tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122297472024-03-07T13:14:15.753-08:00Press The Star KeyWorshipper. Family Guy. Chaser of good burgers. Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-75695333937212532542015-02-25T09:14:00.000-08:002015-02-25T09:14:14.450-08:00Be ThankfulI want to live a life of thankfulness. Not lip-service thankfulness. Genuine thankfulness.<div>
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But my thankfulness is pretty shallow. I've fallen victim to being thankful for things because I compare myself with those that don't have things I have. As its been snowing/sleeting/snotting ice the past few days, I've been thankful for a warm house and a roof over my head. Probably because I talked on the phone to a homeless person a few days ago that didn't have those things.</div>
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Dallas will do that to you. There are some truly wealthy people here - but there are a lot more people pretending to be wealthy. Dallas causes you to always be looking for the next thing. What's the next rung on the ladder? Newer car, bigger house, latest clothes... Without really knowing it, you start to adopt this daily comparison lifestyle - constantly comparing yourself to others. It lives right beneath the surface, but shapes my decisions and feeds my desires. And it's even snuck into the way I perceive my position with God. </div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We
would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent
and dissatisfaction.” </span><span style="color: #181818; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">― </span><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3317101.H_A_Ironside">H.A. Ironside</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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So here's to true thankfulness! Thankful to God for all the things I cannot earn. The intangible things that are more costly than any earthly possession. Grace. Salvation. Peace. Health. 2nd Chances. Unmerited Favor. Reconciled Relationships...</div>
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The list could go on and on...let these things always be on the tip of my tongue. </div>
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Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-57424825149687293952015-01-28T13:50:00.002-08:002015-01-29T05:18:32.178-08:00Perspective Shift: Battles w/ 2 year olds and suchMornings these days are a little crazy. My 5 1/2 year girl old bouncing around the house, needing to get her hair fixed in some way that doesn't look like she's getting neglected by her parents. (She's got some really curly hair - it has a mind of its own - but if we don't tame it, I think someone might turn us in to CPS.) We've also got an infant needing to be fed. He's almost 2 months old. <br />
<br />
And then there's my 2 1/2 year old son. Today he decided to have a stand-off of David Koresh proportions. Over a banana. Actually, 1/3 of a banana. He was ready to get on with his day (without any breakfast). He was even coming up with a list of demands during the situation (turn on the TV, give me my bite-a-min (vitamin), yada ya). But Elaine wouldn't let him down from the table without eating this little measly bite of fruit. <br />
<br />
I was on my way out when I thought it was probably best for me to hunker down in the trenches with my wife and lend some support. The kid is sliding around in the chair - bringing the drama - fake crying (loudly) - you know, the whole nine yards. I don't even remember what all was said/done, but he finally ate the dang banana. <br />
<br />
I left. Got a text from my wife that he then proceeded to ask for another banana and ate that one too.<br />
He's a turd. I love him. But - he's got his moments.<br />
<br />
I was a little ticked that I was late for prayer at church today. Just generally feeling annoyed. And feeling for my wife as this time seems out of control and she's overwhelmed trying to wrangle the 3 kids. Mix in a little 'woe is me' with some 'is life ever going to be fun again' - and there you have me driving in my car.<br />
<br />
Finally arrived to prayer with my peeve-ish attitude. <br />
<br />
We read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18<br />
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."<br />
<br />
Then we listened to "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlTtWQRNock" target="_blank">Though You Slay Me</a>" by Shane and Shane. Great song - pulls from the book of Job.<br />
<br />
We were asked if anyone wanted to share their 'momentary afflictions' that God was allowing them to go through.<br />
<br />
A guy I barely knew said he'd share.<br />
<br />
