http://blog.webphactory.net Hold Fast to the Promises Fri, 30 Jul 2010 23:39:05 +0008 Fri, 9 Jul 2010 07:21:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2010/7/hidden_in_christ/
it is in the light of this that i find great hope in Paul's letter to the Colossians. he says, "for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." basically, when we receive Christ and the old self dies, our lives are being hidden with Christ in God. we are waiting for the coming of our Lord. so in this respect, regardless of the length of our days, we are living to see and experience the glory of God!

Paul also says that, "it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Paul further states that, "to live is Christ and to die is gain." and "[that] Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death."

Paul had understanding on his days, on their brevity. he toiled and strove to present the Gospel. he gave his days freely to Christ, for it is Christ in us that is the hope of glory. Paul knew that the race had a finish line and he ran as hard as he could, he ran to win.

so in this life of business, toil, and labor; even as the days disappear faster than fog on a hot summer morning, i will hope in the Lord. for my life is not my own, even it was death and is death apart from Christ. even in Christ, my life has died as i wait for his glorious return. therefore, may i have sufficient courage and be unashamed of the Gospel and the work Christ has laid before me. may i strive with the strength of Christ and walk in the fullness of the relationship with him that the Holy Spirit brings. may i always put my hope in Christ and grow in him, from one degree of glory to the next.]]> Sat, 19 Jun 2010 10:11:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2010/6/blink/
i feel like i just blinked and the last 3 weeks fluttered by. i have been feeling somewhat worn down physically and was glad to sleep in today (until 9am!).

the house is empty today as most of the BSHOP are up at nordhouse dunes with a group of youth from sunshine church. we are doing a youth program for a week (or 10 days) where youth come and live with us for a week. we are calling it immersion. so, this weekend is the kickoff for the first of three immersions this summer. i am glad to have a day to myself, i have some things that i need to sort out in my mind and spirit.

my focus has been on one foot in front of the other for too long. i need to shift my focus to Christ. the heart, the mind, the soul, and the spirit all need to seek Him with everything that i have. anything less is just not enough.]]> Wed, 9 Jun 2010 21:38:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2010/6/the_roots_of_subjectivity/
Legality, therefore, is the (in human words) the hope of objectivity. We hope to provide a baseline for objectivity by which we can function and survive. If our laws provide proper objectivity, our lives are enhanced. (echoing the sentiment that a properly governed people are the happiest and most successful)

The first sign of a creator is here. We cannot, however hard we try, build objectivity! No matter how hard we try, we are forced to be subjective (definitively). Therefore, the introduction of something higher that provides objectivity is from something higher than us. (Before the fall, I believe we lived in objectivity and the choice we choose was for subjectivity). There are some things that may be pointed to as being bad and objective but this is just relabeling subjectivity. For democratically elected subjective thoughts that become a majority, “objective” law is nothing more than a tyranny in hiding. We cannot create a quorum based objective system. If we could then the mere changing of opinion would overthrow an “objective” law. How can objectivity be subjective? It cannot and that is why I say that only a good deity, completely objective and above approach and reproach can provide objectivity, whether that is a moral, legal, or religious structure. (I say “good” because that which is objectively bad, if we can indeed determine such things through any natural or otherwise law, leads only to death and that would escalate and swallow up everything in an exponential decay)

The world would not survive without objectivity. Subjectivity leads to indeterminate thoughts and ideas, which lead to relativism, which leads to chaos, and ultimately leads to the utter destruction of all life capable of higher though.

The roots of subjectivity point to a creator; the fruit of subjectivity without objectivity is utter destruction. The only deity that supports a framework of being able to provide an objective structure is the God of the Holy Bible. The revelation, suffrage, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Saviour, reveal the long hidden mystery of this God and his ultimate plan for the objective reunion of those who are not lost to their folly and vain subjectivity.

It is the very nature of God, being incomprehensible, that tells me that he is the true God. While he is incomprehensible, he has provided a bridge for us to know Him. (Jesus alone knows the Father, and he will reveal to those whom he chooses, the Father). Therefore, it is not a system based on any human workings but on the infinite love and mercy of God. Unlike other religious structures where the deity exhibits arbitrary behavior, the God of the Bible offers a system to all and will judge in fairness and equity. The objective constructs handed down from God on high point back to him.

Bound by our subjective futility, we only have hope in something higher than us. If there is no God, there is no objectivity. Search the world religions and find that the only system that holds true to all that we can see and experience, regardless of our inept subjectivity, is Christianity (on extension of Judaism of antiquity before Christ). Therefore, we are once again indebted to the objectivity of the natural law, which sometimes becomes the law of a ruling authority, handed down by God. For by his handiwork do we see any likeness of him, that which cannot be comprehended as he exists in his own. (The necessity of faith should begin to immerge from this discourse).

