Home...

My sister and I have the occasional conversation about "home." Most of the time we're just catching up, sharing some funny stories, asking about mutual friends. Then this topic of "home" surfaces. I'm not sure why it winds its way into our time together. Or how for the matter. It simply does.

Does that ever happen with you? Can you trace its path? Weird, huh?

Here's a sample of the statements and questions Amy and I frequently share. "I miss home. I am going home this weekend. When are you coming home? Man, things here are just not like home! I wish I could just go home and forget all about it." Do these ring a bell with you?

Over the past few days, I've been thinking a lot about this topic. "Home" is such a powerful place. It's almost like a force to be reckoned with. Right? So, it's imperative that we begin to define what we exactly mean when using the word... home. Here's a question for you. What is home? Who is home? Where is home?

Great questions. We'll come back to them.

As I was thinking about home and its meaning, I remembered a quote that I saw at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. If you're visiting Ireland and have the chance to take this tour, please do so. It's quite incredible. Anyway, a huge quote lined one of the massive walls and burned an imagine into my memory. "Home is not where you live, but where they understand you." Hmm...

Yesterday, I received a email from a good friend. Inside was a conversation with his wife about the meaning of... home. I couldn't believe it! How's that for timing, eh? Anyway, I wanted to share with all of you a sample of what was said. Enjoy!

"And yet, maybe home in not really about geography or air quality, or moonlight, or being in the city or out of the city, or in a red state or blue state, or in a music town or a working class town. Maybe home has more to do with the work we've all done as individuals to increasingly become people we can live with. Maybe home is the desire to live soulfully, the tiny ongoing decisions we make that allow the soul room to breathe."

A few interesting descriptions of this place called home. And yet, I wonder what you think of home. What is it exactly? Who is included? Where does it exist? I'd love your help! Talk to me.

Guarantee...

It's just about time. You sense it in the air. You feel it in your bones. Your sleeping patterns begin to shift. The anticipation is palpable. With one turn of the switch the atmosphere changes. You know what I'm talking about! It's Friday night lights...

In South Georgia, nothing compares, nor competes with high school football. It's more than a sport. It's more than tradition. It's a way of life.

Let me explain. My hometown, Waycross (GA), is comfortably nestled in Ware County. This isn't as strange as it may seem. Every county is made up of smaller cities or regions. Therefore, in South Georgia, most schools take on the name of the county. Ware County has approximately 30,000 residents. Our stadium, Memorial Stadium, seats about 10,000. So, I'm no math major, but it seems like that's a third. Right?

One third? Yep! On any given (Friday) night, the stadium will be packed to the rafters. Over 10,000 will descend on Memorial Stadium to root on the beloved Ware Co. Gators. The city stops on Friday nights. The Gators are front page news. If you want to find out what happened in the rest of the world, get another paper! Or better yet, go live somewhere else. Welcome to the Swamp!

Now that you have the plot in mind, let me introduce the remaining 20,000 residents to an alternative. How about Friday Night Lights? What? That's right... Friday Night Lights. But dude, I already told you I wasn't going! I know. I'm speaking of a different team that is coming every Friday night. A team that allows you to follow from the comforts of your own home. A team that will steal your heart. A team that will inspire you to greatness.

Today, you can become a fan of the Dillon Panthers. In an unprecedented move for television, if you don't become a fanatical follower of the Dillon Panthers you can simply get back the price for admission! If the team fails to inspire you, fire them at no cost. If the team loses you, quit and get back what you've put in. Has there ever been an opportunity like this?

Let me ask you. Have you ever wanted to coach high school football? Ever wanted to be the head man? Have you ever thought of being the starting quarterback or star tailback? Have you been the second string before and hoped for a chance to prove yourself? Ever wanted to recover that game changing fumble? Or thought of taking that interception all the way back to the house?

