jakemiller

Sunday Night Thoughts

• I'm still floored by what God has done over the last couple of weeks.  We serve a really big God, who answers really big prayers.
• Hated not having church this morning... especially with it being the first Sunday after "It's Up To Us".
• We're planning something special for next Sunday... and we'll also be doing something we've never done before at Catalyst.
• We got snow twice in one week.  When was the last time that happened?
• Can't beat a lazy weekend at home with the family.  Much needed down-time.
• Best new thing that Logan does... picks up books and brings them over for me to read to him.  I love it.
• I started twittering last week.  If you haven't jumped on board with twitter yet, what are you waiting for?  You know you want to...
• Excited about our staff hanging out with a couple of future church planters tomorrow.
• South Carolina hosted the Republican Primary yesterday... the Democrats are scheduled for next Saturday.  Is it just me, or is this the most wide-open presidential race in years?
• I hate American Idol.  Seriously. 
• Carolina suffered their first loss yesterday... at home... to Maryland.  Really, guys?  Maryland?
• The new MacBook Air makes my iBook look like a Commodore 64.
• This new application is just one more reason I need an iPhone.
• I don't know about you, but I'm not really excited about a Giants/Patriots Super Bowl.  At this point, I think all anybody cares about is whether or not the Pats can finish a perfect 19-0 season.  I'm gonna go with "yes" on that one...

Okay, that's all I got.  Happy Sunday everybody!

Sorry Clemson Fans...

... but I've gotta post the most clutch shot I've seen in a while.  After being down 7 points with 2:37 left, Carolina came back and forced overtime.  Down by 1 point in overtime, Wayne Ellington capped of his 36-point effort with the biggest shot of the night, burying #19 Clemson 90-88 with 0.4 seconds left.  Enjoy!

Having seen it live and then watching the replay about 97 times since last night, it's still amazing to me how loud the Carolina fans were when Ellington hit that shot.  Those certainly weren't Clemson fans cheering.  Wow.  I can't remember the last time I went that crazy at the end of a game.  Great game, and a great win on the road for my Heels.  15-0, baby!

(If you're in an RSS feed, you'll need to visit my blog to view the video)

Sunday Night Thoughts

Last week was a pretty slow blogging week, but that's to be expected with the holidays and such.  I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!  For all two of my dedicated readers, I'll try and get back to a more regular posting frequency this week.  For now, here are a few highlights of my week...

• This week was Logan's 1st Christmas and 1st Birthday.  It doesn't get much better than that.
• Christmas was great!  This was our first Christmas as parents which was really cool.  It's different being on this side of things... and so much fun!
  
• Santa Claus made his first appearance at our house this year.  He was disappointed that we didn't leave out some cookies for him.  We won't make that mistake again...
• I ate entirely too much sweet stuff this week.
• We made our annual trip to the Roper Mountain Holiday Lights this week.  It was so much better this year... they let you get out and walk, they had hot chocolate and s'mores and all kinds of good stuff. 
• I spent a lot of time putting toys and other things together this week.  I guess I better get used to that.
• Logan's 1st birthday party was this afternoon.  It was a lot fun, and he had a great time.  He got all up in his cake, too.  I'll post a couple of pictures soon.
• Between Christmas and his Birthday, Logan ended up with more stuff than he knows what to do with.
• We began turning our home office into a playroom this week.  We've still got some work to do, but it's coming together nicely. 
• I am married to the most amazing woman on the planet. 
  
• I had the entire week off, and we had some great family time.  I did everything I could to think about work as little as possible.
• We didn't have church today.  Just our way of saying "thank-you" to our volunteers for all they do throughout the year.  It was a nice break, and I hope our volunteers enjoyed the time away for a Sunday.
• We are car shopping.  Kristi's lease on the VW runs out in a couple of months and we're in the market for a new SUV.  Anybody have a suggestion?  We like this one...
• My fantasy football team blows.  After finishing the season as the #2 team in the league, I lost in the 2nd round of the playoffs and then lost today in the 3rd place game.  Boo.
• I got to watch my Heels and my Titans both win tonight.  The Heels moved to 13-0 on the season and the Titans squeaked into the playoffs!

That's all I've got.  Happy Sunday!

