Going the distance...

****THIS POST IS DEDICATED TO SHANE**** If you all know me and most of you do, I am a person that goes the distance, maybe not like my friend Shane on the harmony wall one night, but I do go the distance. Love you shaneee. Since I am now a assistant manager at my job some times you have to go the extra mile and for what ever reason, I did just that. Our head cook did an amazing job this past week, but no one else was working as hard as him, the next day he did not show up for his shift, so I took it upon myself to drive 15 miles to his other job and just see what is really going on. After a long talk as he was walking me out, he said, "who put you up to this, Debbie, no Derrick," and I said , "Pablo, I did it all on my own," he said, "Thompson that is what I really like about you, you do care about people, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to come chat with me, no one has ever done that." If you find yourself one day needing to do a good deed for the day, I am sure there are many opportunities to do just that. The one time you reach out and show that you care, not just with "lip service" but actually put it into action. The feeling you will get, maybe later on down the road will out weight your decision to not care. Oh yea little shaney waney, "Oh yes I did", love it, don't leave it alone for a rainy day."

living for an audience of ONE...

A full plate...Kiss at Blue Mesa

Well I am very busy, and the clock is ticking away, literally. I have had a full plate, and here is just an example of it. What you read needs and will be done by April 20

Preparing for Easter, make final purchases at Ikea, Urban Outfitters, Eurway, and Pier One. wash and detail car, buy flat screen tv, new flat screen computer, new laptop, make reservations at all restaurants for my guest visiting me for 10 days, hire bartenders for new bar, help with addition of bar for next two weeks, pick out bar stools, counters, keg coolers, finish menus, visit Dan and Ester's new soon to be baby, organize Easter dinner and pick what service everybody is going to, my honda's 60,000 mile scheduled maintance, reserve rental car, keep watching for flights, and on and on and on.

This week was cool cause Gene Simmons from Kiss came in my eatery, and of course everybody just about flipped out. I asked him if I could see one of his unique attributes his tongue, and he said, "sorry I like girls," Someone please clue this person in, I was not asking for much, and I was not asking for a kiss, just to see the "infamous tongue", to say the least it was a no go for me.

living for an audience of ONE...

Road to the FINAL FOUR?? Ritter goes back to MPLS! FC installs a mosh pit.

Fellowshipchurch.com celebrates Easter with 17 services through out the metroplex. You can check out our most recent pictures of our new set/stage from our C3(FC's Creative Church Conference) Click here if you want to see the first ever Christian mosh pit in a church. Hook EM' Horns, they are playing LSU, and it will be a good game. I have really been getting more interested in sports, all my friends down here are all sports nuts, if you can't beat em-join em. This week has been a really long week, and we had our first managers meeting with me present, and I was ready for it to be over not even 5 minutes into it. I still have people talking about me (good and bad), but what I really like is when people come visit me from the 4 different TGIFridays I have worked at. Keith and Kim came to visit me Thursday afternoon around 2pm and we had a great in depth talk about life, and marriage for oh around 5 hours. Well, I have been hangin with a new friend from my Blue Mesa store @ the DFW INTL Airport (D-31), for about 3 months. This kid is an awesome friend, and I am glad God brought us to meet. He lives on his own, and he decided he needed to get away, and made a really hard decision to move back to MPLS to go to chef school for 15 months. What I really took from this kid and our friendship is, that it really doesn't matter how hold you are, where your going, but what you can learn from each others past to help encourage the next person that you might meet, and might be going through the same thing. Ritter is a really down to earth, good kid that has a heart of gold for people. I will miss our bi-weekly hangout times of throwing the football around outside, road trippn' to Shreveport casinos, but mostly how much I learned about myself while I was hanging out with this awesome person, who will go far in life. ***BENNOT UPDATE*** We all hung out for Ritters going away party, and I tried to encourage him once again, from one father to another. I think he is going to go into the military, and I know his life will turn around for the better. I called Ritter today to tell him goodbye, and I am not sure if I will ever see these two really awesome guys again, but once again I feel like if I suddenly moved out of Texas, God brought me here to meet, learn, share, and grow from them. I just hope they can say the same about me. Some people you meet, and then you go separate ways and you might forget about them, but some people leave a lasting good impression on your heart, RITTER and BENNOT you have done just that. If I don't see you two again, keep living your life to the fullest.

living for an audience of ONE...

