Modesty (You HAD to know it was coming!!!)

How you dress, how you act, how you think and what you say are important to God. As a Believer, there must not be “even a hint of sexual immorality…or any kind of impurity…” Wow – not even a hint! (Ephesians 5:3-5)

I recall a situation in a group of adults (all Christians) and someone began to tell a story. Before they began, they said, “this may be a bit rude, but…” and before they could finish, another adult immediately said, “Then don’t say it!” That has stayed with me. If I am about to tell something funny, I reflect upon that incident. Am I about to say anything that would be considered “obscene, foolish or coarse joking?”

We can all get a little crazy around my house. And, we do love to laugh and have a good time. One of the immediate things I admired about Frank (and still do) is he never uses foul language, tells unclean jokes, makes double entendre, lewd, or suggestive comments. He just doesn’t do it! He was taught to be careful how he talks. Recently, Frank realizes this area of his life is a testimony to others. Everyone where Frank works knows he’s a Christian. Explaining why he talks the way he does has opened more doors for him to talk to others at his work about Jesus Christ and what he believes.

As many of you know, I have been researching and studying for the “Modesty” retreat for the gals. Yes, it is coming! I am still studying, planning and looking for a place for all of us to go. Anyone have a beach house they want to loan us for a weekend???

Modesty isn’t about just what we wear, though that is a huge indicator of what we believe about ourselves, God and His standards for modesty. Modesty is also about how we talk, how we act and what we allow to surround ourselves with. Modesty ultimately begins in the heart.

I am so thankful God has standards for how Christians should live. And, He has quite a bit to stay on the matter of modesty. As I reflect on this Ephesians passage I am convicted about many choices I have made in the past and evidences of those choices on my CD rack, Video Cabinet and bookshelves. Some people argue that what they listen to, watch and read don’t really affect them. I’m not so sure any more. That may be true in some cases, but, is it wise to allow yourself to watch, listen or read something that has even a “hint of sexual immorality…or any kind of impurity…” in it?

If we are called to be holy, set apart, wouldn’t that apply to what we allow ourselves to read, listen to or watch? (I Peter 1:13-16)

Something I wanted to leave you with – The blessings of Modesty. The following is from Nancy Leigh Demoss’s booklet The Look: Does God really Care what I wear?

Ask yourself, “What will others notice and see? Where will others’ attention be drawn?”

“Modesty is something good, desirable, and precious. There are many blessings you can experience as a result of modesty. They include:
 Peace – You’ll know that you are obedient to God.
 Power – You’ll be free from enslavement to fashion, fads, and others’ opinions.
 Protection – You’ll be guarded from the wrong kind of attention from the wrong kind of men. (Dressing modestly doesn’t guarantee that “the wrong kind of men” will never give you unwanted attention, but it sure helps!)
 Purity – You’ll attract the right kind of attention from the right kind of guys.
 Privilege – You’ll experience greater freedom in marriage as your body is reserved only for your husband.
 Praise – You’ll be valued for spiritual and heart qualities more than physical characteristics.

As you all (guys included) hit the beach, the mall, the movie theater, your friend’s house- frankly, anywhere you go- take a moment to think about what you are wearing. More importantly, think about what you are wearing in your heart. If your heart’s desire is to love, honor and glorify God, chances are, what you wear, say and do will reflect that! And, if you are ever unsure about what you are wearing, get a second opinion – from your Mom or better yet, your Dad. Think about it! If you need a second opinion, you probably shouldn’t be wearing it! And, if mom or dad isn’t available, you can always ask me! I’ll be kind, but truthful!

“…whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” I Cor. 10:31
Do a study on the following verses – I Cor. 6:19-20; I Cor. 10:31; Prov. 11:22; I Tim. 2:9-10; Rom. 14:8; 19-21; Romans 12:1-2 (the whole chapter is good!); Prov. 31:30; I Pet 1:13-16).

I love each one of you dearly! I am compelled to show my love by helping you understand why Modesty is important and what God has to say about it!

dogledanji!

Jameson receives: Coach's Award for 2003-2004

May I brag a moment?

Last night was the Sports Award Banquet at Crystal Cathedral. The food was delicious and the company was quite fun! A special hello to: Yo Yo (Brian), Keith, and Steven!

This year, Jameson played Football, Basketball and Volleyball. In fact, right now, he is learning to play Tennis (which I enjoyed in High School!).

I am pleased to inform you all, Jameson was recognized for his participation in all three sports this year, while maintaining a good, then much improved academic record! Recipients from last year's Coach's Award presented this year's award! It was way cool! I was/am very proud of Jameson!

Jame has worked hard this year to be committed to each sport, stay involved in Student Ministries, travel between two households, continually improve his grades in core subjects, find time to be in one musical and on tech crew for another!

