Friend and Family share a common weekend

This past weekend my best friend Matthew Smith and his one year anniversary to Jenny from Chicago was celebrated at the same time as my dad Elmer's birthday on April 22. Elmer and Raphaels anniversary- 23 and her birthday also on April 24. They all enjoyed the weekend of anniversarys and a birthday knowing they share something special and both remembered it, we can also add Kim Fornoff who married Jeff Kaye on the same weekend also.

Cup holders in church is a win win situation. I came across this article and I thought it would be a good subject to talk about. I think it a great idea. FC does not allow any food or drink in the sanctuary. As long as you are not eating a snack during the service, but sipping on a Lattae, I am all for it.

My birthday is coming up and my friend Afif keeps asking me what I want to do, and I keep telling him, it is up to him. I just want my birthday to be a little bit more than the last one. Boy, I am sure getting old. This weekend, my eyes will be glued to the tube. The Dallas Stars Hockey is in the Stanley Cup, and we can wish for the best. Also the Dallas Mavericks are heading down the road to victory .


living for an audience of ONE...

Building for the future...

When people hear about money, they really begin to wonder, but when your in church, people then begin to freakout. Why is that? FC has embarked on a 2 year campaign that will kick off May 13/14 called Town and Country. I had friends in and this past weekend they kicked off the campaign and my friends who are not church attenders were not excited about coming to check out my church, and hearing about tithing in the message. All I can say, is I am sorry, but how do you think FC has grown to where it is now? The last building campaign was started in 2000, and the next one was kicked off the exact same time they came for the first time, and probably now the last time.

All I have to say, is that if FC was not heading in the direction they are now, from back in the day, then I would not be here, and this life would not have been changed. My existence here in DFW, has been a blessing, and I have been blessed, and I am being able to bless those around me. I am glad for that, life change is always good, when it is done one positive life at a time.
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Guess Who, Fellowship Uptown UPDATE...Want the dirt???

Monday afternoon right before I was about to leave, my buddy Kiefer Sutherland---aka---"Jack Bower" from the hit show 24 came in to have a drink and smoke with yours truely. Very laid back guy. **No autographs PLEASE**

GO MAVS is the only thing out of my lips. I have become an avid Texas sports team fan for a good solid year. Our Dallas Stars Hockey team is in the Stanley Cup this year, but I don't think they are going to do it, this year.

Check out this update on Fellowship church.comUptown on how things are coming along on their soon to be new home. Work is slow again, and I am getting bored to early of the day, but construction is not far away when my bar will be doubling itself.

Want to get the down load on past, present, and futuring moviestars, hollywood, past presidents, the whose who and so they think so. CHECK OUT THIS LINK. thank you kim fornoff

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Vacation over, Love ANNE THOMPSON...Who is P??

*****THIS POST IS DEDICATED TO ANNE THOMPSON FROM OMAHA****

Thursday after noon April 13, Anne Thompson, my little "adopted"step sister took my advice and came to visit me during her lay over from Omaha. IN SHOCK, is the only words that described my facial expression. I told her, "You are never going to guess who just got in town," and had her call Shane K on my phone, to shock him, and he was definitely surprised.

The 12 days of friends have come and gone. Stay tuned for the pics, they will be coming very soon.
Shane Kardell made it in around 9pm on Wednesday April 12 until that Monday. Michelle K made it in Friday night on the April 14. With a very cool UNEXPECTED, surprise one of my best friends from Omaha, ex-roomie Edward "7" Weinger made it around 11pm and surprised everybody at the bar we were drinking at for a two day visit. Shane and Michelle got to witness a Easter service at FC, and boy this year did they raise the bar, I mean literally RAISE the bar. MK, SK, and even I were just looking at each other during the service with amazement. Edward was traveling down to Austin, so he missed the Easter show. Kim Fornoff & Cheryl Reineke got in Wednesday April 19 & the 20. My 420 @ 1020 C & K party was a huge success. I just can't hang like I use too, sorry Afif, yes you win the $50 bet. I am old give me a break

