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Has Tullian Tchividjian Fallen from Grace?

Well, the terrible news has come out this week that Tullian Tchividjian, pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, has confessed to having an affair and has stepped down from the pastorate. I have met him and talked to him personally a number of occasions at some of the conferences I go to, and I really love the guy. I can’t stand to see him going through this terrible circumstance, and it makes me really sad. He has been a consistent and forceful voice for the radical grace of the gospel, and this is a most unfortunate event. I wanted to weigh in with a few thoughts.

Fallen from Grace?

Firstly, of course he hasn’t fallen from grace! There is no such thing as that, or grace wouldn’t be grace. He has transgressed the moral law. This is one of those times when you have to point out that forgiveness is proven when forgiveness is needed. It seems obvious. You don’t go to the doctor to have him say, “You have a broken arm! Are you kidding? Come back when you’re healed and I’ll help you.” You need a doctor when you’re sick, and you need forgiveness when you’ve sinned. God understands that (duh!), and the community of faith depends on that truth to be a community at all.

14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16

Grace in Community

Secondly, grace in community principles are going to have to come into action here. Many instances in Tullian’s marriage have apparently led to the current unfortunate circumstance. Expectations of certain standards of behavior on both sides of the marriage were probably transgressed many many times before it got dramatic. Tullian tweeted after this all went down, “No vertical condemnation does not mean no horizontal consequences. Surrender early.” I have always disagreed that vertically there is grace but horizontally there is law. Tullian has to determine, does the blood of Jesus define his wife, or does her obvious imperfections? Kim (his wife) has to determine, does the blood of Jesus define her husband, or does his obvious imperfections? Are they going to draw lines now and say they need “boundaries” or are they going to believe in the gospel for each other? Believing in the gospel for each other at this point is going to be very difficult, but that is why the work of God is to believe in Christ (John 6:29). It is the very central heart of Christian relationships. Not the law.

Even more, all the rest of us need to defend the power of Jesus’ blood over his life. He is quite a public figure. It sends a bad message if the whole radical grace community suddenly says that the law should define him. We need to speak grace and kindness and restoration and faith in the persistent dogged stubborn resurrection love of God over the both of them. In our hearts we must believe that God still thinks they are easily worth the death of the Son of God. This is a big opportunity to press grace for the win. Let’s do it.

Thirdly, there is the matter of liberate.org. This is being handled so very extremely poorly. Here is the message: we are going to proclaim grace grace grace until our figurehead guy needs it. Then we are going to fold and admit that when it comes down to it, grace is all a sham. Tullian was the single repository of grace and gospel teaching, so now tear it all down? NO NO NO! Bring it back up! Traffic is spiking now on the site. Be bold! Proclaim grace even louder. Answer back to John MacArthur. Proclaim grace and a time of respite and healing for Tullian and Kim. This is a bad message: “Grace, until you need it. Psyche!” Now is the time to stand strong for the message of the gospel. There are some very very smart gifted and spiritual people who have been contributing to the site. Have Jono or someone else post a thoughtful position on what is happening with Tullian, and keep proclaiming the gospel! And, KEEP TULLIAN’S POSTS ON THE SITE! He has been teaching law and gospel forever, and all of this stuff is more true than ever now. Be different. Don’t cancel the conference! Expand it! More cities! Come on guys!!!! Don’t let condemnation win over mercy and grace! This is one of the worst parts of this whole thing.

Tullian’s Future

Fourthly, what will happen now with Tullian? Is his chance for ministry gone forever? Balderdash. The law waits to find fault and then strips people of the authority to do ministry. Jesus seeks out the fallen and restores them to mission. I always talk about how Peter denied Jesus three times, and contributed to His death. Yet Jesus came back and restored his dignity, and restored his authority and mission. He said, “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.” You know what, I actually stole this idea from Tullian! This whole thing has been a huge sin and was massively stupid on Tullian’s part. Yes, even in his confession, he threw his wife under the bus. There is a lot of pig-headed sin still going on. There is some soul-searching and some humbling and some healing to be done. I’m not calling for Tullian to be restored to the pastorate. But I am saying that his life is far from over. Jesus died for these things and the world may have disqualified him, but God has not. This is a part of His story, and God causes all things to work together for good — even our horrible sins. This is the message of the cross, and the message of the cross defines Tullian far more than this current circumstance. I will greatly rejoice on the day that I see Tullian restored to ministry! Let’s pray for that day to come in the right time.

The Legalist Response

Finally, there is going to be a circus for the “nomians” looking to discredit the gospel of grace message, which some people call “hyper-grace”. It’s already started. More than ever, we all need to speak more forcefully than ever for the gospel of grace, and tear down speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). Tullian has preached the need for grace, as have many of us, for years. Now he actually needs it, so that discredits the message? Balderdash! Only people under the law say so. Tullian is not the figurehead of the grace gospel movement – Jesus is!!! Keep up the good fight my beautiful gospel-believing friends!

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  1. Ultimately, this is the litmus test of truth for those who proclaim ‘grace’.

    #1: HOWEVER, even in secular society, leaders (whether politicians, judiciary, Police, Corrections, etc) are…and should be…held to a HIGHER standard of behaviour than the population at large….and that’s as it should be.

    #2: Forgiveness does not remove natural consequences for one’s actions. A Judge who sentences Prostitutes to jail…but is caught soliciting sex from one….deserves to be disbarred and removed from the bench, permanently.

    A police Officer caught perjury himself under oath, or colluding with others to provide false testimony….deserves to be fired, charged, and black balled for life from serving in that capacity. A local (former) police Officer was just sentenced yesterday to 2.5 yrs in prison for doing just that.

    Should he be rehired after getting out of jail! Society (and I) say NO!

    For those who claim a distinction between an officer and a Pastor…..because infidelity isn’t breaking “criminal” law…..well, Pastors are the arbiter of MORAL law, and is no less reprehensible for a Pastor to be preaching fidelity to his flock, while practicing infidelity, than for an officer of “criminal and civil” law to be practicing the very things he’s charged with arresting citizens for doing.
    Forgive? Absolutely! Restore to former position? I say….NO!

  2. Isn’t it interesting after Peter denied Jesus three times that after Jesus was resurrected, Jesus gave Peter the baton of the Gospel and the “pillar of the church.”

  3. NAILED IT AGAIN JIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tullian merely “did” what most of us think about daily. A time of healing and reflection are definitely needed…….but God has already forgiven and forgotten what happened. Only the motely crew of “us” hasn’t been able to do it yet.

  4. I remember Abraham was blessed TWICE after lying to a couple Pharoahs. I pray the same for Tullian and if it happens a lot more I pray he’s blessed EVERY time. I hope more happens in his life through God’s grace than would ever happen by the law. This is great opportunity for many more people to see JESUS.

  5. I think that those who are stingy with grace have little understanding of the magnitude of it. Tullian has responded appropriately; now it’s our turn as a community of Christ followers to do the same. As far as our own ministry is concerned, would our thoughts pass muster if others knew what we were really thinking at times? God knows; and Jesus reminds us that thinking about sin is akin to acting it out. Let the one who is without sin to cast the first stone . . . He didn’t and He doesn’t. Neither should we. Praying for Tullian, his family, his church and all those saints who still sin.

  6. Yes, Thank You! Well written. And I agree – bring back LIBERATE! There are many many of us who need it, need his archieves of sermons. What better way for people to show support – by making what he started even bigger and greater.

  7. very misleading title. No one I know said anything about he has fallen from grace, which no one can do. We need to pray for him and his family. One thing certain, God was not surprised.

  8. Thank you Jim, a great response to an ugly situation for sure. As a Husband In a marriage with an uncommitted wife, I know first hand of this grace you speak of and preach, applied not only to myself but my estranged wife also, its truly a daily life walk… thanks for your constant obedience to The Spirit of grace which moves you.

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ThermOMG Recipes

Inspiring recipes for the Thermomix

Super Spuds

This is a great way to jazz up your baked spud!  Put 800g water in your TMX bowl and put the lid on.  Carefully slice your potato across the top (approx 5mm) without going all the way through.  Place in your varoma and steam for 30 minutes at Varoma Speed 4.  You can leave to one side to cool down - this will make it easier to stuff.

