===Skid Marks===

Vacation

2010-09-09T22:32:00.000-07:00

I spent the last week on a motorcycle road trip down the Washington, Oregon, and Northern California coasts.Left Saturday August 28 with two friends from home and got home Sept 5. Traveled 2426 miles, spent time with my wife and her brother and his kids in San Francisco, and then rode to Fair Oaks CA to visit an old friend that I made in college.

I have lived my life thinking that I am okay, but that good friends are what other people have.

I am married to my best friend, we do everything together, we know each others quirks and enjoy just being with each other. We can finish each others sentences and at times know what the other is thinking with out asking.

Maybe it is my age but lately I have been wondering if I really am influential in peoples lives. You know... am I a person that people like or just endure. I guess that the older we get we start wondering about our legacy.

As I said at the beginning of this post I left home with two friends, we traveled together to San Francisco, after the Golden Gate bridge we parted ways, not that we had differences, just that our plans were different at this point of the trip. I intended to only go as far as San Francisco and they had plans to go farther.

I had found my old college roommate on facebook, I found out that he lived close to my brother in law, so this seemed like an opportunity to take a trip down memory lane. I had very fond memories of our time in college, even though I only went the one year. I was a little apprehensive of the visit, you know the feeling of just being endured for the moment and that it would soon be over.

I am not one to be socially active, some might even go as far as call me anti-social. Small talk and carrying on a conversation for the sake of socializing is not my strong suit. So the trip from the bay area to Fair Oaks was a very gut wrenching time. nobody to talk too, share my fears with. Wondering if I was going to be a burden on a family that I didn't know. What if I was interrupting their Labor Day weekend? What if we were way different from the way we were in college?

This all changed when I was about 60 miles from their home, I was pulled over waiting for a draw bridge to be lowered, and I received a voice mail from my college friend, asking when I was going to arrive, and he sounded excited to see me. That eased my feelings a little.

From the moment I arrived at his home I felt welcomed and accepted, we had good and meaningful conversations, more than just "So how have you been?" Actual life stories and true to the heart talks. People actually listening to what I have to say with out changing the subject matter to focus on themselves. I only stayed for a day and a half but the time was very meaningful.

When I left my friend made the comment "I'll keep in touch." which I took this as a polite goodbye and nice seeing you. This past Wednesday as I was on my way to band practice I received a cell phone call from this friend, just to say hi and to tell me how much the visit meant to him. Got to tell you...... that made my day.

My life is far from over........ but at least now I can say that it has been more than just endured. Well at least by some. ===Skid===

Parenthood........

2010-05-25T22:49:00.000-07:00

I had this thought several days ago: The Christian walk is a lot like parenthood. I know that some of my thoughts might be construed as strange and weird to some but please just allow me to explain.

Parenthood, sometimes can begin with a well thought out planned event, everything well prepared for; finances, home, job. Everything is taken care of. Other times nothing is prepared and it comes as a total shock and surprise. One is researched and the other just happens.

Whether it is planned for, or it just happens, parenthood is still parenthood. Either way it happens the result is the same.

The birth of the child is not the extent of parenthood, all those who are parents know that the birth of a child is just the beginning. There is much ahead for the new parents, and no matter how prepared for parenthood they are, there is always something that they weren't prepared for. A couple can provide the best for their child with nothing but the best intentions. Only to find that they have a constant battle with their child. Why is this so tough?

Parenthood takes a lot of work, it doesn't come with an instruction manual, although there have been several books written on the subject. Luckily we have our parents and grandparents to turn to for advice.

Now I know that I haven't covered all the areas of parenthood, but enough for a comparison.

So here is my comparison: The Christian walk can also start as a well researched plan, a person can be searching for something in thier life and find Christ, or they can be totally surprised and shocked to find Him without warning. Whether it is planned or spontaneous the result is the same. But finding Christ is not the extent of Christianity there is so much more.

Walking the Christian walk is a lot of work no matter how prepared I am, there is always something that happens to make a me ask; Why? Luckily I do have a guide book the Bible to help me through the tough times, I also have those who have walked the walk ahead of me to ask for advice.

I guess the point that I'm trying to get across is that Christianity as with parenthood is not finished with the birth or rebirth, It is a constant journey, Just like no two children are the same, not every person's Christian walk is identical.Some children are easy to raise (just ask my mother), others are a real trial. In the same way some people have a real easy time walking the Christian walk, others struggle with their walk.

So what do you do if you have a problem child.....do you just give up? I guess that some people do but does that make the problem go away? In the same way what do you do if you are struggling with your Christian walk, do you give up and walk away? ........I guess that some do, but does that really solve anything?.

Just my thoughts ===Skid===

The Wonderful Cross

2010-04-12T22:05:00.000-07:00

I have listened to,and quite often sung the song "The Wonderful Cross", but Easter Sunday during church I didn't sing, instead I took a different approach. I actually read the words. I was amazed at the message that I have missed. I have gotten used to saying the words without really thinking about the message in the song. I am not saying that I don't believe in the Power of the Cross, quite the opposite. I am saying that I have gotten real good at living the "Christian life" without thinking. I think that there might be a lot of others that might be in the same boat as my self.

The freedom that we have in this country I think is partly to blame....now I would not trade my USA for any other. I am just saying that we get used to having everything that we need and sometimes all that we WANT. What if we were forced to give up just a little of those freedoms. Lets say just for the example, lets say The Government felt that Football was wasting to much energy, you know all the TV stations broadcasting uses quite a lot of electricity. I am sure that there would be quite a uproar over that. What if we were asked to give up the Bible because it was causing dissension with the populace, you know all those "Thou Shalt Not". How many people would fight for that freedom? How about our freedom of speech? Our freedom to bear arms? Freedom to assemble?

