Answers To Your Questions - 2

Astrid

What is your favorite zoo- exhibit? The monkey house, they look like they are in giant cubicles. They are so much like humans it’s fascinating to watch them in action.

How many shelves does your refrigerator have? Including freezer 7.

My Questions:
What was your favorite subject in school?
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

Carmel

What are your origins, like English, German or whatever it may be, there ya go, what are you origins? Irish, Sicilian, and French Canadian. The irony is my family has been trying to learn about our Sicilian heritage, while my grandfather was ashamed of it because he grew up in a predominantly German and Polish neighborhood. He even went so far as to change his first name from Salvatore to George and change the pronunciation of our last name. And my sis and I have also taken an interest in our Irish heritage with help from The Hooligans.

What book of the Bible is your fave? Lately I’ve been going back to the Book of Hosea. The prophet who married the prostitute. Because it was an apt metaphor for my life and was really happening. I was a sinner going my own way, even when I was a Christian, God punished me and loved me, calling me back to Him. It’s a beautiful book on how much God loves us.

My Questions:
What was the first thing you noticed about your fiancé?
If you could at the drop of the hat do anything, what would it be?

She’s A Sprite’s

Who had the most influence on your life, and why? There isn’t one particular person who influenced me, but many along the ways have had their impact in my life. My kindergarten teacher Mrs. Hymerling and fifth grade teachers Mrs. Chance, probably the few good teachers I had during my childhood who didn’t make me feel stupid or let me get lazy. Wish I had more like them. Kris Perkins, my youth pastor when I was in school and Chris Shenk my best friend during that time, both laid the foundation for my faith. Mike Yaconelli and Henri Nouwen, I only met the former once and the latter not at all, but I feel like they were my mentors. A lot of my faith has been shaped by their works. And believe it or not, the kids I have worked with over the years have influenced me. Taught me to not take myself so seriously and that I don’t have to act cool or try to be relevant to have an impact.

What do you do for a living, and are you happy with it? I am a temp at a title company, I do not like it, but it’s a living and don’t complain because I have no reason to. I’m blessed to have a job. I am happy irregardless of what I’m doing, but I am hopefully, if it’s God’s will, going back to school in the next 6 months to a year.

My Questions:
If you had the means and opportunity to do anything, what would it be?

Why the fascination with sprites?

Rick
Who do you influence? I’d hope I influence the kids that I work with to seek Him daily. It is difficult to tell sometimes and I won’t see the fruits of my labor. Oddly enough I’m OK with that. All I can do is love them, listen, pray, and hope that it takes. At the very least I know of one kid I influenced. He wanted me to take him to South Street (a hipster place in Philly), but I told him unless he got his grades up I wouldn’t take him. Not only did he get his grades up, but he admits he feels better about himself as a result of it. So better grades and self worth through bribery.

What superpower do you have? Super speed baby. I know I look big and cumbersome, but I’m mad quick.

My Questions:
What is your favorite memory?
What scares you?

There is one day left to send me your questions and what you discovered over the past year. I won't be taking any more submissions when the new year strikes.

Top 5 Thursday - Comfort Foods

My sister gave me apple fritters for Christmas and I'm finding it darn good. What are your 5 favorite comfort foods?

1. Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn - An old staple of family meals. And better yet, the next day, meatloaf sammiches.
2. Spaghetti and Meatballs - Another staple in my family. I'm spoiled, my dad makes it fresh.
3. Oatmeal Bread - My mom used to make this every so often, it'd come out of the oven piping hot, cut a huge chunk of it off and smear it with butter. Mmmm, Mmmm.
4. Diner Breakfasts - it doesn't matter what, but it has to come from a diner. A close second is 2 AM cheese fries and coffee.
5. Home Made Pie - warm goodness.

What I'm Digging

St. Bernard of Clairvaux - On Loving God It's a short read, approximately 30 pages, but the weight of the work more than makes up for it. It is rare to see a book so basically discuss loving God. Something tells me if they were it'd be more of an inspirational book with a Thomas Kincade painting in it. You can download it here for free.



