1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 2 Let Israel now say, "His mercy endures forever." 3 Let the house of Aaron now say, "His mercy endures forever." 4 Let those who fear the Lord now say, "His mercy endures forever." 5 I called on the Lord in distress; The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. 6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? 7 The Lord is for me among those who help me; Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me. 8 It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man. 9 It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes. 10 All nations surrounded me, But in the name of the Lord I will destroy them. 11 They surrounded me, Yes, they surrounded me; But in the name of the Lord I will destroy them. 12 They surrounded me like bees; They were quenched like a fire of thorns; For in the name of the Lord I will destroy them. 13 You pushed me violently, that I might fall, But the Lord helped me. 14 The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation. F97 15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation Is in the tents of the righteous; The right hand of the Lord does valiantly. 16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted; The right hand of the Lord does valiantly. 17 I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord. 18 The Lord has chastened me severely, But He has not given me over to death.
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, And I will praise the Lord. 20 This is the gate of the Lord, Through which the righteous shall enter. 21 I will praise You, For You have answered me, And have become my salvation. 22 The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. 23 This was the Lord's doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save now, I pray, O Lord; O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity. 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We have blessed you from the house of the Lord. 27 God is the Lord, And He has given us light; Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You. 29 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
Waaaaaa!
I'd like to study Tae Kwon Do in the future, and I know that Chuck Norris is a Christian. Several blackbelts who have studied under him have opened schools. I must search for one of these in the area where I find employment.
(Image from http://www.redbrick.dcu.ie)
I have always admired and enjoyed the martial arts. :D
Judges 6:11-24
11 The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. 12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." 13 "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the Lord has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian." 14 The Lord turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" 15 "But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." 16 The Lord answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together."
(Image from http://www.redbrick.dcu.ie)
I have always admired and enjoyed the martial arts. :D
Judges 6:11-24
11 The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. 12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." 13 "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the Lord has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian." 14 The Lord turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" 15 "But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." 16 The Lord answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together."
Saturday, June 30, 2007
God's Correction and Mercy
Jeremiah Chapter 32
39 … I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them. 40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me. 42 "For thus says the Lord: 'Just as I have brought all this great calamity on this people, so I will bring on them all the good that I have promised them.
Isaiah Chapter 1
8 "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword"; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Jeremiah Chapter 29
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
1 For the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will still choose
Saturday, May 05, 2007
No More School, not Ever, Ever Ever! :D
In about one week, I will officially be graduated! :D :D :D
No more homework, no more projects, no more grades, no more stressing out!!!! Hahahaha.
Well, now I have to go out and find a real job. Something that pays real money and, er, sucks up a whole lotta time. Hmmmm.
Anyway, I won't see the inside of a school building for a looooong time. Woo hoo!!
But, heh, what if I become a teacher? Then technically I'd be back in school again. And maybe as early as this Fall. Ack! *prays* "Lord, puh_lease don't ask me to teach classes. Never the less, not my will, but thine be done." :)
I'm sure I'll go back to school some day to further my education. But what I really need is a vacation. ^_^
*prays again*
"Dear Father, how about a vacation that lasts for maybe a year or two?"
I'm not sure He'll answer that prayer. *snicker*
I'll ask for six months then...
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
I think that's Biblical evidence that God has to give me a vacation! *laughs* ;)
No more homework, no more projects, no more grades, no more stressing out!!!! Hahahaha.
Well, now I have to go out and find a real job. Something that pays real money and, er, sucks up a whole lotta time. Hmmmm.
Anyway, I won't see the inside of a school building for a looooong time. Woo hoo!!
But, heh, what if I become a teacher? Then technically I'd be back in school again. And maybe as early as this Fall. Ack! *prays* "Lord, puh_lease don't ask me to teach classes. Never the less, not my will, but thine be done." :)
I'm sure I'll go back to school some day to further my education. But what I really need is a vacation. ^_^
*prays again*
"Dear Father, how about a vacation that lasts for maybe a year or two?"
I'm not sure He'll answer that prayer. *snicker*
I'll ask for six months then...
- Psalms 23:1-6
- 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
I think that's Biblical evidence that God has to give me a vacation! *laughs* ;)
Sunday, March 11, 2007
A Call to Persevere and to Walk by Faith
Here is a quote from Charles Stanley: “Our intimacy with God -- His highest priority for our lives -- determines the impact of our lives.” It is so true.
Some of the folks I work for are mean, nasty, and hard-hearted (stone I think) people who like to live their lives in an ungodly fashion. That’s often what you get when you study and work at a secular university -- lots of worldly, evil treatment and politics. I am only here because God wanted me here.
I have decided that I will no longer be afraid to work with and interact with them, no matter how awful they behave toward me. These people could use a good spanking. Lol. Anyway, how can God use me and do everything he wants to through me if I shrink back and keep to myself. If I avoid them and my work, how can God use the experience to change me and make me more like Jesus?
Luke 8:16:
"No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light."
Luke 11:33:
"No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light."
I need to get closer to God and depend on Him more. I’ve noticed that when I pray often and am ever mindful of His presence and walk in faith, trusting Him while I work, my impact is much greater, and I grow in the Lord. I want to live my life fully and vigorously for Him. So I must not avoid the challenges, but draw courage and strength from Him, fight the good fight, and run the race in such a way as to win it! For He is with me, and by His power, I will accomplish what He desires! :D Praise God!
Monday, February 19, 2007
Wow, What a Concert!
Recently, I had the chance to go to Winter Jam. It was AWESOME!!! We saw Sanctus Real, New Song, Hawk Nelson, Stepen Curtis Chapman, and Jeremy Camp, and a talented comedian, and this dude who had an amazing testimony, who had had a ghastly, horrible childhood (and teen years). He finally heard about Jesus, who helped him overcome his past. And now he does great things for the Lord and leads other people Christ! Wow. Praise God!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Still Busy, But ...
Things are getting better! Praise God! :D
Ezekiel 34:11 'For thus says the Lord God: "Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day.
God has strengthened and sustained me.
Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Sometimes it is part of God's plan that we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, reaching what seems to be the most horrible times of our lives. God has a purpose in everything he does and allows. He tries us by
fire and molds and shapes us to be more like Him everyday. These times can be very painful as C.S. Lewis remarked about spiritual surgery, but we have to go through them, and trust God that He knows what He is doing!
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Jeremiah 29:11 I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. 12 Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me, and I will answer you. 13 You will seek me, and you will find me because you will seek me with all your heart. 14 Yes, I say, you will find me, and I will restore you to your land.
Hahaha. It looks like the December issue of my blog has come out in January, :P
May God bless you all! ^_^
Ezekiel 34:11 'For thus says the Lord God: "Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day.
God has strengthened and sustained me.
Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Sometimes it is part of God's plan that we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, reaching what seems to be the most horrible times of our lives. God has a purpose in everything he does and allows. He tries us by
fire and molds and shapes us to be more like Him everyday. These times can be very painful as C.S. Lewis remarked about spiritual surgery, but we have to go through them, and trust God that He knows what He is doing!
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Jeremiah 29:11 I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. 12 Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me, and I will answer you. 13 You will seek me, and you will find me because you will seek me with all your heart. 14 Yes, I say, you will find me, and I will restore you to your land.