Maybe you've been a cheerleader. Or maybe you've always wondered what it's like to be one. Maybe you're the spouse of a coach. Maybe you're the parent of a high school athlete. Maybe you're a teacher and understand the pressure that is placed on you by high school football in small town USA. Maybe you're just a fan.

Whoever you are and whatever you have dreamed about, it's possible in Friday Night Lights. Trust me... I haven't missed a single episode. Today, go out and purchase "The First Season." Prepare yourself for the start of Season Two. Or tune in to the Friday Night Lights marathon on September 1, starting at 8/7c. Then tune in when TV's best drama returns for The Second Season on Friday, October 5!

Trust me. You'll be hooked. You'll also find yourself loving a pretty cool character named Bo. That wouldn't be the first time... would it?

Walls...

Look up! You're probably staring at a few walls just now. We can't get away from them. They are everywhere... in our homes, our coffee shops, our theaters, our jobs, etc. Which got me thinking about the purposes behind these walls.

Structure, strength, security, safety, privacy... a pretty good list to start off with. I don't know about you, but I vastly enjoy a wall or two when visiting the wash room. Could you imagine one without stalls (or walls) of some kind? If so, please resist the urge to elaborate! We probably all like our privacy in this arena. Don't you just love the public places that blast the music loud through the busted speakers?

So, we've definitely made our case for the existence of walls. Most of us will probably agree that walls provide a much needed space for humanity. Can we imagine a life without these places?

What if we were to flip this sucker on its head? What if we brought this conversation a little closer to home? What if these same walls were used not just to protect, but to divide? What if our walls could talk?

Would they speak a different voice other than yours? Would they share our fears and insecurities with the rest of the world? Would they testify that the person they know at home is different when accompanied by friends and/or family? What would they say?

I believe they would come to our defense. They would share freely how most of us spend our days not trying to resurrect new walls, but trying to tear down long, existing walls. Many of us built walls in our childhood before we could physically pick up a brick. Where's the justice in that? Maybe walls were formed in our subconscious after being hurt in a close relationship? Maybe we didn't know how to survive without compartmentalizing our lives? So many questions. Such little time.

I came across this the other day. Immediately, I wanted to share this with all of you. I think you'll like it... I hope anyway. Here goes...

"Sometimes people put up walls not to keep others out... But to see who cares enough to tear them down."

In a society dominated by the fascination of walls, maybe we could lend a hand in tearing them down. The walls of our present world are constructed differently from the Great Wall of China or the Berlin Wall. They look completely different from the Iron Curtain. They are more subversive. Yet, they are equally destructive. I need your help!

Here's to us caring enough for our present world to pick up the sledgehammers of service and sacrifice! May we all be... wall bangers!

Universal: Rewired...

I should warn you. This entry may not be the easiest to read. It also may not produce vines of encouragement in which to grab hold of. What I can promise you is this. In the game of hide and seek, you'll eventually be found. If not, what's the point in playing. Right?

Let me introduce you to my newest companion. I'm sure you've met him before! Maybe you've run into him when leaving a particular movie? Maybe you've seen him outside the stadium gates just after the big game? He may have even been in your living room a time or two. Possibly after watching the latest season finale of your favorite show? Or maybe he's come closer. Perhaps you've encountered him with a good friend or family member?

Disappointment, say hello to my friends. Ah, yes! You already know him very well.

If you're like me, you really struggle with Disappointment. It's like he's a master magician... you never really know what "face" he's put on. He always seems to be wearing a different outfit each time you see him. His many disguises surprise you. His motivation- confusing at best. After all, he's just one tough dude to tie down!

Personally, I hate Disappointment! It's one thing to let yourself down. Of course, that sucks. It's another thing when you disappoint someone close to your heart. Regardless of how long they've held this "inside" position, to disappoint them is to chisel away at the very foundation of your being. It can change everything!

I still vividly remember a few times that I completely disappointed my parents. The look, the one where they've just discovered "D", is menacing. At this point, wallowing in my own disappointment never crossed my mind. Was I disappointed in my actions? Yes. However, I was more concerned with what "D" would do... the lasting impact he would have.

