Rugger's Epistle

Except you become...

2005-06-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

"And He said unto them, 'Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, he shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.'" Matthew 18:3

Finding Neverland is an absolutely brilliant movie and one that I would recommend whole-heartedly. The story is about J.M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan and the inspiration that he receives from his real life interactions with a widow and her four sons.

I was struck by the Christian truths found in this production and just had to share a few. As the Matthew 18 passage states, except ye become as little children..." so this movie explores the coming into "adulthood" and losing the aspect of being a child. The results manifest themselves as stodgy, overbearing, and a grumpiness that infects all that takes place during the day. It affects the reviewers of theater so much as to cause the character played by Dustin Hoffman to exclaim that the critics have destroyed the magic, the art of the stage. The "adult" attitude causes the mother of the widow to shut out the very thing that is giving her extended family a breath of fresh air and an insight into what an imagination can do to improve one's outlook on circumstances.
The movie's main theme is that of "Finding Neverland" and the process that an adult goes through in order to awaken the life that they felt as a child. The results of the awakening translate that into an adult existence that has the joy and the innocence of their youth, but with a demeanor and poise that denotes maturity. It is a balance of childlike love and innocence, tempered with an adult maturity, completed and made whole with love.

A paraphrase in the movie goes something like this: "But children began to become serious and wanted to grow up and no longer believe in the magic and excitement that they felt as a child." This "grownup" sentiment was certainly felt by the critics of the theater that were more concerned about they themselves being impressed by some great intellectual work, then allowing themselves to be caught up in the emotion and power of the story. It took the innocent joy and excitement of children to get them past their preconceived ideas of how life is and how it should be viewed.
I could not help but search my own heart as I was watching this movie and identify with the emotions that were presented. So often I've taken for granted, and have become calloused to the work that Christ did for me on Calvary as well as for the relationship that He desires to have with me on a moment-by-moment basis. A relationship that is not founded on my "grownup" ideas of what I view life to be, but rather on a child's look at the love and the grace of an Almighty Savior that came to this world to save us from the self that governs each of our lives. Our depraved man, our Adam, would tell us that Christ's work on the cross was nothing more than a one-time event, one that we can look back on and remember with gratitude and with sadness. Our self tells us that we must accept this forgiveness, but then, that we must turn that grace and love that Christ showed us on the cross and use it as a tool of our own to bring people unto our own way of thinking. Gone is the magic, the excitement of a relationship with a Person. Instead, we find ourselves bound to a system of rules and regulations where we attempt to live out Christ's life and power on our own strength and desire. We look like the stuffy critics in the theater; wrapped up in our own understanding and viewpoint, and unwilling to adopt the mind of a child and see Christ as the Person that He is. He is not something that we can wrap our minds around, or someone who we can manipulate into getting what our selves want. He is so much more than anything that we can think, but we settle on making Him a figure in our minds eye, rather than a live person that longs to commune with us. Gone is the laughter that characterizes Him in Psalm 45:15 and Psalm 105:43. Replacing it is the disciple’s admonition for him to rebuke the little children, the callous shoving away of a heart that is on fire for Christ, a heart that yearns to be near Christ. Instead of rebuking the children, Christ says in Luke 18:16 "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."

Oh Lord, let our hearts not grow faint toward You. Father, may your love keep us tender and excited in your presence, always yearning for more of Who You are, and not more of what our self tell us. Father, open our hearts unto Your spirit, and our eyes to see life as You would see it. Eyes that continually are looking for the power of Your love, and the healing of Your grace. Let us always be on the lookout for ways to share that childlike love, that childlike faith and mercy to those around us. Father, we pray that we would not become caught up in the religious practice of You, that we would not just go to church and call ourselves Christians because it salves our consciences, but let us be children in your eyes, coming before You daily, broken and contrite, humbled to be in Your household, loved by You. Jesus, we love you and ask for Your Spirit to come upon us every day. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
May the Lord bless you all as you seek Him as a little child.

Righteous Judges?

2005-02-16T14:32:00.000-08:00

Ran across a great article by Mike Bickle and wanted to pass it along for all of you to read. Let me know if you agree, disagree, and how you think truly catching ahold of the concept of God loving us will truly change the way that we live our lives in every facet, especially in the area of loving others.

