That Truth May Abound

Whitney Houston Dead At 48

2012-02-11T23:17:00.001-06:00

I am sure for the next few weeks we will be inundated with memorials to Whitney Houston. Her passing today made her part of the ultimate statistic - 1 in 1 will die. I am sure as she woke up this morning she had no idea that this would be the last day she would do so. As her day progressed she probably had no idea that today, this day, February 11th 2012 she would breath her last breath and step into eternity.

I am not an expert on the life of Whitney Houston. I know she was a very popular singer and acted in The Bodyguard, was married to Bobby Brown for a while and had a child together. Other than that I couldn’t really tell you, other than her erratic behavior and drug abuse. I have no idea if she was a Christian or even professed faith in God, which is a sign that she did not actively proclaim Christ.

The Grammy Awards will be telecast tomorrow night, in which we will hear many accolades to Ms. Houston. I am also fairly certain we will even hear how she is “with God now” or “in the arms of angels” or people bidding her to “rest in peace”. Thing is, by all accounts she is probably not doing any of those things. From the little research I did this evening Houston was raised in a Baptist home, later attended a Pentecostal church and went to a Catholic school. She sometimes talked about her “faith” but I could find no account of what that “faith” was. Her life was full of drug use, rehab stays and behavior that makes faith in Christ seem to be the farthest thing from the truth. This is not to say that Christians cannot fall into these evils, but they will definitely not stay there. I caution everyone to be really careful about preaching Whitney Houston into heaven. Professing faith does not really mean a lot. And just because she was famous and had an obvious God given talent does not mean that she was a Christian, it just means she wasted her God given talent on selfish ambitions.

So, what to do? Use this as a springboard, a reason to talk to people about death. Explain to them that we are all going to die one day, maybe even today. Don’t scare them into saying a prayer or anything, but make sure they know that today is the day of salvation and that we are not promised another breath on this earth. Make sure they know the true gospel of scripture and are not placing their faith anywhere except on Christ. Not in a prayer, not in church membership or attendance, not on being proclaimed saved by a pastor, not on how good they have lived - only repenting of their sin and trusting in Jesus Christ and His merit can save them. Point them to resources such as Real Truth Matters , www.needgod.com or any other biblically based ministry’s website. Pursue a relationship with them, disciple those that you talk to, show them where your faith lies.

Use this tragic end to a tumultuous life as a way to share the Gospel. Never waste the opportunity to tell someone how they too can know God.

In Search Of Christmas

2011-11-29T20:18:00.001-06:00

Over the past couple of years there has been a struggle inside of me around this time of year. What is that? About Christmas. Why is that? The commercialization? Not really, but that does play part of my thought process during the Holiday Season.

I had a great talk today with dear brother in Christ, Whitt Madden, about an article that I posted on Facebook yesterday about Christmas. This article pretty much summed up a lot of what has been going on within me lately. To put it frankly, I am torn. I am battling 43 years of instilled holiday cheer with Christmas as it really is, where it is rooted and what it has become.

To sum up the battle in a few words - Christmas did not start out as a “Christian Holiday” (Holy Day), it began as a pagan festival in recognition of the sun’s position during the winter solstice. The Roman Catholic church did not like this and began to “Christianize” the festival and pull the congregation back from the worship of Saturn, the sun god. I will not rehash what is common on the web with all that was added or “Christianized” in the process, but much of it is still seen this day in same or slightly changed forms (Yule log, tree, etc.) Fast forward to our day and society has thrown Christmas back to pagan rituals with worship of money, giving gifts, receiving gifts, decorations, family get togethers, and so many more rituals that now begin even before Halloween.

So, what is Christmas this day and age? It is not a reverence to a sun god, but it is definitely still not reverence to the Son of God and His birth either. It is a mish-mash of Roman Catholic traditions (Christ-Mas, being the most obvious) and the love of “me” (what can I do to make me feel better (give gifts,, etc), what will I get this year, how pretty can I make my tree, how many people can I feed, how many people will come to my house, and on and on). But Christ is nowhere to be found.

Am I ready to throw in the towel for Christmas? Not entirely, but to continue in how the world “celebrates” Christmas, yes. I have seen both sides of this argument played out last year and starting to see it this year. In the one camp are the staunch “You better not be celebrating Christmas - it is pagan and you definitely can’t be a Christian and celebrate Christmas - you are a heretic” contrasted with the other camp “I love Christmas time of year, family, fun, giving, singing, mistletoe, Christmas tree up before Halloween, spiced cider. Oh, and Jesus too” camp that thinks the other camp is nuts for calling them nuts and back and forth. Ughhhhh. Alas, I fit into neither camp, but somewhere in between.

I am so thankful for brothers like Whitt that God has placed in my life. He has had very similar convictions as I have (as well as others around me too). After speaking with him today I think he had the most Christ centered reaction to Christmas I have ever heard - let it be about Christ and His glory. How novel is that? Instead of giving electronics or toys that will be forgotten or broken in a few days or weeks, give that money to Cure International and watch God work through that gift to show Christ to someone in need of medical attention. Do not give a gift that does not point to Christ, either directly or that will bring people together in the Name of Christ. Some things could be bibles, hand made devotionals, donations to Cure, donation to World Vision to buy livestock for families in impoverished areas, donation to Heart Cry Missionary Society to support indigenous missionaries across the world, donations to your local Church or ministry, giving your time to Christ based missions to show the love of Christ to others. So many ways that can make an eternal impact FOR the Kingdom rather than temporary splashes that will be gone tomorrow and have no impact whatsoever.

At Whitt’s website, Be The Domino, he is a few days in to a series called “Give This Christmas Away”. I highly suggest that you check out this series and let the heart of this series impact you. Go to God and pray how He would use you to give Him away this Christmas season instead of an iTunes gift card or blu-ray player or even a baby doll. Give a gift in someone’s name to a Christ based ministry, give that person a card and inscribe in it how that the money normally spent on the superficial is now being placed in the hands of God to do the Supernatural in someone’s life. Who knows what eternal impacts can be made from Christ focused giving this year and years to come.

I know that my focus on Christmas has evolved and is continuing to be sanctified and brought into a more Christ focused view. I will not, however, be calling anyone a heretic that continues to “celebrate” as I always did nor will I be confused over the other extreme in pointing the finger back and calling people “scrooge” for shunning the “pagan rituals” of this land. As all other aspects of my life I wish to glorify the Lord in this, especially since the Holiday was given His Name.

Becoming More Like The World

2011-11-01T20:49:00.004-05:00

I want to start out saying what this blog post is NOT. I am sure there will be some offended by this post and think I am speaking of them, or about their own personal choices. While I do not participate in the activities I am going to write about I am not going to point a finger of legality and tell someone to stop doing something. The closest I will get is to highly recommend searching scripture and seeing what your actions represent - this world or the Holy God if the Universe.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

I know many people that celebrate Halloween. Out of them I will assume that the majority are either admitting to not be Christians, some professing to be Christians and then a small percentage true believers of Christ. I say that fearfully, because the subject of this "holiday" has its roots in the occult and pagan rituals. And yes, I know that Christmas also had its start way back as an alternative to pagan rituals. I do not condone the worldly celebrations of Christmas either, just as I do not condone anything that is not focused on Jesus Christ Himself.

I do not want to go into pointing fingers, throwing accusations or causing division because we don't agree on celebrating Halloween or not, that is not my intent not my mindset. I just want to address something that was really brought to the forefront of my mind this morning, while hearing a conversation that a few of my coworkers were having about "trick-or-treaters" last night. The usual "did you have fun" kind of small talk went on for a few moments, then the subject of how many little goblins and ghouls showed up wanting their little bags filled with sugary snacks. It seemed that these folks were disappointed that not many had stopped by their doors looking for a treat. The next words are what really exposed what this "holiday" is becoming; "Yeah, I don't think as many kids are trick or treating because all of the churches are doing the trunk or treats". Wow, that just really hit home to me at that moment.

To hear these people talk about how "churches" are taking over this "holiday" really disturbed me. Of course most do not use the name "Halloween" in their titles. Most use "Harvest Party", "Fall Festival" or the popular "Trunk Or Treat", all of which still are just celebrating Halloween. The same things take place, the same exchanges take place, ask any kid what they are doing and they know, but the parents seem to just want to call it an "alternative" to Halloween, when it is actually becoming the popular and preferred mode of celebrating Halloween..... at a church.

Is this really what Christ died for? Are churches really supposed to be conforming to the world like this? Actually becoming the world, sprucing up the title and "Christianizing" a pagan holiday? I think not. I think the church is supposed to be doing the opposite and being a beacon of light to this dark world. How can the light shine if it is dressed up like the world? That brings a mental picture of Luke 11:33-36 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light. The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. 36 If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.” Instead the churches seem to really enjoy delving into this dark holiday.

I will stop right there, so I do not start getting personal. I want this to stay focused on churches that are to be shining the Light of Christ to this world, not gleefully embracing darkness. Of course it is individuals that make up the body/ congregation. At best this practice is pragmatic, but extremely dangerous to those that participate and shows a mixed message to the kids that they are trying to protect and offer an "safe" alternative to trick or treating. I would say that their spiritual well being would be more important than a sack full of candy. Use this day (October 31) to teach of Martin Luther's nailing of the 95 Thesis to the church door. After all, "Reformation Day" seems to be the best "alternative" to Halloween..... Just sayin'

Occupy Wall Street And Christianity Are A Match?

2011-10-10T21:45:00.008-05:00

I'm sitting here in my hotel room, 800 miles from home and my loved ones, fending off sleep since I woke up at 3:15 this morning for the red-eye out of Paducah. So, what is a guy to do? Well, this guy decided to check out the broo-ha over the Occupy Wall Street movement going on across the U.S.
I've heard about this “movement” for a couple of weeks now, but admittedly haven't paid it much attention. Downtime away from home seems to allow for things done that I normally do not do, like search for information on “movements” of a worldly nature. “Why?” You may ask. Because I wanted to make an informed decision on my thoughts of what this is all about.

After looking at a few websites, even those that say they are “part” of the movement, I still don't know a lot about what these folks are trying to accomplish. Well, that is not exactly true, as they seem to be “for” being against a lot of things with “corporate greed” as a main focus. The first web-page I encountered was a demonstration that happened to have a video embedded within the page, so I indulged and watched it. I soon discovered what a “People's Microphone” is and also quickly discovered that the majority (99%) of those that I saw in the video and in several photos appeared to be modern hippies. I also saw that the “majority” in their open voting at the location liked to silence anyone that was outside of their “99%” mentality.

Let me explain the “99%” mentality. It is simply their assumption that 1% of America's richest run everything, while the other 99% have to deal with the repercussions. Alright, sounds good on the surface, but what about the meat of what this movement stands for. What exactly are the people involved in this trying to accomplish/ what are they against? Let me take a deep breath and list a few things for you:
Raise taxes on the rich
Raise taxes on corporations
End “corporate welfare”
Support of trade unions
“Protection” of Social Security/ Medicare in their current forms
Audit or elimination of the Federal Reserve
Affordable health care
Ending all wars
Elimination of student loan repayment
Peace (?)
And a unlimited number of other “issues”

Now, while I do agree with some of those demands, I do not agree with their thinking behind them. It appears to me, and many others, that this movement is made up of liberal freeloaders that want the government to be a socialized mess taking care of them indefinitely. Really? The way I see it is that the majority of those that I saw on the news sites, videos and pictures are of the younger age bracket that has been raised with entitlements ingrained into them. This is nothing new, but we are now seeing how the past several decades of government welfare has molded upcoming generations. I would say that it is no stretch to say that the majority of those involved are part of the 50% of Americans that pay 0 in income taxes and actually receive back more than they have paid in, thanks to our faulty tax codes (that is another issue).

One ironic side of this whole debacle is endorsements by the likes of Kanye West, Michael Moore, Roseanne Barr, Susan Surandon and Russel Simmons. All of these are multi-millionaires, by the way, with Simmons owning a debit card company that is one of the major industries behind “corporate greed”. Hmm.

So, what does this have to do with me? Why am I writing about this on this Christian blog? Because it seems that a group called “The Protest Chaplains” has jumped into the fray, claiming to be Christians and thereby saying that they represent the Body of Christ. With this I take offense and if you are a Christian so should you. I invite you to check out their website and to read their “What We've Learned So Far” list. This list is actually a set of guidelines for people to participate as “chaplains”, but as acting as chaplains they are to totally set aside their Christian faith and stand opposed to Jesus Christ and the Bible. Among these guidelines are; Interfaith “spirituality”, learn from the Occupy Wall Street movement instead of the movement learning from Christianity, Don't defend your religion because it is not your job to, practice nonviolent communication and active listening, do not proselytize (evangelize because it is obnoxious and detrimental to the movement), be a resource (do, do, do, work, work, work), encourage YOGA, meditation, Muslim prayers and let what happens happen and the ever popular “uncreate division”.

Whew, that sounds an awful lot like Christianity, huh? Not! It is the exact polar opposite and stands contrary to everything in scripture. So, yeah! I am offended because this group of “chaplains” that claim faith in Christ, trying to pass themselves off as members of His Body, want Christians to endorse other religions, learn from a worldly movement and totally ignore the great commission and shun evangelizing these lost and perverted members of society. Why must groups like this bring Christ into this ungodly movement centered in worldliness? Why try to say that Jesus would want us to accept what is going on?

What I see with these misguided people, is that they do not understand Christianity and do not truly know Jesus Christ. They have a very distorted view of the Word of God and sadly have fallen into an ecumenical mindset that believes all roads lead to God. Why take principles of scripture and try to relate them to this mammon driven movement? Why take the “golden calf” of Wall Street and use it to say that Jesus has compassion on these people that are actually guilty of idolatry as well, saying how much they deserve the money over Wall Street and Corporate America. Just “spread the wealth” instead of it going to the companies that are making the money. I can't stand the entitlement/ victim mentality that seems to have attached itself to all those involved in this movement.

I am not part of what they call the 99%. I am not part of the 1% that they say runs the U.S. I am a middle class American that works hard, pays my taxes, pays my bills, loves Jesus and wants everyone else to come to a saving faith in Christ. That all flows from my relationship with Jesus and I will not compromise any of that because of any movement. Scripture paints it clear that if you deny Christ that He will deny you. If you compromise the Gospel, enter into interfaith communion and think Christians can learn from a misguided movement of liberals then you are very far gone and need to seriously examine your faith. I will say, without a doubt, that if you are following the guidelines of the “Protest Chaplains” you are not a true Christian. If you disagree show me scripture that supports the things I quoted from their website. If you can I will give a humble apology and write a retraction. I am 100% certain you can not find anything, in context to support the things they stand for/ against. But I am always willing to be proven wrong.

FYI – Saying that I am a left-wing, conservative, Fox News watching, Rush Limbaugh listening Pharisee is not proving anything except you are childish.

The Battle With Porn - It Is An Emergency

2011-10-01T10:43:00.003-05:00

Pornography has probably been one of the most besetting sins of the past few decades. Why is that? Is it the proliferation of websites? Porn Shops throughout cities? Text messages containing provocative photos? Sure, those are gateways to filling the desire for illicit images, but they are not the real problem. The real problem, as with any other sin, is a heart issue and must be dealt with firmly and immediately.

While thousand people will have a thousand different "reasons" for indulging in porn, the root cause is still the same, selfishness. Selfishness is the root of all sin. From the Serpents first temptations of "Don't you want to be like God?" to the modern cry of "I'm a strong enough Christian to watch this movie or listen to this CD without it affecting me", it is still all the same - our desire above God's desire.

My dear brother in Christ, Whitt Madden, over at Be The Domino has a program starting this month that deals directly with the sin of pornography. This 40 day "awakening" is completely confidential and open to males and females just by signing up.

Starting October 17th, Be the Domino ministries will be launching a 40 day “awakening” called Emergency. These 40 days will be a time of deep personal reflection and prayer focused on Honesty, Integrity, and True Character.

There is an ugly truth about an addiction to pornography that no one wants to talk about. The effect it has on men is crippling them spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Let’s be honest about this guys. Sexual purity in our world today is a struggle. It’s a topic that no one wants to discuss, because we want to pretend that this problem doesn’t exist. But we all deal with it. Some of us deal with it to a greater extent than others, but as guys, we all deal with this. Our youth are dealing with it, I have talked to several who are struggling right now. I deal with it. I want to be completely honest about a topic nobody wants to touch.

Each day will be focused at getting to the root of this sexual sin that has plagued the lives of so many men. This will be an online study, each day the material will be posted. At the end of each day’s posted will be an anonymous comment box. We understand the importance of confidentiality, and how sensitive this subject matter is. We encourage you to use this feedback box, because God can use your honesty to help someone else. This site offers complete confidentiality.

Each day will focus on Scripture. Studies can be helpful, and accountability can help keep you honest, but the only true freedom comes from Christ. Emergency is Christ centered because any real change requires repentance. Repentance can only come from conviction, and that comes from the power of the Holy Spirit.

We will provide you with all of the materials that you need. Our prayer is that God will use this as a tool to draw you closer to Him, and that He will set you free from the bondage of sexual sin.

Please look into this and begin to slay the sin of sexual impurity in your life - NOW!

Must Watch - 180 The Movie - From The Way Of The Master/ Living Waters

2011-09-27T16:31:00.005-05:00

The main question that envelopes the new release from The Way of the Master/ Living Waters is "It's OK to kill a baby in the womb when.....?" The short documentary rings true and exposes just how atrocious abortion is. They craftily draw contrasts between Hitler and the Holocaust to what is, in effect, more murderous than the Nazi brutality headed by Hitler.

Sadly, the opening of the "movie" people are asked "Who is Adolf Hitler", which not many know the answer. How can in less than two generations, after the mass murdering from Nazi Germany, of 17 million people can people not know what happened or who Hitler was? More disturbing is the fact that some people shown still buy into the brainwashing that Hitler instilled. It is enough to turn your stomach, thinking about the carnage of that awful period of time.

As gruesome and unbelievable as the reign of Hitler and the deaths that he took part in, lives lost to legalized murder in the United States has been over 53 Million since Roe v Wade in 1973. Once again, this number is in the USA... alone! Abortion has claimed nearly 4 times the lives lost at the hands of Adolf Hitler. Shockingly people do not seem that rattled by that. The fine folks at WOTM/ Living Waters have done a very great job at convincingly drawing a parallel to these two atrocities. The people featured in the documentary, once shown these parallels soon have a change of mind and see the horror of what they were once defending.

I will not tell the whole of the movie, but will instead ask that you watch this short presentation. It has been made available to watch free online, so watch it and share it however you can - Facebook, Twitter, blog post, email. This message is of utmost importance, especially going into an election year when our current administration is adamantly pro ~~murder~~ abortion.

Remembering 9-11

2011-09-11T14:02:00.003-05:00

Ten years ago today the U.S. saw it’s most devastating terrorist attack, ever. Almost 3,000 people lost their lives as Islamic terrorists overthrew control of 4 airliners and used them as missiles to create as much destruction as possible. In the 10 years since the attacks of 9/11/01 not only has the United States gone through many drastic changes, but also the rest of the world. Security alerts, the Patriot Act, increased traveling guidelines and rules and most alarmingly the rise of this religion that brought forth these terrorists.

My day was like any other, until I heard the news of the first tower being hit. I was working in the factory, but had a TV in the same room as my desk, so I went into the office to see what was going on. I remember at first the reporters were saying that a pilot had made a huge mistake and had crashed into one of the buildings of the Twin Towers. I relayed this message to the line workers and went back in to the office to see the second plane hit the second tower live on the TV. I then knew that these were not accidents, but done purposefully. Then came news of the Pentagon and Flight 93 and the world was ever changed.

That day I also remember falling back onto what I had always been told and taught about God, “Just ask Him into your heart and you will be OK”. That’s what I did several times, realizing in the minutes after the attacks that life can end at any moment and I wanted to be “right with God” if I were to die that day also. Thing is, I had said this exact same prayer hundreds of times through my life, first at 8 years old and then countless times through my years. I remember reading the “Left Behind” book just the year before the 911 attacks and doing the same thing, feeling the same emptiness and knowing that I did not really know God.

Something was happening to me though. God was working in my life to reveal Himself to me. Over the next few years I got married, got a promotion and lost my father to complications from a stroke. Death became very real to me and so did the fact that I did not know God. This is when He started to really work in me and allowed me to start hearing some really God centered men speak of the grace that God has extended to me, to the whole world. I had always seen myself as a “good” person, after all I had never killed anyone, I worked hard, never stole anything and was even the designated driver when I went out with the guys. In relation to the rest of the world I was indeed a good person, but in relation to God I was sin filled and in condemnation. For the first time in my life God had revealed to me my heart and how me-centric it was. He began to show me my need of Him and just how much was sacrificed so that I could have a relationship with Him. The Cross became real to me and so did Jesus Christ. That is when I truly believed and “the prayer” was not even needed. I, for the first time, knew that I was so far separated from God, there was nothing I could ever do to deserve a relationship with Him and totally put my faith in His Word and in Christ and His sinless life, His sacrifice on Calvary, His resurrection and took the yoke off of me and placed it onto Him, once and forever.

So, the terrorist attacks of 911 will be forever a part of our history. We will always remember the horrible terrorist acts carried out that day. A day that seemingly turned the attention of this nation toward God, with many prayer meetings and crying to God for restoration, soon turned again to contempt toward God. Many now question, “Where was God on September 11th ?“ or “How could a loving God allow this type of thing to happen?“. This nation continues to legally kill more lives every day than this act of terrorism caused, in the killing of unborn children. Why or how, some ask. Because of sin, plain and simple. The sin that permeates the livelihood of the majority of people today is what causes these types of things to happen, not God.

I will always remember that day and my initial reactions and how God used that for good in my life. I still get tears in my eyes seeing the images from that day, hearing the cries of people making phone calls to loved ones, hearing the desperation in the voices of fire and rescue personnel and even in the normally calloused news reporters voices as they speak of praying to a God that they do not even know. I was not saved because of the atrocity of 911, but those events made a lasting impression on me that God meant for good.

The Promises Of Psalm 37

2011-08-04T20:11:00.003-05:00

Psalm 37 is one that I have read on numerous occasions, but this week it has really been a blessing to me. Normally one will read it as David wrote it, when you are feeling like everyone that is ungodly seem like they are really living large and just skate by, while the Christian seems to always be under attack. So, in Jeffenese, when you are feeling like unbelievers are having a better life than you are and you are wishing you could just knock them down a few rungs on their ladder.

Admittedly I have read this wonderful Psalm that was a few times or ten, but most of the time I do not dwell on the "evildoers" or the wicked that David is speaking of. Believe me, this week has had some "evildoers" surface in my life and I have really prayed for God to rain fire down from Heaven (in a send these people to jail kind of way, not kill them). While I may have initially been drawn to this Psalm for that reason, to be reminded that God will ultimately judge those that sin against His children, I did not stay in this Psalm for that reason.

