Have a guess?

Any idea where this is?

If you can't say anything nice, don't say ANYTHING at all.

U277: A Tribute

Can you believe that Bono used to be my youth leader!?

Today, I met this handsome fella...

What would you take?

I was reading an article this evening about what items people were taking with them as they fled the flames of the fires burning in Southern California. Some folks grabbed important documents like birth certificates and tax papers. Others grabbed expensive clothes or other material items. Many grabbed photos and other precious family heirlooms. Some made sure they had the dog (and some forgot). One man ran back in for his tux saying that he has a difficult time finding one that fits well.

I began to wonder what I'd take with me if forced to leave my home in only a couple hours time. Photos? The computer? Would I remember the dog? My guitar or my grandfather's violin? I know I'd let my wardrobe go up in flames no problem (especially my work shirts)! But how would I take the beautiful, yet very large, wooden trunk my grandmother left me? I'd have to leave it behind and take her hair brush set instead. And what about the hours and hours of video footage? Would I snatch that up too? Or the many many thoughts recorded in a dozen journals? Is this even something you can really decide before hand? Or is it more of a spur of the moment kind of thing? Grabbing what's important at that point in your life. I'd like to say that my bible would be the tip top of the list, but really, come on, you can buy a new bible pretty easily in this country. Is that terrible or practical? Heck, I might even take a shower because who knows when my next one would be!

It reminds me of that insurance commercial that asks what's important to you and uses a pedestal to display the possibilities. So let me ask:

What would you take?

Quote for the day

It's better to wear out than to rust out. - Frances Willard

At the lake

Making friends

My plasectomy

Finally! Real rain!

Getting big!

Only Love Remains - JJ Heller

Scenes of you come rushing through
You are breaking me down
So break me into pieces
That will grow in the ground
I know that I deserve to die
For the murder in my heart
So be gentle with me Jesus
As you tear me apart

Please kill the liar
Kill the thief in me
You know that I am tired of their cruelty
Breathe into my spirit
Breathe into my veins
Until only love remains

You burn away the ropes that bind
And hold me to the earth
The fire only leaves behind whatever is of worth
I begin to see reality
For the first time in my life
I know that I’m a shadow
But I’m dancing in your light

Teach me to be humble
Call me from the grave
Show me how to walk with you upon the waves
Breathe into my spirit
Breathe into my veins
Until only love remains

Pho!

Having some lunch with Mikey.

Work.

Applebee's!

It was joyous! And can you believe no alcohol was consumed! What a thought!

Maverick Gunter Steele

Two new names for the family bible!

Shiloh (1 day old) and Elizabeth (6 weeks old).

Shiloh!

Washington Pharmacists Sue State Over Forcing Sales of Morning After Pill

Recently in WA, a new law has gone into effect that requires pharmacists to sell the morning after pill to those who seek it. Pro-life pharmacists who oppose the drug have, until now, been able to opt out of providing the drug to their customers. In response, one group of drug providers has decided to sue the state regarding this matter. They feel that they are now forced to choose between their livelihood and their moral foothold.

Firstly, the government has no business telling a business man what he can and can not sell to his customers - so I disagree with this new law. For that matter, there are a good many laws already in place that have too much to say about what a business owner can and can not do with his business - but that's for another blog.

Secondly, how grand it is to see those who are willing to stand up for what is right and good. These men are setting a wonderful example for the next generation, taking action on truth that has been spoken in so famously - 'the only thing necessary for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing.'

I am curious, however, to see if these men are all talk, or if they will walk the walk. Victory will be sweet if they win this battle in the court room, but what if they lose? If these are men of absolute character, they will not hesitate in hanging up their white coats. This, I believe, would have an even greater impact on the sons so eagerly watching their fathers in anticipation. This would be a triumphant victory indeed, and one not soon forgotten. For these men to stand and say they will not be party to the shame of this country, knowing full well they will have to start all over from the beginning in finding a new way of providing for their families, would be a display of righteousness and sacrifice not oft seen in this country.

Is unintended harm punishable?

Phoenix News helicopters crashed killing four men while filming a high speed chase. Christopher Jones, 23, lead police on a high speed chase on Saturday, July 28th that ended in tragedy that no one expected.






This man should be absolutely charged with the deaths of these men as the unintentional result of his complete unconcern for anyone but himself. Had he not been running from the police, these two News Copters would have not been in the area together vying for the best shot of the "story". This accident is the direct result of the actions of this young man, regardless of any other excuse given (such as mechanical problems, or the weather).

Sleeping Beauties

Ashley & Noah

Off the map, IL

Jason & Caren's new digs.