Hahaha. It looks like the December issue of my blog has come out in January, :P
May God bless you all! ^_^
Monday, November 20, 2006
Graduation is Very Near!!! AKA I am Totally SWAMPED, :P
Isaiah 41:10 Do not be afraid—I am with you! I am your God—let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you. 11 "Those who are angry with you will know the shame of defeat. Those who fight against you will die 12 and will disappear from the earth. 13 I am the Lord your God; I strengthen you and tell you, "Do not be afraid; I will help you.' " 14 The Lord says, "Small and weak as you are, Israel, don't be afraid; I will help you. I, the holy God of Israel, am the one who saves you. 15 I will make you like a threshing board, with spikes that are new and sharp. You will thresh mountains and destroy them; hills will crumble into dust. 16 You will toss them in the air; the wind will carry them off, and they will be scattered by the storm. Then you will be happy because I am your God; you will praise me, the holy God of Israel. 17 "When my people in their need look for water, when their throats are dry with thirst, then I, the Lord, will answer their prayer; I, the God of Israel, will never abandon them. 18 I will make rivers flow among barren hills and springs of water run in the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water and the dry land into flowing springs. 19 I will make cedars grow in the desert, and acacias and myrtles and olive trees. Forests will grow in barren land, forests of pine and juniper and cypress. 20 People will see this and know that I, the Lord, have done it. They will come to understand that Israel's holy God has made it happen."
I am working around the clock and have been for a while and will do so each remaining day as well until I am graduated! Pray for me, please. I have never been so challenged in my life. I feel like I've got two fish and five loaves of bread, and I've got to feed five thousand people!!! Yet I know that the Lord will meet my every need.
Matthew: 16 "They don't have to leave," answered Jesus. "You yourselves give them something to eat!" 17 "All we have here are five loaves and two fish," they replied. 18 "Then bring them here to me," Jesus said. 19 He ordered the people to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks to God. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 Everyone ate and had enough. Then the disciples took up twelve baskets full of what was left over. 21 The number of men who ate was about five thousand, not counting the women and children.
I am working around the clock and have been for a while and will do so each remaining day as well until I am graduated! Pray for me, please. I have never been so challenged in my life. I feel like I've got two fish and five loaves of bread, and I've got to feed five thousand people!!! Yet I know that the Lord will meet my every need.
Matthew: 16 "They don't have to leave," answered Jesus. "You yourselves give them something to eat!" 17 "All we have here are five loaves and two fish," they replied. 18 "Then bring them here to me," Jesus said. 19 He ordered the people to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks to God. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 Everyone ate and had enough. Then the disciples took up twelve baskets full of what was left over. 21 The number of men who ate was about five thousand, not counting the women and children.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Our Parents, Our Heroes
I continue to read, A Table in the Presence, by Carey H. Cash. This passage from chapter two jumped out in contrast to popular culture and really moved me as well:
“If my father was the star of the family, my mother was without a doubt the quiet hero. She demonstrated a love for Dad that always made his absences bearable. In thirty years of naval service, his deployments added up to almost fourteen years. It would have been easy for her to grow bitter and to project a negative image in front of us impressionable kids. But she never did. She learned early on to take her hurts and worries to God in prayer.
And she prayed for us.
Each morning before heading out the door for school, I would tear off a calendar Scripture verse for the day, wad it up in my pocket, and whenever needed, pull it out and read it. Every year, before the first day of school, Mom would sit down for hours and write a little one sentence note under each day’s Scripture verse for the coming year. It was usually something simple, like “Praying for you today, son,” or “Don’t forget He’s right with you, wherever you go.”
My mother prayed for Dad, Kellye, and me every single day of our lives. It was not uncommon for me to find her awake before the sun came up, pouring out her heart and soul to heaven. I’m sure there were many nights when my mother’s heart broke in loneliness. But because of her love for Dad and her confidence that he was where God needed him to be, my life as a military son was full of peace, security, and pride.
For me, this amounted to an understanding of being called to something greater than myself. My father was called by God to serve his nation. My mother was called by God to raise Kellye and me, and to support Dad’s mission in life. There was no competition between the two callings. It was a seamless union of respect, love, and mutual support, making any sacrifice we experienced as children bearable and worthy of our best behavior. Our family life wasn’t always easy, but deep within my own heart, my parents were my heroes.”
Later...
After much trial and tribulation, the Israelites finally cross over into the Promised Land. They were able to cross the Jordan River which was flooded, because God, Himself, backed the river up and caused it to stop flowing until all had crossed.
Joshua 1:5: Joshua, no one will be able to defeat you as long as you live. I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will always be with you; I will never abandon you.
1:6
Be determined and confident, for you will be the leader of these people as they occupy this land which I promised their ancestors.
1:7
Just be determined, be confident; and make sure that you obey the whole Law that my servant Moses gave you. Do not neglect any part of it and you will succeed wherever you go.
1:8
Be sure that the book of the Law is always read in your worship. Study it day and night, and make sure that you obey everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
1:9
Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go."
Wow, over and over again, God commanded Joshua to be determined and confident! And I can see why. If God be for you, who dare be against you? (Like Paul says).
Joshua 4:13: In the presence of the Lord about forty thousand men ready for war crossed over to the plain near Jericho.
Joshua 10:8: The Lord said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them. I have already given you the victory. Not one of them will be able to stand against you."
Joshua 10:42: Joshua conquered all these kings and their territory in one campaign because the Lord, Israel's God, was fighting for Israel.
Amazing. Finally the Israelites make it into the Promised Land, only to have to fight their way through hoards of enemies (some of whom were giants!) to take possession of the land! But God was with them and fought for them... So the Israelites were completely victorious, and the Promised Land was theirs at last!
“If my father was the star of the family, my mother was without a doubt the quiet hero. She demonstrated a love for Dad that always made his absences bearable. In thirty years of naval service, his deployments added up to almost fourteen years. It would have been easy for her to grow bitter and to project a negative image in front of us impressionable kids. But she never did. She learned early on to take her hurts and worries to God in prayer.
And she prayed for us.
Each morning before heading out the door for school, I would tear off a calendar Scripture verse for the day, wad it up in my pocket, and whenever needed, pull it out and read it. Every year, before the first day of school, Mom would sit down for hours and write a little one sentence note under each day’s Scripture verse for the coming year. It was usually something simple, like “Praying for you today, son,” or “Don’t forget He’s right with you, wherever you go.”
My mother prayed for Dad, Kellye, and me every single day of our lives. It was not uncommon for me to find her awake before the sun came up, pouring out her heart and soul to heaven. I’m sure there were many nights when my mother’s heart broke in loneliness. But because of her love for Dad and her confidence that he was where God needed him to be, my life as a military son was full of peace, security, and pride.
For me, this amounted to an understanding of being called to something greater than myself. My father was called by God to serve his nation. My mother was called by God to raise Kellye and me, and to support Dad’s mission in life. There was no competition between the two callings. It was a seamless union of respect, love, and mutual support, making any sacrifice we experienced as children bearable and worthy of our best behavior. Our family life wasn’t always easy, but deep within my own heart, my parents were my heroes.”
Later...
After much trial and tribulation, the Israelites finally cross over into the Promised Land. They were able to cross the Jordan River which was flooded, because God, Himself, backed the river up and caused it to stop flowing until all had crossed.
Joshua 1:5: Joshua, no one will be able to defeat you as long as you live. I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will always be with you; I will never abandon you.
1:6
Be determined and confident, for you will be the leader of these people as they occupy this land which I promised their ancestors.
1:7
Just be determined, be confident; and make sure that you obey the whole Law that my servant Moses gave you. Do not neglect any part of it and you will succeed wherever you go.
1:8
Be sure that the book of the Law is always read in your worship. Study it day and night, and make sure that you obey everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
1:9
Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go."
Wow, over and over again, God commanded Joshua to be determined and confident! And I can see why. If God be for you, who dare be against you? (Like Paul says).
Joshua 4:13: In the presence of the Lord about forty thousand men ready for war crossed over to the plain near Jericho.
Joshua 10:8: The Lord said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them. I have already given you the victory. Not one of them will be able to stand against you."
Joshua 10:42: Joshua conquered all these kings and their territory in one campaign because the Lord, Israel's God, was fighting for Israel.
