Catching Up

I want to update you on a few things concerning the blog and life.

One of my main goals with the blog over the last few months has been to only blog when I want to, and to keep from encouraging comment threads that end up wasting my time.  For the most part I've stuck with that idea and it's made the blog an extension of my life rather than a power over my life.  I haven't been writing much of my own thought lately, not much in terms of original content.  But I'm okay with that right now.  I hope that will change soon, but it has to mesh with what I'm doing in my local church.

We went to visit my parents after church on Sunday.  I've mentioned before that my Mom has cancer.  Last week they found out the chemo is working and shrinking the cancer.  It's hard to say what that will mean for the next few weeks or months, but it's the first piece of good news we've had since she was diagnosed.  Thanks to all who are praying.  The picture is of my mom and sister.  My sister colored her hair, my mom (who is losing her hair) is wearing a Halloween wig.

I'm halfway through preaching Colossians and loving it.  It's just what I need, and I'm thankful to God for what I'm learning.  I hope our church is getting the same thing.  The one thing I haven't done much of lately is listen to sermons.  My wife and I used to listen to a sermon together on Monday mornings.  I would be in my office and she would be working on the house.  But I moved my home office to our basement so we are disconnected.  I miss those mornings listening together to guys like Matt Chandler, Mark Driscoll or Tim Keller.

My sons and I are really enjoying the football season so far.  The Bears are exceeding all expectations and look like they are equipped to go the distance.  The Monsters of the Midway are monsters again.  Beware!

Have you enjoyed a good cigar lately?  Why not?  I've been learning a lot about cigars lately and have enjoyed one or two.  Delightful.  Pick up this one, or maybe this one.

Last let me mention some things I've been enjoying lately.  Richard Lovelace's book, Renewal as a Way of Life, has been a great encouragement so far.  A very thought provoking book.  Ray LaMontagne's new CD, Till the Sun Turns Black, is good.  iMonk's podcast has been a nice diversion.  So has Writers on Writing. 

By the way, the iTunes 7 upgrade sucks for Windows users.  Then they put up a fix (7.0.1) which merely sucks less.  Distortion.  If you haven't upgraded, stay where you are for now.

Comments

[Ryan Abs]

Steve-
Nice choices on the stogies. Can I add a couple of suggestions. If you like the Brazilia you will LOVE the CAO MX2. This is a hard to find little gem right now but it is well worth the 6.95-8.95 price tag. i've got 2 hidden in my humidor right now. Also, the La Gloria Cubana Serie R is amazing! Expensive, coming in at 8.95-10.95 but a very complex smoke. Starts smooth like silk, moves to cherry and hints of licorice with a spicy finish. Any time you need a suggestion for a new stick feel free to email.
Abs

[bob Franquiz]

Steve,

I've been teaching through Colossians as well. You're probably a bit a ahead of me. I'm 4 weeks into it. I'll finish chapter 1 this Sunday.

[Steve McCoy]

Ryan, LGC R is my favorite. MX2 is good too.

Bob, I'm in the middle of chapter 3.

[Richard A. Bailey]

The problem isn't iTunes, my Windows-afflicted friend.

[Steve McCoy]

*covering my ears* >> "LA LA LA LA...I can't hear you!...LA LA LA LA"

[Tim]

Cigars. Yes, I enjoy one now and again but I've been searching for some advice. Maybe the next time I want one I'll try your suggestion.

iTunes. I use it on my iMac at home and my PC box at work and I haven't noticed any problems at work. Then again, I don't sync my iPod with it, just listen to podcasts and internet radio. I'll let Richard make the Mac comments. BTW, there are three new PC and Mac commercials out now. :)

[Bryan Riley]

A good cigar. mmmm. Question: How would you handle it if you insurance company asked you if you have used a tobacco product in the last year or 5 years or whatever??

[ScottB]

I'm a Macanudo fan myself - the Hampton Court is always solid. My first choice though is usually one of my trusty pipes. ;)

[cavman]

Padron is a good smoke. I often smoke Maria Mancini's. Not as expensive, but still a quality cigar. Received my first box from JR's when the baby girl was born. Picked up some more on my last birthday.

