To prevent that from happening, I sent him an iTunes gift card so he could download some great Christmas music... He hears the music and gets into the Christmas spirit... I get to take brighten up someone's day... both complements of the Gift Revolution...

See you tomorrow,
BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 19

2008-12-11T21:18:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

The Gift Revolution is heating up...literally! Day 19 of the 25 day challenge brings the gift of an aquarium heater... I found a fish tank in need of a heater and made sure that the tank owners were given one...

We have some happy tank owners...some warmer fish...and one more gift to spread the revolution!

See you tomorrow...
BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 18

2008-12-10T14:38:00.000-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Today is day 18 of the 25 day challenge...and we've brightened someone else's day! I was excited to be able to share a copy of the book "IT" with one of my co-workers who had their copy taken from their office. She is attending one of the book studies and really missed having her book with her. I bought an extra copy and gave it to her along with a Gift Revolution card!

This experience has been so awesome! I can't wait until tomorrow to see how God will let me bless another person with a great surprise!

See you tomorrow!
BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 17

2008-12-09T21:02:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Kind of a double dip today...

1) The first gift came in the form of a lunch...I was headed out to lunch at the Golden Arches and decided that Pastor Arturo needed to enjoy some as well. I came back...two bags in hand... and gave him a taste of the revolution in the form of a hamburger and fries.

2) Mindy headed into the green room and helped assemble gift bags that would be given out to school bus drivers on Wednesday morning...it was great to see her and Brianna working together as part of the Revolution!

That's it for today...looking forward (as always) to seeing what opportunity I get tomorrow to spread some Gift Revolution love!

BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 16

2008-12-08T17:18:00.000-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Today we had a little BK Gift Revolution...

After school we headed to Burger King to pick up a snack for my daughter and decided to pick up the tab for the car behind us. It was great to watch the lady go to take cash out of her wallet and instead be handed a Gift Revolution card. It's been 16 days now and I never get tired of watching people smile. I hope that you have taken advantage of this HUGE opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others this Christmas.

See you tomorrow for Day 17!!!

BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 15

2008-12-07T20:23:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Here we are at day 15 of the 25 day challenge...and this time it is my amazing wife's turn!

Only a few more days left to inspire the world...what will we do next?

Spread the revolution!

BV

PS: This is my 600th post!!!

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 14

2008-12-06T21:37:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

I can't believe it's already been two weeks of giving on the Gift Revolution!

Today's gift was again from my daughter. We were at the bookstore and she found this great book from the Club Penguin franchise. Knowing that she wanted to continue the Revolution...she bought two copies of the sticker book...one for her and the other for someone at school that also enjoys Club Penguin.

I am loving what the Gift Revolution is doing for the world...and what it is doing inside my own family

See you tomorrow!
BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 13

2008-12-05T12:48:00.001-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Today we bought some action figures for a boy that is currently living in a local foster home. There was a tree in the school office where my daughter attends with some gingerbread men hanging on it. Each gingerbread person represented a child in need this Christmas...and we really wanted to help. We learned it was a local boy and chose some cool things for him to enjoy! We don't know who will end up with these great toys specifically, but whomever it is...it is our prayer that it brightens up their Christmas morning.

See you tomorrow for Day 14

BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 12

2008-12-04T21:44:00.004-05:00

Greeting Faithful Readers...

Today's Gift Revolution was amazing! Me (along with 10 members of the staff at FRC) got the chance to bless a nearby Assisted Living Facility with some Gift Revolution love! We bought some garland, ornaments, and ribbon and made the common room look beautiful! In addition, we donated a fully-decorated Christmas tree!

The director, Dot, was overwhelmed with joy... and she wasn't the only one... We all got the feeling that we did more than just decorate...we spread the revolution!

See you tomorrow for Day 13!

BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 11

2008-12-03T14:12:00.001-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

Breakfast anyone?

See you tomorrow for Day 12!

BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 10

2008-12-03T00:00:00.002-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

This time, it's Mindy's turn....

See you tomorrow for Day 11...
BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day Nine

2008-12-01T21:41:00.002-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

Day nine of the 25 day challenge brings a very cool use of the dollar that Pastor Troy gave us...

See you tomorrow!
BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 8

2008-11-30T23:17:00.001-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

Sometimes a little coffee is all you need...

See you tomorrow,
BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 7

2008-11-29T17:07:00.002-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers,

Remember, you don't need to use money to be part of the Revolution...

See you tomorrow!
BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 6

2008-11-29T01:27:00.001-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

This time, it's Mindy's turn:

How many does that count for?

BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 5

2008-11-27T21:21:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Thanksgiving is a GREAT day to spread the Revolution!

See you tomorrow!

BV

The Ultimate Rickroll

2008-11-27T19:43:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

My family and I watched the Macy's Parade this morning and experienced the ultimate "Rickroll"

It was my favorite float of the entire parade...

BV

As Easy As 1-2-3-4

2008-11-27T10:48:00.000-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Want to know how YOU can join the Revolution?

theGiftREVOLUTION.com in four easy steps! from Flamingo Road Church on Vimeo.

'Nuff said?

BV

A COOL Opportunity!

2008-11-26T22:34:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Guess who is going to be on the NBC6's South Florida Today show this Saturday?

Our very own Pastor Troy!!!!

The show airs 9am-10am on channel 6.

Let's all watch it...and tell your friends to tune in...

What a great chance to get The Gift Revolution out to South Florida!

See you online,
BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 4

2008-11-26T22:03:00.001-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! See you tomorrow!

BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 3

2008-11-25T22:40:00.002-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Sorry about the quality...it was a camera phone...but the results are the same: 3 days 3 gifts...

How is your challenge coming?

BV

Heredes.com Pez Dispenser

2008-11-25T13:30:00.004-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

I have finally found it. Many Wal-Marts. Many Targets. Countless bins of cheap, plastic candy dispensers until I finally found it.

The Heredes Pez dispenser. Complete with sideburns and soul patch.

I'm taking orders on these to give to that special someone or as part of the Gift Revolution

BV

Gift Revolution Challenge - Day 2

2008-11-24T21:21:00.001-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

What are you doing to inspire the world? Let us know! www.thegiftrevolution.com

BV

Our Challenge

2008-11-23T22:33:00.004-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Are you up for the challenge?