Sunday Night Thoughts

• Christmas @ Catalyst was great.  I loved the stage set, I loved the music, I loved the sermon, I loved the candy... all of it.
• We finished up our series, "The Nights Before Christmas" this morning.  The bottom line... God keeps His promises.  For some reason, most of us need to be reminded of that.  Often.
• Josh led worship today.  I'm serious, we could do Christmas music every week and I wouldn't get tired of it.  It's amazing to me how many Christmas songs are really worship songs in disguise.
• I'm fairly certain today featured the largest band we've ever had on stage.  (Ryan can correct me if I'm wrong...)  It was awesome.
• Speaking of Ryan... these are some of the most disturbing pictures I have ever seen.  Don't say I didn't warn you...
• If you show up @ the Greenville Little Theatre for church next Sunday, you'll be all alone.  But don't worry, we'll be back to start the new year off right on January 6th...
• I'm so ready for Christmas.  I can't wait to be... I mean, see... Santa tomorrow night!
• This time last year, we were waiting on Logan to be born.  We were very anxious... and nervous.  It is seriously hard to believe he will be 1 on Thursday.  Where does the time go?
• I really want to go see "I Am Legend".
• This website makes me laugh so hard.  Something about putting your kid's face on a dancing elf... hilarious.
• Our annual staff Christmas party was Friday night and, in true "Office" fashion, we played a little game of "Yankee Swap".  Kristi and I made it home with some... interesting items.
• I will be off work all week this week.  I'm really looking forward to some down time with Kristi and Logan after the "tour of family Christmas gatherings" is over. 
• My fantasy football team took a pretty huge hit when Willie Parker broke his leg in the Thursday night game.  He left the game (obviously) leaving me with a giant goose egg in his lineup spot.  As a result, it looks like my team will not make it to the Championship game next week.  Bummer.
• In "real" sports action however, The Tar Heels are 11-0, and off to their best start since the 97-98 team began the season 17-0.  Go Heels!

Okay, that's all I got.  This week could be a sporadic blogging week with the holidays and all.  I might post a little, or I might post a lot... who knows.  Either way, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas! 

Sunday Night Thoughts

• We started our two-part Christmas series, The Nights Before Christmas, this morning.  It's not your typical Christmas series... I love it.
  
• Don't confuse "The Nights Before Christmas" with the Knights Before Christmas...
• Catalyst was decked out for Christmas this morning.  Props to Ryan and Jeremy for the hard work and long hours spent putting the stage set together... it looked great, guys!
• Moxie was in the house to lead worship this morning.  (Yes, the same Moxie that ran his mic up and down the guitar neck on "Ladies and Gentlemen"...)  Always good to have him at Catalyst!
  
• Don't forget: just one service next Sunday, December 23rd @ 11:00am.  Invite your friends!
• Kristi and I went Christmas shopping on Friday.  I'm pretty sure we're not done yet.
  
• Speaking of Christmas shopping, what is it about the holidays that seems to turn every person behind the wheel of a car into a complete... well... you know.  I mean really, why the anger?  It's Christmas!
• Took Logan to see Santa for the first time on Friday.  He did great.  Christmas has always been my favorite time of year, and it's even better as a father.
• Yes, I do think this movie will be hilarious.
• This is one of the best answers I have ever heard a politician give to the "evolution question".  (And for the record, I am not endorsing Mike Huckabee... but Chuck Norris is...)
• The Heels were back in action tonight after a 12 day layoff and there appeared to be no rust.  They're good, folks.
• The Dolphins won for the first time this year.  Congrats on not going winless, Miami!
• I gave Ryan some Fantasy Football advice this week that resulted in him winning.  Because of his win, he now plays me next week in the 2nd round of the playoffs.  If I lose to him, I'm going to be very irritated with myself.

Hmm, I think that's all I've got for now... Happy Sunday!

The Mitchell Report

This is a pretty sad day for baseball.  The report of Senator George Mitchell's year long investigation into the use of steroids in Major League Baseball was made public today. 

The report itself is incredibly long... well over 300 pages.  We all knew it was coming, but that somehow doesn't really make it any easier to accept that there are dozens upon dozens of players who are named as current or former steroid users.   Some of the most prominent names in baseball are in the report, including Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Miguel Tejada, Gary Sheffield, Jason Giambi and Andy Pettite, just to name a few.

