This December has definitely been one of the most difficult times in my adult life.  It’s one of those times were one is tempted to feel “I just can’t get a break.  Why am I being picked on?”

However, that makes it extra important for me to count some of my many blessings.

1. My Amazing Family
   I can’t say enough about my family.  I have a loving and supportive wife who is always there to share in my joy and accomplishments and lift me up when my chin is down.  She also keeps me grounded and focused when I start to feel sorry for myself or am tempted to make a decision that is poorly thought out or based on selfish ambition.  And a wife who has also helped raise with me 4 delightful kids.  Kids who are every bit the troublemakers they need to be to keep me from getting complacent and to keep our family from over-swelling with pride.  But who are also very loving, affectionate, caring, generous, thoughtful, and adorable.  God has placed the perfect family in my life to help round me out as a person and to fill my life with joy.
2. My Supportive Friends
   I have friends who don’t just fill my life with empty flattery and mindless conversation.  They also don’t only show their faces when I have something to offer.  They are there when I need someone to listen, when we (our family) needs assistance, when I need a kick in the pants, and when I need to laugh and forget about the stress in life…  God has gifted me with friendships that warm my heart and keep me moving forward.  Between my family and friends alone I have been given so much to be thankful for — no matter what my circumstances.
3. Our Success and Opportunity
   Even though I hit a rough patch every now and then, my life has been filled with nothing but opportunity and reward.  Lisa and I often marvel at how much we have been given in terms of success.  The ability to work from home for so many years and to rarely hunger.  To be born into a country where we are free to peruse our desires, dreams, and passions.  To be able to have an influence in our community and to be able to use the creative gifts God has entrusted in us…  The list goes on and on.

I have counted three blessings which I just feel I need to share.  However, the list of blessings only start there…  It is mind blowing to me how much I have been given especially compared to how much I have given back.  One Bible passage that always sticks in my head is from Luke 12:48:

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

I have been given so, so much.  So when times are tough, like they are this December, it is not time for me to get down and demand more out of my Creator.  It is time to give praise and ask the Almighty God what more I can do?  What more can I give?  What more is to be demanded of me?  How can I submit and offer my body up as a living sacrifice?

Because there can be no doubt; I have been given much.  Much will be demanded.  And, I welcome it…  Just as any loving son would welcome the demands of his loving, supporting, and life-giving Father.

Well, it is December and the Bears are 9-3…  However, I am not feeling particularly joyful.

For one — one of my major clients has vanished with a large unpaid bill.  A payment we were really relying on and our budgeting included.  I sure hope she is ok.  I am worried that something has happened; though hopefully it is just that she doesn’t want / cannot pay her bill and is avoiding me.  That has happened several times before with clients.

For two — my (other) server is under a major DDoS attack.  And, while I am not going to post the site name here (don’t want this server to get attacked) it is my site that outs online scammers that got threatened and then attacked.  It has already cost me one client and will undoubtedly cost me tons in terms of losing visitors.  The two major sites on that server get a LOT of visitors through Google.  But, since it is now basically offline, it is only a matter of time before Google de-lists my sites costing me potentially tens of thousands in revenue.  I have worked so hard to get those two sites to be major forces; I am SO BUMMED.

For three — my health has been icky-poo.  Nothing serious, but with all the other stress it is just something else I don’t need.  I have had headaches on most days, back pain which sometimes mounts to a sharp-pain-attack, I have some weird cracking noise and pain in my knee, and my eyesight has gotten blurry, and my stomach is often aching.  I guess I am just THAT old.

For four — my investor has bailed.  I had a partner/investor on a project and he wants out.  This means $7500 must be paid (back to him).  $7500 that is long ago invested.  Now, legally, I do not have to give him a thing back but ethically/morally I have to return his money.  After all, I am delayed more than FIVE MONTHS on the project.  This just comes at a really bad time for that.

Last December I suffered a catastrophic HD failure when my HD crashed, was low-level-formatted and then when I went to restore from the backup — it was damaged.  It cost me several clients, lots of money, and a very big headache.

Last December Charity, the dog we loved as a member of the family, died.