John 5:30- I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

Is it possible for Christians to adopt this same mindset when interacting with other Christians? Not just in the way we respond outwardly, but the way we view them in our internal thought processes. Our Sunday School class was talking about "The Restrictions of Christian Liberty" (yeah, funny title, I know) and a man made a statement on how he would respond to someone that did not hold the same interpretations of scripture as he did, his response was to the effect of "I'd pray that God would bring conviction and truth into that persons life and that they would see the light." Wow, how many times do we pray that for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. How many times have I set myself up as a judge of that person's beliefs and convictions, whether they're laxer than mine, or stricter than mine? The simple truth of the matter is found in John 7:18,24 "He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him...Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."

What does this mean, righteous judgement? The greek word for righeous is Dikailos and means "that which is just, which is expected by the One who sets the rules and regulations whereby man must live." As we saw in John 5, Christ judged according to His Father, and not according to seeking his own glory. Do you realize how much fame Christ could have received if He had torn down the Pharisiacal system and the levels of control that they held over the community? How much Christ would have gained if he had overthrown the Roman government and the eartly power that they exuded. Instead, in all that Christ taught, he pointed people to His Father, not Himself. If the Son of God exhibited that in his own life, how much more should we, as children of God, saved and redeemed by the power of His blood do the same.

As we look at the standards, convictions and codes that we live by, let us consider Colossians 2:16-23:

16Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

17Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

18Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

19And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

20Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

21(Touch not; taste not; handle not;

22Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

23Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Verses 20-23 are especially poingant. How many of our walls of division are merely a result of commandments of men and products of our Christian culture. Christ was ridiculed by the Pharisees in Luke 7:23-35 because he did not "fit" in with their religionized view of God. How often do we ridicule those that don't fit into our religion/doctrine/creed/denomination/group? Do we look at Christ as "coming to destroy the law and the prophets" or that He "fulfilled" them through His sacrifice? Are the responses that we demonstrate on a daily bases evidences of Christ ruling on the thrones of our heart, or evidences of the fruits of the flesh as king of our life? I ask these questions, not as someone who's attained, but as one who is seeking and searching. For all of those that are searching along with me, I offer up ese verses from James 4

6But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

9Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

My prayer for each one of you, and myself, is "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1) (thanks lindz)

Quote of our life

2005-02-12T14:13:00.000-08:00

"The whole preliminary work of God is to disqualify us before we can be qualified."
Arthur Katz
Apostolic Foundations

Tradition of Death

2005-02-12T12:36:00.000-08:00

Just read an excellent article by X-ATI Guy. Whether you like his parodies or not, I believe that his more "serious" stuff is right on.

Anyway, his newest post raises some excellent points that I wanted to blog about from my perspective. Here's the first thought, more to come later.

C.S. Lewis writes in his book, "Screwtape Letters" that jargon is the best weapon to use against Christians. It gives us a modicum of understanding, and that we comprehend the spiritual truths. We are raised to play the game, to do the monkey dance, win Oscars, Emmy's, whatever accolade there is because of our performances. Christ says in Mark 7:6-9 regarding the Pharisees: "Well hath Isaiah prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, 'This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me'. Howbeit in vain do they worhsip me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition."

The statement "Full well ye reject the commandment of God..." sticks out to me like a beacon of light. The commandment of God, what is that? What does that commandment do to change us from who we are into what Christ has for us. "That ye may keep your own tradition." Why do we settle for what other's tell us about God, what others mandate for our lives, what other's prophesy over us? Why do we listen to lies, to deceit, to the enemy of God that "walks about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." The only thing that I can bring as an answer is that which I've experienced in my life, and am trying to push through right now. I speak of not knowing really who God is. Christ asked Peter, who do men say I am. Peter gives all these illustrious and well deserved responses to that question. After Peter finishes, Christ says, "Who do you say I am?" Peter responds with the most profound and life changing words of "You are the Christ, the Son of God." Christ blesses him saying, "Blessed are you, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Spirit."

