Video Blog - Snails

BV

PS: The snails tasted like melted slug-flavored gummy bears...

Where Nerds Go To Die

Greetings faithful reader...

This gives a whole new meaning to the words: "Blue Screen of Death"

BV

PS:  I know this is a nerdy post...indulge me.

I lost what?

Greetings faithful readers...

    Just had to share this cool piece of news...I am officially down a whole pants size!   I know...big deal...no it IS a big deal.  I have lost 23 pounds, a shirt size, a pants size, and am on my third new belt.  

    I have new energy...I feel more confident..my clothes fit better...and I am putting less strain on my heart and feet.  What could be cooler than that?

I now officially weigh 203 pounds.  I still want to get to 185...and a little at a time I will.  Keep praying for Mindy and I as we make this change to our lives.  

BV

Video blog post

Greetings faithful reader...

   If you clicked on this link...I've let you down.  I haven't had time to import the video footage from Disney yet but I will tomorrow (hopefully).  

   Many of you guessed correctly what it was that I ate at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.  The clue was that it crawled on the ground....

Not scorpion or grasshopper or ant...the answer was...snail!  Yep.  Escargot.... Did I like it?  What  did it taste like?  Catch the video tomorrow night...see you then!

BV

World Wide Wow!

Greetings faithful readers...

As many of you know, tonight was our first live internet campus segments!  I think it went pretty well.  So far, all of the email that I have received has been positive and encouraging.  What do you all think?  If you haven't visited the internet campus yet the address is www.flamingoroadchurch.com.   Once there, click the internet campus button.  Love to have your feedback!

I'm so excited to unveil what's coming on the new internet campus website.  I am meeting this week to finalize a date on which we'll release the beta version of the site.  Keep checking in!

Great job tonight to Arturo!  He did an amazing job keeping everything running smoothly...kudos!  

See you in a few hours...

BV

New Video Post Coming Soon!

Greetings faithful reader...

   Just got back from Disney...and I brought my video camera with me!  I recorded a couple of video blog posts and will post them here soon...

I will give you a little hint...one video includes me eating something that I've never eaten before and you may find crawling around somewhere...

Any guesses?

BV

We're Off!

Greetings faithful readers...

Well, we're off to Disney for a quick 1 1/2 day trip. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Epcot Food and Wine Festival...

Culminating in the purchase and installation of Mac OS X Leopard and our first LIVE weekend on the internet campus.

It doesn't get any better than that.

BV

Happy Birthday!

Greetings faithful readers...

Just wanted to bring to your attention that today is Weird Al Yankovic's birthday!

Happy B-Day, Al. You rock the accordion like no other.

BV

Jag Takar

Greetings faithful readers...

Well I just returned from a special place... A place draped in Swedish blue and sun-baked yellow... a place where you can buy a sofa and then some meat from a toothpaste tube. Yes, I visited IKEA. I've got to tell you, I was quite surprised by my experience.

I thought it was going to be a nightmare when we hit the 100 car line of traffic on the way in. Unbelievably we were through the line and past the plethora of parking staff within 5 minutes or so. I was 20 feet from the doorway that would soon be my portal to Scandanavian bliss.

Mindy and I walked toward the front door...music played from a PA system...I believe the song playing was the traditional Swedish anthem "Hey Ya" by Outkast. Instantly I was in the mood to buy...and buy plenty. The doors whooshed open and we were instantly faced with a purchasing decision. Kitchen carts for 49 bucks. For that? I pondered. Did I need a kitchen cart? Maybe...time would tell. We walked slowly toward the bright lights.

I faced an escalator up that led to the showroom. To the right was the children's drop-off area. We walked over and looked in. A ball pit...a rubber tree...videos playing...children distracted while their parents spend their Benjamins on kitchen strainers...it looked really cool inside. We turned around and headed toward the showroom. I grabbed the rail of the escalator and our ascent to Valhalla began. Thousands of people and low-priced homegoods. A match made in Södertälje.

They had everything. I mean it. The prices were incredibly low. Stuff that I had just bought at Wal-Mart were 50% lower here. No kidding. I picked up some glasses, a piggy bank, 2 teddy bears, a magazine rack, and some shower curtain hooks. Total bill: 38 cents.

