Most people including Christians share a common misconception when it comes to the origins of the Bible. This common misconception states that the bible is a copy of a copy of a copy of a translation, and that through time the original writings were changed from what they were to the present. It also is thought there is little or no connection to the original written texts. This could not be further from the truth.
So I figured I’d share some of the research done on this topic with all of you. It is really interesting and proves without a shadow of a doubt that the bible is 100% credible. If more would look into the history and science behind the bible they would believe without hesitation. You can read more on the origins of the bible here…
http://www.allabouttruth.org/origin-of-the-bible.htm
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
God The Builder.
Hosea Chapter 6
A Call to Repentance
1 “Come, let us return to the Lord! He has torn us in pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. 2 In just a short time, he will restore us so we can live in his presence. 3 Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him! Then he will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.”
I know many people who have gone through the process of God tearing them down. Yet they have used that process as an excuse to turn away from God. This tearing down is used by God to build you up brand new. You see most people don't realize that when God tears you down it is so you will be strengthened. By tearing the old person down he creates a base for a strong foundation in faith.
In fact the tearing down is essentially the first steps in the building process. If you have a condemned house that is no longer safe to live in. What do you do? You tear it down and build a new foundation as well as a new structure. God does this very thing with our lives. Have you ever heard the term hitting rock bottom? (Read the book of Job) That essentially is what God does in order to build you up. He makes you hit rock bottom so you can see,feel,and think more clearly so you learn from the hard times you go through.
Many people run shy of "The Holy Spirit" during the re-build and turn away from God or loose faith. Essentially if you look at "The Holy Spirit" as the funding behind the build, you could say that many run out of money. So they sit in a state of being unfinished where the weather of the world rots away at the structure holding them up. That is why many stay in a state of discomfort and sadness.
That is why it is vital to read the bible, and attend a good church. Support and fellowship from other Christians is the mortar between the bricks of a good foundation to build your life upon. To those of you who are in that state where you have been broken down and have lost faith in prayer and God. I am telling you that you will find an unlimited amount of the Holy Spirit which gives you the means to finish. By reading the bible,praying,and fellowship.
With the faith the size of a mustard seed, you can move mountains. There has never been a statement more true. It is up to you to come to God and ask him for help and guidance. God wants a relationship with you. It is often thought that God should do this or do that. The road is a two lane street when it comes to relationships. The same goes for a realationship with God. If God should do this or do that. Then you should do what God asks of you. You can find all of that in the bible.
If you have fallen away, then maybe it is time to re-commit. Ask Jesus back into your heart so you may be filled with the Holy Spirit. Finish your walk as a follower of Christ and not a follower of the world. The world is bankrupt,but the Lord shares his riches in heaven with those who love and follow his word. Build your house on the foundation of what Christ did on the cross.
To my friends and family who are there in that place of doubt please consider what I've been inspired to write. Don't give up!
A Call to Repentance
1 “Come, let us return to the Lord! He has torn us in pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. 2 In just a short time, he will restore us so we can live in his presence. 3 Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him! Then he will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.”
I know many people who have gone through the process of God tearing them down. Yet they have used that process as an excuse to turn away from God. This tearing down is used by God to build you up brand new. You see most people don't realize that when God tears you down it is so you will be strengthened. By tearing the old person down he creates a base for a strong foundation in faith.
In fact the tearing down is essentially the first steps in the building process. If you have a condemned house that is no longer safe to live in. What do you do? You tear it down and build a new foundation as well as a new structure. God does this very thing with our lives. Have you ever heard the term hitting rock bottom? (Read the book of Job) That essentially is what God does in order to build you up. He makes you hit rock bottom so you can see,feel,and think more clearly so you learn from the hard times you go through.
Many people run shy of "The Holy Spirit" during the re-build and turn away from God or loose faith. Essentially if you look at "The Holy Spirit" as the funding behind the build, you could say that many run out of money. So they sit in a state of being unfinished where the weather of the world rots away at the structure holding them up. That is why many stay in a state of discomfort and sadness.
That is why it is vital to read the bible, and attend a good church. Support and fellowship from other Christians is the mortar between the bricks of a good foundation to build your life upon. To those of you who are in that state where you have been broken down and have lost faith in prayer and God. I am telling you that you will find an unlimited amount of the Holy Spirit which gives you the means to finish. By reading the bible,praying,and fellowship.
With the faith the size of a mustard seed, you can move mountains. There has never been a statement more true. It is up to you to come to God and ask him for help and guidance. God wants a relationship with you. It is often thought that God should do this or do that. The road is a two lane street when it comes to relationships. The same goes for a realationship with God. If God should do this or do that. Then you should do what God asks of you. You can find all of that in the bible.
If you have fallen away, then maybe it is time to re-commit. Ask Jesus back into your heart so you may be filled with the Holy Spirit. Finish your walk as a follower of Christ and not a follower of the world. The world is bankrupt,but the Lord shares his riches in heaven with those who love and follow his word. Build your house on the foundation of what Christ did on the cross.
To my friends and family who are there in that place of doubt please consider what I've been inspired to write. Don't give up!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Taking Advantage Of The Nice Weather!
Today the wife, brother, and I ventured up to Lone Pine State Park! It is a great family hike if you have small children. I love the view and it is really easy to get to the view point. Just park the car and walk a short distance and your there. Here are a few snapshots of us enjoying the view.
Stacey making me a little bit nervous.
Wow look at those hunks of manly men! Can you say bald YETI?
Deep in thought
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Walkin To Church
Today we walked to church with a bunch of kids. It was quite humorous to see the people drive by and look twice at our group. I know they were thinking that Stacey and I must like to pro-create as a hobby. We'd have to eat spam every night if that were the case. Little did they know that we had 3 extra with us this morning. The kids made friends at our church interface group and had to have them over to spend the night. Our neighbors daughter also joined in the fun.
They played Lego Star wars on the Xbox 360 and had a ton of fun! here are a couple of snapshots
The boys were coordinating attack strategy by screaming step on the red one!!! Who knows what that meant but it sounded pretty funny!
The girls were more elegant by asking if one could pass the a light sabre please? Over all our weekend has started off fun! We are going to head to the gully later so I can catch a sunburn or something like that. This will be my last post unless something spectacular occurs!
Quick Note
I urge everyone who happens upon my blog to take a look at the new Fresh Life message. Please just take the time to listen to it. If you've never heard Levi speak your in for a treat! Just click on the link below and you'll be there.
Fresh Life with Levi Lusko
Fresh Life with Levi Lusko
Sunday Morning
Well I just got up and I have only had two sips of coffee so if my grammer or spelling is worse then it already has been shown previously you now know why. (My wife just looked at me and said with disbelief....."You are blogging already?" Yes, yes I am. I got the urge so I am giving in. Anyway back to what I wanted to blog about in the first place. We had a great day yesturday!
It is funny how the sun changes everyones moods. After a long winter and spring you feel drained and heavy. When that sun comes out you feel revived and refreshed. It is almost like a huge dose of riddilin. Your probably thinking that riddilin is to calm hyper people down. In my case it does the opposite. You see I have bad allergies as well does my brother. One year we went to the doctor and got a perscription for them. Both my brother and I shared that perscription. I found the danger in that quite quickly.
You see my brother was on ridilin in elementary school because is was hyper active. My mom decided to take him off of it because one night he stayed up till 3 in the morning playing a childrens record over and over again while he sang along with it. The song was titled "Eating Chicken Soup With Rice." He came home from school started the record and sang it non-stop till 3am in the morning. That is 12 hours of chicken soup with rice all due to riddilin!
Back to my main story......
My brother and I were sharing a perscription for allergies. What was dangerous about this is that our allergy perscription and the riddilin bottle were the same size and both looked identical. This is where you say look at the label stupid! Well I was tired like I am now and not awake. I grabbed for the allergy medicen and popped a pill. After I swallowed it I noticed my name was not on the label and it read riddilin! I thought I was going to die! I tried making myself puke but couldn't. So stupidly I decided to ride the storm out and went to school.
Let me tell you I have never been so happy in my life! I now knew how people could get addicted to drug induced happiness! I can see why my brother sat and sang "Chicken Soup With Rice" for 12 hours straight! I would have choosen a different song but he was only 8 and had horrible musical taste. Sunshine to me after a long winter is like a dose of riddilin it makes your whole day that much better!
We bbq'd last night and the kids had friends over. We had a lot of fun and it looks like today is going to be just as beautiful. Well this concludes my off the wall first thing in the morning blog. Thanks for taking the time to read it. I need COFFEE so I am ending this now before I start on another rant.
