Will Interests Ever Gain A Noteworthy Dance?

Sentimental...

2007-03-17T21:55:00.001-06:00

Wow, for once in my life I'm feeling sentimental... we just got back from Magdalena. I didn't leave home very excited, and quite honestly questioned the use of our short term little trips, but God taught me a lot, it was so encouraging to see the growth of the church down there and the heart of those serving there and working with the kids. I was able to have some good discussion with some of them and gleaned some great insight into God's work down there.

Continue to be prayerful for Magdalena as the Spirit expands the place and the devil combats it. Continue to be prayerful for mission growth in the church. Also, please be prayerful for me as I have an upcoming interview with the Mission's Committee for Japan and the future whatever the Lord would have. I'm so touched right now by God's power and sovereignty. God is so much bigger than all our anxieties and all we lack, He's waiting on surrender to show us this, if only we can let it all go in trust and abandonment, He will provide and His will is done.

One of my closest friends, Joe Marquart, started repenting on the trip, and that was followed by Whitney Menold and Rachael Young. The later were Christians. Please be prayerful for each of them. I am just overjoyed to see God working, to hear of His work breaking up strongholds of the devil in Africa, India, and Japan, to live within His work here in Illinois, to taste of it in Mexico, and to know that it is a result of His Spirit moving, and souls being empty and uprooted from their comfort and selfness into a passion for Christ's glory. PRAISE JESUS!!!

Lastly, I'd have great pictures, but my still new camera which I just got repaired after breaking the screen on my first trip with it broke on the 2nd day in Mexico... I asked someone to toss my a Frisbee so I could catch with one hand and take a picture with the other, I missed and it knocked my camera out of my hands (I got the picture though!) and broke the lens...

You're Invited!

2007-02-03T00:48:00.000-06:00

World Invite is coming your way! Good Lord be glorified, amen?!
AC World Invite 2007

Break

2007-01-17T16:10:00.000-06:00

How was everyone's break?? Sorry for the long absence.
I went out to visit my good friend Johnny K. with my cousin Ryan the 27th of December...

Then came back the on the 29th, picked up my new camera in Morton at the FedEx depot and headed to the home of Tim B. (where I previously was bucked off a horse) for his birthday celebration and a place to sleep for an hour. Upon awaking at 2:18 I had to head to Goodfield to meet the bus for Jamaica. There's an interesting story of keys not being where they needed to be at 2:45, but for sake of space, let's just say I got there. I then went to Montego Bay CCCD with a Peoria/Leo based group. Fantastic trip. Incredibly hard working and loving work team, I was impressed. loved the Jamaican culture as always. Incredible country, they just need their men to step up and start caring, the country is incredible. CCCD is a great organization. We met the president, he has a very Godly vision for the place.

I returned home from Jamaica at 4am, stopped by David Thymes place and did a few loads of laundry, got an hour of sleep or so and left at 7:45am to meet our group and head to CO. We arrived in Keystone on time. I semi blew over right across from us. I boarded at Keystone, Breck, and Copper (3 of 5 days) and visited Craig Hospital in Denver that Friday after no major injuries on the slopes! That was great. I'm actually sleeping better, yet I think I bruised some part of my back, any impact, even a cough hurts. I can't run or jump for the time being... The legs feel good though, so I don't know what to think, some things improved some deproved, but hopefully all gets better soon. Wouldn't trade the slope time for a second though, great trip! At Craig, I talked to a few patients and said hello to everyone. I rode a Greyhound bus there and had a layover... isn't that crazy! Layovers on bus rides...Then I got home stayed with my wonderful family and my cabin mates and started up the 22 hour semester. Superb!

the substance of faith

2006-12-25T15:25:00.000-06:00

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

I just read through Hebrews and was most absolutely taken by chapters 11-13. The faith strengthening power of "hearing" such passages was incredible. I was reminded of a conversation I had with Eric Huber as he explained how faith isn't blind. It's not; faith has both substance and evidence. If your faith is waning, start looking through the evidence for the Bible. Read through Hebrews 11 and study some apologetics if you need solid evidence of the validity of the Word. Most of all pray and let your eyes be opened, the Bible is filled with evidence of the unseen GOD!

The things that we hope for: our true home and the praising the unhindered glory of God... the substance of this hope is our faith. It's real, and although the devil does everything he can to make it seem distant, if not completely dark and blind, the evidence of God's work is everywhere, even in this fallen world. Share this substance, let the Message be heard that faith may abound! Ah fair stranger, heaven is our home, alas there will be no more faith and no more hope, only love brother and sister! Until then let it be heard, share the substance.

Merry Christmas to all...

2006-12-18T09:00:00.000-06:00

Lilly Praise Adore Devote Serve

woot woot

2006-12-12T17:47:00.000-06:00

school's done (basically), i got a perfect little job (wasn't looking), i got a new song to record, my room is clean, jamaica, colorado, Christmas, God's name being glorified, mom's computer finally works, my computer works, i got the perfect new snare drum head, i'm walking, God's moving things big times

good little things, good big things, i must testify, life's a blessing

Blogging and Finals

2006-12-07T14:00:00.000-06:00

So I'm curious... based on the suffocating amount of comments I've received nearing the end of this semester, how many of you are keeping up on blog readership and analysis this week?
Disclaimer: there is no research that proves that the end of the semester has any relationship to the readership of "Will Interests Ever Gain a Noteworthy Dance"

Missions and God's Leading

2006-11-29T00:27:00.000-06:00

I'm a bit late on this post, yet this is no indicator of writing. I've been prayerfully working on an in depth Bible Study and report of the Church's role for missions and humbly present the document via the link on the sidebar. When you have the time to read through this, I'd encourage you to dig into it and I welcome your input, proofing, and thoughts at anytime (feel free to email me things I've overlooked, this document is sure to grow, but I believe it's a good starting point). There is some great wisdom from some of our ministers and elders and most importantly the Bible. I pray the result draws us each closer to God and His will in whatever unique way that may be that His name be glorified. God bless!

Let's Pray for Others.

2006-11-19T20:19:00.000-06:00

Having a struggle with belief? Don't be fooled, we all do sometimes. Start praying for others, family, friends, the billions throughout the world with little to no real exposure to Christianity, the millions throughout our nation and the world that get fed up with hypocritical Christianity, for your brothers and sisters, who just like me, aren't perfect, yet are called to represent a Deity that is. Pray for God's will. Pray to be overwhelmed with the Spirit that it could enter the hearts of others. Pray that Satan is abased as the angels fight his demons at this very moment over millions of souls. Pray for a deep hate of the devil and all his ways. Pray that we forget our lives apart from the relationship we have with God. Pray for individuals, pray for groups, pray for the world. Pray for the persecuted, the pained, the abused, broken hearted and lost. Pray for those with incredible disabilities, depression, hunger, and pain that we can't imagine. Forget yourself. Pray for church leadership, that the only focus would be the glory of God, never that of an institution, pray for pray-ers, pray for God's will to be done in reaching the nations, pray for those who persecute, torture, oppress, and use our brothers and sisters, pray for forgiveness when we individually sin against our Holy Holy Holy God and Him alone, pray for focus throughout each moment that we not act in pride, prejudice or in lust as it defames His name. Pray that His name is made famous, pray that God is glorified through every the inner man of every soul. God cares about His name. Look around you, beyond you, and believe. God be glorified amen.

Songs and Rodeos

2006-11-13T18:28:00.000-06:00

In this case, the pictures aren't completely self-explanatory.
I've been at work on four songs in the somewhat recent past. Two of which are done and posted! One is by Mark Miller and Jeremy Davis, both gifted musicians and Godly inspiration. Jeremy wrote the song you'll hear a few weeks ago and we recorded it last Thursday. The other song is called "Untold Stories" which is the second I've written. I was going to post the lyrics here, but you can read them on the myspace page as you listen to the music. It's written about the lives of martyrs and the persecuted Church of God. May the good Lord be glorified through each of these! The other two songs are collaborations with some folks around here. You'll soon hear "The Love of God" and "Free Waters." ALSO, I got a new Martin guitar which is getting some good use... I LOVE IT!

As for the second picture... this weekend I was in Tremont for invite-a-friend. I was at Tim B's place and we went out to look at his horses. He rode one bareback and it looked super gentle. I've been wanting to ride a horse since my injury so I decided to take a turn bareback too. I got on and gave it a kick (isn't that how you make the things go???). His horse wasn't trained to work with that so it started bucking, which freaked me out because the one thing I'm not supposed to sustain is "big impacts." Praise be, none of them hit me hard and with in three of them I got tossed/bailed into the manure so even the landing was okay. All things work together:) There was just 4 of us there, but we chuckled quite heartily after it was clear we were injury free. After I discussed proper technique with Tim, he assured me that such an event would not happen again and the best thing to do when you get knocked off a horse is to get back on, so I thought it best. I calmed down the horse and petted it, and Tim said he'd lead it around for me. I got on, and within a few steps the horse proceeded, once again, to start bucking... in which case I jumped off straight away, pretty smooth. I decided it would be foolish to try it again and went in to take a picture and a shower. Good weekend all around.

Where do we go?

2006-11-05T20:45:00.000-06:00

Where do we go when we need shelter or a friend?
Where's our hope for the lost around us?
What do we do for the souls in this world?
How do we understand His perfect will and help His cause, and
What do we do when it seems like one event smashes religion and witness in the face? (link)
Don't be deceived, There's no room for God in religion.
Get to the root my friend... back on our knees again!

My prayers our with Bro. Ted, that the Spirit would deliver his soul from his addictions and give him grace for repentance. This hurts. I pray also for the people who use this event as another excuse, it's wrong, it has repercussions, BUT...
Take courage Brother and praise Him Sister that it's the Holy Spirit ALONE that changes hearts!
We PRAY for the Spirit to be strong in His people, overcoming of the principalities and powers of this world.
It's a battle out there my friend, gird up your loins soldier!
His grace is enough, ever reaching down in love, His grace is enough for me!

Bama

2006-10-30T17:57:00.000-06:00

Thanks for the comments on one of my favorite posts I've ever written... it meant a lot to me (I suppose that's my reward for the sabaticle from blogging).
Here's something happy though. Athen's Alabama this weekend. It was fantastic, nothing like over 5 hours straight of Gospel, bluegrass, and 4 part whatever. Psalm 100 and Living Waters and Deer Fry International blessed us along with two bluegrass bands from some loving southern churches, all gathering at the Apostolic Fellowship Center in South Tennessee. Good trip, good culture, pray for the growth of the Athen's church. Here's soem sweet pics:

Living Waters

Family Bluegrass Band

Psalm 100 playing the flutes

Full Circle

DFI

AC Fellowship Center

On considering death...

2006-10-23T09:12:00.000-06:00

Good morning, afternoon, eve, night to each of you. I have returned from my longest hibernation from the wonderful world of blogging, in spite of its many intrinsic benefits and pleasures, afresh and rejuvenated. The comment was made that my blog was dying... quite valid as there's never been a period of over a week (sometimes with an extra day) where I haven't updated, and then you get slammed with this. Here's hoping I didn't throw off any bodily cycles or throw anyone into a depressing aftershock, and in all reality, I trust that I didn't. Alas, if was a good break, but one I won't readily take again.

the strange paradox here being: instead of this blog lying weak in a hospital bed, near ready to give up the ghost, I feel it is tritely like a bear, awakened with new life from a wonderful hibernation, seeking and searching for food, and bare and vulnerable by removing it's excess baggage. Yet death is not far from my mind this morning. My great aunt's visitation is today, I just heard she pasted away. I awoke to read Psalm 49, a psalm to be heard by all the inhabitants of the world (vs 1), which speaks of living and dying, and the fact that you take no earthly possession with you. The fact that all die, wise men, and foolish alike (vs 10), man with honor and pomp does not remain (12), be not afraid of ungodly rich people, they will perish, their glory is fleeting (17), yet in God we will be redeemed from the place of death (15). As I walked up to my room just moments ago I noticed a spattering of dead lady bugs on my recently swept carpet (I got a lot done during my blog hibernation), they had not earlier been there. I arrived at my easy chair and broke open My Utmost for His Highest. Today I read Jan. 19, about faith it said, "The one thing for which we are all being disciplined is to know that God is real. As soon as God becomes real, other people become shadows. Nothing that other saints do or say can ever perturb the one who is built on God."