Wow, I want to catch ahold of that thought "You are the Christ, the Son of God." I don't want it to be the type of person that has to go to church every Sunday and be reminded of that, I want it to be a new everyday realization that Christ is the reason why we live, the reason why He has placed us on this earth. Not just so we can come up with good doctrine and have all the terminology figured out so we can be good at the "spiritual game." Cool Hand Luke writes: "If I'm supporting actor, then the Oscar goes to You." So often I want to be that person in the limelight, receiving the accolades when Christ, who has placed me in a position and ultimately gave me life sits in the back, covered up because we're too ashamed of admitting that He was truly the reason why we are where we are.

Oh Lord, let it be the cry of our heart to know you in a deeper way, a way that is described in I Peter 3:7. Reveal to us the deepest emotions of your heart as we draw near to you and empty ourselves of the traditions that we've set up in our life. Thank you Jesus, we love You!

The Transformed Life

2005-02-10T11:52:00.000-08:00

Here's an intersting article. Read it if you have about ten minutes, it's definitely worth it. Basically, it's about the Christian subculture and how the world views it.

Just a few thoughts that I had on it:

1) I don't think that I truly have a grasp of what it meanst to live a life for Christ. If I did, I know that it would manifest itself in extreme and radical ways in my life.

2) Conformity to the world's standards gives us a Christianity that is legalistic, or totally loose and without consequence.

3) There is nothing new under the sun. How does that translate into Christians making an impact on this world? I believe that Ecclesiastes 12:13, I believe contains the answer: "Let s hear the conlcusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commmandmetns: for this is the whole duty of man." What are his commandments you ask? Peope asked Christ the same thing, and in Matthew 22:36-40 we see the question, and the response: "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38This is the first and great commandment.

39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. "

Oh that we could truly understand and live these simple, life changing words of our Savior who thought it not robbery to come down and dwell in the likeness of man, as to give us His life. Not just eternal life, but His very life.

Father, our cry to you is for more who you are. That we would lay our flesh down on the altar of your goodness and wholly trust Who you are, and not what we think you are. Lord, you've brought us out of Egypt, bring us into the Promised land as we fully surrender to you. Amen.

Growing Pains

2004-12-19T20:42:00.000-08:00

Andrew Murray writes in Abiding in Christ:

"Let us try to understand this. The suggestive expression, "Planted into the likeness of His death," will teach us what the abiding in the Crucified One means. When a graft is united with the stock on which it is to grow, we know that it must be kept fixed, it must abide in the place where the stock has been cut, been wounded, to make an opening to receive the graft. No graft without wounding the laying bare and opening up of the inner life of the tree to receive the stranger branch. It is only through such wounding that access can be obtained to the fellowship of the sap and the growth and the life of the stronger stem."

As some of you know, I've gone through a time in my life that I never thought that I'd go through. The pain from this experience has had several effects on my life, but none more important than that which is described in the above passage. The motivation behind pain to conform that pain to that which Christ suffered on the cross is perhaps the most important thing that we as Christians can do in identifying with Christ's suffereings. It is only as we are engrafted into His vine, as we have everything that we knew to be cut away and severed completely and then allow ourselves to be enjoined with Christ, do we know the true essence of what it means to Abide in Him.

"No good thing will He withhold from you."

Shifting

2004-12-16T16:29:00.000-08:00

Allrighty, just a bit of an update. I'm moving my everyday posting (not that I posted on here everyday) to my xanga site. I'm going to be discussing law, rugby, and everyday life on that one. Here, I will address those things that are the deepest groanings of my heart.

So, in other words. This is the not fun blog the xanga one is fun.

Hmm, that sounds bad.

God's Emotions Toward Us

2004-12-09T08:57:00.000-08:00

Here's a great article on how a proper view of God is really the key to a Christians life, an even more so, toward maintaining the abiding lifestyle.

I love it that God loves us! That makes me want to love Him more and show that love to others. It's a great trade-off in my mind.

