RE: December!!

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chemdude77 -> RE: December!! (12/24/2005 8:26:57 PM)
[sm=icon_smile_santa.gif][sm=icon_smile_santa.gif][sm=icon_smile_santa.gif][sm=icon_smile_santa.gif][sm=icon_smile_santa.gif][sm=icon_smile_santa.gif][sm=icon_smile_santa.gif][sm=icon_smile_santa.gif][sm=icon_smile_santa.gif][sm=icon_smile_santa.gif] Merry Christmoose!!!!!!!! Thank God for the moments with family and friends. Immanuel, God with us, in the flesh, fully God and fully man, living for us, fulfilling the Law, foretold by the Prophets, suffering for us, dying for His people, resurrected on the Third Day, reigning as KING OF KING and LORD OF LORDS!!![:D]

chemdude77 -> RE: December!! (12/30/2005 3:26:54 PM)
As the storms roll in, I am hearing a song from a normally hardcore band. Normally, Linkin Park is hard-edged and angry. But this song is very melancholy and reflective: December, featuring vocalist Kelli Ali: This is my December, This is my time of the year This is my December, This is all so clear This is my December, This is my snow covered home This is my December, This is me alone And I, Just wish that I didn't feel Like there was Something I missed Before I get any more blue, I need to go work out! [;)]

chemdude77 -> A New Year (1/7/2006 3:34:23 PM)
The rain has stopped, and the sun is trying to peek out of the clouds. Our pastor is going to leave in 6 weeks, as he feels he has taken the church as far as he can. After ~ 4.5 years, he will get to be closer to his family and will have an opportunity to carry out a new vision for a new church. IMO, elders should serve a maximum of two years in their position. We have elders who have been in their position for more than 8 years. Is it a great idea? Or is there a certain amount of politics that affects the growth?

chemdude77 -> RE: A New Year (1/9/2006 1:53:46 AM)
News on Fernanda (Happy 11th Birthday!!)-- quote: Today is Fernanda's 11th birthday! We are planning on celebrating with a small family gathering at Chuckie Cheese. Saturday we had an outing with some friends to see the movie Cheaper by the Dozen 2 then headed home for some cake. By the end of the party on Saturday Fernanda was tired though so loved the special time with her friends and family. The last few weeks our schedule has been a little more low key with most of her therapists on vacation. There have been a few visits from her Occupational Therapists and Speech Therapists. We have kept up with a lighter version of her occupational therapy. Her speech therapy is going well, her family continues to try foods with her daily. Christmas Eve we had In and Out Burger, Fernanda had her own pureed burger. She loved it! We have also served her pureed coffee ice cream, rice & chicken, cinnamon roll, birthday cake and bananas to name a few. Slowly her swallow is getting stronger and quicker! Next week the communication specialist will be coming for her third and final evaluation, she was scheduled to come right before Christmas though she fell ill. We will also be seeing the Northern California Diagnostic Center evaluator next week for her third and final assessment. They are working on the pulling together an educational plan and curriculum proposal for MPUSD. Late this month or in mid February we will be heading to Oakland to see her neurosurgeon to discuss the surgery for the baclofen pump. I am waiting to hear back from her Orthopedic Surgeon on his conversation with the Neurosurgeon about doing both the baclofen and scoliosis surgeries together. Zorra has been coming by for her weekly visits, she made a special extended visit on Christmas Day! Zorra loves to cuddle up with Fernanda and take a nap whether it is in bed or on her lap. After my last update the entire Hernandez family came down with a cold, including Fernanda. Thankfully we recovered from the worst of it before Christmas and New Years! Christmas Day Fernanda spent at home with her immediate family in the morning, late in the afternoon she headed up to Portola Valley for the traditional Christmas Dinner at Uncle Bill and Aunt Jo's. It was raining quite heavily when we arrived though Uncle Bill and Jake managed to bring in without Fernanda being too rattled. Once we took Dad's rain hat and the rain slicker off her she was very happy and smiling plentiful during the evening outing. Elena is enjoying pushing around Fernanda in the wheelchair. She is preparing to walk and finds the chair to be a handy walker. Fernanda is laughing while being taken for a ride. Jacob and Debbie took Fernanda out for some post Christmas shopping at Target, she enjoyed shopping and spending some Christmas money on two new CDs. The day before New Years Fernanda headed to Grandpa and Grammie's for dinner with her Uncle John and his fiancée Kathi. Congratulations Uncle John!!! We had a great evening at the Ranch. The last time she was at her grandparents home was in August. Several visitors stopped by to see Fernanda during the holidays, thank you so much for your visits and gifts to Fernanda and our family. The dinners a few families brought us were so helpful and delicious! Fernanda, as did her family enjoyed all the time and special gifts. It is so thoughtful of you to continue to up hold us in prayer, support us with your god given talents and share your financial resources with us. The wish list has been updated this month, the food scale has been purchased, now we need to work on using it to help feed Fernanda through the g-tube with more nutritious foods vs the sugar loaded canned food. We are also grateful for the donor who purchased Fernanda's exercise machine to stimulate more blood flow through her legs and arms. It should arrive in the next few days. http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 Our prayers continue for Fernanda to advance in abilities to communicate to us, relaxing her mouth to enable her to chew foods and receive her nutrition orally. Pray for us in our decision making process in the upcoming surgery(s) for the scoliosis and bacolofen pump. An answer to prayer was how cheerful Fernanda was Christmas Day. Over the last year she has typically been sad and depressed. Pray for Fernanda's whole and complete recovery. Continue to pray for all our needs both emotional, physical and material to be met. Please pray for Fernanda participate in her therapy with her own volitional movements. Pray for our therapists and teachers that work with her on a routine basis.

