i am randall 4 u

I lost a friend due to my racism...

2012-01-22T06:18:00.000-08:00

Well its day 22 of 2012 in a bitter cold snow storm that hit us Friday afternoon. I have begun my usual Sunday morning routine, I get up around 530am take Harley out, turn on my smooth jazz, get coffee, make cinnamon toast and etc... These past few Sundays have been extremely hard emotionally to endure. I have really come to the realization that I still dont have the race card
completely figured out, and I learned from a very good friend well name "john". I thought I was not racist, and yet I claim not to have a racism bone in my body, but yet sometimes I tend to think other wise. He honestly opened my eyes to the realization that I don't always practice
what I preach. I really enjoy my younger friends, because they keep me on my toes, but they
arent scared to say "randall you are way out of line here...back up and lets start over" So
Im trying to do that with this new year.

I grew up a listener, an observer...a human observationist is what my best friend birthday book says that I am. I want to put a 3rd word behind a"human observationist activist". I have been actively seeking wise counsel for the last 6-months to a year and I belive the people purposely
put in my life was my no mistake. Every day before I get up or in the morning I pray to God that
He will put someone Im suppose to learn something from and I pray it from comes from any possible ethnic group I could learn from that day.

Last year was a hard year when I lost what I thought was a really good committed younger friend who in the past I could completely rely on like a younger brother who had my back. This kid is kinda like all my other younger well educated but real with their words in backing up what they say. Im not going to lie, with last year being the 2nd worst year of my life, obviously excluding my moms passing year, it was a literal survival of the fitest. I pray that even though Im sure I will never get his awesome friendship back, (i do hope I get my tennis racket back though..lol) I hope the next meanful friendship allows the opportunity to let my ears be more open, but my heart will convict more of my actions into real life opportunities to learn and grow from. If I ever return home from eating out, and I bring the lef tovers home with me, I know I could of gave someone a bite who was hungry, the couple dollars I have in my wallet, I can go get double cheese burgers and handout on the way home. We use to do that after hour night shifts at PB and it honestly felt good. The next time I tell a story, I will not include anytype of sterotype as to a certain reference when it is absoluetly not needed-thx jt. Lastly since I have moved to Chicago I have only had a 95% non white roommate situation other than the last. I pray that all nationalties will continue to feel comfortable enough when they meet me to recognize and sense that I really love all people equally, want to hear there story and learn and grow from them into being-a more non judgemental friend.

a good start to a new year...2012

2012-01-08T10:10:00.000-08:00

I have decided to make 2012 a year of me. I am going to Celebrate my life, my amazing clay pot is not so dried up. I'm still ply able, and am always seeking to now really concentrate on focusing on Randall this year by soaking up the people that I pray God will put purposefully onto my path of life to learn from, grow with and share community.

Week one has been good. I worked a full 4o hour week. I spent a lot of time listening to good music, planning out this year, working on my meal plan and started implementing it into my
life. I think that I'm gonna have to cut away some people who I thought were my friends and I really honestly see no contributing factor on their side. Sorry but I'm moving on.

A year ago I would not be on this computer, life was horrible at the first week of 2011.
Christmas day of 2011 I decided its gonna be my best year ever...it was my worst.
I will no longer entertain the thought that you could be more of a buddy to me when
people will take advantage of good hearted person right behind their back.

This year, I have gotten up before my alarm clock, fixed breakfast before my work, (which is not ever happened). So just the last two days Ive had 2 people ask me," So why are you so happy, Cheery, and so up & ready to go at 5am?" My immediate answer was "I'm alive, I have hope, and I have over come one hell of battle to see the light of day in 2012." I'm blessed by God"
And then my customer said, "well I guess you just took care of me not having to go to church after that. I'm def glad your alive and serving me my coffee. I look forward to you specifically make my day better." Literally my breathe gasped as I thanked him w/tearful eyes. In my mind I realize Ive overcome alot. That customer made my day. I thought to mysef all the tears, doctor visits, medications I take, hard ache this world deals me....it was worth it, it was so worth it. The best part about that...I couldn't of done it with out my friends who are my true family.
I honestly did not dream I would see 2012. I never thought I would make this far after the road I have traveled down these past 4 years. This last past year was my rock bottom and now I'm climbing, striving, and surviving.

how do you prepare for death...

2010-03-20T16:10:00.000-07:00

has been a spot on my mind for many months...but lately its been by the hour. One of my best friends sister is slowly running out of options in her battle with lung cance back at home and Im here. I cant
hug, cry with her, encourage the ones who needs encouraging...love them.

Im not sure how I could live knowing that a clock is slowly starting to begin to stop and might not start again. I hear her strength on the phone and that so ecourages me to keep fighting in my own battles.

So this is how "Christians" act in 2010???

2010-01-14T16:27:00.000-08:00

I really have a problem with this article, as well with the supposed "evangelicals
behind this crap. I express crap.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/04/world/africa/04uganda.html

Don't Judge My Sexual Orientation, Please.

2009-12-26T11:32:00.000-08:00

Hi, I’m straight. I just want to get that out there. There seems to be some confusion lately. Oh, not on my part, but by others. People are good at making assumptions about my sexual orientation. I’ve known I’ve been straight my whole life. Well, excluding two minutes in high school.

Let me give some background: My senior year of high school I decided to go to college to get a bachelor’s of musical theatre performance. I wanted to be an actor and perform in musicals for my life. I was pretty talented at it. Yet, the rumors at the time were that a lot of gay people did musicals. I didn’t really know any gays in high school. We assumed one kid was so we made fun of him-I painfully regret that. But on this particular day, I was walking down a staircase from a classroom on the third floor to the first; it took about two minutes. While walking down the stairs I started thinking, “Hmm, I wonder if I’ll be gay one day. Since most actors are gay, and I want to be an actor, does that mean I’ll just turn gay sometime?” I debated this down the stairs. Once I reached the bottom of the steps I had this realization: “Wait, no, I’m straight. I won’t be gay.” The end. I’ve been straight ever since.

And so I, as a straight male, worked in a business in which I was a minority. I didn’t mind it really. And through all these years a lot of people have judged my sexual orientation.

While working as an actor the mantra was, “gay until proven straight.” So few straight men in the business, you just assumed everyone was gay. I was fine with that.

When I would go to gay bars with my gay friends it was if I had a neon sign above my head that flashed “Straight! Straight!” I was fine with that.

Now that I am in seminary and seem to be in this weird Christian bubble, people think I’m gay. I not fine with this.

People judging my sexual orientation has never bothered me before. I don’t mind if people think I’m gay, it usually means they think I dress stylish. It’s a compliment. But lately, I have met people who think I’m gay for stupid reasons. And most of these people are Christians. It seems as if people think I’m gay because I dress nice, or because I wear pink, or have a purple wall in my apartment, or because I condition my hair and pluck my eyebrows, or I am comfortable hanging out in a gay bar, or prefer museums to sports. (I know, that does sounds a bit gay)

Since when do we judge a person’s sexual orientation by one’s choice of clothing, or by one’s choice of decorating, or by one’s vanity, or by one’s choice of nightlife? Seriously, why do we do this?

I am getting tired of these assumptions from Christians. Even Christian women I have dated in the last couple years have thought I have been gay prior to knowing me. I’m tired of people making ignorant assumptions based off of social constructs. I’m tired of these gender roles that say men spit, swear and don’t wash themselves or cry, that dirt under their nails and having no sense of fashion is a requirement for masculinity.

So I pluck my eyebrows. Does that make me gay? No, that makes me have really nice eyebrows, stupid. So I condition my hair. Does that make me gay? No, that means I have really nice locks, stupid. So I like purple as a wall color. Does that make me gay? No, that makes my apartment look real nice, stupid.

I really don’t care if you think I’m gay or not. I know I am straight. I know I am a man. My sexual orientation, whether gay or straight, does not make me less of one. Fixing my car and getting greasy or dancing in a ballet does not add or subtract to my masculinity. What you think about whom I sleep with or to whom I am attracted doesn’t matter to me at all. I’m sorry if you’re not secure enough about your own gender identity that you are confused by me, a straight male, who happens to be a little bit of a princess.

What bothers me are you ignorant Christians who make assumptions about my sexual orientation because you have yet to meet a man who is so secure in his identity. And not a gay or straight identity but strictly an identity. I’m sorry if that sounds vain and egotistical, but I’m that secure. Or as one of my friends puts it, “Real men know how to THINK. Any monkey can push, pull and hit things.” And I think, a lot.

Christian, do you really think I’m gay because I wear pink? Do you really think I’m gay because my apartment is clean and nicely decorated? Do you really think I’m gay because I don’t play sports? Do you really think plucking my eyebrows makes me gay? So I’m a bit vain, does that make you think I want to kiss other men? If so, I don’t get you! Maybe it’s because you don’t know any gay people? You need to get out of your Christian bubble and meet some people. Perhaps if some of you actually had a good friend who was gay you wouldn’t make such stupid assumptions.

I was in Thailand last week. Even a Thai woman thought I was gay. (I guess it’s worldwide) She said it was because I was afraid of spiders and didn’t have a girlfriend. So as a joke, a buddy of mine bought me a t-shirt that says, “Sorry ladies, I’m gay!” I am going to wear it.

But Nathan, you’re straight, why would you wear that, you ask? Because gender roles have to change. Because you shouldn’t be judging my sexual orientation by a t-shirt. Because I am so secure as a straight male that I can wear a shirt like that. Because my sexual orientation is not determined by what I wear, drink, eat, or because I prefer to go to art museums rather than play sports. I will wear that shirt as a straight man to prove to the ignorant people out there that humanity in general is more important than a human’s sexual orientation.

I’m off to be a real man. I’m off to think. I’m off to learn. I’m off to read. I’m off to take a shower, and smell nice and look great. I’m off to sing a little. I’m off to have a drink- maybe even an alcoholic one that is pink. I’m off to be sensitive and shed a tear once and a while.

I’m off to be a real man. Sorry if that confuses you.
Posted by Naytin at 12:27 PM

Im back to stay and move on...

2009-10-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

in this new chapter in my life as I begun leaving my anniversary of being in Chicago 2 years.
I knew it would be a hard month...October 1st was the first day I had to be moved out, I had to extend it for 3days. I moved on a saturday, in the rain, 2 hours late and of course I needed another 2nd storage unit. I got moved out by 9pm and was staying at my buddys place for 9days while he was chilling in the Dominican Republic. Then I flew out on Friday the 9th and flew into town to surprise my Texas best friend the Stinger. He was damn surprised and so was alot of other people that had no clue I was coming into town.

I spent 11 days in sunny Dallas Texas. It was great not all drama free, but a good vaca.
I had a couple great conversations with some people, and am adapting a life more dedicated
to meditation. I have taken some time off from everything except hanging out with my self. I have gotten away, silenced myself and realize im grateful for the family struggle my father and I have gone thru with this prostrate cancer. We thank God for our blessing, and enjoy each day as it was our last.

I have been introduced to a couple new groups of guys-one group is the PB Boys.
The 2nd group is the Oh No! Doom art gallery guys. Im learning about real people,
who are genuine, caring and compassionate. They love life, biking and hanging out on
the down low. Ive been meeting people who are struggling with their life, depression and
I def know where they are coming from. They have been asking some really good questions and its been fun to just hear each others stories and hear, see, and step into their life
for a while and check things out.

Im not ready for this next stage in my life

2009-07-22T16:59:00.000-07:00

and now I know why. It's gonna be very hard. My first concern was with seeing my father, which was shocking. He's just not himself. I was just not really prepared to see what I saw.

He's been pulled through the knot hole and back. The weekend was very quick, and to be honest I might comment on it later. I think I will just say there was tons of drama, lots tears, hugs, encouragement and some broken hearts. My sisters were extremely late and really pissed me off. That's a whole another topic that prolly will never get covered.

**** Going silent and going under the radar for awhile. Were slowing moving out of the recession and I've already startedmoving into mine. I have 5key areas that I need to work in my life and that means all the other extra circular activities with and without people will cease completely. I have been here almost 22 months and I've been going strong. I need to take a step back and focus on some things...

1. I have begun writing my book.

2. Oct 1st I'm moving to a completely different area in the city.

3. My spiritual status. Need to focus on my road through Willow Creek Community Church.

4. Mental stability-Thanks 2 some generous friends. I've begun weekly psychiatric counseling.

5. Physical well being. Tony Horton's P90X- 1whole year commitment

My father, and my 2 closest best friends have endorsed this plan of action. I unfortunately will not be hanging out, calling people, will not be posting on my blog, will be off of Face Book, and not on my myspace. I'm needing to be solely & completely focused and any other distractions will bring UN-needed and UN-WANTED drama that I just don't have time for in my life anymore.

Gone silent and under the radar for awhile!

Im not 24 anymore...

2009-06-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I def know how to party like a rock star, but I just can't hang like I use to. Im old and it just effects you different the older you get. So I always hang with either extreme older or young bucks that keep me on my feet. One of my friends at Starbucks, is who I have been hanging out with lately, hes just a great guy that puts off some good energy, that it's attractable. I have become friends with his extrmemly nice looking ex-model roommate who is def more my type of style for a friendship. We are alike in some things. One he is straight, fit, athletic and def likes sports like I do and has a business mind. The only down fall is, he's a jew, and not any jew....but JEWISH. I mean this guy is so cheap, and knows it, thats its just so funny. He has a really hot girlfriend that works for Captain Morgan @ Wrigley field, or where ever she is contracted out at. She has a great attitude on life and loves to laugh and have a good time.

Now your prolly asking me what is the problem well my sb friend is one true fag. We make each other laugh and thats always a good thing, but we just don't have alot in common. It kinda sucks cause Bruce works in the middle of the night as a stock broker for the Asian markets, so it makes it hard. Im just trying to increase my friendship base. I like big e, but he is a really selfish person, that only looks out for himself, which can be sometimes bad.

Friday night I headed over to b&e's place for a lil bbqing chicken, throwing the football, drinking and chilling. My sb partner and I were suppose to open our own stores, and I left their house at 130am, I was suppose to be gone by 10pm. Well bruces girl came over and we started chillling and realized we have to go to bed when we looked at the time @ 1am... Well I lost my bus pass at the bank and we looked all over for it, until when I got home @ 150am that I realized where it was.

Up for work 1 hour later to do a full day at my saturday starbucks in the Streeterville neighborhood. It was a very rough day. I tried to take a nap after work, but peeps kept calling me. Bruce hit me up to play tennis, and so I was off to Montrose with him to play. The last time I kinda played was 4 years ago. Were both are at the same skill level...beginner. Were gonna start playing more often.
Went back home and begun the party again by drinking, chilling, playing the wii and just us all having a good time. I left about 1030pm cause they were going to different parties and I was going home.

Well I got home and my friend called me and said, "if this is the one time you want to come meet me and I can't tell you why, you just need to trust me, this is the time." So I traveled to Halstead and North Ave to Parrots pool hall & bar and walked into a private party for friends, family and the BMX Dew tour that was having their first weekend tour wrap up party. It was right up my alley, tats, piercing, alot of wild boys and girls and I met a good friend that I talked to until about 3am, where we took the party else where...not sure why his girl didnt want to come, but she wouldnt of hung with us men anyway. ha

Well I never got any sleep, started running errands around 9am from just getting back and got ready to head to Pride. I was meeting one of my besties from Omaha Geoff. We had front row baracade spots at the middle of the parade. ONE hot mess we were. After the parade we met his friend and went out for more drinks...in which I had never stopped from sat @ 5pm. I've got issues'. I went to b&e 's place in lakeview and kept on partying until I gave up the ghost at 8pm and passed out.
Today as I write this to you, I realize im so stinking sore and Im just not like bruce & ernie not 26 years old anymore...
WillowCreek.org Facebook myspace.com/randypaulthompson

Not a good week for celebrities...

2009-06-27T14:36:00.000-07:00

Im just beside myself with this week of celebrity deaths right now. Ed McMahon was a lil shocking, then Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson absolutely rocked my world. I was taking
a nap, and my cell' just started ringing and texting like crazy. I turned on the news and google and my heart sank.

Im sure people will laugh at me, but I remember the first place, time, who I was with when I heard Thriller and it was with my nanny. She introduced me to the "King of Pop" I was in love
ever since. I just think that its crazy that they really do die in 3's. My night was just filled with raw emotions of talking to people. So I wake up and its all over the tv, newspapers and it's all what people are talking about.
Im getting ready for a big weekend with the BMX Dew Tour, the 2nd half of the Cross Town Classic, Tast of Chicago, and the Chicago Pride Parade. Loaded weekend...Im ready

WillowCreek.org Facebook myspace.com/randypaulthompson

Chicago Naked Bike Ride 2009-6th Annual

2009-06-12T14:19:00.000-07:00

ONE MORE DAY ooonnneee mmmoooorrreee ddayyyyyyyy. I can do this, just 1 more day.!!So yes... change is always going to be in the air around me, so if your up for it, stick around... otherwise, get lost. In my theme for my life in alway being naked as much as possible...im doing this, gonna look fabUless, and of course Im going with 9 somewhat straight in apperance and I can't wait...and NO you can't take pictures... your gonna have to trust me on this one...Sold
http://www.nbcchicago.com/around_town/the_scene/Bike-Buck-Naked.html

WillowCreek.org Facebook myspace.com/randypaulthompson

Too much life, too much drama...

2009-06-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

is what im really trying to say..."I'm really trying to rid the drama out of my life." If we were to go back in time to last September, I had big wigs from a certain cable and music based company wanting me to be there first victim. I was approached to have my life filmed kinda like "Real World', but more like "College Life" for the most part being filmed by myself. So I agreed to meet up with the producers. They came and spent Thanksgiving weekend with me, watching me, following me, listening to all my phone calls, asking me 100s of questions and meet who I hung out with. After the first day, they said, "we're sold, your in". Well to the the say least, I was not informed that they also had been videoing me with their eye glasses. I thought it might be a lil odd that they all were wearing glasses-ALL THE TIME.

Christmas was around the corner and I got the call Ive been waiting for from the big wig himself in L.A. Well I was glad to hear that filming would begin May 1, 2009 till Sept 6. I was going to have a very packed schedule, they would be filming me at my work, going to church, working at the bar, and then all my extra activities on the side.