Yesterday, I disappointed a close friend. I feel horrible as a result. I wish there was some way to go back and change the events of yesterday. As we all know, there's not. I can only hope that time and forgiveness will create a beautiful mess of it all.

Now, I'm currently struggling to make sense of it somehow. Remembering, reliving, retracing... you know the feeling. It was the first time my friend associated me with Big D. Of course, there wasn't the false expectations that I would never hurt or disappoint him. It was just the first time. That's all.

Which got me thinking. When do you reach a place in love or in friendship that is able to cope with Disappointment? How do we respond when he crashes the party? How do we navigate through him? If we can't keep him away from the party, can we live in such a way that honors or minimizes his presence? Can we turn him from hated enemy to trusted ally?

Could the universal ache of Disappointment lead us into greater capacities of love?

Universal...

Greetings and salutations. I've missed you. It's good to be back!

Writing a new post on Friday is like releasing a new book on Dec. 26th. Regardless of how thought provoking or enticing, the timing is just a little off. Perhaps I should wait until Monday. Where's the fun in that? This is a blog for Christ sake, not a book release! Heck, let's go.

I love to travel. It's no secret. Why? Probably because I'm obsessed with people, with culture, with diversity, with ethnicity, and with expression. There is something fascinating in the language, in the music, in the rhythm of a new place. Wouldn't you agree?

What about the colors? Have you ever stopped long enough to notice? Each place has its own beauty. Each has its own vibe. Each its own colors. The colors normally tell the story.


I've had the opportunity to travel to many cities throughout the U.S. I've also spent significant time in various countries. These experiences have taught me invaluable truths and widely opened my worldview. The people, along the way, have empowered me to dream and have helped in shaping my values and belief system. The young boy who grew up in small town USA has now been influenced by New York, L.A., Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, Belfast, Dublin, London, Glasgow, Toronto, etc. I forgot to mention the mid-size cities in Mexico and France... you get the point!

So, these young eyes have seen a lot of colors and lots of customs. I've learned that "tradition" can be quite intoxicating. I've experienced new forms or art everywhere I've been. I've danced new dances, sung new songs, and eaten new foods. I've also encountered the beauty of diversity. I've worn different clothes, communicated in different languages, and loved in different ways.

Each place is unique all unto itself. Each city affords a different experience. Each people group provides a special memory.


And yet, what I have learned more than anything else, is that people everywhere are not that dissimilar from one another. We all have the same starving needs in our hearts. The need to be loved, to be accepted, to be believed in, to be understood. This universal aching is how we are hard-wired. Maybe the Creator really did know what he was doing. More than anything else, we are wired for connectivity and community. How awesome is that?

Simmering...

Just a quick note to let all of you know that I will be out of the blog world for the next few days. However, please feel free to probe, question, discuss, debate, protest, vent, or simply enjoy the previous posts. Look for a new entry around the middle of the week.

It seems as if I brought the pot to a boil with the Porn debate. I thought I'd let it simmer while I was away. That being said, I'm trying to approach life with this same "simmering" mentality. The good stuff just takes time, doesn't it?

In my absence, live well and go deep. Risk it. See what happens.

Intersection: Revisited...

Only two of you reserved a seat for tonight. Tickets at the door are $15. Let's see, I guess I'll start a tab. When you come, just ask them to put it on my name. Heck, grab a beer while you're at it. I'll treat you guys tonight. Thanks again for coming.

For those just coming in, we're here for "The Great Porn Debate." Why? Pornography is a multi-billion (yes, that's right, billion) dollar industry in the United States alone, but serious discussion of the issue is rare. Is it degrading to women, or empowering? Is it an addictive and destructive habit, or a window to a fun fantasy world?