I spent my afternoon stripping paint from the kitchen cabinets at my brother's new house.

Outsourced Child Care?

My brother found this little video that I felt was worth passing on...



Report: Many U.S. Parents Outsourcing Child Care Overseas

The Abby!

Being oh-so-adorable!

On the road to ohio

Airport art

Making Magic!

Glasses, converse sneakers, and a composition notebook somehow make anyone a good writer. At least, you feel like you're a good writer. It's like somehow these are the key ingredients and as soon as the ink hits the page there will be magic! It's too bad there's so much more to it. Hard work, for one. Persistence, for two. Patience, above all. The sneakers remind me of childhood and innocence and how you think you can take on the whole world. The glasses help me pretend I'm someone else - which is the meat in writing fantastic stories. The notebook? The notebook brings it all together. It's the inspiration. Blank pages. Beckoning the writer to fill them. And of course when writing in a Composition notebook, you aren't just writing, you are in fact composing.

Retail.

You know, the worst part about working retail is coming to learn the hard fact that most people arn't living up to their mother's expectations. Tisk tisk. "You're mother taught you better than that!"

Cute & totally gross!

Just don't think about how dirty that place really is and this looks like fun!

Kids are wiser than we think...

WRITTEN BY: KIDS OF AMERICA


HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?

You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like
sports, she should like
it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
-- Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry.
God decides it
all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
-- Kristen, age 10


WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?

Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
-- Camille, age 10


HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the
same kids.
-- Derrick, age 8


WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?

Both don't want any more kids.
-- Lori, age 8


WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?

Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each
other. Even
boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
-- Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure)

On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets
them interested enough
to go for a second date.
-- Martin, age 10


WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THAT WAS TURNING SOUR?

I'd run home and play dead The next day I would call all the newspapers
and make sure
they wrote about me in all the dead columns.
-- Craig, age 9


WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?

When they're rich.
-- Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that
- - Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them
and have kids
with them. It's the right thing to do.
-- Howard, age 8


IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to
clean up after them.
-- Anita, age 9 (bless you child)


HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?

There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
-- Kelvin, age 8


And the #1 Favorite is........


HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?

Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.
-- Ricky, age 10

KC

I'm getting excited to take a little time away to seek the Lord and visit a friend. It's time for a little adventure! I'll be heading east to Kansas City on April 13th and will be returning on the 16th. Just a quick trip, but I'm hopeful to find what I'm looking for!

Will any amount of begging and pleading affect the Lord God Almighty? Father please hear my cries!

From MySpace

So Rachelle tagged me to post ten random things about myself, so here's my go at it:

1) I NEVER eat at Jack-in-the-Box, unless it's with my brother Jason.

2) For my 21st birthday my father bought me a .22 pistol. Then we went and registered for a concealed carry license together. Sometimes I pull out my .22 and pretend to be a spy. I think it'd be fun to go duck hunting.

3) I like to make up words. It's totally fabulious.

4) I WILL name one of my sons Cornelius. And you can't stop me. :)

5) I really wish I had a twin sister. Maybe then I would like myself more.

6) I like to visit the library, or used book store so I can fathom the bravery of the authors who put themselves out there in hopes that someone would learn something.

7) I wish I knew how to stand up for myself so people wouldn't walk all over me.

8) When I was in junior high, I feared I might loose my right hand so I would practice writing with my left hand, just in case.

9) I fear I can't have the best of both worlds. Then I fear I won't choose the right world.

10) I want to live a life reflective of the foundation my great great grandparents laid many years ago, so that when I meet them in Heaven I will have something to make them smile about.

I'm starting to get that restless feeling again...

Hello, My Father Just Died

Click here to read a moving entry from John Piper, after his father died.

Question.

Ever feel like you can't tell someone how much you appreciate them or admire them because you don't want them to feel obligated to say something nice back, or because they might think you're trying to get something in return from them?

I wish I believed in 'no strings-attached' compliments.

A word from my pastor.

(I just felt like passing this on.)

Sin (Greek it means: missing the mark, or...not hitting the target) is something all of us struggle with. Each of us 'misses the mark' at one time or another. The woman Jesus is dealing with in Luke 7 is a bit different than us. How? In verse 47 Jesus says her sins are MANY. A very strong and telling word! It literally meant she had a LOT of sins and......all of them were MAJOR. This lady was not only missing the mark, she stopped long ago even trying to hit the target. She had actually reached the point of sinning deliberately. Perhaps she felt ....why try, I'm so far gone there is no more hope for me. Fortunately for her, one day all that changed. That day was the day she met the Lord Jesus and He forgave her.