They had a few "request of requirements"
1. my best friend Derrick from Dallas had to come visit me for Labor Day weekend
2. OR I had to go on vacation to Dallas and then have a Labor Day party at Derricks farm
3. I had to go see my parents in Branson Missouri for 4th of July at dads church.-DRAMA
4. My sister Debra and I would have to go on vacation to Mpls to Victoria's
5. My 2 sisters had to come hangout with my parents when they come in July
6. Lastly either I or my other best friend Matthew had to go on vacation together

The exec producer told me that the only way filming would begin was with my thanksgiving as Season 1 of Big Tex hits Chicago. Well let me break it down 4 ya. I was really going through a rough time at that particular valley in my life. I will just say this out of these 3 at my house for 4 full days, I was only sober 4hours of those 4 days. So basically 1 hour of each day I was sober. I was not myself, you wouldn't recognized me, and I would completely disgraced my family, friends, and my faith. The only person that I really cared about their position on this was my bf matthew smith. "randall you won't get it, or understand my answer for many years, but your gonna have to trust me on this one... don' do this video documentary. You will regret it." Well this is probably one of the first times in a while that the tone of his voice screamed stop production-not literally, but in my mind...it did.

So your probably wondering...what is so interesting about randy paul thompson...Well I'm glad you asked? After a 15 page application, 2 i-chat video conference interviews, one here in Chicago and then I go the call.

In a nut shell, I was a complete and utter surprise, my siblings adored me and I rode in on my brother Jim Thompson Platteveiw High quarterback shoulders onto the field before every home game. My family owned a multi-million dollar business, grew up catholic, vodka added to my baby bottle at 2 years old, turned baptist in 1982, my best friend in 7th grade got knocked up, and then pregnant at freshman summer, high school best friend killed himself on the phone, another Omaha friend dieing in my arms after a self inflected gun shot wound to the head, from grandma dieing one month later after Patrick G. My grandpa was a pro golfer, they were best friends with Mr Weatherspoons who owned Pamida, went on missions trip to Mozambique Africa with Teen Missions, worked at a Timberlee Christian Center as a program director assistant and counselor my sophmore summer, and got kicked out that summer. My mom passed away Dec 16, 1998, my father remarries 1 year later, doubled my family and immediately was the black sheep of the new family. Stayed with Mother Teresa her last year of the first half of 95 and soaked it all in. I travel roughly 8 good 4-5 day vacations a year. I lived in Vegas, Dallas and now Chicago for 5 years each. I had a really dark rough time in Dallas and still wondering when I will find out why God took me through that hard valley? Im really missing my mom, I have a dad who is also a pastor, dealing with both of our cancers, his sisters are stuck in Dimensia, and passing away one right after another, growing up like women, but knowing Im gay, and what is the church going to say about it?

Last but not least, after I had been working on coming to Chicago my last 6 months, till now I have been on many of film, tv, and commericals already and Im not even trying to. I have been an a segment of Airplane on TLC, a walker in the park on a car accident episode of ER in 2007, 1930's passer by on the street on this summer opening movie Public Enemies! Lastly, I had a small walk on by-on The Beast with Patrick Swayze, too bad it just got cancelled due to his cancer. We had a lot of family friends passing away, dealing with cousins, and aunts cancer, my son was soon to be 21 years old. I wanted him to know his real father if he chooses. He knew I was moving to Chicago to give him that opportunity and we have hung out 4 times. Life is too short, the risk is always greater and some times you just have to say "F8$# it...Im in!"

Im getting ready to start in a new area in my life, new part of the city Im unfamilar with, and ready to tackle the next 3 years here in Chicago. I have begun writing a book about my incredible, wild and drama filled journey called my life-with the drama.
Until then my friends and family I will be taking a lil break, but promise to be back soon. I still might plug in a few thoughtful events that you need to know about...kinda like this next one, otherwise-peace out!

WillowCreek.org Facebook myspace.com/randypaulthompson

a deadly diease...

2009-05-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

has been slowly taking over a friend of mine here in Chicago. Well lets start when I moved into the building. It goes something like this. I moved into my first apt in Chicago and I noticed the older gray haired man walking his dog. He was very friendly to everybody and alwys held the doors for everybody. Well this guy was just an ordinary guy from the outside, but when you got to know him, he was brain surgeon and this guy was brilliant. Doc is known around the building who has been living here for over 4 years. I would make time for Doc, most people wouldn't listen to him, or even engage him, "until you moved in, no one would talk to me." Nothing wrong with the guy, maybe a lil beer gut, or just another old man who walked with a limp. Well he just retired he smokes, and walks that dog prolly 6-8 times a day, thats all she will let him out. Doc has Alzheimers and he is really fading fast. Since Im really the only one ever talks to him, we would sit in the front of the building for hours with Harley and talking about life. His two sons are Chicago police officers and are always checking on him. They have thanked me many times for pouring into thier father. Probaly 9 months I thought I was noticing a change. He would follow me all over the building, hangout around my door for hours and I would watch him threw my peephole. He would be telling a story about a surgery and then all of sudden start talking about something polar opposites. He started to get really touchy feely, rub my bald head, tickle me and thats when I had to draw the line. These last 3 months I have just avoided him all together, because I was starting to feel real uncomfotable just even leaving my apartment. You can ask my bf here, Katrina can atest we have had some wierd and just plain akward run ins with him.

WillowCreek.org Facebook myspace.com/randypaulthompson

A great birthday..

2009-05-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

Well I turned a year older, and I'm stuck at my fav number for an age 35. I just wish we didn't have to turn older than that number and we can stay looking young fully youthful. >>We have Matt a 22 yr old hustling token black man who chose not to go to college and work 2 jobs 60hrs weekly, has a steady 2 year girl friend and likes to kick it on the down low with. His family life is sub par, but he does not complain much, except for the recent run of bad luck who came his way. In one weeks time, his mom almost caught him doing the nasty, he got caught with possession and spent 6 hours in jail, and he made his girlfriend get him out. When you thought it couldn't get any worse, his mom found weed in his pants pockets and flipped her biscuits. His father is not in the picture and does not want to hurt his mother that he cherishes. He is athletic, very spontaneous, loyal and has a very easy going personality. He will go far in life.

The 2nd is the token Mexican, which immediately I take a liking to, only cause a good majority of my friends are Latino. I get along with this race really well and they always like me. This heavy metal, goth, punk and lil emo 25 year old Mexican just took the plunge at his old time grades school love in martial bless this past Halloween. They got married on the evening of Satan's favorite holiday, and to top it off their love for monsters and the such come in a rare form of display all over their new house. The only go to grunge bars, biker bars, love hard music, party like there is no tomorrow and Edgar has taken me under his wing. Born and raised in Chicago, this south sider loves his heritage roots and believes friendship with his homeboys his 2nd to his marriage to his wife and their families.

Well the 3rd is token sexuality charged white boy that everybody cant stand to love, but always wants me around for a good laugh... hell you already know the rest, I don't need to keep my Real World Chicago episode going, but don't you worry...it will keep itself going!! I promise.
So far I have had to get rid of a few friends that just weren't willing to step to the plate in a very one-sided friendship. Hanging with Edgar and his wife bebe, and Matt are proof to me there are still damn good people in Chicago, I just need to patient and we will find each other out in this 7million metropolis that I call my new fav home-CHICAGO The Windy City.

WillowCreek.org Facebook myspace.com/randypaulthompson

100 Days of OBAMA. Opinion poll question...

2009-04-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

Well here is all I have to say about his first 100 days. Its about damn time a president finally did something in his first 100 days. Let's keep it going Obama. Full steam ahead....
http://redeye.chicagotribune.com/red-042909-obama100-main,0,4181284.story

So here is my question that Im asking my close friends. If you knew your best friend had moved to a completely different part of the U.S. to begin a friendship, relationship w/2 sisters, ONE in particular that you knew he was closer to and he told you that he hasnt seen her in over 8 months, and they only live 1 hour away from each other?
What would you say to your best friend.
A. Get over it, she's busy, has a family, and a life. B. Your expecting too much. C. Houston we have a problem? or D. Move on...she obviously doesn't have time for you?

WillowCreek.org Facebook myspace.com/randypaulthompson

Is Iowa really ahead of Illinois??/

2009-04-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

Well, it looks that way. Today was the first day of "Same Sex Marriages to be legal in Iowa. Im hoping this does not turn out like California. People ask me my opinion all the time. I really didnt think I was so opinionated, but I guess I am. When you read this...chill out. Im totally for this in every way possible. I just wish it was Illinois and or all of the U.S. It's 2009 and people should be able to fall in love with who they want...regardless of their up bringing, religious belifs, or what their friends/family think. Im so over people's close minded views. I sometimes just cant stand this country in their conservative mind set.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-ia-gaymarriage-glanc,0,7615023.story

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Friendships are really hard to come by...

2009-04-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

and I know that personally. People in this day and age are becoming so consumed with themselves and their financial gain. The world has got to be coming to an end, because there are some really jacked up people living on this world(not really even considering my friends and family in this thought but a few fit the bill). I'm sounding out against people who think they are so not into themselves and those are the worst ones, cause they don't even realize they SO are. It really has had an effect on my social interaction with what I call doochbags. I really enjoy meeting new people, hearing their stories and finding out how/why they tick. I have been secretly doing a 3year study on human behavior, friendships and family rivalry.
My studies are still continuing and people still fail to amaze me with their lack of judgment, communication, and their own selfish gratification to only pump and boost their egos.

I have also really met some outstanding people that are just a diamond in the ruff. I have been really slowing down the process of getting to know them to fast, just b/c I come with such a loaded plate. My friend Bizzell and I have realized were are really alike in alot of areas. Its good
to know that friends are really hard to come by, but when you found those few, those diamonds really sparkle and effect how you do life.

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My 2nd Easter at Willow Creek...

2009-04-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

since I moved here and I could hardly stand it. This 4th month of the year is looking to be my favorite, I finally can "get it together", I know right?? My life is not out of the woods, but it is sure turned out to be alot more calm, peaceful and now off to a new busy season in my life. Well Easter morning I got up, and took the dog on a walk and we went to Lake Michigan (2blocks away) and watched the sunrise. It was awesome. I had a quick breakfast and then I was off to the Creek for the 8am service.The whole service was amazing, but the message was so from God and it totally spoke to my heart, again like I was the only person in the 7200 seat auditorium. You can watch the 15 minute message,drama-dance routine, and hear the end of the message song, it was an amazing service.
CHECK OUT THE MESSAGE HERE....I have been doing alot of thinking, praying, reading a couple good books, and contemplating. Im not sure on what, but Im hopeful one day real soon, I can tell you I really think my best days are ahead of me. Im still working out with my trainer everyday and we have started Tony Hortons
90 Day Body for Life Transformation. Im going to go one step further and do a 4th month before I do the big revealing. It is slowly changing my life, I might be out of my league on this one, but this old goat can "Get R done...I promise". I will see you Labor Day weekend in September.
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Was it a Good Friday...

2009-04-10T21:09:00.000-07:00

well to some, maybe even alot of people would say Yes. "I got up started some coffee, kissed my old lady goodbye and headed off to the loop to starbucks for work. I dont work really early in the morning, I did my 6 hours and headed back to the south side. I got home and with in 5minutes my Good Friday went bad. My sister gave me the news that my best friend had passed away in a car accident this early morning. I got pissed, I cried, I broke my wifes favorite picture of us when we got married, I raged. Im a good Christian catholic man trying to just live a good life. There is no way that my best friend just died this early morning from a drunk driver hit and run.
You have to check out this article>>>

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30151844/

"Randall my life just stopped and I need someone to help start it back up again?" That's what I heard on the other side of the phone, that a buddy of mine just told me. Eddie is a humble but proud Guatemalan who just lost his best friend. What really pissed him off was the hit and run driver was an off duty cop. What do I do Randall?"

Well the only open door I had was wide open. Bill Hybels would be oh so proud...I walked thru it. I get these scenarios all the time. I enjoy meeting people, hanging, bonding with people that God brings into my path. I will always do that...Life is all about people on our spirtual journey.

I just started working at my new starbucks just 4 weeks ago and last weekend I hung out with this guy named Eddie. I have already described his birthday a few posts ago. Great 25 year old that just got married on Halloween night. We talked for awhile on the phone Friday afternoon, and had to get off the phone when his mourning friends started piling into the house. He wanted to hang with me after I got off work. I got to his around 11am, his wife left a short time after that and we hung till 6pm. We chilled, listened to music, he showed me around Pilsen, met his sister, niece and mother and really got to know this kid. He commented to me towards the end of our hangout time. "Randall I knew there was something I liked about you. Your like me, your real, compassionate, very chill and geniunly like getting to know people. Im glad that I just met a new friend. Thanks for hanging w/me today, I really needed that."

Eddie it was my pleasure, Im really enjoy all my interaction with in the latino community. They love their familes, their culture and meeting new friends.

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holy hump day Week....

2009-04-08T16:42:00.000-07:00

This week is flying by, but Im so extremly busy. Well I went to go see my first experience to the infamous "Vagina Monolgues" wow. Honestly its Wednesday and Im still unsure of what I experienced. I have been enjoying this week in solitude, reflection and focused forward. Im really excited that Im gonna be able to go to Good Friday service at Willow.

Here is a few shots of my encounter...

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An amazing Palm Sunday service @ the Creek...

2009-04-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

Weekend Seeker Service Elements - April 4, 2009
Only God: Part 5, Only God Can Lead the Submitted Heart

Service Elements
Click on the item name for product purchasing information.
Element Type
Service Element
Video
Song
For the Beauty of the EarthPsalm 24:1, 33:5 on side screens during instrumental breaksFolliot S. PierpointPublic Domain

Scripture Reading
Psalm 8:3-4 on side screens

Song
HosannaBy Brooke Fraser©2006 Hillsong Publishing

Other
Reading from Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton

Song
EnchantedAaron Niequist©2005 AARONieq Music

Song
This Is My Father's World1 Samuel 2:7-9 on side screens during instrumental breakWords: Maltbie D. Babcock Music: Trad. English melody; adapt. by Franklin L. Sheppard Public Domain

Offering & Announcements

Message
Bill Hybels

Song
God Is HereWords and music by Israel Houghton, Martha Munizzi and Meleasa Houghton©2003 Martha Munizzi Music / Integrity's Praise! Music

Closing
Bill Hybels

It's spring time in Chicago and aver temp is 55. I had the most amazing God encounter in a long time. Senior pastor Bill Hybels finished the last installment of "Only God Can Lead the Submitted Heart" The blinds were opening, the waterfalls flowing in the background and people scrambling for a seat. I went up to the balcony on the 3rd level and sat in the middle and watched the count down clock on the screens begin to hit 30 seconds.

After that it was encounter that you can only explain that it was just you and God in that 7400 seat auditorium and your just in awe, with emotion, tears, sadness and then forgiveness. ***IF you want to hear an amazing message here is the link from the April 4/5 weekend message.

Well the worship was amazing, and the message was so alive with passion, it was as if it was only God and me in the auditorium. Only God can speak to heart that needs to stop running and start crawling. The set was simple and cool which changed moods with lighting. It was nice and chill.

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Saturday means Van Morrison....

2009-04-05T03:49:00.000-07:00

I spent the day sleeping, recovering and cleaning my apartment while hanging with my kids. Then all of sudden @ 4:21pm exactly I got the call, I got surprised with the invite from my buddy Eddie the birthday boy himself. WOW, OMG. Im still a lil ya know.... Well the concert got out after 1130pm, then we went to party @ Uptown Lounge, and then after after hours at my place untill 3am. Yes Im goin to church in a few hours... you can belive that. I really enjoyed the concert, def got a contact high, ( imagine that at a Morrison concert, right?) I need to start going to more concerts... that's for sure.

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Time for a birthday....

2009-04-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

on the south side in Little Italy aka "Mexico". Well I jumped on the 147 heading to downtown @ 8pm and then jumped on the Pink line to Pilsen. I walked 4 full city blocks carrying my camera, food, a case beer and bottle of wine (for Eddies wife). Boy was I getting looks from the Hispanics prolly salivating over my Heineken's! I get to the party at 9pm in which I planned on arriving early to hangout with the 25 yr old birthday boy. I guess alot of other people thought that too.

When I walk in, I literally almost dropped my wine. The apartment was very dark, gloomy, hazy, (not sure from what;) all the rooms were painted very dark, gargoyles and all the scary movie monsters you could think of were up on these dark walls. When I could finally ear my own heart beat, it was to the beats of Slayer, Marlyn Manson, Korn, and etc. My spirit pre-warned me and boy was I glad for that. The party didn't even officially start till 10pm and there were already 30 people there and I was doing a all nighter and then heading to work @ 6am from their house??? I was starting to re-think that idea. His whole entire family, friends, and us co-workers from SB Illinois Center were there and all in rare form.

I have never been to the "south west side", let alone since I have just started at a new Starbucks for only a month. I def saw a different side of my co-workers. I know that I do each and every day, but these poor people "need Jesus" and I mean literally. I hung with the parents, and oh yes the grandparents, siblings and had a really good time. Eddie caught me looking at my watch and said, "bro, its only 1am, were going until you leave for work @ 5am and they did. I had to get at least 2hours, and boy was I hurting at 6am going into Ernies store in the loop.

I vowed when I became a Christian over 10years ago, that I would invest my time energy and resources to the good of the not so common people. I enjoy hanging out with these peeps that most shun and turn a def ear too. Eddie was really surprised that I came, but when he come to greet me." he said I'm glad to see you Randolla, but not surprised, b/c your one of those rare breeds that actually tell, show and love people through your actions. I guaranteed knew you would be here, thanks bro."
I think the more I hang with all different ethnic groups, I really find that the Latinos are like me they really do care and walk the talk.

P.s No I didnt take any pics, sorry.

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Friends come in all colors of the rainbow...

2009-04-02T22:03:00.000-07:00

and I'm so glad that my family let me experience-culture. I have alot of African American friends, but one to be exact is just a blank canvas that listens with his heart, loves with eyes and wipes the tears away with hugs. I have been getting steered into a life that I think needs to begin concentration back on my core root of where my being began to form. I have realized with the help of this friend I still have a couple of mad crushes that prolly will not be blossomed in this life time. I know love can always come back around, but sometimes you just might have to let it go and realize....then you can really only love what you had.

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I hate April 1st

2009-04-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

this day to me is kinda dumb, lets be honest. Here is what we do... we prank our closest friend on this funny day of humor. They get up to start there day, not realizing what this day will entail.
They pick up the phone to receive the prank, and immediately get pissed, or laugh. Well mine this year was in person... and I didn't care for it.