In this intelligent and multi-faceted debate, all aspects of the Pornography issue are discussed and examined. A question and answer time is built into the debate to provide interaction with the audience. Just text the word porndebate followed by your question to 66937.

The lights have dimmed. The introductions have been made. Let's get it on.

The moderator asks Craig Gross (Porn Pastor) to start. Craig has fifteen minutes for his opening statement. I wondered why Craig is starting. That question is answered two minutes into the debate. Gross is immediately interrupted by Jeremy. Ron tells us why it in necessary for Craig to go first. Why? Jeremy has no issue with Gross, his message, nor his method. He is actually quite grateful for the work Gross is doing. He, too, hopes that the people who want out of the industry have an outlet. Therefore, he respects Craig and the work of his ministry. Not exactly how I thought it would start.

The debate continues. Craig makes his opening statements passionately. You can tell this isn't his first rodeo. He speaks of the dire consequences of pornography abuse. Gross explains that pornography desensitizes us in subtle ways. He explains why it portrays false expectations for "real" couples. He talks about the grueling preparation it takes for these "athletes." I never knew such exercises existed! He shares how over 13,000 hardcore films were made in the last year alone. He also details the average age for pornography abuse. I was shocked... 12-17 years old. I thought porn was only for those over the age of 18. He concludes with facts from previous "stars" who have come out of the industry about the ways in which it damages them. His opinion, pornography is degrading.

Jeremy's turn. Ron has multiple degrees and speaks with an articulation that caught me by surprise. Immediately, you can tell that this dude knows what he's talking about. He follows Craig's path to a tee. Ron addresses Craig's statements point by point. He breaks out facts from news articles and researched materials. He shares that violent games that kids play are the reasons behind a desensitized youth culture. He says that porn enables couples to be creative and role play. He has many letters from people whose marriages had become stale... at least in the bedroom. He is adamant that pornography is made by consenting adults for consenting adults. He shares how the industry is taking responsible steps to ensure its audience is 18 and over. Lastly, Ron talks at length about how porn has empowered women. He throws out thirty or so names... the Porn Stars.

Time for a little Q&A. The questions start off like you might expect. Has Gross ever seen pornography? What's his Christian opinion of masturbation? How many times are the people involved in porn tested? You get the drill. However, towards the end of the night, a bomb is dropped!

Asked to both parties, "In your opinion wouldn't you agree that Religion has actually damaged more people than Pornography?" A few claps by the audience. Then the crowd grows silent. Gross steps up.

Wait. Maybe I should give the question to you before giving you the outcome? Yeah, let's do that. Take a stab at it. Give us your thoughts. Let's see what we think!

Intersection...

Tuesday night. What did you do? I probably should have been doing the same. However, I found myself sitting in the round with unfamiliar people and an uncomfortable topic. I went early to check it out. After an hour of waiting for the show to begin, I wasn't sure how I ended up there in the first place. But, the bracelet they gave me at the door whispered that I should stay.

The lights came up. It was time for "The Great Porn Debate." You probably weren't quite ready for that! I'll pause for a minute and let you catch your breath.

How could I miss this match-up? Ron "Porn King" Jeremy vs. Craig "Porn Pastor" Gross. I mean already you wish you were there right? A king versus a pastor... some of you have been waiting your entire life for this. You may even pay much more than $10 to see a pastor squirm around the difficult issue of pornography. Right?

Today, I want to introduce you to the debaters involved. I want you to feel free to research and discover all that you can about Ron Jeremy and Craig Gross. Get to know them. Let them become friends in some ways. Tomorrow, I will share my thoughts on the incredible night. We'll have the weekend to discuss this heavy, controversial issue. Sound good?

Craig Gross. As a young pastor in Southern California, Craig Gross began to notice a recurring theme among those he cared for - a struggle with pornography. Boldly and courageously, he decided to address the root of the problem, so he went to the porn industry to ask some questions.