Now that's 38 cents in terms of the Krona.... in American its about a Grant or so. We spent two hours walking around and just soaking it all in. Children screaming, couples dreaming, old grandmas laying down on the beds (seriously...one lady flopped herself down backwards on a mattress)...it was surreal at best. We made our way around to the registers and then I saw it:

A hotdog for 50 cents. I thought to myself...if this place had pearly gates and some of my relatives... it would be Heaven. It gets better...you could buy two of those artery-cloggers, and a bag of chips...and a drink for 2.50. I refrained from eating that stuff and instead did a run by the ladies with the samples. I had a piece of swedish crunch cookie, some berry sparkling drink, and a swedish meatball.

Let me take a second on the meatballs. Seriously...try one of these bad boys. The meat was actually falling apart tenderly in my mouth...gently wrapping its Swedish goodness around every tastebud...bathing my tongue in a wash of gravy that made me want to defect to Stockholm. It was as if there was a bluegrass band playing "Ode to Beef" in my head...and I never wanted the music to stop... The swedes are great at the Luge and meatballs. No joke.

Finally it was time to head back into the sunlight. My time had come to part ways with my new Swedish friend. Goodbye salted licorice (really.)...goodbye wall hooks that looked like the back end of a dog...goodbye ten dollar floor lamp made of paper mache...I must leave you all for now. But I'll be back.

My wife and I left the store...this time the PA was playing ABBA. Swedish supergroup...ABBA. "Dancing Queen" was a huge hit for them back in the day. Today it stood for so much more...an anthem celebrating all things Swedish...a refrain which will saunter through my head until I can once again partake of Scandinavian retail paradise. Jag tackar, IKEA...Jag tackar.

BV

HELP!!!

Greetings faithful readers...

As some of you know...I am a bit of a Disney fan....

Well, OK, if I could I would live there. Not Orlando. Inside Disney. Like in the corner of a gift shop somewhere...behind the register. Anyway, I'm going to the Not-so-scary Halloween party this Thursday night and I don't have a costume. Now I know if you are reading this blog...you have a creative mind. Any ideas out there for a costume for me?

Here are some criteria:

It can't be expensive
It has to be something that fits my personality
Ideally, Mindy should wear something that is related to it.

Last year we went as Mouseketeers.

I will post a photo of myself in the costume and give mad props to the winner!


Thanks for the help!

BV

Next Week

Greetings faithful readers...

Next Thursday after work, my family and I are headed to Orlando for a day or so to take a mini-break at Disney. I know..I know...Disney again. Yep.

We are going for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on Thursday night. We are going on Friday (my day off) to the Epcot International Food and Wine festival. I have the feeling that I will be exceeding my WW points that day. I plan to consume at least one Bratwurst/Saurkraut/in a Pretzel Roll that day...

Then it's back home on Sat morning to go live on the Internet Campus Sat. night. Just a quick trip...

It will give us time to celebrate as a family as well as briefly recharge the batteries.

Sometimes you need that.

BV

I Met Myself

Greetings faithful reader...

Lookie what I found! Myself! At Wal-Mart! Here I am thinking that this could only be found at one of those fancy-schmancy gadget stores....

I found out that it not only talks and helps with homework....it is also a speaker phone!

Ah...brainy goodness....

BV

PS: Any captions for this photo?

The Land of the Giants

Greetings faithful readers...

I don't consider myself a large man. I'm not tall. I'm not overly wide (anymore). But the other day something happened to me to make me feel otherwise.

The place: Panda Express.
The event: a trip to the restroom.

After my wife and I enjoyed a low-point Chinese bounty...I had to....use the facilities. I glanced around the restaurant and quickly spied the familiar bathroom logos in the back. Excusing myself I walked to the bathroom door...and opened it. It was if I had been hit by a Giganto Ray. My feet were enormous and my hands looked like Mickey Mitts. I took two steps into this bathroom and realized that something was horribly distorted.

The toilets looked like doll-house furniture. The sink was so low to the ground I thought they were floor drains. The little dividing walls for the stalls looked like painted playing cards. For some reason this bathroom was built for the cast of "Somewhere Under the Rainbow" (imdb is your friend).