I made some alfoil "bassinets" so that all the stuffing gets captured.  For my flavours I placed a handful of basil leaves and some olive oil in the bowl and blitzed well.  Poured over the spuds and used a spatula to push it into the openings.  Then I added bacon to the bowl and blitzed and again stuffed into the potato along with some mozzarella cheese.  Bake at 180deg until golden.

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Old 04-12-2018, 04:03 PM   #4631
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Monday, March 25, 2019
The skye times mobile

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Monday , March 25 2019
Home / Adventures of the Boondocking Photographer / Adventures Of The Boondocking Photographer: Jailhouse and Moon House Ruins

Adventures Of The Boondocking Photographer: Jailhouse and Moon House Ruins

I recently became an empty nester and was looking for a change in my life that would maximize my time left on this great planet. So I sold my house, bought a Ford F-350, an Arctic Fox 990 truck camper, and hit the road. This is the story of my adventures with travel, photography, and RV tips designed around living the boondocker lifestyle.

Jailhouse and Moon House Ruins

The focus of this boondocking adventure is Jailhouse and Moon House Ruins both found in southern Utah. The ruins and the surrounding scenery are off the charts. Plan on spending a day hiking to and enjoying the surrounding area for each ruin.

Moon House Ruin is located west of Blanding, Utah. From Blanding take US 191 S for four miles. Turn right or west on UT-95 N for 28.4 miles. Turn left or south on UT-261 S for 10.1 miles. Turn left or southeast on Snow Flat Road or County Road 27 for 8.2 miles until you find a two-wheel drive parking lot and sign in box. Four-wheel drive vehicles can turn left here and drive for another 1.2 miles to the four-wheel drive parking lot.

Jailhouse Ruin is also located west of Blanding, Utah. Follow the driving directions for Moon House Ruin stated above except travel south on UT-261 for eleven miles before turning right on County Road 251. Follow 251 west for 1.2 miles to the Bullet Canyon Trailhead.

Travel Tips

Moon House Ruin

Snow Flat Road to the two-wheel drive parking area is a decent road and in dry conditions is easily accessible for two-wheel drive cars with low clearance. If you continue on down Snow Flat Road the road gets very rocky and rough. I was able to make it down the road, which is about 28 miles and connects to the Combs Wash Road, but I had to go very slow. When you reach the Combs Wash Road you are very close to Comb Ridge, which is filled with many ruins and topic of a past Adventures of the Boondocking Photographer article. Check out Comb Ridge.

The entire length of the Snow Flat Road offers amazing views and a lot of pull off areas that are perfect for the boondocker. You could easily spend months exploring this area.

I would highly recommend parking all vehicles in the two-wheel drive parking area. I decided to drive to the 1.2 miles up the narrow road to the four-wheel drive parking area and scrapped the hell out of my Arctic Fox and caught a dead, Juniper branch between the camper tie down and pickup box and created a huge dent in the box of my pickup.

The hike to Moon House Ruin is 5.6 miles, round trip, from the two-wheel drive parking lot. The hike follows a two-lane road for most of the 5.6 miles. When you get to the canyon that Moon House Ruin sits in you will have to descend into the canyon and climb back up the other side to explore the ruin. When you reach the canyon Moon House Ruin sits in you can see the ruin across the canyon. The scene is breathtaking.

Moon House Ruin is one of the most preserved ruins in Utah. The main ruin has 49 rooms and still has white paint and designs on the walls in the back rooms. Be sure to explore the rim on both sides of Moon House Ruin because there are smaller ruins.

I have now been to over 50 ruins in Utah and Moon House Ruin is by far the most preserved and spectacular ruin I have visited. I visited Moon House Ruin in February and basically had the ruin all to myself. At certain times of the year a permit is required and visitor numbers are reduced, so be sure to check out all the information you can about Moon House Ruin before visiting.

For more information about Moon House Ruin check out:

Jailhouse Ruin

The 1.2 miles drive on County Road 251 is a good road accessible by all vehicles in dry conditions. The trailhead to Bullet Canyon offers a large parking area with pit toilets and a nice spot to camp.

The hike into Bullet Canyon immediately descends down the canyon rim and into the wash below. The hiking trail down Bullet Canyon is in the wash and offers amazing views of the towering canyon walls. Of all the hikes I have done in my lifetime this hike is probably the coolest. The fact that there are ruins on this hike is just icing on the cake.

Perfect Kiva Ruin

At 5.3 miles down Bullet Canyon look for Perfect Kiva on the north canyon wall. Perfect Kiva Ruin offers decent rock art plus as the name implies, a perfect kiva. You can actually decent via a wooden ladder into the kiva. There is still smoke on the walls and old ashes on the floor.

Jailhouse Ruin

Another mile down Bullet Canyon and you will arrive at Jailhouse Ruin. The entire hike is 11.5 miles round trip. The first thing you will notice about Jailhouse Ruin is the ominous white skull and white ball painted above the ruin. I am guessing these paintings served as a warning sign to stay away.

Jailhouse Ruin offers decent pictographs and petroglyphs. It is easy to understand why this ruin is called Jailhouse from the wooden stick window that is perfectly preserved. Be sure to explore around the west side of the ruin for more rock art.

If you have more energy continue on down Bullet Canyon to Grand Gulch, which is a 15.8 mile round trip hike. You will not be disappointed.

For more information about Jailhouse Ruin check out:

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Photography Tips

In this edition of photography tips I will share with you what software I use to edit my photos. I believe that editing photos is a skill comparable to actually taking the photos. Part one is taking the photos and part two is editing the photos. Both parts are essential to achieving great end results.

The first step in editing your photos is looking through your photos on your camera and deleting the obviously, bad shots that are blurry or the exposure is totally off in either direction. Getting rid of the bad photos will reduce the clutter when you download your photos into your initial editing software.

Lightroom 5

I download all the photos from my camera to Lightroom 5. Lightroom 6 is the most current edition of this amazing software, so I am a bit behind the times, however version 5 is still working great for me.

Lightroom offers a great way to store and organize your photos, create slideshows and other exporting options, and editing. Most professional photographers use Lightroom as their initial editing and storing software.

I do 95% of my editing in Lightroom. If your photo is taken correctly you should be able to achieve any touchup editing like cropping, color tweaks, and exposure changes in Lightroom.

If you are new to Lightroom there is a steep, learning curve. I bought a manual for Lightroom that is a couple inches thick and read through the entire manual before attempting any editing. There are also a lot of videos on YouTube on how to use Lightroom features. Plan on spending a good 20 hours of instruction before you will be able to navigate Lightroom with ease. After using Lightroom for the last three years I feel pretty comfortable using the software and can quickly make edits.

Lightroom Plugins

There are bunch of plugins available for Lightroom that will enhance your editing options. I highly recommend the Google Nik Collection plugin for Lightroom. The Nik plugin works seamlessly with Lightroom and really adds some great tools to enhance your editing options.

Inside the Nik Collection are seven different categories of editing. I use the Analog, Silver, and Color Efex Pro options the most.

Analog Efex Pro

The Analog Efex Pro software offers unique filters to simulate classic cameras, lenses, and films. I find these filters can really create unique looks and help the photographer keep from editing every photo the same way.

Silver Efex Pro

The Silver Efex Pro software easily changes color photos into black and white photos with a variety of filters. I really like the ability to simulate different types of film to create a unique look. Adding slight coloration like a sepia feel to black and photos is very easy in Silver Efex Pro.

Color Efex Pro

Of the different categories included in the Nik Collection I probably use the Color Efex Pro software the most. Included in this software package is a multitude of adjustable filters that will really add a punch to your editing arsenal.

Occasionally I will use several different Nik Collection categories on the same photo. For example I will often convert a color photo into a black and white using Silver Efex Pro and then run that photo through Color Efex Pro to add contrast for an HDR effect.

Using Lightroom with a few additional plugins should cover 95% of your editing needs and provide countless editing options. I recommend starting your editing process with Lightroom and proceed from there if more editing is needed.

