*Reminder: this is not really a fast; If I did decide to fast I wouldn't touch the internet for a month which would probably drive me crazy ...
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*Reminder: this is not really a fast; If I did decide to fast I wouldn't touch the internet for a month which would probably drive me crazy ...
Five Amphibian Related Phrases That I Enjoy
Phrase the First - I'm feeling as fine as frog's hair!
I don't even know why I like this phrase. Of course, the idea is that fine is being used in two ways here - the feeling and the idea of being thin and delicate. Frogs, just in case you were wondering, do NOT have hair (hey, I'm sure someone out there doesn't know), so the idea is that their hair would be as fine as you could get, and, thus, you couldn't feel any better.
Phrase the Second - You can't tell by looking at a frog how high he will jump.
A variation on "You can't judge a book by it's cover," I always liked the undertone that there is a possibility of greatness in a less than obvious package. Plus, everytime I say it in my head, I picture Mark Twain saying it, even though it doesn't really have anything to do with The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.
Phrase the Third - Therein squats the toad!
I love this expression, but no one ever uses it, and I got sick and tired of explaining it. I use another phrase (Ay, there's the rub from Hamlet) a lot, and it means the essentially the same thing, which is, "that's the problem." If everyone could do me a favor and start using this phrase again, I would really appreciate it. (By the way, this is the one that inspired the list!)
Phrase the Fourth - Leap if you feel froggy.
Phrase the Fifth - Fully Rely On God (F.R.O.G.)
Okay, so this one doesn't technically use an amphibian in the phrase itself, but I've liked this acronym from the first time I ever heard it. Plus, we used to have a shower curtain that had various frogs on it, and one looked like he was praying, so I was always reminded of it. A nice, strong image to remind me of a lesson I need to make sure I'm using in my life.
Alright, that's it for now. Type at you later!
I was being completely honest when I said my first day was good, that I felt it was a good start. But, where is the fun in just that? In the words of Paul Harvey, here is "the rest of the story..."
I arrived at home, after work on Monday morning at about 7:20 a.m. Knowing I would have to be up by 11:25 a.m., I greeted the dogs, I got undressed, brushed my teeth, watched about 15 minutes of TV and was in bed at about 8:15 a.m.
10 seconds after I closed my eyes (or so it seemed at the time), I woke to the screaming of my alarm, fumbled toward it, thought a few less than pleasant thoughts about it, and got up. Sorta.
By "sorta," I mean that I stumbled toward the door to my bedroom and down the stair half asleep, nearly stepping on the cat, who, only because of his constant skittishness, darted out of the way before becoming a feline pancake.
I made my way to the couch, and, you guessed it, went to sleep sitting up.
I got a valuable 13 minutes of extra sleep, and made my way to the bathroom. There, through closed eyes, I used the facilities by sonar (guys, you know what I'm saying) while my eyes were still closed with the refusal to accept that I was intending to stay up.
I headed back to the living room, contemplating another glorious 13 minutes of sleep, but decided to get dressed instead. I pulled on a T-shirt, and a pair of jeans, and wet down my hair to comb it (here is something only a very few of you will understand - I had JFK hair).
Fully dressed and hair combed, I grabbed my beach towel and trunks, and headed for the car.
I arrived at the YMCA shortly after noon. It is at this point that it dawns on me - I don't think I've been swimming since I was in college. I'm not sure why the thought struck at that exact moment, but it would certainly explain things later.
After scanning my oh-so-cool photo membership card (in which I'm wearing a fedora, because I had not combed my hair very well that day and was unaware that any photo-taking would happen), I made my way into the building, and was hit by another thought - I haven't been to the YMCA, other than to pay for my membership, since I was in high school for a youth group lock-in.
Not a big deal. I mean, I'm a "guy," right? My birthright was a God-given perfect sense of direction.
Well, after stumbling around the building, interrupting two basketball games, some weightlifters, and a pilates class, I stumbled onto... the tennis courts.
The worker at the desk there asked if I needed help. Yes, I cried, I'm completely lost, and alone, and afraid, and I want my mommy, and I want to go home.
Oh, no, wait... that is just what I was thinking. As a "guy" though, I couldn't say that. Instead, I said that I had merely never been back that far since I got a membership, and I was just seeing what was there.
