tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-363417232024-03-13T10:33:25.423-04:00Chopsticks on OboeChopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-29809051322551277492014-07-11T21:33:00.003-04:002014-07-11T21:37:58.387-04:00In Heavenly Love Abiding<div style="text-align: center;">
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"In heavenly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear; </div>
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And safe is such confiding, for nothing changes here. </div>
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The storm may roar without me, my heart may low be laid;</div>
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But God is round about me, and can I be dismayed?</div>
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Wherever He may guide me, no want shall turn me back;</div>
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My Shepherd is beside me, and nothing can I lack. </div>
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His wisdom ever waketh, His sight is never dim;</div>
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He knows the way He taketh, and I will walk with Him.</div>
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Green pastures are before me, which yet I have not seen;</div>
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Bright skies will soon be o'er me, where darkest clouds have been.</div>
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My hope I cannot measure, my path to life is free;</div>
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My Savior has my treasure, and He will walk with me."</div>
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<i>--Anna Waring 1850</i></div>
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<i>(Taken from SDA Hymnal 513)</i></div>
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<i><br /></i>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-13809070813723631312013-09-18T12:37:00.000-04:002013-09-18T12:37:02.079-04:00Pillars in the Temple of God"He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more" (Revelation 3:12).<br />
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I have been reading Jesus' messages to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3, and have really been blessed by all of the deep meanings of each church. Some churches just have warnings (like the churches of Sardis and Laodicea), some just have encouragements (like the church of Philadelphia and Smyrna), some have both (like the church of Ephesus, Pergamos, and Thyatira) but every one has a promise for the future to those who overcome the temptations of their time. The messages fill me with hope. Here are a few samples: "He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death" (2:11), "To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God" (2:7), "He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels" (3:5), and "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne" (3:21).<br />
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This morning I was pondering the promise for the church of Philadelphia. "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name" (3:12). I can understand how the second part of the verse is a promise. Having God's name and character imprinted upon everyone who overcomes is truly a blessing I would like to have, but what about being a pillar?<br />
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Early in my childhood I moved around quite a bit. My seventh birthday was the first time that I spent two consecutive birthdays in the same house. I was used to saying goodbye to those I loved. Sometimes we would be the ones moving, other times friends would be, but in each move, I felt like a part of my heart was being left behind or taken. I wanted to have all my friends and family in one place someday, where we wouldn't have to say goodbye. More recently I have lost some dear friends to death, and I long all the more to be in a place where I no longer would have to say goodbye. As I fell in love with Jesus, I found that more than anything else, I long to live with Him. Although He promises to be with us here on earth, we are separated in that we cannot see Him face to face.<br />
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As I think of all those who are dear to me that are separated by time, space or death, it is easy to wonder if there will ever be a time when there will be no more goodbyes...<br />
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Then it struck me. A pillar does not move. In fact, a pillar's job is to stay in one place. Christ's promise is to "make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more." As a pillar in God's temple, you would continually live in His presence. He will fulfill every desire, He will "wipe away every tear" (Rev. 21:4), He will bring together loved ones who have been separated, He will do away with every need to say goodbye. What a promise!<br />
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"One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in his temple..." (Psalms 27:4).Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-38208441589270189172013-07-20T10:18:00.001-04:002013-07-20T10:18:12.264-04:00You will know them by their fruitsJohn and I have been blessed to have a small fruit garden in our backyard. One of the joys of living in Southern California is that there is an abundance of amazing fruit all year round. At this time, our fig tree is beginning to show signs of ripening figs, and we look forward to a few weeks from now when we can work on drying and making fig jam.<br />
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Sadly, not all trees in our backyard are fantastic. This winter, we were delightedly eyeing an orange tree that had a copious amount of bright orange fruit. The oranges looked rather deformed and lumpy, but we assumed that they would be excellent inside. Maybe they were a heirloom variety. Eagerly we waited for the first to ripen. When the great day came, we picked a few, and excitedly opened them up. The first thing we noticed was that they were a pale yellow inside, not at all like navels usually are, they also had precious little pulp to the amount of lumpy skin around them. when we took a bite, we were even more shocked. Instead of the sweet, juicy fruit, they were as sour as a lemon with a bitter aftertaste. They left much to be desired.<br />