Picture any home improvement show, "Flip this house, Trading Spaces", and you will get the idea, crap everywhere, boxes, paper, new furniture, "all assembly required". I wanted it done before Michelle got there Friday night for a surprise for her, then we needed to literally move everything around, because it just didn't not look good. It was down to the wire, before we needed to pick up cheryl right before the party was scheduled to start @ 1020pm.
***THANK YOU SHANE, MICHELLE AND MY NEIGHBOR MATT FOR HELPING****

Cheryl and Kim was able to visit FC, Kim for the first time, and they both liked it, but we were kicking off a building campaign, and Ed was speaking on giving to the local church. Let's just say it didn't fly to well with them or me. I did not know what he was speaking on, or I would not brought them.

In a brief summary, we tied a few on, shane and I had a couple deep talks, everybody got to meet my best friend down here named Afif, checked out my place of work, some really good DFW hot spots. We went hiking at grapevine lake, a little shopping, many, many wardrobe changes, (just in one day we did 3), were treated like VIP's, treated them like VIP, checked out hotel ZAZA, where Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey stayed. We checked out and walked around in Uptown, downtown, Gaytown, and of course Deep Ellum, everybody got tattoos (this is my 5th for me) and last but not least a lot of maxing and relaxing with a lot of good laughs.

Not to be rude, but who is P on my last comments page, I am not sure who drove down to see me in Texas. WHO ever you are please clue me in, I just don't remember. Sorry

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Good Friday

*****T H I S P O S T IS D E D I C A T E D TO GEOFFRY CARLSON*****

Good Friday is here, and it is almost time. Time for what you say, well stay tuned for recaps of the 10 day vacation that began today, with some 2 day pre-warm ups for the main event. My apt is so trashed with boxes, new furniture, old stuff and tons of mess. I need to get it all done by today, wish me luck, because I will need it. I had a long talk with my buddy Afif last night, were making progress, and he realizes that I only want the best for him. I just got off the phone with him this morning. He took my advice and had a long sit down talk with his mom from 4am-7am and he just wanted me to know that he is forever grateful that I have never ever given up on him. I told him, "Afif, I will never give up on you, because my good friends never gave up on me", ask Matthew he has been waiting for a life change in my heart for over 9 years. I pray that I don't have to wait that long. You know you are making strides when my muslim buddy calls and wishes me a "Good Friday". Enjoy your day, a GOOD FRIDAY DAY.
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Middle of Holy Week

Easter is fast approaching and my heart still continues to grow in anticipation of what lies ahead. I think for me this year it has more deeper of a meaning than in past years. Since my chains have been broken from what held me back for such a long time. I am realizing that I don't need to be afraid of past, (that I will not go back to) but aware that I am living in the here and now, ready for the future, of what ever is in front of me.

This week I have been training a new guy at my job, and I am afraid to say that he is agnostic, I am not sure what that really means, but I will need to begin to study, for a long road of lengthy discussions that have already begun. The one answer he doesn't understand is why I am here in Dallas for Fellowship Church.

I recieved confirmation of my # 1 present for my number one girl who will be on her way to visit me, and I can't wait to see her reaction. It will be priceless. I am getting ready for the big event. Can you belive I am going to be on vacation for 10 fun filled days with some of the greatest people on the planet. My house is filling up with all of my purchases and I cant wait to start putting it all together.

living for an audience of ONE...

400,000 march for Freedom...Holy Week begins... Another Fries enters the World.

Weekend worship at FC was incredible, and my heart was severed into tears realizing how good way have life, and it is blessing that in one week we can rejoice in the true meaning of Easter.

*** I want to welcome into the world a new little Fries to the family, at 1:30pm today Ester Fries gave birth to a healthy 8 lb 14 ounce baby girl. Father Danny was joined by his sister Chasity and brother Tristan both from Wichita this weekend for the fun filled event.****

Today, I made my final purchase from Ikea, and boy are you fine folks who are getting ready to visit me are in for a treat. I stopped off at my friends house Afif to meet his mom, sister, and Aunt who just moved here from Bangladesh.