When I really began to read Psalm 37 this week I began to focus more on God's promises TO me and to His children, not on what the eventual plight of the lost and "evildoers" is. Just look at verses 3-6 Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.Delight yourself also 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. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light and your justice as the noonday. Those promises alone can be dwelt on for hours, if not days. If we simply delight in the Lord, something that any Christian should be doing anyway, He will give us the desires of our heart. And a resounding NO! not that God will give me a new Dodge Challenger or John Deere tractor, but that God will place into our hearts His desires, namely that we rest in Him and delight in His handiwork and His love for us, which is circular actions, they cannot be separated.

Then skip down to verse 11, which Jesus quoted in His Sermon on the Mount. "The meek shall inherit the Earth". Then on to verse 18, The LORD knows the days of the upright and their inheritance shall be forever which is eternity with God. On down to verses 23-26 , which once again show that God will direct His children's paths, and thereby delighting in us in that path. How awesome is that? The God of the Universe, Creator of all things delighting in our path of obedience that He has set before us. That is good stuff right there. And verse 24 lets us know that when we do fall and sin that He still holds us up and sees us through the times when we even might have doubt for whatever reason. This reminds me of Peter when He walked on water, as he took his eyes off of Christ and started to disbelieve Jesus still reached out to him and pulled him back up, refocusing Peter's gaze on Him.

Verses 27-31 are rich in promises that when we turn from evil, stay fixed on the Lord, which is the natural thing for a Christian to do, then we will stay fixed in our walk with Him. Right into verse 34 which promises us that when we wait on God's timing that He will take care of everything for our good. Often times we try to persuade God to do things our way, but that is looking internally instead of looking to Him.

Then skipping to the closing of the Psalm in verses 39-40 39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked and save them, because they trust in Him. - Again the promise of God's saving grace, not only in saving us from hell, but also Him saving us from persecution from the evildoers.

So, this Psalm is full of promises to us as believers, not only against persecution and the workers if iniquity, but also promises that stand alone, without contrasting them to the plight of the lost. Sure, David had a lot of enemies and he often called out for God to strike them down, but he also knew that God was in control and was always there directing his path. May this be our joy as well, to totally rest in knowing that God is firmly in control and we need to firmly have the faith that no matter how bad things look or how bad circumstances are that God is bigger than them all and He has you in the palm of His hand and all we need to do is look up and fix our gaze upon Him.

God Made Me This Way......

2011-07-11T17:58:00.005-05:00

I wrote the following article a couple of years ago and remembered it the other day while talking to a friend. I don't think I have ever shared it here, but may have on Myspace, back in the day.

It is fairly self explanatory, but I suggest reading straight through it and then back through the first part again afterwards. Feel free to share, but I would appreciate a link back to this sight.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Hi,
My name is James Heldon. Please read my story, as I believe it will help you to gain some insight on people like me. We are often misunderstood.

As a child I knew I was always different. I didn’t fit in with the other kids, never had the same interests, sports were boring, cars didn’t catch my eye, nothing that the other guys liked. As far back as I could remember all the other kids made fun of me, because I dressed different than they did, listened to different kinds of music and was usually quiet and to myself.

That all changed, when I turned 18 and moved out of my parent’s home. My dad was never okay with how I was, what I did and what I found interesting. My mom, on the other hand, was very understanding and helped me to cope with some of the rejection I felt as I grew up. I had a few very close friends that I confided in as well, they never judged me or anything, but they always seemed to be trying to talk me out of having the thoughts I did.

I had a lot of people tell me I was twisted, an abomination, evil and I shouldn’t be allowed to walk the streets. I knew that was just how they saw me though, I knew I was different than they were but I also knew in my heart that God had made me how I was. How could I be the way I was on my own choosing? I didn’t like some of the thoughts that went through my head, I couldn’t control the anger I felt when others would judge me.

I prayed all the time for the God I heard about from my dad to change me, but He never did. I still cry sometimes and point my finger in disgust at the sky when I feel like people are looking at me because of my lifestyle. They say it’s a choice, they even say I should be locked up away from everyone else. Now, is that fair? After all I did not choose to be the way I am, do the things I do or be born with these thoughts. I was born this way, God did this to me, so it must be right.

I am currently attending church services. They tell me that God loves me, but I can tell some of these people look at me with disgust. Some won’t even look me in the eyes. My mom doesn’t even come see me any longer, my dad just sends the occasional letter and tells me that I need to repent of my sinfulness and turn to God in faith, to trust in Him. I try so hard to, but I know that his God made me this way, so it can’t be a sin. I have found others where I am now that are like me, they seem to accept me but even they seem to judge me sometimes for what I’ve done to all those guys. They say I was excessive, but I never felt that way.

It felt right when I would hold them before I left them alone in their homes. Some were married, some were single, some had children others had high paying jobs and others had no jobs at all. It didn’t really matter to me as long as they felt like the one at that time. There was one that was different. He actually talked to me before I left. He was crying really hard and was telling me about the same God my dad always did. I don’t really know why he chose to tell me that, but he did. So I had to leave, even before the night was complete. He brought back so many memories of my dad, so I couldn’t carry through with it that night. He actually was the reason I ended up where I am now. Maybe I should thank him; maybe I should curse him.

I don’t think anything will change me. After all I was born this way.

James Lee Heldon
Kentucky State Penitentiary
Death Row
1st Degree Murder X 15 – Serial Killer

James Lee Heldon is one of the most heinous serial killers that Kentucky has ever seen. He stands by the fact that God made him the way he is. He claims to be a Christian even though he says he still desires to kill more people and would if released. He says that his mother would allow him to decapitate neighborhood cats and dogs and would lie for him to cover the deaths when neighbors were looking for their missing pets. His dad never knew the full extent of his son’s sickness, but often times talked to him about repentance and faith in Christ for deliverance from sin. According to James, he always felt like his father was judging him, even though he says that he always told him he loved him and wanted to guide him to know Christ, not just about Christ.

-----
The preceding story was fictional. Most when reading this story will think that James was a homosexual. That was done on purpose to show that sin is sin, it does not matter if it is sexual sin, murder, lying, stealing or blasphemy. The God of scripture is a Holy God. He demands perfection, which we cannot attain on our own. Most, often try to justify their sins, say they were born the way they are and try to place blame on that Holy God. But we all are born that way. We are all born in the mire of sin, we do not want God – we do not seek after Him – we can’t stand His Holiness and would rather walk down the wide road to hell. We are all born dead in sin, spiritually dead. There is no way that we can resuscitate ourselves, or would even want to. Can a physically dead person want to be alive? Can a dead man tell someone that they want to be alive? Does a dead man seek after someone that can raise them from death? No to all of these. But, this is what Paul says we are spiritually – DEAD- Ephesians 2 lays it out for us saying we are born spiritually dead, followed the ways of this world and it prince, only wanting our pleasures. But God gives saving faith through Grace. Even King David says in Psalms 51:5 that he was conceived sinful.

So how are we made alive spiritually? It’s all by grace, through faith in Christ. God resuscitates us with the blood of Jesus. He washes away our sins, our sin nature. It’s not about making a decision for Christ, filling a God shaped hole in your heart, walking the aisle or saying a prayer. It is all about Jesus, God does it all. There is nothing that we can do to merit His forgiveness, there is nothing we can do to bring ourselves to life. Remember we are dead. All we can do is humbly cry out to Him, repent and believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, 2nd in the Trinity, fully God and fully man, came to Earth, lived a sinless life, was tempted in every fashion that we are but remained pure. Willingly gave His life, shed His blood, took upon Himself the full wrath of God for me, because He loves me. He bore our sins on the cross of Calvary, died a horrible and painful death, was buried in a tomb and 3 days later was the resurrected. Jesus was the first fruits from the dead and now sits at the right hand of the Father as His children’s advocate.

I humbly ask that you cry out to God and seek Him. He promised that those that seek Him will find Him Jeremiah 29:13, Deut 4:29. But, it is all about Him, if you are seeking Him it is because He is drawing you John 6:44, Jeremiah 31:3John 6:65, John 12:32. So if you feel the draw, then praise Him that draws you for loving you, for being His.

All Good Things Must Come To An End

2011-07-03T00:11:00.003-05:00

Day 366, My Final Day, in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Well, it's over. A full year, plus one day that I have posted a picture or three on this blog. It started off as fun, then turned into a challenge, but I believe that it was a good exercise for me and hopefully gave some insight into a little piece of my life. Yeah, not very exciting most of the time, huh? Today's picture? The neighbors thought they would celebrate my birthday with a fireworks show. Actually, I'm sure they were shooting them off for Independence Day, but I can pretend.

What I really hope to have had accomplished was sharing the love of God, that He has bestowed on me and my household. A lot of times it came easy to transition from my picture of the day into a testimony of God's goodness and grace in my life. Admittedly, some days it was a struggle and I know whose struggle it was, mine, as God is always good - even when we feel otherwise.

Many changes have come to pass through this year. The most recent and most life altering was the addition of baby Elliott. Just last evening Matt and Emily got engaged and today I became one year older. I've gained many gray hairs and I have lost several pounds. I have made new friends and I have had the opportunity to pray with and for a lot of people through the "Prayer Request Station" through Oak Grove's prayer ministry. I have seen God work in my church family's lives. I have seen the devastation that a flood can cause on one hand and see the miracles through the same flood. Through it all God has been there. Through each post God was active in my life and around my life. Sometimes I didn't see Him, sometimes He was quite apparent, but He was there.

Looking forward to the next 365 days and to my next birthday I can't help but wonder what God has in store for me and those around me. I wonder what He will do through Real Truth Matters, Oak Grove, my brothers and sisters at church, my family, my job and just life in general. My prayer lately has been to be able to perceive God along my path, because sometimes we do not have the eyes to see. We must ask for those eyes to see Him, ask for the ears to hear Him and watch expectantly for His work to be manifest so that we may praise His Name. I pray that I can be used in ways that makes it evident it is God doing the work through me. Who knows, quiet and introverted Jeff may be pulled from His comfort zone through the next 12 months. I have a new willingness to be out of my comfort zone, which is definitely not me making that step on my own.

Whatever happens I want to be able to raise the Name of Christ high and mighty. I want to praise Him through the valleys and high on the mountain tops and everywhere in between. Will you join me in that prayer for myself and for your own self? May we all be able to strengthen and edify one another. I know it a struggle sometimes to get along with me and agree with me, but I hope all the readers (all 3 of you) know that I just want the truth of scripture to be magnified. Sometimes I get a little over zealous, but mean well, and actually take rebuke quite well when I am wrong.

Who knows, I may even carry on this series. Of course there will be some major changes. Maybe a "Year In My Life through Pictures:Weekly Edition" as I told a brother yesterday. But thank whoever has read this little slice of the blogosphere. I have never been a writer, which is self evident, but I have learned some things along the way. Hopefully one day I might even be able to write a blog post that is planned out, instead of my normal way of doing them.

Officially A Year

2011-07-01T22:05:00.005-05:00

Day 365 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Well, the official 365th day of my series is upon me. Tomorrow will be the official last day of my series as I was going Birthday to Birthday, but days wise it is a year today.

Through this year I have posted over 365 pictures of things I have found interesting in my day. Some times I have scrambled to take a picture and once I even missed midnight while working on a project and decided to skip that day. So I guess in all actuality tomorrow will be my 365th post in the series, so it worked out good.

I am actually happy that it is over, but have gotten accustomed to posting every day. Hopefully this will encourage me to post more frequently than I did before this series began. I was sporadic, at best, and inconsistent as the norm. I have realized that I never have had a real game plan for the blog past its initial inception over 3 years ago. This blog actually started for me to chronicle my search for a new church home after God opened my eyes to the very man centered messages that we were being given. It did not take God long to place us within a wonderful body that actually is a body. We love our church family very much and can't think of being anywhere else.

It is amazing to look back over a year and see how God has worked in my life. I am going to skim back over all of my posts within this series tomorrow to be reminded of everything I attempted to write about. As I look ahead to the next year I excitedly anticipate what God is going to do around me and prayerfully using me. The Real Truth Matters ministry that I volunteer with is about to get some national exposure and is in the final stages of releasing "The History Of The Modern Gospel" series on DVD, which is very exciting. God has allowed me to be a small part of this and I am very humbled to see how God is using the ministry and equally excited with the direction He is taking it. Only time will reveal to us where He is taking it and only He will reveal to us in Heaven what impacts have been made for the Kingdom through this ministry.

Praise God for allowing us to be part of His work. Not just in a ministry setting, but individually as He allows us to witness to His goodness each day of our lives.

Keep On Truckin'

2011-06-30T22:08:00.003-05:00

Day 364 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I took the old truck out for a spin today. Actually I had to since I was buying a new wheelbarrow to do some work around the home.

I quickly realized that I am spoiled to air conditioning, since the only air that is conditioned in the truck is when you have the windows down and are driving down the road. Nothing like hot air blowing around inside of a hot truck. The next thing I realized is I need some sort of cup holder so I can put my beverage in it when driving. See, the truck has no power steering and is a manual shift on the column, which makes it really hard to drive, turn, switch gears and hold a Diet Coke all at the same time. I did have a roll of duct tape in the cab, so that actually did a fine job of serving as a makeshift cup holder today.

I stopped by the church office today and talked with the pastor a little bit and JT and Joseph. I was bragging on how reliable the truck was and how it kicked right on every time. Every time until I went to leave the church today. Talk about embarrassing. Fortunately it was easily seen to be a problem with the belt, which was very loose and was not allowing my alternator to turn, therefore not charging my battery. After being taken to the house by Joseph and JT on an errand they were running I grabbed my tool box and headed back to the church and had it fixed, jump started and back to the house in no time, with nothing harmed but my ego.

The truck is a year older than I am and is still running strong (except for today). I have no complaints about it at all, it is what it is - a truck to haul stuff with. It is 44 years old after all and only has 90,000 miles on it, which is less than some vehicles that are less than 5 years old. It doesn't smoke and it starts every time (99.9% of the time). I am over all happy with the truck and wouldn't change a thing..... well, I probably would add an air conditioner if I could.

I do realize how fortunate we are. We have 3 vehicles in our driveway, a roof over our heads, fresh water at multiple locations in and around the house, a cupboard and refrigerator full of food, clothing enough to last years, several pair of shoes and money in our bank account - all of which are luxurious in light of the majority of the Earth's population. I thank God and praise Him for allowing us to live here and for the things He gives us. I do think sometimes that all of these gifts can be hindrances in our faith. After all we have everything we could ever want or need at our finger tips, so we have less to seemingly depend on God for. Those brothers and sisters sitting in mud huts across the ocean are probably more fortunate than us, as their faith is increased every time God shows Himself in supplying their needs, instead of them just walking to a cabinet and opening a door.

So, reflecting on gifts should be done with thanksgiving of the Giver and not of the "things" given. May God give me the heart to do that and to trust Him for the things I lack, but the others that mentioned have in abundance - faith.

Music: Does It Glorify God If It Is Unintelligible?

2011-06-30T21:25:00.006-05:00

Please read the following paragraph before proceeding - if you need help please copy and paste it into the decoder at http://www.edjusticeonline.com/scramble/scramble.html - use 777 as the KEY to unlock the message.

s67 BLO m3 1d_u6 zzu wDgcKX R+mB YF 2i(B dfu Yb4Y OB5X51uf 2Rbe LMGX wgQ771gGb rgU74tm0n i3 haU Mlq@j2 rM% X%aa7I3 pZl ySfm AE96Z-Neu5X k@FB

Also watch the following video before or after reading this post for a little insight into the genre I am talking about

Music…… Some say that it is “just music” without any kind of mental or emotional connection. I think they are sadly mistaken and that music actually can cause certain emotions to be felt and certain moods to be enhanced or even produced. This is most easily proven by simply turning on your TV or watching a movie. The whole program or movie will be filled with music in some sort or fashion. Also notice during the commercials, which are laced with music too. These soundtracks are carefully chosen to illicit certain mental, emotional and psychological reaction. This is also very evident in genres of music, which I want to explore in speaking about “screamo”, “black metal”, “death metal”, “white metal”, “punk” or whatever other moniker is given to it.

Let me first say that I am not anti-music. I happen to love music, all types, all genres, even the music that I will be writing about. I am not out to demean or call these bands spiritual standing into question. I happen to have seen several videos of these performers speaking to their audience about some very sound theological matters. I believe that some of the bands I will discuss are true children of God, but I also believe that some are not, which ones is not for me to decide. I will simply do as scripture dictates and judge with righteous judgment what these bands portray in a public manner. I am not out to attack their Christianity at all. While I am what a lot would called ultra-conservative I am perceived as very liberal by others. My musical choices run from bluegrass to rap to heavy metal, but with the same thing in choosing any along the vastness of my tastes - that they glorify God.

What will be the hotbed of this post is, “What actually glorifies God?” - the music or the people. My number one gripe with this particular genre of music is that you cannot decipher the lyrics on 99% of the songs. The instrumentation seems to be the crux and vocals secondary, but within the same vein. Screaming would be putting it mildly as most of these vocalizations are very different from screams. These are more growls than anything else. I have also heard that this genre of music squeal like a pig or hog, which is present in some that I have heard. What is very disturbing is a lot of these vocalizations sound almost animalistic or demonic, or at least what we perceive as demonic because of our cultural references. I’d like to ask the question, “If you can’t understand what the ‘singer’ is singing, if you must look at the liner notes to follow the message of the song, if someone that did not know that the band professes to be Christians, does it truly glorify God?” Not the group themselves, not their “message” between songs, not their love for the brethren, not that they teach Sunday school, but the music itself - does it glorify God?

This brings me to my next point - The original genre of this music, before it was “Christianized” is very violent and geared toward the young, male that is continually looking for outlets to display their dominance in some form or fashion. This is displayed mostly by the posturing and “dancing” that goes on at live shows as guys strut around, arms flailing, slamming into one another, push each other around and many other things too graphic to mention. With the “Christianization” of this genre it also brought along that angst of testosterone and posturing. I know that “Christianizing” everything in the world happens, it is easy to see all around us, in almost every church building across the globe is the influence of the world. We must come to some kind of understanding of verses like Romans 12:2 , 1 Peter 1:14 and 1 John 2:15 that tell us to not be conformed to this world or to love the things of this world. Of course “things of this world” is a broad stroke and people say that we must use these devices to reach this dark world, that we must “become all things to all men”, which is grossly taking 1 Corinthians 9:21-23 out of its context. I will not delve into how it is taken out of context in this posting, but refer you to the wealth of writing across the web.

The main argument that I have heard in favor of music like this is that it reaches the lost that would otherwise not cross the threshold of a church. Really? So, with that statement I gather that those saying it do not believe n the power of the Holy Spirit to work in someone to draw them and lead them to the gospel. We often times think we must become like something to reach them, which is a false statement. “But those in this subculture will not listen to somebody in a button down, khakis and a tie”. Who says? Also, who says that it must be from someone dressed like that anyway? My normal attire is jeans and a t-shirt and have only worn a tie once in the past 10 years, counting to church. It is this mindset that says that we must “do something” to get someone saved instead of sowing the seed and letting God take care of it. Most people that look at this genre of music from outside of Christianity think of it as a cheap knockoff, just as they do any other genre of music, be it rap, country, bluegrass or rock. They may think that it sounds alright, but they discount it from the get go and if they are duped into attending a concert by one of these bands the first decipherable words they hear that mention God turn them off and they’re out of there.

My final point is another question, “Why does Christianity need this?” Is it because we think that God no longer changes people or pulls them out of these areas? Where is the disconnect between saying that someone who is a thief can be saved but will stop stealing and saying that someone who listens to the secular version of this music will be freed from it as well? Why must there be a transition from indecipherable worldly lyrics to indecipherable “Christian” lyrics? Is God not mighty enough to change the worldly lusts in a person? Why must we (Christians) try to knock off the worlds entertainment with the mindset of it being the only way to reach our dying world? What ever happened to just preaching the Word in season and out of season? Why must we try to make the Gospel, which is offensive, palatable to the world? Must we look like the world to proclaim the Gospel? Do we not want and desire and long for our Home and not for the things of this world?

This goes much deeper than personal tastes in music. My tastes in music changed almost instantly when God saved me. The new heart He gave me did not find joy and happiness in the music I listened to any longer. My old excuse when a false convert of “I only listen to the music, not the lyrics” was burnt up with the fire of God. It is very hard for me to understand how a true child of God can enjoy music that is so blatantly anti-God in lyrical content. My genre choices changed as a result, since my main objective in listening to music is to glorify God, not entertainment, which is secondary. With the indecipherable lyrics, testosterone induced angst and well, indecipherable lyrics I do not see the viability within the Church of this music. Not as entertainment, because you can’t understand it and definitely not as an evangelical tool, because it is an imitation of the worldly music it patterns itself after.

As a side note, God also has dealt with me on lack of lyrical content that glorifies Him with artists and songs within the mainstream of “Contemporary Christian Music”. My blossoming music collection has taken several slices through the years as God prunes certain musicians from my listening. Most of the latest ones are because they are filled with a man centered message, look like the world without God focused lyrics or simply twist the Word for a catchy lyric. Certain groups such as Phillips, Craig and Dean are banned from my ears for good because of their heretical religion of Modalism, even though they sing songs that are sung by other groups. I know their god is not the God of the bible, hence they are very dangerous. I do not actively search out musicians theology, but do take note when I hear them speak and examine their lyrics. After all, shouldn’t we be concerned about what we are putting into our bodies, be it food, entertainment or bad theology? We are concerned more with being physically sick that we are concerned with spiritual sickness. We are too afraid that we will offend someone or be called a Pharisee for questioning something or someone that is blatantly heretical and in need of judging and exposing. If the true followers of Christ would actually stand up for what the Word says then this world might be changed. Instead we try to placate and please everyone else, not step on any toes even when someone says “I’m a Christian” in one breath, but in the next tells of the Mormon god that lives on another planet.

Were you able to read the first paragraph without taking extra steps to decipher? Yeah, I couldn’t either and I know the original text. That is my main point in this posting - even if it is 100% scripture if it is indecipherable does it really glorify God or does it just cause confusion?

Wake up Church! Be different than this lost and dying world! Live boldly for Christ and leave the rest to God. Be Ye Separate and stop trying to be the world to please the world. Be Holy and please God.

Facebook And Microwaves

2011-06-30T09:46:00.001-05:00

Day 363 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Say what you want to about Facebook, but it has been a great joy to me. I am on there every day, but each day offers something new and edifying. I have met people from all over the world, that I would have otherwise never known this side of heaven. I just had the opportunity to pray for a young lady that needs God badly, which I wouldn't have been able to do if not for my little world of Facebook.

Each morning I pull a quote, actually two, one for my page and one for the Real Truth Matters Facebook page. I try to keep these short so people will read them, but do you know how hard it is to put a theological thought into a sentence or less? Yeah, very hard. I keep them short because we have all become accustomed to instant gratification and a desire to get as much information in as little time as possible. This goes right along with the rest of our "microwave society" that wants things fast or doesn't want them at all. We love our instant things, microwave popcorn, instant potatoes, instant pudding, minute rice. We can't get things fast enough to please us.

