RUNwithGOD

SNL does Touchscreen Maps

I really need to get back into Saturday Night Live...

Hilarious video showing the power of new technology... and how we can easily get distracted by it. Fun part kicks in around 1:30

Donald Miller at the Democratic National Convention

In case you missed it, Donald Miller (Blue Like Jazz) prayed the closing benediction at the DNC this evening. Here is the prayer...

A written copy is available on his site... DonaldMillerWords.com

Interestingly, I hear that all four major networks cut the prayer, but CSpan stuck around to show it. Way to go CSpan!

Obama is like a Mac (no wonder I want to vote for him)

We're all familiar with Apple's Mac vs. PC ad campaign that's been running for three years now. Wow. Great times. Remember that one where PC was dressed like that dork...

Enter the New York Times (gotta love the Times) that recently parodies the Mac vs PC campaign with that of the Democratic Presidential Race... pinning the "Mac" title on Obama, and of course Hillary Clinton gets the always lovable but not that useful title of "PC".

The NY Times article focuses on what each candidate is trying to portray through their online presence. And while the impact of their website may be downplayed, I believe in this 2.0 society the implication is huge.

Obama understands communication, and how sometimes simpler is in fact better. Clinton tries to hammer in too many points, therefore causing Information Overload...

Wow, almost like real life...

Pick the Filly

I thought this was big news (therefore not blogworthy), but when I've repeated this story people look at me like I'm crazy...

Last week, amongst the chaos of campaigning, Hillary Clinton decides to dress up for the Kentucky Derby (see FoxNews), donning this ridiculous hat, and telling reporters and supporters that she wants "everybody to place a little money on the filly," Eight Belles.

The little money would have gotten some results, as Eight Belles placed second in the Derby. Unfortunately, Eight Belles broke both front ankles shortly after crossing the finish line.

Having broken both front legs, the horse literally didn't have a leg to stand on (now I just feel dirty saying that) and had to be euthanized. Yes, they killed the horse on the track. No word if it was lethal injection or the good 'ol fashion shotgun.

Ironically the winner of the race is named Big Brown. I'm sure Obama is having a field day with that one.

Now you've heard the story.

Tony Campolo on Colbert Report

Not sure how I missed this the first time around, but Tony Campolo was on the Colbert Report promoting his new book, Red Letter Christians earlier this month... just happened to catch a repeat of the show Monday...

Check it out...

Campolo: The truth is marriage is in trouble in this country. The heterosexuals are getting divorces. The gays... they want to get married. Colbert: So they can get divorced too? They're jealous... they're jealous of our divorces.

Ironically I just brought Red Letter Christians home from the bookstore today and put it on my pile of books to read... or at least start...

40% of Miami-Dade's Registered Christian Voters are registered Democrats. That is a higher percentage than what Tony referenced in his interview (he said 30% nationwide). Interesting concept, and should be an interesting book. More to come, I'm sure...

The most important thing... FAITH?

I met someone today who says to me, "I read your blog...". My response to readers in real life is always awkward... Honestly, if you read my stuff, don't tell me. I'm better off not knowing. I mumbled something stupid in response... Anyway, he went on to say "I try to keep up on all the Christ Fellowship Blogs." My response once again, awkward, "oh, I'm not a Christ Fellowship Blog."

CF plays a very important - and increasing - role in my life. But please, understand that while I may spout crazy nonsense about how Apple will take over the world, or how "infrastructure" is the new buzz word... I never claim to have the answers about God. I try (and occasionally succeed) in helping to create an avenue to "Connect people to God." That doesn't mean that I'm an expert in GOD. I ask a lot of questions. My prayer life has become a Q&A session with God.

This post is about a question I do not know the answer to.

Republican President John McCain was recently quoted talking about his faith. Honestly, I have no idea as to the ethics or morals of McCain. It's not important to this blog. I do, however, want to look at two of his statements...

1) "The most important thing is that I am a Christian."

2) "It [My faith] plays a role in my life. By the way, I'm not Episcopalian. I'm Baptist. Do I advertise my faith? Do I talk about it all the time? No."

Let me walk you through my train of thought.

- McCain doesn't buy into the denominationalism that is literally tearing the body of Christ apart! Awesome. Really, I believe this is a good thing. Good for you, McCain. Way to make your faith real.

- McCain says being a Christian is the most important thing in his life, but he doesn't advertise it. Wait, I'm not sure I'm okay with that. The most important thing in your life, but you don't tell people? I'll be honest. In the grand scheme of things, Apple is like #7 in my priority list. But if you know me, you know I bleed AppleJuice. (Sorry for the pun). How can one be a Christian and not have the grace of God radiating through their skin to the point where they ache to tell others about the change that Christ has brought into their lives. McCain is talking political crap here. Move on.

- Wait. So McCain is not an evangelical beast... so he's not witnessing to people like crazy and hasn't started a church yet... He's in politics, and therefore in the business of not offending people. And we know that our faith is offensive to people... maybe he's missional in sharing his faith. Should it be a requisite that all Presidents need to recite the Romans Road by memory? I don't think so...

- Honestly, I struggle with this. As a Christian, do I want to vote for a President that is a Christian just because he's a Christian. My gut says yes, but then I read Romans 13, where Paul implies that God has established all governing authorities. Wow, even the democrats and liberals? Sure. Maybe He can use the left-wing to some extent... Wait, all governing bodies? Even Hussein? Stalin? Hitler?

All of a sudden I don't like where my questions take me. All this because McCain doesn't advertise his faith. Stupid McCain...

What do you think. My readers are predominately Chrisitans, although I've heard from some spiritual skeptics along the way... How important is Faith in context of leadership, especially in Government?

2008 Presidential Election - Where they stand...

I truly despise the fact that we're talking about the Presidential Election fifteen months before the election is to take place...

However, when in Rome...

Someone has compiled a table of all of the Presidential Hopefuls and what their stance is on controversial issues. I do not know who compiled this list, so I cannot guarantee the stats. Plus, it's so early I'm sure the candidates will waffle a couple times...

Seriously, from now on are we going to let the President rule for 2 years, and then talk about why he sucks and needs to be replaced? Can the economy hold up under that instability/scrutiny?

Thanks to ChurchRelevance for finding the link.

Death & Taxes

I am not political. Really. This is about as political as I get (keeping in mind that this is more "cool" than political).

This is a graphical representation flow-chart format of where our Federal Tax Dollars go. How cool is that? I always wanted to know that K-12 Education get $30.96billion, but the Department of Defense gets $481billion. Oh wait, was that political? Check out their online READABLE version, and you can even follow the link to buy it there as well.

Thanks to Guy Kawasaki for finding this, and for helping me add something to my Christmas list.