BV

Just a Couple More Days

2008-11-20T15:02:00.001-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Well...the time is almost upon us. The Series after The Series Before the Series is almost here....seriously.

Are you ready for it? We certainly are...this is going to be an amazing weekend on the Internet Campus! All I can tell you is what I told you last weekend:

1) Bring a friend... it's like going to an amazing movie or concert...the experience will be enhanced when you can share it with somebody!!

2) Be on time... From the very first second...this weekend's service will have to be seen to be believed. I will have the chat room open early if you'd like to stop by... Remember, Saturday's schedule has changed: 1 service - Saturday 6PM - Sundays times haven't changed: 9:30AM, 11:00AM, 12:45PM, and 5:00PM (Internet Only)

I really hope you'll be able to make it this weekend...

See you online!
BV

Groove

2008-11-19T17:14:00.001-05:00

GFR,

Still combing through Tribes and saw this...

"If you're not uncomfortable in your work as a leader, it's almost certain you're not reaching your potential as a leader." - Seth Godin

Wow. There have been days where I have felt that I was killing it as a leader...kicking rear and taking names... I thought to myself, I'm getting pretty good at this...things are starting to feel like they should... I am really understanding how to lead and getting into my groove."

Then I read that quote from Seth...and as usual my thinking changed...

It's not about groove... it's about growth.

BV

What I learned from Wall-E

2008-11-19T09:29:00.000-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

I got to thinking while watching Wall-E...here's what spilled out onto the blog:

1) One person can make a difference

2) I was created to do much more than clean up other people's messes

3) When I need inspiration...look up

4) My real friends will do whatever it takes to back me up

5) Realizing what I am capable of doing, and then going after it, is giving myself the gift of living with no regrets.

6) Always look for the potential of something...even an ordinary lightbulb can be extraordinary when viewed through the right mental lens

Just my .02

BV

How Was Your Day?

2008-11-18T14:21:00.001-05:00

GFR,

Just reading through Tribes again and got hit by another amazing quote from Seth Godin:

"How was your day? If your answer is "fine" then I don't think you were leading."

So, how is your day going?

BV

A Very Special Birthday

2008-11-18T09:11:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Today is a very special day...Mickey Mouse turns 80 today! November 18, 1928...Walt Disney brought Mickey Mouse to life...

Happy Birthday Mickey!

BV

Making Room Monday

2008-11-17T23:46:00.004-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Here's a visual "Making Room Monday"...

Welcome to the last week of my life in pictures...

BV

The Team

2008-11-14T13:41:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Just wanted to take a quick minute and brag a bit about my Internet Campus team. The photo you see here represents a portion of the local team...our chat host leader...our prayer team leader...our tech team leader...and many others that do things you would never believe go on to keep the Internet Campus running smoothly. In fact, we have nearly 40 volunteers from 9 countries that are part of this team...and more are added (it seems) weekly. It is amazing doing ministry with people that genuinely care about the campus, each other, and most of all, God.

I was trying to find a way to get the entire global team into a photo...and this is the best I could do...

They're all smiling...

If you are reading this...and are part of the Internet Campus team...I want to give you my sincere thank you. Know that you are appreciated and prayed for....it is my honor to lead such an incredible group of Christ-followers.

BV

Internet Campus Webinar

2008-11-12T14:42:00.006-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Today, I was given the honor of participating in the Internet Campus Webinar hosted by DJ Chuang and the Digital Leadership Network! Brandon Donaldson from LifeChurch.tv and I shared how our it all started, some great stories from the campuses, how they run, and some plans that we both have for future development.

The online audience asked several great questions...and we wrapped it up. I was incredibly honored to represent Flamingo Road Church and Pastor Troy. I have learned so much in 15 months and am incredibly eager to learn more... Special thanks to all that prayed for me and supported me today...it meant a lot.

I will post the audio from the conference as soon as I receive it.

BV

Here are a couple of recaps/reviews of the conference:
LINK 1
LINK 2

Pray.

2008-11-05T14:27:00.003-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

I really could use your prayers...I have a couple of events coming up in my life that are extremely important and I am feeling a bit of healthy anxiety over both. This weekend, I am teaching the Internet Campus...live from the campus studio during the teaching time. Pastor Heather is teaching Cooper City (and via video at Sawgrass and Doral), and Pastor Chris is teaching in Hallandale Beach! I have taught many times from Cooper City (and occasionally Doral)...but never by myself in the studio...just me, the camera, and all of the Internet Campus. I am extremely excited about this...but could use your prayers that it connects well...

The other prayer request is for an Internet Campus Webinar that I am doing on Nov. 12th. What is a Webinar? It's an internet-based seminar where people from all over the world can login and ask questions. I am paired with Brandon Donaldson from Lifechurch.tv...and the two of us will talk for a little bit and then take questions from the worldwide audience about the Internet Campus. Pray for me for wisdom. God has allowed me to serve Him through the Internet Campus and I want to represent it well.

Thanks so much, faithful reader, for praying. It means more to me than you know...

BV

Making Room Monday

2008-11-03T09:06:00.007-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Well, it's that time again...time to pick up the nic-nacs in my brain and pack them away to make room for more... Embrace the randomness....

1) Already nearly 90 people have signed up for our new online community site www.frccommunity.com! Pastor Troy himself even signed up last weekend...how cool is that? It's been amazing leaving comments alongside people from Columbia, Peru, and England! My motivation behind it was to create a place where people could come during the week to keep the connections they made during the weekend. God is doing amazing things online...

2) I am teaching live this weekend on the Internet Campus! I have never taught an entire sermon to the camera before...I am confident that it will turn out fine...I am talking about the Good Samaritan...but in a unique way. Looking forward to sharing what God has placed on my heart this weekend!

3) This new Christmas series is going to blow your mind. I'm serious. When Pastor Troy says it hasn't been attempted since the church in Acts 2...he isn't kidding.