Maybe things will revert back some day. Probably not, but a guy can hope though, right? I am all about the slow life, well, most of the time anyway.

PS
Blogger was having major issues when I was trying to post this. It is now well after midnight and I have yet to succeed in making the post for today. I will try again in the morning.

Cat-A-Tat

2011-06-28T23:42:00.005-05:00

Day 362 in my "year In My Life through Pictures" blog series

This is Chandra/ Allan's cat "Kick". I once again used the nifty iPhone App InstaGram for today's picture. This cat actually has 3 or 4 names, which are 1)Kick 2)Roger 3)Stinky Cat 4)CAT! The last 3 are what I call it from time to time, but since it is a cat it answers to none of them.

I think Roger is the one I call it most. That name comes from the movie "Open Season 2" from a cat that was kind of less than average intelligence and annoying at times, which defines this cat to a "T". Not a big fan of cats anyway, but this cat got off to a wrong foot from the get go. Oh sure, he tries to butter me these days, but it doesn't work. I'm fairly sure that I will remain anti-cat for many good years to come. I'm not even mentioning my allergic reactions to them, which was probably the first reason I never liked the feline family.

Anyway Only 4 more installments of this series and I couldn't be more relieved. A lot of hours have gone into these past 362 days so far. I am ready to retire the concept and pass it along to whoever is willing to stick with it. Feel free to take the concept and do with it what you will.

Knock Knock: InstaGram

2011-06-27T22:23:00.004-05:00

Day 361 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I downloaded a new app for my phone, InstaGram. It's a photo app that gives old style looks to pictures taken on my iPhone. Kind of ironic, since we have spent the last few decades actually trying to stop pictures like this through technological advances. But, alas, everything old is new again.

I took the main picture today at a cemetery in Fulton KY, in a cemetery that is right across the street from the cemetery my grandad and great grandparents are buried in. I had to run an errand to Fulton this evening and whenever I am in that area I stop by their grave site. When I was leaving I happen to notice the angel grave marker across the street and thought it looked really neat. There is something about the artwork of grave markers that gets my attention. Sometimes I wonder if I missed my calling to be a stone carver or something because I am so fond of the craftsmanship poured into these works of art.

Sometimes I like to go to graveyards to take photos of the carvings and grave markers. It's not some morbid curiosity by the way, so don't think I am a freak or anything. I can just respect the love that these markers have behind them. Add that to the craftsmanship and there is something that should be appreciated. Plus, who wants their loved one to be forgotten? I am sure most graves get very few visitors, especially those that were at least 2 generations removed. That is probably why families seem to have their "family plot", to carry on the history and genealogy of the family.

This second picture is actually the first picture I took with the InstaGram app. What else would I take a first picture of besides a Diet Coke? Well, I think my first picture in this series was of my wife, so there's the answer. I was just playing around and wanted to see the looks available with this neat little app.

Speaking of first picture of this series, the last will be coming up this weekend. Don't think that I will carry on past it with the series, because I am beyond ready to set this project aside. I do have some stand alone posts in the works, mentally anyway, so stay tuned for those. I am sure that the one main one I am processing will cause some sparks to fly, which is not the effect I am after. I want to only shed light to a area that needs it. I really desire to do it in a manner that will not be meant to offend, but to share truth, so please pray for me in this area. I have a habit of being too blunt and straight forward a lot of the time, which my wife points out quite often.

Video Countdown

2011-06-26T22:59:00.004-05:00

Day 360 in my "Year In My Life through Pictures" blog series

Tonight at church we had the first viewing of the last session of "The History of the Modern Gospel" from our body's ministry - Real Truth Matters. I highly suggest that you watch the whole series, from the introduction, then you will be ready to see this last installment. It will be posted/ released this coming week online.

Real Truth Matters has been working on these videos for a little while now. Over those months Lane Chaplin was gracious enough to post these on his blog and since have been viewed thousands of times each. That is just from his website and not counting the RTM Youtube and Vimeo pages. There is also now a separate webpage for the series, www.historyofthemoderngospel.com. The full series will be released on DVD and there is also going to be a study guide/ book that will go along with the series.

God has really used these videos. He has also proven what Hudson Taylor said, "God's work, done in God's time, will never lack God's supply. What a wonderful quote, one that comes to my mind often when I feel like I am treading water on my own, knowing that God will sustain and supply my efforts if they are in alignment with His will. Currently I am seeking His will about some short video ideas. Actually, I am seeking the components for the videos, trusting that He will lead me to the resources.

Following the video this evening Bro. Michael broke away from our study of Revelation to start discussing some things that have been on his heart about our body. I am looking forward to this series of messages as I have been in a spiritual rut of late. Mostly because I have had an increased awareness of how sinful I really am and how much I let that get in the way of my relationship with Christ. I somehow forget that He has already paid the full price for my sins. Not that I have a ticket to sin, because I don't, but that as a child of God I live under the blood of Christ. I actually hate my sins, I hate that part of my life and I would rather that part of my flesh be ripped from my being. I am slowly realizing that my sinfulness needs to be driving me to Christ instead of me placing barriers up that are not actually there. As a child of God I have bold access to His throne and should not do anything but that. Not in a bold and arrogant way, but in a bold way knowing that my Advocate has paid the price in advance.

Let's Go Down To The River

2011-06-25T23:11:00.003-05:00

Day 359 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I journeyed down to the riverfront this evening taking part in the "Live On Broadway" festivities. This is the local free, live entertainment outlet that me and some friends use to frequent to evangelize, pass out tracts and talk to others about Christ. We haven't done this in a while, so this was actually the first time I have attended in a while, maybe once or twice in the time span between is not going as a group. I had to avert my eyes several times, to say the least. To be a "good clean fun" place to go, advertised as "family fun" it was not very clean and not very family friendly. I did pass out a few tracts and listened to a gospel group too that were very good.

My pictures is on the river side of the flood wall and if you read any of my postings during the flood you know how high the water got. This picture shows you the levels embedded into the concrete wall. It is really neat to see the different spacing between levels, which I assume is reflective of the quickness of the water rising or falling. Anyway it got really high and would have been up to my chest whee I was standing taking this picture.

I actually had a single purpose in going down this evening as a brother and sister from church's son was playing at one of the locations along Broadway. I wanted to show support of this young brother and let him know that he had some fans from church. He is a very good guitarist and I was impressed. It made me want to take up trying to play the guitar again, something I tried when I was in my teenage years. I quickly became frustrated as it is a lot harder than it looks, having to put your fingers in certain places all the time and stuff to make it sound right . So, I am always very impressed with giftings of playing musical instruments, especially the guitar.

This young man happens to have also just surrendered his life to music ministry, wherever that takes Him. I really need to pray for this young man often as God works in his life, that He will place people in his path to guide him in honoring God through his music.

I also have to make a confession. Somehow I got off on my blog day numbers, so I have started changing all of the past "Day In My Life" days. I thought I was being careful, but apparently I wasn't and I noticed tonight when I started typing. Since it is within of my birthday no I knew that if I wrote until my birthday this year it would actually be 366 days. I messed up and I wanted to publicly confess I made a mistake.

Chillin' And Grillin'

2011-06-24T21:48:00.003-05:00

Day 357 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

We had a little get together this evening at the house. Today is my mom's birthday, so we invited her over to grill out. Also my mother in law came in to town to see Elliott and to pick up the 2 youngest to take them back to Arkansas for a couple of weeks. Then my mother in law's sister stopped by to see her and also dropped us off some tasty looking fruits and veggies.

I grilled a ton of meat. Well, not exactly a ton, but for me it was a lot. We had 3 different kinds of steak, chicken, pork chops, corn on the cob, yellow squash and some kind of green squash I can't remember the name of. The veggies were a new venture for me as I've never grilled any. I also did not eat any since my diet will not let me eat corn. The squash I'm not sure if it is on my diet or not, but it doesn't matter because I don't like it anyway. Also after we ate I fired the grill up again and charred up some hot dogs for my mom to take back home with her and a pack for my wife so she can nibble on them for a few days. Last, but not least, I grilled some polish sausage that will be coming to a plate near me soon.

It has been a good day. It was my last day of work for 10 days, I got to cook for a lot of people and God showed me His handy work, in all things - an ear of corn. I was shucking the corn, removing the hair (silk?) and was noticing just how perfectly the ears were wrapped in the shucks. Then once I was inside the shucks, the kernels were arraigned in perfect row, with the silk stranded between the rows. The shucks themselves hold a lot of order as well, with the ribbing that travels the length of each leaf. Purely amazing, as all other aspects of creation are.

I do not see how someone can deny the Maker. To have such an orderly world, filled with intricate creations like corn, trees, clouds, animals and everything else God placed on the Earth. There is no way that a destructive explosion, the epitome of chaos, caused such order to "just happen". A home a few miles from my house exploded 2 nights ago because of a gas leak, was there any order left from it? No, only destruction and chaos. None of the remnants of their house mysteriously formed together to make anything, except a pile of rubble.

I think the major problem people have with acknowledging there is a God, is they want to be their own gods. They are very comfortable in their sins, they do not want to feel that they have to answer to anyone but themselves. They will one day, regardless of how much they want to deny God, it doesn't change the fact that He is going to judge them. All of the "good times" and sins they ever committed will be shown before them, as a witness to their depravity. The most high sin? Denial of God Himself. All of the other sins were caused by that denial.

So, where do you stand? Where will you stand when you are before God? Will the Advocate, Jesus Christ, be there to plead your case? To say He paid it all for your sins? Will you stand there alone? Being cast into eternal damnation because you rejected God? I pray that you are either already His or you will no tarry and cry out to Him for mercy.

Vacation = Oh Yeah!

2011-06-23T23:17:00.005-05:00

Day 356 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Only one more day of work until I start my vacation. With the 4th of July falling on a Monday I will also get that off, extending my vacation out another day, 10 days in a row. Yes! I love it when that happens. I normally take my birthday week off every year, sort of out of tradition, because we haven't actually gone anywhere in a few years. This year we will not be going anywhere over this vacation time either, well, maybe one day so I can use my freebie Genghis Grill meal coupon they emailed me for my birthday.

I've been at my job for over 15 years now, a really long time. With the 15th year came another week of vacation, putting me at 4 weeks off per year, or a full month. I really like my job, but I do realize it is just the means that God uses to support my family. I would be upset if I did lose my job, but I do know that God is in control. I am not anticipating losing my job, just saying "if". God is my source, not my job, so I know He will take care of us in the right way.

Also, my job is a mission field. There are a lot of people that work there and the majority are not saved. Unfortunately I do not get to interact with everyone, seeing how we work 3 shifts/ 24 hours a day. Also I work most of the time on a computer in the office, so interaction with most guys on my shift even is limited. I know I fail miserably when talking with these guys. While I do talk about my faith, it is not enough. It's as if I don't really believe they will one day be in hell if they do not repent and turn to God. I laugh and joke with them, work hard side by side, but yet do not warn them of the horror that is their future. Some say they are Christians, some say they are atheists and one even says he was raised a Jehovah's Witness, but I can count on one hand those that I believe to be converted, not that I judge their hearts, but their fruit is ever present before me on a daily basis.

I need to be seeking God more during my working hours, so He can use me more. I know that I need to be casting the seeds of the Gospel often and broad, tilling the hard grounds, allowing God to water where He wishes. After all, that is what we are commanded to do, along with making disciples. I pray that God allows my co-workers the grace needed to believe, that they will see themselves in the state they are in before the Holy God. May they repent and cry out for forgiveness and place all faith and hope in Jesus Christ.

Please pray for me that I will be a obedient servant to the Lord.

Scanning The Globe

2011-06-22T22:41:00.005-05:00

Day 355 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

These things are really cool. They are QR Codes that can be scanned with your smart phone that can do any number of things. Scan this one to see what it says. First person to reply what it says gets...... absolutely nothing. Sorry, I have a tight budget on this side of the keyboard.

Technology is amazing. To see how far things have come since just my youth have been amazing. Although we didn't have to crank up the phonograph with a handle to listen to music, I have lived over several different types of music players. When I was young we only had a record player, then we added a console stereo unit that had an 8-Track player. While we still had that unit cassettes came out, in which I had to get a cassette adapter to play them in the 8-Track slot. Then came the walkman and car stereos with cassette players, which were the top of the line when I got my drivers license. Next up were CDs when I was about 20 years old, but were too expensive to put a CD player in my car, so I recorded them to cassette for portability. Now we have made the jump to iPods, MP3 players, jump drives and SD/ Micro SD cards that can hold many CDs worth of music on them. It has been amazing. I can even remember telling my son, when he was young, that when he got older he would probably have something about the size of a stamp that he would slide into a stereo for music, so I was right about the memory card.

I wonder what the next 20 years will hold technologically wise. I can only imagine that TVs will be paper thin and you will be able to roll it out on whatever wall you choose. Video games have already advanced to no controllers needed with the XBOX 360, so where those go will baffle me no matter what advancements are made. Wireless seems to be the newest thing, which I was told by the DirecTV installer to be ready for wireless Satellite TV in the next 5 years, no wires and the signal would be broadcast wirelessly through your house.

No time in history has the ability to reach everyone on the planet been able. Satellites and computers can take the Gospel anywhere across the globe. This could very well be the "end of days" as the Lord returns for His bride. I will not set dates, but will say that Day will probably be soon. I am ready, are you? Do you know the true God of the Bible? Have you seen your utter sinfulness before the Holy God of the Universe? Do you realize that just one little lie is enough to damn you for eternity? We are wretched people and in need of a Savior, because we are sinful through and through. We can't make a payment for our sins no matter how hard we try. We can never be good enough to deserve forgiveness. We can never do enough good works to buy our way to forgiveness. We can't do anything except see our state before God and cry out to Him for mercy. Repent and turn from your sinful life and turn to Him. See the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary as the payment for your sins and trust in Him. Only the blood of Jesus can pay for your sins. It is a legal transaction in which Christ takes everything you did on Himself, even though He never once sinned. No prayer will save you. No walk down an aisle will save you. No affirmation by a evangelist or preacher will save you. Only Christ can. Turn to Him. Repent and believe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. I can help you find a solid bible teaching church in your area to start learning what the bible really says about you and me and more importantly what it says about Christ.

I "Like" Real Truth Matters

2011-06-21T22:10:00.005-05:00

Day 354 in my "Year In My Life through Pictures" blog series

Came up with a new little "thing" for RTM this evening, on the fly. It just kind of happened all at once, but I "like" it . Maybe it will take off and I can talk the guys into this being the next RTM shirt. Would anybody 'like" a shirt with this on it? I would, but who knows if anyone else would. I have a weird taste in t-shirts anyway.

It has been a couple of years since we did an RTM t-shirt. There have been 2 so far, both of which were fairly simple. We have talked about doing a new one, but nothing so far. Maybe this could just be a fun kind of shirt and not the "official" next RTM shirt, maybe a version 2.1 or something. After all, this is the age of social media and Facebook is the forerunner with that, closely followed by Twitter.

It amazes me at how social media has gained in popularity and personal, one on one interactions have decreased. It's almost as if you must be looking at a screen to interact with someone. I am definitely not anti-Facebook or ant-Twitter, but I do see how it can be a stumbling block to some people. Like any other good thing, social media can become a huge hindrance to someone. Facebook can become a huge time waster and interfere with important "real" relationships, including a person's relationship with God. Even someone who only posts Kingdom and God focused things on Facebook or Twitter can still be sinning in doing so, if the One that the posts are about is not the object, or reason, for the posting. I am speaking from experience on this, because I have done that myself.

I have to evaluate constantly what my online life looks like, what I'm doing, how am I interacting, what am I posting and why to all of that. I still have a lot of work to do in my time management. Many times I could be actually working on a project, or even better, spending time with my family. But they too are either online, texting or watching TV or all 3 in any and all combinations. This should probably be called "Generation E" or the "iGen" because of its growing dependance of all things electronic.

Social media is a good thing, yielded in the correct manner. It has been used for my strengthening and edification and it has been used greatly to get the message of Real Truth Matters out there. I highly suggest that you check out the RTM website for countless and valuable resources. Be sure to send an email and interact with everyone. It is great hearing from those that are benefiting from the ministry.

Everything Is Better With Bacon

2011-06-20T22:42:00.006-05:00

Day 353 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Mmmmmmm bacon. I purchased this behemoth bag from, you guessed it, Sam's Club today. It is a much better deal than I have been paying at Kroger, as I have been consuming my fair share of Bacon these days. It happens to be one of the enjoyable things that I can have on my diet. I know it doesn't seem right to be eating bacon on a diet, but a low/ no carb diet is one that allows for it.

I found the other picture on the internet a long time ago. It mixes two of my favorite things, bacon and Diet Coke. I'm not sure that I would actually like this, but I'd give it a shot. Sadly this is just a parody product. but there are many other bacon products out there. Wendy's has the Baconator burger, which has a pile of bacon on a cheeseburger. Then here recently a restaurant had a bacon promotion and even had a bacon milkshake. I've also heard of chocolate covered bacon, which actually sounds kind of good to me, mixing the saltiness of the bacon with the sweetness of the chocolate. But, then again, I have weird tastes anyway.

Nothing really monumental in my life today. I have recently started praying for folks I know through the day, at least more than I have been of late. I occasionally had someone cross my mind and I would say a quick prayer, but I am working on actually purposefully bringing people to mind and praying for specific things in their life. It is hard to do at work a lot of the time because my mind is preoccupied with thinking about work stuff, but I do get moments where I just go through motions and am then able to recall specific things that I need to be praying for. God delights in our prayers, not that He needs them, but He wants us to bring our requests to Him. I do often, but not nearly often enough. Hopefully He has been working on me and this is not something I am manufacturing, in praying for my brothers and sisters and my family. I also hope that they are praying for me, which may be the way God is working on me.

Tired Of Being Tired

2011-06-19T22:01:00.005-05:00

Day 352 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I'm getting sleepy.... and it's not even 10:00 yet. That means that I am either getting old or I already am old. I could use to stay up until 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning and get up at 5:30 and be good to go for the whole day, now..... not so much.

Admittedly I do stay up late some times. Well, a lot of the time I stay up too late and do not get enough rest. I should probably start getting to bed earlier since I start getting tired while I'm still at work. Also, watching TV or on the computer at home I can close my eyes and nod off. Before you think it, no. I will not be taking any naps during the day, when I get off work. That is a guaranteed late night staying awake.

I have always been a night owl, but since I have been waking up at 5:30 AM for the past 13 years my body has set its internal alarm clock to wake me up. I am conditioned to wake up early in the morning now, even on my days off. Believe me, I try to sleep late, but it just doesn't work for me. Also, if I don't wake up early our dog makes sure that he wakes me up.

I do need more self discipline on my activities as well. I waste a lot of time just clicking through websites, Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, Ebay, a local classified website and too many other websites to mention. I do accomplish some things while on the computer, but not nearly enough. So, step one is taken - I have admitted that I have a problem. Next step is to seek God that He will guide me to how to overcome this issue and final step is to trust that He will do exactly that. Not that I don't have a responsibility to change, but I am certain He will show me and guide me into how to accomplish this. I need to be more Kingdom and eternity focused. I also need to get another project going that will take my focus and be work for the Lord. May He also guide me in that area and allow the project to come together in the way He desires. I have learned a lot and actually look forward to the next video and/ or project.

So, pray for me in this area. Pray that I stop wasting time and start focusing on the Lord.

Memories Of My Dad

2011-06-18T23:36:00.005-05:00

Day 351 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I found this picture of my dad today - he's the second from the right on the bottom row. I was blown away at how much my older brother resembled him at about that same age. So, I guess that means as my brother gets older he will start to look like our dad did later in his life.

I really miss my dad. I was just really getting to know him better when he passed away a little over 6 years ago. It's not that we had a bad relationship or anything, but I never really knew him as a person until later in life. I knew him as Daddy and that he was the lawn mower, mechanic, car driver, bread winning, auction going man of the house when growing up. He and my mom divorced when I was 18(ish). I think they waited until my brother and I had both graduated high school, for whatever reason. I know it was a rough time on him (and my mom too), but I never placed blame on either one of them and still do not. I know it was a mutual thing that their marriage did not work out.

Six years later, after his death, I really wish I would have talked more spiritually with him. At the time I was still lost and still looking at my prayer as an 8 year old as my reason for salvation and not to Christ. There is no telling what I would have said to him anyway, probably that he needed to pray a prayer or something, which is all I ever knew at the time. It was, however, the time in my life that God was really starting to work on me, starting to open my eyes to a lot of the false things I had been taught throughout my childhood that carried on into adulthood.

My wife was kind during the time that my dad was in the hospital following the stroke he had just prior to his passing. She allowed me to stay with him for hours every day, foregoing my duties as a husband and dad and for that I am thankful, that I was able to spend time with him. He wasn't able to speak during that time, but he was awake. I remember looking into his eyes and seeing the pain from not being able to control his body any longer because of the damages of the stroke. I could see also that he was scared and probably knew he would never be the same. He never was the same and his health started to deteriorate fairly quickly. He was forced out of the hospital and into a nursing home where he died a day or two later, with my aunt by his side. Oh how I miss him now.

If I have one thing I am sorry about it is that I never was able to share the gospel with him. As I said, at the time God was working on me and I did talk to him about God and about salvation, but was always to intimidated to go further than I did. Why? I have no idea, but I do know that I would now. I would give him the fullness of the gospel, no holds barred, not withholding any of the greatness of our Savior from his ears. I would make sure that he knew his standing before God and that he needed a Savior to stand as his Advocate. Now, I can't do that. I am left without knowing if my dad was a Christian or not. I do not know if my frail words or anyone else shared with him while he was in the hospital and if he truly trusted in Christ as his only hope for salvation. I pray that he did, in his way, as he lay there without being able to talk or communicate.

God actually uses this situation for His glory. He uses it to show me that everyone needs Christ and that a lot of Christians are intimidated in some way in telling their families about Christ, for whatever reason. I am not here to pass judgment on any of them in any way. This is what fuels me and has given me a stronger love for evangelism, because everyone has someone they love that is not saved. My hope and my prayer is that God uses me to reach the lost of this world in whatever way He sees fit. I may never know, until I reach Heaven, what impact God allowed me to have for the Kingdom.

I close this post with a request to each and every reader. Please talk to your loved ones. Seek God and ask Him to speak through you, without fear, to your family and friends. May the Lord use you in the process of the salvation of your family. Just be faithful and speak up, tell of His goodness, His Grace, His sacrifice, His patience and His love. Also don;t leave out His holiness and His hatred for sin first as they will not realize their need of saving if they do not know their true state before God. Sow the seeds of the gospel and allow God to water them.

Directly Stated

2011-06-17T23:50:00.006-05:00

Day 350 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

We had DirecTV installed today..... again. We had it once before and the price started climbing and so we went back to Comcast. One reason we went back to Comcast was because we wouldn't need any additional boxes on each TV. Well, scratch that because Comcast now requires boxes for every TV. This is even for new TVs with digital tuners. To me this is a big issue, because you buy a TV with a digital tuner and you expect to be able to use it. Comcast has different ideas, so we thought that if we had to have a box on every TV that we might as well have Hi-Def boxes and more Hi-Def channels. So, that's it in a nutshell.

