A Brick in the Valley » Stupid Stuff

Amazing Pumpkin Carvings

Chris — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:10:00 +0000

The Brauns family tried.

But we can’t compete with this:

See the rest here.

HT: The Blazing Center

The “Princess Bride” Reunion on Good Morning America

Chris — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 10:30:02 +0000

Cast members reflect on a Brauns family favorite.

HT: Denny Burk

Dear Loser

Chris — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 10:30:28 +0000

People occasionally ask me about the process of writing a book. For most of us it involves a fair amount of rejection. While most publishing houses are more gentle than the link I am providing, until you get used to it, one feels a bit like they have just read letter shown on this link.

A couple of favorite cheers and a handy reference tool for football games

Chris — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 10:30:54 +0000

Football season is upon us. If you have problems remembering the cheers, you might want to print out the below for easy reference.

I continue to be partial to the Stillman Valley favorite, “1-2-3-4 / you know what those cleats are for / stomp-em.”

“Retard them, retard them, make them relinquish the ball,” has always been a favorite as well. It’ doesn’t always roll easily off the tongue, but what it lacks in ease of repeating, it makes up for with its poetry and eloquence.

From: 4-Block World

Classic Comedy

Chris — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 10:30:23 +0000

One can only dream of being Larry Strickland or Neil Norland.

Lame Christian Cliches

Chris — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 10:30:42 +0000

Karen Swallow Prior considers some of the lamest Christian cliches. If you are guilty of over using these, repent. Or at least be more original in your communication:

I slipped. My husband and I were asked to take on another church commitment. I was trying to decline graciously. In my e-mail response, I wrote, “We cannot help now, but hopefully in another season.” I copied my husband on the e-mail and instantly received a one-word reply:

“Season?”

You see, season is one of many words long ago banned from our vocabulary. But my lapse reminded me how hard it is to resist the lure of the handy cliché.

Read the rest here.

HT: JT

Signs that the sermon isn’t going well

Chris — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 10:30:54 +0000

Now, with Mike Wittmer’s help, I know what to watch for to see that my sermon isn’t going well. The list gets better, so you have to click through to his site.

13. Your associate pastor is warming up in the bullpen.

12. The praise band begins playing you off the stage.

11. When asked to read from the King James Version, you involuntarily blush every time you say the word “ass.”

10. The congregation is filling in the blanks of your outline before you get there.

9. You think the lyrics to a bluegrass song are really connecting with your audience.

8. When you pause for dramatic effect, several people giggle.

7. Your cell phone starts ringing, and you answer it.

Read the rest here.

Cubs are Playing the Sox

Chris — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 23:49:29 +0000

Yawn.

Ever feel like this is how you came to lead?

Chris — Sat, 28 May 2011 10:30:30 +0000

HT: Darryl Dash

Octopus for hire

Chris — Sat, 21 May 2011 10:30:08 +0000

HT: Laughing Squid