And it was like God smacked His 'hands' together in front of my face. He got my attention.<br />
<br />
This guy starts telling of his family. Married - 4 kids. The youngest of which is 4 months old and has some pretty serious health issues. There's some anger - there's some resentment. And the family is just going through some hard, hard stuff. I honestly can't even begin to relate to the reality they are living right now. We prayed - the best we knew how. Made my struggle look piddly. <br />
<br />
And my perspective immediately shifted. But hear me out - I was undone. In a couple of ways. I was undone for what his family was going through. And I was undone because God shined a light on my selfishness and lack of gratitude. And honestly, I was a little disappointed in myself.<br />
<br />
That's the story. Not really sure what the moral is. (It all started with that dumb banana). But my desire is to live more in that spot of thankfulness for the HUGE blessings God has allowed in my life. My desire is to be more ready to love on those that are going through the rough places - and to spend less time looking at my life under a self-serving microscope. My desire is to worship Him anyways. Even when I don't feel like it - to constantly have a story of His goodness ready to share.<br />
<br />
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<br />Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-4938206279717903092010-06-20T21:47:00.001-07:002010-06-20T21:54:33.039-07:00Back At ItDang. It's hotter in Dallas than it is in Cabo. And didn't summer just officially start?<div><br /></div><div>Maybe we'll discuss the weird Mexican disease I got while I was there later. But, for the time being, I'm bummed that real life has to resume.</div><div><br /></div><div>Elaine and I went (minus Cana) to Cabo San Lucas last week and had a great time....doing mostly nothing. It's been 8 years since our honeymoon, and it was nice to get away and drop everything for awhile. I would even say it was better than the honeymoon...'cause let's face it....honeymoon's are 75 % awesome and 25 % awkward.</div><div><br /></div><div>I got my first Father's Day present 'made' by my daughter today. I'm a sap. Even though its just a footprint on a piece of construction paper, I'm kinda proud.</div><div><br /></div><div>In musical news : kinda disappointed in the Christina album. There's a couple of good ballads on there and a couple of dancy tracks - - but there's also a lot of...uh....don't know what to call it.</div><div>On the better side of things is the Taio Cruz album. It's ain't deep...but it is fun.</div><div><br /></div><div>Peace.</div>Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-86955124191242342472010-03-31T12:08:00.000-07:002010-03-31T12:10:26.473-07:00The time has come....I will be playing Jesus in the Passion Play at Davis Boulevard Baptist Church April 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. It's free & starts at 7:00 each evening. Childcare is provided as well. If you don't want to miss me rockin' out a mullet, you should come out.<div>Visit www.dbbaptist.org for directions.</div><div><br /></div><div>More stories about the experience to follow...</div>Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-52590979705815447982010-01-08T18:59:00.001-08:002010-01-08T19:00:17.822-08:00House of BluesBetween Green Walls will be performing next Sunday (the 17th) @ the House of Blues Restaurant Stage @ 6:30. We'll be doing songs from our new EP...come check it out.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-73524944602048858632009-12-29T22:03:00.000-08:002009-12-29T22:05:55.517-08:00New SongsJust released a 6 song Acoustic EP. Between Green Walls = Me & Andrew Key. We've been writing some shamelessly bubbly-pop love songs and have the album out on Itunes, Amazon, and pretty much anywhere else you might download music.<div><br /></div><div>Check it out on Itunes : http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/between-green-walls-ep/id341370772</div><div><br /></div><div>Feedback is much appreciated....</div><div><br /></div><div>Hope to get this blog bumpin' again in 2010.</div><div><br /></div><div>J<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-51466185381066900812009-11-24T14:17:00.000-08:002009-11-24T14:18:45.163-08:00New SongsCheck out some of the new tunes tonight @ Urban Dog Coffee<div>2720 # A Oak Lawn Ave</div><div>Dallas TX 75219</div>Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-35717621569721545442009-07-09T14:20:00.000-07:002009-07-09T14:22:16.500-07:00Worth It<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2WFLwT7kZm-r7hbiupLoKU4lO9sKiKMDd-xqmg7xOJWgTywMaB4Xz5HYaJG_bkyVabQqcqjVsTNcna9LEO33vXoWErI3CBytd40QpvpGRTiS9w_Z1X8u3FEnsyL5UelInCOp/s1600-h/IMG_5088.