The Christmas letter is done and it's not even Christmas! Call me Overachiever. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good life.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
I was met by Gimlet in the living room this morning. After getting down to her level I said “Good morning, you little pup.” She sniffed my breath and recoiled in horror. It had to be pretty bad to offend a dog.
Per chaos theory, if I was a social butterfly the affect of my dragon breath could eventually cause pandemonium in the Middle East. Don’t look at me, I said, “if.”
It's only a theory anyway. The certainty is that brushing the teeth in the morning is a good thing.
Per chaos theory, if I was a social butterfly the affect of my dragon breath could eventually cause pandemonium in the Middle East. Don’t look at me, I said, “if.”
It's only a theory anyway. The certainty is that brushing the teeth in the morning is a good thing.
Saturday, October 01, 2011
I need to get back in the habit of posting. I was asked to teach Sunday School tomorrow, so here's the plan.
Sunday School 10/2/2011
John 2:1-10
Examples of miracles?- Births. Answered prayer. Biblical examples.
Do miracles have a purpose?
How do we define miracles? Events which unmistakably involve an immediate and powerful action of God designed to reveal His character or purposes. Any event outside of natural law. After the miracle, nature goes back to normal.
What miracles did Jesus do? Their purpose? Glorify God.
Do we ever treat God like a genie who grants wishes? Do we try to bargain?
Read John 2:1-5
John 2:1 On the third day. This hints of the miracle to come with the resurrection.
Running out of wine would have been a social disgrace.
What purpose did this miracle serve? Showed we can take any problem to Christ. Showed life in Christ should be joyous, not desperate.
“Whatever He says, do it” There’s an instruction we should heed.
Read John 2:6-10
He used what was at hand. The servants did what they were told. Because of their obedience they participated in a miracle, and were blessed. Because they were good servants that filled the pots to the brims, the miracle was fulfilled to the greatest measure.
What should be our attitude in prayer petitions? Take everything to Christ, no matter how small it seems. And our attitude towards other’s problems? Help no matter how small the problem.
Is there symbolism in this miracle? No wine- spiritual emptiness, desperation, no joy, lifeless. Wine- joy, blessing
Few people knew of this miracle, why?
As surely as Jesus turned water into wine, he can change the ordinary into the extraordinary, like… fear into courage, loneliness-comfort, sorrow- joy,
Sinners -saints, death- life
Read John 2:11, 1:14, 18
11 “first sign” what was the sign for? the miracle pointed to Jesus as the Son of God
The miracles bring glory to God, what is glory? The Greek word John used, doxa, carried the Old Testament idea of God’s awe-inspiring presence and power exhibited so the evidence of it could be seen. Such a display would cause the honoring of Him. Jesus exhibited God’s presence and power.
What are some evidences of God’s glory in nature? Greatness, majesty, power, mountains, seas, all life, design of cells
How is the glory of God revealed in human life? Transformation of sinners, Christ
What has been your reaction when you’ve seen or sensed the power of God?
Sunday School 10/2/2011
John 2:1-10
Examples of miracles?- Births. Answered prayer. Biblical examples.
Do miracles have a purpose?
How do we define miracles? Events which unmistakably involve an immediate and powerful action of God designed to reveal His character or purposes. Any event outside of natural law. After the miracle, nature goes back to normal.
What miracles did Jesus do? Their purpose? Glorify God.
Do we ever treat God like a genie who grants wishes? Do we try to bargain?
Read John 2:1-5
John 2:1 On the third day. This hints of the miracle to come with the resurrection.
Running out of wine would have been a social disgrace.
What purpose did this miracle serve? Showed we can take any problem to Christ. Showed life in Christ should be joyous, not desperate.
“Whatever He says, do it” There’s an instruction we should heed.
Read John 2:6-10
He used what was at hand. The servants did what they were told. Because of their obedience they participated in a miracle, and were blessed. Because they were good servants that filled the pots to the brims, the miracle was fulfilled to the greatest measure.
What should be our attitude in prayer petitions? Take everything to Christ, no matter how small it seems. And our attitude towards other’s problems? Help no matter how small the problem.
Is there symbolism in this miracle? No wine- spiritual emptiness, desperation, no joy, lifeless. Wine- joy, blessing
Few people knew of this miracle, why?
As surely as Jesus turned water into wine, he can change the ordinary into the extraordinary, like… fear into courage, loneliness-comfort, sorrow- joy,
Sinners -saints, death- life
Read John 2:11, 1:14, 18
11 “first sign” what was the sign for? the miracle pointed to Jesus as the Son of God
The miracles bring glory to God, what is glory? The Greek word John used, doxa, carried the Old Testament idea of God’s awe-inspiring presence and power exhibited so the evidence of it could be seen. Such a display would cause the honoring of Him. Jesus exhibited God’s presence and power.
What are some evidences of God’s glory in nature? Greatness, majesty, power, mountains, seas, all life, design of cells
How is the glory of God revealed in human life? Transformation of sinners, Christ
What has been your reaction when you’ve seen or sensed the power of God?
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Don't hate me for this, but I'm going all apocalyptic today. The horror, the horror.
Back in 1970 a book, ’The Late Great Planet Earth’ was published. It caused quite a sensation. People anticipated the second coming of Christ based on Hal Lindsey’s claim that, as per Ezekiel 37, the generation to see the return of the Jews to Israel would see the return of Christ. He explained that a generation was 40 years, based on how long it took for everybody that came out of Egypt to die in the wilderness.
That never made sense to me. In Psalm 90:10 10 “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” So 70 years it is, unless it’s 80. However, 70 becomes more reasonable when it is considered that the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 AD. Times and events earlier in the Bible are often examples of what’s to come.
So- Israel re-founded in 1948, plus 70 is 2018. Deduct 7 years for the Tribulation and you have the rapture in 2011. There is much disagreement in the Christian community regarding when the Rapture occurs. Some believe it comes before the Tribulation, some believe in the middle, others at the end.
Going back to the Old Testament for an example, the only global cataclysm was the Great Flood of Noah’s time told in Genesis. Noah and his family were sealed in the ark by the Lord and were safe from the flood. Based on that, it would be reasonable to assume the rapture will occur before the tribulation and we’ll be waiting patiently for it to end.
If that’s correct, who is the Anti-Christ? Barack Obama? Maybe. The following is information that was on a YouTube video that is no longer available that gave the original Hebrew words. If the links don’t work, the Strongs Numbers are the last part of the links.
Luke 10:18 And He said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning falling from the heavens.
Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary (SHD) No. 1299- baraq (baw-rak’) A primitive root: to lighten (lightning) –cast forth http://strongsnumbers.com/hebrew/1299.htm
SHD No. 1300 from baraq; by analogy; a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword—bright, glitter(-ing sword), lightning. http://strongsnumbers.com/hebrew/1300.htm
Isaiah 14:12-19 is regarding Satan, in verse 14 Satan says, “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.”
SHD No.1116 bamah (bam-maw’) From an unused root (meaning to be high); an elevation—height, high place, wave. Also used to refer to the heavens
http://strongsnumbers.com/hebrew/1116.htm
In Hebrew the sixth letter is “waw” or “vau” it can be translated as “u” or “o.” The letter is primarily used as a conjunction to tie concepts together. To join the concepts of “lightning” and “from heaven” a “u” or “o” would be used. The result would be either “baraq u bam-maw” or “baraq o bam-maw.”
The name “Satan” is from Hebrew. (My own note here- we call him Satan, the Jews call him ha-Satan, meaning “the Adversary.”)