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As we talked to more experienced gardeners, we found out that navel trees are grafted on to a wild root. As long as the gardener keeps back the wild root from sending up it's own shoots, the tree will produce delicious fruit from the graft. But if the wild root sends up it's own shoots, and they are not cut back, they will produce a nasty, bitter, sour fruit that is only good for compost. In fact, the tree would be so busy sending it's energy to the aggressively growing wild shoot, that the grafted side will only produce one or two good fruits, which was the case for our tree.<br />
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Since we have been living with fruit trees, I am realizing the importance of pruning. Jesus used the illustration of pruning when He spoke to His disciples, just before He was crucified: "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:1-5).<br />
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So often we let our own desires crop up like the wild root, ready to produce bitter fruit. Selfishness, pride, indolence, greed, the list of bitterness can go on and on. Let us let our Master Gardener to prune away our bad habits and desires. "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples" (John 15:8).<br />
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<br />Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-85665168200379507722011-05-29T11:44:00.005-04:002011-05-29T12:08:04.688-04:00Complete happiness<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TmlftFZRO40/TeJuSZrcLgI/AAAAAAAAAlk/Ik9eZiTJz4g/s1600/P1040410.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TmlftFZRO40/TeJuSZrcLgI/AAAAAAAAAlk/Ik9eZiTJz4g/s320/P1040410.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612169348066848258" /></a></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;">My joy is complete. God has given abundantly more than I could ever wish for, "pressed down, shaken together and overflowing" (Luke 6:38).</div><div><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h3GXveeZjoc/TeJueIAjwwI/AAAAAAAAAls/TWNqMYjvDOE/s320/P1040406.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612169549482017538" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">On May 20, 2011 John and I became engaged.</div><div></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! </div><div style="text-align: center;">And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.</div><div style="text-align: center;">They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house;</div><div style="text-align: center;">and You give them to drink of the river or Your delights. </div><div style="text-align: center;">For with You is the fountain of life;</div><div style="text-align: center;">in Your light we see light. (Psalms 36:7-9)</div></blockquote><div></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-25945984025141614692011-01-13T09:05:00.006-05:002011-01-13T09:20:03.500-05:00Love bade me welcome<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TS8JV37DbEI/AAAAAAAAAlY/Xrpx3YOhfzk/s320/May%2BDK%2B112.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561674336219393090" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Love bade me welcome, yet my soul drew back,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Guilty of dust and sin.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But quick-ey'd Love, observing me grow slack</div><div style="text-align: center;">From my first entrance in,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning</div><div style="text-align: center;">If I lack'd anything</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"A guest," I answer'd, "worthy to be here";</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love said, "You shall be he."</div><div style="text-align: center;">"I, the unkind, the ungrateful? ah my Dear,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I cannot look on Thee."</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love took my hand and smiling did reply,</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Who made the eyes but I?"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Truth, Lord, but I have marr'd them; let my shame</div><div style="text-align: center;">Go where it doth deserve."</div><div style="text-align: center;">"And know you not," says Love, "who bore the blame?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">"My Dear, then I will serve."</div><div style="text-align: center;">"You must sit down," says Love, "and taste my meat."</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I did sit and eat.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">--George Herbert</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TS8JMfZbkGI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/rI5Mpzl5hNI/s320/May%2BDK%2B111.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561674175017095266" /></div>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-59031936745016831222010-11-06T09:17:00.007-04:002010-11-15T13:19:03.029-05:00Just breathe<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TOF5MIFkkSI/AAAAAAAAAk0/FxVi5bGCyLQ/s1600/P1020902.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TOF5MIFkkSI/AAAAAAAAAk0/FxVi5bGCyLQ/s200/P1020902.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539842265878663458" /></a></div><br />I was standing waste deep in water, gasping for breath. I love to swim. It had been a while since I had last swum, and I wanted to go for a long distance. On the last few laps I decided to give it my all and see how fast I could swim the pool. It wasn't very fast, but it certainly winded me, and therefore I was standing in the pool, trying to recover by taking deep gulps of air. I was so thankful for lungs that could fill with the life giving oxygen.<div><br /></div><div>So many times we take air for granted. Breathing comes so naturally that we don't think about it, even though we use air constantly. Certain types of air are irresistible: salty sea air, balsam scented mountain air, and snow laden, crisp winter air. We might not realize how important breathing is until we are limited in our supply. When playing long sections on my oboe, I am so thankful for the composers who leave one or two rests to recuperate my lungs.