Which wasn't really a lie. I mean, it was the first time I had been back that far since purchasing my membership, and I was wondering what was back there... hoping it was the pool.
Anyway, I turned with my "guy-ness" still intact, and headed back the other direction.
I came upon a door that said "Locker Rooms," and figured it was worth a shot. Bingo! Joy! Elation! I found that once inside, there was a door on the other side, clearly labeled "Pool".
And you thought I should've asked for directions. Hah!
So, I change into my trunks and head to the pool. I pick an empty lane and enter the delightfully lukewarm water. I glance at the clock to check the time, and I start to swim.
I don't know if it was the second or third stroke in that my body decided that I had lost my mind. I'm thinking the second. Anyway, it was clearly reminding me that I had not been swimming in a long, long time, and, despite remembering what to do, it did not wish to actually do it.
I pressed on. By the second lap, my legs were using desperate measures to try to stop me, threatening to cramp with each stroke. Not being one to bow to the whims of my own legs, I refused to stop.
After about 15 minutes or so, my body had resigned itself to the continued torture.
It was at that point that I realized I should probably take it easy for my first day. Instead of the planned 45 minutes to an hour, I'd only do 30 minutes.
At about the 30 minute mark, I thought, hey, I can do one more lap, just for good measure.
That lap was pretty good. So, I thought, why not another?
You've heard the expression about the straw that broke the camel's back? How about the one about the lap that drowned the moron?
I don't know if it was the fact that I had silently promised my body that the previous lap would be the last or what, but I struggled like a man having a fit.
When I finally made it to the end, I knew that was it. I would drown if I tried another.
I made my way over to the ladder. The first step was no problem. The rest? I can't describe the agony.
As I forced myself out of the pool, there were moments I thought I was going to collapse. I think it was only my fear of being mistaken for a beached whale and being pushed back into the water that kept me going.
With Herculean effort I made my way back to the locker room. I stripped off the wet trunks and, summoning up every ounce of strength I had, I got dressed.
I did manage to meet one goal in that locker room - I did not break into tears.
I made my way slowly out to my car, actually having to lift my legs into the car once I was inside. I drove home and sat in front of my house for a long, long time before going in.
I stayed up another couple of hours, just so I wouldn't stiffen up to the point of immobility. Through the grace of God and the glory of Aleve, I made it through the day.
Oh, I hurt. I hurt in ways I had forgotten I could. but I made it.
The next day, there was no way I could try the swimming again, so I decided the Monday-Wednesday-Friday would work well for at least the first week.
On Wednesday, I went again. I actually matched the amount that I did for that first day.
And, guess what?
It was still a horribly painful experience.
But... not quite a horrible. Not quite as painful.
I told people that I'd keep up the same pace until I no longer wanted to die after the swimming. That would be my indicator that I needed to add more, until I found my new threshold of wanting to die.
Onward and upward!
Type at you later.
I've been drawing for ages, and I started doing cartoons when I was about 11. Along the way I got saved and the Lord gave me the desire to draw for Him to spread His Word through this media. Dreams of creating my own comic book, doing a comic Bible, and even telling the stories of the old heroes of the faith (i.e. biographies) through comics stirred my heart. But these dreams got lost a few years back in the depths of depression. However God's plans for me didn't end there, and He's been working to recover and re-form His plans in my heart. He's given me the opportunity to print my own Christian comic book and cartoon stationery, and to study animation in what I would consider one of the most promising schools in Singapore. Furthermore, the opportunities and blessings the Lord has given to me in the past few months are just too many to write down.
I feel that this will be a year of building, and only He knows what is in store! My prayer is that He'll draw me closer to Him that I may know Him more.
It is sometimes easy to forget how important private time with the Lord really is. We get busy with our daily commitments, be they work, family, or even church activities, and we feel like we can barely hold on.
There is nothing inherently wrong with these things. On the contrary, they are important responsibilities.
The problem is that so many of these are things for others. Again, there is nothing wrong with doing for others, but there comes a point where we have to realize that we need refreshing ourselves.
That's where the solitary place comes in.
Whether literal or not, a quiet time with God is not only recommended, it is essential to being able to continue His work.
Essential? Yes.
In Mark 1:29-34, we see where Jesus and his disciples went to the home of Simon and Andrew, and found that Simon's mother-in-law was ill. Jesus healed her.