Belgian Ale - Anything that has been brewed for the past 500 years has to be good. A few co-workers turned me onto this. It's a big expensive, that one bottle cost's about 4 bucks a bottle. Probably some of the best beer you'll ever drink and great as a treat.

Christmas In The Clouds - This movie completely snuck up on me. I never heard of it and saw it on a whim. Am I glad I did. It was a real feel good movie, without being sappy. I very rarely leave a movie feeling good and content. Like everything is right with the world. And it was written by someone from NJ, near where I live, so you know it has to be good.

Answers To Your Questions - Part 1

Antonia's questions

1. How old are you? I am 32 years old, born 08/29/1973
2. How long ago did you leave Catholicism? That's a tricky question, though I grew up in the Catholic Church and did all the things I was supposed to (confirmation, etc.) I saw it more as a chore and hated going. So I went out of reluctance because my Dad, trying to do his duty, forced me and my sister to go. It was difficult for me to wrap my mind about the whole idea of God, etc. But it wasn't until someone actually sat me down and explained to me what it all meant that I began to grasp it. I was a very angry agnostic. lol

My questions for Antonia:

1. Have you always been a Catholic?
2. What draws you to The Catholic Church?

Jessy's Questions:

1. What is it about you, that you believe is your biggest flaw? My excessive impulsiveness. I have a bad habit of acting first, thinking later. Unfortunately hurt a lot of people that way. Plus made a lot of bad choices and gotten myself into a lot of trouble as a result that I'm still paying off.
2. What is it about you that you believe makes you a wonderful person? My other excessive quality, which is loyalty. You are with me, you are family. And you don't mess with family. One of the bonusses of being part Sicilian. I actually left a church on account of how they treated a friend of mine.

My Questions for Jessy:

1. What would be your dream job and why?
2. What is your one regret?

Logan Bennett's Questions:

1. What is your belief on the Trinity? I'm going to sound flaky, but this is something I've had a difficult time wrapping my head around? How is it possible for a being to be three seperate incarnations totally distinct? Jesus is blessed by the Holy Spirit after his baptism. How is that possible?
2. How did you come to know Christ? Interesting story actually, I started to go to a Methodist Youthgroup just so I could go on a trip to the Dominican Republic they took every year. I wasn't interested in the faith, I just wanted to visit another country (how selfish!). Through that I got involved with Bible Studies and a friend led me to Christ.

My Questions For Logan:

1. How did you come to know Christ?
2. If you could change one aspect of yourself, what would it be?

There is still time to ask me a question about myself and your 2005 Discoveries.

Ask Me A Question

After the response I received for my post on Christmas I felt a bit inspired. I don't just consider this a blog, but a family. In order to get to know me better I'm going to open up the floor for you to ask me one question about myself, no matter how personal (please be gentle), but it also gives me the right to ask you one question about yourself. Bring 'em on. Give me your best shot. Just leave them in the comments section of the sight. The dead line for this potential debacle is 01/01/2006.

Dave

And do not forget the continuing saga of What The Cube Heads Are Digging which ends on 12/31/2005.

What You Are Digging

This time of the year springs up all sorts of best of lists. Whether it's movies, movies, or books the critics or whomever get together and give their oppinion as to what they like or do not like. I decided instead of going by what critics are into, I'd rather go by what the Cube Heads are digging. It can be something new or old, but you had to discover it in the past year. Here's what they had to say:

Jess, Journey Of A Catholic Revert
I made friends with God and met a person who absolutely changed my life and my way of looking at the world and saw that goodness truly does overcome evil. A life-altering revelation! And I went to California for the first time in my life.

• how could I not put that first? Talk about the greatest discovery.

Wendy, Tales From The Dorks Side
The thing that I discovered this year was the French Press. I love coffee, and making it in a French Press changes coffee. Suddenly it tastes better than it does from the coffee shop. It's more work than one of those darn drip coffee makers, it's completely worth the effort.