Amazing. Finally the Israelites make it into the Promised Land, only to have to fight their way through hoards of enemies (some of whom were giants!) to take possession of the land! But God was with them and fought for them... So the Israelites were completely victorious, and the Promised Land was theirs at last!
Saturday, September 30, 2006
When the Road is Steep, Remember
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Here is an inspiring quote:
Have great hopes and dare to go all out for them. Have great dreams and dare to live them. -- Norman Vincent Peale
Fear and indolence have no place in the kind of life that God wants us to lead. Trusting God without waivering and giving Him our best in all things that we do prepares us to fulfill the destiny that He gave to each and every one of us.
Later...
A man is as big as the things that make him angry. -- Winston Churchill
Interesting. A good topic for discussion, especially considering the times we live in, the terrorists (and others) who try to harm us, and the attitudes of popular culture.
Time to get some sleep! :)
Here is an inspiring quote:
Have great hopes and dare to go all out for them. Have great dreams and dare to live them. -- Norman Vincent Peale
Fear and indolence have no place in the kind of life that God wants us to lead. Trusting God without waivering and giving Him our best in all things that we do prepares us to fulfill the destiny that He gave to each and every one of us.
Later...
A man is as big as the things that make him angry. -- Winston Churchill
Interesting. A good topic for discussion, especially considering the times we live in, the terrorists (and others) who try to harm us, and the attitudes of popular culture.
Time to get some sleep! :)
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Cornelius and Dream Cars
1 There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, who was a captain in the Roman army regiment called "The Italian Regiment." 2 He was a religious man; he and his whole family worshiped God. He also did much to help the Jewish poor people and was constantly praying to God. 3 It was about three o'clock one afternoon when he had a vision, in which he clearly saw an angel of God come in and say to him, "Cornelius!" 4 He stared at the angel in fear and said, "What is it, sir?" The angel answered, "God is pleased with your prayers and works of charity, and is ready to answer you. 5 And now send some men to Joppa for a certain man whose full name is Simon Peter. 6 He is a guest in the home of a tanner of leather named Simon, who lives by the sea." 7 Then the angel went away, and Cornelius called two of his house servants and a soldier, a religious man who was one of his personal attendants. 8 He told them what had happened and sent them off to Joppa...
24... [Peter] arrived in Caesarea, where Cornelius was waiting for him, together with relatives and close friends that he had invited... 27... where he found many people gathered... 33... Now we are all here in the presence of God, waiting to hear anything that the Lord has instructed you to say." 34 Peter began to speak: "I now realize that it is true that God treats everyone on the same basis. 35 Those who fear Him and do what is right are acceptable to Him, no matter what race they belong to. 36 You know the message He sent to the people of Israel, proclaiming the Good News of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know of the great event that took place throughout the land of Israel, beginning in Galilee after John preached his message of baptism. 38 You know about Jesus of Nazareth and how God poured out on Him the Holy Spirit and power. He went everywhere, doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, for God was with Him. 39 We are witnesses of everything that He did in the land of Israel and in Jerusalem. Then they put Him to death by nailing Him to a cross. 40 But God raised Him from death three days later and caused Him to appear, 41 not to everyone, but only to the witnesses that God had already chosen, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from death. 42 And He commanded us to preach the gospel to the people and to testify that He is the one whom God has appointed judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets spoke about Him, saying that all who believe in Him will have their sins forgiven through the power of His Name."
44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who were listening to his message. 45 The Jewish believers who had come from Joppa with Peter were amazed that God had poured out his gift of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speaking in strange tongues and praising God's greatness. Peter spoke up: 47 "These people have received the Holy Spirit, just as we also did. Can anyone, then, stop them from being baptized with water?" 48 So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay with them for a few days.
Wow, that was amazing! And it's amazing to me too that Cornelius, a Roman, who probably grew up in the Roman culture which didn't know God, not only knew Him, but knew Him at a profound level. He was always talking to God and ever mindful of our being in His presence constantly. It makes one think twice about how one should behave, remembering that we are always before God and live out our lives on a stage -- as Paul puts it, we are surrounded by a large crowd of witnesses. I want to be like Cornelius, ever mindful of the Lord. It's so easy to get sidetracked in this world and take our focus off of Him. But that leads to a lesser relationship with God, and a lesser life as well. Cornelius is awesome. I must get back to living like that!
Dream Cars. If God wills it, someday I shall have these two cars. :D
Lamborghini Countach
Pontiac Trans Am
The new music is a sample from the song The Ring Goes South provided by soundtrack.net. The photographs are from ultimateperformancecar.com and memimag.cardomain.net, respectively. :)
24... [Peter] arrived in Caesarea, where Cornelius was waiting for him, together with relatives and close friends that he had invited... 27... where he found many people gathered... 33... Now we are all here in the presence of God, waiting to hear anything that the Lord has instructed you to say." 34 Peter began to speak: "I now realize that it is true that God treats everyone on the same basis. 35 Those who fear Him and do what is right are acceptable to Him, no matter what race they belong to. 36 You know the message He sent to the people of Israel, proclaiming the Good News of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know of the great event that took place throughout the land of Israel, beginning in Galilee after John preached his message of baptism. 38 You know about Jesus of Nazareth and how God poured out on Him the Holy Spirit and power. He went everywhere, doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, for God was with Him. 39 We are witnesses of everything that He did in the land of Israel and in Jerusalem. Then they put Him to death by nailing Him to a cross. 40 But God raised Him from death three days later and caused Him to appear, 41 not to everyone, but only to the witnesses that God had already chosen, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from death. 42 And He commanded us to preach the gospel to the people and to testify that He is the one whom God has appointed judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets spoke about Him, saying that all who believe in Him will have their sins forgiven through the power of His Name."
44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who were listening to his message. 45 The Jewish believers who had come from Joppa with Peter were amazed that God had poured out his gift of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speaking in strange tongues and praising God's greatness. Peter spoke up: 47 "These people have received the Holy Spirit, just as we also did. Can anyone, then, stop them from being baptized with water?" 48 So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay with them for a few days.
Wow, that was amazing! And it's amazing to me too that Cornelius, a Roman, who probably grew up in the Roman culture which didn't know God, not only knew Him, but knew Him at a profound level. He was always talking to God and ever mindful of our being in His presence constantly. It makes one think twice about how one should behave, remembering that we are always before God and live out our lives on a stage -- as Paul puts it, we are surrounded by a large crowd of witnesses. I want to be like Cornelius, ever mindful of the Lord. It's so easy to get sidetracked in this world and take our focus off of Him. But that leads to a lesser relationship with God, and a lesser life as well. Cornelius is awesome. I must get back to living like that!
Dream Cars. If God wills it, someday I shall have these two cars. :D
Lamborghini Countach
Pontiac Trans Am
The new music is a sample from the song The Ring Goes South provided by soundtrack.net. The photographs are from ultimateperformancecar.com and memimag.cardomain.net, respectively. :)
Monday, July 31, 2006
A Table in the Presence
I have finished reading The Hobbit. And yes, it did contain more timely parallels with my own life. Amazing. God must have had me read that book at this time in my life for some reason. I sure have benefitted from it! To celebrate, my blog is now playing a sample of Hobbit music! ^_^
Psalms 23:1-6 1 A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
Now I am reading another book: A Table in the Presence by chaplain Carey Cash. According to the summary on bamm.com, it is "The Dramatic Account of How A U.S. Marine Battalion Experienced God's Presence Amidst the Chaos of the War in Iraq". It should be an awesome book to read. There are accounts of soldiers who should have been killed by rocket-propelled grenades (RPG's) who saw them swerve away from them at the last second, or watched them crash through the windshield of their Humvee and explode outward only, but not into the passenger compartment, as if the explosion had been shielded somehow, and occurrences like bullet holes in the front and back of a helmet, but the soldier had no head-wound whatsoever! Miraculous protection indeed! I can think of only one being who could be the source of that kind of protection! (God, of course)! :D
I hope to add more to this post later. So busy! :P!
