Which One Are You?

Greetings Faithful Readers...

I love this quote and had to share it with you...

"It's better to be one who is told to wait than one who waits to be told."



Which one are you?
BV

Wanna Chat?

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Have you watched FRC's TV show lately? Ian is doing an incredible job on the production every single week! I will always have a place in my heart for the TV ministry of Flamingo...I was blessed to be the first to create shows for it...and God has used the current media team to take it to a whole other level.

It is then that Pastor Troy takes it up another notch.... www.troygramling.com

Yep...we kicked it off last week. There is now a chat room where people that are watching the TV show can go and talk about what they are experiencing in real time. I am moderating the room with a few members of my team and it is going well! Last week, nearly half of those that were chatting went over to experience the live service at 11:00AM right after the 10:30AM TV experience.

Real community. Real life-change.

What an honor to be a part of it.

BV

Resistance is Futile

Greetings Faithful Readers...

In my effort to make each one of you more like me...I have been asked which Podcasts I regularly listen to...


WebChurch Podcast - In full disclosure...this is the podcast I host along with Miguel Umanzor and Stacie Gonzalez. Each week we talk about what is hot in the world of technology and how it can be leveraged for ministry in the local church. Also, I take a segment each show to highlight an area of the Internet Campus. It is my prayer that by doing so, it will help new Internet Campuses learn some of the successes and mistakes that we have made. We work very hard to keep the show safe for non-techies with still enough geek-speak for those that want it.

Potential Podcast - Pastor Troy, Pastor Heather, and Heredes lead this very cool podcast where they talk with some high-level leaders about all kinds of amazing leadership-related issues. If you lead...have been lead...or want to lead...this is something worth checking out!

The Dave Ramsey Show - This year, my wife and I are buckling down, living within our means, and paying off old debt. This show has changed the way we think about and spend the money we make. If you find yourself with more month than money...you HAVE to download and apply the lessons in this podcast. It is his radio show...with callers calling in and asking questions....a great use of 30 minutes or so of your life!

The WDW Radio Show - This amazing show, hosted by Lou Mongello, is the best Disney Podcast on the web. He has great guests, contests, and park audio. Lou is a class act, a great family man, and a pro when it comes to putting an incredible podcast together. If you only have time for one Disney Podcast (and who doesn't)...grab this one. Warning: You will find yourself walking around the parks and pointing things out to friends that they aren't noticing...You will earn mad geek cred....you have been warned.

Inside the Magic - OK, I have another Disney Podcast that I listen to...and this one is amazing also! Hosted by Orlando-native Ricky Brigante, the Inside the Magic podcast is absolutely incredible! Ride-thrus, interviews, contests, and a weekly visit from former cast-member "Skipper" Ben, makes this podcast a must-listen as well. Ricky has won much-deserved awards for his efforts...if you are a Disney fan, you owe it to yourself to add this one to the weekly regiment.

The LOST Podcast with Jay and Jack - If you are a fan of the TV show, LOST, this podcast is a must-listen. Updated every now and then when the show is in hiatus... it is rock-solid and very informative. Jay and Jack are funny and offer great insight into this incredible show.

Tekzilla - From the Revision 3 network comes this very cool and very short show about all areas of tech. Hosted by Veronica Belmont, Tekzilla gives daily tips and tricks on how to use technology better and more effectively. Whether you use Mac, PC, or Linux...this is a nice addition to your iPod touch...

XBOX Live's Major Nelson Radio - Hosted by Microsoft Xbox Live's Larry Hyrb (known to the gaming community as Major Nelson). The podcast covers everything in the world of XBOX video gaming, major industry events, and the like. Very entertaining and informative, Major (along with co-host "E") always put together a top-notch show... If you're a gamer and own an XBOX...you have to check it out.

Do you have any cool ones that you listen to? I'd love to hear them!

A visit to my web bookmarks is coming soon...promise...

BV

Trouble in iParadise

Greetings Faithful Reader...

Well, it's been awhile since I posted about my trusty little iPhone. Yes, I still love it. Yes, it still does many amazing things that I can't imagine living without. However...it is currently sick (in fact, even as I write this...it is buzzing for no reason). I have had to restore the software 5 different times and still not remedy to the problem.