chemdude77 -> RE: A New Year (1/16/2006 7:59:13 PM)
I finally have a manager that is straightforward in her expectations. Be on time, always keep the customer in the loop, call her back when she leaves a voice message, communicate, communicate, communicate!! This job may be worth keeping! I have 10 semester units this year. The lone real estate course I wanted was cancelled. [&o] -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our pastor discussed the words of our Lord, challenging our preconceived notions about missions and evangelism. We live in a postmodern society, and a society where a majority of Americans consider the church to be irrelevant. What percentage of our neighborhood is unchurched? We talk about the "mission field" (and singles are told in a reflexive manner that they are single because God is "calling" them to overseas missions). This underlying assumption is poisonous to the growth of the church. IMO, it is easier to put on the facade of a "Superchristian" in front of people 5000 miles from home [;)] What about my co-workers, family members, friends, the waitress that is tipped poorly by the afterchurchies, the clerk at the store, the visitor who does not resemble Brad Pitt or Salma Hayek? But I digress: Mt 5:11-16: "Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. As I go back to my Oracle database stuff, I leave this Rudyard Kipling poem: quote: If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don't deal in lies, Or being hated, don't give way to hating, And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise: If you can dream -- and not make dreams your master; If you can think -- and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two imposters just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools; If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!" If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with kings -- nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -- Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And -- which is more -- you'll be a Man, my son!

chemdude77 -> RE: A New Year (1/22/2006 7:22:26 PM)
Took the dog out for a walk, with clear blue skies and a cool brisk breeze. She is a bit on the timid side around other dogs (even teacup poodles, go figure [sm=sadquestion.gif] ). I am still working on my Oracle database homework--due tomorrow. Of course, I can only wonder how much longer I can work in the IT Sector as salaries fall. How long will the outsourcing boom continue for India, even as Oracle has invested $2 billion .