December has always been one of my favorite times — Christmas!  And, now that we celebrate for the real reason (Jesus), Christmas has become even more special.  However, after these past two Decembers I don’t know.  I just don’t know.  In every way other than Charity dying (which is a HUGE one), this December is much worse than last one.  I cannot remember a time I felt so un-optimistic in my adult life.

I have no choice but to work hard to try and salvage and fix what I can and to lay the rest at the foot of the Cross.  I have trust in God’s plan for me and know that He will keep His promise not to give me more than I can handle; just as He has kept it all my life.

After all, I am still very blessed.  I have been given much; so much is to be expected of me.  I have an amazing wife, loving children, dear friends, I live in a free country, I have a roof over my head, plenty to eat, and much more.  Too many blessings to even list…

And, the trials I face are nothing compared to the issues some of my friends and family have had to face or are facing.  Some have lost loved ones, some have friends moving away, some have serious medical issues, some have stress and pressure well beyond mine.  And some have not come to know Christ yet and to accept His sacrifice.

So, even though I am feeling sorry for myself, I won’t complain.  I have TONS of reasons to give worship and praise to our Creator!  Especially at Christmas time where we celebrate the greatest gift ever given.

Derek, do you see who that is in the video!?  Christ Saves!!

Well, the Bears are 3-0 and it is very hard to believe…  Every win this season has been BEARly.  This week was no exception and we began to see flashes of “Bad Jay” — the interception machine (Jay Cutler) from last year.

But, in the end, all that matters is the score: BEARS 20, PACKERS 17.

I will take a sloppy, undeserved win over a well played undeserved loss any day.

On thing did happen in the win over the Packers that should really make Bears fans giddy though…  THIS:

https://youtube.com/embed/XsBYWRt9qGU

With Devin Hester once again returning punts for TDs (one was returned for a TD and another was close) this becomes a HUGE advantage for the Bears.  You see, it is not just about the touchdowns.  Football is a game of field position…  The closed your offense is to the endzone when they get the ball, the better their chance of scoring…  PERIOD.  And, if you have a return-man (Hester) who opposing teams are afraid to kick the ball to, you start to get consistent good field position.  In my opinion, the FEAR of Hester was the #1 contributing factor to the Bears’ 2006 Super Bowl run.  Teams were willing to give the ball to the Bears with great field position just so they wouldn’t have to deal with a Hester return.

Now the Bears head to the Meadowlands to play the Giants who are hungry for a win.  This will be a dangerous game for the Bears – but, IF they win and go 4-0 it seems impossible to believe they will not be in the playoffs this winter.  🙂

GO BEARS!

With a strong relationship with God through Jesus Christ, perfect family, beautiful and loving wife, and the best possible friends…  My life is so close to pure bliss I had to wonder at times if I wasn’t experiencing the after life.

However, the Bears always were able to keep me grounded (pun, pun)…

I mean, a stinky-poo-poo Bears team is no fun at all.  Sure, it doesn’t even put a small dent in the other great stuff…  But, it certainly makes the air smell a little foul.

Now the Bears are 2-0 for the first time since 2006, you know the year they went to the Super Bowl, and the just beat the famed Dallas Cowboys….  WHAT?!?  This Bears team?  The Bears team that went 0-4 during the preseason and looked like they would be better off playing in a poker tournament?  The Bears team that BEARly squeaked by a Lions team that has one 2 games in their last 34?

Yep.  Those Bears.

So, there are now only one of three conclusions I can come to:

1. The Bears are Much Better than Expected
2. The Bears are Getting Lucky and are About to Start a Downward Spiral
3. I Have Died and am in Heaven which is Perfect, but Nothing Like Described in Scripture

For now, I will go with #2 but another win (next week against GB on Monday night!!!) and I may have to start considering #1…  Another few wins and I better start checking my Bible!

GO BEARS!

Well, another Bears season is upon us…  And this one looks much like last one; minus the high hopes from Bears fans.

Even though we opened the season with a divisional win (the opposite of last year) it was against the 2-33 Lions.  Yes, 2 wins in the last 35 games for the poor cats in Detroit.

