The Calister

Perfection! And joy! Lots of love! Oh the love! And did I mention the joy. Amazing.

What a good day.

BEAT

Loveless

My bestest buddy and I went to the Loveless Cafe last night. This is a famous restaurant in Nashville that has been featured on the Food Network and the Travel Channel. The Biscuit Lady did loose to Bobby Flay on Throwdown. I would disagree. The Loveless has the most amazing biscuits. And the jellies and jams to accompany them are to die for. I think the peach preserves would be my favorite. You know, because I am from Georgia and all.

I had fried catfish, fried okra, and cucumber and onion salad. Something light and airy for summer. The bestest went for the yellow sides plate-hashbrown casserole, creamed corn, mac & cheese...and then changed it up with some green beans.

So, so good. I need to make the Loveless a bigger priority in my life. If you want to come visit, we can make the Loveless a priority together.

got biscuits?

BEAT

Music of the Moment: I'm a Redneck, Y'all

Or I live in the Country Music Capital of the...world. It is probably both. I mean, I am from Georgia. My (childhood) house is surrounded by chicken houses and cow pastures.

Redneck? Right? Right. Bless me and my roots.

Every radio station (because I'm old school, I still LOVE listening to the radio) in the current city in which I reside plays country music. Umm, who knew the guy from Hootie and the Blowfish sings country? Because he does. I do not lie. But I really enjoy his catchy, catchy tunes. Can't help it. And the below song is on every 5 minutes. And I'm okay with that.

And there is this other band that I love. Check them out, the Zac Brown Band! How can you go wrong with a song called Chicken Fried? I mean really. But I am in a sappy mood, so enjoy What Ever It Is. Lovely. Cute. Sweet. I do enjoy a good dose of Southern charm. Like I said, I'm from Georgia.

So here is my music of the moment. Add them to your collection.

I've got whatever it is. (But I'm still trying to figure out what it is.)

BEAT

Darius Goes West

Please check out the website. The blog is pretty darn hilarious. The story is true. Darius continues to fight. We have an opportunity to learn. 

Because this comes out of my hometown, I know many people who have worked on this project and are close to Darius. Good people helping a good kid. 

Here is another reason to have hope. Here is another reason to see and know there is love. Amen? Amen.

Hope upon hope,

BEAT

Video Friday?

Best commercial ever!  How fun! Life is too short...

Share upon share,

BEAT

and then I cried...

What an incredible story, friendship, and lesson. 

I'm glad I have one, two, or eight similar relationships. Very different, but deeply connected. 

And yes, one tear. Maybe two. I say for good reason. 

Love upon love,

BEAT

I thought about the army (okay, navy)...

Dear Jason,

Tomorrow you start a new career. 10+ weeks of basic. When you told me you enlisted I didn't know what the hell you were thinking. Most days, I still don't.  (I'm being honest with you, buddy.)

You know I don't support war.  We worship a God of peace and harmony.  Jesus Christ told us to turn the other cheek. The Holy Spirit allows us to live as a reconciled community.  We are brothers and sisters in Christ.  We are brothers and sisters with all God's people. 

Yet, you still leave tomorrow.  To serve, protect, and become an adult? To promote peace? To be? Whatever the reason, much thanks.  Like I said on the phone: Blessings upon blessings upon blessings. Like God intends: Grace upon grace upon grace.  Most of all (and this will never change), I love you. 

My brother, be safe. Be wise. Be patient. And in every second, be an agent of divine peace.  

What can I give you other than intercessions and supplications?  Well, I dedicate my favorite Ben Folds' song to you on this eve of your departure.  And letters. Lots and lots of letters are headed your way. 

Enjoy these entertaining words. I love you. And thanks, for being my brother and being dedicated to a cause. 

Grace upon grace, 

BEAT Bear

taking a stand on the question of love

Whether you agree or disagree, it is an interesting question.  I talk lots about perfect love.  Specifically, I talk lots about perfect love of God and neighbor. When it comes to my neighbor, it is a universal love.  This is a universal love that I am taking a stand on. 

Thanks, Mr. Olbermann.  Thank you for speaking honestly on a sensitive and passionate topic.  Comments welcome.