Going back to Luke 10:18, using the original Hebrew words Christ used, the verse would be- “And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as Baraq O Bam-maw.”
What are the odds that any President of the United States would have that name? It’s chilling.
Does that mean Barack Obama is THE Anti-Christ? As you can see, the case can be made. He certainly seems to be vain enough. However, in the Apostle’s time there were already some who were said to be anti-Christs.
There’s also the matter of the Anti-Christ proclaiming himself God in the temple. There isn’t a temple on the Holy Mount, there’s a mosque. Perhaps for this to happen a natural catastrophe, like an earthquake, will occur. However, the Israelis gave control of the Temple Mount to the Muslims. It’s unlikely that, even if the mosque is leveled, the Muslims would ever let the Jews rebuild their temple.
Here’s a possible solution. There are stories told of the Temple Priests burying fixtures before the Romans got there and destroyed the temple. The Muslims have been doing major excavations on the Mount.
https://www.bib-arch.org/online-exclusives/temple-mount-destruction-02.asp
Video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Reo1zw-k_8g
It’s just a guess, but perhaps the Muslims unearth the Temple artifacts and put them in their mosque. If Obama goes to the Middle-East the Muslims could offer him a visit to the Dome on the Rock. No infidel is allowed in there. However, since Barack’s father was Muslim, by Muslim law Barack will always be a Muslim. He would be the first President to go inside. Surrounded by the gold fixtures of the Temple, he might be inspired by his own destiny. Or not. It’s all guesswork on my part.
If not the Anti-Christ, he could be the Anti-John the Baptist preparing the way. He may so weaken the United States economy and military that it is no longer a credible deterrent for him or his successor. The Russians and Chinese may see it as a rare opportunity to seize the middle east and deny us its oil.
Yes, it may all sound like so much gloom and doom, but we’ll be in heaven in joyous fellowship with Christ and singing praises to God. The misery is on earth, not in heaven.
So when would all of this happen? On Rosh HaShanna, the Feast of Trumpets. This year it starts at sunset on September 28 and continues for two days. Assuming it’s all done on Jerusalem time, and that’s eight hours ahead of Central Time, it could happen any time after about noon on the 28th. Short notice, my bad. I’ve been sitting on this since July 2008.
On the other hand, my wife believes that since it was 70 years from Christ’s birth to the loss of the Temple, we should start counting with the year that the Jews regained it. That was 1967. If she’s right, we have another 19 years to prepare.
Considering how the world is teetering on the edge of total economic collapse and descending into chaos, sooner may be the better bet. On the other hand, I’m not confident enough to live as though it’s all ending tomorrow. But I am going to live as though some day I’m going to see Jesus.
http://publicserf.blogspot.comWhine at me: publicserf@yahoo.com-
Back in 1970 a book, ’The Late Great Planet Earth’ was published. It caused quite a sensation. People anticipated the second coming of Christ based on Hal Lindsey’s claim that, as per Ezekiel 37, the generation to see the return of the Jews to Israel would see the return of Christ. He explained that a generation was 40 years, based on how long it took for everybody that came out of Egypt to die in the wilderness.
That never made sense to me. In Psalm 90:10 10 “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” So 70 years it is, unless it’s 80. However, 70 becomes more reasonable when it is considered that the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 AD. Times and events earlier in the Bible are often examples of what’s to come.
So- Israel re-founded in 1948, plus 70 is 2018. Deduct 7 years for the Tribulation and you have the rapture in 2011. There is much disagreement in the Christian community regarding when the Rapture occurs. Some believe it comes before the Tribulation, some believe in the middle, others at the end.
Going back to the Old Testament for an example, the only global cataclysm was the Great Flood of Noah’s time told in Genesis. Noah and his family were sealed in the ark by the Lord and were safe from the flood. Based on that, it would be reasonable to assume the rapture will occur before the tribulation and we’ll be waiting patiently for it to end.
If that’s correct, who is the Anti-Christ? Barack Obama? Maybe. The following is information that was on a YouTube video that is no longer available that gave the original Hebrew words. If the links don’t work, the Strongs Numbers are the last part of the links.
Luke 10:18 And He said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning falling from the heavens.
Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary (SHD) No. 1299- baraq (baw-rak’) A primitive root: to lighten (lightning) –cast forth http://strongsnumbers.com/hebrew/1299.htm
SHD No. 1300 from baraq; by analogy; a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword—bright, glitter(-ing sword), lightning. http://strongsnumbers.com/hebrew/1300.htm
Isaiah 14:12-19 is regarding Satan, in verse 14 Satan says, “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.”
SHD No.1116 bamah (bam-maw’) From an unused root (meaning to be high); an elevation—height, high place, wave. Also used to refer to the heavens
http://strongsnumbers.com/hebrew/1116.htm
In Hebrew the sixth letter is “waw” or “vau” it can be translated as “u” or “o.” The letter is primarily used as a conjunction to tie concepts together. To join the concepts of “lightning” and “from heaven” a “u” or “o” would be used. The result would be either “baraq u bam-maw” or “baraq o bam-maw.”
The name “Satan” is from Hebrew. (My own note here- we call him Satan, the Jews call him ha-Satan, meaning “the Adversary.”)
Going back to Luke 10:18, using the original Hebrew words Christ used, the verse would be- “And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as Baraq O Bam-maw.”
What are the odds that any President of the United States would have that name? It’s chilling.
Does that mean Barack Obama is THE Anti-Christ? As you can see, the case can be made. He certainly seems to be vain enough. However, in the Apostle’s time there were already some who were said to be anti-Christs.
There’s also the matter of the Anti-Christ proclaiming himself God in the temple. There isn’t a temple on the Holy Mount, there’s a mosque. Perhaps for this to happen a natural catastrophe, like an earthquake, will occur. However, the Israelis gave control of the Temple Mount to the Muslims. It’s unlikely that, even if the mosque is leveled, the Muslims would ever let the Jews rebuild their temple.
Here’s a possible solution. There are stories told of the Temple Priests burying fixtures before the Romans got there and destroyed the temple. The Muslims have been doing major excavations on the Mount.
https://www.bib-arch.org/online-exclusives/temple-mount-destruction-02.asp
Video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Reo1zw-k_8g
It’s just a guess, but perhaps the Muslims unearth the Temple artifacts and put them in their mosque. If Obama goes to the Middle-East the Muslims could offer him a visit to the Dome on the Rock. No infidel is allowed in there. However, since Barack’s father was Muslim, by Muslim law Barack will always be a Muslim. He would be the first President to go inside. Surrounded by the gold fixtures of the Temple, he might be inspired by his own destiny. Or not. It’s all guesswork on my part.
If not the Anti-Christ, he could be the Anti-John the Baptist preparing the way. He may so weaken the United States economy and military that it is no longer a credible deterrent for him or his successor. The Russians and Chinese may see it as a rare opportunity to seize the middle east and deny us its oil.
Yes, it may all sound like so much gloom and doom, but we’ll be in heaven in joyous fellowship with Christ and singing praises to God. The misery is on earth, not in heaven.
So when would all of this happen? On Rosh HaShanna, the Feast of Trumpets. This year it starts at sunset on September 28 and continues for two days. Assuming it’s all done on Jerusalem time, and that’s eight hours ahead of Central Time, it could happen any time after about noon on the 28th. Short notice, my bad. I’ve been sitting on this since July 2008.
On the other hand, my wife believes that since it was 70 years from Christ’s birth to the loss of the Temple, we should start counting with the year that the Jews regained it. That was 1967. If she’s right, we have another 19 years to prepare.