You should, by no means, take my word on its own. Search and probe. You will likely find faults and errors in that which is my own understanding. However, that which is verifiable in the Scripture will remain true. Please test, probe your own understanding, and assume nothing I say as true. Test my words with the Holy Bible and the natural world. I am confident that the God of the Bible and Jesus Christ will immerge be seen as truth. That there is one and only one God, a beautiful triune divinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.]]> Fri, 14 May 2010 23:42:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2010/5/this_is_how_i_know_what_love_is/ Misty Edwards - Arms Wide Open

What does love look like? is the question Ive been pondering
What does love look like?
What does love look l [...]]]> Misty Edwards - Arms Wide Open

What does love look like? is the question Ive been pondering
What does love look like?
What does love look like? is the question Ive been asking of You
Once believed that love was romance, just a chance
I even thought that love was for the lucky and the beautiful
I once believed that love was a momentary bliss, but love is more than this
All You ever wanted was my attention
All You ever wanted was love from me
All You ever wanted was my affections to sit here at Your feet and tell me
What does love look like? is the question Ive been pondering
What does love look like? If all of life comes down to love then tell me
What does love look like? is the question Ive been pondering
What does love look like?

Then I sat down a little frustrated and confused
Your fire of life comes down to love. And love has to be more than sentiment,
More than selfishness and selfish gain

Then I saw Him there
Hanging on a tree, looking at me
I saw Him there
Hanging on a tree, looking at me
He was looking at me looking at Him, staring through me
I could not escape those beautiful eyes
And I began to weep and weep

He had arms wide open, heart exposed
Arms wide open, He was bleeding, bleeding.
Arms wide open, heart exposed
Arms wide open, He was bleeding, bleeding
Loves definition
Loves definition, was looking at me
Looking at Him. Hanging on a tree
I began to weep and weep and weep and weep
This is how I know what love is.

And as I sat there, weeping, crying, those beautiful eyes
Full of desire and love. And He said to me
You shall love Me..You shall love Me.
With arms wide open, heart exposed
With arms wide open, bleeding, sometimes bleeding
You shall love Me.. You shall love Me..

If anybody's looking for love in all the wrong places
If you've been searching for love, come to Me. Come to me.
Take up your cross. Deny yourself.
Forget your fathers house and run. Run with Me.
Cause you were made for abandon your heart and listen
Cause you were made for Someone greater, Someone bigger, so follow Me.
And you'll come alive when you learn to die.
And He said to me

You shall love Me. You shall love Me

With arms wide open, heart exposed
With arms wide open, bleeding, sometimes bleeding
]]> Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:55:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2010/4/the_cross/
this [...]]]>
this love is unquenchable. the redemption on the Cross was even offered to those who crucified Jesus! how great is that love?

at the Cross there is infinite glory and unimaginable suffering. this suffering, Jesus endured to death for the glory set before Him. and as we grow into the full maturity of Christ, we make His joy complete. let us live in a manner worthy of our calling!

i think back to a vision i had when i was a young believer:

i knelt at the cross, ashamed to behold
my eyes slowly lifted toward His face
wracked with anguish and grief,
pierced by thorn and crushed by fist
His eyes briefly met mine
i saw the crimson flow and off of a thorn
i watched that precious blood drip
the single red drop fell
the very time seemed to stand still
my eyes watched as it splashed into the dirt in front of me


thinking of the Cross, the sacrifice, the love, the suffering, the glory; often will bring tears to my eyes. who am i that he should think of me? yet He has called me, the Lion's roar cannot be ignored. so in light of the Cross, i run the race. i put down that which i once held dear and strive forward. i wage a ruthless war against the flesh in the power of the Holy Spirit. i strive for holiness and purity, to be like Christ.

Jesus, i am yours!]]> Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:10:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2010/4/no_longer_subjected_to_futility/
as Adam ate the forbidden fruit in the garden, all of creation was subjected to futility. specifically man, our curse was to constantly toil, battle, and struggle.

Chr [...]]]>
as Adam ate the forbidden fruit in the garden, all of creation was subjected to futility. specifically man, our curse was to constantly toil, battle, and struggle.

Christ Jesus, the one who died and was raised, began revealing the sons of God. and in the revealing of the sons of God, creation waits eagerly to be set free from the bondage to corruption.

in the glory of God, revealed to us in the face of Christ Jesus, we obtain freedom in the Spirit. it is in this hope that we live. it is in this hope that creation groans, as one in the pains of childbirth.]]> Fri, 9 Apr 2010 23:32:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2010/4/today/ But is beginning all over again
Fresh and new His mercies are made
As the stars shine down, there is hope in the land
When the Sun rises and shines forth light
We can look to the Cross and see the l [...]]]> But is beginning all over again
Fresh and new His mercies are made
As the stars shine down, there is hope in the land
When the Sun rises and shines forth light
We can look to the Cross and see the love of God
And even if tomorrow never comes
Safe in His arms we remain]]> Wed, 7 Apr 2010 09:35:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2010/4/posted_on_the_wall/
the deception stood out to me as a few young woman went into the clinic as if we were completely wrong and they knew everything. i thought a lot a [...]]]>
the deception stood out to me as a few young woman went into the clinic as if we were completely wrong and they knew everything. i thought a lot about the post abortive women i have met and their stories, how in a few days, weeks, months, or years this decision will come back to them. it is sad to see.