chemdude77 -> RE: A New Year (1/28/2006 4:09:00 PM)
A recent thread explores the issues of freeloaders and gold-diggers. Now I know that no one here has a resume that decribes their long-term objective as a "Future Lottery Winner"[;)]. I am sure no one will be offended, hehehe.... While some men worry about women marrying them for their assets, I am seriously peeved about another type of predator in the church. They are confidence artists dressed up like Christians, and they prey on believers. One loser asked to borrow money from a lady he had known for two week!!! One young lady lost a portion of her inheritance to a scammer; another family was taken in by an MLM scheme; another young lady watched over the years as her BF continually "borrowed" thousands of $$$ [sm=fireanger.gif][sm=fireanger.gif][sm=fireanger.gif][sm=fireanger.gif][sm=fireanger.gif] I Timothy 6:10 warns us all: ...the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. And Psalm 37:21 sums up the point...The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth. Church hopping con men, those who live by their own code of "ethics", those who hate authority, those who see Christianity as a means to a financial empire, are to be avoided. Lazy men who refuse to work (because they want to live as professional students or tennis bums while the wife works) need a stern warning from the pulpit. If the pastor or the elders are involved in unethical or foolish schemes, get out!! Remember, God has enough millstones for those who cause others to stumble with their sin and deceit. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In a parched land, there is nothing worse than dark clouds and wind without rain. Are we seeing too many get-rich tomorrow, lose 20lb in a week and work from home scams advertised on "conservative" websites and conservative talk radio (including a "christian talk station"???? Tripe like this: getting wealth is easy, transform debt into wealth, real estate riches are simple-- work from home, choose your own hours, 'cause we have the untold secrets of Soros and Buffett. Three drops of this fat burner before sleep, and you don't need to exercise!! woooohoooo. My father built a home-based business, and it took years before he could travel around the world, buy a Lexus and a million-dollar home in Southern Cal. He is a great provider. Check with your attorney general or the SEC before you give out your CC [:)] -------------------------------------------------------------- Years ago, a relative met a guy at a New Year's party, and by the following December she had a child. The father worked for a brokerage, was an athletic Vermontian bum, and told everyone he was not obsessed with making money. He thought $30k/yr was enough 'cause he wanted to spend time playing guitar and tennis. He hated the "greedy corporate types", even though he brought a child into the world and the mom needed his support. This is laziness, irresponsibilty and downright foolishness. My relative dumped the loser two years ago and is now engaged to a responsible and thoughtful man. Thankfully she did not abort, even as an avid political liberal and new ager. But this transition is not good for the young boy.

chemdude77 -> February 06 (2/2/2006 1:39:04 AM)
In our high school days, someone exhorted us to guard our our reputation, through good times and bad! I wonder about that statement. After all, slander and libel are so effective in destroying lives and wiping out a lifetime of work. The term "undeserved reputation" reminds us of prejudice and envy. Living a life above reproach, as salt and light, in a decaying world, is my desire. And I reminded of how I fall short too often. Reputations can be unearned. After all, depending on who you talked to, Paul was either a apostle and a faithful prophet of God, who had a life changing encounter with the risen Christ. Among those who did not accept Jesus Christ as God, Paul was considered a madman, a gutter sparrow, a threat to Rome, a blasphemer, a liar, inferior to the self-proclaimed super-apostles of Corinth!! The early Christians were accused of arson, cannibalistic rituals in connection with the Lord's Supper, perversion, disloyalty to the state, and other scandals. And historians were thrilled at the prospect of torture and public incineration of this "depraved, mischievous sect"! Mischievous? Adopting unwanted children, caring for the sick (even the contagious patients), feeding society's outcasts, caring for widows, living among crowded immigrant communities in the Empire. Even centuries after the Resurrection, Roman historians reviled and maligned the Christians, despite their good works. Should we expect kudos and trophies for our acts of mercy and love? Sometimes we do receive commendation. We should not be shocked when we experience hatred, ridicule and opposition. Not all men love the light. And the exclusive claims of a 1st century Galilean are so insensitive to a multicultural nation--why, they could be classified as hate speech. Rome did not object to Jesus Christ as A god in the pantheon. But the exclusive claims of Christ as reigning God and King over all were considered narrow and exclusionary. But we are called to be non-conformist...

chemdude77 -> Moving Onward (2/9/2006 12:54:25 AM)
Great, I get Feb 14th off of work! My sister-in-law finally got the Medicare problems dealt with. A good thing, an answered prayer. A new wheelchair, properly fitted, will cost $20K+ For those with advanced paralysis, it means the ability to breath, the proper flow of blood to the extremities, and a life free of misery.