What's the problem you might ask? Not sure. One day I had iTunes open...and my phone forgot who or what it was. The name of the phone disappeared from the column on the left hand side. I did a backup/restore and it seemed to be working fine. Then all of a sudden it flaked out again...only this time, the backup/restore took over 2 hours to finish. Now I am doing it for a record 5th time...with no guarantee that it will do anything to improve itself.

So far..all the support that I've received from my friends has been "See, I told you you should have upgraded." Folks, this has nothing to do with my iPhone being old at one year...it's just a little glitch that I hope to soon fix... It doesn't help matters that my wife just changed back to a "regular" cell phone (a Sony/Ericsson) with amazing sound quality and incredible reception even in the bomb shelter that is the Internet Campus studio.

On this week's episode of the WebChurch Podcast I even flirted with the idea of making my iPhone a WiFi enable iPod touch and going back to a better quality phone. After all, isn't that the purpose of carrying a cell phone? Making calls and getting good reception? I've also been told that the 3G phones have better call quality and sound...so maybe it's just a first gen problem.

Help me out faithful readers...what are your thoughts on this? To quote The Clash..."Should I stay (with iPhone) or should I go? (or should I upgrade it to 3G?)

BV

Where were you last night?

Greetings Faithful Readers...

Last night I got the chance to take part in a cool chat/meeting with Pastor Clay of Barefoot Church and Pastor Troy of Flamingo Road... Pastor Clay is doing a series called "The Exposed Pastor" where he is on camera 24 hours a day...much like the Naked Pastor series that we did here at Flamingo. The chat was great...both guys shared some leadership/life stuff and answered many, many questions from those that were in the chat room. I even got the chance to chat with some folks who had questions about the Internet Campus, online baptism, chat room salvations, and the like. I believe they are posting a recap of the conversation in an archive at www.exposedpastor.com.

A very cool experience!

BV

Sunday Brain Dump

Greetings Faithful Reader...

I really don't have a neat post to put all these thoughts in...so here's a few random tidbits from my cerebellum:

1) I got a beautiful maze coral for my reef tank...it is a hard coral that glows a beautiful fluorescent green when the actinic lights shine on it...

2) Technology can be your greatest ally or your strongest foe...this weekend...the techno-gremlins kicked my Internet Campus lovin' behind...different problems on different days made it a VERY challenging weekend technically...

3) Pastor Scot did a great job on the teaching this weekend. I heard it 5 times and enjoyed it every time! It was great to have his family in the chat room with us!

4) New favorite iPhone game: Trism ... Download it and join the addiction...

5) Madden '09 comes out next week. I think the adaptive intelligence feature should be a cool addition...

6) I'm so proud of my wife...she's nearly through season 3 of LOST...

7) Watched the movie "Heavyweights" this weekend...I really love that movie. I'm thinking about trying out the Perkis System...

8) The FRC Internet Campus has had 2 baptisms in 3 weeks...God is doing awesome things online!

9) I did not upgrade to the new iPhone. I've got to admit...it's been tempting...but so far I'm holding out...

10) Best dessert I've ever had...the Banana Cream Pie at Emeril's on Miami Beach (see photo above)...more on our anniversary weekend later...

I think that's got it... the scary part is that I have thoughts this randomly connected buzzing around my head all the time...and usually within minutes of each other...

BV

15 Years

Greetings Faithful Readers,

Tomorrow is my 15th wedding anniversary... Mindy and I met in 1988 and started dating in 1989...we got married in 1993... I cannot remember a second of my life without her in it. She has been the most incredible inspiration to me and my best friend. She has such a way of knowing exactly what to say to me to make things better with life. I have treasured every second of our marriage and I look forward to many more blessed years.

She means the world to me...and she always will.

Happy anniversary sweetheart...I love you.

Brian

My Naked Podcast

Greetings Faithful Readers...

If you've been reading my blog for long...you probably already know that I haven't always been the Internet Campus Pastor...I used to lead the media team at FRC...for 9 years, in fact.   On a recent episode of the Potential Podcast, I was asked to come on the show and talk about that transition.  I've got to tell you, I just listened to it all the way through for the first time.  It is a very honest and open discussion of my feelings, thoughts, and insight during that challenging transitional time.  There are some things that I mention on the podcast that I never thought I'd say publicly...not anything scandalous...just naked.  It talks about how I had become broken and stagnant...and what God did to fix that.

To hear it for yourself, simply CLICK HERE

It is my hope that by listening to this podcast...you realize that it is so important to realize what you are supposed to do with your life...and then pursue it passionately.