I had a choice to make. Wait...or try to navigate through Barbie's dream bathroom. I decided to stay. I won't bore you with the details...just suffice it to say that I dried my hands on towels about the size of postage stamps.

So if you are ever feeling small...or want to experience the world through the eyes of how Pastor Troy must see it...visit the Panda Express restroom. Xie xie!

BV

Hello? Anybody there?

Greetings forgiving faithful readers....

You know it's bad when your own wife asks..."what's up with your blog? Are you not writing anymore?"

Alright. I get it. I've been neglecting you, faithful reader....apologies.

You are all still important to me...consider this post a reset button. I am really going to try and post more often...promise. Look for the first of these new posts tomorrow. Gotta get some sleep. Things are changing so fast in my life that I have to get my rest when I can.

I do have one thing to share...the internet campus ran over 1600 (nearly 1700) people this weekend! Another increase! WOW!

I'm just blown away to be a part of it. Pray for me...I need it.

Talk to you tomorrow!

BV

A few early morning thoughts...

Greetings faithful reader....

I'm pretty tired as I write this...but feel good. Show 138 is coming along nicely. The new devotion is posted at frclive.blogspot.com (internet campus blog)...life is good.

Did you see Troy and the MyNakedPastor story tonight on channel 10? They were in my office today to film (did you see me?...don't blink!). Fun fun fun.

This really has been a cool couple of weeks. From the Granger conference, through the weekend...directly into a new internet campus launch on the 20th of Oct. God is really moving in my life.

I almost forgot to mention that I broke through the 20 pound weight loss barrier! As of this morning, I weighed in a little over 205. That makes nearly 21 pounds lost so far (6 weeks). I can't even begin to tell you what a difference diet and exercise have made in my life. I've still got 20 to go...but I am much closer than when I started.

Well, it's nearly 1 in the morning and I'm feeling the effects of a long day of meeting, editing, parenting, writing, and naked couching. Time to hit the hay. Thanks again one and all for your prayers. They really mean so much.

BV

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

Greetings faithful readers....

Well...I know it's been a few days...but I made it back. I have been in meetings, praying with folks, dreaming, and challenging myself over the internet campus. Thanks to all of you who have been off-the-chart-supportive of what God has called me to do with my life. I am unbelievably excited to see what is going to happen....

Here is the skinny on the campus..we are going to be going to live intros and outros within the next couple of weeks. Then the plan is to phase in a prayer night...an online Bible Study (with audio chat)...and more!

We do have an active internet campus blog going where (starting Oct. 10), you will find devotionals every morning. The blog can be found at www.frclive.blogspot.com. Please read it and let me know what you think...

I know what you must be saying....is this the end of "Vasilating"?

No. It will remain the same random, vague, and slightly unbalanced commentary on life that you have grown to love. However, please give me a little extra helping of grace in the next few weeks as we push phase one of the internet campus into motion. I have been snapping photos with my iPhone each and everyday saying to myself "Self, you might use that picture on your blog...."

So the randomness is on ice...the meal is cooking...and the party is about to begin...

Hold on...

BV

Wow

Greetings faithful readers...

What an amazing last couple of days...

Things are amazing in my life right now. I haven't been this excited in ministry since walking into my first classroom 15 or so years ago. The internet campus is so full of potential that I am just overwhelmed and humbled that God would pick me to be a part of it. I just can't seem to form literate paragraphs so here are the cliff notes on my brain.

1) The Internet Campus looks to be officially kicking off with a live face (yours truly) on the 1st week of Nov. This gives us enough time to really make things neat and pretty. I am so incredibly excited. I can't even begin to express my gratitude to Troy and Raul for considering me to fill that role. Without sounding prideful...I really feel that my gift mix fits this position to a "T". God has created me for this. I believe that.

2) Flamingo Road Church has just been listed as the 12th fastest growing church in the country! WOW! Way to go everyone!

3) In all my excitement over my new position...I must admit I am sad to close the video production chapter in my life...Mauricio, Ian, Evan, Lewis, Miguel, Carolina, Stacie, Ryan, and Heredes... it has been my distinct honor to be lead and serve with you. To all of the other volunteers I forgot..my sincere gratitude.