This summer, he'll be working for his dad and begin guitar lessons. Where will he attend school next year? Please keep this in prayer! My heart desires he stays at Crystal Cathedral. His dad and I have placed some conditions on Jameson, which he has to meet...but he may be attending El Dorado High School in the Fall! There, he plans to go out for Football in the Fall and Baseball in the Spring.

More than anything, my prayer is Jameson will become a "man after God's own heart."

I love you Jameson! And, I am bursting with pride over you!

Fake Pearls

“Cherished as symbols of purity and perfection, elegance and affluence, pearls are unusual gems, created inside oysters.”

Matthew 13:45-46 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

“Jesus Christ is a Pearl of great price; in having Him, we have enough to make us happy here and for ever.”

We are all busy seeking. Some seek money. Others seek honor or fame. While still others seek knowledge or education. And, some are busy seeking themselves: clothes, popularity, boyfriend/girlfriend, computer/video game super-user, acceptance, identity, cars, drugs, alcohol, pre-marital sex, movies, TV-Shows, sports/music/academic performance, jobs, "my time". These are all fake pearls.

Are you pursuing the Pearl of great price: Jesus Christ? Are you willing to sell everything you have for Jesus? Following Jesus Christ costs us everything. Don’t be confused into thinking you can “buy” Jesus. I think some of us try to do that. Just like we do a special chore or job for our parents to “buy” their granting of a special permission or event…we get busy doing “good things” thinking they will buy the special attention and gratitude of God.

We may be able to buy many things in our lifetime with our money, our good deeds or special abilities…but we cannot buy Jesus Christ. For in fact, He has purchased us! We serve Him, out of gratitude not obligation.

I didn’t know a pearl was a symbol of purity and pefection. How fitting!

Did you know you can tell the difference between a real, natural pearl and a fake pearl? Real pearls have a “glow” that comes from within, while fake pearls are glossy on the surface.

Are you seeking Jesus Christ? What are the “fake” pearls you are pursuing? Stop doing that! Repent. Follow Jesus.

dogledanji!

Can you "care" too much? Is "worry" a sin? Hmmm....

The following verses address the subject of “worry” – Psalm 55:22; Jeremiah 17:5-8; Luke 12:22-26; Philippians 4:6-8.

Charles Spurgeon had the following to say about “worry.” Taken from his daily devotional, Morning & Evening.

“Care, even though exercised upon legitimate objects, if carried to excess, has in it the nature of sin.

The precept to avoid anxious care is earnestly reinforced by our Saviour, again and again; it is reiterated by the apostles; and it is one which cannot be neglected without involving sin: for the very essence of anxious care is the imagining that we are wiser than God, and the thrusting ourselves into His place to do for Him that which He has undertaken to do for us. We attempt to think of that which we fancy He will forget; we labour to take upon ourselves our weary burden, as if He were unable or unwilling to take it for us.

Now this disobedience to His plain precept, this unbelief in his Word, this presumption in intruding upon His province, is all sinful.

Yet more than this, anxious care often leads to acts of sin. He who cannot calmly leave his affairs in God’s hand, but will carry his own burden, is very likely to be tempted to use wrong means to help himself. This sin leads to a forsaking of God as our counsellor, and resorting instead to human wisdom.

Worry makes us doubt God’s lovingkindness, and thus our love to Him grows cold; we feel mistrust, and thus grieve the Spirit of God, so that our prayers become hindered, our consistent example marred, and our life one of self-seeking. Thus want of confidence in God leads us to wander far from Him; but if through simple faith in His promise, we cast each burden as it comes upon Him, and are “careful for nothing” because He undertakes to care for us, it will keep us close to Him, and strengthen us against much temptation.”

Philippians 4:6-8 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

What are you trying to handle that should be left in the Father's capable hands?

dogledanji!

Dog Eat Dog Weekend is Coming!

Nothing like working on the "behind the scenes" stuff of an event to get you all excited about it!!! But, I have to wait 3 months & 8 days! All of y'all need to put September 3 & 4 on your Calendars as a "must attend" event. It will be a whoop'in and a holler'in kinda time...well, Japanese-style, that is.

X-Box Derangement

I must say, I have a whole new outlook on one particular neighbor after listening to her "aggressive" comments while playing "Halo" yesterday evening. Comments like: "No! Don't shoot me...I want to shoot you first!" "Where are you so I can run you over?" "Here, let me run over your dead body again!" "Die!" "I have all this pent up rage...ooooh...come here!" "Ah yes, a tank is a wonderful thing."

However, I am not sure who is worse? The one emitting these endearing epithets or the one watching and giggling and encouraging her as she plays (Frank...and later, Sally!).

I think Sally and I will have to secretly hone up on our X-Box'ing abilities for the time when we shall be called upon to defend ourselves! Oh my.

Lunch is over...gotta scoot!

Dogledanji!

"Don't go where I cannot follow..."

Yesterday was Mother's Day and I received my "Return of the King" DVD. THANKS JAMESON! THE best son ever! It was a very thoughtful, wonderful gift! The die-hard fans (ahem, Bethany!) and I watched the entire almost 4 hours of the non-extended version (which, by the way, comes out today in a store near you!).