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was reading the other day in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 "pray without ceasing". It reminded me of a quote from Ellen G. White</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Times, serif;font-size:medium;"><blockquote>“Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Well-spring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience. Neglect the exercise of prayer, or engage in prayer spasmodically, now and then, as seems convenient, and you lose your hold on God. The spiritual faculties lose their vitality, the religious experience lacks health and vigor.”—Ellen G. White, <span style="font-style: italic; ">Gospel Workers,</span> pp. 254, 255</blockquote></span></div><div>How often do we pray? Do we take long intermissions in our prayer life and end up depleted as I was after swimming? Do we breathe prayer and cleanse our spiritual lungs as often as we cleanse our physical lungs? Without respiration there is no life. Lord, remind me to breathe prayers to You throughout my whole day.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TOF5LVQ6FZI/AAAAAAAAAks/N7-x6QTHDe4/s200/P1010623.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539842252236002706" /></div>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-56005595962444457622010-10-05T14:13:00.001-04:002010-10-05T15:59:06.180-04:00Busy<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Recently my life has consisted of...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TKtstaYiQaI/AAAAAAAAAj8/zpPz-MmY4LM/s200/P1020432.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524628895332188578" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am so thankful for...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TKt_zecxIrI/AAAAAAAAAkE/q2wJTij72fM/s200/P1120748.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524649890223825586" /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 196px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TKt_zibC3GI/AAAAAAAAAkM/gtcDSLwYX2Y/s200/P1020400.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524649891290340450" /><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TKt_0DNxTRI/AAAAAAAAAkU/_45GiHjDnsc/s200/P1120655.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524649900093033746" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But most importantly, I am indebted to...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TKuB5K6_OEI/AAAAAAAAAkk/hiwl3JCHDmw/s200/P1020433.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524652187084339266" /></div>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-76235571306570542582010-09-26T07:51:00.000-04:002010-09-26T08:34:06.838-04:00Forever student<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TJ85qV7WyLI/AAAAAAAAAis/12BzNUkvQzA/s1600/P1020187.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TJ85qV7WyLI/AAAAAAAAAis/12BzNUkvQzA/s200/P1020187.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521195067782908082" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I love studying biology. Yes, I know I'm a typical biology major, but I feel that the more that I study about biology, the more I realize how <i>little</i> I know, and how much I <i>want</i> to know. <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TJ85rZXpHdI/AAAAAAAAAjE/qPFRRcMJsO0/s200/P1020270.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521195085886725586" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>My favorite part of the week is my Vertebrate Natural History lab. Wandering outside looking in crevices for lizards, or peering into streams for fish, is so exciting. The intricacies of the animal kingdom are fascinating.<br /><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TJ85q4Lp7XI/AAAAAAAAAi0/5AGya0YfhrY/s200/P1020214.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521195076978077042" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>It's a good thing that I have many more years of study ahead of me, because I doubt that I will ever get my full dose of studying in. I think I will be a professional student.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TJ87jZFc3gI/AAAAAAAAAjM/X7xim6UJrrA/s200/P1020223.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521197147394727426" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>That's why this morning I was so excited to read this excerpt from EGW's <i>Prophets and Kings. </i>She had been describing heaven in glorious detail:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>"There every power will be developed, every capability increased. The grandest enterprises will be carried forward, the loftiest aspirations will be reached, the highest ambitions realized. And still there will appear new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to comprehend, fresh objects of study to call forth the powers of body and mind and soul.<i>" </i>(PK 731)</blockquote><blockquote><br /></blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TJ89YoklabI/AAAAAAAAAjU/SYXjbbAANYo/s200/P1020221.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521199161596537266" /></blockquote>Can you imagine? Having our whole, uncompromised minds that can soak up every bit of information that we acquire? The greatest thing to look forward to though, is that the Creator of all living things will be our professor.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TJ85rCx3EfI/AAAAAAAAAi8/iKE7FowQmQE/s200/P1020216.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521195079822676466" /></div></div>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-89516532617760621262010-09-13T06:47:00.001-04:002010-09-13T09:55:41.721-04:00John<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TI4tMDvHp5I/AAAAAAAAAik/RNm1HhcqnYM/s1600/IMG_2714.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TI4tMDvHp5I/AAAAAAAAAik/RNm1HhcqnYM/s200/IMG_2714.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516396278760056722" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happiness is dating my best friend</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 148px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TI4sB7td1VI/AAAAAAAAAiU/KIttQi9jIA0/s200/P1020234.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516395005295318354" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happiness is having God as the center of our relationship, for God is the center of happiness.