Why? (Virginia Tech)

This past weekend, we as a church embarked on a journey into the most dominant question throughout time: Why? That word sums up so many questions in so many stages of life. From the child that is inquiring about everything from the color of the sky, grass and grandmother’s hair or simply not being allowed to do that thing that seems to be so much fun all the way to the great tragedies that have struck our lives both personally and globally, that one word dominates so much of our lives. How poignant, necessary and timely is this series?

Yesterday, a 23 year old student took the lives of 32 fellow students and then very cowardously took his own. This young man, no doubt troubled and hurting rather than reaching out, lashed out at those around him. Why? So many students were out having fun, studying or relaxing with friends the night before and today they are no longer with us. Why? Why would someone kill so many people, so randomly? Why didn’t the school shut down the campus after the first incident? Why didn’t someone take more seriously the disturbia that apparently surrounded this young man? Why do bads things happen to good people? Why? Why? Why?

I do not begin to presume I have any real mind blowing answer. I only know that Bible says it rains on the just and unjust alike. I also know that God gives us the promise, not that bad things would never happen, rather that He would never leave us nor forsake us. We can take heart knowing that though the world is crooked and dysfunctional, He has overcome the world and He is always there for us. He also promises to take even these excruciatingly difficult times and somehow work them and everything else together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

No one can really ever know why these horrid things happen, we can only know that God is still there to hold us. Man’s free will has allowed for such horrible incidents, but our surrendered hearts to God can make even the worst moments a bit easier to get through. His peace is beyond all understanding. I only pray that in this time of mourning, those at Virginia Tech can find hope and solace in Him, as He is truly the only one that can meet them in their hour of such great despair.

All this to say, if you are stuck in a cycle that has you constantly asking why or the recent tragedy has just sparked the question into flame, I hope you would tune in to the series God has dropped in our Pastor’s heart. If you need some answers or simply want to find hope in the midst of your question consumed life, this series is designed to help you find the true answer and the only hope for all of us. May God reconcile your heart to His and bring peace in your storm. May His will be done and His love be all consuming and comforting in your situation and in the lives of all of those grieving at Virginia Tech, their families and friends.

College Algebra circa 1995

Now, this is random, but then again it’s my blog and it’s always random. Yesterday, my wife and I, with the help of my mother-in-law and sister-in-law, began a little clutter deliverance. We began going through and trashing the contents of box after box of unnecessary junk that my wife and I seem to hold onto forever. As, I dug through one of my boxes, I found my old college papers, notes and such from my days at Lee University.

I am amazed and very glad that I still have this. This incredible artwork you see is the result of the amazing creative skills of yours truly and Allon Sparks combined with a very boring lesson in College Algebra. Allon and I literally spent the entire class passing this piece of paper back and forth with each of us adding one element to the page at a time. I know it is difficult to believe, but we did not collaborate as we drew. We simply added to it and passed it on. This masterpiece was the result. I know you are impressed. I am too!

Since you enjoyed it so much, here are some close-ups:

Croquet Anyone?

As promised, here are the pics from the Easter Croquet Tournament between Mr. Dennis Howard, Mr. Steven Stogner, Mr. Daryl James Howard and yours truly. I am trying something a bit different here to shorten the post, but maintain all of the photos. So, here goes nothing via Picasa. It was a magnificent tourney and the photos that follow should prove it. Cheerio!

Click the photo album below, it’s better if you view the slide show when you get there:

2007 Easter Croquet Tournament

As you can see everyone had a wonderful time. Well, everyone except the croquet balls. These shots were taken from their perspective:

Can You Say Creepy?

Sitting in my office, minding my own business and I hear someone mention my name from the other room. Always suspicious when my name is mentioned in a faint whisper, I get up and head toward the door and discover this creepy, 6′6″ expressionless duck walking slowly and determinedly toward me. It spoke no words, just kept walking toward me. Needless to say, I was a bit creeped out and tried to get away as everyone laughed and pointed. It was like one of those scenes in a movie where someone is running from a murderer at a carnival and no one else is aware of the danger, so they are laughing, cotton candy in hand, as the carousel keeps spinning and blaring the now eerie music and the man on stilts looms dauntingly over head. Seriously, I was a little frightened, but I’m better now.

Anyway, this apparently is our new Submerge Camp Mascot. Ducky McDuckerson.

