Part 1

I have always gone to church since I was a baby. It is a part of who I am.

This sounds so cliché' but it is true. I grew up in a church and had a church family. I cannot remember not knowing who Jesus was...and yet I am still a sinner...I still need Jesus.

Growing up a churcheon (a person who goes to church for the sake of going to church :oP ) was fun. I mean...we went on Sundays and holidays and for youth group with Care-Away Street (A Christian Sesame Street complete with puppets), and Church you camp & family camp (the most fun ever as a kid), and then Sunday school...it was all really quite fun. What was weird though, was that at some point as a young kid (maybe 9 or 10) I stopped wanting to go to Sunday school and Care-Away Street and wanted sit in the sanctuary with my parents...not to really be with my parents per say, but to listen to what Pastor Booher was talking about. I can remember the bible stories so clearly. I remember Pastor Booher telling us about Jesus and his disciples and how we were all sinners. For some reason I understood. I mean I already knew...It was like I already knew what he was saying; he was just filling in more details than I had heard in Sunday school. It wasn't a real big church, and pretty much everyone knew each other...but every Sunday at the end of the sermon, Pastor Booher would ask if anyone wanted to come forward and accept Christ as their Savior (which in my mind I determined meant that I was no longer a sinner...but a follower of Christ...and he had forgiven me for my sins...and I wouldn't go to hell). Pretty big thoughts I guess for a ten year old...but to me it was common sense.

Every Sunday for a month I would think about this and say to myself...I already believe. I was scared to go in front of the congregation...for a 10 year old...scary stuff. I kept feeling God move me...urging me to go forward...but I couldn't move my feet or open my mouth. So there I would sit with my parents on either side just staring at Pastor Booher. Pastor Booher reminded me of my Grandpa King...really nice and laid back...and definitely a Godly man. It was almost like God himself would talk to me through whatever Pastor Booher was preaching. I wasn't scared of him...I was scared of all the people who would be looking at me if I decided to go up. I kept my thoughts to myself...never told anyone the mental battle that was going on...until one Sunday...

My parents both worked with Care-Away Street...so sometimes one would be there during church and I would sit with the one who wasn't...or sit with my grandparents. This particular Sunday I was just sitting with mom. This time when Pastor Booher asked if anyone would like to make a public acknowledgement of Christ as Lord and Savior...I looked at my mom and said:

"Can I go up there?"

My mom looked at me in shock...started tearing up and said, "absolutely."

I walked forward and saw the look of amazement in my Pastor's eyes. He just smiled and I will never forget what he said. He told the congregation he was surprised and excited that such a young person was ready to accept Christ. He smiled and prayed for me...and I looked up afterward and saw my father in the back of the sanctuary looking through the glass crying and smiling. Later he would tell me that God told him to go look in on the service. How awesome is that! That is probably one of the best father-son moments of my life.

Later I met with an older Christian in the church and discussed faith and what my commitment meant to God and me. I knew what I believed and he was convinced so a month later I was baptized. My life hadn't changed miraculously, I still believed what I had pretty much always believed that Jesus Christ was God, Lord, and Savior. He had shed his blood for my sins and anyone else who would accept him and let him rule as Lord in their life was saved. I was saved through Christ not for what I did. Though there was no miraculous change in my daily life, my public acceptance did bring about refinement in my life in which God would use my teens and young adult life to reveal to me....

Thoughts?

“I believe that God made a bad decision and a good decision at the same time; bad by killing people [in Noah’s flood] and good by fixing his mistake by giving us his son.”

How do you feel about this statement made during a local church service?



"Thoughts" was Barrowed from HMB.

Some good Super Bowl Ads

We are so doing this for my wedding!

Lenses

What lenses do you see the world with? I am taking a discipleship class at Riverview and heard a story about a friend of mine who is only about 12 years old and autistic sees things differently. He sees things that most of us don't. His father told me a story and it just crushed my spirit down a bit...made me tear up...and wonder if his disability is really a disability.

A couple of weeks ago, my little friend was standing in line for lunch and watching the snow fall outside. I imagine him starring with a smirk and turning around in line as he pondered the snow. The girl behind him thought that he is gave her a dirty look. A confrontation ensued and some of his friends tried to step in to help the situation. The girl was so angry and mad that she decked poor Sam right in the ear. Sam is such an innocent nice kid...he didn't know what to do...he just fell to the ground. By this time his ear must have been ringing, and finally an adult took care of the situation and the little girl got in trouble.

Later that evening, his dad had a conversation with Sam. It was all his dad could do not to be so furious, that he wanted to take out the other kids parents for raising such a "jerk of a kid". As he is talked to Sam and tried to keep himself from being overcome with anger and hatred toward the other kid and her family....Sam said something so profound and honest...and that is Sam...honest as they come...it totally shocked his father.

