What are the odds?

I found this on a website recently and thought it was pretty cool!

Recently I purchased a book entitled What the Odds Are. It's an A-Z collection of the odds on "everything you ever hoped or feared could happen".


For instance, did you know that the odds of your being injured by a lightning strike on any given day are only 1 in 250 million, but over the average lifetime are 1 in 9,100? In contrast, the odds that the average citizen of Washington, D.C. will get "plugged, stabbed, poisoned, or bludgeoned to death" in the course of a year are only 1 in 1,681!


One in 10 Americans read the Bible daily. One in two eat out somewhere every single day of the week--1 in 20 at McDonald's. In Sweden, 40 of every one hundred persons are senior citizens; in Fiji, only 1 in 50. And here's one that really amazed me: 1 in every 24 Americans has membership in the National Geographic Society. I guess it figures, though, because I noticed recently that a staggering 9,975,558 average copies of the National Geographic magazine are printed by the Society every month (including those intended for international distribution).

If you still happen to be unconvinced that the baby born in Bethlehem 2000 years ago was anything more than just an ordinary human baby, let me challenge you with a few of "the odds" in that regard.

To begin with, did you know that the Old Testament prophet Micah, writing circa 700 B.C., out of the hundreds and hundreds of cities in the scores and scores of nations in existence all over the world even in those days, designated Bethlehem of Judea as the birthplace of the Messiah (Micah 5:2)?

And that at about the same time, Isaiah (7:14) said that the Christ would be born of a virgin?

Or that a prophecy made in 1012 B.C. specified that the Messiah's hands and feet would eventually be pierced--a clear reference to death by crucifixion--800 years before the Romans ever even instituted crucifixion as a form of capital punishment!

Malachi 3:1, penned in about 425 B.C., specified that the Messiah would be contemporary with the temple in Jerusalem--a temple that was destroyed in 70 A.D. and has never been rebuilt.

Well, if all this impresses you even a little bit, you ought to go compare Zechariah 11:11-13 (written over 500 years before Christ) to Matthew 27:3-10 (written some 25-30 years after Christ). Only coincidence?

A number of years ago, Peter W. Stoner and Robert C. Newman wrote a book entitled Science Speaks. The book was based on the science of probability and vouched for by the American Scientific Affiliation. It set out the odds of any one man in all of history fulfilling even only eight of the 60 major prophecies (and 270 ramifications) fulfilled by the life of Christ.

The probability that Jesus of Nazareth could have fulfilled even eight such prophecies would be only 1 in 1017. That's 1 in 100, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000.

Stoner claims that that many silver dollars would be enough to cover the face of the entire state of Texas two feet deep. Now I've been to Texas. I've driven for days to get across Texas. Texas is a very big state. Who in his right mind would suppose that a blindfolded man, heading out of Dallas by foot in any direction, would be able, on his very first attempt, to pick up one specifically marked silver dollar out of 100, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000?

One March several years ago I received a paper from United States Senate Chaplain Richard Halverson. In it he wrote:

"The fact is, the birth, crucifixion, and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ are celebrated worldwide by folk of every race, language, and color, every year. And believing in Jesus, they have been delivered from the most evil, disastrous, frustrating, debilitating habits and life forms possible. The real problem with Jesus Christ is not that folk can't believe in Him--but that they won't believe in Him."
My friend, in all honesty, what are the chances you've not been altogether objective about the nature of the baby born in Bethlehem? What if the baby was God? What if He is God? What if you are to submit your life to Him?

References: Les Krantz, What the Odds Are (HarperPerennial, 1992).

Who was this written about?

But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed! All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the guilt and sins of us all.


If you said Jesus Christ you are right. However this was written by Isaiah in Isaiah 53 almost eight centuries before Christ was even born. This is just one of many prophecies written about Christ. All of which have been fulfilled. Here is a great site website on stats on Jesus Christ that will blow your mind! Check it out http://www.christiananswers.net/q-aiia/jesus-odds.html

What If?

What do you think the world would be like if every Christian stepped out in faith? What would happen if every body in your church were to stand up and decide not only just to attend church on Sunday, but to actually step up and make a difference? In Romans 12 it is plain to see that this is what Christians are called to do.

Romans 12

A Living Sacrifice to God

1 And so, dear brothers and sisters,* I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.3 As God’s messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you. 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.6 God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. 7 If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.9 Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection,* and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.12 Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful. 13 When God’s children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night.14 If people persecute you because you are a Christian, don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible.19 Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written,“I will take vengeance;I will repay those who deserve it,”*says the Lord.20 Instead, do what the Scriptures say:“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.If they are thirsty, give them something to drink,and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you.”*21 Don’t let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Instead of thinking it should be left to someone else. We as Christians should step up and take the opportunity to make a difference. Whether it be serving our church or opening our front doors and serving in our community. Don't leave it up to someone else. You are part of the body of Christ and it is a matter of doing what is asked of us. Pray to God to lead you where he wants to use you. When you get your answer don't hesitate. We all know what happened to Jonah when he hesitated. It is a scary thing to step out in faith, especially if you've never done it before. Just pray and you will probably be lead in a direction you never saw coming.