Word must have spread quick, because by that evening, the entire town had gathered at the door, bringing the sick and demon-possessed to Jesus for healing.
The entire town.
Can you imagine? And, this was after Jesus had already spent the day teaching in the synagogue. It likely made for a very long night.
After a day like that, what did Jesus do?
Mark 1:35 -
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Jesus needed private time with his Father, a chance for spiritual recharging.
And, if Jesus needed it, how much more is that opportunity needed by us?
I don't know how long Jesus had in those private moments, but it wasn't long before his disciples hunted him down, to tell him that everyone was looking for him. Jesus got up and returned to his ministry.
We also need to have private time with the Lord when the opportunity comes. Or, sometimes, we have to get up very, very early and make the time.
The effort to get that renewal, though, is well worth it when compared to the chance of burning out.
Type at you later.
(A request - Amanda Waller.)
Basically, for those who might not know, it's a huge crossover featuring one unified storyline but each chapter featuring a different art and story team (or single creator) and how your heroes or characters interact with and move the plot along. Ben Avery is one of the masterminds behind this, so realize that it is a major deal. If your forte is less superhero-y but you still want to contribute you still can - just contact me and we'll fit you in where your work will shine the best concerning this particular project (pin-ups, alternate takes on the characters, there are lots of things that can still be included).
If you are an inker and want to help with an existing chapter, Cassy Reyes (Souba; Queen of Naboo) has completed the artwork on her chapter and needs an inker. If you know her you can contact her personally; if not, contact me and I'll get you in contact with her.
Let's work towards getting this completed by the end of 2008! Any questions, contact me!
ArmorQuest Genesis, (2006), Community Comics, Ben Avery (writer), Sherwin Schwartzrock (artist), $3.50, 160 pp., B & W.
ArmorQuest: Genesis is out in a paperback compilation of all six issues! Sherwin Schwartzrock’s art has been stripped back to black and white, and the contrast is amazing! Add Ben Avery’s cool story on top of that and slap a $3.50 price tag on it - you heard me, 6 issues worth of comics for $3.50 - and I think this might just be the best comics package of 2006! Get 5 for under $20!
I’ve been a big pusher of this series since it came out in comic form and ran for three issues. I got a couple of the TPBs and spread the love around. My 5-year old loves the story - it covers a young boy discovering the Armor of God - but the story can be appreciated by young adults or even older! Good metaphors and allegories concerning Christian truths are all over this book, and the characters are fully fleshed out. Schwartzrock’s art is perfect for this, with fantastic layout and character design as well as a style that gives the feel of the mythic. These two guys are part of the brain trust that is Community Comics, and they are intent on creating professional-grade, entertaining, morally uplifting material for all ages and the hit the nail solidly on the head with this series.
This would probably be best for young Christians, to spur them on to a deeper realationship with the King, but the story is pretty sound, and could be enjoyed by almost anyone. The Christian elements are not heavy-handed at all, but are pretty clear if you know what you’re looking for. The six issues are self-contained, but form a larger story if read together or in series. It does leave off on a “Let’s see what else is out there” kind of vibe, obviously setting up for a potential continuing series (or second limited series) but there are no dropped plot elements or threads. The story and art compliment each other, losing just a little in the black-and-white format (the color of some of the antagonists has minor importance, which is not evident in the B/W version). A solid package.
Review by Steve MacDonald
www.CommunityComics.com
I thought about just copping out with this review this time. It would be easy. I was going to start with that first line, the image of the album cover, and then immediately follow it with:
It is great!
On further reflection, though, I decided peopl might want a little more than just that.
That said, it won't be a terribly long review, because there wasn't much about this album I didn't like.
Since I brought up "things I didn't like," let's start there. Actually, it isn't even a "don't like" situation. It is more of a "not quite as good as the rest" situation.
The song Your Grace is Enough, while not bad, is unremarkable, and kinda got lost as I was listening to the album.
That's it. That's the lackluster from this album.
On to the good stuff!
First, let me just say, it was entirely refreshing to hear a worship album with so many Biblically-based, strong lyrics. Many of the songs could probably be used to lead into Bible studies about the Scriptures they highlight.