Special thanks to Frank for getting the surround sound hooked up. I do believe the entire neighborhood enjoyed listening to "Return of the King"!

Yes, Cherie, I was ill'en from "not-update-blog-itis". Symptoms are: a high fever, chills then sweats, a cough that only erupts when Sally makes you laugh and no desire or energy to make the effort to do simple tasks, like type on a keyboard. I do suggest getting a prescription for a Z-pack...as it does work wonders on curing the above mentioned symptoms.

However, I feel like a new person today! And, I have most of my energy back (well, at least enuf to type..hence...).

Again, I was astounded by the brilliant direction, screenplay and editing sequences of ROTK. It is no mystery to me why it won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Compared to all else being generated from Hollywood's brain-dead minds, ROTK is a shining star.

Friendship

Many people have complained about the role of Sam in ROTK. They think he is a bit over the top and emotional. If you have read the book, which I HIGHLY recommend, you will find that Mr. Jackson, et. al., does an excellent job of portraying what Tolkein tried to convey about Master Samwise. He was a true, devoted, committed friend. He loved Frodo with a true love, which few of us see anymore portrayed in films today.

In fact, Sam and Frodo remind me of another famous love friendship from the Bible, Jonathan and David. Suggest you pull out your Bible, dust if off and check it out.

The things I admired about Sam, and in a true friend, are as follows. How do you compare in your friends and in being a friend? Things to consider..

1. Sam was devoted to Frodo. He left everything to follow him to the point of death.
2. Sam loved Frodo with a pure, unselfish love.
3. Sam was quick to confront evil and Frodo when he was wrong.
4. Once he confronted Frodo, he didn't walk away, he was willing to "bear the burdon" and be part of the solution.
5. Sam questioned Frodo's judgment of character of others (Gollum) and didn't let it go.
6. Sam never gave up. He never complained. He never whined.
7. Sam looked for ways to encourage Frodo, not tear him down.
8. Sam told Frodo what he needed to hear, never what he wanted to hear.
9. Though Sam & Frodo had a special bond-friendship, they did not exclude others when they were around. They paid attention to others and never made anyone feel "outside".
10. When everything looked the bleakest, Sam sought to remind Frodo of what was good, not choosing to dwell upon the bad.
11. Sam faced reality and was practical.
12. Sam was steadfast and pure in heart.
13. Sam honored his commitment to "care for Frodo" (that he made to Gandalf) and with integrity and perseverance kept his commitment.
14. However, it was not his commitment which bound him to Frodo, but his love for Frodo.
15. Sam served Frodo. He considered Frodo's needs before his own. He made sure Frodo had whatever he needed, even if it meant Sam went without.
16. Sam encouraged Frodo to "stay the course".
17. Even when Sam was rejected by Frodo, he remained faithful.
18. When Sam was deeply hurt by Frodo, he forgave him and sought him out. He never expected or demanded an apology - he knew his friend.
19. Though Sam was afraid, he faced incredible odds (lots and lots of Orcs), and with no thought to his own welfare, pursued and rescued Frodo.
20. Sam knew when to let go and say "goodbye". Though he wanted Frodo to stay, Sam understood it was better for Frodo to go.

In a class I took in college, I had to draw the comparisons to Christ in the characters from Tolkien's classic trilogy. Sam was known as the "suffering servant".

When Frodo was thought dead by Sam, through tears, Sam whispered to Frodo, "Don't go where I cannot follow."

What kind of friend are you?
What kind of friends do you have?

The "Sam's" in my life: Frank, Debbie, Sally...thank you!

It's good to be back!
Dogledanji!

What Kind of Temple are You?

I Kings chapters 5-8 record Solomon building the Temple of God.

1Ki 9:1-3 Now it came about when Solomon had finished building the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all that Solomon desired to do, that the LORD appeared to Solomon a second time, as He had appeared to him at Gibeon. The LORD said to him, "I have heard your prayer and your supplication, which you have made before Me; I have consecrated this house which you have built by putting My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.

If you get a chance, you should read the account of what went into building the Temple. Solomon spared no expense. He used expensive cedar wood and covered just about everything on the inside with pure gold. This was to be God’s house! I am sure it was amazingly beautiful. I would love to see someone with artistic ability research and understand the descriptions and try to paint what is described. For Solomon having such a great beginning, sadly, his life ends not so well. God promised to stay in the Temple and bless Solomon and Israel as long as they followed His ways and obeyed his commandments. Later, you will read about Solomon taking many wives and eventually worshiping false gods. Before you get too critical of Solomon, all of us have the same problem.

Anything that takes the place of God is a false god or idol.

1Co 3:16-17 Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.

And that is what you are!

One commentary said it this way, “Christ by his Spirit dwells in all true believers. Christians are holy by profession, and should be pure and clean, both in heart and conversation. He is deceived who deems himself the temple of the Holy Ghost, yet is unconcerned about personal holiness, or the peace and purity of the church.”