chemdude77 -> Update on Fernanda! (2/11/2006 1:24:01 AM)
quote: The surgery yesterday went great, just as planned. Fernanda spent one night in the Ped Intensive Care Unit and was discharged today at 10 am. She was home and in her bed at 12:30 pm. Her throat is bothering her a little bit from the tube they had to put down her throat for breathing. Obviously she is tired other than that all is going well thanks to God's grace. Thank you for the prayers! Monday we go to see her Physical Medicine and Rehab doctor, he will be reviewing the output of the pump and discussing with us a plan to decrease her oral meds and increase the pump output. Ultimately the goals is to eliminate all oral meds! This procedure is important in treating severe spasticity, and some doctors say it comes without the nasty side effects (Baclofen is pretty potent; and our dog got ahold of one pill and we almost lost her!!) According to Medtronic: Medtronic ITB Therapy (Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy) delivers a liquid form of baclofen, Lioresal® Intrathecal (baclofen injection), directly into the intrathecal space where fluid flows around the spinal cord. ITB Therapy may relieve severe spasticity with small amounts of Lioresal Intrathecal delivered via a programmable pump that is surgically placed and connected to a catheter in the body. Because the drug is delivered directly to where it is needed in the spinal fluid, it does not circulate throughout the body in the blood. This may help minimize potential side effects that often accompany oral baclofen.

chemdude77 -> RE: Feb 06 (2/23/2006 2:10:46 AM)
My sister is in our area for a few months; she gets to revive a steakhouse within 3 months (or else they close down). I want her to get started in martial arts and self-defense. One of our goals is to get more ladies into the academy--after all, this is a self-defense school. Ladies feel comfortable when they can learn with other ladies.

chemdude77 -> I hate tests--and other rambles (2/23/2006 2:05:14 PM)
Admit it! Tests are not fun, tests sometimes involve pain and trauma and they are nerve-wracking! But God tests us, whether we like it or not! [;)] I just had a midterm exam, so I am thinking about this topic. Bear with me! It is a common myth that we should never pray for patience, because God will send trials and afflictions! Time to break that old myth: You and I are adopted by the Father! God is going to send afflictions, trials and difficulties to His children, whether or not we pray for patience. Our Lord endured scorn, pain and sorrows; we are partakers in His sufferings and His glory. God is not a capricious, hot-tempered deity with a sadistic bent--unlike the pagan deities of Rome, Greece or even the South Asian civilizations! He does not sit in a separate room with his finger on a zapper. He does not wake up in a bad mood. He never slumbers or sleeps. He is God. He is not taken by surprise or caught offguard. He does as He pleases. And our God is pleased to dwell with us as our Father; it does not always feel like He is with us. Hebrews 12:4 through 12:14 exhorts us (like the Jewish believers who lost their livelihood and possessions for their faith in Y'shua as Messiah and King): Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye **s, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us], and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. We are now going through sparring drills. We use rubber knives, and we get bruises and welts. I get beat by better guys. This is part of training and instruction. We may face a paroled felon, a drug-crazed hood, an inebriated lout, a raging driver--or none of the above. I hope it is none of the above, but this is a dangerous world. My nephew must learn how to fight with a backpack and heavy boots, as he is going into Army Ranger training. We may face life and death struggles (physical, spiritual)--we must embrace the training and the discipline. There is a purpose and a reason. I know I will face even more difficulties in my journey. Only God knows what will happen, and He does not give out details. Trite cliches and niceties don't cut it, do they? Especially from the pampered prophets of prozac and prosperity. An 11 year old girl at our church is disabled after a massive embolism, and she requires full-time care. She cannot