Adobe Photoshop Elements 18

I do not use the full version of Photoshop, but rather a stripped down version of Photoshop called Photoshop Elements. I started with Photoshop Elements 13 and recently upgraded to Photoshop Elements 18. I will normally use Elements to make changes that require more than Lightroom can offer like changing a sky from a boring, overcast gray to bright blue that contrasts nicely with desert, red rocks.

I use Elements to fix minor problems with a photo that require a painting or cloning tool. Lightroom has cloning and painting tools, but Elements has more advanced options.

I will also use Elements to erase or eliminate parts of a photo I do not like. For example if the background is boring I can easily remove the background and add a more exciting background to enhance the focus of the photo’s subject.

Between Lightroom and Elements a photographer should be able to do 99.9% of the editing that is necessary for most editing jobs. If more editing is required perhaps the photo was shot poorly or a photographer needs to upgrade to the full Photoshop program.

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RV Tips

Slide Out Inspection And Repair

It seems that after every boondocking trip there are items that need to be repaired on my Arctic Fox 990. Considering the fact that the camper, over a two-week boodocking expedition, can endure rough, dirt roads and speeds of 80 m.p.h. plus on the interstate, constant repairs are to be expected.

After arriving back in Denver I noticed a roller had fallen on the floor under the slide out. A close inspection of the slide out revealed five, lose bolts in addition to the roller that had lost a nut. Luckily the roller is located close to the center walkway and is the easiest to repair. If the roller closest to the camper wall had become loose I would have had a heck of a time getting the roller back in it’s track and a nut on it.

I learned two things from this experience. The first thing I learned is to inspect the slide out system ever month for loose nuts. It is a lot easier to tighten a loose nut than have a nut completely fall off the bolt and have to get the nut back on the bolt in a very tight space.

The second thing I learned from the loose roller experience, is always keep a set of long wrenches with ratcheting ends on board your boondocking vehicle. The long wrenches allowed me to reach loose nuts in hard to reach, tight spaces. The ratcheting ends allowed me to tighten the nuts without having to take the wrench off the bolt for every turn.

After getting all of the nuts nice and tight on the bottom of my slide out, I read the manufacturer’s information on slide out inspection and repairs. I recommend you read your manufacturer’s information as well.

Most slide outs can be manually retracted. However, if the track system is inoperative because of missing parts it may become impossible to retract the slide out in the boondocks. That would leave a boondocker no choice, but to take the camper off the truck and leave it on the site of the slide out failure. If your boondocking rig is one unit, a boondocker may be forced to hike for help.

Lost Or Broken Screws

As a camper is going down the road and swaying back and forth it is reasonable have some screws to break or completely back out of their holes. I have lost screws on the metal, floor trim at the base of the door and around a window.

Half of the screws have completely backed out and gone missing, while half of the screws have broken in half losing the top half of the screw. In this case the remaining half of the screw must be drilled out to allow room for a new screw.

If a screw is missing a boondocker has a couple of options. Replace the screw with the same size screw or replace the screw with the next bigger size if possible.

I have a box of screws that match the most common, screw size used by the manufacturer on hand. As an added precaution I apply just a dab of J-B Weld to the screw to help it stay in place.

The more I boondock the more it becomes clear that I need a good tool set and as many replacement parts as practical on board at all times. A boondocker does not want to become stranded out in the boondocks if at all possible.

Moon House and Jailhouse Ruins are a couple reasons Utah is such a wonderful state for boondocking adventures. Both ruins are amazing and offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape. These areas provide almost limitless, camping spots and off trail adventures. Be sure to plan a boondocking adventure to the Moon House and Jailhouse Ruins area as soon as possible. You will not be disappointed.

Please remember to always boondock without a trace!

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Monday , March 25 2019
Home / Tag Archives: best virtual reality workout article

Tag Archives: best virtual reality workout article

Virtual Reality Fitness Workouts

Workout the Fun Way with VR Technology Introduction Virtual reality (VR) was a quantum leap in the field of technology for a lot industries. There is a lot that technology helps us with and once we start understanding it’s possibilities, there is no reason to not use technology to make a better life. VR is a technology that helps you immerse yourself in a virtual world. You can play a game, take a tour or plan a workout session in the world of virtual reality. Fitness has seen its own evolution through technology. The fitness industry is usually the first to consider some of the technological advancements that happen in the world. Blend VR and fitness you have Virtual Reality Workouts which are immersive, training ...

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The Writers Hub September Contest (Entry 10)

The Writers Hub

Chief Kosoko was the most cheerful man in the village of Idan

Or so the people thought, An overly generous man.
But perhaps, He just stole their hearts with his gifts and charming smile
The Children loved him, you could tell by the way they trooped behind him
And how joyfully they sang his praises, when He took his evening strolls
The pocket of his Buba was a candy store, there was always enough to go round
But there were skeletons in his cupboard, if only they knew
The evil that men do, dark secrets beneath the moon

Olajide sat withdrawn, alone under the mango tree
His legs still vibrating from the excruciating pain that churned from his bosom
Candy and cowries in his pockets but  tears rolled down through to the corner of his lips
The sour taste was a fraction compared to the hate he  now felt
For the one man he’d always held in awe the most reverred Angel of Idan
How could he explain to this people? that their knight in shining armour
Was  a child molesting monster with a charming smile and candy filled pocket.

Emmanuel Makinde hails from Oyo State,  Nigeria. He’s a student of Applied Geology, Federal University, Akure. Writing, to him, has always been a way to express his deepest feelings and to challenge the consciousness of other people towards various topical issues in our Society, ‘Time passes but word’s never die ‘. Beyond writing, He’s also an Events decorator and a leisure nature photographer.

Instagram: @keamono
Twitter: @Keamberlite

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Feed on

Somehow, I do not think that even the current train wreck of both our actual political governance and our political discourse will encourage anyone to actually question whether government should be as big, powerful and as expansive as it is.

As one of my favorite Twitter feeds now reminds me, “Eat Arby’s.”

One Response to “Jack Handey Thought of the Day”

  1. Real News says:

    I do think it’s possible that some people will be persuaded to reconsider the importance of the Constitution and become more skeptical of 1) the powers invested in the executive 2) their manipulation by media (and their self-selected social media) as a function of this election, our current governance.

    For people who genuinely did/do believe that Trump is Hitlerian, this is probably the time where they are most open to the idea of the necessity of the 2nd amendment. It’ll be hard for them to overwrite their bias of the tragedy of the seen ie. murder of innocents by lunatics with guns but under these conditions they may be more open to considering the unseen ie. the United States never being invaded; the threat (perceived costs) provided by gun ownership to would-be Hitlerian regimes.

    Disclosure: I am an optimist by nature.

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Microsoft prediction euro 2018

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3120 N Williams AvePortland, OR 97227

(503) 367-31824pm to close everyday

Margarita Mondays - $6 all night

Loads of Laughs,
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and Songwriters Salon

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ShanRock Triviology starts at 8PM

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The Waypost was founded in April of 2006 and is the oldest bar on North Williams Avenue. It was designed to create a local hangout with a focus on live music, community, creativity, and service.

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The Waypost is a bar and venue with an intimate atmosphere, a friendly and knowledgeable staff, great food and delicious drinks. Our southwestern street food inspired menu will keep you coming back for more. We specialize in signature margaritas and proudly have a line of our own infused liquors.

Come by to listen to a local band, play pub trivia or just socialize with friends. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Slimpickens ~ 11/25/17

We aim to host live music performances of the sonic-spiritual nature. Fill out the form below if you have a full night of music in mind, or if you hope to join a bill with strangers. The Waypost has a PA with microphones, cables, stands, and a piano at your service.

Chilled out and intimate musical performances are preferred for the sake of our simple space. Our shows must end by 11pm Fridays and Saturdays, and because we're in a residential zone, we must honor decibel restrictions after 10pm weekdays. Also, for licensing reasons, performers need to refrain from performing cover songs. If you have questions, just ask Brian during the booking process.

We also love to host films, lectures, teach-ins, puppet shows, dance parties, DJs, prophets, and poets.

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at Citizens Theatre

* * * * -

Wonder Fools’ migrant play shows kindness blooms in the most unexpected places

Image of Lampedusa

Named after the Italian crossing which is now a primary entry point for migrants crossing from Africa to Europe, this a revival of the highly political 2015 play by Anders Lustgarten.