We have it quite good here in the good ol' USA. A lot of men and women died for those freedoms that we hold so dear. But you know what?.......Christ died for freedom.... He died so that we could be free. But He didn't die so that we could just LIVE free. He died to set us free. Free from sin. I did not say free from sinning. Although I wish that were true, life would be so much easier if I didn't ever have to worry about losing my battle to temptation. Christ suffered a cruel and lonely death, even His Father in heaven had to turn His back. Christ died for someone that didn't even know Him, never heard of His teachings, never heard of His miracles. He died for someone that could care less about the feelings of others. He died for that one that we see on the street corner, you know the one that we avoid eye contact with as we drive by.He bore the pain of crucifixion for that one in prison that murdered.

I have missed a lot by just existing, instead of living for the One that saved me from a life of sin and loneliness.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride
Chorus:
Oh, the wonderful cross
Oh, the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die
And find that I may truly live

See from his head, His hands, His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown
Chorus:
Oh, the wonderful cross
Oh, the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die
And find that I may truly live

Oh, the wonderful cross
Oh, the wonderful cross
All who gather here
By grace draw near and bless Your name
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

The last two lines say it all: Love so amazing,so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.

===Skid===

Loyalty

2010-03-23T11:01:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning my wife and I watched this movie. It has been a long time since I have been so moved by a story. The plot is simple and the acting is okay, not much in the way of high tech cinematography, but the story of such loyalty WOW. I will tell you that I am still moved and emotional when I remember certain scenes. This is one movie that every dog lover should see.

Another thing that has come to my odd way of thinking, is how much this story should be an example to those that profess Christianity as their belief. The commitment level that this dog has for his adopted master.... What if we as believers had just a 10th of that commitment to our God? Can you just imagine the ramifications of such loyalty and commitment. The thought of that just blows me away. It seems that we can't even commit to attending church on a regular basis let alone commit to serving our risen Savior. What if we committed half as much time to serving Jesus as we do attending sports events, or watching TV, enjoying recreation. I am embarrassed to say that I spend way to much time serving myself and too little time serving the Lord. So this is by no means an admonishment to any one but my self.

Another view on my thoughts, is the unconditional love that Hachi exhibits is astounding, I know that God is greater and Loves us more and that I should not compare God to Hachi, but this is just a slice of the Love God has for each one of us. He constantly waits for us as we go about our oh so important lives. He is always there when we finally come home to Him. He died for us can we not give a little of our time to Him?

So any way rent this video or borrow it from somebody, just watch it somehow. I am sure that you will be as touched by the story as much as I was. ===Skid===

Encouragement

2010-02-21T20:02:00.000-08:00

These past few years have been a trying time in the life of our church. A lot of different ideas as to what our church is to be about. We have been in transition for a long time. Staff members leaving often and members of the congregation dissatisfied with leadership. It has been a time of wonder. Do you remember the old pepsodent toothpaste commercial, "You'll wonder where the yellow went." that is kind of the way I have felt these past years. "I wonder where the love went." If you have been following my blog at all, then you will see some of my concern within the posts.

Well today I have been become encouraged. We had a service this morning in which I was blessed, then after wards a potluck lunch (I have been batching it this weekend, so home cooked food sounded really good). The attendance of the congregation was up, and I felt the Spirit move among the people.

I thought that I could see a light at the end of a long dark and scary tunnel. Did I say I was encouraged?

God is good. It is just a shame that we try to make God fit into our agenda. What if we just let God use us as He sees fit. After all He sees the larger picture, all we can see is the picture that we are a part of.

There are good times ahead, but also hard times if we are willing to do the will of the Lord.

The picture I put to this post says a lot of what I have felt, the arm of God around His people who have been struggling to make the team. Don't give up, stay the course and listen to what He has to say and learn from our mistakes. ===Skid===

What's That?

2010-02-21T19:21:00.000-08:00

I don't know how many of you have found that time has a way of sneaking up and letting you know that you aren't as young as you once were. I had one of those experiences a couple of weeks ago.

A group of men from our church went to a men's retreat, this was Friday evening and most of Saturday. Some of the younger men thought that they would spend the night in the church with their sleeping bags on the floor of a Sunday school room. I didn't think that sounded very comfortable so myself and another friend stayed at a local motel. This turned out to be just one of the events that would show my age.

Friday evening the meal that we were served was very good, roast beef with potatoes and veggies and plenty of coffee available, after the meal we enjoyed the topics that were covered by the guest speakers, I was glad I came.

Saturday the breakfast was great, biscuits and gravy with sausage and eggs and plenty of coffee. Good manly food, no yogurt or bagels. After breakfast we enjoyed more good speaking, along with some very good music and comical relief now and again. Now you have to remember that this is a men's retreat and most men after a good meal tend to get a little distracted unless the speaking is exceptional. Well I do anyway. So with that said I will try to describe to the best of my ability what happened next.

Lunch was served and there was about 45 minutes after lunch that I had to myself. So I thought that a walk around the area might be good. The sun was shining and the temperature was mild, I began walking towards the freeway overpass, this seemed to be the most interesting area around. When I got to the overpass what did I hear coming by but a dude on his Harley out for a Saturday ride, man was I envious of him. My mind then started to wander, I guess daydreaming is what I have been accused of in the past. Well it was now time to go back to the church to hear more speaking.