talk or eat solid food. She was an avid soccer player, an energetic and witty child, loved by her classmates. When one of our family hurts, we all weep and we feel the pain. It might be easier to close the windows on our SUVs and put on a SpongeBob DVD. Is the day ruined because someone spilled soymilk fair-trade dolphin free morroccachino mocha on the seat???? Is that what God redeemed us into? Are we designed to be smileyfaced, 24x7x365??? [&:][&:][&:][&:][&:][&:][&:][&:] We are not meant to live with a frown. But what does joy mean? Do we walk around with a permanent, impersonal smile? Do you think unbelievers and skeptics are impressed or duped by the facade? "Don't worry, be happy...doo doo doo doo doo"** Our society wants to drown itself in the diversions of televised poker, gay/lesbian movie themes, online porn, sports, reality shows, adult cartoon channels and Hollywood gossip. We cannot ignore history, we cannot ignore suffering and pain. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Most of my life, there was an obsession over the militaristic Soviet empire; would we get nuked, would they hire merceneries from Cuba to invade from the south, would they skate over the northern border and high-stick their way into Minnesota? And our little pentecostal sect was waiting for this Russian invasion of Israel, that would trigger this "rapture" and the rise of an Eastern European antichrist guy with charisma, wealth, hairplugs, a Rolex, a BMW, eastern European supermodels, a vegetarian non-smoking lifestyle, a religious veneer, a dream of ecumenism and a new peace plan. Yeah, we sure had great foresight, didn't we? Our biblical hermeneutics were spot on--NOT! Like predicting a Super Bowl appearance by the Houston Texans and the San Francisco 49ers. And Tim Rattay, the league MVP. [sm=icon_smile_dead.gif][sm=icon_smile_dead.gif][sm=icon_smile_dead.gif][sm=icon_smile_dead.gif][sm=icon_smile_dead.gif][sm=icon_smile_dead.gif][sm=icon_smile_dead.gif][sm=icon_smile_dead.gif][sm=icon_smile_dead.gif][sm=icon_smile_dead.gif] My predictions of the future are worth less than a coupon for Cheetos; you have been warned! I have spent some time over the year studying Eastern history (300 AD - 800 AD), a time period that our "bible college" avoided. From a small tribe in the deserts of Arabia to a massive empire. Muslims oppressed Spain (al-Andalus), and even marched to the walls of Vienna many centuries ago. From Western China to Malaysia to Southern Europe to Africa, Islamic regimes ruled. People tend to forget the Muslim slave trade iof black Africans, as well as the piracy acts of North African pashas . From Venice to the British Isles, Muslim pirates abducted hundreds of thousands of coastal inhabitants and sold them into the horrible slave trade (many slaves, white and black, died from neglect and abuse). And now, Muslim aggression is on the rise, well funded and well stocked with willing soldiers. And slavery is still a problem in North Africa and the Sudan. The West is weaker and less willing to make the tough decisions. The guys in the suits think it is better to be tolerant and sensitive than vigilent and realistic. How many years before a few European cities have a Muslim majority? The Sudanese Islamic regime has killed over 1 million civilians (from among Christian tribes in the south). Thousands have perished in Indonesia (over 200 million Muslims), churches are burning and young girls are being assaulted. Parts of Nigeria are under Sharia law, and Christians are second-class citizens. Iraq is on the brink of civil war between Shiites and Sunni (IEDs and homicide bombers kill Muslims as well as Christians). Palestine is run by a terrorist organization, and Christians face hatred and persecution in Gaza. Rome was overrun by strong, aggressive armies. The Church did not die (things got pretty dark and superstitious for a few centuries). But there could be alot of radical changes over the next few years. Our way of life may change, and I am not sure when the bubble will pop. Massive trade deficits, outsourcing, rising interest rates, Islamic terrorism, increased illegal immigration, and the massive debt (owned by other nations) might have a profound effect. Should I speculate? Or I may continue to predict a Stanley Cup for the San Jose Sharks in 2006!!!! [sm=hammerhead.gif]