It is funny how the sun changes everyones moods. After a long winter and spring you feel drained and heavy. When that sun comes out you feel revived and refreshed. It is almost like a huge dose of riddilin. Your probably thinking that riddilin is to calm hyper people down. In my case it does the opposite. You see I have bad allergies as well does my brother. One year we went to the doctor and got a perscription for them. Both my brother and I shared that perscription. I found the danger in that quite quickly.
You see my brother was on ridilin in elementary school because is was hyper active. My mom decided to take him off of it because one night he stayed up till 3 in the morning playing a childrens record over and over again while he sang along with it. The song was titled "Eating Chicken Soup With Rice." He came home from school started the record and sang it non-stop till 3am in the morning. That is 12 hours of chicken soup with rice all due to riddilin!
Back to my main story......
My brother and I were sharing a perscription for allergies. What was dangerous about this is that our allergy perscription and the riddilin bottle were the same size and both looked identical. This is where you say look at the label stupid! Well I was tired like I am now and not awake. I grabbed for the allergy medicen and popped a pill. After I swallowed it I noticed my name was not on the label and it read riddilin! I thought I was going to die! I tried making myself puke but couldn't. So stupidly I decided to ride the storm out and went to school.
Let me tell you I have never been so happy in my life! I now knew how people could get addicted to drug induced happiness! I can see why my brother sat and sang "Chicken Soup With Rice" for 12 hours straight! I would have choosen a different song but he was only 8 and had horrible musical taste. Sunshine to me after a long winter is like a dose of riddilin it makes your whole day that much better!
We bbq'd last night and the kids had friends over. We had a lot of fun and it looks like today is going to be just as beautiful. Well this concludes my off the wall first thing in the morning blog. Thanks for taking the time to read it. I need COFFEE so I am ending this now before I start on another rant.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Pro Gaming Answers.
A lot of people had quite a few questions for me about my Pro-Video gaming experience. So I'll give you a little insight into it here. Pro-gaming takes a ton of commitment and almost all of your time. You have to form a good solid team and practice everyday. That takes a ton of time away from family(The reason I quit playing). My friend Randy(N0M4D) and I (ROADKILL H2O) were put in charge of putting together a team that would play Rainbow Six Vegas on the professional level.
We spent months practicing and competing against many people to prepare ourselves for MLG (Major League Gaming). On our way N0M4D and I won a tournament against the Ubisoft all female Pro team named the Frag Dolls. You can see their website here: http://www.fragdolls.com/
For 10 minutes of game play and winning the Frag dolls. We won $500.00 ea! That was nice for the bank account. Here is a picture of us in the pre-game lobby waiting to start the tournament. We were placed in with two random players we have never practiced with. That gave the Frag Dolls an advantage. However Valkyrie FD was the founder of our clan and we practiced with the Frag Dolls quite a bit. So we knew some of the strategy they used and that made it more evenly matched.
After we won that tourney we were ready to win more! Our team won many matches and worked our way to the top. When MLG season came around we gained sponsorship through Verizon Wireless and Patriot Memory. I quit one week before MLG in Charlotte NC. My team went on to Charlotte without me. You'll see them in the below video. One unique thing about our team is the fact that N0M4D played video games with his face! You don't believe me??? Take a look at this fox interview with him and our team. I kind of regret not going there with them but I know I made the right choice. Here is the video and it is going to blow you away when you see how he plays!
I am glad that I could finally see our team on the news. I received a ton of flack from people saying we'd never make it. It was an awesome learning experience for me and I gained a lot of knowledge about myself as a person through it all. Not many can say that they once could have played video games as a job. It sounds much better then it really is. As they say the grass is always greener on the other side. What seems too good to be true usually takes great sacrafice that leaves family on the back burner. I put them on the back burner too long and decided to pass up a chance of a lifetime for the love of my family and to dedicate myself to God and his plan.
We spent months practicing and competing against many people to prepare ourselves for MLG (Major League Gaming). On our way N0M4D and I won a tournament against the Ubisoft all female Pro team named the Frag Dolls. You can see their website here: http://www.fragdolls.com/
For 10 minutes of game play and winning the Frag dolls. We won $500.00 ea! That was nice for the bank account. Here is a picture of us in the pre-game lobby waiting to start the tournament. We were placed in with two random players we have never practiced with. That gave the Frag Dolls an advantage. However Valkyrie FD was the founder of our clan and we practiced with the Frag Dolls quite a bit. So we knew some of the strategy they used and that made it more evenly matched.
After we won that tourney we were ready to win more! Our team won many matches and worked our way to the top. When MLG season came around we gained sponsorship through Verizon Wireless and Patriot Memory. I quit one week before MLG in Charlotte NC. My team went on to Charlotte without me. You'll see them in the below video. One unique thing about our team is the fact that N0M4D played video games with his face! You don't believe me??? Take a look at this fox interview with him and our team. I kind of regret not going there with them but I know I made the right choice. Here is the video and it is going to blow you away when you see how he plays!
I am glad that I could finally see our team on the news. I received a ton of flack from people saying we'd never make it. It was an awesome learning experience for me and I gained a lot of knowledge about myself as a person through it all. Not many can say that they once could have played video games as a job. It sounds much better then it really is. As they say the grass is always greener on the other side. What seems too good to be true usually takes great sacrafice that leaves family on the back burner. I put them on the back burner too long and decided to pass up a chance of a lifetime for the love of my family and to dedicate myself to God and his plan.
Awesome Testimony!
Of all the topics on this one king. I've never heard this mentionioned often. I've always heard about how God punished king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Or what a horrible and ruthless person he was. However in his story is one of the best testonies that I think I've heard! In Daniel 4 you can read it. I not only see Gods wrath upon him, but more so I see Gods grace upon him. In all rights God could have struck him with a slow death, but instead he humbled him and the outcome was Nebuchadnezzar's changed heart!
DANIEL CHAPTER 4
Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream about a Tree1 King Nebuchadnezzar sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world:“Peace and prosperity to you!2 “I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me.3 How great are his signs,how powerful his wonders!His kingdom will last forever,his rule through all generations.4 “I, Nebuchadnezzar, was living in my palace in comfort and prosperity. 5 But one night I had a dream that greatly frightened me; I saw visions that terrified me as I lay in my bed. 6 So I issued an order calling in all the wise men of Babylon, so they could tell me what my dream meant. 7 When all the magicians, enchanters, astrologers,* and fortune-tellers came in, I told them the dream, but they could not tell me what it meant. 8 At last Daniel came in before me, and I told him the dream. (He was named Belteshazzar after my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.)9 “I said to him, ‘O Belteshazzar, master magician, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery is too great for you to solve. Now tell me what my dream means.10 “ ‘While I was lying in my bed, this is what I dreamed. I saw a large tree in the middle of the earth. 11 The tree grew very tall and strong, reaching high into the heavens for all the world to see. 12 It had fresh green leaves, and it was loaded with fruit for all to eat. Wild animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches. All the world was fed from this tree.13 “ ‘Then as I lay there dreaming, I saw a messenger,* a holy one, coming down from heaven. 14 The messenger shouted, “Cut down the tree; lop off its branches! Shake off its leaves, and scatter its fruit! Chase the animals from its shade and the birds from its branches. 15 But leave the stump and the roots in the ground, bound with a band of iron and bronze and surrounded by tender grass. Now let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live like an animal among the plants of the fields. 16 For seven periods of time, let him have the mind of an animal instead of a human. 17 For this has been decreed by the messengers* ; it is commanded by the holy ones. The purpose of this decree is that the whole world may understand that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses—even to the lowliest of humans.”18 “ ‘O Belteshazzar, that was the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now tell me what it means, for no one else can help me. All the wisest men of my kingdom have failed me. But you can tell me because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.’Daniel Explains the Dream19 “Upon hearing this, Daniel (also known as Belteshazzar) was overcome for a time, aghast at the meaning of the dream. Finally, the king said to him, ‘Belteshazzar, don’t be alarmed by the dream and what it means.’“Belteshazzar replied, ‘Oh, how I wish the events foreshadowed in this dream would happen to your enemies, my lord, and not to you! 20 You saw a tree growing very tall and strong, reaching high into the heavens for all the world to see. 21 It had fresh green leaves, and it was loaded with fruit for all to eat. Wild animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches. 22 That tree, Your Majesty, is you. For you have grown strong and great; your greatness reaches up to heaven, and your rule to the ends of the earth.23 “ ‘Then you saw a messenger, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, “Cut down the tree and destroy it. But leave the stump and the roots in the ground, bound with a band of iron and bronze and surrounded by tender grass. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven. Let him eat grass with the animals of the field for seven periods of time.”24 “ ‘This is what the dream means, Your Majesty, and what the Most High has declared will happen to you. 25 You will be driven from human society, and you will live in the fields with the wild animals. You will eat grass like a cow, and you will be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses. 26 But the stump and the roots were left in the ground. This means that you will receive your kingdom back again when you have learned that heaven rules.27 “ ‘O King Nebuchadnezzar, please listen to me. Stop sinning and do what is right. Break from your wicked past by being merciful to the poor. Perhaps then you will continue to prosper.’The Dream’s Fulfillment28 “But all these things did happen to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Twelve months later, he was taking a walk on the flat roof of the royal palace in Babylon. 30 As he looked out across the city, he said, ‘Just look at this great city of Babylon! I, by my own mighty power, have built this beautiful city as my royal residence and as an expression of my royal splendor.’31 “While he was still speaking these words, a voice called down from heaven, ‘O King Nebuchadnezzar, this message is for you! You are no longer ruler of this kingdom. 32 You will be driven from human society. You will live in the fields with the wild animals, and you will eat grass like a cow. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses.’33 “That very same hour the prophecy was fulfilled, and Nebuchadnezzar was driven from human society. He ate grass like a cow, and he was drenched with the dew of heaven. He lived this way until his hair was as long as eagles’ feathers and his nails were like birds’ claws.Nebuchadnezzar Praises God34 “After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever.His rule is everlasting,and his kingdom is eternal.35 All the people of the earthare nothing compared to him.He has the power to do as he pleasesamong the angels of heavenand with those who live on earth.No one can stop him or challenge him,saying, ‘What do you mean by doing these things?’36 “When my sanity returned to me, so did my honor and glory and kingdom. My advisers and officers sought me out, and I was reestablished as head of my kingdom, with even greater honor than before.37 “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble those who are proud.