4) Halloween was pretty fun for my family...Brianna went out as a "Sweetheart Bat". Mindy had the flu so Brianna and I walked around our neighborhood and begged for packaged sweets. To be honest, I enjoyed the walk with her more than any part of the evening.

5) I am having Disney withdrawl.

6) Mindy took this picture...she said the vampire tattoo on my daughter's arm looks like me... what do you think? --->

7) Just picked up the new Sara Bareilles live at the Fillmore. Great stuff.

8) Many people ask me if I am still running. The answer is...yes...but it now hurts me badly when I do. My shins have never quite healed from the shin-splints. I'm going to keep running because I love the way it makes me feel (except for the shins). See you at the Jingle Jog!

That's about it from me...as always, thanks for reading!

BV

I don't know art...

2008-11-02T22:08:00.004-05:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

I don't know art...but I know what I like.

From the iPastor collection...

BV

PS: Marriage posts to resume next Friday...needed a couple weeks off...

The Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-30T12:36:00.005-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

She won't always carry that little polar bear around with her.

She won't always be so excited to go get a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch.

She won't be 9 forever.

I am going to enjoy every second I can.

Sometimes you just have to slow down...soak in life...

Enjoy who God has allowed you to spend it with.

I love my family.

BV

A Photo Quiz

2008-10-27T21:46:00.002-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

What holiday am I in this picture?

BV

Come Celebrate With Us!

2008-10-25T09:59:00.002-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

This weekend is our 1st Birthday on the FRC Internet Campus! Join us this weekend to experience great live worship, amazing videos, and an incredible teaching called "Making Friendship Work"!

PLUS...it's our birthday, but the gifts are going to YOU! Stop by the chat room for your chance to win some great prizes...including an iPod Shuffle during EVERY service! Simply go to the party at www.frclive.tv

I hope you'll join us! See you online!

BV

New Official Lost Promo!

2008-10-22T22:26:00.003-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Watch this. WARNING: SPOILERS!

I can't wait.

BV

Creating Community

2008-10-22T10:14:00.001-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

I am so excited to finally be able to share this with you... This weekend we are kicking off a brand new forum for the Internet Campus! On it, you will be able to upload your photo, answer other reader's questions (or leave one of your own), submit prayer requests, leave comments... it's all up to you! I really think this will be a great tool for us to create community and connection on the Internet Campus! Launching Saturday morning, simply go to www.frccommunity.com and get the ball rolling! I will have some posts already there to start...but don't hesitate to jump in and keep me company! See you on the forums!

BV

Ojo

2008-10-21T10:37:00.005-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers..

What color is my eye?

Seriously, I've always wondered. I've always been told it's one color...but today was told it is another color entirely.

Thoughts?
BV

Which One Are You?

2008-10-20T16:05:00.003-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

I love this quote and had to share it with you...

"It's better to be one who is told to wait than one who waits to be told."

Which one are you?
BV

Blessed

2008-10-19T20:49:00.005-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Can you guess what this is? Give up? It's a map of the world. Every red flag that you see on the map was a computer connected this past weekend on the Flamingo Road Church Internet Campus. Country #44 signed in...Vietnam! In addition, I got the chance to chat with a representative of a large group of American soldiers from Baghdad, Iraq that were watching Pastor Troy deliver an AWESOME message. If that wasn't enough, we had a visit in the studio from Eileen! She is an Internet Campus member visiting from Puerto Rico!!! She helped me do the opening for the 11:00AM service live on camera!

Here are some other cities that connected this weekend:
Quezon City, Philippines
Salvador, Brasil
Ketsch, Germany
Corner Brook, Newfoundland Canada
Hanoi, Vietnam
Bogota, Columbia
Oslo, Norway
San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico
San Francisco, CA
Littleton, CO
Dayton, OH
Asbestos, Quebec Canada
Kansas City, KS

What an honor it was this weekend to connect with 1312 computers from all over the planet... big crowds in the chat rooms... and the chance to pray with so many wonderful people.

I get to lead the greatest campus with the greatest team in the world... I am blessed.

BV

What I've Read...

2008-10-18T22:56:00.012-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Here's a quick tour through the books I have just finished in the last 10 days... see if any of them interest you as they did me... Remember: Scale of 1-10 - (with 10 being highest) follows each review.

1) Click - Bill Tancer - This book can best be described as technical. It is a study of how people surf the web, their browsing habits, and the analysis of the data obtained. I have been reading everything I can get my hands on about web 2.0 and the way people interact with the web. This book was informative...yet I still found myself looking for a little personality in it. Yes, I know it's a techy book...but it made me feel a little like I was reading the instruction manual for my fridge...lots of great data...not a lot of heart. (0111)

If you know what number that rating represents in binary...read this book.

2) Sex God - Rob Bell - An amazing book that talks about God's love for us and how we can better process the different levels of relationships in our lives. What amazes me about Rob's books is that you can go from one chapter where you're like "mmmm...that makes me think a little" and the next chapter be down on your knees in total repentance. (8)

3) Once You're Lucky, Twice You're Good - Sarah Lacy - A good look into the lives of some of the pioneers of Web 2.0. Some very colorful language sprinkled throughout but an otherwise solid read if you are interested in how DIGG, Facebook, or Twitter came to be. (7)

4) Guerilla Marketing - Jay Conrad Levinson and Mitch Meyerson - While 90% about business marketing, the last chapter or so were great about leveraging Web 2.0 technologies to reach people and connect them to your website. (6)

What's on my nightstand right now....

Creating Magic - 10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney

Jesus Wants to Save Christians: A Manifesto for the Church in Exile

What are you reading? You ARE reading right?

BV

Protecting Your Wife

2008-10-17T11:07:00.005-04:00

Greetings Faithful (male and married) Readers...

It's Friday again...and time for another tip in re-sparking the romance in your marriage. Today we're going to look at something that I believe often goes unnoticed....at least by the husband... spirituality. If we're going to have renewed passion in our marriage, our wives must feel like we are not only physically and emotionally connecting, but also supportive in the matters of God.

If you are a Christ-follower and you are in a Christ-centered marriage, your relationship is constantly under attack. In the last several weeks I've talked about many of the arenas this takes place in...but the most important (by far) is your spiritual connection. Put simply, the devil doesn't want you and your wife to grow more like Christ. The enemy wants your conversations, sexual thoughts, actions, viewing habits, and future plans to all stay worldly with no thought whatsoever of Jesus. It's up to US, guys, to change that.