Psalms 23:1-6 1 A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
Now I am reading another book: A Table in the Presence by chaplain Carey Cash. According to the summary on bamm.com, it is "The Dramatic Account of How A U.S. Marine Battalion Experienced God's Presence Amidst the Chaos of the War in Iraq". It should be an awesome book to read. There are accounts of soldiers who should have been killed by rocket-propelled grenades (RPG's) who saw them swerve away from them at the last second, or watched them crash through the windshield of their Humvee and explode outward only, but not into the passenger compartment, as if the explosion had been shielded somehow, and occurrences like bullet holes in the front and back of a helmet, but the soldier had no head-wound whatsoever! Miraculous protection indeed! I can think of only one being who could be the source of that kind of protection! (God, of course)! :D
I hope to add more to this post later. So busy! :P!
Friday, June 30, 2006
Approaching The Lonely Mountain / Confrontation with Smaug
Well, this Hobbit is tired and longs for a vacation in The Shire, but alas, I am still far from home. Sure enough, my life is mirroring The Hobbit again! I've been thinking about Smaug and how to be rid of him and successfully complete my quest. When, just like in the book, someone else has killed him for me. Amazing!
So what does all this allegory mean? What has been happening this spring and summer? In short, I was supposed to have already graduated by now. However, we had based our methods on the work of a scientist whose formulas turned out to be wrong!!! So much of my work had to be discarded, because it was based on that person’s faulty formulas which rendered my work useless. I had to start back at square one all over again (almost). Ack! Fortunately, my school recognized my dilemma and gave me extra time to graduate.
However, these last few months of extra time have been absolutely hair-raising! Everything that could possibly go wrong has. The extra time was evaporating, and I seemed no closer to finishing. It was Mirkwood, all over again! It felt like God wasn’t there anymore to help me at times. A series of disastrous events continued to plague my research. How was I ever going to graduate now? I wondered.
I emerged from Mirkwood and began the journey to The Lonely Mountain, and having faced Smaug, I prepared myself for the final showdown with him. Just when things looked darkest, out of the blue came -- relief! I was given another set of time which I sorely needed. Smaug was killed, but not by my hands! And I’m sure I have God to thank for it! Praise be to God! :D
De 7:9 -
Remember that the Lord your God is the only God and that he is faithful. He will keep his covenant and show his constant love to a thousand generations of those who love him and obey his commands,...
De 32:4 -
"The Lord is your mighty defender, perfect and just in all his ways; Your God is faithful and true; he does what is right and fair.
Ps 89:8 -
Lord God Almighty, none is as mighty as you; in all things you are faithful, O Lord.
Because this spring and summer have been like a journey through The Hobbit, I hope that doesn't mean that this fall semester will be like The Lord of the Rings trilogy! :P! *prays* Lol.
I love that song Into the West at the end of the LOTR trilogy. This remix is by Yulia. Here are the lyrics. Enjoy!
Into The West
Lay down,
your sweet and weary head.
Night is falling.
You have come to journey’s end.
Sleep now,and dream
of the ones who came before.
They are calling,
from across the distant shore.
Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see.
All of your fears will pass away.
Safe in my arms,
you’re only sleeping.
What can you see,
on the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea,
a pale moon rises.
The ships have come,
to carry you home.
And all will turn,
to silver glass.
A light on the water.
All souls pass.
Hope fades,
Into the world of night.
Through shadows falling,
Out of memory and time.
Don’t say,
We have come now to the end.
White shores are calling.
You and I will meet again.
And you’ll be here in my arms,
Just sleeping.
What can you see,
on the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea,
a pale moon rises.
The ships have come,
to carry you home.
And all will turn,
to silver glass.
A light on the water.
Grey ships pass
Into the West.
So what does all this allegory mean? What has been happening this spring and summer? In short, I was supposed to have already graduated by now. However, we had based our methods on the work of a scientist whose formulas turned out to be wrong!!! So much of my work had to be discarded, because it was based on that person’s faulty formulas which rendered my work useless. I had to start back at square one all over again (almost). Ack! Fortunately, my school recognized my dilemma and gave me extra time to graduate.
However, these last few months of extra time have been absolutely hair-raising! Everything that could possibly go wrong has. The extra time was evaporating, and I seemed no closer to finishing. It was Mirkwood, all over again! It felt like God wasn’t there anymore to help me at times. A series of disastrous events continued to plague my research. How was I ever going to graduate now? I wondered.
I emerged from Mirkwood and began the journey to The Lonely Mountain, and having faced Smaug, I prepared myself for the final showdown with him. Just when things looked darkest, out of the blue came -- relief! I was given another set of time which I sorely needed. Smaug was killed, but not by my hands! And I’m sure I have God to thank for it! Praise be to God! :D
De 7:9 -
Remember that the Lord your God is the only God and that he is faithful. He will keep his covenant and show his constant love to a thousand generations of those who love him and obey his commands,...
De 32:4 -
"The Lord is your mighty defender, perfect and just in all his ways; Your God is faithful and true; he does what is right and fair.
Ps 89:8 -
Lord God Almighty, none is as mighty as you; in all things you are faithful, O Lord.
Because this spring and summer have been like a journey through The Hobbit, I hope that doesn't mean that this fall semester will be like The Lord of the Rings trilogy! :P! *prays* Lol.
I love that song Into the West at the end of the LOTR trilogy. This remix is by Yulia. Here are the lyrics. Enjoy!
Into The West
Lay down,
your sweet and weary head.
Night is falling.
You have come to journey’s end.
Sleep now,and dream
of the ones who came before.
They are calling,
from across the distant shore.
Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see.
All of your fears will pass away.
Safe in my arms,
you’re only sleeping.
What can you see,
on the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea,
a pale moon rises.
The ships have come,
to carry you home.
And all will turn,
to silver glass.
A light on the water.
All souls pass.
Hope fades,
Into the world of night.
Through shadows falling,
Out of memory and time.
Don’t say,
We have come now to the end.
White shores are calling.
You and I will meet again.
And you’ll be here in my arms,
Just sleeping.
What can you see,
on the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea,
a pale moon rises.
The ships have come,
to carry you home.
And all will turn,
to silver glass.
A light on the water.
Grey ships pass
Into the West.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Education for a Hobbit
Some things I must learn while I’m in Mirkwood, en route to the Lonely Mountain:
1. When God tells you to do something, do it! Do it immediately too! Otherwise you risk getting off track with God’s plan for you (which causes problems), and you open the door for the enemy to come and attack you (which causes more problems). God loves you and wants the best for you. You can avoid a lot of trouble by obeying God, no matter how hard it is to obey at times.
2. Don’t let the enemy get you down (via circumstances, negative thoughts, etc.) this really puts a damper on your existence and leads to a life of mediocrity.
3. “Let go and let God.” When rotten things happen or things get tough, pray immediately, taking each crummy thing to God in prayer. Then you won’t waste a lot of time worrying about them -- you’ve given them to God.
4. Quit trying to do things in your own power (I always do this -- Warning: leads to Mega Stress), let Him deal with the difficulties beyond your control (because He will). Do your best, and rely on Him to take care of the rest!
[Voice of Yoda] Faith you must have! Hmmmm. Yes.
Give me faith Lord, for You are the author and finisher of my faith!
5. Do your work as unto The Lord.
6. [Ahem] And for Heaven’s sake stay blessable! (Trust God and obey Him)!
Alright, and now for a comforting thought:
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him." I Corinthians 2:9
Quote for the Month (because it probably will be another month before I can post again. :P! ):
“The price of greatness is responsibility.” -- Winston Churchill
1. When God tells you to do something, do it! Do it immediately too! Otherwise you risk getting off track with God’s plan for you (which causes problems), and you open the door for the enemy to come and attack you (which causes more problems). God loves you and wants the best for you. You can avoid a lot of trouble by obeying God, no matter how hard it is to obey at times.