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2WFLwT7kZm-r7hbiupLoKU4lO9sKiKMDd-xqmg7xOJWgTywMaB4Xz5HYaJG_bkyVabQqcqjVsTNcna9LEO33vXoWErI3CBytd40QpvpGRTiS9w_Z1X8u3FEnsyL5UelInCOp/s320/IMG_5088.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356573690557550850" /></a>Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-77444093748043856862009-04-27T21:06:00.000-07:002009-04-27T21:23:55.148-07:00Life Isn't Graded<div>I was wondering why my life couldn't be graded. You know, done in increments...like elementary school.</div><br /><div>Last weekend I filled in as worship leader @ Reunion Church. One thing about me that's strange is that performing comes pretty naturally...but 'leading' worship is a completely different animal. I've always been uncomfortable being the one that calls out to the congregation "sing with me" or whatever the going cliche' to get people going is. But this Sunday was different. I was more laid back...it came a little more naturally. I still don't really know why.</div><br /><div>Right after the service was over, I jetted off with my 8 mo. pregnant wife to grab a bite to eat and set up the first ever "Post 27" recital. It was an incredible turn-out. 50-60 people showed up for our 12 performers. I had everything from a 4 yr old singing the Jonas Brother's soon-to-be classic "Burnin' Up" to adults doing their original songs. It was a great experience over-all and my insides burst with pride for some of these folks and seeing how far they've come. I only wish I was better at hosting those kind of things....</div><br /><div>This weeks holds even more...rehearsals - a tv interview - a radio interview - and this concert on May 3rd in Waco. </div><br /><div>And all the while, my wife could go into labor at any moment. Anytime she makes a face or rubs her belly I ask, "Are you in labor?" I'm joking --- but not really. </div><br /><div>The moral of my rambling : there may not be one. But if there is, it would probably be that if God dropped all the info about our future into our laps at one time...we'd freak. So even though I feel somewhat unprepared and slighty bi-polar at times...I haven't lost it - and I'm enjoying each one of these steps.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Now if someone could just tell me how to handle life after my daughter gets here....</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>(and no...that's not an invitation for a ton of 'daddy advice' --- i've already received enough to confuse Bill Cosby)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329593198064363234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 97px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fQ_2lPMcT9xM5S7bVKeWUHykHzCY3_pwXltoHLs_Zr1Q84Q7l9d6bMjvSUZbSIlI7y-i8U6g4H5ozkikqVxc4wYtZKvzGhjEp-C7fOSZdtpL_FcgBa0CtszQmntB0QlMX-fJ/s320/3077_84734660961_678485961_2529487_1909431_s.jpg" border="0" /></div>Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-74706667736085261962009-03-01T19:08:00.000-08:002009-03-01T19:19:19.725-08:00Baby Moon At Nylo<div><div><div>Elaine and I ran away...all the way to Frisco this weekend. The goal : grab one more weekend trip to ourselves before Cana makes her grand appearance. The destination : The Nylo @ Legacy.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308422827875801042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIWA9kcTLw39O4m-TOwIBRzLU9R79O-N8aCk9DtWaz9-Z7zw4KWcYxo2VQbwn24PvmfuODY5Pl1ot4ihbrzjsfSE-_mQWkfOdVeA-TINc7PQY5pwF60fciknMxtDyMkV8CSAB/s320/outside.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><br /><p>This modern hotel sits in the friggin' middle of nowhere, really. Stonebriar and Ikea are close by - but it's mostly a spot within itself. It's got all the usual hotel-ish stuff, but also a restraunt/lounge called "The Loft" that served up some great stuff.</p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308423468361647330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTokCSDBd3GHg4PtzezDfRR7_K-2vI5ObaQuXY70v_tqRimzusvKtJibnVUSCXs-KMdFDkKJjmwJ9ynm48s9zn0tu7kAa09PAa5YYp-WoizNCRDoz5u3cs-5MjZ1933Ltgsm2G/s320/ourroom.jpg" border="0" /><br />The thing that made the baby-moon incredible was that we didn't have much planned, but managed to stay relaxingly-busy... Everyone that's expecting should take a baby-moon...gives you a chance to remember and experience again just what made you fall in love with the other.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>And now --- it's back to reality...and the countdown 'til my first-born makes her way into my life.</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308424343150830114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHdUtw4E1hjwMu9xGVAv3ik4BKtM7NvWCfGeau7nV6tl8qaBiU-dtb99QWFeiPS0Inqd01NRSDjAUnWacH4cj6aWdYDgJ4MYpy4VnaWKvCrMeH-FZiHvGDn5dpdqSg1ukqw7e/s320/IMG_4077.