Two weeks

2004-11-30T03:08:00.000-08:00

Wow, a lot happens in two weeks. I will spare the reader (if of course there are any) the mundane details, but suffice it to say, Thanksgiving was cool, my trip to Kansas City was, well, a trip to KC. The old cliche of it's the people that make a place special is definitely true, because if it weren't for my aunts and uncles, cousins, and grandparents living there, I don't think that I would have a genuinely good reason for visiting that place. Anycrikey, sorry if I offended anyone from Kansas or Misery, er, Missouri, but hey, just remember, I live in the paradise of Colorado. :)

It's been amazing to see the effects that prayer has. The old adage of "be careful what you pray for" has been proven itself time and time again in my life. It seems that I should just not pray for anything, and thus avoid the testing and the pain that is involved in the "knowing" of who Christ is. But hey, without pain, there is no growth. Without the pain of lifting weights that were previously thought to be too big to budge, there can be no process. Without pressing in deeper in Christ and experiencing the pain of the flesh being decreased, there can be not real intimacy with Him. Without discussing weighty issues with those important in one's life, there can be no growth of that relationship, nor will it progress to a point of true intimacy. What is the key to getting through these times of growth? Wow, I wish I knew that. But I do know that there is this promise of grace that Christ gives to all that find their rest in Him. In order to be at rest or at peace with him, there cannot be those things that come in between us and Him, so therefore, our rest during these times are intrisically linked to the amount of obedience and yielding that is taking place in our life in conformity to God's spirit. Hmm, circular I know, but hey, God knows best, I just wish that I knew God's best for me all the time.

Tensile Strength

2004-11-16T21:02:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have days where you feel like the whole world is collapsing around you? Where you feel that the weight of the pressures of this life are dragging you down to a level where you begin to doubt the promises of God for your life? I would almost liken those times to being in "God's Gym." Enormous burdens are put on you that you can either choose to bear in the name of Christ, or shrug off and say in your mind, "hey, it's not big deal."

I truly believe that it is during these times that the "tensile strength" of our souls are being tried by the very hand of God. You see, God would do anything and everything possible to make sure that we stay in right relationship to Him. I also believe that He will cause us to go through pain and suffering in order to bring us once again to that place where we have nothing else to do but cry out to our Abba Father: the one that promises that His burden is easy, and his load is light. But what does that really mean? Does it mean that we get to slack off and enjoy the easy life? I would hazard the statement that His burdens are not easy, and they are not light, but instead, he gives us the strength to lift those burdens, no matter how heavy they may be. His promise is never to leave us or forsake us, not for a life of ease and frivolity. I guess the thing that I'm learning right now is that if one would be close to God, he accepts that which is thrown his way and not only that, but embraces the love and the grace that Christ promises those that abide in Him.

"Oh Lord, I pray that you would continue to supernaturally reveal yourself to your children and that we could honor you with our lives in all that we do. That all that is in us and flows out of us would be a result of your life changing love and not our man pleasing tendencies. God, gives us your power and the intimate knowledge of your Son as we seek Your face. Amen."

Cheeky?

2004-11-16T15:03:00.000-08:00

Call me cheeky, but hey, if there's free stuff to be had, then I'm all for it. My previous post described how I got my free ipod, which is evidenced by the included picture. Now, I'm going after a free 27" Flat Screen TV or the 17" Flat Screen Monitor. If you all would like to start your journey to get a free TV or monitor, click here and apply for one of the credit cards. Not only is applying for these cards free, but they also build up your credit rating, something that the Institute doesn't teach. Make your first purchase with the card, send on your referral link to your friends, and walla! you will be the owner of a totally free TV.

You might say, man, he's quite cheeky for posting this, but hey, I got a free ipod, why not get a free tv as well? I'd definitely appreciate ya'lls help in this and will be eternally indebted to you!

2004-11-12T08:07:00.000-08:00

iPod's so rock!! I had a first generation 'pod for the last three years and I've loved it to death. I just got a new one from www.freeipods.com and it is so cool! In comparing it to my old one, I'd say it's like comparing a hippo to a gazelle. Seriously, all of you 4th generation pod owners know what I'm talking about. It so sleek and powerful that I have a hard time remembering that it also carries 5000 songs. Anyway, I'll get off of my Apple bandwagon, even though I do like to take a ride on it ever so often.

The spontaneity of change

2004-11-08T11:43:00.000-08:00

I watched a movie this past weekend that reminded me once again of the unpredictability and suddenness of actions that have the potential to change who we are and what our life looks like in the end.

