Kirk

This blog has moved

2010-02-26T09:31:00.001-05:00

My blog can now be found at

http://www.ksnowman.com

I look forward to seeing you there!

Kirk

North Carolina Tar Heels, NCAA Champions!

2009-04-08T12:27:00.004-04:00

I have been a huge fan of North Carolina basketball since the days of Michael Jordan. My greatest sports "hero" is UNC legendary coach Dean Smith. His legacy extends far beyond his championship teams to his off-the-court influence of his players and coaches. I have enjoyed reading about Coach Smith through both biography and autobiography.

It has always been a dream of mine to attend the NCAA Final Four. An even greater dream has been to attend the National Championship Game. Imagine my delight at the offer of two free tickets to the game…which resulted in North Carolina's defeat of Michigan State! The only thing greater than the game was sharing it with my son. Indescribable!

100,000 miles!

2009-02-13T15:28:00.002-05:00

My 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan hit a milestone today…100,000 miles.

My extended warranty has now expired. Yikes! Van, please don't fail me now!

The Shack

2008-12-26T17:22:00.003-05:00

I just finished reading my first fiction book in 22 years! After hearing friends talk about it and interviews with the author, I read The Shack this week. I am obviously not an avid reader of fiction, but this fascinating book captivated me in ways words cannot begin to express. I highly recommend it.

Frontline Church, Ann Arbor

2008-12-14T17:36:00.004-05:00

Today we celebrated God's faithfulness during the past decade of Frontline Church, Ann Arbor. In 2009 we are joining 2|42 Community Church in Brighton, Michigan to launch 2|42 Ann Arbor. It is bittersweet, for sure. It is clearly the right thing to do at the right time. A friend said it's like watching your daughter get married. It is supposed to happen and a wonderful thing, yet there is some sadness.

The most amazing part of today was having Dieter Zander in attendance, the man who God used to essentially cast vision for Frontline more than 14 years ago via a radio broadcast. It was also great to see my parents—a wonderful surprise—and three members of the 2|42 staff that I will be joining in January.

God is good, faithful and trustworthy. As we close Volume 1, I look forward to Volume 2—new title, same Author, new characters, same story. Special thanks to everyone who has been a part of Frontline…and in advance to all of you who will be a part of the 242A2 journey.

Advent Conspiracy

2008-11-09T19:18:00.002-05:00

Christmas can [still] change the world. Check out what we are doing this year. The video is so cool!

Advent Conspiracy

Join us!

Dieter Zander

2008-11-08T22:12:00.007-05:00

Today I spent the afternoon with Dieter Zander, one of the most influential people in my life. God used Dieter speaking on a radio broadcast fourteen years ago to communicate a vision for what is today Frontline. For details, click here.

Dieter and I both lived in Chicagoland from 1994-1998 during which time he mentored me over lunch (which included introducing me to sushi and Mongolian BBQ!). We are both musicians, worship leaders, pastors, and church planters. The wisdom and truth that he spoke into my life during those four years have had a profound impact on my life in ways that could never be expressed in a blog entry.

On March 11, 2004, I saw Dieter for the first time since we left Chicagoland (he went back to California; I went back to Michigan). We were in San Diego and had lunch together…exactly 10 years to the day that I heard his voice on the radio during lunch! It was quite amazing, to say the least!

On February 4, 2008, Dieter suffered a very serious stroke with many complications. He has undergone numerous rounds of procedures and therapies. This week he came to Ann Arbor to participate in the six-week University of Michigan Aphasia Program for speech therapy.

It was an absolutely fantastic experience to see Dieter. Though it was challenging for him to communicate, we were able to reconnect over lunch and then coffee.

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful friend in my life…and in my city for five more weeks.

For information about how to help Dieter and his family, click here. Thanks!

Why I Love The Philadelphia Phillies

2008-10-30T11:37:00.005-04:00

Although I live in Michigan, I love the Philadelphia Phillies…and also the Philadelphia Eagles, 76ers, and Flyers. Last night was the first championship for the City of Brotherly Love in 25 years since the 76ers won in 1983. It was only the second time in 125 years that the Phillies won the World Series. I will never forget celebrating as a young boy on October 21, 1980 when they won their first championship.

Needless to say, I am overjoyed!

I have never lived in Philadelphia, but in the late 1970's, our family vacationed on the east coast, visiting 18th century historical sites in Boston, Williamsburg, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. My boyhood heroes included George Washington and Benjamin Franklin and after experiencing Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Betsy Ross' house, I declared Philadelphia as my favorite city. That same summer I began an interest in sports and started collecting baseball cards so I adopted the sports teams of my favorite city. Weird? Yes, but I've been a diehard fan ever since!