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TI4sPIfssUI/AAAAAAAAAic/MWijd6GUjjQ/s200/IMG_2782.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516395232065532226" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-9761293349059431722010-08-17T13:22:00.000-04:002010-08-17T17:10:57.932-04:00Maine...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TGr53MTiedI/AAAAAAAAAh8/M5E_jmSRTnU/s320/P1010907.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506488221005150674" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TGrG43tLomI/AAAAAAAAAhU/5coH3XnxKp0/s1600/P1010800.JPG"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TGrG43tLomI/AAAAAAAAAhU/5coH3XnxKp0/s1600/P1010800.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TGrG43tLomI/AAAAAAAAAhU/5coH3XnxKp0/s320/P1010800.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506432174742282850" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TGrG392rMrI/AAAAAAAAAhE/BoJm_vL7y6s/s1600/P1010741.JPG"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TGrG392rMrI/AAAAAAAAAhE/BoJm_vL7y6s/s1600/P1010741.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TGrG392rMrI/AAAAAAAAAhE/BoJm_vL7y6s/s320/P1010741.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506432159212843698" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TGrG392rMrI/AAAAAAAAAhE/BoJm_vL7y6s/s1600/P1010741.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"></a><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TGr51UQs6dI/AAAAAAAAAhk/xWGhBvXmlPk/s320/P1010942.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506488188780997074" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TGr52mojX2I/AAAAAAAAAh0/0DYCcY6jMFI/s320/P1010937.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506488210892742498" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TGr52Dg8BOI/AAAAAAAAAhs/-0CObmjVM7A/s320/P1010939.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506488201465562338" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TGrG5QzEQeI/AAAAAAAAAhc/u4KF_sen8XQ/s320/P1010821.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506432181477851618" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">...Is beautiful</span></div></div></div>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-66074836361659377762010-07-09T18:40:00.000-04:002010-07-19T14:51:13.234-04:00The Great General Conference<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TESKYtEBy1I/AAAAAAAAAgE/z9tsBsOaq_Y/s1600/P1010239.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TESKYtEBy1I/AAAAAAAAAgE/z9tsBsOaq_Y/s320/P1010239.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495669602316831570" /></a></div><div><br /></div>For the past few weeks I have been working at the 59th General Conference Session in Atlanta Georgia. For those who might not know, the GC is a time for leaders (called delegates) in the Seventh-day Adventist church to get together and vote on different important issues to direct our church. Delegates are not the only ones to go to the sessions though, it is a time for people to come from all over the world and connect with other Adventists, and get spiritual refreshing. In the evenings and mornings, wonderful speakers from all over the world give devotional talks and updates on the missions in their Unions.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TESTgUvv7gI/AAAAAAAAAg8/nVwNv275pLI/s320/P1010428.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495679628832927234" /></div><div><br />I was working with a team of Oakwood students at the information booths for the convention. This gave me a great opportunity to meet new people, as well as see many old friends walking past.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TESORZmXVkI/AAAAAAAAAgc/OzbhWJ0shGQ/s320/P1010271.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495673874879567426" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My team at our information booth</span></div><br /></div><div>One of the many highlights of my time there was people watching. It is so heartwarming to observe people reconnect with those who they haven't seen for 15 years or more, and look at the utter joy on their faces as they embraced for the first time in decades.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TESO8PtEsNI/AAAAAAAAAgk/L5IXE3glgLA/s320/P1010322.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495674610957725906" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Some good friends that were missionaries with us in Malawi</span></div><div><br />Another highlight was the sheer abundance of nationalities that were present at the meetings. Even though there were so many nationalities, they all were joined together with a bond of brotherly love. It reminded me of the song "red and yellow, black and white, all are precious in God's sight".</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TESRXmmg2II/AAAAAAAAAg0/pOSsb20bb5c/s320/P1010334.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495677279983949954" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Some friends I met in Russia</span></div></div><div><br />With 80,000 people together working for the Lord, made my mind turn to Jesus' return. Think of the people from "every nation, tongue, tribe and people" all gathered together in one big "General Conference" in heaven! Not only will we see people who we haven't seen for 15 years, but we will see grandparents, parents, brothers, and sisters who have died long ago. We won't just see famous preachers and evangelists like Mark Finley, we will also see people like Abraham, Joseph, the apostles Peter, John, and Paul. We won't just see musicians like Wintley Phipps, we will also see J. S. Bach, Vivaldi, and Buxtehude. People from every country, every religion, every region of the earth will be living peacefully together, because they all love their Redeemer. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TESQiJp5YVI/AAAAAAAAAgs/1t0siV1NXKY/s320/P1010398.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495676361680445778" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wintley Phipps</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The best part of the great reunion in heaven, will be meeting our greatest Desire: Jesus. Our God who died for us, that we might be together with Him. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://www.halifaxsda.