chemdude77 -> Changes ahead (2/26/2006 6:25:01 PM)
Our pastor preached his last sermon at our church, and he will lead a different church on March 1st, far away from us. He has taken the congregation so far, but is unable to take us beyond a sticking point. I am thankful he is moving to a better pulpit and a better congregation. His family is in another part of the country, so he gets to be close to them. His earlier years were quite interesting. He has seen too many churches divided by Theonomy, Dominion Theology and Reconstructionism. The shadows of the Taliban... He has seen too many churches with racist tendencies (he was in Mississippi for his early ministry). He has seen churches that treated visitors like State Troopers at a meth lab (slight exaggeration here [;)] ) He has experienced exclusivist homeschooling groups that demand a uniform curriculum and adherence to a particular author/speaker/expert. BTW, we know homeschooling parents that are excluded from certain groups for their rejection of Dominion separatism and Reconstructionist ideas. He has seen families pull their kids out of church to follow Bill Gothard and prevent other elders from teaching them. The governing board sided with the Gothardites and reprimanded him instead [:'(][:'(][:'(] Thankfully, none of these issues are in our church. Unlike his prior church, no one tried to get him thrown out for owning Disney videos or not putting head covering and ankle-length dresses on his daughter!! I have an allergy to legalism and unbiblical regulations... ---------------------------------------------------- Every weekly church announcement has Womens' activities, midday Ladies Tea, Women's retreats, Mid-Day Bible studies for the ladies, or "Girls Night Out". No Men's Group activities, and if your kid is not in a homeschool group, there is nothing there! On Halloween, what do we have? These are things that have been brought to the attention of the pastor and some elders. An elder told us that kids should not be running around outside the church, as he thinks it is a terrible testimony. At noon?? I can hear TVs and radios blaring through the neighborhood! Of course, there was no Biblical support for his declaration! Yep, kids playing outside and running around, laughing. No foul language, no fighting, no spray paint, no AK-47s, no rap music, no rocks, no bottles, no kegs of malt liquor, no litter, just children playing and laughing! We have pastors that are great academicians and scholars. Superb intellects, great teaching, but they often go straight to their office after the service to spend time reading and studying. Yes, Mr Seminary Graduate. GO directly to the Bookshelf: DO NOT PASS GO, DO NOT COLLECT $200, and do not spend time greeting members and visitors at the door. Handshakes are notorious for spreading germs and cooties!! [8\|] We have great church for elderly ladies and married women. We have a Missions committee (all women). We have great Bible studies for the women. We have great Marriage and Family counseling seminars. We have great retreats for folks that want to do absolutely nothing on a sunny afternoon, without activities like hiking or checking out the rest of God's country. According to II Crosswalk 3:21, "Thou shalt nap after thy hike, and not before thy hike!". Yuk yuk. just kidding...[8D][8D] Pssst: How about having more self-defense courses for the ladies? Like we had one time last year?? Alot of women in the neighborhood and some acquaintances from school, work and the supermarket could come over. Have another lady teach this, maybe once a month? This could reach ladies from all walks of life, different ethnic groups, different age groups, etc -------------------------------------------------------------------- It is interesting to hear the grumbling of longtime members. When another church is established within a few miles, they complain. "Why do they always set up congregations near our churches"? For a denomination that talks alot about the sovereignty of God, it is kinda silly! Why would another church of the same denom be such a threat? -------------------------------------- When it comes to kids playing outside the church in safety and in peace, I say Hallelujah!! I lived in an urban area, with graffiti, busted prophylactics and broken glass. Between Fords and Sevilles travelling at 70 MPH in school zones, racism, bullets on July 4th and New Years, domestic violence, drug deals at 2 AM, sexual predators and gang members, kids lived in fear. I And to the elder that hates the sound of children playing and laughing: Get a clue, old man! [>:]