Delirious 911

You want me to work security? You got it! Anything worth doing is worth doing over the top! That’s my motto. I was scheduled to work entrance security for the Delirious concert last night, so entrance security I was. At first the idea of working entrance security seemed a bit LAME-O, but in the words of Ben Franklin, when life asks you to be a security guard, make lemonade.

Below is what happens when you question a security guard:

Just don’t let it happen again Tyrone.

And a Happy Easter Was Had by All

In case you were interested, this Easter was one of the best in my 29 years. First of all, it wasn’t on my wedding anniversary like last year. Secondly, it was just awesome from top to bottom. We had an incredible service in St. Franny. The music was alright, but the worship leader looked like an Easter Egg in a suit. The best part was that Pastor Timmy delivered a great Resurrection message and several people came to the altar to encounter and begin a relationship with Jesus.

That afternoon, we had a great lunch, featuring spiral cut ham, at the Howard’s. Like Campbell’s it was Mmmmm, Mmmmm Good! Mrs. Sandy even made some corn for me. Now, lunch was great, but the real fun was the 3 rounds of croquet action that followed. I can’t really explain how awesome it was. I’ll just have to show you as soon as I get the pictures. Check back tomorrow.

Finally, my wife and I spent the evening at her uncle Charlie’s plantation, Como. Como is the only remaining plantation on the banks of the Mississippi River. There was food and music in the barn right on the Mississippi and we attended a sunset service in an old slave church. Jim Hogg and the boys provided the music and long time missionary Jack Dyer brought a simple yet powerful message. We capped off the evening with a walk around the old plantation which is still under renovation and “spun some yarn,” as Charlie calls it, with Charlie and Kathy.

Here are some more pictures of the plantation and such:

This place was built in late 1800’s after the original plantation burned down

the wooden building behind the house is now the kitchen, but used to be the post office

this is the outside of the old slave church

A great missionary Jack Dyer speaking

You guessed it: Jim Hogg and the boys

The Old Barn and Gazebo on the Mighty Mississippi

The Tuuuuug Boat, soon we’ll be making another run.

Jill and I missed the old paddle wheeler, so this was all I could show you.

Michael the Eyewitness in St. Franny

Last night, the wife and I rolled over to St. Frannyville to watch brother Mike McCain present his drama in Parker Park. He was awesome and the drama was anointed as usual. Thanks Brother Mike, you are the man.

First Class All the Way

Yesterday the church staff spent the morning tightening up for Easter. I had the privilege of working with Craig Boutte and Doug Musso. We had the task of helping everyone breathe a little easier (cleaning the AC vents) and cleaning the HPC limo cart. Here are a few pics of us with that cart. We had a blast and it was all to maintain that Five Star atmosphere of excellence we strive to provide everyone that attends HPC. It really was awesome to see everyone working so hard. At HPC, we believe in doing everything for the one. If one person has a little bit better of an experience and one less distraction and because of that they are able to come to a saving relationship with God, then it is well worth every drop of sweat. So Happy Easter to everyone and I hope God draws each of us a little bit closer to Him this weekend.

To The Victor Go The Spoils

Today JP sealed his victory in HPC's Biggest Loser. He lost a total of 37.2 lbs. equalling a 14.1 percent loss. So in celebration we went to DeAngelo's and JP was finally able to get some dessert. Good Job Japers! You are the man. For all the details, check out: The Champ

This Is How We Roll

This afternoon, J-Dawg, Jeffro and I rolled out to get a bite for lunch. When we roll, we roll right. We took that RV! The church has an RV and you have to drive it from time to time to keep it working within normal parameters, so we went to Chili’s in style and I stretched out the legs on the way back! As if the ride wasn’t enough, we went to Chili’s to meet everyone’s favorite former service director, ChrisTOPHER Craft. He is the man! I love you Bossman!

Inside Jokes on the Outside

I need to be clear. Chris Cole really is a great guy. In the land of St. Fran, we love to make the funny jokes. And little Chris is often the recipient of the worst end of them. The best part is how incredibly well he receives it. Chris laughs every joke off like he made it himself. The worst part for him is. . . well, how well he takes it. He makes it way too much fun to mess with him.

I just wanted to be clear with everyone that the previous post was truly in good fun. Chris, you are a great sport and I love picking on you bud. Little Chris, he’s just a big doober, yes doober with a “d”, with an incredible musical gift and a great disposition. I contemplated deleting the previous post for fear of people not understanding that it was all in fun, but it is way too funny if I do say so myself and I simply couldn’t. Chris wouldn’t want me to anyway. But seriously, girls be careful. I hear he has a crush on Pastor Timmy’s 2 year old daughter, Brooke. Another inside joke, now on the outside.