Am I ready for the Nebraskans?? Don't I know you??

I am not sure if the DFW is ready, but I will be and waiting with open arms. I have been busy with the touch-up painting, buying the sheets, special lighting ( can't say why), and making the dinner reservations at the special places of interest. Michelle kill-A-Cow will be here for 10 fun filled days, a good break from Omaha, and her husband Randall James. It seems like she does not want to use my car during the 3 days that I am at work, but hopefully she will change her mind. I am now looking forward to the abstract art painting we are going to do on my walls. I have had two different people come up to me and tell me they know me, I get it all the time, but most people think I am famous and from Hollywood, now come on people, let's get it straight here. I am famous, but not from Hollywood. I have recently done some one-one interviews with some pastoral staff in the area, and also have shared my life transformation story on video that they have wanted to use during their services. Well, I am getting my name and life story out in the metroplex and I have had people literally stop me and wanted to chat, from some of the church's that have shown the video in their services. I am not bragging, I am humbled. Last, but not least, how is your own personal sacrifice of Lent going, if not, why not??

living for an audience of ONE...

Fellowshipchurch Uptown New Building UPDATE....Ready for the one arm bandits??

I don't really know how I could forget some FC news but, I did, sorry sue me. FC-uptown campus purchased a building and you can check out the building updates right here.

We made it back from Shreveport safe and a little more insane. I thought I came out of my shell when I go on vacation, nope not even close. Ritter and Afif went absolutely crazy, it was fun, don't get me wrong. That was probably one of the funniest experiences I have been on in a long time. We all 3 went to church, afif wanted to go and Ritter did not want to. When we left the auditorium, Ritter looked at me and said, "that was awesome, and Afif said, "can I come with you again, next week, that was just what I needed". At that moment, my heart began to skip a beat, my eyes got teary eyed, and I began to breath a sigh of relief, I introduced yet another one to Fellowship, now it is up to God, to water the seed. On the way down to Shreveport we had a few good talks, but when they were on the phones, they were telling people they went to church, and they really did like it. How cool is that?? We checked into our dive motel, let me just say our card was not working, and every time we wanted to get into our room, the maintance man had to open the door with a crowbar-can you say ghetto??. I won $60, Afif won $40, and Nick won $20, we had a great time bonding as men, drank a lot of free liquor, and laughed at each other a whole lot.

In closing, I will leave you with this thought for church leaders reading this, People just like Nick say to me all the time, "Randall, I have been to a lot of church's in my day, and I hate that they always do the same thing, you church is so cool, so awesome, and very creative with their services, why can't more churches be like this one?", and I said, "I often ask that exact same question, a lot". As Nick and Afif were saying their good byes to me Monday morning they said, Thanks for planning this awesome weekend, thanks for taking us to your church, I really needed that, it was the highlight of the weekend." I can honestly say that if my time was up here in Dallas, I would be ok moving on, knowing I have made a difference in a few friends lives, but I will continue showing my faith, my hope, and my love

peace, randall

living for an audience of ONE...

Do you know what day it is???? Moving the body? Happy St. Pattys Day!!

Tonight was another counseling session, hanging with a close family friend, and checking out a small mega church moving into their new digs. It was awesome checking out the new home for Fellowship of Dallas. This weekend will be a soft opening, but the main opening will be Easter weekend. Danny Fries and I hung out this evening and took a walk thru, and then he realized he knew everybody that was working in the sanctuary, small world huh?!