So I'm up working out with my friends, a personal trainer, and my personal assistant going over the agenda for my crazy busy weekend. Just go with it. Well my boo aka the P.A. was really not wanting to tell me something but needed to. " Randall I have to move and there is nothing I can do about it." My heart sank and emotions began to fill and over come my body. My old lady is moving and where I'm not sure. I have known that God has been slowly moving my life into a transitional period, but this was just down right wrong. My best friend, my counselor, a workout partner, the mother of my child Harley Daniel, who will babysit her when I can't come home, hell who is going to align my weekly schedule and remind me whats on my busy plate... I guess me?

I have realized that I have let friends get to close to me and my true friend has been on the back burner. I have been actively looking at drawing the curtain back on my life and taking out some of the un-needed props that make my life easier, but maybe more complicated.

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Its been a long time...

2009-03-31T18:12:00.000-07:00

I know and I can only say I'm sorry. I wish I could say that Ive been busy, but not really. In
2 weeks, I'm going to take a year or 2 and work my ass off and do 80 hours a week. It was a really hard decision to make, but I have been only working 1 full time job of 30 hours a week and some bartending gigs With the economy just really in the middle stages, I have a opotunity to work 3 jobs and Im going to take advantage of that..
I went through a rough time, losing a friend, finding out my father has prostrate cancer and nobody had any idea, (not to draw attention to himself), and helping out a few friends get through tough marriages. It was by there choice to include me, not mine.

The winter was kinda rough, but I really didn't think it was that bad. Spring is def here and I'm ready for the summer. I have been going through some learning labs and my frustration level has been really high. I'm def going to take some time out and work and get caught back up. The economy has def kicked me in.
Harley is doing great, no more peeing on the floor, her and jasmine are really close. I have had to let go of more of my friends. I'm really burned out that I have NOT seen my sister (1hour away) since July 10. Yea crazy huh. I'm torn I really feel like the world these last 3 years have been intermingled with very self absorbed people and to me those are the people that I need to stay away from. I have really positively changed into a loner and I like that.

I have been meeting some really cool and interesting people through Starbucks and they have all been leaders and not followers. I met this 25 y/o hippie biker with a big red fro named Bezzell. He is avid biker and does not use public transport, very chill and just down to earth. This guy is too freaking smart for his own good, he landed me a bike that I'm picking up this week. I have been reading a couple of books, working out, and finding my inner well being while trying to stay spiritual in a very UN spiritual world.

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Welcome 2009 and a new president...what do you pledge?

2009-01-20T00:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I hope everyone is having a great start to a new year of CHANGE. My new years celebration was relaxed and at home with my baby. Chicago is on a high like none other. The world is watching and GW is on his way out and a new African American black man is up 4 great change. You can feel the electricity everywhere, its so good to be alive and living in America and in one of the greatest cities in the U.S.

Many of you have requested info on the infamous "Ben Dicke Christmas Tree", you can't have one, and I won't tell you where I got it from. I can give you a hint though...

The last 2 weeks have been very sobering for me, not really but it sounded good, didn't it. I have been taking more time from a busy schedule and relaxing a bit. I have been thinking and waiting for January 2o, 2009. After being glued to the TV all weekend long, my heart, mind, and soul are thoroughly convinced, we are in midst of change and for the good. We have a man that is willing to step up and try and tackle the issues that have been jacked up, due to the last 8 years of an idiot running the country. Trillions and trillions of dollars gone, over 3,500 souls lost to a war that have turned up with no weapons of mass destruction and an economy that is still going to be in the toilet for at least the next 2 years.

Today, I will try and believe in the better good of America, with a new start of leadership knowing I will have to be the change, to spread the change. I'm pledging to take the Red campaign with Bono with me everyday in 2009. Do Something Good Every Day in 2009! Be that change.

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Merry Christmas to all even 2 that cat...

2008-12-25T09:05:00.001-08:00

well I'm at home this holiday season to a sick and close to death family cat. My dog does get a lil hyper, but she soon calms down. Never the less, I'm in Chicago and my 2 sisters and Debra's family is chilling together in Kenosha. I'm going to my store managers house for dinner, yes I feel like a loser. Katrina my friend and personal assistant is on vaca till Sunday in Virginia, (she has pointed out, not where the rednecks live.)and I'm holding down the fort on the North side. I will post more later, but as for right now, have a Merry Christmas and now your blessed if your with family. I know I am, the one that will never fail me...my dog Harley Daniel. Peace

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people want to know....

2008-12-14T08:27:00.000-08:00

What can I say, I have been blessed more than I could ever ask for. I have met friends from here to there. I have come in contact with some great opportunities that were just plain open doors. My "contemporary zen like oasis" apartment have been featured in 2 different decorating magazines. I have been in 2 movies filmed in Chicago as walk ons-just a passer by and no speaking. I also was approached to be a another walk on for 2 sitcoms, one was ER. It was during the time when I was looking to move here. It was one month before moving date arrived. The most exciting one, was that exact same weekend, I was not planning on being filmed on the reality drama called -Airplane on Bravo.

I have been to the president of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus 6 level all glass house in Lake Geneva Wisconsin. I saw the taping of Ellen, and Oprah's Olympic Welcome to Chicago party at Millennium Park. I witnessed the St Patricks Day dying of the river, watched the Macy's Day Thanksgiving parade, was on the same sand volleyball court to watch the Men's Volleyball Association film a weekend competition here on a beautiful summer day. I just did a 1time walk on passer by for the new A&E show debuting in January with Patrick Swayze call the Beast, it was fun. I had the pleasure to witness the acceptance speech to the President Elect Obama, a history making event.

Now that brings me to my friends and Family. Thank you to all that have made and 'attempted to make" the journey to visit me in Chicago , my new home for many years to come. Great things are happening in my life, and I'm always excited to meet new people and for ones that just need to see a fresh and new kind of relationship with One that can only crave the urge that is deep with in.
I'm not perfect but keeping accountable with my best friend (who is also a pastor-yikes) always keeps my relationship with God a fresh and new. I have been to some amazing evangelical churches from Omaha, to California, to Florida, to Moscow Russia, to Calcutta India and to Europe. I'm convinced that so far my favorite is Willow Creek Community Church under the direction/leadership of Bill Hybels. I'm so blessed that I can brag that I'm going to the #One Most Influential Church in America.
I have had some good times, great memories, and many more to come. I have been reading, praying, contemplating and awaiting the day where I can feel comfortable enough to say this. I belive my best days are ahead of me in 2009. Im going to go into a little hibernation for awhile. Im not leaving, not turning a deaf ear, or mad or pissed off at anyone. I just belive that I need to take time for myself, slow down a little and absorb into who wants me to be absorbent with. Im going to be outdoors more, riding my bike, runnning with my dog, writing my book I started this year. I have been getting more comfortable wih my new life and I have been wanting to give back to my community. I have started volunteering at a non-profit organization called TPAN. I begin in Jan at taking classes to learn how to counsel people coming to get tested and give out the test. Im really looking forward to partnering with this great organizaion in Chicago and start to plug in to this great community.

Im looking to get at a more core centerned being with my Creator, always more of God and less of me and my ramblings are a good thing. Check in often, and get ready to see more BIG things on the horizon for this guy. Im back and ready for Chicago like none other.

Have a great Christmas, and Happy and growing in 2009!

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mourning my loss... Happy 10 years! Daily robbery?

2008-11-29T08:34:00.000-08:00

Its still technically thanksgiving weekend, but its really over already for me. I had 3 days off and it was a good time to reflect for me. Ten years ago this weekend was the last time I saw my mother alive. I still remember it like it was yesterday. For some odd reason (now I know why), I could not stop hugging and kissing my mom. We just held each other for a long time. I tried to leave several times, by literally getting in the car, and I would put in park and get back out, run in and love on her for a few minutes longer. The drive home was very emotional for me, I was confused, but I knew the time might be approaching.

This weekend has been hard, but also refreshing. I'm also celebrating my 10 year spiritual birthday that occurred this upcoming Sunday night. My best friend in Omaha, has already called to wish me a happy birthday. It literally blew me away. I also have already called my b/f at the time, who walked me thru the prayer of confession of my only need of a savior that could out surpass my every need to go on thru life. That Sunday night was written in stone and I'm eternally grateful for God placing Curtis Stalnaker in my life path.

So now I ask you and of course myself, where in the heck did 10 year go? This week has been a bit quiet, mommy and my other daughter Jasmine went back home to see the family in Virginia, they got back home last night.
Wednesday could of been a really bad day, but I guess you could say that "the Man" was looking out after me. Some guy came up behind me and robbed me. I didn't see it coming, but the only good thing out of the whole bad situation was, all he wanted was my subway sandwich, and that's what he got. All I could envision while kind of chuckling underneath my breath was... seeing that Seinfield episode where "Jerry" grabbed that rye bread out of the old ladies hand and ran down the sidewalk without, it bouncing every direction. That's basically what happened to me, so if your ever in my area, hold on to your sandwich, b/c they is a subway bandit out on the loose. lol

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Your already pulling that "card?"

2008-11-23T08:10:00.000-08:00

Well I'm still trying to get adjusted to the Windy City way of life here in Chicago. This last week all of downtown and the mag mile has been busy with getting the final touches all ready for the big Tree Lighting Ceremony that takes place the last weekend before Thanksgiving week. It starts with a big event at 10am and theres tons of things going on all day. The ceremony begins at 6pm with Micky Mouse turning on all the lights at once.

This week I have noticed the downtown just transforming into Christmas decorations, very impressive I must say. Well the weather for the last 3 days has been really cold, so Katrina and I decided lets opt to watch it on TV. The place was packed, they closed down the whole mag mile south to the Trump Hotel and they have marching bands, floats, a huge parade and they really kinda went all out for this. Very cool, but too cold 4 us.

I can say that Hyde Park is definitely on the map and the African American community is going crazy over it all. People are selling buttons, hats, jackets, maps and of course his picture is all over it. So that brings me to my next topic of discussion which I'm sure will get me in trouble.

OK, let's get this all out in the open. I'm all for equal rights, white, black, Asian, catholic, baptist, whatever. I believe God wants us all to be joyful and happy, yes even if a person chooses to love the same sex. It's their choice. Now that you already have the first ever African American president elect starting on Jan 20, I have just one question. Can you please at least wait until he is in the role of president before you pull the black card? I mean cm on, it's not even thanksgiving and your already, ALREADY pulling that frickin card. People your not that ignorant, stop it.
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BREAKING NEWS>>>You up 4 a SEX CHALLENGE...

2008-11-17T09:28:00.000-08:00

from Ed Young, well if not then you were at the wrong church at the right time?. They started a new series this weekend for married couples to have 7 Days of Sex to strengthen their marriage. You gotta see it to belive it, but of course the media went crazy over it. I think it's awesome, more exposure for the church.!

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Election week is a wrap...

2008-11-08T20:38:00.000-08:00

and thank God for that. After we have had a solid 2months of a earth shattering fallouts in the financial system, this week was stressful, but am glad the "better man got in."

I think Tuesday November 4, 2008 will go down for me as one of the most memorial, and a proud member of a living group of radical thinkers, who decided to stop the influence of republicans ruling our society and government officials with the attempt to influence with money.

I decided at the last minute we would go down there, it was electricifing, the whole 5 mile stretch of downtown was packed with millions of people in the streets, jumping around in excitement that our next president is from Chicago and change is in order. Didn't get home till 2am, up at 3am to go to work at Starbucks Sears Tower.
Wednesday was the day the country began to feel the winds of change coming soon. Security around downtown was highly beefed up, the night was ushered in with sky rise buildings spelling out OBAMA with their window blinds, the banners were already getting hung Wednesday morning when I was going to work at 4am.
The week flew by with always a slight gasp of breath filled with the rest of my lung capacity could only hold-of excitement. I witnessed people even on Friday were stilling chanting O B A M A in different neighbor hoods, people were still high fiving people on the streets, like after a cubs game, this city is so proud and proved it, with 2 million who showed for OBAMA's acceptance speech. People were crying, because we can say we witnessed history in the making, our first African American president and I'm proud to be living in Chicago, a city none like any other.

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Is the world ending soon??? **BREAKING NEWS FROM FC

2008-10-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but good thing I shave my head every other day, because after these last 2 weeks, I would have pulled my hair out of my head. Some think it might be the Armageddon era, I'm not sure. I might be a Christ follower, but I still need money to live, breath, and work. I just don't think $$$$ is going to start falling out of the sky from God, call me crazy, but life is going to be really hard for the next 2 years. So with that said, happy 1 year fricking anniversary to Chicago. I could write a book just on this first year alone. I have a lot of people who read this blog, and my myrealworld.blogspot.com. I have been getting tons of questions, wondering how I'm dealing with all this credit and the markets going down the toilet. I have 4 good friends in the "whole stock market" family, and they all agree, "its not good Randall, it's not good at all. People have no clue as to how bad this economy is going to get in a couple of months." I will tell you my presidential vote as the time gets closer.

Even though I did move out of Dallas, my love 4 fellowshipchurch.com will never waiver, or change and of course this church is moving and a shaking and is making waves.

So with that being said, I have breaking news...Senior Pastor Ed Young "It's not every day that you get the opportunity to share the gospel with an "adult film" star. But that's exactly what happened to me recently. It was an amazing encounter that I believe God used in a very powerful way. I wanted you to get a chance to hear the whole story and see last week's service at "Face to-Face With a Porn Star. In August a new reporter from Entertainment Tonight watched a episode Ed Young TV about Sex before Marriage called "Sexual Revolution. It was a powerful series, that I sat under right before I moved to Chicago. Check it out, It's a Life Saver.

I have been able to get a hold of this years Christmas and C3 conference on video live from FellowshipChurch.com YOU won't belive these videos, check them out here
>>>C3 conference attendee video<<< >> 2oo8 Christmas Opener at FC<< >Last video, professionally edited in hourse<
The point of the church, to be creative, innovative, and facing the real issues of life.
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How 2 deal with people...

2008-09-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

that you don't understand, trust, believe or care to be associated with. Well its complicated, not easy and it goes something like this.
I'm getting ready to celebrate my first year anniversary in a month, its been a long year. I have been mis-guided, taken advantage, burned many bridges, but the hard part is, if its with close friends and family, what do you do. I'm struggling to be able to trust the people that I should be able to trust, that have been in my life for a long time. This past weekend I was stood up over 6times, now any ordinary person would say screw them, not me. Yea I was definitely pissed, but when your dealing with people close to you, its not that easy.

I have been dealing with friend that I have learned so much about myself that when the red flags go up, what should you do, I dare not put up my white flag, because I'm not a weak person that gives up that easy. This person is so stubborn, always right, very liberal, close minded and only her opinion matters, which all others is ignored. I'm learning that some peoples ignorance is just beyond hope or help. I'm not that type of person to walk away from a good debate, but when they think your so wrong, that they only can kick you out, because they are so mad, what do you do?? That is where im at....

WillowCreek.org Facebook myspace.com/randypaulthompson

Asian Invasion 2 the Windy City

2008-08-23T22:40:00.000-07:00

Well, how would I possibly explain this vacation, in comparsion to the last time Shane came to visit me, but it was in Dallas, lets go back shall we.

Summer of 2007, I was getting ready to make my big move that next spring, I was finally getting out of depression and of course the doctors had me heavily medicated. My close tight knit family of friends all got in a huge fight of course in the car, continued into the restaurant, outside (cause we got kicked out), and down thru the streets of downtown Dallas, and Shane witnessed it first hand. When we are all together and been drinking (can we say, where is a MTV camera crew when you want one) we have major drama. We had a few fist fights, pushing, slapping, lots of tears, punching, name calling, drunken peeps thinking they can run home, 30 miles away no less. Shane met my very unique and diverse group of friends and mixed really well with them, and who can forget all the wardrobe changes. In just one day, we had 4 wardrobe changes, that's a lot of clothes to be hauling around in your trunk, no less with my dog in the backseat.

However, on this new excursion to the Windy City in August of 08, oh how the winds bring change. Let me get out the only negative comment first, Shane prefers FellowshipChurch.com over Willow, oh well you cant win them all.
This time he didn't have to help paint my apartment or help me put away my apt after getting back from IKEA and buying over $2,000 of stuff for my apt. Last but not least, we wern't on a agenda, well kinda, but not like my normal, "were behind in our schedule-screw it."
This vacation required only 2 wardrobe changes in one day. One of my bestee had her birthday early in August and we had a huge 2 day party for her, which they got along really well. We had a beach birthday bbq bash at the lake, in which our friend Geoffrey Carlson came and hung out. This time we had no car to tool us around, so lots of riding the trains, buses, a rental car,went to Oprah's fav pizza place for drinks when he got in, tour around the neighborhood and many pictures to be taken and lots of margaritas, it does get hot in Chicago!

I think I drove my personal assistant crazy the last two days before he came, one day alone on Wednesday we had scheduled for both dogs and both of our apts, a cleaning company to come in 2 both of our places, both dogs to the groomers, both apts got sprayed for bugs, and both of us worked that day. I was glad to be able to take 5 days off, I had worked 48 days straight with no day off. So yes, that is why I hired a p.a. im that damn busy. It sucks.
WillowCreek.org Facebook myspace.com/randypaulthompson

a sneak peek @ the Creek...

2008-07-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

This beginning of this summer has been intense, this city knows how 2 party, that is forsure. My summer schedule of people coming to visit me, is kinda busy. My parents will be here for a weekend visit to the Creek on July 12-15. Shane Kardell will be here at the end of July for a 5 day visit, Derrick one of my bf from Dallas will be here for Labor Day weekend for 5 days.

Willow had their biggest yearly baptism kick off, and it was amazing to see 722 people making an outward expression to their new faith in the 10 acre lake.

Willow Creek kicked off this summer with their new web page, It looks great. Here is the latest stage set designs for May and June @ the Creek.

"And it goes something like this..."

2008-06-11T10:30:00.001-07:00

I have had alot of people asking me for a while what I think on some issues in the news. I have been wanting to start this new little segment I will title as, "And it goes something like this..."

Oh where, oh where do I begin. I am very interested in our new president. So far the race has been very interesting of how some of them have skirted around certain issues. Now, that the Clinton biaatch is gone, im definetly turning to being a democrat. I know shocking as it is, that is what it is. Im really rooting for Obama!

