ChasmanianDevil

Glad I was there

2011-06-13T15:34:00.001-07:00

While we were on vacation, Dad was out cleaning the pool one day. Mashelle, mom and I were all out there enjoying the only non rainy day we had while we were visiting. When we heard a noise and we all turned to see dad laying on the ground on his belly.

Mashelle was the first one there, followed by mom, I was sitting in a lawn chair and when I went to get up my hand slipped on the arm of the chair and I fell back and busted clean through the chair, I must have looked like a turtle trapped on his back.

Dad was fine, he had stepped on the edge of the pool and had slipped and fell, he knocked his breath out of himself, and had a few scratches on his hands and knees. When I got over there he was sitting up and saying what took you so long to get here and making jokes. I bent down and told him to put his arms around my neck as I placed my hands under his arms and picked him up to his feet.

I think back on that now and remember all the times growing up my dad was there to pick me up, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I am glad I was there for him when he needed me, and I thank him for always being there for me.

Love you Dad

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T07:08:00.001-07:00

Permit.

2011-04-16T22:53:00.000-07:00

I took Joe driving today. He is so funny, he pulls out of the drive way, goes up the street approx. 50 feet and pulls over. I ask what are you doing and he smiles and rolls up his sleeves on his jacket and says OK now I am ready.

The smile on his face was priceless, we only went to the store and back approx 2 miles each way, but he did very well. I can tell they play a lot of video games, because they tend to be very tunnel visioned. They forget that they may have vehicles behind them or even approaching from the sides.

At one point when we were approaching the store he slows down turns on his signal and as he turned into the lot he accelerated into the lot and ran the stop sign at the end of the entrance, I am so glad no one uses that street for an exit.

New car to us..

2011-04-14T06:44:00.000-07:00

The Suburban was starting to fall apart. I installed a rebuilt engine 3 years ago and it runs fine but the transmission is slipping, exhaust leaks, engine light comes on and then there is the 6 miles per gallon, which really tells me somethings wrong, should be at least 10.

This is similar to Sher and Mikes, we were looking at the Honda Pilots when Sher posted about there car. We kept looking around and then I remembered that the Acura MDX was the same car, and there were more of them around here. Just in case you didn't know Honda makes the Acura. We love this little car it performs so well and is so comfortable.

Shelle is very happy, especially having heated seats that work again. We kept the Suburban since they would only give about $1000 trade in.

Photo Challenge

2011-04-03T11:19:00.001-07:00

The photo challenge list I had was quite boring, some of the list items were intriging while others were just plain dull. I still think I will try and take pictures and post them just may not be everyday and no set pattern as to what I will post.

30 Day Photo Challenge 8

2011-04-01T21:31:00.000-07:00

A friend ('Special' or not)

Deffinitely special. This is my friend Kellion, he has been incarcerated for the last 10 years. He gets out this November, and I am so looking forward to seeing him again.

30 Day Photo Challenge 7

2011-03-31T19:20:00.000-07:00

Something twisted

The mail boxes may not be twisted in the manner of being tangled, but this is the most twisted repair I have ever seen. Whom ever caused the damage to the mailboxes, see prior post, must have seen me taking pictures of the broken posts. This is how we found the posts repaired today.

30 Day Photo Challenge 6

2011-03-31T07:19:00.000-07:00

Somebody you see every day.

I see this weird looking guy every day. Each day he looks the same as the day before, maybe in need of a shave or hair a little messed up, but when you look at past views of this individual you start to notice things like, glasses, grey hair, wrinkles, and a use of prescription drugs not self medicating drugs.

30 Day Photo Challenge 5

2011-03-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

An item you use every day

OK, so its more than 1 item in the picture. I wish I could say its my Bible, but that would be a lie. I know better than to say I will start reading Bible verses everyday because I would fail. Story of my life.

30 Day Photo Challenge 4

2011-03-29T22:19:00.000-07:00

Someone or something that makes you smile.

Joe hates to have his picture taken, so when he falls asleep playing games on his computer its fair game. I believe if he sees these photos he will get very angry and throw a fit. He makes me smile though.

PRIDE--acronym

2011-03-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

I love acronyms, if they are done right then they help place a proper perspective on the meaning of a word.

* P: Pray – We need to remember to pray, without ceasing. An attitude of prayer and thanksgiving will go a long way in our fight against pride. It is very difficult to fall into the trap when we are lifting our praise and thanks heavenward.

* R: Repent – If we end up in the trap (which as humans, we will occasionally do), the best choice we can make is to repent and seek God’s forgiveness immediately. By repenting and regaining our thankful attitude we can step out of the pride-trap and re-enter God’s peace.

* I: Invite – Invite God everywhere – to a baseball game, to the store, to work. God loves his children more than we can love our own. He is our greatest coach and cheerleader. With Him next to us we are less likely to fall into the temptation of toying with pride and its treacherous trap.

* D: Determine – Determine that you will, with God’s power, keep your focus on Him. We must make a daily decision to bow to Him alone, and no one or nothing else of this world. When we put people and things on a pedestal, we set ourselves up for pain and disappointment. With God as our focus we can rest assured that He has our best interest in mind – always.

* E: Enjoy – Enjoy God. Enjoy your children. Enjoy life. Enjoy today. After all, they are all gifts from our Creator. Joy is a gift from God. With our heart focused on Christ first and foremost, we are free to enjoy the world and all creation, especially our families.

30 Day Photo Challenge 3

2011-03-28T08:29:00.001-07:00

Day 03 - Something frustrating

Not long ago went out front in the morning and found mail boxes like this.

Myself and a former neighbor built this mailbox stand and installed it in 2001, we spent time on it and were very pleased with the result.

You can see the snapped boards and the broken concrete, if it weren't for the lamp post the whole thing would fall over.

In the background you can see a truck with a construction rack on the bed. He is newer to the neighborhood and he sometimes tows a large trailer behind his truck, I feel he accidentally backed into the mailboxes with his trailer. But alas I can not prove anything.

30 Day Photo Challenge 2

2011-03-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

Day 02 - A photograph of yourself

30 Day Photo Challenge 1

2011-03-26T09:07:00.000-07:00

Day 01 - Any random thing/person

I took both. This chest contains the ashes of a friend of mine. We are currently keeping them in our house since her daughter is living in a trailer and has no where to keep them safe. The "Groucho" glasses were hers from back in the mid 1950's, she wore them alot for fun.

Miss you Lucille, you still make me laugh when I think of you and your silly laugh and love of life.

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-03-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, lets see if I can do this. Looks like it could be fun. Shell started one and it looks like a challenge to try and fins somethings and be unique about it.

Day 01 - Any random thing/person
Day 02 - A photograph of yourself
Day 03 - Something frustrating
Day 04 - Somebody or thing that makes you smile
Day 05 - An item you use every day
Day 06 - Somebody you see every day
Day 07 - Something twisted
Day 08 - A friend ('Special' or not)
Day 09 - Another person in the house
Day 10 - Somebody or thing you love
Day 11 - The room you're currently in
Day 12 - Somebody or thing you hate
Day 13 - Your favorite Books
Day 14 - Something you've made
Day 15 - Unique shadow
Day 16 - Yourself and a family member
Day 17 - A memory/souvenir of a past holiday
Day 18 - Something near you
Day 19 - Your favorite DVD
Day 20 - Something relating to your hobbies
Day 21 - Reminds you of somewhere
Day 22 - Someone you don't know
Day 23 - Something blue
Day 24 - Some shadows
Day 25 - An item that says something about you
Day 26 - An animal
Day 27 - Something you've bought/received recently
Day 28 - You as a child
Day 29 - Someone you've known for a long time
Day 30 - Something yellow

Tear off those pants

2011-03-25T07:34:00.000-07:00

Last evening Joe was in the laundry room, when he felt something crawling on his leg. He hates spiders, his first thought was a spider was in his pants, he started slapping his pants leg and the crawling feeling kept moving up and down his leg. In his panic and fear he started banging his leg against the dryer and washer trying to stop this "spider".

He then started removing his pants as fast as he could, after removing them he through them on the floor and a "MOUSE" ran out his pants leg, ran into the wall and disappeared into the garage.

He later told me dad sorry for saying it this way but "That scared the $#1T out of me"
I think when I slammed my leg against the dryer I hit his head or something since he ran into the wall a couple times before getting away, the little bastard.

I want it now!!

2011-03-25T06:01:00.000-07:00

My mom wrote this as a comment. To a previous blog post.

"Why does he not come down and sit on my bed and give me answers and take care of problems?"

Well I think he does just as you said, He comes down sits on our bed, gives us answers and takes care of our problems. We just want it done now.

He holds us, tells us to trust him, to cast our cares upon him, We throw our problems in the trash and leave them, but before the trash can be dumped we run out dig through the trash and find OUR stuff, because they belongs to us.

Its like that certain pair of pants and shirt, its not pretty, you wouldn't be caught in public in them, but you will wear them everywhere else because they feel familiar.