Inside the church it was warm and my mind was on other things than what the speaker was talking about. I did hear enough to follow along with the topic of his speech. I checked the agenda for the retreat and saw that two more speakers were yet to come. The next guy that came to the platform had a bit of a distracting habit of scratching his nose during his talk, also I felt that he was a little scattered in his speech. So with the warm room, the thoughts of somebody having a good Saturday ride and distracting habits of the speaker, my mind was definitely not on the topic at hand. However I did hear his story about those he has come across in his ministry, about the stories of his kids. I really did enjoy what he had to say. Then at the end of his time on the platform I heard him talking about prayer and healing.

What I did not hear was going to be important for the next few moments. I heard that we were to stand if we had an area of our lives that we needed release from. Others around me started to stand, and then we were asked to stand with those who have requested prayer. I stood and prayed for a friend on my left, I had no idea what his affliction was but I prayed for him anyway. The service concluded with several testimonies of God's healing mercies. What an experience to be a witness to His compassion and mercy.

So what is the topic of this post?...........

After this we were excused for a small break before the last speaker. I went out to be with my friends and as I approached, one of them asked me: "Did that make you feel a little uncomfortable?" I said: "Yes but I didn't hear all that he was speaking about, I was a little distracted." Well this friend of mine just busted out into a roaring laughter. I thought he was going to fall on the floor laughing. Then he said: "Seriously, you couldn't hear?" He thought that I was joking. I said: No, the speaker was disjointed in his topic and the thing with his nose just lost me." My friend then asked "Do you not know what the praying was about? It was a healing service for those that were hard of hearing."

Well then the irony set in. To think that I was at a healing service for those that had difficulty hearing, and I didn't hear what was said. You might say that I was a little curious as to why all those who gave testimony after the healing service were praising the Lord for allowing them to hear more clearly. I just thought that it was a very curious coincident. Boy do I feel my age now. ===Skid===

My Valentine

2010-02-10T16:11:00.000-08:00

Okay guys have you given your special someone their Valentines card, gift or flowers.

I have to admit that I am not the most romantic guy out there. I think that my wife would probably agree with that statement.

I will tell you that I am married to the most gracious and loving person alive. I am not worthy of the love that I receive daily from this special woman. She listens patiently as I complain about the people I come in contact with. She questions but never condemns my actions. She encourages me, never ridicules as I make stupid mistakes. She laughs with but never at me, as she points out the fault in my actions.

These might seem insignificant to others but these are attributes that I fell in love with. I find more each day that I admire about this woman that I call "Honey, Sweety, Dear, Wife, Love, but most importantly MINE.

So you might have a great Love in your life but none is as great or precious as Nancy.

I Love You Nancy, will you be my Valentine? Oh yea by the way Happy Birthday Too!!

Remember this is just a few months away.

===Skid===

What is in a Name

2010-02-04T19:25:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered about your name? Does your name say anything about you? Do you think that you are destined to behave a certain way because of your name? What was the real reason your parents named you _____ (fill in the blank)? Or is it purely coincidence that you are called _______?

Don't get me wrong I am not a believer of fate. I believe that I am a product of my own life experiences, I just find it interesting to think about things that seem peculiar to others.

Out of curiosity I looked on the internet for the meaning of my daughters name. Taisha "Full of Life". For those that know my daughter you would probably agree with this finding. My son Matthew (Hebrew)"Gift from the Lord" Then I thought how about me, first name James (Hebrew) , it means "Yahweh protects". Then I went to Doug, (Celtic) "Dark Stranger". Then I searched my wife's name Nancy (Hebrew) "Grace" Elizabeth (Hebrew) "God's Promise".

So if I were to put what I found to print this would be my story. Yahweh Protects the Dark Stranger who is married to Grace; God's Promise, I have a daughter who is Full of Life and a son who is a Gift from the Lord.

Now to be honest with you I think that just about sums up my story. Kind of scary to think that my parents named me with just a name that sounded good to them, maybe there is something to fate after all............? Not really.

===Skid===

What's With the Language!!!!

2010-01-23T21:29:00.000-08:00

What's with all the foul language? I am no prude but for crying out loud, I am ashamed to go out in public any more, not because of my mouth but because of those around me.

I work in construction and I hear my share of foul expletives daily from those I work with, I don't need to hear the same thing when I go to the store or out to eat. Come On!!!

Quite often when I am in a crowded public place I can expect to hear a few "F" bombs, along with some "MF" or SH.. then comes G..D.... or J....C..... often this is all in the same sentence. Then I turn to see who is talking this way, expecting to see a rough lumberjack or a rugged biker. But I am shocked to find a woman or sometimes a young teen. Where has the decency gone, the respect for your fellow man?

I am in no way a saint, I have been known to say a few words that I shouldn't, after I blurt these out I am very embarrassed and ashamed of my self. In fact I got quite upset at work last week and said somethings that I regret. This really bothered me especially when the person I was working with heard me and said "what did you say". I was bothered by my actions enough that the next time I saw him I apologized for my language.

Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Like I said at the beginning I am no prude. But common decency demands a little respect for those that we come in contact with. A friend of mine shared this acronym that his daughter learned at school.... THINK. If it passes the test below it is okay to talk about.
True
Helpful
Intelligent
Nice
Kind

This usually pertains to gossip but I also think that it can apply to the spoken word in general. I said the spoken word but I also believe the written word should be taken into consideration. I can go on the internet and check out the status of my friends on FaceBook and there are those words again blatantly written down for me to see. What is wrong with a little respect?

