I woke up this morning and was struck by the organize bug... At least in the terms of my favorites. So I'm going through them and found some interesting ones...

• A few book reviews -- Want to learn about Yoga and Christ? How about Jesus being something else than a Jew? I found this a long time ago when I looked for a review of The Robe.



• Jesus, A Wiccan? -- Yeah, pretty stupid stuff, but it gives some insight into what they think. If you can refute these points, I'd love to see your rebuttal! [jcforgod@hotmail.com]



• 7 things a customer shouldn't say -- Got this one from Brian. Very interesting. very good advice.
  
  

That's about it for this installment. Got two chats going and I'm going to have to vaccum soon. Enjoy!

Ya know, this is fun! I've been working on changing my blogger all evening and I think I have it finished now. I'm debating on whether to put a title on this page or not... Hmmmmm....

This blogger is undergoing some changes so it'll be looking weird and the comments won't be around for awhile.

Take the Bear Quiz by Krysten

I'm tired. Tired of my job, that is. I think it's a good thing that this Saturday is my last day, 'cause I'm getting tired of talking to people I don't know and will never meet. I'm starting to lose my patience as well, and that is amazing 'cause I never lose my patience. So, yeah, it's a good thing that i'm leaving. Plus they changed my schedule again. The times aren't too bad, 6:45 to 3:45, just 15 minutes earlier than normal, but they changed the days off as well. Instead of Sunday and Monday, they are now tuesday and Wednesday. I'd have an issue with that, but as I'm not going to be working there much longer, I don't care. I took sunday off as part of my old schedule and I'll take Wednesday off. I wil work Tue. so that I can get my 40 hours this week. Almost done... Yay!

La dee da. Well, I survived Saturday. Even stayed an extra hour! Yippee! More dough!

Tomorrow is my Dad's 46th BD. We celebrated it this evening.

On The Menu

• Stuffed Mushrooms


• Thick Steak


• Baked Potatoes

and last,but not least:

• Apple Pie

Let me tell you, that was a great dinner! I'm still stuffed from it...

My Dad's getting older and that means that I am too. On rather a sad note, my mother found out today that the husband of a former roomate in college, just died of leukimia. We had just revitalized that friendship when I had to go to the tri cities for the eyes. Mom has been quite emotional all day. Please say a prayer for her and for Gail and her family. thanks.

and on that I shall end.

SoUnDs
A song on the radio. I have KLOVE on in the Living Room and I can hear it.
ReAdInG LaTeLy
Legacy by Greg Bear. It's a Sci-Fi that is rather interesting. It's about a guy who is sent to infiltrate a colony on a planet with a totally different ecosystem. It's rather impressive, 'cause the author had to create an entire new world and everything that goes into it...
Bible ThOuGhTs
Reading in Genesis lately. I just finished reading about the distruction of Sodom and Gommorah and how Lot went out and tried to talk his sons-in-law (present tense) into leaving the city. What really struck me was that these were men engaged or betrothed at the time. But the wording is in present tense. Makes me think that God views engagements pretty seriously. Of course that is taking it rather out of context, but it does make one think. Now that was in NASB. Now what does it say in KJV? Hmmm... Little bit of a difference... But it still stresses that the daughters were virgins, and the culture did have the wedding night consumation... Very interesting.
ToDaYs MoOd
Varing between tired and a little bit happy. Tired because I've had late nights and early mornings; happy because I actually have been doing devotions the last couple of days and that a week from tomorrow I'll be done with work!

ToMoRrOw?
Saturday, a day that is supposed to be spent sleeping in and relaxing. Not for me. I don't know if I'll ever have a lazy Saturday again... I've worked pretty much every Saturday since October, and the ones I've missed have been either recovering from a certain eye surgery or doing something away from home. Oh well. Besides the fact that I miss my lazy Saturdays, tomorrow will be interesting. We have been shorthanded the last couple Saturdays so the call volume has been higher. It used to be that Saturday was kinda a slow day. It is not that way now... :( I'm kept pretty busy. *DING* "Thank you for calling MSN Broadband Technical Support. My name is John, badge number 22261. May I have your MSN email address or home telephone number, please?" Sometimes I wonder if I'll answer my home phone that way. I've already tried to log onto YIM with my work user name... *grins*

Well, I've rambled enough. got to go take the contact out and read my book!