Like it or not, if you are a Christian man in a Christian marriage...you are the pastor of the home. You set the spiritual thermostat. If your kids aren't praying or your wife feels spiritually disconnected...guess what...it's your responsibility to change/fix that. Hear this...you will never have true intimacy and romance with your wife if you and she are not tied together spiritually. That's why, as a Pastor, I will not marry people of different faiths or one is a believer and the other isn't. Spiritual oneness (like-mindedness) is critical for marital success and romantic connection.

I am bringing some help today... Here are 4 ways the book suggests that we can lead our wives spiritually:

1) Taking the lead in daily prayer -
James 5:16 "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

Let me admit something right off the bat. I stink at this. My wife and I don't pray seriously together very often. Should we? Absolutely. We are missing out on one of God's greatest gifts we have as a couple. You know what's amazing? When we do pray together, we both finish feeling closer than ever...intimacy grows...and we feel in sync relationally. Why don't we do it more often? I could give you excuses like.. "no time" or "we forget to" or the popular "we both have separate quiet times so we don't really need to". All of these excuses are lame. Prayer together is my responsibility and I have been dropping the ball. I spend A LOT of time praying for others on the Internet Campus and have neglected my soul mate. I am not writing this because I am proud of it. Men, this is so important to get right. Pray with your wife...pray for HER... pray for her protection, spiritual development, stress level, etc. and watch God get loose in her life. I am going to work on this and I expect you, faithful reader, to do the same.

2) Taking the Lead in Spiritual Growth
Ephesians 5: 25-26a "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,"

Encourage your wife's spiritual growth. Take HER to church...seek out new Bible study opportunities...lead in family quiet time...get plugged into a ministry group together... Just do SOMETHING! Don't let your wife stagnate and get spiritually drained waiting for you to help out.... and she wants you to help her grow in her faith... You may not see this as romantic, but believe me, when your wife feels like you care about her connection with Christ, it will carry over into the way she knows you feel about her in general.

3) Taking the Lead in Spiritual Defense
Phil. 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

I talk to so many husbands who do the first two. They pray with their wives...have an amazing quiet time...attend Bible study together...and then go home and ruin it by watching a TV show that is completely inappropriate. I'm not even talking porn...just violent, foul, disturbing viewing that completely counteracts what you claim to be defending when you carry around your Bible. Your wife want you to take the lead and control the content of media in your house. From movies to music to even video games, she longs for you to set the example. For 11 months out of the year, Sports Illustrated is awesome. That 12th month swimsuit edition may make your wife feel less about herself....get rid of it. Those rated-R movies that you like to watch with the violence and sex...are those what she wants you to feed your mind? I'm not asking you to change and her to stay the same...what I am saying is...talk to your wife about this. Ask her what she thinks about all of this... Isn't your marriage worth denying yourself a little "entertainment"?

4) Forgiveness -
Ephesians 4: 31-32 "Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you." (TM)

Do you want to spiritually lead and protect your wife? Forgive her. Demonstrate humility...be like Christ. I love this quote from the book "There is no greater turnoff for a woman than a man who is arrogant, stubborn, and rebellious, one who is self-centered and refuses to admit fault and seek forgiveness."

Wow. Is that you? Is that me? I talk to so many men who tell me "that sounds like how my mom described my dad..." Is that leaking over into your current relationship? If so...make the choice to build intimacy....forgive.

Four challenges...with four very clear ways of building spiritual protection around your wife. Don't make the same mistake that so many people (including me) have made and neglect this...it is not only important...it is the foundation for anything else.

Thanks for reading these...I know they are tough sometimes, but I appreciate your investment of time in your wife and your marriage. I am praying for you, faithful reader. Please pray for me.

BV

Poverty

2008-10-15T09:56:00.004-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Today is Blog Action Day 2008. You might be asking...what? It is a movement worldwide (over 10,000 blogs) to discuss one topic and raise awareness. The subject they have chosen is poverty and I decided to throw my blog into the fray and join in the cause...

Matthew 6:25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?"

I have always considered myself middle class. I was raised by two parents who lived frugally and seemingly within their means. We turned the A/C on only on weekends and as a "special treat." We rarely ever ate out and bought clothes and furniture from my uncle who was an estate buyer. People would die with no heirs... the state didn't want the stuff...my uncle would bid on their belongings and re-sell them. Some of it would end up in our house... I never knew any differently.

We weren't poor...but I always wondered what life would have been like with more. What would happen if we bought name brand jeans...or real cereal instead of generic. Why did my clothes have patches but my friend's shirt didn't. I spent a lot of my childhood wondering why I didn't have what others did....then my perception changed.

I once took a mission trip to El Salvador and spent some time with a family who was living on the city dump. Not near it...on it. I talked to one of them who spoke broken, but understandable English. You know what I discovered? Their motivation wasn't what I thought it would be. Not once in our entire conversation did anyone from the family complain or wonder what having more would be like. They had learned one of the key secrets to life: contentment. They didn't necessarily treasure eating their dinner on top of a mound of garbage, but they realized that you can have happiness wherever you are. In fact, as we were leaving the dump where they lived, they wanted to give us objects that they had found so that we would remember them... Even when they had nothing...they had joy.

Where are you today? I know the economy is terribly bad. I know that you have more month than money. Where are your thoughts on poverty? Do you see yourself as broke and struggling? Or do you see this as an opportunity to find joy in what you do have and celebrate what God has blessed you with (no matter how small). Have you stopped giving of your time and resources because you don't know if you'll have what you need when you need it? Or are you being creative in what you CAN give so that others will know the character of the God that you serve?

Poverty is very real...but I think those that are truly broke are those that have lost perspective of what real wealth means. You can have very little...yet still have what's important.

BV

New Macbooks!

2008-10-14T22:54:00.003-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

In the wake of the Apple announcement today...here are a few of my thoughts...

1) "Old" Macbook goes down to $999...probably the biggest announcement of the day. A sub-1000 dollar mac laptop...a definite step in the right direction!