Considering how the world is teetering on the edge of total economic collapse and descending into chaos, sooner may be the better bet. On the other hand, I’m not confident enough to live as though it’s all ending tomorrow. But I am going to live as though some day I’m going to see Jesus.
http://publicserf.blogspot.comWhine at me: publicserf@yahoo.com-
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Joshua had homework. He was to do a poem with a graphic. He wrote the poem, Rachel did the graphic. I think it's rather cute, but I'm the Dad.
A Boy, His Boat A Dragon And A Dream
I grab my things,
and my small dragon.
With flapping wings
and tail a draggin'.
I get the box
that is my new boat
There's room for a fox,
I'm sure it will float.
“It's in the water”
I say it with glee.
Like a prisoner free'd,
from school I will flee.
As a lion roars,
wind started blowing.
As a bird soars,
our spirits flowing.
Under a bridge
we ran like a sprinter.
Then over the ridge
as chilling as winter.
Then on to home
to a friendly fire.
No more to roam
dragon made a pyre.
It wasn't long when
I started to nap.
With a tired dragon
head on my lap.
A Boy, His Boat A Dragon And A Dream
I grab my things,
and my small dragon.
With flapping wings
and tail a draggin'.
I get the box
that is my new boat
There's room for a fox,
I'm sure it will float.
“It's in the water”
I say it with glee.
Like a prisoner free'd,
from school I will flee.
As a lion roars,
wind started blowing.
As a bird soars,
our spirits flowing.
Under a bridge
we ran like a sprinter.
Then over the ridge
as chilling as winter.
Then on to home
to a friendly fire.
No more to roam
dragon made a pyre.
It wasn't long when
I started to nap.
With a tired dragon
head on my lap.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Obama owes a lot to the unions. During his campaign the SEIU alone donated $60.7 million in union dues to him. In his first month in office he issued four executive orders that benefited unions. Joe Biden made it clear that the Stimulus was aimed at union jobs. http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/da_kings_men/2009/09/01/obamas-union-payoffs/
A 2009 Pew Hispanic Center Report found that 17 percent of construction jobs are held by illegals. http://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/107.pdf
We know that the Democrats want the border open because every illegal that crosses the border is assumed to be a future Democrat voter. Even so, it would be expected that Obama would protect his union allies by protecting their jobs. That would keep his core of voters solid and ensure the flow of those sweet campaign contributions. But the border is still wide open, and he stopped construction of the electronic fence.
The unions may eventually figure out that they're not partners with Obama, they're tools. Even though his Communist or Socialist ideology would naturally make him sympathetic to labor, any union sympathy is trumped by something even more powerful. They too must suffer for the crime of being Americans.
The people he was raised by and associated with hated America. It isn't by naivete that he's filled government positions with people who hate this country and want to damage it. It isn't by incompetence that he bows to foreign leaders and denigrates the office of the Presidency, and apologizes to other countries to humiliate us. It wasn't a mistake that immediately after assuming office he spent enough money to break this country's bank. It's no coincidence that the only areas of government where he can cut spending are defense programs.
Obama is the avenging angel of the third world. He's here to punish all of us, including union members. He's not stupid, he's a cold, calculating political animal. So he'll throw them a bone, like getting his NLRB appointee to enact card check by regulation. The unions think it's great, but actually he's sowing the seeds of their destruction. As jobs are unionized the worker's wages go up, thereby making them even more uncompetitive with illegals. To compete employers will either have to hire illegals, or move overseas. The loss of those jobs by Americans will result in less taxes being paid, more government entitlements being paid, thereby over-stressing governments.
If he really wanted to help American union workers, Obama wouldn't just cancel the electronic fence, he'd say there's still plenty of stimulus money to spend so we're going to seal the southern border with a concrete wall 10 feet deep, 20 feet high, and five foot wide, and we're going to build it with union construction workers. Any chance that's going to happen? I think not.
http://publicserf.blogspot.com Whine at me: publicserf@gmail.com-
A 2009 Pew Hispanic Center Report found that 17 percent of construction jobs are held by illegals. http://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/107.pdf
We know that the Democrats want the border open because every illegal that crosses the border is assumed to be a future Democrat voter. Even so, it would be expected that Obama would protect his union allies by protecting their jobs. That would keep his core of voters solid and ensure the flow of those sweet campaign contributions. But the border is still wide open, and he stopped construction of the electronic fence.
The unions may eventually figure out that they're not partners with Obama, they're tools. Even though his Communist or Socialist ideology would naturally make him sympathetic to labor, any union sympathy is trumped by something even more powerful. They too must suffer for the crime of being Americans.
The people he was raised by and associated with hated America. It isn't by naivete that he's filled government positions with people who hate this country and want to damage it. It isn't by incompetence that he bows to foreign leaders and denigrates the office of the Presidency, and apologizes to other countries to humiliate us. It wasn't a mistake that immediately after assuming office he spent enough money to break this country's bank. It's no coincidence that the only areas of government where he can cut spending are defense programs.
Obama is the avenging angel of the third world. He's here to punish all of us, including union members. He's not stupid, he's a cold, calculating political animal. So he'll throw them a bone, like getting his NLRB appointee to enact card check by regulation. The unions think it's great, but actually he's sowing the seeds of their destruction. As jobs are unionized the worker's wages go up, thereby making them even more uncompetitive with illegals. To compete employers will either have to hire illegals, or move overseas. The loss of those jobs by Americans will result in less taxes being paid, more government entitlements being paid, thereby over-stressing governments.
If he really wanted to help American union workers, Obama wouldn't just cancel the electronic fence, he'd say there's still plenty of stimulus money to spend so we're going to seal the southern border with a concrete wall 10 feet deep, 20 feet high, and five foot wide, and we're going to build it with union construction workers. Any chance that's going to happen? I think not.
http://publicserf.blogspot.com Whine at me: publicserf@gmail.com-
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Well that was depressing.
At the Wednesday night Bible study/prayer service the subject was God's Rest. I had trouble hearing others talking due to the furnace running. Determined to contribute to the discussion, I made some points about how being at rest is being at peace. Christ said he gives peace to us. He also said if we follow his commands we will abide in Him. If we want God's peace we must abide in Him and be obedient to His commands. If we choose to be rebellious and sin, we lose His peace until we confess and repent.
I thought those were good points.
When we were finished somebody informed me that I'd basically made the same point she had, but that I'd elaborated a bit more. She smiled and said, "Great minds think alike."
I hate feeling embarrassed, and I hate feeling like a fool. If I don't know what other people have said I need to keep my mouth shut.
At the Wednesday night Bible study/prayer service the subject was God's Rest. I had trouble hearing others talking due to the furnace running. Determined to contribute to the discussion, I made some points about how being at rest is being at peace. Christ said he gives peace to us. He also said if we follow his commands we will abide in Him. If we want God's peace we must abide in Him and be obedient to His commands. If we choose to be rebellious and sin, we lose His peace until we confess and repent.
I thought those were good points.
When we were finished somebody informed me that I'd basically made the same point she had, but that I'd elaborated a bit more. She smiled and said, "Great minds think alike."
I hate feeling embarrassed, and I hate feeling like a fool. If I don't know what other people have said I need to keep my mouth shut.
I had a "duh" moment last night. Stepping out the front door I saw the Christmas lights on the house ablaze. I pulled the timer plug. We were the last ones in the neighborhood to have their lights on. I'm probably getting a reputation. To paraphrase some verse in Proverbs, I don't feel like looking it up- "Snoozers are losers."