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308424603285311618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNdTX6U0chaMX94si_WMxo6VMcPuV274yGNAZp-bgFS8LNXGZFGClXYVD8592b9TYq1VYy1ymJMpqpUTBPPH98cBWw69uPJqpc-sDeUOxNNzJWYBmg_57zBVzwqgtb3RIj4_i/s320/IMG_4092.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-61465272182147424172009-01-01T09:15:00.000-08:002009-01-01T09:28:29.646-08:00Baby New Year's<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJmQKpYaxhySpbmdocfaeYL5DYPI2E1Pml5M049XGhyphenhyphenbnajJSfE_ffudQ7MBfr9SSRfba__jX0QZJJMFptEWnkpcd4w7qIrvA4Enw05XJImsZhK_CDvhoZTFmgi1Lvr0UZ2Y9/s1600-h/IMG_3933.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286375951199172706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJmQKpYaxhySpbmdocfaeYL5DYPI2E1Pml5M049XGhyphenhyphenbnajJSfE_ffudQ7MBfr9SSRfba__jX0QZJJMFptEWnkpcd4w7qIrvA4Enw05XJImsZhK_CDvhoZTFmgi1Lvr0UZ2Y9/s320/IMG_3933.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcu7ng_IIcdrm_eWftyR0KBXvC9y4OdT47e63dazv6bqWryG19OuEard2E7KDKskdFAU3OB7T34tmmUrhPPcVBn50LpY73j2PVAQqDlhaZvFiIJZ64Wh8_rmA4NV9rA6u6G1Mc/s1600-h/IMG_3928.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286375523478315906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcu7ng_IIcdrm_eWftyR0KBXvC9y4OdT47e63dazv6bqWryG19OuEard2E7KDKskdFAU3OB7T34tmmUrhPPcVBn50LpY73j2PVAQqDlhaZvFiIJZ64Wh8_rmA4NV9rA6u6G1Mc/s320/IMG_3928.JPG" border="0" /></a> We celebrated the New Year with Tyler, Evie, Nate, Heather, Ryan, and Kate. It was basically a big baby festival with a little Rock Band thrown in. You'd think I'd be better at that game - but I pretty much got spanked every time. Yeah, that's a skewer in my mouth. Nate and Heather have a rockin' chocolate fountain that kept me company all night....and I skewered all night (marshmellows, pineapple, cookies, brownies...and all other things leading to a fatter, more rounded self).</div><div></div><br /><div>We did watch a little bit of Big D NYE. I thought it was very interesting that for such a large city, they didn't have any big names taking the stage.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Elaine and I are ringing in the new year by registering for some baby stuff. I woke up in the mood to do it, so she's seizing the moment. </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286377726190444194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiibOcXwq9mRXpAv8ZC77KMZJwSCbzjp_mFgPOfLE_xK8tRLAObbQKjYS_AXcT3yrcygSPiIH0zrO2N9tZJCsKcu7DxKrXRj7789cVnYgpJkmaZ3tk8dYCbhPkdQge7LWNfufu/s320/IMG_3916.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div>Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-47927865537039962492008-12-09T19:43:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:45:26.682-08:00Texas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TItE81_mSLmGTLe8W2QjrdlEdckj6iJwUvncnMTZf38TjtIZcYtUpyMQnd9txBrEvzv-phrq-u5oce1SK4YNjX8bXX7JRupJPNkiZjdWL0Q2Rd9R1iAZZRNQYtsehQ7gtdeR/s1600-h/jerodandharrysnow.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278002448251101282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TItE81_mSLmGTLe8W2QjrdlEdckj6iJwUvncnMTZf38TjtIZcYtUpyMQnd9txBrEvzv-phrq-u5oce1SK4YNjX8bXX7JRupJPNkiZjdWL0Q2Rd9R1iAZZRNQYtsehQ7gtdeR/s320/jerodandharrysnow.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I woke up. Walked the dog in some shorts. Put on jeans, flip flops, and a t-shirt to go to work in.</div><br /><div>Came home - made dinner - then took this picture with my dog in the sleet. Only in Texas.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-59408135060075406272008-11-28T22:20:00.000-08:002008-11-28T22:31:06.343-08:002 Times The TurkeyI'm officially on the 'sympathy diet'. As it stands now, I've gained as much weight as Elaine has during the first tri-mester of her pregnancy. This has got to stop. If you call me past 10 at night and hear me with food in my mouth, make a note to yourself to slap me up-side the head the next time you see me.<br /><br />The 2 stand-alone Thanksgiving meals (one with the Starkey fam, one with the Eastlands) didn't help my caloric intake situation, either. We did the full blown thing twice. And it was awesome. And it was horrible. <br /><br />I got made fun of a lot while I was growing up. Folks used to say I didn't eat enough - that I ate too much sugar - that I'd be 'wormy'. Well - congrats folks....now I eat everything. <br /><br />I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was good : I know sometimes it's a great time with family/friends....and sometimes it's not so easy.<br /><br />---<br /><br />Just a little movie update (we've taken in a couple over the last few days) :<br /><br />Lions for Lambs - Robert Redford directs some sleepers.....skip it<br />Transsiberian - Not a bad little flick...