My Irish friends and family, have a Happy St. Patty's Day, drink a green Guinness for me!

It is the first day of NCAA MARCH MADNESS BABY, and it is partially here in Dallas. The tv's were on in the bar that I now am the assistant manager of, and people were glaring at the flat screen, the only bad thing is that we can't have the volume on, and so that is a little downer.

living for an audience of ONE...

Fellowship Church and Math??? When they come running???

This year for Lent, FC is slowing things down, and wanting us to really focus on our hearts for worship in this month long Lenten season. Here is how we do math at FC

Lent - (minus)

smoke- (minus)

lasers- (minus)

lights shows- (minus)

stage hands= (equals) a focused heart devoted to intense worship

I have been hanging out with a buddy of mine that I use to work with at Blue Mesa from the DFW INTL airport. He is a very considerate person trying to find himself in a world where he has no family. I tell all you that because my friend Nick has a friend named Bennott. This 22 year old kid has a 3 year old son, and he just got out of jail. Nick, his best friend is moving April 1st back to Mpls. only for 15 months for chef school and Bennott will be homeless. Now what should I do? I feel for this kid, and I just want him to be a good role model for his son, like one day I will be for my own son. I have been thinking, I can't believe my own flesh and blood, my son will be 17 May 10. It's weird to think of me as a dad, when I have had no contact on bringing him up in this crazy world. Oh well, so back to Bennott, should I invite him into my one bedroom apartment and try and help him for 6 months to get him back on his feet, or pass him by, when he clearly is looking for me to try and show him Jesus in a practical way, I am not sure.

living for an audience of ONE...

Brokeback Mountain what? LENT? Dallas hosts Big 12 tournament

I know I am kind of late and people have been asking my opinion on Brokeback Mountain. I have seen the movie, and I am shocked that the academy still have their close-minded heads still up their rich asses. It should of won hands down, but the academy still is so not wanting to offend anybody in the Midwest. Well, I am telling you both gay pictures, which I strongly support should of won. If you have not seen these two "gay films"-(whatever that means) you need to spend a few dollars and go see Brokeback Mountain and Capote. It's about real life, not "gay-issues". If you want to get a good read from an old friend, I encourage you to check out Pastor Nathan's thoughts on this subject, and yes he is a real pastor people. CHECK it out here. How is Lent going? How is the sacrifice going?, How is the fast going, as the first week of Lent has passed, reflect on one of my friends who has daily wrap ups on how we as Christians should spend our time -CHECK IT OUT Lenten readings here. Well, the first week of travel for Spring breakers, they are up to no good. I did make a lot of money off them, but the headaches were not worth it. I turned away 5 fakes, more than 5 minors who tried to order, with their own under age ID's, can you say dumb? Last but not least, if you can't contain yourself sexually in public, stay at home. I caught and stopped 3 couples who definitely had their hands in the wrong places at-(key word) my bar inside of the DFW Intl airport. Nebraska squeaked by Oklahoma State last night 69-63 and Kansas pulled a win today over the Huskers. Check out all the details here.

living for an audience of ONE...

Can you say...