BTW, Lyssa, Fairfield is in Idaho. Pretty common name for a town. There's one in Montana and I think in Washington. And now you have informed me that there's one in Illinois. Quite interesting...

~Bloggers that I'd like to see updated~

OFG's -- I love reading her thoughts and posts. They either make me think or make me laugh and I don't do enough of either lately!

'Nika's -- After 2 or so years of posting on the same board with 'nika, I'm just now getting to know her. I wouldn't mind knowing how her life is going.

And that's all for now... I thought I had some others, but I guess not...

I get a daily devotional every day from TDDM. I just recently rediscovered it after not being subscribed for a few years. It's been around for quite some time and the devos that these people write sometimes just strike me right on the area I need a punch on! *grins* Take this one for example:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
><> How to Study the Bible <><
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By : Steve Briesacher
TDDMSteve@yahoo.com


Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 2 Tim. 2:15-(NLT)

Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another-showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. 2Tim. 3:16 (The Message)

When we consider how we should approach the study of Scripture, the Bible itself provides clear guidelines for application and use. First, we are instructed to "Work hard" to study and understand the Word of God. This means that we are to apply ourselves to the knowledge and understanding of God's Word. We are not merely to read it casually, but rather study it with diligence, with the goal of understanding what God has to say to us. Now I must admit that initially this can seem like a daunting task, particularly for someone who has no background in Bible study. But, God has made provision for that individual.

In 1 Cor. 2:10, 14 we read: "But we know these things because God has revealed them to us by his Spirit, and his Spirit searches out everything and shows us even God's deep secrets. But people who aren't Christians can't understand these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them because only those who have the Spirit can understand what the Spirit means." When you became a believer, God gave you His Holy Spirit as a guide and interpreter of His Word. God's Spirit will help you discern God's Truth as contained in His Word. When we approach God's Word with diligence and enlist the aid of the Holy Spirit to understand God's Word, then we will be able to correctly understand, explain and apply the truth contained in God's Word.

In 2 Tim 3:16 we read that every part of Scripture is God breathed. This means that our Bible contains the very thoughts and words of our Creator. These are not merely writings of men, but rather inspired writings given by God through human instruments using His Spirit as the agent of transfer. As such, all Scripture is authoritative.

God tells us that there is great profit and usefulness in understanding His Word. First and foremost, God teaches us His Truth. This is foundational to living the Christian life and enjoying its many benefits. Jesus Christ himself told us, "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32) When we fully comprehend God's Truth, we are freed from our misunderstanding and the lies of Satan and the world, which so easily snare us into false beliefs and unprofitable actions.

Second, God's Word exposes our rebellion. This means that the Bible will point out areas in our lives where we persist in living in a manner that is consistently inconsistent with God's way. As these areas come to light, God's Spirit will place us under conviction, motivating us to change our ways.

Third, God's Word will allow us to correct mistaken beliefs that we may have learned. These mistaken beliefs may have been the result of the teaching of our parents, friends, religious institutions, or society in general. When we go directly to the Bible, we learn God's Truth directly from the source of Truth. This is how we are able to discern truth from error. In the Book of Acts, the Apostle Paul talks about a church in Berea that was particularly disciplined in checking everything out by comparing what they heard from men with what they learned in Scripture. Luke said of that church, " Now the Bereans were of more noble character … for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." (Acts 17:11) We are likewise encouraged to compare all truth to God's Truth, and only hold on to that which is consistent with the Word of God.