So although you could probably care less, let me just say one more time…

The Phillies are World Champions!!!

P.S. In addition to Philadelphia, I am also a big fan of the Detroit franchises (the Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings; I'd root for the Lions if they would ever win!). Of course, on the college level I am a huge University of Michigan fan and also love North Carolina basketball (their former coach, Dean Smith, is my all-time sports hero).

Guitar Center

2008-10-02T20:38:00.001-04:00

Home after a trip to Guitar Center with the birthday boy and the Travis'. I love that store. I love everything in that store. I want…

Posted by email from ksnowman's posterous

23 and 12 Years Ago

2008-10-02T08:45:00.001-04:00

23 years ago today I met my best friend and bride of more than 18 years. 12 years ago today our son was born. Happy birthday, TJ! Happy anniversary, sweetheart!

Posted by email from ksnowman's posterous

My Dad and Alzheimer's

2008-09-28T20:11:00.002-04:00

Next to Jesus, my dad is my hero. I could not imagine a better role model. He is one of the strongest (spiritually, emotionally, mentally) people I have ever known. He has been able to fix anything, discuss most any subject, give generously to countless individuals and organizations, and maintain a heart of gold.

About two years ago we began to clearly see the symptoms of Alzheimer's, a terrible disease that plagued his mother years ago, though he is much younger than she was when she started her decline. Our family has been preparing for the dementia and tonight the dreaded moment came when he was unable to remember the name of his granddaughter (my niece) and daughter-in-law (my wife).

We deeply appreciate your prayers as we care for dad and deal with the flood of emotions that are associated with Alzheimer's.

Sigur Rós

2008-09-24T14:14:00.005-04:00

Last night I attended a concert in Detroit by the Icelandic band Sigur Ros. It was a truly unique, artistic experience. After a fine performance by the largely acoustic opening band, Parachutes, the headliners mesmerized the crowd for two hours of sonic textures that defied classification. The four musicians weaved together diverse atmospheres of hard rock, folk, lullaby, dirge, alternative…well, let's just restate that it was unique! The only thing more indescribable than the music is the lyrics, largely in the gibberish language of vonlenska, yet filled with a purposeful expression that conveys tremendous emotion.

The audience was nearly in a trance at moments, ecstatic at others, and enthusiastic throughout. Sparse lighting effects and understated video images enhanced the multi-sensory environment that served as a sanctuary for the thousands in attendance that were delighted to exchange an evening of the mundane for a communal gathering that celebrated life and the human spirit.

Sigur Ros is not for everyone, but if you can let your imagination run and embrace the ethereal, you will likely enjoy every moment of the journey.

P.S. Special thanks to Matt Hudson for introducing me to Sigur Ros!

Branson, Missouri

2008-08-20T21:05:00.002-04:00

Our family spent last week in Branson, Missouri, a.k.a. Country Music Vegas. For the uninitiated, it is a most peculiar town filled with busloads of AARP members eager to attend the 100+ country music, southern Gospel, and variety shows that are surrounded by an array of tourist attractions ranging from Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum to old time photos, dollar stores, go carts, and all-you-can-eat buffets.

The real reason we went in the first place was family. The five of us were with my parents, my aunt and uncle, my cousin (who flew in from Florida) and my grandma (and her friend). It was great to be together despite the fact that country music is not my thing.

Highlights included a day at my all-time favorite amusement park, Silver Dollar City (Powder Keg and WildFire are great coasters), a day at the cabin on Table Rock Lake (great weather, great water skiing), dinner at Lambert's restaurant (don't miss it if you are ever in SW Missouri), and a great slide at White Water. Being with family was truly the best part of the trip, needless to say.

Our Next President

2008-07-21T12:30:00.003-04:00

Regardless of your political persuasion, it's hard to deny that this year's presidential campaigns are fascinating. It seems like every four years we hear the media talk about how this is an historic, critical, or monumental election. The fact of the matter is that every election shapes our nation, states, and communities.

I was pleasantly surprised to read about an upcoming forum at Saddleback Church on August 16 that will feature both John McCain and Barack Obama in their first joint campaign appearance. It is not a debate, but it could be a crucial presentation of the views and values of each candidate.

On a related note, Relevant Magazine recently interviewed Senator Obama and will soon be interviewing Senator McCain.