If you talk to any dietician, they will tell you if you eat correctly and exercise properly, your insides will take care of your outsides. The same is true for the Christian.

What does your temple look like? What is on the inside? Your heart. What are the walls of your heart, mind and spirit covered with? Is it a substance likened to pure gold? Or more like grimy sludge?

What are you still doing in the garbage bin???

dogledanji!

Are you eating from the garbage can?

This week, Sally and I began a literal translation of a “Discipleship” study she brought back with her from Germany. This study is written in German. Sally is reading it, translating it and I am typing it on the computer. To both of us, the German diction often seems quite redundant. It seems that the writer keeps emphasizing certain truths over and over. However, I have pondered upon these redundancies the past two days.

One of the points made was a new Christian should have a hunger and thirst (desire) to read God’s Word. Just like you need food every day to grow, keep your strength, stay healthy and have energy to make it through your day so a Christian needs God’s Word. The following verses illustrate the benefit of reading God’s Word.

Psalm 19:7-11
The law of the LORD is perfect…
the testimony of the LORD is sure…
The precepts of the LORD are right…
the commandment of the LORD is pure….
The fear of the LORD is clean…
the judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Psa 119:9-16
How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.
Your word I have treasured (hidden) in my heart, that I may not sin against You.

Psa 119:97-105
How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
From Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

2Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

One of the commentaries I was reading had this to say, “What we love, we love to think of. All true wisdom is from God. The soul has its tastes as well as the body. Our relish for the word of God will be greatest, when that for the world and the flesh is least. The way of sin is a wrong way; and the more understanding we get by the precepts of God, the more rooted will be our hatred of sin; and the more ready we are in the Scriptures, the better furnished we are with answers to temptation.”

You know, the interesting thing is as Christians, we don’t realize we are hungry for God’s Word. We stuff ourselves with the junk food of this world: books, music, TV, movies, video-games, ungodly friends, selfish pursuits. When we are full of what the world has to offer, we have no taste for God’s Word. Why would that be?

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

I recall Pastor Keith once talking about many of us act like a homeless person who digs in a garbage bin, satisfied to feast upon the leftovers, the rubbish, the moldy, decomposing waste of expired food. In reality, if we are Christians, God has prepared a lavish banquet with every good thing we need to fully live and thrive as His children. He has given us His Word, the Bible. He calls us to come inside and feast upon His Word and be satisfied by His love letter to us.

Reflect upon your week…how much time have you sat feasting upon God’s Word? How much time have you spent digging in the garbage bin? Do NOT tell me you don’t have enough time. You have enough time. The problem is you don’t want to sacrifice some of your “down” time. I know, I do it too! I can get lost for hours in a meaningless novel. Before I know it, I will have read halfway through a book, glance at the clock and realize it is 3:30 in the morning!

“What we love, we love to think of.”

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ! You are starving to death spiritually. The more you feed upon this world, your sinful desires and wants – the more emaciated you will become as a Christian. Get out of the garbage can. Get into God’s Word. He does not disappoint. And, only He can truly satisfy that emptiness you feel deep down inside. Really.

dogledanji!

Lending makes one "Spy-worthy"?

Oh my...doing a good deed for a friend in need has made us (er, me) suspect?

And, we (er, Frank) even let the friend in need watch the Lakers' game on the big screen for a while before her beddie-bye time came around! (Um, the Lakers did win tonight..which means something to someone somewhere, but not much to me!)

Hey! I just learned it would take 17 hours and some odd minutes to drive to my sister's house in Colorado. Road trip!!! Frank says that would take about 2 days. Hey, the way I figure it...there are 24 hours in one day...17 is less than 24; therefore, it would only take 1 day. Where does he get the 2 days from???

UPDATE ON FRANK'S NOTUPDATINGHISBLOG-ITIS

Yours truly was doing the transcriptionist thing tonight with the German-Speaking/Translating British Alien...and we hogged up all the time on the computer until "24" (which IS the best show in Network Television) came on. Then Frank was too preoccupied with watching the last so many minutes of the Lakers/Spurs Game (is he REALLY becoming a Basketball fan?) that he didn't beat me to the computer to update his blog. He asserts that he has endless pages of notes to reference when he DOES update his blog. So, look for a total sludge-down (is that a word?) of the whole Blogger Server when Frank finally gets around to updating his blog.

Speaking of basketball...how can one practice correctly in bare feet? Inquiring minds truly want to know. And, speaking of feet - was your TV screen big enough to hold the image of Shaq's feet? Sheesh! How big are those feet? I may begin to watch basketball just to take in the incredulous image of Shaq's feet. Impressive!!!

I only ended up here updating my blog tonight because Frank teased me into thinking I could actually post a picture now on my Blog. I was eager to do so. Argh! It is not meant to be!

Okay...so this was truly meaningless and so I will sign off for now.