Every single team had at least one current or former player named in the report.  Somewhere between 70-80 names surfaced in this report.  The unfortunate thing is, it probably doesn't include everyone who is guilty.  I'm sure there are more.  Those names will probably surface over the next few days and weeks.  People will start coming forward.  There will be tons of commentary on this issue from all over the world. 

The bottom line, a lot of players cheated.  It's just that simple.  It will certainly be interesting to see what happens next.

Sunday Night Thoughts

• It's December 9th.  It was 74 degrees today.  It's supposed to be 78 tomorrow.  I'm sorry, did I go to bed last night and wake up in Florida?  Global warming...
• I ran over a squirrel on the way to church this morning.  I'm pretty sure that ruined his day.
  
• We finished up the "Twisted" series this morning.  Great, great series.  Definitely made me evaluate some things.  If you missed any of the series, we have the video available at our website.
• I got the chance to work in UpStreet this morning.  I ran ProPresenter for the first time, which was an adventure.  I think I did alright, but they may not invite me back...
• There's really nothing better than adding a little Christmas music to the worship set.  Have I mentioned how much I love this time of year?
  
• We're kicking off a two-week Christmas series, called "The Nights Before Christmas" next Sunday.  Use the "Knights" videos and e-vites on our website to invite your friends!
  
• Logan will be a year old in 17 days.  That's just crazy.
• 'Tis the season for Christmas parties.  The madness begins this week and goes non-stop for the next two weeks.  Anybody up for babysitting the coolest kid in the world?
• When I read stories like this and this, it makes it easier for me to understand why some people hesitate to give to their local church.
• I secured my position as the #2 team in our Fantasy Football league today.  Playoffs are next.  My team will have a bye this week, rest up, and take on the winner of the #3 vs. #6 game on December 23rd. 
  
• The Heels are in the middle of a 12 day break from basketball for exams and such.  I mean, it's like they're students or something... (honestly, I think we forget sometimes)
• I found this little blog the other day that gives me all sorts of tips and tricks for my Mac.  When you're dumb like me, sites like this come in really handy.  By the way, why would anybody want to own a PC?

Alright, I hate to stop, but Kristi made some cookies and I can't type and eat.  They're chocolate chip... and they're warm... and you're jealous.  Happy Sunday!

Random Monday Thoughts

Sunday night thoughts were a little delayed this week.  To make up for it, you're getting the next best thing... the random Monday thoughts...

• Andy's sermon yesterday was about sex.  Probably the most easy to understand and relevant explanation I have ever heard as to why God intended sex only for marriage.  Really good stuff.  If you missed it, click here to listen.
• Enjoyed having Michael Johnston back to lead worship yesterday.  I really appreciate his heart for what God is doing in Greenville through Catalyst.
• Logan participated (sort of) in Waumba Land worship for the first time yesterday.  I love the fact that Waumba Land isn't just a place to entertain kids while their parents go and worship.  It's as intentional for kids as our adult worship environment is for adults. 
• I appreciate the fact that we've created a culture at Catalyst that allows us to be completely transparent about the needs of our church with our regular attenders.  Even more, I love it when our people step up and meet them.
  
• We began showing some of the quick video promo's for the Nights Before Christmas series we're starting on December 16th.  I thought Joe did a fantastic job editing these... I'll share a few on the blog over the next couple of weeks.
• Casey had a good post this morning concerning some common misperceptions about being a Strategic Partner of North Point.
• Speaking of North Point, they just released their latest live worship album.  It's available here... and should be on iTunes shortly.
• When I was growing up, I used to say that I would have a yard with an astroturf lawn and no trees so I wouldn't have to do any yard work.  That didn't really work out, so consequently I have spent the last two weekends cleaning out gutters and raking leaves...
• If you missed it, iTunes has a free download of the new John Mayer song "Say".  Good stuff.  They usually roll out new free stuff on Tuesday, so it may only be free through today... hurry up!
• The Heels are off to a 7-0 start and looking every bit like the #1 team in the country after going on the road and beating Ohio State and Kentucky.
• There are entirely too many bowl games.  The "longest name for a bowl" award goes to... The San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl.  Wow.
• Can anybody realistically argue that the BCS system actually works?  With the exception of the LSU/OSU game, there isn't a single BCS bowl I really care about watching.  Seriously... it's called a playoff, folks. 
• And speaking of the BCS, with all due respect to Georgia, when you don't win your conference championship, you don't deserve to play for the National Championship.  I mean, for goodness sake you didn't even win your division!
• Are the Red Sox seriously going to trade for Johan Santana?  A rotation of Beckett, Santana, Dice-K and  Schilling and Wakefield... with that offense?!?!
• I suffered a pretty disappointing loss yesterday in Fantasy Football.  My team didn't really show up... but I'm still hanging on to the #2 spot with a week to go before the playoffs begin.