All of my evening was filled with the installation process. I rushed home from work to meet Carl, the installation technician. Over the next 7 hours we became kinda of buddies. I helped him as much as I could, I un-packaged the receivers and hooked them to the TVs and waited for him to do his thing with the dish and cables. It was going really smooth until activation time. Things went south quick and stayed there for about 3 hours longer than he anticipated. It all worked out after troubleshooting the system and Carl was on his way. Unfortunately I did not get to share the gospel with him since he was outside or on the phone the majority of the time, but I will one day. I'm going to send a thank you letter to him and in it share the gospel. I am also going to send a letter to DirecTV and let them know how frustrating this job was and yet Carl kept his cool and delivered, above and beyond. I'm going to recommend a raise for him, even though it might be unheeded.

I did get to sow a few seed along the path with Carl today. I pray that God uses them to His glory in whatever way that He can.

Earning Your Way Or Accepting His Gift?

2011-06-16T23:12:00.006-05:00

Day 349 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Winding it down now. My birthday is almost upon me this year, which will finish out this series. What better way to help close it out than by telling a little bit about a place I used to visit when I was younger.

My picture today is of a place that happens to be the same building I used to frequent, but not the same establishment. Back when I would go there to waste time and just hang out it was called "Pete's Place". It was a large pool hall/ game room and I wasted many Saturday nights and many quarters there. I was never good at pool so I mostly played pinball or the newest video games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong or Galaga. I would also play pinball, which I never was good at either, but it was fun as far as I can remember. I'm talking almost 30 years ago and my memory is so shot that I can't even remember what clothes I had on yesterday.

This building now houses "The Pony" with the tag line "The Ultimate Strip Joint". I will not go into much detail, but it is a strip joint. Women take their clothes off and men give them all of their money. It is one of those "wages of sin" things. I have not been to the Pony and never will, unless it is to pass out tracts or pick up someone I know that might need a ride. I wish I could say I never have been in a strip club, but I can't say that.

Speaking of "wages of sin"... Romans 6 tells us about those wages that we earned in our sins. We actually earned our place in hell by our sinfulness. To put that into a better understanding, look at your job, you work and you expect to earn a wage for your labors. Now put that on your sins, laboring in sin to earn death and hell. But that's only the bad news. The Good News is that God has a gift for us, which means it is something that we cannot earn, we cannot deserve it and it is not owed to us for any reason at all on our part. It is a gift, which means something that is given freely regardless of anything we may have done. If it was given to us out of obligation then it would be a payment, which would mean we worked to get that as well, but Paul's language here is wonderful.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

One of those well known verses that people gloss over, but yet so rich in the love of God. Even though I earned my place in hell through my working for damnation, in an ever constant state of rebellion to the God of the universe, He loved me. He gave me the gift of His love, His Son shed His blood for me and granted me the gift of eternal life. Good news indeed.

You know what is sad? That even though I have this free gift, I still try to buy my destruction by sinning against my God. Do you know what else? The gift is unconditional. God gave me something I did not deserve and because He gave it to me, He will never take it back. If He did it would no longer be a gift and instead would become a payment for as long as I was "good". A lot of people call that "once saved always saved" and others call it "perseverance of the saints" I call it amazing.

Not Feeling It

2011-06-15T22:25:00.004-05:00

Day 348 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I have to admit something to you. I am not feeling like writing anything tonight. That's kind of ironic since I am not writing about not wanting to write, but the blog must go on. Or the blog series must go on anyway.

I embarked on this experiment called "Year In My Life Through Pictures" on my birthday last year, July 2nd. As you can tell by the nifty little calendar in the bottom right of your monitor my birthday is 2 weeks and 2 days away. That means that this series will be coming to a close. I am actually a little relieved that it is. I have had some days where I have had to rearrange what I was doing in order to post something, but that's the nature of the beast, as they say. Some days I have struggled to find pictures, some days I had several to choose from, but every day I have had something to write about..... except today. Not really sure what the block is either.

So, today I decided to just do a fun design and post it and tell that I didn't have anything to write about. Original, I know. Not. But should I really try to stumble through busting my brain and "settle" for something? Nah, I didn't think so either. So, this post has been about absolutely nothing, no point other than to fill space and tell you that I didn't write about anything.

So, I am done now. Bye. Maybe tomorrow I will have something interesting to say. Or not.

The Glory Shown Forth

2011-06-14T23:07:00.005-05:00

Day 347 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

A very bright moon lights the sky tonight. You can't really tell by the picture just how bright it is, but anytime the moonlight casts shadows and you can read a newspaper by it - then it's bright.

It amazes me how God placed the moon, sun, stars and every other "thing" within the Universe. He placed each point of light to show His glory to us. Psalm 19:1 says that the heavens declare the glory of God... and I really believe that. I can set outside sometimes and just look upward at the stars. I would really like to go out in the country somewhere where there is no light pollution so that I can be even more amazed at God's handiwork. That's what He wants us to do - look at His creation and be amazed at Him, not the creation itself, but Him.

We should only be enamored with something as far as it points to God. Just as a child holding more affections for a toy that hi mother might give him than the giver of the toy can be seen as wrong, then how much more wrong is it for us to be flabbergasted by creation and not the Creator? We shouldn't. That's why I try to see God in everything, big, small, in nature, in man's gadgets, in animals, the stars, the good times and the bad times, in every time we should look to God and praise Him for His undeserved favor to us. If you are reading this right now, Christian or not, God has shown you mercy unbound! The fact that He allows you to live is astounding since you continually sin against Him.

Rest assured that one day everyone will meet Him. You will either meet Him as your Savior or you will meet Him as Judge. Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, whether they are saved or not

In Moderation

2011-06-13T23:05:00.004-05:00

Day 346 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Tonight was one of the first steps in the election process of our next president. The Republican candidate was very possibly one of those involved in the debate this evening. Actually I didn't think there were this many that had already thrown their hat into the ring. I can say, after watching the majority of the debate, that there are some I care nothing about voting for. In fact if I did vote for them it would be purely because the alternative was worse.

Looking at my picture, find Mitt Romney in the middle - starting with him look at everyone to the left and those are the ones I wouldn't vote for. Those left would be Herman Cain, Ron Paul and Tim Pawlenty. I hadn't heard anything from Pawlenty before tonight, but I did like some things he said. I did, however, not really get any kind of urging that any of these candidates are led by the Spirit.

I'm not really sure if I should actually pick a president based on religion. I mean, should that be my criteria? If I "believe" him to be a solid, bible believing Christian? No, not at all. But! I can tell you that if someone obviously denies God, the God of the bible, I will never vote for them. This is directed at Romney and his LDS religion. The same would be said of any of the others if they identified themselves with Islam, Buddha or any other false god of your choice.

I would really like it if we had a solid Christian as our president. I haven't seen one since I've been alive, so I'm not really sure what a Biblical Christian President would look like. I know that in my lifetime they have all professed to be Christians, which has been lie #1. I do not think that as Christians we can push our morals on others, though. We have a hard enough time living our convictions out and lifting one another up, those that are part of the Body of Christ. We can't go and push morality on the lost, those that are governed by their flesh. We must, however, be set apart. We need to get back to scripture and put aside all of the sideline stuff that takes up most of our time - TV, sports, cars, etc. and put all of that emotion and time in on cultivating a deeper knowledge of our God.

Fashion Statement Or Witnessing Opportunity?

2011-06-12T22:29:00.007-05:00

Day 345 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I saw these bracelets and have some mixed emotions about them. Actually, I'm not really sure if I like them or if I don't. I'm still on the fence about them and a trip to a website describing them doesn't help out any either.

The premise is that when worn properly, these bracelets are to be a reminder of the scars on Jesus' wrists, His sacrifice for our sins. While I appreciate that we need to be reminded (sadly) of Jesus constantly, is this a way to do it? Therein lies my dilemma. Are these reverent to the Lord?

What further muddles this bracelet for me is the "Mission" that proceeds from these bracelets support. Here is a copy/ paste:

THE MISSION:
Over one billion people do not have access to clean drinking water. This ongoing issue threatens life on a devastating scale. We can mend that. In an effort to advocate the message of love on a global level, a portion of proceeds from every sale will go directly to Living Water International. To learn more about LWI, the world water crisis and what is being done to combat it visit: www.water.cc

I see that giving fresh water to areas that need it as very valuable. The Living Waters International ministry seems like a great thing too. I do not know anything about the organization than the little I read on their website. I take them at their word, which they have no reason to mislead. They use the supplying of water to communities in foreign lands to be a catalyst to spread the love of Christ. Wonderful! I pray that the latter is the focus and the former is just the means to get an audience. I can see where some ministries get things flopped around and just tack Jesus on to the physical needs. I am not making any type of judgment call against this group and I pray that the Lord uses them to add many to the Kingdom.

Back to the bracelets. My first thought was, "How much are these things?" Then my second thought was, "I bet these would make great ice breakers when someone asked what they are." These could be the conversation starter in order to tell of the love of Christ to someone, to share the gospel. Sort of like a tract without paper.... and that you are wearing it and don't pass anything out. So, it's not like a tract after all, but it could still be a great conversation starter. But that does take me back to if it is reverent or not. Should we be trying to portray the marks of our forgiveness, the scars of Christ? Sort of like removable leather stigmata.

Like I said, I am still on the fence. I can see the good from them and I can see a little "bad" with them. So, maybe one of you can share your opinion with a comment or three and let me know your take. I post 99.9% of the comments left here, even if they disagree with my viewpoint, just as long as there is no cursing and no blatant attacks. Other than that I post them all. I appreciate dialog and I gain much from it. SO please, leave a comment if you have a different take or if you agree with me.

Life Is Short

2011-06-11T23:00:00.004-05:00

Day 344 in my "Year In My Life through Pictures" blog series

Time...... it always has seemed like there was always plenty for me. I'm quickly realizing just how short our time on Earth really is. I like how the HCSB puts James 4:14 You don't even know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are a bit of smoke that appears for a little while, then vanishes.

Our lives are but like a puff of smoke, that can only be seen for a moment in time. How it fades out and then is but a memory. That is why each and every moment lived should not be wasted. Don't get me wrong here, I am preaching to myself first and foremost. I waste a lot of time on insignificant "things" that could be better spent on Kingdom focused activities. Not out of a law mentality, but out of a love mentality. But right now I don't. I am selfish and I focus more on me than I do Christ. I spend more energy getting ready for a wok day than I do in study of the Word.

So, how can I change this? How can I get focused on God? I must do as David did in Psalms 51 and cry to God to change me -
:2 Wash away my guilt and cleanse me from my sin.
:7 Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
:9 Turn Your face away from my sins and blot out all my guilt.
:10 God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me
:12 Restore the joy of Your salvation to me and give me a willing spirit.
:15 Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare Your praise.

David realized that he couldn't do it, that he was a sinful person that really needed Gods guidance and forgiveness. May I be that same kind of person, where I lay it all out on the table and say "God, please fix this about me". Feeling brokenness is a gift from God. This is an evidence of sorrow because of breaking the laws of God. Not because He will punish us for sinning, but that we hurt Him when we do sin.

May He continue to grace me with a heart that wants to repent. May He continue to whittle away at my sinfulness and open my eyes to what grieves Him.

Announcing The Birth Of Elliott 6-10-11

2011-06-10T22:06:00.006-05:00

Day 343 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

So, one of those major things happened today. You know, the kind of "thing" that totally changes your life in every way. Matt and Emily welcomed baby Elliott into the world today. So that makes them, officially, parents and Chandra and I grandparents. Yeah, I know you're probably saying, "Jeff, you look so young. There is no way you can be a grandparent". That is true, but I will now be known as Grandpa, papaw, Pops, Granddaddy, Grandfather or something else that Elliott makes up for me. Whatever it is I will be fine with it, but I do kid a lot about just wanting to be called "Jeff".

Although I was not in the room when he was delivered, I was there during his first moments of life. The thought kept running through my mind of him thinking, "Okay, this is enough, put me BACK in there!" His world is now more than the comfy little apartment of Emily's belly. He is a wonderful creation of God, made in the image of God. We all are and we all scream and cry like baby Elliott has been doing since emerging from his dark, former home. Everything will be knew to him. The sights, sounds, smells, tastes and anything else that his senses perceive are all new to him.

Childbirth is what Jesus likened salvation to in John 3. Looking at this newborn baby just brings that to life for me. When God saves us we too experience things in a new light. The darkness that we were comfortable with is now but a memory and the Light of Christ exposes everything in our life. He exposes things and we begin a new existence. Our old self is dead and our new self has been born. We are no longer lifeless to the things of God and we seek nourishment from His Word. We need Him to sustain us and to supply our every need just as a newborn must have all his needs supplied by someone. That reminds me of Matthew 7:11 when Jesus says "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" Amazing stuff right there. The Father pours out His love on us, even though we will never deserve an ounce of His mercy.

I'm sure that pictures will abound here and on Facebook of Elliott. This will not be the only time you hear about him. I'm sure I will learn much from the role of grandfather. I have already learned, "Here, he's your son, you change his diaper". Pretty good, huh?

Extra! Extra!

2011-06-09T23:05:00.004-05:00

Day 342 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Extra? Extra! Yes, this is the only gum that I chew. Just like Diet Coke is the only soft drink I drink and Gillette is the only deodorant I use. I am a creature of habit and when I find something I like I stick with it. You can say I am loyal to the core, which I realize, but it is more of a "if it's not broke don't fix it" mentality. I like the things I mentioned and they still do and still are what I originally liked about them and now many years later I still like the same things.

The Extra gum did change its packaging a year or so ago and I did not like it at all. I was used to just carrying around a 5 stick pack of gum in my pants pocket, it didn't take up much room and was enough to last wherever I was going. Then they started the mega packs of gum with 15 or so sticks to a box and I was very put off by it. I know they decreased the pieces in the packs in relation to cost, so they increased profit. What I did not like was the size of the pack. I still don't and I would still like to see them go retro and do the 5 stick packs again. Other than that the Polar Ice is still the same. The flavor lasts for as long as you want to chew the gum and if your nose is a little clogged it will usually clear your nasal passages when you sstart chewing a fresh piece.

I do like things to be a certain way and I do certain things the same way everyday. When that routine sways then I get uncomfortable. Not angry, mad or upset, but just uneasy and "agitated" because things are not the same. Not that I don't see the need for change in a lot of areas, but just not in my areas. I know I need to be out of the comfort zone on a lot of things. I know that I am a quiet and semi-introverted person and that I need to speak up more. Not that I want my voice to be heard, but that I want people to hear about my God and what He has done for me ans what He continues to do every day. That is a change that I desire, but often times cower back into my comfort zone. Yet again, one more way for me to seek God, so that He can show Himself and that others will know that it is not me speaking, but God speaking through me. That would be a good change.

Old Is The New New

2011-06-08T22:57:00.007-05:00

Day 341 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I decided to look around my pictures folder today and came across some files that I had done up earlier in my blogging days. The main picture is one that I thought turned out really nicely with Glenn Beck. The second is one of a few I did with The Hulk and various heretics, this one Joel Osteen. My skillz as a photoshop expert are minimal and I actually didn't use Photoshop one these, I used the free program Paint.Net. I didn't have Photoshop back then and even to this day still use the free Paint.Net program more.

It's funny how you get used to things, for example the Paint.Net program, and then do not like to change to something else. Photoshop is the ultimate photograph/ graphics program, but is pricey. Paint.Net is a free, open-source program that just happens to be what I used for a few years and learned its workings. Photoshop now to me is a little hard to learn, since I know the nuances of the free program. It's not that I don;t want to not change, but I am much more proficient with the Paint.Net program over Photoshop. I do want to be productive with Photoshop as it works better within After Effects, which is nice.

Now, After Effects I am still learning and probably will be from here on out. It is a powerful program and I know I will not learn to do everything I have seen done with it. I have seen some awesome special effects and other things made with After Effects, I have been impressed. I am also a little overwhelmed by the process, but I am learning each time I do something. It is a process and my processing skillz are getting slower with age along with my nerves, so I take it in small doses until my frustration level starts to rise, which means it's time to log off for the evening.

I do keep in the front of my mind the reason for learning After Effects. To glorify God and to bring honor to His Name. I know that if God is in this He will supply whatever I need to accomplish what He wants me to. If I am to do a video, He will give me the know how to put it together. If He wants me to do more advanced things He will supply me with the newer version of the Adobe Suite - CS5.5, which is a little pricey for me right now. But He will supply or He will allow me to flourish with what He has already given to me. I just want to be obedient and not go beyond what He has in store for me.

This is yet another part of my life that He has allowed me to seek Him through. I fail often, but He picks me up and points me back to Him. I need Him every moment of every day and I need to keep focused on the Lord rather than on myself.

The Heat Of The Battle

2011-06-07T21:04:00.006-05:00

Day 340 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

"Is it hot enough for ya?" That's a common question these day around here in Paducah and I would also assume across much of the United States. Temperatures have been above 90 since May 29 here, which is about 10 degrees higher than "average". Of course Al Gore is looking pretty good to some people right now, but then again he claimed that the below average temperatures and increased snowfall this past winter were caused by Global Warming as well. Go figure.

The forecast has us remaining in the 90s at least until next Thursday, with the exception of 2 days that they are saying will be a chilling 88 and 89. All I can say is, "I'm glad I have a job that lands me in front of a computer the majority of my work day." I have, however, worked in the heat like this on my works factory floor and it is rather warm, especially with all of the welding that takes place. Many steps have been taken to alleviate the heat for the workers, extra fans, extended break times, free Gatorade, etc. are all beneficial to my co-workers, but it is still hot any way you slice it.

It does seem that we are having a lot of "strange" weather. Maybe strange is not the correct word to use, maybe "extreme" would be a better adjective. We have seen numerous tornadoes rip across the U.S., my area of the country is still recovering from the worst flooding in almost 100 years, the North East saw a rare tornado in their region over the past few day. This is not to mention the earthquakes and volcanic activity lately too. I stop short of saying it is of "biblical proportions" because I know that God is still holding nature at bay and is still long-suffering. The Earth is showing its pangs as Romans 8:22 tells us.

The coming of the Lord is eminent and many people are eluding to that fact. Many say it, but don't really believe it though. They say, "You better get right with God, because He's coming back soon. Just look at the weather". Which may very well be true, but most that say this are not "right with God" in the first place. They are "right with" their false theology and easy believism mentality. If we truly believed Christ's Earthly return was upon us, any day now, would we be so lax in our evangelism? Would we sit idly by knowing that our friends, family members and co-workers are headed to hell? Would we remain silent and hope that someone else tells them the true Gospel? I think not. It just shows the state of the Church today. We have fallen asleep and become lukewarm. Does that sound familiar?

I pray that I, foremost, along with the rest of the Body of Christ awaken from the slumber. May God grant us revival in our hearts so that we can be faithful and true witnesses for Him. May He be gracious to us, even though we do not deserve it so we can bring glory to Him and magnify His Name above all. How awesome it would be if the Church would actually be the Church instead of being quiet in slumber, allowing the junk that passes for Christianity to run rampant, without so much as a peep from anyone except "judge not lest thou be judged". I say that if we remain silent and allow heresy and blasphemy that has defined the modern "church" we are part of it ourselves and stand in the judgment of God. We need to take Proverbs 17:15 to heart:
Proverbs 17:15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.

So where do you stand in these last days? For the Lord or for the harlot that passes itself off as the Bride of Christ? I stand for Christ and by His grace I will glorify His Name. How about you?

Mist Again

2011-06-06T19:55:00.004-05:00

Day 339 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

It was foggy this morning. Not just a patch here or there, but really thick fog all the way to work. In places it was thicker than others, but there were no thin patches. Some areas I couldn't see more than 20-30 feet ahead of me and others may have doubled that length.

This picture was taken at the stop sign (yes I stopped and took this picture). You can see the sun poking through the tree branches and burning through the fog. It's light was noticeable, the fog couldn't stop its rays from lighting the earth around me. It didn't take long and the effects of the sun lifted the fog, burned it off, evaporated it into clouds, whatever term or scientific reason you want to give to it - it was gone.

This reminded me of sin in ones life. Although the sin is ever before them the Son still shines around them. A true child of God will always have Christ in their life and around them, they will always be reminded of Him. How could they not be? If they are part of His Body, then they can't help but be affected by His presence. They may need to look through the branches of their sinfulness, but He is always there. And guess what - He still loves them and still forgives them. Christ was tempted as we all are, so He knows our plight against sin, against this flesh. He is our advocate to the Father and because of His sacrifice we are forgiven of every sin we ever committed before He saved us and every sin since.

We often get mired in our sins and must confess, but He already knows what we have done and He has already forgiven us. As my pastor reminds us all the time, "The supply was there before we knew we had the need". Christ's perfect sacrifice, the atonement for our sins was laid out before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8, 1st Peter 1:18-20, Ephesians 1:3-7, 2nd Timothy 1:9, Romans 8:29-30, Hebrews 12:2). God loved us before there was an "us". How amazing is that? It kind of boggles our finite minds to think of things like this, the eternal nature of God.

I praise God that He loves me. He would be just in sending me to hell at any moment, but He loved me anyway. I sinned against Him in my youth and I continue to shake my fist at Him every day in my selfish, sinful state. But he loves me anyway. That is the Gospel in a nutshell - He loved us anyway. We should all be willing to share this with every person we see, but we are yet still fallen and keep our mouths shut and do not tell all of the wonderfulness of our God, which is yet sinning even more. I pray that the Lord graces me with a more open mouth to tell of His greatness. I am far too quiet when it comes to speaking of Him and how He has blessed me. But, yet again, seeing this is a grace of God and allows me to depend on Him even more. What a wonderful God we serve indeed.

Winding Down

2011-06-05T21:42:00.004-05:00

Day 338 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Well, the old blog series is in it's last month. The countdown is on. I have decided that it will not extend past the one year mark and a lot of you are probably saying, "Thank goodness it's over. Now maybe he will actually pick a topic and write about one thing". Admittedly I kind of waned in my regular postings because of the daily picture posts, but I did have a few "regular" topic posts over the year as well.

I am hoping that this series got me in the habit of writing more, maybe not better, but just more. I would like to become a better writer, but unfortunately my writing skills were never there to begin with. During my school days I did terrible in English and writing and never really cared to get any better. Now, looking back, I know I should have paid more attention and actually did the work I was supposed to do.

Who knows, maybe I will break down and actually take a few classes. We have a few area colleges that would be excellent. Thing is it would be like starting high school over again as I do not remember much. I don't know if they have refresher classes, but if so they would really be beneficial. One school, which happens to be a Christian college, offers a single night a week over 2 years to get a degree. That may be the way for me to go, if I go that is.