Second, the worship music on the album is fantastic. Indescribable is an amazing song, instantly setting the tone of worship. Holy is the Lord is another fantastic song that hits the perfect tones of worship. And, the chorus of The Way I Was Made is such a dead-on reflection of a prayer that I know I've prayed a thousand times that I can't help but relate to it.
Although the lyrics of All Bow Down reflect a worship origin, I found it to be more of a traditional contemporary Christian sound, with a great driving beat.
While I enjoyed the songs that seem to be intended for a more public worship, it was the more intimate songs on the album that really drew me in.
Unfailing Love is a flat out beautiful song, and the personal nature of the lyrics reflect on the glorious mystery of God's love for us. You Do All Things Well, the "fastest" paced of the intimate songs, is very reflective, and has, perhaps, the strongest lyrical imagery on the whole album. Mighty is the Power of the Cross is so heartfelt that it seems almost too personal... not in a bad way, but almost as if we are hearing another's prayer of thanks to God.
My favorite song on the whole album, though, has to be On Our Side. With its great lyrics and the fantastic Gospel choir back-up, it just blew me away.
Like I said - the album is great. What else can I say? I give it a 9 out of 10, and hope to have time to listen to it even more.
As for next time, I'll be listening to Lose this Life from Tait.
As always, if you have a suggestion of something you think I should be listening to, let me know.
Type at you later!
about a year ago Jan i was thinking well I think Im starting to get a handle on things and i seem to be dealing with my past. when i met the trautwigs of chicago illinois. they were ministries from a ministry called emmaus. out of chicago. This couples stories and ministry totally changed the direction i was going in comic book wise and thats were the story at least part of it jesse's story came from.
well they are back in town saturday and will see them again. please pray this visit doesnt due damage but healing
Aristotle said:
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.
I've been on the elusive search for a magic number. What number? The number of times you need to repeat a behavior before it becomes ingrained into you... before it becomes a habit.
Experts in physical fitness talk about how good habits don't really form for at least three months. I find that number a little high, and a lot disheartening. I don't think I have the will to keep up that kind of devotion without habit kicking in for a quarter of a year.
Back when I was in the fourth grade and studying for the spelling bee (yes, studying... please don't make me talk about that dark time in my life), I remember hearing that if you wrote a word 60 times, you would have the spelling memorized. So, maybe doing something 60 times is the key.
A lot of people hold to the one month/30 day rule - if you do something for 30 days, it becomes a habit. This has been picked up by a lot of self-help books, that promise 30 days to this and 30 days to that. Frankly, that by itself causes me to doubt that number.
There is a reasonably well known idea that that it takes the 21 days for the human mind to adjust to a major life change. Some have adapted that idea to implement life changes, performing behaviors for 21 consecutive days, and finding that after that period of time, it is actually more difficult to not do the behavior than to do the behavior.
I'm kinda hoping that the 21 day thing is correct. Actually, if we are talking about real hope, I'm hoping that habit kicks in after three days and the whole thing just becomes second nature to me.
Of course, I know that isn't likely.
My biggest hindrance will be that I'll only be heading to the pool Monday through Friday each week, which means that the 21 days will not be consecutive, so I can probably factor in a longer adjustment period than I'd hope for.
But, in the immortal words of Mary Poppins (who, I know, did not originate the quote, but I'm too lazy to seek the source), "Well begun is half done."
Here's to a good start, eh?
Type at you later.
(Quick update - First day of swimming is in. It was good. I'm tired, I'm sure to be sore, but I feel good about it. I may have to start out with three days a week instead of the five I had intended, and work up to five, but I won't know that for sure until tomorrow. That's when I'll know if I can move. Yep, wish I was joking... but I'm not. Still, feels like a good start so far!)
(Another request - The Scarlet Spider.)
I am so thankful and excited to have finally finished Jackket! It's been a three year labor of love and sometimes hate, lol.
Once God told me 2006 to finish Jackket I took up the job not knowing how to put an American comic together, but by his grace God has provide the people and the skills I've needed to finish it. It hasn't been easy and there have been so many times where I said to God that I couldn't do it and that he had picked the wrong person, but I continued because He wanted me to do this. So after completing page 16 I can now officially get started on issue two, lol! :-P
I'll keep you guys updated on the final details for ordering the issue and I pray that as you sit at home and read the finished product, that you will be touched and blessed as much as I have been.