we also saw a father that had brought his daughter. he was against the abortion and was "from the Church" but yet he was acting as if he had no ability to talk to his daughter and implore her to not go through with the procedure.

there was an african man who had an icthus and cross on his car. he denied being a Christian and was very confrontational.

then, there was a young man who came in and started counted the money out in his car. he then became visibly upset and distraught. he was so broken at this decision. he ended up going into the clinic though.

so many stories, all with the same outcome, a lost life. this makes me sad, it makes me cry, it makes me mourn, it gives me passion to pray out to God to end abortion and heal our land.]]> Tue, 6 Apr 2010 22:38:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2010/4/he_is_risen/
yes, i know that Easter was on Sunday but Christ rose from the grave ~2,000 years ago! He has been risen and praying for us at the right hand of God the Father since He left this world.


yes, i know that Easter was on Sunday but Christ rose from the grave ~2,000 years ago! He has been risen and praying for us at the right hand of God the Father since He left this world.

His love is unceasing, He endured the cross to bring us life.

He is risen!]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:37:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2010/3/fading/
what will not be shaken? my spirit within me cries out, "lead [...]]]>
what will not be shaken? my spirit within me cries out, "lead me to the Rock that is higher than i. show me how to live a life of godliness and holiness."
]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:56:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2010/3/men_of_god/ Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge. Some very Godly women that I know asked me to read the book to give me some insight on how to be a man of God and treat women as daughters of God.
Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge. Some very Godly women that I know asked me to read the book to give me some insight on how to be a man of God and treat women as daughters of God.

The book was very eye opening for me. I see that women are especially targeted by Satan and that their identity is continually being threatened.

I wrote down my feelings on this issue and I can honestly say that I am not able to do any of this on my own. I hope and pray that through the work of the Holy Spirit, I can be more able to be a man of God and do my part to protect the Daughters of Eve.

So, check out what I wrote and feel free to share your thoughts and insight!

Thoughts On "Captivating"]]> Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:18:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2010/2/john_14/ John 14 is an amazing chapter that tells us about the promises we have in Christ while we are on earth.
Jesus promises that he is:

• preparing our [...]]]> John 14 is an amazing chapter that tells us about the promises we have in Christ while we are on earth.
  Jesus promises that he is:
  
  
  
  • preparing our place in his Father's house
  
  
  • the way and the truth and the life
  
  
  • in the Father and the Father in him
  
  
  • promising to help those who believe in him and call upon his name
  
  
  • not going to leave us as orphans
  
  
  • sending the Helper (and has sent), the Holy Spirit, to the earth
  
  
  • leaving us with his peace
  
  
  
  
  How blessed to be in the fold of the Good Shepherd!
  ]]> Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:33:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2010/2/lift_up_your_eyes/
  I just want to say "Good morning" with this :)
  
  
  Psalm 121
  
  1I lift up my eyes to the hills.
  From where does my help come?
  2 My help comes from the LORD,
  who made heaven and earth.
  
  3He will not let your foot be moved;
  he who keeps you will not slumber.
  4Behold, he who keeps Israel
  will neither slumber nor sleep.
  
  5The LORD is your keeper;
  the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
  6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
  nor the moon by night.
  7The LORD will keep you from all evil;
  he will keep your life.
  8The LORD will keep
  your going out and your coming in
  from this time forth and forevermore.
  
  
  So yeah, let's not focus on the circumstances in the valleys or even the strength of the enemy encamped around us. Let us look up to the hills, to the Mountain. Our help comes from the LORD, he made heaven and earth (and the fullness thereof belongs to Him). His Holy Spirit is in us and amongst us. The hills are covered with His angel army! We are children of the King, bonded in through adoption irrevocable. What else can satisfy, what else can bring us to say:
  
  Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
  my salvation and my God.
  
  
  Let us be firmly planted in the Lord our God, our Rock. Though the battle rage around us, we shall not be moved!]]> Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:04:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2010/2/his_cross_speaks_to_me/ The clinic was open for the first time in two weeks. I praise God for those two weeks! As I was driving to work after praying on the wall, my heart was heavy and sad. I cried out to God on the drive, [...]]]> The clinic was open for the first time in two weeks. I praise God for those two weeks! As I was driving to work after praying on the wall, my heart was heavy and sad. I cried out to God on the drive, He alone is the hope of the nations.
  The clouds unexpectedly broke this morning and the sun shone brilliantly on freshly fallen snow. The brutality of 320 and the brilliance of the snow gave me pain and joy. What a contrast. Oh that all of God's creation glorified Him as nature did this morning.
  