2. Don’t let the enemy get you down (via circumstances, negative thoughts, etc.) this really puts a damper on your existence and leads to a life of mediocrity.
3. “Let go and let God.” When rotten things happen or things get tough, pray immediately, taking each crummy thing to God in prayer. Then you won’t waste a lot of time worrying about them -- you’ve given them to God.
4. Quit trying to do things in your own power (I always do this -- Warning: leads to Mega Stress), let Him deal with the difficulties beyond your control (because He will). Do your best, and rely on Him to take care of the rest!
[Voice of Yoda] Faith you must have! Hmmmm. Yes.
Give me faith Lord, for You are the author and finisher of my faith!
5. Do your work as unto The Lord.
6. [Ahem] And for Heaven’s sake stay blessable! (Trust God and obey Him)!
Alright, and now for a comforting thought:
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him." I Corinthians 2:9
Quote for the Month (because it probably will be another month before I can post again. :P! ):
“The price of greatness is responsibility.” -- Winston Churchill
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Press On Toward the Prize!
Psalm 116: 1 I love the Lord, because he hears me; he listens to my prayers. 2 He listens to me every time I call to him. 3 The danger of death was all around me; the horrors of the grave closed in on me; I was filled with fear and anxiety. 4 Then I called to the Lord, "I beg you, Lord, save me!" 5 The Lord is merciful and good; our God is compassionate. 6 The Lord protects the helpless; when I was in danger, he saved me. 7 Be confident, my heart, because the Lord has been good to me. 8 The Lord saved me from death; he stopped my tears and kept me from defeat. 9 And so I walk in the presence of the Lord in the world of the living.
10 I kept on believing, even when I said, "I am completely crushed," 11 even when I was afraid and said, "No one can be trusted." 12 What can I offer the Lord for all his goodness to me? 13 I will bring a wine offering to the Lord, to thank him for saving me. 14 In the assembly of all his people I will give him what I have promised. 15 How painful it is to the Lord when one of his people dies! 16 I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did. You have saved me from death. 17 I will give you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and offer my prayer to you. 18 In the assembly of all your people, in the sanctuary of your Temple in Jerusalem, I will give you what I have promised. Praise the Lord!
I’ve been reading The Hobbit a little bit everyday, and I am amazed at how much it is mirroring my life at this point. I feel like Bilbo on an impossible-seeming quest with the dwarves. We have journeyed through most of dark, stuffy Mirkwood for what feels like an eternity, and it appears that the woods go on forever. Spirits are low, and our food and water has run out. The only source of food we see disappears along with the torch and firelight every time we try to join the banquet. We have become scattered in total darkness in the hostile wood and are completely separated from one another with no hope of ever finding our way out. Faint with hunger and about to perish, I lie down for the night one last time. And awake in the morning to find a great spider trying to eat me for breakfast...
I speak allegorically of course. I have never been through such trying times as these in all my life, not for this long a period. Of this season there seems no end. I am quite miserable, and I long for my far-distant, cozy Hobbit-hole with its pantries bursting with plenty. But I will not complain, nor will I question God. I know You will help me and protect me. I will trust You! I would, of course, prefer not to go through such a time, but Lord, my life belongs to You. Father, mold and shape me into the person You want me to become. See that I accomplish all that You sent me to do. Be well pleased with me! Amen.
10 I kept on believing, even when I said, "I am completely crushed," 11 even when I was afraid and said, "No one can be trusted." 12 What can I offer the Lord for all his goodness to me? 13 I will bring a wine offering to the Lord, to thank him for saving me. 14 In the assembly of all his people I will give him what I have promised. 15 How painful it is to the Lord when one of his people dies! 16 I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did. You have saved me from death. 17 I will give you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and offer my prayer to you. 18 In the assembly of all your people, in the sanctuary of your Temple in Jerusalem, I will give you what I have promised. Praise the Lord!
I’ve been reading The Hobbit a little bit everyday, and I am amazed at how much it is mirroring my life at this point. I feel like Bilbo on an impossible-seeming quest with the dwarves. We have journeyed through most of dark, stuffy Mirkwood for what feels like an eternity, and it appears that the woods go on forever. Spirits are low, and our food and water has run out. The only source of food we see disappears along with the torch and firelight every time we try to join the banquet. We have become scattered in total darkness in the hostile wood and are completely separated from one another with no hope of ever finding our way out. Faint with hunger and about to perish, I lie down for the night one last time. And awake in the morning to find a great spider trying to eat me for breakfast...
I speak allegorically of course. I have never been through such trying times as these in all my life, not for this long a period. Of this season there seems no end. I am quite miserable, and I long for my far-distant, cozy Hobbit-hole with its pantries bursting with plenty. But I will not complain, nor will I question God. I know You will help me and protect me. I will trust You! I would, of course, prefer not to go through such a time, but Lord, my life belongs to You. Father, mold and shape me into the person You want me to become. See that I accomplish all that You sent me to do. Be well pleased with me! Amen.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Psalm 73, Shadow, and a Walk
Psalm 73
1 God is indeed good to Israel, to those who have pure hearts. 2 But I had nearly lost confidence; my faith was almost gone 3 because I was jealous of the proud when I saw that things go well for the wicked. 4 They do not suffer pain; they are strong and healthy. 5 They do not suffer as other people do; they do not have the troubles that others have. 6 And so they wear pride like a necklace and violence like a robe; 7 their hearts pour out evil, and their minds are busy with wicked schemes. 8 They laugh at other people and speak of evil things; they are proud and make plans to oppress others. 9 They speak evil of God in heaven and give arrogant orders to everyone on earth, 10 so that even God's people turn to them and eagerly believe whatever they say.
11 They say, "God will not know; the Most High will not find out." 12 That is what the wicked are like. They have plenty and are always getting more. 13 Is it for nothing, then, that I have kept myself pure and have not committed sin? 14 O God, you have made me suffer all day long; every morning you have punished me.
15 If I had said such things, I would not be acting as one of your people. 16 I tried to think this problem through, but it was too difficult for me 17 until I went into your Temple. Then I understood what will happen to the wicked. 18 You will put them in slippery places and make them fall to destruction! 19 They are instantly destroyed; they go down to a horrible end. 20 They are like a dream that goes away in the morning; when you rouse yourself, O Lord, they disappear.
21 When my thoughts were bitter and my feelings were hurt, 22 I was as stupid as an animal; I did not understand you. 23 Yet I always stay close to you, and you hold me by the hand. 24 You guide me with your instruction and at the end you will receive me with honor. 25 What else do I have in heaven but you? Since I have you, what else could I want on earth? 26 My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; he is all I ever need. 27 Those who abandon you will certainly perish; you will destroy those who are unfaithful to you. 28 But as for me, how wonderful to be near God, to find protection with the Sovereign Lord and to proclaim all that he has done!
Five days ago we lost a dear, black, short-haired cat with golden eyes who had adopted us as his caretakers. When first we saw him, on his collar we found the name “Shadow”. Shadow showed up at our house starving. My mom would feed him outside everyday. His owners basically disowned him, and even took his collar off. So sad. He ate and lived outside our house for years and kind of became our outside cat.
As it turns out his true owners had gotten a new, bigger cat. They didn’t keep up with Shadow (who lived outside their house, at the time, with the new cat), nor did they take care of him or make sure that he was getting enough to eat with the new cat around. That’s why he showed up at our place starving. Pet owners who neglect their animals really burn me up!!!
This past winter, we took Shadow inside because he was sick with asthma. But we found out later that he also had a growth inside his lungs. He passed away supposedly from the tumor rupturing. We miss him horribly. It hurts when we think about him or don’t see him outside where he would normally be. He would always come to greet us whenever we came home or whenever we went outside. Shadow was such a good, sweet cat, and now he is with the Lord.
