Hello, my name is Jim and I am a computer geek...

I love technology. I am always after the latest, greatest thing. I have to admit, I love web based tools over desktop based software. With the explosion of super high speed internet for almost everyone, web based seems like the future to me.

I am an early adopter when it comes to technology. I love to be the first. I have found three great tools to connect with people and I want you to check them out as well.
1) Facebook - What a great way to have a network of friends to connect and communicate. The more I use it, the most I see it's value. What a great tool to build relationships with people in this fast paced society.
2) Remember the Milk - I wanted a web based task list and I found it. This baby is awesome for keeping track of my tasks via computer or mobile phone. It even integrates into Firefox and Google calendar.
3) Twitter - I just signed up for this one today. Twitter answers the question, "what are you doing?" Interesting web based thought process. I'll have to use it more (and have more friends) to know if I am really going to like it.

I am always looking for new ways to have conversations with people. These new ways are expanding my personal network and giving me a voice in places I never had one before. Isn't technology awesome! Want to be my friend in Facebook or Twitter me? jim@riversidelife.org

Hurts, Habits, and Hangups

Do you have any hurts, habits, or hangups that interfere in your ability to live a meaningful, abundant life? There is a great opportunity to connect with others in a similar situation and connect with God.

This opportunity is called Celebrate Recovery and it is held each Friday night at Riverside Church in the suburbs of New Orleans. If you're in the area, stop by and see us. You can also find out more about us at this link.

Monday Morning Images

A weekend of images... a believer couple that end up in the hospital at the same time... the birth of a believer's baby... a bad summer cold... coaching my son in baseball... coaching my daughter in softball... an afternoon and evening hanging out with other believers at the park... great live band music... homemade ice cream... kids laughing and screaming... adults laughing and screaming... a pickle throwing contest?... Giving cards and presents to my awesome wife with the kids... Arise worship... Celebration worship... baptism of a new believer... lunch at Copeland's... giving my father-in-law a shave and a haircut... collapsing at home on Sunday night...

These are the images of life for me this weekend. I wouldn't trade it for anything!

What's the Difference Between Life and Religion?

I see so much being done in the name of religion today. From the "Christian Right" to an Islamic Jihad on America, most of religion is bad news. Why?

Because religion, no matter which one, attempts to make people right with God by what you do. Therefore, the "Religious Right" are only known for what they are against. Muslims calling for a jihad on America are doing the same thing. We only know that they hate America.

Religion is for the uninformed. People are prone to want to follow a set of rules and regulations to fit with a particular people group. I would dare to say that if I had been born into an Islamic culture I might be fighting against America too. It is because religion, no matter how noble, always leads to death and destruction.

What God promised through His Son, Jesus Christ, is life for those who give up their lives to take on Christ's life. It is no longer about feebly attempting to keep a set of rules and regulations. It is no longer about what you do but whose you are. When the real Jesus Christ comes into your life you change. And in that change you no longer live your own life but you express the life of the one who lives inside you. This is no religion. This is a relationship with the God of the universe who loves you. No rules, just right!