Life is fleeting, collapsing, gasping, desperately empty apart from God, death comes quickly, and is very real, so real we might as well speak flippantly thereof. But a life built on Christ, it sees right through the devil's lies of what this life is for, it sees the folly of pomp and pride, the foolishness of possession and outer beauty, the Rock doesn't even quiver under such lies. It lies in steady peace, knowing that nothing can take its life away, not death, not spawn, torture, nor pain, possession, or lack.

Christ's Prisoner's Prayer

2006-10-04T09:07:00.000-06:00

Eph. 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Bro. Matt preached from this a while back in Bloomington and the prayer has stayed close to me since. It's a prayer for an early church, a prayer I'd encourage us each to pray for among our church, and Christian's as a whole. There's a tremendous potential for unity within the breadth, length, depth, and height of God's knowledge obliterating love.

Comments by Kirby

2006-09-26T14:56:00.000-06:00

So folks, Kirby wanted to share with you the "problem(s) with blogs"... in his own words (certainly not mine:), here he is:
greetings and thanks Justin for the invitation today. As many of you know I am not a blogger for a few reasons. One is it usually is just a place for peoples opinions. Yes some people care about opinions but most the time, it just an opinion and I really don't care. I know, I sound as if I only care about myself and am not concerned about others. Well, that is not my point. I do care about others and if someone wants to share something with me, just give me a call and talk to me about it. But blogs are just usually a place were people write and write and write and write just to unload on something I really don't care about. What about unloading your pains to a friend to help develop better relations. A friend can help you and you can talk it out. Instead of getting the every body and their brother knowing you ideas and your problems. Reason #two, I takes away time. For example, I should be doing homework right now and you most likely have something else to do also. I also could be doing exercise or devotions or other good events that would better benefit me than unloading all my problems are telling you what I did today. Seth and David will get home from tutoring and wonder how my homework went that I stayed home to do. I will have to confess that I wrote on a blog instead of doing homework, and therefore, might also miss out on other wholesome events because I wasted all my time on a blog. Well, what about the more personal posts on blogs like what happened to you today. Will, again, I really don't care what you ate, or how you slept, or what you are wearing, or how your room mate is taking up the computer with his blog. I don't care that the guy that sits next to you in Chem class has B.O. and you can't bear it any more. Or how your teacher is mean and gives out bad tests. and bla bla bla. Again, if you want to talk to me about it that would be great. I love good TWO way conversations. Sure I see a few advantages of Blogs. Maybe you are funny and always write funny comments that cheer people up. As long as they don't cross the line thats fine with me. Okay, only two more reasons, my fingers and arms are getting tired and I am worried about getting carpel tunnel. Most bloggers will spend thousands on surgery when they are middle aged because of the constant typing that they do. Okay last reason, are you still reading this? Will if you took the time to read this long message and still are reading it without blowing my off then my last reason might not be right. But do people really read the really long blog posts that go on and on and on and on and on. Again if you are still reading this, you have proved me wrong. I usually don't read anything past two sentences. I give up and go back to whatever I was doing before I started. Yes I have gone to blogs and that is why I am writing this. A few other reasons that I have that I will not write one are, they promote gossip, they are sometimes false and so on. Thanks and I hope you understand
Kirby Leman
ISU blog critic

Back when I was in the Navy

2006-09-18T21:58:00.000-06:00

[Click to Enlarge]Oh yes, and here is the old tube organ I acquired from my neighbor. It's got vacuum tubes... they look awesome and sound warm, full, and retro, and they glow (excellent bonus feature). I can't really play much... but it's nice.

Clean air to share

2006-09-11T14:24:00.000-06:00

It's one of the few places on earth where air is as fresh and clean now as a millennia ago. Pollution, germs, and viruses can't be found. What a healthy place to live, eh?! You'll rarely find a soul there though because it's also the coldest place on earth. With temps under 100 F, the South Pole is too cold even for germs.

Some churches bear a striking resemblance to that sterile atmosphere. The truth of God is preached, Scriptures are meticulously quoted, and error has no chance to survive... but neither does life. (This isn't a call for compromise, it's a call for nurturing...) The spiritual temperature there is subzero, those weak in faith engage in icy arguments (Rom. 4:1), they are not selflessly helped, instead they are given a cold shoulder of judgeful disregard. Individuals who threaten to invade comfortable cliques are left out in the cold (3 John 5-10). Those who come in receive so much more judgment than love and welcome arms that many leave...... As the body of Christ we are to present the Truth to non-believers as Christ did, with grace: warm, compassionate, and inviting. When Jesus got mad it was nearly always at hypocritical "religious people," not lost sinners who knew they had a need to fill. Our goal is NOT to keep out "germs;" it's to create an atmosphere where the spiritually sick can find healing. That's also a challenge to the "healed" to stay "healthy and fit" for the sake of the sick...

May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another (1 Thess. 3:12)

Sections taken from "Our Daily Bread"

College and the Holy Spirit

2006-09-04T13:58:00.000-06:00

Happy Labor Day!
Just another reminder of why we're in school:
Bible Study Monday & Thur night at ISU, Singing Monday (thankfully for others!) and Sunday eve, Church Wed night, and Home YG stuff on Friday (with church on Sunday of course, and any extras). How blessed we are, so much wonderful spiritual meat for us! This is all well and good, but a relationship with God is direct, you and Him. In order to change hearts, we need to be on our knees praying for the SPIRIT to work, for brokenness of our wills, and studying the Word so that we are able to display Truth in our day to day lives when called upon, and that we can have the grace to apply It to our lifestyles. We know faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God: if I want faith to move mountains I'd better study, read, and meditate more. That's a challenge for myself, I know many do wonderfully, but I'm sure we can all still do more.

We've been so blessed with having such a wonderful week of Godly events, that we should be impassioned to share this with others. Develop relationships with classmates with the purpose of loving them to the point of desiring their salvation: get them a Bible or take them to a Bible study, so many are already doing that, AWESOME! That's certainly the best reason to go to class. Pray for the students and relationships developed in class and then just watch the Spirit work. There's no stress in it, because it's not of us, God does the changing. College really does place us IN the world, so it's important to take advantage of these relationships that are formed, that they not lower us, but that through the Holy Spirit, they bring others into light.

Sometimes, the effects can't even be seen, but the example we are can bring people one step closer or one step further from God, which way are mine going? Yours? Again, convicting application for me.
Keep praying. That is the best thing to do, call on the Holy Spirit to change the heart. It's not the church, it's the Holy Spirit that brings souls to repentance, in the heart. We (us or the church) have NO power to save. We're just an avenue for God to work, and it's important we remember that, and pray for the SPIRIT to do the changing... and He will!

Things to be thankful for, ISU outreach: Singing at the nursing homes, The International Dinner (which reaches out to Internationals who may return to native, sometimes little or unreached nations!), group prayer meeting (it all starts on the knees), Bible Distribution, Campus Evangelism, Coffeehouse Worship for the less fortunate in the community, possible serving at the local soup kitchens, Intercity Tutoring, and opportunities to bring others to church and Bible Studies, one of the best is right in the classroom... any others?
Let the Spirit Work!!

Just slap an Ichthus on It

2006-08-27T16:00:00.000-06:00

IN livelifeonpurpose it talks a little about our will and God's will. My spin on it:
God doesn't want to become a part of OUR plans, he wants us to become a part of HIS plans. We can "Christianize" almost anything (not to say this is always wrong:), but I don't think that if Peter would've simply slapped an Ichthus (Jesus fish) on the back of his fishing boat it would've had the same effect as actually dedicating His life to God's purposes (of course he could've called it his personal "mission," that'd help the situation wouldn't it?).

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying we can't do a job "heartily as to the Lord" that isn't dominantly "Christian"... it's a question of wills. Are we doing something of our own accord because it gives us OUR security and seems best to US, or are we seeking to do God's will no matter the cost? Certainly a good thing to think about, and check what our priorities are in this life.

Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Pro 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Mat 12:30 He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

"The reason (so much goes unchanged in the world) today is that Christians are busy doing great Christian things." Claude Hickman

The American Dream can become a subtle nightmare for the church to slip into. (1 Timothy 6:9, Example: Deut. 8:11-17, and of course resulting in luke warm Christianity like the church of Laodicea Rev. 3:16)

Mat 10:39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

The Call to Prayer [New Song]

2006-08-19T13:30:00.000-06:00

I'm really quite excited. I wrote and recorded my first song (that I'm going to make public anyway:). I made a Myspace Artist page and put the song on there. Click the link below and it'll automatically play.
The Call to Prayer

There's two guitar lines, bass, drums, and vocals, and lots of takes:)
If you like it, please share it. It's available to download (besides stream), but if you do, purpose to give specific money to charity. Check out the AC Servant Fund for missionaries. It's up and running (I believe), and that's a great place to start!
All for His name's glory.

Here's the Lyrics, and my post:
[Rev. 5:9, 7:9]
Jesus Christ, I come before Your throne,
I come to You alone! (2x)
Sometimes I'm so impatient,
Sometimes I just want to scream,
But if it was truly up to me, I know I couldnt change a thing,
No nothing
So I cry

CHORUS:
Your name is so holy (2x)
Your will will be done
The nations will be reached (praise You last time)
Theyll see the glory of Your Son (worship Your Son last time)
Of Your Son (sweet Jesus last time)

I hear You say that every tongue, every tribe, and each nation,
Will praise You in eternity,
Theyll praise You in Eternity,
And theyll sing
-CHORUS-
How can we help you?
When will we see?
Then I remember, the only person I can change is me,
and the only way well do Your will is just to pray,
So I say
-CHORUS-
BRIDGE:
I throw up my hands
Oh the impossibilities
Frustrated, so tired where do I go from here?
But then I see hope, theres a rainbow in the fog,
Well send and support to the glory of the Lord,
now I pray
OUTRO:
Well worship Your Son (2x)
Your name is so holy
Thy will be done
By the way... read this link.

dEnvER~clArCksViLLe~hoME [worship]

2006-08-12T11:40:00.000-06:00

I'll weather the weather whether or not we're together.
I returned from Denver for my re-eval at Craig. There were some fantastic opportunities to really get to know some patients. I had one of the most challenging conversations of my life with one, it basically started out by him asking "who the f*** is God" to do this to someone... by the end, totally through the Holy Spirit, the guy was crying and had some understanding and acceptance, but it was completely humbling, why did I get to be the one standing there? Overall, I can remember, it's extremely encouraging to meet a SCI who is walking. My eval went really well, they found one spot on my right ankle where I can't feel soft touch at all, that was kinda fun, I didn't know it existed because if I touch it with my hand I feel it through my hand and the whole area is always tingly anyway, which I've come to appreciate. I talked to my surgeon, what a guy. My doctor got me an inflatable thing to put under a mattress when I travel somewhere so that I don't need a recliner, that'll be sweet. Overall, I obviously had very little to check out, I basically needed nothing. What a blessing! Two other friends of mine were back for a re-eval, both doing very well. One of my favorite guys, Danny, a middle aged quad STOOD UP in his power chair!!! He can walk like 300 feet in a walker. He's one of the most amazing stories I know. He still has really weak arms though. I love spending time out there. It was good to hang and worship with the Denver church too, they've been wonderful. Plus I met one night with my Hodel cousins and Brett, Justin, and Quinn Steffen, who were in the area! Wonderful time.