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/sermon_pics_376.15382100_std.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We have this hope that burns within our hearts,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hope in the coming of the Lord</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We have this faith that Christ alone imparts</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Faith in the promise of His word!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We believe the time is here, </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>When the nations far and near</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Shall awake and shout and sing</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hallelujah, Christ is King!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We have this hope that burns within our hearts!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hope in the coming of the Lord!</i></div></div>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-36843372420262650142010-06-20T14:47:00.001-04:002010-06-20T15:51:19.337-04:00Sharpening knives<div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TB5sW3dsb6I/AAAAAAAAAf8/KIk_8QayXzs/s320/P1010190.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484940536285261730" /></div><div><br /></div>Last Saturday night I had nothing to do. This is a very rare occurrence in my life, and I realized that I must quickly fill that vacant block of time with something useful. That is when I came up with the bright idea of sharpening our knives in the kitchen. I pulled out my sharpening stone and blithely began to stroke away. Sharpening dull knives took longer than I had expected. Several hours later, I was getting a little tired of my newfound occupation, but continued on my mission, convinced that sharp knives were well worth the effort. <div><br /></div><div>Standing by the kitchen counter with knives scattered around me made me think of Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." The Bible is a tool that needs to be acuminated through constant use. Through prayer, the Holy Spirit will sharpen the Biblical concepts in our thoughts, making them useful to our lives. Let's not allow our Bibles grow dull with neglect, but continually read and pray for the great Stone to sharpen our spiritual swords.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TB5rff4GeGI/AAAAAAAAAf0/-HnBBt4i5Ek/s320/P1010189.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484939585060763746" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-24040738905171740422010-06-14T21:21:00.001-04:002010-06-14T22:03:17.619-04:00What many do not know about Maryland<div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/TBbXKO5UfJI/AAAAAAAAAfk/IMUv7t0YvhE/s200/P1120250.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482806167167335570" /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Maryland state bird: Baltimore oriole </b>(it's beautiful to see these bright spots of sunshine in the forest)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Maryland state flower: Black eyed susan</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Maryland state crustacean: </b>Blue crab (believe me, if you go swimming in the summer in the Chesapeake Bay, you will understand why this is our state crustacean)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Maryland state insect: Baltimore checkerspot butterfly</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Maryland state reptile: Diamondback terrapin </b>(The Terrapins are also the name of Maryland University's basketball team)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Maryland state song: Maryland my Maryland</b> (interestingly, this was written to encourage Maryland to join the Confederate States of America. Lee ordered his troops to sing this song as they marched through Frederick, but were given the cold shoulder since Frederick was staunchly for the Union)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Maryland state tree: White oak</b> (we had the largest white oak tree in America, until it was blown down in 2002)</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Maryland state dog: Chesapeake bay retriever</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Maryland state boat: Chesapeake bay skipjack </b>(incidentally, these are the last working sailboats in the US)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Maryland state sport: jousting</b> (yes, that's right, baseball is just a little too modern for us)</div><div><br /></div><div>And to top all</div><div><b>Maryland state dinosaur:<i> Astrodon jonstoni</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-61854497263852301442010-06-10T20:07:00.000-04:002010-06-10T21:24:43.078-04:00Jeremiah and car doorsI shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. I was in a parking lot between a proverbial rock and hard place. To be exact, my finger was situated all too snugly between the car door and the frame of the car. We have been using a rental car this weekend that does not have an automatic lock, so each door must be locked separately. Somehow, while locking up the car, I miscalculated the time that it would take for the door to close compared with the time it would take to move my finger from the door frame. So there I was, with finger in a locked door, and no way of escape. <div><br /></div><div>I quickly looked around to see if anyone could lend a hand. The car next to mine had three people gathered around it talking about their vehicle. I gave a pleading gaze their direction and entreated them to lend a hand. One of them (I take to be the car dealer) looked up, gave me a disapproving glare, and then quickly shifted his glance back to the car he was so intent on. <div><br /></div><div>I was quite stuck. I had no way to open the door because of the security of the bolt, I couldn't reach through the opposite door, because I couldn't maneuver myself around with a finger caught in the door, and I couldn't simply press a key to open the lock. I tried pulling and wiggling my finger out, but it wouldn't budge. There was nothing else to do. Then it struck me! I needed to pray.