  After I got to work, I had to get a dental check up. I found out that I need to have a near immediate root canal on a tooth. My burdened spirit did not want to hear that I needed to spend more time and money on this. It was a crushing weight.
  I felt broken. Tears ran down my cheeks as I drove to work. I could only say, "God, I need You right now! I need the Cross. I need Your love and strength to come and bind me." I asked my friends to pray for me and sought to glorify God with my pain. I know that this time is not mine, this pain is not all, and this world is not the end.
  
  God is good. His steadfast love will never leave me. He will never forsake me. I look up to the Cross. He was broken for me. His grace is sufficient. His grace will hold me tight.
  His victorious blood purchased my freedom. His blood will someday cleanse 320.
  
  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair.
  2 Cor 4:8]]> Sun, 7 Feb 2010 20:12:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2010/2/the_life_movement_and_my_story_in_the_midst/
  --
  
  There was a time when I was, at best, marginally pro-life. As time went by I became increasingly pro-choice. I said to myself, with all the horrific things that happen in the world, all of the hurt, all of the poverty, all of the problems: how much can this “life vs. choice” debate matter? Among all of these other problems, this one single issue can't really be very important. In 2008, I took this view to the polls and voted for one of the least pro-life presidents this country has seen (this Administration has released an incredible amount of funding for abortion and has worked to reverse pro-life advancements of the previous administration). I didn't think it mattered what people's views were. After all, there were bigger issues to worry about. At this point in time, I was pretty much in favor of choice.
  
  In the early months of 2009, I spent a lot of time praying to God. Simply seeking His heart. I wasn't seeking his heart about abortion, that wasn't even on my radar.
  
  ..know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you..
  1 Chr 28:9
  
  As I sought the Lord, He placed a burden on my heart.
  
  One night, as I was praying to God, my views on the unborn unexpectedly changed. God told me that He cares for the unborn, that He cares when the most innocent humans are killed in the womb. He cares that an entire voiceless generation is being slaughtered all day long. He opened my eyes.
  
  When the Lord revealed His heart to me, I didn't know anything about abortion. I just heard the terminology being used from time to time (particularly in November). It was usually classifying someone as pro-life or someone who “supports abortions.”
  
  I was completely ignorant. I had never thought about life in the womb. I had never considered the women and men that abort their pregnancies. I had never talked with people about this issue. I didn't know any statistics. I didn't know that there were PRCs or abortions clinics in our city. I didn't think about the global crisis of abortion.
  
  After that night, I knew but one thing: that God's heart breaks when the unborn are aborted.
  
  In the following weeks and months, God opened my eyes. He showed me that there are people facing this issue each and every week. People who, for numerous reasons, feel there are no other options. I had some great conversations about this issue. I met people who are passionate for the unborn and the mothers and fathers placed in these situations. People who are not just anti-abortion but pro-life.
  
  I learned that in Grand Rapids alone, there are two abortion facilities. In Kent County, there were 2,600 abortions in 2008.
  
  Around this time, the Lord revealed to me a small portion of the pain that His heart feels every time an abortion takes place. He showed me just a fraction of the agony He experiences when an image bearer of God is taken before their time. This pain overwhelmed me, I wept. I slowly realized that the agony in His heart is beyond my ability to comprehend, each time an abortion occurs.
  
  The most recent study shows that 48 million abortions occur globally each year. If you break that down, that is one abortion every 1.5 seconds!
  
  I started to visit the abortion clinic on Fulton Street to pray. The experience of God's pain for this issue led me to start praying daily for the ending of abortion. It led me to live a life that is truly pro-life. That supports life from conception to death.
  
  I have not been walking through this alone. There are many resources for in Grand Rapids. I met people who have faithfully support LIFE for decades. These people have given a lot in those decades. God does not forsake those who seek Him. He has repaid them with joy that is beyond understanding. A good friend has been a sidewalk counselor for over 20 years. She should have been sapped and drained by the countless rejections she faces each week. Thanks to God, she has more joy and life than anyone I know.
  
  Life is a heavy burden to bear. My heart is continually being broken. Every week, I see the doctor go to his clinic. I pray for his salvation daily but he doesn't seem to be change, he just keeps coming and doing his business. I have seen many women arrive at the clinic to have an abortion. The pain of seeing people stumbling towards the pit and falling towards the slaughter is great.
  
  If it were not for the grace and love of Christ, I would never be able to continue in the walk. And this is the main point: we must keep our focus on Jesus, His cross, and resurrection. If we focus on the death and hard hardheartedness, we will be driven to despair and violence.
  