Logan Bennet
What I liked about Domino, well it had a lot of action in it. It was based on a true story abou tthe life of some bounty hunters, and there was plenty of violence in it... Call me crazy but I love those movies.

one big plus my girlfriend Kiera Knightly starred in it WOWIE ZOWIE.

Heather, She's A Sprite

There were three books that I read this year that really stick out in my mind. The Chronicles of Narnia... old, but I think everyone should read it! And Angels and Demons and The Davinci Code by Dan Brown. The movie for the Davinci Code comes out in May, so read it before then!!!

Yvonne, Nemeton

"Watching the English" by Kate FoxA hilarious read, and a closely observed study of the English and why we're so dysfunctional - but ever so polite with it. "Speculations on Speculation: Theories of Science Fiction"Edited by James Gunn and Matthew CandelariaA fascinating look at the literary roots and techniques of science fiction. "Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang" by Kate Wilhelm. It's a beautiful book,well-crafted and thought-provoking. The characters are well-drawn, the shift ofpower from humans to clones is convincing, the prose is lyrical, the charactersengaging (except for the poor degraded breeders). The only thing is, she doesn't go into quite enough detail about how the telepathy between the clonesworks, although an analogy is offered in the form of the rapport that existsbetween twins. But the return to individuality and the explanation for it is convincing, even if the explanation has been simplified for a non-psychologyaudience.

Carmel, Winterr's Words

Some things that I discovered this year and thought to be cool was firstly a book written by a man named Bill Carter called Fools Rush In. It's a personal account of this writer/film maker's experience in the war zone of Sarajevo. His story went on to inspire U2 to write the song "Miss Sarajevo". San Francisco was a cool city that I discovered this year when my flights were delayed back to Australia so I got to spend the day and night there, awesome!
Also as a Catholic I discovered Pope Benedict 16th, and I think that's pretty cool too.

• Thanks for your discoveries everyone. There is still time to send your "What I Discovered This Past Year..." guest blog, the deadline is the end of December. I'll be posting mine shortly. Hopefully more sooner or later. Jess, the princess of Australia, your's is real sweet and inspiring. My favorite sprite, I'm glad you did discover The Narnia Chronicles, and hopefully the movie stood up to your expectations. I saw the preview for Davinci Code today and am actually interested in reading it. The dork who makes everything look cool, ahh, the french press. Unfortunately I destroyed mine, in short, don't try to put a plastic one on a heating pad to keep it warm. Next up a cappuccino maker? Logan, the man, the myth, the bennett, I heard good things about Domino, I didn't know it even came out yet, thanks for the heads up. And by the way, YOWZA! Yvonne, she who must be obeyed, great more books to add to my must read list! And Carmel, the Queen of Australia, It's good to know the new pope rocks. And I want to read that book as well.
  

Joy In Spite of Political Correctness

This is going to be one of my more personal posts. It was never really my intention to use this blog as a personal journal. That's what pens and note books are for. But every so often, perhaps in a sense of over self-indulgence, I feel like sharing a little tid bit into the life of your faithul Cubidle Reverend. In this case it was after reading a post by Over-Easy on her apathy over the holidays. I can relate. Except my apathy came to the point of out right hatred and bitterness. It came about first at the sickness and deaht of my mother, who took a serious turn for the worse on the holidays, and the death of someone I had known my entire life, Aunt Nadia. Not my real Aunt, but as far as I was concerned she was. I'd see her every 4th of July and New Years day. The former, because it was nearly impossible to enjoy the holidays when someone is in decline. The latter because I missed a New Years day because I was scheduled to work. I called up to let them know and they put Aunt Nadia on and I could tell by her voice she was saddened that I couldn't be there. The first time I missed in over a decade. A few weeks later she passed away. It hurt me to the point where I told my boss that if they ever scheduled me for New Years day again I'd not show up and risk losing my job. It was only a part time job to earn a few extra bucks, so was it worth it to be there? Though since then a few things have happened that really brought back the meaning of Christmas for me:

1. Going to a Christmas service run by college students. They did it entirely for the love of God and the celebration of Jesus.
2. Being involved on Christmas again. Between watching the kids I work with joking around and laughing at a x-mas party it reminded me of the joy that can be had at the holidays.
3. And finally, as I posted previously: The first year after my mother died a buddy of mine invited me over his house to spend with his family. The house was so beautifully decked and seeing his daughters all wearing the same pyjamas, and just the feeling of warmth and welcome. And every year it’s the same, “Don’t bring any gifts.” Which I do anyway. I tell them not to give gifts and they do anyway. I actually enjoy christmas again. Now it is never a question of my going over to visit on Christmas.