Also, it was a game we could have easily lost.  And, in fact, we probably would have if it weren’t for a very questionable/controversial new rule.  In the final minute of the game Lion’s backup QB (Hill) threw what looked like a perfect TD pass/catch to the WR (Johnson).  However, as Johnson fell to the ground with the ball in one hand — it popped loose as it hit the turf.

To fans, this looked like a TD.  He was clearly in the end zone with possession of the ball.  HOWEVER, the rule says he has to complete the “process” of the catch.  In other words, he needs to hang on to that ball until motion stops.

The refs at the game got the call RIGHT.  Under the rule it is NOT a catch.  However, as a fan I say they should change that rule — it really should be a catch.

BUT, I will happily take the WIN and a 1-0 start to the season.  After all, the football season is only 16 games.  So, for you baseball fans, that is equivalent to a 10-0 record.  😉

This week the Bears play the hailed Dallas Cowboys – a team expected to have a serious Super Bowl shot this year.  It’s gonna be tough for these Bears to squeak out a win there.  However, if we do 2-0 will be very sweet indeed and the Bears may have new life in a division expected to be dominated by the Rodgers-lead Packers followed by the Farve-lead Vikings.

Now this next part of my post is completely unrelated.  But I am not about to make TWO posts and set a dangerous precedent.

Our Church has about the BEST (NON-PAID) ACTING GIG ever.  You actor folks, read this…  Here are the bullet points:

• New Starring Role Each Week
• “Full-Time” Only Takes a TOTAL of 1 Hour and 30 Minutes from your WEEK!
  
• No Auditions, No Blocking (it is up to the ACTOR)
  
• Zero Rehearsal (The actor is in charge of his/her performance!)
• Great Character Roles
• Super Engaged and Energetic Audience Every Time
• Sold Out House Every Performance
• Costumes, Set, Props All Setup and Ready for You Every Week
• Complete Line Memorization is Not Required
• Professional Stage with Top-of-the-Line Sound & Lighting Equipment
• Professional Award-Winning Scripts
  
• Improvisation and Audience Participation
• Working with Kids 1st – 5th Grade who Adore the Characters
• Never an Audition – Cast from Within.  Do this Gig and You will be Offered Opportunities to Perform for Full-House (Adult) Audiences on Other Occasions in a Huge “Auditorium”
  
• Rewarding in Praise, Adoration (from Kids), and Sharing God’s Word
• Get to Work with Two Cool People Named Chris & Lisa
  

Yes, this is the DREAM acting gig.  It is also challenging as it is completely up to the actor to develop and prepare his character (which changes each week).  Not only all this above, but you are also teaching kids about the Truth which can only be found from the Source.  But for you, there is no preaching/teaching involved.

So, if you know anyone who has the following attributes:

1. Christian
2. Creative
3. Good With / Enjoys Kids
4. Great Character Actor
5. Able to Accept the Challenge of Developing a (scripted) Role
6. Energetic and Charismatic
7. Can Handle a New Starring Role Each Week
8. Experience with Audience Participation
9. Experience with Character Improvisation
10. Can Command a Stage (Roles often include being only on on stage – “Host”)
11. Able to Memorize / Familiarize Themselves with Lines Quickly

So if you know anyone who has these characteristics and is ready to be the starring actor at a very professional, always full-house, theatre that shares the Word of God…  Let me know.

The performances are every Sunday from 9:30AM – 10:00AM in Bryan.  11AM – 11:30AM performances may also be available!  There is no doubt here…  This is the best acting gig ever. So perhaps, if you have been wondering what all your acting efforts have been leading to — if there is a higher purpose for which you were GIVEN your talents — maybe this is it.  🙂

“…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” – Luke 12:48 NIV

My wife had an amazing opportunity to do something uber-fun with our two oldest daughters this evening…  I’m not going to spoil her chance to share it with you, so you will have to wait on the details.  But, the point is that she is not home tonight.  It is just me and “the littles” (Beeber and Disney).  And, boy, do I miss her!