chemdude77 -> RE: Changes ahead (3/7/2006 12:00:03 AM)
It is good to have people who can properly manage people. People who can interface with the customers, defusing possible discord and tension. Thankfully, we now have someone to help out. Someone who admits to being non-technical, people-oriented. Often more valuable than a super-geek...

chemdude77 -> RE: Changes ahead (3/11/2006 8:39:08 PM)
We have had hail, snow, lightening and cold wind over the last week. I do like electrical storms, yes, it is true. We lived in Denver, and we had those black skies on a regular summer day. We had to go indoors to watch, as the hail and the dangerous cloud to ground lightening was a bit of a concern. I am planning to do another CW get-together. We may have one on the left coast; it has been ~2 years since the last one in TN.

chemdude77 -> RE: Changes ahead (3/12/2006 9:15:50 PM)
The level of discourse has descended dramatically over the years. Political differences could be discussed at a pub or a coffee, and the language was civil and coherent. Now we have a number of obscene words that are part of daily, mundane conversation. And the degree of vilification is a bit more sinister when opposing political viewpoints collide. A thread on CW discusses the issues of cursing and profanity. More than a few responses range from the "words are not evil" type to the "3rd commandment only applies to the use of the name of YWH" to the "what if Jesus were sitting across from you" responses. When it comes to abusive language: What if the name of Allah, Mohommed, Krishna or Confucius was used in expletives? What if we used the name of our supervisor, co-worker or mother during an moment of anger? What if we used the name of our professor when we hit our ankle on the desk? What if a college student used the name of Dr Martin Luther King Jr or Malcom X in a fit of irritation when he spilled espresso on his notebook? At best, we might get a reprimand. At worst, depending on the campus, we could get severely beaten!! It is highly unlikely that we would get an understanding ear or a pass for that outburst. Keep in mind that God is with us, at work, at the table, as we travel. He will NEVER leave us or forsake us. False prophets claim to speak on God's behalf. Consider the things done in the name of God. The confession of the Presbyterian Church, the Westminster Larger Catechism, discusses the Third Commandment. Q. 112. What is required in the third commandment? A. The third commandment requires, That the name of God, his titles, attributes, ordinances, the Word, sacraments, prayer, oaths, vows, lots, his works, and whatsoever else there is whereby he makes himself known, be holily and reverently used in thought, meditation, word, and writing; by an holy profession, and answerable conversation, to the glory of God, and the good of ourselves, and others. Q. 113. What are the sins forbidden in the third commandment? A. The sins forbidden in the third commandment are, the not using of God’s name as is required; and the abuse of it in an ignorant, vain, irreverent, profane, superstitious or wicked mentioning or otherwise using his titles, attributes, ordinances, or works, by blasphemy, perjury; all sinful cursings, oaths, vows, and lots; violating of our oaths and vows, if lawful and fulfilling them, if of things unlawful; murmuring and quarrelling at, curious prying into, and misapplying of God’s decrees and providences; misinterpreting, misapplying, or any way perverting the Word, or any part of it; to profane jests, curious or unprofitable questions, vain janglings, or the maintaining of false doctrines; abusing it, the creatures, or anything contained under the name of God, to charms or sinful lusts and practices; the maligning, scorning, reviling, or any wise opposing of God’s truth, grace, and ways; making profession of religion in hypocrisy, or for sinister ends; being ashamed of it, or a shame to it, by unconformable, unwise, unfruitful, and offensive walking, or backsliding from it.

chemdude77 -> RE: Changes ahead (3/19/2006 6:20:18 PM)
The sermon this morning dealt with things old and new. We know that man often supplants and modifies the "old" truth with his own traditions. This is where we get all FOOBAR'ed (fouled up beyond all recognition.) [8D] There is no basis in God's Word for calling someone "Reverend" or "his holiness". We are to show reverence to God alone. He is holy!! We are to show honor where honor is due for those in leadership and teaching in the church, but remember, in Christ, we are brothers and sisters. I get pretty queasy around the pastor that sees himself as the "CEO" instead of a shepherd. Christ told His disciples not to call anyone rabbi or Teacher--this was shocking to those that revelled in their titles and their positions of authority! And we find that the religious leaders of the day would follow ceremonial laws in a meticulous fashion: Matthew 15:1-15 provides an account of unbiblical traditions that were given priority over God's commandments, even if it meant neglecting one's family [:@]. Matthew 23:1-12: Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, [that] observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay [them] on men's shoulders; but they [themselves] will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, [even] Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no [man] your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, [even] Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. Our Lord humbled Himself, as the perfect Servant, and He gave His life for us. He is our Lord and our High Priest. In Colossians 1:16-17: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

chemdude77 -> RE: Changes ahead (3/28/2006 10:53:34 PM)
After a weekend of work, I am still fatigued. I did not have an opportunity to study for my final exam on Thursday. It is good to have a job. Sometimes, I wonder if the job has me?[&:][&:] As far as my church goes, it is great to be there for 75' on Sunday morning. Not alot of community, except for the ladies. They have Girlfriends' Night Out, Womens' Prebyterial, Ladies Teas, Womens' Lunch Bunch, Womens' Night Out, Womens' Book study, Women's retreats, Kid's snow trips. And no pastor [sm=icon_smile_sleepy.gif] But they wonder why attendance at evening service is dismal!

chemdude77 -> April (4/7/2006 1:04:53 PM)
Circuit training has stepped up, and I passed my Final exam!! And Lord willing, I have some side projects that can make extra $$$. Lighter weights, more reps, 5 sets. Always erases the stress and depression [:)]

chemdude77 -> RE: April (4/13/2006 1:16:37 AM)
My sister-in-law is undergoing an alternative antibiotic regimen. There are some strains of Staph that are resistant to many of the antibiotics. Not all antibiotics are effective inhibitors of IL-1. The MS is progressing, and the repeated seizures destroy months of her memory. IL-1 inhibition and the possible role of IL-10 in alleviating certain auto-immune diseases is of interest to my family. This could have ramifications for those suffering with psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, as well as multiple sclerosis.