Please let me know what you think,

BV

Wipe Out

Greetings Faithful Readers,

Just heard this on the radio...

40% of all Americans keep this in their car in case of an emergency...

Any Guesses? (check back tomorrow for the answer)

BV

One of My New Projects

Greetings Faithful Readers...

I've been working on some amazing things behind the scenes lately and want to let you in on one...

Here it is...my first Podcast! It is called the WebChurch Podcast! I am hosting with Miguel Umanzor and Stacie Gonzalez (starting on show 4). Think about it as FRC Internet Campus meets Tech meets Web 2.0 meets my sense of humor....basically a quick trip through my brain without the basal ganglia to worry about.

A virtual bouillabaisse of Christian nerdiness...but it's fun! It's not a bunch of techno-babble...and it might be the best 30 minutes on the Internet...(unless you count the Internet Campus, the Online Small Group, or the episode of "The Office" that you missed on Hulu.com)

You can listen to the podcast on the website (www.webchurchpodcast.com) or on iTunes (coming soon).  Check out the first two shows...but make me a deal...stick it out for 6 shows...I am still getting comfortable hosting a show...and they get better after show 1. We have finished 4 shows so far...we'd love to have your feedback! Send comments or show ideas to webchurchpodcast@gmail.com

Until next time...Stay Connected...

BV

Mmmm...brains...

Greetings Faithful Readers,

I have read pretty much every book written about Steve Jobs. Pastor Troy recommended this one...it's the newest...and is written by the same guy who wrote one of my other favorite mac-related books "The Cult of Mac"

I just started it and hope to have a review up soon...

It is supposed to be part biography and part leadership study.

You know, if somebody wrote a book about me...it would at least have a clever title..."Inside Brian's Brain"

(a piece of trivia...that was almost the name of this blog...)

BV

Happy B(Earth) Day

Greetings Faithful Readers,

Today is a very special day to me....

I know...you're probably thinking to yourself...Mmmm...April 22... AH! Earth Day! What an amazing environmentalist and steward of God's creation! A whole blog post dedicated to the planting of trees and the commitment to drive a hybrid car in the next 5 years! Wow! I shall now name my next three children Brian in his honor.

No. Actually that's not what this post is about. We do need to be better stewards of what God has created for us. I do value the planet and its conservation. I appreciate that green is the new black and all that.

But this post is a Happy Birthday post...today marks the 10 year anniversary of Disney's Animal Kingdom!!! A whole park dedicated to the planet and the creatures that live on and in it. It isn't my favorite of the four parks, but it has grown on me over the years. I first visited it in 1999 and really enjoyed the charm it possessed. Not only has the park developed and grown...it has gotten better. With the addition of Expedition Everest and shows such as "Legend of the Lion King" and "Finding Nemo - The Musical"...the AK has become #3 on my depth chart of parks (If you are wondering...MK, EP, AK, HS)

Happy B(Earth)day Animal Kingdom!

BV

Tonight - THE BED LIVE and WORLDWIDE!

Greetings Faithful Readers,

Tonight, be sure to join us for the wrap on our 2 week live "The Bed" kickoff.  We will be live from all of our campuses worldwide!  There is going to be a PARTY online and you are invited!  Simply go to www.troyandsteph.com to join in the fun.  8:00PM  (EST)  (GMT -5)  See you there!

BV

Happy Easter...Nintendo Wii Style

Greetings Faithful Readers..

Found this while looking for creative Easter promotion ideas.



Jesus as a Mii?

BV

Yummy

Greetings Faithful Reader...

While reviewing a book called Eat This, Not That, the New York Times lists the 8 worst foods to eat...any of these look familiar?

• Worst Drink: Jamba Juice Chocolate Moo'd Power Smoothie. With 166 grams of sugar, you could have had eight servings of Ben & Jerry's.

I've never had a Chocolate Moo'd - I HAVE had Cherry Garcia from Ben and Jerry...

• Worst Fast Food Meal: McDonald's Chicken Selects Premium Breast Strips with creamy ranch sauce. Chicken sounds healthy, but not at 870 calories.

This is the WORST fast food meal?  Anybody seen the Baconator from Wendys?  Or THIS ONE?

• Worst Supermarket Meal: Pepperidge Farm Roasted Chicken Pot Pie. One pie packs 64 grams of fat.