2) New Macbook/Pro

GOOD
Glossy screen only
Glass trackpad
black edging around screen
graphics card bump
backlit keyboard
amazing aluminum construction
LED backlit screen (brighter!)

BAD
No firewire port
New connection for external video (more adapters....aaaagghhh!)
Expensive

Honestly, I'm impressed with this upgrade. It seems as though they started the design from scratch...and I admire that. Anxious to try it out at the Apple store!

They also intro'd a Cinema Display (gorgeous with a cool new cord!)

Overall, the press conference was exactly what I expected. Nice new computers...cool new lower price point for Macbook... Grade A-

The video has been posted at the Apple site if you'd like to check it out yourself....

Just my $.02

BV

Making Room Monday

2008-10-13T10:08:00.003-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

It's time once again to box up some of last week's stuff and make room for the new... here's my weekly update:

1) My wife starts her full-time sub work in 4th grade today...she takes over the class until the end of the year. She is an incredibly gifted teacher who truly cares about the students in her class. Please pray for her...I would appreciate it.

2) Last Wednesday we had 146 in our FRC Internet Campus Student Ministry! Think about that... 146 students from around the world coming together in one place...at one time...to have fun and worship together. Kudos to Pastor Scot and his team...they are AMAZING!

3) A great weekend on the Internet Campus...the chat rooms were incredible...the volunteer team was awesome...and we had nearly 1300 in attendance! From Thailand to Japan to Ft. Lauderdale...the I/C was connecting people worldwide! If you attend the Internet Campus...and read this blog....thank you. It is an honor to be your campus pastor.

4) I must compliment Pastor Heather Palacios on her taste in salsa.... Jack's Salsa is incredible. It's also has 0g of fat... My taste buds thank you, HP!

5) My Vikings won today! 12-10 against Detroit. At this point in the season...I'll take it.

6) Iron Man was stinkin' cool.

7) Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was not (available this Tues. on DVD). I really wanted it to be.

8) I leave you with this photo of Sarah Palin and Tina Fey. Enjoy!

Enjoy the randomness,
BV

Romantic Conversation

2008-10-10T21:59:00.005-04:00

Greetings Faithful (male and married) Readers,

Exodus 4:12 "Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”

What is the difference between light from a flashlight and light from a laser? Can you guess? It's focus. Same light...different focus...different intensity... Now here's a follow up question... what's the difference between talking to your wife and having a conversation with your wife? Give up? It's focus. When was the last time you had a purposeful, open, and focused discussion with the woman you love?

That's what we're going to talk about today...communication. One of our wives' greatest needs is to be heard and understood by us...and for us to communicate with them at a deeper level. Deeper than what you might be asking? Have you ever answered this question?

"How was your day?"

How did you answer that? Was it just, "fine" and then you moved on? Is there a better way to answer this? The book suggests that there is. We need to offer specifics when we talk with our wives.. "My day was great! I turned in those reports and had a great lunch with the guys!"

Doesn't that sound better?

But you're not done yet...I'm going to take you WAY out on the limb right now...your wife wants you to add...how you feel... to the answer! Wait! Please don't leave! It's true...if we're ever going to re-spark the romance, we have to share the way we feel with our wives... Here's that answer again...this time with some emotional connection.

"My day was great! I turned in those reports and had a great lunch with the guys! Those guys are so awesome to hang around with...they really make me feel like I'm part of the group! I can't believe I used to be nervous around them...and now they're some of my best friends..."

See the difference? Sharing emotional details makes your wife feel like she's on the "inside." Like she matters...here's the deal...if you aren't having deep, focused communication with your wife, she will begin to feel more like an object rather than a partner. Someone you grunt at rather than share with... She knows you have emotions and when you don't share them with her, she'll wonder if it's her fault. Don't let that happen. It's a romance killer.

Want to know how you're doing in this area? Be bold...ask your wife these three questions:

1) On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate our communication?
2) What's the best time and place for us to talk?
3) What is the one thing that I could do better communicating with you?

Challenging...I know... But here's the deal, if you and I aren't communicating with our wives at a deeper level...somebody else will get the chance to. A co-worker, friend, neighbor...some man will get the chance to step in and fill the communication needs that your wife has. It's called emotional adultery....and it's common. We don't share and have focused discussions with our wives...they find another man to listen to them and share with. It's not all women...but why put your wife in that position? Why give her the temptation to share her hopes and dreams (and listen to his?) Step up. Be the man of her dreams.

Take some time this week to initiate a good conversation with your wife. Talk to her about her....her feelings, hopes, and dreams. Be sure to share yours with her... I promise that the bond will grow stronger and your marriage will move from flashlight to laser in no time.

Praying for your marriage...please pray for mine,
BV

Based on the book: Rekindling the Romance: Loving the Love of your Life by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

Wanna Chat?

2008-10-07T16:36:00.003-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Have you watched FRC's TV show lately? Ian is doing an incredible job on the production every single week! I will always have a place in my heart for the TV ministry of Flamingo...I was blessed to be the first to create shows for it...and God has used the current media team to take it to a whole other level.

It is then that Pastor Troy takes it up another notch.... www.troygramling.com

Yep...we kicked it off last week. There is now a chat room where people that are watching the TV show can go and talk about what they are experiencing in real time. I am moderating the room with a few members of my team and it is going well! Last week, nearly half of those that were chatting went over to experience the live service at 11:00AM right after the 10:30AM TV experience.

Real community. Real life-change.

What an honor to be a part of it.

BV

The Joys of Halloween

2008-10-07T10:46:00.000-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

I just want to give you a glimpse of what an Internet Campus Pastor does in Target when he has time to kill in the Halloween section. Do you have a favorite? Can you guess who the white-haired guy is?

Mindy said it was gross to put on masks that others had obviously worn... thoughts?

BV

Making Room Monday

2008-10-06T10:08:00.011-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Going to start a new Monday blogging tradition..."Making Room Monday" is my way of clearing off some mental shelf space by unloading what's been going on over the past week/weekend. Here's the first one...