I don't want to be offensive here........ but I am being offended. So what should I do?....... Avoid all public assemblies except church?....... Stay off the internet?........ Shut my self off from the outside world?...... Become a recluse?

I believe that I am to be part of this world, to be involved with those who have different thought patterns and ways of life than myself. I just don't have to participate their way, I can still be friendly, social and respectful of their living styles. All I ask......... is that I also am respected.

Any thoughts????? ===Skid===

Personal Indulgence Or........

2010-01-11T21:46:00.000-08:00

So what did you get for your 56th birthday? Well maybe you haven't made it to your 56th yet. If you haven't it's okay I still don't believe that I actually had my already.I don't consider myself a 50+er, I still remember getting in trouble for giving away all the peanut butter cookies to the neighbor kids. Wasn't that just last year?

I spent a good portion of my parenting skills on conveying the fact that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. We should not defile it in anyway, no premarital sex, no smoking, no drugs, no piercings or mutilations. This also meant no tattoos!!

Leviticus 19:28 "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD."

1 Corinthians 6:19
Do 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;

This seemed to work pretty well until my kids became adults and were on their own, living their own lives. My daughter has always been her own person, some might call it nonconforming. I call it original. A couple years ago my daughter came and talked to me about her getting a tattoo. I told her that I wasn't real fond of the idea. I had seen to many young women with tattoos that I felt were not very attractive. (not the young women... their tattoos) I expressed to her this fact and then she explained the tattoo that she wanted and where she wanted it on her body. I eventually told her that she was an adult now and I appreciated the fact that she asked me before she got it. So if this was really what she wanted then I would not condemn her for it.

After she got her tattoo she came over to show it to me, its not obscene in anyway just not what I personally would have chosen, but I am not her. Then shortly after this my Pastor showed his tattoo that he had gotten as a bonding experience with his son. This caused me to reexamine my conviction about tattoo's. I had by this time gotten a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle. I have several other friends at church who also have motorcycles, we decided to form a small motorcycle group. We call ourselves the WeNaz Spirit Riderz. To promote our group we planned to shoot a video about ourselves. I thought that it would be funny to get a fake obnoxious tattoo for this shoot. This involved several evenings at the computer looking online for tattoos. I found one that I really liked and showed it to my wife and she thought that I should go ahead and get it. Now remember this was going to be a fake tattoo. She proceeded to tell me that I would look good with a tattoo. She suggested that I get a real one.

Well now I am in a predicament, remember I was very much against tattoos for my kids! This got me doing a whole lot of soul searching and bible study, trying to understand what it was that I felt. Was this going to be just a novelty or should this be more of a statement. I am not one to put my self on display, I feel more comfortable blending into the background.

Finally I came to this decision, I would get a tattoo that would cause me to ask daily what I believe. When someone were to see it there would be no question as to my faith. This in turn would cause me to be aware of my actions and my personal witness to non-believers. It also could create an opening for conversation.

So any way this is what I got for my 56th birthday, 2 hours spent with a needle and the chance to talk to a great guy that I never would have talked to other wise. Thanks Doc. ===Skid===

P.S. this is not the one I found online.....this is my own idea that my tattoo artist caught exactly how I envisioned it.

What is Family?

2010-01-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

For those who don't know much about me. Here is a glimpse of my life.

My parents divorced in 1957, this was a time when DIVORCE was a family secret that had a sense of shame attached to it. I remember in grade school trying to explain why I didn't have the same last name as my mother. My mother remarried in 1960. I did not have contact with my father at all through my growing up years. In fact until 1989 I never had any contact at all.

I grew up (some argue that fact) got married and had two kids. The fact that my kids didn't even know their father's father weighed heavy on my mind. I was determined to never let this kind of trauma happen to my kids. I was going to always be married to their mother.

Well this was not to be. We divorced, and now my kids have two different family households to visit every Christmas.

I was my mothers only child. I always wanted brothers or sisters, my cousins all had big families, I liked visiting and playing with them. I had heard that I had two half-brothers out there some where. This was encouraging but at the same time discouraging. To find out that I had brothers but had never met them........come on give me a break!

Back to 1989, I received a phone call one day about a family reunion in Richland, this was a call from my aunt and she wanted me and my family to come for the day so that I could meet my father and one of my brothers and his wife and kids. I was told that they would be coming up from California for the weekend. Wow! I have family out there after all. My wife and kids and I went for the day and had a very good time and got to know my brother and his family. I was very encouraged. I also found out some details about my other brother and his life.

Well trying to carry on a relationship with a family that I never knew, this was tough for me. I had enough trouble being close to family that lived two blocks away. As it turned out the visit in '89 was the only time that I got to see this family together. I lost contact once again with other members of this family, for this I take responsibility. My father died in 2000, I did not attend the services or hear from family members until yesterday. I was contacted via facebook to be freinds with one of my brothers, the one that I have never met. This caused me to do some research and see if I could find others of this disconnected family. Well I found my sister-in-law and her boys. How cool is that.

Then I find out that she and my brother are divorced......here we go again! Then I find also that my other brother is also divorced. Is this family doomed too never know a complete family. "The sins of the father....."

I have spent a great deal of emotional energy on this. I guess the thing that has always bugged me about this whole situation is there is no history. No playing together, no fighting with each other, no memories to tell the grand-kids.

Then I came to this realization.....we are all part of God's family. No matter what happens to my namesake family I will always be part of a big family. This is what I need to tell my grand-kids.

Just my thoughts. ===Skid===

So you think you know?

2010-01-04T22:13:00.000-08:00

Just when they thought they had it all figured out. There is no supreme being. There is no creator. The universe just is. Scientists can tell you all the facts and explain everything about the beginning of the universe.