I'm looking forward to all the 6:00 p.m. peoples who are planning to show up and help me do what Frank asked you to do on Sunday. (BIG HINT)

Oh, did I mention Sally has started her own blog? You may access it from the Student Ministries "Blogspace" page on the Website. Happy reading...er...singing, I guess.

dogledanji!

Fragrance of Forgiveness

"Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet leaves on the heel that crushes it."

I recall reading that quote somewhere, and I liked it. However, I am not really sure that violets actually have a scent. I shall have to conduct research on another day, in another time split continuum, in an alternate reality.

An alternate reality where sons remember their mothers on Mother's Day and wait on them hand and foot. Ah, tis true. (Heavy sigh). I was completely forgotten on Mother's Day. (Heavy, heavy sigh). I am left with several possible explanations as to why I was forgotten.

1. I am truly not a mother. Perhaps the nine months of gestation I underwent was a mere figment of my imagination. Perhaps the 8 (eight) hours of labor were truly the results of delusional delirium brought on by gas bubbles caught in my lower intestines due to too much raw onions on a hamburger. Perhaps the demonic-like, guttural sounds emitting from my vocal cords as I was imagining I was pushing something the size of a football through something the size of a garden hose (mind you, a highly elasticized garden hose) were only the result of a rich imagination brought about by temporary insanity. Perhaps the decision to not have drugs (and thus, feel every stinking pain associated with childbirth) so I might protect my unborn child and give him a better chance at an alert arrival once vacating that garden-hose size environment, was all a fantasy brought on by wishful thinking. All the weight gain, all the swollen hands and feet, all the stretch marks, all the gross protrusion of a once-flat belly, all the lower back pain, all the ugly maternity fashions, all the alien features that transformed my 25-26 year old body into a yellow-squash look-a-like, all the endless days of anticipating, all the doctor visits, all the poking and prodding...were caused by early onset dementia.

2. My child was abducted by an alien. Aliens do not celebrate Mother's Day (or so I'm told). This is mainly because they eat their mothers for nourishment once they are hatched from their reptilian eggs. I have noticed some scale-like white things on my supposed-son's head.

3. I don't really exist. I am a figment of my imagination. Now, if this were really true...I am sure I would imagine a person who is adored, waited upon and lavished with roses, cards & special thoughtful gifts upon their imaginary celebration of Mother's Day.

4. My child is brain dead. Ahhh, this could be a really good explanation. There always seems to be a vacant, glazed look in his eyes whenever he appears to be awake. Left alone in a mall, park, or educational zone, there is always this look of confusion plastered across his face. Most questions are answered with "huh?" Many times, when I call his name, he doesn't answer - as if he doesn't know his own name. Sometimes I find him gazing at himself in the bathroom mirror, as if trying to understand or figure out who or what he is. And yet, brain dead people don't constantly ask, when you pick them up from school, "what's for dinner?" In fact, brain dead people don't go to school! Perhaps the symptoms are only geographical and only manifest themselves at home. So he is infected with homeus brain-dead-ius.

5. My child is a teenager. Enough said. I must forgive my child for this unintended, unthoughtful, oversight in celebrating Mother's Day. Tis not his fault. Really. It is my fault! Oh, I only have myself to blame! Okay, I feel so much better now. I was supposed to remind him of this important day. I was supposed to take him to the mall and give him the money to purchase a thoughtful gift (that I suggested). I was supposed to take said gift and wrap it up creatively (as only I can do).

The mystery is solved.

In all fairness...I did receive recognition on Mother's Day. By my own mother!

Boy Forgiven!
I did receive a kiss on the cheek and a hug from Jameson. He did wish me a Happy Mother's Day. And, he did bring back from his Washington D.C. trip, a book entitled, Bunny Suicides. It is quite funny, in a very twisted way.

The boy was brought home safely from his Washington D.C. trip. I am thankful for him. I love him dearly, both the good, bad and the forgetfulness! I distinctly remember the very first time I heard his heartbeat. It was so fast...like the rapid beating sound hummingbird wings would make, if they made sound. I remember every detail of every moment God has granted to me with him. I thank God daily for Jameson. And, I pray he will become a man after God's own heart!

The best Mother's Day gift was having him home. Safe. Happy. Hungry. Being Jameson.

Late Saturday Night (should be asleep!)

So, Frank was a BLOG Hog and just now abandoned the computer so I could log in and see what is going on in the world of Blogging Cyber Folks.

Underline? Shall I torture Sarah and not tell her how to underline???
Hmmm...underline....what is the HTML Code for underlining...??? Very good question. Let us see if this will work I am trying to underline this section and guess what? Yes boys and girls, it is true...I have discovered the secret to underlining. So, here we go...whenever you want to underline text within your Blog...all you need to do is type a "<" then a "u" and then a ">" and then begin typing the text you desired to be underlined. When you are finished...you need to type a "<" then a "/" (note, that is a forward slash) and then a "u" and then a ">" to close it off. That will be $25.00 please.