Jesus forgives us. All the mess we make, all the laws we break, all the times we 'miss the mark'. He never kicks us off the shooting range! He says, your'e forgiven. Perhaps then the part that perplexes us is probably what went through the woman's mind in our text; How can I forgive myself? How can I live with myself knowing I failed God and let others down? Have you been there? The guilt, the fear, the anxiety that eats away at you and is like a gnawing and pounding feeling that seems to constantly remind you that you failed. Jesus wants you to let it go! He never, ever came to condemn you (John 316-17; Rom. 8:1-5). If you have asked forgiveness He IS faithful to forgive you and CLEANSE you (I John 1:9; Rom. 3:23-26; II Cor. 5:21). Cleansed people need not feel dirty because Jesus says they are NOT dirty. For he whom the Son sets free is free INDEED (John 8:36).

I thank God that Jesus never gives up on us. I thank God that He forgives us and does not desire us to feel guilty. I thank God that Forgiven sins will never be thrown back in our face. They are gone for good, forever, never to be remembered (Psalm 103:12; Jer. 31:34).

Forgive yourself, for Jesus already has.

Blessings in the name of the Lord Jesus,

pastor john

What if?

What would happen if we let go of everything we thought we ever knew to be "right" and started life from scratch? Would we end up with a completely different philosophy, or eventually come right back around to what we originally believed?

a lyric for thought

We are young, heartache to heartache we stand
No promises, no demands
Love is a battlefield

We are strong, no one can tell us were wrong
Searchin our hearts for so long, both of us knowing
Love is a battlefield

Juan Mann

Get this video and more at MySpace.com

Funny

Hugh Laurie - 80s Polaroid advert

Who'd have thought this accomplished photographer would become such a cranky doctor?

Facing the Giants!

Two weekends ago, a motion picture that blatantly proclaimed that nothing is impossible with God made it's opening in theaters around America. Facing the Giants is a film about a high school football coach who has his back against a wall in every aspect of his life. His team has been on a losing streak and just lost their best player, which treatens his job. His home and car are falling apart, and he has been unable to provide his wife with the children she wants.

As someone who watches movies with a very critical eye, I had my doubts about this one. Yes, the acting was mediocre and it was at times cheesy, as I expected. However, what I did not expect was to be so emotionally moved. This film reached into me in a way that convicted me. I have failed to give best in so many areas. I forget that with God, all things are possible as long as we give our best.

In one of the more moving scenes of the film, Coach Taylor asks one of his players, Brock Kelley,to perform the "Death Crawl" a second time. The death crawl is an excerise in which one player crawls 10 yards on his hands and feet while carrying another player on his back. In an effort to spur the young man to change his attitude from that of failure, to that of victory, Coach Taylor asks Brock to promise to give his very best this time. Brocks states he thinks he could make it to the 30 yard line. Coach Taylor then blindfolds the ambitious young man so that he won't give up when he reaches the 30 yard line. As Brock starts his crawl, the other players are skeptical and laughing at the whole situation. Coach Taylor walks along side reminding Brock of his promise to give his best. He doesn't let him slow down when he starts to ask if he's made it yet. Brock complains that he's tired, but the coach doesn't let up. As the player moves further down the line, the team stands up and watches closely in amazement at how far he's crawled. Brock begins to complain that his arms are burning and he can't go any futher. Still yelling in his ear, Coach Taylor pushes him to go further. Twenty more steps.... ten more.... 5 more.... Brock finally collapses on the field, crying that he must be at the 50 yard line. He simply must! Coach Taylor removes the blindfold and tells Brock to look up and see where he's at. As Brock pulls himself up, he sees that he's crawled the entire length of the football field, 100 hundred yards. What a stunning example of how much we underestimate what we can do when we give our best. God wants our very best, not just a good effort.



Perhaps the impossible events that took place in the movie are too far fetched for some to believe. If that's the case, take this to heart: the only way that film made it into theaters this September, was by the grace of God. Those folks gave their best, and God took care of the rest. It's really an awesome story of how Facing the Giants came to be.

Face Your Giants!

Chicks Dig It

Cliff Jumping

How many times have you seen a scene in a film where the main character is being chased toward a cliff of some kind and he or she is left with the option of certain death by facing the enemy, or taking a leap that looks just as hopeless? Plenty, right? And every time you see it, you yell at the screen, "Jump! Jump!"

We all have moments like these in our lives. They're just not as easy to see. However, we choose to give up instead of taking the leap when chances are slim to none. If we jump at least there's a chance, right? No matter how small the chance of surviving appears to the film character, he or she always jumps! And we watch, cheering all the while. Yet, how many times do we choose to do nothing, instead of taking the leap? We may be breathing, but when we quit, we quit living.