HPC’s Most Ineligible Bachelor

That’s right ladies. Jason Ryder revealed HPC’s most eligible in an attempt to make you all aware of what incredible guy you should be looking into. Well, I am here to help you as well, only I am here to show you what you do not want. Allow me to introduce HPC’s Most Ineligible Bachelor:

Chris Cole. Yes, he is as creepy as this photo indicates. This guy is not exactly what one would call a winner, but he is available. He plays acoustic guitar for us in St. Francisville. He even plays at the MAG and other venues in town from time to time. As a matter of fact, he will be there at the MAG this Saturday night. Avoid it all cost.

Even when he is sleeping, he’s a bit creepy. I’d call his a face only a mother could love, but I bet she has a hard time!

He does need a friend and someone to cling to like a leach, so if you are desperate or just looking for a missions project, Chris may be the man you are looking for.

Even Falling, Stand the Mighty

I read this phrase last night and found it to be very intriguing. Even falling, stand the mighty. A little poetic maybe, but it definitely caught my my attention. Here are a few thoughts I had as to what it might mean: So often we find ourselves masking insecurities with strength, appearing mighty yet our hearts are in constant free-fall. I don’t know. Maybe it’s just like when I began pursuing my wife. She stood firmly in opposition, all the while falling in love with all things Griffis. Sucker!

One of my first thoughts and perhaps my favorite was of 300. Though facing imminent death, the Spartans stood fearlessly strong. As in all of the great “death of a hero” scenes, they die/fall standing strong either in battle itself ala Boromir from LOTR, the actual last Samurai and Maximus in Gladiator, or in principle standing for your cause in the face of death like William Wallace. FREEDOM! As they fall, their stand actually gains strength. I really like that thought.

In my opinion, true strength is found not necessarily in the not falling, rather in the getting back up. As Paul encouraged us, when there is nothing left to do, just stand. Should you fall, rely on God’s strength and just get back up.

Welcome Motherland!

That's right. It's official. I am completely transcontinental! I earned my final continent dot. God bless you Africa! Thank you for your interest. I only pray that I can maintain your interest and readeration. Is that a word? Either way, I press on and pray for my missionary friends to spread the Father’s love to all of you in the Motherland.

Everything That Glitters Isn’t Gold

Sometimes it’s just glitter or a glitter coated set of drums. I just remembered that I had forgotten to show all of you our new drums in St. Fran. I’d like to give a special shout out to my boy, brother Easy Money Earl, for making a way where there seemed to be no way. Well, the baby Jesus gets all the glory, but Easy had a part in it. Also, a special shout out to the Beytmobile and Trace for lugging around there drums every week until we got our own. And of course, none of this would be possible without the faithful giving of the awesome Frannyville HPCers. It is an incredible blessing to no longer have to sweat having a set of drums. Did I mention that we got some new drums in St. Francisville? OK, cool. Oh yeah and they sparkle.

Who Says Yard Work Is Hard Work?

I do! Yesterday was the first well spent day off for me in a while. And when I say spent, I mean it. I was useless by the time I got home and I am a bit sore today.

Yesterday, I helped my good little buddy DJ Howard do a little landscaping for his awesome new company Southern Green Lawns, LLC. (If you need your lawn taken care of, let me know and I will get you in touch with DJ. Top tier work for a reasonable price, guaranteed!) I only pray that the yard we started yesterday is not a typical one for him. That’s right this was a two-day job. Poor DJ has to finish it up alone today.

We were in a very nice neighborhood, but the lawn was something out of the twilight zone. The front was pretty bad, but the back was frightening. The homeowner warned us, but I was not prepared for the weeds four and five feet high overtaking the rose bushes, the day lilies and everything else in sight. There was a great bonus in the sense of satisfaction as we made dramatic progress, but WOW! It was awesome to get to see DJ at work and get a bit of understanding of how tough it is to be out there day in and day out making everyone else’s lawn look amazing. The saddest part is that once you are done, you don’t actually get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. DJ should invest in a portable hammock and spend at least 30 minutes enjoying the yards. Anyway, I’m pretty sure my weeding skills blew DJ away. We had a lot of fun and DJ even let me drive the mower, but I must say it’s nice to be back in the office.

Oh yeah, as an added bonus DJ trimmed my front hedges. What a guy! As a thank you, I decided to break his favorite rake.