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been reading Jeremiah in my devotions recently. Judah was in terrible straits. They had been in the grasp of the Devil for centuries, and they were about to be taken into captivity. God was pleading through Jeremiah for Judah to return their loyalty to God, to leave their dangerous courting with evil, and turn back to God. He promised that if they but showed a desire for God He would "deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible (Jer. 15:21)."</div><div><br /></div><div>I was not "flirting with the evil" car door, but I certainly felt like I was in "the grip of the terrible" when I cried out to God. I mustered up all my strength and with a mighty pull, I wrenched my finger away from the abominable door. </div><div><br /></div><div>Though it was a relatively small thing for God to do for me, I was reminded that God can save us when we cry to Him, whether it be something like saving us from cars, or saving us from eternal death. We must never forget to call out to Him in our every need. His promises will always hold true. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-66996702920940518732010-04-26T16:33:00.000-04:002010-04-26T16:40:51.716-04:00Almost done...<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Two finals down...</span></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/S9X5LmxRiXI/AAAAAAAAAfE/AHI2EZxy9o8/s200/P1130076.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464547700665059698" /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ornithology...</span></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/S9X5NRz5SkI/AAAAAAAAAfc/z0GsGC_1a4Q/s200/P1120622.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464547729398647362" /></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Chemistry...</span><br /> <br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Two more to go...</span><div><br /><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/S9X5MF4umlI/AAAAAAAAAfM/atC2WsE4Lp4/s200/P1000007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464547709017823826" /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Issues of natural science and religion...</span></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/S9X5MgL6itI/AAAAAAAAAfU/fdeQ9Fgpv1U/s200/P1120969.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464547716077619922" /><br /><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">History...</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">God is so good! </span></div></div></div>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-6922213479854283902010-01-29T16:12:00.000-05:002010-01-29T16:18:36.879-05:00Definitions<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Basis of Evolution=Selfishness<div><br /></div><div>Basis of Creation=Selflessness</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-23075769069729156182009-12-25T19:58:00.000-05:002009-12-25T20:04:26.383-05:00Peace on earth, good will to men<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I heard the bells on Christmas day</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Their old familiar carols play,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And wild and sweet the words repeat </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Of peace on earth, good will to men.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I thought how, as the day had come, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The belfries of all Christendom</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Had roll'd along th'unbroken song</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Of peace on earth, good will to men.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And in despair I bow'd my head:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"There is no peace on earth," I said,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"For hate is strong and mocks the song</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Of peace on earth, good will to men."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">With peace on earth, good will to men."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">~ Henry W. Longfellow -- 1863</span><br /><br />Praise the Lord that everything is in His hands, and He will come again and bring peace!<br />Merry Christmas everyone!<br /><br /><a id="publishButton" class="cssButton" href="javascript:void(0)" target="" onclick="if (this.className.indexOf("ubtn-disabled") == -1) {var e = document['stuffform'].publish;(e.length) ? e[0].click() : e.click(); if (window.event) window.event.cancelBubble = true; return false;}"><div class="cssButtonOuter"><div class="cssButtonMiddle"><div class="cssButtonInner"><br /></div></div></div></a><br /></div>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-25576387964878972012009-08-02T16:05:00.000-04:002009-08-02T19:02:52.181-04:00Life-lessons in 13.1 miles<span style="font-style: italic;">"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witne</span><span style="font-style: italic;">sses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so ea</span><span style="font-style: italic;">sily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." -- Hebrews 12:1-3</span><br /><br />Last week I participated in a half marathon. The run took place in Boyds/Germantown Maryland, a picturesque spot with sunny horse farms and big, shady trees overhanging the road. As I was running, I couldn't help thinking of Paul's words in Hebrews 12, where we should run the race of life with one Goal in site. As I was reflecting during the run, I thought of several life-lessons that can be deduced from a simple, endurance run.<br /><br />1) As we were setting off, a torrential downpour met us, and from then on we had intermittent showers along the way, this kept us runners refreshed and cool. Whenever the sweat of the world is covering us, God sends us "showers of blessing" to refresh us on our journey.<br /><br />2) Every two miles us weary runners were refreshed by water and Gatorade, and as we run our race of life we are revived along the way with the Water of Life and the bread of God's word.<br /><br />3) At the time when it was most needed, trainers, bystanders, or other runners would shout out words of encouragement. This would cheer us all and we would in turn send words of encouragement to others. In rough times on this earth God sends us messeges of hope to us, to "look up, it's not far now" and "keep going, one step at a time". These make us all the more willing to press on and build others up.