So do not let the jackasses destroy the joy that can be found over the holiday seasons. Sure it's commercial and people have lost their focus, but that does not mean you have to stop loving the holidays and finding the joy of the Lord during this time of the year and forever.

May God Bless you during this time of year and onward. May you know His joy, peace, and love more personally and deeply than in the past, and move forward on the race, running towards the prize.

Love always

Dave

One More Tagging

This time I'm tagged by Winterr.

1. Hot Chocolate or apple cider? Hot Chocolate, though can I have a shot of espresso with a splash of sambuka in it instead?
2. Turkey or Ham? Ham
3. Do you get a Fake or Real you cut it yourself christmas tree? I don’t get a tree. Though next year I think I will.
4. Decorations on the outside of your house? Nah, I don’t want to tick off my neighbors any more than I had.
5. Snowball fights or sleddin? Sledding baby, but it usually ends up in a snow ball fight.
6. Do you enjoy Going downtown shopping? Nope, I travel the backwoods and little corners to find the perfect gift.
7. Favorite Christmas song? Mckenzie Brothers 12 Days of Christmas, seriously though I love Oh Holy Night for some reason.
8. How do you feel about Christmas movies? It wouldn’t be Christmas without A Charlie Brown Crhistmas.
9. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music? I prefer to do it the last week before christmas.
10. Stockings before or after presents? Before, it’s like an apetizer.
11. Carolers, do you or do you not watch and listen to them? Of course, it’s fun.
12. Go to someone elses house or they come to you? I go out. I’ll host any other time except holidays. I visit a lot of different people.
13. Do you read the Christmas Story? If so when? I can't remember14. What do you do after presents and dinner? After dinner? There’s no such thing in my house, it’s just a continuous meal that tends to get louder and louder as times goes on as we get fatter and fatter.15. What is your favorite holiday smell? Pine needles16. Ice skating or walking around the mall? Ice Skating, malls are evil.17. Do you open a present or presents on Christmas Eve, or wait until Christmas day? Christmas day.18. Favorite Christmas memory? The first year after my mother died a buddy of mine invited me over his house to spend with his family. The house was so beautifully decked and seeing his daughters all wearing the same pyjamas, and just the feeling of warmth and welcome. And every year it’s the same, “Don’t bring any gifts.” Which I do anyway. I tell them not to give gifts and they do anyway. I actually enjoy christmas again.19. Favorite Part about winter? Good question, don’t hate winter, but don’t love it either.20. Ever been kissed under mistletoe? No, and I’ve stood under the mistletoe, what gives?

If you are reading this you are tagged.

Also, don't forget the Cube Rev's assignment, it's not a tag, just a fun little end of the year thing.

Guest Blogger Assignment

Discover something cool this past year? A new band, a great book, a movie, anything that really stuck out in your mind? Share it in the cubisphere. Send me your discoveries and I'll post them on the sight. It can be something new or old, it doesn't matter. E-mail all entries to cubiclereverend@yahoo.com before the end of the year.

Dave

3 Truths and a Lie

I got called out by the King Of Caffeine yet again"i challenge you all to a round of "three truths and a lie." below are four unique statements about me. three are true, one is not. can you guess which? oh, and if you feel like it, respond with your own."

Well, alrighty then - here's mine. Guess what's what in the comments, and let me know if you're doing it on your site, too.

