The best thanksgiving story...

I love thanksgiving because it is a great time. That sounds generic and bland, but is there really a way to describe it? The family gets together. The family eats a lot. The family tells stories and laughs together.

I don't know if this will become a yearly post or not, but I thought I'd share what I thought was the best story told at our Thanksgiving table. This is a true story, reported by my mom who works for the Ingham County sheriff's Department.

We all know it has snowed recently in Michigan. The other day an officer is out on patrol when he spots a car in the ditch. The driver is drunk and is also stuck. He keeps flooring the gas in a vain attempt to get out of his predicament.

The officer was not without a sense of humor. While approaching the vehicle he got an idea. He gets out of his car, then promptly runs up to the driver's side door of the car. As he gets there he remains in motion, running in place. He starts knocking on the window and yelling "STOOOOP!" while never breaking stride. The driver looks at him confused and then takes his foot off the gas pedal. The situation is resolved.

When the driver later came in to the Sherrif's office to settle the matter he was quoted saying, "Gosh that officer could run fast!"

Hope you had a great thanksgiving. Feel free to share your favorite story of the day!

Something worth reading

I've heard the rumors that the rest of the world is absolutely disgusted with the US and its military. I'm sure everyone has.

For all the implied hostility, I have found something that is worth a read. A member of the French OMLT recently wrote this journal entry. With permission it was translated to English so that more might be aware of at least how this French patriot sees our troops. No Rick Rolls for this post. Enjoy.

I'm bringing Daler back....yeah....those other Mehndis don't know where it's at....

Jon, I will admit that Tunak Tunak Tun is awesome, but it's been around the block. They used it at CIY two years ago.

If I could choose to be one other person in this time period, it might have to be Daler Mehndi. This guy has it made. It is my privilege to present the video that will bring him back to cyberspace glory.

Other things this video could describe:
-My recent trip to Missouri
-My last failed courtship
-Why Jon goes back to India
-Michael Jackson's influence on the world.

Where ON EARTH did he find this?

James Pahl reporting with my civic duty to bring you the strangest videos you have ever seen. Enjoy!

Random Thoughts after more travelling.

Life just isn't slowing down is it? I got back from Missouri last night, only to wake up this morning and drive to Spring Arbor to pick up my cousin. Always on the go, fun stuff. Alright here we go:

- I might have mis-spoke in an earlier post about people declaring who they vote for. While I have to decided to keep my opinions on all that confidential, it is wrong for me to write in a manner that implies that whoever does otherwise is incorrect. I guess sometimes when I get in the moment I tend to write like I know more than anyone else and therefore I cannot be wrong about an issue. Know any other young people who do that?

- Random TV Trivia: Did you know that the Dragonball series was supposed to end after Goku's fight against Frieza in Dragonball Z? Does anyone actually understand what I just wrote?

- What's your favorite John Wayne movie? I have a hard time choosing myself. It would probably have to be either Rio Bravo or El Dorado. Extremely similar movies with the classic western formula. Other great movies from him (in my opinion) include Big Jake, Cahill, Rooster Cogburn, McClintock and Brannigan.

- What's your favorite James Bond movie? Mine is Moonraker. Space theme, the classic villain redeems himself, and actually speaks.

- Why is James asking so many questions? Why not? It's my blog. It turns out I didn't have much to write about tonight, but I didn't like how short the blog was. So I added the questions. Everybody wins, right?

Random Thoughts that could be offensive

Lots on my mind, here we go:

- I am loving my time in Missouri. The views alone make this trip worth it. Even though I feel like I am barely in Missouri, it is absolutely gorgeous. It's easy to understand why the Mormons thought this was the Promised Land when they settled here in the 1900's. You don't need the seeing stones to see the beauty here.

- I have had a cherry lime-aid every day I have been here. It is fantastic. Michigan needs a Sonic.

- Ever heard of IMO's pizza? A unique pizza place that uses provolone cheese (sp?) instead of mozzarella with delicious results. I'm eating quite well.

- Movies. I am staying with the Sleights and they utilize Netflix, the popular movie home delivery system. It's pretty cool. Movies we've watched while I've been here:
1) Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Seen it, already recommended by me.
2) Planet Terror: This movie was ridiculous. One of those you watch at 2 in the morning with a group of friends and just be ready for something stupid. Is probably a cult classic. So stupid it's funny, high on gore. Watch at your own risk.
3) 88 Minutes: Great suspense/thriller. I recommend it.
4) Hulk: Finally saw it. Very well done. Loved the use of the original Hulk piano theme. See it if you haven't.

- Politics. I got an E-Mail in my inbox this morning. I read it and disliked it. After seeing similar things on the internet in various places I feel compelled to make one belief of mine ABSOLUTELY clear.

Please do not say who you are voting for then call it serving God's will. Frankly it's unbiblical and offensive. Do not pray for one candidate to get the office over the other. How about we pray that God guides whoever gets it. Last I checked God's will was not to vote "His candidate" into office. Last I checked God's will was to serve the poor, the needy, the oppressed. Last I checked God's will was to share his love and advance the Gospel to the four corners of the Earth.

Am I saying don't vote? By no means. Do your civic duty. Do it with pride. Am I saying don't pray about it? Not at all. Pray for wisdom and do all the research you can if you haven't already. All I'm saying is don't call it something it's not. Vote and get back to serving God. In fact, serve God while you're voting. Long lines, long waiting times, a God-like attitude is sure to encourage people on a day when stress could be quite high. Don't miss your opportunity.

(Political comments/opinions of specific candidates will be deleted at my discretion if they are left. You've been warned.)

- If I may rant a bit further, for some reason I don't like it when people tell others who they are voting for. I can't explain it but something about it just rubs me the wrong way. My father is a county magistrate, and must always be impartial in all hearings and duties that he performs. He thinks it is inappropriate to discuss who he is voting for because it shatters that responsibility. I've always respected him for it and agreed with it. For me personally as an aspiring youth minister I've decided to place the same responsibility on myself. As a leader I do not want to use my position to sway anyone, whether intentional or not. Perhaps I've subconsciously forced that ideal on others. I mean, what is the purpose of sharing your decision? I don't mean this to criticize anyone who has done so, I'm genuinely curious.

- In the Church when the leadership makes a decision to move the Church in a certain direction the leadership must be united once the discussion is done. When the talk is over and the walk begins ALL leadership is with that decision, regardless of whether they supported it or opposed it (ideally). For the sake of unity and the Gospel you put your grievances aside and move with the Church. Should it be any different for the country? Just thinking out loud.

- I haven't tried to Rick-Roll anyone lately. Beware of future posts.