100 Days of OBAMA. Opinion poll question...

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?

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Is Iowa really ahead of Illinois??/

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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....

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....

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...

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

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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