You all know my beliefs, well if you have been reading my blog then you should, I believe that God created this planet we call Earth.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

The Bible does not say how long it took to create the heavens or even the Earth itself, the Bible only tells us this: Genesis 1: ² Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. ³ And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. ⁴ God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. ⁵ God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

I just find it very interesting and thought provoking that with all the brains that study the universe and the big-bang theory of creation, they overlook the obvious. They are completely at a loss when something new like this: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ap_on/us_sci_space_mystery

You see I find all things in nature absolutely amazing. Not just space, but also the very essence of life here on Earth. Do you realize all that has had to happen for life to exist here. I will not attempt to explain the sequence of events, but just stop and think about the chemical make up of the air we breathe, the temperature, the daily and yearly rotation of our planet. These are just a few of the basics that we take for granted.

I don't have to have it explained to me, I just believe that something bigger and intelligent had a hand in creating this place I call home. I believe: that bigger and intelligent being was God. So with all the new discoveries of planets and stars and such, I just smile and wonder what next will be revealed. Will the Heavens open their doors and Jesus finally come back for us. Understand this, I am a big Sci-fi nut, I would love to see an Alien spacecraft come to Earth. The excitement would be incredible. But I still believe that if that happened God will have played a part in the event. Any way just my thoughts sorry for the preaching. ===Skid===

Sounds of Silence

2010-01-03T11:22:00.000-08:00

If you are as old I am, (well maybe as old as my wife) then you probably remember this song being played on the radio.

This Sunday our pastor was talking about listening to the silence, immediately this song came to mind.

How often do we really think about silence?

With all the noise of daily life I admit that I miss the words of encouragement and instruction that the Lord is putting on my mind and in my heart.

Our society has become so media conscience that silence is almost non-existent. Do you wake up to music on your alarm, if you exercise in the morning are you listening to your favorite motivation tunes? When you go to work are you listening to the radio in your car? When you get to work is the music playing on the PA system? The television and movies? Can you image the opportunities that have been missed because we were overwhelmed with such important noise.

What about the sound of silence? Have you ever just sat and listened to nothing but silence? As I sit here typing I am listening to nothing but the ringing in my ears. Sometimes the sound of nothing can be deafening.

I have often been alone in unfamiliar surroundings and just listened to the sounds around me. At those times I can imagine all sorts of machines and creatures that would be produce the sounds that I hear. That scratching I hear is it a rat in the wall or just the wind moving a branch, that loud ticking sound is it a bomb or just the wall clock? You know what I'm talking about right? Have you ever been out side with freshly fallen snow and noticed how quiet is it then?

Do you ever hear God in the silence? Elijah of old sure did.

1 Kings 19:12 "A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn't to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn't in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn't in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper. "

So often I feel that in order for God to do wonders it has to be a huge and explosive event, but He can do so much more when I am still and quiet. In the song there are the words "People talking without speaking, People hearing without listening" and then in the next verse "Hear my words that I might teach you Take my arms that I might reach you" Is this the way that we are, hearing God but not really listening? Do we talk to God but do not really say anything?

Now I am not saying that Simon and Garfunkel were great theologians but there are very good statements in this song that I think apply to me as a Christian.

Anyway just my usual off the wall babble. ===Skid===

God, does He really exsist?

2009-12-23T22:03:00.000-08:00

I read a post the other day from someone that I thought I knew well. In thier post they made this statement:
"I was religious once. I also had a really bad flu once. I had to take lots of medicine to cure the flu. To cure the religion, I had to think for myself. The flu was much easier to cure."

This might sound like a joke but if you knew this person you would know the seriousness of the statement.

This got me to thinking about my own faith and how I would explain how and why I believe that there is a God. You see I think differently than alot of other people do, in fact my kids used to make remarks about my constant use of my "word pictures".

I am color blind albeit not totally color blind just certain colors like blues and purples, reds and browns, and some yellows and greens. Yes I am an electrician and I do very well at my job, but there are times when I need a little help. So I take it by faith when I ask some one "Which of these two wires is the red one". I have no proof which wire is red, other than by faith. Now I could reject the advice that I was given, and say that I don't believe there really is a red wire.

My point here is that I have no proof that God does exist other than by faith. By faith I believe that God sent His only begotten Son to die for my sins. I wasn't there, I didn't see Him whipped bloody and then forced to carry His cross through the streets. I wasn't there when they nailed His hands and feet to the cross. I wasn't there when they thrust a spear into His side. I wasn't there when He cried out "Father forgive them for they know not what they do". I wasn't there when after three days He rose from the dead. But by my faith I do believe that there really is a God.

Another statement that was made by this person is this: "I'm forgiving of my own free will, instead of out of fear or obligation or servitude." isn't it ironic that this person used the term "free will" this is how God created us, with a Free Will. We can choose to believe or not to believe. Because we have free will, we are not obligated to accept Him. All we have to do is accept a gift that is presented to each and everyone of us. A gift freely given that was bought and paid for over two thousand years ago. No strings attached, all we have to do is just accept the gift.

It is Christmas time and we all enjoy gifts under the tree. How unpleasant Christmas would be if we felt fear or obligation to accept a gift that was given. Now there are times when certainly I feel unworthy of a gift that I have been given, but to refuse the gift would be insensitive and selfish. So at times of feeling unworthy what if we accept the gift and then let the gift giver assess our worthiness.