  I must continually connect with the heart of a loving God. I must know that He is love. That in Him is life and life abundant. We must bless those who curse us, we must offer love and hospitality to our enemies. We must pray for them, we must love them, we must represent Christ to them. We must love woman as much when they are leaving the clinic as when they pulled in. We must love the doctors because they are separated from God and they would be plunged into an eternity of Hell without the blood of Jesus. We must pray for their salvation because they are lost children of God.
  
  In the last year that I have been walking through this, there have been many amazing stories of God's provision. For me, each week, I get to see a sidewalk counselor pour out their love for the women entering the clinic. They simply offer the support that exists in the city for pregnant woman. There have been a couple of dozen women who decided to turn around from the clinic and keep their baby. There was a women who went to have an abortion, had the abortion, only to find out that she was still pregnant! She ended up having her baby and that child is now a few months old! Just the last two weeks, we have seen the most amazing thing. The clinic has been closed for two weeks! This is unheard of, in the 10+ years that the counselors have been at the clinic of this doctor, he has closed for a week one other time! God is good.
  
  It is my prayer and my plead that you will seek God's heart on this matter. We are not all called to take a “front line” roll against abortion (but we are called to do whatever we can to support and uphold life). Ask God what He thinks about the unborn. See what He will show You about His heart.
  
  Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  1 Th. 5:23]]> Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:53:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2010/1/the_lord_is_my_portion/ The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
  they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
  'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'
  The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him."
  -Lamentations 3:21-25
  
  This new year is shaping up to be a very busy and exciting year. There are many things going on. At the BSHOP, we have big plans for the year and are looking see our ministry increase in Grand Rapids. I plan to be a vessel for the Lord and do everything that he will ask of me to live a life that is truly pro-life.
  
  We started 6 months of unbroken prayer for our city on Sunday. We are calling this event NEAR, remembering God's promise that if we draw near to God, he will draw near to us. I am expectant that God will move in ways that are above and beyond all that we could ask or think.
  Already, in Grand Rapids, we have seen something amazing. The abortion clinic at Grand Rapids has been closed this week. Unexpected closings are completely unheard of at this clinic and this has the faithful praising God and praying fervently for Dr. Gordon and his staff.
  
  Not to say that this has been an easy month, even this week, I feel like I've been pressed from all sides. As I write this, I feel worn out. But in the midst of this, I can read Lamentations and see that even when life is difficult, I must remember the steadfast love of the Lord. I must keep my soul bowed down before the Lord. I must bear every burden that He lovingly lays on me. There is yet hope! I have much to be thankful for, much to sing praises to the Lord.
  
  With the clinic being abnormally closed this week, I have felt a huge burden for Dr. Gordon. I am not sure exactly where he is this week but I want him to know that the blood of Jesus covers any multitude of sins. I long for the day when he confesses that Jesus is Lord and walks away from his life taking business.
  The Lord has asked me to pray for him in the morning, in the evening, at work, in the middle of the night. All that I can do is be faithful to my first Love and my highest calling.]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:20:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2010/1/houston/ I feel that the time is right for the minorities to speak out for Life. I feel that God is ready to move powerfully in this nation and in Houston. This is very much a battle in the heavenlies. Now is the time to fast and pray and seek the Heart of God. This burdens Him and we must take a stand. This is more than a political issue, this is more than just about choice, this is a battle of Life and Death.
  Oh that we would choose freedom, Lord haste the day!]]> Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:01:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2009/12/short_thought/ I cried tears of rain on the dry and weary land.
  In the desert there came forth life.
  I spoke to the rose, to make it unfold.
  I watched the trees grow.
  When they mature [...]]]> I cried tears of rain on the dry and weary land.
  In the desert there came forth life.
  I spoke to the rose, to make it unfold.
  I watched the trees grow.
  When they matured, I walked among them.]]> Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:32:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2009/11/joyous/ My captive heart cries from within
  Mind, soul, and body fight the tide
  Blurred are the days, no hope to win
  Search for rest, a place to abide
  Key in the lock, hear the door open
  His hand [...]]]> My captive heart cries from within
  Mind, soul, and body fight the tide
  Blurred are the days, no hope to win
  Search for rest, a place to abide
  Key in the lock, hear the door open
  His hand in mine, ready to ride
  Set free my heart's joyous again
  ]]> Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:21:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2009/11/it_is_good/ Psalm 92, I thought about how good God is. Even though I was incred [...]]]>
  As I sat on my couch this morning, reading Psalm 92, I thought about how good God is. Even though I was incredibly tired and feel like I'm starting to get sick, I realized it is good to give thanks to the Lord.
  
  Despite seeing his enemies flourish, the psalmist knew that life apart from God was fleeting. He knew that the Lord exalts the righteous. He knew of the Lord's steadfast love and declared it in the morning. In the evening, he looked back and saw the Father's faithfulness.
  
  Our God is good. Our God abounds in steadfast love. Our God is faithful. He lifts up those who draw near to Him. He brings down those who oppose Him.
  