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
1/1/11
New Year’s Eve we played Scrabble. Patricia poured glasses of sparkling grape juice. She and the kids promptly drank it. I hoarded mine until midnight. Some people have a tradition of kissing at midnight. We don’t, and we didn’t. That’s really not too surprising considering we haven’t had anything resembling a romantic kiss in… two years and nine months. You could say we’ve lost the passion, but I’d say you can’t lose what you never had.
Crap, I’m writing this on the third and Blogger doesn’t allow re-dating anymore. Oh well, it’s one more reason to be a little more diligent.
1/3/11
While we waited in the parking lot for Joshua to get out of school, Rachel showed me some of the Pokemon she has on her iPod. “This is a fur-a-gator.” Is that because it’s supposed to be a furry alligator? “No, because it’s a ferocious alligator.” Which brings us to the question, ‘Is it okay to be homo-phobic if what you fear are homophones? ’
She described the next one as, “a purple mutant monkey thingy.” I ventured, “It’s a pur-mut-monk-ingy?” Rachel brightly informed me I have no future as a Pokemon employee. Another dream shot.
New Year’s Eve we played Scrabble. Patricia poured glasses of sparkling grape juice. She and the kids promptly drank it. I hoarded mine until midnight. Some people have a tradition of kissing at midnight. We don’t, and we didn’t. That’s really not too surprising considering we haven’t had anything resembling a romantic kiss in… two years and nine months. You could say we’ve lost the passion, but I’d say you can’t lose what you never had.
Crap, I’m writing this on the third and Blogger doesn’t allow re-dating anymore. Oh well, it’s one more reason to be a little more diligent.
1/3/11
While we waited in the parking lot for Joshua to get out of school, Rachel showed me some of the Pokemon she has on her iPod. “This is a fur-a-gator.” Is that because it’s supposed to be a furry alligator? “No, because it’s a ferocious alligator.” Which brings us to the question, ‘Is it okay to be homo-phobic if what you fear are homophones? ’
She described the next one as, “a purple mutant monkey thingy.” I ventured, “It’s a pur-mut-monk-ingy?” Rachel brightly informed me I have no future as a Pokemon employee. Another dream shot.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Christmas 2010
The kids slept in fairly late. It must be part of growing up, they’re a little more level-headed about the presents. Which is not to say they’re “normal.” We kept a strange little ritual Rachel started years ago. Everybody had to open their presents while wearing oven mitts. A present is opened, and the mitts are passed. Apparently it’s a side-effect of Rachel’s artist mentality. However it occurred, it’s now bizarre family tradition.
A few days ago Rachel observed there were more presents for Joshua than there were for her. It was any easy enough problem to solve. I got the chocoholic a few boxes of chocolates. She can probably self-medicate for a few weeks now. Unless her Mom finds an open box. There can be tension with two chocoholics in the house.
Joshua had asked me if I could speed up the graphics on his computer. When he plays his favorite historical game the display sometimes slowed to a crawl or froze up because the onboard graphics weren’t good enough for gaming. He got a Sapphire Radeon 5770 graphics card, and because it uses more power, he got a bigger power supply too. I told him he would install it, and I’d help him. He said, “You’re the coolest Dad ever.”
After the presents were opened he brought his computer to the kitchen table and he got a little computer hardware education. He took the case off and I had him examine the different power connectors and where they were attached. He removed the power supply, disconnected it from the hardware, installed the new supply and got everything re-connected.
Then we installed the new video card. It was a pretty cool-looking card with a big fan on it. It’s also capable of handling a couple monitors at a time. All that capability requires two slots instead of one. I showed Joshua how to break out an access panel and he broke out the second. Then he inserted the card and hooked up the power cable. After putting the case back on he took it back to his room and hooked everything back up.
I was a little apprehensive because I’d forgotten to disable the on-board graphics before doing the installation. I didn’t expect a hardware conflict, but things happen. It booted up fine. Then he installed the video card drivers and everything was still fine. Joshua started his game and it looked pretty good. He could quickly tell the difference. Satisfied with our efforts, I left him to his game.
For the rest of the day I got updates of how it was doing. He’d come to me smiling and say how he’d increased the frame rate or detail level and it was still smooth. Eventually he was at the maximum settings and it was still working beautifully.
He’d shown me before how he’d click on an area to change the view and it would take a long time for the view to display. Now he could scroll around and it was like a movie camera. It’s a pretty impressive change. When he’s playing his game now he can barely conceal a smile. He’s a happy boy.
Eventually Rachel got him away from his computer and they played with their new iPod Touches. They broadcast video back and forth like the giddy teenagers they can be. It was a Christmas of memorable good times.
Patricia told me later that she’d heard Joshua tell his friend Ryan that it was his best Christmas ever. It was his Dad’s best Christmas too.
http://publicserf.blogspot.comWhine at me: publicserf@yahoo.com-
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
This morning Rachel informed me the door to the garage wasn't working right. I tried the handle and it wouldn’t budge. It was jammed alright. We need to use that door several times a day so I took the lockset out.
We then went to Wal-Mart to pick up a prescription and some other stuff. Leaving the door unfastened wouldn't work since Gimlet could get in the garage, and then escape when the garage door is raised. What to do, what to do? I took a bungee cord, stuck an end through the lockset hole to catch the door, and fastened the other end far enough away to hold it secure. Tacky, but it worked.
Our first stop was Home Depot. One of our CFL bulbs had burned out, and they're difficult to dispose of because they contain mercury. Home Depot has bins to get rid of them. The HazMat team that picks them up must not come around very often, the bin was full. Slackers. They’re kindred spirits doing the jobs illegal aliens don't want to do.
While we were there I picked up a new Schlage lockset to replace the broken one. Getting the same brand as the broken one seemed a reasonable way to avoid potential problems with fit. After a quick checkout we were on our way to Wal-Mart.
When we were at Wal-Mart I started to back away from some shelving and Rachel pushed me forward. As suspected, a lady was pushing a cart behind me. The lady said, "I was afraid I was going to hit him." Rachel turned to me and dryly observed, "See Dad, you scare people."
After wandering the expansive wilderness of Super Wal-Mart we were ready for an early lunch. It'd been too long since I'd had flame-broiled goodness so I suggested Burger Tyrant. Rachel was agreeable, so away we went to dine on the food of kings.
Rachel asked why I bend my fries in half. I pointed out that I only bend the longer ones, the shorter ones I eat in groups. The reason is because the adjoining surfaces promote capillary action, resulting in a higher ketchup/fry ratio.
This knowledge apparently inspired her to wax philosophical. She opined that she loves French fries, everybody she knows loves French fries. “Maybe that’s because they’re hand-crafted in small batches.” I’m a little embarrassed to admit I’d never seen what now seemed so glaringly obvious.
After burgers I was ready for pie and coffee. Rachel said she wasn't interested. I got my coffee and apple pie. I also got a slice of chocolate pie for Rachel. I set the pie on the table and Rachel insisted she didn't want any. In mere minutes she changed her mind, "If I don't eat it here I'll eat it at home." Proving once again that pie is never wasted, and women can't resist chocolate.
When we got home and pulled into the garage she started laughing. I asked why. She explained, "A door held closed with a bungee cord is so redneck." Yeah, it kinda is. Or you could think of it as "homey" or "quaint." "Charming" or "whimsical" would work too. "Bucolic" might be a stretch. But "redneck"? Where did that come from? We don't even own a pickup.
The lockset package said, "Lifetime Warranty" so I called Schlage to see what they had to say about our broken one. I explained that I’d taken it out of the door, the levers worked fine, but the bolt only depressed about an eighth of an inch. The woman I talked to said they call the bolt a latch, it was broken, and she'd send me a new one. I told her what Rachel said about the bungee cord appearing redneck. She laughed, and thanked me for being an enjoyable customer. It's another service.