1. I love sushi, but hate vegetables.
2. I have only twice lived outside of a 5 mile radius of the house I grew up in.
3. I am several inches shorter than my sister.
4. I once sang the national anthem at a highschool football game when I was 5.

Can you guess which one is true and which is a lie? Care to play? Bring it.

And if anyone's interested, here are a few pics I have up at Flickr.

The Newest Cube Heads

I'm just adding cube heads like crazy. I've been finding a lot of great blogs recently. I think after this I'm going to have to take a blog roll hiatus. It's seriously getting out of hand. I can't keep up with all of them.

• First up is The Journey Of A Catholic Revert. If Winterr is the queen of Australia then I think I just found the princess of Australia. I'm blown away by how thought out her blog is. She's much wiser and has an older soul than her 22 years. Her blog is new so I'm curious to see where things take her.
• And equally well thought out are the blogs by a 21 year old woman, the first is more ofher musings at Stream of Consciousness and a more intellectual fair are served up at Narrow Way. Man, I was such an idiot in my early twenties.... heck I was an idiot up til my thirties. Keep it up ladies.
• Over-Easy, yet another young woman that reminds me how much of an idiot I was at that age, is hopefully going to be doing a guest blog here in the near future after her finals are done.
• And another wee darling from across the pond, The Poet Laureate of England, a passionate young woman named Cinnamon Spider. Working with teens as long as i have I enjoy getting their perspective on various matters.
• I am in desperate need of a Y chromosome. I had discovered The Beasts Lair a little while ago and was immediately intrigued. His love of horror films and posts defending christian orthodoxy are solid.

That's it for the time being. Welcome to The Cubisphere and all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities associated with it.

A Librarian Looks At Post Modernism

Neil E. Das is a reference librarian at a community college. He was born and spent his early life in Pakistan, the homeland of his father. Since college he has lived in the Midwest, from where his mother hailed. He currently lives in St. Louis, Missouri and attends church at New City Fellowship. He is the author of The Dassler Effect.

Neil has become one of the newest Cube Heads. I became interested in his sight because of his discussions on faith and art, a subject I care very much about. When I put out an offer for anyone interested in doing a guest post for The Cubicle Reverend he was the first to respond. I was curious to see what he was going to write about. He sent me an article that he descrbed as, "..my intellectual and faith journey and my contentious interactions with postmodernism." That is putting it mildly. While reading his article I often found myself nodding my head in agreement for I can understand what it is he was talking about. Though we came from different ends of the spectrum when it comes to thought (his more intellectual and facts based, mine more poetic and interpretive based) our wrestling with faith and modern thought were very similar.

Read his article in Catapult Magazine. And welcome to the Cubisphere and all the rights and privileges attatched thereto.

Reminder! Don't forget the current Cube Head contest going on as we speak. I'd like to have all the entries in after the New Year in order to begin judging and get the t-shirts out to the people who want them.

Devotional

Praying The Rosary

The Sundays you visited
Were set aside
For mass?

I heard the incense, light’s fragrance,
Sing hymns through stained glass windows,

You sat next to me. I noticed the tangled
Vine or rosary beads, a prayer growing
Between your knotted thumb and forefinger.

Reciting the stations of the cross,
A mud colored story, told frame by frame, I never understood.

After peace, they offered up the host,
And the bells responded. On my shoulder
I felt your hand, able to crush walnuts.

And over the priest the crucifix watched my questioning.
I wonder why you refuse the legion of angels help?

You close your eyes,
Accept the host, a special anointing.
You understood.

Come off your cross. Show me the wounds
In your hands and side at the mouth of the empty tomb.

CONTEST!!! CONTEST!!! CONTEST!!!

I am planning on having a few Cube Head t-shirts made up, but I need a design. Nothing fancy, keep it simple because it can be really expensive and I want to try and keep it as much on the cheap as I can and still have it be quality so that hopefully people will actually wear it. So create a Cube Head design bearing a cube head logo which you create, the web address, and one of the following lines:

• Cube Heads, We're Not All Squares.
• Not All Cube Heads Are Bald, But I Wish I Were.
• I'm A Cube Head, Why Aren't You?