Things have been off the hizzle for me lately...and I love it! Just wanted to give you all the deets about last week's Internet Campus launches

1) Student Ministry Online was incredible! We had 74 students join us from around the world! Pastor Scot was awesome on camera and his incredible team took care of everything! We gave away iTunes cards and DVDs...chewed some nasty gum...and partied like rockstars trapped in a tiny studio with purple foam on the walls... If you missed it, we're back on again this Wednesday @ 7PM (ET)...

2) Gears Online - another great night! We kicked off the 8-week session of Gears with Pastor Troy and Core! Running about 90 minutes, the video talked about why Flamingo Road does what it does, the ethos behind it, and what we believe. We had over 50 people connected...many chatted and asked questions...and I got the opportunity to host and answer all of those great questions...very cool stuff! This week: The Old Testament. Sounds dry? Trust me...it is off-the-chain! Thursdays @ 7PM (ET) - FRC Internet Campus

3) The Vikings did not lose this weekend. They play tonight.

4) Did a cool interview with DJ Chuang about our Internet Campus. You can find the article right HERE. I am speaking (along with fellow I/C Pastor, Brandon Donaldson from Lifechurch.tv) at a Webinar in November about our Internet Campus. It's a worldwide open forum and they are allowing 30 minutes of Q+A with Brandon and I. Should be very cool!

5) Heredes.com

6) Finished Rob Bell's Sex God (incredible...I'll review it soon) and am now reading through Click (I'll review this later, too...but suffice it to say that only tech-heads need apply)

7) Hey guys...any of you reading my Friday romance posts? Have I scared you all off? Trust me when I say that I am working on these things too!

OK...that's enough room in my head for new stuff...

Thanks (as always) for reading,
BV

Tell Her About It!

2008-10-03T09:48:00.006-04:00

Tell her about it
Tell her everything you feel
Give her every reason
To accept that you're for real

Tell her about it
Tell her all your crazy dreams
Let her know you need her
Let her know how much she means

Tell her about it
Let her know how much you care
When she can't be with you
Tell her you wish you were there

Tell her about it
Every day before you leave
Pay her some attention
Give her something to believe

"Tell Her About It" by Billy Joel

Greetings Faithful (male and married) Readers...

Were you singing those lyrics? C'mon...it's OK... I was...

It's time for our Friday post about marriage...where you and I learn new ways to re-spark the romance with our wives. Today's post is a little different in that it is a list. A list of several of my favorite (non-sexual) ways of affirming my wife (taken from the book Rekindling the Romance).

Last post, we talked about our wives' need for affirmation...a confirmation of who she is as a person and a child of God. Do you refer to your wife as "my beloved" or more like "the little woman" or "my ball and chain"? If it is the latter...read on... here is a list of several ways we can let our wives know that we love and cherish them... Remember, the end game here is not a sexual encounter... you are doing these simply because you value HER:

Here are my top 10 from the book:
1) Hug and kiss her every morning before leaving the house.
2) Leave love notes for her where she doesn't expect them to be (bathroom mirror, car, etc.)
3) Go one entire day without criticizing anything about her. Instead, notice something you appreciate about her and let her know...
4) Send her an email in the middle of the day and just let her know that you are thinking about her
5) If you're parents...compliment her ability as a mother and let your kids know they have a great mom
6) Brag on your wife in public
7) Bring back common courtesies with your wife (pull out the chair, open the door for her...etc.)
8) Initiate prayer with her daily
9) Clean her car. If it's your car too...keep it clean for her when she goes out
10) Put the toilet seat down... I know it's cliche but you still leave it up, don't you...? :-)

There are several more in the book, but these will get you started. I have to warn you...when you start doing these things and you haven't in the past...your wife is automatically going to think you are doing it for a specific reason (wink..wink...) Prove to her that she's wrong. You are doing it because she is your soul mate...your lover...and your best friend.

See you next week,
BV

Based on the book: Rekindling the Romance: Loving the Love of your Life by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

Lady in Red and Mushroom Head

2008-09-30T00:21:00.005-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

This is 18 year old me getting ready to take my girlfriend (now my wife...she is such a hottie) to the Jr/Sr Banquet in high school.

Comments?

BV

The Single Most Exciting Week on the Internet

2008-09-29T10:56:00.004-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

As you may have noticed in the title, I am just a bit excited about this week on the Flamingo Road Church Internet Campus! We are launching two brand new opportunities to connect with community and grow to reach your God-Potential! Here they are:

"The Rush" - STUDENT MINISTRY ONLINE!!! - For the first time anywhere, students (ages 13-18) from around the world are going to get the chance to connect together...play games...win prizes...hear a life-changing talk....all led by our Internet Campus student pastor, Scot Mendenhall! Join us WEDNESDAYS @ 7PM (ET) for a night you won't soon forget...trust me.

GEARS - Join us THIS THURSDAY @ 7PM (ET) to begin an 8 week journey of discovery and learning... We're going to be talking about the Old/New Testaments, how to study our Bibles, how to pray, leadership...the list goes on and on. Join people from around the globe and take the time to invest in your spiritual growth. I guarantee you won't regret your decision!

That's not all...this weekend we continue our series "Making Life Work" with a talk from Pastor Troy about how to make your job "work" better. You don't want to miss it!

Whew! There's never been a better time to join us on the Internet Campus...see you online!

BV

PS: There's more coming... we are busy right now planning out several new additions to the Internet Campus experience... more on that soon!

Make the Connection

2008-09-26T14:50:00.007-04:00

Greetings Faithful (male and married) Readers...

Proverbs 16:24 " Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."

This week we round out the three elements necessary to bring romance back into your marriage. At this point, our wives feel secure and accepted for who they are...now we learn to emotionally connect with them. The book describes three ways to do this:

1) Compliment them
When was the last time you complemented your wife out of the blue. Just because. Maybe the light hit her face just so and you imagined how she looked when you first met...and what attracted her to you...did you tell her that? How about food at home? Do you just expect dinner...or express your appreciation that she spent time preparing an amazing meal? Complementing your wife is crucial. Now I can hear some of you already saying it. "What if she doesn't do anything that I think deserves a complement...when she earns one, I'll give it!"

Open your eyes.