Beloved in Grace,
Souba
Every once in a while, I get the joy of this task, wherein I ruin my life for two weeks or so until I get used to it. Though that might prove difficult, this time, because my daily sleep is about to be broken up into two less-than-satisfying increments.
I already do this every Sunday. In order to make it to church and also to work that night, I stay up Saturday evening until four in the morning, and then I get up at eight in the morning to get ready for church. Then, about three in the afternoon, I take a three or four hour "nap," so I won't die at work.
Now, in an effort to become a little healthier, I'm about to make this a near daily type of thing.
I will be starting to come home from work, Monday through Friday, going to bed by 8 a.m., getting up about 11:30 a.m. At that point, I will get dressed, head down the the local YMCA and swim for about 45 minutes to an hour. Then, I will come home and (hopefully) go back to bed for another three and a half hours.
Sounds like fun, huh?
Why that time of day? It is the time that the Y has for open lane swimming that I can get to. They have early morning times available... but due to working the midnights, I can't make them.
Yep, I'm going to be hating life for a while, but I'll eventually grow used it. Of course, I say the same thing about working midnights, and that hasn't happened in the six years I've been doing that.
I want to do it, though. I want to be healthier, and I really enjoy swimming. And, let's face it, in Michigan, in the winter, there are a lot of activities that are just about impossible. Running, jogging, walking - sure, you can do those, if you enjoy sub-zero temperatures, trudging through the snow, or sliding on the ice.
(Man, I hate the ice. I've already taken one major spill this winter. I usually average two to three each year. Ugh.)
Of course, by the end of this week, I may have given up on the whole thing for the preciousness of uninterrupted sleep, but I'm hoping that's not the case. So far, I've been doing a pretty good job with keeping up with things I've set out to do this year - this blog being ample evidence of that.
Maybe I can continue that trend.
Type at you later.
(A request - The Riddler.)
I only found out about it about a week ago, and, even though I have until January 31st to enter a brief one paragraph synopsis of my super-heroine, for a chance to become one of ten semi-finalists in the contest, I'm not doing it.
Why?
Fear I would win. See, I have a concept, one which I think is pretty strong. One of the ten best of all that are entered? I don't know. What I do know is that this idea would be perfect for one of the supporting cast of the Crimson Scarab, and if, by some miracle, I managed to win the contest, I'd be kicking myself for giving the character up. Well, actually "shared ownership" with an artist.
Either way, the chances of being able to use it in a no-profit webcomic would be greatly compromised.
I'm coming to realize, for better or worse, that I'm becoming very possesive of the characters I've created for my strip (still shooting for April, by the way). And, as such, when I come up with a good idea, I'm eager to find a way to adapt it to my characters.
I frankly can't figure out how Stan Lee or Siegel and Shuster or Bob Kane could ever tolerate seeing others play with their creations. I suppose that they knew that they were working for a company, so they had no choice... but, still.
Actually, that's where I notice the difference. What difference? The difference between comic strip creators and comic book creators. Comic strip creators tend to stay with their creations permnently. Comic book creators? Not so much.
Sure, there are a few (Robert Kirkman and Erik Larsen spring to mind), and the number increases with the smaller the company that produces the comics, but there is still a tendency to allow others to play in your sandbox.
Maybe someday I'll be okay with letting go. For now, I think it is just an aspect of "strip-preservation" - I know how tough this is, and I want to give my strip every advantage toward a long existence.
Type at you later.
At a watershed moment like this, it is natural to think about how I will spend my newfound riches. What is not natural is thinking about how I'm not going to spend my newfound riches... and, thanks to a quick perusal of eBay, I've come up with five examples.
Five Things I Will Not Be Buying With My Big Ol' Government Check
Item the First - A 19th Century Italian Puppet Head
Mmm, aw yeah, baby! Look at that. That's 7 inches of treasure, right there, I tell ya. Despite my personal history of collecting various heads through high school (uh... yeah, I did... mostly glass, one gorilla, and a delightful tissue box cover I named Sandra Dee), paying $600 for a wooden puppet head just seems a little much to me. Don't let that stop you, though... if you are really into creepy wooden puppet heads.
Item the Second - A 1996 GMC Jimmy...