I miss the kids too, but it is different.  The late-nights are our exclusive time together where we get to wind down from the day and just enjoy being together.  It is my favorite part of the day!  Does that make me a bad daddy?

Anyhow, her not being here tonight just leaves me feeling so empty and lonely.  I’ve tried a bunch of things to fill the void — playing football, doing chores, watching TV, working — and, finally…  BLOGGING!  And, you know if I am BLOGGING something must really be up!!

“The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone’ ” Genesis 2:18

I have so much respect and admiration for my friend John (who must just find this post pathetic).  His strength continues to be an inspiration for me throughout much of my life.  I did get to share dinner with him which was just awesome!  But still, I miss Lisa dearly!

I find myself doodling little hearts with “Lisa” in them and “I love Lisa” everywhere…  You know, like a 8th grade girl with a crush would do — eech!  Is this normal?  What is wrong with me!?

Ok…  I am going to try and get to bed before I further embarrass myself.

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__LisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisa_________Lisa
_LisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisa_______Lisa
_LisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisa______L
LisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisa__Lis
LisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLis_L
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__LisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaL
____LisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLi
______LisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaL
_________LisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLis
____________LisaLisaLisaLisaLisaLisaL
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_________________LisaLisaLisaL
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_____________________LisaLi
______________________Lisa
_______________________Li

As I have said before, although I do not comment, I tend to read most of your blogs.  I just don’t comment because, well, once I comment on one I have to comment on all and suddenly my work will take a big hit…

Speaking of my work, I thought it would be fun to take a look back and some of my first websites.  (Thanks to Derek’s Way Back for getting my mind going)

Here is the link:
https://christopheravell.com/2010/04/07/a-blast-from-the-past-my-beginnings/

It is on my personal blog because, well, that is work — this is play!  So, any comments please leave there.

I’m currently watching an old Bill Bixby Hulk Movie. Before the big screen ‘block busters’, we had Bill and Lou as part of the Banner/Hulk duo. The eyes turn green, the shirt rips and somehow he can keep the same pants buttoned.

No animation here, just one very big man in green makeup. I liked these shows when they first were first on the air. I liked the stories they wrote, and I liked the acting in the show. The show holds its own even after 20 years. That is a tribute to good writing, directing and acting.

After starting to watch this show, I am hoping to see some of Bill Bixby’s other shows. My Favorite Martian, The Courtship of Eddie’s Father and The Magician. I will have to look see if I can find DVD’s of these other shows. I wonder if they will hold up to the test of time.

Who knew that the weatherman would be right for a change?!  We indeed got our wintry mix.  On the way to rehearsal, it was just beginning.  Starting out as a bit of rain, the freezing rain, and snow.  At intermission, I peeked out the window to see a mess.  Oh, boy what fun it will be to laugh and sing all the way home.  Not so much singing nor laughing.  After pulling in at home, I told Shelby that she could either stay here or call and have her parents pick her up in their 4WD.

But everything is so near audience-ready.  Isn’t it typical to have cast members not show for the next-to-last dress rehearsal?  Seems to me that it is.  That aside… this show is GOONA ROCK!!! YES, I meant to have “GOONA”  I am soooo anxious.  One cast member was counting the number of rehearsals/performances we have left.  WWWWWHHHAAAAT! Not sure what that was all about but… whatever.

So… hopefully, ol’ man winter gives us a break just a bit.  It is supposed to turn to all rain overnight.  I’m all for a white Christmas, but after December 25th, it can go bye-bye.

HOORAY!  I DID IT!!  And it only took a couple years!

Not the Chicago Bears…  No, they stink.  Sure they beat a miserable Cleveland Browns team this weekend, but so could the team of Taylhis, Sublife, and Morat.

It is actually our local highschool football team, the Bryan Golden Bears.  This is the FIRST TIME IN SCHOOL HISTORY the football team is in the playoffs.  How’s that for some big local news!?

No, I won’t be attending the game, in Cleveland of all places (see above) but it is exciting for our small community.  So, next weekend I will have two sets of Bears to root for football-wise.  Cool.