And whichever of these receives the most entries will be the official/unofficial creed of the Cube Heads.

E-mail all entries to cubiclereverend@yahoo.com

What do you get for winning? A copy of my favorite movie The Station Agent and a copy of "Everyone Needs Some Cheese" CD.

3 runners up get a copy of the CD. And all cube heads (anyone on my blog roll) who want one will get a t-shirt when I actually make them.

A New Cube Head Who Can Give A Figure Four Leg Lock

This guy is long over due for being made a part of the Cube Head family. I am sorry to have neglected him for so long. Not only has he shared the ring with T-Money and Nikita Koloff he has done a lot of great work in the world of Professional Wrestling and I've been fortunate engouh to have developed a friendship with him as of late.

Welcome The Word Of Todd. It's long over due.

Tag: Favorite Sayings

I got tagged by The Miami Sound Machine himself. At first I felt at a loss because I did not think I really had any sayings that really meant to me or quotes that touched me. I'm more about going to certain movies, reading a particular book, or listening to a song to motivate me in any way. I felt a bit out of it. But then I did find something:

Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of ’99 If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience…I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh nevermind; you will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked….You’re not as fat as you imagine.
Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing everyday that scares you
Sing
Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss
Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind…the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself.
Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch
Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life…the most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don’t.
Get plenty of calcium.
Be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone.
Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll have children,maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary…what ever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either – your choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s. Enjoy your body, use it every way you can…don’t be afraid of it, or what other people think of it, it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own..
Dance…even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.
Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them.
Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for good.
Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go,but for the precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.
Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do you’ll fantasize that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don’t expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out.
Don’t mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will look 85.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen…

How true is that? This speech long associated with Vonnegut offers some great advice. But if I were to say what motivates me it's the poetry of Lucille Clifton and Taha Muhammad Ali.

If you are reading this. Consider yourself TAGGED!!!!!!!

If A Celebrity Poops In The Woods And No One Is Around To Hear It, Does It Make A Sound?

If you are Drew Barrymore and brag about the experience then yes it does. Here is an article that I don't want to believe this is a true article, but it just strengthen my belief that they should stick to acting and keep their opinions to themselves. They do not live in reality, but a fantasy world where their every whim is catered to. Perhaps they feel guilty for the blessings they have been given, I do not know. What I do know is I wish they'd shut up and get back to doing what they do best (usually) and act.

Mad props to Theology Geek Blog for finding this article.

A Great Post Leads To A New Cube Head

I just read one of the best posts to describe existential angst I've read in a long time. I on more than one occassion found myself nodding my head, because I understand her desires and the awe she feels being lost in the vastness of nature. Or, a hungering and crying out to God that is talked about in the Psalms. A desire to know God, to be in His presence and find rest. In our current environment it is very difficult to find this rest. I have recently re-discovered camping and can understand the allure. That too is only a temporary solution to the problem of wanting to be with God. Fortunately, there is hope.

And all this came from the wells of a 20 year old young woman. I'm impressed to the point I am making Soul of A Dreamer the newest Cube Head. As an added bonus she's from my neck of the woods. Philly representin'!

She'll be getting her cube head t-shirt in the mail shortly that reads: "Not all cube heads are bald, but I wish I were."

Contest Winners

Actually, since the entries are so short I was able to go through them pretty quickly. So here are the winners:

Winner is:
"One of God's Office Supplies" - by Don't Call Me Veronica. He gets a copy of Mike Yaconelli's 'Dangerous Wonder' and Cubicle Reverend's Greatest Hits and infamy as the new banner.

The Runners Up in no particular order who'll receive Cubicle Reverend's Greatest Hits:
"Even deeper magic from before the dawn of time." (CS Lewis) - Nemeton

"Pulpitarian In The Making" - Burr In The Burgh

"Dilbert meets Weird Al meets St. Peter meets... someone else" - From PreachRBlog

Congratulations and thanks for playing.

Judging

The contest is done and I am looking at the entries. I'll have the results up sometime this week.