  Let us praise God because:
  You, O LORD, have made me glad by your work;
  at the works of your hands I sing for joy.]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:15:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2009/11/running_back/ Returning to Your side
  Wanting You to take Your hand with mine
  Holding me tight, holding me close
  Walking slowly, sweetly
  Feeling my heart breaking with Yours
  Looking at those You love [...]]]> Returning to Your side
  Wanting You to take Your hand with mine
  Holding me tight, holding me close
  Walking slowly, sweetly
  Feeling my heart breaking with Yours
  Looking at those You love
  Running and losing and dieing
  Crying, I see the pain in Your eyes
  Reaching our to those in the dark
  Striving to give them Your hope, Your light
  Tearing my heart with each passing soul
  Knowing that their heart You can hold
  I find myself, running back to You..]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:20:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2009/10/ash_and_embers/
  It is better to have burned all the wood to ash than to idly watch time and complacency rot away the stockpile.]]> Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:11:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2009/4/how_long_shall_i_cry_for_help/
  LORD, how long shall I cry for help,
  and you will not hear?
  Or cry to you "Violence!"
  and you will not save?
  Why do you make me see iniquity,
  and why do you idly look at wrong?
  Destruction and violence are before me;
  strife and contention arise.
  So the law is paralyzed,
  and justice never goes forth.
  For the wicked surround the righteous;
  so justice goes forth perverted.
  (Hab. 1:2-4, ESV)
  
  
  It is easy to see the bad things in this world and wonder where God is. It is easy for us to question why everything seems broken and the One who can help is neither seen nor heard.
  
  Let us look at the Lord's response to Habakkuk:
  
  Look among the nations, and see;
  wonder and be astounded.
  For I am doing a work in your days
  that you would not believe if told.
  (Hab. 1:5, ESV)
  
  
  Habakkuk's complaints were focused on his surroundings and situations. God's response was much larger, "Look among the nations."
  God is not idly sitting by; he is not ignoring the violence and evil deeds. He is working on a level we can't fully comprehend. His plans include us but are so much more than us. The world is full of people suffering; God's plans are even larger than this world! His plans are for the eternal redemption and reconciliation of the nations. His Son came to the earth, lived a perfect life, suffered, and died to atone for the sin that causes us to ask, "Where is God?" Through the life and death of Christ, we know that God is working for our redemption.
  
  The death of Jesus gives us redemption but that is not where the story ends. He was raised from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God Almighty. More than just redemption, his resurrection and ascension gives us hope. He will redeem us and give us eternal life! His invitation is extended to everyone, regardless of their past deeds and actions. The struggle between life and death, hope and hopelessness, and righteousness and unrighteousness have been permanently destroyed. Christ's death and resurrection give us life, hope, and righteousness.
  
  This is vitally important to me because I had been complaining to God. I looked out and saw the injustice of abortion. I was completely overwhelmed by the crisis and cried out to God. I saw the violence, wickedness, and perversion of justice. I began to ask God what he was doing about this large and increasing problem. He showed me that his plans are larger than I could imagine. He showed me that it is easy to ask why God isn't there. He urged me to ask the harder question, "How can YOU use me, God? How can I join the work you are already doing?" After all, Paul reminds us that "we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Eph. 2:10, ESV)
  
  So, throughout our hardships and struggles, we must look to God and know that he has plans bigger than our struggles!
  
  If you or someone you know has had an abortion, I want to say that the message of God is forgiveness, redemption, and hope. Too often, people who campaign against abortion completely forget that we must show love and give hope.
  
  If you happen to be considering an abortion, there are many options other than the loss of a life. Please seek out these options!]]> Sun, 22 Mar 2009 21:40:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2009/3/choose_life/
  Abortion kills more than 50 million lives each and every year. Those lives in the womb are silenced before they [...]]]>
  Abortion kills more than 50 million lives each and every year. Those lives in the womb are silenced before they can speak, before they can see, before than can choose. This message is very sad but amongst the sorrow, there is hope, redemption, and restoration. One drop of Jesus' blood is enough to atone for the innocent blood that is on our hands and in our minds.
  
  My heart weeps over this issue and God has shown me the grief he feels for these lives. I pray that the church will wake up and see this crisis, that the church will see what I now see. Please, Lord, wake up your church!
  
  
  Choose Life Photo Album]]> Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:51:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2009/3/so_long_facebook/ Sun, 25 Jan 2009 17:37:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2009/1/cleanliness_-_godliness/
  I enjoy having a clean living area, so I know something about cl [...]]]>
  I enjoy having a clean living area, so I know something about cleanliness. I have been around other people who weren't that clean. It then dawned on me, cleanliness is not a once in a while sort of thing, it is a decision you make everyday, whenever you do something. You dirty dishes, you clean them. You make a mess, you clean it. You get out of bed, you make your bed. You dirty clothes, you put them in the hamper to wash. It is a continual process. If you stop in any area, that area almost immediately becomes dirty.
  