I still get a fairly good hit count on this blog. Most hits are from web searches for a few of he topics I have written about. The top 3 are probably "Gray areas in Christianity", "Are the members of U2 Christians" and "Craig Groeschel/ The Christian Atheist". Maybe I can add a few new hit makers to the mix. I don't think it is a priority to add something to bump counts, but I do think it helps to spread the Gospel. I try to fit in the Gospel to almost every post I do and/ or tell my testimony of how God saved me. If not for the Gospel and God's Grace on me I would be a very different person. I would still be looking at my "decision" at 8 years old and pointing to it as why I was saved. I would probably be divorced and who knows what I would be doing right this moment. I know that God loves me for some reason which I don't know why. I am unworthy of His mercy and grace, but he gives them both to me freely every moment of every day. I sin against Him constantly and yet He showers me in love.

If not by the grace of God.

Monumental Day For A Yard Sale

2011-06-04T23:33:00.004-05:00

Day 337 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

This weekend was the 400 mile Yard Sale across Kentucky. The course of the yard sale starts (or ends depending on which way you're traveling) in the outer parts of Paducah and travels the length of Highway 68 ending/ starting in Maysville Kentucky.

Chandra and I set out again this year to seek hidden treasures, counting last year this is our second year in a row . Last year we made it to Cadiz KY and decided to call it a day and went to Clarksville Tennessee for some shopping. This year we made it a bit further and ended up in Hopkinsville. Along the way we saw several folks setup selling things. We stopped at a few places along he way and did not buy very much. We also stopped at the Jefferson Davis Monument in Fairview KY. I have seen it before from a distance, but we decided to take a closer look today.

The monument looks very much like the Washington Monument in Washington D.C., except it is not as tall. It measures in at 351 feet while the Washington Monument overtakes it at 555 feet. The Davis Monument is, however, the tallest reinforced concrete obelisk in the world. Not really sure why they chose an obelisk as a monument for either Davis or Washington. Maybe that is something that I should research a little bit.

I had a good time with my wife today, just driving around and being together. It's been a while since we have had any tie just the two of us and it was being missed. Not that we have to do something just the two of us all the time, but we do need to have our time to just be together. Just driving along the road and sharing the view means a lot. We don't even have to talk, just knowing she is there beside me sharing the moment is enough. She probably prefers I keep my mouth shut anyway.

Why Are You Snapping At Me?

2011-06-03T21:26:00.004-05:00

Day 336 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

This picture is deceiving. This snapping turtle as a lot larger than it looks by this picture. I would guess it was about as long as a football and about 1 1/2 times as wide. It was a little perturbed too because our do decided to bark at it and my uncle from next door wanted to poke it with a stick to make it snap. He did and it did and Chandra saw up close how fast a turtle can really be.

Even though I would never pick one of these fellows up I do look at it with awe and amazement as I do with all of God's creation. This turtle, though it seems like a menace to most, was wonderfully designed and made by our Lord. What's the purpose of a snapping turtle? Other than showing the creative power of God, that is? I have no idea, but then again I have no idea why wasps, moles or platypus' are on this Earth either. I do know that each does point to the creator.

Creation proves there was a creator, just as a building proves there was a builder. Your city hall just didn't appear one day, there were many hands that built it. The painting on you wall proves that there was a painter that painted the picture. Nature around us, i.e. creation, proves that there was a designer, a Creator. Romans 1:20 tells us:
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
1 John tells us that all things were created by Him and through Him (Jesus). That means that everything bears witness that God created it.

I suggest that you not only stop to smell the roses, but you stop to admire His creative power. Also realize that His same creative power is what is used when He creates a new heart in someone and makes them a new creation. Now that is truly Good News.

In A Jam

2011-06-02T22:21:00.005-05:00

Day 335 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

The sermon jam that I "created" has been posted by Real Truth Matters. I worked a lot of hours to put this together. Along the way I had many "learning experiences" and have a better understanding of how After Effects works. It was a learning experience for sure and I believe that other sermon jams will follow, hopefully not with the length of production time this one had, but will be released quicker and quicker each time.

I told Bro. Michael (Durham), my pastor, that my main goal in this is to have a sermon jam released the same week as the sermon he preached it from. Sort of as a "commercial" (for lack of better words) to drive people to the website in order to download the full sermon or watch it streaming from the Real Truth Matters Vimeo or youtube page. I think it is an attainable goal in the future..... right now, not so much. I do know the more time I invest in learning the nuances of this great software from Adobe, the more proficient I will become. Who knows, if I am ever able to upgrade to a newer version of After Effects/ Premiere/ Photoshop it may shave some valuable time off as well. So, Adobe or Adobe representatives - Give me a deal on the CS5.5 software.

I thought of all the procedures within the video that the audio/ music choice would be the hardest for me. It actually tuned out to be the part with the least effort as God supplied the need of royalty free music from Incompetech' Kevin MacLeod. I am very grateful for his music and his willingness to share with anyone that needs use of it. I actually used 2 of his songs mixed with other sounds to create the music section of the jam. The sermon part was "chopped" in series from the original sermon "The Problem With Good Deeds", which too fell into place. The lengthy part was doing all of the typography associated with the video and also creating all of the effects of books with words flying off the covers, finding the right pictures to use, synchronizing the video of the sermon with the audio and then doing it all again because of the multiple mistakes I made.

In the end I think it turned out well for a first effort. I see things that I now think should have been done differently. Also from a technical standpoint I now know how to better utilize time in editing the video and audio portion. I now feel much more comfortable with the software and know that the next project will be "easier" to make. That is unless I start trying to do some really eye catching effects.

Also, the opening and closing of the logo crumbling I submitted to RTM for use. The full time staff really liked it and started using it immediately for the web based videos being released.That part still impresses me in how good it turned out. For that effect I have some other ideas that may be used in future productions, so stay tuned.

I just ask whoever reads this to pray for the ministry of Real Truth Matters. They have 2 full time on staff now and have many financial obligations to meet. The quality of releases has grown by leaps and bounds over the years that RTM has been "officially" in existence. I recommend that you look through the whole website and see how God has used this ministry. The "History of the Modern Gospel" series is about to wrap up with the final installment, so I ask that you check out the sessions that are currently out there. You can watch them on Vimeo in Hi-Def and also on Lane Chaplin's webpage, who has been a great friend and supporter of the ministry.

Thank you for reading through this. I mentioned in an earlier posting that I would post the sermon jam when it was completed, so here it is. Please feel free to send me any comments and critique. Also feel free to donate the newest Windows version of the CS5.5 Adobe Production Premium Suite if you so feel led :).

Problem of Good Deeds - Sermon Jam from Michael Durham from Real Truth Matters on Vimeo.

Washed

2011-06-01T22:45:00.005-05:00

Day 334 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Laundry..... not my favorite thing to do, but it is one of those things that must be done. Today I must needs to do my laundry. I was out of shirts and I needed a decent one to wear to church tomorrow when I get off work to help with serving dinner to the flood victims in our area. So, I did a single load and still have about 3 more that need to be done. Yes, that is a lot of clothes. Yes, I do my own laundry.

Looking at the mounds of clothing that is mine I can't help but see how God has blessed me and my family. It's not that I have expensive clothing or anything, but that I have a lot of clothing and many people would be fortunate to have a couple of days worth of clothes. I can go weeks without needing to do laundry, which means I have A LOT of clothes from every category including socks, skivvies, shirts, pants and even work clothes. So, yes I am blessed... greatly.

I do not realize that near as much as I need o. I should be thanking God every time I open the refrigerator, lay down in a nice bed, feel the coolness from the air conditioner, sit down in my car, get a paycheck, think of my wife and kids and turn a light on. I have been blessed by God so much and I am so thankless most of the time. I have "stuff" sitting on other "stuff" that I haven't touched in years, just collecting dust. I had a felt need for something, got it, then forgot about it, which could probably be seen as excessive or wasteful.

Thank God He still shows us things through our life and along our path. He continually sanctifies me (us) as we grow closer to Him. He is Light, so it is His nature to expose the darkness in our lives and the closer we get to Him the more gets exposed, even down to the crevices in the deepest regions of our heart. Praise the Lord He still works on us and is so forgiving and so long-suffering. We each deserve a fiery hell, but His love is extended to us, through Christ every moment of every day. We must continue to preach the gospel to ourselves every minute of every day as we need it as much as the lost man does. Thank God He keeps saving me.

Decisions Decisions

2011-05-31T22:11:00.005-05:00

Day 333 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I see this little block every time I plug my phone into the computer to charge or transfer something. I usually transfer any picture that I plan on using in this blog series, but today I do not have anything to transfer. I guess my life does not have enough excitement to garner a story every day for a year.

I have a month left now in this little experiment. I will actually be somewhat relieved when it is finished as I sometimes have issues finding a picture or finding time to write. I am committed to it though and I will finish it. If I am anything it is determined to achieve whatever I set out for. I do sometimes get frustrated and make concessions and rethink or redo things I set out to do. Usually it is caused by procrastination or lack of time or both.

One thing that I know I will not give up on is my faith in Christ. I know Peter said the same thing and he actually walked with, talked to, saw and touched Christ in the flesh, so I do say that with fear knowing that I could also falter. Christ is my Rock, my Friend, my Healer, my Comforter and my Savior. If not for Him I would be on a road to damnation, but instead He gave me life. In Him I place my trust and my hope and only in Him do I have either of those things. I would be truly lost without Him in more ways than one.

Days Like These

2011-05-30T22:11:00.004-05:00

Day 332 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Today is/ was Memorial Day. So much more than an extra day off and a day to grill, even though both happened for me today. I also went to the movies with Chandra, Forrest and Allan, which is kind of an oddity for me as I am a cheapskate. I also mowed our grass, which is not a favorite pastime of mine, especially when it is over 90 outside, which it was today and is forecasted to be all week. Matt and Emily came out just in time to partake of the grillwork that Chandra had been doing while I was mowing.

It was a good day, not that I really have bad days, but in the sense that I had some moments with the family that aren't in the common/ everyday variety. God is continually blessing me, even when I take His blessing for granted. I must slow down sometimes to actually see His handiwork around me and get a clearer perspective of just how wonderful He is and how He directs my path. I may be a filthy wretch a lot, but thankfully He is my Father that will pick me out of the mud of sin, wash me clean and allow me to do it over and over again. I suppose if I didn't sin I wouldn't really see my need as badly as I do for His guidance and His grace in my life.

I pray for more days like this, with the family and with renewal of my spirit to see my Father more clearly. I can really see Paul's words with better understanding from Romans 7:19:
For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.

May the grace of God keep me in check and keep me focused on Him, for everything.

The Grill Deal

2011-05-29T22:18:00.006-05:00

Day 331 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

It's that time of year again. Time to clean off the grill and start searing some meat. Oh, but wait, our grill is messed up and is only half working. The propane burner is only burning on one side, which means that it is not going to be able to be used as is. I priced a new burner and they clock in at about $30, so with my frugalness and not wanting to repeat the same thing next year I think we will buy a better quality grill.

I thought that a charcoal grill would be nice, since you get a better flavor, Chandra thinks differently and wants the convenience of a gas grill. I admit that gas is much easier to work with, but you do not get the full flavor that charcoal affords. I think that convenience will win out this round though. I can always take the nonworking grill and make it into a charcoal grill and use it too. Wonder if I can make it into a smoker somehow so we can smoke our own meat. May be too much trouble for that, but I am liking the recycling into a charcoal grill idea.

Tomorrow is the kickoff to the official summer season. People will be out at the beach, boating and grilling. It is actually Memorial Day though, but it is now just used as a marker date and an extra day off for people. According to Wikipedia, Memorial Day was first known as "Decoration Day" and was a day that was set aside by formerly enslaved African-Americans to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War – it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars. The first "known" observance was in 1865 and the name did not morph into "Memorial Day" from "Decoration Day" until 1882.

I do think we should remember those that gave all for this country. We should also be thankful for those currently serving and readily tell them thank you whenever we can. Please take the time this Memorial Day to thank a veteran or a currently enlisted soldier for their willingness to serve and protect us. It is an honorable thing to be a soldier and I greatly appreciate each and every soldier's many sacrifices, as well as their families. So, officially to every soldier current or past I say "THANK YOU".

Every Tongue Will Confess What?

2011-05-28T23:30:00.005-05:00

Day 330 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

If you are not from around these here parts, the station 90.1FM probably doesn't mean much to you. Now if I tell you that it is the local KLOVE station it will probably ring a bell or two. I often times find myself turning the radio off of KLOVE almost as much as I turn it on. "Why?", you might ask. Because they play some songs that are not very biblically sound and actually border or fall over into the heretical side. Oh, and they also have Phillips, Craig and Dean in heavy rotation which is altogether another issue chronicled in this blog post of mine and earlier in this one.

If you could have heard the song playing tonight when I snapped this picture you would see the correlation with the verse I posted at the beginning of this posting. I'm sure you have heard of Mark Shultz, singer of such theologically sound hits such as "Letters From War" and "Walking Her Home", both real powerhouse hits on CCM radio. I would actually put those right up there with "Butterfly Kisses" and the more recent "Cinderella". The latest hit (miss actually) from Shultz is "Love Has Come", which takes Philippians 2:9-11 and mangles the passage.

There is a stark difference between the lyric of the Shultz song and scripture. Let's look:

Shultz:
"Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess
That God is love and love has come for us all
Every heart set free, every one will see
That God is love and love has come for us all"

Philippians:
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

So, there is a huge difference in what Shultz has put to song here. It does sound nice and fuzzy on the surface, but when you actually listen to what he is saying it really is Easy Believism 101. The favorite term "God is love" is carried a step further and says the "Love has come for us ALL". All? Who is this all he is talking of? The listener of the song? Anyone that hears the song, even if they are lost in their sins, unrepentant and actually headed to an eternal damnation? Are they included in Shultz's "ALL"? It's a pretty nice hook to a song and makes one feel good to know that everyone will confess that God is love, but wait, scripture says that everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is LORD, which is quite different. Even the "ALL" or "every" sinner that is on their way to hell will say that Jesus Christ is Lord as they stand before Him in judgment for rejecting Him, the Judge of all.

So, this is one of those songs that was probably written because it would be a hit and sell a few records. It did and it continues to be a staple on KLOVE, which gets turned off when the song comes on. Good thing I have a iPhone so I can just plug it in to the auxiliary input and actually hear some music based in scripture and not some catchy hook of twisted scripture.

I would suggest that you carefully comb through your music collection for songs and artist like this and toss them. Don't we owe it to the Lord to scrutinize all aspects of our entertainment and music listening to be more specific? Shouldn't we match lyrical content against scripture and make sure it aligns? Shouldn't we stand strong on the Word of God and call out these song writers and singers that twist and tweak the Word to fit their music and weak message? We need to make sure we stand fully on the Word of God first and foremost and then the discernment will come and I promise you that songs like Shultz's and others will be exposed for what they are.

This Is Driving Me Nuts

2011-05-27T23:11:00.004-05:00

Day 329 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

This diet I am on is driving me nuts. Actually it's driving me to eat nuts, especially cashews, almonds and pecans. I would be eating peanuts as well, but they are not desirable for the type of diet I am following. Also, I don't think the amount of nuts that I am eating is desirable either.

I am actually starting to level out on my weight loss, which might call for some drastic measures. Drastic measure #1 might involve trying to shock my body back into fat burning mode. My reasoning is that if I eat some carbs that I have been avoiding for a day or two my body will start burning fat again or more rapidly. This might cycle my metabolism somehow as I have been virtually carb free for a little over 4 months.

Carbs were a staple to my diet before I started losing weight. Pizza, candy bars, Little Debbie snack cakes, bread of all types, cookies, cake and about anything else I ate was laden in carbs. It was very tasty and very satisfying to me. I guess the fact that I liked things with carbs is why I ended up so much overweight, so that is why modifying my intake of carbs has been marginally successful. Low fat diets never really seemed to do anything for me in the past and I did have limited success with the full blown Atkins diet totally eliminating carbs, but the current diet allows for some basic carbs.

I suppose getting more active would also help me to lose weight. I haven't been doing my surge training at all lately, which might be the thing I need to reactivate my fat burning. I just can't motivate myself to actually start doing it again. I know that I am getting somewhat frustrated with not losing any weight lately, so that frustration might lead to increased activity and the reintroduction of a consistent surge training program. I also need to keep reminding myself why I am losing weight and what my "big why" is. That seems to have slipped from my mind and I need to regain that focus.

So, here's to whatever I end up doing and with prayer and God's help and timing I will achieve the weight loss desired.

Reese's Are My Friend

2011-05-26T23:07:00.005-05:00

Day 328 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Ahhhh. Reese's Eggs. These little morsels of goodness have been in my direct line of view since my wife gave them to me for Easter. She knew that I was on a diet, but she also knew these are my favorite. I have been good though. These are still sealed up and I haven't touched them since putting them on the shelf on my desk, right above the TaxCut box.

I have always loved Reese's Cups, but the addition of the Reese's Eggs years ago really hooked me. I have really had to restrain myself from eating these, but keep telling myself one day I will have reached my goal and then I will eat one. This is looking like it might be a while, so I am looking at different options. The main reason is I hate to waste anything and wasting these delicacies would be a travesty. So, #1) I could give them to the boys to devour. #2) I could freeze them for my day that I reach my goal, thereby rendering my weight loss stopped and actually reversing for a while #3) I could eat them in one sitting now, get fed up with my lack of self control and gain a renewed spirit concerning my dieting.

I guess I just like to punish myself in the time being though. Looking at these every day is not easy, but I know that I don't have to. Maybe subconsciously I am testing myself and tenacity to follow my dieting plan. Or maybe I am just a glutton for punishment. All I know is that I have been a little over 4 months without sugar, bread and all other forms of carbs.

This is a trying time, but with God I am achieving the weight loss I started out desiring. I am down quite a bit and get compliments all the time. With those compliments I try to share with everyone that God has been doing this, not me. My willpower pulled an Elvis and left the building a few years ago, so I heavily lean on God for strength through the desires. It may sound trivial to some, but total dependence is what He wants from us. I am not perfect at this by any means, but through His love and grace I am learning more daily on how to. His grace is sufficient. I need to remind myself of that constantly.

Praying For Joplin

2011-05-24T22:01:00.004-05:00

Day 327 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

This is not good. At least in our eyes as loving and caring people. Joplin Missouri was hit two days ago by a devastating tornado. Many lives were lost, homes destroyed and people injured. Now, this evening, two days later there are reports that there is another tornado that has touched down. This community that is still in shock from the first tornado is having to find shelter that is not there and depend on a already stretched infrastructure. May God be merciful.

These types of events always seem so devastating to us, and rightly so. Most of have never gone through anything of this magnitude, so we only imagine what these folks must be dealing with. We do have compassion for these people, but we do not truly understand what they are going through. We try to imagine it, our empathy and sympathy are strong for every one of them, even though we do not know any of them personally. But we still care and we still pray for them.

The only thing of this magnitude I have seen the effects of is Hurricane Katrina. I had the opportunity to go to Louisiana for a couple of work trips. While there I made the trek to New Orleans. While the city had made large strides, the outlying areas were still in ruin. Passing by New Orleans, just a few miles saw neighborhoods empty, except for a few homes that had campers outside, people trying to rebuild and make their lives as normal as hey could. Even though they lost everything to a disaster they persevered and looked to a hope. I have no idea of any of their spiritual condition, but as a Christian my heart broke for them. Seeing that type of destruction first hand really makes it different. It no longer is something that is seen on TV, where there is a disconnect for most. It is real and these are real people.

This is why we must reach out to everyone that we come into contact with, with the gospel. Who knows when something will happen that will take the life of someone you know? As Christians we need to take urgency in spreading the Good News to every creature seriously. I admit, I do not like I should. I work with people every day that are dying and going to hell, but yet I act like nothing is wrong. These souls have the wrath of God abiding on their heads, much worse than any type of disaster could ever compare, and yet I do not flinch. I pray that God works in me and opens up that urgency, I see the need, but do I really comprehend it? I would answer no, since I do not live out what I know I should.

Will these people stand before God on judgment day and point an accusing finger at me and say, "He never told me!" Or will they say, "I should have listened." Hopefully they will not be saying either and be singing praises to the Lord for saving their soul and laying all alms at the feet of Jesus. Oh what a glorious day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see.

After The Flood

2011-05-23T21:35:00.004-05:00

Day 326 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

My brother, his wife and his son came in for a few days from their home in Chattanooga. They came mostly to help our mom with getting cleaned up from the flooding. I must say my brother, nephew, our mom and my niece did an excellent job today and got everything taken out of the flooded room at my moms. They worked very hard to accomplish what they did today.

I had to work but went out when I got off. I was asked to bring my truck to get a lot of my NASCAR collectables that were stored in her room that flooded. I knew that some were going to be damaged, but did not know to what extent. Let's just say that most were and that not much will be salvageable as collectables any longer. If I had somewhere to display them I could clean the cars off, but the packaging is ruined, which makes them a lot less desirable. Actually it did make me feel dejected when first seeing the loss, but I started putting it into perspective. They are only diecast cars and other items, not someones home or family heirlooms. If I wanted to I could replace every last piece that was damaged, unlike the families that have lost much more. I then thought about the people of Joplin Missouri who were struck by a F5 tornado yesterday, nearly 120 lives were lost. My attitude has really changed about the cars that were flooded. It's not like I was doing anything with them anyway and also not like I should have gotten them out from under my moms nose long ago as well.

The picture is of the stripped room that was flooded. There is still a lot of work to be done. I sprayed the whole room with bleach water to kill the mold and any other germs that may have taken home in there. The walls will have to be stripped, the flooring will have to be smoothed out, the insulation replaced and all new walls and floor put in. It is no small task, but it will get done. That is much more than a collection of memorabilia, so another perspective eye opener. A rather large pile of my moms "stuff" lies on the other side of her road awaiting picked up by whoever the government contracts to pick it up. Some things will not be able to be replaced, some she will not want to replace and some should have been tossed years ago.

I do know that my mom needs prayer through this. She is feeling the effects of the stress and likes to get kind of antsy in her speech sometimes. Anxious is the word that come to mind with a bit of pride thrown in. So, please pray that she calms down and actually sees God through this. Pray that God puts people in her path and in her life that will show the love of Christ and help her in ways she never expected. Pray that she will see her need for an actual relationship with Christ above anything she has ever thought about. Just pray for her and those that are placed in her life in this time frame, including me and the rest of the family.

Flooded Ground Ready For Tilling

2011-05-22T22:29:00.004-05:00

Day 325 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

This picture is becoming an all too familiar scene. Piles of belongings, now only good to fill land fill space sitting outside of homes and along roadways. The Flood of 2011 has devastated this area, that is for sure. The flood has destroyed homes, made many hardships for families, displaced many families and is constantly racking up the costs as repair efforts continue.

There are, however, many bright spots beneath the mud caked houses. Our church has become a haven for those in one of the hardest hit locations of McCracken County to pick up supplies, have dinner on us and just talk. That's all a lot of people want to do, talk things through as they try to pick up the pieces of their lives and carry on. I would say that the majority are lost and do not know God. I say this because most people that do profess Christ do not know God. Oak Grove Baptist Church is doing what it should, just being there to listen, giving a meek meal to the hungry and wore out folks and most importantly showing the love of Christ to those in need. Is it taking advantage of an opportunity? Sure, and shouldn't any opportunity be used in this way? To show Christ to those that may never see Him otherwise? This is not saying that we are hammering them with the Bible over their heads or getting them to sign membership cards, we are simply showing the love to them that Christ overflows from us.