Court Appearance

2011-03-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

Today Josh had his court appearance. His parole officer did not show up, but he was there on a conference call. The prosecution presented there case about Josh and his facebook account. The prosecution kept asking the parole officer questions about the charges and he had no answers as to what his real concerns were. Josh had an account under his name back before November, at that time his parole officer told Josh he could not have the account,so Mashelle changed the account password and Josh had no access to the account. But since his name was on it he was guilty of having an account.

We were able to prove the charges were unsubstantiated and all charges were dropped and Josh was given immediate release. The judge then went on to inform Josh that this was not against him but that if he ever was before him again for any type of violation then Josh would be sent immediately to prison for a minimum of 10 years to life.

So pray deeply for Josh to find work asap, this will help him in many ways.

Josh

2011-03-10T06:37:00.000-08:00

Well about 6 months ago Josh had an appearance before a judge for his evaluation since being released. He had good report but the (parole officer) wanted Josh to have another eval in 6 months, to which the judge said "No, it wont be needed, the only reason for Mr McLemore to be here before his next evaluation will be if he is in violation."

Yesterday morning Josh was arrested on trumped up charges. His parole officer went online found Mashelles facebook account, found Josh as a friend. Went looking through his friends and found pictures of his friends and relatives children and grandchildren. He decided that Josh has had 3rd party incidental contact with minors and has been arrested and charged with violation.

When we his parents heard that he was going to be charged, Mashelle called his parole officer the day before Josh was arrested and explained to the parole officer that the account was managed by her, that Josh did not have the password, there were no minors as friends and that it allowed us to communicate with some of his friends for him. To which the parole officer said "It is in his name, it is his account, maybe you will learn something from this yourself".

Josh needs some prayer, we hope that the Judge will throw this out as beyond stupid. Josh has been donating plasma as a source of income, not much but he did receive around 40-50 dollars a week and it did help offset expenses. Now that he has been incarcerated again, once he gets out he will have to wait a minimum of 6 months to a year before he can donate again.

Latest photo

2011-03-08T19:31:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken at our churches Valentine's Day jazz concert. We had a nice evening live jazz band and a dessert bar.

I know the moustache looks weird but I couldn't convince Shelle to shave. She is at that age now and has decided to not be embarrassed about her facial hair. LOL

Burma Shave

2011-01-31T15:39:00.000-08:00

Dad always walked around quoting these, so I thought it would be fun to post this list.

For those who never saw any of the Burma Shave signs, here is a quick lesson in our history of the 1930's and '40's. Before there were interstates, when everyone drove the old 2 lane roads, Burma Shave signs would be posted all over the countryside in farmers' fields.
They were small red signs with white letters. Five signs, about 100 feet apart, each containing 1 line of a 4 line couplet......and the obligatory 5th sign advertising Burma Shave, a popular shaving cream.
Here are more of the actual signs:

DON'T STICK YOUR ELBOW
OUT SO FAR
IT MAY GO HOME
IN ANOTHER CAR.
BURMA SHAVE

TRAINS DON'T WANDER
ALL OVER THE MAP
'CAUSE NOBODY SITS
IN THE ENGINEER'S LAP
Burma Shave

SHE KISSED THE HAIRBRUSH
BY MISTAKE
SHE THOUGHT IT WAS
HER HUSBAND JAKE
Burma Shave

DON'T LOSE YOUR HEAD
TO GAIN A MINUTE
YOU NEED YOUR HEAD
YOUR BRAINS ARE IN IT
Burma Shave

DROVE TOO LONG
DRIVER SNOOZING
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT
IS NOT AMUSING
Burma Shave

BROTHER SPEEDER
LET'S REHEARSE
ALL TOGETHER
GOOD MORNING, NURSE
Burma Shave

CAUTIOUS RIDER
TO HER RECKLESS DEAR
LET'S HAVE LESS BULL
AND A LITTLE MORE STEER
Burma Shave

SPEED WAS HIGH
WEATHER WAS NOT
TIRES WERE THIN
X MARKS THE SPOT
Burma Shave

THE MIDNIGHT RIDE
OF PAUL FOR BEER
LED TO A WARMER
HEMISPHERE
Burma Shave

AROUND THE CURVE
LICKETY-SPLIT
BEAUTIFUL CAR
WASN'T IT?
Burma Shave

NO MATTER THE PRICE
NO MATTER HOW NEW
THE BEST SAFETY DEVICE
IN THE CAR IS YOU
Burma Shave

A GUY WHO DRIVES
A CAR WIDE OPEN
I S NOT THINKIN'
HE'S JUST HOPIN'
Burma Shave

AT INTERSECTIONS
LOOK EACH WAY
A HARP SOUNDS NICE
BUT IT'S HARD TO PLAY
Burma Shave

BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL
EYES ON THE ROAD
THAT'S THE SKILLFUL
DRIVER'S CODE
Burma Shave

THE ONE WHO DRIVES
WHEN HE'S BEEN DRINKING
DEPENDS ON YOU
TO DO HIS THINKING
Burma Shave

CAR IN DITCH
DRIVER IN TREE
THE MOON WAS FULL
AND SO WAS HE.
Burma Shave

PASSING SCHOOL ZONE
TAKE IT SLOW
LET OUR LITTLE
SHAVERS GROW
Burma Shave

A GUY, A MISS
A CAR, A CURVE
HE KISSED THE MISS
AND MISSED THE CURVE
Burma Shave
Do these bring back any old memories?

Steve Harvey Introduces Jesus

2010-12-19T23:14:00.000-08:00

My boys loved this silly song of dads

2010-12-11T06:26:00.000-08:00

Away out in the forest
There lived a mean old man
His name was Mr. Johnny Rebeck
And he could surely plan
All the neighbors' cats and dogs
Were always at his feet
So he invented a machine
That turned them all to meat

Oh Mr. Johnny Rebeck,
How could you be so mean
We told you you'd be sorry
For inventing that machine
All the neighbors' cats and dogs
Will never more be seen
They've all been ground to sausages
In Johnny Rebeck's machine

One day a boy came walking,
He walked into the store
He bought a pack of sausages
And placed them on the floor
Then he began to whistle,
He whistled up a tune
And all the little sausages,
They danced around the room

Oh Mr. Johnny Rebeck,
How could you be so mean
We told you you'd be sorry
For inventing that machine
All the neighbors' cats and dogs
Will never more be seen
They've all been ground to sausages
In Johnny Rebeck's machine

One day the darn thing busted,
The darn thing wouldn't go
So Johnny Rebeck climbed inside
To see what made it so
His wife she had a nightmare
While walking in her sleep
She gave the crank a great big yank
And Johnny Rebeck was meat

Oh Mr. Johnny Rebeck,
How could you be so mean
We told you you'd be sorry
For inventing that machine
All the neighbors' cats and dogs
Will never more be seen
They've all been ground to sausages
In Johnny Rebeck's machine

200 pounds and losing.

2010-11-25T13:03:00.000-08:00

I haven't been this weight in almost 20 years,

look I have collar bones,

I am starting to see the V-shape coming back to my torso.

Turkey Day

2010-11-25T11:36:00.000-08:00

25 years ago Shelle and I were celebrating our first Thanksgiving together. We spent that first Thanksgiving at my Aunt Nells house.

That was a day full of all kinds of drama. I believe Mashelle and Jim spent the day outside talking and avoiding the drama. Well family got to love them.

Joshua's 1 year evaluation

2010-08-02T18:02:00.000-07:00

Well today was Joshua's 1 year evaluation on his treatment program. When we arrived at the courthouse we couldn't find his name anywhere, or the name of his sentencing judge, we asked an officer and he informed us that Joshua's judge had retired. That was a blessing, the former judge was known as a hanging judge.

We called Joshua's attorney who was already on the way to to court house and he informed us of our new judge, so we met there. Members of our support group "Hearts of Hope" showed up for Joshua's eval to let him know and to show the courts that Josh had support. His probation officer, or CCO (Community Corrections Officer) as they are known in Washington State was there, he has been Josh's CCO for only 2-3 months, and made it clear to Josh he wanted him to fail. He told Josh he was a lazy, ungrateful, freeloader, and that by having his parents pay for his housing and treatment that he was robbing from them and his brothers.

He has never spoken to me or Shelle concerning anything and frankly it is none of his business how we spend our money. When we arrived we presented Josh's attorney 2 letters that his CCO had not seen yet, one was from his house manager claiming that Josh was a pleasure to have in her housing and that he obeyed by all the rules and that if an assistant manager position were to open up he would be available to take the position. The other letter was from a man who is the district manager of one of the largest ice supply companys in the area, he wrote that Josh was a man he had recently interviewed for a position with his company and when a position comes available he would be highly considered for a position. This made his CCO upset because it took the wind out of his case.

When they stood before the judge you would think they were on our side, all they could say was, Josh has been following his treatment program, has passed all his polygraph tests, has passed all his drug and alcohol tests, but (here is their only negative) he does not have a job and is relying on his parents. Joshua's attorney then presented the 2 letters and a list of 20 different places Josh has applied at in the last 2 months. The judge said, " I know the economy is tough and jobs are hard to find, as long as he is in compliance with his counseling I really don't care who is paying, I would like to see him find employment and show he is taking more responsibility." His CCO then wanted to have another eval in 3 months then another at 6 months, to which the judge said "That is not the way we do things in this County, but if Joshua violates you can submit for an earlier eval."