So, Clive Staples is a rather unusual name. However, the name alone, Clive, is kinda common:
1. Clive Barker (scary, wicked minded writer/director - don't recommend ANY of his movies).
2. There is a Clive, Iowa in the old US of A. underlining here, just for fun!
3. CLIVE = Computer-aided Learning In Veterinary Education (really). You can go here to see Really!
4. Clive W.J Granger can be found in the Economics Department at UCSD Another Clive Here!
5. Clive Ruggles (is that REALLY a last name???) is a professor at University of Leicester School of Archaeology and Ancient History at this location Clive here too...
6. And, Clive Gregson is a Singer Songwriter Musician who is an English singer songwriter from poprock group Any Trouble, member of Richard Thompson Band, duo in Gregson & Collister, and solo performer according to this website And yet, another Clive here..

Okay, that was kinda really boring...but I was curious to see how common or uncommon the name "Clive" was. Perhaps I should purchase another fishy and name it "Clive". Wonder if Frank would have an aversion to the name "Clive" like he does the name "Claire"?

Hope there are no Claires reading this Blog. Yes, he really does not like that name. I have tortured him several times with wondering if I could legally change my name to Claire.

Oh..oh..oh...I'm feeling poetical (scary, I know...cause you just NEVER know what will flow from this twisted mind of mine!).

Ode to Claire (<-----------Oh! DO note the clever use of underlining here!)
I think that there shall never be
a name as lovely that ends with "e"
No, no, it is not "Mare"
we doth repine the name of Claire

So sweet the sound doth leave my lips
and throws Frank into verbolic flips
and fits of screams and fists of hair
all because of that name, Claire.

Such silliness, quite plain to see
a grown man all sick and colicky
Provoked by sweetly exhaled air
Gently caressing that name, Claire.

I do not know why I must persist
and taunt him with this verbal fist
its just a name! I innocently reply
quick to duck as more hairs fly

Good thing for me, my name's not Claire
or he'd be gone, to anywhere
the name is benign, it's not so bad
I could be stuck on that name Chad!

Ahem...that will be $35.00 for every groan, guffaw or hiss of disgust! :)

Sometimes, I shouldn't be left alone. I just crack myself up!
Okay, I'm over my fit of giggles and delicious self-satisfaction with my own perceived wittiness.

Well, who knew? Oh well, tomorrow is Mother's Day. Tune in. Same "Claire" time, same "Claire" channel (he.he.he....), we might be writing the tale of The Son who forgot his mother on Mother's Day!

G'nite! Dogledanji! And, um, Sarah...if you are awake and reading this...it is WAY past your bed time!

Ramblings at Mid-Night..........(okay...11:57ish)

I hate ants. (Sorry Bill.) What are these teeny-tiny red ants? Where do they come from? Why are they interested in my kitchen? Am I an ant-magnet? I wonder if I am stricken with a mini-plague of ants in whatever house I live? These red ants - are mutants - they are about 1/4 the size of a small black (run of the mill) ant. And, they don't die as quickly as the black ants do...they keep on traversing their trail for at least 20 more seconds before they become stone-still and, well, die.

Just saw Stephen Moore on line for a few seconds. So, I'm wondering if Jameson is home safely now??? Ya think he would'a called to say, "heh, mom, yeah." His normal short-speak for, "Hello Mother, I am here and okay and I was thinking of you so I thought I'd call to let you hear my voice. Aren't I a great son?"

So Cherie learned to play Settlers tonight. She did quite well for her first time. And, even though Sarah won (with no help from me this time), we all had a great time!

Frank is already abed. Sally is snoring (jest kidding). The kitties are curled up and ignoring me completely. The only sounds are bubbles bubbling from Frick & Frack's tank. And, a police helicopter doing the "I'm up here looking for you" circling of the local area. Which is a comforting AND discomforting sound at the same time. Oh yes and the fan, with no front blade guard, is doing it's "breathing" routine. It is spooky when you are up late and little sound is available to muffle out the breathing fan. Time to turn that silly thing off. Frank likes it because it is suppose to simulate a random breeze. It has never seemed like a breeze to me...just an electronic object breathing.

Oh, new sound! Ranger is "huffing and puffing" in the back yard. This is an indication that he has detected some animal type and is pacing back and forth by the fence, jumping up occasionally, trying to get whatever he thinks he smells there.

I hope Jameson had a great time in Washington D.C.! I miss him.

Okay, now it sounds like Ranger is an asthmatic.

So, what did I do to be the one winning the poll right now? My vote is between Frank & Sarah.

Wonder if my sister got the letter and the package I sent her? Me thinks I will have to call (at a decent hour) and inquire. And, to say "hello."

Hmmm...at the bottom of my browser it says "Done, but with errors on page." That is weird.

No, WEIRD is Frank's aversion to Amy Grant. But...she is a bit nasal when she sings. I actually heard that for the first time tonight. But, I STILL enjoy her music. Sorry Frank.