Presented as a series of intercut yet unrelated monologues (narratively, at least) Andy Clark is first on stage as Stefano. As a former fisherman who now reels in “a very different harvest” of dead migrants, Clark is initially a rather calm, stoic presence. His description of warped bodies peeling apart in his hands is grim and sets the tone for what is to follow. Indeed, as things progress he gradually becomes more manic, wracked with guilt and almost drowning. It’s a nuanced performance and a powerful one. Clark’s accent at times makes several of his points about the downtrodden state of Italy (right down to an under-performing national side) sound like they could apply to Scotland. This may not be intentional, but it’s a not unwelcome side effect.

However, he’s upstaged by Louise Mai Newberry as Denise, a half-Chinese University student who works as a debt collector to finance her studies. “Mixed, mouthy and poor”, she is a rather unnerving figure – fiercely determined and driven by sheer anger at various points. Moving around like a caged tiger, her addresses to the audience have an edge of intimidation to them. However, in the story of her relationship with her mother, a far more wounded side is revealed. There is also a hint of sexuality as she describes her new found immigrant friend’s accent as “quite sexy, actually”.

Staged in the round amongst sand, this setting does seem rather bizarre in regards to Denise. Is the suggestion that the whole world is essentially one giant Lampedusa, where different peoples will always meet with others? As Stefano and Denise become thematically linked, their travels on and off stage reduce until they are inhabiting the same space, invisible to one another as they perform. Fittingly they silently meet in the middle, embracing in a spotlight during a final fade to black. It could all have been so clichéd and hectoring, but it deftly avoids being either.

The same applies to the politics; from the UK benefit system to the Italian political scene, this could have so easily proven to be an exercise in lambasting the audience. Pleasingly it most definitely stays in the side of drama as opposed to diatribe. Although only two years old, Lampedusa feels strangely out-dated in one major way: Brexit does not cast its shadow over our players. They may feel they are “fucked” but little do they know things can only get worse.


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Partnership in Sales and Research & Development

Information on ThreeBond’s cooperative system in sales and R&D

Sales system that meets our customers’ needs

ThreeBond sales staff are known as “sales engineers” and they are professionals with a high level of expertise and the know-how to meet the customers’ needs so that they can handle questions, issues, product selection, and other requests from the customers. We have a global sales system with six local area management system around Japan, North and Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, and China.

R&D system that creates new values

The fundamental aim of our R&D Division is to provide optimal products for our customers’ technical advancement and production engineering. In order to handle designs that reflect our customers’ requests, we provide products with added special features catered to each of our customers. As a result, ThreeBond products play a role in significant cost reduction. By understanding the current technology and changes in each industry, we conduct R&D with eyes on the future. This is reflected in our products that we continuously release as technology progresses.

Cooperative system between the sales division and the R&D division

Our “technical service representatives” provide technical support as partners of our sales engineers, and they also act as a bridge between the sales division and the R&D division. At ThreeBond, there is no separation between sales and R&D. This teamwork allows us to resolve our customers’ issues quickly. Our technical service representatives provide customer feedback to R&D, which is implemented in the development of new products.

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Twitter unveils feature to track response to Ads
October 19, 2015, 1:55 pm

Twitter is giving advertisers a new way to measure the effectiveness of their campaigns.
The company is making this data available through what it is calling ‘Conversion Lift’ reports. Those reports measure whether Twitter ads actually lead to an improvement in whatever business metric you are focused on, whether it is website clicks/signups, mobile app installs and re-engagement, or switching mobile carriers.

The company already offers conversion tracking for advertisers, but these new reports go further, with custom data across devices and specific recommendations on how to make your ads more effective.

To achieve this, Twitter says it compares a group of users that has seen your ad with a group that has not, allowing it to calculate whether the ad is actually delivering improved conversions. These reports are probably aimed at larger advertisers — the company is making them available to all managed clients (as opposed to smaller businesses to buy Twitter Ads through its self-serve options).

In early tests, the company says that users who saw a Promoted Tweet were 1.4 times as likely to convert on the advertiser’s website, while those who engaged with a tweet were 3.2 times as likely. Facebook has also been rolling out similar features to measure conversion lift and optimize ads based on that data.

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Homes on the Market in the 55121 Zip code

Tittle Real Estate 1-800-587-4950 |
Homes for Sale by Multiple Listing Brokers.
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1636 Donald CT

Eagan, MN
$186,000 Broker Reciprocity5149386
3 bed, 2 bath, (TH) Side x Side, built 1979
Welcome to your new home. Well maintained twin home with association for lawn care, snow and sanitation removal. Move in ready! Enjoyable floor plan: Kitchen/dining/living area. Hardwood floor on living room. Owner has lived on the property for 14 years. Some original appliance price accordingly. Don't wait.

1326 Jurdy Rd

Eagan, MN
$319,900 Broker Reciprocity5200077
3 bed, 2 bath, (SF) Single Family, built 1974
  • fireplace
Updated tri-level in Eagan.Living room with fireplace, stainless and granite eat-in kitchen with hardwood floors, walkout lower level family room, additional kitchen in basement, 3 bedrooms and two full baths. Enormous 3 car garage plus fenced yard with playset. Move in ready - this one has it all.

2804 Vilas Ln

Eagan, MN
$325,000 Broker Reciprocity5148303
3 bed, 2 bath, (SF) Single Family, built 1959
  • fireplace
Welcome home! There are numerous updates within this house. New paint, floors, quartz counter-tops, vaulted ceilings, new patio 2017, wide wrap-around driveway, and shed in yard. On the main floor you have an open concept living room, dining room, and fully remodeled kitchen. This cozy home has a nice size three season porch directly off of the garage as well. Combine that with the double wall oven and you have a great house ready for entertaining. In the basement, there is a great shop room that provides valuable space for any projects you may have. With a wood burning fireplace, wet bar, and large family room makes this a great house for entertaining. Additional bedroom in the basement with a large closet. This property is close to major highways with easy access to both St. Paul and Minneapolis. Getting to the airport, malls, parks, and restaurants is a breeze.

1550 Highview Ave

Eagan, MN
$625,000 Broker Reciprocity5025481
7 bed, 4 bath, (SF) Single Family, built 2000
  • fireplace
Amazing MUST SEE 2 story property with a finished lower level. Lower level has a 2nd full kitchen that makes it perfect for a mother-in-law suite. The property is located in a beautiful Eagan community with views of the river and downtown. The open floor plan, lofted ceilings, and large flat backyard are tough features to find. You won't want to miss this one.

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Statute Browser

Back to New Jersey Statutes

Section: Juvenile conference committees.

Statute: 40:55D-75

An appeal to the board of adjustment shall stay all proceedings in furtherance of the action in respect to which the decision appealed from was made unless the officer from whose action the appeal is taken certifies to the board of adjustment, after the notice of appeal shall have been filed with him, that by reason of facts stated in the certificate a stay would, in his opinion, cause imminent peril to life or property. In such case, proceedings shall not be stayed other than by an order of the Superior Court upon notice to the officer from whom the appeal is taken and on due cause shown. L.1975, c. 291, s. 62, eff. Aug. 1, 1976.

We hope you find our tools helpful, please visit for further information on our other free legal tools and products including LPO compliant legal case management software.


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Thursday, 10 January 2019
Chamber Report Card recommends Nashville schools focus on social emotional learning

Poverty, lack of food, traumatic events.

These and many others are negative experiences that a large portion of Metro Nashville Public Schools' 85,300 students brings with them into the classroom every day.

Framed by the question of what students need to be successful in the classroom, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce in its annual education report card is throwing its collective influence behind a growing push for schools to provide students with social emotional learning.

SEL, as it is known, is a method to teach students the skills to regulate emotions and to provide them with positive relationships and goals. It takes a less punitive route toward student interactions and reinforces positive behavior.

"We need to emotionally help kids become responsible adults," said Dane Danielson, co-chair of the 2018 Chamber Report Card committee and Gould Turner Group education director. "We heard this from a principal, 'We teach students to learn math, you can teach a child to learn English, but if a child misbehaves, we punish them.'"