Which reminds of a movie that my kids and I used to watch at Christmas time. You probably all know "It's a Wonderful Life". Towards the end of the movie there is a scene when the town comes together to help George Bailey out of a jam. I'm sure he didn't feel worthy of their gift but they knew that he was.

In the same way there are times when I feel unworthy of God's love, but He knows that I am worth of every whip torn scar, and every hammer blow to the nails driven threw His hands.

So what can I say to someone who says they don't believe God exists? ===Skid===

While You were Sleeping

2009-12-20T18:02:00.000-08:00

This video was played in our church this morning. I was very impressed with the message that it told. I have been very troubled with the way the USA and the World seems to be headed. Listen carefuly and let me know your thoughts. ===Skid===

Are You Willing To Be Part Of The Harvest?

2009-12-06T20:14:00.000-08:00

I am still reading the book that we were suppose to read for our 40 Days of Love series, call me a slow reader if you must but I am determined to finish the book. This morning before church I was reading chapter 34 entitled Vines and Branches and these following paragraphs just spoke to me.

"One important warning before we move on: You are a branch that God expects to be fruitful, and in order to be fruitful, branches must be pruned. If I don't understand pruning, I'm going to be confused for the rest of my life. It'll look like God is doing great things in my life and I'm growing--and then all of a sudden there will be this snip! "God why did you do that? That was my best looking offshoot! It had great leaves on it.

Vines need drastic pruning to continue to be fruitful. The gardener will cut off 90 to 95 percent of a grapevine in pruning. Pruning hurts. There's no pruning without pain. But with pain there is the promise of greater fruit."

Does this at all sound familiar to you?

Well to me it does, as I stand in the sound room every Sunday and look out over the congregation I ask, "Where is everyone? What happened to all of the people that used to fill the seats every Sunday, where are all those that fought for what they felt were the right principles of our Church?

John 15 :5-8
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

So as I looked out over the congregation this morning I was personally encouraged, not only with the kids great Christmas program (Great job) but with a new outlook on the future of our local body.

We have a unique opportunity just waiting for us, there might be a little more pruning that has to be done but I am encouraged by the possibilities. Just image the bumper crop that could be brought in from the fields if we followed the instruction of the great Gardener.

I find that if I try to do something that I have never been taught to do correctly I usually end up with chaos on my hands and a very frustrated outlook on the overall project. If I ask someone with experience they will give me tips on the way that will make for a satisfying project.

So let's follow the guidelines of the Master, after all it is His Harvest that we are tending too.

One last quote that I found that expressed what I have felt so very often, only this time with a new view point.

"It all starts with intense pruning every fall of all diseased/damaged branches. If you're not sure how to prune, a good arborist can be very helpful; books are also a tree-mendous resource.

Any diseased or insect infested parts should be completely removed from your property or burned. Don't let the pests stick around!"

Any way just my thoughts---- for what it is worth.===Skid===

Giving Thanks

2009-11-28T09:45:00.000-08:00

Okay here we are at Thanksgiving, I hope you have had a good Thanksgiving meal and are sitting with family and friends enjoying varied stories and lots of laughter. I know that I had a very good day both Thursday and Friday, two meals so far with family in different cities. Another day today with more family.

Isn't it a shame that we spend only once or twice a year to be thankful for what we have. Have you ever thought what the American society would be like if we spent more time in thanking the creator for what we have been given, than in demanding that the Government give us what we feel we are entitled too.

Proverbs 21:25 (NIV)
"The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work."

You must understand me here, I am definitely for helping the poor, and the disadvantaged but I also believe that that they must also be willing to help themselves. Just demanding that the Government give something is not helping, it is enabling. You don't give an alcoholic a drink because he demands it. So why do we feel that everyone is entitled. There are a few things that we as American citizens are entitled to. We are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness ... we are not entitled to everything that we want. If you want something then go out and earn it, don't steal it or demand that it be given to you.

James 1:27 (NIV)
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

The above verse say: to look after.... in their distress. It does not say to enable their distress. We are to give when needed to help them through difficult times, and to encourage them to move forward.

1 Thessalonians 5:11
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

You might be asking, What is the point to this blog post? Well I have been doing alot of thinking about the way that this great country is headed and to tell you the truth....... I'm terrified. We are a country that was founded on Godly principles and now it appears that we are headed back to tyrannical principles. Our founding fathers came to this land to get away from an oppressive government, to live a life free of government intervention. We are moving towards a society that is government controlled. Our founding fathers set up this government to be a republican form of government. I did not say a Republican run government but a republican from of government. Article 4 section 4 of the United States Constitution states: The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence. republic n 1 : a government having a chief of state who is not a monarch and is usually a president; also : a nation or other political unit having such a government 2 : a government in which supreme power is held by the citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives governing according to law; also : a nation or other political unit having such a form of government.

Did you notice the definition item 2: supreme power held by the citizens. I don't see in the Constitution anywhere that the Government is suppose to take what is mine and give it to someone else.

So back to the title of this blog: Giving Thanks, yes I am thankful for this country, I am thankful that I have the right to state my opinions, I have the right to worship who, where, and how I choose. I am also thankful for what God has given me personally: A great wife, good kids, parents that are still living, a good job, and understanding friends that allow me to vent my frustrations without ridicule. So I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a life filled with happiness. So go out there and pursue it. ===Skid===

The Twelfth of Forever 7/12/97

2009-11-08T22:41:00.000-08:00

A get-together after church for pie and coffee, just a time of fellowship between friends, that is how it all started one Sunday evening in October. Two people sharing their hurts from the past, two friends feeling each others pain and offering support for each other.