Sunday is Mother's Day! Don't you all forget about your mommies! And, for heaven's sake, buy them a card! Okay, well...I've rambled quite randomly.

g'nite...dogledanji!

Words to ponder (or sing)...

Frank loves music! He will pull obscure albums off the shelf and listen to them in snippets. His DJ roots show most often when he is delighted to share a song with me, or anyone for that matter.

I love music too! Good, inspirational music helps me in my attitude towards prayer, reading God's Word, getting ready to corporately worship God, and fellowshipping with the Body of Christ. Often, I will use music as part of my lesson...I am so moved sometimes. Unlike Frank, I get engrossed in an album and I will listen to it for days, weeks, sometimes a whole month.

Lately, I've been listening to Fernando Ortega's This Bright Hour CD. At first, I was re-checking out each song because I bought a copy of it and mailed it to my sister. She shares a passion for music as well.

I don't sing well, but I love to sing! Alone in my car, I can crank up the tunes and bellow along to my heart's content. Though my voice may be a bit like a squeaky wheel, my heart is full of praise and adoration to the Lord! Anywho....

I jumped in my car this morning and was all ready to listen to Fernando when all of a sudden Jon BonJovi cranks up singing "Its my life, its now or never, I ain't gonna live forever...I'm gonna live while I'm alive...its my life!...like Franky said, I did it my way." His anthem of living life to its fullest, is really upbeat and forceful...with a huge splash of defiance thrown into the mix. The music is powerful and driving. My toe was tapping and I found myself singing along. (Frank went to an Angels game last night and took the car and probably rocked out all the way to the ballgame! I guess Fernando Ortega didn't quite provide the right "upbeat, gusto, we're gonna stomp the other team" effect, Frank may have been looking for!) ;o)

Though I like this band and this song...I didn't really enjoy it as much as I used to. My life it not my own. Doing things my way is directly against God's way. And, as a believer, I am going to live for eternity with my Lord and Savior. There is truth to the statements, 'its now or never' and 'I'm gonna live while I'm alive' in the sense that we do need to make the most of the time God has given us and make all that we do count for Him and be for His glory. But then again, the audacity of saying, 'I'm gonna live while I'm alive' is a way of claiming you have control over your very breath and heartbeat. Of which none of us do. God allows the very next beat of my heart and controls the very air I breathe.

So, I'm hunting for my Fernando Ortega CD (Frank!). And, on my way home tonight...I won't turn on the radio or cd player. I think I'll drive home in silence and listen to God. When was the last time you allowed silence into your realm of influence and listened to God?

Following are words from two songs I love...

Hear Me Calling, Great Redeemer

As I walk, Lord, through the valley, hold my hand, hold my trembling hand.
If I stumble by the wayside, in Your strength help me stand.

The sparks fly upward while the wind blows like a spirit lost upon the sea.
I am torn, Lord, and born to trouble. I am blind and I am weak.

Hear me calling, great Redeemer, at the foot of Your dark cross where You suffered for the sinner, bleeding, dying, for the lost.

Go before me through the valley, speak to me, for I know Your voice.
Lead me homeward, gentle Shepherd, God of love, God of grace.

By: Fernando Ortega, from his This Bright Hour Album

My Redeemer

I will sing of my Redeemer, and His wondrous love to me;
On the cruel cross He suffered, from the curse to set me free.

Refrain
Sing, oh sing, of my Redeemer, with His blood, He purchased me.
On the cross, He sealed my pardon, paid the debt, and made me free.

I will tell the wondrous story, how my lost estate to save,
in His boundless love and mercy, He the ransom freely gave.

I will praise my dear Redeemer, His triumphant power I’ll tell,
how the victory He giveth over sin, and death, and hell.

I will sing of my Redeemer, and His heavenly love to me;
He from death to life hath brought me, Son of God with Him to be.

By: Philip Bliss

Parting thought: If we all love God so much and are so thankful for what He has done for us, then, why does everyone look so unhappy and bored when we are singing praises to God? That there be one of my pet peeves.

dogledanji!

Frank & Sarah's Blogs are Worth Reading....

I'm impressed and thoroughly enjoyed both of your blogs today!

Sarah - you go girlfriend! I LOVED everything you wrote. Just remember, standing for the Lord sometimes mean you will have to stand alone. Well, you'll never truly be alone...as God is ALWAYS with you. I love you!

Frank - where did your wittiness come from? Indoctrination vs. education - way cool! All I can say is, ditto. And, to borrow a phrase Michael & Ryan want on the wall:

Know what you believe and WHY you believe it!

dogledanji!

HTML Can be Complicated!

Whew! If I update the look of my Blog again any time soon it will be short of a miracle.
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I'm looking forward to the Small Group Study tonight. I wonder if anyone will be prepared?

Check in to tomorrow's post to see!

Oh yes, Happy Cinco de Mayo to any celebrating cyber friends!