Ann Arbor Art Fairs

2008-07-17T14:15:00.005-04:00

I love the Ann Arbor Art Fairs. I use the plural because there are actually four different events that "coincidentally" occur at the same time. I spent some time yesterday checking out the various booths. I will return with my family tomorrow (since I didn't have enough time yesterday!). It is one of Ann Arbor's biggest events of the year, attracting hundreds of thousands of artists and art aficionados (not to mention tourists looking for something fun to do in the middle of the summer).

My favorite part of the Art Fairs is the non-profit area. Where else can you see Republicans, Democrats, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, anti-circumcision advocates, and so many other passionate people proselytizing in one place?!

Many Ann Arborites hibernate during the Art Fairs following the annual Townie Street Party, but it's one of my favorite times of the year in this wonderful city.

What's up with the robot on the poster?

Baseball History

2008-07-16T08:58:00.008-04:00

I did not plan on watching much of last night's Baseball All-Star Game (which ended up becoming a 15-inning marathon won by the American League, 4-3, their 12th in a row). Fortunately, I turned on the start of the telecast as the players were being introduced. Forty-nine Hall of Famers were honored before the game, taking their respective positions on the field. Dressed in suits with their team's cap, it was literally the Baseball Hall of Fame brought to life. I was deeply moved as they introduced my favorite pitcher, Steve Carlton, and my favorite player, Mike Schmidt, among the dozens of legends.

After the Hall of Famers were introduced, the starters for the game were introduced and made their way to their respective positions on the field, warmly greeting the men who, undoubtedly, were their boyhood (and probably adulthood) heroes.

All of this rich pageantry was orchestrated in conjunction with the final All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, "The House That Ruth Built." This is the last season of the old ballpark and I'm so grateful that I was able to experience it last month (see my NYC blog entry).

Give Camp

2008-07-12T09:57:00.004-04:00

One of the many hats that I wear is business manager for Center Stage Productions, my wife's non-profit drama company. NEW sent an e-mail to area charities about Give Camp, a unique gathering of software developers gathering to offer free assistance to selected non-profits over the course of a weekend.

Last night four of us from Center Stage were introduced to a team of developers that are volunteering their time to redesign our website over the course of about 48 hours on the campus of Washtenaw Community College. They are literally living on-site, some sleeping in their cars, in tents, or on the floor of lecture halls. It is an amazing experience and we are so grateful to have been chosen.

Special thanks to WCC, the various sponsors, Microsoft, our team leader Josh Holmes, and the rest of the developers that are hard at work to put a new online face to Center Stage. You guys are fantastic!

The 77's

2008-06-27T23:54:00.008-04:00

The 77's must certainly be the best band that you've never heard, which is a crying shame! Their set at Trinity House was incredible, as is their vast repertoire of musical recordings dating back to 1983. They sound a bit like Coldplay at times…only better (seriously!).

The only thing better than the music was sharing it with one of my newest friends (JVo; thanks for the photo via TwitPic) and one of my oldest friends, Matt Klein. An unforgettable night!

The Big Apple

2008-06-22T16:48:00.005-04:00

My bride and I just returned from a fabulous trip to NYC. First we drove to the home of our friends in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. They took us to the coolest farm/restaurant/store/ice cream parlor/corn maze/playground I have ever seen. Ard's has it all! After spending Tuesday night at their home, we drove to my brother-in-law's and spent the night at his New Jersey home, enjoying a fine home-cooked BBQ with his wife and my nephew.

On Thursday morning, we took the NJ Transit to Penn Station and met our best friends from Delaware who also took a train to Manhattan. The original purpose of the trip was a birthday gift from my wife back in February. She bought tickets for the Yankees so I could experience Yankee Stadium before they tear it down later this year. Chris and I took the subway to Queens to see Shea Stadium (before they tear it down at the end of this season) and get a glimpse at the new home of the Mets that is under construction, Citi Field. We also saw the Arthur Ashe Stadium, home of the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament.

Then we took the subway back to Grand Central and hopped on another subway bound for Yankee Stadium where we enjoyed the 2-1 victory over the San Diego Padres from the bleachers. We also got a great look at New Yankee Stadium which opens next year. We ended up seeing four stadiums in 90 minutes! Very cool!

While we were enjoying America's pastime, our wives were hanging out in Times Square. After a great (and VERY inexpensive) dinner at Dallas BBQ shared by the four of us, the ladies saw Young Frankenstein on Broadway while Chris and I explored everything from Times Square to Central Park to Rockefeller Center. It was one incredible day I will never forget!

I love NY!

P.S. I would be smiling more in front of David Letterman's theater if I was able to get tickets to see his show!