The only thing now is pray that God would direct Josh to the job he needs.

Saturday Night Special

2010-07-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

Well on the way home Saturday evening, I was taking a turn on my bike and hit a little gravel on the road. I felt the bike kick out and then I felt it drop to the side. As soon as my peg on the left side of bike hit the ground it kicked my foot up, I was up on the right side of bike almost sitting on it. I knew to let go of bike and get away, you never want to hang on when they go down, because an 800 pound metal machine can grind you really bad. I remember rolling once and the next thing I knew I was standing beside my bike in the ditch.

The bike slide on its side appox 35-40 feet before it hit the ditch and flipped onto the other side. My saddle bag on the left side took all the left side damage, when it flipped over in the ditch the brake control on right grip bent, allowing the throttle to stick, the pipes were bent into the frame a little, front fender scratched, and tank scratched. All in all not that bad, I loosened the throttle grip to see why it was sticking, and that is when I found the slight bend in handle bars I moved the grip and the throttle works fine.

As for me, well lets say Gods hand was on me completely. I was wearing my leather jacket, gloves, and full face helmet, with jeans and boots. There is not a mark on any of my clothes at all, I have a small scratch on my left knee, slightly twisted left ankle and a sore right thigh. No marks on helmet or jacket. I would love to see this from a spiritual view, how many angels were holding that bike, was I actually on the ground or flying through the air, how did I end up going 35-40 feet and end up on my feet standing beside my bike.

I could have been hurt or even killed, but God has a call on me for something. By the way I rode the bike home, and can't wait to get out and ride some more.

SHMILY

2010-07-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

(See How Much I Love You)

Happy Anniversary baby. I love you so much, and can't wait for another 25, going to be more exciting than the first. When we got married we knew nothing about each other. Now 25 years later I am still learning things about you and excited about each new discovery.

Come and grow old with me, the best is yet to be.

Hearts Desire---Selfish Wants

2010-07-24T17:35:00.000-07:00

Delight yourself in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. ~ Psalm 37:4,5

The other day I was thinking hard about this passage. I was thinking that what is happening in my life is not my hearts desire. I mean haven't I gone to church and served God, haven't I raised my children to know who God is, I feel as if I have been doing the right things for the most part.

The more I thought about it I realized that my motives were selfish, I was doing just enough to get by, not truly committing myself fully to God. I wasn't trusting him, or delighting myself in him.

I asked God to forgive me and help me to get things right with him, and he answered me with some interesting insights about this passage.

He said to me "I (God) will give you the desires of your heart" I said yes I understand. He said "I am not finished do not interrupt me". now listen. I will give you the desires of your heart. That means any desire you have that is for personal things is not from me. Your desire is from your brain. You want Josh to be free from his situation and to grow up, get a job, find a good woman get married and have a family. So you can be a Grandparent. Selfish reasoning.

The desire I give you is from your heart. That know matter what Happens to Josh or Nic or Joe that they ultimately serve the Lord with all they have inside them and that one day they stand before me and hear "Well done, enter in, great is you reward".

That is God giving you a desire in your heart. That is what it means when God says he WILL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART they are his desires placed in you. They are not of yourself, for we think with a human mind, and selfish wishes.

Bathroom

2010-06-03T22:50:00.000-07:00

So I walked into a bathroom the other day and there were four stalls. The last one was missing a door. Someone had hung signs on them that read "1 John" "2 John" "3 John" and "Revelation"

The Gastronomical Beans

2010-05-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

Gastronomical Bean

Once upon a time there lived a man who had a maddening passion for baked beans. He loved them, but always they had a very embarrassing and somewhat lively effect on him. Then one day he met a girl and fell in love. When it was apparent that he would marry, he thought to himself "she is such a sweet and gentle girl, she will never go for this kind of going on", so he made a supreme sacrifice and gave up beans. They were married shortly thereafter.

Some months later his car broke down on the way home from work, and since they lived in the country, he called his wife and told her he would be late because he had to walk. On his way, he passed a small cafe and the odor of freshly baked beans was overwhelming. Since he still had several miles to go, he figured he would walk off any effects before he reached home. So he stopped at the cafe. Before leaving he had eaten three large orders of baked beans.

All the way home, he put-putted and after arriving, felt reasonably sure he had put-putted his last. His wife seemed somewhat agitated and excited to see him and exclaimed delightedly "darling I have the most wonderful surprise for dinner for you tonight." She then blindfolded him and led him to his chair at the head of the table. He seated himself and just as she was ready to remove the blindfold the telephone rang. She made him vow not to touch the blindfold until she returned, then went to answer the telephone. Seizing his opportunity he shifted his weight on one leg and let go. It was not only loud, but ripe as rotten eggs. He took his napkin from his lap and vigorously fanned the air about him.

Things had just returned to normal when he felt another urge coming on so he shifted his weight to the other leg and let it go again. This was a real prize winner. While keeping his ear to the conversation going on in the hall, he went on like that for ten minutes until he knew the phone farewells meant the end of this freedom. He placed his napkin on his lap, folded his hands on top of it and smiling contentedly to himself, was the very picture of innocence when his wife returned, apologizing for taking so long.

She asked if he had peeked, and of course he assured her he had not. At this point she removed the blindfold and there was his surprise: twelve dinner guests seated around the table for a "Happy Birthday" for him.

Wayside Chapel

2010-04-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

An English lady, while visiting in Switzerland, was looking for a room and asked the schoolmaster if he could recommend any. He took her to see several rooms and when everything was settled, the lady returned home to make the preparations for her move. When she arrived home it occurred to her that she had seen no Water Closet (toilet) around the place. So she immediately wrote a note to the schoolmaster asking him if there was a "WC" and the only solution he could find for the letters was Wayside Chapel. The schoolmaster then wrote the following note to the English lady.

Dear Madam,

I take pleasure in informing you that a "WC" is situated nine miles miles from the house in the center of a beautiful grove of pine trees. It is capable of holding 229 people and it is open on Sundays and Thursdays only. As there are a great number of people expected during the summer months, I would suggest you come early, although there is plenty of standing room. This is an unfortunate situation, particularly if you are in the habit of going regularly. You will no doubt be glad to hear that a goodly number bring their lunch and make a day of it, while others who can afford to go by

car arrive just in time.

I would especially suggest that your ladyship go on Thursdays when there is an organ accompaniment. The acoustics are excellent and even the most delicate sounds are heard by all.

It may interest you to know that my daughter was married in the "WC" and it is there she met her husband. I can remember the rush there was for seats. There were ten people to a seat usually occupied by one, and it was a revelation to see the expressions on their faces! The newest attraction is a bell donated by one of the wealthy town residents. It rings whenever a person enters. A bazaar is to be held to provide plush seats for all since the people feel it is a long-felt need.

My wife is rather delicate, so she does not go regularly. It has been almost a year since she last went. Naturally it pains her very much not to attend more often. I shall be glad to reserve the best seat for you, if you wish, where you can be seen by all. For the children there is a special time and place, so they wont disturb their elders.
Hoping I have been of some service to you, I remain,
The Schoolmaster.

Ancestory

2010-03-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

Hey look I did some ancestry searches also and found out my great, great, great ...grandfather was also a biker.

Payback

2010-03-15T18:43:00.000-07:00

All growing up my mom would always have some sort of dessert in the house. It might have been "Strawberry cake, Chocolate cake, Cheese cake, Cookies" you get the picture. Well there were many time my Dad would go into the kitchen in the evening and slice a piece of something and pour a glass of milk, I would sneak in and take what ever he dished up and eat it and drink the milk myself. He never said a word, just went and served himself some more of what he wanted. We always laughed about it, it was our little game.

Well now I have three boys who are known to steal my milk, walk away with my desserts, or take my food. So I now say sorry Dad, I guess I am getting what I deserve, but I am getting it three fold, it brings lots of laughter because I have so many memories.

Love you Dad, can't wait to come for a visit so I can steal some more treats.

Busy month

2010-03-04T19:32:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a full month as in busy. Pulled my shoulder out three weeks ago was unable to exercise, then the Olympics watched that every night. On the plus side I didn't gain any weight over this time.

Then this last week our church had its anniversary, We changed our name to Overcomer Covenant and had an awesome celebratory conference. Lots of guest speakers from all over, they came from North Pole Alaska, Carrolton Texas, Spokane Washington and Missoula Montana. We also on Tuesday night had a concert, The Christian group (Bluetree) from Belfast Ireland performed.

The Wall

2010-01-27T13:11:00.000-08:00

I hit the wall. The first couple weeks went well then I hit the wall, weight loss has stopped I knew the wall always hits in second to third week, but thats ok once I get passed this wall my next wall is around 220 pounds, I know this because I spent years at 215-225. It will be worth it in the end. Currently I have lost 5 inches off my belly, measured around at the bellybutton level.