This passion led him to start XXXchurch. com, a website devoted to telling the truth about porn. XXXchurch.com is the largest anti-porn website on the Internet. With over 70 million visitors in the first 4 years and an average now of 1 million visitors a month, XXXchurch is exposing the truth about porn. Craig Gross has also provided a way out of the porn industry for those that feel trapped and want to escape.

Craig Gross has written 4 books and is a sought after speaker across the country. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife Jeanette and their two kids.

Ron Jeremy. He is the world's best known adult film star, appearing in over 1800 films and directing more than 100 more. He is equally well known for his appearances in mainstream media, including VH-1's The Surreal Life. Sometimes called the "clown prince" of Porn, Ron is actually quite informed and articulate on the subject and his industry's practices to keep it safe and responsible.

Born in New York, Ron taught High School special education before getting into adult films, and has a master's degree from Queens College. Ron's adult films and mainstream work have earned him an incredibly loyal legion of fans worldwide, and enabled him to reach a level of celebrity unsurpassed in the history of pornography.

There you have it. You are officially in the round with me now. What will follow? Come back tomorrow. Please let me know today if you're willing to come with me. I'll cover the $10 entry fee for ya!

58...

Today is my father's 58th birthday. So, in his honor... here are the top 58 reasons (in no particular order) why I love my dad!

58. He drives with his knee.
57. He likes unsweetened tea.
56. He makes sweet tea when I come home.
55. He'll answer to "Ruby."
54. When ordering food he always says "that'll be all."
53. He's a good card player.
52. He drives fast.
51. He loses his patience every now and then.
50. He loves God.
49. He is the master on a grill.
48. He actually likes to cut the grass.
47. He has more UGA shirts than anyone I know.
46. He can talk with like Donald Duck.
45. He's worked over 30 years at E&E.
44. He shot the course record at Sawgrass on PGA Tour Golf.
43. He likes to laugh.
42. He hates to lose.
41. He's like MacGyver with a roll of duck tape (my football pants...).
40. He prays for me.
39. He is a good friend.
38. He stocks the pantry full of goodies for my sister and I.
37. He watched wrestling with me and pretended to be a real fan.
36. He loves my Stepmother, Nancy.
35. He's a great Papa.
34. He's a generous man.
33. He made vacation the highlight of the summer.
32. He's still a Braves fan after all these years.
31. He has found a way to be lovingly firm.
30. He set boundaries for me.
29. He teaches me how to love.
28. He once caught me listening to 2 Live Crew in the laundromat.
27. He's overcome some hard times.
26. He let me ride 3 wheelers in Douglas... to the chagrin of my mother.
25. He always gave me $20 for the movies.
24. He never asked for cash back.
23. He's loved my friends... especially Big D.
22. He loves my sister, Amy.
21. He values family.
20. He's been to Six Flags more times than any other father.
19. He's a good son.
18. He re-introduced me to Spirituality.
17. He pitched the ball right into my sweet spot.
16. He finally got another dog after all these years.
15. He believes in exercise... NordicTrack style.
14. He didn't kill me for all the stupid things I've done.
13. He helped me build one of the finest baseball card collections ever.
12. He believes in the innate goodness of people.
11. He believes in me.
10. He's knows this is my favorite number.
09. He's been married to a UF fan for many years.
08. He let me win as a child.
07. He tried to hammer me as a teenager.
06. He still collects pennies.
05. He taught me how to drive.
04. He likes chocolate and ice cream... even together.
03. He gave me his name... kind of!
02. He loved me first.
01. Because he's my dad.

I love you dad! Happy 58th!

Bridges...

Most of us, if not all, have seen the video footage by now. We watched in horror. We quickly realized this was not a scene from Live Free or Die Hard. This was actual events being recorded in actual time. The Mississippi River will never look the same again. For me, I will always see images of the people, their cars, and a collapsed bridge.

The other day, I read a few articles about the Twin Cities calamity. One of the articles was written by a local pastor. He had some pretty strong things to say. Most of which, I disagreed with. However, he made one statement that has stayed with me. It's been kind of eating away at me. You know the feeling?