A Sprite Of A Cube Head And My Favorite Dork

I have added a sweet heart of a Cube Head this time. She's A Sprite lives up to her name. Plus she has one of the most beatiful looking sights I've seen so far.

And how can I forget my fellow and by far favorite Dork at Tales From The Dorkside and her movie sight Film Geeks 2.0.

As always I must remind people that I do not always pick a blog because I agree with them. Much for the same reason I listen to Rush Limbaugh on occassion because it's entertaining, not because I think the guy is right. This is a sight for people to discuss their faith and have a little fun. Just as people keep telling me, and I disagree, It's not all about me. It's about God and seeking the lost. I do not want this to be just about my voice. There are things I do not get (hence, why I'm just a cubicle reverend). And if we can have a few yucks along the way, even better.

Love, your brother in Christ and humble Cubicle Reverend,
Dave G.

That being said:
I am considering having Cube Head T-shirts made, but am having a hard time deciding on which saying to put on it. Here are what I have so far:

1. Not all cube heads are bald, but I wish I were.
2. Cube Heads, We Aren't Squares.
3. I'm A Cube Head, Why Aren't You?
4. Cube Heads, Not Just For Breakfast Anymore.
5. As a matter of fact all Cube Heads do always look confused.

Which are your favorites?

5 Facts

Tagged by the King Of Coffee Himself: Write 5 random facts about yourself, and then list the names of 5 people whom you in turn infect.

1. I once stayed up 24 hours and then went to work the next day and was somehow wide awake the whole time.
2. I don't like gourds of any type.
3. I can make my own gravy and it's mmm mmm good.
4. I stuffed mashed plantains in my pocket to keep from having to eat them, and they were hot!!!!
5. I used to take karate and made it up to black belt.

I've tagged: My favorite Lutheran Pastor Burr in the Burgh, The queen of Australia Winterr, the king among four legged ant eaters Aardvark Alley, the man, the myth, the excessively masculine Don't Call Me Veronica, and finally The Miami Sound Machine himself Consistent Inconsistencies.

Top Five Thursday - Catch Phrases

What are your Top Five Catch Phrases? First things to pop into my head for this week's Thursday Top Five:

1. Dude!
2. You little fat slapper!
3. I'm a victim or soicomstances!
4. Where's the beef?
5. I've Fallen and I can't get up.

Mad props to Caffeinated Adventures as usual.

For All You Single Guys

Ever wonder how to find a wife in a holy and Biblical manner? Searching for Order In Chaos has figured out how.

A Great Argument, And A Great Discussion

The war in Iraq will continue to be a hot issue. Far County Tell has made some great arguments on the subject as well as many great responses to his post.

REMINDER, REMINDER, REMINDER

The Cubicle Reverend CONTEST is going to be done as of 12/09/2005!!!!!

So it isn't too late to get your entries in or to make more entries if you feel up to it.

ALSO:
If you are interested in being a guest blogger for this sight drop me an e-mail cubiclereverend@yahoo.com and let me know what you'd like to write about:

• poems
• stories
• essays
• favorite quotes
• sermons

Tony Campolo The Heretic?

Tony Campolo has a reputation. His association with former President Bill Clinton and recent comments have left many evangelicals doubting the sincerity of his faith. The same could be said about James Dobson and his association with the Republican Party, but for some reason it has left him relatively unscathed. I have attempted over the past few years to try to see where do politics and faith separate. When I saw Tony was speaking at a local Baptist church I was extremely skeptical about what he was going to say. There is a legitimate concern about his theology and whether he still holds onto the traditional orthodox faith. Yet, whenever he makes a comment that is contrary to what we think is heresy without giving anything to back up their reasoning.

He started off by asking a question that I've heard in countless sermons with as many different answers: What is the Gospel all about? His asnwer was to see ourselves and the world transfomed by centering our lives on Jesus. He argued that when we trully surrender ourselves to Jesus on a daily basis as well as the indwelling of the Holy spirit it gives us a desire to love others and act as Jesus did. He emphasized quite strongly that this can only be done through having Christ in our lives. Maybe it's just me, but that sounds quite orthodox to me.