The chamber's focus bolsters efforts by other community groups, including Nashville Organized for Action and Hope. The community group has pushed for Nashville public schools to provide more social emotional learning for students and less punitive actions, especially for the district's youngest students and those experiencing trauma.

And Nashville Director of Schools Shawn Joseph has spoken often of its importance. He agreed with the chamber's focus.

“Our ability to accelerate achievement in the future is dependent on meeting the social and emotional learning needs of our students,” Joseph said. “We expect it, and the students deserve it.”

Urban League of Middle Tennessee President and CEO Clifton Harris, who also served as co-chair of the chamber's effort, said the goal of this year's report card was to put students first. It requires a community effort, Harris said.

"They also require vitally important training, support, and resources, financial and otherwise," Harris said.

One of the top recommendations includes pushing the school board to adopt a policy that ends out-of-school suspensions and expulsions for students pre-k through 4th grade. It is a policy recommendation that is being championed by NOAH.

The chamber's recommendation would also further the district's work under PASSAGE, which stands for Positive and Safe Schools Advancing Greater Equity. It is a district and community initiative developed in 2014 to address school discipline issues.

PASSAGE focuses on racial disparity in punishment and works to eliminate the school-to-prison pipeline — a well-documented national trend where children are funneled out of public schools and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems.

Last year, 100 percent of elementary school students expelled and two-thirds of those arrested while in school last year were black males, according to numbers compiled by the Davidson Country Juvenile Court.

Closing in on almost 30 years, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce releases a yearly report card focused on Nashville schools and how they can improve. This year, the report card lists five recommendations.

The recommendations are selected by a committee of area business leaders, who also compile commendations and concerns about the school district's work.

The recommendations

The recommendations this year focus on ways to promote social emotional learning within the district, Harris said, but also seek to build support among teachers and the community. The recommendations are:

  1. The Nashville public schools board should enact, except in the worst cases, a policy that ends out-of-school suspensions, expulsions, or arrests in pre-k through 4th grade.
  2. The district should create a program that identifies and develops principal mentors that can help emphasize and help establish a less punitive school culture, as well as foster community resources to enhance SEL efforts and academic achievement.
  3. The district should require every school to identify one peer-elected teacher to lead SEL efforts. The teacher would support and train other teachers, as well as provide teacher feedback and communicate directly with administrators.
  4. The district, along with community partners, should conduct a needs assessment of the district's four clusters of schools that align resources for students and families.
  5. The Mayor’s Office should create a team of school district, Metro government, and business and nonprofit representatives to consider the impact of the city’s growth on the city's youngest Nashvillians. The committee would specifically focus on gentrification, displacement and how services to address the issues serve families with children.

Positive marks for Nashville public schools

  • The district was commended for its pioneering efforts in SEL work. The district has been recognized as a national leader for its work in several schools.
  • The chamber highlighted Nashville public schools' willingness to partner with outside community groups to better schools.
  • The committee also recognized the district's initiatives to pay for advanced academics tests such as Advanced Placement and industry certifications.
  • The chamber group also commended the district for the creation of a scorecard that is more transparent and accessible in how it tracks district and school performance.
  • And Nashville public schools leadership was praised for using tests that benchmark student learning against the rest of the nation.

Click here to read full article.

Posted on 01/10/2019 8:42 AM by Bobbie Patray
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Hello, and welcome to my Gold Arts Award Portfolio.

In an attempt to be eco-friendly, and due to my dislike of writing things by hand I have opted to instead to attempt to keep record of my whole arts award online through the medium of Youtube, my iTunes feed and this website. The menus are split up into the two units of the project, with the subsequent sections contained within.

As I am missing the Olympics, I wanted to be utilise this opportunity to at least get in the spirit, and this was done largely through Unit 2, where the olympic values very much offered inspiration.

Feel free to have a browse through, and remember that I will be updating this periodically – a total incentive to return!

Tom x


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Jul 30, 2009

Father of the Bride

My oldest daughter is getting married in a little over a month from now (I have 4 daughters and 2 sons). For my daughter, I have the privilege of being both a minister and “father-of-the-bride”.

When she asked me to officiate at the ceremony, I asked her who was going to walk her down the aisle. She quickly reminded me that I alone was the one to fulfill that special role; (a role that I have looked forward to for all of my daughters). I was glad to hear her say that to me and to be a part of these two great people becoming “man and wife”; a role they both long to be in.

As I have attended and officiated at weddings over the years I’ve watched the bride’s father. I’ve observed friends of mine turn into complete “messes” as they walked their daughters down the aisle; men who themselves had performed many weddings over the years as ministers, but were now walking in the role as “dad”. I’m already starting to turn into “the father-of–the-bride”; which is a new role for me.

A few weeks ago, while making a patio for my future son-in-law, I was pondering what I would say at their wedding, and tears filled my eyes for no apparent reason. A few hours later I was picking raspberries from my garden and again as I thought of their wedding, once again tears filled my eyes for no apparent reason. Man, I was becoming one of those men who cry at their daughter’s wedding!

I admit that I cried at my oldest son’s wedding; tears of gratefulness for how this child became such a great man who I am very proud of. Tears of gratefulness for the wonderful woman he “chose” to be his bride; to be this loving woman I call “my daughter-in-law”.

As I stood in my garden, I thought of how much another Father was also longing to attend the wedding of His child. The Bible refers to Jesus as the “Bridegroom” and the Body of Christ (followers of Jesus) as the “Bride”. I had (perhaps) a very small glimpse of how much Jesus longs to take on a new role as our Bridegroom.

Perhaps the Spirit of God was trying to use my thoughts concerning my own daughter’s wedding as an opportunity to remind me that this isn’t all that there is; there is a wedding coming for the Kingdom of God! Jesus said in John 14:2-3 “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

According to the Bible, there is a Day coming when this Earth as we know it will pass away. A day when God will separate those who trusted in Jesus as Lord and Savior and those who chose to pay for their own sins by spending an eternity in hell. (Why would you not want to trust Jesus with your life?). Those who trust Jesus will take on a new role, as Jesus’ Bride. Revelation 19:6-10 records this as: ”6 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. 9 Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

The only RSVP to the wedding is putting your complete trust and faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior; which will mean turning towards God and turning from sin; something that you can only do by the conviction and the power of the Holy Spirit.

As much as I am longing to attend the wedding of my children, our Heavenly Father longs even more for the future wedding of His children.

Listen to the Holy Spirit calling out today to turn your heart and mine to things eternal; the day when we will be with Jesus forever. “And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)

Jul 23, 2009

Faith to Heal

Hi Tom, I know you are super busy. You do not have to get back to me any time soon. On the way home, last night, I brought up something and I want to find out your thoughts on it. While being trained, for the prayer team, it was drilled into us never to insinuate that the person is not being healed due to a lack of their faith. If we were to ever tell a person, already suffering, that they lacked enough faith to be healed, it would crush them. We have always been told that it the person praying (the pray-er) that needs the faith. But, Smith Wigglesworth seems to constantly repeat that it is the (pray-ee’s) faith that enables the healing. In what I have read so far, prior to praying for anyone, he asks them if they have the faith for it. He even quotes scripture about believing when asking. If I really think about it, I don’t think these 2 ways are opposites, just different approaches. But, as a pastor and student, what are your thoughts? How would you discern the path between these 2 ways? Thanks, Matt

Matt; Good question. I think that you are right that it isn't either or but, perhaps, both. Here is my answer to your question.
First of all, God is SOVEREIGN; He does whatever He wants to Psalm 115:3 But our God is in the heavens: He does whatever He pleases.

Jesus said we should ask for God’s will to be done; Mat 6:9 Therefore pray in this way: Our Father, who is in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.