Cold air would continue coming through the hole in the door so a decision had to be made. Stuff it with a sponge or sock? No, that would only look more redneck. The lockset was put back in without the latch. The hole is sealed, and the levers make a fine holder for the bungee cord. Now we have to take the new lockset back to Home Depot. It just never ends. It’s too cold for sweat equity.
http://publicserf.blogspot.comWhine at me: publicserf@yahoo.com-
We then went to Wal-Mart to pick up a prescription and some other stuff. Leaving the door unfastened wouldn't work since Gimlet could get in the garage, and then escape when the garage door is raised. What to do, what to do? I took a bungee cord, stuck an end through the lockset hole to catch the door, and fastened the other end far enough away to hold it secure. Tacky, but it worked.
Our first stop was Home Depot. One of our CFL bulbs had burned out, and they're difficult to dispose of because they contain mercury. Home Depot has bins to get rid of them. The HazMat team that picks them up must not come around very often, the bin was full. Slackers. They’re kindred spirits doing the jobs illegal aliens don't want to do.
While we were there I picked up a new Schlage lockset to replace the broken one. Getting the same brand as the broken one seemed a reasonable way to avoid potential problems with fit. After a quick checkout we were on our way to Wal-Mart.
When we were at Wal-Mart I started to back away from some shelving and Rachel pushed me forward. As suspected, a lady was pushing a cart behind me. The lady said, "I was afraid I was going to hit him." Rachel turned to me and dryly observed, "See Dad, you scare people."
After wandering the expansive wilderness of Super Wal-Mart we were ready for an early lunch. It'd been too long since I'd had flame-broiled goodness so I suggested Burger Tyrant. Rachel was agreeable, so away we went to dine on the food of kings.
Rachel asked why I bend my fries in half. I pointed out that I only bend the longer ones, the shorter ones I eat in groups. The reason is because the adjoining surfaces promote capillary action, resulting in a higher ketchup/fry ratio.
This knowledge apparently inspired her to wax philosophical. She opined that she loves French fries, everybody she knows loves French fries. “Maybe that’s because they’re hand-crafted in small batches.” I’m a little embarrassed to admit I’d never seen what now seemed so glaringly obvious.
After burgers I was ready for pie and coffee. Rachel said she wasn't interested. I got my coffee and apple pie. I also got a slice of chocolate pie for Rachel. I set the pie on the table and Rachel insisted she didn't want any. In mere minutes she changed her mind, "If I don't eat it here I'll eat it at home." Proving once again that pie is never wasted, and women can't resist chocolate.
When we got home and pulled into the garage she started laughing. I asked why. She explained, "A door held closed with a bungee cord is so redneck." Yeah, it kinda is. Or you could think of it as "homey" or "quaint." "Charming" or "whimsical" would work too. "Bucolic" might be a stretch. But "redneck"? Where did that come from? We don't even own a pickup.
The lockset package said, "Lifetime Warranty" so I called Schlage to see what they had to say about our broken one. I explained that I’d taken it out of the door, the levers worked fine, but the bolt only depressed about an eighth of an inch. The woman I talked to said they call the bolt a latch, it was broken, and she'd send me a new one. I told her what Rachel said about the bungee cord appearing redneck. She laughed, and thanked me for being an enjoyable customer. It's another service.
Cold air would continue coming through the hole in the door so a decision had to be made. Stuff it with a sponge or sock? No, that would only look more redneck. The lockset was put back in without the latch. The hole is sealed, and the levers make a fine holder for the bungee cord. Now we have to take the new lockset back to Home Depot. It just never ends. It’s too cold for sweat equity.
http://publicserf.blogspot.comWhine at me: publicserf@yahoo.com-
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Christmas 2010
It's been a year of notable changes, some significant, some not so much, some surprising, some not so much.
Rachel was valedictorian of her high school class. That wasn't surprising since she had a 4.0 average. What was surprising was her speech. It was perhaps the first valedictory speech that stressed the need to own a dog. For weeks afterward people approached us in public places and raved about her speech. It was surreal. We spent the summer at home, but took a trip to... the Twilight Zone.
After being courted by several colleges, Rachel chose to go to Ashford. Getting a full scholarship and being able to come home every day to her pup, Gimlet, was more than she could resist. We're happy with her decision, she's a joy to have around.
We had a bar-mitzvah-ish celebration for Joshua at church. That was Patricia's idea. She can be wondrously creative.
Not pausing to savor his new status, Joshua has continued his own scholarly 4.0 achievements. He joined the Junior High marching band. He still takes piano and tennis lessons. He's still growing like a weed. Where does he find the time?
Patricia continues her illustrious medical career as a school nurse. She also teaches Sunday School.
I continue my life as a slacker retiree. It's the only thing I've ever excelled at.
We got a 24' swimming pool this summer. Perhaps it was only a coincidence, the town decided to replace its water tower with two new ones. Considering there was a crew here to prepare the ground for the pool and install it, and the city then put up two water towers, we did more to stimulate the economy than the government's $1 trillion stimulous. You're welcome.
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Written 8/10/10
It was, I think, about five years ago that the brain tumor re-grew to where it affected my right eye. That was an affect so obvious that it was impossible to miss. That was the only problem I knew of, but it wasn’t the only one. I remember helping somebody at the office, and 10 minutes later he returned for something else. I didn’t recognize him, and I asked him to show me an ID. He was incredulous and insisted he’d just been there, but I would have sworn I’d never seen him before in my life. Steve, the guard, confirmed he’d just been there. And I seemed to have another problem.
After the last surgery the right eye was blind, and the other half-blind- big, obvious change. Work became a major struggle and it couldn’t be tied to vision problems. I had some testing done by a psychiatrist. The intelligence test wasn’t a problem, I still tested Mensa-smart for problem solving. However, and it was a big however, my memory was damaged. The tumor pressure that made my right eye point at my nose by damaging cranial nerves had also been damaging the nearby memory-controlling area too. Remembering new faces is now almost impossible for me. I can look at somebody, look away, and have no idea what the person looked like. It makes for awkward, uncomfortable moments, but humility is a good thing.
I slowly realized that the memory problem had actually been going on for years. I’d thought that I was so used to official rules that learning new ones was difficult- old dogs and all that. But I couldn’t see what was right in front of me. Gone was the ability to watch a training tape one time and have it down cold. I had to watch one 2-3 times to get anything. This is not conducive to job performance when there are dozens of rule and procedure changes per week. I hate to think how much grief I caused my kind bosses.
You might think, “Wow, that’s sad, even pathetic, but why are you sharing this misery?” Hopefully, I can tie things together.
At the heart of any sin is selfishness, and if we look at our lives we see a lot of it. What drives selfishness is vanity. Everybody is sure they deserve what they want, and that anybody who offends them deserves what they get. In my own experience, the vanity of self-righteousness is the hardest sin to deal with. It’s too easy to be angry and resentful after being hurt. I’ve always considered myself an incurable romantic. It drives me nuts that I haven’t even been kissed in over two years. That fact causes me to feel unwanted, unloved, and unneeded. To say the least, the rage has a bit of a pre-occupation for years.
In that self-righteous rage I had no idea how much I’d lost. I was a little too obsessed with internal monologues that ended with variations of, “You can’t treat me this way, I waited for you, I don’t deserve to be treated this way, someday you’re going to answer to God for this! You little goat!” See, rage, you could tell. Being unhappy 24/7, I’d quite forgotten I’d ever been happy. When I looked at my old blog and started reading, I could hardly believe I’d ever been so happy.