Your wife is always worthy of a complement. Look harder at her...spend more quality time with her...talk to her...appreciate her...try to understand her... you will find the reasons to help her feel good about herself. Your wife should not have to earn complements from you. They should flow freely and regularly. Remember, these complements are meant to come with no strings attached... They are genuine statements designed to make your wife feel like a princess. When was the last time your wife was complemented? Maybe the bigger question is...who was the complement from? If it wasn't from you..and you don't give them out..somebody else will. Are you seeing my point?

Bonus tip: Be sure to talk complementary about your wife...even when she's not around. People around you should know how wonderful you think your wife is...

2) Talk to them
This can be challenging to some men. It has been said that women have twice as many words to share per day then men do...is that true in your house? Do you find that your wife is the primary communicator in the relationship? When she wants to talk with you, what is your first reaction? I'll tell you mine... and it hurts to type this... I am a "get to the point" person. When my wife wants to talk and share with me..I want her to get to the point of the story as quickly as possible. However, the interesting thing in all of this is that when I want to share a story I want her to listen and respond to me as if I was telling her the most interesting thing she'd ever heard.

Ouch.

I need to listen and talk...give and take...focus on her and share what is important in my life with her.

My dad never did this. He would come home...walk through the door to the back room....grunt something out to my mom... and stay disconnected...oftentimes for the rest of the evening. He communicated only when he had to in most cases. You can imagine the emotional disconnect that my mom felt. I have the feeling that this scenario is not as uncommon as I think. Is that you? Are you really talking with your wife? Sharing your day? Communicating the way you feel about things in an open and honest dialogue? If not...start. I know it might be a total 180 degree shift for you to do it....but you will be surprised what wise counsel she might have that will help in your life and the life you share together.

3) Ask her what SHE is feeling
I think the reason most of us husbands don't really ask how are wives are feeling about stuff is either a) We don't really care or b) we don't know what to do with the information. If our wives express their hopes, fears, dreams, and feelings...we instantly morph into fix-it mode and try to rationalize or logically synthesize the information. Don't. Resist the urge. Talk to your wife and ask her some questions deeper than "What's for dinner?" Here are a few from the book to get you started:

-What was one of your proudest achievements before we met?
-What would you say was our best family vacation and why?
-What dreams do you have for our children?
-What do you long to experience with me in our marriage?

Take the risk...ask the questions...focus on the answers...enjoy your wife.

Well, those are the big three: security, acceptance, and emotional connection. I challenge you this week to pick one and run with it. Tell your wife what you are going to do and then go after it with the tenacity that you had when you first wanted to date her...

We live in a world that wants you to act exactly the way you are right now...no deeper...no stronger...with your wife. Let's really go after this and rekindle the romance that we once had. I know you can do it!

Know that I am praying for your marriage. Please pray for mine.

BV

Based on the book: Rekindling the Romance: Loving the Love of your Life by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

LifeShare

2008-09-25T09:59:00.001-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Last night I was honored with the opportunity to join the closing night of LifeShare. What is LifeShare you might ask? LifeShare is a collaboration between the Internet Campus of Lifechurch.tv and the blogging community...led by Ragamuffin Soul himself, Carlos Whittaker. It is designed to raise awareness of the presence of God on the Internet...as well as hold up the value of online community.

I was asked to share a bit about our Internet Campus and what God was doing at Flamingo Road. I was quite humbled to be asked and pray that I represented us well.

God IS doing amazing things online...and I continue to be blown away that I get to be involved.

See you online this weekend,
BV

Coming Soon

2008-09-24T13:59:00.004-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Just wanted to give you a sneaky peek at the next cool thing coming down the pike on the Flamingo Road Church Internet Campus... Can you figure out what's happening in these shots?

This is going to be quite a Rush.

BV

Resistance is Futile

2008-09-22T11:19:00.008-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

In my effort to make each one of you more like me...I have been asked which Podcasts I regularly listen to...

WebChurch Podcast - In full disclosure...this is the podcast I host along with Miguel Umanzor and Stacie Gonzalez. Each week we talk about what is hot in the world of technology and how it can be leveraged for ministry in the local church. Also, I take a segment each show to highlight an area of the Internet Campus. It is my prayer that by doing so, it will help new Internet Campuses learn some of the successes and mistakes that we have made. We work very hard to keep the show safe for non-techies with still enough geek-speak for those that want it.

Potential Podcast - Pastor Troy, Pastor Heather, and Heredes lead this very cool podcast where they talk with some high-level leaders about all kinds of amazing leadership-related issues. If you lead...have been lead...or want to lead...this is something worth checking out!

The Dave Ramsey Show - This year, my wife and I are buckling down, living within our means, and paying off old debt. This show has changed the way we think about and spend the money we make. If you find yourself with more month than money...you HAVE to download and apply the lessons in this podcast. It is his radio show...with callers calling in and asking questions....a great use of 30 minutes or so of your life!

The WDW Radio Show - This amazing show, hosted by Lou Mongello, is the best Disney Podcast on the web. He has great guests, contests, and park audio. Lou is a class act, a great family man, and a pro when it comes to putting an incredible podcast together. If you only have time for one Disney Podcast (and who doesn't)...grab this one. Warning: You will find yourself walking around the parks and pointing things out to friends that they aren't noticing...You will earn mad geek cred....you have been warned.

Inside the Magic - OK, I have another Disney Podcast that I listen to...and this one is amazing also! Hosted by Orlando-native Ricky Brigante, the Inside the Magic podcast is absolutely incredible! Ride-thrus, interviews, contests, and a weekly visit from former cast-member "Skipper" Ben, makes this podcast a must-listen as well. Ricky has won much-deserved awards for his efforts...if you are a Disney fan, you owe it to yourself to add this one to the weekly regiment.

The LOST Podcast with Jay and Jack - If you are a fan of the TV show, LOST, this podcast is a must-listen. Updated every now and then when the show is in hiatus... it is rock-solid and very informative. Jay and Jack are funny and offer great insight into this incredible show.

Tekzilla - From the Revision 3 network comes this very cool and very short show about all areas of tech. Hosted by Veronica Belmont, Tekzilla gives daily tips and tricks on how to use technology better and more effectively. Whether you use Mac, PC, or Linux...this is a nice addition to your iPod touch...