Keep a look out for opportunities to leap. Cheer your friends to jump as well, when you see them peering over the edge of the cliff. "Jump! Jump!"

Story Time!

What happened to "Coming Out" Parties?

My desire is not to find a husband, but to become a magnificent wife. I do not announce my desire to marry as a way to chase after men, but as a way to make known that I am open to suitors and ready for marriage. I do not wish for you to tell me about any eligible young bachelors that might interest me, but please tell every bachelor you know about me, so he can take action! I do not wish to feminize my husband by seeking after him. I will wait for him to seek after me as a man ought.

"I'm coming out so you'd better get this party started!" -Pink

Scrivere...

I'd like to be more purposeful in my blogging. For a while, my blog has been titled "Scrivere!", which means "Write!" in Italian. However, after reviewing the content of the blog, I've found that it consists more of visual images than of words. I've put the task of re-naming the blog on hold for now, hoping that just the right one will come along. Ta ta for now!

An afternoon with Ethan

 
My photo assistant!
 
Posing in front of the shed.
 
Checking out the garden.
  
Thanks for the glove Uncle John! Thanks for teaching me to play catch Grandpa!

Abby

Ethan

I've just counted 13 children getting on my flight.

Start your day off right!

My Other Names

My Aliases

Your movie star name: Whatchamacallit Harold Your fashion designer name is Katherine Prague Your socialite name is Ramspit Cork Your fly girl / guy name is K Ram Your detective name is White Tiger Rogers Your barfly name is Gardettos Wine Your soap opera name is Laine Broadway Your rock star name is Sugar Bullet Your Star Wars name is Katcas Ramjon Your punk rock band name is The Blah Sandpaper

The Amazing Meganame Generator

I met someone

He makes me laugh!

007

At the range

Working girls

If Heaven

IF HEAVEN (Andy Griggs)

Crimson

I can hear music, sweet sweet music!

Mom's last day at the Courtyard!

Window Shopping

Gotta love p town!

Love is a battle field.

Good 'ol Mark!

A Plan for the Improvement of English Spelling
by Mark Twain

For example, in Year 1 that useless letter "c" would be dropped
to be replased either by "k" or "s", and likewise "x" would no longer
be part of the alphabet. The only kase in which "c" would be retained
would be the "ch" formation, which will be dealt with later. Year 2
might reform "w" spelling, so that "which" and "one" would take the
same konsonant, wile Year 3 might well abolish "y" replasing it with
"i" and Iear 4 might fiks the "g/j" anomali wonse and for all.
Jenerally, then, the improvement would kontinue iear bai iear
with Iear 5 doing awai with useless double konsonants, and Iears 6-12
or so modifaiing vowlz and the rimeining voist and unvoist konsonants.
Bai Iear 15 or sou, it wud fainali bi posibl tu meik ius ov thi
ridandant letez "c", "y" and "x" -- bai now jast a memori in the maindz
ov ould doderez -- tu riplais "ch", "sh", and "th" rispektivli.
Fainali, xen, aafte sam 20 iers ov orxogrefkl riform, wi wud
hev a lojikl, kohirnt speling in ius xrewawt xe Ingliy-spiking werld.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a day in which we take time to remember, celebrate, and honor those who have died in the name of Freedom. I'd like to say a few words about my great-uncle Oscar. Although I never met him, I can tell from his picture that he was a great man. He died in WWII at the age of 22. Even though he died before my parents were even born, I miss him. "He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live, and grow, and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives--in a way that humbles the undertaking of most men."

Oscar was posthumously awared the Purple Heart in November 1946. The following is his story:

Oscar enlisted in the Army Air Corps shorly after World War II began. After recieving his wings and accepting the commission as Second Lieutenant he began training in B-24 bombers. He was next assigned to the 15th Air Force and stationed in Italy. In October 1944, Oscar's plane was shot down over Austria. He was declared M.I.A. One year later, Oscar's father received a letter that no parent wants to read.

"With deepest regret, I have learned that an official determination has been made of the death of your son who has been missing in action in Europe. Word has come to me that Lt. R****** earnestly undertook cadet training which he successfully completed with an excellent academic record. As a capable officer, he took his responsibilities seriously and faithfully executed assignments. His performance as a skillful pilot, respected by associates, was in keeping with the finest traditions of this command. I hope that the memory of your son's courageous sacrifice for his Country will comfort you. My heartfelt sympathy is offered to you and other members of the family."

Memorial Day History

Don't let me go!