Well I think that California is going to be the new hotspot for new couples. I am shocked that the new ruling got overturned. Gay marriage hum, for me I don't think marriage is remotely close to stepping into my back yard. Im glad America is finally waking up to the fact there are people out there that just want the same rights as everybody else. As a good friend once told me "We love everybody!" from jenny&matthew smith.

This last month we have had over 100 shooting, just on one 48 hour weekend we had over 27 shootings. What the hell is going on with people, it is really crazy and getting out of hand. Im very careful and am always aware of my surroundings, but you never know when you are going to have to "hit the deck."

Do You HAVE ONE MONTH 2 LIVE?

2008-05-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

This past month at WillowCreekCommunityChurch.org has been one of the best church moment experiences in my life. One of my all time favorite mega-churchs, in north Houston is FellowshipoftheWoodlands.org. Senior pastor of Fotw, Kerry Shook was the guest speaker this past weekend at the Creek. Kerry & Chris wrote this book ONE MONTH TO LIVE...30 DAYS TO A NO-REGRETS LIFE. It was a very intense weekend service that got you thinking...that is forsure.

The message was a good challenge to look at your life and start living it like it was your last month to live. What would you change and how would you look at your fellow family and friends around you, to let them know how they have changed your life.

The Best birthday ever...

2008-05-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

just not to thrilled about turning 35. Thursday May 1st at 2pm I picked up my best friend Matthew Smith at Midway Airport, and headed back to my place to dump off his stuff. We had a quick couple of killer margaritas at Caesars in boys town. We had a really good deep talk while waiting for our other good friend Geoffrey Carlson. Checked out his new place a nice dinner and the rest is history. It was probably one of the biggest weekends, Tom, Kate, & baby Surri were in town taping with Oprah, the Kentucky derby & Cinco De Mayo was on this exact same weekend. I enjoyed tons of singing phone calls, emails, presents from my Starbucks gang and of course everybody else closest to me. Last but not least, Ellen DeGeneres was in town taping her first ever in the Windy City. Getting to see her up close was a dream come true.
At the Willow Creek, this past weekend I had a real God moment where He confirmed to me that I was in the right city and place in time in my life. The president of the WillowCreekAssociation.com was the guest speaker and he told us of his miraculous past summer vacation where him and his son were almost killed in Ba ha California. The miracle when they got "RESCUED" was the theme of the weekend service. God has definitely confirmed to me in that service that, He RESCUED me and brought to a much better time in my life, now living in Chicago, which I really love.

Too close 4 comfort with the Family.

2008-04-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

Where do I begin, I love Chicago, and my life here is just about as happy as I could wish for. Spring is definetly here, the tulips are in bloom, my 35th birthday is around the corner and well I just about came too close to death this past weekend, that is a little freaky.

Starbucks is going really good, my district manager of the loop had lunch with my store manager and I. It was a unofficial interview and "let me know why you are here in Chicago, working for Starbucks and where do you see yourself in 5 years". One thing is forsure I wont be living here in the U.S. that is forsure.
We celebrated with 5 other people, David Kellys little brother getting his ankle braclet off and so we went to my first Chicago Cubs game. We started partying at 10am on Friday April 17th. We started tailgating around noon outside of Wrigley Field and then ended at my place.

Willow Creek Community Church is probaly one of my best choices in getting involved with a mega church. I'm really enjoying the realness I am getting to know with my senior pastor Bill Hybels. This past week of Wednesday thru Friday my dad and sisters came to celebrate my birthday. Dad and I went to new community at the Creek, we both enjoyed it very much. We took a river boat cruise as a present for dads birthday which was April 23, and my sisters and I all stayed together at my place for the first time.
My best friend Matthew Smith gets in Thursday May 1st and leaves Saturday night, we will be going to the 2nd annual Looptopia. The next weekend after that my girl Sammy will be getting in for the weekend.
This past weekend we had a couple close calls, my sisters and I escaped the Chinatown/Cermak trainstation that a semi crashed into Friday afternoon at 520pm. Saturday morning this lady and I were getting ready to cross the street, I waited, she didnt and she got splatted by a city truck. A little too close for comfort.

Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter

2008-03-22T18:40:00.001-07:00

I am really trying to change my life and let you see the change, other than hear it. I finished observing for lent, and decided to give up what I gave up for lent. Katrina and I went to see the dying of the river and the St. Patricks Day parade. The day was great. Now it is time to celebrate how life became abundant to us sinners. I love easter, and I love the fact Im going to see my 1 Christmas & Easter services. It snowed all day on Friday and my sister in Kenosha got a foot of snow, so she couldnt ride the train down to visit me to day. Im going to the 9am Easter service and cant wait. I have massage appt at 2pm and then dinner with Katrina at a free buffet. YEA

"Ross", Not a Tranny?,Spring where r U?...

2008-03-03T18:08:00.000-08:00

I cant get over how time changes your life. I had 5 great years in Texas, but where did it go, it really flew by, that is for sure. I have been in Chicago already almost 6 months this April 3. I remember back when I was a little kid coming to the "Big City that never sleeps son-CHICAGO-THE WINDY CITY" is what my dad always said. My heart still skips a beat thinking about that, cause I'm doing it, my dream has come true.
I have this picture I got from my Chicago & Omaha best friend Geoffrey C. Believe & Succeed- Courage Does Not Always Roar. SOMETIMES, It IS The Quiet Voice At The End Of The Day Saying, "I Will Try Again Tomorrow." I have been really focusing on that these last couple of weeks, hard weeks.

Let me tell you about my area. One place I go to is Hamburger Marys. A cute little diner with all kind of peeps you can imagine. The favorite server by far is this transsexual and she is so funny, there 2 different tables of lesbians, 3 tables of gay guys, a family with 2 dads and there 2 boys and one straight family and younger couple. Your probably asking yourself why I told you all that, I love this city, it is so laid back, caring, compassionate, accepting, keep to themselves. But on the other hand, the city is still conservative, judgemental, rude, and private. The best decision I have made so far.

I wanted to wait, but 2 weeks ago, I met Ross from FRIENDS, yes David Schimmer was in front of me at a Starbucks on Rush street. He rocks, then that afternoon, I met Jerry Springer, way chill kind of guy. On Monday the next week I met Stedman Graham the boy friend of OPRAH WINFREY!!!
I have met my new roommate and we are moving into our new place this September a lil bit closer to the Loop/Downtown Chicago. We are living in a great gay community that is 3X3 mile radius of the 2nd largest gay community in the nation. We just want to be closer to all the action and that is downtown Chi-town.
One thing that really disturbed me was the other day this lady was getting out of the bus and started calling our bus driver a racist f*%$ing asshole. The middl eastern driver was dumbfounded. You could tell he had no clue what happened, but I had to eventually kick her out of the bus. She had a few screws loose upstairs. My parents always brought me up to build someone up higher than when you met them. So I was walking off the bus, and " I told him not to worry about that lady, she was mental bro, your an awesome person, and have a great day."
I am trying to really do a good deed for people at least on time a week. Enjoy the beginning of spring!!

Happy Super Fat Tuesday...

2008-02-05T13:19:00.000-08:00

Well how could we be so lucky, fat tuesday and super tuesday falling on the same day, ironic isn't it?? Ya know, I have been talking to my friends and family more and they all say with a resounding "hell ya", that I am doing much better here in Chicago. I am so much more happier, calmer, more relaxed and free to be just me. I am not living for my dad anylonger. I am living for me RANDY PAUL THOMPSON from now on, if anybody still doesn't like it, or may not agree with it, you know where you can stick it.

NO particular order...Here are few things in my life I love here in chicago..
seeing my God in a whole new light, that I didn't think would be possible.
long walks on the beach and boadwalk with my dogs.
being able to enjoy all 4 seasons.
being alone in the stillness and serenity on my rooftop deck staring into Lake Michigan.
having 5 good gay neighbors that are now friends of mine. ( we watch each others dogs!)
a unique and political stance without being judged.
having 2 workout partners. YES!
no longer owning a car, as to not keep poluting the envirnoment, (much cheaper, also).
a great church that is committed into building relationships with in the community!
closer to friends and my famuly.

My life is definetly changing much for the better dogs, snake, friends, church and my insanity level as dropped now to more of a sane, calm, and stable person in this wonderful community.

I have been trucking along in life and trying to take in all that I can with what God has blessed me with. Started a new bible study with a new friend from Wichita Kansas, that has about the same exact background. Great guy, my store manager at Starbucks is a beliver, so I always have her on my side. Last but not least, GO VOTE PEOPLE. Change is in the air!

You want 2 look back at 2007...

2008-01-02T19:35:00.000-08:00

Not me, but what the hell, lets go for it. 2007 for me was a good year for growth, but boy was it painful. Luckily I had a good doctor that got me on some depression medication that changed my life for the better. I was in a relationship with a younger christian friend that ultimately helped put me into a psych ward in Jan. I knew and so did all of our friends what was really going on. Now in the back of my mind, we were just friends, but it sure didn't look that way. Alot of lies, deception, manipulation and a cold heart that Satan had a hold of, is the only way that I could even begin to describe my end to this friendship that started good with David Thompson, but ended horribly.
Basically, I had to cut ties with him, and he was the one to do it, hard-yes. I look back and when I thought he was going to visit me in the psych ward, and I get out early, only to find him in MY BED with his girlfriend, that was the final straw. It was the best decision I could of ever made considering you can't really blame him, considering his parents are completely to blame for what kind of fake "supposed Christian family" they claim to be as they had no disregard as to me letting them and the world know what kind of son, they ended up with-FAKE. I only pray for this family and hope I would never ever cross paths with them considering how heartless they really are. Don't continue to help people that really don't want to be helped or to help themselves. YOUR WAISTING YOUR TIME.

Second worst decision of my life for 2007-continuing to work at a place that was started as a disaster, that kept on spiraling downward. I moved to Chicago with a new fresh start on Oct 3, 2007-the best decision I made. I still remember one of my Texas moms words of advice, Randall go start your life over, God is giving you a new fresh start. I only ever plan on staying in a place for around 5 years, and I did cut it short by 7 months, but when God opens the door. YOU better run through it.

I miss Fellowshipchurch.com, brad davies, TGIFriday crew, johnny, a few peeps at Blue Mesa, debbie provence, mike the morman, Szami, mark, and of course my best friend the whole time I was in Texas - derrick wuistinger. It was hard to leave and I still shed a few tears once in a while, but all in all, 2 many fake ass people in Texas, that supposedly care, not about you, but what they can get out of you.

Not by my choice or knowledge of it, but I am living in one of the largest gay communities in the U.S in Chicago, it is a 3x3 mile radius that needs Jesus, who doesn't right? Your probably asking yourself as to why Chicago? One of my best friends from Omaha is here Geoffrey Carlson and his man, and my sisters are closer to me now, Kenosha and Minneapolis. Of course I always need and want more God in my life, http://www.willowcreekcommunitychurch.com/ is now my new home church. IN 2007, it was ranked the #1 Most Influential Church in America-enough said.

Now, don't ya'll jump to conclusions, even though I really don't care what anyone thinks of me anymore. So with that being said, I love it here, for most people being gay in Chicago is really no big deal. People don't come out of the closet here, because that is so 90's ago, but just being you, is one of the best things that I could of ever ran into here. I am loved, accepted, not judged, and not scared to speak my mind, or be the man of God I know He wants me to be. I hate labels and my new "Chicago best friend" Gio, is one of the most amazing human beings I could ask for in a friend. He is so encouraging to me, to just be honest, open, and screw what ever anybody else thinks, he continually reminds me to only be concerned with my most favorite relationship I have-with GOD. He at times has given me the shirt off his back, literally, he daily makes me aware that I am loved even if at times I only feel it by GOD.

So you are probably asking yourself by now, what is up? I have no answer for you, if you want to put a label on me, put me in a box, stereotype me into a lower class than what ever you call normal, well sorry, but screw OFF. I certainly don't need your friendship and I am glad that I am finally getting to know the real me, I would hope you would continue on with me in my journey as I am finding that life is definitely worth living to the fullest here in Chicago-the north side.

It's getting cold. Ready for the Red Carpet?

2007-11-29T10:52:00.000-08:00

Surprisingly enough we have only had 1 lite snow here in Chicago. My time here has been pretty good. I have made some new friends and already had to let go of some bad ones. I refuse to hang out with fake ass people who lie, cheat, and manipulate.

My time at Willow Creek has been awesome, nothing like Fellowshipchurch.com but pretty darn close. Just as I'm getting settled into the Creek, Mike Breaux announced he is transitioning into the sister church Willow planted a year ago in Rockford ILL. He will be missed. Thanksgiving was spent with the my sister Debra and her family. It was our first ever Thanksgiving. Victoria will join us in Kenosha for Christmas. Harley my dog loved her first ever snow storm. She loved rolling around in the snow. David Kelly is a really good friend who we are now meeting on a weekly basis for lunch on Wednesday.

Lets roll out the red carpet, bring on the DJ's, and of course get ready for the flash bulbs. The newest and hottest gay club will have their "hard opening" Friday December 7. This VIP event will be an event you don't want to miss in the gay district called "Boystown. You don't want to miss this event, so come out an support one of my best friends Geoffrey Carlson as he has been promoted to the Bar manager of this new venture. The place to be is Scarlet, see you there. Yes, I will be there, I'm V I P, biiootchh.
living for an audience of ONE...

Getting settled into Chicago, baby!

2007-10-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

Getting settled into CHICAGO, baby!

Well it's official, I LOVE CHICAGO. It is awesome, people are great and I'm out of the dirty south and glad to be back in the Midwest. It took 3 days to move and travel a normal 15 hour ride in a uhaul, but I kept getting stopped by those darn cops. It was definitely hard saying goodbye to my friends but well worth it. Harley my dog loves it here in a small sky rise of 13floors. We have around 50 dogs in the building or so, her friends are limit less. We go have a meal on the rooftop deck and watch the boats everyday,also we go to the beach, and a dog park or dog beach everyday. On Oct. 14, she turned 1years old, and my sister Debra & aunt Andrea with some others from around the building made it to her birthday party. While at church she jumped up and ate all of her birthday cake, oh well what can you do, she even had a short visit from Geoffrey Aaron Carlson aka the Artist who is one of my bestees from Omaha. Love you
I realized that living my 5 years down in Texas has kinda instilled in me a little racist stance at times, that will not be happening here in Chicago. My last person to give me hug and send me off my was my friend of color Charles, and the first one to help me move in was another person of color-Hector. After the 3rd time of him offering to help me unload my uhaul, i took him up on his offer, and we immediately started up conversation and we realized we both have a Nebraska connection. He lived his only two worst years of his life married and living in Grand Island Nebraska. Poor guy. He works with cars and paints/maintenance. We have hung out almost everyday these past 3 weeks. I know some of you may look down on me for this one, but I really don't give a crap. I found a bar you can bring your dog into. I love it and so does Harley. I have met some friends Geo and his Spanish German Shepard named Toro, and also Rob and Sascha with their two pugs. We hang all the time and the dogs get along really good. I am still looking for a job, and hopefully will be landing one real soon.
living for an audience of ONE...

Moving in with ELIZABETH TAYLOR in Chicago!!

2007-09-23T15:24:00.000-07:00

living for an audience of ONE...
When you read that opening statement of my usual closing to the current blog, what comes to mind. Let me tell you my version.

I moved here from Omaha, with a quick stint in Vegas and this Thanksgiving of 2007 will mark a 4 year investment into one of the fastest growing mega church's around... fellowshipchurch.com Dallas and FC has changed my life, I am eternally grateful to the people I did meet that would allow me to have what ever influence I had on them and many have thanked me for my "invaluable commitment to friendship, in which we will never find in another person like yourself, you will be undoubtedly missed."

With those wonderful comments, I will bow, and take a good long breath with a sigh of satisfaction that I was able to take over 80 people to a worship service like they have never experienced...http://www.blogger.com/www.fellowshipchurch.com/splash/. I found a place on the 3rd day this past week. God is definitely orchestrating this whole move to Chicago. Nobody ever finds a place in less than a month. I am 4 miles north of downtown Chicago or the "Loop", 2 blocks from the lake and 1 mile from a dog beach. I'm moving to the new up and coming Edgewater/Andersenville area. Great community that I am moving into. YOU know us Thompson's when we do anything, its always REAL BIG. This old Hilton hotel that was converted into apartments was previously owned by the one and only ELIZABETH TAYLOR, so with that being said, I got an awesome apartment and I owe it all to Geoffrey Carlson, who found this awesome place only 5 train stops north of him. THX geoff!

So Monday and Tuesday I will begin to pack, this upcoming Wednesday September 26 I fly to Omaha, for my 15 year class reunion, Sunday night fly back. Monday & Tuesday pack and load trailer and pull out that Wednesday morning at 5am, never to look back and hoping to pull into Chicago by 3pm on October 3 with a smile on face and my dog harley's.

I have learned lots of things here in my time, some good, some bad. My experience over all has been somewhat positive, but I had my fair share of trials. I have become really critical, a little on a racist stance, and very pro me, and that is not what Christ would have me live like. Not everybody in the DFW area is fake and materiallistic but a good fair share is and they don't even realize it. ***FOR ALL MY fake so called friends, get real, quit being so fake and phony like a $4 dollar bill. Live life like no one is watching, and if the earth is your playground or stage. The only 1 watching that matters is the one who continues to give you life...God is the only audience I live for. Goodbye Texas...hello to Chapter 3 of my new life in Christ, in the "Windy City Chicago" here I come."READY?? :)

Summer of 2007 Rethinking Jesus Naked...

2007-08-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

Well I'm back...this summer I decided to take a step back and examine my life and really ask myself why am I here?, am I of influence to people? So I stopped my life in the real world of journaling for the summer...a little sabbatical to step back and realize Ineed2change.com. God has been keeping my busy with me counseling a few couples, and of course trying to let people see in my life of me trying to real in a really fake world.

I really learned a lot of over the summer, and I will try and fill you in on the jam packed summer which was unforgettable. Please don't start singing...lol. Ed Young my senior pastor from Fellowship has been gone traveling on speaking engagements since May 15. He is back this weekend with a prelude mini-series, called "The HOUSE".