...in a slightly less than "new" condition. Can you believe what a steal this little gem is?!? And, don't spread it around, but I hear it only has 240,000 miles on it. It's like it was just rolled off the lot! Everyone knows a Jimmy isn't really broken in until you hit the 400,000 mile mark. Despite this, I'll be passing.
Item the Third - A Flying Saucer Store Prop...
...with Alien!
You know, I'm glad they felt the need to put "Store Prop" in the listing. Otherwise, I might have thought this was an actual flying saucer. Okay, honestly... this is kinda cool. I mean, can you imagine installing this on the ceiling in your living room? No? Just me? Oh. Well, anyway, this is actually a bit of a bargain at $599.99. You would have an entire cent leftover! The cost and the burden of transporting this item did it in, though. Maybe I'll make a version of it out of paper mache, though...
Item the Fourth - An Indonesian Rickshaw
Woo, doggies! Now we're talkin'. This isn't just a purchase, it is an investment in a future! Who wouldn't want to drag people around in this baby? And, on a day like today, where the thermometer hasn't hit double digits, I bet people would be clamoring for the chance to tour our frozen city in a nice, open-air vehicle that moves at the speed of... man. Oh, wait... shipping is $250.00. Aw, shucks. Guess that rules my new career.
Item the Fifth - A Wetsuit Worn by Dan Akroyd in Caddyshack II
Wow. Just... wow. Words cannot express the joy that welled up in me at this find. I mean, this isn't just some piece of clothing from any old movie... this is wardrobe from that cinematic masterpiece Caddyshack II! Lauded by none as a film that surpassed the original, we have the opportunity to own a piece of film history. Dan Akroyd, aping (badly) Bill Murray's brilliant performance from the original film, actually wore this wetsuit! It's remaining stink will help remind you of the stink that this film left in theaters around the country. And, it is another bargain, at a mere $599.95. Which means I'd have a nasty old wetsuit and a nickel when all was said and done. Hmm. Tempting, but no.
Looks like I'll just use the money to pay off some bills.
Type at you later.
If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you.… Those who obey my commandments are the ones who love them. And because they love me, my Father will love them, and I will love them. And I will reveal myself to each one of them.
Matthew 21:28-32 NLT
An expression of trust
Parents set up rules for their children: Clean up your room, don't go anywhere with a stranger; be home by 11 p.m. The purpose, of course, is for the children's benefit and protection; loving parents are not trying to make their children miserable by given them rules to follow. And parents hope that their children will understand rules as expressions of love and concern; they hope their children's obedience will be motivated more by love than by fear of punishment. Our obedience to Christ should likewise be an expression of our trust in his care for us.
Rick Burgess speaks for 30 minutes at the funeral of his 2 year old son William Bronner Burgess. Rick was out of town this past weekend speaking at a conference when he got the news that his two year old son had drowned in the family pool. He flew back home and two days later spoke at the packed out memorial service for Bronner. It has been online for 21 hours and has been viewed over 118,000 times! The message is broken up into 3 parts on youtube. Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PUHUZWyFeg Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7aNDixS2J0&NR=1 Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUT8Bk6Ou90&feature=user (if the links don’t work, go to youtube and search “Rick Burgess”) |
So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him..
Genesis 6:22 NLT
A man of consistent obedience
Imagine someone who doesn't pay employees cheap wages event though he enjoys a fancy house and swanky cars. Someone who doesn't indulge in movies full of sultry sex scenes. If you know such a person, you may have found someone seeking consistent obedience to God and his Word.
Noah went against the grain of his generation. As Genesis 6:9 says, "Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless man on earth at the time. He consistently followed God's will and enjoyed a close relationship to him." He stood out from others of his time whose thoughts and actions were "consistently and totally evil." (Genesis 6:5)
Apparently folks had never seen rain fall out of the sky (Gen. 2:5), but Noah obeyed God's instructions: hammering, sawing, and building for 120 years (Gen. 6:3). Noah warned people of God's judgment (2 Pet. 2:5), but even if he had never said a word, his pounding hammer rang a warning of wrath to come. Later, the truth of those words echoed as the ark floated above a world of corpses.
After Noah's family of eight emerged into a washed-out world, he held a thanksgiving service. If God was pained by a world of ungrateful human beings (Gen. 6:6), he must have been consoled by a grateful Noah (Gen. 8:20).