DANIEL CHAPTER 4
Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream about a Tree1 King Nebuchadnezzar sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world:“Peace and prosperity to you!2 “I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me.3 How great are his signs,how powerful his wonders!His kingdom will last forever,his rule through all generations.4 “I, Nebuchadnezzar, was living in my palace in comfort and prosperity. 5 But one night I had a dream that greatly frightened me; I saw visions that terrified me as I lay in my bed. 6 So I issued an order calling in all the wise men of Babylon, so they could tell me what my dream meant. 7 When all the magicians, enchanters, astrologers,* and fortune-tellers came in, I told them the dream, but they could not tell me what it meant. 8 At last Daniel came in before me, and I told him the dream. (He was named Belteshazzar after my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.)9 “I said to him, ‘O Belteshazzar, master magician, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery is too great for you to solve. Now tell me what my dream means.10 “ ‘While I was lying in my bed, this is what I dreamed. I saw a large tree in the middle of the earth. 11 The tree grew very tall and strong, reaching high into the heavens for all the world to see. 12 It had fresh green leaves, and it was loaded with fruit for all to eat. Wild animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches. All the world was fed from this tree.13 “ ‘Then as I lay there dreaming, I saw a messenger,* a holy one, coming down from heaven. 14 The messenger shouted, “Cut down the tree; lop off its branches! Shake off its leaves, and scatter its fruit! Chase the animals from its shade and the birds from its branches. 15 But leave the stump and the roots in the ground, bound with a band of iron and bronze and surrounded by tender grass. Now let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live like an animal among the plants of the fields. 16 For seven periods of time, let him have the mind of an animal instead of a human. 17 For this has been decreed by the messengers* ; it is commanded by the holy ones. The purpose of this decree is that the whole world may understand that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses—even to the lowliest of humans.”18 “ ‘O Belteshazzar, that was the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now tell me what it means, for no one else can help me. All the wisest men of my kingdom have failed me. But you can tell me because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.’Daniel Explains the Dream19 “Upon hearing this, Daniel (also known as Belteshazzar) was overcome for a time, aghast at the meaning of the dream. Finally, the king said to him, ‘Belteshazzar, don’t be alarmed by the dream and what it means.’“Belteshazzar replied, ‘Oh, how I wish the events foreshadowed in this dream would happen to your enemies, my lord, and not to you! 20 You saw a tree growing very tall and strong, reaching high into the heavens for all the world to see. 21 It had fresh green leaves, and it was loaded with fruit for all to eat. Wild animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches. 22 That tree, Your Majesty, is you. For you have grown strong and great; your greatness reaches up to heaven, and your rule to the ends of the earth.23 “ ‘Then you saw a messenger, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, “Cut down the tree and destroy it. But leave the stump and the roots in the ground, bound with a band of iron and bronze and surrounded by tender grass. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven. Let him eat grass with the animals of the field for seven periods of time.”24 “ ‘This is what the dream means, Your Majesty, and what the Most High has declared will happen to you. 25 You will be driven from human society, and you will live in the fields with the wild animals. You will eat grass like a cow, and you will be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses. 26 But the stump and the roots were left in the ground. This means that you will receive your kingdom back again when you have learned that heaven rules.27 “ ‘O King Nebuchadnezzar, please listen to me. Stop sinning and do what is right. Break from your wicked past by being merciful to the poor. Perhaps then you will continue to prosper.’The Dream’s Fulfillment28 “But all these things did happen to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Twelve months later, he was taking a walk on the flat roof of the royal palace in Babylon. 30 As he looked out across the city, he said, ‘Just look at this great city of Babylon! I, by my own mighty power, have built this beautiful city as my royal residence and as an expression of my royal splendor.’31 “While he was still speaking these words, a voice called down from heaven, ‘O King Nebuchadnezzar, this message is for you! You are no longer ruler of this kingdom. 32 You will be driven from human society. You will live in the fields with the wild animals, and you will eat grass like a cow. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses.’33 “That very same hour the prophecy was fulfilled, and Nebuchadnezzar was driven from human society. He ate grass like a cow, and he was drenched with the dew of heaven. He lived this way until his hair was as long as eagles’ feathers and his nails were like birds’ claws.Nebuchadnezzar Praises God34 “After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever.His rule is everlasting,and his kingdom is eternal.35 All the people of the earthare nothing compared to him.He has the power to do as he pleasesamong the angels of heavenand with those who live on earth.No one can stop him or challenge him,saying, ‘What do you mean by doing these things?’36 “When my sanity returned to me, so did my honor and glory and kingdom. My advisers and officers sought me out, and I was reestablished as head of my kingdom, with even greater honor than before.37 “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble those who are proud.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Filling a little time.
Just killin a little bit of time with this post. I haven't posted anything today so I figured I would. I had a really good day today and was in a good mood! I think I overdosed on energy drinks however. I like to make people laugh and I spent my free time in between working doing just that. At work we have this forklift that has a bad battery. It wreaks of rotten egg and everyone complains about it when they walk by it. I mean it is really bad smelling! So I decided to play some pranks today on unsuspecting people.
I'd stand by the forklift and call a person over. I'd then ask them what this was and point towards the hood covering the battery of the fork lift. When they leaned in to look closer I'd yank the hood up, and the stench from the battery would be wafted up in their face! The reactions were classic!!! They laughed as they were gasping for clean air to breath in! I got quite a few people with that one. As you can tell I am easily amused. Well that is my contribution to the blogging world today. I hope you all have a great weekend!!!
UPDATE!!!!!
I just found out tonight after 10 years of marriage! That in 6th grade my wife and I both were in the same marching band!!! We took 2nd place in the Jr. Rose parade in Portland Oregon. We didn't know each other until I was 20!!!! Isn't it crazy how lives narrowly miss each other and then come together! I would have never have known this if the kids didn't bring that annoying recorder home from school. It got Stacey talking about playing Clarinet and me talking about playing trumpet. From their we pieced it all together!
Another Update!
More shocking is that we were talking about it on the way to Church. Come to find out we were in the same band class in elementary school! I didn't even know my wife and we were in the same class at the same school!!! How insane is that! She stood directly behind my row and we never even knew each other!
I'd stand by the forklift and call a person over. I'd then ask them what this was and point towards the hood covering the battery of the fork lift. When they leaned in to look closer I'd yank the hood up, and the stench from the battery would be wafted up in their face! The reactions were classic!!! They laughed as they were gasping for clean air to breath in! I got quite a few people with that one. As you can tell I am easily amused. Well that is my contribution to the blogging world today. I hope you all have a great weekend!!!
UPDATE!!!!!
I just found out tonight after 10 years of marriage! That in 6th grade my wife and I both were in the same marching band!!! We took 2nd place in the Jr. Rose parade in Portland Oregon. We didn't know each other until I was 20!!!! Isn't it crazy how lives narrowly miss each other and then come together! I would have never have known this if the kids didn't bring that annoying recorder home from school. It got Stacey talking about playing Clarinet and me talking about playing trumpet. From their we pieced it all together!
Another Update!
More shocking is that we were talking about it on the way to Church. Come to find out we were in the same band class in elementary school! I didn't even know my wife and we were in the same class at the same school!!! How insane is that! She stood directly behind my row and we never even knew each other!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Starting A New Book!