We had known each other for 15 years, but never got to become close friends. Now I was hurting and needed someone to talk too, someone that had similar experiences. We attended the same Sunday School class at church, we each had teenage children, we were both involved with church drama and other functions. We just never knew each other very well. The rest as they say "Is history".

I am constantly amazed as to what God does and how He has the correct timing for everything. Of course this is just a small snapshot of how the Lord has worked in my life, and as I look back I am in awe as how the Lord can use such trivial things to teach such important lessons.

So with this small glimpse into my life, I ask, is there any question as to the wonders that God can do in the life of our church as we search His will? We are coming out of a broken, hurting and even questioning time, the Lord has been right there with us as we have traveled this road. If we have survived this, just imagine what is ahead.

Some have thought that the best years are gone, but I believe that the best is yet to come. The Lord will be right along side of us as we search for new Pastoral leadership, but we must be willing to go where He leads. I'm willing are you.

When I went through my divorce I thought that all was lost. My family is torn apart, my life will never be the same again.

Well in essence that was true, but after I let God take control, things changed. They were never the same but then again neither was I. I am stronger now and have more faith than before. As the song goes "I can see clearly now".

Will you walk beside me as we travel this journey to the unknown or will you turn and retreat back to familiar surroundings. ===Skid===

Relationship and Forgiveness

2009-10-25T20:55:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted, it's not because I have been to busy, just too confused and maybe a little disillusioned.

We have been going through the 40 days of love program at our church, this involves a daily reading of "The Relationship Principles of Jesus" by Tom Holladay, along with a small group meeting every Thursday eve.

The book has caused me to do quite a bit of soul searching. I find that I am very selfish and self centered. I have a tendency to think way too much of my self and not enough of others. My time is way to precious and I would rather give somebody a dollar than an hour of my time. After all an hour in front of the TV is so emotionally uplifting and rejuvenating. I blame others for the problems of our church, the lack of close relationships, and personal interactions.

There is a saying that goes something like this "If you are not part of the solution then you are part of the problem." I want to be part of the solution, but I fear that I am just as much, (if not more) part of the problem as those that I blame.

I have put the blame on others for failures that have occurred in my life, I realize now that these are my failures, because I failed to accomplish the task that the Lord had provided me with.

In case you don't know I love dogs, they have such a unique quality about them. They love you just the way you are. You can leave the house to go across the lawn and get the mail and they will greet you when you come back like you have been gone for weeks. They don't care if you snore they don't care if your feet stink (actually I think they prefer that your feet did stink). You can scold them for something they did that wasn't pleasing to you, and they will hold no grudge against you. You know as I write this I am reminded of the scripture that we have been studying in 1st Corinthians chapter 13 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Why is it that I find it so difficult to express love as easily as does a dog? ===Skid===

Team Work

2009-07-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

Things have happened in the past few days that have caused me to think a lot about the concept of Team Work.

We have all heard the phrase "There is no I in team." The term is literally correct. The word "team" doesn't have an "I" among it's letters. However the word is made up of individual letters to make up the word "team." Each letter on it's own can be used in so many different ways. They can be used with different letters to form new words. There is even one that can be called a loner. The "a" can go off on its own and become a word all by itself. What I find as useful is that each letter knows it's place within the word. There is no letter that is more important than the others because without just one of the letters the word would mean something entirely different. Just for giggles lets say that the "m" felt that it didn't like always being the last letter and it decided to leave and start it's own word. It wanted to be first for a change, so it started the word "Meat." Well that is a very cool word and quite useful at times but it definitely does not mean the same as "team".

So you are probably asking yourselves what in the world is this guy up to now. Well here is my two cents for the day. If we are to work as a team in building the Kingdom of God then we need to put away our selfish ways and our individual likes and dislikes to become a team for God. We can not all do the same things but we sure as anything can do our part. So if you are a "T' or an "E" or an "A" or even a "M" lets unite and build His Kingdom. The enemy is out there and is wringing his hands with gleeful expectations, lets show him who really is in control. We can not keep doing the same old things the same old way. Satan is adapting to this current culture and we need to unite and put away our differences so we can reach people with the Word of God in a way that is culturally relevant. The same message that has always been taught just with a different approach. ===Skid===

Commitment......... Not Again?

2009-06-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

I know that I have written about this subject before and by some people's standards, too many times. I just have a hard time with those who commit to something, then slink away from thier commitment because it was an inconvenience.

Why is it so hard these days to stay committed to something? We hear all too frequently about friends who are getting divorced, or those who change their political views because they don't care for the way an event was handled. Then there are those who change jobs just for the money. How about those who change where they go to church because they don't care for the preacher? What about those who commit to special interest groups and then make other arrangements because it was not what they wanted to do that evening.

I might be a little old fashioned but I believe that if you commit to something then you are there for the bad as well as the good. Life is not fair - it is full of disappointments. We all have to make concessions about what we can and can't do. I certainly cannot do all the things that I would like to do. But I still find time to meet all of my commitments. Am I odd or just devoted to my commitments?

Don't get me wrong I understand that things in life come up ( vacations, family times, business) that demand that we put some of our nonessential commitments on the back burner for a time. But what about putting your previous commitments aside just because it was inconvenient? Inconvenient for who? Yourself or those that are impacted by your commitment. (or lack of)

I don't know about you but I am certainly glad that Jesus followed through on His commitment. Do you believe that it was convenient for Him? I know that we are not perfect, after all we are human, but we should still strive towards perfection, isn't that what Christianity is about, being Christ like.

I would like to hear your input on this topic.
===Skid===

Truth........