Here's what he said. "The word 'bridge' does not occur in the Bible. There may be two reasons. One is that God doesn't build bridges, he divides seas. The other is that usually his people pass through the deadly currents of suffering and death, not simply ride over them."

Now, I'm not sure I really like his reasons. They are his opinions and he's definitely entitled to them. However, I do find this information about bridges fascinating. I'm not shocked about the exclusion of the word from the Bible. I'm more intrigued with the concept. Did bridges not exist in biblical times? Were they nowhere in the physical world? Have we created a term (bridging) that suites our penchant for passing over?

If you are a friend of this blog, you will know that we spoke a bit about this last week. Perhaps the entry "Collide" wasn't just some random conversation. Maybe the film Crash, written in 2004, was correct in its foreshadowing. Maybe now we can hear these words and be moved by them...

"It's the sense of touch. In any real city, you walk, you know? You brush past people, people bump into you. In L.A., nobody touches you. We're always behind this metal and glass. I think we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something."

Let me ask you. In relationships, is it better to build a bridge for your partner or to go through the situation with him/her? In friendships, is your role to help get that friend out of the mess he's in? Or to be there for him mess and all? In love, is it better to skip over the common things or take the time to build a secure foundation?

May we all be reminded with every bridge we pass over, that there is another option. May we remember that being a good friend isn't always about having the answer, it's about being there. May we stop trying so hard to build bridges. In turn, my our energies be used to lay some pretty thick foundations.

Bourne...

"You listen very carefully to what I'm about to tell you. I remember. I remember everything..." Just in case you're not familiar with the Bourne series, that's not good for the bad guys. Jason's coming. I'm not talking about Friday the 13th. This is a different Jason.

If you're like me, you're going to see the Bourne Ultimatum this weekend. Sometimes I like to hit the "before noon" film at the AMC on Saturday. It's only four bucks! However, some movies are opening night movies. I think this one qualifies. Maybe we should all see it tonight at the same time. What do you think?

I'm not just a Bourne fan either. I'm a pretty big Matt Damon fan. How about you?

I've been told by a few people over the years that I look like Matt. Perhaps they meant that as a compliment. I'm sure they didn't set out to be offensive. Now, this isn't the worst thing anyone has ever said about me. Don't get me wrong. But, seriously, it's a pretty good blow.

Let's look at the facts. I'm far better looking than Matt, wouldn't you agree? I'm taller... maybe not. I have a much better accent (the Boston thing just gets old). Body wise, I'm much more ripped. And, I can definitely take him to town on the basketball court! I'm not sure I can dance around in my whitey's (The Talented Mr. Ripley) quite like him. That's probably not such a bad thing!

All in all, I'm still a huge fan of his work. Good Will Hunting is one of my all time favorites. It's gotta be in the top five. Other titles include School Ties, The Rainmaker, Saving Private Ryan, Rounders, Ripley, Ocean's Eleven (Twelve & Thirteen), Syriana, The Departed, The Good Shepherd, and the Bourne series. It's alright if you missed All the Pretty Horses, Stuck on You, and The Brothers Grimm. Confession... I did too!

Damon simply is Jason Bourne. He plays the role with precision and perfection. There is no Bourne outside of Damon. He allows you believe in a character most would dismiss. There is an integrity that flows out of Bourne. Matt causes you to root for this scarred man. You're with him regardless of the price.

Here's to buying a ticket and seeing the film! Maybe you'll think of me when you see the Bourne Ultimatum. Maybe you'll think of me when you see Matt Damon. Maybe you'll actually write a comment about something today. Maybe I'll come hunt you down if you don't. I remember... I remember everything!

Sunday...

Imagine your perfect Sunday. What happens? Who are you with? Where do you go?