I finally finished The Pilgrims Progress yesterday. I was slacking a bit on reading it and should have had it read long ago. I am exited to start reading the New J. R. R. Tolkien book called The Children Of Hurin. This book has been pieced together by his son. This is Tokeins first writings that the Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings series were built off of. I am hoping I like it as well as all of his other books. I'll let you know how I liked it when I am done with it. I have to also start thinking on my next read. I have a ton of books I want to purchase that have been suggested to me by various people, so it is going to be a hard decision to make.
Today
All day today I was thinking about faith. I was thinking more about my faith then the faith of others. I realized some people around me say they believe in God and what is written in the bible yet never read it. These people have made me look deeper into my faith. They say they have faith and believe yet they don't have faith that God will answer their prayers. I realize not long ago I was that person.
I had head knowledge of the bible but my heart was dead to it. I didn't practice what the bible preaches. I didn't take up my cross and share the word with others. Don't get me wrong knowledge about the bible is just as important as heart. In fact the head knowledge acts as a regulator of the heart. Our hearts in nature are corrupt and misleading at times. Other times our heart can be the fuel that fires our passions to do good things. Our head knowledge filters our passions through biblical principals. So you can have head knowledge but it does no good without the fueling passion of the heart.
When biblical knowledge is combined with heart (Passion) that is when the Lord works best within us. You can't fully operate without one or the other. It would be like trying to drive a car that has no breaks. Sure you can go really fast, but when it comes time to stop! You are in a world of hurt! Until you really start a walk in faith you don't see the whole picture.
God starts doing some pruning in your life. Things you used to be obsessed with become boring. I used to play Xbox 5-6 hours a night. I rarely turn on my Xbox any more I have no desire to. I can see areas of my life that were filled with completely useless stuff. I’m not saying video games are bad. However they can turn into something that completely consumes your life if you let them. My life was wasting away for moments of entertainment that don't last longer then the click of a power button.
I'm telling everyone that is where I was. That it is so worth it to totally give your life to Christ. You'll see so many changes within you. Even ones that you didn't even realize you needed change in. I'm not saying life will be all wonderful and filled with little butterflies that land on your shoulder. I'm just saying you will feel joy that overcomes sorrow. You will find hope that blots out the pain and rejection of failure. You find new purpose in life. Your weakness becomes your strength in God. Meaning when you are weakened by life’s curve balls that smack you square in the gut. You learn that it hurts but it just made you that much stronger. You not only find strength in faith, but strength and endurance given to you by God.
If you think you believe and don't need to open a bible, or that prayer doesn't work. I ask you to re-evaluate your outlook on life. Really ask yourself if that were true? Why then are their so many who have died for those precious words written in the bible. Maybe you feel like God is ignoring you and hasn't given you a chance. I submit this to you who think that. Maybe it is you who haven't given God the chance. I urge you to pick up the bible and at least read in it once a day. It doesn't take much effort to do so. If you can brush your teeth a couple times a day, you can open your bible and read it. Don't do it for me, but do it for your selves.
I had head knowledge of the bible but my heart was dead to it. I didn't practice what the bible preaches. I didn't take up my cross and share the word with others. Don't get me wrong knowledge about the bible is just as important as heart. In fact the head knowledge acts as a regulator of the heart. Our hearts in nature are corrupt and misleading at times. Other times our heart can be the fuel that fires our passions to do good things. Our head knowledge filters our passions through biblical principals. So you can have head knowledge but it does no good without the fueling passion of the heart.
When biblical knowledge is combined with heart (Passion) that is when the Lord works best within us. You can't fully operate without one or the other. It would be like trying to drive a car that has no breaks. Sure you can go really fast, but when it comes time to stop! You are in a world of hurt! Until you really start a walk in faith you don't see the whole picture.
God starts doing some pruning in your life. Things you used to be obsessed with become boring. I used to play Xbox 5-6 hours a night. I rarely turn on my Xbox any more I have no desire to. I can see areas of my life that were filled with completely useless stuff. I’m not saying video games are bad. However they can turn into something that completely consumes your life if you let them. My life was wasting away for moments of entertainment that don't last longer then the click of a power button.
I'm telling everyone that is where I was. That it is so worth it to totally give your life to Christ. You'll see so many changes within you. Even ones that you didn't even realize you needed change in. I'm not saying life will be all wonderful and filled with little butterflies that land on your shoulder. I'm just saying you will feel joy that overcomes sorrow. You will find hope that blots out the pain and rejection of failure. You find new purpose in life. Your weakness becomes your strength in God. Meaning when you are weakened by life’s curve balls that smack you square in the gut. You learn that it hurts but it just made you that much stronger. You not only find strength in faith, but strength and endurance given to you by God.
If you think you believe and don't need to open a bible, or that prayer doesn't work. I ask you to re-evaluate your outlook on life. Really ask yourself if that were true? Why then are their so many who have died for those precious words written in the bible. Maybe you feel like God is ignoring you and hasn't given you a chance. I submit this to you who think that. Maybe it is you who haven't given God the chance. I urge you to pick up the bible and at least read in it once a day. It doesn't take much effort to do so. If you can brush your teeth a couple times a day, you can open your bible and read it. Don't do it for me, but do it for your selves.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Beautiful Day, Beautiful Smile!
Today I went to the dentist after 11 years of not going! I know pretty bad huh? When you can’t afford health insurance on your own and your job doesn’t have dental or medical you tend to go without and are covered by Gods insurance plan. We finally got dental so we are using it while we have it. Stacey has quite a few cavities and needs a ton of work as well as a mouth piece for her teeth grinding. So instead of a beautiful diamond ring for our 10 year anniversary I bought her a beautiful smile.
I was nervous about today, because I used to go to the dentist religiously when I had insurance. It had been so long between visits that I was scared I might have cavities. In my 31 years I have yet to experience a cavity. I was hoping today’s outcome was the same as the past. I was amazed on how much the dentist had changed! Last time I went the chairs were yellow or orange. The x-ray machine was massive and they didn’t have little fiber optic cameras for spelunking in your mouth! Other then a front chipped tooth and a wisdom tooth that is growing sideways, all was good! The bad thing is my wisdom tooth has killed the nerve in my molar so they have to take it out as well!
They said my mouth looked really good for as long they have gone between cleanings. So today was a good day and I am so glad to have had a check up and a cleaning! I am not looking forward to the tooth removal but I am looking forward to getting my chipped tooth fixed. I hope after everyone gets their teeth fixed the wife and I can get contacts. I am so tired of wearing glasses!
I was nervous about today, because I used to go to the dentist religiously when I had insurance. It had been so long between visits that I was scared I might have cavities. In my 31 years I have yet to experience a cavity. I was hoping today’s outcome was the same as the past. I was amazed on how much the dentist had changed! Last time I went the chairs were yellow or orange. The x-ray machine was massive and they didn’t have little fiber optic cameras for spelunking in your mouth! Other then a front chipped tooth and a wisdom tooth that is growing sideways, all was good! The bad thing is my wisdom tooth has killed the nerve in my molar so they have to take it out as well!
They said my mouth looked really good for as long they have gone between cleanings. So today was a good day and I am so glad to have had a check up and a cleaning! I am not looking forward to the tooth removal but I am looking forward to getting my chipped tooth fixed. I hope after everyone gets their teeth fixed the wife and I can get contacts. I am so tired of wearing glasses!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Amazing prediction about the future!
I read this amazing prediction about the future recently. This guy gave a detailed prediction about an individual. Everything that he predicted came true! The amazing thing was that the prediction was made over 700 years before the prediction came true. The scrolls that were written with this prediction among others that have also come to pass were scientifically dated between 739 and 680 BC. The events talked about happened exactly as they were written over 700 years before they took place. The amazing thing is not many people have heard of these predictions and how accurate they have been proven to be.
I have to share this prediction with you. This is one of hundreds that have come to pass and there are still some that are going to take place. This is a prediction written by a man named Isaiah about a man named Jesus Christ. As you read it remember it was written 700 + years before Jesus walked the Earth and died on the cross. Here is your proof if you need it.
Isaiah 53
1 Who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,
And as a root out of dry ground.
He has no form or comeliness;
And when we see Him,
There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
3 He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment,
And who will declare His generation?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;
For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.
9 And they[a] made His grave with the wicked—
But with the rich at His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was any deceit in His mouth.
10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him;
He has put Him to grief.
When You make His soul an offering for sin,
He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,
And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.
11 He shall see the labor of His soul,[b]and be satisfied.
By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many,
For He shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great,
And He shall divide the spoil with the strong,
Because He poured out His soul unto death,
And He was numbered with the transgressors,
And He bore the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors.