Maybe it will take a flood or some other condition of this magnitude to see Christ. I say it is worth it then if people see God in the midst of this type of catastrophe. Of course most, if not all, of the folks will never come back to the church again after the meals stop. We are fine with that, as our goal is not church attendance. Our goal is to see Jesus magnified and to show love to a hurting people. That has been and is still being accomplished. Sowing seeds of love in hearts that may be stoney now, but with a little cultivating will readily accept, all in God's timing. Our mission field became a lot closer to home over the past few weeks.

David Crowder Band Calling It Quits

2011-05-21T23:21:00.004-05:00

Day 324 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Oh David Crowder Band, you hit us with bad news today. This year will mark the release of their last CD and last tour as a band. You can read about it on the DC*B website, so I will not go into detail here.

Since being converted I fell in love with Christian music. The first Christian CD I ever bought was Jeremy Camp's "Carried Me: The Worship Project". I listened to that nonstop and learned the songs forward and backwards. Even now when I hear a different version, a different arrangement and/ or from a different artist I always think they are doing it "wrong" because it's not how Jeremy recorded it. After Jeremy Camp I fell in love with the music of The David Crowder Band. I thought lead man, Crowder, looked mighty funny with his Q-Tip hair do (or hair don't is better) and his long gotee. But the lyrics to their songs, the unique sound of their music and the innovative things they did always brought me back for more. I have all of their releases, including the re-mixes and live releases that are normally the songs off of the release directly before those. I even have the CD "All I Can Say" by the DC*B forerunner group from the University Worship Band with backing vocals by Robbie Seay. I have yet to find a copy of the first release of "Pour Over Me". If anyone has a copy of this I would be interested in purchasing it, so send me a message.

Over the years since my conversion God has awakened me to the music I listen to. He instantly took away the secular music that had root in me, then over the following years He has slowly shown me that not all professing Christian bands are releasing actually God honoring music. I would say that a lot of the professing Christian bands and singers are probably deceived about their salvation like the rest of the false converts are. I do have a few knowledgeable friends of the CCM industry and I have heard stories about groups that profess Christ, yet have their groupie stories and drinking stories while on tour. Some really ungodly activities from some well known groups. Also, if you really stop and listen to lyrics every now and then of the songs played on the radio, or even in your own collection, you will soon discover that most of the songs are really man focused and only mention God or Jesus as a side note. The David Crowder Band has not been one of these questionable bands to me.

I can almost say with certainty that we will still hear from David Crowder and I would also guess that other members will make appearances here and there. I know that the "split" is under good terms and that there is no bad blood between any of them, they are all buddies and I think that will be displayed from here on out as they help each other out with their respective projects. I am just not too happy to hear we only will get one more release of new material and especially one more tour. I have seen them a few times and really enjoyed it each time. I am also trying to figure out how in the world I will be able to make it to any of the dates on the "7 Tour" because none of them are within a good driving distance of Paducah KY. I think Indianapolis is the closest at just over 5 hours away, which would mean that a hotel would be necessary as well as a vacation day to get there in time to not be rushed or risk being late.

I bid the band adieu. I thank you all for your contributions, your music, your humor and your down to earthedness (yep, just made up a word there). I will pray for you all on this last endeavor and beyond, when you cross my mind. God has used your music and I believe He will continue to use it for many years to come. I love you guys and your music will always be a part of my testimony to the Lord.

Healthy Junkfood? Yes!

2011-05-20T22:15:00.005-05:00

Day 323 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

WhoNu? Or actually here in Kentucky it should be "Whowuldathinkit?" Cookies that are supposed to be healthy for you to eat. This new brand of cookie, WhoNu, is probably the first of what will be the fad of the moment to make junk food healthy. Really? Do we really need cookies with vitamins and minerals? Really? Can't people just stop eating things that they shouldn't and replace them with things that are natural and full of wholesome goodness already?

It's just like America to do something like this though. The most obese nation on earth according to Nationmaster.com is the United States, so at least we are leading in something. Right? I will readily admit that I have a weight problem. I will take it a step further and say it is because I eat things like cookies, Little Debbie snack cakes, pizza, cake, chips and so much more that I knew was going to pack on the pounds. If I had the mentality of the consumers that will be grabbing these off the shelves it would be in this line of thinking, "Wow, I am unhealthy. I need to start making healthier choices for my diet. Hey, look at that. Healthy cookies. Now I can eat healthier and still eat my junk food." Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.

The back side of the packaging states the following:
As much fiber as a bowl of oatmeal
As much calcium and vitamin D as a 8 oz. glass of milk
As much vitamin C as a cup of blueberries
As much vitamin A as a cup of tomato juice
As much vitamin E as 2 cups of carrot juice
As much iron as a cup of spinach

That is actually quite impressive and would lead anyone to think this is a healthy alternative to an Oreo or ten. Keep reading the label on the nutrition side of the package. You will start to see that 3 cookies also contain 150-170 calories depending on the particular flavor you are looking at. There are also 25g of carbs, 150mg of sodium and 7g of fat. Now, that doesn't seem too healthy to me. I am not a nutritionist after all, but I think I can see a little deception in this.

This does also remind me of most peoples view of Christianity. They may go to church or crusade or concert and expect to hear about God. They may actually be wanting to hear about God in a more personal way. God may be drawing them to Him and they may be on that path. Then when they get to the church service or other gathering, they hear a message that is kind of like these cookies. The message appears good to the hearer, but only because it sounds familiar, like the other messages they have always heard. They hear a false presentation of what salvation is, but the preacher makes it sound so appealing, "Come to Jesus and He will give you purpose" or how about God has a wonderful plan for your life and all you have to do is accept it". They entice the hearer with selfishness and the "What can God do for me" mentality. They are showing them something they desire (salvation) but then they try to talk them into it with things that are not part of the gospel. Of course people will respond when they are the focus of something, they love themselves and are quite sure they need to be happier, have more money, be kept from going to hell or have their marraige healed. Thing is these are all focused on "ME".

Unless the message you are hearing is focused on God it is a false gospel.

Camping Trip

2011-05-19T22:47:00.006-05:00

Day 322 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

If you have been living under a rock or tucked away in the Andes Mountains I must let you know that tomorrow is supposed to be the last full day of existence. According to Harold Camping May 21st is to be Judgment Day. How he comes up with this estimation is quite mind boggling and I will not even attempt to explain it. There is a brief description on his wikipedia page in the "Controversy" headed section.

Will the Rapture take place on May 21st, this Saturday? It's possible, but it will not be because of Camping's leap in mathematics. The Lord can return at any time and when He does I pray that you are ready to meet Him. In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 we are told to not be concerned about dates and times. It almost seems like Paul is directing those in Thessaloniki to just be concerned about edifying one another and to not worry (and those that are true believers today). He encourages them and us to know that we are guaranteed to be saved and taken up with Christ on whatever day He comes back for His bride.

I read the Left Behind books several years ago. They actually made an impact on me and I "rededicated" my life to God. Actually I just reassured myself of my false conversion when I was 8 years old, once again pointing back to that time of my life and once again saying the sinners prayer and asking Jesus into my heart. Thing is I was still not trusting in Christ and Hi perfect sacrifice for me. I was still trying to be saved by my own means. If I wanted to be saved bad enough I would be, or so I thought. There is nothing biblical about that, but after living so many years hearing the same types of messages that is all I knew. I was living in deception and I was headed to Hell.

It was still several years later, after living still in unrepentant sin that God did take the scales from my eyes and truly save me. I now do not point at something I did, but to Christ as my salvation and trust in Him to save me and not a prayer I mumbled as a child. Only the blood of Christ has the power to take our sins away, not a prayer or a decision, not a walk down an aisle or being baptized. Only a total surrender to God and a repentant heart are the pathway to salvation. He has said that if those things are present He will save you - not out of obligation because you do them, but because of Christ. His grace and mercy made a Way, the only Way, and it is narrow. Do not be deceived and do not look at anything other than Jesus Christ as your salvation. If you are, then you are not saved and are on the way to judgment, whether it be Saturday or 30 years from now. We are promised that after death is the judgment and I can guarantee 100% that you will die some day if the Lord does not return soon that is. Today is the day of salvation - who or what are you trusting in?

Cleaning Up The Mess

2011-05-18T23:12:00.005-05:00

Day 321 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Picked up 2 cleaning kits for my mom today given out by the Red Cross. The kits contain a mop, broom, bleach, a cleaner and a nice Red Cross bucket. I think it is a great thing that they make these available to those in need. I'm not really sure who pays for these, but it is definitely a good thing.

My church, Oak Grove Baptist Church, is a pickup point for these in the Paducah are. If you are in need of cleaning supplies then please stop by and get what you need. There are also extra jugs of bleach and Pine-Sol, gloves, Tyvek suits, bottled water and other various items that have been donated to those affected by the flooding. I do recommend stopping by between 4:00-6:00 so you can get a filled belly as well. Dinner is being furnished by the church, with help from the members of OGBC. There have been a few local businesses that have donated either cleaning supplies or food items. For all of those that have give I send out a big THANK YOU!

This is exactly what a community needs to do in times like this. We pull together and help each other out, do what we can and then leave the outcomes to God. He will direct what we do if we allow Him to guide. It is actually fairly simple to know what to do in situations like this as all you have to do is look around for someone working in a flood impacted area and offer to help. You can also pray for those affected by the flood and those that are giving their time, money and efforts into helping each other out. Many people have the potential to see God through this disaster. Actually I like to call it an opportunity instead of a disaster.

May the Lord direct you in what you should be doing through this. One thing is for sure, you shouldn't be doing nothing.

Going, Going, Almost Gone

2011-05-17T21:55:00.006-05:00

Day 320 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I guess the flood of 2011 is "officially" over, as far as the Ohio River goes. The City of Paducah removed all but 3 of the flood gates today. You can see by my 2 pictures today that the highest point that the water achieved was really high. I have a screen capture from when the workers were removing the flood gates from this location and had a dump truck parked in frame. I can transpose one picture of another and by doing that it showed that the dump truck would have been covered with water.

I think I will venture down to the flood wall soon to see the water mark and see for myself exactly how height the waters reached. I just know that I'm glad the river has given up its grip and many people can now try to rebuild their homes as well as their lives. One hindrance to that here is that FEMA has not granted individual assistance for McCracken Count Kentucky, nor any other county in Kentucky that I know of. Parts of Tennessee, Mississippiand Missouri down river have been granted individual assistance and help from FEMA, but not our immediate area yet. I rally hope it is soon, partially for selfish reasons as my mother needs to get her house repaired. We have no idea the extent of water damage yet under the floor. We do know that it was under her house for a few days and soaked into the floor in some areas which still had particle board as the sub-flooring. Throughout the other part of her house she had just had new flooring put down, including plywood and not particle board. But the floor joists may be damaged and that does not even mention the mold issues that may be flourishing around the house and in her storage room.

I do know that everything is in the Lord's hands and He will do what is right and what is good. This may not always be what we think is right and good, may be painful, but He has promised to always sustain us. This is a large trial for my mom ans she has been through several in the past few years. I do ask you to pray for her, that she will see God in this and not be focused on herself. Pray that FEMA steps in and does what they did in 1997, when the waters were nowhere near as high as they were this time. I love my mom and I don't like to see her as frazzled as she has been since being displaced. What she needs now is God and I know that He will be there if she turns to Him.

Dirty, Grimy, Stinkin' Wretch

2011-05-16T21:42:00.005-05:00

Day 319 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Today was the first day in almost a month that I have been able to drive to my mom's house. If you've been keeping up on this blog you know that we have had a lot of flooding in these here parts lately. The waters have really fallen and fallen quickly.

What is left behind is a layer of silt, muck, dead fish and stench. The ground is covered with a greyish-brown dried mud that the receding river water left behind. But at least the waters are gone and now the hard work can begin. Another positive step was that the electricity was turned back on at her house today. The only question they asked was, "Did the water get into the meter base?" Which was a definite "No". Also, thankfully the water did not reach into the house, except her storage room, which also has some mud left behind. The paneling also absorbed the water and buckled and my NASCAR collection that was in boxes down there is probably about 1/3 less now because of the water. I wonder if FEMA will buy it from me now.

Thankfully through this flooding I have not heard of any loss of life. Everyone seems to have heeded the rising waters. I was thinking about that the other day, how people could see the water rising and that danger was eminent. I thought about sin and how most of the time people try to avoid it, but wait until it has either invaded their home or just sandbagged a layer or two, but the flood of sin was a lot more powerful than they anticipated. They are then left with the silt of the sin after it finally leaves their dwelling place, if at all. The stench is left behind and it appears to be chaos all around. Nothing is the same any longer and sin has done its destruction. The good news is that God will not only step in and clean you up, He will clean you off, shower you, your surroundings and then throw that sin into the depths of the oceans. We are so mired in our sins though, so much that we hold onto their memories. This, even though, the Lord has already taken care of them, even before you were born, even before the foundations of the world. How wonderful is that? God took care of our needs before we knew we had need. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. I am amazed at His love for me, even though I continually not only see the flood of sin heading my way, I often times run out into the waters and soak in them. I am a wretch to the core without God and only by Him am I worthy of anything. What an awesome God we serve!

Day Skipper

2011-05-15T22:57:00.004-05:00

Day 318 in my "Yer In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

It happened. I missed a day in this series. After 317 days, I missed yesterday. I have an excuse though, or rather a reason, as I don't want to put blame anywhere but on me. I got wrapped up in working on the sermon jam I have been working on for a while now. I was having rendering issues and stayed up to 1:30 this morning trying to figure it out.

Turns out that I had a few other issues with the video too. I changed the parameters on a couple of the elements within the video and messed up a section of the video. So, I changed that back and added credits at the end of the video. Really I added them at the beginning and the end, but somehow the beginning got cut off, so I'll have to get that fixed again.

Seems like this has turned into a really good lesson for me on some basics of After Effects. Hopefully I will not make some of these mistakes going forward and will know how to adjust the settings properly. I just have to keep in mind why I am doing this in the first place and not dwell on my mistakes. If God is in this, then God will take control of it. I pray that I am not wasting my time and efforts in this if it is not within His will to do so. I must always seek Him through this process and give the results to Him.

I do think that the newer version of After Effects, Premier Pro and Photoshop would be a major plus to have. I believe the process would not have as many hiccups and headaches as I have now. The newer technology is really mind blowing and the intuitive programs that Adobe puts out is really impressive. I have been trying to find out if Adobe offers a similar discount for non-profits organizations as it does for education, but come up short. So, if anyone happens to read this that knows please let me know. Also, if you feel the need to purchase the CS5.5 Production Premium suite for me I would be more than happy to let you :).

Flooding Our Minds With God

2011-05-13T23:16:00.005-05:00

Day 316 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

My picture today is from the City of Paducah's Flood Wall cam. This cam has been up since the day after they installed the flood wall gates to keep the Ohio River out of the city. I actually contacted to city and suggested they do this, so that everyone around here (and across the world) could check in from time to time and see how high the river has gotten.

The river is on the downswing right now. You can see the water line on the flood gate in the mid-right portion of the picture. If not for these flood gates and this flood wall, the city would have been inundated with about 4 feet of water or more. The flood wall was actually an action after the 1937 flood that did much damage to Paducah and other cities along the Ohio River and Mississippi River.

At this time the flood waters are receding here, but down south they are rising. The Corps of Engineers are about to open a levee system in Louisiana to relieve flood waters. The thing is, it's going to flood a whole community with over 15' of water. These folks are frantically packing up anything and everything they can to save from the waters. It is a "needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few" type of thing. Similar to what they did at Birdspoint to relieve the waters beginning in Cairo Illinois, but also relieving the flood depth here and up river from us in places like Ledbetter and Smithland. That action alone is what spared my mom's house from being flooded throughout. The predictions were for the river to crest 3' higher than it did, before they blew the Birdspoint Levee. I thank God that they did for those around here, but still felt sorry for those that lost their homes in that man made levee breach.

One thing we can all learn from this, is that God does what He wants, when He wants. The rivers rise and fall at His commands. The rain falls when He tells it to and falls on the heads of the just and the unjust. Only us humans defile God and do what we want. Paul may be the chief of sinners, but I am not far behind him. I am so wretched sometimes, well, a lot of the times. I have many sins that plague me that I can't seem to shake. Some things left me early in my conversion, but others linger on to wreak havoc to my walk. I put these sin barriers between God and me, which is all a fabrication in my mind. I know the bible says that He casts our sins into the depths of the ocean, as far as the East is from the West, but my mind forgets that when I fall into my sin. I want to wallow in it and think of the wedge that I am driving, but it doesn't do that. It is actually selfishness that brings those thoughts, feelings of what I need to do to fix this. Fact is I can't fix anything. Why? Because Christ already has fixed it. My sins were already forgiven before I thought of them. Not that I have a ticket to sin, but I have a mighty God that is not like us and is able to see us through Christ instead of seeing us as we see ourselves when we know we have messed up yet again.

How great is our God! May we all be able to flow like the rivers and go where He commands without questioning that.

Ladies And Gentlemen - The Water Has Left The Building

2011-05-13T16:03:00.003-05:00

Day 315 in my “Year In My Life Through Pictures” blog series
(I have been trying to sign in to blogger to post this for a while now. It is now 11:00 and it doesn’t look like I will be able to post it on the actual day 314, but it is because of the blog website. I guess it had to happen sooner or later)

I took my mom back to her house today by boat, possibly for the last time by boat too. The water has receded away from her house leaving an eerie brown coating over the ground. She said that it reminded her of pictures she has seen of disasters like Chernobyl and volcanic eruptions. The brown covering from the muddy waters of the Ohio River did make things look drastically different.

One thing we did talk about was the chance for rain over the next few days. Thankfully it is not a lot of rain forecast and I even told her it would be good to get rain right now in order to wash the silt from all that is covering. It would take a lot of raining again to raise the waters again, so the “little” bit that they are forecasting will be welcomed by me.

The flood waters did not make it into the main part of her house, but did do some damage in a converted garage are that was made into a storage room before she bought the house. That room was also housing the bulk of a NASCAR diecast and memorabilia collection that I had amassed over a few years time. Actually I am little sorry that it was damaged, but in all truthfulness I am not that upset about it. I am much more focused on her getting her home back into a livable state and getting back into her routine. Hopefully I will be able to help her out with the cleanup and repair of whatever needs to be done. I know that storage room will need to be stripped and scrubbed and the plywood will have to be replaced for sure. I’m not sure if the water reached the electrical outlets and if so that will probably require some work by a licensed electrician too. We still do not know if there was any damage to the underside of her house, which could be what would rack up the highest bills.

As it appears right now she was fortunate. There are many others that have a long hard road ahead of them recovering from this disaster. It is a time to come together and show the love of Christ and put charity to work. Not charity in a “I feel sorry for you” sense, but charity as in Christ loves me so much that I must allow that love to spill over into the desire to help out any that I can.

I ask that you continue to lift up all of those with damaged houses and other property. Ask God how you may minister to these people and see where He leads you. It may be helping out someone clean their walls, to pray for someone in particular or to donate money or cleaning supplies to an agency that will adequately distribute to those in desperate need right now. I promise, He will lead you.

Day 314 Deleted By Blogger

2011-05-13T15:55:00.004-05:00

Seems like the blogger website had some major malfunction over the past couple of days. This hiccup wiped out my post from Wednesday, Day 313 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series. The picture of this post shows the notice from Network Blogs from my Facebook page, which is all I have left of the post, since I write 99% of my posts directly into their website block.

Also, I was not able to log in to post my series entry yesterday, but posted it to my Facebook page in toe form of a note. I will be posting it here after I finish up this post.

I have no idea what the issue was, but know that it must have been fairly large to delete everything since Wednesday. My brother also signed up for a blogger account over this time period and had it deleted and was quite put off by this. He said if they are that unstable he would go to some other website. I assured him that it was a rare occurrence for things like this to happen, but I do understand his frustration with it. I did tell him that he was the one that broke blogger when he signed up, which he thought was funny.

Anyway, I'm not happy about having a post deleted and unrecoverable, but will manage to pull myself through it.

Flooding The Community In Other Ways

2011-05-11T22:40:00.001-05:00

Day 314 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Our church, Oak Grove Baptist, here in Paducah today announced that we will be hosting an informational meeting tomorrow evening for those impacted by the local flooding. There will be electrical inspectors and the electric company representatives there to tell the process of getting power restored to a home and to also answer any questions.

This will actually begin a community outreach for anyone that has been impacted by the flood this year. OGBC will be starting a dinner each night for a while to give residents a good hot meal while they work to restore and repair their homes. Without electricity they will not have a lot of options without either going hungry or bringing cold cuts. This will give an opportunity to show the love of Christ to those that have suffered loss through the flood. On their way out of the Oaks Road area, after working hard all day/ evening people will be invited to stop for a little something to eat and for some fellowship. Nothing will be asked for, it's a gift to the community and if you pay for it it is no longer a gift.

Of course the main goal is to glorify the Father, the One whom all blessings flow. We will not push anyone for anything, but we will be sharing Christ in Word and in deed. A lot of these people will be coming in dirty, after working in a muddied house all day, which is fine by everyone. Mud cleans up. As one brother put it tonight that really resounded to me "this gives us an opportunity to wash their feet". Wow! That said a lot. We may not literally wash their muddied feet, but we do have a great chance to serve them without desire of anything in return. We simply want to serve and to show Christ to a community in need.

There are great ideas for this outreach, but we are not inflexible and eagerly await what God is going to do. He has already supplied from some dear brothers and sisters an hour and a half away many cases of bottled water. This was without even sharing a need with them. The Lord laid it on their hearts to do this. I guess this is what Hudson Taylor meant by, "God's work, done it God's time, will never lack God's supply." How very true that is. God will see to it that anything He starts will accomplish what He designed it for, which is always, ultimately His glory.

What an awesome God we serve to take this natural disaster and turn it into a witnessing opportunity. A chance to spread seed and to cultivate hearts to show people just how blessed the children of God are. We love because He first loved us.

Duly Noted

2011-05-10T23:08:00.004-05:00

Day 312 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

These are the notes I have been using for the past few weeks while working on a "sermon jam" for Real Truth Matters. Admittedly I have not advanced as fast as I would have liked, but I am gaining momentum as the process ends its completion. It is a very labor intensive process, but it is really fun to do and is also a challenge, since I had no idea what I was doing at first. Well, now is not much better either but I have learned a few things.

My notes are not really notes, but actually a transcript of the audio portion of the video, the "sermon" part of the "sermon jam". The audio I thought would be the most challenging part to do and actually fell in place with ease. The video portion, not so much. It would help if I didn't have a job and we didn't have the flooding recently as it has taken up quite a bit of my time. But, I do what I can, when I can, trying not to alienate my wife too much while I log the hours in my office.