<br />Hancock - Okay<br />Twilight - Aside from the 75 screaming girls that wouldn't shut their traps when drag-pire Robert Pattinson came onscreen...I thought it was pretty cool.Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-74795976414040345722008-11-01T19:11:00.000-07:002008-11-01T19:41:55.602-07:00New Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTahPYp-Hci1l3jSsams0D2By8i_cHItPInEag9IQ-Xu6sRi_Em45W99lFAPC3g_SYgdm6T4GN7NWhni1jKCKoqgR2Ls3Gl_hELQ6XM5oh24PfouQKpVW3LBqBISMXaUR5gM8L/s1600-h/IMG_3658.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263880209394868114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTahPYp-Hci1l3jSsams0D2By8i_cHItPInEag9IQ-Xu6sRi_Em45W99lFAPC3g_SYgdm6T4GN7NWhni1jKCKoqgR2Ls3Gl_hELQ6XM5oh24PfouQKpVW3LBqBISMXaUR5gM8L/s320/IMG_3658.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9Om4nIXi4lsWFlpC9F5dl58EBeRCAmzqaJRVuqLK-bzarv2TJ1jSQGHAyuUyPWgqlYJIpEPaF0sx0ARyqH6sIJ9adAnjBizMP3LskD_2IDCkExgE4_FRH-CAOuliUjyHb34Q/s1600-h/IMG_3654.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263877999083541250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9Om4nIXi4lsWFlpC9F5dl58EBeRCAmzqaJRVuqLK-bzarv2TJ1jSQGHAyuUyPWgqlYJIpEPaF0sx0ARyqH6sIJ9adAnjBizMP3LskD_2IDCkExgE4_FRH-CAOuliUjyHb34Q/s320/IMG_3654.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">And A New Place</span></div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Today completed the final parts of getting the new Post 27 Studio ready to go. I start teaching next week in my new space, and I couldn't be more excited to get into this place. With a little help from my parents, Tyler, and a lot of help from Elaine - this place is exactly what I want my studio to be like. It'll provide a lot of elements that I've yet to be able to give my students. I'm also glad to be getting out of the house and having an office space of my own.</span> <div align="center"></div>Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-6074083874229760202008-08-12T10:13:00.001-07:002008-08-12T10:21:17.457-07:00Vacation Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkf32E-2GevALupMOjjJiJYgW7bBTw5MAygcLhv0bcrWIpEn4deac4jZGLkh4MmsuhdWz1jCLD3P9R3CAjhcnEubP25VURxpNmqel3rmfMxt4ck0oCLPVBaxKHuCI27wPn_Vl/s1600-h/535573579_5031a52bd7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233682071327194018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkf32E-2GevALupMOjjJiJYgW7bBTw5MAygcLhv0bcrWIpEn4deac4jZGLkh4MmsuhdWz1jCLD3P9R3CAjhcnEubP25VURxpNmqel3rmfMxt4ck0oCLPVBaxKHuCI27wPn_Vl/s320/535573579_5031a52bd7.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqauiTYFK51hEg5rsIpvaOW6lSvrmlZ5-k0_t3J5iP1fK0KpVVG89nKA4l5hTdg8FPe94YPrb850U0hyphenhyphenDiMbC-legPZhWJJ46rSHPHXob4RtHpVY0ROexYWOxYh36uy2dwj9F/s1600-h/purpledoor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233681718405119794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqauiTYFK51hEg5rsIpvaOW6lSvrmlZ5-k0_t3J5iP1fK0KpVVG89nKA4l5hTdg8FPe94YPrb850U0hyphenhyphenDiMbC-legPZhWJJ46rSHPHXob4RtHpVY0ROexYWOxYh36uy2dwj9F/s320/purpledoor.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Elaine and I will be leaving in a few days (75 hours from now, actually - but who's counting) to go on our summer vacation.</div><br /><div>We're beach people - and we found a place not that far from home. It's called Laughing Horse Lodge. It's a dog-loving funky little set of condos in Port Aransas.</div><br /><div>I always hear of how bad Texas beaches are --- but this little spot is really great. The sand is soft (not that hard gravely stuff) and there are great dives to eat at. Our favorite is Shells, a little place across the road from our condo. I'm no fan of seafood - but this place serves up a burger on a ciabatta bun that I could eat more than 3 times a day. And I might just do that.</div><div> </div><div>I can't believe the summer is almost gone...but I'm more than excited to close it out this way.</div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.alaughinghorselodge.com/purpledoor.jpg" target="_blank"></a></div></div>Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-38009186694684668712008-04-21T08:19:00.000-07:002008-04-21T09:11:53.394-07:00Husbandly Love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5jtUqh3Fx0ENxVIeRnQJLVlf3C11QmFsO5_swYq_RYosx3ya0q9M0Glouv8XQJeaC0eJHu-ww5tT10x_6Exz9z0SSY8jhhcq1xvpcSfXk0AJsWvlh8XGa2y3DVNCPHh6XAE2/s1600-h/IMG_2872.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191721360773571282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5jtUqh3Fx0ENxVIeRnQJLVlf3C11QmFsO5_swYq_RYosx3ya0q9M0Glouv8XQJeaC0eJHu-ww5tT10x_6Exz9z0SSY8jhhcq1xvpcSfXk0AJsWvlh8XGa2y3DVNCPHh6XAE2/s320/IMG_2872.