I think God likes surprising people in order to show that it is his will and not your own. I see so many people out there that can make a difference but choose not to. My prayers tonight will be that hearts will be softened and eyes opened to the possibilities laid before those who serve the Lord in all that they do. I will pray that more step up to the plate and make a go of it. Help out at church where help is needed. Start a neighbor hood bible study, do something. One day we will all look back and wish we had done more.

Kids get their new decks.

Stacey used her paycheck to buy the kids new Serious JuJu decks and grip tape. The boards are high quality and will take a beating. They should last a long while and I am sure they will provide tons of fun for the kids. The design on the bottom of the boards are a bunch of cammo colored lizards going one direction and one red lizard going against the flow of all the other lizards. This is supposed to symbolize the Christian walk that goes against the flow of the world. The boards are very cool! Now all the kids need are trucks, bearing, and wheels. I figured they might rake neighbors yards to earn money for the rest. It will be a good way for them to work for what they want, and learn good work habits in doing so. I can't wait to get the boards all put together! I'm almost as excited as they are!

Video war.

Well I have out done myself again! I started a video war with my wife. I should have known better then doing this being she is far more clever then I could ever be. I figured it would be fun just to annoy her by recording a video with my cell phone. Ya know, it was fun and then I posted it on my facebook account for all to see. I figured it was an exciting way to interact with my wife. We like to joke around with each other quite a bit. This just seemed like an innovative thing to do until she blew me out of the water with her video. I am still trying to figure out a way to top it. However this video you are about to see is a hard one to beat! This is me playing Star Wars unleashed on the Nintendo Wii. I was brought to tears through laughter as I watched how ridiculous I looked while pulling of my battle moves! Watch and learn young Padawan!

A little down.

From left to right: Tony, Trevor, Dawson, Jacob, and Ashley

Today one of the neighbor kids Tony moved back to Southern California so his mom could be treated by her family doctor. His family owned three restaurants in Cali and were planning on moving here and opening one up here. However they had to move so Tony's mom could be treated. I am really going to miss having Tony around. He was a great kid with a heart for God. His parents have done an awesome job in raising him. I was looking forward to having him grow into a position as one of the leaders of our Skate Ministry skate team. He was always first to comment on the bible and was always up there helping the other kids learn how to skate. Last Saturday was his last skate night. I could tell he wanted to cry and didn't want to leave. It was hard for all of us to say goodbye.

However his dad said they'd move back when all things were done. So I look forward to seeing Tony back at skate night sometime in the future. Please pray that all things go well with his mother and that she has a full recovery from her illness. I'll miss Tony this Saturday at skate night. He was one of the original 5 that started clearing things out of the garage so we could have a skate ministry. Above is a picture of that day. This skate night I have to tackle the topic of adultery. This is going to be a challenge being that it is being taught to elementary school kids. I'm not quite sure how I am going to do this but I assure you it will be done in a G rating. Well I am off to study for this weeks skate night! I hope you all have a great week!

Working on a sticker for our skate ministry.

I haven't dabbled on Photo shop for sometime now. So I figured I'd create a sticker for our Skate Ministry kids. They love stickers for their boards and helmets. I showed them the design for the sticker and they already want one. So I finished it up today and I am happy with the outcome. The logo for the Serious JuJu skate ministry is a lizard so I Incorporated that into the design. There is talk that this may be the next board design as well. I had fun making it and can't wait to make more!

Cuddle Buddy!

This is my workstation. You may notice a brightly colored stuffed animal on top of my computer monitor. That there my friends is my cuddle buddy. Some may question why a grown man in his early thirties needs a stuffed cuddle buddy? To tell you the truth it is more for the people around me. Whenever I see someone is having a bad day. I hold it out to them and ask them if they need to burrow my cuddle buddy. That usually brings a smile to their face and they grab it and give it a hug. It works in some strange way even if it is a joke. I was in need of a cuddle today and ya know my day got better as it progressed. It has been a long stressful week but I made it all because of my friend Mr. Cuddles! Next time you are having a bad day at work. Maybe you should think of buying yourself a cuddle buddy for work! I hope you all have a great weekend! After reading this you all will think I am crazy. In my line of work if you aren't partially crazy you won't survive the onslaught of grouchy customers!

Salt and Light

In Matthew 5 Jesus calls Christians to be the salt and the light of the world.

Matthew 5:13-16

13“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 You are the light of the world—like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. 15 Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

This is what I am in part studying for Skate Night this weekend. When you look at the properties of salt. You find that salt flavors and preserves everything it comes in contact with. We as Christians metaphorically speaking are supposed to have those same qualities. We are supposed to act tastefully when the world is distasteful. We are called to preserve that which is good in this world by doing good and standing up for good. Ever since our fall into sin (Adam and Eve) the world has been put into a state of constant decay and darkness. We as Christians are called to preserve and light what good is left in the world until the return of Jesus.