Green Business

2008-06-14T11:44:00.002-04:00

Everyone wants to save money, and most people want to save the planet. On July 10, the Boardwalk Creative Center is hosting a free reception—A Taste of…Green Business. It will feature exhibits from Shepherd Advisors, Waste Knot, Recycle Ann Arbor and others. If you're in the area, check it out.

There will be a full-day seminar on the subject on August 1 co-sponsored by Shepherd Advisors.

Customer Service

2008-06-14T11:35:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I attended the annual retreat of the University of Michigan Event Planners. There were some excellent presentations from Sheplers Ferry, the Detroit Marriott, Ritz-Carlton and Zingerman's. One reoccurring theme was the importance of giving 110% and going the extra mile, not only to customers but also to co-workers. Imagine how different the workplace would be if everyone treated their colleagues as if they were their most important customer.

It reminds of some great wisdom from a man named Paul who wrote, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Timeless.

Old Baseball Cards

2008-06-14T11:30:00.005-04:00

My parents have sold my boyhood home. That means they are getting ready to move the accumulation of more than 40 years of stuff. What fun!

Included in their items to move has been my 100,000 baseball cards which are now in my house awaiting an appropriate storage place. I never wanted to sell my cards, but looking at the scores of boxes, I could definitely part with much of my collection.

Do you want to buy some baseball cards?!

One Prayer

2008-06-08T06:31:00.004-04:00

Today we begin One Prayer, a global experiment involving over 1000 churches from around the world. I am so excited to be participating!

Erick & Brandi

2008-06-02T15:25:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Erick & Brandi on their beautiful wedding last Saturday. Enjoy the honeymoon…and the marriage!

Driving!

2008-05-14T17:16:00.002-04:00

For years I have said that my three kids are at the perfect age—between diapers and driving. That is a about to change! Yesterday our oldest daughter bought her first car, a 2001 Pontiac Aztek. I have to admit that it is pretty cool and far nicer than the 1974 Plymouth Valiant that I called my first car.

Today she took her road driving test and passed with flying colors. Next week is her birthday and how sweet it will be for our soon-to-be-sixteen girl—or should I say young lady. We are very proud of her and excited about her new wheels.

We're also feeling very old!!!

A Taste of…Innovation, May 8

2008-05-02T07:59:00.004-04:00

Shameless plug alert!

Next Thursday the Boardwalk Creative Center will have its first Taste of…reception from 4-7 PM. A Taste of…Innovation combines lessons on the world-class Predictive Innovation Method with delicious treats into a new kind of business networking event.

Predictive Innovation developer Mark Frazier will give periodic presentations and engage in one-on-one discussions with guests. The Predictive Innovation Method allows companies to predict future innovations in order to eliminate competition, while turning their own great ideas into successful, unique innovations, leading to improved market share, profits, and competitiveness. Mark's presentations will preview his May 30 seminar at the BCC on evangelism marketing.

Angel Food Catering will be providing "Heavenly Delights," including crostini, chicken satay, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and elegant pastries.

A Taste of…Innovation is FREE, but RSVP requested to info@boardwalkcreative.com.

Home Sweet Home

2008-04-25T10:15:00.003-04:00

I'm home after spending four days in Orlando at the Exponential Conference. It was great to hear from the likes of Alan Hirsch, Tim Keller and Andy Stanley. It was exciting to meet David Dummitt, John Burke, and Will Mancini. I reconnected with Greg Kappas, Dave Manst, and Craig Mayes. I enjoyed chatting with Steve Andrews and listening to his presentations, including one with Brian Tome. It was fun to travel with Bill Shoemaker, Dave Green, Ed Rosenberry, and Rick Mason. Best of all, it was fantastic to return home to my bride and our three incredible kids!

P.S. I realize this blog entry may contain more names than any entry I will ever write in my life!

Download The Song

2008-04-15T07:17:00.002-04:00

You can now download the "Jesus" version of American Idol's "Shout To The Lord" here. Just do it!

Shouting On American Idol

2008-04-11T13:19:00.003-04:00

My kids love American Idol. Okay, I admit a certain fondness for the show, too. I am, after all, a musician and find value in most any musical expression. It was both challenging and inspiring to watch "Idol Gives Back" this week as profiles of poverty were followed by opportunities to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate in our nation and world.

I was absolutely shocked, however, to see and hear the American Idol contestants singing Shout To The LORD. As amazing as it was to hear a worship song on prime time television on Wednesday, it was even more remarkable that they reprised the entire song last night, complete with the J-word (Jesus) which was oddly replaced by "shepherd" in the Wednesday's performance.