It’s never been a particularly warm and loving marriage, but the kids have been a joy. In my self-obsession I’d quite forgotten that. It’s hard to be self-righteous after the realization I’ve wasted years that should have been golden. In my selfishness I deprived myself. Had I not been so blind, I would have seen I was over-reacting. Had I kept writing I would have reviewed and remembered the good times and felt gratitude and love. Forgiveness would be easier.
Selfishness is a monster waste of time; it separates us from a loving relationship with God. God hardly needs to punish us; we cause enough pain to those around us and ourselves. Self-righteousness may be the hardest sin to give up, but forgiving ourselves is even harder.
It was, I think, about five years ago that the brain tumor re-grew to where it affected my right eye. That was an affect so obvious that it was impossible to miss. That was the only problem I knew of, but it wasn’t the only one. I remember helping somebody at the office, and 10 minutes later he returned for something else. I didn’t recognize him, and I asked him to show me an ID. He was incredulous and insisted he’d just been there, but I would have sworn I’d never seen him before in my life. Steve, the guard, confirmed he’d just been there. And I seemed to have another problem.
After the last surgery the right eye was blind, and the other half-blind- big, obvious change. Work became a major struggle and it couldn’t be tied to vision problems. I had some testing done by a psychiatrist. The intelligence test wasn’t a problem, I still tested Mensa-smart for problem solving. However, and it was a big however, my memory was damaged. The tumor pressure that made my right eye point at my nose by damaging cranial nerves had also been damaging the nearby memory-controlling area too. Remembering new faces is now almost impossible for me. I can look at somebody, look away, and have no idea what the person looked like. It makes for awkward, uncomfortable moments, but humility is a good thing.
I slowly realized that the memory problem had actually been going on for years. I’d thought that I was so used to official rules that learning new ones was difficult- old dogs and all that. But I couldn’t see what was right in front of me. Gone was the ability to watch a training tape one time and have it down cold. I had to watch one 2-3 times to get anything. This is not conducive to job performance when there are dozens of rule and procedure changes per week. I hate to think how much grief I caused my kind bosses.
You might think, “Wow, that’s sad, even pathetic, but why are you sharing this misery?” Hopefully, I can tie things together.
At the heart of any sin is selfishness, and if we look at our lives we see a lot of it. What drives selfishness is vanity. Everybody is sure they deserve what they want, and that anybody who offends them deserves what they get. In my own experience, the vanity of self-righteousness is the hardest sin to deal with. It’s too easy to be angry and resentful after being hurt. I’ve always considered myself an incurable romantic. It drives me nuts that I haven’t even been kissed in over two years. That fact causes me to feel unwanted, unloved, and unneeded. To say the least, the rage has a bit of a pre-occupation for years.
In that self-righteous rage I had no idea how much I’d lost. I was a little too obsessed with internal monologues that ended with variations of, “You can’t treat me this way, I waited for you, I don’t deserve to be treated this way, someday you’re going to answer to God for this! You little goat!” See, rage, you could tell. Being unhappy 24/7, I’d quite forgotten I’d ever been happy. When I looked at my old blog and started reading, I could hardly believe I’d ever been so happy.
It’s never been a particularly warm and loving marriage, but the kids have been a joy. In my self-obsession I’d quite forgotten that. It’s hard to be self-righteous after the realization I’ve wasted years that should have been golden. In my selfishness I deprived myself. Had I not been so blind, I would have seen I was over-reacting. Had I kept writing I would have reviewed and remembered the good times and felt gratitude and love. Forgiveness would be easier.
Selfishness is a monster waste of time; it separates us from a loving relationship with God. God hardly needs to punish us; we cause enough pain to those around us and ourselves. Self-righteousness may be the hardest sin to give up, but forgiving ourselves is even harder.
Friday, August 06, 2010
Whine at me: publicserf@yahoo.com-
I haven't posted in ages due to... turbulent times, and I got out of the habit. I'm going to try to get back in the habit by posting something, anything, with some regularity. My Sunday School class teacher is gone this Sunday, and he asked me to teach. Here's the lesson plan I adapted from the Teacher's Guide.
Sunday School 8-8-10, 2 Samuel 7:1-7, 11-16, 18-21 Focus On God’s Purposes
Step 1
Learner Guide Pg 118-119 Dwight L. Moody changed his focus from money to God’s will. Know of anybody who’s done that?
Step 2
Read 2 Samuel 7:1-7 2Sa 7:1 Now when the king lived in his house and the LORD had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, 2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, "See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent." 3 And Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you."
4 But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, 5 "Go and tell my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD: Would you build me a house to dwell in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling. 7 In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?"'
V1-2 David rested in a time of peace. He decided that if he lived in a palace surely God deserved something better than a tent. He came up with a plan to build a temple of cedar. When we are at rest, do we consider how we can serve God? The Ark was already in Jerusalem, and the Jews wouldn’t be wandering anymore.
V3 Why did Nathan approve? We aren’t told why. Perhaps because David was the anointed King, and God had shown His favor with his victories. Perhaps it just seemed right for God to have a grand temple too. He was speaking as a god man, not as a prophet. We should desire to go forward with good works.
Are we too willing to go forward with plans based only on the approval of others? Where did David and Nathan fail? There is no mention that David or Nathan consulted God. Good intentions weren’t enough to perform His will.
What value is there in seeking the advice of others? Cautions? Is there anything our class could do to honor the Lord?
God says if he wanted a grand temple He would have asked for one, a humble tent was fine. So too, Christ was content to dwell in flesh before ascending.
John 5:19 The Son can do nothing on his own initiative, but only what he sees the Father doing
Step 3
Read V11b-16 11b Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. 12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.'"
God was not angry that David wanted to build a temple. In return for David’s good intention to honor Him, God honors him. David’s intentions for a gift to God were honored with a greater gift. God’s plan was much bigger than David’s. Quite a contrast, David wanted to build God a house, God declares he’ll build David a house that will endure forever. David was the first King of Israel to have his son succeed him. Right before him, Saul’s whole family was wiped out.
David received nothing from this covenant immediately, except the joy of his faith in His promise.
But David got to prepare the materials for his son to build the temple. In 1 Chronicles 22:8 God explained that David had too much blood on his hands. His son, a child of peace would build the temple, fulfilling the promise in the near-term, later the Prince of Peace, would bring the eternal temple.
Mt 26:61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
John 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
What guidelines do you use to decide if something is God’s will, Bible study, prayer?
How do we relate to God’s covenant with David? Does it make a difference in our lives?
Step 4
V14-15 As the covenant is for David’s son, Solomon, and descendants, it is also later for Christ’s spiritual children. The promises of chastening and eternal love are ours.
Heb 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.
To be successful we must turn our good intentions over to His will. God intentions are better than good intentions.
Know of anybody who changed their intentions due to God’s will?
Read V18-21 18 Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, "Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? 19 And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord GOD. You have spoken also of your servant's house for a great while to come, and this is instruction for mankind, O Lord GOD!
20 And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord GOD! 21 Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it.
What was David’s response to the covenant? Went in, sat down, talked with God in humility, acknowledged His leadership, expressed confidence in His promise and asked Him to fulfill it, praised God, confessed to being His servant. Do we do this? When? We too, need to claim God’s promises and ask Him to fulfill them.
I haven't posted in ages due to... turbulent times, and I got out of the habit. I'm going to try to get back in the habit by posting something, anything, with some regularity. My Sunday School class teacher is gone this Sunday, and he asked me to teach. Here's the lesson plan I adapted from the Teacher's Guide.