MARK YOUR CALENDARS ))) 09-08-07 a very significant weekend in the life of fellowshipchurch.com. It's going to be the biggest series ( people are all ready talking about this one, nation wide,) we have ever done only 2nd to the Just Lust series. The t.v. commericals are getting ready to air, the banners for all the buildings are made, the interstate billboards are getting ready to be hung, and they just finished a massive flier/mailing invite. I am just waiting for Ed to call me personally to invite me to the kick off (we do things in the bulk down south!)Why I say that is this past month for the 2nd year in a row FellowshipChurch.com was voted "Most Influential Church" in the Nation. All I can say to that is go God!

I have had one major event per month starting this past April and running through Christmas. April for Easter Kim&Jeff Fornoff along with Shane Kardell, Cheryl Reineke and her man Jeff spent 5 fun fill days with me and went to church with me. May I had a huge birthday bash and a another friend came for 4 days.

June I had two wedding and a graduation to attend, July Shane Kardell came down and met my dis function family for 5 days(can you say drama?). August we all went camping in PottsVille Texas and I just got back from hanging out my pops, seeing Nan & Papa in the nursing home, also the Fries family reunion this summer was in Branson we all enjoyed chillin and catchin up over 15 years.

The last weekend of September I am back in Omaha which I have been gone from for 3 years. WOW. I have my 15 year class reunion and seeing all the change happening in the Big O. October my father and he is best friend will be visiting me in the end of October.

Thanksgiving this year I will be spending with my extended dis functional family AND with my sisters in Kenosha Wisconsin, and Christmas and New Years will be spent somewhere in the heart of Mexico. Una Mos Cervaza Porfavor!!!

This rainy summer has also been filled with the drama that comes with these crazy friends. A bar fight, getting strangled on fathers day, 2nd bust for mary jane in the car for my friend who I had to bail out again,(NOT ME) a knock down drag out fight in the middle of downtown Dallas with the drunks, and last but not least...

I am a father for the 2nd time again. Yes it will be the last, but this 8 month old bundle of Joy has brought me to loving kids again. She is a wonderful addition to the Thompson Family and dad met her last weekend and fell in love with her. He name is Harley and she is a 25pd Doxson, Rottweiler, beagle, basset hound. She has brought life back into the family.

Well to say the least I have been busy, but I forsure know that what I have learned this summer is far greater than anything a school will teach you. What God has been teaching me is to "Honor God, Love people". It is not easy, but the rewards have been a blessing to my life. I had to let go of some people in my life, that just didnt want to be helped. The biggest loser that I didn't want to say goodbye to was David Thompson. This kid has issues that I pray no one has to encounter them before he stops fighting with God and giving up and dying to himself. You cant help a person who is a fake, lying, deceiving, manipulative "so called christian" who cant even tell his own parents, pastor, youth pastor, or friends the truth. PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS KID, he has alot of growing up to do, and it ultimately almost cost me my life. Enough on that subject.

living for an audience of ONE...

Mexico Bound for my Birthday:)

2007-05-01T17:56:00.000-07:00

Well it is the day before my birthday, and I am getting ready to go to Mexico with a really close friend from work named Pablo. He is 35 and has 6 kids and is from the town of Cuernavaca Mexico which is 50 miles from Mexico City. I leave at 145pm and he left today. I am little nervous, but really ready for a nice vacation. It has been a hard first month of being the bar manager/asst. GM, but I think over all, I have done really good. Managing people is not easy that is for sure. I have been there since it has opened, and I think people respect me. So far in the first month let alone first week, I have had to fire one person, (which I totally enjoyed, just cause I am an ass****), and I had to hire a new girl. This weekend at FC, I went with Shelly, her husband John couldn't make it, and they were talking about walking through the right doors to avoid divorce..

living for an audience of ONE...

Whats Going down in the Garage weekend? Happy 420:)

2007-04-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

Well today is 4:20, its a national holiday for some, and just another day for most. I of course celebrated it in full grand fashion. As I sat back with my friends and realized that I had my silly little perma-grin going, I began to laugh. I was thinking, it has been a really hard week for me, but extremely life changing for some. How can someone, wake up and decide to flip out and began to take another persons life. The Virginia Tech massacre is such a sad reality of how people that I even know, don't take life serious enough to destroy someone elses. It is very sad. I would sad indeed.
Well, I miss my friends that came down to visit me. Here is a little break down of who did what, who did who, and all that juicy jazz gossip. Thirsty Thursday was a huge success, which entangled 15 people, playing drinking games in my apt. Friday morning we enjoyed a nice massage, and then went into Dallas to check out the scene, downtown, west end, where they filmed Dallas from the 80's, we shot 9mm baby squirrels(which are guns, no we didnt shoot squirrels) at a shooting range.
Saturday was spent in Ft. Worth, meeting my girl Karla at the zoo, checking out the art scene, the cattle drive at Historic Stockyards, and then off to Sundance Square for a surprise concert with Trace Atkins and of course lots of beer, laughs, and the downtown water falls that just reopened. The concert was the main surprise, along with Ryan trying to be young again, and doing a complete face plant after jumping off a high ledge, oh to be young again??

Sunday, we woke up and went to church, then we dropped off Kimmie and Jeff at the airport. Cheryl, Ryan, and I went to the blue mesa Addison for an awesome free Sunday brunch and then off to the Texas Motor Speedway to check out all the rednecks tailgating. Monday morning was not too hard waking up from $2.00 Texas beers at one of my favorite bars the Flying Saucer. I ran them to the airport and then I was off to work. It was an awesome time, and I was able to meet Cheryl's boytoy Ryan, which I think will fit in just fine in the group that has more drama for their momma's. Peace, I m out.
living for an audience of ONE...

Going down "in the Garage" weekend...

2007-04-12T04:58:00.000-07:00

has been a success. The gang made it in safe and sound Thursday night at 730pm, but we did have to wait for the baggage for 30 minutes, which sucked. Cheryl played a joke on me and told me that Ryan didn't come because they got in a huge fight and bailed out. When we almost got to the baggage claim, he all of sudden mysterly popped up. I got punked. Thirsty Thursday was a success.
Pictures to follow soon...
living for an audience of ONE...

Good Friday and Easter weekend in the south

2007-04-06T16:52:00.000-07:00

a huge cold front came in last night and it is a bit nippy. Easter weekend will be a bit chilly, and I know there are forecasting ran for Sunday morning, Hopefully it will pass so all the church's who have planned for a sunrise service can still do it.
People have emailed me and really want to know if I enhanced my picture on my myspace account and the answer is no. I really look that good, kids and yes the wait is melting off. Check it out for yourself if you want.http://www.myspace.com/randypaulthompson

Looking forward to having a few friends from Omaha come and visit me, you can check out my calendar of events in my life on the front of my blog spot, or check them it out here.
Tomorrow night at 5pm, I am going to just one of Fellowshipchurch.com's 17 Easter services around the metroplex. Enjoy the weekend and have a happy Easter!!
living for an audience of ONE...

April Fools weekend download...

2007-04-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

was a little uneventful, but still drama free.I'm trying to move beyond two people that were in my life, but are no longer. How does one do that? Better question how does that person go to sleep at night knowing that he is a fake, lying deceptive, manipulating bastard that only cares for himself. I guess the guilt will eat him alive. I am over past relationships, but the memories still haunt me. Does anybody have a way to get rid a manager, but not fire them, so they can't collect unemployment. Pass on the info.

This weekend at Fellowship it was supposed to be Ed Young Sr. and Ed Jr decided to do a remake version from 3 months ago as a Easter plug to invite our friends and family. Saturday night 2 friends and I went to an arena football game, that was really fun, came back to my place and chilled and threw the football.

The count down has begun, nine days till the gang is all here.

living for an audience of ONE...

Chicago will never be the same...

2007-03-19T12:49:00.000-07:00

but I guess I wont be either. Nobody knew it, but I got in a day early and hung out with a friend of mine who just graduated from mortician school and lives in the heart of Chicago. He called me Tuesday morning and said when you get in tonight, I have a little meet and greet welcome to "Chicago party" for you. He picked up at the airport and went on the train to his funeral parlor that he owns. He saved 3 fresh bodies that just came in that morning for us to work on together and I told him I was really interested into see how death works and really trying to see if I could let go of my moms passing. I pumped blood out of the one, and sawed a guys chest in half to look at his heart and lungs to see what they look like after years and years of smoking. Oh yes, by the way....we did have to have a couple of martinis and nice blunt for me to even walk down the stairs of his house which is the mortuary house. Very cool and very intriguing how life works and ends.
Wednesday I spent by myself in solitude and that night meet Geoffry Carlson and his new boyfriend and we all went out for drinks in Wrigley ville, which is where they live. The next day I literally walked all around downtown Chicago until lunch when I met my good friend David Kelly from the Upstream where we use to work together. Friday afternoon I met my sister and niece and we checked out the whole Belmont District from 3pm until 9pm. TONS OF fun.

Saturday morning we woke up and drove down to Chicago for the dyeing of the river at 1045am and then walked to Balboa street for the noon time parade.We were able to keep a little warm with our first time to a Cerality Cafe. It was the first time me and my sister Debra and I had a really good time by ourselves hanging out together. My friend Brennan Sanders that I have known since 94 came down and spent the later part of the afternoon with us and him and I took the city, just us guys. After dodging all the drunk people that were running crazy through the streets of downtown Chicago for St. Patty's Day we had a nice relaxing dinner a few too many Guinness', and then off to Bin 36 to sample some wines. One of my favorite spots in Chi-town and it is right next door to the infamous House of Blues which is right on the river. It was an awesome weekend that confirmed to me that in a year I will be living in CHICAGO. Watch out chi-town, "Big Ran is coming back to the Midwest with a little Texas heat!" Count on IT

living for an audience of ONE...

Christmas Services pictures are out...

2007-02-25T17:52:00.000-08:00

This year Fellowship took a huge step to really feed the need of Christ more in our life with a church wide fast. "Larger than Life" series was a huge success along with the famous wrestler who is a believer Hulk Hogan as co-speaker with Ed Young for this whole month. The last weekend of January we ended the series and fast with a church wide communion. The Saturday nights service was filled with a few Dallas Cowboys football players who helped out with the service. FC grapevine and Miami Florida campus gave away 2 pairs of free vip super bowl tickets with a camera crew that filmed this remarkable event the whole way.

We had a church wide "Larger than Life" new worship cd live taping and is now out and literally running off the shelves. People have been asking what the Christmas services looked like this year, check them out here. Just find Fellowship Church Gallery.
Looking forward to the next 3 days, my best friend from Omaha Matthew Smith will be in town to visit me since I have gotten out of the hospital. Matthew has been a rock and pillar of faith to keep pointing me in the direction that I always need to be moving... forward with my life. Thank you for all the time, energy, love and support you have shown me through this difficult time that you always said, "randall, your one of my best friends we will get through this, don't worry buddy, we will get through this." Friends are good God thing, that I don't take for granted.
living for an audience of ONE...

Where have I been???

2007-02-19T17:39:00.000-08:00

That is a really good question many people ask, but only few will ever know the answer?. Its hard to see life through eyes that might be a little blurred. I have been gone for a while, but I am back and gaining strength. God leads us through valleys and mountains. I am praying that it will seem like more mountains will come my way, but the valleys have been also a good learning lab and honestly a true blessing in disguise.

I know this will be a shock to most people, but I have been in a psychiatric hospital for a while, due to overwhelming life circumstances that have deemed me to check my self in and get help. It was not easy, but with the support of many friends and family behind me, it made it a lot easier. I was very thankful for all the many people who came and visited me while I was there, and made my day go a lot faster waiting for that 6pm hour each evening to come so quick with anticipation of who was out there to visit me.

living for an audience of ONE...

Kool and Gang kicks off new series at FellowshipChurch.com

2007-02-04T17:14:00.000-08:00

Fellowship kicked off a brand new series with no name, no title, just a simple smiley face kinda like the one from Walmart.
Its something that everyone wants. And we are willing to spend endless years, countless dollars and boundless energy looking for it. We think if we can just catch it, we will have it made.

But what does our search have to do with the life God wants us to live? Could it be that in our quest we have become distracted from discovering something greater?

We will see just how this plays out in our daily lives. And well learn just what it takes to stop the search and begin to actually live, "Outrageous, Contagious Joy".

It's a survival guide not to be happy, cause happines comes and goes, but to be joyful in all situations. Ed Young's new book relaease this weekend helped us kick off the new series along with the one of the singers of Kool and Gang to sing "Celebration". A very big black man came out from the glow of lights with dreads from his head and face beard, it was definetly a sight that only can happen at Fellowshipchurch.com.

living for an audience of ONE...

Welcome to the world.... Depression leaving my life...

2007-01-02T18:13:00.000-08:00

I am hoping everybody had a an awesome New Years and welcomed in 07 in with a bang. Mine was very good, I went on my first blind date in over 8 years, yea I don't get out much do I? Her name is Dawn, and she is a smoking hot blonde, age 30 years old, and she's pretty cool. We did have a good time, who wouldn't going out with me?

I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME INTO THE WORLD, TWO OF MY BEST FRIENDS WHO HAD THEIR MIRACLE BABY. CONGRATS TO michelle & randall james ON THE NEW BUNDLE OF JOY. MACIE RENEE DECEMBER 21, 2006. SHE IS 7IBS, 2 OUNCES, 19 INCHES LONG. Can' wait to see the little one in August.

Life is getting alot better for me. I still have my moments, and once in a while a down day, but it is not so bad, that life seems to have to stop for me. I am so thankful to my friends for sticking by my side. David, has been such an encouragement to my soul, who was the one who really encouaraged me to get on medication. He is such an extreme blessing to me that anything that come up in my life, he is the first one to say, "Bro, we will make it through this, I am going to be there for you, no matter what, we will take care of this, don't worry." Those phrases have been a encouragement in the down times of life. All of my friends down here, including myself have noticed a 110% change in my life with this medication. Also thank you John and Shelly Ammerman for your listening ears, advice, support and a hand in finding a really good doctor. God brought you down here to help me out a little. Thank you.

living for an audience of ONE...

A Merry Christmas...without deppression

2006-12-27T20:01:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was alot more merry since my others here in Dallas. Saturday 12-23 we had our 2nd Fellowship alumni reunion dinner. We all met for the 7pm service at FC and then went to dinner at Cantina Laredo. My two ex roommates and their wives also came with. Christmas Eve day and and Christmas Day was spent with David and his family. I picked him and his family up for church Sunday morning, and then we came back to watch his brothers while they went out to celebrate their anniversary. We all picked up the house, then went to the last Christmas service at Fellowship which was their first time. We came back for pizza and hung out and talked.

I had to work Christmas day, but then headed over to David's for another amazing turkey dinner. We then exchanged gifts between David and I , while his family watched, then watched scrooge the movie, tossed the new football around that David got me and then I had to head home.

Last night David wanted all of his best friends to hang out with him and do something adventurous. We got snacks and then headed to downtown Grapevine, Texas and started walking down the train tracks for over 4 hours till 2am in the morning. We had a really good time, lots of laughs, lots of rapping and of course David making us all feel right at home with his humor.
This Christmas was alot better. For over 10 years I have suffered from depression, it really sucks, it almost got the best of me, but I am glad for my close friends that I have call at times in the night to let them know I am not doing good. Very appreciative for David and Josh who would swing by on the way home to check up on me, and make sure I got to sleep alright before they would let themselves out. David, and Matthew Smith finally talked me into getting on medication, last Friday the doctor ran test and since I have never been on medication, it has taken affect right away. I am so glad for that, because I was starting to ruin some friendships.

Tomorrow my parents get in town, and David and I will go pick them up at the hotel and then our parents are going to hang out and go for dinner. Saturday night they will be going to FC 5pm service and then head back home, this will be dads wife first time at FC. I also remembered I have my first ever blind date this Sunday night. Yes I am nervous. It can't be to bad, I am going out with one of the "Coors Light girls" YEA

living for an audience of ONE...

Waiting for the sun to shine again...

2006-12-16T15:15:00.000-08:00

I know it is probably hard for people to imagine, but for many, many years I have been suffering from depression. It is hard to admit, but if I want my friends and family to be real, open, and honest with me, then I need to be as well. Well over 10 years, I have had depression spells through out year. However, these past two years have been really hard, and I have really tried to find my inner peace with God to continue to keep going. I know I am suppose to be here, but the voices keep telling me, that I am nothing. I know that is not true.
With the strong support and influence I have around me, I have found a doctor, and I have my first appointment this Monday at 2:30pm. Since my friend has been so on my ass to get checked out to see if I need to be on antidepressant medicine, David was the first one I called to say hey, here is when my appt is. Without hesitation, or me asking him, he said " You know I am going with you to that appt". I told him that was not necessary and he said , "YES, it is, I am one of your best friends who really cares and I want you to know, it will be OK" How cool is that, a friend needs no excuse to be a really good friend when needed, and I don't even have to ask.

Today is the passing away date of my mother Patricia Jean Thompson, I can't really believe it has been 8 years, but time does fly by. I am glad she still guides me through my day, and I know her and Christ still have a guiding hand on my life.
living for an audience of ONE...

Pearl Jam visits FC... A new past time sport

2006-12-11T15:03:00.000-08:00

This weekend at FC was amazing, Ed did a salvation message with video from one of his hunting trips to Andros Island. He did his message from the inside of a really nice fishing boat they brought out on stage. The opening song was "Life Wasted" by Pearl Jam. After the message he had an invitation for everybody who said the prayer and accepted Christ into their heart to come to the front and talk with someone. The first service must have had at least 150 people come down, it was awesome.

After the service David called to find out where I was and I met him and Joshua at the tennis courts for a quick game. We drove back to his house to change, swung over to my house to cook some food and wait for Skittlez to call so we could go meet him. David and I are starting a new sport, it is boxing, of course with full protective gear, but I will be kicking his ass in. Us 4 head over to this park at 11pm and begin to box. David and I have never, so we decided that it will be a real light match just to see how it goes. Well if you know me, about 30 sec. in I popped right into the mouth and cut his lip open, and the rest of the fight was not so light. It was really fun and we are going to be doing it 1 a week, just to get our frustrations out. This week will be kind of hard because it is the passing week of my mother and her birthday. I will end with that..

living for an audience of ONE...

7 months of change-worth it...