Business slow

2010-01-21T18:35:00.001-08:00

Been real slow at work. They already layed off one employee, and are starting to cut hours back. I do not like having my hours cut back. Makes having a budget really difficult.
Everything will be fine though. I know this because my God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, he looks after the sparrow, and the lilies in the field, so how much more will he look after me.

1 week

2010-01-12T07:56:00.000-08:00

Last week I stated I needed to get in shape. Well 1 week later just watching my diet a little, I am down to 245. I know at the beginning of any program you always start with water weight loss, but it is better than nothing to get going. Once I loose enough to show a difference I will post some starting and progress pictures.

Resolution

2010-01-05T11:58:00.001-08:00

I don't do resolutions, for New Years or any other time. I am always doomed to fail.

But after having to increase my uniform size at work, getting winded tying my shoes, and having no energy at all, I decided it was time to do something about all this.

I am 45 years old, 5 feet 7 inches tall, (yes Sher, measurement from Dr. office) and I weigh 252 pounds. What I would call a very unhealthy let alone repulsive situation.

Before I bought my Harley I was walking allot and eating properly, I was down to 200 pounds, I don't plan on not riding when I can, but I can eat better and I can start exercising. I will keep you posted on my progress. This is not a resolution because I am a person who has a history of failures, so I will call it a hope in progress... LOL

They dont make them like they used to.

2009-12-31T11:41:00.000-08:00

In 1986, Shelle and I had our first anniversary. We purchased a new microwave from Montgomery Ward. Spent the extra and bought the best they had, I think it was around $700 then. That microwave lasted 20 years.
Since it stopped working we have had 2 microwaves, both of them have lasted no more than 1 year each. Why don't they make anything any good anymore.
I feel old "you know back in my day" sounds like a mantra I thought I would never use. But alas it is so true.

Treasure Hunt

2009-12-25T08:57:00.001-08:00

The boys received an X-Box for Christmas, inside they found a note.

To start you on your adventure,as you can see,
the controlers not here, where can it be?
For your next clue go to the tree..
(they found the next clue inside an ornament)

Congratulations on finding the clue,
the next one you'll find is in Nic's.....
(always seems to be a shoe in the livingroom,)

Are there a few or will there be much,
the next clue you seek is in the China....
(Hutch contained next clue)

You think your smart, think you have power,
find your next clue where you take a .....
(shower..Shelle has a stocking hanging in there clue was inside)

Your probably tired and think this is a chore,
your next point of contact is on the front....
(on the front door there is an advertising magnet, we put the note under it, so funny they looked every where, Nic says look maybe we should call this advertiser for our clue, at least 5 minutes before they looked under the magnet, they felt so stupid, Shelle and I were laughing so hard)

How did we get by without 2 of these,
in the bottom you cool in the top you....
(we have an extra fridge in laundry room, a friend moved away and gave us hers so she wouldn't have to move it, WOOHOO!!!! beer fridge)

Keep on searching as long as your able,
the next clue you seek is under the kitchen....
(taped under the table)

He is the reason for the season, he's always watching and sees us,
the next clue is with baby....
(nativity set on piano)

So where is your treasure, where is the loot?
you'll find what your seeking inside of dads...
(controller and game in cowboy boots)

We started this treasure hunt last year and the boys love to go scavenger hunting, Hope you all have a great Christmas, love you all.

Bible in five Statements..can you?.. Challenge submitted

2009-12-24T21:42:00.000-08:00

"Summarise the Bible in five statements, the first one word long, the second two, the third three, the fourth four and the last five words long. Or possibly you could do this in descending order. Tag five people."

So, here goes...

Adam
And Eve
Ate the fruit
Jesus came and died
So we could live again

Merry Cristmas

2009-12-24T20:50:00.000-08:00

We Wish You a Merry♪♫•¨•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•¨•♫♪ Christmas♪♫•¨•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•¨•♫♪We Wish You a Merry ♪♫•¨•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•¨•♫♪Christmas ♥ ♥ ♥We Wish You A Merry ♪♫•¨•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•¨•♫♪Christmas ♪♫•¨•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•¨•♫♪...And A Happy New Year!♪♫•¨•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•¨•♫♪♫♫♫ ♥♥♥

I hope I can fix this

2009-12-24T06:39:00.000-08:00

Last week Nic knocked over my laptop. It landed on the plug on the side of the computer. The impact broke the input jack inside the laptop, not allowing it to receive power, so as soon as the battery wet dead no more laptop.

I decided to take it to Bestbuy, they don't actually do anything but install software programs, they do no internal repairs at all, I researched the repair and found out it is very common for the power jacks to break. I ordered a replacement jack on line, bought a soldering iron and proceeded to dismantle my laptop, I had nothing to lose it was currently a large paperweight.

I removed everything just to get to the circuit board. removed the broken power jack in pieces. I then installed the new one, and nothing worked. Oh well what to do? I decided to take it all apart again, cleaned and resoldered the connections and reassembled. plugged it in and what do you know it all works.

Happy Birthday Sis

2009-12-14T07:19:00.001-08:00

Rough Day

2009-12-04T10:27:00.000-08:00

It's a rough day, today. Feeling really defeated. Took Josh to his counselor last night. When we picked him up he told us that one of the guys in his group who has already graduated stopped by. Josh says he does this alot he comes in and stirs up problems.

Josh was not able to come home for Thanksgiving, so everyone says now its time to work on Christmas. This guy says Josh doesn't deserve Christmas because he hasn't proved himself with his assignments. This is none of his business, but for some reason the counselor agreed with him.

So Josh gets in the car last night crying because of the whole ordeal. He told the guy that his words were harmful and didn't make him feel good. The counselor says it was good for Josh to voice his feelings but now its time to work on Josh.

If he can do at least 2 assignments before Christmas they will consider letting him come home. I see my son hurting and I hurt so bad, there is nothing I can do and I feel helpless. I feel as if God is taunting me, I know God is in control, I am just so tired, and stressed, I don't know how to let go.

Nic and Joe want to see their brother so bad, the whole family is hurting and there is no one around to help......

I need someone to just hold me and tell me things are going to be fine, someone who will just love us. I know quit whining Charles and suck it up, things could be worse, he could be in prison.
It may sound cold but there are times I just wish Josh didn't exist, or that God would just take him home to be with him.

Tree or Deck?

2009-11-28T20:47:00.000-08:00

My sister recently posted about her experience on a cut up tree. I remembered my ordeal with trees and a deck.

When my parents bought their house in Anderson on Nordonna Ln.. There was a line of trees across the front fence of the property. In my memory they had to be 70 feet tall, of course I was only 7 or 8 years old, so they were probably 25 feet tall. I believe they were Birch trees. I used to climb to the top of the tree on one end of the fence and get the tree swinging back and forth, and jump from tree to tree, crossing all of them and then heading back. My mother caught me one time and told me to stay out of the trees.

Our neighbor who lived beside us just to the East had a real nice tree growing in their yard. I knew I could climb that one and get to a birds nest out on one of the limbs, my other neighbor Pam who was a couple years older was there with me as I set out to climb that tree.

I started up the tree made it up high enough I could see over the shed next to the tree that was in our yard. I kept going up higher and higher, finally I reached the branch with the nest. I took a
hold of a small limb and stretched out to grab the nest.

I can still the hear the sound of that small limb breaking off, I turned my face to the hand holding the branch and watched as it tore free of the tree and I started to fall in slow motion it felt like forever. Next thing I new I was in the neighbors yard and scrambling to get back into my yard because the neighbors also had a big German Shepherd named "King" I was scared to death of him, as I cleared the fence into our yard Pam looked at me with huge eyes and sayed your bleeding. I reached up and touched my head and brought down my hand covered in blood.

I knew I would be in trouble for being in the trees again, and mom would say I told you, you would get hurt....(Think Charles think what to do)... I went over to the front patio-deck all concrete with a wall around it. actually shook off some blood onto the deck and went next door to Pams house where my mom was visiting Pams mother. I told her I fell of the wall around the deck. She took one look at me and the next thing I knew I was on the way to the Doctors office.

2o years later I told mom the truth about that day. Do you know what she said?
"I told you to stay out of those trees". She actually chewed me out a little. I couldn't believe it.

Faith of a child.

2009-11-22T11:33:00.000-08:00

The Little Children and Jesus: Mark 10:13-16

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

I was trying to think of what "child like faith" actually is.

I thought of when my boys were young and I would pick them up and hold them up over my head, they would have a look of fear of the height, but in time they came to love being held up. Then as they got a little older I would throw them in the air and catch them, they would flail their arms and I would catch them. Later I would put them on my shoulders, then I would swing them around, step by step they learned I would never let them go. They would later come to me and lay on the floor in front of me begging to be swung around, thrown in the air or anything. Calling out again, again dad more. They knew I would never allow harm to them. They trusted me completely.

Our Heavenly Father will never let you go. He wants you to come before him fall before him put yourself in his hands and let him swing you around, throw you in the air and trust him. He wants you to trust him so much that you have absolutely no fear. God wants us to cry out more daddy more. Perfect Love casts out all fear.

Josh Update

2009-07-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

Well a year has gone by. I say hard to believe, Josh says its about time. I guess perceptions can be different.