And we shouldn't add condemnation to someone doesn't get healed simply because that isn't the way God chose to respond. I believe that Smith's daughter was never healed of her deafness in spite of all of his faith and prayers. There are examples in scripture where Jesus answers prayer because of OTHER PEOPLE’S FAITH who believed that Jesus could heal someone who was sick: Luke 7:8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers. And I say to one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it. 9 And hearing these things, Jesus marveled at him. And turning to the crowd following Him, He said, I say to you, I have not found such faith, no, not in Israel. Mat 9:2 And behold, they brought to Him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, Child, be of good cheer. Your sins are forgiven you. Mat 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, O woman, great is your faith! So be it to you even as you wish. And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

There are examples in scripture where Jesus answers prayer because of THE FAITH OF THE ONE WHO WAS SICK who believed that Jesus could heal: Mat 9:22 But turning and seeing her, Jesus said, Daughter, be comforted; your faith has saved you. And the woman was saved from that hour.
Mat 9:29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith let it be to you. Mat 17:20 And Jesus said to them, Because of your unbelief. For truly I say to you, If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, Move from here to there. And it shall move. And nothing shall be impossible to you.

I think that it is a combination of BOTH the pray(er) and the person receiving prayer that makes things happen “more successfully”. I it is certainly much easier to pray WITH someone that FOR someone. There is power in agreement. This passage is referring to forgiveness, but I think that it can be applicable:

Mat 18:18 Truly I say to you, Whatever you shall bind on earth shall occur, having been bound in Heaven; and whatever you shall loose on earth shall occur, having been loosed in Heaven. 19 Again I say to you that if two of you shall agree on earth as regarding anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them by My Father in Heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.

Jesus challenged His disciples to have faith: Luke 8:25 And He said to them, Where is your faith? And being afraid, they marveled, saying to one another, Who then is this One? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!

Jesus Challenged them to use the faith they have: Luke 17:5 And the apostles said to the Lord, Give us more faith. 6 And the Lord said, If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you might say to this sycamore tree, Be rooted up and be planted in the sea! And it would obey you. Luke 9:40 And I begged Your disciples to cast him out, and they could not. 41 And answering, Jesus said, O unbelieving generation, one having been perverted, how long shall I be with you and endure you? Bring your son here.

Matthew records the story this way: Mar 9:19 He answered him and said, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me! 20 And they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, the spirit immediately convulsed him. And he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming. 21 And He asked his father, How long ago has it been since this came to him? And he said, From childhood. 22 And oftentimes it has cast him into the fire and into the waters to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us. 23 Jesus said to him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. 24 And immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief. 25 And seeing that a crowd is running together, Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to him, Dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter no more into him! 26 And the spirit cried out, throwing him into convulsions, and came out of him. And he was like one dead, so that many said, He is dead. 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And He entering into a house, His disciples asked Him privately, Why could we not cast him out? 29 And He said to them, this kind can come out by nothing except by prayer and fasting.

Again, God is SOVEREIGN; He does whatever He wants to Psalm 115:3 But our God is in the heavens: He does whatever He pleases.

I hope this helps. Tom Oestreich

Jul 16, 2009

“Some Lust-full Thoughts”

1.) Scripture is pretty clear that whatever we sow to, that we will reap. Since we know that it works with sin; that should be confirmation to us that it also works with sowing to spiritual things. Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, that he also will reap. 8 For he sowing to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh. But he sowing to the Spirit will reap life everlasting from the Spirit. But we should not lose heart in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not faint. James 1:15 Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin. And sin, when it is fully formed, brings forth death.

2.) As long as we are alive we will opportunity to be enticed into sin. It really is a matter of what we do about it. 2Ti 2:22 But flee youthful lusts, and follow righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

3.) We are called to cast our cares upon Him. He doesn’t take them from us, we cast them upon Him. 1Pe 5:7 casting all your anxiety onto Him, for He cares for you.

4.) We need to be aggressive to cut off that which causes us to be drawn away from God. We need to see the bigger picture of what we have in Him. Mat 5:29 And if your right eye offends you, pluck it out and throw it from you. For it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish, and not that your whole body should be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand offends you, cut it off and throw it from you. For it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish, and not that your whole body should be thrown into hell.

5.) We need to covenant our lives; settle some things before God; to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Job 31:1 I made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I look upon a virgin? Mat 5:28 But I say to you that whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

6.) We need to be aware that as long as we are alive, Satan will be ‘out to get us’. We need to remember that he is already a defeated foe and that in Christ we have the victory. Gen 4:7 If you do well, shall you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at the door; and its desire is for you, and you shall rule over it.

7.) The choice is up to us individually what we will do; no one can do it, or pray it for us. We make the choices, day by day; moment by moment. Deut 30:19 I call Heaven and earth to record today against you. I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore, choose life, so that both you and your seed may live,

8.) “We must assume the inevitability of attacks by an enemy hostile to our spiritual interests and build our defenses in the places he is most likely to attack” -Gordon MacDonald ‘Rebuilding Your Broken World’ PDI (personal defense system) PDI #1 Adopt a repentant life-style PDI #2 Pay the price of regular spiritual discipline PDI #3 Cultivate key relationships PDI #4 Resist the ‘applause’ that belongs to Christ PDI #5 Take time to have fun PDI #6 Hold things loosely PDI #7 Be filled with the Spirit of God

9.) We need each other:
Genuine Accountability: 1Sa 18:1 And it happened when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was joined with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as he did his own soul.
Right Relationships: 2Co 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfected; be comforted; be of the same mind; live in peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
A Servant’s Heart: John 10:15 Even as the Father knows Me, I also know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep.
Constant Safeguards: Eph 6:10 Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Embrace God Intimately: James 4:8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners; and purify your hearts, double-minded ones. -“The Shepherd’s Covenant” from Focus on the Family Pastoral Ministries http://www.parsonage.org/

10.) It still comes down to His grace Eph 2:1-22 And He has made you alive, who were once dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience; 3 among whom we also had our way of life in times past, in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the thoughts, and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love with which He loved us (even when we were dead in sins) has made us alive together with 5 Christ (by grace you are saved), 6 and has raised us up together and made us sit together in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them. 11 Therefore remember that you, the nations, in time past were in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 and that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who were once afar off are made near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He is our peace, He making us both one, and He has broken down the middle wall of partition between us, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity (the Law of commandments contained in ordinances) so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, making peace between them; 16 and so that He might reconcile both to God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity in Himself. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off, and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. 19 Now therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, 20 and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom every building having been fitly framed together, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord; 22 in whom you also are built together for a dwelling place of God through the Spirit.

For further help go to my website: http://www.riverofhopeministries.org/ to the links page

Jul 9, 2009

A Bad Day

Ever have a bad day? Sure you do; and so do I; in fact I had one just the other day. I discovered that the water heater had to be replaced; after all it was 28 years old and was starting to leak water. I picked up a new water heater and made some calls to get assistance from a friend of mine who is a plumber. “This should be a “walk-in-the park”

I thought as we started the work at 6:00 at night; I had planned on the whole project to take 1-2 hours. As we were coming into the home stretch; a pipe broke, and then another, and then another. It should not have surprised me because our house is almost 100 years old and most of the plumbing is still the orginal pipes. Again, not a big problem because I had my friend who is a plumber working with me.

When we broke off a pipe at a joint our patience levels began to shift. Part of this was due to the fact that I hadn’t felt well all day and my friend hadn’t eaten. Part of this was because we were wondering; “God are you still there?”

After 4 trips to the local hardware store, we started to “lose faith” in our ability to get this done before my friend had to leave; the time was now 10:00 at night. I could feel my anger rising up as pipe after pipe would be replaced and then we would discover another leak. Frustration set in as I was facing a house with no hot water for those who had to go to work the next day.

To my friends who live outside of the USA, I realize that it may be a normal situation to have no hot water or to live in flooded areas. But here in the USA, we are used to being pampered and can’t imagine going through life with any “hardships”. I admit it; we are wimps.

When I hit my wall; God came through in the form of my brother Rick who joined the team at 10:30 and stayed with me until all was completed at 1:15 in the morning; actually it was 2:15 when I finally cleaned up.

So, what is the point of my rambling? I am amazed at how quickly we can lose our focus on the LORD and start to look to ourselves to get us out of all of our jams.I admit that there are times in my life when I forget that the LORD is always with me. I forget that I have a covenant with Him that is based upon what He has done, not me. I forget that if He wasn’t with me; all hell would literally break loose.