That's all I got... Happy Monday, everybody!

The V Foundation

This week, ESPN kicked off it's first annual "Jimmy V Week".  For those of you who may not know, Jimmy V is the nickname of former NC State basketball coach Jim Valvano.  Valvano lost his battle with cancer in 1993, shortly after announcing the creation of the V Foundation For Cancer Research.  Every year since, through various events and programming, ESPN has done a phenomenal job of raising money for The V Foundation by increasing public awareness about both cancer, and the research that is being done to eliminate this horrible disease. 

Since 1993, The V Foundation has raised over $70 Million Dollars for cancer research.

There aren't many people that I meet who haven't been affected by cancer in some form or another at some point in their life.  Whether it was a family member, a close friend, or themselves.  My family has been affected several times.  My mother lost her battle at the age of 50.  As Jimmy V said... "Cancer doesn't discriminate."

Huge strides have been made in the fight against cancer, but there is so much work left to be done.  If you would like to help, visit The V Foundation to learn more about ways you can get involved.

Below is the video of Jim Valvano's speech at the ESPY Awards in 1993, several months before he died.  I remember seeing this live, and I've seen it multiple times since then... and every single time it moves me.  If you have 10 minutes to spare, please take some time to watch this...

"Giving Him The Business!"

This may in fact be the funniest thing I've ever heard a referee say...

I'm still not exactly sure what the actual penalty was.  Thanks to Chris for the link.

Sunday Night Thoughts 11.18

• Kristi and I went to do a little harmless shopping @ Target yesterday.  Somehow we ended up bringing home Christmas decorations.  By the time we went to bed last night, our tree was up and our house was beginning to look a lot like Christmas... I can't believe we caved.  We never do this before Thanksgiving!
  
• Logan is very skeptical of the Christmas tree right now.  I'm sure he'll warm up to it.  I mean, imagine being 11 months old and waking up to find a tree in your house.
• We saw "Dan In Real Life" on our date night Friday.  That is one great movie.  We loved it.  It's been a long time since I left the movie theater feeling refreshed.
• I love the series we're doing @ Catalyst.  It's so different from anything I've ever really heard.  Make sure you listen online I've you missed either of the first two weeks. 
• I love the fact that when we're a little short-handed on Sunday morning, we have volunteers that just step in and plug the holes as needed... most of the time without even being asked.
• I had the chance to host UpStreet Large Group today.  Why wasn't my church like that when I was a kid?
• Ryan and I went costume shopping for an upcoming series we're doing.  Yep.  Details forthcoming...
• The now infamous Lowe's "Family Tree" saga is apparently in search of a happy ending... they've apologized for their choice of words. 
• I'm about to eat some Pillsbury Break & Bake cookies.  A lot of them.  Don't judge me. 
• Can North Carolina's football team figure out any more ways to lose close games?  Seriously, they've lost 8 games this year - 6 of them by a touchdown or less - 4 of them in the last minute of the game. 
• Luckily for Tar Heel fans... it's basketball season. 
• This video clip is strikingly similar to something that happened in our office last week.  Hmmm...

That's all I got...  Happy Sunday, folks.

Here We Go...

New Season.  Tonight.  7pm.  Go Heels. 

Monday Night Thoughts

The Sunday night thoughts made a little move to Monday this week.  No particular reason, really... just kind of happened that way, I guess.  Anyway, here's what I'm thinking about... on Monday...