"Dad, that girl much really being going through a lot and having a hard time...I mean she must really being having a really tough day to be so angry to hit someone."

His dad was speechless...Sam could see the girls pain even though he was the one who got pummelled. He was seeing her through a different set of lenses. He was looking at her the way Jesus looks at all of us...with love and compassion. Sam was loving his neighbor as himself...and his neighbor was in essence his enemy. Maybe we are the one's with a disability. Most of reaction would have acted similar to his dad or we would've fought back. Sam loved the girl enough to perceive her pain. God has giving Sam an ability that most of us struggle to achieve on a daily basis.

Have you ever wondered if any of God's promises are conditional? I learned something in the discipleship class. Take this one for example from John 13:35 "By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you love one another." Did you catch the condition? All men will only know you are disciples of Christ...IF...you love one another! It is conditional...but also a guarantee. Hmmm...have you ever noticed that? Are we loving our neighbor the right way? Do they know we are a Christian? OR...Are we living ignoring how we act and looking at life through our own lens instead of through the lens of Christ? Another good question....who is our neighbor then? Ever wondered that? Well so did the Jews of old...they even asked Jesus about it! Do some reading....look up Luke 10:25-39...the parable of the good Samaritan. Jesus tells us who our neighbors are....anyone with a need...even if they are our enemy. Sam figured this out...and he is only 12. Look for my thoughts on this parable soon. I have some interested things to say about it...which I learned from Sam's dad.

Choosing a new house is hard

So for a while now I have been trying the impossible task of trying to find a new house...well no impossible...I am just picky. Holly and I have canvased the area of H-town in search of a new digs. Two house keep comng back in my mind...both are really good deals. One is newer and one is a little older. Newer meaning build in the last ten years...older meaning build in the last 30. Similar prices....but the older one is way bigger....and in my opinion has a lot more potential.

Drawbacks to older house: it was over priced...but that has changed somewhat.... no sidewalks in the neighborhood...but it does have curbs... it needs some updating...but they both did... Master bath is kind of small

Pluses... huge basement....and it is partially finished, plenty of room to add rooms, Huge garage..., First floor laundry..., awesome landscaping....with a big back yard deck, cool layout....but kitchen needs help, a backup generator....just a bonus, it comes with a home warranty...kind of nice, mostly just needs cosmetic work. Newer fridge and dishwasher, good neighborhood, the house is 85% brick...it is nice looking, updates=money maker if we moved.

Newer house...Drawbacks... smaller rooms...crampoed upstairs bathroom, Needs a roof, Kitchen needs to be redone....updated, cramped master bathroom, The house needs to updated..., basement is kind of small, wood siding, no real room for a 4th bedroom.

Pluses...finished basement... first floor laundry... huge deck...I mean huge back deck two story...would be kind of cool great neighborhood...newer neighborhood (location is nice) Sidewalks, big garage, resale value with updates would be significant=money maker if we moved.

We have both been picky in this house hunting adventure. I am hoping that God helps us to not be so picky we miss a great opportunity he lies in front of us. I have to keep telling myself it would be our first house together....I mean ya I had a house already...but I didn't make a ton of money off of it....so I don't want to be greedy in my wanting a house. I want to be wise and patient in this process.

Adopt a nun

Adopt A Nun

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/27/story_2741_1.html

I can’t believe I’ve been doing this for free…


Thanks to HMB for this fantastic link-a-roo!

Welcome to version 2.0

So I finally have switched this blog over to blogger beta. I think I like it...but I am not sure. For those of you whom read this on occation....you may have noticed not a lot of posting going on...but you aren't looking in the right place...cuz I have been posting. :o)

Long Time...No Talkie

I have been swamped lately with school, conferences, and other stuff. Thus no posting. I have had some interesting talks this week with people about stepping out in faith. I think God is using me in some realy unusual ways. I am a coach...sort of. He has been talking through me to encourage others not to be afraid, and to "Own It". It has all come about I think because I stepped out in faith and offered up my car back to God...another really long story...check it out here. So now he is using me big time and it feels really good. I am excited to see God move and am expected the impossible. This is kind of a change for me, that is, giving up things for God. I have a tendency to take from God and be really thankful...but now I am giving back and finding wonderful joy.

If you like running...you'll like these

If you like running...you simply must check these out!

Praise you in a Storm

On my way to school today I heard this song by Casting Crowns...and well it about sums up a lot of things.

Praise You In This Storm
I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Pissed off Detroit Tigers Fan!