  Then it dawned on me again, this is just like Godliness! If you are not going towards God, you are moving away. If you do not make the continual decision to look more like Jesus, you end up looking like filthy rags!
  
  Cleanliness really is next to Godliness.]]> Sat, 10 Jan 2009 20:30:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2009/1/from_sins_low_valleys/ W [...]]]> When I run away from Him, He searches for me. He finds me, cleans my cuts, washes away my dirt, and brings me back to His side.
  
  --
  
  How lovely, oh Lord, is your dwelling place. How beautiful is your law. May I meditate on it day and night. Lead me to your heart, may I reflect your light into the dark places. May I burn with passion when You burn with passion. Let my eyes see with Your eyes. May Your Spirit have Your way with me.]]> Fri, 9 Jan 2009 17:40:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2009/1/you_seek_my_heart/ I will strive to recount His blessings and set them before me.
  Your heart, oh Lord, beckons me, calls me.
  You seek my heart and set my eyes upon your beauty.
  You make my [...]]]> I will strive to recount His blessings and set them before me.
  Your heart, oh Lord, beckons me, calls me.
  You seek my heart and set my eyes upon your beauty.
  You make my feet dance and my hands clap.
  You are better than anything in this world.
  Your word is true and sustaining in times of distress.
  Your Son has redeemed my life from death and clothed me in righteousness.
  Your Spirit shows me your heart, opens my eyes, unstops my ears, and fills my mouth.
  As You move, my body longs to go out after You.
  As I walk in tough times, my soul clings to You.
  You will never forsake me, You will never leave me.
  My heart breaks when I transgress and tears when I look away from You.
  My spirit groans from injustice and cries out for equity to the innocent and judgment upon the wicked.]]> Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:41:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2009/1/2008_-_looking_back_to_look_forward/
  2008 was the end of many things and the beginning of so many more. Earlier this month, I graduated from college. I am going to miss the atmosphere, freedom from an 8-5 workday, friends, mentors, the gym, and moving my all my stuff every three months (yeah right, that's among the best parts of graduating!). For the first time since I was 5, I am no longer a student. This big world seems a little bit bigger right now. I hired on full time at the company I co-oped (interned) with, I am blessed to have a job in these tough economic times. 2008 is the end of my nomadic trips from one side of the state to the other, 2009 is the beginning of my "permanent" work term. I look forward to seeing how I can be used by God over the long term (rather than over just 3 month slots).
  
  I feel much more connected to Jesus than I ever have in my life. He has brought me closer to him. I have also learned about his grace and mercy, albeit it through first hand lessons. I am astounded that God will take my bad actions and create some sort of good out of them. That tells me so much about his love for us. It gives me hope and joy.
  
  I hope to find some deep, long-term friendships with many people here in Grand Rapids. People who will inspire me to be more like Christ and vice versa. I want to shine as brightly as I am capable for Jesus in 2009, each and every day. I want to flee from sin and resist Satan because I know how crafty and tricky sin is. To better equip myself, I want to spend time reading the Bible and praying each and every day of 2009. I know that these aren't going to be easy to accomplish but I know that if God is helping, I could walk on water, raise the dead, heal the brokenhearted, and so on... so I know that God can help me become more like Jesus.
  
  I didn't travel nearly as much this year as I did in 2007. I took one major trip to California in October for a job interview with the Navy. I really enjoyed the trip, the airplanes, the sunshine, the roads, it was great. It was also so very far away from home. Beforehand, I had no problems relocating, experiencing the enormity of the move made me rethink my position. They did not offer me the job so I didn't have to make a tough decision.
  
  Once again, I participated in a few outdoor activities. First, I biked 150 miles for Multiple Sclerosis. I met (and exceeded) my fundraising goal. I hope to be even more aggressive in fundraising in 2009. I competed in a triathlon (0.5 mile swim, 16 mile bike, 4.4 mile run), I finished in around 1:45 (right in the middle of my time goal). I ran a couple of road races (a 10 mile race and a 5k (3.1 mile) race), I pushed myself in training and met both of my time goals there too. I hope to continue running, biking, and swimming in 2009.
  
  Overall, 2008 was a good year for me. There were some ups and some downs. Sometimes when I thought I had the world on a platter and other times when I knew I didn't. I have made some great new friends both in Grand Rapids and Flint. I feel ready to embrace the near year with all of its challenges and benefits.
  