Sunday School 8-8-10, 2 Samuel 7:1-7, 11-16, 18-21 Focus On God’s Purposes
Step 1
Learner Guide Pg 118-119 Dwight L. Moody changed his focus from money to God’s will. Know of anybody who’s done that?
Step 2
Read 2 Samuel 7:1-7 2Sa 7:1 Now when the king lived in his house and the LORD had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, 2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, "See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent." 3 And Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you."
4 But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, 5 "Go and tell my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD: Would you build me a house to dwell in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling. 7 In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?"'
V1-2 David rested in a time of peace. He decided that if he lived in a palace surely God deserved something better than a tent. He came up with a plan to build a temple of cedar. When we are at rest, do we consider how we can serve God? The Ark was already in Jerusalem, and the Jews wouldn’t be wandering anymore.
V3 Why did Nathan approve? We aren’t told why. Perhaps because David was the anointed King, and God had shown His favor with his victories. Perhaps it just seemed right for God to have a grand temple too. He was speaking as a god man, not as a prophet. We should desire to go forward with good works.
Are we too willing to go forward with plans based only on the approval of others? Where did David and Nathan fail? There is no mention that David or Nathan consulted God. Good intentions weren’t enough to perform His will.
What value is there in seeking the advice of others? Cautions? Is there anything our class could do to honor the Lord?
God says if he wanted a grand temple He would have asked for one, a humble tent was fine. So too, Christ was content to dwell in flesh before ascending.
John 5:19 The Son can do nothing on his own initiative, but only what he sees the Father doing
Step 3
Read V11b-16 11b Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. 12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.'"
God was not angry that David wanted to build a temple. In return for David’s good intention to honor Him, God honors him. David’s intentions for a gift to God were honored with a greater gift. God’s plan was much bigger than David’s. Quite a contrast, David wanted to build God a house, God declares he’ll build David a house that will endure forever. David was the first King of Israel to have his son succeed him. Right before him, Saul’s whole family was wiped out.
David received nothing from this covenant immediately, except the joy of his faith in His promise.
But David got to prepare the materials for his son to build the temple. In 1 Chronicles 22:8 God explained that David had too much blood on his hands. His son, a child of peace would build the temple, fulfilling the promise in the near-term, later the Prince of Peace, would bring the eternal temple.
Mt 26:61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
John 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
What guidelines do you use to decide if something is God’s will, Bible study, prayer?
How do we relate to God’s covenant with David? Does it make a difference in our lives?
Step 4
V14-15 As the covenant is for David’s son, Solomon, and descendants, it is also later for Christ’s spiritual children. The promises of chastening and eternal love are ours.
Heb 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.
To be successful we must turn our good intentions over to His will. God intentions are better than good intentions.
Know of anybody who changed their intentions due to God’s will?
Read V18-21 18 Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, "Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? 19 And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord GOD. You have spoken also of your servant's house for a great while to come, and this is instruction for mankind, O Lord GOD!
20 And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord GOD! 21 Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it.
What was David’s response to the covenant? Went in, sat down, talked with God in humility, acknowledged His leadership, expressed confidence in His promise and asked Him to fulfill it, praised God, confessed to being His servant. Do we do this? When? We too, need to claim God’s promises and ask Him to fulfill them.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Rachel was nervous at the prospect of giving a Valedictorian speech. Her only guideline was that it be under two minutes. Thinking I could help, I wrote a draft to give her some ideas, or she could change it to suit her. This is what I came up with:
We are gathered to celebrate a milestone in our lives. With much gratitude we thank supportive parents, and teachers whose patience wore thin, but not out, and who encouraged us even when they might have been themselves discouraged.
In the past four years we’ve grown together, learned to drive, gotten our first MP3 players and cell phones, gotten first jobs, and taken the first baby steps of independence. We look forward to lives filled with promise, with big steps like college, careers, marriage, and our own children.
Our lives are shaped by our experiences, and our parents and teachers have had major parts in many of them. They’ve affected us. They have enriched us with knowledge and led by example. They have tried to prepare us for our journeys. Our lives are unique, we blaze our own trails, but we have their paths before us for guides. We can rejoice in our youth, but as we blaze our trails we too shall grow older and those following us shall someday see our burning candles as guides
We may eventually forget much of what has happened between these brick walls, but there will be moments we remember, examples that are like rock in the foundations of our lives. We will remember displays of courage, integrity, patience, kindness, self-control and understanding.
Let us go forth and live lives full of moments like that. Let us make a difference in the lives of those around us, and those that follow.
Every dark cloud has its silver lining, and silver clouds can have dark ones. We can rejoice with each other now, knowing that we won’t see some of those classmates again. But no matter what happens in our lives there will be some things we will always have, some things we will always know. We will have the love of our families, and we will always know we are members of the Camanche Class of 2010.
Despite her apprehension, she had too much integrity to work off of somebody else. Her result was as unique as she is:
I second what they said. I don't have much to say that everyone else hasn't already said in this graduation or countless others. But what I do have, I'll keep brief because I realize that the ultimate goal of this day is to graduate before getting heat stroke. Nobody will remember this speech in any number of days. So I will take the liberty of saying any dorky thing that comes to mind.
First off, I would like to thank everyone and their dogs for putting up with me for the last 5 years, and if you don't have a dog you should probably get one. Having allergies is no excuse; you can find a hypoallergenic dog. Either way, a dog should definitely be in your future.
But I digress. To get back to the subject of graduation, I'd like to tell you a story about how this day reminds me of Noah’s ark. The graduates entered the auditorium 2 by 2 like the animals entered the ark, not that I'm calling us graduates livestock or anything of the sort, though we may be perceived as such by the government. I know this analogy isn’t perfect, but you must admit it comes pretty close. The animals arrived to be saved from the impending flood, but what is it we are being saved from? You can have your own interpretation, but some common answers may include: homework, teachers, or just high school in general. After the flood, the animals emerged into their new environment, like we will burst forth from the bowels of Hades into the blinding new world of college or the workforce. But that's where the similarities end, or do they?
Okay, this time I'll really get back on track. To finish up this speech, I'd like to say that high school is a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there.
We are gathered to celebrate a milestone in our lives. With much gratitude we thank supportive parents, and teachers whose patience wore thin, but not out, and who encouraged us even when they might have been themselves discouraged.
In the past four years we’ve grown together, learned to drive, gotten our first MP3 players and cell phones, gotten first jobs, and taken the first baby steps of independence. We look forward to lives filled with promise, with big steps like college, careers, marriage, and our own children.
Our lives are shaped by our experiences, and our parents and teachers have had major parts in many of them. They’ve affected us. They have enriched us with knowledge and led by example. They have tried to prepare us for our journeys. Our lives are unique, we blaze our own trails, but we have their paths before us for guides. We can rejoice in our youth, but as we blaze our trails we too shall grow older and those following us shall someday see our burning candles as guides
We may eventually forget much of what has happened between these brick walls, but there will be moments we remember, examples that are like rock in the foundations of our lives. We will remember displays of courage, integrity, patience, kindness, self-control and understanding.
Let us go forth and live lives full of moments like that. Let us make a difference in the lives of those around us, and those that follow.
Every dark cloud has its silver lining, and silver clouds can have dark ones. We can rejoice with each other now, knowing that we won’t see some of those classmates again. But no matter what happens in our lives there will be some things we will always have, some things we will always know. We will have the love of our families, and we will always know we are members of the Camanche Class of 2010.