I have wanted to see the Detroit Tigers play in the World Series since I can't even remember. I have been a Tigers fan since I could walk and talk. There are people out there who have World Series Tickets and don't give a rip about the Tigers. That just doesn't seem right! They are racking people over the coals if they want a set of Tickets just to make some money. I understand the value of these Tickets, but come on.....over $1000 for a pair of tickets to a baseball game. I love baseball and I love my Tigers, but who can really afford tickets at the price!? It really pisses me off! I was lucky enough to go see game four of ALCS at Comerica Park with Holly and it was stinkin' amazing!...but I think that Ty Cobb would be rolling over in his grave at the way people are capitalizing on shear luck of the draw by buying tickets to a Team and Game they must not love!

Update

Mom's surgery went well...she is walking now and can even climb stairs.

Grandma...is dealing with her issues well....seems to be in good spirits.

Surgery

Hey for those of you out there who pray....a couple of requests:

1) My mom went in for hip replacement surgery today...at 9:30A.M.

2) My grandmother has been having heart failure for some time. It is getting a lot worse. So pray that she comes to terms with it and has peace with God.

Ships

We recently started a small group with Chuck and Di...and some other people. We being Holly and I. It was really interesting because there was a wide range of ages in the group and a wide range of "ages" of Christians. Newbies..and Oldies. The topic of discussion was the Armor of God. Interesting topic all by itself, but Chuck took it a little further and made some comparisons. For instance...is the "Church" (that is the believing body of Christ) more like a Battleship or a Cruise ship? Or rather...which is it suppose to be? What are the parts of each ship and what is their purpose? I could go on and on. We really didn't conclude anything, but it got us all thinking.

My question is who is our enemy? Is it the person that we can't stand at work...or school? Is it the rude waitress at the bar? Is it the guy who takes your parking spot at the grocery store? OR....is it someone else. The Bible makes it pretty clear. Satan is God's enemy and since we are his bride...then he is our enemy too! Peter warns us to be prepared. Keep your eyes focused on God and walk with him and you will resist/rebuke Satan. Satan only has power if you give it to him. If you give him and inch...he will find a way to make that inch a mile.

So then how do we combat the enemy in our own lives...and help others to see that he is the enemy? It is no wonder to me that the Bible refers to the Armor of God as Armor. We do need it. I don't think we need to go looking for fights to do battle...most times the battles find us as Christians. But we must always be prepared. The ultimate fight is the Lords...but we must protect ourselves by staying sheltered in his shadow. But how do we do that? Some simple things...read your Bible and become familiar with the Word of God. Pray and have time with God. Take time to worship God and praise him. I mean everyday! Not just holidays and Sundays...but everyday. That is how we stay sharp as a Christain...that is how we resist the Devil and then by doing so God will shine so brightly through us that Satan can't touch us. If God is with us....who really can be against us....and win?!

An early Birthday Present

I turn 28 on Saturday. I would like to ask for an early birthday present from all who read this blog...buy me an easy Pick MEGA Millions ticket for tomarrow 9/15/06. The jackpot is $163 Million. Seriously....hook me up...I will share the wealth if I win...they are only a $1. :op

Well...even if I don't win the lotto...I still plan on having a good day for my birthday.

The Story....

So let's back up to 1994....

I am riding a bus on my way to a wrestling meet (I am a freshman) and there comes along the cute (senior) wrestling manager and she asks if she can sit with me...my reaction...heck ya!

She is older, but I keep my cool....and then the radio plays one of the best songs ever.... "John Deere Green", by Joe Diffie. I, of course, sing the song to said girl and she thinks I am oh so sweet and cute...hmmm. But her reply is "oh...you'll grow out of country music someday..."

Speed ahead to 2005. Said girl and I go to a concert..."What concert was it professor?!!" Well kids..."It was a Joe Diffie concert!"

That's right...Joe Diffie almost 12 years later... and I will be danged if that song wasn't played again and of course I had to sing it to her again..and by the way...I was wearing the same cowboy boots I was wearing in 1994. Hmmm...oh so interesting.


This bring us to the story at hand...

Holly and I have been dating on a off for the past almost 4 years. Our history obviously goes back even further. Well, after dating someone that long...and patiently waiting for God's lead...I decided it was time to ask her "THE QUESTION" for real (not pretend...like I had so many other times)...but how to do it? For almost a month I had to plan it all out as I waited for the ring to be made. I struck a deal and helped design a webpage for Wheat Jewelers in exchange for some custom ring making(....that's a whole other story). As I waited for my creating to come to life...I had plenty of time to come up with the perfect plan. What more fitting, but to build our favorite song and make it come to life. I decided to design and build( over the next two months) a 7 foot mini-water tower...but why the water tower?

(You see, in the song "John Deere Green" Billy-bob loves Charlene so much he climbs on the towns water tower and paints a ten foot heart and writes Billy-bob Loves Charlene in John Deere Green paint. The whole town thought he was nuts for using that color, but it was the thought that counted for Charlene. )

So I plan it all out...her family built and owned the Lainsburg Golf course...she even helped put in the second 9 holes....so I figured that would be the perfect place....on Labor Day...but how to get her there. So her dad and I came up with a plan...I "needed" golf clubs and her dad still works there so we could go see him and barrow his...right?...