Finally, God tells us that His Word will train us to live His Way. I haven't always lived God's way. There was even a time early in my Christian life when I continued to live my way. May I share that this was one of the most miserable times in my life? No one is more miserable than a child of God living outside the will of God is. Then there was that day when I purposed in my heart to take the Word of God seriously. I began spending time in the Bible every day. I read the Bible cover to cover for several months - each time I read and gaining a greater understanding of God's Truth. I read conservative Christian commentaries to help me better understand the Word of God. And my life has been different ever since that day. Because I have allowed God's Word - the Bible - to train me in the way God has designed me to live, I have become a kinder, gentler, more caring person as I have allowed God to mold me and make me more like Christ. It has been an amazing journey. And it all bega!
n with the decision to take God's Word at face value.

May I encourage you to begin reading the Bible with the idea of letting it guide and direct your daily decisions and actions? As you study God's Word, pray for the Holy Spirit to illuminate your understanding of Scripture. Then, begin keeping notes where Scripture has revealed a truth, pointed out an area of rebellion, corrected a mistaken belief, or provide guidance on how to live a life that is consistent with God's way. As you reflect on those notes, make the appropriate changes in your thought and behavior, and you will notice a profound difference in the way you experience God, and the way you experience life. Enjoy the ride!

What he talks about hits me where I'm at. I don't read my Bible much, and when I do, it's just casual. Occaisionally I meditate on a certain verse, but that's not very often. This devo has challanged me to really work at studying God's Word. I want to know it! I want to be able to be closer to God through it. So I'd appreciate your prayers, whoever you are!

My life is very interesting.. Get this -- I have been Supeneaed!! (No clue on the spelling)

The reason that this happened is an interesting tale. The first time that we went over to the Tri-Cities for my eye appointment, we were passed by a semi. We then followed this vehicle and watched as it almost ran a camper off the road and later on ran a smaller car off the road. (that car proceeded to participate in some road rage by throwing a can of pepsi at the semi.

We were being followed by a white pickup and he, as we learned later, had called 911 on his cell. A trooper pulled the semi over and we, along with the pickup, pulled over as well. The trooper then arrested the driver of the semi. He wanted us to fill out a statement and we did, but had to send it in.

Then we get this in the mail. So august 7th, Mother and I have to appear at court and testify. Should be quite interesting. luckily it's before my trip to OK.

Speaking about that... I can't believe how close it's getting! I had planned this trip for so long, ever since Samuel and Anna left Wilbur. I didn't really think it would work out, a year is a long time, but God was good and provided the tickets at a great price! So on the 9th I'm going down to Boise and staying with some friends of ours there. Then on the 10th, I'll go to the airport and fly down to spend 10 days with my second family. Majorally cool!

After getting back to boise, on the 20th, my relatives are going to pick me up and take me to Fairfield. I'll spend a couple days there, and then head home.

Then September 16th is when I'll be in Eugene getting unpacked and settled in at EBC. Time flies way too fast..