Friday the 31st, Joshua is released around 6:00am. We will pick him up and spend the day I am sure letting him eat some real food for a change.

Mashelle has been working hard, talking to people all over the area about housing for him. She found a place in a different county, and after submitting the information the courts agreed that it would be OK, Praise The Lord. That means he won't be released as homeless.

The hard part is that being in a different county we will have to submit request for him to come visit, go to church with family, or anything that involves leaving his assigned county. But we as a family are (Prayer warriors and things are subject to change).

Keep Josh in your prayers, now the hard part starts, Trying to live in a society that doesn't care about you. He will need to find work and he will need strength, he will be on his own.

Boldly before the Throne

2009-07-14T23:09:00.000-07:00

When you walk into a Bank to withdraw money from your account you are full of confidence and boldness if you know you have money in that account.

Let's imagine you have 1,000 dollars in your account and you want to withdraw 500. You hand your signed check to the cashier and wait patiently as she fiddles about with pieces of paper and the computer keyboard making the necessary arrangements to get you your money. She occasionally takes a glance at you. You are not bothered. You have the money in the account and you know it. Her short delay in getting you the money does nothing to dampen your confidence and boldness.

Now imagine another situation where you only have 500 in your account. You are not quite sure of the exact amount. You desperately need 510. You walk into the Bank, hand the cashier your signed check for 510 and wait nervously in her presence. Each time she takes a glance at you makes you feel uneasy. The longer it takes for her to sort out the money the more nervous and uneasy you get. Boldness is the last word to describe your situation.

God wants us to come boldly into His presence. Our confidence and boldness should be based on His mercy and grace. Indeed His very presence is called the Throne of mercy and grace.

God blesses us and gives to us because of His mercy and not His greatness. Millionaires don't dish out their riches to everyone around simply because they are millionaires. The motivating factor to giving is love, mercy and grace. Our God has an abundance of these.

Next time you go to His presence bear this in mind. It will give you the boldness to hang around long enough in His presence to receive from Him.

Well Suited

2009-07-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

The last week or so I have posted on the Armor of God. I have always found the armor interesting. You will notice that the armor does not protect your back. The armor covers the front of your body so that as you move trough battles you are protected on you forward movements.

I feel that your back is not covered because you are to continue moving forward and never turn your back on your adversary. Once you have moved past a battle you don't need to go back and check on the condition of those you have fought (they have been defeated). Keep moving forward, that is how the armor is designed. Satan cannot attack from behind until you turn your back to him.

How does your armor look. Is it nice and shiny all clean and presentable for a formal inspection, or is it dirty from battle, are there dents in the breastplate, have you held up your shield (faith) and proclaimed your victory before the battle started. I hope so. I want my armor to be that of a warrior, not of a spectator. Is your sword sharp or is it dull. Does he sword show signs of use, a nick in the blade here or there, have you used what God has given you, or do you let others battle for you. You must fight your own battles, but God says he will never leave you or forsake you. Think about that, He is right with you fighting alongside you, he tells us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.

The word of God is to be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. If you find yourself fighting the same battle over and over more than likely you have turned around and gone back to a battle already won and revived your enemy so he could strengthen himself against you.

In all things we are more than conquerors through him that loves us. The battle is already won start living as victors now. That is our destiny we have the right to claim our standing, Satan has already lost he just doesn't want to go alone. Well as for me and my house "we will serve the Lord"

Sword Play

2009-07-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

And the sword of the spirit which is the word of God - Ephesians 6:17

A sword is an unmistakable weapon of offence. No doubt that it can also be used as a tool for defence. This however is no ordinary sword. This sword is made of the Spirit and the Word. In spiritual warfare the battles are fought with words. Words packed and backed up with the Spirit of God.

What is the sword of the Spirit?

This question hardly needs answering. The answer is obvious. The sword of the spirit is the Word of God spoken with the power of the Holy Spirit.

First let us establish the importance of this weapon with another reference to scripture

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Strongholds, arguments and thoughts are all darts that the enemy uses against us. The Sword of the Spirit is equipped to deal with them all.

How to use the Sword of the Spirit. - against arguments and thoughts.

The soul of the Christian is of principal interest to Satan. He will use thoughts and arguments to distract us from our faith. One of the greatest battles ever fought is recorded in Luke Chapter 4 - the three temptations that Satan brought to Jesus. Jesus overcame by the sword of the Spirit.

We can use the sword of the Spirit to protect and hit back at the enemy by,

1. Provide yourself with an understanding of the ugly and destructive nature of sin.
When you appreciate the true nature of sin it will be difficult for the flesh to tempt you down that route.
Lust leads us to believe that it is good, fun and exciting; whereas when we awake we discover we have been sleeping with the enemy.

2. Provide yourself with scripture answers to Satan's false reasoning's and arguments.
When the enemy presents us with these false arguments, like Goliath before David, it is not the armor of Saul, representing the flesh, that will bring us the victory, but the stones in a sling, that which David had been using and practicing with as a Shepherd boy, that brings the victory. Have an answer to the common lies that the devil comes along with. Practice the Word by becoming familiar with it. It will equip you against the Goliath's of life.

For example, the enemy will say 'one little sin is harmless, do it quickly and repent, what harm can it possibly do'.

Much harm, you will hear the scripture screaming. This is when you should pull out the sword of the Spirit; the Word of God, but only if you have sharpened it before hand. Let the following scriptures speak to you. Then take time to mediate on the message and life they bring.

James 2:10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one [point,] he is guilty of all.

Romans 6:16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin [leading] to death, or of obedience [leading] to righteousness?

Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Sin gives room to the devil. He who gives his time to the devils tools will soon have Satan at his elbow aiding him along. Give no room to the enemy (Ephesians 4:27).

The enemy does not give up easily, again he will say to you 'do it in secret and no on will know'.

The enemy hides the main point on purpose. It is not getting exposed that is the real damage of sin but the influence it has on you. Whether done in secret or in public the influence of sin is the same.

3. The enemy will show you scores of other Christians who have disobeyed or sinned against God and seem to have got away with it. 'You can do it too' he says.

Some have no light in them. They appear godly and yet they are not of God (Isaiah 8: 20). There are also many old prophets around (1 Kings 11: 13 - 29). People who have made a decision to walk in disobedience. Their judgement will come. Meanwhile you fall into more sin by following their example instead

of God's Word. What danger, what folly.

Using the Sword of the Spirit - against the powers of darkness

The enemy sometimes comes against us directly. Bacteria and viruses cause not all sickness. Not all circumstances are natural. Sometimes it is easy to discern that we are up against the forces of darkness. Satan will resist our attempts to preach the gospel and press into the will of God. The Sword of the Spirit is given us to enforce God's will. Lets see some practical applications of the sword of the spirit.

1. See the value of God's word. Get a hunger and desire for it.

- If you are one with Christ then His promises are for you (Galatians 3:29)
- Satan's lie brought the fall (Genesis 3:4) and God's word will enforce the victory (2 Peter 1:3 - 4)

- Place your hope and confidence in the promise. Don't break His word. Make this your desire (Psalm 119:114)

2. Know the promises that are relevant to your circumstances. Don't just assume. Read the law book yourself. Sort them out and use the relevant ones for your specific circumstances accordingly. The best time to do this is when you are in sound health and free of severe oppressions. This is the time to get prepared for the evil day.

3. Have a good overview of the promises available to you. Know that you are to rely on His grace and not your gifting.

4. Meditate on the promises. This will fill you with the Holy Spirit. Godly wisdom and revelation comes to those who dwell on the word. Don't treat them like a passing stranger; rather like Abraham did the angels (Genesis 18:1-15) bid them to stay. By this Abraham received the promise of a child. His persistence brought life. For some reason the Almighty God has ordained it to be this way. We see the same example with Jesus (Luke 24:27-32).

5. Plead the promises at the throne of Grace. Meditation is similar to a lawyer preparing his brief. Once your heart has been filled with the riches of the promises then is the time to execute them. Bring them before the Lord and spread them before Him. Speak them to the circumstances and forces that oppress you. Use them as a sword to dismantle every intention of the enemy against you.

6. Act your faith. A soldier does not drop his guard immediately after wounding the enemy. Watch your words. Idle words can be destructive. Believe the promise and do not let sense and reason defeat you. Live and act as if the promises are true because they are.

Helmet Law

2009-07-11T17:37:00.001-07:00

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:17

There are a lot of motorcyclists today who don't like helmet laws. I must say it is fun to get on a motorcycle and ride along with nothing on your head.

But quite honestly, if you are in an accident on your bike and you become airborne, a helmet suddenly sounds like a really good idea. A helmet could literally keep you alive.

For the Roman soldier, the helmet was important because it obviously protected his head. It was made of leather, shrouded in metal, and designed to withstand a crushing blow to the head.

As believers, we need to put on the helmet of salvation the apostle Paul speaks of, because our minds, thoughts, and imaginations must be protected. It is here that most temptations start.

Proverbs 23:7 says, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. . . . Satan recognizes the value of getting a foothold in the realm of the thoughts and imaginations, because this will prepare the way for that thought to translate into action.