<br /><br />4) To be honest, there were miles that I was in great pain, and other miles that I just wanted to give up, yet I kept in mind how I wanted to finish the race. In the same way when we run the race of life there are times when we are discouraged or just want to give up, but keep pressing on towards the goal of being with Jesus.<br /><br />With our great Trainer by our side, no matter what difficulty may arrise, God will be able to pull us through and give us a crown of glory when we meet our goal.<br /><br /><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/SnYZpS64kZI/AAAAAAAAAe4/gEjK77oqY3Q/s1600-h/P1120301.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/SnYZpS64kZI/AAAAAAAAAe4/gEjK77oqY3Q/s200/P1120301.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365504203302670738" border="0" /></a> <br /></div>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-76399723056059376362009-07-05T16:15:00.000-04:002009-07-05T16:29:34.887-04:00Humorous God<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/SlEM-bf1efI/AAAAAAAAAew/HCYZ3vsYCzo/s1600-h/P1070615.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/SlEM-bf1efI/AAAAAAAAAew/HCYZ3vsYCzo/s320/P1070615.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355075698592938482" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />God has a sense of humor.<br /><br />Last week I felt that I really needed some solid time in prayer. Even though I believe that we should always be engaging in prayer,<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span></span></span> this time I particularly felt that I needed some uninterrupted time with my Lord.<br /><br />I knelt down and began speaking earnestly with God. Just then, my dog, Tinka (who had been resting peacefully by my bed), decided to get up and start grumbling at me to pet her. Unwilling to be distracted, I continued my prayer, but this time asking God to avert the distraction.<br /><br />Tinka thought about it for a while, and since she did not get the response that she wanted, promptly lay down on my legs! Now I was virtually "pinned down" to praying! God changed the distraction to a blessing, and in a way that made me laugh! He has such a sense of humor!Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-37375790706373806832009-05-13T15:12:00.000-04:002009-05-13T16:02:45.087-04:00Only two yearsA few weeks ago a lady came to Fredheim. She is about fifty years old, and has a big, friendly smile, and brilliant, twinkling eyes. When you look at her, you wouldn't realize that she has only, at most, two years to live. <br /><br />I have never met a person with such love of others and bright outlook on life, even when her own is slipping away. I often sit at her table during mealtimes, and never a day goes by without the whole table bursting out with laughter because of jokes she has made.<br /><br />The most impressive thing that I have seen is that she is such a strong Christian. She always speaks about how God has transformed her life, and that one day Jesus will come again to save the whole world. She always mentions that whatever happens, whether she lives or dies, God knows the end from the beginning and He will make sure that everything will "work together for good, to those who are called according to His purpose."<br /><br />She really lives a life worthy of her Savior and Friend, Jesus.Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-77077251500608612422009-04-16T04:25:00.000-04:002009-04-16T04:54:11.315-04:00The Savior and the Rock<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/SebsoILfApI/AAAAAAAAAeo/_Pew_9lnR68/s1600-h/IMG_1121.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/SebsoILfApI/AAAAAAAAAeo/_Pew_9lnR68/s320/IMG_1121.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325203783546765970" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I am gulping for air, my head is sinking under the foaming waves. I begin to disappear in the murky depths. I cry for help.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I hear a voice! A strong, friendly hand reaches down and pulls me out from certain death.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He sets me on a solid Rock. He holds my dripping self close to Him, and tenderly promises never to leave me. As long as I want Him there, He will stay with me, and keep me on the solid Rock, no matter how the waves crash about it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />He has saved me. No, I will never leave.</div>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-36829772241894530122009-04-06T06:48:00.000-04:002009-04-06T07:15:10.573-04:00I agree<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">"If I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">-- Charles Lindbergh</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/SdnjEMLlIpI/AAAAAAAAAec/EfHbQC1A7y8/s320/P1090648.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321534095843730066" /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/SdnjEMLlIpI/AAAAAAAAAec/EfHbQC1A7y8/s1600-h/P1090648.JPG"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/SdnjD8eIy5I/AAAAAAAAAeU/Jd9bDyq-oC4/s320/Peru+and+Folks%27+Visit+429.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321534091626597266" /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/SdnjD8eIy5I/AAAAAAAAAeU/Jd9bDyq-oC4/s1600-h/Peru+and+Folks%27+Visit+429.jpg"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/SdnjDgobFiI/AAAAAAAAAeM/CRm_DmgOCYk/s320/Peru+and+Folks%27+Visit+406.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321534084153546274" /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/SdnjDgobFiI/AAAAAAAAAeM/CRm_DmgOCYk/s1600-h/Peru+and+Folks%27+Visit+406.jpg"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/SdnjDeu3McI/AAAAAAAAAeE/hAykKs6Dy0M/s320/P1000008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321534083643683266" /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/SdnjDeu3McI/AAAAAAAAAeE/hAykKs6Dy0M/s1600-h/P1000008.JPG"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">I agree</span></div></div>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-26482107427647812762009-04-02T05:05:00.000-04:002009-04-02T05:22:01.840-04:00"Only a tiny sparrow"<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.birdholidays.fsnet.co.uk/images/tenerife-blue-tit.