4) Pastor Troy was awesome Wed. night. Truly inspirational. I watch him more than most due to editing the show...and I have NEVER seen an audience moved like they were that night. Thanks Troy for holding up the vision. Even when you feel alone and tired.....take comfort in knowing that you have people willing to lift up your arms.

5) Hello Stacie and Evan!

6) Were you out there for baptism on Wed. night? I talked to a man who accepted Christ at First Wednesday and was crying because his life had been changed in the past hour...I spoke with a lady who came to get baptized that had never been to a physical campus (she attends through the TV show)....God is so good! If you have ever wondered why you serve at FRC...no matter what you do...I shook hands with and hugged the reasons...it's all about people's lives changing...

Honestly, I know this post is a little scattered. That's the way I'm feeling right now. One foot on the video side - one foot on the internet campus...and my heart and mind on reaching the world for Christ. Thanks God for using someone as screwed up as I've been to make a difference.

BV

My News

Greetings faithful reader...

I can finally tell you. Effective now, I have accepted the position of Internet Campus Pastor at Flamingo Road Church. I will do the introductions, ending moments, and connection pieces (all live) that link members of the campus together around the world. I couldn't be more excited about it.

What does this mean about video? Well, I will be transitioning away from doing video in the next few weeks. Honestly, I am saddened by this a bit because of how much this ministry means to me. However, I do believe that God puts people into place and can move them anytime that He wants to. I will be helping with the transition and am just as excited to see who God brings here to do the TV show and the weekend videos.

Please pray for me. Even better, please let me know that you are praying for me. I'm not scared or nervous...just anxious. Our first live weekend is coming quickly and I am so looking forward to it! I'll keep all of you in the loop!

BV

Almost Half-Way There!

Greetings faithful reader,

I had several people this weekend ask me how my weight loss was going. I realized that I haven't posted an update for awhile...so here goes:


Starting Weight:226
Current Weight: 206.5
Total Weight Loss: 19.5 pounds

Running 1.25 miles/day with hand weights

Using Weight Watchers Points system for weight loss.

I have lost one shirt size and down one pants size. I also needed to buy a new belt.

This is very exciting for me. I have never really struggled with my weight growing up. Dad was super thin so I always thought that I would just inherit his genes. Not the case. I still have about 20 pounds to go so keep praying for me. I am going to include a little note in the sidebar of the blog so that you can keep up with my weight loss.

I post it for 2 reasons:
1) Nakedness - I want the world to know this about me. I am not ashamed of my weight and have decided that if you are going to pray for this for me...you might as well have the facts
2) Inspiration - Are you looking to lose weight? If so, I applaud you. I was killing myself slowly with my fork. I only hope and pray that if you are doing the same that you would follow my challenge and change things. You can. It's never too late.

If you are going for it along with me...drop me an email: brian.vasil@flamingoroad.org

I'd love to hear from you.

BV

Special Announcement

Greetings faithful readers...

I am excited to make a special announcement....

Epcot turns 25 years old today!!! I actually was planning on attending the rededication ceremony today but plans just didn't work out. Epcot is a VERY close second to being my favorite park. I will always love the Magic Kingdom because of its connections to my past and the memories that it holds.

I remember my first trip. Communicore, Universe of Motion, Horizons....all classic attractions...now sadly in the past. Remember your first trip through Horizons? You got to choose the ending of the ride, smell the orange groves, and watch those cool movies on that giant imax screen? How about sitting in one of those bucket-style cars in the Universe of Motion? The beginning of the ride takes you outside and then back in?

How about the first logo? Journey to Imagination with Figment and Dreamfinder? Captain EO (which I still really enjoy...I know...weird...)? Kitchen Cabaret? The song "Listen to the Land" during the Land boat ride... these are a few of my favorite things....

Happy 25th Epcot...and Happy 36th to the Magic Kingdom! My daughter loves to remind me that I am as old as the Magic Kingdom everytime we go. I was there my first time when I was 3 months old...October 1971.

We are going back up in a couple of weeks for the Not-so-scary Halloween Party. Just a quick trip to Disney...but we're ready!

BV

PS: My other special announcement will have to wait just a little bit more...hopefully early this week...