There are so many more predictions like this that have been written far before the events happened. Yet not many are aware of them and that both science and history prove beyond a shadow of a doubt to be accurate and true. You see people with faith don’t walk blindly in it. We have scientific and historical facts that also stand as witness to what was written in the bible. How amazing is this prophecy that was written long before Christ walked the Earth! If you still doubt look into it further. This is how came to trust what is written in the bible. I wanted answers and sought them out. There are so many more examples. I’ll share them with you every so often when they come to mind. You can take or leave them it is up to you. I’m just sharing what I have found in my searching.
I have to share this prediction with you. This is one of hundreds that have come to pass and there are still some that are going to take place. This is a prediction written by a man named Isaiah about a man named Jesus Christ. As you read it remember it was written 700 + years before Jesus walked the Earth and died on the cross. Here is your proof if you need it.
Isaiah 53
1 Who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,
And as a root out of dry ground.
He has no form or comeliness;
And when we see Him,
There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
3 He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment,
And who will declare His generation?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;
For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.
9 And they[a] made His grave with the wicked—
But with the rich at His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was any deceit in His mouth.
10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him;
He has put Him to grief.
When You make His soul an offering for sin,
He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,
And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.
11 He shall see the labor of His soul,[b]and be satisfied.
By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many,
For He shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great,
And He shall divide the spoil with the strong,
Because He poured out His soul unto death,
And He was numbered with the transgressors,
And He bore the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors.
There are so many more predictions like this that have been written far before the events happened. Yet not many are aware of them and that both science and history prove beyond a shadow of a doubt to be accurate and true. You see people with faith don’t walk blindly in it. We have scientific and historical facts that also stand as witness to what was written in the bible. How amazing is this prophecy that was written long before Christ walked the Earth! If you still doubt look into it further. This is how came to trust what is written in the bible. I wanted answers and sought them out. There are so many more examples. I’ll share them with you every so often when they come to mind. You can take or leave them it is up to you. I’m just sharing what I have found in my searching.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Shopping
When it comes to shopping I am one of those guys who like to get it done as quickly as possible. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen that game show where the contestants speed through the isles of the store and throw as much as they can into the cart before the time they are allotted expires. If you have then you know my shopping style. I fly through isle to isle grabbing what I need and piling it into my cart. If you’re in my way watch out cause this guy wants to spend as little time in the grocery store as possible. There is no time to look to see if an item has this or that in it. If it tastes good or suits its purpose then it goes in the cart and directly to the check stand.
My wife however is the opposite! She meanders isle by isle looking at every variety and product on the shelf. If she hasn’t at least touched it or stared at it for 5 minutes then she isn’t shopping! Have you ever watched a moth fly towards a light bulb over and over again? That was my wife today looking at glass cleaner! It was like she was hypnotized by them. She stood there for at least 5 minutes as if she was thinking…ahhh look at all the pretty colors! Have you noticed how many different varieties they have now for glass cleaner? They have blue, pink, green, yellow, orange!
They put those colors in them for the very reason I stated above. It grabs the attention of the shopper. They are confused on which one they should get! Blue is good but isn’t purple better? Wait the yellow one smells like cotton candy! The green one leaves streaks but it has antibacterial disinfectant in it! My advice is if in doubt get the one you got last time! Anyway she takes forever and shopping is my least favorite of activities. I’ve noticed that I am not the only guy who feels this way.
I pass many who are in the same boat as I am. 3 kids grabbing everything they can while wife is on a quest to find the secret of life in the ingredients of a Chef Boyardee label. When we pass each other in the isle and eye contact is made. No words need be spoken, because we know and give silent hi fives to each other! We know we are not alone and that soon but not too soon we will be at the check stand and closer to the exit towards home.
When you get home and have finally put all the groceries away, you get comfortable in your sweat pants and comfy clothes. You are at peace with the world and are free. You finally sit down after a long day of shopping. Your weary bones are now just feeling the strain and stress of the grocery store fade into distant memory. A smile appears on your face as you prop your feet up and release a sigh of relief. Then from the other room you hear your wife say……..
We forgot the toilet paper honey! Could you go pick some up!!!
My wife however is the opposite! She meanders isle by isle looking at every variety and product on the shelf. If she hasn’t at least touched it or stared at it for 5 minutes then she isn’t shopping! Have you ever watched a moth fly towards a light bulb over and over again? That was my wife today looking at glass cleaner! It was like she was hypnotized by them. She stood there for at least 5 minutes as if she was thinking…ahhh look at all the pretty colors! Have you noticed how many different varieties they have now for glass cleaner? They have blue, pink, green, yellow, orange!
They put those colors in them for the very reason I stated above. It grabs the attention of the shopper. They are confused on which one they should get! Blue is good but isn’t purple better? Wait the yellow one smells like cotton candy! The green one leaves streaks but it has antibacterial disinfectant in it! My advice is if in doubt get the one you got last time! Anyway she takes forever and shopping is my least favorite of activities. I’ve noticed that I am not the only guy who feels this way.
I pass many who are in the same boat as I am. 3 kids grabbing everything they can while wife is on a quest to find the secret of life in the ingredients of a Chef Boyardee label. When we pass each other in the isle and eye contact is made. No words need be spoken, because we know and give silent hi fives to each other! We know we are not alone and that soon but not too soon we will be at the check stand and closer to the exit towards home.
When you get home and have finally put all the groceries away, you get comfortable in your sweat pants and comfy clothes. You are at peace with the world and are free. You finally sit down after a long day of shopping. Your weary bones are now just feeling the strain and stress of the grocery store fade into distant memory. A smile appears on your face as you prop your feet up and release a sigh of relief. Then from the other room you hear your wife say……..
We forgot the toilet paper honey! Could you go pick some up!!!
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Global Warming
This message was sent using the Picture and Video Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!
Well It looks like Global Warming is in full swing today! This is a serious problem!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
First Interface
Interface was awesome tonight! I got to meet new people as well as get better acquainted with people I have really talked to briefly at church or even here on Blogger. Tonight was game night and we played a game called fugitive that required a lot of running so I am very sore! I'd embellish the story more if I weren't ready to pass out in bed. I am looking forward to next Thursday night when we crack open the bible for some good study. The kids had a ton of fun and I am so glad we found this Church. Good night all! If you don't hear from me in a couple of days it is because I am still sleeping!
Man I forgot to take a snap shot for my blog!!!!! ARRRGH!
Man I forgot to take a snap shot for my blog!!!!! ARRRGH!
Thinking Back
Recently my wife and I celebrated our 10th anniversary and a couple of friends from work had their 1 year anniversary as well as my pastor and his wife had their 4th. It made me think of the different stages of marriage I’ve been through with my wife. A good marriage is like wine it gets better the longer it ages. I also thought about how we started out together. She hated my guts for no reason and I could care less if she liked me or not. I was nice to her, and she was really mean to me. We worked together and we shared break together one night and realized our favorite jelly beans were the green lime ones. It was love at first jelly bean I guess you could say.
Our first date was one to remember! Not in a good way either! I decided to take her to a fancy German restaurant. Little did I know that the menu wasn’t to Stacey’s liking. We waited in line and were seated. The waitress brought us water and menus. I noticed she just stared at the menu. I asked her what looked good to her. She stated that nothing on the menu looked appetizing. After short discussion I decided I need to act fast. My plans for the night had been compromised and I had no plan B. I offered up the suggestion that we could look elsewhere for dinner. She was all up for that and I was scrambling to think of a place to take her.
Being we lived in Portland, Oregon our options were endless. I decided to take her to a coffee shop located in downtown Portland. It was Saturday night and we were about 50 minutes away from our destination. When we arrived we found the wait to be over an hour! That idea was a dud! We then set out to an unknown location. We spent more time in the car looking for a place without a line then anything (Reservations might have helped!). Stacey mentioned a little Chinese restaurant she had been to before. After about 3 hours after the German restaurant ordeal we arrived at this Chinese restaurant where the owner’s 4 year old son ran around blowing on a harmonica all night!
We ordered and were served our dinner. I don’t quite remember what I ordered except for a plate of white rice with green things mixed in with it. Now normally I wouldn’t make a fuss but these green things were strangely chewy and I’ve never seen them before in my life! I called the waitress over and asked what they were. She replied in a thick Chinese accent “That is tree fungus” I wasn’t sure I heard here correctly and thought it sounded weird due to her accent. I replied, what did you say? She spoke slower and loader this time, “It is tree fungus”. My face must have been amusing to my lovely date sitting across from me, because she began laughing hysterically.