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 370px;" src="http://www.birdholidays.fsnet.co.uk/images/tenerife-blue-tit.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I am only a tiny sparrow,<br />A bird of low degree;<br />My life is of little value,<br />But the dear Lord cares for me.<br /><br />I have no barn nor storehouse,<br />I neither sow nor reap;<br />God gives me a sparrow's portion,<br />But never a seed to keep.<br /><br />I know there are many sparrows;<br />All over the world they are found;<br />But our heavenly Father knoweth<br />When one of us falls to the ground.<br /><br />Though small, we are never forgotten;<br />Though weak, we are never afraid;<br />For we know the dear Lord keepeth<br />The life of the creatures He made.<br /><br />I fly through the thickest forest,<br />I light on many a spray;<br />I have no chart nor compass,<br />But I never lose my way.<br /><br />And I fold my wing at twilight<br />Wherever I happen to be;<br />For the Father is always watching,<br />And no harm will come to me.<br /><br />I am only a little sparrow,<br />A bird of low degree,<br />But I know the Father loves me;<br />Have you less faith than we?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">-- <span style="font-style: italic;">"A Christian's Secret to a Happy Life"</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Hannah Whitall Smith</span></span><br /></div>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-27142983166888613702009-03-31T04:14:00.000-04:002009-04-02T05:04:48.262-04:00Appearances<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://capitolhillstyle.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/makeup.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 450px;" src="http://capitolhillstyle.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/makeup.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She was pudgy and always had acne on her face. Because of this, she was never popular at school. As she studied, other kids whispered about her "ugly" looks. She had a tender heart though, and always stuck up for other kids that were laughed at. She was a friend to all those who needed one... <div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br />She was slim and spent several hours each morning putting on makeup and doing her golden hair. She knew she was "beautiful," and wouldn't acknowledge other "less popular" people. As she walked, people would whisper about the "beauty" that just passed...</div><div> </div><div><br />My question about these two analogies is: "what makes a person beautiful"? Is the amount of makeup, or the nice clothes make you more beautiful than others? If you are not popular, does that make you of less worth than others that are?<br /></div><div> </div><div><br />1 Samuel 16:7 states: "For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."</div><div> </div><div><br />The Bible states that our outward appearance will be changed when Jesus comes anyway. Our inward appearance is something that we will have for eternity. </div><div> </div><div><br />I would like to propose to my blog readers to spend less time trying to make your outward appearance more attractive, but try to adorn your heart in such a way that it is pleasing to God. </div><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 448px; height: 317px;" src="http://oneyearbibleimages.com/heart.jpg" alt="" border="0" />Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36341723.post-27315783782883252532009-03-25T14:44:00.000-04:002009-03-25T15:36:07.549-04:00A prayer answered<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/ScqDwhU5kqI/AAAAAAAAAdc/0JcG0OVSXFk/s1600-h/P1100104.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/ScqDwhU5kqI/AAAAAAAAAdc/0JcG0OVSXFk/s200/P1100104.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317207179667280546" border="0" /></a> </div>I yawned and rolled out of bed onto my knees. As I began my morning prayers, I mentioned to God that I really wanted to have a meaningful conversation about Him to someone that day.<br /><br />I worked in the morning, and that enabled me to go for a walk with the guests to the mountains. It was extremely icy, so I walked with our oldest guest in order that he would have help on the slippery parts so he wouldn't fall.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/ScqG_1qBMHI/AAAAAAAAAds/TvQNyRs01OQ/s1600-h/P1100106.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38XXfqulzuc/ScqG_1qBMHI/AAAAAAAAAds/TvQNyRs01OQ/s200/P1100106.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317210741357490290" border="0" /></a>His name is Hans Olaf, and he has been a regular at Fredheim for as long as any of us can remember. He is 93 years old and goes out skiing everyday, unless it is summer, when he swims. In the summer, he lives in a small cabin about a mile from the nearest house. During the winter though, he makes his residence here at Fredheim. My boss always introduces him to the news guests as "Fredheim's mascot".<br /><br /> <br /><br />As we walked, Hans Olaf and I talked about many various things: How the weather was, where he liked to travel, his favorite foods, ect. We then decided to rest awhile on the steps of an old house, built in the 1600s. The snow was beautiful, sparkling in the bright Spring sun. Not a cloud was in the sky, and it was such a dark blue, that my photos couldn't even register the color.<br /><br />I mentioned to Hans Olaf how wonderful God was, creating such a beautiful earth. He heartily agreed, then continued to speak more about Creation, and what days each thing was created. We spoke about the New Earth, and how even more glorious it would be. There we will have no more crying or pain, and everything will be created anew with even more beauty than we can imagine! We will not even need the sun, because God will be our light! Even though there is 73 years difference between Hans Olaf and I, the years seemed to dissipate as we both excitedly talked about our mutual Friend, Jesus.<br /><br />I felt such a blessing through our conversation, and praise God that He does answer prayers!<br /><br />"No longer will you have the sun for light by day, nor for brightness will the moon give you light; but you will have the Lord for an everlasting light, and your God for your glory." -- Is. 60:19<br /><div> </div>Chopsticks on Oboehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09945286435551736395noreply@blogger.com3