Fortunately, the LORD is also at my side to remind me of others who have faced obstacles and wondered where God was. The Holy Spirit is there to bring me back to His Word to remind me that He is always good. King David of the Old Testiment found himself on the other side of a terrible event in Psalm 124. We find David explaining to those who are in his midst that as bad as their situation had been, it would have been so much worse if the LORD had not been on their side.

Psalm 124 A Song of Ascents. Of David. 1 “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,” Let Israel now say— 2 “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, When men rose up against us, 3 Then they would have swallowed us alive, When their wrath was kindled against us; 4 Then the waters would have overwhelmed us, The stream would have gone over our soul; 5 Then the swollen waters Would have gone over our soul.” 6 Blessed be the LORD, Who has not given us as prey to their teeth. 7 Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; The snare is broken, and we have escaped. 8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. (NKJV) My friend, I don’t know what trials, testings, “broken pipes” you are currently facing; but take hope. Look up; your salvation is near. And, if the LORD is on your side; you will get the victory! Our challenge is to learn to live in Him. “When Will I Ever

Learn To Live In God” Phil Keaggy
The sun was setting over Avalon
The last time we stood in the West.
Suffering long-time angels enraptured like Blake,
Burn off the dross, innocence captured again.
Standing on the beach at sunset,
And all the boats keep moving slow.
In the glory of the flashing lights,
In the evening's glow.

When will I ever learn to live in God,
When will I ever learn.
Cause He gives me everything I need and more,
When will I ever learn.

You brought it to my attention,
That everything was made in God.
Down through centuriesOf great writings and paintings,
Everything was in God.
Seen through architecture of great cathedrals,
Down through the history of time.
Is and was in the beginning
And evermore shall ever be.

When will I ever learn to live in God,
When will I ever learn.
Cause He gives me everything I need and more,
When will I ever learn.

Whatever it takes to fulfill His mission,
That is the way we must go.
But you've got to do it in your own way.
Tear down the old and bring up the new.
Up on the hillside it's quiet
Where the shepherd is tending his sheep.
And over the mountains and the valleys,
 And the countryside is so green.
Standing on the highest hill
With a sense of wonder,
You can see everything is made in God.
Head back down the roadside
And give thanks for it all.

When will I ever learn to live in God,
When will I ever learn.
Cause He gives me everything I need and more,
When will I ever learn.

Jul 2, 2009

Never Forget The Cross

We remember a lot of things; Birthdays, telephone numbers; “The Pledge of Allegiance”, happy and sad moments. We also forget a lot of things; Birthdays, telephone numbers; “The Pledge of Allegiance”, happy and sad moments
One thing we must never forget is the Cross of Jesus Christ: 100% God; 100% Man. Real pain! Real blood! Real death! Real resurrection! Real victory over sin and death!

I’ve been amazed over the years as I have heard what was coming out of the mouth of some people who wear a cross around their neck. They curse because this world we live in has lost the TRUE meaning of the cross as the cross has become a “fashion statement” or “accessory”.

Simply put: Jesus died so that we might live; on the cross He paid the penalty of our sins.

And you can have forgiveness TODAY by calling out to Jesus.

Never forget the Cross by One Bad Pig

Old times are hazy, oh I was crazy
I was more than just a little deranged
When Jesus found me,
He did astound me
My heart and mind He has totally changed
I don´t remember all the times I lied
Can´t recall all the days I failed
Don´t remember all the people I hurt
But can´t forget the Hands I nailed
Never forget the cross(x4)

I´m so decerning, got Bible learning
I´ve explored the most profound mysteries
I took a tumbling,
I needed humbling
He burst my pride and drove me to my knees
He doesn´t count how much I speak in tongues
He´s unimpressed by my pious game
He´s not fazed by the money I give
 But remembers I called on Jesus´ name

Never forget the cross(x4) Never forget it!!!!!

There´s no victory gained without no loss
No resurrection without no cross
No golden crown without no nails
Trade my life for a Love that never fails

Never forget the cross(x12)

Never forget the cross... All lyrics are property and copyright of their owners and are provided for educational purposes only


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Nov 28, 2013

Returning to Thanksgiving

Many years ago when my children were young, it was my intention to spend part of Thanksgiving Day morning by leading my children and Cathy throughout the house thanking the Lord for what He has given to us.

To me, Thanksgiving Day in the USA had drifted away from its original intention and I was determined to do my part to help focus our household on the Lord.

It was President George Washington who proclaimed Thursday, November 26 to be "a day of public thanksgiving and prayer”. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a Thanksgiving Proclamation that declared the last Thursday in November to be a day of "thanksgiving and praise."

My children were tired and would have probably rather watched the “Rose Bowl Parade”, but I was determined to do thanksgiving differently than we had in the past few years. So, we started on the third floor of the house and I asked each of the children to thank the Lord for something that they were grateful for. Because they were tired, the words came out like an old car that had not turned over in a few months. I prodded and poked and exhorted them to give the Lord thanks.

And then, something wonderful happened! The Lord opened their eyes to see ALL that He had provided. Item by item they thanked for what they could see. And as they did, Cathy and I recalled how the Lord had provided the item to us; that was big and small items alike.

My recollection is that we spent at least forty five minutes going from room to room, floor by floor all the way to the basement verbally thanking the Lord for His provisions as they were pointed out one by one. I was amazed at the number of items that my children pointed out to me that previously were a part of the scenery and therefore hidden to me. Items like carpeting and paint and lights and videos and tapes and Louder and louder the praise was lifted up as they all joined in.

To me, not only was it one of the best Thanksgiving mornings that we have spent together, it was life changing for me! To this day, when my mind becomes focused on something I don’t have or something that needs to be replaced, I will walk through the house, thanking the Lord for each and every item that I see as I recall how He provided for me in the past.
And, with every passing moment my faith becomes elevated to trust Him for what I need today. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Nov 21, 2013

Only A Shadow

It was early morning and all was dark outside as the rain fell on my head. I was carrying out the recycling container full with the past two week’s newspapers and other recyclables to the front sidewalk when all at once I saw something that crossed my path and I was startled to the point that I moved out of the way.

Now, my heart didn’t skip a beat, but I was stunned enough to stop and want to pull back and take cover. Ok, maybe not take cover, but it was enough to cause me to stop and look around.

My first thought was that I had surprised a cat or some other small animal and it scurried to get out of my way. When I turned to set down the container I noticed my shadow move across the rain soaked grass. “It was only a shadow, not an animal that had crossed my path”; I thought to myself as I made my way back to the house.

Only a shadow; and yet I actually thought I saw something that really wasn’t even there. Good thing that it was so dark out that no one else could’ve seen me jump at a shadow!

I thought of the song by Misty Edwards called “Only A Shadow” in which she sings;

“Though I walk through the valley, it's only a shadow, it's only a shadow! Though my body may perish, it's only a shadow, it's only a shadow!”

The song is a good reminder that when we go through life and are startled by the darkness of life, they are only shadows; not what is REALLY happening; or at least not the FULL picture.

This life isn’t all that it seems. There is so much more out there than meets the eye. And so, we can take comfort in knowing that we have a loving God who has revealed Himself through Jesus Christ as the “Good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep” (See John chapter 10).

King David wrote in Psalm 23 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 NKJV)

We can take comfort that whatever happens to us, the Lord will be faithful to bring us out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9)

Nov 14, 2013

The New Battery

Early on in our marriage, I went to start our car only to discover that the battery was dead. The temperatures were subzero and it was not a good day to work on a car outside. I lifted up the hood of the car and jiggled the wires hoping to pull off a miracle.

When I tried a second time to start the car, the infant car seat was too close to the steering wheel so I gave it a shove and as I did, it took a chunk out of the dashboard due to the extremely cold weather. I realize that today as I write this some of you may not remember when we used to put the car seats in the front next to the driver so that they could quickly give a pacifier to the crying infant.

To say that I was upset at this new opportunity to trust God is the understatement of the year. Instead, I responded with frustration. I went outside of the car and slammed the hood shut; or I should say that I attempted to slam the hood shut. When I did, because of the cold weather, the hood springs and hinges froze and the hood folded in half leaving a huge crease in the top of the hood in my otherwise mint-condition car.