Jesus is referred to as the Light of the world in John 8:12

12 Jesus said to the people, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.

Jesus tells us not to hide our light under a basket. So in other words don't be ashamed of following Jesus. Let everyone know that you are a Christian not only through words but through your very life. We are to share light to those lost and searching in the dark. Through that light salvation and heaven awaits far away from this world of hurt. We are to show others that way through our life. A Christian should be able to do this without words. People will notice the positive difference you make in others lives. Actions are said to speak louder then words. So let the light of Jesus Christ illuminate every aspect of your life so that your life will bring glory to God.

Light is meant to illuminate a safe path through the darkness. Jesus is that light why would we turn off a light that would cause others to perish in the unseen dangers in the dark? In fear that others would mock and make fun of us? Remember they are in the same temporary world as we are. In the end after all is said and done. They will thank us for shining a light on the narrow path that lead them home into safety.

So let your light shine!

My mom used to sing me this song when I was a kido.......

Bruce Springsteen singing "This Little Light Of Mine"

My brother the musician.

Above is a picture taken for the Flathead Beacon. My brother is the ghostly looking figure holding the banjo and his girlfriend is playing the accordion. There were featured in an article about local musicians that play at reds during open mic. I am so happy that my brother has found a passion in music and is sharing it with others. You can read the article here if you would like.

Obama On Religion.

I try to stay out of politics as much as I can. Obama claims he is a Christian yet he mocks the bible.Is Obama really a Christian? After watching this you will find the answer is no. He is pretty much stating that all the problems of our country are coming from Christianity in what he states here. Christians are in for a long haul if he gets elected. We are going to have to stand firm for freedom of religion if he takes office.

It's Cold!

Fall is here and it is a cold one! I think we are in for a very cold winter. Stacey and I are trying to figure out how we are going to heat our garage for the skate ministry. Propane heaters are expensive as well as electric heaters. We will need one very shortly I am sure about that. I am so glad we started this ministry. There are about 6 kids who come that don't skate yet they come every week. I am so blessed in seeing this, because the most important thing in all of this. Is that they are learning the word of God and also have a positive place to come when they can't find that at home. I see some of these kids out late after dark. I often wonder if the parents even worry about them at all? I am so glad these kids have a safe haven now that provides them somewhere to hang out until they return home.

Tis the season!

At work I have been receiving in product for halloween displays this last week. Everything from specialized chips and food products such as candy. We also get in specialized seasonal wine. This wine is called Vampire and we only get it for the Halloween season. While checking in this wine I noticed that we had three different varieties Merlot, Cabernet Sauvingnon, and Pinot Noir. That wasn't what caught my attention however. It was the quantity that really made me laugh. I had to take a quick picture of this so you could see for yourselves. This was not done on purpose but it fits the name of the wine as well as the season the wine display will be built for. For each variety there were 6 cases delivered for all 3 varieties. Thats 3 6's so 666 stood out on the invoice. That really made me laugh and get creeped out at the same time.

Check it out!!!!

Sick then sick again!

I'll tell you what! This cold season is horrible! Everyone seems to be getting this cold that has to come from the very depths of hell! I had it for a little over a week then got over it. Now I have it again and it seems to be that way for others as well. One whole department in my place of work has it and they look like death warmed over. I feel like crud and just want to stay home in sweats and a T and drink tea as well. I don't like tea often unless I am sick there is something about it like chicken soup that makes you feel a little better. Well good night all I truly hope you can avoid this cold.

Just born like minutes ago!

It's a boy!

My buddy Greg just sent this pic to me via text message. He is now a proud daddy!!! This is great news and I am so happy for him and his new family!

Going digital......

Stacey picked up the digital converter for our tv today. I noticed a strange simularity between the digital converter and the old school cylons from Battle Star Galactica.

Trevor, Ashley, and Jake showin their skills

Ashley dropping in on the medium ramp for the first time!

Trevor dropping in and hitting the wall ramp.

Jacob pulling off some old school stuff.

Here are some of the kids dropping in on the big Ramps at SK8 westside SK8 night. Trevor dropped in on these ramps for the first time last night. I didn't get good video of him doing it so I need to try to capture that at a later date.

This is sooo cool!

I have to share this with all of you. One of the staff members at my Church is not only a talented musician but also an amazing graphic artist. Our up coming study is the book of Revelation. Kevin took a picture of Main St in Kalispell and used Adobe Photo Shop combined with Adobe After Effects to create this awesome trailer for the study. Keep in mind this is one picture that has been mapped in 3D. After Effects is an amazing program! I was told it took Kevin 18 hours to complete this preview. Check it out below......


Revelation Preview from Fresh Life Church on Vimeo.