2006-12-06T18:38:00.000-08:00

I have been here in Texas for some time now, and 4 years to be exact have led me down a long road. My thoughts have been not a waste, but a question as to why God did you bring me here? Last night was an exclamation point on 4 good years. David Thompson led his first bible study and I was apart of history in the making. He let everybody know up front that he was given this CD on love and a friend of his tries to live out this CD, which is me. My faith was so encouraged, my spirits were lifted, my hope was restored, my vision for life was reborn. I am not perfect but if there is one thing, I try and live out is a life of love. With all of my friends that know me, one in particular has been experiencing new life with me in it, showing him what it is like to live a life of love, demonstrated through faith, hope, peace and of course lots LOVE,

Love is patient, Love is kind, Love does not envy, Love does not brag, Love is not proud, Love is not rude, Love is not self seeking, Love is not easily angered, Love does not keep a record of wrong, Love lets go of hurt, Love does not delight in evil, Love does not hurt people.
Let's go deeper shall we...
Love always protects - love covers the wrongs of the other person.
Love always trust - and believes the best in someone else.
Love always gives people the benefit of the doubt.
Love always says, "I believe in people".
Love is to risk being burned over, over, over, and over again.
Love always believes and trust in people too much.
You will believe the best out of the people you trust the most.
Love always hopes.
Love is hopelessly optimistic - Love NEVER stops hoping.
Love is not about me, but you.
Love refuses to take as failure as final.
When you love somebody, you are hoping for the best in them.
Love always goes the distance.
To Love is to risk getting burned.
When you stop loving, you have lost.
Love never dies, Love never says, "I quit", Love never says, "Im finished", Love never says, "im through", Love never says, "no more", Love never says, "I give up"
Love will never give up, it will die trying.
Without this Love, we have nothing.
The only thing that counts is Faith expressing itself in Love.
I have been burned, and burned again, but I have come to the conclusion that I don't really know how to love my God, my self, and my friends and family like I should. I desire, and deserve a heart of love. I don't want to protect myself anymore, that is selfish. I have learned without love nothing else matters. I hope this Valentines Day, your love is like the one I am longing for in my own life.
LOVING you through faith expressing itself in love. randall paul thompson
living for an audience of ONE...

Time for Thanksgiving, time for friends

2006-11-27T18:05:00.000-08:00

This weekend was exceptionally full of thanks and lots of giving. It had it ups and down, but overall, hanging out with my little brother who has turned into my bestfriend and his family has been a blessing in disguise. I had to work thanksgiving day, came home took a nap, and then headed off to David's. We played a little football, then helped with the finishing touches with getting ready for dinner. The feast was amazing. We then all loaded the van for the annual after feast bowling. Played lots of videogames with his brothers, and then headed back home for a pingpong competition between David and I.

This was the last weekend I saw my mom alive, my 4 year anniversary of coming to Dallas. Also this Sunday I celebrated my year of coming to faith with a real relationship with Christ 8 years ago. One of my other good friends JJ Junge got feeling back into his legs and is now at home back in Branson maxing and a relaxing. We had a great time as you can tell this is Joshua, one of Davids other best friends.
living for an audience of ONE...

Happy Thanksgiving... My life has been blessed

2006-11-22T20:26:00.000-08:00

Wow, can you believe that this weekend I will celebrating so many different things. Unfortunately this the last weekend that I saw my mom alive. I miss her terribly, but I know God and my mom have been guiding my paths.
This weekend I also will be celebrating my realization of my need to put my faith in God. He has created me for a purpose, and the road has been a complete joy with a few bumps along the way. I know I am supposed to be here, and being an impact in people that Jesus puts into my path.
Lastly, I will be celebrating my 4 year anniversary of coming to Texas and being apart of one of greatest churches in America. Fellowship Church remains in a place that only other churches dream of getting to. They refuse to stand still, not to be boring and always tell the truth in a compelling and creative way. Last weekend the Fray "Save a Life" was sung for the offertory song before the message.
God continues to put people in my life, one that I am so most grateful for is my new little brother David Thompson (picture above.). Yea we both laugh that God has crossed each others paths, but we both know that God wants us chilling together. That is for sure. Please pray for me and my friend David. God has been really working on the both us individually, and this week has been no exception. These past few nights we have been up praying, encouraging each other, and crying out that God will not stop with what He has been doing in the both of us until the 4am hours of the morning. Some things require sacrifice, and this kid is no exception. He has been hurt too many times and I refuse to be another person that hurts his soul.
Him and his parents individually invited me over to celebrate Thanksgiving with them, since I now am part of their Thompson family. They know it is a hard but exciting holiday and they want to be an extended family that have already shown me lots of love and support.

***FOR MORE ON ME CHECKOUT www.myspace.com/randypaulthompson *****
living for an audience of ONE...

a friend in need of prayer

2006-11-20T20:15:00.000-08:00

I had a very disturbing call this morning from my father. A friend of mine from Branson had to get another surgery done on his hips. The doctors hit a nerve and he has no feeling in his legs. Please pray for my friends JJ Junge, that the God we all know will heal his body and restore feeling back in his legs.

living for an audience of ONE...

It's been a while, ya I know. What's UP???

2006-11-15T19:24:00.000-08:00

Life is good as it can get, I am very busy, with my new job, going to counseling and of course hanging with my crazy best friend who is like a younger brother, I never had. As you can see David is trying to crack his back in the bed of truck, that is not his in a gas station. It's never boring with him around. Change is in the air, and life is looking up. Please pray for me and my friendships that the good ones will grow and for the not so good ones will just slowly fade away.
Last Monday, one of our cooks-Ricardo and his family flew back home to Mexico to be with his mother which is dying of throat cancer. Debbie and I's heart broke as he came in to say goodbye and realized what he was going to have to do is soon bury his mother. My thoughts, prayers and love go out to them.
This past weekend was my 1 year anniversary at Blue Mesa. Saturday I worked, then came home to watch the Huskers sneek past a victory, worked out, then off to FC for the 630pm service. I met up with John and Shelly Ammerman and saw his sister who is on her 3rd time of having cancer, which I have not seen since I was 8. We were going to go celebrate, but Davids parents had to go out of town unexpectedly, and so he was stuck at home all weekend watching his younger brothers. One of his best friends is a rapper and had his first gig at a club, me being the nice friend that I am, let David go instead and I watched the boys late Saturday night. We woke them up, headed to church and then out for lunch. Came back played a quick game of football, and then picked up his parents at the airport. Long weekend but well worth the time.
living for an audience of ONE...

Happy Halloween... A time to try and rejoice..

2006-10-31T17:49:00.000-08:00

Debbie my gm of the store, David, and I went to go hangout at a birthday party in south Arlington last night. This was not any special birthday party. It was for a friend who we work with whose mother is dying of cancer of the throat. Debbie asked me to go for support and of course when David and I were talking at 3am in the morning this past Saturday, I told him I really don't want to go. He assured me I would be fine because he is going with. I thought he was joking, only because he has so much other stuff to do that would be more important. He replied "what would be more important than hanging out with my best friend who needs my support in a rough time". She has cancer really bad and only has less than 2months to live, and she leaves to go back to Mexico this weekend to finish out her time. The party was hard to be at, but you can tell they love their mother to pieces. Please pray for this family that God will give them strength as they will need it.

Tonight was the end of the regular season for Davids volleyball intramural. It ended with a blast. His whole family went even the 3 little brothers, me and his other best friend Joshua who was the one who really taught him how to play volleyball, after his two/one games won. After the big win we all went back to the house for apple cobbler and ice cream. Once again good times had by good friends.

Here is the question

2006-10-27T15:41:00.000-07:00

What do you get when have the 2 Thompson brothers + Phi Theta Kappa + Karla Kimber= no not a drama, but Boo at the Zoo. David invited me to help and hangout with PTK for their yearly volunteer services at the Ft Worth zoo. Kids come for 3 hours the last 5 days of October for spooky games and it was actually lots of fun. Not lots of going on, hanging low, tossing the football a lot, and just chilling and taking life a bit easier. I would indulge a little but at this particular time I am kinda not in the mood . Life is continuing, I am still losing weight, anxious about the upcoming holiday season, but in a real somber mood.

Silence is Golden

2006-10-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

This weekend at Fellowship was an awesome service that God really met me at. I went to the 6:30pm and 10am on Sunday morning as well. The theme of the weekend was on silence and What's The Point.--It's the most basic, yet profound question we can ask. But so often, we get distracted and set aside our quest to uncover the reasons behind what we do. The routine of everyday life keeps the answers at bay, And for Christians, life gets to be all about a list of do's and don'ts rather than about the God we serve. In short, we end up missing the point.

This weekend there was no smoke, no moving lasers, no lighting changes, just a quiet worship to reflect on how God can speak to us through silence They had lots of video and a segment on questions that we read on the screens and two songs played, one with a song leader singing, but no congregation. The other just instrumental with only the words on the screens while the cameras panned the stage as it was all lit up with about a 100 candles. It was a very moving service. Today I decided to block out all distractions for me personally, that meant no cell phone, no t.v., no radio. I was humbled as a I realized that I can hear and feel God more when life's noises are not up and running.

Brothers gotta hang

2006-10-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend was no exception to having fun with one of my best friends David Thompson. Twice a month we try and do something fun, wild and crazy. So Friday night was bound to be a blast. We started off the evening at 7pm with Thai coffee, which for D's first time he loved it. We then went and looked at Hyatt Reunion tower that has a revolving restaurant on the top that I have never been to see. We had a appetizer that kinda sucked. The view was awesome. The next stop we had a quick tour of the W Hotel which was so contemporary and sheek. Then we went to the Martini Ranch for a drink and an appetizer. I then showed him where I use to live in the Village by SMU where he might take his last two years of college at. Then went to go see the largest Half Priced Book store, which is huge. After that we went to the Iron Cactus in downtown Dallas for dinner and walked around the downtown till 1am.

Saturday I had to work then we went to a friends 21st birthday at his house and was able to throw the football around, which is always fun, however it was a little rainy. Sundays I have been going to Restoration Church with David and God definitely was in the house and the service was amazing. Enjoyed the normal Monday night volleyball game and David 's dad Sr. went along with which was fun. Oh yea thank you for the Biology lesson on leaves producing water on the way there David Jr.

Are you ready for Friday the 13th?

2006-10-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

I have a really good friend who has had a really tough week, and has experienced an extreme amount of undue stress, from family, personal, and work. Most people don't get real concerned with tomorrows D-day, but I have friend who would really covet your prayers. He has the privilege of being a pallbearer of one of his past students who died earlier this week in Bellevue due to not wearing his helmet when he was skateboarding. I talked to my friend earlier in the week when he needed some encouragement. I also was a little down and wanted to receive my own encouragement, but he needed to just talk and release and I am glad that I could lend a listening ear. So tomorrow when you wake up and go about your day, say a prayer for my friend Shane around 10am. Life is about listening, caring, and supporting the ones who might need it.

Thoughts on friendship...

2006-10-09T16:13:00.000-07:00

I will warn you, I am going to babble, but it will be beneficial.

Friendships come and some go, but the good ones will always last longer than the rest. My sighs are long, my tears are heavier, and my heart you can read in my lack of facial expressions. Why does friendship have to hurt when it is not supposed to? You are supposed to be able to trust what your friends tell you. You never doubt, you always believe, and hope is always on both of your minds, tongues, and hearts. How do you know when God brings a person into your life that you know He wants you to be friends with? How can you trust that you are making a good judgement call when you are alot alike, and also a little different? When you choose to be friends with someone, and your old school friends don't agree with your decision, you lose out on the ones that have made such a lasting impact on you, why can they not just accept your decision? Can friendship be as good as it has been for a while, or can you rest in the fact that sometimes you just need to breathe a little? Then you realize that time has passed and you have had a total blast until Satan throws a wrench into the friendship.

I firmly believe that God brings certain people into your life, that will make a lasting imprint on you and them on the world. YOU know you are supposed to be friends, but you are fighting your spirit of fear, peace, hope, and someone that you get along with so much. You have never ever been exposed to a friendship like this. Should you let it go, or should you fight for what you have found- a friend who knows you better than yourself. A friend who looks up to you in all situations, believes in you, trusts you when you step out a little and lead, enjoys introducing you as one of his best friends with pride. What happens when that fizzles, when the hope dies, and the love of a friend is entangled in fear. He pushes away his interest in the truth, that he knows you have and desire him to grasp onto as you have, and as he is a witness to the all life changing path God has rescued you from.

When you are 95% there and you see your friend who just has one link to his chain away. He is still being held back from unleashing his spirit that has so entangled him for the last 2 years. How do you let your friend know that the one link he needs to release and COMPLETELY give to God is the link in letting go of past relationships and past hurts from those old friends. In return he's scared, of being real, open and honest and fears of being rejected that might throw him back into the past. He is scared of being hurt, only cause he has been hurt so many times, but always wants to be positive, loved, and wants to be liked. He has been betrayed too much and always is guarding his heart, which will never let him be himself. He is so overprotective of himself, but in a good way of his friendships. You cant let go of hope, you cant let go of the good times, and certainly can't let go of a God thing when you both realize God wants you to be hanging out for a long time.

I close with this, people are not perfect, people do fail, make mistakes, but when they get stripped of all they hope far, they then can lean on their friends. Friendships are a gift, cherish them always, keep the basics basic, and always hope for the best close to your heart. I do that always, Im doing that now, and will continue to never ever give up on my friends, that's a promise.

Back in the saddle again..

2006-10-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

We flew back to Dallas Sunday night, Monday went back to work and every Monday I watch David play volleyball. He has been wanting me to come check things out at his church called Restoration Church and so Tuesday we went to the college and career group for a bible study, which was really good. Wednesday was checking out the youth group that he is a leader of, and Thursday was the stand prayer service that I went to by myself. Friday night was out with friends, Saturday was FC, and clean my car, wash clothes, clean apt and have some alone time. Sunday picked up David for church at 10am in which we were really late. Then I hung out with a new friend who is the senior pastors kid of Restoration Church that David had introduced me to a month ago. We went to dinner, and then threw the football around while talking with his parents, which are really cool parents for being pastors.

What tequila conference, SURPRISE

2006-09-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

David and I arrived at 1015am on Thursday Sept. 21. But what you don't know is that the Saturday night before which would be Sept 15, I had a bit of a fall. I was chasing my little brother down a flight a stairs and I missed the last two that went to the left, and of course severely sprained my ankle. I was desiring to have a whole week off, but of course not at this expense. At 1am in the morning we made it to David's house and crashed there, while he helped keep my ankle iced and elevated all night. Wow, do I have a good friend or what. Tuesday after I woke up, looked at my foot that was purple on both sides and green on the top, made me decide to go to Care now, and find out what I really did. Luckily the nurse and Dr. were both smoking hot females.
Back in MPLS, and while we were waiting for the bags and Eric Smith to pick us up, David had to ham it up, by jumping over tall trash cans and finding a wheel chair to push his big brother around. I was not thrilled.

Dad got in around 1pm and we all went and picked him up at the hotel, and then headed to the 5.8 club for some good old "Juicy Lucy's" burgers( cheese in the middle not on top) and they were awesome.
Hung out with Patrick Ley my other best friend from Mpls at the Mall of America, went to a concert with Eric and then to an Irish pub for some brews and we hit the sack the first night around 5am.
Friday was the big surprise that we set up at the Mall of America and Victoria was surely surprised to see Dad. Friday night Dad, David, Debra, Andrea and I met 10 other of Victoria's closest friends at 7pm Bucca in St.Paul for an awesome 2 hour dinner. After that we met up with Nick Ritter that is from Blue Mesa @ DFW airport that use to work with us, and we went to hang out with Eric Smith and his friends. David and my niece andrea finally hit it off and hung out since they are in the same age group. The highlight of that night was I got to meet a Roller Derby girl named Mary Gold. She had the most amazing smile and teeth I have ever seen on a woman. She lit up the room when she walked in. That night we got to sleep around 4am. David is night person, I am but not that late.
Saturday was run around and get ready for the big surprise party for Vic, and so Dad, David and I ran errands, which was not all that fun. Got back to Vic's condo so Dad could spend some time with Vic before he headed for Branson and we headed for the party. David took a 2 hour nap in the sun porch as it poured down rain. We left to pick up Ritter, and hit the party. David and I were the bartendars and Nic helped out with the food, which was pretty much done. The karaoke machine was a hit and we stayed until 2am while David and Andrea were chilling together.

Sunday, we went out for a brunch, went to a record store, walked around Uptown a little, and then went to a contemporary art museum. It was harder for some to say good-bye than others. WINK WINK All in all it was a great weekend. David and I really needed to get away and just chill out with no pressure from life. Here is what I just love about our friendship. He took a 0 on a major test to go on this vacation in which we booked the plane tickets a month in advance. Basically his teacher screwed him and changed the test date, and would not let him take it early. I told him not to go and do the test, and he said nope, your little brother is going to support you. That is a true friend.

living for an audience of ONE...

Are you ready for a SEXUAL REVOLUTION??

2006-09-14T18:52:00.000-07:00

Whether you are married or single, a parent or not, this powerful teaching promises to revolutionize your perspective on sex and bring a new level of understanding to your life. This I think will be an awesome opportunity to bring someone to church if they are just kicking the tires of Christianity or seeking out God in a new way. You won't want to miss a Fellowship worship experience, it's like no other.

This weekend David, Donnie, and I are going to a Grapevine high school football game, if you are not familiar with fall events, you put a high school game on your Friday night calendar of events. Texas high school football is a big deal. I am close to finishing my apt, I bought a futon mattress, a computer desk, picking out my flat screen HD tv, and a new stack able washer and dryer this weekend. I found out that one of my best friends Matthew Smith is possibly coming to visit me in early October. This summer is not over, but we had over 45 days straight of 100' degrees and over in a row. It sucked, but the cool down has begun.

Who visited Fellowship? Heading north. Stretched Summer

2006-09-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

Summer is over, fall is in the air, college and NFL football has started and the Huskers have been kicking some ass out on green turf. This was a excellent summer for me, lots of growing and stretching. I am trying to get a hold of a computer guy to try and show me how to upload pics into my computer and transfer them from Beta to something else. I have not done this obviously. Sorry to all of my friends who want to see better pics of my friend David Thompson aka my new little bro. I am working on it.