I Am A Proud New Domain Owner

That’s right, not that it does anything special now, but I am the proud new owner of both:
Griffis Is My Homeboy and
Michael Griffis domains. Right now they just link you back here, but in the future . . . who knows? Hopefully, I will have my shirts available online at the homeboy page.
What shirts, you ask? Why these of course:

It Was A Valiant Effort

Valiant effort indeed, but alas we didn’t have enough to compete with Jason Ryder. Today is a sad day for blogging competition, but a glorious day in that we are in our final moments of triple digits. Jason may have beaten us to 1000, but we will march on in the fight to alleviate boredom and insomnia. For, I will continue this journey called, “Much aBlog About Nothing” and do just that: blog about nothing and everything at the same time. (Not the Nothing from “The Neverending Story” that would just be weird) I humbly thank you for watching during this journey to 1000 and I implore you to stand by my side (or just sit at your computer) and continue to read and when there’s nothing left to do, read. Amen.

Little Things Mean a Lot

This years Amplified outreach took all of our students to inner city elementary schools. I had the privilege of joining a group at Belfair Elementary. We painted poles and doors and laid mulch around the trees, shrubs, and freshly weeded flower beds. We had an amazing time and as you can see we left the courtyard looking great. These tasks seem fairly simple and may not mean much to many of us, but I was amazed at how much it meant to the students.

That morning several students were coming in for a Saturday LEAP test training session, and while we received instructions from the school’s janitor a few girls began painting the poles. As they were paintingn, one little guy from Belfair arrived and was so excited, he ran to the gym door and yelled to some of his friends, “They’re painting our poles!” Honestly, I was taken aback by how much it meant to him. These little touch-ups really meant a lot to those kids. Somebody actually cared enough to come and simply paint their poles. How cool is that to think that such a little thing can mean so much and make such an impact on those kids lives. I hope we do some follow up work with those schools. I spoke to Joe, he’s over maintenance for the schools in that area, and he told me that the principal wants to schedule another outreach there, but this time she wants to schedule some of her students to be there to help out and gain a little more pride in their school. What an incredible opportunity that will be. Sign me up!

Next Friday’s Elevate Lunch Menu

Here you go guys. My leftovers are yours.

Vultures!

At 11am on a Friday an INTERNal alarm goes off in our Elevate interns: Time to clean out the office fridge. I walked by the break room about 11:20 and it was too late. I reached around the hungry interns and "the determined to clean the fridge" Robin to see if my buffalo chicken fingers were still there . . . beep, beep, beep. The microwave began to mock me as the familiar aroma of wing sauce filled the air. I was too late. Brooke, seen above, had already laid claim to my unmarked to go box. Brooke and Barton do not miss a beat when it comes to a potential free meal. They each walked away with 4 meals to get them through the weekend. Good job guys. Check back for the follow up blog with next weeks surprise menu.

Get Amp’d

Tonight we got a little pre-amp. A taste of what's to come this weekend at Amplified '07. Pastor Chad Daniel and CFNI band Obed Edom served up an incredible appetizer of the amazing things that God has in store for us. I cannot wait to see how God changes all of our students, leaders and especially my heart. If you haven't yet made plans to be there, I dare you to change your plans and let God invade your heart and rock your face in such a powerful way that not even your closest friends will recognize you. Get Amp'd!

The Race to 1000

The heat is on and I need your help. My good buddy J-Dawg and I are neck and neck in pursuit of 1000 blog hits. He's got the lead with 850 to my 832 right now. So help me help you. I will keep the blog fresh and flowing with frequent updates, you just come back to read. I will keep it interesting and update you on our status daily. Let's make it to 1000 together! Go go gadget blog viewers.

Explosions In The Sky

For those that don’t watch, Friday Night Lights is one of the best true dramas on TV. That being said, they also have incredible theme music. That music was provided by an amazing quartet called Explosions In The Sky. The band consists of a drummer, two electric guitars and a bass or third electric guitar depending on the song. Purely instrumental, very rock and roll and completely amazing. These guys are so ridiculously talented and were in the Big Easy last Thursday Night. That’s right, yours truly was there and it was amazing. These cats are seriously talented and passionate about the music they create. If you are in the least bit interested, check them out by clicking one of the album covers. Enjoy!