I am sucking the life out of you. Why Yes I can. The person who has been doing this for, oh I would say around 8 years, would be me. I now know what it is like to be on the receiving end of this. I have been friends with this person for over 2 years, and really hanging tight since last May, but lately my blinders have been removed. I now realize he is sucking the life out of me, literally. Sometimes it can be really hard, but I try and wake to a new day, but I am still drained from the night before. A couple of days ago he sent me a very disturbing text message. He is at the end of his rope, his father has been passed away, his mom is back at home out of the country for a month. He is supposed to be the man in the house. He is not used to American culture, he hates college, wants a girl friend, but does not need one, and he is a little suicidal. I give and give and give, and it is still not enough. I make time for him and it is not ever enough. I have nothing more to give, except hope I look at him and see myself in his cold, lost and hopeless eyes. The one thing that keeps me going is the hope. One person in my life that always continues to give me hope is my best friend. That's the one thing that has upheld me to my faith, there is hope. Many of you know that I am on to a new chapter in my life. Chapter 3 brings me to my knees, brings me tears of joy, and brings me to my hiding place. There I find life, strength, peace, and good dose of love, acceptance, forgiveness. The hiding place that is one of my 3rd homes, is here is in DFW. One day I want to bring you there, we will travel down 121, get on Hwy 26, turning between Texas Opryland and the Dallas Cowboys Golf course, well cross the bridge and you can hang with me at my Texas hiding place. I have found my own little sanctuary of hope, it on the north side of Lake Grapevine, you might find me there a couple days of the week, praying, crying, reading my new book, requesting God's presence right there and now maybe someday you can step into my real world, and see hope for yourself. **** This is dedicated to people, friends and family alike who might have the same situation. You might be one of the lights at their dark tunnel who can bring them some hope. Matthew you have always pointed me in the right direction, you always encourage me to find God in every situation, you always encourage me to find peace with in my soul. You always showed me tough love, pressured me to step away from myself, and you always love me unconditionally like Christ has loved you. Look for hope in every moment of life, strive to show them what your made of, keep encouraging the ones that need encouragement and one day you will see your rewards come to fruitation. Matthew, you introduced me to the L. Botanical Gardens in Omaha, I can't wait to introduce to my Oasis of Hope.****

living for an audience of ONE...

Hangin' with the kids... Dedication from a friend...

***THIS POST IS DEDICATED TO MY LATE BEST FRIEND PATRICK GOSS*** Want to talk dedication, commitment and great charisma with people this kid had it. He was one of my best friends during high school, and I pray you died happy, as I watched you take your last and final breathe into eternity on March 6, 1995. This Saturday I hung out with one of my bartenders from Blue Mesa, talked got to know each other, talked about spiritualism in the bible belt and he checked out FC for the first time. It was alright, it was on off weekend for them, it just did not flow right, but he didn't know, so that was ok. I called my pastor friend and told him that we were going to postpone it till next weekend, due to the off kelter of the service.

living for an audience of ONE...

Torino Olympics...Texas Independence Day...Spring Break time...

March 1 is a historic time for Texas, it is when we broke ties from Mexico and became our own state union. I have had people ask me why I did not cover the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, it is because I really didn't get into the Olympics this years, sorry. Well for many of you, getting ready for the springbreak fiasco is long gone, however I will be in the thick of it for the next month. This week I had my first kick off to the madness that will be thrown into the next 30 or so days of people going to Mexico for spring break. Just in the last two day, I served over 300 spring breakers and netted over $500 just those 2 days. So bring on the young, dumb and full of energerized college kids, cause daddy is ready for some more scrilla($$$). I also don't think I will be doing anymore shots, yesterday I had 4 on a empty stomach. YIKES. This weekend, I am taking a buddy of mine to FC for the first time, and the pastor friend and his team to check out why everybody is always talking about Fellowship.

living for an audience of ONE...

40 Days of Lent is here... When a friend comes running??

Welcome to the world of no more hangovers as of 12 midnight last night for Fat Tuesday, lent has begun for Christians and Catholics alike. I am not personally disclosing what I am giving up, but I am challenging all my friends, family, and you to make a sacrifice. If you were to give up something small, you might have the opportunity to witness something really big happen in your life.

When a friend comes running, you better have on your jogging shoes. Yesterday was an eventful day, one of my very good friends came running into my store crying, ranting and raving. This person just got fired as a manager, and was devastated about it. Without getting into the whole story, (don't ask, cause I won't tell you) I had to take back the badge, keys, and computer card. I am so glad that this person could trust me enough to come, get and need encouragement. I took ***** to celebrate and get a drink, sent ***** on the way. I wondered what would come of it, when you know it is time to go, next time cut ties, move on, and quit, or other wise they will find a way to fire you.

living for an audience of ONE...