I was talking to a friend on the phone and they asked me if I had the summer to do over, would I ask God to rewind time and do it all over again. I wouldn't, except for my friends suicide attempt in my appt. That part I would like to not do over. God removed a good friend from my life and brought in a an awesome man of God, that continues to challenge me in my view, stants, and relationship towards my God. David always wants me to think in the present and not in the past, only because he says then will I (RANDLL) keep moving towards my future. If you want to hear something really funny, he wants to have a double wedding in about 4 years, he knows God is saving an awesome woman of God for me to get married and both of our kids can play together. I am not sure about the kids part, my heart is slowly being open to think about marriage. In my mind, yuck, but hey it might be worth a shot, if God brings in the right woman.

This weekend was the series wrap up for Clueless, the worship team sang back to back opening numbers of The Fray with "Over my Head", and "Sending out a SOS" by the Police. They also intermingled (between each worship song), an excerpt of a pre-taped group discussion of how to get back into the boat of life, with God rowing the boat with-in their own personal lives while in ministry. The message was reminding us to try and look at our own life and see what stumps have entangled us and our spiritual life, and how not to get stuck in the sea of not moving in God's direction. It was an awesome service.

David and I getting ready to head north to Minneapolis to a Tequila Conference at Le Cordon Bleu in Dinkytown near the Uof M. If you are in the area and would like to see us in the evenings, that would be awesome. I am going to try and take some time to visit my sister once or twice, but I know her time is always jam packed. We will be there Thursday Sept 21 at 1030am arrival on Northwest Airlines and depart at 530pm on Sunday Sept 24. DROP me a line, and lest hook up.

When you have time for time and friendship...

2006-09-04T16:52:00.000-07:00

When you make time, and have the time for friends, they know it, appreciate it, and desire more of it, you know it is a good thing. This weekend has been a celebration of an exciting summer of beginning with new friends that you just know God wanted you two to meet. David my new little brother and we went to Stand on Thursday, then swimming. Friday I told him to plan what ever he wanted and he raised the bar and we went to a comedy club. The headliner was the bartender from the Drew Carey show. We worked together on Saturday, off to FC, then we tried to go out to eat at the restaurant of his choice, but we couldn't find Remingtons, and it is a funny story in itself. He knew we had to get up at 5am for the big event-surprise and us trying to go to bed and be sleeping by 10pm did not happen. He was too fired up for sleeping so we climbed out of the pool at 1am and then just stayed up and talked. Sunday night he had to work, and tonight we were going to do something outside but it is raining out.

This past Thursday at Stand was a bit emotional for me, we have not seen the couple or the leaders of stand due to their daughter suffering a spinal cord injury. This poor girl was partying with friends down in Austin Texas and she attempted to dive into a river, and almost drowned from her injuries. Please pray for David and I, we feel God really wanting us to go show Gods love and forgiveness and we don't even know her, or met her. Her parents completely gave us their blessing with tearful hugs of emotion. " YOU don't know what that would do for bliss, she would really like that." Please pray for us. we will need it, we don't even know where the hospital is.

Thompson's initiate in another Thompson???

2006-08-29T17:47:00.000-07:00

Well, Debbie our wonderful GM finally got back from a week long vacation, for her great, us it was hell on earth. Welcome back. David and I checked out the MetChurch for the 2nd weekend in a row, and it was getting rid of the past, very fitting for the both of us. We are both trying to get rid of our past, in more ways than one.

This past weekend David's parents went to a marriage conference and came home around 9pm and boy were we not ready for what was going to happen. I helped David watch his brothers the last 3 day a little. We got off from FC and picked up the kids, fed them and put them to bed at 9pm. We had just pulled out of the driveway when David's mother called and wanted to know where everybody was, we ran home and his dad wanted to share what he learned that weekend. It was a very moving 2 hour talk, and I was asked to sit in to listen since right now, I am really the only one so much involved in his life. David was extremely glad that I stayed to witness this emotional healing that needed to occur between father and son. David Jr. said that witnessing that was me getting introduced into the family, knew it was coming, but not that soon.This upcoming weekend will be an extreme weekend between brothers. You will have to see the pics on Monday, but it will be well worth it. We are going all balls out. GET'EM.

Friendships come, friendships go?.?.?. TIM KASHER-who?

2006-08-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

I am not sure how I forgot to tell everybody. But who that in walks- Tim Kasher, one of my friends from way back in the day from Upstream Brewing Co. in Omaha Ne. where we use to work at together. Both very surprised to see each other, but excited to catch up on old times. He was getting ready to start up his long European tour for his band the Cursive

How do you, when you know you are supposed to let go of a good friendship of 2 years? What makes a person want to let go, but not want to give up, and of course-betray a friendship? Those are the questions that I have been asking myself and David. I love friendship, building a good strong relationship, but sometimes the cord has to be cut. I am not going to mention any names, but more than likely you will be able to figure it out. Yesterday, I had to say goodbye to a friendship, that I knew would be tough. This kid depended on me for everything. I really don't feel too taken advantage of, but the friendship was a little one sided in my book. This was the first time he ever had a best friend here in the states, and back at home. We started drifting apart, not clicking, not seeing eye to eye around 6 months ago, and eventually the chain had to break. He tried committing suicide on me, and of course I am, have been,and still trying to get him help. I just can't be there for him anymore. When you have an awesome friendship like Davids, that spurs you on spiritually, builds you up, and is always wanting you to raise the bar, (and is in his own life, without the use of drugs, alcohol, and sex) and not always pulling you down, but helping you to get back up, that is the type of friendship that at this particular time-I NEED. I wish my friend all the best. I gave that kid all I had to give that he can use a little each day for the rest of life, but it was never enough. You just keep getting burned out. I sent him a long email explaining everything, and I feel that God really wrote it, and He did, that when I hit send, it was like tons of weight had fallen off my shoulders. You want a good sign of friendship, David was really down in the dumps, depressed and NOT himself those past 5 days, and that is a good sign, you have a really good best friend. "Randall, when you are down, I am down, I don't like to see you depressed like that, because it hurts me to see your heart in so much pain." When I heard that, I knew I made the right decision in a friendship that will last a life time.

One wild weekend...Currency, Cops, and Cooling OFF

2006-08-20T18:22:00.000-07:00

David and I worked together this past Thur., Fri., and Saturday at the Blue. Thursday we were planning on going to StandUSA.com, but he got out of work late, it started around 7pm and he didn't get over to my place until 7:45p.m. We started talking and then we waited for our friend josh to call us back for us to ride with him, and he called us back when David was using my phone and we didn't get the voice mail back until 9:30p.m. Saturday we all met at David's house at 5:45p.m. and all headed to FellowshipChurch.com for the new fall series CLUELESS.

CURRENCY-Dollars. Pounds. Lira Rubels. Euros. Pesos. The value of currency fluctuates daily with the market. But when it comes to God's economy, the market doesn't determine the value of His word to us. This weekend Ed Young taught us how we can cash in on some currency that really matters, currency that has the power to change everything, so that we are not-CLUELESS.

We made it in with 5 minutes to spare as the count down began. We heard two girls yelling my name, and to my astonishment it was friends from TGIFridays at the DFW INTL Airport that I use to work with. I of course asked them how they heard about coming to FC, and Cara said well of course YOU. My heart began to really beat, she said, "I told my mom that I really wanted to get back into church and where should I go". Judy Razor replied with, "Well you know Randall moved down to Dallas for this church called FC and it is really close, and you should really check it out." Her sister Amanda just moved back from Phoenix and she wanted to go to and so Cara invited her and it also was the kick off for the new fall series.

Deep inside my tear ducks began to fill, and I realized that if I never moved here, they might not of ever been exposed in such a positive way to hear about it, I would of never met Afif, and began a friendship with one of my new best friends David Thompson, that right now is priceless. His two other best friends Donnie and Josh were able to go with us, and it was an awesome service. The series opener was like a movie trailer and then the worship started with a intense get on your feet praise song with an awesome light show. The special song before the message was a drama with no words, just 12 or so people holding quotes, like ( I promise to get my homework done), and then on the back side was a letter that all spelled out "God Stays True while Eric Orson sang a intense song called "Chaos".

Josh and Donnie went their separate ways after a little mingle at the house. David's parents took the kids out of town, and so David asked me to crash at his place unlike normally at mine. We both always to do something athletic and adventuresome, he wanted to climb on Trinity High school roof to talk, but I was not really wanting to do that. He said, "We are going to get a movie, but we are going to walk down this scary old abandon road that no one ever uses. On the way back of course, only 3 houses on this 1mile & half road with no street lights, this car is coming up behind us and of course slows down and stops only to reveal that it was the cops. Just lovely, we were not doing anything wrong, and after 10 minutes of them finally realizing that they gave us a ride back to the David's car that he had parked at the end of the road in a subdivision. We watched the movie, crashed, woke up to a nice morning swim, and then we went to check out one of 7 churches to see what else is out there. The MetChurch was really good

Brothers gotta hang...

2006-08-16T18:02:00.000-07:00

with the brothers. I have been trying to encourage David to hangout with his family a little more than normal for a college student that has 3 other brothers. Tuesday night is date night for his parents and he has to babysit a 7 , 9, 11 yr olds. I decided since we both know we need more patience in my life, I decided to hangout with him. His brothers went and got more friends to hangout with and we all played kickball in the yard, and then David and I took them to Cici's Pizza for dinner and video games of course. We all had a blast and then David and I ended the fun evening of playing tennis from 10:30pm till midnight. This weekend FC will be starting a new series entitled CLUELESS- the promises of God. I am looking forward to this series as it will help me to discover the promises I have in God for myself and David.

Saying Goodbye to the past....

2006-08-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

Well today is the last day of the weekend, I was able to hangout with one of my best friends David and we had a great time. We did go to the Stand prayer service and God really met me there and I know He met David there. It was a little different and out there, but I know we are planning on going back.

This weekend at FC was on "Going Deep" in the area of recommitment and baptism. They had a special video message and a invitation to come forward for baptism, it was awesome. Next weekend Ed will be starting a new series, we get a new set/stage design and David and Donnie are going to start coming on Saturday nights to this series. David and I have been talking and we both realize God wants us to be in ministry together, we are not sure how that plays out, but we are examing the possibility of writing a book together. So please pray as we try to tackle that endeavor. David use to be the manager for the Trinity high school girls volleyball team and there was an alumni volleyball scrimmage Saturday night. He found out about it at church on Wednesday and invited me to go. It said it was very important for me to go, so not to make plans. Ok yea I get it this kid has an 8 pac, an all around great athletic body, but I have never seen someone play volleyball like that. He absolutely was powerful with his serves and spikes, and was a lot better than the girls who he use to manage. We had an all athlete participation dinner, and of course I had to come, it was a free meal. So that brings to my next order of business, David made the comment that he has been going to FC for a while, and "well Randall, you have not visited my church yet", so I went to the two hours service and then we went to Blue Mesa in Addison for a free all you can buffet before I begin to shed my past.

David and I are starting a sugar fast for him, and I am doing the Master Cleanse diet for me for the next for 40 days. We also started the 40 Days of Purpose by Rick Warren as well. I am on my way to shedding a lot more weight, plenty of crap that I have been putting into my body and of course trying to better myself spiritually, this time I have a friend who is going along side of me. So far since Easter, I have lost 65 pds, 4 inches of my waist and have gained a lot more confidence, better self esteem, and of course I have been two blind dates and I am seeing a girl who is really interested in me. I am not, but the point is, SHE IS INTERESTED.

God works in mysterious ways...

2006-08-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

even at 4am inthe morning, that is forsure. I never thought that I would be linked up with such an awesome men of God, twice in my life time, once of course with Matthew Smith but secondly with a younger kid who is still wet between the ears. We are best friends, but we consider each other brothers. We laugh, joke, play sports all the time (volleyball, swimming, tennis, and of course football). He is a sophmore in college and a very active athletic young man, who stretches himself too thin. He does however make time for people who make time for him.

Last night was the first time that I had chatted with David since our vacation. My spirit was really uneasy, we had a pretty intense talk on the way home, and the meat of that was that "I spiritually challenge him to seek God with our nightly talks that (he had thanked me for alot and appreciated) always point David to seeking Him more, but he was not interested in moving along spiritually while going to college. He loves the ladies and just wanted to play the field, so I had a problem with that. I know deep down he did as well, but he has been able to build a very strong wall these last two years that he didn't really want God to knock down, until God put me in his life. I wake up Wednesday morning at 3:45am and was very sick to my stomach, at 4am he sent me two texts saying that he wants to get his life back in order in seeking God, and he wanted my help, support, and encouragement. My spirit was humbled with a smile, so I jumped into my car and went to go talk to him at 430am. He knew deep down I would come, and was thrilled to see me, we talked, cried, prayed and I left his house at 6am, I had to go to work you know.

The out come of that was my life was touched by God also and we are both helping each other by getting back on track spirtitually. I too have been running just like him, but we both know that God wants us to be friends and right now my life would not be the same with out him. We both hang out all the time, and we don't even drive each other nuts, which is a good thing. We are getting ready to start the Purpose Driven Life together and we are going to a non profit ornganization prayer service called Stand. I don't know much about it, we are going with Joshua another best friend of David's.

Branson Bound was not a bust...

2006-08-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

One of my new best friends David Thompson and I had a incredible road trip and our first vacation that was an awesome time. He was able to meet my two friends Clay Wheeler and JJ Junge which they all kicked it well together. We all stayed at the Falls Creek Resort in Branson.

I finally was able to meet one of my dad's best friend named Danny. This guy is a character and boy is he jokster. He is my dads age and his life has been put threw the ringer. Here is just some of things that Danny has lived threw. He has been struck by lightening, tried to help a girl who was getting gang rapped in an alley, and they beat him up and left him for dead, luckily the girl got away, his heart shut down and he died and went to Heaven and Jesus told him, "no, not yet" and he came back to life, the bottom of his heart does not work, he is diabetic, lastly this guy has had colon cancer for the past 5 years and you can tell he is really suffering, but drives, walks and encourages people to keep living life.
My father called me and humbled me and David to tears. Danny was so excited and thrilled to hangout with us for two days. Dad said, that he didn't feel no pain, he was able to sleep a full 8 hours, and that Dad should be proud that he had one of the nicest sons on the planet. With a list of attributes of me, I was humbled, because this guy was so real, open, honest, fun loving, that I thought I was so blessed to meet him, that he encouraged my soul so much that it was really hard to leave him. Danny told dad that David and I need to be in ministry together and helping young people live a more fulfilled life. I don't know what that means, but I know David is stoked about doing life and ministry with me, his new best friend.

a friends first road trip...

2006-08-02T20:43:00.000-07:00

I am taking one of my best friends from down here on his first road trip, which I can't believe. David Thompson and I will pull out of D-town around 2pm and head for Branson. He has been wanting to get away and wants to meet my father, and I have a couple of friends that we both need to visit. We are taking a rental car, our football we always toss around, he wants me to learn how to play tennis, so bringing some rackets, and "a lot of big game to flirt with the ladies." That is a direct quote from himAfif is not going, he will be holding down the fort here and watching the apartment.

Life has been so turned upside down after meeting this awesome person that we both agree God certainly wanted us to meet, hang out and establish a great friendship. There are only a few friends that you will meet that you get along and click with so well. We have a lot of people throwing there opinions in about our friendship, (including his girlfriend Bethany, ) but as he says, " I don't tell you who you can be friends with, and you will not tell me that I can't be friends with Randall". He is very protective of our friendship, and I can say that I am the closest to him than any other person I know of , (yes unfortunately) even over Matthew Smith.

Since march we have been hanging maybe once a week, and at my birthday we now hang at least 5 times a week. We both can honestly hangout with each other all day and night and not get sick of each other, and for him that has to be a good thing. He and I are very alike, both think logically, politically, and are spiritually alike in that "Christianity is relational, not so in your face. He is always up for a good time, very athletic, always on the go, and wants us to grow spiritually strong spurring each other on. I know you won't believe this but, I am doing a lot of changes in my life only cause he has challenged me to do so. I am more of a positive person and for some 15 years I was so negative that I have been slowly changing it. When I started hangin with him, my negativity now is not even part of my vocabulary or life. He has recognized a little athletic bone in my body, and that is why now even more, I am so on the go. I don't spend anytime inside hardly any longer, the blinds in my apartment are now always open, my window in my car is always down for fresh air. We love to go hiking, he DOES NOT LIKE FELLOWSHIP, but has been going with me for the last 5 weeks cause he knows, "that is a good opportunity for us to hangout, and I know that is what you want and like." We are always outside throwing the football, swimming and when we get back from the vacation he wants me to learn how to play volleyball better, and tennis, so "we have more time to hangout together." We are both learning how to develop better confidence and self esteem issues with-in ourselves and that is always a good thing. The down side is that since we both agree, we need to be hanging out together, we have both sacrificed a lot with other friendships. I try and encourage him to hangout with his other friends, since he is a sophomore in college, with a straight 4.0 in college, he barely cracks the books, but a good quote from him is, " I really want to hangout with you because you are so encouaging and such a positive role model in my life right now, and he always splits his time between me and then, his girl friend Bethany. He knows and finally lives my motto, "Bros before hoe's Randall."

With that I challenge you to not live life in other people's view points or opinions. We have had our times of trusting that we are making the best decision considering we are in both different age groups. I have always hung out with younger, or older and with this one it is a stretch. He is so confident that this is a good thing, that I don't even care and nor does he to hear so called friends opinions, and when I do, he is very in my face that we both need to be confident in ourselves, and no one else.

What is a friend supposed to do

2006-07-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

Everybody knows, atleast they should that I fully believe in friendships and the way God places certain people into each others lives. Do you want to see people make bad decisions or risk crossing a bridge that you know is going to have a few planks missing in it? I don't think so. David and I had a long much needed talk until 4 am last night. I had to just except the fact that friendships are a give and take and trust needs to be two sided. Believe in a person too much and later accept the fact that one day you might be right, but no need to rub it in the face. It's really hard when the person on the other side, believes and trust you so much with everything in their life. When you have a great friendship it comes down to sacrifice and hope, and for right now, we both are leaning on each other for that.

I did get everything worked out with two friends and we are slowly trying to find our way back to where the friendship should be. This past weekend I witnessed another God encounter, with the take over of First Baptist South Miami by Ed Young and the staff. Fellowship church Miami held it's first services with Ed, Lisa, Eric Orsen, the worship team with the sky being the limit.

Ready for a Flashback???