This weekend marked a historical time for the Latino's in the DFW area. They were expecting around 20,000 and over 400,000 marched in protest of new immigrant laws being imposed soon. They have been protesting here in Dallas all week.

Holy Week begins, take time to reflect your life, and you can impact just one person around you each day. Today I am thankful that my mom poured love, support, and encouragement into my life.

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Rich & Famous, but not .... Time to Remember

I always try to inform my followers what is really going on in my real world, yes I might be rich, maybe famous, but I am not Howie Mendall from Deal or No Deal. Hey thanks for the compliment, no autographs please, this ends the interview. "Can I get my Grande Icey Spice, please."
One of the most poignant moments of Jesus' ministry occurred in a small, discreet room just hours before he was arrested. It was there that he said, "Remember me." But in our frenzied and frantic lifestyles, we often forget the true significance of what that means. This weekend we will take a special look at Christ's words and discover the real blessing and power of what it means to remember, through communion.

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20 Suicides too much....

My heart continues to be saddened when I hear of another person who decided that his/her life is not worth living. Someone is convinced that their life is over, and for 3 split seconds decides that it is time to end it. What possess a man or woman to take life into their own hands. Kenosha Wisconsin is hurting, people are crying out, but no one can help the helpless. Teenagers in my nieces school are the primary ones who feel that they can't live any longer. I pray that I don't get a call from someone that I know, my heart would sink. I am going to celebrate this up coming July 1st, that God saw fit, to not let my wishes not continue, but to grant me more time, to encourage those He has, will, and continue to bring into my life that needs encouragement.

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Making History with Lessons From Hell...TD Jakes @ FC...

Today was the one year of passing of the Pope John Paul II, and the Vatican city was filled with mourners and parishioners to honor the man who was the pope for 26 years. Also, it was opening weekend for MLSoccer, and MLBaseball, and the home opener for the Texas Rangers is Monday April 3, while FC DALLAS soccer team won their home opener at their new Pizza Hut park in Frisco Texas against the Chicago Fire. The buzz was in the air, excitement flowed through the campus, and most importantly our fearless leader was back, and Ed was on fire from being on 4 week spring break. Each year I fall more in love with this awesome church, only because there is no other church like it in existence. FC is not scared to tell the truth, when that is all they have to tell. Nothing scares us more than hell. Even those who don't believe in hell fear it. But in this weekends message, Ed will take us on a unique look into this most feared of all places. And we learn some valuable lessons from hell that can help us discover a life of meaning and influence-a life that God wants us all to have. taken from worship guide. Well for me history was made this weekend, we started a two week study on Hell, and a clear plan of salvation was the meat of the service. When it came to the end for our normal "in your seat response time", Ed decided to have an altar call. This was the first time since I have been here in my 3 years where they did this. He said, "this is a defining moment for our church, I needed this message, FC needed this message, and if you need to make a statement to God, you need to come forward." I was in shock to say the least, but as took a sneak peek into the crowd in front of me, hundreds went forward to receive Christ and talk to a trained counselor in the atrium. It was life changing for them, and my church, because that is not a norm, especially in today's mega church culture. Saturday night Afif and I hung out in uptown Dallas, and then had a really good 3 hour talk at my place till 430 in the morning. That is the first time we really have had that deep of talk, and you know what, he is finally getting it, the light is starting to barely flicker, and that is awesome. Life change is in the making and I can see hope in him. I forgot to tell you that last week TD Jakes from the Potters House here in Dallas was the guest speaker at FC, and I could be wrong, I think it was the first time we had a African American speaker in the FC house. WORD!

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Going the distance...

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

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A full plate...Kiss at Blue Mesa

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

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

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

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

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

living for an audience of ONE...

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

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

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

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

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

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

peace, randall

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lent - (minus)

smoke- (minus)

lasers- (minus)

lights shows- (minus)

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

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

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Brokeback Mountain what? LENT? Dallas hosts Big 12 tournament

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

living for an audience of ONE...

Can you say...

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

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

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

living for an audience of ONE...