• We started a new series @ Catalyst called "Twisted" yesterday.  Um, wow.  I definitely walked out scratching my head a little bit.  I've not heard too many sermons dealing with the devil.  Yeah.  It was heavy.  I spent most of the afternoon digesting it.  If you missed it, you should click here and listen to it.
• Our UpStreet kids taught the chorus of Steve Fee's "We Shine" to our adult worship environment via video yesterday.  It was really cool to give everyone a peek at what's happening in UpStreet every Sunday. 
• Yesterday was so smooth and easy during set-up and tear-down.  Our volunteer teams have become a well-oiled machine these days.  It helps when you've got the right people in the right places, for sure.
• I've really appreciated the encouraging emails and comments about getting commissioned.  I don't think I expected it to be a very big deal to others, but the encouragement has been really nice.  Thanks!
• I saw a house down the street the other night that already had their Christmas lights up.  I love Christmas, but that's just a little too early for me.  Apparently it's not too early for some people...
• Kristi and I watched a documentary the other night about Wal-Mart called "The High Cost of Low Prices".  It was pretty eye-opening.  I'm not sure I think much of Wal-Mart anymore.  We're Target people anyway, so no biggie.
• This whole writer's strike is about to throw a real wrench in my television viewing.  I mean, I understand why they're on strike and all... but season 7 of 24 is now on hold,  The Office is in limbo... not to mention dozens of other shows.  (most of which we don't watch...but it's the principle!)  Thanks a lot, writers!
• North Carolina tips off the basketball season this Wednesday night against Davidson.  I'm really really excited about this season... it's always fun to start the season ranked #1 with a big target on your chest.
• My fantasy football team took a hit yesterday and dropped to 7-3 on the season.  Ryan's team showed up... mine didn't.  The loss drops me into a 4-way tie for first in the league, but I'm currently still leading in points.
• I installed Apple's new OS, Leopard, on my iBook and iMac last week.  I mean, it's pretty cool, but honestly, I've had some pretty annoying problems since I installed it... hopefully the updates will correct them.
• One of my favorite bands, The Killers, has a new CD coming out tomorrow.  It's a collection of previously unreleased tracks, B-sides, demo's and covers.  Solid.

That's all I got... Happy Monday, everybody!

Sunday Night Thoughts 11.04

• I feel confident saying that today was hands down the coolest Sunday we've ever had at Catalyst. 
• I'm anxious to post some of the videos we featured in today's service.  We'll start getting them up tomorrow.  The first one will be from our baptism service a few weeks ago and if it doesn't move you, then you aren't breathing.
• Casey did a great job communicating today.  A good change of pace from a normal Sunday at Catalyst.
  
• I had so many people tell me after church how much they enjoyed this morning.  It's so cool to have a Sunday dedicated to stories of life-change.
• We heard stories from Jeff, Gary, Tyler, Stacey, Cara, Nikki, Joey and Kelsey.  Their stories are just the tip of the iceberg of what God is doing in and through Catalyst.
• A Furman student, who brought her parents and family with her this morning, told me "I just wanted them to come and see what I get to experience every week."  Wow.
• In the midst of losing his voice, Michael did a fantastic job leading us in worship this morning.  He began losing his voice in the first service, which, obviously for a worship leader is a bad thing... but he managed to lead us through 12 songs over 2 services!
  
• So, Logan didn't get the memo that we turned back the clocks last night.  He woke up at what he thought was "wake-up time"... only it was an hour early.  I thought I was going to enjoy the extra hour of sleep last night.  Not so much.
• Speaking of the time change... word on the street was a few of our volunteers showed up an hour early for set-up this morning.  Oops.
• Last weekend I was Mr. Mom.  Today, I've become Dr. Dad.  Kristi and Logan are both sick right now which is no fun.  We'll see how long I can fight it off as I'm taking care of them...
• Kristi and I watched a couple of movies this weekend we had been wanting to see... Transformers and Spiderman 3.  Both got great reviews and were big summer hits.  Transformers... eh, okay.  Spiderman 3... sucked.  Badly.  I hate it when you're excited about movies and they disappoint.
  
• I haven't talked much about them on the blog this season, but my Tennessee Titans are now 6-2 and looking solid.
  
• A friend of mine mentioned to me today that he didn't think the Red Sox had gotten much love from the media since they won the World Series last Sunday.  I completely agree.  What's that about?
  
• The Heels got back on track yesterday with a win against Maryland on the football field, and then rolled up a 52 point victory in the first exhibition basketball game of the season.  I love this time of year!

Enough of the Sunday night randomness... I'm tired.  Happy Sunday, everybody!

World. Series. Champions.