Despite her apprehension, she had too much integrity to work off of somebody else. Her result was as unique as she is:
I second what they said. I don't have much to say that everyone else hasn't already said in this graduation or countless others. But what I do have, I'll keep brief because I realize that the ultimate goal of this day is to graduate before getting heat stroke. Nobody will remember this speech in any number of days. So I will take the liberty of saying any dorky thing that comes to mind.
First off, I would like to thank everyone and their dogs for putting up with me for the last 5 years, and if you don't have a dog you should probably get one. Having allergies is no excuse; you can find a hypoallergenic dog. Either way, a dog should definitely be in your future.
But I digress. To get back to the subject of graduation, I'd like to tell you a story about how this day reminds me of Noah’s ark. The graduates entered the auditorium 2 by 2 like the animals entered the ark, not that I'm calling us graduates livestock or anything of the sort, though we may be perceived as such by the government. I know this analogy isn’t perfect, but you must admit it comes pretty close. The animals arrived to be saved from the impending flood, but what is it we are being saved from? You can have your own interpretation, but some common answers may include: homework, teachers, or just high school in general. After the flood, the animals emerged into their new environment, like we will burst forth from the bowels of Hades into the blinding new world of college or the workforce. But that's where the similarities end, or do they?
Okay, this time I'll really get back on track. To finish up this speech, I'd like to say that high school is a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there.
Friday, October 30, 2009
//www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33548529/?GT1=43001
World’s largest cruise ship sets sail from Finland. Those filthy Scandis. How could they do this to Gaia? Just launching that boat probably raised the level of the oceans an inch. The polar bears are drowning, I can feel the disturbance in the force. Tidal crabs may experience discomfort. (Insert your own crab joke here). But anyway- That’s 6,300 carbon-spewing mouth breathers at sea, plus crew.
Thank God for Adolph, Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot. Due to their evil-intentioned, but heroic efforts, there are at least 160 million fewer consumers and polluters on this delicate, fragile world. What this world needs is another visionary to lead us into a new golden age. A new Glorious Leader, a new… Hey, Obama was chairman of the Annenberg Commission. Hail Chairman Barrack! How’s it goin’ CB? This country is now a CB deBodine Production. Could you tell?
http://publicserf.blogspot.com
Whine at me: publicserf@yahoo.com
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World’s largest cruise ship sets sail from Finland. Those filthy Scandis. How could they do this to Gaia? Just launching that boat probably raised the level of the oceans an inch. The polar bears are drowning, I can feel the disturbance in the force. Tidal crabs may experience discomfort. (Insert your own crab joke here). But anyway- That’s 6,300 carbon-spewing mouth breathers at sea, plus crew.
Thank God for Adolph, Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot. Due to their evil-intentioned, but heroic efforts, there are at least 160 million fewer consumers and polluters on this delicate, fragile world. What this world needs is another visionary to lead us into a new golden age. A new Glorious Leader, a new… Hey, Obama was chairman of the Annenberg Commission. Hail Chairman Barrack! How’s it goin’ CB? This country is now a CB deBodine Production. Could you tell?
http://publicserf.blogspot.com
Whine at me: publicserf@yahoo.com
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Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
http://publicserf.blogspot.com
Whine at me: publicserf@yahoo.com
I know it's been an awfully long time since I posted anything. I have a lot to catch up on. The "New Blogger" is giving me fits though. I created a Google account, migrated the blog, and still couldn't log in to it. I finally got to the dashboard by googling "blogspot." I suppose that's ironic, but at the moment I'm just PO'd.
I'm not trying to do anything fancy, schmancy here. I'm too tired, and I'm not yiddish. So I'm just going to post this comment, and if it works, well, tomorrow's another day. Yay!
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Whine at me: publicserf@yahoo.com
I know it's been an awfully long time since I posted anything. I have a lot to catch up on. The "New Blogger" is giving me fits though. I created a Google account, migrated the blog, and still couldn't log in to it. I finally got to the dashboard by googling "blogspot." I suppose that's ironic, but at the moment I'm just PO'd.
I'm not trying to do anything fancy, schmancy here. I'm too tired, and I'm not yiddish. So I'm just going to post this comment, and if it works, well, tomorrow's another day. Yay!
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Tuesday, January 02, 2007
The Serf's Christmas 2006 Letter
The Year, Such As It Were
It’s been a year of change. The kids continue to grow, I age.
We got a dog, specifically, a mini-Schnauzer. Schnauzers are a breed created in Germany to kill rats. And still the Nazis took power. You know, you try… Anyway, Rachel researched dogs to decide which would be best, saved up her allowance, and when she had enough, declared she wanted a Schnauzer. So that’s what we have. Gimlet, the pup, does her job admirably; there isn’t a rat in the place.
However, in her exuberance to keep the house free of rodents she occasionally tries to police the Guinea Pigs. The Pigs object. With their squeaks, they protest they are not, never have been, and never will be rats, they don’t even know any rats. The pup is suspicious and inspects them regularly. There will be no Pig coup on Gimlet’s watch.
Joshua is going through his Star Wars phase. He has a couple different toy light sabers. He and a friend regularly indulge in third-grade Jedi light-saber training. The fun seems to be wearing off though. More and more they run around shooting each other with lazer-tag guns. I don’t mind, it’s a boy thing.
He also continues the family tradition of reading a lot. Not that he has a choice. Patricia orders, “You vill read, undt you vill like it.” The kids read, and Gimlet whines.
Rachel is now an Uber-High Schooler. She takes guitar lessons, art classes, and is the devoted Chief-of-Staff for Gimlet. She exerted her developing need for teen-freedom by dumping high school band. You can’t create that kind of memory with a credit card. Thank God.
Patricia has changed jobs and now works for the school system as a nurse for special ed. kids. She also teaches Sunday School, and has assumed other responsibilities too numerous to list. Apparently, she thrives under pressure.
Me? Nothing to report. I’m the circus ringmaster. I do nothing but announce the acts, marvel at how wonderful they are, and listen to the applause.
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The Year, Such As It Were
It’s been a year of change. The kids continue to grow, I age.
We got a dog, specifically, a mini-Schnauzer. Schnauzers are a breed created in Germany to kill rats. And still the Nazis took power. You know, you try… Anyway, Rachel researched dogs to decide which would be best, saved up her allowance, and when she had enough, declared she wanted a Schnauzer. So that’s what we have. Gimlet, the pup, does her job admirably; there isn’t a rat in the place.
However, in her exuberance to keep the house free of rodents she occasionally tries to police the Guinea Pigs. The Pigs object. With their squeaks, they protest they are not, never have been, and never will be rats, they don’t even know any rats. The pup is suspicious and inspects them regularly. There will be no Pig coup on Gimlet’s watch.
Joshua is going through his Star Wars phase. He has a couple different toy light sabers. He and a friend regularly indulge in third-grade Jedi light-saber training. The fun seems to be wearing off though. More and more they run around shooting each other with lazer-tag guns. I don’t mind, it’s a boy thing.
He also continues the family tradition of reading a lot. Not that he has a choice. Patricia orders, “You vill read, undt you vill like it.” The kids read, and Gimlet whines.
Rachel is now an Uber-High Schooler. She takes guitar lessons, art classes, and is the devoted Chief-of-Staff for Gimlet. She exerted her developing need for teen-freedom by dumping high school band. You can’t create that kind of memory with a credit card. Thank God.
Patricia has changed jobs and now works for the school system as a nurse for special ed. kids. She also teaches Sunday School, and has assumed other responsibilities too numerous to list. Apparently, she thrives under pressure.
Me? Nothing to report. I’m the circus ringmaster. I do nothing but announce the acts, marvel at how wonderful they are, and listen to the applause.
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