So then I was on vacation for the last 5-6 days in MO. It was really nice, great times with the family, but I'll spare you all the details. I read a lot (for once), started and finished Joni (she's the quad who paints with her mouth, very good book to read, it'll show you just how blessed you are), and finished livelifeonpurpose, an important book/Bible Study on the Christian's duty for mission's. I'd encourage everyone to discerningly read the book, it will challenge you.

Finally, with that in mind, the book reminded me of real worship through the lyrics of Ross King's "worship" song "Clear the Stage":

Clear the stage and set the sound and lights ablaze
if that's the measure you must take to crush the idols.

Jerk the pews and all the decorations too,
until the congregation's few then have revival.

Tell your friends that this is where the party ends,
until you're broken for your sins you can't be social.

Then seek the Lord and wait for what He has in store
and know that great is your reward so just be hopeful.

'Cause you can sing all you want to, you can sing all you want to,

you can sing all you want to and don't get me wrong,
but worship is more than a song.

Summer School Flies [Flys]

2006-07-25T14:11:00.000-06:00

Comprehensive Final in Major World Religions that I feel well prepared for, likewise one in business that should be fine, and a single test left in Psych. That's all for summer school and it absolutely flew.

Lots of God-revelation this summer. I'm excited. Colorado check up for a week followed by a family vacation in Missouri. That'll be quite nice. Than the fall semester starts.

Talk about blessings of praise. I got my digital piano and an 'almost free' tube organ that sounds stenchin' retro! For the record, there's been some decent recording taking place this summer, but you'll have to wait for some mastered material to be released later into the school year. If you write a song... we'll play it. Hmmm... at our discretion I'll add. Strangely enough, I'm not sure who "our or we" is referring to.

Pathetic Pranks

2006-07-18T13:55:00.000-06:00

Although I've done my fair share of pranks, both sweet in their own right and rather lame or simply floppy, I am flabbergasted at a certain episode performed on our humble adobe (my old abode, The Shack btw). What's your opinion on such nonsense as follows:) What would you do?:

A dear relation of mine and her room-mate wanted to come over one evening to play ping pong. After a guilt trip of how terrible I would be if I turned them down, I had no choice but to let them come over. I then must leave them there to go to a meeting and when I return, after entrusting them to my place, I find a (admittedly small) spattering of prankage. Really all they did was remove the labels off a few cans and switch around the cereal bags and boxes. Yet, the point remains that they pranked someone who had left them with the responsibility of keeping the house. What satisfaction is there in such a deed? Or should have I been more conscious? Ah what perplexities one's life can evoke...

So, why write about the days of yore at The Shack??? I finally opened my unidentified can last week... it was tomato soup. I basted hand-skinned chicken legs in it along with hot-sauce, onions, and mushrooms. It was actually a surprising delight. I guess in retrospect I can respect...

Speaking in all seriousness... Today is the one year anniversary of my accident. It's been a little/lot weird today. For all those who knew me before, through, and after the accident, thanks again for the prayers and support. It meant and continues to mean more than you could possibly imagine. Give the world Jesus. Count your blessings each day, focus on the eternal things, and never underestimate the power of prayer and the mercy and sovereignty of God. All praise and glory to Him, what a fantastic year!

Who are We?

2006-07-12T13:05:00.000-06:00

This devotional prayer shed some light on the foolishness of judgment:
1 John 3:1: Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us.
Thank You Lord, for loving me despite my sinfulness, despite my ignorance, despite my clumsiness, despite my stubbornness. May my own difficulty in loving those I consider imperfect make me ever more awed by the wonder of Thy love for me.

Delicious: Hungry for the Word as a Japanese Beatle

2006-07-06T13:23:00.000-06:00

Title: [from Wed. night church]

Introduction:
John 9 = Bible = Relevant: follow along

Body:
2His disciples asked Him, Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?
3Jesus answered, It was not that this man or his parents sinned, but he was born blind in order that the workings of God should be manifested (displayed and illustrated) in him.
4We must work the works of Him Who sent Me and be busy with His business while it is daylight...

At Gold's there's a blind Christian who comes in to work out and I've had a few very encouraging conversations with him. What some must suffer to the glory and work of GOD... all the more reason to use what you've been given for His glory. This man wanted so much to go on work missions, but couldn't do much work in unfamiliar surroundings...

Healed blind man to the Pharisees question of how he was healed:

27He answered, I already told you and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Can it be that you wish to become His disciples also?

Their response and ignorant justification:

28And they stormed at him [they jeered, they sneered, they reviled him] and retorted, You are His disciple yourself, but we are the disciples of Moses.
29We know for certain that God spoke with Moses, but as for this Fellow, we know nothing about where He hails from.

Courageous blind man's flippant response (deliciously coated with sarcasm:):

30The man replied, Well, this is astonishing! Here a Man has opened my eyes, and yet you do not know where He comes from. [That is amazing!]

Pharisees call him an unqualified sinner to speak such things and throw him out.

Conclusion:

35Jesus heard that they had put him out, and meeting him He said, Do you believe in and adhere to the Son of Man or the Son of God ?

36He answered, Who is He, Sir? Tell me, that I may believe in and adhere to Him.
37Jesus said to him, You have seen Him; [in fact] He is talking to you right now.
38He called out, Lord, I believe! [I rely on, I trust, I cleave to You!] And he worshiped Him.

More of the Central Theme: We're here to bring glory to the Lord!

Jeremy Stoller just started repenting! Ya'll keep him in your prayers.

Very Very Scary

2006-06-29T14:13:00.000-06:00

I woke up yesterday morning. This is how I found Tommy. Tommy can climb? The bottle there is 8.75" She's hanging by two legs. Not good nor practical. Seems familiar to me...

We shall go spelunking together and climb a tempestuous rock face.

Boys Camp [HS]

2006-06-25T19:03:00.000-06:00

High School Boy's Camp. Another God-blessed weekend. HS BC was fantastic. Bryan Steffen and I took on Cabin 8:

Tristan Herrmann

Nick Schlater
Clark Kaeb

Dustin Huber

Curt Schieler

Kyle Plattner

Bryan Steffen
4 of the guys were going to be Freshman in college this fall, the other two Seniors. 2 were good friends of mine coming in. Made counseling unique, but wonderful. I think we all learned a lot from one another and it was easy to relate. The Spirit was everywhere at camp. Saturday night (open mic) brought about some powerful Spirit led testimony, struggle, exhortation, joy, pain, life, passion, and victory.

Best memory not (on the surface) of the Spirit: Canoeing was extra short this year. 4 canoes came up to the end and refused to believe that it was the end so they kept going. It was. They got on the Wabash. A rather HUGE river for canoeing. Hours and many miles after we were all back they were finally found by a relentless search party and brought back. Craig J:)

Boy's Camp [JH]

2006-06-20T13:55:00.000-06:00

Junior High Boy's Camp was simply smashing this past week-end. Lots of prayer from all around usually = better than we can imagine. We prayed to go to camp dead of course so that He can work. Praise be... I think that was the case. I had a fine group of young men. But I won't name them. We canoed. I kayaked. We played lots of bombardment. I felt blessed. Singing was good, food was good, kids were good. Most importantly God's name was glorified. We had an awesome final night. It was the first time (of a total of 3 attendances) that we had the infamous JHBC campfire. I gave my testimony of the Lord's work and power of prayer through my accident. Aaron K. gave a testimony on coming from a broken home and finding Christ early on!! That was good for the JH guys to hear. I'd post pictures, but the only one on my digital camera is of Mr. Ryan Leman, my fellow counselor, shirtless. So it will not be posted, however, once we get our disposable camera developed I might have a few good 'uns! Pray for HS BC next weekend. I believe I will have a cabin with Bryan Steffon. I'll let you know more next week. Blessings!

PS: as always, it was a blessing to talk with Joe Gerber this weekend about missions in our church. I'm getting a fantastic sermon that was preached not long ago on our church's support of missions. I should be able to find some wonderful quotes, hopefully before next week's HS BC update. Keep praying...

All Set [surprise following]

2006-06-13T15:44:00.000-06:00

Much has occurred since we last met. My car CD player's faceplate was stolen from under my seat (instead of locking it in the glove compartment like I almost always do), yet the radar detector and rest of the radio remained... thanks to my car alarm. At last one actually did its job. I went out and was in hot pursuit of the fellow as he dashed off in a retired police cruiser. I ended up at the guy's house, but with no evidence there was little I could do. I felt quite violated. This is a true story. I was in a good guys/bad guys car chase... very Hollywood. Mad Sad World eh? To make the story weirder, by coincidence the guy is my neighbor. Quite scary. I can show you the car and the house. I should also say there is a .1% chance he's innocent. Either way, I'm sure he could use a Bible, he could've taken that.

IN OTHER NEWS:
The studio is up and running! Here's a picture tour (with info most of you could care less about, but in case you're interested...), this is for Higher purposes, not a show of materialism:

Vocal Booth

Sonar Producer Recording Software and Monitors

Mixer and Roland Computer Interface

Electric (Fender Strat Pro-Tone), acoustic/Electric (Ovation Celebrity), Bass (Washburn XB 100)

Drum Set (Pearl w/Remo Heads [Aquarian SuperKick II Bass], Zildjian/Sabian Cymbals, DW 7000 Double Kickers)

Includes 3 condenser Mics including an MXL Studio 990 and Full Shure Drum Mic Set along with 4 pairs of headphones (2 AKG, 2 Samson)

Also "in studio":

Crate Guitar Amp
Handmade Ashiko Drum (Djembe family)
Yamaha Trumpet and Clarinet
Misc. Percussion Instruments
Please no one use this to plan a grand theft (mr. neighbor)

-------------------------------------

TOMMY the TARANTULA

Great input all, Tommy just seemed to fit best based on my field of expierence...

Activity Time

2006-06-06T20:43:00.000-06:00

This will be very fun. If you'd like your blog displayed under my "fine times" list of blogs, submit it to me straight away! That way I don't have to chase for links to repopulate my page with all of you fine writers. I know I could just go to Luke's innumerable list of blogs, but that would take away your chance to encourage me in getting the links list back on its feet.

By the way, I fed my tarantula 4 crickets today. She done well! If you don't have a blog to submit (and if you do) give me some input on some good tarantula names. They should have a book for this. Maybe I'll make one, this is my research survey:) On the subject of scary things, David Prevo and I (along with some help from Josh Stoller) are teaching 15-16 boys for VBS. Truly a blessing. God bless ya'll!

Gateway. Blog ruination/decimation.