Tonight, I was walking outside to take a break and to get some exercise, when I saw again, as I often do, the constellation of the lion directly overhead with its lovely stars, seaming to walk along with me wherever I tread. As I walked and thought about the events in my life and the challenges I face, I am reminded that The Lion is ever with me wherever I go and in whatever I do. He is with me even during the times when it feels like He isn’t there at all. He will never leave us nor forsake us. Praise be unto The Living God!
1 God is indeed good to Israel, to those who have pure hearts. 2 But I had nearly lost confidence; my faith was almost gone 3 because I was jealous of the proud when I saw that things go well for the wicked. 4 They do not suffer pain; they are strong and healthy. 5 They do not suffer as other people do; they do not have the troubles that others have. 6 And so they wear pride like a necklace and violence like a robe; 7 their hearts pour out evil, and their minds are busy with wicked schemes. 8 They laugh at other people and speak of evil things; they are proud and make plans to oppress others. 9 They speak evil of God in heaven and give arrogant orders to everyone on earth, 10 so that even God's people turn to them and eagerly believe whatever they say.
11 They say, "God will not know; the Most High will not find out." 12 That is what the wicked are like. They have plenty and are always getting more. 13 Is it for nothing, then, that I have kept myself pure and have not committed sin? 14 O God, you have made me suffer all day long; every morning you have punished me.
15 If I had said such things, I would not be acting as one of your people. 16 I tried to think this problem through, but it was too difficult for me 17 until I went into your Temple. Then I understood what will happen to the wicked. 18 You will put them in slippery places and make them fall to destruction! 19 They are instantly destroyed; they go down to a horrible end. 20 They are like a dream that goes away in the morning; when you rouse yourself, O Lord, they disappear.
21 When my thoughts were bitter and my feelings were hurt, 22 I was as stupid as an animal; I did not understand you. 23 Yet I always stay close to you, and you hold me by the hand. 24 You guide me with your instruction and at the end you will receive me with honor. 25 What else do I have in heaven but you? Since I have you, what else could I want on earth? 26 My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; he is all I ever need. 27 Those who abandon you will certainly perish; you will destroy those who are unfaithful to you. 28 But as for me, how wonderful to be near God, to find protection with the Sovereign Lord and to proclaim all that he has done!
Five days ago we lost a dear, black, short-haired cat with golden eyes who had adopted us as his caretakers. When first we saw him, on his collar we found the name “Shadow”. Shadow showed up at our house starving. My mom would feed him outside everyday. His owners basically disowned him, and even took his collar off. So sad. He ate and lived outside our house for years and kind of became our outside cat.
As it turns out his true owners had gotten a new, bigger cat. They didn’t keep up with Shadow (who lived outside their house, at the time, with the new cat), nor did they take care of him or make sure that he was getting enough to eat with the new cat around. That’s why he showed up at our place starving. Pet owners who neglect their animals really burn me up!!!
This past winter, we took Shadow inside because he was sick with asthma. But we found out later that he also had a growth inside his lungs. He passed away supposedly from the tumor rupturing. We miss him horribly. It hurts when we think about him or don’t see him outside where he would normally be. He would always come to greet us whenever we came home or whenever we went outside. Shadow was such a good, sweet cat, and now he is with the Lord.
Tonight, I was walking outside to take a break and to get some exercise, when I saw again, as I often do, the constellation of the lion directly overhead with its lovely stars, seaming to walk along with me wherever I tread. As I walked and thought about the events in my life and the challenges I face, I am reminded that The Lion is ever with me wherever I go and in whatever I do. He is with me even during the times when it feels like He isn’t there at all. He will never leave us nor forsake us. Praise be unto The Living God!
Saturday, March 04, 2006
HI!
Hey everyone! How are you all doing? I hope y'all are doing great! I am incredibly busy right now with school. So this post has to be short! Elaienar suggested that I use mini posts at times like this so I don't "disappear" from the blogosphere for a while. It's a good idea. Thanks Elai! ^_^ I'll add to this post more as time permits...
Aslan
P.S. Truffle - I haven't forgotten your tag! :)
Aslan
P.S. Truffle - I haven't forgotten your tag! :)
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Tagged Again! and More From Isaiah...
Life presents manifold challenges to us each day. One can deal with them by avoiding said challenges or minimizing their contact with them. The trouble is, one does not do much living by executing evasive maneuvers. Life is too short for that. We were made to live, and Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly! So we must push through the obstacles and endure and handle each one as God would have us to. But God also reassures us that He is with us, protecting us along the way:
From Isaiah 43:1-7
1 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior...And I have loved you...Fear not, for I am with you...7 Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him."
I have been tagged by Elaienar this time!
Four Jobs You Have Had:
Dairy Clerk
Cashier
Computer Lab Monitor
Gym Monitor
Four Movies You Could Watch Over and Over:
Star Wars IV: A New Hope
Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back
The Fellowship of the Ring
The Two Towers
Four Books You Could Read Over and Over:
Only Four? Well, here are some-
The Hobbit
The Fellowship of the Ring
The Two Towers
The Return of the King
Han Solo’s Revenge
Han Solo and the Lost Legacy
Han Solo at Stars End
The Magician’s Nephew
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Horse and His Boy
Prince Caspian
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The Silver Chair
The Last Battle
Four Places You Have Lived:
Japan
Various places in the United States
Four TV Shows You Watch:
Most anything on the History Channel (Except their shows about the Bible, which aren’t very reliable)
Special Report with Brit Hume (Fox News Channel)
C-Span Channels (I like to watch our politicians to see what they’re doing and to take note of which ones are laying the baloney on awfully thick. :P!)
My Word with John Gibson (Fox News Channel)
Four Places You Have Been On Vacation:
Disneyland
Disneyworld
Mount Rushmore (I’m glad that didn’t have the word Disney in it too, lol)
Hilton Head Island, SC
Four Websites You Visit Daily:
My blog - to talk to y'all when you drop by! ;)
Three or more other blogs as time allows - so I can talk to y'all on your blogs! :D
Four Favorite Foods:
Pizza
Schwarzwaldkuchen
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Shrimp, and there are many others... hahaha!
Four Places You'd Like To Be Right Now (well, five):
The United States -- Home sweet home.
Japan -- love the language and of course home of some wonderful Anime! ^_^
Germany -- love their food (!!!) and their language!
Israel -- I'd like to walk where Jesus walked and see the places He went!!!
In Heaven! :D But that will have to wait...
This post is bigger than I thought it would be, and I was going to post a large Anime section here too! So I shall post the Anime next time. :)
From Isaiah 43:1-7
1 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior...And I have loved you...Fear not, for I am with you...7 Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him."
I have been tagged by Elaienar this time!
Four Jobs You Have Had:
Dairy Clerk
Cashier
Computer Lab Monitor
Gym Monitor
Four Movies You Could Watch Over and Over:
Star Wars IV: A New Hope
Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back
The Fellowship of the Ring
The Two Towers
Four Books You Could Read Over and Over:
Only Four? Well, here are some-
The Hobbit
The Fellowship of the Ring
The Two Towers
The Return of the King
Han Solo’s Revenge
Han Solo and the Lost Legacy
Han Solo at Stars End
The Magician’s Nephew
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Horse and His Boy
Prince Caspian
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The Silver Chair
The Last Battle
Four Places You Have Lived:
Japan
Various places in the United States
Four TV Shows You Watch:
Most anything on the History Channel (Except their shows about the Bible, which aren’t very reliable)
Special Report with Brit Hume (Fox News Channel)
C-Span Channels (I like to watch our politicians to see what they’re doing and to take note of which ones are laying the baloney on awfully thick. :P!)