Sadly, the father who was buoyed atop a world of water got drunk on land (Gen. 9:20-27). It only takes one indiscretion to mar a life of righteousness.
A bow with arrows was a principal weapon in ancient warfare. After the world was washed away in Noah's time, God set a (rain) bow in the sky to remind us that we would never again destroy the world by water. Our God is consistently faithful.
Hello Overcomers,
When you get the chance, Read Psalm 90.
The speedometer seemed to be stalled at 55. Minutes stretched as if to give the feeling of timelessness. Only the squeal of under-inflated tires on a curve roused the driver's thoughts and alerted him to a broken-down school bus on the side of the road. For a few unmeasured moments a trail of memories followed. His mind drifted back to school, college, marriage, and the business.
Suddenly a mileage marker cruised by, bringing him back to the present. His eyes shifted to the broken yellow lines right of center, and his ears counted the rythem of concrete cracks until billboards began to appear along the freeway. One by one they shouted at him and slid by into the silence of the rearview mirror. Slogans by the dozen appealed to his material instincts, and to something less than his better judgement. Then came a sign that simply said in black and white letters: HOW LONG WILL IT LAST? His eyes reached back for another look -- but it was gone. Then a series of signs began to appear in a pattern of the old Burma Shave slogans: DESIRES -- AND FIRES -- WILL SOON BURN OUT -- BUT THOSE WHO DO -- THE WILL OF GOD -- WILL LAST -- FOREVER! The wheels dropped off the pavement. Stones beat up against the floor. Beads of sweat began to form on the drivers forehead. How long was this ride going to last?
Yet, he is not alone on the road of life. All of us find ourselves caught at times in the numbness that comes from living solely for material values.
O Lord, keep us awake!
So here's a thought from a pastor of mine: A truly wise man gears his earthly GOALS to heavenly GAINS.
Love you, guys and gals...HK
I declare that first so that you can understand what happened.
The game started shortly after 7 p.m., and by 9:30 p.m., the Pistons had defeated the 76ers.
I like the games that start early, because, going into work each night about 11 p.m., I like to be able to see the end of the games. Anytime the Pistons play someone on the west coast, the games start later, and there is a pretty good chance I'm going to miss the the last quarter of those games. So, I'm not complaining that the game ended early. Early is good.
Unfortunately, by ending that early, I was left channel surfing for something to fill in that half hour before Law & Order came on. (An hour and a half before work, with getting ready, I'm not exactly going to accomplish much else before going in, you know?)
And I landed on Fox. Fox, the Denny's restaurant of the airwaves. You don't plan to go there, you just end up there when there is no other choice.
(Of course, that is a generality. Fox does have House and 24. And another 12 hours of unwatchable programming each week.)
As I was saying, I landed on Fox. What I witnessed there was dumbfounding. It was a game show... I guess... called The Moment of Truth. This... show had been on for a half hour already, so it took me a moment to see what was happening.
Apparently, seemingly normal people chose to go on this show, where they were interviewed while hooked to a lie detector beforehand, and they then had to answer questions based on that interview in front of their friends, family, employers, and the entire viewing audience. Questions that ranged from personal, to uncomfortable, to kinda criminal. And all they have to do is answer honestly to win the cash.
It isn't even a game show. I mean, there are no questions the contestants DON'T know the answer to. All they have to do is admit horrible things about themselves. Horrible, life-ruining types of things.
For cash.
And not even a lot of it (as if that would somehow make it better).
Here is the kicker, though - if they answer dishonestly in front of everyone, they lose all the money and the entire world knows that they were lying about their denial anyway.
The one contestant I saw was a personal trainer and was asked if he ever touched a female client more than necessary. And he had to answer this in front of his wife. He denied it and the voice-over declared his answer false. He lost all his precious money, his wife stared daggers at him, and he gets to try to go back to his job with clients assuming he molests women.
Yeah, that was worth it.
Seriously, who would sign up for this? What kind of person is that desperate for cash, or the chance to be on TV, that they would subject themselves to this public humiliation?
I don't get it. I just don't get it.
I'm never going to watch this horrible display of greed and idiocy again. Talk about your lowest common denominator TV. Sheesh.
I'll type at you later.