I have set the goal to finish by Friday. I am really shooting for tomorrow and pray that God guides me in the idea department to finish up. It's amazing how a 4 minute video is so hard to fill with different, interesting and pertinent footage and "things". As I have said, it is a learning process that will advance me in knowledge that will be used in future projects. I have told my pastor that I have the ultimate goal of getting a video together within a couple of days of the message so it will be posted on the RTM website and Facebook. This will spark interest (hopefully) in that week's message and point people to the website to download or stream the entire message.

I ask that you join me in prayer that this goal is realized and that God is glorified through my efforts.

Gawk This Way

2011-05-09T20:02:00.003-05:00

Day 311 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Seems like Steven Tyler is having a bit of a comeback these days. I suppose it's fueled by his new-found fame on American Idol, which has introduced him and Aerosmith to a whole new generation of kids. I was first introduced to Aerosmith back in the day when I was about 14 years old. I even went to see them in concert once later when I was in my 20s or so. If you read back through my blog you will see that I had a real strong liking to rock music before my conversion(Day 9 of this series). Aerosmith was probably one of the milder bands that I liked, while my tastes were more in the heavy metal/ hard rock realm.

My musical tastes is one of the first things that God sanctified me from after He saved me. It wasn't a gradual process either, it was one of those immediate changes. I do recognize that it was by His grace that He did take that from me and I did not (and still do not) struggle with giving that type of music up. At that same time God took away a 24 year addiction to cigarettes that I had tried very unsuccessfully to quit on my own several times. I had started smoking about the same time I started listening to rock music and doing a bunch of other things as well.

Through all of those years I was banking on my profession of faith as an 8 year old child. I am not saying that isn't possible for some children, but just telling my story. At 8 years old I did not know a whole lot about sin. I actually didn't know anything about sin, even though I had been raised in a rather large church in the area. I remember hearing all of the cool bible stories and even remember the Sunday School teachers always asking us to raise our hand if we wanted to be saved. I never raised my hand because I didn't want to be embarrassed that I never had done it before. I definitely wanted to fit in and raising my hand would have done the opposite. But, on a youth trip I did raise my hand during an evening service. I remember the preacher preached on hell and all I knew is I didn't want to go there and the only way I wasn't going was by raising my hand. So I did and I talked to a man who said the prayer for me and I nodded my head and was proclaimed "saved" after we got back to the altar. So, for the next 30 years I always pointed back to that prayer and that man's affirmation as my salvation. I never pointed to Christ and I definitely never lived like scripture says a Christian lives. I was a part of the world and I loved it. I loved sin and I did as I was always told, ask for forgiveness and you are brought back into a right standing with God.

I lived a very me-centric life and only thought about God at bedtime, when I said my prayer to ask for forgiveness for the same sins day after day. I did a lot of wretched things through my life and always justified it by telling myself to just ask to be forgiven, so I did. I was living a very deceived life, but it was the only type of Christianity that I knew, which is no excuse. That is until God really got hold of me when I was 38. He used a few men that really opened up scripture and showed me just how marred and scarred by sin I was. Ray Comfort, John MacArthur and Paul Washer were some of those men that God used and still continues to use to this day in my sanctification walk. I now rest my faith in Jesus Christ as my salvation, not only from the hell I always feared, but from a sinful life that brings grief to my Father. I am by no means perfect, but I know the One who is and He knows me.

Life has never been the same since He converted me. He continues to mold me and show me things on a daily basis. He has given me a new heart that actually desires things of God and hates things of this world. Not fully sanctified, but on that narrow path and looking toward to goal of my faith in Christ. I praise Him for what He did to me and for me and I continue to praise Him every day. He is my strength and He is my fortress and I will always be His.

Here We Go Again

2011-05-08T23:14:00.003-05:00

Day 310 in my "Year In My Life through Pictures" blog series

Looks like we are back into a rainy cycle again. I think it might look a little deceptive though, because the forecast is below 50% each day for rain. It's spring time after all, when we are supposed to be getting rain, just not as much as we have for the past 4 weeks or so.

One forecast that I heard today sounded really good, the Ohio River here is forecast to drop 3 feet before Thursday. That is great news for many homes that are currently flooded. We have several in my church family that have a lot of water still in their homes and are eager to get to work repairing the damage caused from the flooding. These families are being rocks to their communities and to their co-workers. They are showing their reliance on God and placing their perceived strength firmly on His shoulders. A compliment of "You're doing great through all of this, you're a super person" is turned around into "No, I have a super God that I depend on for my strength". That is what it's all about, showing the Lord to others and pointing the lost to Him.

Any trial that we are put in, to refine us, is ultimately to glorify our God. It may not be a very fun time, definitely not a "best life now" situation, but through it and by it a testimony to God's grace and provision are found. Those gifts from God are then revealed to others, wither to strengthen them through their trial or to point them to the Strength of the trial. God's plan is rather simple if you understand it - Glorify Him through the good times and the bad times. That's it. Always point to Him in every situation, stay focused on the Lord and everything else will be dim in comparison.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Prom For The Young 'Uns

2011-05-07T22:19:00.005-05:00

Day 309 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

We went to the park this evening to snap a few pictures of Matt and Emily before prom. They were all having a good time, joking around, striking poses, just enjoying the time. Then they were off for dinner, then to dance the night away at prom 2011.

I do not remember much about my senior prom, after all that was 25 years ago. Then Chandra's prom 4 years later all I remember is taking pictures and eating at The Pines. I only remember where we ate because I got lobster, the first time ever for me and the last time ever. Just give me a $1 McDouble any day over a stinkin' lobster. It is like another lifetime when I look back at pictures from that long ago. So many things have changed, but also so many have stayed the same.

Over the years I have gained a lot of weight, I have lost a lot of weight. I have actually lost a couple hundred pounds in my life, but I have also gained more than a couple hundred too. Chandra is still just as beautiful and I love her more now than I ever have. God has grown us together, only after he took us a part for several years. To trace God's hand in our lives is really something to think about. What is really awesome is that our marriage is actually somewhat biblical now. I really never knew God's design for marraige, even after being converted. I only learned of my role as a husband after our marriage nearly ended. I was (and still am a lot of the times) only concerned about me. What she needed to do to make me happy, what would make me feel better, feel happy. Me, me, me was my focus, even if I tried to make her happy it was self centered so that I would feel good about me even more.

Only through the trial of possible divorce did God show us what He commanded of each of us. Do we have a perfect marriage? No, but we do seek Him and we do honor Him in our marraige. We still have a long way to go to be "perfect" in our vows, but as long as our relationship with God is moving forward, then our marraige can't help but follow. Ephesians 5:25 is my goal, even though I know I can never attain that kind of love, I still look at that as where I need to be. I fail miserably, but then again I fail miserably in many other ways too and God keeps picking me up, dusting me off and encouraging me to follow Him even closer.

What an awesome God we have that He would create marraige to show us His love for us. To model our marriages after His love for the church and the church's dedication to Him is overwhelming. Through it all I must continue to move closer to Him, so that He can help me be the husband I need to be. He would not command me to love my wife in such a way, then leave me alone to figure it out. He shows me daily how He loves me, now if I could only figure that out for me and my bride.

God's Plan Through Our Trials

2011-05-06T23:25:00.005-05:00

Day 308 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Another trip to my mom's house today. The good news? THere was no signs of water in the main part of her house. We already knew about water being in the storage room, so that was not a surprise. It was a surprise that the water did not seep into the rest of the house. The bad news? It's flooded and will stay flooded for a little while.

While the area has been declared a disaster area, it is not open to FEMA for individual assistance. I am not really sure on their process of determination on things like this. I do know that in 1997 they declared it a disaster area and had help in the area very quickly. It is my understanding that there are FEMA personnel in the area assessing the damage to see if individual assistance will be given. I really hope it is because my mom's house is going to need some work, probably to the floor joists and maybe the floor itself. Also, the electrical system will have to be looked at closely and then be inspected. All of this costs money and the money is just not there at this moment. She paid the house off at the end of last year and cancelled her flood insurance because it had gotten so high. Now, a few months later, this flood comes and the insurance to cover it is not existent anymore. So, the government has a chance to redeem itself in my eyes through this.

Through it all I still know Who s in control. God is firmly in control and He will do as He pleases to bring Himself the glory in this perceived disaster. I just pray that my mom puts focus on Him and that I can continue to point Her in His direction. I can;t imagine going through a disaster like this without God, knowing He is going to carry me/ us through it to the end result that is the best for us. It is great to know He is in control and all I have to do is trust that.

Time Is Ticking Away

2011-05-05T23:56:00.003-05:00

Day 307 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

It was bound to happen. After 306 days of writing a daily post I almost missed a posting. I was about to call it a night and hit the hay when I looked at the clock, 11:55 PM. That is really late, especially when I have to get up at 5:30AM, but it makes it even later when I have only 5 minutes to make a post.

I've been working on a "sermon jam" for Real Truth Matters and time gets away quickly when I get engrossed in the project. Granted, I should have been finished with the project a couple of weeks ago, but a lot has been going on in my neck of the woods these days. I will probably be finished with it this weekend, so keep your eyes out for it on Facebook and also on the Real Truth Matters website. I think it is turning out fairly decent for my first go at it.

This is a real learning experience. I am learning a lot about these programs and I am learning a lot about patience as I sometimes mess up an hours worth of work in a single keystroke. It is also frustrating because I can see how I want to do something in my head, but translating that through After Effects is another thing all together.

I must go now so I can post this before my time limit for the day is up. Please check out the Real Truth Matters website and all of the free resources available. I highly recommend the "History Of The Modern Gospel" video series that has been produced by my dear brothers at RTM.

Our Flood Vs. The Flood

2011-05-04T22:33:00.003-05:00

Day 306 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

My pic of the day is a common sight around here these days, as is seeing trucks pulling trailers loaded with sandbags. The most common thing? Water. That is for sure as Paducah is nearing record depths of the Ohio River here.

One can't help but think of Noah and the Great Flood that the Lord used to purge the Earth. He did promise that He would never flood the Earth again in the same manner and gave us the rainbow as a constant reminder (Genesis 9:12-13). Although this flood is just locally, it does make me think of how much water was around then and how devastating it would be. Well, it purged the Earth for one, which means a cleansing or removing of something.

If you think about it, humanity today is much worse than it was in the day of Noah, but yet God is being long suffering against us fallen creatures. Why hasn't He purged the Earth again of the evilness that we have become? The United States kills thousands of babies a day in the name of choice and for convenience sake. I'm not sure about other countries and their abortion rates, but I am sure that other countries are probably in line with ours. Look at the corruption all around us, the things of this world that pander to our flesh on a minute by minute pace. We are bombarded with things to make us feel good about ourselves, to make us "happy", to make us look better, feel better, make our lives easier and on and on. We are a very self centered people that can't seem to get enough of ourselves. We love us and we love us more than we love God.

So, why has God withheld judgment for so long? I have no idea, but I am thankful for His mercy and grace in doing so.

Flood 2011 - Still A Risin'

2011-05-03T22:18:00.004-05:00

Day 305 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Another day, another trip to my mom's house via boat. Her reason was to get some things out of the fridge that she didn't want to spoil, but I am fairly sure it was to assess the flooding first hand and see how high the water has gotten.

As you can see the water has indeed made it to the house and is on the porch. It still has about 6 inches or so to make it to the doors. Also if you look close you can see that we have taped the doors to keep the water out as much as possible. Also beneath the tape is caulking to try and fill the cracks and gap between the door and the threshold and door jambs. Anything we can try to keep the water out we will. Her storage room is flooded, it has a few inches of water inside it and is heading up the steps to make it into the main part of the house. I did not make it to that door in time to caulk and tape as it had already started seeping yesterday, so I did as much as I could with it. I caulked and taped the access door too that room, so maybe it will hold if needed.

In this I do have a couple of major questions - Where is FEMA? Why has the President not declared this area a Federal Disaster yet? In 1997 when the area flooded President Clinton was very quick to sign off on Federal aid. President Obama was asked by Kentucky Governor Beshear to declare the area a federal disaster on April 28th. Almost a week later and still nothing. The '97 flood had much less flooding, so what gives? Where are the Feds when you need them? Has the government ran out of money for aid unless you are an auto maker or a bank? It is really starting to get to me a little bit. I sent a email to the White House earlier, but my one little email will probably prove futile. I think a bigger movement needs to happen and I am thinking of how to initiate one. Any suggestions?

Well, that's about it again for another Flood 2011 update. Hopefully I can return to my regular old boring posts.

Welcome To Lake Guill, Courtesy Flood 2011

2011-05-02T22:24:00.007-05:00

Day 304 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

It looks like I have turned my picture of the day postings into a Flood 2011 update series instead. I guess that's because the flood has had the most impact on me for the past several days. Today I got the call from my mom to come get her. So, at about 9:15 I left work to go get my mom and her animals.

When I was there yesterday the water was still across a small field behind her house and still on the opposite side of her street. Today we drove the boat up to her house and tied it off to her porch, I stepped from the boat to her porch. There was, at that time this morning about 8" of water up her house. It will take about another 6-8 before it gets into her house. We tried to caulk the doors and used heavy duty tape to try and seal the doors as much as possible. I have no idea if it is working or not or if the water has even gotten that high yet. I do know a storage room that is a converted garage, that sits at ground level, had a very little bit of seepage under the door. I think the door had a really good seal around it already, but I added as much caulking as I could anyway. That particular door had water about 4" up on it at the time, so I was quite impressed with the little bit of water that I saw.

Her whole yard is a lake now, as is her whole street and is pushing on being that whole area. There are many homes being impacted by this around here and in many other communities. Every person in this area needs prayers, so please join in with us. Also pray for those families impacted by the Bird's Point- New Madrid Floodway that was initiated with a blast 90 - 100 miles away that shook our house and rumbled for a few seconds. Very impressive of an explosion indeed. There are several families that will lose their houses in that floodway and while I know they have known this since they purchased the property in that knowledge and is noted on their deeds, but that does not mean they should not receive our sympathy and prayers. Their loss will be the gain of many others and I am sorry for their loss, but am glad that it will relieve the flooding in this area.

Once again I just ask for your prayers for everyone in this area. My mom seems to be handling things fairly well, even though she dropped her flood insurance when she paid her house off at the end of last year. Bad timing, but it is God's timing. He is in control of this flood and He is directing the waters. While it is heartbreaking I do know that God has it all under control and nothing is going to surprise Him.

Wet Behind The Ears (And Everywhere Else Too)

2011-05-01T23:23:00.004-05:00

Day 303 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I made a venture out to my mom's house today, at her request, to see what I thought about the rising water. She wanted to know if I thought it would actually flood her house or not, to which my guess is as good as hers. I do see that she did want another person's opinion, plus I think she is getting cabin fever. Maybe being stranded on Guill Isle is not fun after all.

We received some rain today, actually quite a bit through the day and night. The experts are saying the Ohio River will crest at 54' on Wednesday and then slowly start to lower. 54' is about 2 feet more than it is right now. How that relates to how much the ground coverage will increase is anyone's guess. I am intently watching in Missouri as the Corps of Engineers readies an emergency plan on the Mississippi River to relieve some of the pressure that has built through the river systems. The planned response effort will blow a levee that will then release millions of gallons of water into farm land designated for this purpose on 1927(ish). I am not one that wants to see anyone's farm destroyed, but I am more partial to people's homes, work places and their lives over any piece of property that will recover soon. My intentness in watching this is the hope that it also allows the Ohio River here to drain some of it's level off, thereby lowering the waters around my moms.

One thing that I am really surprised has not happened yet and that is President Obama declaring the affected areas as "Federal Disaster Areas". That would open up millions in Federal money to be used for this disaster. In 1997 they very quickly declared it a Federal disaster, but for some reason, with the waters much higher this time, they are balking. I would like to know why.

Through it all, God is still in control. He is not surprised about the flooding. He has not been caught off guard by the recent outbreak of tornadoes. He is God, He knows everything. Also, He does not do anything without the reason to bring glory to Himself.So, this trial for many will ultimately lead to His glorification. That is a hard thing for most people to grasp hold to, even a lot of professing Christians.

Can I Get A Witness?

2011-04-30T22:21:00.003-05:00

Day 302 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I had the opportunity to talk to a couple of Jehovah's Witnesses today in my front yard. It was an experience that I will definitely use to grow in my understanding of scriptures. These two guys were semi-well versed in the JW apologetics department, but still I gave them the gospel and what a true follower of Christ is.

It is amazing how their religion takes scripture and twists it, even changes words and adds words to make them fit into their belief structure. Although they (the Jehovah's Witnesses) are similar to the Mormon religion, they do have some very strong distinctiveness. I have been in contact with a Mormon for about 2 years now and I think I know a lot of their beliefs, but the JWs today did catch me off guard with a few questions and thought processes. I actually thought at some points they were trying to confuse me to get my footing off so they could pour their false doctrines down my throat. I was in prayer the whole 2 hour conversation as king for God to direct me through the conversation. And He did.

One point they were trying to hound into me was there was no hell. I couldn't help but think of Rob Bell, even though the JWs and Bell have different thoughts to dissuade people from believing. They kept speaking of destruction in the sense of obliteration, the second death as just being totally destroyed. We did go to the story of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16 and I think that got them thinking a little bit harder. They did have an "answer", albeit a flimsy one that they didn't seem to confident in. The just of it was that "Abraham's Bosom" was just an analogy to the Kingdom, so speaking of eternal torment was also just an analogy. We did come back to this story a time or two through the conversation and they kept saying they would have to "study" it more, which I took as "take back to someone higher up that can tell me how to refute this".

They left after standing outside for 2 hours, sometimes with small rain showers coming down, so they were at least dedicated to the conversation and I was dedicated to not asking them inside my home. I had my MacArthur Study Bible in hand as I wanted to show them the differences in their NWT and a different one that they are not allowed to read from. I did get the more outspoken one's phone # with the agreement I would call him to set up another meeting, with the caveat that I would give him a topic for discussion as well. The other young man was really the one that I sensed was questioning some things in his own head, he nodded some as I was refuting some of their claims and said on more than one occasion that he would "look into it".

I know God is able to pull any of these deceived people from this false religion, He pulled me from a false religion that I was perfectly content in believing as well. Deception is a wicked thing and those embroiled in it do not realize they are deceived, they simply follow along and believe everything that is pumped into them. God can change that though and that is why I am not fretting over the "I should have said ...." and relying on Him to work in these two young men as He sees fit. I do ask that you pray for Andrew and Nick that they will be exposed to some true theology in places other than my house. Pray that any seeds sown today may take root and sprout into fruit that God will use to break these guys from their bondage. I have the highest faith that God can do this, just as I know that He can save my children and the lost friends and family members I have, even the ones that profess Christ but do not know the True Christ.

Waiting For The Crest

2011-04-29T22:38:00.003-05:00

Day 301 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Well, my Mom faked me out again today. I received a picture in a text message from my Mom's phone #. Turns out that she had to get someone else to send it for her as she has given up on trying to send it herself. 2 Days ago I wrote about her lack of electronic prowess and it seems that the seclusion and hours and hours to figure out her phone are turning up fruitless. I think she just gave up though and is no longer trying to send them, which is fine.

This picture that she sent is looking the opposite way from the picture 2 days ago. This is actually looking toward the direction that the river is in relation to her house. This is normally a gravel road that starts right after the blacktop ends from her road. It is about 1 - 1 1/2 miles to the normal place the river is, but as you can see the river is fast encroaching through the fields and down the roads.

She does seem a little less frantic over the past couple of days. I think it may be because the flood waters have remained fairly steady, but they are calling for the river to rise another 2-5 feet. We think she will be okay, as far as her property goes. It is not looking like it will get to her house, but you never know. So, we will have to work fast if she starts to feel threatened by the rising water. It's a wait and see right now and probably will be through the time the waters recede.

Please keep praying for everyone around here. Also please pray for those south of us ht by the rash of tornadoes 2 days ago.

Also wanted to let you know that the City of Paducah has installed 2 webcams that show the progress of the river. Here is a link to the camera, which refreshes every minute.

I Got You Babe

2011-04-28T23:03:00.004-05:00

Day 300 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Isn't technology amazing? The gift that God has given us to explore, entertain, learn and cure is really mind boggling at times. Like my picture today. That is my grandson Elliott, in utero, still about 2 months from making his official arrival on this side of mommy's belly. But look at the detail of his face that can be seen using sound waves through Emily's belly. Amazing, simply amazing.

This little bundle of joy will be making his grand appearance toward the end of June. He already has a lot of fans and those fans have a lot of plans for him. I'm sure for the first year or two he will be readily accepting of others plans, but as he begins to grow and to develop his own personality he will more than likely start exerting his own plans. It's inevitable and expected and all part of the life process as we forge our our likes and dislikes, wants and desires.

Another thing that all babies have born in them is a sinful nature. Yes, even sweet baby Elliott who has not even taken his first breath yet has the DNA of sin embedded in him. It would not be a stretch for me to say that he could be raised without anyone at all telling him a lie or even telling him what a lie is and for him to blurt one out one day. Maybe it will be for self preservation to avoid punishment or maybe it will be to gain something he desires. What the lie will be is a desire of selfishness in whatever capacity that it is exerted, he will sin. He may even sin more than one time, actually I am exaggerating a bit, he will sin many times and will probably sin daily.

He will be born as all of humanity has since Cain and Abel, with a sin nature inherited from Adam and Eve. That sin nature and essence separates us from the Holy God of the Universe. He is perfect and He requires perfection to be in His presence. That is why without a perfect Mediator we can not have the fellowship with God that we desperately need. The Mediator? Jesus Christ. Christ was born perfect, lived a perfect and sinless life. He bore our sins upon Himself, willingly, so that we may once again have access to the Father. If not for that sacrifice we would be hopeless and doomed, but thanks to God's grace he made the Way for us to regain fellowship. We must only trust in Christ, not just with lip service, but a total upheaval of self and a total casting of ourselves to Him. In Him we place our trust, we trust that He will save us. No amount of working can gain us the salvation that was purchased by His blood on the cross of Calvary. He bore all sins and finished it all, if you would only trust and believe in Him, totally.

Are you trusting in something other than Christ to have saved you? Many place their trust in a prayer or in a profession of faith, as I did for 30 years of my life. Others will point to a preacher's admonishment and affirmation as their proof of salvation. To those things I say you are trusting in a false idol. Only Christ can save you and only Christ can change you. No manner of working, no manner of doing good deeds, no amount of church attendance, no amount of feeding the poor or even reading the bible will save you. Only Jesus Christ. Only the full submission to Him will you find the hope. Is that where your hope lies?

A Monumental Day

2011-04-27T22:29:00.004-05:00

Day 299 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

This is a monumental picture today. Not because of the content necessarily, but by the one that took the picture, the same one that sent it. My mother. My brother gave her a cell phone a few months ago, which she is still figuring out the nuances of, like making calls and answering calls. I love my mom, but when it comes to technology if it has more than a on/ off button it is over her head. For an example: she figured out over the past 12 months or so how to program her VCR (yes, VCR) to record certain shows at certain times, AKA program the timer. For the previous 25 years or so she had me set it for her, even after a power outage she would ask me to come out and reset the programming. So, you can see that she is not rally tech savvy.