I'd say that this movie has given me a deeper appreciation for the life that I lead and for all that God has allowed in my life. If it wasn't for a woman talking to my grandma about Christ about 50 years ago, I don't know where'd I be. My father may not have been led to the Lord and would not have gone to a Christian university where He would not have met my mom. As a result, I, right now, would be living a life devoid of purpose and of cause. Not understanding Christ's love for mankind and His desire to draw near to us.

Just as bad things can happen to change the course of one's life for the worse, so can the news of Christ's saving love be used to transform a life from misery to victory. I hope that this encourages you to be open to the opportunities that are brought into your life and use them to impact this world in a big way through the things that we consider little.

Props

2004-11-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

Just want to give props to a great guy, Jason Fedelem. If you know him, you know what I'm talking about, if you don't know him, you're missing out. I've had heaps of great convo's with him regarding all of the important things in life and I feel that we're on the same journey and are learning and experiencing the same things.

This past weekend at the Guy awards, he picked up my award and is going to makes sure that I get it. How cool is that? A guy that I only know from school and online is going the extra mile for me. Jason, thanks so much, you're a great guy.

Bush Country

2004-11-05T10:25:00.000-08:00

Here's some very interesting statistics on the 2004 election, as well as the 2000 election.

Bad souvenirs

2004-11-05T10:18:00.000-08:00

Think that you got a lousy souvenir from someone else, trythis on for size.

Pain

2004-11-05T10:13:00.000-08:00

Painful site of the day. What was that guy thinking?

President Bush!!!!!

2004-11-04T11:38:00.000-08:00

I just want to congratulate President Bush on his reelection and want to praise God for the way that He orchestrated this election. I believe that if this election was as close as the last one and with as much drama, our nation would be divided to a point that I don't believe that many of us have experienced in our lifetime. Praise the Lord for His wisdom and faithfulness and for giving us assurance of His continual control and workings in the lives of men in this day and age.

I was particularly encouraged by the Christian Evangelical turnout this year. Many of the news networks, notably CNN and FOX remarked on how in many areas of Ohio, evangelical really made the difference in getting out and voting for their convictions. Also, it appears that more and more people in this nation are taking a stand against same-sex unions and are voting as a state to not recognize them.

Colorado didn't do the best in the elections. We voted Bush, but lost a seat in the Senate to a democrat, and democrats regained control of the senate, so now control both houses. I believe though that there are Christians that are democrats and still make a difference in the positions that they are placed in. One democratic representative that won had previously addressed a National Day of Prayer breakfast and outlined how she was able to impact those in her party for Christ, and how Dems need our prayers just as much. Very convicting, and something that I haven't been as faithful on as I should. Romans 13, baby.

Pressure

2004-11-04T11:27:00.000-08:00

Ah pressure, that great molder and shaper of a person in insane times. Pressure, the force that you dread the most and am most thankful at the end when it is relieved. But, without pressure, there would be no desire to push the limits, to explore those boundaries that we've set up in our own mind. For Christ to open up our lives and to engraft Himself in as we let Him. Without the workings of circumstances in our life to "open" us up, our relationship with God would dim and flicker as our relative ease lulls us into a slumber of security in how we are now.

With that said, it's been an incredibly trying past week. Dealing with shortened deadlines on loans, unresponsive people, late night meetings to get things worked out, and on top of that, having other responsibilities outside of work. Not fun, but I can honestly say that these times have opened up my life to the healing balm of Christ's sufferings. I'm not saying that I'm suffering right now, I find that I'm more open to the grace and peace that emanates from our Savior. I pray that all that read this blog will come to truly know Christ on the level of practical and personal experience. That we can give, at a moments notice how Christ is working in our life, and use it to glorify the One who indwells us. Oh, what a sweet salvation and inheritance we have in intimacy with Christ.

Ghosties

2004-10-28T20:55:00.000-07:00

What is it about ghost stories that absolutely freak us out? I would guess that a good majority of them aren't true, but I find myself reading them and getting those chills that run up and down your spines. I've posted some good ones on the "big site" so go check them out when you have a chance.

Subscription

2004-10-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

If any of you want to get on the mailing list for this blog, email me your address and I'll get you hooked up. :)

realestatebrandon@gmail.com

A heart towards God?