2006-06-02T09:05:00.000-06:00

I just got back from Gateway. My brother and I went. It was wonderful. Bro. Marc and Sis. Diann Grim really appreciate all the prayers. They are house-parenting once again. I was assigned to their place so I had supper every night with their residents/family. We painted, dry-walled, built a step, and odd-jobbed. I stayed at The Truckstop with my brother. For those who don't know, it's a pretty big guys' house around Leo, great people. Zach Bertsch lives there. He was in Haiti a while back and paid Haitian kids to collect gigantic tarantulas for him. He brought 3 back, gave 2 away and kept the very biggest (Sarah H. wrote of her experiences with 1 of the first 2 in her blog) UNTIL NOW... Zach gave me the mother of all tarantulas. We feed it mice. It's larger than a male adult’s hand. I have pictures. Really though, in no way was that the highlight of my trip, yet it is a fascinating/frightening bit of info. Until I had my paper route, I had a tremendous arachnophobia, but after 5 summers of walking through spiders/webs, I got somewhat used to them. Either way, this tarantula reminds me more of a cat than a spider so I should be fine.

IN OTHER NEWS: If you'll notice the right hand side of my blog, bad things happened. Don't hit the "clear edits" button on your HTML template page and than save (directed to bloggers). For those of you who checked my blog the last few days and only saw a title, that is why. I had to create a new blog and copy and paste the original template to this one, hence I lost my links, stat counter, ONE Campaign... really not too much, I'll fix it later, I'm just glad the old blog is back up and at em!

PS: Wow, this is humiliating, I was getting ready to post a picture of the tarantula, but I think my [moms!] camera is at Gateway. Maybe it’s just in the car. Be kind. God bless you!

Pretty Pictures from the Southwest!

2006-05-29T13:18:00.000-06:00

Girls at Phoenix Church

Squaw Peak
-we all climbed this, I felt very blessed-

God having fun (Grand Canyon)

Far Out

My wonderful friend C.J. from Tusan. He kinda looks like a McDonalds owner, but he isn't.
He plays soccer very well instead.

The Group

Shaggy (Jake [r]), Gabriel and I, and Jake's friend

Gabriel Timmy Moises

Part II

That's a very brief overview... if you have facebook check Doug B. or Brad R. for more. In a few days Brad will add some more of my pics to his album. We had a great trip, spiritual growth, and many blessings... you should all go to AZ!

A-------------------------------------------------Z

2006-05-23T23:56:00.000-06:00

I'm in Arizona. Here it is busy and warm (mostly). I am exhausted. I've been to Phoenix, Sedona, GRAND CANYON, Prescott, and played Tennis (1st time in a long time:) on a roof. We climbed a small but rocky/steep/trail-less mountain. I don't think it was doctor approved. Tomorrow I go to Tuscan and then to Magdalena MX!!! We'll stay with the Ricketts there and then head home. There are many loving/hospitable people here. That is all for now. Blessings!

Enough name calling!

2006-05-16T14:45:00.000-06:00

Alas fair traveler I will ease thy undying anticipation, the name of our abode:

\|||||||||/
=The Pad=
/|||||||||\

Indeed, this is simple, yet contrite, boldly prioritizing Praise, Adoration, and Devotion.
It is also beautifully versatile as it can be amended to each member's tastes to be labeled The MOSS Pad, The BOSS Pad, or my favorite, The Lily Pad (consider the lilies my friends...). While it can be called whichever suits ones fancy, the name will remain The Pad and I look forward to seeing you all there at somepoint. Thanks for all your input! The place is coming along very nicely, and we are blessed with wonderful landlords in the form of Beaker's parents (I will post pics next).

Here are examples of the paint schemes for the rooms:
Kirby (but more reddish)
Josh (just like this)
Seth (see Jake and Betsy's house)
David
Doug
J s i

Pretty interesting stuff, you'll have to see for yourself! I couldn't post until the name was confirmed, plus HCC has actually instilled a notable work load this week (finals)...

Here's some good news~ I'm leaving for Phoenix, AZ on Friday, after finishing finals Thursday. I'm driving down with Kyle Heingartner (correct me please), Doug Banwart, my fine cousin Ryan Leman, and Brad Ricketts. We're going to have a topper on our van, a bed in the back, and a bunch of Bibles. We'll eat food on the trip. There will only be scripture study, nothing to do with school (how uneternal is this institution anyway!). Although that will come soon enough (after Gateway) with a fantastic line-up of summer classes at HCC! This shall be a most blessed summer for the Lord.

Here's hopeing everyone else's first week of NO school is going well while Heartland's ere so dedicated pupils press forward this week! What are your summer plans??

Roadshack?!

2006-05-08T14:23:00.000-06:00

Thanks for the wonderful output (or input?)? Either would work, yet the words completely contrast each other... what a paradox? Words!! Bah...
The results:
Roadshack 3
BOSS Brothers on Samantha Street 3
Samantha: 2
BOSS Boys on Samantha Street 2
TOSS Trouble on Samantha Street 2
Pillars 1.5
Roadhouse 1
MOSS Men on Samantha Street 1
The Wiegand 1
The Samantha 1

If someone voted for multiple names without placing a higher value on another, both votes counted. If someone voted for multiple names but place a higher value on one, the other only received 1/2 of a vote...

I personally like the two winning names the best, so... excellent job! I think Roadshack is going to get it, yet a certain house member is going to be fighting for Roadhouse...

Fantastic brainstorming to come up with Brothers on Samanta Street, what a collective effort! The blogging community should be proud! Boys really didn't cut it, but Brothers was beautiful!

I'm convinced of one thing though... regardless of the name, you're all to come visit! (I love happy endings!)

I want your vote!

2006-05-01T18:23:00.000-06:00

Well, we're officially a month away from moving into the new (to us) house. By 'we' I mean (and repeat) Seth Braker, Kirby Leman, Doug Banwart, Josh Sutter, David Thames, and myself. Indeed, I think we all find the concept reeking with uncontainable excitement. But don't wet yourself (I hate spills)... we need your help!!

In all seriousness, please choose a name from the list below for our new house, this is only a preliminary assessment, and your actions do not hold precedence or authority over our opinions, but in spite of this, we want to know what you think.

Preliminary information: Kirby, Seth, and David all come from a place currently titled: Roadhouse
I come from a place currently titled: The Shack (although the previous Shacks have seen more YG press because of their greater hospitality (alas we are shamed), we are no less the shack! The original shack was started by Nathan Hodel (getting married), Jeremy Shliph (getting married), Jamin Ringger (my fearless Judge Mathis companion) and Brent Rocke (who was wise and soon left). The original was on Linden, the 2nd was at The Crossings, and the 3rd here on Northbrook, although besides the original, all have been pretty nice buildings (contrary to their name). Other shackers include Chris Stoller, Dylan Punke, and myself.

For the sake of compromise and history, I like Roadshack (an integration of both names for those who like the obvious stated... obviously), but alas this is not about me.

Here are your choices:
A. Roadhouse
B. Roadshow
C. Roadshack
D. Shack II
E. Jupiter (or any planet, even an undiscovered one)
F. Samantha (we live on this street)
G. KIRBY (Kids Instinctively Remember Bravery in kirbY)
H. DAVID (Definintly Allows Various Idioms a Destiny)
I. DOUG (Doubtful? O UGgggggg, never!)
J. SETH (Silent, Even Thoughtful, and Hilarious)
K. JOSH (Jumps On Samantha street House)
N. Other: _______________

As for this house, we will serve and glorify the Lord, that is the greatest tradition to pass on, even as our parents and grandparents have from many a home.

The Steinway

2006-04-26T16:33:00.000-06:00

Sorry for pushing the limit on post times... you've gotta wait for inspiration, right?? It's not like any of you were sitting there this week... "when is Justin gonna update his blog? Did he really climb down into a hole behind his apartment because he wanted to dance around with glee and end up getting stuck down there after the rain came and made the walls too slick to climb out?" I am pleased to inform you to, TAKE HEART, that is not the case. Thankfully there wasn't a tempting hole behind my townhouse.
I was just talking to my neighbor Mark who has a recording studio for "Living Water's" (Gridley AC men's quintet) and he got to talking about the famous pianos used in some of the greatest concert halls throughout the world. Pianos like the original Steinway... my devotion today was on the very subject, that's enough inspiration for me:

The original Steinway was created with 200 craftsman and 12,000 parts.

Most crucial is the rim-bending process in which eighteen layers of maple are bent around an iron press to create the shape of a Steinway grand. Five coats of lacquer are applied and hand rubbed to give the piano its outer glow. The instrument then goes to the Pounder Room, where each key is tested 10,000 times to ensure quality and durability.

Application through prayer: Lord, it is difficult to remember that even when my life is not making music, You are preparing me to make music. Give me patience to endure the sanding, polishing, and pounding... And may the incessant plunking of the same note not cause me to break down in despair of what is but to continue on in glorious anticipation of what will be.

Here's how I see it, the perfection represented in the Steinway allows it to be used to the FULLEST! It has been prefered by the keyboard masters for the last 140 years (Rachmaninoff, Horowitz, Cliburn, Liszt). We serve just one Master. TAKE HEART!, sustain through trials with joy, in glorious anticipation of what is to come from enduring this life!

Hope ya'll got a listen to our recording, ArtHouse is getting setup quite soon.. God bless!

ArtHouse and "Here I am Alone"

2006-04-19T15:12:00.000-06:00

Dustin Huber, Emily Benjamin, Todd Heineger, and I finished recording "Here I am to Worship" and "In Christ Alone" about a month ago at Gary Ringger's Studio. Todd and I finally got it mixed down last weekend, and now, finally, I can bring the finished product (and a little more info) to you via audiostreet.net. You can stream or download the song, and feel free to share it with anyone, it's free! Since the final song is a medley of the two (including a little interlude) we dubbed the track

"Here I am Alone." :)

Here I am Alone: Download/Stream

Don't expect much, just know that this is simply worship to our Heavenly Father and risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It's infinitely inadequate, yet something He can somehow still glory in. How worthy He is of our praise, our lives, our desires, our entity. Our prayer is that this will simply bring glory to His name and draw you closer to Him and in no way glorify us... we're just trying to make a joyful noise;)

That brings me to ArtHouse, the home studio I'm setting up at the new guys’ house to be established this summer. The new house (name is unknown, but I like Roadshack [roadhouse + shack] will be made of a fantastic conglomerate of Seth Braker and Kirby Leman [Roanoke], Doug Banwart [Eureka], David Thymes [Washington], Josh Sutter [Taylor], and myself representing Gridley. Talk about a blessing! Couldn't ask for better guys. Six brothers, One unifier (and pacifier:)... I'm excited! Anyway, ArtHouse has been blessed with great equipment to record anything from 4-part harmony to a full band and anything in between. The only stipulation is that the content is in Christ's name. ArtHouse is NOT for profit, or even cost at this time, so if you need a little help putting your Praise down, you know where to come. Should be ready mid-summer, and I look forward to bringing ya'll some more music throughout the times. Glory in Him! Stay tuned..

One Name

2006-04-13T08:29:00.000-06:00

Acts 4:12: "there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

John Wesley is said to have had a dream in which he appeared at the gate of hell:
He cried out, "Are there any Presbyterians in there?" "Yes," came the answer, "a great many." "Any Church of England members?" "Yes, lots of them." "Any Baptists?" "A large number." "And, are there any Wesleyans?" Again the answer came, "Yes many of them." and the list goes on,

Disappointed, especially at that last reply, Wesley next dreamed he was sttanding at the gate of heaven. He repeated the same questions. Each time he received the same troubling answer: "No, not one!" No Baptists, no Church of England members, no Presbyterians, no Wesleyans, and no AC's!

"Who, then, is in heaven?" Wesley exclaimed. "We know nothing here about the names you mentioned," came the reply. "The only name that matters here is the name of Christ. We are all Christians here."