I remember that my next action step was to go inside the house and “share” (rant) what was wrong with the car to Cathy. Her response was for me to go to the auto store and purchase a new battery. I reacted to her answer with sarcasm and cynicism; ranting that “OK, I’ll purchase the new battery with a check because you believe that somehow God will provide the funds so that the check won’t bounce! But, how will I get to the store since the car won’t start?”

Just as I finished spouting my lack of faith, the doorbell rang. It was Sue, a friend of ours from church. “I noticed that your hood was up on your car and stopped to see if you needed a ride on this cold day”; she said wondering what she had just walked into.

I, in great faith, explained our situation and sarcastically explained that we were going to trust God for provision!”

“Take my car”; she said to us, “And go get the battery; I’ll sit here and drink tea with Cathy and the baby.”

I drove her car to the auto store, grumbling under my breath and purchased a new battery still wondering how we would come up with the funds to cover the check I had just written for just under forty dollars.

I wish that I could have been a man of faith so that my part in this story would have been much better to tell. But, throughout so many of the times when the Lord provided in our lives He was the one who responded faithfully; I, oftentimes was learning to trust Him as we went through the struggle.

I arrived home and in the extreme cold removed and replaced the battery. I got into the car and turned the ignition key. The car started up the first time with no hesitation. To cool off before I went into the house, I spent some time bending the hood back into place so that the hood could close. The chunk in the dashboard would have to be another time.

I went inside the house we were renting and thanked Sue for the use of her car and went to see if the mail had arrived yet. In the mail there was a check for forty-four dollars and forty four cents from an insurance company. I called the company to see why they sent me the check. It was from an insurance claim that I had made a few years earlier due to a work-related injury. The insurance company explained that they had not paid me what I was entitled to and the check was the remaining balance on the claim.

Because of the strange amount, I noticed that the check not only covered the cost of the new battery (just under forty dollars), but also the tithe on the check (around four dollars). God had provided for us; He had covered the check with extra money!

Now, I realize that the check had been in the mail for a few days and didn’t miraculously come from the insurance company just as the Lord heard my faithless prayer for provision.

But for me, if I couldn’t see His provision in this situation, I would be hard pressed to believe Him for larger items like (many) new vehicles, appliances, remodeling, employment, additional children (and grandchildren!), and a new house.

Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:31-34 NKJV)

The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Nov 7, 2013

Why do I blog?

I’ve asked myself that question from time to time. I mean, I already use FaceBook for sharing my private life and have another page for the ministry as well as a website; so I really don’t need another outlet. And, practically, I’m not getting paid; so why do I blog?

Is it a narcissistic need to have exposure and communicate every thought and rant that I have? Am I trying to build my legacy so that I will be remembered long after I die? Or, perhaps, there is a different reason…

It started awhile back when I realized that not all of the stories of how the Lord has worked in our lives were written down. My concern was that I would forget the stories and more importantly forget the Lord; the One who has been so faithfully providing and directing our lives. (See Deuteronomy chapter 8)

This past year, Cathy and I were having a conversation with our son Joshua. He and his wife Jen were starting the process of considering purchasing a house. They had been married for a couple of years, graduated from college, and both were working fulltime. As we listened to him as he shared the pros and cons of their thoughts, we shared some testimony as to the Lord’s faithfulness to us over the years; especially the house.

Part way through the conversation Cathy looked at me and had an epiphany; Joshua was not yet born when we purchased our home. We had never told him the story of the house. We also realized we had also not shared the stories of multiple times the Lord had provided items for us over the years.

The stories in my blog took place and are factual. In no way am I trying to embellish them. If details have been omitted or altered it probably has more to do with the length of time that has transpired between the provision and today as I sit and write this blog.

So, my blog is written as a testimony of the Lord’s provision in our lives. I, the author, testify of these things, and wrote these things; and I want you to know that my testimony is true.

It is my sincere hope that it inspires the readers to trust the Lord for all of your resources; to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness in faith knowing that all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)  And that you too come to believe that “my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19


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Tompkins Learning Partners Seventh Annual Finger Lakes Crossword Competition!

Posted by TLP124

The competition is open to individuals and teams (2-4 players). There will be three levels of competition: Easier, Trickier, and Toughest. All teams, regardless of number of players, will be competing against each other. Three levels of unique puzzles will be created by our very own “Puzzlemaster,” Adam Perl, constructor of numerous crosswords published in the New York Times, and past owner of Pastimes Antiques in the Dewitt Mall.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three individuals and teams who complete a perfect puzzle in the shortest amount of time. Whether you are a casual, serious or advanced puzzler, you are invited to be part of the fun.

All proceeds support Tompkins Learning Partners, a LiteracyNY affiliated non-profit organization, which provides literacy tutoring, free of charge, for over 100 adults in our community.

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Top 10 Ways To Celebrate Chanukah

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On Chanukah, the Jewish people light Chanukah candles to remember the Maccabee victory and how the oil burnt for eight days in the holy Temple. This article examines 10 ways people celebrate the holiday in today’s society.

1. Light the Menorah:

Everyone is allowed to light the menorah. It should be lit outside the doorway and at the window after nightfall. You light the middle candle first and begin with the candles on the far right.

2. Games (Dreidel):

Kids enjoy playing games on Chanukah, especially with the dreidel (a top). Each side has acronyms which stand for Nes Gadol Haya Sham which means “A great miracle happened there.”

3. Chanukah Gelt:

Nothing beats Chanukah then Chanukah gelt. Many kids get candy, gifts and even money. It’s one holiday many kids look forward to.

4. Cooking:

Everything cooked should be done in oil. Latkes and donuts are the most popular. You cannot miss eating them. You would not be in the Chanukah spirit otherwise.

5. Crafts/Decorations:

Making crafts are also popular on the holiday. Decorating the home and creating the different crafts will bring up spirits. Kids particularly enjoy making gelt bags which are like stockings during Christmas.

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About The Author


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Top 10 Road Trips To Take Before You Die

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There’s nothing quite like the feeling of the open road to excite the senses, free the mind and experience the best of any destination. In this post we take a look at some of the worlds best road trips to add to your travelling bucket list.

1. Route 66, USA

Route 66
Also known as Main Street, Route 66 is considered to be the most spectacular and famous highway in the world. It has been eugolised by numerous movies, books, songs, and television shows more than any other highway in the world. The 2,400-mile drive starts in the states of Missouri, Texas, New Mexico, and finally ends in California at the stunning beaches of Santa Monica in Los Angeles.

2. Amalfi Drive, Italy

amalfi drive

The Amalfi Drive is considered to be one of the best and thrilling roads not only in Italy, but also in the world. It stretches from the peaceful village of Amalfi to Sorrento. The route passes through wonderful hillside villas, historical buildings, and small historical towns. It offers stunning views of the expansive Mediterranean from its highest points.

3. Ring of Kerry, Ireland

Ring of Kerry
The ring of Kerry is one of the most scenic and famous drives in the world. Found in the south-western region of Ireland, the circular drive starts in Killarney, winding gracefully through the beautiful historical towns of Kenmare, Waterville, Cahersiveen, and Killorglin. It offers very beautiful sceneries and attractions including Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney National Park, Killarney Golf Club, Stone Age ruins, shimmering lakes, glaciated valleys, and unspoilt beaches.

4. Icefields Parkway, Canada

Icefields Parkway
Also referred to as Highway 93, the Icefields Parkway starts from Lake Louise Town in the south and stretches for about 230 kilometres to Jasper Town in the north. Traversing the rugged landscape of Rocky Mountains, and Banff National Park, the route offers excellent views of impressive wildlife including bighorn sheep, grizzly, moose, black bears, elks, and mountain goats. It also offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, emerald lakes, magnificent waterfalls, and alpine meadows.

5. Ring Road, Iceland

The Ring Road
The Ring Road is the highest highway in Iceland. Circling its way through the country for about 1,400 kilometres, the highway connects many major towns and cities including Reykjavik, Isafjorour, Blonduos, Akureyri, Husavik, Egilsstaoir, Hornafjorour, Vik, and Vestmannaeyjar. It passes through wonderful plateaus, thundering waterfalls, rugged fjords, and volcanic mountains. It also passes through Blue Lagoon, Myvatn, Dettifoss, Jokulsarlon, and Skaftafell national parks.

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About The Author