As it has been said, "Sow a thought; reap an act. Sow an act; reap a habit. Sow a habit; reap a character. Sow a character; reap a destiny." It starts with a thought.

While we cannot control all the things in this world that we are exposed to, we can control a few things. We can control what we watch at home on television. We can control what movies we decide to see. We can control what we choose to read and what we listen to.

Be careful what you allow into your mind.

Put on the helmet of salvation.

Sheilded

2009-07-08T21:27:00.000-07:00

Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. - Ephesians 6: 16

The shield of faith not only defends our whole body but also our armor. It keeps the darts of the enemy away from the head, chest, waist, arms and legs. No wonder the Bible says we should have it 'above all'.

The shield of faith has a very specific function, which the Bible makes abundantly clear: quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Not some of them but all of them.

None of the other pieces of weapon mentioned so far are exalted as highly as the shield.

The shield moves with the attack. A skilled soldier can use the shield to hold back the darts of the enemy no matter the direction they come from. When the shield is down the other weapons are exposed.

What is the shield of faith?

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4 KJV

Faith is what the Holy Spirit dropped into our hearts when we received the Lord Jesus Christ as our savior. Faith is what allows us to call God our father (Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6)

Faith is of God. Jesus said if you had faith as a mustard seed you would be able to speak to a mountain and it would move (Matthew 17:20). Faith is the confidence and assurance we have in the crucified and risen Christ. Faith is lifting our eyes up to God and relying on the greater one in us to see us through. As the writer of the book of Hebrews puts it.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. Hebrews 11:1-2 NKJV

Faith is what God has given us to receive from Him. Determination alone will never get you to heaven. Only faith will. You can pray from now till tomorrow but see no answers to your prayer if you have not the faith to receive it.

Zacharias and Elizabeth were both righteous people (Luke 1:6). Yet Zacharias did not have the faith to believe the word of God sent by an angel (Luke 1:11-19).

Having all the other pieces of armor without faith will not bring us into the promises of God.

How to get and increase our faith

1. Keep a firm grip on the source - 1 Peter 1:23 - 25

"having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the LORD endures forever. Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you." 1 Peter 1:23-25 NKJV

The Word of God, which we heard, produced our faith in the first place. This Word of God will also preserve us and keep us in the faith. The word breeds prayer and praying increases our faith. Never allow anything to take the place of God's Word in your life for it is the source of your faith. The mystery of faith is hidden in the Word. It does something in your heart that your mind and intellect is not always aware of.

2. Keep a pure conscience - 1 Timothy 1:5

"Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,"1 Timothy 1:5 NKJV

If faith is the treasure, then our conscience is the bag that holds it. The Holy Spirit within us makes our conscience alert to the prompting's of God. If your conscience condemns you for doing something then stop it. Sin and faith do not go together. Sin will only allow holes in the bag that is supposed to be holding faith.

A good conscience will lead you to live right before God. A clear conscience before God is vital if our faith is to develop.

3. Exercise your faith

We do this by telling people about our faith (2 Timothy 1:6-8), by doing good works, i.e. praying for the sick, and attending Christian gatherings (Hebrews 10: 24-25), listening to people share their testimonies and insights from His Word (2 Peter 1:13) and by pondering and studying the life of other men and women of faith (2 Peter 3:1-2).

4. Take heed of your weakness - 1 Timothy 4:1

Satan will attempt to use your known weakness to his advantage. He approached Jesus after forty days of fasting. He thought he could use Jesus hunger to his advantage.
If you have been set free from a drinking problem (alcohol), then don't spend your time around wine. You will only be tempted back in again. It you are the curious type then give no time at all to reading strange doctrines or exploring the teachings of evil. Many Christian have been seduced out of the faith by Satan's tricks, lured into all kinds of traps by the evil one who has taken advantage of their weakness. You know yours. Guide against it.

How to use the shield of faith

1. By holding God to His promise - 2 Peter 1: 3-4

God's precious promises have been given to us.
Use them to fulfill His will. Search them out in the scriptures. Believe them for the circumstances you are in. Read them out aloud and silently. Speak them to your circumstances. Hold unto them until they become a reality in your life. Use them to establish the will of God for the people and lives around you.

2. By being fervent in prayer - James 5: 15-17

Pray expecting God to answer. Pray until you see the answer. You would do no less if you were praying with faith. God's word will establish God's will in your heart. Prayer will fulfill that will on the earth. Jesus said we should pray for God's will on earth as it is in heaven. Let your prayer life reflect your faith.

3. Live the life of faith - Acts 17:28

Live your life as if it depends on God. Let your character, life style and expectations be governed by your faith in God. Faith is not something we do and say in church only. If you believe in God you will tell others about it. Share your Christian life style with your family. Pray and study the word together as a family.

These boots were made for walkin

2009-07-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace Ephesians 6: 15

A spiritual shoe; something to aid our movement. This piece of armor is to aid our movement and defence and not our appearance.

Firstly we should have a clear understanding of the gospel of peace if we are to appreciate the material of which these shoes are made. By now the saint is dressed with a belt made of truth and a breastplate made of righteousness.

Shoes made from the preparation of the gospel of peace are our third piece of vital armor. The gospel of peace is good news. God forgives and then He gives. What could be greater? The gospel takes a hopeless being and fills him or her with an eternity of glory. Even the afflictions of this world are too thin a veil to darken the joy of the good news of Jesus.

What is the gospel of the preparation of peace?

How long can anyone walk a hard and stony road without a decent pair of shoes?
Not far if the right shoes are not on. Many have gone into battle without a proper preparation. This kind of preparation comes only from the gospel. Again, just like we saw with the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness, there are two aspects to the shoes we wear. The soles that keep us going over hard ground, are the soles which equip us with something to offer to the needy souls along the way.

See what kept Paul going

Walking over hard ground - purpose

Romans 8:37-39 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The foot is to the body what the will is to the soul. (We go wherever our will takes us). Preparation, the Christian's spiritual readiness, is our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Many things have been known to set the will of man. Many have climbed high mountains and fought bitter wars because their will had been set for such a purpose.

The gospel sets the will of the Christian. It gives us a purpose and a focus. It presents us with a message and a task. It gives meaning to life and nothing else seems to matter.

There is no calling without the gospel. No sacrifice without an understanding. A barefooted man shrinks when his feet touch the hot sand and shrieks when he stumbles on a sharp stone. But when the will and heart are prepared and ready to serve the Lord, the Christian feet are shod: prepared and equipped to face any trouble he must go through to complete the task ahead.

Paul was convinced that nothing could separate him from the love of Christ. He understood the love of Christ. He knew the good news and no bad news could ruin it.
The time he had spent preparing himself in the Word was bearing fruit during time of trouble.

Many Christians take on certain battles before they are ready. There are times and seasons for everything. There is a time to prepare. God's grace will take you through those times of trouble if they come then. But remember His promise to you.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God [is] faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear [it.]

Take time to prepare yourself in His word. Put on your shoes.

Chest Protection

2009-07-04T16:02:00.001-07:00

Ephesians 6:14-b (and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,)

The breastplate covers the chest. In our case the breastplate is made not of iron but of righteousness. A soldier with his breastplate on goes boldly into battle full of confidence. Righteousness allows us to stand before God, men and demons. Without the breastplate of righteousness our faith would be like any mere religion - a form of godliness but no power to act. Satan would be able to knock us down with one word of condemnation, and we would not have the boldness to go before the throne room of God's grace.

What is the breastplate of righteousness?

To be righteous is to have a right standing with God. It is being justified and free of condemnation.

Righteousness is two fold

- it is imputed to us; that means something we are given free of charge without effort, and it is imparted into us; that means something that Christ works in us and with our cooperation.

Imputed righteousness

This is righteousness God puts on us. It is NOT earned but given. Let scripture explain.

Romans 4:6-7 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: 7 "Blessed [are those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered;
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 3:21-25 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth [as] a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,

Abraham, in the Old testament, believed God and God considered this righteousness. In other words, God treated Abraham as if he had done nothing wrong simply because of Abraham's faith in Him.

This is sometimes hard for us to comprehend. That all our sins are forgiven and all our unrighteousness deeds are not held against us. We can come boldly to God as if we have done nothing wrong. God makes us right with Him simply because we believe and accept as ours the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins.

But this is only part of the story. Righteousness goes further than that. Imputed righteousness is the first investment of God into our life. It is something given to us to get us going. Treat it like a permanent grant. It comes with some expectations attached. The expectation is that you invest it to make your own profit. In this case imparted righteousness.

Truly Belted

2009-07-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist- Ephesians 6:14

The comprehensive description of all the pieces of armour is a very useful aid in discerning and understanding them. The first piece of armour is our belt. A belt made of truth, holding up and keeping in place all the other pieces of armour. Naturally speaking, a belt is used to hold things in place; spiritually the belt of truth does the same thing. Truth keeps us secure in Christ and makes effective all the other pieces of armour.

What does truth mean here?

Truth is the sincerity of the heart. Sincerity leads us to be open to God. It keeps our motives pure, devoid of malice and wickedness towards our fellow men. Are you seeking spiritual gifts as an aid to (popularity) or (a means of serving God better)? Keeping our hearts pure is essential if we are to be effective in spiritual warfare. This is the belt of truth.