Make sure your denomination is foremost an instigator and developer of a personal relationship with Christ. No one is in heaven simply because of denominational affiliations. Do all things in the name of Christ. God bless ya'll!

I didn't know they could do this!

2006-04-10T17:59:00.000-06:00

I got my new computer to use for my home recording studio. It's a Media Center PC, which means it has Windows XP Media Center, which is pretty crazy: You get full surround sound (thanks to a sweet soundcard) and Mac-like interface for all media forms. But here's the coolest,

I've got an actual person that dances to my music on my desktop. It's pretty crazy, she can dance to any genre and any beat that's playing. You can download other people too, they each have their own style. Pretty hardcore! You'll have to see it to appreciate it, pretty impressive stuff, I'm nothing short of amazed. Anyone seen this? It almost makes going to Best Buy worth it:) Ya'll have fun with your PC's that don't dance!

Here's a pic of Jarvis, he's a dancing foo!

Indy Outreach, Jell-o, and the End of the World, dun dun dun

2006-04-05T09:07:00.000-06:00

This past weekend was Indy Outreach. I can attest that the gospel went out, often in deed, but also in voice, to many unique people through-out Indy, so if you could, pray for those who've been introduced to the good news and for the seed to find fertile soil.

On Sunday in church we had Jell-o, 11 layer Jell-o; I added one more (with ketchup) to make twelve. Pictures can be deceiving... there is only twelve layers; the colors blended (at the green layer) to make it look like more:

Quite an exhilarating picture. That's a lot of work since each layer is a separate entity, kind of like the New Jerusalem:

Rev 21:19-20 And the foundation of the wall of the city having been adorned with every precious stone: The first foundation, jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, hyacinth; the twelfth, amethyst.

As cool as this Jell-o is, I've got a feeling that any place constructed upon a platform so intricately beautiful, is gonna put this to shame! I hope to see ya'll there!

Encouragement to Persevere

2006-03-30T09:18:00.000-06:00

"Even though there is always something wrong with the people of God, we should never get comfortable with the idea. We should never say, "What's the use? Sin will always be with us." Just because problems are real and recurrent doesn't mean we should stop critiquing ourselves and asking for more grace. Neither should we lose hope that each morning is a new opportunity to follow more faithfully in the ways of Jesus. Fatalism and forfeiture are not on the menu."

From: New Way to Be Human p. 192 by: Charlie Peacock
Highly recommended book. Very wordy, but can create some of the most enlightening word pictures and analogies I've ever read (the above not being one of them:). Covers the Christian life by looking at the Bible contextual as a whole from the Creation to Fall to Christ coming I and II.

Never stop asking for grace, wisdom, discernment, even strength for you to accomplish God's will, your KINGDOM PURPOSE! God be with you all.

Pics and Secrets

2006-03-25T12:04:00.000-06:00

I found a coupon at Walgreens that gave me a free picture CD of my mere 27 exposures of our Magdalena trip, taken through the lens of a poor little fujifilm disposable camera. For the record, I don't have a digital anymore because the last time I was in Magdalena, it flew off its strap as I twirled it in my hand and split in two on the hard ground of Mexico. So, this trip I was quite limited, but EVERYONE loves pictures, and since I now have a few I'd love to make you're day even better:

Magdalena MX '06:

The culmination of Denny Kaufman, Will Nuesbaum, my own efforts to decipher the completely unlabeled wiring of the dorms. Although you can't tell what it is, I hold the equivilent of the Da Vinci Code right in my finger tips. My job for the week was mainly wiring with Will.

My other job was the garbage manager. Turned out to be a blessing as I got to drive the back hoe and start a big fire every day!! These were the only sisters to grace the garbage crew:)

The only "official" time we went into town, we had a beautiful hymn sing under the gazebo. We went to a pretty decent taco joint, but it didn't quite compare to Momo's papa asadas!

I took this picture with my foot, okay it was actually a Schick, and don't ask what's going on.

Buddy Loney and I went exploring right before supper one eve, and stumbled upon some beautiful back lands, unfortunately we got lost and showed up very late for supper, but I'm sure worse things could happen... like getting locked up in the hotel bathroom for a couple hours. What incredible room mates I had. Seth, this picture's for you:)

The group chilling during "Siesta" time (we might not sleep, but we relaxed).

A White Cloud pic as we started on the way home.

There's obviosly much more, but that'll do. I actually was writing a deep post about Trust in all we do, and placing Him above careers, and the American Dream, but while it was a saved draft, Luke posted with the same title (Trust), and then Bro. Dave Zehr had a terrific Bible Study on exactly what God was pounding out to me, and since I had such difficulty putting it to words, the "Trust" post will remain secret in the depths of my archives. Why have I told you this... I do not know. Just Trust and Obey, there's NO other way to be Happy in Jesus!

I'll end with some exhilerating news... I finally beat expert mode of minesweeper for the second time. It probably took another 1,500 trys since last time, but I knocked off 40 secounds for a time of 213! I actually did it while I was waiting for the pics to upload on this post. How fun is that?! God bless ya'll!

Back

2006-03-21T11:58:00.000-06:00

CVE once again blessed us more than we could have done to her.

I felt the trip was paved with prayer. On previous work/mission trip experiences, they were highlighted by spiritual highs after the group became broken by the realization of our selfishness compared to the joy and love shown by those we served. Personally, this one was different. The trip was very consistent, as I believe people were prepared from personal experience to simply serve. There wasn't jealousy or impatience and it seemed that as a whole the group was broken to God's will before the trip. That brokenness only means we acknowledge how far we need to come. How much grace and selflessness we need to be in His will, but it's the start that He uses to do His Kingdom Work in this world.

I have no pictures, except the one above I was sent, so forgive me, but here are some highlights and testaments of God's work:

The van refusing to start on the way down until we simply prayed, and than firing without a problem.
Being served and blessed by the Tuscan church, and being reminded that "I never want to be the same"
Instructed in righteousness Sunday afternoon to apply what the trip clearly demonstrated: we are here foremost to seek and do God's will... our security comes in Him, not through us seeking success first in our career or even family (although in His will), we're simply here to diligently do His will, and He will than provide for the surrendered heart and keep us in perfect peace.
God working through brothers to provide us fantastic Bible Studies and insight
The overflowing love the children showed us when we showed the same to them
Learning from the lives of the staff
Safety
A fantastic taco stand in-between the orphanage and our hotel
God-focused worship and God-praising testimonies
Great leadership that we about took for granted
Incredible travels, including God's miraculous tire episode with the RV, and watching the border-hoppers from the bus... what do these people mean to you?
An enjoyable "talent" show
Watching God use each persons abilities and even more so, their willingness, to get lots done in the name of Jesus Cristo!

Hope you all had a blessed Spring Break too! God be with you.

Short and SAWEET

2006-03-10T14:16:00.000-06:00

Forget the ever so lame title... WE'RE OFF TO MEXICO! Basically half the people that read this will be there too, but for all who remain in the states, pray for us! We'll keep everyone in our prayers back home. Looking very forward to doing some Kingdom Work! Good Lordwilling, we'll see ya'll back in a little over a week...

Off to the White Cloud:)

updater

2006-03-06T11:35:00.000-06:00

Well, testimony and baptisms are over. Pretty awesome stuff! God was incredibly good to me, and by His grace, the testimony went great. It really was a fantastic opportunity to let the Spirit speak of the goodness, grace, and mercy that He has shown me and to vocalize the conversion that Christ has worked. I can't wait to listen to that of others! Thanks again for all the prayers, support, and encouragement, it helped make the whole weekend a blessing.

Classes were good today, we had a pop quiz in speech, but it was basically a reward for attending class, and we talked about www.ratemyprofessors.com Kind of a sweet site, I'm sure most college folk have heard of it, but if you have not, check out available profs before you take their class and rate the ones you've had, I dig it.

Oh, and this is pretty awesome, Mr. Heineger, Huber, Miss Benjamin and myself are finishing up our two songs (which are actually one medley) at Mr. Ringger's studio today. I think I'm going to release the song for free and put it on this page for downloads, but that'll be in a little while.
It's Here I am to Worship (with a unique bridge) and it morphs into In Christ Alone. I'm really excited about getting it mixed and finished (it's not super professional or anything, but I'm pleased).

So this inspired me to start my own home recording studio, which will be setup in the 'attic' of the house I'm moving into this summer. I got a great deal on some fantastic equiptment (that's my vocal mic), and I can't wait to put it to use! I'll update with pics/info in the summer and if people would like to use it, well talk to me. I pray that it will be a place to glorify God and uplift our Lord! God bless ya'll! JW

Con Trib Ute

2006-02-28T08:55:00.000-06:00

A few days past I read about a woman who went to a missionary society meeting. Only contributors were admitted. The woman arrived and was asked by the doorman if she was a contributor. "I am afraid not," was her only reply. She was not admitted and left in disappointment. Walking away she pondered the words she had been asked, she thought of her son who years before had gone as a missionary to Sierra Leone in West Africa. His body no lay buried in that distant land.

The woman turned and retraced her steps back to the building and explained, "I forgot. You asked me if I was a contributor. I gave my only boy, and he is buried out in Sierra Leone."

The doorkeeper removed his cap, bowed graciously, and asked her to come in, leading her to a front seat. Parts taken from Our Daily Bread

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I thought of this after being asked to be careful what I open my wallet to on my post about the One Campaign. The One Campaign doesn't even take donations; it's about action and awareness. Charity is so much more than money. Donations (as important and necessary as they are) are no match for our lives, our passion. We aren’t all asked to go to Somalia, but whether you have an office job, farm, teach Sunday school, whatever the calling, the motivation and constant behind all we do needs to be Christ.

Be a missionary at work, school, and play.

In closing, students are always told to prepare for the "real world." The "real world" I know is the eternal one after this, so I better get to work.

(Please continue to pray for baptisms and my testimony this weekend) Much love, JW

Joy Full

2006-02-23T09:09:00.000-06:00

If you've never checked out the life of John or Brad (bottom links), I'd recommend doing it if you get a chance. They are both close friends of mine from Craig Hospital. Both are quads, with some arm strength (Brad's got a good amount). They were about the only 2 guys who never had a thing to complain about. Drop them a line of encouragement if you could. (not to mention go back to the months of a August and September for some pics of us together).
Although there was a lot of depression in a hospital where each patient was thinking their life as they knew it was now over, there was also a lot of incredibly positive attitudes.

I have a paper weight with the following verse:
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes. 5:16-18

That is a wonderful life application verse for me, not always an easy perspective, but it helps to know that it is God's will for me, to be full of joy, thankful and in communion with Him.

I know I've spoken before on John and Philippians 4:11, but I can hardly begin to describe the adversity of a Spinal Cord Injury, especially at the neck. The trust people like John place in God, and the joy they display in the most utterly trying and frightening paths of life is a powerful testimony to living the verses... and just how good we have it.
God bless ya'll!

p.s. under Brad's pics, the T-Pee album involves the MY room (or doorway)!

Real Rich

2006-02-19T14:27:00.000-06:00

John Tesh is a big ole' worship artist, some of you may or may not know of him. I personally don't know much of him, but I was given his book and read about one of the most amazing and personally convicting displays of selflessness.

While America was reaping in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, John got asked to go conduct the biggest worship service ever held. It wasn't in the US though. They asked him to pay his own way and go to Africa where ONE MILLION people were begging to worship each day.

This is "God-forsaken" Africa we're talking about. The poor, hungry, even dying Africans were requesting worship and coming out in nothing less the hoards... and it was for the US! John said, "a million people would be worshiping harder than I'd ever seen in my life for the victims and families and fireman of the September 11, 2001 attacks."