2006-07-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

As I was on my way to pick up David for church, I got a call from a 402 area code, that I didn't recognize. It was John and Shelly Ammerman from Omaha that live next to me,letting me know that the family reunion had begun, and that Tim and Carla Ammerman were here in Dallas at Fellowship right now for the 10am service. So I waited for David to get out of the restroom and we made it in with 6 min. to spare. I tried to call them back, but no luck. We walked by the section that we normally sit in, and 6 people stood up and yelled, "Thumper." We sat down and said our hello's and I whispered to Tim and Carla, just remember this not a normal church, and they said, "we know that, just look at the sanctuary."

The count down to when the service begins, hit 5 seconds. The house lights went dim, bellows of smoke filled the stage while an explosive light show began while the worship leader and band exclaimed, "who is ready to worship at Fellowship today?. I wish I could of been quick enough, and I would of been able to catch both of their eyeballs popping out of their sockets. Right before the message, he asked me if this was a special service, and I said, no, it is always like this, but if anything it is little toned down since Ed was gone." After the service, they both said, "well we definitely know why you moved down here to come to this church, FC would never fly in Omaha."

Brothers visit the hiding place...Dallas Night Clubbing....

2006-07-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

Well, this weekend was definitely an experience I need to talk about. So, if you are one of those straight laced d*** Christians, than you might be let down if you continue to read this. Thursday, night I was able to hangout with a really great friend of mine who is really enjoying hanging out with me, and vice versa. David has been asking for me to take him to my hiding place and go hiking on lake grapevine and we did just that. We started hanging out around 5:300pm with a quick bite at Red Robin, (I just love that place, and it was his first time) then off to lake grapevine around 7:30pish. We started a very in depth conversation about the passing of my mom and everything that I have had to deal with because of that. It was great 3 hour talk that lasted until 9pm when we realized we needed to get back, considering it was almost dark.

Friday we worked together, and Saturday night after work I went to have a few to many rum and cokes at Cool River with one of our cooks Pablo who is 38 yrs old. We quickly run to his house so he can change and then head over to one of his friends house for a Mexican birthday party for a 4 year old. I was the only gringo present, but they took really good car of me, and then he tricked me into going to this "new club" to check it out. It was called Chicas and Bonitas, lets just say we were out of there in one hour flat.

Donnie and David asked me if I would take them to their first club experience. I am the only one both of thier parents trust for all of us to hangout with, so we got to Club Uropa at 11pm. It is the only club that allows for 18-21 year olds to get into in Deep Ellum. It was funny hanging out with operations manager who is 50 and then us. David is definitely the leader of the group, and immediately was out on the dance floor macking with the honeys. He has some pretty big balls, he got shot down a few times, but towards the end, he was the chic magnet. Got to bed around 5am, David spent the night on my brand new futon, and then we went to Fellowship in the morning with another 2 hour in depth talk about his issues during lunch, and how he sees me in his life as a older brother, role model, and friend.

Rub the Buddha...

2006-07-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

I have had the great opportunity of getting to know my bosses parents over the last several months, Buddha and bear. Bear is from England and I just love her British language. Yesterday bear went in for her check up and they admitted her into the hospital with complications with her heart. Buddha comes to the store twice a week, and we always have a great talk. He is retired, and a fiery pistol at that. He is great great older senior citizen who had 5 boys and 2 girls, a good solid catholic family. My new little brother is best friends with his grandson Donnie and that is where we hangout, play basketball and swim in their inground pool, and also some late night adult swims, of course not with the grandparents.

Willow Creek Community Church still going threw changes...

2006-07-07T21:54:00.000-07:00

Update on Axis July 2, 2006 www.generationaxis.com/ImNew/axisupadate.asp
For 10 years, Axis services have been devoted to helping the Next Gen connect with God through high- intensity weekend services with relevant teaching, worship and art that brings faith into a clearer focus.
But, as you know if you’ve been hanging out at Axis for any length of time, it’s about much more than a weekend service. It’s about the heart you have to make a difference. It’s about community. I know that every week there are groups from Axis reaching out to help the homeless, reaching people in prison and serving the under-resourced in our neighborhoods. Whether it’s within the walls of Willow, or out in the world, Axis is devoted to giving back and to getting involved. Axis is real people really doing life together.
For several months The South Barrington Leadership Team and the Axis team have been partnering together asking God to lead us to a new vision for Axis. This weekend I spoke to Axis about the next evolution of our church and of Axis. One of the key distinctives we see emerging in our church is a heart for a healthy, diverse church with an intergenerational vision.
To live this vision out, we are committed to serve and embrace the 20-something community as well as the distinctives of the Axis services.
Axis is not ending, but the weekly expression of the Axis service is. The vision to reach 20-somethings has not changed, but how we reach them is changing. BBQs, gatherings, and events are planned for the summer, built around the Saturday evening service meeting time.
So, the next generation of the Next Gen ministry is evolving. But before I go any further, let me assure you that Willow’s commitment to 20-somethings is firm.
What will that look like for you? For starters---
Beginning next weekend, (July 8), Axis is invited to do church in the main auditorium. Sections 202 and 203 in the Mezzanine will be the sections where Axis will sit. Axis will have monthly Hangout/Go-out times after the service. (July 8/Aug 19th) We’ll Hang out on the patio and BBQ, and then Go out to participate in different interests or activities. Axis will get together on August 5. House Groups, Interest Groups and Serving Groups aren’t going anywhere. During the summer, they’ll continue just the way they are. Sixty of you have signed up to serve at Habitat for Humanity’s Blitz Build on July 22-29. I’m humbled by your commitment to serve and I think you will bring energy to the rest of Willow as we make the shift to an intergenerational church.
I also spoke to a key staffing change for Axis. For the last two years, Darren Whitehead has led the Axis ministry. Starting this summer, he is going to devote 100% of his energies to leading our High School ministry, Student Impact. In the interim, Steve Gillen will lead Axis during through this time of transition.
The vision to reach 20-somethings has not changed. How we reach them is what’s changing.
I hope you are as excited about the future here at Willow Creek as I am—because you are a big part of it!
In this together—
Gene Appel
Lead Pastor www.willowcreek.org

Running 4th in the Nation... 20 weeks of....

2006-07-05T16:28:00.000-07:00

For the 2nd year in a row Fellowshipchurch.com has ranked 4th in the 50 Most influential churches in the nation. This summer has and will be another hot summer line up, while Ed takes his yearly break during the summer months. Fathers Day weekend was a sucessfull Papa-Palooza for the family with thousands hanging out with the family on the campus. A couple of days ago the 4th of July was unfortunatley a wash with the weather and they had to move the events inside.

The last two weeks have been a little bit quietier around the home front. I have been keeping track for many weeks, and I have had someone or people over at my house, hanging out with friends in the metro, or someone visiting me every single day of the week. Basically what I am trying to tell you, I have not been alone by myself after work or on the weekend for more than 25 weeks straight. I am sure glad God has been developing patience in me. David, my new little brother is/has been gone these last two weeks, the week before last in Delaware at Phi Beta Kappa convention, and this weekend he is on the summer family vacation. Listen to that silence.

Here is to 4 good years

2006-07-02T19:30:00.000-07:00

of celebrating life, in my honor and my friend Ryan Barnharts life. July 1, 2002 we realized that we both have something in common. God wanted us to both be alive and living well and strong, and for Ryan he found Christ also on this day. Life is special, you make it want you want, and it sure can get better with time.

I have been going through a little struggle in my life, I have been slowly finding out that 5 of my closest friends have lied to me in person on the phone, to and through people. I have been walking around in a daze, going to my hiding place, and asking God-why. I think the closest that has hurt me here in Texas, is my new little brother that I have been hanging tight with since this past march. I always want people to know that I am all about the friendships, relationships and bonding with the boys. I am a very open, honest, and try to be a real-Christ follower, the best that I know how. I guess what I don't understand is why do people have to lie about crap in their life?

The flip side of the coin is that even though I might not have been physically told a fact, my intuition is pretty damn good. I know I live in Dallas, (and hopefully sometime soon that will be changing) but why does life mess with people and time drifts the closest friendships away, when you have always vowed not to let them go, and is just understood that this should be not happening. My heart is hurting, and I don't even want these people to feel like they should tell me, but come on, I already know. So, I ask myself as I lay in bed, why am I left out in the rain, and how many months will it take for my heart to hear it, do I have to wait till Christmas?, if I do, I am not sure this friendship will last.

My friend brought it to my attention that the reason he has lied to me on 3 separate occasions is because he did not want to let me down, or disappointment me. If I had a dollar for every disappointment in my life, I would be ten times wealthier than I already am. I know he looks up to me as a older brother, and wise spiritual influence. "What have I NOT done for you to believe in me, trust me, or prove to you that I am always hear with a listening ear that will not judge you, (like all those other damn Christians out there that judge you before you even get introduced to them)", is what I asked him. He told me, "that I am one of the most intimidating people he has ever met", "are you kidding me, RIGHT?", I looked at him Saturday morning with confusion, and disbelief. So I ask my GM, "am I intimidating?, and she told me, "you are the 2nd most intimidating, next to my boyfriend. If I am, I sure as hell do not know it. I thanked David for bringing it to my attention, and told him, "we both have something to work on", and he said, You bet WE do. Bro, you want me to raise the bar, well Randall I want you to also." Life is always about raising the bar, and striving to reach the mark. I conclude with this...

If your to busy for your closest friends and family to just make a simple 2min call, text message, or email, then you need to stop wasting your pathetic attempt at life to realize you really need to stop and smell the roses and quit letting yourself exercise your excuse that your job is right now your only pathetic attempt to enjoy life. People don't let your friends and family that care about you the most, move on down the road. I guess I am finding out who my true friends really are, be careful it just might surprise you-unfortunately.

peace...

Uptown Moves Downtown

2006-06-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

Life has often been compared to a race, a roller coaster and a box of chocolates. But no one refers to life as a spectator sport. This weekend Ed Young showed us how we can discover an amazing life of purpose and power when we finally decide to move beyond the bleachers.

It was the Grand Opening of the Downtown Dallas for a brand new satellite campus, and we had over 2,000 show up for this exciting event for FC and Town and Country Campaign. You can check out all the pictures and the exciting campus that will be reaching people for Christ in a whole new way. Stepping out of the bleachers, heck I am mowing the grass, watering, and seeding. Sometimes you just got to get a little dirty for God, and right now it's really muddy for me in my world.

The New launch is still coming, so stay tuned...

What to do when you hit rock bottom?

2006-06-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

Since God has directed me to be a humanitarian, and my heart of compassion is always alive, I had to take a friend out to dinner for one last time. I want to introduce you to my friend Bennot, he is 22, no parents, no siblings, no grandparents, no car, no job, no apt, and of course no money, but the two good things he has is God and his 4 year old son. I get Bennett, I understand him and I certainly can relate to him a little. I am so happy that the Navy accepted him and he is leaving this Thursday June 22. You might ask, why no life, well he has hit rock bottom, and he is ok with that, his faith has spurred me on to keeping on going, life is ok, and other people might have it a little bit worse off than what you think is devasting to you, but in Bennott mind, your life is just a walk in the park. I hugged him goodbye after hanging out with him for 5 hours and I told him, God is starting over with you, and you need to start a new life with Him and begin to make one for you and your son, from here on out Bennott, everything you do is for your son." Good Luck bro, I wish all the success in the world and I hope God will bring our paths back together.

Hang with the boys...

2006-06-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

Well this is really getting exciting, however tonight's loss was a huge disappointment. I decided to show my love for some of the friends I have in my life. Afif, David and Donnie met at my house tonight at 5pm and we jumped into the car and headed downtown to a really nice steak house in the west end. Afif was really excited, so excited that he was leaning forward on his chair, and it gave way and he landed square on his ass, as the chair slid backwards a few feet. We all could not stop laughing so hard. We walked into the AAC for the "Mavs Watching party", they were really surprised and very appreciative of my kind gesture. We had great seats, but David talked us into going down closer to the floor for a better view. The last 5 minutes was so exciting that David was the first one to rip off his shirt, then Donnie, and a minute later Afif did as well, and they all were swing them in the air. I will save your fingers, hell no I did not even contemplate taking off my shirt, next year, my shirt will be coming off, along with my 50 pds that David has already helped me to lose.

Peace

Can priest drink... The World Cup is On.

2006-06-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

Well, growing up in a heavy catholic town of faith, I was always use to the men of the cloth not drinking, but I guess in today's culture, they can, they are, and boy can they "Get R Don". I have waited on a few of them. Most of the priest just walk up to the bar and look at me, and wait for me to ask them what they want for a drink, and usually I just say hello, and move on to another customer, and then they want to know when I am going to wait on them. Most of them are surprised to find out that the reason I don't ask them for a drink is because I tell them, "most people like you, I didn't think were allowed to drink", so I ask you, are they? I guess in Costa Rica, Brazil, and last but not least Mexico they are allowed.
One of my owners has played in a couple World Cup soccer games, and business has picked up and of course right now everybody is watching soccer for the us and "football" for the rest of the world.
living for an audience of ONE...

KK is getting older.

2006-06-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

Big D and his best friend Aaron

This weekend my girl is celebrating her birthday and I was not sure where I was going to take the troops. It was 100' all weekend, and they just wanted to drink, and I knew I would be the DD. Karla and her friend Padma have never been down to Sundance Square in Downtown Ft.Worth. "You two have never been, Where are going there", I said. It was crazy and there was a jazz festival scheduled and of course no one told me when I was making the plans. We all got there around 11pm and each of the bars were packed so we ended up going to Bennigans, nothing new. We stayed there until 2am, and then went to a after hours party at a friends house.

Now if you want the gossip and all the juicy details of who puked 4 times, how many fights took place and who went wild, you will have to log on to my other web page, this is the "Christian one." I got home around 4 am and as I was walking into my apt. I kept on hearing these weird noises, ones that would never come from my apt. Next time, I want you to give me some sort of warning, like a sock on the door something, wow I didn't fall asleep until around 10am. You guessed it, not on this web page. Tonight is a very big game for the Dallas Mavs and I am hoping we can pull it off. So,if you are around the neighborhood, and have time, stop on by, you know we are watching the MAVS school the shack attack. U r going down, buddy. Peace

living for an audience of ONE...

Did you survive 6-6-06??? GOT Mavs Mania??? When you know!?

2006-06-07T17:43:00.000-07:00

Tuesday down here in Texas, people were going nuts trying to avoid letting there newborns not be blessed by entering the world on this evil day?? People not going out on the streets, looking over there shoulders, and avoiding the crowds. Give me a break people, but I guess you just never know.
People are going crazy considering they have not had an NBA experience like this in 25 years. I will be having my first ever NBA Mavs party at my apartment and the troops will be here, I hope they will bring the beer.
Probably for the last two months or so, I have been home sick. When you know something is going on back at home, but you are stuck here in Texas, and you are just out of the loop it gets very frustrating. I am not dumb, and I certainly have been around the block a few times over and over again. I love my friends so much, and soon I will have one more friend, in which right now, my stomach and soul is so excited, that it is literally killing me inside. I want so much to hug, kiss, and wrap my arms around my friends, but for right now, I can only sit back and laugh at the situation, because I know.
living for an audience of ONE...

Busted Chicago wide open....

2006-06-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Chi-town around 9am on Thursday June 1st. Jumped on the "EL" towards downtown Chicago, from right off the bat we were relieved that people would be so gracious to help us out, since they definitely could tell we were not from there. The hotel that we booked was the downtown Hilton Hotel and Towers, we had a lake Michigan view on a high floor, and we got a sweet deal. We got off on the wrong stop 10 blocks from the hotel, and caught a bus to atleast find the hotel, we stored our bags with the bell man and hit the streets running. Within 5 hours under the cloudy dismal, spitting lite drizzled day we took a nap from 5pm-7. My buddy Afif woke me up asking me what was wrong with my face? I jumped into the bathroom to realize that I look like a damn lobster. Burnt to a crisp, and of course had to make our way 7 blocks south to the closest Jewel-Osco for some sunscreen. We found this awesome pizza-Italian pub just two blocks from millennium park with $5 u call it martinis. We had a few too many, and then made our way to the bar to watch the mavs school the suns, a few more drinks, shots, and then it was time to meet my grade school best friend Randy Inserra. Afif decided to take a nap, and then meet up with us around 11pm. We finally made it to Rush street, got kicked out of 3 bars, in one fight, watched Afif puke on a cop car right in front of Wrigley Field and stopped him in mid stream of kissing a few random people that he did not know. Missed going to jail for PI's with a sweet talker in letting us go home. Then we jumped into a taxi cab that was a"HBO-Taxi Cab confessions car", that I signed the release form at the end to seal the deal, only because Afif ran his mouth the whole time, to this day, he still thinks so. ha
Friday morning we slept in till noon and went and hit the downtown riverfront and all around, we found this awesome little Italian bistro, and then meet up with my two sisters, and nieces around 3pm. We went shopping, on a riverboat tour, lots of good laughs and enjoyed a nice relaxing late dinner at the Chicago House of Blues, and then they headed back to Kenosha. My buddy's client flew up in his private jet, and rented some Dodge Vipers that were tooled around the city in. Awesome.
Saturday morning I scheduled a breakfast talk-counseling session with one of my old prof's from GU. I had a great two hour in depth talk with Dr. C and really was able to get a lot of advice from him. Thank your Dr. C. During lunch we cruised up to Kenosha to my sisters house for her daughters family & friend BBQ from noon-4pm. After we all had a quick nap, we settled in for the night to watch the mavs final winning game, then off to the Wine Knot for an awesome glass of wine that turned out to be very relaxing.
Sunday, we awoke up and headed to Willow Creek for church and then to go see my niece graduate from high school, and whizzed on back to Midway airport to fly home by 9pm.

All in all, it was a great vacation and we will be doing it again very soon at the end of summer, however destination will be top secret, since this web page is read all over the world. You will soon find out why. Peace randall
living for an audience of ONE...

Chi-town or bust

2006-05-31T18:12:00.000-07:00

This past weekend has flown by, and I made the decision to not go to church, ya I know I am a sinner. Memorial day weekend is always parent/child dedication and I just did not want to sit through 500 screaming babies in church. Sorry. However I did hangout with my new little brother David and we all watched the Mavs keep on scoring to a victory.
I am definitely ready to go to the windy city for our first ever "millionaire weekend". We have four going and we will be living like rock stars. Believe it. My best friend from Texas and I are leaving tomorrow at 7am. I will let you know all the juicy details. I promise.
living for an audience of ONE...