So instead of a fancy German dish I was stuck with a plate of rice with a side of tree fungus! All the while this little kid is blowing on a harmonica loudly sucking in and blowing out! It was a date from hell!!! Yet it was the best date I have ever been on. It must have been the fact I was in love and didn’t care. So the moral of the story is your first date doesn’t always have to be perfect for you to find the one you were meant to marry. That wraps up our first date other then the fact Stacey was grounded and she snuck out and was out really late with her mom sitting at home fuming. That is a whole other story!
Our first date was one to remember! Not in a good way either! I decided to take her to a fancy German restaurant. Little did I know that the menu wasn’t to Stacey’s liking. We waited in line and were seated. The waitress brought us water and menus. I noticed she just stared at the menu. I asked her what looked good to her. She stated that nothing on the menu looked appetizing. After short discussion I decided I need to act fast. My plans for the night had been compromised and I had no plan B. I offered up the suggestion that we could look elsewhere for dinner. She was all up for that and I was scrambling to think of a place to take her.
Being we lived in Portland, Oregon our options were endless. I decided to take her to a coffee shop located in downtown Portland. It was Saturday night and we were about 50 minutes away from our destination. When we arrived we found the wait to be over an hour! That idea was a dud! We then set out to an unknown location. We spent more time in the car looking for a place without a line then anything (Reservations might have helped!). Stacey mentioned a little Chinese restaurant she had been to before. After about 3 hours after the German restaurant ordeal we arrived at this Chinese restaurant where the owner’s 4 year old son ran around blowing on a harmonica all night!
We ordered and were served our dinner. I don’t quite remember what I ordered except for a plate of white rice with green things mixed in with it. Now normally I wouldn’t make a fuss but these green things were strangely chewy and I’ve never seen them before in my life! I called the waitress over and asked what they were. She replied in a thick Chinese accent “That is tree fungus” I wasn’t sure I heard here correctly and thought it sounded weird due to her accent. I replied, what did you say? She spoke slower and loader this time, “It is tree fungus”. My face must have been amusing to my lovely date sitting across from me, because she began laughing hysterically.
So instead of a fancy German dish I was stuck with a plate of rice with a side of tree fungus! All the while this little kid is blowing on a harmonica loudly sucking in and blowing out! It was a date from hell!!! Yet it was the best date I have ever been on. It must have been the fact I was in love and didn’t care. So the moral of the story is your first date doesn’t always have to be perfect for you to find the one you were meant to marry. That wraps up our first date other then the fact Stacey was grounded and she snuck out and was out really late with her mom sitting at home fuming. That is a whole other story!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
I'm an IDIOT!!!!
OK maybe I'm being a little hard on myself but sometimes it's true. Tonight was one of those times. Yet again I left the lights on my vehicle on during Church. You'd think I would have checked after the last time I did that. Luckily I learned from the last time. As I learned in boy scouts..."Be Prepared" I so happened to have jumper cables in my trunk, and there so happened to be good samaritans parked next to us that gave us a jump! No walking home tonight for the Harvey's!!!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Today.....
Well today I did absolutely nothing! I spent most of the morning drinking coffee and looking for something worthwhile to watch on TV. There seems to be nothing but trash on TV these days. I turned to on demand and still nothing good. I wasn't in a reading mood but decided to finish off The Pilgrims Progress. If you haven't read it, it is a great book and I encourage you to do so. Also my kids decided it would be fun to kick dirt on the neighbor’s walkway in front of her house. Along with fighting and bickering they swept the dirt up. Sometimes I could just strangle them!!!
Then I think about when I was a kid. One time my best friend and I decided to dodge dirt clods. The only problem other then possible eye injury was that one of us was in my friends open bedroom window and the other chucked dirt clods at the person from outside. I can still see it today from my best friend’s mom’s perspective. I assume she heard thuds on her kitchen wall from the bedroom and came to investigate. The first thing she would have seen was an opened under ware drawer filled with dirt clods (This was our way of hiding the evidence) and me wearing a Seattle Seahawks football helmet putting dirt clods into our clever hiding spot. The room was filled with dirt and the wall that stood in direct line of fire needed to be repainted.
Needless to say we got in big trouble. Then there was a time when my best friend and I decided to teach some kittens to swim in my Mr. Turtle pool. This is by far one of the worst childhood stories I have. I feel guilt over it still today. I was young and knew no better. You see Mr. Turtle Pools had a built in slide. What we did was position the kittens at the top of the slide and push them into the pool of water. They would swim to the edge and we’d place them back at the top and push them back in the water. It was all fun in games in our minds. We were 4 and didn’t realize that we were actually drowning the kittens. Luckily we were caught and the kittens were saved. However some of them need to be recesitated after the fact.
My kids have been pretty good in comparison to the horrors my friend and I unleashed when we were younger! I think of those things that I did when I was a kid and thank God my kids are good and well rounded. My mom used to say my friend and I were good until we got together and then we were hellions! So I always keep in mind that my kids might be good when alone, however with certain company they may just be hellions. I think today they decided to break loose and have some fun in the dirt.
Then I think about when I was a kid. One time my best friend and I decided to dodge dirt clods. The only problem other then possible eye injury was that one of us was in my friends open bedroom window and the other chucked dirt clods at the person from outside. I can still see it today from my best friend’s mom’s perspective. I assume she heard thuds on her kitchen wall from the bedroom and came to investigate. The first thing she would have seen was an opened under ware drawer filled with dirt clods (This was our way of hiding the evidence) and me wearing a Seattle Seahawks football helmet putting dirt clods into our clever hiding spot. The room was filled with dirt and the wall that stood in direct line of fire needed to be repainted.
Needless to say we got in big trouble. Then there was a time when my best friend and I decided to teach some kittens to swim in my Mr. Turtle pool. This is by far one of the worst childhood stories I have. I feel guilt over it still today. I was young and knew no better. You see Mr. Turtle Pools had a built in slide. What we did was position the kittens at the top of the slide and push them into the pool of water. They would swim to the edge and we’d place them back at the top and push them back in the water. It was all fun in games in our minds. We were 4 and didn’t realize that we were actually drowning the kittens. Luckily we were caught and the kittens were saved. However some of them need to be recesitated after the fact.
My kids have been pretty good in comparison to the horrors my friend and I unleashed when we were younger! I think of those things that I did when I was a kid and thank God my kids are good and well rounded. My mom used to say my friend and I were good until we got together and then we were hellions! So I always keep in mind that my kids might be good when alone, however with certain company they may just be hellions. I think today they decided to break loose and have some fun in the dirt.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
I've Got A Lot Of Prayin To Do.
I used to think I had nothing to pray about other then the normal things such as forgiveness and guidance. You know just things you normally pray about for you and your family. I now realize I have much more to pray about. So much that it would take days to cover all of them! I know so many close to me who need prayer. They may not believe in it or care to put the effort into doing it but they need it.
I keep trying to communicate the importance of faith in Jesus to them as well as pray for them. Yet it seems it doesn't break through the walls built up within them. My heart cries out when I see that everything I've talked to them about has fallen on def ears. They don't care to hear my opinion even if they ask me for it. Why do they ask over and over again if they don't take it to heart. Do they not know that if they say they believe in God all comfort comes from him alone. No man or thing can take God's place?
God shelters them and gives them comfort from pain of this world. Yet when they ask me what I think, I tell them exactly that. They ask and ask repeatedly as if they want a different answer from me. There is no other answer that bears the fruit that is plentiful and rewarding. Sure I could tell them to turn to drugs or sex with multiple partners. That just leads to sorrow misery and death. Why do they say they believe when truly they don't. When do the things of this world become the God of Many. Yet the GOD OF ALL becomes a passing thought in the mind that wanders to places of deception for comfort.
My heart is heavy with the sorrow not just of my own sins but also of the sins of those close to me. Pray I tell them why not seek God? There will come a day when you will no longer have the chance to do so. If you believe then live for God! Don't put him on the back burner any longer! Why risk putting your soul in jeopardy? The Lords Grace upon you could end in the twinkling of an eye. I urge all who say they believe to actually think and pray on that! What can we learn from those who gave everything to God up till their last breath!
We should not sleep in the Lords grace. We should awaken so that we may shake others awake who have fallen asleep in the Lords grace. We should stand as testament to the Glory of God and his works within our lives. Our God is not dormant or distant. He is ever moving and holding us in the storms of the present as well as the storms that will come. Where will you be during the next storm that comes your way. Will you be awake to grab hold of the Lords hand? Or will you be asleep within yourself and miss the chance? Will you be swept away by the waves of the world that lull many of us to sleep?
I'm sorry I sound so preachy, but I am tired of sitting silent while people close to me continue to sleep when it is past time to wake. Our time here on Earth is short. Jesus Christ died for all of us on the cross! Please if you feel the urge to do something after reading this as Nike used to say Just Do It! Don't hold back anymore, don't ignore it! Step out of your slumber and raise your voice so many can hear! God has got your back! If God is for us who could stand against us? Your fear is your worst enemy! Break free and live for God starting now. I'm doing it and I finally feel free! I am truly more happy now then I've been ever! I know struggles are ahead but I find strength in God. I know I will make it through with him holding me upright!