2004-10-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I'm learning more about is that when we have the assurance of being enjoyed by God, we have the confidence that shakes the kingdom of darkness. This mindset causes us to run to God in our moments of weakness, rather than from Him due to us being afraid of His wrath toward our unbelief or stumbling.

Are we slaves of sin who struggle to love God, or are we lovers of God who struggle with God? That question I believe defines our identity in Christ and how we define our life. Do we define our life based on our current struggles and past failures or are we lovers of God who allows our relationship with Him to define who we are?

When we open ourselves us to the love of God, we have the ability to love God back through every facet of our life. Our love becomes genuine, even though it may be weak and immature. A genuine love does not come from maturity, it comes from a heart attitude of knowing that God loves us as His children.

Anyway, just some ramblings from teaching that I've heard lately and the desire in me to go forward in the love that God has for each one of us.

Friends of the Bridegroom

2004-10-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

Site of the day. Go to this site for great resources from a man truly given over to God. Let me know what you think!

Abiding in Christ

2004-10-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

I just started going through "Abiding in Christ" by Andrew Murray. Wow, what a deep well of wisdom and insight. I'm becoming more and more convinced that modern Christianity has clouded the simple truths of the faith with our human understanding and reasoning, and in the process, we have lost the power that comes with simplicity and obedience.

What's really cool about "Abiding in Christ" is that you can view it online, along with many other books. Click here.

Darwin Award Nominee

2004-10-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

Did you hear about the munter who put up his vote for sale on e-bay? He had a reserve of $25. Now, he faces a huge fine and up to a year in jail for violating election laws. I guess he's what you call the ultimate swing voter.

2004-10-20T22:01:00.000-07:00

Go Sox

Red Sox Magic

2004-10-20T21:54:00.000-07:00

For anyone following the ALCS, you know what I'm talking about. The Sox are the only team in MLB history to come back from being down 0-3 and advance to the World Series. Helped no doubt tonight by Jonny Damon's (who really looks like a hockey player or a prof. instead of a baseball player)grand slam and two run homer, the Sox got the magic flowing again. Major props to Lowe for his awesome performance. I almost had a heart attack when their manager took him out after only 69 pitches and put in Pedro "who's your daddy" Martinez. Goodness crikey, flashbacks of last years loss were shooting through my mind and destrying my hope in the BoSox.

Anyway, history has not repeated itself and the Sox are in the World Series with a great shot of winning. It should be interesting to see who they end up playing for NL. My money is on St. Louis, and in that case, the Sox had better be ready for a wicked as fight.

GO SOX!!!!!

Sadness

2004-10-19T14:18:00.001-07:00

Don't you hate it when someone that you know moves and you know that you may never see them again?

Props to all of the secretaries out there

2004-10-19T14:18:00.000-07:00

I spent three days filling in for my dad, working at his chiropractic office as a secretary. His normal one was out of town, so I took over her duties, answering the phones, making appointments, processing insurance claims, writing letters, resolving account disputes and doing whatever else a secretary does. I've done this in the past to help him out, so it wasn't all that bad but goodness crikey, I don't think I'm cut out as the typical secretary. Most people, when they would call up would be expecting to hear a woman's voice, but my deep bass would pretty much throw them for a loop and they wouldn't know what to say. Pretty funny really.

Anyway, all this to say that I enjoyed that experience, but I think that for now, I'll stick with the mortgage broker thing. At least I somewhat know what I'm talking about with that. :)

Dentist Woes

2004-10-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I just got back from a nasty hour and a half dentist visit. After my last check up, the dentist told me that I have an enamel defect that he wanted to fix. Nothing big or anything like that. Yeah right. The procedure didn't last more than ten minutes all in all, but they kept me waiting while the dentist and his assitant waltzed from patient to patient. I don't know about ya'll, but when your mouth is all numbed up, and you're laying verticle for over an hour early in the morning, the mind becomes very, very foggy and it's hard not to sleep. Anyway, I think they just wanted my money and all, but at least it's fixed.

Moral of the story: check your future husband or wife's teeth (and I'm not talking in a MTM way) before you tie the knot. Dentist bills are expensive. ;)

Count Chocula

2004-10-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

I was discussing with some friends on Friday night their reasons for voting in the upcoming presidential elections. One of the reasons that they gave for voting for Bush was that Kerry looked like Count Chocula. I had never sampled this cereal before, so they brought over not only Count Chocula, but Boo Berry and Franken Berry cereal as well. Go out and get some now!!