Chicken Pot Pie with 64 grams of fat?  Is it covered in hot fudge?

• Worst "Healthy" Burger: Ruby Tuesday Bella Turkey Burger. With 1,145 calories, not a very healthy choice.

This one killed me.  I love Turkey Burgers...I always feel like I'm eating the healthier choice.  This must be with the double cheese and bacon add-on.

• Worst Airport Snack: Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll. Packed with 813 hot gooey calories and 5 grams of trans fats.

That certain bite of the Cinnabon...you know the one I'm talking about...the very center of the roll... that has at least 600 of those calories in it.

• Worst Kids' Meal: Macaroni Grill Double Macaroni 'n Cheese. With 62 fat grams, it's the equivalent of 1.5 full boxes of Kraft Mac 'n Cheese.

62 fat grams in Mac and Cheese kids meal?  The kid's prize that it comes with must be a rib spreader.

• Worst Salad: On the Border Grande Taco Salad with Taco Beef. A salad with 102 grams of fat and 2,410 mg of sodium.

This salad will have you retaining water like the Hoover Dam

• Worst Dessert: Chili's Chocolate Chip Paradise Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream. At 1,600 calories, it's like eating the caloric equivalent of three Big Macs

3 Big Macs or a warm slice of chocolate chip pie with ice cream...why does life have to be so hard?

It's amazing what we shove down isn't it?  I think I'll go out and have a glass of water.

Although, I've heard that there are prescription drugs in the water... is nothing safe?

BV

Zero. Nil. Zilch.

Greetings Faithful Readers...

I want to challenge you with something...

When was the last time that your email inbox was 100% empty?   Not one email waiting for you to do something with it...

I have been living in the empty email inbox universe for a couple of weeks now and really feel better for it.    When I receive an email it instantly is dealt with in a few ways:

1)  If I can answer it with a short response...I do it and send it on.  If it is a prayer request, it gets answered regardless of my workload.
2)  If it requires a lengthy explanation...or can wait...I flag it and drop it into my archive folder.  I created a smart folder that hold all of my flagged messages so that I can go back to them later.
3)  If it doesn't pertain to me, I forward it to the appropriate party

I got tired of staring at 50 emails sitting in my inbox that I had looked at and not dealt with.  Now everything gets dealt with when I read it the first time.  I use the OHIO principle...Only Handle It Once.

Which brings me to another quick point...how often do you check your email?  Just because somebody sends it quick...doesn't mean that you have to answer it just as quickly....but that's another post.

BV

You Never Know...

Greeting Faithful Readers...

I took this quiz tonight...can you do better?

Chances of Surviving a Zombie Attack - 32%

Click it for the quiz!

BV

Clutter

Greetings Faithful Readers,

I ran across this piece of an article from a Sydney, Australia newspaper.  Are any of these you?

The items that constitute clutter are extremely varied and depend on the circumstances and personalities in each household. And there are several different categories of clutter, depending on the nature of a person’s “attachment”‘ to things, our research showed.

Emotional clutter has sentimental meaning but little financial value. It could include children’s toys or drawings, unused or unwanted gifts, school or university notes, or the personal possessions of absent loved ones.

Just-in-case clutter has little or no sentimental value but since it “might come in handy one day” it is kept for some time. Examples include old bills or bank statements, tools or stationery.

Bargain clutter is free or very cheap items acquired at sales, from friends or family or “by the side of the road”. Certain personality types tend to be especially attracted to bargain clutter.

Bought clutter consists of impulse purchases that never end up being used. It commonly includes clothes, fashion accessories and electronic items and is strongly linked to wasteful consumption.

I can relate to a few of these...anybody else?

BV

A couple more..

Greetings faithful reader...

I have been on a mission lately. I am really trying to get a grip on personal productivity and efficiency. I do fairly well when it comes to both...but you could always be better, right? Here are two of my favorite blogs about this...I hope they help you as much as they've helped me.

LIFEHACKER...

http://lifehacker.com/

and

UNCLUTTERER...

http://unclutterer.com/


Let me know what you think!

BV

My HD-DVD player...

Greetings Faithful Reader,



Just found out today that my new HD-DVD player is now obsolete.  Toshiba (the mother of HD-DVD) has pulled the plug on production of the format.  How long have I had it?  About 50 days.  Wonder if these HD-DVDs will work in my BetaMax player?  Viva El Blu Ray!

BV