XBOX Live's Major Nelson Radio - Hosted by Microsoft Xbox Live's Larry Hyrb (known to the gaming community as Major Nelson). The podcast covers everything in the world of XBOX video gaming, major industry events, and the like. Very entertaining and informative, Major (along with co-host "E") always put together a top-notch show... If you're a gamer and own an XBOX...you have to check it out.

Do you have any cool ones that you listen to? I'd love to hear them!

A visit to my web bookmarks is coming soon...promise...

BV

From the Bookshelf

2008-09-21T01:43:00.009-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

I've been devouring books as of late...a lot of you ask me what I've been reading...so here's what I finished last week alone: (final number is my rating on a scale of 1 to 10..with 10 being the best!)

1) Inside Steve's Brain (2nd time) - This unauthorized dive into the thinking of Steve Jobs is probably my favorite book about Apple's CEO. A great leadership study of a man who knows exactly what he wants from his workers and his company. (8)

2) IT - I've got to say...Craig Groeschel owes me a yellow highlighter. Wow, this book is amazing... as close to a handbook for multisite church campuses as you can get. If you are a church leader you MUST read this. (10)

3) QBQ - A short, quick read about getting to the right question in life...The book talks about living not as a victim, but as someone who is in control of changing yourself. Pretty good book to get you to start thinking about asking the right questions. (5)

4) Groundswell - An interesting look into people's motivations of using web 2.0 tools around the world. The first several chapters were pertinent and well-researched. The rest of the book was filled with some semi-interesting case studies and implementation techniques. (6)

5) Lord, Save Us From Your Followers - Why is it that Jesus preached about love...and Christians are so hateful sometimes? That's the question that the book is trying to answer. It's packed full of interviews of people from the far right to the far left all talking about faith, love, and the state of modern Christianity. (7)

That's all in one week! Right now I'm working on Sex God and Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell... a very interesting writer with a unique interpretation of scripture.

Coming up: Click (Bill Tancer) and Guerrilla Marketing (Jay Levinson)

What are you reading?

BV

Show and Tell

2008-09-19T14:30:00.009-04:00

Greetings Faithful (Married Male) Readers...

It's late in the evening; she's wondering what clothes to wear.
She puts on her make-up and brushes her long blonde hair.
And then she asks me, "Do I look all right?"
And I say, "Yes, you look wonderful tonight."

We go to a party and everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady that's walking around with me.
And then she asks me, "Do you feel all right?"
And I say, "Yes, I feel wonderful tonight."

I feel wonderful because I see
The love light in your eyes.
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don't realize how much I love you.

- "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton

We're talking about the three sparks that will bring the romance back to your marriage. Last week, we hit "security" and this week we're talking about... affirmation. Making your wife feel special...like she's beautiful...like she wants to feel...
I know what some are saying..."I do tell my wife she's beautiful all the time!" If that's you...way to go...that will help fan the flames of romance in your relationship. However, you have to take out every time you've said it with the following motivation:

1) You want sex
2) You are having sex

While it is important to share during those times as well...it is even more important to tell her with no agenda at all. Our wives want to feel valued...they want to be accepted the way they are.... Do you realize that they compare themselves to all of the women that we secretly stare at? Don't worry...they know that you are looking...they're looking too, but with a different motivation... men lust (but shouldn't) and women compare... Has it occurred to you that they are competing directly with the airbrush and photoshop work done in magazines? Our wives feel...too fat, too skinny, not tall enough, not funny enough, different after having kids, self-conscious, self-depreciating, and just plain lousy about themselves sometimes.

It's up to us to change that.

You married an amazing woman. She is beautiful inside and out. When she walks in a room...look at her...she is the most incredible friend and lover you could ever imagine. Now some of you are saying...I don't feel that way anymore...she's let herself go...she doesn't care about the way she looks anymore...she doesn't make an effort for me... All I can say to that is...how selfish. Take a look in the mirror. If you're anything like me, you've probably changed as well. I sometimes tease my wife and tell her that she wants me to have six-pack abs and all I can give her is a party keg (but I'm working on it...). People change...bodies change...our feeling toward our wife's beauty should not change...

What am I saying? You should be your wife's biggest source of affirmation and support. Many husbands I know have taken it upon themselves to try and "change" their wives through sarcasm and "playful" jabs...it doesn't work. Your wife wants unconditional acceptance. After all, God made her. She is precious to Him. You married her. You took a vow to love her in sickness and in health...in good times and in bad...for as long as you both shall live....remember?

The book, Rekindling the Romance, says it this way about your wife...
"She secretly hopes you'll notice and commend her various qualities-her receptivity and obedience to God, her personality, her faithfulness in raising children and making a home. Because you are the most important person in her life, your affirmation and acceptance unleash an inner beauty and a confidence that radiate."

I can promise you this...the romance will return to your marriage if your wife feels loved, secure, confident, and affirmed in who she is. It is my prayer that these posts help you (and me) love our wives with new eyes...and a fresh desire to be the man of her dreams.

BV

Based on the book: Rekindling the Romance: Loving the Love of your Life by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

A Special Visit

2008-09-18T22:56:00.003-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

A couple of weeks ago, the FRC Internet Campus had a very special visitor...Eileen! She flew from Puerto Rico to visit with Pastor Arturo and myself in the campus studio! We gave her a tour of the church...took a few pictures...and just sat and talked about how God has impacted her life through the online experience...

It was an amazing time...what an honor to meet this long-time member of the Internet Campus!

See you online!
BV

Long-Distance Host

2008-09-17T10:31:00.005-04:00

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Today I worked from home because I have a sick little girl....maybe she'll blog about it... anyway, I am the one of the hosts of a church/tech podcast called WebChurch....and we record on Wednesday mornings....

So I Skype-hosted. I called into the studio via VOiP and was recorded alongside the others that were on the show. I wan't physically part of the studio..but I was very much part of the experience.

Kinda sounds like the Flamingo Road Church Internet Campus... our campus might be virtual...but the experience is very, very real.

Enjoy Show #21
BV