I keep trying to communicate the importance of faith in Jesus to them as well as pray for them. Yet it seems it doesn't break through the walls built up within them. My heart cries out when I see that everything I've talked to them about has fallen on def ears. They don't care to hear my opinion even if they ask me for it. Why do they ask over and over again if they don't take it to heart. Do they not know that if they say they believe in God all comfort comes from him alone. No man or thing can take God's place?
God shelters them and gives them comfort from pain of this world. Yet when they ask me what I think, I tell them exactly that. They ask and ask repeatedly as if they want a different answer from me. There is no other answer that bears the fruit that is plentiful and rewarding. Sure I could tell them to turn to drugs or sex with multiple partners. That just leads to sorrow misery and death. Why do they say they believe when truly they don't. When do the things of this world become the God of Many. Yet the GOD OF ALL becomes a passing thought in the mind that wanders to places of deception for comfort.
My heart is heavy with the sorrow not just of my own sins but also of the sins of those close to me. Pray I tell them why not seek God? There will come a day when you will no longer have the chance to do so. If you believe then live for God! Don't put him on the back burner any longer! Why risk putting your soul in jeopardy? The Lords Grace upon you could end in the twinkling of an eye. I urge all who say they believe to actually think and pray on that! What can we learn from those who gave everything to God up till their last breath!
We should not sleep in the Lords grace. We should awaken so that we may shake others awake who have fallen asleep in the Lords grace. We should stand as testament to the Glory of God and his works within our lives. Our God is not dormant or distant. He is ever moving and holding us in the storms of the present as well as the storms that will come. Where will you be during the next storm that comes your way. Will you be awake to grab hold of the Lords hand? Or will you be asleep within yourself and miss the chance? Will you be swept away by the waves of the world that lull many of us to sleep?
I'm sorry I sound so preachy, but I am tired of sitting silent while people close to me continue to sleep when it is past time to wake. Our time here on Earth is short. Jesus Christ died for all of us on the cross! Please if you feel the urge to do something after reading this as Nike used to say Just Do It! Don't hold back anymore, don't ignore it! Step out of your slumber and raise your voice so many can hear! God has got your back! If God is for us who could stand against us? Your fear is your worst enemy! Break free and live for God starting now. I'm doing it and I finally feel free! I am truly more happy now then I've been ever! I know struggles are ahead but I find strength in God. I know I will make it through with him holding me upright!
As you can see Greg is hard at work trying to piece together this picnic table in the backroom of the store. I must add he is doing a fine job at that! However since we can't get him to start blogging I decided while he was unaware I'd sneak up and say "HEY GREG you've just been blogged!" His reply was; "Oh Great!"
This message was sent using the Picture and Video Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Daily Reading....
This morning I came upon this passage in Proverbs. It made me laugh due to the mental picture it gave me. So I had to share it because this shows that even comedy is written into the bible. This is something that would occur in a 3 stooges episode.
Proverbs 26:8, Honoring a fool is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot.
Put that in a fortune cookie! I can just see someone doing this and having it come back and whack them right between the eyes! Well it is off to work!!! I hope everyone has a wonderful day!
Proverbs 26:8, Honoring a fool is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot.
Put that in a fortune cookie! I can just see someone doing this and having it come back and whack them right between the eyes! Well it is off to work!!! I hope everyone has a wonderful day!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Well I was trying to thing of something to blog about today. It has been a couple of days since my last blog and I wanted to do one today. I was surfing around blog land while trying to come up with something. Then the answer came as a knock on the door. UPS delivered a package from my friend of many years. He sent me an HD DVD player with a bunch of HD movies. I have had an HD TV for the longest time yet never bought an HD or Blue Ray player. I wanted to wait until one of them won the HD war so I wasn't out $500 dollars. Well blue ray won and HD players got cheap. So my buddy picked this up for 50 bucks and all the movies were free! So now I can enjoy my HD TV to its fullest extent! I can't wait to watch a movie in HD!!! Thanks Greg you ROCK!!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Apostles Deaths....
Levi got me intrigued so I did some checking, This is what I found.....
Take note that all of the following people with the exception of Judas Iscariot died because they stated Jesus Christ was the son of God and the Messiah written about throughout the Old Testament. They all knew the danger they were facing by going out and preaching it.
Here are a few reasons I believe Jesus Christ is who the bible states he is.
They all had a choice to deny what they were preaching in order to live. Instead they chose the following deaths over denying Christ as savior. That is a pretty powerful statement. No one would suffer so much for a lie. They saw the events in the bible first hand, and died upholding that what was written in the bible and what they preached was true. Remember all but Judas Iscariot proclaimed Jesus as son of God and savior till their dying breath.
Peter (Simon Peter, bible writer) died in Rome Italy between 54-68AD. He was crucified head down at his request. He did not feel he was worthy to be crucified upright like Jesus Christ.
Andrew died in Edessa, Greece. He was severely scourged and tied by ropes on an x-shape cross where he hung for 2 days until he died.
James (bible writer) died in Jerusalem, Israel under King Herods rule. Year 44Ad he was the first of the Apostles martyred. He was beheaded with a sword. Mark 10:39 & Acts 12:1-2
John (Bible writer) died in Ephesus, Turkey or Turkish Isle of Patmos in the year 98 AD. He was thrown in boiling oil but survived. He was moved to the Turkish Isle of Patmos for imprisonment where he wrote the book of Revelation. He died of natural causes.
Philip of Bethsaida died in Hierapolis, Syria where he was crucified.
Bartholomew (Nathaniel) died in India or Armenia. He was beaten/flayed, and crucified head down.
Thomas (Didymus) died in Edessa, Greece where he was lanced by idolatrous priests &burned up in an oven.
Matthew (bible writer) died in Nada bah, Ethiopia around 60 AD where he was axed to death with a halberd.
James (Son of Alphaeus, bible writer) died in Jerusalem, Israel 66AD where he was thrown down from the temple tower & where he did not die so they clubbed him to death with a fullers club. He was 94 years old.
Jude (Thaddaeus…Judas Lebbaeus) died in Edessa, Greece 72AD by crucifiction.
Simon (The Canaanite) died in Brittainnia, Europe where he was crucified.
Judas Iscariot died in Jerusalem, Israel by suicide. He hung himself because of the guilt he felt for trading Jesus Christ for 30 pieces of silver.
Matthias ( the 11 remaining Apostles choose him to take the place of Judas Iscariot) died in Jerusalem, Israel. He was stoned and beheaded.
Paul (Chosen by Jesus after resurrection on the road to Damascus) died in Rome, Italy 66 AD where he was beheaded.
Take note that all of the following people with the exception of Judas Iscariot died because they stated Jesus Christ was the son of God and the Messiah written about throughout the Old Testament. They all knew the danger they were facing by going out and preaching it.
Here are a few reasons I believe Jesus Christ is who the bible states he is.
They all had a choice to deny what they were preaching in order to live. Instead they chose the following deaths over denying Christ as savior. That is a pretty powerful statement. No one would suffer so much for a lie. They saw the events in the bible first hand, and died upholding that what was written in the bible and what they preached was true. Remember all but Judas Iscariot proclaimed Jesus as son of God and savior till their dying breath.
Peter (Simon Peter, bible writer) died in Rome Italy between 54-68AD. He was crucified head down at his request. He did not feel he was worthy to be crucified upright like Jesus Christ.
Andrew died in Edessa, Greece. He was severely scourged and tied by ropes on an x-shape cross where he hung for 2 days until he died.
James (bible writer) died in Jerusalem, Israel under King Herods rule. Year 44Ad he was the first of the Apostles martyred. He was beheaded with a sword. Mark 10:39 & Acts 12:1-2
John (Bible writer) died in Ephesus, Turkey or Turkish Isle of Patmos in the year 98 AD. He was thrown in boiling oil but survived. He was moved to the Turkish Isle of Patmos for imprisonment where he wrote the book of Revelation. He died of natural causes.
Philip of Bethsaida died in Hierapolis, Syria where he was crucified.
Bartholomew (Nathaniel) died in India or Armenia. He was beaten/flayed, and crucified head down.
Thomas (Didymus) died in Edessa, Greece where he was lanced by idolatrous priests &burned up in an oven.
Matthew (bible writer) died in Nada bah, Ethiopia around 60 AD where he was axed to death with a halberd.
James (Son of Alphaeus, bible writer) died in Jerusalem, Israel 66AD where he was thrown down from the temple tower & where he did not die so they clubbed him to death with a fullers club. He was 94 years old.