My Word with John Gibson (Fox News Channel)
Four Places You Have Been On Vacation:
Disneyland
Disneyworld
Mount Rushmore (I’m glad that didn’t have the word Disney in it too, lol)
Hilton Head Island, SC
Four Websites You Visit Daily:
My blog - to talk to y'all when you drop by! ;)
Three or more other blogs as time allows - so I can talk to y'all on your blogs! :D
Four Favorite Foods:
Pizza
Schwarzwaldkuchen
Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Shrimp, and there are many others... hahaha!
Four Places You'd Like To Be Right Now (well, five):
The United States -- Home sweet home.
Japan -- love the language and of course home of some wonderful Anime! ^_^
Germany -- love their food (!!!) and their language!
Israel -- I'd like to walk where Jesus walked and see the places He went!!!
In Heaven! :D But that will have to wait...
This post is bigger than I thought it would be, and I was going to post a large Anime section here too! So I shall post the Anime next time. :)
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Splash and Isaiah 41
I thought I would profile one of my cats for you. His internet name is Splashmeister (Splash for short). He is so dubbed because he loves to play with water. Splash always makes such a mess that we had to buy a heavy-weighted, dog dish for him to drink out of since he often turns the water bowls over (big mess, oh man). Splash is a large cat. I like to joke that he is part puppy (one quarter puppy). He really isn’t, of course, but he is so loyal, frisky, and he follows you around. When you’re inside a room doing something, he will come and sit by the door, waiting for you to come out again. Splash is a bit like Lassie the dog too. He will try to get your attention with meows, and when you look at him to see what he wants, he leads you to his cat-food dishes, because he loves to be petted by you, especially when he eats! ^_^
Splash also sits at the table using a chair like a human does. It’s so funny to see his little face gazing across the table at everyone. He looks like a little person sitting there – haha, a little furry child! :D He uses his paws like hands to lift dry, cat food up to his mouth to eat! But we don’t let him eat at the table with us. ;) He sometimes drinks the same way, bringing up water in his paw to his mouth. This is the cat that will “talk” with you that I posted about last time. He’s the closest thing I’ve ever seen to a Narnian talking beast! Lol.
Splash could also be called “the investigator” as he routinely and slowly sniffs out and examines every square inch of a room, as if he were memorizing every detail with great precision. After his examination is complete, he will then rest and make himself comfortable in the room. At this point, he’s not above playing tug-of-war with you with sheets and towels! :) Splash would also make a good outfielder. When you throw a piece of dry, cat food up into the air, he stands on his hind legs and catches it in midair between his two, front paws! Then he eats it. He does the same thing with flies that come into the house. They’re about the same size as dry, cat food, ehhehehe. He catches them between his paws when they’re flying around. And, ugh, he eats them too! Pooh!
Heehee. I love Splash! He’s such a cool cat.
When life gets tough and your courage is waning, do not forget the awesome promises of our Lord God. :D! Here are some good verses to read and meditate upon:
From Isaiah 41:10-13:
God said, 10 "Do not be afraid—I am with you! I am your God—let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you. 11 Those who are angry with you will know the shame of defeat. Those who fight against you will die 12 and will disappear from the earth. 13 I am the Lord your God; I strengthen you and tell you, Do not be afraid; I will help you."
This is very interesting! Check it out!
Later...
I have been tagged by Aly! Five subjects that I'm studying:
1. General Chemistry - this is fun!
2. Physical Chemistry - very interesting!
3. Quantum Mechanics - really tough, and it has some issues with weak evidence like the theory of evolution has. QM just doesn't do a great job explaining/predicting many things with good answers. Even a broken clock is right twice a day, and Einstein didn't like parts of QM either. I'm in Einstein's Camp! :)
4. Statistical Thermodynamics - I'm sure this will be interesting later, lol.
5. Vibrational Analysis/Spectroscopy - this is fun too!
Please pray for me. This stuff is pretty tough. :P! I have a mountain of work to do -- so much to learn and understand...
Splash also sits at the table using a chair like a human does. It’s so funny to see his little face gazing across the table at everyone. He looks like a little person sitting there – haha, a little furry child! :D He uses his paws like hands to lift dry, cat food up to his mouth to eat! But we don’t let him eat at the table with us. ;) He sometimes drinks the same way, bringing up water in his paw to his mouth. This is the cat that will “talk” with you that I posted about last time. He’s the closest thing I’ve ever seen to a Narnian talking beast! Lol.
Splash could also be called “the investigator” as he routinely and slowly sniffs out and examines every square inch of a room, as if he were memorizing every detail with great precision. After his examination is complete, he will then rest and make himself comfortable in the room. At this point, he’s not above playing tug-of-war with you with sheets and towels! :) Splash would also make a good outfielder. When you throw a piece of dry, cat food up into the air, he stands on his hind legs and catches it in midair between his two, front paws! Then he eats it. He does the same thing with flies that come into the house. They’re about the same size as dry, cat food, ehhehehe. He catches them between his paws when they’re flying around. And, ugh, he eats them too! Pooh!
Heehee. I love Splash! He’s such a cool cat.
When life gets tough and your courage is waning, do not forget the awesome promises of our Lord God. :D! Here are some good verses to read and meditate upon:
From Isaiah 41:10-13:
God said, 10 "Do not be afraid—I am with you! I am your God—let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you. 11 Those who are angry with you will know the shame of defeat. Those who fight against you will die 12 and will disappear from the earth. 13 I am the Lord your God; I strengthen you and tell you, Do not be afraid; I will help you."
Later...
I have been tagged by Aly! Five subjects that I'm studying:
1. General Chemistry - this is fun!
2. Physical Chemistry - very interesting!
3. Quantum Mechanics - really tough, and it has some issues with weak evidence like the theory of evolution has. QM just doesn't do a great job explaining/predicting many things with good answers. Even a broken clock is right twice a day, and Einstein didn't like parts of QM either. I'm in Einstein's Camp! :)
4. Statistical Thermodynamics - I'm sure this will be interesting later, lol.
5. Vibrational Analysis/Spectroscopy - this is fun too!
Please pray for me. This stuff is pretty tough. :P! I have a mountain of work to do -- so much to learn and understand...
Friday, January 06, 2006
Musical Surprise, CSL, and Mark Ch. 8
My dad was working on the computer and playing music in the background from the PC when all of a sudden this lady starts singing to him in Japanese! Hahahaha! That was so funny. *snicker* Somehow, one of the songs that I had marked as a favorite ended up in his “music library” on the computer, lol. He said he was very surprised. (And of course he requested that I try to keep my music separate from his). Heehee.
I am playing the song for you now on my blog. It’s called Itsumo Nando Demo, and it is from the movie Spirited Away. You can hear that the lady is a professional, classically-trained artist, and the harp playing is simply divine! Isn’t the song gorgeous?
K. Remember that bank that tried to take advantage of me a few months back? Well, I wrote them a letter, and prayed that they would do the right thing -- and they did! They refunded my money. Praise God! I was so upset at the time. Lesson learned: Once I’ve done all I can with something, I should give it to God and let go of it, trusting Him to handle it however He will. “Letting go and letting God”, as some say.
Walter Hooper writes this, regarding C. S. Lewis: “But having done all in his power to solve them (CSL’s worries), he left the matter to God and got on with his work and pleasures.” C. S. Lewis is such an example to us all, and (as I continue to read about him, which I just started to do in earnest about a week ago) I’m finding, not just from his writings, but also in the way he lived his life! (Of course, Jesus is our perfect example to follow).
Jesus says “Duh!” to his disciples. Lol. From Mark chapter Eight:
17 Jesus knew what they were saying, so He asked them, "Why are you discussing about not having any bread? Don't you know or understand yet? Are your minds so dull? 18 You have eyes—can't you see? You have ears—can't you hear? Don't you remember 19 when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand people? How many baskets full of leftover pieces did you take up?"