'Scuse me whilst I wax eloquent in Spanish:
No soy seguro porqué usted celebra este día.
Sin embargo, espero que sus celebraciones sean absolutamente festivas y agradables.
¿Quién sabía?
¡El pescado de Babel es una gran herramienta de la tela!
For those hispanic speaking illiterates, check out this nifty online tool!

dogledanji!

Fingerprints of God

To all the young ladies out there! Especially those of you who think you're ugly. Be thankful for the way God made you! His plan is perfect...and He made you just as He desired you to be. To me, each of you is incredibly beautiful! I love you!

Psalm 139:14-15; Phil. 1:6
I can see the tears filling your eyes
And I know where they're coming from
They're coming from a heart that's broken in two
By what you don't see
The person in the mirror
Doesn't look like the magazine
Oh, but when I look at you it's clear to me that

I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know it's true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

Never has there been and never again
Will there be another you
Fashioned by God's hand
And perfectly planned
To be just who you are
And what He's been creating
Since the first beat of your heart
Is a living breathting priceless work of art and

I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know it's true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

Just look at you
You're a wonder in the making
Oh, and God's not through, no
In fact, He's just getting started and

I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know it's true
You're a mastpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God
You are covered with the fingerprints of God

written by Steven Curtis Chapman

Who is holding you up?

First off, let me say, today is a great (yet, very hot) day! Praise God for my job, my family, my friends, my health and all the abilities He has allowed to grow and season in my realm of experience!

I'm coming upon my 2 year anniversary with this job I currently do. Like any job, there was a period of adjustment, learning the "new stuff", getting down the office personalities, etc. Overall, this has been a great, and at times challenging, job for me! What is amazing, as I reflect on these past two years, is how tumultuous my personal life has been.

tu·mul·tu·ous adj.
1. Characterized by tumult; noisy and disorderly: tumultuous applause.
2. Tending to cause tumult.
3. Confusedly or violently agitated.

Hmmmm....can I really define the past two years as confusedly agitated or noisy and disorderly? Nope. Need to search for a different word which accurately describes the upheaval of the past two years.

up·heav·al n.

1. The process of being heaved upward.
2. An instance of being so heaved.
3. A sudden, violent disruption or upset: “the psychic upheaval caused by war” (Wallace Fowlie).
4. Geology. A raising of a part of the earth's crust.

Bingo. Upheaval. The past two years were in a state of upheaval. Yep, that word will certainly do.

Okay, I won't say I made it through these past two years unscathed...but I can say, with confidence, it was all for my good. And Frank's good. And Jameson's good.

Where am I going with this and what prompted me to meander down this road?

Every day, I walk past the CHOC Oncology Clinic on the way to my office. This clinic is for children who are diagnosed with some form of cancer and are well enough to live at home and come to the clinic for checkups, treatment, etc. You cannot miss who the patients are. Without exception, they usually have bald heads and their eyes look a bit hollow.

Over the past two years, I have met children and their parents, only because I see them so much. I always try to smile and say hello. They are always cheerful, even though some are quite sick and in pain. Even the very ill ones want to smile and tell you about their toy or Sponge Bob shirt.

During periods of personal despair...without fail...I'd run into a familiar face waiting outside the clinic. I'd linger long enough to say hello and hear about how their treatment was going, etc. The children were always happy and eager to hold my attention. The parents of these children tugged at my heart. I always walked away thanking God for these moments of "reality checks" in my life. I'd pray for these people and petition God to heal them if it was His will. I then would thank God for my situation, thank Him for reminding me that "things" weren't important, He was/is...people are.

Today, an athletic-looking father and young (maybe 4-5 year old) son were waiting outside the Oncology Clinic. I've seen them several times the past month or so. They say hello to me and the boy runs up and hugs my leg. That energy alone is enough to tire him out. He slides down to the floor and sits there, almost a bit stunned, dazed. The dad walks over and calls him "buddy" and swings him up onto his shoulders. The boy gets a huge grin on his face and announces that he is much taller than me now! I laugh and ask how things are going.

As I listen, I notice a few things. Dad and son are dressed almost identically. And, dad has shaved his head. Kinda a "mini-me" thing is going on when you look at them. As Dad and I talk a few more minutes I notice the son is getting recharged with energy and the blush hue of health has returned. He has his little arms wrapped around his daddy's chin and is resting his head on his daddy's head. However, instead of wiggling to get down, he is quite content to stay safely seated on his daddy's shoulders. Dad's perfectly fine with him being there too. :)

Seeing dad holding up his son reminded me of the past two years and Who's been holding me up! I cannot imagine going through life without God sustaining and carrying me. I am thankful for the husband He has given me, the church family He has blessed me with, true, Godly friends to hold me accountable, or hug me and cry with me.

Psalm 91:1-2
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!"

No one, no thing, compares to knowing God.
No one, no thing, ever satisfies like God.
Only in God's capable hands will you find true contentment, peace and security.

Praise God!

dogledanji!