“Forsake me not, O Lord.”
- Psalm 38:21

Frequently we pray that God would not forsake us in the hour of trial and temptation, but we too much forget that we have need to use this prayer at all times. There is no moment of our life, however holy, in which we can do without his constant upholding. Whether in light or in darkness, in communion or in temptation, we alike need the prayer, “Forsake me not, O Lord.” “Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe.” A little child, while learning to walk, always needs the nurse’s aid. The ship left by the pilot drifts at once from her course. We cannot do without continued aid from above; let it then be your prayer to-day, “Forsake me not. Father, forsake not thy child, lest he fall by the hand of the enemy. Shepherd, forsake not thy lamb, lest he wander from the safety of the fold. Great Husbandman, forsake not thy plant, lest it wither and die. ‘Forsake me not, O Lord,’ now; and forsake me not at any moment of my life. Forsake me not in my joys, lest they absorb my heart. Forsake me not in my sorrows, lest I murmur against thee. Forsake me not in the day of my repentance, lest I lose the hope of pardon, and fall into despair; and forsake me not in the day of my strongest faith, lest faith degenerate into presumption. Forsake me not, for without thee I am weak, but with thee I am strong. Forsake me not, for my path is dangerous, and full of snares, and I cannot do without thy guidance. The hen forsakes not her brood, do thou then evermore cover me with thy feathers, and permit me under thy wings to find my refuge. ‘Be not far from me, O Lord, for trouble is near, for there is none to help.’ ‘Leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation!’“


“O ever in our cleansed breast,
Bid thine Eternal Spirit rest;
And make our secret soul to be
A temple pure and worthy thee.”

Psalm 107:7

“He led them forth by the right way.”
- Psalm 107:7

Changeful experience often leads the anxious believer to enquire “Why is it thus with me?” I looked for light, but lo, darkness came; for peace, but behold trouble. I said in my heart, my mountain standeth firm, I shall never be moved. Lord, thou dost hide thy face, and I am troubled. It was but yesterday that I could read my title clear; to-day my evidences are bedimmed, and my hopes are clouded. Yesterday I could climb to Pisgah’s top, and view the landscape o’er, and rejoice with confidence in my future inheritance; to-day, my spirit has no hopes, but many fears; no joys, but much distress. Is this part of God’s plan with me? Can this be the way in which God would bring me to heaven? Yes, it is even so. The eclipse of your faith, the darkness of your mind, the fainting of your hope, all these things are but parts of God’s method of making you ripe for the great inheritance upon which you shall soon enter. These trials are for the testing and strengthening of your faith-they are waves that wash you further upon the rock-they are winds which waft your ship the more swiftly towards the desired haven. According to David’s words, so it might be said of you, “so he bringeth them to their desired haven.” By honour and dishonour, by evil report and by good report, by plenty and by poverty, by joy and by distress, by persecution and by peace, by all these things is the life of your souls maintained, and by each of these are you helped on your way. Oh, think not, believer, that your sorrows are out of God’s plan; they are necessary parts of it. “We must, through much tribulation, enter the kingdom.” Learn, then, even to “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.”


“O let my trembling soul be still,
And wait thy wise, thy holy will!
I cannot, Lord, thy purpose see,
Yet all is well since ruled by thee.”

Moody.

I'm really feeling like doing nothing and talking to no one.

Time to paint!

Get real.

I'm not as confident as I would like to be. Being a photographer is only fun when there's no stress. I thought taking people's portraits for some income would be fun. However, the money part really messes me up. They're paying me to take their picture. What if they don't like it? What if none of them come out? Being a photographer is just as worrisome as being in front of the camera. I didn't realize I would feel so judged. The whole thing about taking portraits is taking photos that your client will like. How do I know what kind of pictures they will like? Sure I can get an idea of whether they prefer B/W versus color or sepia. But what about style? All these things running through my head while I'm supposed to be focused on shutter speed and apature. I think I'm going to have to stick with Sports and Art Photography. I can take the pictures on my own time, then my clients can purchase the ones they like. Take it or leave it. So much less stressful being able to take a picture that I will like and finding out later if anyone else likes it.

I've also discovered that I really prefer to be at the editing table. Perhaps I'll take some graphic design classes.

Church

Where are all the people?

Where is the love?

WHERE IS THE LOVE (Black Eyed Peas)

My Commitment

Mv Commitment as a Christian

I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made; I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I will not look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my presence makes sense, my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I do not have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I can not be bought, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I will not give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He stops me, and when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My banner will be clear!

-Anonymous-

A woman's place is at home...

after she rounds third base!

Gotta love baseball!