2009-06-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

We all have at one time or another heard or even quoted the verse of John 8:32 "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free." But have you ever really thought about the concept?

How many of us can really say that if I only knew the truth I will be free?

How could you feel free knowing that your spouse is cheating on you?

How could you feel free knowing that your child was addicted to drugs.

How could you feel free knowing that you were dying of some terrible disease?

How could you feel free knowing that next week your spouse was going to die in a terrible accident?

So stop and think about what is really being spoken about here in John.

The truth is that you are loved unconditionally.

The truth is that you are so special that a power so great loved you, that He gave His Son to die a cruel and inhumane death so that you could live.

Are you free yet?

I don't know about you but I feel guilty, unworthy, and unqualified to have been given such a wondrous gift.

This is where the being set free part comes in.....

Yes I know the truth and the Truth is Jesus, He has set me free. You see if I only dwell on the things of this earth, then I will never be free. What sets me free is knowing that no matter what, I am still loved unconditionally, this doesn't mean that I will never face the consequences of my actions. Just the opposite we will all face our own consequences, it is just that I have been set free from the slavery of sin. You see no longer am I alone with my struggles, there is a power greater than all of my temptations. He is always there, all I have to do is take His hand and He will walk me through those difficult times.

Yes I know the Truth and I have been set FREE.

===Skid===

Commitment vs. Obligation vs. Passion

2009-06-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

Hey all, first off I want to say, "I'm back". Recently I stated that I was a little behind in my homework, well I have completed my required continuing education credits for the next three years. So now I will be able to renew my state electrical licence.

In one of my latest posts I talked about passion, well now I have been rethinking the concept of passion. Is it just enough to be passionate about something, or is there more to the process. Think about it for a moment....

Can we have passion without commitment?

Can we have commitment without passion?

Can we feel obligated to commit to something?

Can we be obligated to be committed to our passion?

Can we be committed to our commitment?

Can we be committed to our passion?

Can we be passionate about our commitment?

As you can see I have been running with all sorts of questions, then there is one other word that comes into play........ Resentment. I don't know if you all have the same feelings about your commitment that I do, but there are times when I can feel resentment about the things that I have committed too. Then the commitment turns to obligation and the joy of my passion has vanished. Then there are times when I should be committed because I have committed to do too much.

How do I keep my passion fresh and new?

A persons passion is like a love relationship.... at first it is amazing and wonderful, we go about our daily lives with a new sense of wonderment. Then slowly we begin to get comfortable with our new life and things begin to become expected rather than exceptional. So how do we reinvigorate our marriage? We find new ways of looking at the same things. I am no marriage councilor by any means, but I do know that marriage takes a lot of work. The same should be said about our passion, we need to find new ways of looking at the things that we are so passionate about.

This same theory also goes along with our faith beliefs, if we don't find new ways to look at how and why we believe the things that we do, then pretty soon they become stagnant. This isn't to say that we change our beliefs, just that we approach them with a different point of view.

Simply painting your house will give you a new insight to your home. You haven't moved, you still drive up the same old street, but now when you approach your home you see it with a different view.

Just my thoughts for today ===Skid===

Homework

2009-05-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of blog posts lately, but I have a tendency to procrastinate when it comes to homework. Some things never change no matter how old I get. (Right Mom)

My profession demands that I take 8 hours of continuing education per year of licensing. This can be done early or as is noted just before renewal. Since I am licensed for three years that means that I have 24 hours of classes to fill so that is why I will be absent from blogging for the next couple of weeks. But then again I will find time to ride the Harley, that is a no brain er.

As a note of information I have completed 8 hours so far and I have till June 27th to fill the remainder. See ya later. ===Skid===

Passion, What is it?

2009-04-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

What is passion, is it just between two lovers? Isn't it more than just romance? You have to remember that I am a man so this question is about a foreign subject.

This is how wikipedia explains it. Passion (emotion), a strong feeling about a subject or person, usually of intense desire and attraction

Pastor Ron has asked the church board to describe our personal passion. ( And yet he wonders why I was late getting my response to him)

I had to give a lot of thinking to come up with my answer. I will warn you don't look it up on the web, you will find more than what you are looking for.

As a teenager my passion was to get out of high school with a passing grade, and finding the right girl. As I grew older my passion changed, it became more about making good money and acquiring new things. (some may think that hasn't changed much) Then a strange thing happened, I found myself in the middle of a divorce and the things that I was so passionate about were now gone. I had put so much effort into such trivial possessions that I had forgotten all about those that really mattered, God and family.

It has been one week since I was in the hospital for a scare that turned out to be minor. The sticky residue is finally gone from all the EKG electrode patches stuck on my body, and the bruises all starting to fade from the IV needle punctures. I have to tell you, I am sure glad that those who took care of me in the hospital had such passion for their profession.

As a result of last weekend I have found that these are the things that matter:

1) To serve Christ with the best that I have to offer.
In media with the most professional ability that an amature can have.
In loving my wife with all my heart.
In friendship to others.
In media to present an experience that is worshipful without being distracting.
2) To be responsive and submissive to His call.
3) To learn from my failures and to grow because of them.
4) To do the best in everything that I do, whether it be work, play, family or ministry.
5) To love others just as they are, not as I would like them to be.

These are my passions, but I am fully aware that just because I am passionate about such things I still need His help daily.

Now some are probably asking what about the Harley, To this I add, the Harley is a nice toy but I realize that it is just that, a toy, a material object that can be replaced, it will not provide for me a reward in Heaven.

So tell me what is your passion, is it all about you, or is it about what you can do for The Lord.
===Skid===