I discovered today that I am not the only one both surprised and delighted by this presentation (which was quite good, by the way). Check it out here. The top video is Wednesday's "revised" version and the second video shows Thursday's politically incorrect version with "Jesus."

A Picture IS worth a thousand words!

2008-04-09T10:02:00.003-04:00

Special thanks to Ted Elmore and Andrew Jones.

The Agony of Defeat

2008-04-09T09:25:00.003-04:00

I suppose with a total of zero votes I am no longer in the Blogging Tournament. Oh well. Like every good Chicago Cubs fan says, "There's always next year."

Speaking of losing baseball teams, what is going on with the Detroit Tigers? Picked by many to go to the World Series, this amazing lineup of hitters has been able to win exactly zero games thus far! Granted, they do have 155 more games to play, but losing your first seven games is not the best way to begin a season!

Vote now!

2008-04-03T20:56:00.003-04:00

Perhaps I jumped the gun on Monday by posting about the Blogging Tournament (see below). Anyhow, you can now read the vote for your favorite blog.

Pick me, pick me…but only if mine is really your favorite!

T-Shirt

2008-04-03T19:48:00.005-04:00

I have always wanted to be an avid reader. Actually, I am an avid reader, but that reading does not often enough involve books. I finished another one this week, though. Vince Antonucci's book I Became A Christian And All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt was one of the most hilarious, refreshing books I have ever read. I found myself laughing out loud, something I do too infrequently.

Chock full of stories, T-Shirt is recommended reading for anyone considering Christianity, reconsidering it, or trying to stay passionate in a culture filled with stale, boring religion. It is a fun, easy read, yet it is powerful. Perhaps my favorite quote is simply "you are the one Jesus loves." He saves the best for the end so don't quit in the middle!

Two thumbs up (since that's all I have!).

Blogging Tournament

2008-03-31T10:45:00.005-04:00

PlantingSpace.com is having a blogging tournament leading up to the Exponential Conference next month. Each week a topic will be given and each blogger must write about it in 200 words or less. Readers can vote on their favorite entry each week. Check it out…and vote for me beginning this Thursday if you really like what I have to say!

This week's topic is: Does the presidential election matter?

Opening Day!

2008-03-31T07:16:00.004-04:00

Today is the unofficial first day of spring in Michigan, opening day for the Detroit Tigers. My other favorite team, the Philadelphia Phillies, begins today as well. Suffice it to say, this is one of my favorite days of the year. Play ball!

Ben Stein

2008-03-27T12:55:00.005-04:00

I know little about Ben Stein. I've seen his face, heard his voice, and have always viewed him as one who is smarter than a fifth grader. I was surfing the net and came across a trailer for his upcoming movie Expelled.

All I can say is it looks pretty interesting! I would love for the Boardwalk Creative Center to host an open forum on the issues that he raises. It might be colorful!

In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day

2008-03-26T07:48:00.004-04:00

I just finished Mark Batterson's book In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day: How To Survive and Thrive When Opportunity Roars in just two days. That might be a personal record for me (hey, I read slow!). I found the book to be very engaging, exciting, and challenging. The odd title makes sense upon reading the first chapter. It is a powerful presentation of risk, fear, and faith. I highly recommend it.

Detroit

2008-03-25T16:45:00.005-04:00

The city of Detroit is one of the greatest tragedies in my lifetime. What was once a vibrant city has been eroding for decades. My heart breaks every time I hear my grandfather talk about Detroit when he was young, riding the trolley, shopping downtown, and working at the Ford Trade School.

Today it is an embarrassment. I believe everything rises and falls on leadership. The personal mess of Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is yet another chapter in the sad story that is Detroit.

I pray that someday the city of Detroit will have an honorable mayor that can revitalize a once-great city whose only accomplishments seem to be topping the list of most dangerous and most miserable cities in the USA.

Spring

2008-03-25T09:36:00.001-04:00

This has been the longest winter ever. Technically, that is not true, but it is the snowiest. We have had record snowfall here in Ann Arbor. And there's more to come! The calendar says spring, but the weather says winter. We had more snow on Easter than Christmas!

Today marked the beginning of the Major League Baseball season, though the lone game was held in Japan. For the rest of us, the season begins next Monday, which cannot come soon enough!

Starting Over

2008-03-25T09:34:00.000-04:00

Several years ago I had posted some entries here. Then I switched to Xanga. Then I started on Voxtropolis. Now I'm back at Blogger (for a variety of reasons). Welcome. I'm glad you're here!