The belt of truth involves truth in two places; in our hearts and in our minds.

In the heart

In the heart - 1 Corinthians 5:8 and 2 Corinthians 1:12 describes truth and how it relates to our hearts. This kind of truth should influence our whole attitude. Holding malice and bitterness against our fellow brothers and sisters in the faith puts a big dent in our armour. It also leaves us wide open to demonic attack. Our prayers of faith will be rendered ineffective if we do not wear the belt of truth. Truth is like a watch guard. It keeps us on the straight and narrow. Is your heart right before God?
Truth in our hearts means serving God with the right motives, and loving and serving our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ with sincerity.

In our minds

1 Peter 1:13-18 So make your minds ready, and keep on the watch, hoping with all your power for the grace which is to come to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; Like children ruled by God, do not go back to the old desires of the time when you were without knowledge: But be holy in every detail of your lives, as he, whose servants you are, is holy; Because it has been said in the Writings, You are to be holy, for I am holy. And if you give the name of Father to him who, judging every man by his acts, has no respect for a man's position, then go in fear while you are on this earth: Being conscious that you have been made free from that foolish way of life which was your heritage from your fathers, not through a payment of things like silver or gold which come to destruction,

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (NKJV)

Truth in the mind means having clarity of sound doctrine. What do you believe? Are you aware of what Christ has done for you? Does the mental knowledge of Christ victory on the cross translate into godly living in your life?

Truth in our heart makes us sincere and teachable before God. Truth in the mind helps to strengthen our wills to serve the Lord. These two, a sincere heart and a determined mind will combine to give us a firm girdle that keeps us rooted and grounded in Christ.

Truth in our hearts is sincerity. A heart devoid of sin towards God and bitterness towards man is a heart full of truth. Truth in the mind is exerting our will in serving the Lord. It is acting on what we know is true. Truth is not a mental perception of the truth but rather by embracing and living of the truth.

How to put on the belt of truth

Since the belt of truth involves our hearts and minds we have to make an adjustment in both these places to put it on. Make it a daily habit of checking your armour of truth. Are you right with the Lord? Is there any untruth lingering in your heart? Are you embracing known sin? What about your relationship with men? Any bitterness or malice being entertained?Then make sure your mind is embracing sound doctrine. This will help to equip your will in serving the Lord. Below are seven helpful aids in embracing sound doctrine as given by one of the old-time teachers of the word - William Gurnall, a Puritan who lived in the 17th century in England. These points have been rewritten in modern day English.

Be sincere in seeking the truth. Approach it with a sincere heart. This will make all the difference - 1 Tim 1:5
Receive the ministry of the Word from those God has equipped to serve it. God has given gifts to the body of Christ. A sincere heart will aid you in discerning the truth - Eph 4: 11 - 12
Accommodate the whole body of Christ. Don't restrict yourself to the teachings or doctrines of any one particular group or denomination in your quest for the truth. God has not given the totality of His truth to any one particular group. We must discern the body if we are to grow.
Beware of curiosity 2 Tim 4:3
Strange and sometime obviously wrong doctrine will appear. Witchcraft, New Age and all kinds of teachings will be repackaged as Christian doctrine. Don't let curiosity take you beyond the bounds of your hearts warning.
Be a humble seeker. Never assume perfection in any doctrine or teaching. Watch out for pride. Pride can make you a stranger to the throne of grace and turn humble praying for the truth into ambitious arguments.
Do not be offended at different opinions. It will only allow bitterness and malice to fester.
Know the value of truth in your heart. When you find truth embrace it and keep it. Let nothing tear it away from you. More importantly live it.

Necessity Creates Ingenuity

2009-06-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

We were visiting Josh this evening and he showed me a medicine bottle he had. The bottle was from another inmate who receives medication daily. Anyway the bottle has Salt and Pepper written on the side. I know Josh told me they get no seasonings for their food.

I asked him how he got hold of the seasonings. OK so here goes.

When they get pretzels he removes the salt crystals from them and grinds them up to use later for seasoning.

To get the pepper he removes the corns from salami that they get in sandwiches, and he dries them out then grinds them with the side of his pencil.

He then stores them in his bottle for use later.

Gods will our perception

2009-06-25T08:37:00.000-07:00

We need to remember that God's will is good. It may not seem like it at times, but it is. His plan for us is good. However, He usually doesn't give us a detailed blueprint. Usually, God reveals His will to us in bits and pieces. He sees the big picture, while we just see a little at a time.

If you had been the father of Joseph, surely like all parents, you would have prayed for the welfare of your child. But when Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers, you could have easily said, "God, what are you doing? Why did you allow this?" But if God had not allowed this to happen, Joseph never would have been put into that position of influence that enabled him to save the country and his own family.

If you had been the mother of Moses, how your heart would have broken when you saw your own child being taken into the Pharaoh's court! Yet it was all part of God's plan to mold Moses into that leader who would lead Israel out of Egypt and its bondage.

If you had been the mother of Jesus and watched your own son hanging on that cross, how easily you could have said, "Lord, why did you let this happen?" But if Jesus had not died on that cross and taken our sins upon himself, we could not know Him today.

So when you look at the will of God in progress, it may not always make sense. But you must believe that God knows what He is doing. His will is good. Just wait until He finishes what He has begun.

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.'

My File Room.

2009-06-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

The Room...

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.

As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.

This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird.
"Books I Have Read,"
"Lies I Have Told,"
"Comfort I have Given,"
"Jokes I Have Laughed at."

Some were almost hilarious in their exactness:
"Things I've yelled at my brothers."

Others I couldn't laugh at:
"Things I Have Done in My Anger"
"Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.

" I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.

Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched ," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me.

One thought dominated my mind:

No one must ever see these cards!

No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!"

In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot.

Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With."

The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all.

The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards.

I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments, couldn't bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.

He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room.

He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him.

His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.

He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

Destiny?

2009-06-12T23:55:00.000-07:00

How remarkable that the God of the universe would actually want to communicate with us! We are creatures of a material, physical world to which we relate through our five senses. God is a spiritual being. We in our physical state cannot see him, hear him, or touch him, so how can he communicate with us? Through the Bible.

Over several centuries, God inspired a select number of people to write down what he felt we needed to know about him and how he expects us to live. These writings have been collected into this book, called the Holy Bible. In a miraculous way, the Bible speaks to each of us. Its truths apply across generations, across cultures, across all life experience.

When it comes to reading the Bible, most of us read just enough to get by. Read God's Word daily so you can thoroughly understand all God wants you to know.

We read the bible but do we understand? Do we really know God is there, through the trials, through the tears, He is carrying us. he is making the way for us. All we have to do is follow.We condemn our own mortality. We are critical of ourselves and think God ordained our destiny. It does not say he wanted us to sin , quite the contrary,

"It is not his will that any should perish but all should come to him and have eternal life."

We choose our destiny, We self prophesy, we use the part of the Bible that says "God knew I would be here at this time, He is an all knowing God." That is true but we have free will to turn and follow him, He also knows if we are going to do that. Give God his due and cease blaming him and choose to say, "God help me to follow you with all my body, heart, soul and spirit."

" God let me always see you in my trials, Let me feel your spirit, even though you don't come to me in an audible voice and say, This is what I want you to do, Let me hear the spirit."

Amen

Yes, I am alive

2009-05-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

I know its been awhile. I have been really angry and I haven't really cared about anything much at all. I know it is no excuse. I have been to the point of actually hating God, and blaming him for what has been happening in my families life lately.

I have had to repent and ask for some major guidance. I know God is in control I just have a hard time trusting him. Like it states in the header above, I have been on my own road lately, but I have not been seeking any path at all. I have actually been forging a trail into briers and thorns, and getting cut. I then blame God for the situation I put myself into.

Now I am trying to find the road again, Please pray that God will help me find that road again and be the leader I need to be in my house.

Visit Josh

2008-09-05T22:31:00.000-07:00

Mashelle and I just got back from visiting Josh.
He is doing well, all things considered.
He was telling us they brought in a game of "Clue" for them to use. But they removed all the pieces used when making your guesses, like the rope, candlestick and such, because they are not allowed the have weapons.
We thought he was joking,but he assured us he wasn't. We find that to be beyond belief.
He also told us that some of the people in with him are intimidated by him. I guess that is OK, it could be worse. He said one guy backed against the wall when he walked by and said "Hey I don't want any trouble. Josh says he not sure he was serious or just kidding around.

Day with Nic and Joe

2008-07-02T21:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry, its been a while since I've posted. I have been a little busy and preoccupied, I know not a good excuse.

This year we bought Nic and Joe season passes to "Wild Waves" it is a water park with roller coasters and other rides also, any how they received along with their season passes extra coupons to get a Friend in for free. On Monday I was off work and they had a coupon that expired that day. So what do you think we did. I spent the day at Wild Waves with Nic and Joe. We had fun they had another friend along also since they had an extra ticket, but that was OK.

We went on some rides and then had lunch. Can you believe $40 for 3 hot dogs 1 personal pizza and 4 waters. Good thing wee got in free, cost $10 to park.

