Cool Kids

We had lunch with Vicky at Comfort Foods today. It was her first time there! Sweet :) We had the BEST server ever! (AKA Jami J!)

I like to record people when they think I'm taking a picture :)

Games at Jesse's

Adam, Cheramie, Jami, Vicky, and I went to Jesse's this evening to make fun of his pink kitchen.... er, I mean, to play games. :)

someone got a new camera!

Look Out!

I'm really glad we're not on that side. Those folks are backed up for miles!

Snow!

Just listening to some Augean Stables.

Mom and I don't know how that sticker got there.

On the road.

Over the hills and through the pass.....

Well, we made it to Yakima without any trouble. It seemed quick as a flash too! Probably because I slept in the backseat all the way there. We had a lovely visit and a scrumptious Christmas meal. I was very glad that we were able to come!



And now comes the tricky part! Getting back home.... it looks as though the snow will be slowing us down - but how much, we won't know until we get there! Too bad TomTom isn't equipt with a snowplow option. Perhaps he'll know the secret underground tunnels through the mountains that the pioneers forged so many years ago!

I do know this: We're going to have one heck of a sing-song!

Norsk

Lookie what I got! :) He he....

There is much to be mused....

much to be mused.

JE

I'll make a techie out of him yet!

Doctor Amy!

This weekend, my sweet friend Amy finally finished her seven years of schooling and earned her doctor of chiropractic degree! Congratulations Doctor Amy!! After the ceremony and celebratory lunch, we packed up her house and headed back to Washington! I'm so excited to have her back in town! I look forward to lots of good times ahead!

Our World

[This is just random, unorganized thoughts while on my lunch break.]

At least 10 people have been killed in random violent shootings in America this past week. Why? That is the question everyone is asking. I wrote a college english paper about this subject just last year and even I wasn't completely satisfied with my answer. I do believe, however, that this kind of senselessness will only become more prevailent. Should I quit asking "Why?" Never. Should I quit trying to find a solution? Nope. This is not just some people's problem. It's everyone's problem.

This is our world. So, what are we going to do about it? There's a popular statistic that goes something like this: Eighty percent of the work is done by twenty percent of the people. What percent do you fall into?

I want to be part of the 20% who are doing the work. More importantly, I want that percentage to grow.

"That's just the way it is; somethings never change." How ironic that this lovely tune is playing on the radio as I write this.

The Golden Compass

Many rumors about this film, which released yesterday, Dec. 7th, have been circulating and discouraging Christians from going to see it. Why are we all in an uproar about The Golden Compass? Sure, some guy hates God and wants to see Him destroyed - but he's not the only one you know! There are plenty of folks trying to do the same thing.

Do we think that if we shelter our children from this sort of world view we are doing them some sort of favor? Of course not. If we are training our children properly, we would expose them to this type of non-belief and blatant attack on God and show them the truth of God's word. We must teach them how to deal with times of questioning, not hide them away from it! Read this thoughtful article that shares my sentiment on the issue.

We can't all leave work early.....

Friendship!

The holy passion of Friendship is of so sweet and steady and loyal and enduring a nature that it will last through a whole lifetime, if not asked to lend money.
- Mark Twain

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?