Holly decides to go see her friend Kate in Traverse City...for the weekend...and won't be home till Monday...but she surprises me by showing up Sunday...which I think sets up the stage perfectly for Monday...I have her dad call her and make the arrangements to get her to the course with me....but she is too smart for the "trap"...but goes along anyways...and it is all I can do to keep my cool and not give it away too bad. So the next morning I get all the arrangements done...Pete and Jenny set up the tower at the golf course and I pick up the Bride to Be...hopefully...

As I pull in I notice how upset she is...she goes on for the next 40 minute car ride explaining a terrible nightmare revolving around not being ready to be married and an ugly ring that I gave her in the dream that looked like it was wrapped in tin foil or something...and inside I start freaking out! I keep thinking in my head...oh crap...abort mission...abort mission...but God keeps me cool. I calmly listen and trust God. To compound matters more...it was the same day Steve Irwin died...the croc hunter....which also made us both upset. As we get Laingsburg, I decide to give her an out..."we can get the clubs another time...let's go home..." To my surprise...she says.."No let's just go see what my dad wants." Keeping my cool worked! God rocks! I couldn't believe it. I was so nervous I could feel myself sweating as we pulled into the golf course parking lot and down toward the work shed where we might find her dad. We get out and look around....no Chuck B. Which is exactly according to plan...but not according to plan was Frankie...a kid that Chuck B had as an accomplice.

Holly to Frankie: "Have you seen my dad? Chuck Beavers?"
Frankie: "He is over working on number 18...over that hill!"

I coudn't believe it...as I turned and walked toward 18 I could see my creation (a seven foot wooden based white water tower with the big green letters and heart JOEY LOVES HOLLY)...but Holly doesn't see it. This kind of releives me...so I start walking across the fairway, but Holly calls me back...we can't just walk across the fairway....we need to walk along the tree line and over the hill. So I turn and head back up the hill...and as I walked toward her...she sees it behind me!

PAUSE STORY...I can't explain to you just how cute and shocked her grin was....as she exclaimed..."what's that?!!"...and my calm response..."what's what?" She was smiling ear to ear and she didn't know what to do...it was so awesome!

RESUME STORY...

"What's what?"...

"That!!" Pointing toward the water tower...over my shoulder.

My response..."I don't know...maybe we should go see. I think it's ok...let's walk over there across the green."

I take her hand and we walk hand in hand across the fresh cut grass toward the rose lined path that led to the tower...as we get closer I reached in my pocket and pressed play on the hidden remote control I had been carrying...and you guessed it..."John Deere Green" comes on over tiny speakers I had mounted on the tower. She was so shocked...and was grinning...and kind of crying...not knowing what exactly to say or do.

"What's going on? What is this?"..she asked

...I took her hand and looked into her eyes and and got down on my knee..."Holly...I know I love you and I want to be your husband... would you marry me...I promise the ring isn't made of tin foil...and I opened the box...slipped the ring on her finger and she said....."ok" ;oP It was so cool. We even got a congrats from people who teed off on the hole about 5 minutes later. She was so surprise...at the way I asked. We spent the rest of the day visiting friends and family...and even a friend in jail...but that is another story.

God Rocks...and now I get the marry the most smartest, wonderful, beautiful girl in the world...

Holly Marie...I love you!

So yes it is true...I am going to be marrying St. Holly Fantastic!...a bonified super hero! ;o)

Big Changes keep a' comin'!

Ok...I am going to let the you guys guess what the change is...some of you already know...some of you don't. I don't wanna give it away...so you hafta guess.

**hint** It is really awesome!!!! And it revolves around a modern day "super"hero ;o)

A sad day...

I will miss the Croc Hunter...he was one of my favorite TV personas...and a fellow educator. His shows always made me smile and I know that it won't be same without him showing us the awesomeness of God's wonderful creatures. The students at school are all talking about the accident with Steve like he's not really dead. it is kind of strange that so many of my students have grown up with the Croc Hunter as one of their heros and now he is gone.

We will miss you Steve. We will miss you.

Big Change #2

To recap...the first big change in my life was selling my house in Mason. I should be closing on it here in a week or so. That was my first big life change.

Second big life change:

I would like to announce that I no longer teach at Mason. I resigned from my position....


However...I did get a new job. Actually two of them. I am now a part time professor at Alma College teaching Art Education, and I got a new teaching job at Holt! Go Holt Rams! That's right I am teaching in the district I graduated from. I am totally excited and can't wait. I actually have to be back next week...so much for summer.