LGCs are very good... and pricy.

Oh, I abstained for a year to prepare for the insurance question :-)

[Marcguyver]

Sorry to hear about your mother. My father just died last month from a terrible bout with some. His body was infested.

Terrible way to die. My heart goes out to you and her. I pray she doesn't have to endure the same type of suffering. May God be with you.

[Joe Thorn]

This is way too peaceful in here. Let's see - Macanudos are fine to smoke, but there's more flavor in the air you breath; and that's cheaper - so I'd stick with air if those were my choices. :) I used to smoke cigars exclusively, but for the last few years it has been my pipes. Though every so often I still pick up one of my favorites: LGC Serie R, La Aroma de Cuba, Ashton VSG, etc. Ahhh - but the pipe. That's where it's at for me.

Oh, and I told my insurance company the truth. I smoke my pipe moderately without inhaling (hey, like Clinton). Some companies treat that differently than regular cigarette smoking, though most do not.

[Jon]

I see you like the Padron; excellent! Try this one out, it's my favorite cigar of all time: http://www.cigar.com/cigars/viewcigar.asp?brand=241

It's the Padron 1964 Anniversary edition; it's about 8 bucks a stick, but worth it!

I'm thankful we can enjoy cigars to the glory of God!

[Steve McCoy]

Hmmm. Didn't expect so much cigar talk.

Haven't had Padron anniversary's yet. That will be a treat in the near future though. Macanudos are not a favorite. Insurance = be honest.

[Paul Lamey]

I haven't noticed the problems w/7.0. What are the problems you've seen?

[Joe Thorn]

Yeah Steve. I have no problems with the new iTunes, or the new software for the iPod. It's working great for me.

[Mike Little]

Steve...I've really enjoyed your blog...as well as Joe's and others. It is such a breath of fresh air. I'm a former SBC church planter (25 and really stupid) that in Midtown, Atlanta and did some consulting with NAMB. A lot of people were great a giving money...but not many invested time. The church is doing fine now...but my wife and I are really wrestling with God. LONG story, but I did the church planing gig for 5+ years and then found myself in Executive Recruiting. I've been leading worship in a PCA (Perimeter) church plant over the last few years. I've been sensing God calling me back into the ministry...but I feel like the prodigal son who has stopped at the top of the hill and is resisting running to the Father. I want to...but I see so much bickering and fighting everywhere in the church. The more I resist...the more miserable I become. To see the fellowship and connection among you guys is refreshing and encouraging to me. My wife and I are leaving the PCA church we have been in for a variety of reasons...mainly because I couldn't see myself planting a church through them. Therefore, we are trying to reconnect with our roots...mostly grassroots Baptists with a reformed view of Salvation with a mission or missional mindset. It has been challenging. Thanks for letting me lurk...maybe we can dialogue sometime.

Peace,
Mike

[ScottB]

Joe - what is your go-to blend for your pipe?

[Joe Thorn]

My most common is an aromatic called "Colombian Mocha," but I also really like Frog Morton and a number of others. I keep four jars in my study filled with different kinds of tobacco, but Colombian Mocha is always present.

[iMonk]

I'm a #$##$ diversion. I've made it in a big way.

[Scott Eaton]

Steve,

I'm glad you are doing some posting on "life." We often try to become so profound that we forget the everyday and ordinary things that can bring us so much pleasure and joy to the glory of God.

The life of faith is, I think, more often than not a matter of the small things. Have I loved my wife? My kids? My neighbor? Have I enjoyed the blessings that God has bestowed upon me? Do I even see those blessings? Am I thankful?

And the hard stuff too. I'm praying for your mom.

I'm not so sure about this cigar stuff though. I've never tried one. I think Joe's pipe thing sounds a bit more appealing. Maybe I'll just stick with candy bars.

[Steve McCoy]

Thanks for the comment Scott.

And candy cigarettes are still pretty good. Might want to use those to bridge the gap. ;)