So what is the problem? The issue for us all is the fact he has associated himself so strongly with a political party that we tend to think is contrary to what many Christians have considered contrary to their beliefs which is in reality a politicized for of religion. Here in lies the problem, the association with a political can pervert the beliefs of a Christian to the point where the Gospel is lost. Being a part of a political party isn't such a bad thing, much like being a part of faith based orginizations or denominations as long as we do not lose sight of the true Gospel and can become an idol. It is a shame too, because if we took the best aspects of what Dobson and Campolo have to teach, cut out the politics and other useless crap and we'd have something worth hearing. I will one of these days have to attempt that and see what I come up with.

Two New Cube Heads

That's right, I've added two more:

Aardvark Alley, yet another of those fun loving Lutherans who gives a great representation of the faith from their perspective.

And Ask The Pastor, a great sight to go and ask the difficult questions that you are seeking answers to.

Check out these other blogs and the links I have listed. There's a lot of great stuff out there.

A New Cube Head

Not all Cube Heads represent the beliefs or the ideals of your faithful Cubicle Reverend. That being said there are a few blogs listed in my blog roll who I do not agree with, but enjoy reading none the less. One of which is Nemeton for her recent standing up for C.S. Lewis who seems to be the wipping boy of Pullman. Her writing is well reasoned and considerate of the subject she writes about. Though I do disagree with her on many levels I do find it a compelling read. Besides, she loves C.S. Lewis, which is a good thing.

Plus I'm going to give shout outs to the long standing Cube Head Burr In The Burgh for his passion for Lutheran litturgy. It's given me a new appreciation for more traditional practices, plus he has some good tastes in books.

And as for Pomomusings... to be young and naive again instead of just naive. I appreciate his passion for I was very similar in my puruits when I was his age.

Finally, Humor Girl, because she is really really funny. I mean really funny. It is hard to be able to write something that will make me laugh out loud. Plus she seems like the type to have a bubbly personality.

They'll be receiving their Cube Head t-shirts in the mail shortly which read "Not All Cube Heads Are Bald, But I Wish I Were."

Note: Should I actually make up some Cube Head T-shirts? Would anyone actually where one?

A Game Of Tag: Guilty Pleasures

I am a firm believer that every person has about 10 guilty pleasures. The half they talk about and the half they don't talk about (they may be a little embarrassing, for a time I watched soap operas). The little joys that you do for yourself to keep sane. Whether serious, silly, or sentimental these pleasures give life flavor and are unique from person to person. I heard of one well known football player into needle point. My father plays guitar. Now it's time to lay the cards on the table and tell the world what your guilty pleasures. If you are reading this consider yourself tagged. I always wanted to start one of these things. Here are mine:

1. I listen to Barry Manilow, Wayne Newton, Neil Diamond, and other bogus crooners of the like and I dream of going to Branson, Missouri.
2. I sneak off in the middle of the day to see a movie all alone. Something I know my friends don't want to see.
3. With one particular friend he and I will sneak away in the middle of a party, go outside to smoke a cigar and talk.
4. I've kept a journal since middle school.
5. Waking up early on a saturday, picking up a few donuts and coffee, then coming home to watch cartoons.
6. I read People Magazine and cheesy murder mysteries.
7. My sunday afternoon nap after church.
8. Going to the used book stores in Philadelphia on a last minute whim.
9. Cheesesteak and Hoagies. 'nuff said.
10. Going to a coffee shop to read.

There are mine, what are yours?

UPDATE!!! Interested in doing a guest post for this blog? Contact me @ cubiclereverend@yahoo.com . I do not want this to be only about me and my views. I want this to be an open discussion as well as sharing things we enjoy. What am I looking for?

• essays
• sermons
• reviews of any kind
• poems
• stories
• favorite quotes

I'm open to the possibilities. I do reserve the right to not publish anything that I deem innapropriate. All rights return to the author.