They then wanted to spend the rest of the day in the huge wave pool, so we all went to the pool and after an hour I went back to the log ride, and then stood on the bridge over the logs and found the spot that gets all the spray from the logs and stood there for about an hour and a half, and watched people try and avoid the water, I directed a few of them to the side so they could get a good soaking. I figure if they take the advise of someone who is dripping water from everywhere then they deserve to get wet.

Dads Day

2008-06-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

Well its Fathers Day. It seems like yesterday that I became a father the first time. That was 19 years ago. I have 3 boys now, Excuse me (young men).

Josh (19) is a good combination of Shelle and I, he has some of each of our features, He acts like me.
When I do something weird or embarrassing, like my own dad does regularly. Josh shakes his head and moans, "Oh man, that's going to be me in 20 years" to which I have to laugh.

Nic (14) is more like Shelle side of the family. He is built just like his Uncle Aaron, Funny how Nics middle name is Aaron. His uncle Aaron was short and skinny, when he graduated high school he was only 5'5" and weighed 130 lbs. Nic is 4' 10" and maybe 85-90 lbs.

Joe (13)is the spitting image of me, physically, broad shoulders and all. When it comes to Joe's looks he will stand on front of a mirror and in his own words will be "checking out my sexiness". His hair has to be perfect. Conceit doesn't run in our family Joe has it all.

Garbage Day

2008-06-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

I remember Saturday was garbage day growing up. Every Saturday Dad would back the old Ford up to the wood shed where we kept the garbage cans and we would load them up and off to the dump we would go. Dad, Ken and I. We would go to the dump and on the way back home we would stop at Happy Valley Market and get Strawberry Canada Dry Sodas and possibly a candy bar, dad would get a Butterfinger. It was always a treat that I looked forward to. I hope I have planted memories into my sons that they can look back on someday and remember with a smile..

Happy 19th Birthday Josh

2008-06-10T07:24:00.001-07:00

The Line

2008-06-09T17:43:00.000-07:00

No matter how close you are to God, and how deep your relationship is, I have found that when you turn your back on God. Weather all you do is turn your back, walk away or flat out run as hard as you can, that all you have to do is turn around and The Line back to God is at your feet. The Line is always right behind you. Weather you are walking with God and turn away, The Line is there, or if you have ran for years away from God, just look behind you The Line is right there. You do not have to travel back through all those years of struggles and difficulties to get to God. He has been right behind you waiting for you to turn around, He told you he would never leave you or forsake you. He has had your back. The Line is always right behind you, so watch your step. Make the word of God a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path.

Light and Shadow

2008-06-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

Today at work I was watching the sunshine and noticed how shadows were moving. When all of a sudden I had a BFO ( blinding flash of the obvious). I realized that as Christians we are used to light. we have the Son, and darkness is the absence of light.
A shadow is formed when something passes in front of a light source. If you follow the shadow it will lead in time to darkness. But if you look beyond the shadow you will find the light.
Satan walks around the earth, roaming to and fro looking for whom he can devour, occasionally he passes between you and God and causes a shadow in your life. Be encouraged when you see a shadow because the shadow means there is a light.
Our light is Christ.

Jesus said to the people, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12

Hide and Seek

2008-05-30T20:39:00.000-07:00

I was thinking of hide and seek the other day and remembered when Ken, Sher and I used to play hide and seek in the house. We actually got to be pretty good at it. I remember though one time we were getting ready to play and I believe I was the seeker. I was counting to 100, when Ken and I heard Sher call out. We can't go in to mom and dads room, to which I replied why not. Sheris answer was "Because I'm not in here". I thought Ken and I were going to bust a gut laughing.

Beautiful Day

2008-05-18T22:26:00.000-07:00

Today was the perfect Seattle day. We had a high temp of 75 degrees, slightly cloudy, and just a great day.
Got up this morning sat around and lost track of time, before we realized it we missed church. That was depressing we were looking forward to going.
Well we sat around enjoying the day then I decided to go on a bike ride. Fired up the Harley and away I went. Went down to the Harley dealer and drooled over the new bikes that just arrived.
Then I cruised down to the water front and rode along with a bunch of other bikes out enjoying the weather. It was nice just to get out and enjoy the sun, and clear my mind. When you are out riding you cant just let your mind wander you have to stay focused, but there is no better way to enjoy scenery than on a bike, smelling the water front, the flowers in bloom and just being able to soak up some rays. Greatest therapy in the world.

Bike Ride 1975

2008-05-17T20:25:00.000-07:00

I was outside tonight talking to Shelle and the boys when I remembered when Mom and Dad went out and bought the family Bicycles. They thought it would be fun if the whole family could ride together. I remember that Ken hated the thought of falling down (not that anyone wants to fall), but Ken would wait till just before the bike came to a stop and jump off so the bike wouldn't fall on him. Well we were out riding one day as a family and here comes Ken, he had one speed as fast as he could go. We were riding along and Ken goes flying past us, mom yells out for Ken to slow down. Wrong thing to say, Ken immediately slams on his brakes and then as the tires started to skid he figured he was going to fall so he jumps off his bike. BAMM!! face plant right in the street. It wasn't funny until he jumps up from the street screaming "I broke my face, I broke my face, I broke my face!!" Sorry Ken just remembered the story and had to retell it.

Mothers Day

2008-05-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

Shelle has always asked what I will get her for Mothers Day, and I always say nothing, your not my mother. So this year I give you something you can't touch, hold, or even show to others, but I know you can use it. So to the Mother of my children I give all my Love, and my thanks for putting up with someone like me for the past 23 years.

Hop On Unc

2008-05-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

This was taken at Kens before I headed to the airport for home. Now you can see all of my bros children.

Cinnamon Rolls

2008-05-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

Well I did it. I got up Sunday morning and made cinnamon rolls. I made sure I had all the ingredients ready, and followed the recipe off Sheri's blog. After having the dough all done and rising I realized I never put in the pudding, so I checked the recipe and it didn't say when to put it in, so it never made it in, They still turned out fine and tasted great. Your right Sher they do have a better texture when you roll them as apposed to knotting them. I like the edges being a little crispy. I feel so Metro-sexual.

Day Off

2008-04-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

I had the day off today, spent the day with Josh. We went to the $2 movies and watched "Jumper". Good movie. We went to lunch before I took him back to where he is living. Had a good day. Came home and fixed dinner for Shelle. Yes mom, I fixed the Salmon with lemon zest, fried potatoes and green beans, also fixed fresh lemonade. Thanks for the lemons Ken.

Rainy Day Harley

2008-04-28T20:17:00.001-07:00

Mashelle had to drive to work this morning because her car pool partner was having car problems. Shelle met her at the repair shop and they carpooled in our car.
I had to ride my Harley to work. I hate riding in the rain, people just don't see you as well. I get to work, 15 minutes later the rain stops the sun comes out and it turns into a beautiful day. Just before I get off work the clouds move in and it starts to rain and hail, did I mention I HATE riding my motorcycle in the rain. Oh well, everything turned out ok, made it home fine.

1st Day Home

2008-04-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

Well being home isn't all its cracked up to be. Had some honey doos, didn't do them though.
We did go to the hardware store to buy a new toilet tank fill system, old one won't shut off so toilet runs. Just didn't feel like installing it, so I didn't.
I did help the people Josh is staying with though, their daughter was moving today and she is 5 mos pregnant, cant really do any lifting, soooo I went and helped unload the truck, Took them 3 hours to load, I drove to the storage unit and unloaded in 12 minutes.

Home at Last

2008-04-26T23:34:00.000-07:00

Well I am home now. My flight from Sacramento was half full, so we left 15 minutes early and got a good tail wind so we arrived 40 minutes early in Seattle.
I got off the plane and went out to wait for Shelle, after waiting about 20 minutes I realized I was at the departure doors and not the arrival doors. Its a good thing she wasn't early. I went to the correct level and she was there about 10 minutes later with Josh to pick me up.
Its nice to be home. I will post some pics of my trip and some thoughts later, for now time for bed I am tired.

Insane Fat Man

2008-04-26T23:27:00.000-07:00

Last Day

2008-04-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

Well its Friday, my last day at my parents before going to my brothers home Saturday and flying back home.
It has been a nice week, once the rain stopped and I could get some sun. I actually sat out side today and got a little sun burned. The temp was 78 degrees and the pool was 66 degrees. I actually went swimming.
I will attatch pictures later of me diving into the pool. Mom took lots of pics this weekend hopefully I can add some to my posts.

My Bros Children

2008-04-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

Here are four of my brothers five children.

The oldest is not in photo.

Time out

2008-04-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

I have been visiting my parents this week. It has been hard being away from my family. But I have enjoyed spending time not thinking about things. I have been able to see my brothers children and have fully enjoyed being jumped on and mauled. I forgot what that was like to have children crawling all over you. Makes you feel young again. you get caught up in the laughter of children and you can't help but smile and laugh. Thanks to my wife for insisting I go and just clear my head. This has been my Time out. I know the game will begin again, I only hope I am refreshed and ready to play.