Since she received the cell phone from my brother I have been trying to show her how to send text messages. Now that the water is encroaching on her property again I showed her how to send picture messages, several times. I showed her once again a couple of days ago when we went out to get some of her things she didn't want to risk losing to flood waters if they got to her house. I walked her through each step at least a couple of times, but she did not really seem that interested in learning. I told her that instead of explaining to me where the water level was that she could just message me a picture and show me.

Fast forward to today at about 8:15 this morning and the picture above showed up in a message on my phone. I was blown away. Not by the water level, but that she actually sent me a picture message. I thought, "Yes, she figured it out". I found out later that she had actually gotten a neighbor kid to help her with it, but anyway it was a milestone moment for the less than technologically adept mom'o'mine.

I think I will once again start pushing the idea of a DVR to replace her VCR now that she is making leaps into the 21st century. Maybe I should help her with baby steps though and not rush it too fast. Even though a DVR is much easier to work than a VCR, for her it would be like me trying to learn Spanish in a single 5 minute class. But, anything is possible and she might pick it up rather quickly. She is not one to try new things very readily.

On a serious note, please do pray for her and her neighborhood as the flood waters encroach. As of right now we are supposed to be fairly rain free for a few days, but then it is supposed to start again. Pray that the water stays at bay and that she remains safe through this time. She is well supplied, so food and drink are not a need, but safety and well being is. Right now she would need to be reached by a john boat or a really high sitting truck, neither of which I have immediate access to. I know that God will do what is best and I totally trust Him. So please pray for her and that God will reveal Himself to her in new ways through this time.

Old Man River - Flood Of 2011

2011-04-26T22:00:00.003-05:00

Day 298 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

We drove down to the river this evening to see history being made for our area. The flood of 2011 has been predicted to be "catastrophic" and "epic" by national news outlets. As of right now I would guess that the level is still pre-1997 magnitude, but it is raining right now and raining hard at times. We are also being predicted to receive more rain in the coming days. I'm sure the timing means a lot to flooding vs. adequate time to drain and I am praying that there is enough time between rain and drain to keep the waters at bay at my moms house and several friends houses.

In my pictures you will see the concrete flood wall that protects our fair city from the Ohio River. This flood wall was put into place after the 1937 Flood that ravaged many communities and did over $22,000,000 worth of damage to Paducah, which in 21st Century dollars would be in the billions. You can read about the 12.2 mile system here. I also failed to mention that some of the system is earthen and actually starts right down the street from our house. I think the natural topography of this area serves as a barrier also because we are kind of up on a small hill. Our house is actually a little over 100 ft higher than my workplace is, according to my wife's new GPS unit that tell your elevation.

Seeing this much water this close to the flood wall system is truly amazing. I see the river and its raw power and it amazes me. The same water that gives life to us can also take that same life away in an instant. I never underestimate any of God's creation and the power that He puts behind it. If, when you look at His creation, you are not awestruck. Think of the power that a lot of people cower to like storms and catastrophes, but yet never acknowledge the God that created these forces and the laws that govern them. So many people fear nature more than they do our God. How is that? How can you fear something that at most can kill your physical body, but yet not fear the One that can destroy both body and soul in hell? Matthew 10:28

So many people are deceived these days and it shows through their lifestyle. Many people profess to know God, but how can they if they live like they do not know Him? Titus 1:16 lays this out for us, rather bluntly. This single verse reputes 90% of the folks that claim to be Christians in this world (my guesstimation, not scientific). These people are the same ones that are mentioned in Matthew 7:23 when Jesus tells the false professing Christians to depart from Him on Judgment Day. Notice too that these same people cast out demons and healed people. How many people have you healed and how many demons have you cast out? For me that would be a big zero.

I pray that many are awakened to the Truth of Scripture and repent of their self centered religion that is dragging them to hell. Millions of people will end up in hell because of false teachers. This is one of the reasons we must stand up against the heresy that comes forth in the Name of Christ. Be diligent, fight the good fight and keep praying for these poor souls.

Calm Between The Storms

2011-04-25T21:47:00.003-05:00

Day 297 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

It's a little calm right now outside. That is actually kind of eerie because I have always heard the saying "the calm before the storm" and this is it.

It seems like my area is caught in a cycle of storms, with a little break between each. The stage is being set for "catastrophic" flooding, which is only one aspect of the damage happening in this area. We are seeing a high likelihood of tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds in tandem. Many people that I know are taking steps to prepare for the flooding, including my mother and several of our church family and some co-workers. As of right now the threats at my house are from the immediate weather systems that have us in their sights.

The flood of 1937 is largest in recorded history (other than the THE flood recorded in the bible) that caused over $22,000,000 in damage. I wouldn't even care to imagine how much that would be in today's dollars, but I'm sure it would be at least the billions, if not trillions. The flooding that they are calling for this time is supposed to be almost as high as it was then, by the river height. The flood waters from the Ohio River will not make it out to our house, but the back wash and the disabling of the streams into the river could cause some issues. I have seen several streets flooded on my normal commutes, so my immediate area is not without flood issues.

My prayers right now are that there be no tornadoes, the "damaging" winds they are forecasting will not materialize and that the flood waters are kept at bay. Will you join me in prayer for these things and lift the residents of Western Kentucky, Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri up for safety and for protection? I know that God's will is going to take place, but I also know that He allows us to be part of it through our prayers for whatever reason He designed it that way for. So pray at every remembrance of this post and of every news cast you see or every time you see water throughout your day, but please join us in prayer.

Resurrection Day 2011

2011-04-24T22:13:00.005-05:00

Day 296 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Resurrection Day 2011, which some call Easter. I think that Resurrection Day is a more appropriate term anyway, after all it is the day that Christians celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord. Without His resurrection Christianity would be just another religion among the others, but Christ arose from the grave and sits at the right hand of the Father and He is coming again. He is coming back one day (looks like soon) for those that trust in Him, not only with lip service but truly trust in Him for everything.

So, it was also an exciting day at church too. Chandra and I were baptized, which has been in the makings for about 2 years. As a child I said the prayer, walked the aisle and was submersed in water, which was just me getting wet. I was not actually converted then and lived like the world until God really showed me who and what I was and who He is. That is when I saw that for 30 years I had relied on my profession of faith as a child, always pointed back to then and was indeed a false convert. I knew I wanted to be baptized, but I didn't want to in the same church I was in, which was also my childhood church. God had been dealing with me about that place anyway, with the man centered messages, the back slapping, buddy system and the sin that ran rampant because most were also false converts. I needed a strong biblical church home and I wasn't getting baptized until I found one.

It didn't take long and God put us at Oak Grove. We started the new members class and through it I remembered that I had never been biblically/ scripturally baptized. With that we agreed, along with the pastor, that Chandra and I would both be baptized with the next baptism service. Well, to make a long story short, Chandra had some health issues at the time set for the first baptism, she was in the hospital, so we weren't able to. Fast forward to the next time and again, she was in the hospital. Today happened to be the next baptismal service set and I told Chandra that there was no way she was going in the hospital this weekend. It worked out well and I got to share about 30 seconds of what I just shared here.

It was a great day indeed. God was good today to us, as always, even though I continually defy Him He keeps loving me. What an awesome God He is and I praise Him for loving me as sinful and dirty as I am. He has done a work in me and continues to do so daily. The closer I get to Him, the more He exposes, the more I see my need to trust Him more and more and turn loose of my flesh. Only by His grace am I where I am and only by His grace do I continue my walk.

Oh, the picture is of one of my favorite hymns that we happened to sing today - "Great Is They Faithfulness"

April Showers

2011-04-23T22:28:00.006-05:00

Day 295 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

We had a great day today at Matt and Emily's co-ed baby shower. There was a great turnout and baby Elliott made away with a big haul. Not only was it a fun filled time, it was also a temptation filled time. There was Missy cake there, the best cake that one can possibly put in their mouth, and I had to refrain because of my diet. That's OK, because I'm going to bribe her to make me a "coming off of my diet" cake when I reach my goal. It will be my first hoorah, instead of a last hoorah. It may be my only hoorah, because I might go into a sugar comma.

It will be only 2 more months until I am officially a grandpa. One thing I'm not sure on is what for Elliott to call me when he gets old enough to talk. Of course we have to figure something out, because everyone will be calling me that for him to associate the name with me. If anyone has any cool grandpa names let me know. All I can think of that is non-traditional is "Pap" or maybe just "Jeff" will do. The names "grandfather", "grandaddy" and "papaw" don't really feel right to me for some reason.

On a more serious note, I would ask the readers of this post to pray for Matt, Emily and baby Elliott. Also please pray for both sides of the family as we are joined as one family, that we will always hold Elliott's interests in the forefront. I have seen many families have divisions wedged between them for whatever reason and I really don't want to do that, at all. Ever. Also pray that Elliott will be raised to know who God is and to know the price that He paid for him and that he will come to know Him early in life.

Quality? Who Needs It?

2011-04-22T23:34:00.006-05:00

Day 294 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I was looking for a video tp post on Facebook of two different song. The first was "Sunday" by Tree63, which I thought would be a good Good Friday post, seeing how Sunday is coming. Then I was looking for "Amazing Love" by the Newsboys and/ or Chris Tomlin and quickly discovered something, that their is a lack of good quality videos of Christian songs on Youtube. I might just have to remedy that. I think just a basic computer program that automatically puts your chosen pictures into a slide show would be better than the video portion of these videos.

I am not quite sure, however, what the copyright laws are. I do know that some videos that people upload with certain songs gets the audio disabled by Youtube. I assume that their technology is similar to the iPhone app "Shazam", which allows you to capture small portions of songs and then tells you the name, performer and gives you a handy link to buy the MP3 version of the song. Great technology and actually kind of impressive.

So, where do I start? Maybe with these 2 videos that I mentioned. I'm sure it would be a great undertaking to make videos that would actually compliment these songs and the thousands of others on Youtube. Who knows, I might just start playing around for the practice of using the great programs that I am fortunate to have.

Thanks For The Memory

2011-04-21T22:29:00.004-05:00

Day 293 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Here's a blast from the past - a 3 1/2" floppy disc. Yes, that can hold a whopping 1.44mb of information. Whew! That's a ton of information, well, it used to be about 15 years ago.

So, 15 years ago was around the time I purchased my first PC. Honestly, I paid a ton for it and my cell phone has twice the memory and probably 100 times the computing power that the PC had. The hard drive in my first PC was 3.1gb. Yep, a monster then, but virtually worthless these days.

Over the years as technology has progressed, file sizes have gotten much larger. A photo from almost any digital camera today could not even fit on one of these floppy discs that I pictured, but back in the day I could fit a hundred or so on there. As a matter of fact, my first digital camera used floppy discs as their storage device. It was a Sony Digital Mavica and cost as much as a used car. Thankfully I realized I had gone off the deep end when I bought it and sold it quickly on ebay for what I gave for it.

Actually, these floppy discs are probably so obsolete that I would have a hard time even finding a drive to read them with. I should probably check into that, because I'm sure there is a file or picture on one of these that I really need to have, but don't remember.

I thank God for technology. Many people believe it's a curse, but I believe it can be used as good or as evil. I have been greatly edified and have resources at my fingertips that one would have to, in days gone by, have attended seminary to have available to them. I can sit in front of my computer and have a face to face chat with anyone in the world in real time, that is if I had a webcam. No other time in history could people hear the Word without the advancements in technology that God has blessed us with. But like most things, the enemy also wants to partake and corrupt the gift. Because of that corruption many people want to steer really clear of any temptations that may arise with that technology. That's fine and I will respect their convictions, but they are really missing out on the wealth of resources available.

I just wonder what the Lord has in store for us in another 15 years.

The Color Of My Youth

2011-04-20T22:40:00.004-05:00

Day 292 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

While cleaning up at my dad's old house I came across this coloring book from my childhood. As you can see I was 11 years old when I colored the pictures. The City of Paducah held a coloring contest for kids and my brother and I participated. This was part of the annual Paducah Summer Festival, which was always a a week of events that my whole family looked forward to. Unfortunately, the "powers that be" within the Paducah city government have decided for the first year in 44 years there will not be a festival. They cite declining attendance and lack of funds in a down turned economy, but I cite mismanagement and greed.

Got off subject a little on my rant against the city's decision, so I apologize.

My memory is not any where near what I want it to be. My childhood is fuzzy, at best, with a few memories that still hold on. I do remember other times and happenings when I am reminded of things for one reason or another, usually a picture, song or just thinking back and trying to actually remember things on purpose. It does bother me that I can't remember more and only remember generalities when I do remember things. I know it is one area that I have never really sought God in and asked for Him to open up my mind and allow my memory to actually work better.

I would really love to be able to retain information and recall it at will. I see it as a curse in one way, a very big way, but then again I see it as a blessing in some ways too. It is great to not remember why I get mad about something, so I forget about it easily and move on, I don't hold a lot of grudges this way, if any at all. This comes in real handy being married, so I do see the good in a seemingly "bad" area. I would just like to be able to memorize scripture easier or be able to take some seminary classes and retain the information instead of it being lost. It is hard work for me to remember things and I find myself jotting notes here and there, then when I find the note I have forgotten what it means. So, you can see I have it bad.

Once again, this is yet another area of my life where I do not seek God as I should. I praise Him that He allowed me to see my failure in not trusting Him for healing in this area. I will definitely be seeking God to do some healing in my mental state and lack of memory. One more reason to praise God.

Purpose Driven Anthill

2011-04-19T22:56:00.004-05:00

Day 291 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I've seen this anthill behind our house many times. Usually I just snarl my nose up at it and hope they don't migrate into our house. Today was a little different. I just watched these little ants working their little legs off. I was impressed with their agility, their strength and how they all seemed to be on a mission.

I wondered what they were actually working for. What is their goal? What do they do under the ground? Do they ever sleep? What do they eat? Where do they relieve themselves?

It's hard to think about a life form that seemingly has no impact on anything other than its ant hill. To us humans these ants are a nuisance, but what is their actual purpose? For that matter, what is the purpose of any life form? I know the I know the chief purpose of man is to glorify God. I've not really followed catechisms before, but I do know that the Westminster Shorter Catechism's first question is: "What is the chief end of man?" With the answer: "To glorify God". I would tend to agree with that, even though we fall way short most of the time and seem to always want to glorify ourselves.

But what about other life forms? Do we really need organisms that live in the volcanic discharges in the oceans? Would we be fine without the platypus? How about things like poison ivy? What purpose does that serve, other than to make us itch? Then there is the question of the vastness of the universe. What is the purpose of having billions of planets and stars? To which the answer to all is to point to our awesome God that created it all. The smallest microbe screams praises in its life to our God. The endless universe, as recently observed by modern science" shows just how small we are and how big God is. Everything that God created naturally points to Him, even us rebellious humans.

I just hope that if I ever start feeling down or "useless" that I think of the ant. It's purpose is being carried out without delay and very diligently. An ant never once questions its purpose or shakes its ant fist at God. I hope that I can be the same as the lowly ant and just do what I was designed for - Glorify God. The rest will fall into place as He directs my steps.

Old Dead Guys

2011-04-18T21:57:00.005-05:00

Day 290 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

The picture today is of the inside of a book I just purchased off of Ebay. If you do not recognize who this is, it is Charles Haddon Spurgeon, also known as "The Prince Of Preachers". A very influential pastor from days gone by.

The title of this book is "Sermons of the Rev. C.H. Spurgeon Of London". It was published in 1858, which was still during Spurgeon's life time. I have not read the book, so don't ask me about it yet. I do know it is available online for free through the Google Books website, which is great, because I do not really want to risk messing up further a book that is 153 years old. The book is not perfect by any stretch, some water marks, yellowed pages, the spine is missing and replaced by some kind of tape. Overall though, 153 years and it is still readable is a major feat in itself. I am, however, not sure if the signature in the front is an actually signature or if it was printed. I am leaning toward printed, but who knows, it might be the real thing.

I highly recommend checking out the "old dead guys" and reading their sermons. Examine how God centered they were and it will open your eyes a bit to how man centered a lot of messages are these days. Spurgeon, Wesley, Newton, Luther and Flavel would be some place to start. A good website that has several of these "old dead guy" messages is Puritan's Sermons . This would be an excellent website to start your delve into the mind of yesteryear.

Time Is Not On My Side

2011-04-17T23:34:00.003-05:00

Day 289 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I've been putting in a few hours to get a sermon jam together of last weeks message from Brother Michael of Oak Grove Baptist and Real Truth Matters. Finding time to do so seems to be a little tricky these day. First of all, I'm not very proficient (efficient too) with the Adobe programs, so it is a learn as you go thing. Secondly I have a full time job that takes up most of my daylight hours. Third is family life at the homestead, as I can't take all of my "free" time and spend it tucked away at my desk. Fourth, I have other chores that I need to do around the house like mowing, taking stuff to the dump, doing taxes and all that other fun kind of stuff. So, I have to juggle it all around to be able to do it all and not step on the toes of the others, because all are important.

I suppose that as I work with these programs I will become faster and get the feel of how to chop up messages to compact it into a 3 minute or less version. That's a huge feat because an hour sermon chocked full of great truths is not very easily dissected to give a Cliff's Notes version of. I can't change the message and I can't rip things out of context and must give the viewer the just of the message, or enough that they feel the need to download and listen to the whole sermon.

My goal number one in these projects is the bring glory to the Lord. There are other, lesser, things that are also goals such as deadlines and gaining experience. I will admit that these will probably be really rudimentary and not full of very much fluff for the first few months as I properly learn the tools and techniques. So stay tuned and watch the progress, leave me messages and please give me feedback and HELP if you can give me pointers in After Effects, Premier and/ or Photoshop.

As Hudson Taylor said, "God's work, done in God's time, will never lack God's provision". That is my go to phrase right now as I make myself more readily usable by God. If He is in this then He will supply the knowledge, the time and hopefully the newer version of Adobe CS Suite 5.5. So, if any Adobe execs are reading or if you happen to have some extra cash lying around, send it my way for the newer and easier to work with versions of these programs. Just sayin'.

Gotta run. It's getting late and I have to get up for work in the morning. Thanks for reading and please leave a comment and let me know how you found my blog.

Out With The Old

2011-04-16T23:44:00.003-05:00

Day 288 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

Another "Free Dump Day" has come and gone here in Paducah. Getting ready for today started, for me, on Thursday evening. I had originally planned that taking a vacation day on Friday would be the best time to start loading stuff up. We ended up having a huge chance for rain for Friday, so I started loading Thursday evening and covered the truck load up with a tarp. Good thing I heeded the weather forecast, because it rained - and it rained a lot.

I ended up making 2 runs to the dump, which saved us about $50 in fees. It was a fairly painless process and I only had to wait with the first load, because everyone in front of me had big trailers full of trash and debris. No big deal, because 15 minutes gave me time to take the tarp off of the truck and quietly watch the goings on.

My picture today was taken while I was waiting for the go ahead to pull into my designated drop off location. These workers were the ones taking the appliances that people were disposing of. Honestly, I didn't see these people working very much while I set there for my 15 minute wait. Not saying that they didn't do anything, but for that 15 minutes they were highly overpaid. The other workers were very friendly and helpful and complimented my old truck. I even had one guy ask me if I wanted to sell it on my second trip, which I declined to do.

I completed the tasks I set out to do this morning. The rest of the day was spent with my beautiful wife and the evening with the whole family. All the boys were here, including Matt, who brought Emily over to visit. She is really showing a lot now at 30 weeks along. So, counting baby Elliott, we had 7 folks here for dinner and a little talking. It was a great day and I thanked God for His provisions throughout the day.

Looking forward to tomorrow now, awaiting what God has in store for services. He is doing something within our body and it is wonderful to see His hands in each family at Oak Grove.

Awesome Display Of God's Power

2011-04-15T22:18:00.004-05:00

Day 287 in my "Year In My Life Through Pictures" blog series

I have to confess first thing, I did not take this picture, but wish I had. It is really cool. Probably the first I have ever seen with lightning and a rainbow in the same picture. It certainly beat any picture that I could have taken today.

Pictures like this catch a split second of time that will never be recreated. Now, with this photo, the split second awesome display of our God can be enjoyed for many years to come. I have been noticing more of nature that God has given to us. Even the mighty thunderstorms that rolled through this evening displayed the glory of God. The crashing thunder and winds only are a minimal fraction of what God can do. After all, look at the fastness of the Universe and see His glory on display. Why else would He create so many solar systems, planets and stars except to show us how awesome He is?

It does seem like we are smack dab in thunderstorm alley right now. Somehow our weather patterns have been more intense over the past couple of years. I know that the U.S. is not mentioned in scripture about the end times, but the weather is, so maybe this is one of the signs announcing Christ's return. No other time in history have as many prophecies been fulfilled. Are you ready? Is Christ Lord of your life? Have you seen your utter depravity and lack of ability to save yourself? Turn to Him and place all trust for all things in Him. Today is the day of salvation, you may not get another.

Hidden Amongst The Busch

2011-04-15T09:12:00.005-05:00

If you saw my post from yesterday in my "Year in my life through pictures" series you saw a picture of the beer aisle at Wal Mart. What you may not have seen was a Million Dollar Bill tract that I left on top of the Natural Light cases. Have another look at yesterday's picture, then look at the picture from this post where I cropped where the MDB tract is.

I highly recommend that everyone get at least a small supply of solid gospel tracts to hand out and to pass out. I have written several times on the great ministry of using tracts to witness to people. Me, being of a quiet disposition, really appreciates the door opening nature (or ice breaker as Way of the Master calls it) that tracts afford. I keep a constant supply of money themed tracts, because they catch attention very quickly. I leave these everywhere, and I mean everywhere, from the gas pumps, to the beer aisle at Wal Mart, to the restroom, to leaving with a tip at a restaurant, I look for opportunities to leave these.

A good, solid, Biblically based tract is a very good tool to quickly convey the gospel. Even when a person may not want to talk to you, they will take something handed to them and possibly read later. Will it lead to their conversion? Who knows but the Lord, but you have sown a seed. I would recommend any one of the fine organizations below to get tracts from. Bezeugen Tract Club is a great way to break into handing tracts out as well. They will send you monthly 30 tracts for you to pass out, one per day, for FREE. Yes, FREE. They have an awesome ministry and I encourage you to partner with them in the distribution of tracts. They also have tracts available for purchase, which the money goes back into the ministry to help fund the free tracts sent out. Please check out the following websites and pray about which tract God will have you to use. Who knows, you may feel guidance to get a pack of each. Also, Real Truth Matters can design tracts for you and have them professionally printed or take your design and have them printed, with your organization's contact information.

Bezeugen Tract Club
Way of the Master/ Living Waters
One Million Tracts
Custom Tract Source
Real Truth Matters

Also, the guys at Custom Tract Source have written a great little article detailing "why" Christians should use tracts and many ways to pass them out.