A friend of mine wrote a survey, so I decided to fill it out on here. Enjoy!!
---------------------
1. When were you saved? I'm a little shaky on exactly when. My parents tell me that I was around three and I had Jesus in my heart and loved telling people about it. For awhile while I was little, I always repeated the sinners prayer every chance I got. So I'm most definitely saved! *laughs*
2. When where you baptized? Tough one. *runs off to talk to his mother* February or March of 1999. I'd had a couple chances to do it when I was younger, but my parents wanted me to really understand what I was doing. I finally got the chance in Jerome! ~Baptized in the Holy Spirit~ I believe I was six or seven and I decided I wanted that. The Holy Spirit came down and I've been filled with Him ever since.
3. What place on earth would you call home? Either of my Grandma's places. We've moved around so much that I don't really have a permenant place to call home.
4. What source do you usually use for news? I don't really pay all that much attention to the news. Occaisionally my parents will tell me something or I'll see a headline. Otherwise, I don't read news much.
5. What political party would you associate yourself with? I'm a white, conservative, republican, male! *winks at the Bs*
6. What instrument(s) do you play? The Radio
7. What instrument(s) would you like to play?I think bagpipes would be cool, but I really want to learn the guitar. Hopefully that'll happen in college.
8. Do you use a devotional book? If so, which one? Not at the moment, though I occaisionally read Max Lucado's Grace for the Moment. I want to get Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest and use that. I also have a few theogical books that I want to read for devotions. Humilty by Brother Andrew, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, and (if I can find it in my boxes) Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.
9. What version of the Bible do you usually read out of? New American Standard. Best word for word translation there is. I also occaisionally read out of the NKJV.
10. Do you think we should drill oil in the Alaska Wildlife Refuge? Yup, as long as they are careful.
11. What do you think about government aid? Scrap it. We have enough churches, let them take care of the homeless..
12. What magazines do you read? Whatever is on the doctor's table. *grins*
13. Do you watch TV? Not TV, but I do watch movies.
14. What is your opinion of the Star Wars character, Yoda? Yoda rocks! Funky way of talking, soo much wisdom in that little body, and boy does he wipe up with the lightsaber!
15. What language(s) do you speak or are learning to speak?I speak American and nothing else.
16. What language(s) would you like to learn? Sign language and perhaps Spanish
17. What time do you usually wake up on weekdays? Ugh, don't remind me. My alram is set for 5:10, I get up at 5:30 usually, or at 6.
18. What time do you usually go to sleep on weekdays? I go to bed around 8-8:30 and get to sleep around 9-9:30. I've got to have my eight hours!
19. Do you like to cook? Occaisionally.
20. What are your siblings’ name (including middles) and ages? David Natheniel, 16 almost 17 (never sure if natheniel is spelled with an 'e' or an 'a...' Oh well.)
------------------------------------------------

So there ya have it, a new survey about your's truly. Hope you learned something about the unique organism called 'JC.'

~thinking~
Nothing much. I'm here on lunch and basically brain dead. I much rather would be in bed and asleep.
~listening to~
The fan on the Internet computer. Another tech helping a customer.
~going to do in the next hour~
Get back on the phones and talk to complete strangers.

I was going to post the yesterday and tell you about Monday and the fun we had, but I never did... Not sure why. Now I'm not sure If I really want to do that.

I'm depressed. I just handed in my resignation at work. My last day will be August 3rd. Man, it's been fun! I have enjoyed this job. Made some good 'acquaintance' friends and I'll miss working with them... I hope that I've been shining for God, 'cause some of them really need some light.

Now to start clearing my desk and figuring out what I want to save and what can be thrown out. I have a lot of junk lying around and in drawers. I think I'll keep some of the tech stuff, but the majority of work related papers I'll toss. Of course, I'll bring home the plants. I've got a couple that I had received cuttings from some coworkers of. They're nice.

I suppose I ought to go do something worth while... I need to figure out what I'm taking to college and what I'm leaving...

bye for now

Yay! By doing some searching I found the way to fix my problem! To the others that I know have issues, try this.

I dunno... blogger is having some issues! I've been trying since yesterday to get this thing to post, but I have been unable to. Well, maybe with today's entry it'll publish corrrectly...

I went to the perfect church service today! We had church in the park and David and I took our canvas captain's chairs. We set them up and had them to sit in during the sermon. Pastor Tim looked at us and laughed! Hey, that's what I've always wanted, recliners in church! *grins*

During worship, it was so cool to be singing these songs in worship and listening to the wind and feeling the sun filter through the trees. It was like nature was joining in our worship. Very awesome! There is something about worshiping God in the outdoors. I'm reminded of Psalm 19: The heavens declare the glory of God, the skys proclaim the works of His hands. Very appropriate!

Right after the service, we were preparing to get the food set up for the potluck and we had a cloudburst. Today was very nice and even with that cloudburst, we had fun. I had a good conversation with Pastor Tim's mother. She lives in Eugene, so she knew what I was talking about when I talked about Eugene Bible College and going to college there. Very neat lady.

And now I'm home... Chatting with Samuel and Meg. Pretty cool.