Jude (Thaddaeus…Judas Lebbaeus) died in Edessa, Greece 72AD by crucifiction.
Simon (The Canaanite) died in Brittainnia, Europe where he was crucified.
Judas Iscariot died in Jerusalem, Israel by suicide. He hung himself because of the guilt he felt for trading Jesus Christ for 30 pieces of silver.
Matthias ( the 11 remaining Apostles choose him to take the place of Judas Iscariot) died in Jerusalem, Israel. He was stoned and beheaded.
Paul (Chosen by Jesus after resurrection on the road to Damascus) died in Rome, Italy 66 AD where he was beheaded.
10 Year Anniversary
Technically I classify my wife and I being married for 11 years. The day I asked her to be may girlfriend was the first day of many that we never left each others side. That day was November 23rd. That is our true anniversary in my opinion. However legally our wedding day by law was 10 years ago today. I have made one of my life goals, to be married longer then my parents were. So far we have done this as a team. My next goal is to hit 60 years. That is if Jesus doesn't come back first or one or both of us passes on.
I am truly blessed to have been lead to my wonderful wife who was hand picked by God. If it weren't for meeting her who knows what gutter I'd be in? My life I can say for certain would have been a mess. We've been through much and grow stronger everyday. I love you honey happy anniversary!!!
I am truly blessed to have been lead to my wonderful wife who was hand picked by God. If it weren't for meeting her who knows what gutter I'd be in? My life I can say for certain would have been a mess. We've been through much and grow stronger everyday. I love you honey happy anniversary!!!
Monday, April 7, 2008
New Layout almost done!
I spent some time last night adjusting margins and trying to fine tune my new blogger theme. I still have some cosmetic touch ups that I need to do to make it perfect. The top portion of my new theme is too light compared to the body of the theme. So I need to mess around on photoshop to get the top to blend with the rest. You can view my theme in progress if you want to here.....
http://toddscustomlayouts.blogspot.com/
I think my next blogger theme will be a city skyline. That is if I can put what is in my head into photoshop. I can't wait to start it but I have to finish this one!
http://toddscustomlayouts.blogspot.com/
I think my next blogger theme will be a city skyline. That is if I can put what is in my head into photoshop. I can't wait to start it but I have to finish this one!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
New Blogger Theme
I made my third custom layout tonight. I'm not sure if I like this one as well as my current one but I'm going to mess with the Html tomorrow and test it out.
My Boss.....
This is my boss sitting at my desk impersonating me. He has music blasting while he eats a oatmeal cookie from Chuck the Franz guy. Note to everyone, I never prop my feet up like that. Also the music is actually Muzak and is horrible most of the time, So I rarely blast it unless it is something good like the Goo Goo Dolls or the Fray. He thinks he's pretty funny but he forgot to grab a coffee cup to make the impersonation perfect!
This message was sent using PIX-FLIX Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!Friday, April 4, 2008
Yep......I'm tired and I want to go to bed. However I need a shower and my wife used the last of the hot water. So I must stay up till the water is heated so I can shower. This post is just a way of killing time until that happens. My kids are playing video games, Trevor is playing on the 360 and Ashley is playing on here Game Boy. Jacob is bugging me to let him play webkinz. Whatever happened to Monopoly or Life, or even Battleship??? I'm feeling my age tonight as I think about these things.
I wonder what the kids will be playing when my kids are my age? I'm thinking they'll have complete virtual reality that is so real you can't tell the difference between reality and virtual reality. People will grow addicted to their virtual lives and leave their real lives behind. They just exist in a box that is solar powered with a lazy boy with a built in toilet. Sort of like a futuristic out house. All you'd have to do is order pizza for delivery and you'd never have to move! Ok I think I've waisted about 5 minutes of time here. Only 15 more to go before there is hot water.
This message was sent using PIX-FLIX Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!Thursday, April 3, 2008
Totally bumbed!!!
My wife had a cavity worked on today and is in a lot of pain. We were planning to go to our first interface tonight so we could study the word and enjoy fellowship with other church members. However my wife isn't feeling top notch so we are staying home. It seems like if it isn't a cold or flu keeping you from the good things in life, it is something else. I've decided that I am going to spend sometime with the kids and attempt to make dinner! That is a scary thought! "IT'S SPAM!" sandwiches all around the dinner table tonight! I'll spruce it up with some gouda and garlic.
I wonder if they have organic SPAM yet? That would really make it gourmet!
I wonder if they have organic SPAM yet? That would really make it gourmet!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Tonights Worship And Praise Concert
Tonights concert was awesome!!! All of the beautiful voices singing praise to God was amazing! I didn't want it to end when it did. My favorite but most awkward part of the night is when we got together in a group and prayed together. The 3 people I grouped up with were complete strangers and as nervous as I was about the whole group prayer thing.
So I stepped up and started out. I was doing good there for a bit until I hit the dreaded mental block. Nothing but dead air and no words popping in my head to fill it in with. So I did what my kids do when I make them pray out loud in front of each other. I passed the buck to the next guy. I wanted to pray so much more, but the words weren't coming. I chalk it up to my first time praying in front of complete strangers and use it as a building block.
I am so glad I went tonight. I almost stayed home to be with my wife who is in pain due to a cavity that chipped partially off today. I plan on attending the interface group tomorrow if all goes as planned. I am really excited to share in fellowship and group prayer.
Good night all!
So I stepped up and started out. I was doing good there for a bit until I hit the dreaded mental block. Nothing but dead air and no words popping in my head to fill it in with. So I did what my kids do when I make them pray out loud in front of each other. I passed the buck to the next guy. I wanted to pray so much more, but the words weren't coming. I chalk it up to my first time praying in front of complete strangers and use it as a building block.
I am so glad I went tonight. I almost stayed home to be with my wife who is in pain due to a cavity that chipped partially off today. I plan on attending the interface group tomorrow if all goes as planned. I am really excited to share in fellowship and group prayer.
Good night all!
Talked with a friend today.
He is having a hard time with a personal problem. We talked for hours about it. It is really eating him up inside. He asked me what I would do about it. The answer was simple to me. I told him I'd pray constantly to God about it. He said he has done that and nothing has happened for two weeks. I told him that you have to be patient and realize you are on Gods time and not your own.
That really didn't help him any. He then asked me what I would do other then pray. I told him that is a hard question being prayer is what I rely on during hard times. I humored him and told him that I would act like the problem didn't exist and stress would build till I snapped and made the problem worse and lost what was important to me. I kept telling him prayer is the way to go but he seemed discouraged that he found no answer or comfort from his prayers.
I then told him that I would pray for him and so would many others. He got really quite and asked many others? I told him I have a lot of friends that love to pray so I'll get them to pray for you as well. That seemed to have struck a chord because I thought I heard him cry a little. So I need everyone to help pray for grace,patience, and wisdom for my friend. Oh and also comfort and peace. Also while I am making prayer requests please pray for my wife. She broke her tooth today and is in pain. She will not be able to see the dentist till 11 AM tomorrow.
I am excited for church tonight we are having a praise and prayer concert. There is nothing better the awesome music and a lot of prayer! If you don't live in my area you can watch it live @ www.freshlifechurch.com Have a wonderful night everyone!
Blog at ya later!
That really didn't help him any. He then asked me what I would do other then pray. I told him that is a hard question being prayer is what I rely on during hard times. I humored him and told him that I would act like the problem didn't exist and stress would build till I snapped and made the problem worse and lost what was important to me. I kept telling him prayer is the way to go but he seemed discouraged that he found no answer or comfort from his prayers.
I then told him that I would pray for him and so would many others. He got really quite and asked many others? I told him I have a lot of friends that love to pray so I'll get them to pray for you as well. That seemed to have struck a chord because I thought I heard him cry a little. So I need everyone to help pray for grace,patience, and wisdom for my friend. Oh and also comfort and peace. Also while I am making prayer requests please pray for my wife. She broke her tooth today and is in pain. She will not be able to see the dentist till 11 AM tomorrow.
I am excited for church tonight we are having a praise and prayer concert. There is nothing better the awesome music and a lot of prayer! If you don't live in my area you can watch it live @ www.freshlifechurch.com Have a wonderful night everyone!
Blog at ya later!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Bored.....
I am kind of bored today. I think I might read a bit if I can get myself into reading mode. Maybe I'll try to play a little guitar. It has been ages since I picked it up and just strummed away on it. I am really getting ready for vacation. I can't wait to spend the hot summer days at the lake and also hiking! I want to hit glacier park this summer. After 2 years of living here my wife and kids have never seen the park! They have no clue of the beauty they are missing! I am really looking forward to seeing it again. It is like staring into a glimpse of heaven! I am really excited and hope to enjoy that beauty with my family! If you've never seen it this picture still doesn't do it justice!!!
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