I didn't even know there were that many Christians in Africa that could mobilize and offer praise and prayer for the richest nation in the world. Yet we often ignore the One Campaign and dismiss this Africa as a continent of sinners. I've heard people say they deserve AIDS... it’s there punishment. Indeed God punishes sinners, but that includes you and me just as much as another 'form' of sinner. On top of that, so many of the AIDS victims there did no sin to contract the disease. Are we really so ignorant to judge a place that could see revival, medically and spiritually with money and prayer (to support the front line, missions). God loves them each more than we can imagine, shouldn’t we?

How much do we believe in prayer? Do we believe that taking some time to pray for nations facing persecution and poverty will help them? We're told it does. We don't have to be missionaries, but there's no excuse not to pray for them.

So there are the African's, who in 2001 were getting little to no help (that's changing, much thanks to the One Campaign), and they were crying out... interceding to GOD on the behalf of our fat rich nation, one of incredible abundance, but we’ll barely part with 10% of it. Especially for people with AIDS, a Christian wouldn't want to help them... I shudder if that’s ever the case.

John finished up, "As I was riding back to the hotel (after a night of worship), I asked the cab driver 'Why would all these people come into this field and stay there all day, many without food or much water, and worship? Why is your faith so deep?' He pulled the cab over and turned to look me in the eye. 'Because we don't have your distractions,' he replied. 'Here... it's about the Christ.' When your faith is all you're hanging on to, it becomes the strongest thing you have."

As blessed as we are, hearing the testimony of these people, lowest on the world's totem pole… it nearly makes me ashamed to be an American. Nothing against our country, I guess myself. What a demonstration of true worship and sacrifice they’ve shown us, let's pray for those in need, they've done so much for us, and we didn't even have a clue.

Renewal and Redemption

2006-02-13T22:27:00.000-06:00

Revelation 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Okay guys, I'm quite excited. My 300zx which was purchased with some sweet custom work on the right front side (some call it the result of a collision) has been renewed. I've never done any body work on cars to speak of, but with the help of Clark K and a bit from Christ S (thanks much) we pulled off some decent collision repair to the 'z car.' Turned out well after a bunch of blood [everywhere], absolutly no sweat (the garage isn't really that warm), and although we were manly men, tears often welled up on the inside. Things just don't fit after a vehicle gets smoked by another vehicle. But, it turned out just fine... all in all a great project, and great spiritual application:

Leviticus 27:13 But if he will at all redeem it, then he shall add a fifth part thereof unto thy estimation.
Betcha didn't know the Bible confirms that fixing the car indeed adds to its price estimate... Good stuff:)

More Good News:)

2006-02-09T09:33:00.000-06:00

Finally, after years(?) of hard work and grit, my life is nearing completeness (please don't take that literally)... Expert mode of MINESWEEPER has received its whooping. And in just over 250 secounds. To God be the glory:) (I'm totally pumped!)

Good News Good News!

2006-02-06T12:43:00.000-06:00

My Baptism and Testimony is March 4th and 5th in Gridley!
If you can make it, I'd love/appreciate having you!
In the mean time, I always appreciate prayers:)

God bless ya'll!
JW

Fighting Self

2006-02-04T00:22:00.000-06:00

S.A.T.

(Selfish Attitude Test)

Score yourself on each question according to the ratings below:

5 = never or hardly ever true; 4 = seldom true; 3 = sometimes true;

2 = frequently true; 1 = always or almost always true

Background: This was requested from Bro. Kent Kloter after his Bible study on Love and Selfishness.
This was extremely convicting to me and helpful in identifying areas to pray for grace and strive for change.
It might make a great print out to "bring to remembrance" areas to pray and work on, I know I've got plenty:

______ 1. When making decisions, I consider only how the decision will benefit myself, rather than how the decision will benefit or effect others, and if the decision will glorify God.

______ 2. I believe that friendships are more trouble than they’re worth.

______ 3. I spend more time thinking about my own desire(s) more than I think about God, His Word or things with eternal significance. What do you think about in your idle time?

______ 4. I'm more concerned about promoting my own interests than I am about promoting God's interests.

______ 5. I think about how others don't love or appreciate me more than I think about loving others.

______ 6. When people hurt or offend me, I write them off and have little or nothing to do with them.

______ 7. I think about how nice it would be to have others serve me.

______ 8. I become worried, anxious and/or fearful when I'm not in control of my own surroundings.

______ 9. I'm more competitive than I am cooperative.

______ 10. When meeting a new person, I spend more time thinking about how to impress him or her than about how to minister to him or her.

______ 11. I don't witness to others as God would have me, due to my fear of being criticized or rejected.

______ 12. I long to be noticed more than I long to be godly. Do you spend more time on your appearance than you do in personal worship, prayer, reading, meditation?

______ 13. I overreact to criticism by dwelling too long on it or by allowing it to overly depress me.

______ 14. I have a fear of being rejected, which either keeps me from getting close to others, or causes me to be a "leach".

______ 15. I find it difficult to rejoice with others when I see them blessed with things which I dearly want.

______ 16. I find it difficult to rejoice when others receive honor and recognition that I want or feel I deserve.

______ 17. I'm a taker, rather than a giver.

______ 18. I have great difficulty submitting my will to God's will.

______ 19. I am stingy.

______ 20. I'm over-protective or over-controlling of those that I love.

Test is based on 100. Take a moment and add up your total points. The closest you are to 100, the more unselfish you are (watch our for pride though:).

For review, complete each of the following sentences in response to each of the above statements:

1. God is pleased/displeased with me regarding this issue because..…

2. When I respond sinfully in this way, I'm often thinking of…..

3. My most common response in this situation is…..

4. The typical result of my actions in this situation is…..

I believe that God wants me to ______________________________________as a result of reviewing this statement.

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In other news: Gridley's Invite is this weekend! If you weren't invited, please show up... Good Lordwilling it should be an incredible weekend. See ya there! Oh, and for all those who came to the Wed. after church party, THANKS! It was a blessing:)

Our Authority

2006-01-31T15:46:00.000-06:00

Ever felt that the one way the Pure Gospel the Bible illustrated wasn't what was being enforced?

In humbleness and sobriety seek out the Word behind what we do...

This is a direct quote from Brother Trent Schrock, preaching a recent serman in Leo, IN:

"If you hope for unity from anything else other than Jesus Christ, you're going to be disappointed. It's not unity for us to all wear the same clothes, it's not unity for us to all do the same things, it's not unity for us to look alike and act alike, it is unity for us to be centered on Jesus Christ. Because we're all coming from a little different position and He's pulling us up into Him. HE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS THE POWER TO UNIFY US AS A CHURCH TO DO HIS WORK."

"If we try to do it out of our own effort, if we try to make 'converts unto us,' shame on us because WE HAVE NO POWER TO SAVE."

This is in no way bashing tradition, and supports doctrine in entirety. This is in everyway calling us to unify under Christ, so that we can "be about our Father's business," not our own interpretation of it.

Under His Holy Name,

"He Purposeth a Crop!"

2006-01-27T09:34:00.000-06:00

I must apologize for the below average amount of posts this blog has lately been emitting. I've been busy starting school for the first time in a long time and working on the always exciting business of buying and selling automobiles (one at a time). I must attest, it's been an incredible blessing to be so close to the center of grace that surrounds the ISU young group.

So anyhow, I came across I sweet statement involving our "fruit output:"
Samuel Rutherford once declared that, "God is no idle Husbandman. He purposeth a crop!"
He does whatever it takes, purging, refining, humbling... countless techniques to try to rid His followers, His crop, of pride and lusts. He is far from idle in the lives of those He loves, in fact, I think it's safe to say that God All-mighty is the greatest farmer that ever was or will be.

That's comforting and startling to me. If my life isn't where I know it should be spiritually, God's going to do what He can to bring me around. Although that can be frightening, it's also incredibly comforting: God is continually faithful to His followers. He takes each one back who crys out His name in sincerity and meets us individually where we are.

I like to think of the "fear of God" as another reason, besides reaching out to the unsaved, to strive for the highest level of Biblical integrity I can, all by God's grace. I'd rather be "about my Father's business" without having Him continually purge me. But if that's what it sometimes takes, than I couldn't be more thankful. Paul was such an example of enduring, "count it all joy..." he said. Those born again into Christ's family are both His friends and brothers, and what a big bro to look up to! I am not my own, I was bought at an incredible price, and I want Christ's investment to be completely successful!

Eating your fruit in Situation B

2006-01-20T14:53:00.000-06:00

Hypothetical Situation A:

You are a starving individual. All around you is oppurtunity. In fact you're surrounded by people that need to hear what you know. But, you can't share, you can hardly move your lips, let alone stand. You're starving terribly. And there is only one way to eat. In this hypothetical world, you produce fruit from your works, the Godly acts you accomplish become fruit. This is the only way you can eat, your only food source is your works. But now it's too late, you can't do anything good, because there is nothing you can do except lay in weakness and grow weaker. Therefore you can't eat, and therefore you slowly pass away.

That is this verse without grace involved:
Isaiah 3:10. Say ye to the righteous that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

The incredible encouragement that this verse offers would be nothing if we didn't have the grace of God to help us overcome what is starving us.

With the grace of God, we are able to accomplish many good works, and eat the wonderful fruit that God's good works will produce. With His grace on board we are able to be "about our Father's business" always. And then what joy, what fullness we expierence. Indeed, we need not fear the success of the evil nor ever become distraught when our works go unnoticed. Instead, count it joy, and we shall feed off God's produce.
Continuing in Isaiah:

Isaiah 64:6 ...When we proudly display our righteous deeds, we find they are but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall. And our sins, like the wind, sweep us away

Apply these verses together: when the first verse refers to our good works, it actually means, our submission and willingness to let God work His good in us. Without God's work, we have NOTHING good to offer. Our good is filthy rags. Therefore we have no fruit to eat... we're in Situation A.

Thank God for Situation B: His redeming, always amazing, ever sufficient grace...

--------------------------------------------

Welcome back ya'll! I must say, after all that's transpired, it's great to be back in school!

Florida to Colorado and Life Inbetween

2006-01-08T14:29:00.000-06:00

I just arrived home from Colorado this morning after a most wonderful trip. I stayed with Joel Leman's family (and a night at the Schmidt's). Among the highlights:

3 quality days at Craig Hospital, my alma mater for Spinal Cord rehab. It was incredible. I met nearly all staff that I was assosiated with: Doctors, Nurses, Techs, Ocupational T's, Physical T's, Rec. T's, Chaplains, Teachers, Social Workers, Janitors, and Cooks. I made some great friends out there with some of the new patients. Most importantly, I believe the power of God's healing hand was displayed and the power of many prayers was testified. Speaking from experience, I found it incredibly encouraging, refreshing, and inspiring when I met a past patient who had made a recovery walk into Craig. I was able to play wheelchair tennis (AWESOME) and goalball (a hardcore wheelchair game along the lines of rugby. Looks like a demolition derby). Great fun!My most awesome (one of them) tech Mary Beth... finally she has to look up to me!
The sweetest Friday night praise singing! A group from the Denver YG and I went to a park to sing to the All Mighty. A big group of locals, both blacks and whites strolled by. I asked if they'd like to join us, and pretty soon we had guitar, park table drums, beat boxing, singing, and dancing to the Most High. It was INCREDIBLE! I believe Christ's love was all around and they felt it. Joel's blog will have pictures and more I'm sure, they got an invite to church today...
Getting a parking ticket on my final day at Craig. I called the municipal court, and explained what I was doing, the fact that I parked in the same spot for the entire week, and most importantly, there were no clear signs anywhere... but plenty of parked cars. The lady was really nice and said I could come into court right then. I had a few hours before I was to pick up Joel from work (after all it was his vehicle:) so I went to court and made an appeal. Pretty fun stuff! I won't hear back for a while on the verdict...
Great times with the church brotherhood who could physically be there for me during one of life's darkest hours, and help to brighten the (NE) corner (room) at Craig Hospital. (Along with the tremendous support back home and across the nation... thanks again!)A farewell photo to my Original room, 316A, on the West Side of Craig, God was there!