2004-10-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

Halloween here we come

Thinking like a criminal

2004-10-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

After being immersed in criminal law for the past week or so, I've come to the less than startling conclusion that being a criminal defense lawyer would rate down there with being a spokesperson for Mary Kay. Being a prosecuter would probably rate along the lines of a crash test dummy. I guess I just hate thinking like a criminal and hate thinking of ways to get criminals out of their charges. Oh well, such is the life of a 1L.

Heed ALL Bear Warnings

2004-10-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

Lesson One: If there are bear warnings posted around a campsite, it's good to heed those and to actually presume that there are bears, rather than think that there are no bears.

Lesson Two: Put food and trash in trunk of car or in an elevated position, as to keep the bears out of the food, and out of your campsite.

Lesson Three: Don't wear clothes to bed that you were in while grilling food the night before.

Lesson Four: Don't keep food in your tent while in bear territory.

Lesson Five: Don't go camping by yourself, especially without any guns.

These lessons combine to bring you the sum total of my experiences at 3:00 a.m. Friday morning. I was awakened by the sounds of a very large animal going through my cooler, which was outside my tent. My mind quickly, or as quick as a person is at 3 in the morning does, went over the above lessons that I chose to disregared. I sat in my tent for about 15 minutes until the bear moved far enough away from the tent so I could run to my car.

Lesson Six: God takes care of his children. :)

Insurance Fun

2004-10-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

I'm a wee bit on the gleeful side because I finally finished this log/instruction book from my insurance company. I'll finally be able to get better rates, but first, I had to go through and read a bunch of horror stories of what happens when you drink and drive, get in an accident, and aren't paying attention. It certainly puts into perspective the repsonsibilities of driving and all, it also makes you want to be afraid to do anything while not paying attention. Anycrikey, why is it that girls get better insurance rates than guys? It makes no sense, at least to me, and is one of the things that I would change if I was governor, er, president. :)

Revolutionary or Rebelutionary

2004-10-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here's a quote from Michael Brown's Book entitled, "Revolution in the Church." It has taken on special significance to me as of late, and I thought that I would share it with you.

"Obedience to Jesus does not give us the right to be haughty and rebellious, nor does it allow for unsubmissive attitudes of the heart. Right attitude will yield action, especially when mixed with Godly wisdom... But right now our focus is on our hearts, our lives, our attitudes, our conduct. Are we really Jesus' revolutionaries or are we merely self-righteous rebels who have found a spiritual outlet for our carnality? Are we truly fighting the Lord's battles, or are we using holy terminology as an excuse to air our grievances and carry out our agendas?"

Isn't it so true though, that we seek to change everything around us by our actions, rather than a heart change that actually touches the heart of God? It's been a convicting truth to live by, and I pray that God shows each of us how to be that spark that points another to Christ.

Divine Conquest

2004-09-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

Have you ever gotten a hold of a book and haven't been able to put it down? I'd say that most of us would raise our ink stained hands and probably agree.

Right now, my friend Jordan and I are going through the book, Divine Conquest by A.W. Tozer. The insights from this piece of literature truly are astounding and life changing. If you haven't read this, I would say drop what you're reading right now and get it as soon as possible. It's one of those reads that is the foundation to everything else that you are reading about.

More on this later...

What is in a Rugger?

2004-09-27T00:54:00.000-07:00

I will assume that most of you do not know me in real life, so I want to specifically address the title of "Rugger."

Rugger refers to one who plays rugby, and one who is given over to that "mentality." If you have to question what that mentality is, I'd assume that you've never seen a full rugby game. My favorite teams happen to be the New Zealand All Blacks, Wellington Hurricanes and Wellington Lions. Go to this site http://www.allblacks.co.nz and can read up on them if you so desire.

Going where no Rugger has gone before

2004-09-24T13:40:00.000-07:00

After listening to all that have become bloggers and after being blessed by other's blogs, I've decided to foray into this frontier and describe my life and what God is showing me through his Word and Spirit. God bless you all!

2004-09-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

Shalom