Lumberjack Griffis

Ya’ll didn’t know that I was a true woodsmen. Chris Cole, DJ Howard and I cut down a couple of trees this weekend at the Howard’s house. It was a tough job, but we real men knew we could handle it. After the first one went down with Chris surfing it, the second didn’t have a chance. Big daddy Griffis was wielding the ax for it’s final farewell. If that wasn’t enough, the manliest of all tree cutting celebrations immediately followed. I even got Tyrone to replay the man celebration in slow mo at the end for you in case you miss it the first time. Thanks Gabi for the video work and commentary as well as Mr. Dennis and Mrs. Sandy, Holly Kay for the special effects and Ty for the editing! Enjoy:

Seafood and Magnetic Earrings

So, today I headed over to Randy Montalbano’s Seafood and Catering for lunch with my good buddies “Mad Fine” Brad Pine and Matt “Having a great agent MATTers” Stewart. Of course, the huge bonus is that Reynolds Leblanc, quite possibly the grooviest cat around, works there. That dude made all of our food with his left-hand and it was still better than anything else in town. Seriously, it is impossible to leave Randy Montalbano’s without a smile on your face. The food is amazing! It’s by far the best boiled crawfish in town. I insist that you check this place out!

After lunch came the real fun. Matt, Brad and I decided that since it was so awesome outside that we should go do something outside. After a thoughtful 3 seconds, the decision was made. Let’s go play putt putt! That’s right we headed out to Celebration Station. I swear the last time I went there I had a magnetic earring. OK, so I may have been there since then, but I definitely remember going in there back in ‘91 in the 8th grade with magnetic bling in the ear. How many of you remember the magnetic earring? What a great invention! My parents wouldn’t let me have an earring and I honestly didn’t want a real one, so I got the next best thing. Nothing said cool in the early 90’s like that little piece of gold in the left ear. What an era? I feel so old. 16 years removed from the 8th grade? WOW! Anyway, after two rounds of putt putt, Brad Pine emerged victorious. I came in 3rd and a good time was had by all.

A "Penny" for Your Thoughts

First, what do you few you happy few that read this this little blog think about the new song of the month feature? It may be more of a weekly or bi-weekly thing, but I need your feedback to know what to do and what you think of the song choice.

Secondly, Penny will be back on LOST next week. It may only be in a flashback of Desmond’s but at least it will bring the Widmore family back. Also, we can look forward to the return of Cindy the flight attendant/girlfriend of the author of the “Bad Twin” (the book that Sawyer was reading the manuscript to) as well as the kidnapped kids from the tail section.

As you might have figured out, LOST came back and it did come back strong. I will give more thoughts on the recent episode in a day or so, once I know everyone has had a chance to see it. I’m glad that the weak episodes 3.3-3.6 were not an indication of the show getting watered down like I feared. There was some very interesting insight into what takes place on the island as well as a bit of “Other” history last night. Good times were had by all!

That’s all for now, don’t forget to let me know if you like the song of the month and whether it should be monthly, weekly or bi-weekly. Peace on you all!

My Good Buddy Doug Musso!

This dude is the flow master when it comes to worship. But when he is in the Halo zone, the game face comes out and it is not for the faint of heart. Take a gander for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MCFa91t-bE

There is nothing really new happening today, so I…

There is nothing really new happening today, so I just wanted to bring to forefront that my wife is really hot. I didn’t superimpose myself into a picture with this girl. She volunteered to spend her life with me. Poor, poor soul.

Against all odds

The Saints played in the NFC Championship! Who would have ever imagined? Of course they had to go into Chi-town and choke against a Rex Grossman led team, but still the NFC Championship! Either way, this has been the most exciting football season I can remember. Who knew that the Saints would ever hire a Pro-Bowl QB and have an exciting running back, let alone two. Add to that the WR showcase featuring Marques Colston. If only Roman Harper had not been injured and Fred Thomas had never been allowed to play football, we would more likely be looking at the Saints V. Colts in SuperBowl XLI. For once in a lifetime we can actually say, I can’t wait to watch the Saints again next year. As for SuperBowl XLI, I will be pulling for the Indianapolis Colts. That’s right ladies and gentleman, I, a natural born Manning hater, will be pulling for The Manning. I will mostly be pulling for LSU Tiger Joe Addai, but inadvertently that makes me hope for a Manning to win the first championship in family history. Those guys have never even won a peewee championship! I just hope Manning doesn’t do the traditional choke artist routine and keep Joe from his ring. Good luck Joe!

First Blog

This is my first blog and it is very short. This is pretty much a test run to see what the whole thing looks like. So, all of me who read this, do not be disappointed. There will be more blogging. Oh yes, there will be more blogging!

Griffis