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Saturday, Elaine wanted to 'mini-homemakeover' a spot in our backyard. So, being the obliging and wonderful husband I am, I gleefully pitched in. (Actually, I knew it was coming - so I figured it best to get it over with before the 100+ degree heat would be joining the party, too.) And, I guess I can't take too much credit, Elaine's mother and both of my parents pitched in quite a bit of effort as well.</div><br /><div>There's something nice about seeing things getting done in the yard. There's also something nice about the smile on a wife's face when she gets to see something that's been in her head for a long time. Here's what we came up with (Sorry Elaine, if I'm stealing your thunder....but you have more blog readers than me anyway....)</div><br /><br />The whole area between the sidewalk was just dirt before we started...<br /><br /><br />In other news, our dog has opened up a stump removal business. This huge stump from our backyard was rolled down into the creek, where he chewed, spat, and quasi-ate the entire thing. <br />I have a video I'll post later....Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-63271082080254139452008-03-24T07:53:00.000-07:002008-03-24T08:20:41.363-07:00Walking in the Dark?John 8:12 - Jesus said "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."<br /><br />Christ had just rallied around a woman caught in the act of adultery. She was about to be stoned by the Pharisees. She's probably shaking with fear, shoulders drawn in - trying to prepare for the smack of that first rock being hurled at her. Then Jesus told her accusers, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.'" I can only imagine the dumbfounded look on this lady's face. Full of shame : publicly disgraced - and here is this man challenging those around her. As those with rocks in their hands started to walk away, I'm sure waves of relief began washing over her. There she was, free from accusation and condemnation - in front of Jesus himself. <br /><br />There's a Wayne Watson song I've always liked (Walk in the Dark) that says, "I'd rather walk in the dark with Jesus than walk in the light on my own." Though I understand the point he's trying to make - something just hit me this morning : I can't walk in the dark with Jesus. It can't happen. It may feel like it - it may even look like it at times - but He is the light of the world. <br /><br />I can't always reason or figure out what's going on in my life. But I don't have to wait for things to get clearer; having a sunny mountaintop view doesn't indicate that I'm walking with God (but it sure is nice!)<br /><br />"He who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but HAVE the light of life." I think I wait for the outcome of my plans and actions to produce light - to shed light on my life. But I have the light of life. Maybe the goal for the day should be to follow and HAVE the light of life. Follow and have. Follow and have.Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-81162357813465424022008-03-04T12:15:00.001-08:002008-03-04T12:26:45.049-08:00Idol Idol IdolOver the past few years, I've quietly boycotted American Idol. Not for any other reason than I thought it was getting kind of worn out - I was getting tired of the same manufacturing of a pop star. I was always the one sitting silent when the table talk turned to Idol chatter...I felt a little left out.<br />This year, we (in a blaze of glory) entered into the mid 90s by getting a DVR. Since then, I've been recording and grazing through episodes of the show. At a time when I figure everyone should be talking about the Presidential election - it's been American Idol that's dominated the conversation. So, for this reason, I've been glad.<br />I must say - there are some pretty good singers here and there. But for the most part, I see more media manipulation than ever. I think as of today, there's 20 or so folks left. Are they REALLY the best 20 out of the hundreds of thousands that auditioned?<br />So, it's with great reluctance that I've been sucked back into the Idol machine.Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-24016646003916106762008-02-15T08:59:00.001-08:002008-02-15T09:05:45.608-08:00Valentine's DayMy wife knows me well.<br />Peanut Butter and Jelly with no crust - and a nice pile of stuff to share with Harrison --- what a great way to start off any day. <br />Today I got the special treatment today with my heart shaped sandwhich.