Btw... Brian shut down The RI today in rememberance of Mer. Way to go, Brian!

It's amazing how much Mer's death has affected me. I've been watching movies and thinking about the tragedy that is hidden in those movies. The Rescuers dealt with a little girl being kidnapped. Can you imagine the terror of that girl? Not only has she lost her parents, but she's forced to live with these awful people and made to go into that cavern. And then That Darn Cat has a lady being kidnapped to cover a getaway. Ther terror that she faced was evident. She almost died...

I know they are movies, but since Mer left, my viewpoint seems to have changed. Things that used to not bother me have become more real. I'm starting to realize that I'm not immortal. I could take a turn too fast and end up in the ditch, or something could happen. this is starting me on working a little more on my relationship with God. I have been very lax lately. I'm awake now, Lord! I want to know You more and I want to shine for You!

You ever get that feeling that your body doesn't like you? I got that yesterday. I woke up with a gurgling stomache and it just got worse from there (I'll spare you the details) Needless to say, I was not feeling well at all yesterday. Called in sick and thus missed a day of work. Not too much of a bite in the pocketbook as I did have holiday pay from working on the fourth, but I was needing that extra little bit. Oh well, I'll live. I'm feeling better today though I'm still a little tender.

Yesterday, I watched 4 movies. Started out with Huck Finn, a disney film of that book. They did a pretty good job of it. Kept to the book very, very, extensively. Then continued on that tape with The Rescuers. That movie really started me thinking about the horrors of kidnapping. Those people who would take some little kid for some sort of task or twisted act are sick. I don't understand how they can hurt these little, innocent, young-uns. Makes my heart sad for those families who have lost their kids. After that movie, the last one on that particular video was Back to Hannibal. It was about Tom and Huck being in their twenties and going back to Hannibal to defend Jim on a murder charge. Jim supposedly killed Becky's (same gal who starred in the Anne series.) husband. Another good movie. I think they did a good job of expanding those boys into what they may have become. Last but not least, I watched That Darn Cat, with Dean Jones and Haley Moore. I had watched it up until the first survellience and then my father wanted to watch it. Thinking that he'd just pick up where I left off, I said yes. No sirree, he wanted to watch the whole thing! So I know the first half hour pretty good! *grins* Another funny show. Something that I've always liked about that movie is there's a nosy neighbor woman and she gets turned into the police as a male prowler wearing women's clothing... Anyways, the police officer tells her that "with a face like that you shouldn't try using woman's clothing!" The expression on her face is priceless!

So that was yesterday, laying around because I couldn't sit up without puking. Today I'm much better. I'm on lunch right now, at home, and enjoying the time to relax.

I decided, based on something Melissa wrote in her blog, to start reading Genesis again. So I started it this morning during the slow time. I'm up to chapter 5 or so. Something that I've always wondered about is Genesis 6:1-4 which states:

1 Now it came about, when men began to multiply on the face of the land, and daughters were born to them,
2 that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.
3 Then the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, because he also is flesh; nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years."
4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

That phrase, sons of God, has always puzzled me. Were they Seth's sons who decided that they wanted to marry outside of God's will? Were they perhaps children of Adam and Eve's born before the fall and thus undefiled until this time? Some people think that this could mean demons or angels. I tend to be a little skeptical of that... However, you never know.

My favorite is the children of Adam and Eve before the fall. I know that the Bible doesn't say anything about them having undifiled offspring, and thus it's not very likely, but hey, it could have happened! That could explain the Nephilum and why they were giants. I mean you have perfect DNA mixing with non-perfect, sin-soiled, DNA. Something interesting has got to happen.

*grins* Yeah, I know, it's all conjecture and it's not that important to our faith, but still... I'm human and I want to know who those sons were.

This blogger entry has been written in bursts... I started this morning on my first break, expounded at home on my lunch, and now on my last break I should be finished... (or so you hope!)

Blah! It's hot outside! Been running over a hundred the last few days. I'm so glad I'm in an airconditioned building! Makes things a whole lot easier on me... Of course, JC, who can't stand too much heat, is going down to OK in the hottest month of the year! Sometimes I wonder at myself....