For many, Sunday is a day of routine. Though it varies in many households, Sundays are synonymous with good times. How come? The most obvious answer- it's a break from the dreaded work week. For those who love their jobs, at least it's a break from appointments, meetings, and expectations. After all, it's a day of spontaneity. It's a day of enjoyment. Sunday is a day of promise.

So, I'm still waiting to hear from you. Perhaps you need a little help to design the perfect Sunday. Sure, I'm here for that! How about a list?


Sunday activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
sleeping in, brunch, a spiritual gathering, lunch with the extended family, a nap, a second nap immediately following the first one (you forgot to turn the ringer off), watching NFL games, a NASCAR race, the final round of the PGA tournament, a third nap (possibly during the golf), a few innings of baseball, the PBA tour (bowling for those curious), 60 Minutes, The Simpsons, a movie (hopefully not the made for tv kind), leftovers, etc.

Now that you've got some ideas rolling around in that noggin of yours, let me clue you in on what the perfect Sunday must include. It's a necessity. You ready?

The Kill Point. If you missed the first few hours, now is your chance for redemption. After all, isn't that what Sunday is for sometimes?


The Kill Point is a television series that follows a group of U.S. Marines recently returned from serving in Iraq as they come together to pull off a major bank heist of the Three Rivers Bank branch in Pittsburg, PA. It's a fascinating look into the different perspectives of each person involved. With layer upon layer and incredible character development... there's no possible way to escape. You'll find yourself in the bank as a hostage, inside the psyche of the leading terrorist, on the phone as the negotiator, and everywhere in between.

Seriously, don't miss it! Spike TV, Sunday's at 9pm. You can always catch the previous episode an hour before... Sunday, 8pm. Don't believe me, give it a shot. I promise you will not be disappointed.

I'm still waiting for your perfect Sunday. Get to it!

Introduction...

Our world has changed. As a result, society has suffered. It wasn't always like this.

There was a day, I'm told, when neighbors were viewed as family. When the norm was to raise our children together, to share meals frequently, and to entertain one another with our lives. There was a special bond that weaved through the entire neighborhood. It's like this small part of the earth was ours. After all, it was home.

Today, we see a different picture. Why? Great question.

Maybe you could share your thoughts. Maybe it has to do with the advancement of man. Maybe the incredible inventions over the last 100 years have something to say. There was a time when people walked next door. They now use the telephone. There was a time when people spent entire nights laughing with their kids. Now they watch television together. There was a time when people relied on one another. Now they use the internet. There was a time when loans were given in good faith. Now we've created a society drenched in debt.

The pictures and stories, today, tell of a different world. Most of us lock our doors at night. Most of us don't really know our neighbors. We may know their names and say hello, but I think you know what I'm talking about. Most of us struggle to meet new people. What about new friends? Most of us are simply products of our society. But, there's still hope!

It's actually easier than you may think. Sure, it requires a bit of effort. However, it can be done. Tracking?

It's easy... get a dog! What? That's insane!

Trust me. Over the past two years, I've been introduced to so many people through my dog. Josie has opened conversations that would've never been started. She has opened doors to homes that I wouldn't have set foot in. She even has a way of propping my door open too. She has been instrumental in helping strangers (neighbors) become good friends. She's even helped introduce children to each other. That's beautiful.

So, if you've had trouble meeting new friends, go out and get a dog. Walk her around your neighborhood. Stop and say hello to others. Let her introduce you. Take her to the park. She'll want to introduce you to even more potential friends. Possibly find a dog park in your area. Here she'll show off and you'll have lunch with a family and their dog(s). It's really amazing. I guess they really are "man's best friend" for a reason.

Another option, have a child! It requires just a bit more effort... especially if you have two or more at the same time. Right Amy? However, children also have a way of connecting us to others. Maybe that's what God had in mind all along. Hmmm...

May we discover that our world is a good place with many friends. May our neighbors become family again. May we open our homes to one another with more frequency. And, may we continue to use the internet... sparingly!