Florida Trip Finish Up:

If you recall our hitchhiker we met on Marco Island... we went back to his trailer park the following day for some great Christmas Caroling at many of the different trailors. Every once in a while we'd have to quick convince the owners we were here to sing, not beat them down (I guess having about 10 guys walk up on your trailor at night isn't ususally friendly). Overall, some were emotional, some were quite excited, and a few were off the hook!
I finally caught a crab with a fish hook after many failed attempts. Jason Fisher helped with the task. Somewhere things got out of line and the poor fella ended up in the pool with some of the guys. Then he lost a few legs, again, I don't know. I returned him to his sea home.

We went to Joey's pizza and then to the owner's home (it's a tradition) which was BEAUTIFUL! Oh, and the pizza was free! The group's got great connections just from singing Christmas carols. Joey loves it!
I built and destroyed a sand castle, it was quite nice (spoken humbly:).
I got a muscle and took him back to the condo and cooked him! Nobody wanted him:( Don't you think it looks tasty?
Did some playtime on the interstate after getting caught in standstill traffic (night=dark)!
Above all, an uplifting trip with a great group of guys.

Oh, and life in the meantime: great family times at Christmas, New Years bash with Gridley and then through the night with ICC, including singing at 12 and 4am, with a wonderful breakfast by host Rich I!

Lastly, the burned Supra was sold for a good price and shipped out (many thanks again to Dougy B) and on my way home today from Roanoke (meeting for CO) my hood scoop blew off the hood!

Not Even a Hint

2005-12-29T12:11:00.000-06:00

Biblical Truths on Sexual Purity as outlined by Joshua Harris:
edited from not even a hint (NIV unless noted)

Lie
Lust is no big deal.

¹¹For lust is a shameful sin, a crime that should be punished. ¹²It is a devastating fire that destroys to hell. It would wipe out everything I own. Job 31:11-12 (NLT)

Lie
A little sinful fantasizing won't hurt

⁶To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6 (ESV)
⁷Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. ⁸For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Galations 6:7-8 (ESV)
¹⁴But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:14 (ESV)

Lie
Taking radical action against sin isn't neccessary

²⁹If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. ³⁰And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. Matthew 5:29-30
²²Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

Lie
God won't mind a little compromise...

⁵Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. ⁶Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. Colossians 3:5-6
³But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Ephesians 5:3

Lie
It's my body. I can do what I want with it.

8Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. ¹⁹Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Lie
I can't control my sex drive.

³It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; ⁴that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, ⁵not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; ⁶and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6

Lie
I won't experience any consequences for indulging in my lust.

2So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:12
⁶because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. Hebrews 12:6
5Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:15

Lie
The pleasure lust promises is better and more real than God's pleasure.

¹¹ You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11

Lie
Fulfilling my lust will satisfy me.

²⁴ I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."²⁵ The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;²⁶ it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:24-26
²³The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; Proverbs 19:23 (ESV)

Lie
Too much purity will keep me from seeing and enjoying beauty.

⁸Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8
⁷For the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face. Psalm 11:7 (ESV)
¹⁷Your eyes will behold the king in his beauty; they will see a land that stretches afar. Isaiah 33:17 (ESV)

Lie
God is keeping something good from me.¹⁰ Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.¹¹ For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.¹² O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you. Psalm 84:10-12

Lie
Looking at a few "lusty" pictures won't effect me.

²⁵ Do not lust in your heart after her beauty
or let her captivate you with her eyes,²⁶ for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread,
and the adulteress preys upon your very life.²⁷ Can a man scoop fire into his lap
without his clothes being burned? Proverbs 6:25-273

³ I will set before my eyes
no vile thing.
The deeds of faithless men I hate;
they will not cling to me. Psalm 101:3

There are so many wonderful verses here to help us in any struggle, not just purity, these are applicable for both men and women. I don't want to extrapulate anything from them, I'd rather let the Word speak to each person individually.

⁹ How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. ¹⁰ I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119: 9-11

A few others I have:

¹I DICTATED a covenant (an agreement) to my eyes; how then could I look [lustfully] upon a girl? Job 31:1 (AMP)

⁷Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. ⁹Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galations 6:7-9

My only input: Bottom line, rules and good intentions won't overcome sin, even discipline will not. Although all these are good and neccessary, they are of ourselves if not fueled by God's all-powerful grace. Therin lies our true strength. Rules will never save us, grace and surrender always will.

Two great books for both guys and girls, whether you struggle with the physical aspects of purity or the emotional:

not even a hint Joshua Harris
The Purity Principle Randy Alcorn

My Car's on Fire

2005-12-24T01:19:00.000-06:00

First off, I've got a wonderful set of verses catagorized by Joshua Harris on lust, that was going to be my next topic (along with some great info on the trip to Florida), but it must wait...

So here I am driving home at about 11:20pm from Peoria. I had just met a friend from Denver who hadn't seen me since I left home after my accident. We had a most wonderful time. I tanked off my car with nearly $40 of gas in Peoria and started home.
I noticed my "check engine light" come on as I pulled up to a red light at the 4-way stop in Eureka. As I came to a stop my car died and wouldn't start. I let it roll down the slight hill into the nearby Pizza Hut parking lot and noticed that there was a lot of smoke everywhere (hmmmm). Rather perplexed I popped the hood to see a beautiful orange glow. To make things interesting, I was talking on the phone to my great friend Dougy B. while this was all transpiring. I popped the hood and what should appear, but a 5 foot flame and smoke that caused great fear. I hobbled away from my car as best I could and told Doug my car was combusting outside the combustion chambers. Then I hung up without further explanation, causing him to think my car blew up and who knows what else. I hung up because I needed to call 911 before she did blow, and HATS OFF to Eureka Fire for like an 8 minute responce time!! Derek Neal was all over the place in full turn out gear (he's my Super Fire Fighting cousin-in-law). Meanwhile 4-5 cop cars and an ambulence were on the scene and the EMT put out the well established flames before the fire department got there.

(I'm not actually that happy, I haven't slept in days and I'm still a little confused here, that's all)
Once again, God was watching out for me, there just happened to be an ambulence show up with the heavy duty fire extinguishers in under 5 minutes. Unfortunatly, the fire burned up most of my wiring, hoses, radiator fan, hood, and trust of my 1989 Supra Turbo, a car beloved for his power and audacity. The fire was not exactly what I needed at this time, but it could have been much worse. In fact, things were quite exciting on scene, I got to see my cousin fight the fire of the decade, and I had a gracious friend ready to do whatever he could to help me out. So that's the quick overview of my car starting on fire for absolutly no apparent or acceptable reason... for goodness sakes it's cold out. Prayers always appreciated. Love ya all and God bless this Christmas!

Tales from the Sails

2005-12-19T22:27:00.000-06:00

Howdy ya'll!
Just thought I'd let you know I'm having a most tranquil, (I'm composing this post while sitting out of doors wearing little more than shorts and a T shirt after spending a day in the beautiful vegetation of southern Florida) although interesting (we just finished speaking for an hour or so with a gentleman named Angus, head of media relations for the Kennedy administration among his many creditentials. Unfortunatly Angus had his head anywhere but Christianity and was quite a smart cookie. He was a hedonist and this life was all he had to expierence. He actually reminded me a LOT of Mr. Sax, our social sciences teacher, in that he simply wanted to pose dificult topics and questions and see what we'd come up with in responce, then look for contradictions or anything his very inteligent brain could refute. That said he was nicer than Mr. Sax and smiled often. Then we picked up a hitchhiker, an Irish Catholic, and dropped him off at his trailer where we sang a few carols for his friends and him), stay here at Marco Island.

Other fantasitc expierences:

Football on the beach (they allowed me an immediate rush, verses 5 seconds, but for whatever reason I never came to close to a sack), rather good thearapy and beautiful, although annoyingly disheartening
Skillet cookies and Oreo Milkshakes
Dining at a restaurant named "America's Best Ribs" and splitting "The Feast" between 4 of us. It kinda seemed like The Feeding of the 5 Thosand, the pile of food didn't seem to get smaller. That said, it was delicious. They can actually ship ribs OVERNIGHT anywhere in the U.S. from The Place so if you'd like some contact me before Friday!
Great Bible Study with more to come.
Boating (including being pulled over by the boater sheriff, we had a light out starboard side or something)
Singing "We Wish you a Merry Christmas" at nearly every locale we may grace

Hope you're all staying warm up there, man I can only imagine... well hardly even:)
That said, we appreciate prayers for our return drive up, I don't think we've got a vehicle younger than 10 years of age and one's pushing 179,000 miles. We're starting back Thursday night. Merry Christmas!~

-Remember the Reason for the Season-

Successful Christmas Parties and an Important Prayer Request

2005-12-16T15:42:00.000-06:00

The ISU Christmas party was well executed:

The food was good and served up quite daintily (mainly the desserts as they had designer frosting all around)
Caroling was a blessing for participants and listeners
The dollhouse made tasty stuffed mushrooms
We had like 6 people pulling one string of taffy
Ping pong at the Big Blue House lived up to it's legendary status of "...Best Ping Pong in the World" Lofty indeed, but true.

Afterward I visited/slept at the Roadhouse which was quite a good time except they don't have a lazy boy (which I need to sleep past 4 in the morning... I have a strange synthetic back), but David lives there so it all evens out.

The only negative was that I left my orange crayon piggy bank at the dollhouse and I was going to use the quarters inside to pay for supper, but then I couldn't. So everyone can keep me accountable to pay for dinner as soon as I get the chance... maybe I'll even have cash!

On a very serious note, I'd like everyone who reads this to pray for the family and friends of Andrew Kaeb . If you hadn't heard, he was a high school student from Cissna Park who was killed in a car accident on his way to school, due to the weather conditions. I do not know for sure whether he knew Christ as his personal savior or not. All I can say is that we NEED to lift up the family in prayer. I can't imagine what that experience would feel like. God's shown us all incredible mercy just to give us our next breath and as a body we need to lift up and encourage those who are down. I personally felt the support of many when I was out in Colorado, but this is on a whole different level. Be thankful for all we're given and lift up those who are hurting. God bless and keep you all.

Best things in Smaller Boxes & God's Approval

2005-12-12T09:54:00.000-06:00

Small Box and Big Box

A few days ago I received my 2 memory foam mattress covers. I got one for a twin bed and one for a full size bed as I'll have two beds once I move out. To clear things up a bit, both boxes above are identical dimensions around, the one on the right is simply much taller, henceforth... bigger.

My bed at home is the full size one so I went ahead and took the foam out of the bigger box assuming that it would be the larger cut of foam. After placing it on my bed, I found it to look like the size of a twin bed... strange I know.

I opened the smaller, and wouldn't you know it, there was the full bed cover. Of course packed nearly twice as tightly, but the bigger and better indeed was in the smaller box.
Very applicable story since Christmas is RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER GUYS!

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Enough nonscence:)

I read a passage about Hannah a week or so ago and it clarified an old story that I've always loved, it has brought about some thought lately...