More on my friend's journey to Jesus' arms

The Linn County sheriff's office says 16-year-old Merwin S--------- and 19-year-old Normal K-------, both of Kalona, drowned Sunday in the Cedar River at Palisades-Kepler State Park , just south and east of Cedar Rapids, along Highway 30.
The Linn County Sheriff's Department says they and two other teens were rafting just below the dam at Palisades, they later decided to put the rafts on shore and just wade in the water. "A couple of the teenagers got out a little far in the current, got in trouble, the other two were n the process of trying to save them, couldn't get to them quick enough, they got swept out into swifter current and went under," said Captain Rik Haendler. Captain Haendler says that people on the shore as well as some in private boats also attempted to help the two boys.
The Linn Co. Sheriff's Department got the call for help around 3:30 Sunday afternoon. They responded to the scene with a handful of other local, county and state agencies. Together they put nine boats on the water and found the boys' bodies within an hour. Captain Haendler says neither boy was wearing a life jacket. Wearing a life jacket when you are out on the river is something the Sheriff's Department recommends because the river changes every day, making the current very unpredictable.

I'm with Brian. I hardly knew Mer, but I know Janene quite well. Frankly I'm stunned. You hear of these tragic accidents and you think, "oh, that's sad, but it's not going to happen to me or to those I know..." Then you get hit with something like this that totally changes your perspective. I think it's down to that youthful belief that nothing will happen to me. And things like Columbine, Sept 11, and this accident, break down that belief. What happens when our world comes tumbling down? I don't know about you, but this makes me want to get closer to God. It also makes me want to get closer to those friends of mine that might possible not be threr tomorrow...

~~ in my waiting room

• Re: howdy by Rachel Jessica


• Re: A Message from a strange place -- By Grady


• at long last a tooth -- by Samuel


• Re: the waiting room is getting empty... -- by Bekah E.


• ______ -- by Beth


• Re: hi -- by Lisa

Thinking: Various thoughts... Nice list I have there of emails I need to respond to... Wonder if I'll get the time to this week. I'm still waiting for certain people to reply to me, though I'm not too concerned as I procrastinate just as bad.
Listening to:Lower than the Angels by Billy Crockett and various other songs off of his Watermarks CD. I really like his style!
Chatting to:Lyssa. We're having a good convo about riers getting together and I actually remembered that she has three siblings.

My heart is bteaking for an online friend and her family. Janene's brother and his friend drowned yesterday. It's so sad when you lose a loved one, especially so young. Janene, know that my prayers and the prayers of my family are with you and yours.

Time...

I've been thinking about time and what it is. Is it merely the passing of days or is it something else? What is eternity? Doesn't the word make a conjecture that there is time without end?

That leads me to wonder what it will be like in heaven? Besides the obvious fact that we'll be communing with God, will Time have any meaning? Will we be able to look upon ourselves as we do things?

Questions and more questions that won't get answered until we are with Him.

Melissa's weblog is down again! grrr... Hmmm... I begin to agree with her that she needs to go with another host. Blogger would probably be best...

KC -- 7/1/2002

I'm back from Richland. We went for the third appointment in a row to Dr. Young's. Hopefully that will be my last until I head off to college. We picked up my permanent contact and I tried it on. Rob looked at it and said we hit it right this time! *grins* So, I'm set.

The last week had been interesting wearing that temporary contact. I think that perhaps it was warped a bit as I had a little problem with it. Wasn't too bad and now I'm wearing the new one. I think that the left perscription might be able to go up a bit. The nurse had just done a manual auto-refraction and while it is sharp, there's no way I could rely on it. I think it's at 20/30 -35 or so. Doesn't bother me too bad though. I figure once the sutures are taken out, and when the eye settles down, that then I'll be able to get a good prescription for it.

So the journey goes on....

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Well, tis time for me to go do the dishes. Adios.