chemdude77 -> RE: April (4/16/2006 12:32:04 AM)
He is Risen indeed!! I should be proclaiming this every morning. The hope of resurrection is central to our faith. Not the hope of becoming disembodied spirit beings in the hereafter. We will be raised incorruptible. Yes, free of death, weeping, pain, aging, decay, fatigue, disease, parasites, paralysis. We often reflect on our Lord's suffering during this season. We reflect on His death, and celebrate the Resurrection. We are reminded of the Passover, and the perfect Lamb of God. Hopefully, we reflect on Christ's work every day!! He fulfilled the Law perfectly. He is now our High Priest. All authority in heaven and earth belongs to God the Son. Daily, we must recount His incredible mercy and love. This is how Israel celebrated; regularly recounting the works of the Lord. -------------------------------------------------------------- As our instructor once warned: "Do not mistake gentleness with weakness. " Humans can equate mercy with weakness. The idea of a servant king was repugnant and offensive to some of the first century Judeans. Messiahs were military men of reknown; besides, the King of Israel would not tolerate the Roman legions in Judea (not to mention the taxation imposed by Caesar!) Any misconceptions of weakness should be dispelled at the calming of the waves, the power to raise the dead, and - the EMPTY TOMB!

chemdude77 -> RE: April (4/17/2006 12:34:02 PM)
My pre-Easter workout consisted of 3 sets of dips, three incline presses, three sets of rowing, one set of calf raises, two sets of crunches, 20' on the elliptical, and stretching. I can slack just a little on Sunday [:)] My cousin was here from Madrid, she goes back today. And the rain stopped. ----------------------------------- I get pretty angry when a CW thread gets hijacked. Nothing like a proponent of eugenics intruding onto a discussion on singleness [:'(] The Current Events folder is wide open. Take those rants over there and join the mudfest....

chemdude77 -> RE: April (4/23/2006 5:06:48 PM)
Testosterone and inflammatory diseases? As testosterone levels drop in men, arthritis and heart disease rear their ugly heads, according to this UK Study. Again, interleukin-10 levels fall as the testosterone levels decrease... ------------------------------------------------------------------ Atherosclerosis involves macrophages and T- Cells, and another study published by the American Heart Association shows the possibly therapeutic effects of overexpression of IL-10 in lymphocytes. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Big answers to prayer! I am assigned to an 8x5 onsite project for the next 2 months, at a higher rate of comp!!! I am out of the office and on a customer site. It is a pleasure to be away from my office. Yes I said it--and I mean every word![;)]

chemdude77 -> Summer is here? (5/1/2006 11:11:39 PM)
The rain stopped, the temps are back in the 80s. [:)] ------------------------------------------------------------- Suffering for its own sake is not a virtue. People often boast of their ability to "Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable" ! It is pretty arrogant for pastors and youth leaders to adopt this as a motto. Hey, it 'ain't' their job. The Great Commission involves making disciples of all nations. Discipling and discipline are involved in making disciples. Speaking the truth in love will offend, to be sure. But an offensive preacher is another story/ We are not clones, not docile worker bees, not groupies, disciples! Pain and affliction have a purpose in God's plans for us. ----------------------------------------------------------------- One of the most incredible verses that we often quote and sing came out of horrible suffering. Lamentations 3:22-23: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness! This proclamation came after Jerusalem and the Temple of Solomon was burned. After a lengthy seige by a pagan army that left the inhabitants starving, diseased and demoralized. After the city government was publicly executed, a nation was exiled, leaders of the rebellion were slaughtered, and the monarch was blinded and humiliated. Widows and orphans could not call on FEMA or the Red Cross. Survivors were left to fend for themselves, wild animals roamed freely, the smoke was heavy, the smell was revolting--and this prophet is telling us about the steadfast love of God!! But we remember that this prophet was thrown into a putrid well, accused of treason, thrown in jail, and treated worse than Richard Nixon. And he was kidnapped and taken to Egypt by gang members. New mercies? New mercies...every morning! I get up now at 5:30 am. I need those new mercies. And I think you do too [;)]

chemdude77 -> RE: Summer is here? (5/10/2006 10:45:10 PM)
Warm weather, just what you would expect from California [sm=dance.gif] ------------------------------------------------ One of the missionaries serving in Haiti was killed in an auto accident last week. He leaves behind 4 children and a wife. [:(] ------------------------------------------------ I am thankful that I am billed out at a customer site for 40 hrs a week. No weekend pager, and I can ignore most of the email from my office. Thank you Father!!!!

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