The text is from 1 Samuel 1:1-20, it's about Hannah and her desire to have a child. I had simply believed she wanted children like most married women do, nothing spiritual. To the contrary, she was in desperate need of God's reassuring approval. In Bible times, a barren Jewish woman was regarded by peers as being dishonored by God because she obviously had no part in fulfilling the prophecy of the upcoming Messiah. That's a pretty heavy title to carry.

Hannah loved the Father very much, I can only image having society place that "brand" upon such a Godly woman. Her own husband couldn't even relate to her pain and struggle when he attempted to comfort her saying, "Am I not better to you than ten sons?" (verse 8) All in all, she didn't care what society thought about her, but cared much more of what God thought of her. She longed for God's personal approval much more than society's.

No wonder she expressed a total willingness to give up her one and only child to God just so she could be reassured by Him that she hadn't been rejected.

You see, so often we're told to worry about what other's think of us that we can almost apply that statement to our relationship with God the Father. Turns out, He's the one being we should always be desiring to please and hoping we satisfy.

We must always remember that what God thinks of us is infinitely more important than that of any other person on this passing earth.

and... does God hear our prayer??? Hannah was blessed with the greatest of the early prophets, a man divinely set apart for Kingdom purposes, Samuel.

Seek God's approval foremost and the result will be greater than ever imagined.

Praise!

2005-12-08T17:55:00.000-06:00

First off, my utmost respect goes out to all those who drive RWD sports cars in the winter. Although only if you haven't the means to get another car, otherwise it's just kind of dumb. Basically, they are a RIDICULOUS means of transportation on snow... secound only to motorcycles.
(I actually wrote a bunch more on this topic, but I doubt it would interest most, so I just removed it)
If you're driving a RWDSC this winter let know so I can pray for you...

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Okay, here is my simple praise. I couldn't be more excited right now! I just got done with thearapy and went to Gold's to do my "hardcore" therapy. I started out on the treadmill today, I was walking about as fast as I could, and I was sorta feeling it, so I broke out into a jog!

Most people have seen how much God's already done, as I walk completely normal. However, everything is still so very weak and slow compared to what really is "normal" agility, so although it seems as though I could go shoot hoops, or whatever, I'm just not there. My legs still feel a long way off from cutting and jumping, but what better motivation could you ask for?! Please don't take any of this as a complaint, this post would be the direct opposite. Right now I'm counting every step I take with joy.

Currently my left hamstring is 58% weeker than the right (the right is probably about 75% of what it used to be), the left quad is 32% weeker than the right. Bottomline is that the exertion to maintain a jog seems to outweigh those stats, but I guess God though otherwise today. I was wanting to leap for joy (still waiting for that) as I chugged along. There was a college girl on my left and I'm quite confident I freaked her out. My jog was a jog, but it looked quite unorthodox (those of you who've seen me do it for SHORT amonts of time know, the left leg somehow keeps up, but it isn't exactly even, and the strides are kinda dinky). So today I gradually became lopsided as I "ran", but the strength was still there so I didn't stop (eventually the girl did). That brings me to my second praise... I made it a mile straight for the first time since the accidentn (about 6 minutes of it were at the "jog")!! I've been working up to it forever and today was the day. My time, although I hate to admit... 14:20. If I could only tell you how blessed I feel right now.

Anyone who ever doubts God's power can just refer to this event. From a waist down palarisis to being able to jog is a miracle by no strech. Granted, there's still a long way to go, but in all actuality, nerves just don't fix themselves like this, it can't be explained medically.

One of my favorite older guys at Craig was a guy named Jack, he reminded me very much of Edwin Ringger. Edwin is Earl's father and one of the most loving, God-fearing men I have EVER met. Jack was a very special guy. He fell from a latter and had a brain injury. He had made a very near complete recovery when I got to know him. He always told me the part of his brain that used to make him passive for the Lord was gone though. I think he's right... I've hardly ever met anyone so loving and willing to speak of his faith and what God's done for him. This guy was a ROCK! He had come such a long way... one of the most important things he told me on the topic of recovery was:
"Wait on God, if he blesses you with improvements, praise Him, but then I think he wants you to do your part, work diligently with what He's given to gain more improvement, God doesn't just want you to sit there, work with Him."

That's not exactly what he said, but it's how I remember it. This was a guy who spoke from expierence.

I'll try to wrap up Spinal Cord talk for awhile, but this was a momentous day. So thanks for all the prayers to the Master Healer, He is good! Stay safe on the roads.

My Friend John

2005-12-06T11:03:00.000-06:00

John Katona and I in Michigan (11-9-05)

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Php 4:11 (KJV)

John's a pretty neat guy. I met John when I was out at Craig Hospital in Colorado after breaking my back (L1, L2). We quickly became very close friends as we shared many interests, foremost a relationship with Christ. John is a C5 complete. This means he will not get anymore muscle movement than he already has (biceps, shoulders, forearms, wrist, a little tricep). He was in a head on collision with a loaded truck in April of this year. He fractured the C5 vertebrae, busted his head open, and shattered an arm. The doctors actually couldn't even treat the broken neck first, they had to work on the head, as they were convinced he'd have brain damage. Meanwhile, the students from his Christian school (which had prom that night, John was driving to work instead) all came to the hospital, flooding the lobby and praying him through the head surgery. John came out on that with NO brain injury!! Doctor's aren't always right, especially they don't consider prayer to be an effective treatment procedure:) They were than able to do a successful neck surgery to support the broken vertebrae. John had already expierenced a lot when I arrived at Craig. When I first got there I was stuck in bed for quite a while, but once I could stay sitting and actually stay up for a bit of time (the one unfortunate thing about still having upper body feeling is that in the begining you have some incredible pain), we started hanging out as much as we could. I'm still struck by fact that I've never ONCE heard him complain.
Most of the time when we think of the verse above, it's when we're going through the "hard times." We can be content knowing that eventually things are going to get better. So what if you're stuck in a "hard time" for the rest of your life, and you haven't even graduated from high school (John's a Sr)? Most people don't understand all the effects of a SCI, but we'll just say the inability to walk really is the least of it. The bodies internals don't function right and the individual has to relearn everything, especially when they're a quad (like John) and have limited use of the arms.
(For the record, very few quads are high completes like Jonie or Christopher Reeves. Most still are able to use their arms, they're just weak and they almost always lack finger dexterity, similarly as a para, I can now walk, but certain muscles just don't fully work right. The fact is, some quads are still more extreme than most of us, just watch murderball. It's about quad rugby. Disclaimer: Although it's a very real look at the life a quad, it can be a little too open and has parts that shouldn't be watched.)

This isn't meant to be a depressing story in any way. You see, I find people like John to be some of the greatest encouragements we could ever have this side of heaven. John goes to show that being "stuck" in such a situation doens't have to be a "hard time" anyway. By God's grace, these INCREDIBLE people are able to deal with things most of us simply can't imagine. So next time you're having trouble being content and worry free, think how much we've been blessed and then offer up a prayer. I was nearly convinced by doctor's I'd be in a chair for an indefinite amount of time too, but prayer and God's good will thankfully said otherwise. Just keep things in the eternal perspective. Don't get bogged down by the pressures and cares of this earthly life. And if you could, pray for John.

Here's John's blog (It's maintained by his father and tells everyone how John's doing. If you look at August and September you'll catch some of our "antics" together at Craig... after all, you have to have fun when you're stuck in the next best thing to a nursing home. Also I was with him for a week this November, there's a post Nov. 15th on that) http://www.iheartjk.blogspot.com/

By the way, if there are some prayer warrior's or anyone who'd like a list SCI patient's to pray for, these are all friend's of mine from Craig: Alan, Jane, Penny, Danny, Carl, John L., Harleen, Stacy, Brad, Kip, Tom, Roary, Clinton, Sam, John K., Brandon, Tyler, Alex, Jack, Brittany, Benjamin, Ben, Miguel, Layton

Liberal?? Conservative?? Try Truth and Grace... ALL of Both

2005-12-04T17:19:00.000-06:00

I felt it appropriate to bring to light the way Jesus truly lived as illustrated by the Bible:

John 1:14 "We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (emphasis added)

You see, Jesus personified grace and truth completely, not 50/50, but full (100%) of both.

I often hear people talking about conservative and liberal ACs.

The World View Positives:

"Often, conservatives emphasize truth (morals), and liberals emphasize grace (compassion). Conservatives want to conserve what's right; liberals want to liberate from what's wrong."

But, without having 100% of the other we become deceived:

The fact is we can't first and foremost be liberals or conservatives. We only accomplish His will if we're first and foremost followers of Christ, who is both full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

I just want to challenge the Young Group, starting with myself, to embrace this message of Christ's example in the way we treat each other and friends. If categorizing the church exists, let's end it. We must each be personally full of both truth and grace. Please continue...

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A great Biblical example of Christ's grace and truth is the story of the woman to be stoned for the sin of adultery (John 8:1-11):
The two extremes could have been Jesus saying:
1) "Go burn for your sins."
2) "Go and feel free to sin some more."
Jesus said, "Go and sin no more"> truth and grace

That's how we're commanded to handle one another:
"Instead of the world's apathy and tolerance, we offer grace. Instead of the world's relativism and deception, we offer truth."
"If we minimize grace, the world sees no hope for salvation. If we minimize truth, the world sees no need for salvation... (therefore) we must offer unabridged grace and truth, emphasizing both, apologizing for neither."

"TRUTH hates sin. GRACE loves sinners.
Those full of GRACE and TRUTH do both."

Let's all work on applying these principles and stop the foolishness of categorizing brother's and sister's. We need hearts like Christ.

I take NO credit for this post, most points were derived from the book The Grace and Truth Paradox: Responding with Christlike Balance by Randy Alcorn. I've been searching for a solid Biblical based book on this subject, and said book is an inspired work under that exact title. Passages in parenthesis are direct quotes from the book.

Why we need to pray for our ministers (and president)

2005-12-01T23:29:00.000-06:00

Every blog requires a good begining. Who better to do the honors than our excellent minister friend Kevin. Try not to picture this sermon.
http://www.kevinrossen.com/video/PitchYourTent.wmv
(just click the "watch this video link")

Bottom line, remember to pray for our ministers, they're willingness, purity, and surrendered hearts are something we take for granted. That said, we're all still human...

If you know of any "interesting" phrases that have come from the pulpit, please post in reply.
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However, there's other's who need our prayers, president Bush (God bless him) has had his struggles...

"I think I've got to do better in making clear what the message is, and I think I can do better. But I think there's so much noise out there that I've got to figure out how to make it clearer that we are for the things that I have advocated that would help." -2/18/91 what??

"And let me say in conclusion, thanks for the kids. I learned an awful lot about bathtub toys-- about how to work the telephone. One guy knows- several of them know their own phone numbers- preparation to go to the dentist. A lot of things I'd forgotten. So it's been a good day." - January 21, at aHead Start center in Catonsville, Maryland

"I want to make sure everybody who has a job wants a job" ...during his first Presidential campaign

"For seven and a half years I've worked alongside President Reagan. We've had triumphs. Made some mistakes. We've had some sex ... uh... setbacks."

Walter Mondale: George Bush doesn't have the manhood to apologize.
Bush: Well, on the manhood thing, I'll put mine up against his any time. that a prez!

"The caribou love it. They rub against it and they have babies. There are more caribou in Alaska than you can shake a stick at." ...on the Alaska pipeline

Well that's all for today folks...
Prayer changes things, sounds like we've got work to do:)