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5yYz4Ppke9h20wFYLJJmnFx6iNKMC7Td-H1T7-kU7ire9D8eWIXkHLIICuYYrSMvhyphenhyphenG4pCl2RFw0vCCjQ6R83PExnw835V-nc1EYCXfCOG70G0HQzRU4QMdV5HxN7ft2ynA-/s1600-h/Photo_021408_001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167253037685274082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5yYz4Ppke9h20wFYLJJmnFx6iNKMC7Td-H1T7-kU7ire9D8eWIXkHLIICuYYrSMvhyphenhyphenG4pCl2RFw0vCCjQ6R83PExnw835V-nc1EYCXfCOG70G0HQzRU4QMdV5HxN7ft2ynA-/s320/Photo_021408_001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Valentine's day is an interesting day : people go crazy, buying all these gifts ; expecting gifts...yada ya. The cool thing I was reminded of this valentine's day wasn't the importance of the holiday : but how great it is to be in love and to have a wife that loves me without reserve.</div>Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-34743285728730996242008-02-11T13:05:00.000-08:002008-02-11T21:57:38.020-08:00UrBanquetLast week I got to sing with some friends at the Mission Waco UrBanquet. Mission Waco is an organization that provides programs to the poor and marginalized while also sharing the Gospel. The banquet is a fundraising event held each year to share the vision and successes at <a href="http://www.missionwaco.org/">Mission Waco</a>.<br /><br />Elaine and I have always enjoyed attending the banquet because it opens our eyes and grows our worldview. It's also encouraging to hear the stories of those who have been changed by the work that happens at Mission Waco and those who have given their lives over to battling poverty.<br /><br />The keynote speaker at the banquet was Larry James, CEO of <a href="http://www.centraldallasministries.org/">Central Dallas Ministries</a>. Out of all the great things he said, the most impacting to me was the idea that we are all poor in something. He explained that the poor community had an understanding of community that most of us have never even experienced. And even though the were poor in monetary terms, they were rich in the area of community.<br /><br />When I think of the poor, I usually visualize the person on the street corner holding the sign. That night poverty took on a new mental image for me. Larry explained that over 40% of South Dallas families lived below the poverty line. Unbelievable.<br /><br />But even more than my mental image of poverty changing, I realized my ignorance to the impoverished community around me. I've been in Dallas now for over 3 years, and I'd never heard of Central Dallas Ministries. I wasn't aware that such a large number of people were barely scraping by only miles from my own house. It always stings to recognize just how narrowly I view life.<br /><br />I encourage you to take some time to check out these websites and read about what these people have devoted their lives to.Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-43820949318751283932008-01-24T08:37:00.000-08:002008-01-24T08:44:12.486-08:00No ResolutionMany of you know that Elaine and I were broken into back in September. Along with our car, whoever ripped us off also took a purse, cash, my wedding ring, and our ipods.<br /><br />The morning we realized our car was gone, I just knew that we would never see it again. I figured it was either in a million parts already or being driven until someone decided to abandon it in Mexico or something. Needless to say, it's been 4 months and I've stopped looking for it while driving around town.<br /><br />But today, we had a message from a detective saying that he had an update on the case. Elaine called the police department and the cops had actually found it....my ipod.<br /><br />Yes, yes : my ipod has turned up at some pawn shop. And for just $90 I could go pay the pawn guys for it, or I could take the pawn shop to court and try to win it back.<br /><br />Don't know about you, but I'll keep my $90 and let the pawn shop guys sell that ipod. I could never use it again - just wondering all the places it may have been.Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-72551620827049796912008-01-07T11:34:00.000-08:002008-01-07T11:53:49.156-08:00MASKI made Elaine watch the movie Mask last night. Well, I didn't really have to force her or anything - but she was a little weary of it to begin with. I mean, the movie stars Cher...that didn't really rope her in to begin with.<br />Turns out, she really liked the movie. If you haven't seen the movie, you should check it out one Sunday afternoon that you'd rather watch a movie than flip through all the channels that have nothing on.<br />The main character is this kid named Rocky Dennis - and he has this wild and rare disease where calcium deposits on his face and skull and causes it to become deformed. Anyway - even though I know the story has been 'Hollywood-ified' ... it spoke to me. Here's this kid who can't go anywhere without getting some comment or getting stared at. And in his 17 years of life, he went for it : he didn't let the criticism stop him.<br />Unfortunately everybody's gonna have trouble in life - but it's usually not the problems that cripple us, it's our attitude.Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-18783663682674445092007-12-26T12:21:00.000-08:002007-12-26T12:38:15.584-08:00Showing Me Up.<div><div><div><br /><div>My wife is showing me up.</div><br /><div>I recall wanting to start a blog about 3 years ago and Elaine gave it little thought. Now, she's gone blog crazy (and I'm glad) - but in the process is making me look bad. So - I've resolved to get back into the game....</div><div></div><br /><div>We've had a picture'y' Christmas this year. Elaine and I haven't done the best job in the past with getting good pics of things that we do --- but this year I guess we've turned over a new leaf. </div><div></div><br /><br /><div>It's really strange how Christmastime changes for me as I get older. I remember marking off the days until Christmas on a little chalkboard when I was younger. I guess it was partially the presents, the time off of school - the food. Remembering back, though, I don't recall many of the presents and only one or two favorite foods (like this crazy-sick peanutbutter chocolate log thing that my mom and aunt used to make...). But I do remember spending time with my family and getting that warm / hearthy feeling of being around everyone. As you get older, I guess it just gets harder.</div><div></div><br /><br /><div>I've been grateful to be around a lot of kids this season - their eyes remind me of many things. Here's some shots of the season....</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>This is Santa's Little Helper, Ainsley (my niece) - striking a pose....she's good at that.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148381822434541154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYMzilv5XTYMQeiiL3YI5extW3m7g_wDDK6PMxTEjkYWiqJwzWyoxQXwA_4oADP1JoZ1hZoan6ijtIjw2PCt0ZeF4H6cNQUjF4-f4ydF-EK4NxZx1mIiW-v2UOgbVW5-uJ-MD/s320/IMG_2549.JPG" border="0" />This is Nehemiah Thomas (son of Patrick, the guy who helped LOADS by producing most of the 'Driven' Album)<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148381259793825362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbSL9DXRyD4IfzPLi0VrVd0wBZc17-h8wESkcWqSA9ttUz9Ilyj_EzOC-BdGqvsiP4KMXwgNVrR_b6FaSPWeIbvncn2vM1cWXJI4ree24JBTqjyC0Q4XqAPjvqQxLK6AB8Uak/s320/IMG_2484.JPG" border="0" /><br />Me and my bud, Harrison.<br /><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148382556873948818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwoUW_VLb8ekI0jXEOPPYzZ2O233bwqWK_p5eko9whtsEknc8VJ5RbYQKs1RhiEioGOwecxW9ubvMH6xUt677UqqMEw7bqyMHX0GEaR3qOG96-YRJYza71CMKWr8PAFwfyfZmH/s320/IMG_2496.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Santa's Little Helper #2, Jayci (Ainsley's siter) - I love her 'cause she'll dance all day with me.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148382294880943746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTKeihXBjhvKTKXs3R9FYucksr5IefAQgLsHtm32mPtkiFYMoFgOb0tKxkepUKyocQlrJgUY5W5h3kg-Opa8DkhaxeWmEjxQZjYpB0__KBinl3rPEl6SvqXeiVnjlmuw6eCYj/s320/IMG_2583.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div>Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-74188134344528543562007-11-13T07:32:00.001-08:002007-11-13T07:34:50.624-08:00Album Updates<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35dhW-zOpnQZbT7iR1eJIVwibf0tCZpE9z2mG8Pgr39_OaZL5I2jBoSjR3RbZlteOXCfE_QitFLC6Yd9zth6GduRAyfVmjfvqOSf-F8F0RWJ929vwnfqQXI-w82883B5tgb4R/s1600-h/DSC_0130-small1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132348518916608290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35dhW-zOpnQZbT7iR1eJIVwibf0tCZpE9z2mG8Pgr39_OaZL5I2jBoSjR3RbZlteOXCfE_QitFLC6Yd9zth6GduRAyfVmjfvqOSf-F8F0RWJ929vwnfqQXI-w82883B5tgb4R/s320/DSC_0130-small1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The album is finally finished. It will be released in January. For the time being, there's a new song posted on the myspace page. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/jerodstarkeymusic">www.myspace.com/jerodstarkeymusic</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12229747.post-7249356192580507752007-10-29T10:00:00.000-07:002007-10-29T10:03:37.848-07:00Pix<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnzOwEPxteccJQLGBHDbB6P1fuAC-Akge_p0toHKuR4thqCLPl4yemJU7lJmu-HgFRyDiyaVzlvL6u7VD4zX1hf5QFjTBigKgmAr0uYDBFI5UKwfjjh575ubromoF0yR8xO7q/s1600-h/Reunion+Worship+Team+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126805436047476130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnzOwEPxteccJQLGBHDbB6P1fuAC-Akge_p0toHKuR4thqCLPl4yemJU7lJmu-HgFRyDiyaVzlvL6u7VD4zX1hf5QFjTBigKgmAr0uYDBFI5UKwfjjh575ubromoF0yR8xO7q/s320/Reunion+Worship+Team+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Jerod Starkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06041500509074555563noreply@blogger.com2