"Twelve," they answered. 20 "And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand people," asked Jesus, "how many baskets full of leftover pieces did you take up?"
"Seven," they answered. 21 "And you still don't understand?" He asked them.
Whenever they were short on food, God always made what they had stretch, and it was always more than enough! Will He not also do the same for us, not only with our nourishment, but also in every other area of our lives as well? God is sufficient!
From the Hebrew, one of God’s names is El Shaddai, or All Sufficient One!!! :D!
LATER...
I have been tagged by Blondie and Peach! Let’s see, five weird habits that I have.
1. I’m very frugal and always mindful of wasting energy and money. I always go around the house turning off appliances that aren't being used and extra lights that we don’t need on. Trouble is, if you overdo this, you sometimes bump into things in the dark, or accidentally step on your cats... LOL. Poor dears.
2. I’m such a night owl. My bedtime can be as late as 4:00 AM! And I actually hear tales about some people getting up at 6:00 AM or earlier to start their day! *gasp* How do these people get up at such an ungodly hour? (>_<)
3. When it’s time to say goodbye to friends, I feel like an Ent. We take forever when saying our goodbyes. Probably because none of us really wants to leave the other’s company! ^_^
4. I took one of those Quizilla-type quizzes to determine how weird I was. Well, if you can believe such tests, I scored “super normal”. Compared to me, most everyone else is a weirdo! Hahahaha! Lol. But come to think about it, since so very few people actually scored “super normal”, maybe we’re the ones who are weird… Heehee.
5. I talk to my cats a lot! And one of my cats actually talks back to me a lot! I say things to him, and then he responds with various meows and trills, looking so intently into my eyes as we “talk”. I haven’t the foggiest as to what he’s trying to communicate, and I doubt that he understands everything I’m saying. The longest “conversation” I’ve ever had with him was about ten minutes! :D
I am playing the song for you now on my blog. It’s called Itsumo Nando Demo, and it is from the movie Spirited Away. You can hear that the lady is a professional, classically-trained artist, and the harp playing is simply divine! Isn’t the song gorgeous?
K. Remember that bank that tried to take advantage of me a few months back? Well, I wrote them a letter, and prayed that they would do the right thing -- and they did! They refunded my money. Praise God! I was so upset at the time. Lesson learned: Once I’ve done all I can with something, I should give it to God and let go of it, trusting Him to handle it however He will. “Letting go and letting God”, as some say.
Walter Hooper writes this, regarding C. S. Lewis: “But having done all in his power to solve them (CSL’s worries), he left the matter to God and got on with his work and pleasures.” C. S. Lewis is such an example to us all, and (as I continue to read about him, which I just started to do in earnest about a week ago) I’m finding, not just from his writings, but also in the way he lived his life! (Of course, Jesus is our perfect example to follow).
Jesus says “Duh!” to his disciples. Lol. From Mark chapter Eight:
17 Jesus knew what they were saying, so He asked them, "Why are you discussing about not having any bread? Don't you know or understand yet? Are your minds so dull? 18 You have eyes—can't you see? You have ears—can't you hear? Don't you remember 19 when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand people? How many baskets full of leftover pieces did you take up?"
"Twelve," they answered. 20 "And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand people," asked Jesus, "how many baskets full of leftover pieces did you take up?"
"Seven," they answered. 21 "And you still don't understand?" He asked them.
Whenever they were short on food, God always made what they had stretch, and it was always more than enough! Will He not also do the same for us, not only with our nourishment, but also in every other area of our lives as well? God is sufficient!
From the Hebrew, one of God’s names is El Shaddai, or All Sufficient One!!! :D!
LATER...
I have been tagged by Blondie and Peach! Let’s see, five weird habits that I have.
1. I’m very frugal and always mindful of wasting energy and money. I always go around the house turning off appliances that aren't being used and extra lights that we don’t need on. Trouble is, if you overdo this, you sometimes bump into things in the dark, or accidentally step on your cats... LOL. Poor dears.
2. I’m such a night owl. My bedtime can be as late as 4:00 AM! And I actually hear tales about some people getting up at 6:00 AM or earlier to start their day! *gasp* How do these people get up at such an ungodly hour? (>_<)
3. When it’s time to say goodbye to friends, I feel like an Ent. We take forever when saying our goodbyes. Probably because none of us really wants to leave the other’s company! ^_^
4. I took one of those Quizilla-type quizzes to determine how weird I was. Well, if you can believe such tests, I scored “super normal”. Compared to me, most everyone else is a weirdo! Hahahaha! Lol. But come to think about it, since so very few people actually scored “super normal”, maybe we’re the ones who are weird… Heehee.
5. I talk to my cats a lot! And one of my cats actually talks back to me a lot! I say things to him, and then he responds with various meows and trills, looking so intently into my eyes as we “talk”. I haven’t the foggiest as to what he’s trying to communicate, and I doubt that he understands everything I’m saying. The longest “conversation” I’ve ever had with him was about ten minutes! :D
Sunday, December 18, 2005
The Christian's Armor
The music you are listening to is composed by Bill Brown. This particular selection comes from the Lineage 2 computer game. I was hoping he would have used celtic instruments all the way through, but I still like it muchly!!! :D
OK. The Christian’s armor. Here is the text (Ephesians 6:10-18) and the two giant pics from Lineage 2 to go along with it (Check them out at the very bottom of my blog!):
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...
The top picture (of the two at the bottom) is an image in my mind of how I feel after I’ve prayed and am ready to start the day, having put on the full armor of God. I feel determined, dedicated, sanctified, and strong, able to more than stand against the challenges that will present themselves that day. The trouble is, sometimes I’m in a hurry and forget to put on the whole armor, which always makes for a rocky day! How important it is to begin and end each day in prayer and to stay focused on the Lord and His promises. He will surely deliver us, and He alone is faithful.
In the second pic you can see that he has again forgotten to wear the helmet of salvation, but this, I believe, was so that the artist could capture the moment with the wind blowing through his hair, lol. And check out that sword! And ... OK, now I’m getting off subject, but I really like this pic too -- this is what I feel like after a long, hard, but successful day!
Please tell me what you think of these pictures and what, in your mind, is happening in each! (I got this idea from Trufflehunter -- Thanks Truffle! :) )
Also, please feel free to comment about The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe movie if you’ve seen it! :D And stay tuned for some more stories about my cats...
There’s only a week until Christmas!!!
~*~*~*~ Merry Christmas everyone!!! ~*~*~*~
(Notice I didn’t say Happy Holidays. :P! )
OK. The Christian’s armor. Here is the text (Ephesians 6:10-18) and the two giant pics from Lineage 2 to go along with it (Check them out at the very bottom of my blog!):
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit...
The top picture (of the two at the bottom) is an image in my mind of how I feel after I’ve prayed and am ready to start the day, having put on the full armor of God. I feel determined, dedicated, sanctified, and strong, able to more than stand against the challenges that will present themselves that day. The trouble is, sometimes I’m in a hurry and forget to put on the whole armor, which always makes for a rocky day! How important it is to begin and end each day in prayer and to stay focused on the Lord and His promises. He will surely deliver us, and He alone is faithful.
In the second pic you can see that he has again forgotten to wear the helmet of salvation, but this, I believe, was so that the artist could capture the moment with the wind blowing through his hair, lol. And check out that sword! And ... OK, now I’m getting off subject, but I really like this pic too -- this is what I feel like after a long, hard, but successful day!
Please tell me what you think of these pictures and what, in your mind, is happening in each! (I got this idea from Trufflehunter -- Thanks Truffle! :) )
Also, please feel free to comment about The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe movie if you’ve seen it! :D And stay tuned for some more stories about my cats...
There’s only a week until Christmas!!!
~*~*~*~ Merry Christmas everyone!!! ~*~*~*~
(Notice I didn’t say Happy Holidays. :P! )