  So many places and people desperately need the touch of God, I pray that in 2009, the Church will wake from its slumber and be the body of Christ.]]> Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:06:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2008/12/the_sin_so_prevalent_in_my_heart/ Lord, cleanse our hearts and cleanse our minds from our transgressions. Let them serve only to remind us that we belong at your side, under your wings. When we allow sin to ensnare, we leave your shelter and God; that is not what I want to do! Sin comes in small steps, quiet as a mouse, a simple hug or glance. It comes as our friend, companion, and comfort. It comes as a thief to kill and destroy, it comes from Satan; the one who hates us and desires for us to leave your side Oh Lord.
  Let us not look lightly on sin, but be on our guard as a soldier on watch. If we sleep or lose focus, we will be overrun. Keep vigilant Father, give us strength and courage, but most of all, show us your love.]]> Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:44:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2008/11/letting_go/
  It's crazy but true. I keep having to find out that submitting to God is the only way to succeed. The more I submit to [...]]]>
  It's crazy but true. I keep having to find out that submitting to God is the only way to succeed. The more I submit to God the less out of control my life is. It's like Proverbs 3:5-6 are true! (Oh wait, they ARE true)
  
  It's important to note that life isn't guaranteed to get better. In fact, if we start living like God and caring about what He cares about, people start to get uncomfortable. True Christianity is counter-cultural because it tells us that we should seek after God with everything we have and we should love those around us as ourselves.]]> Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:59:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2008/10/rebel/ Lecrae album "Rebel".
  
  Lecrae brings another solid album that presents a challenge to all Christian [...]]]> Lecrae album "Rebel".
  
  Lecrae brings another solid album that presents a challenge to all Christians. Lecrae does not step around the Gospel, he uses it to make us better Christians. He speaks about our freedom in Christ, our relationships with our neighbors, our struggles, and our triumphs. He delves into the Scriptures and invites us to do the same.
  
  His mastery of catchy beats, piercing lyrics, and visibly deep relationship with Jesus make Lecrae one of the premier Christian musicians.
  
  I highly recommend checking out this album and his two previous releases: "After the Music Stop (2006)" and "Real Talk (2005)".
  
  "I'm free from sin, I win, I win, I'm free, I'm free and no more chains are holding me"]]> Mon, 20 Oct 2008 22:07:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2008/10/website_updates/
  Feel free to leave feedback of how you think it looks or what I can improve. I hope to add some more functionality and further define the role this website will play in my life.]]> Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:04:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2008/6/bike_ms_2008/
  I biked the entire way with one of my friends, Paige. I think we worked well as a team. We joined up with Team Grouch for a lot of the Sunday ride. It really helps to be in a nice long line of bikers when going up a hill or into the wind. In general, you can go faster with the group.
  
  I got to meet someone with MS, it really helps to put a face on the disease. I didn't know anyone, before I met Lyndon, who actually had the disease. I'm really glad that I help to raise awareness, money, and most of all support for finding a cure and helping people who suffer with MS.
  
  This was a great weekend!]]> Mon, 19 May 2008 21:43:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2008/5/happily_ever_after/
  However, with as much as we don't buy into the idea of a fairytale ending, we look for one. We have more ideals that we want to believe. All but the most unfortunate just can't live a life that says there isn't a happily ever after. We rush around looking for it. Heck, we usually try to buy it!
  
  Sadly, it only makes matters worse when we realize that there is not a happily ever after. We cringe when we see that glimpse of hope fade. The world becomes darker and more bitter. Happily ever after? I'll wait for the next Disney movie for that to happen!
  
  It's hard to stay off the horse though. The next time we see the grass growing we imagine a tropical paradise. Why? Why do we insist on looking for the good in a clearly bad world? Human nature? I don't think so, humans don't really jive in a happily ever after sort of way. We are too self-centered for one. The only reason I can think of is a story that should have been happily ever after but just didn't quite play out like the latest princess flick.
  
  If you are really interested in actually living a happily ever after life, just like your favorite childhood book or cartoon, you should really pick up a copy of the bible.
  
  Read through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
  
  You see, Jesus is the only one in the world that can actually say, and we lived happily ever after...]]> Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:27:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2008/4/rhythm_of_life/
  The question is, whose rhythm are we dancing to? As far as I can tell, there are two sources capable of playing the drums. Jesus and Satan. Both want our lives but for different ends. Jesus comes to save and heal. Satan comes to deceive, trick, and destroy.
  
  Satan's music is easy to follow and hard to leave. Jesus' music is much better but harder to dance to and harder to find but if you seek, you will find.
  
  So now, the only question is, who is playing your music? To whom do your feet move?]]> Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:52:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2008/4/seek_ye_first/
  I have found that if we do not seek God with a whole heart, life is pointless.]]> Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:03:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2008/4/biking/
  I biked to work today,, I sure am sore! I hope to continue piling up the mileage, getting in shape, and saving petrol!]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:21:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2008/3/update/
  I am almost done with my second to last term at Kettering University. The term is going well. I have become more active in activities on campus. I am a contributor to the school newspaper, an active member of the leadership team for Campus Crusades for Christ, the President of an honor society, and leader of a prayer ministry team.
  
  God is good! I recently got back from a trip to Rochester, NY where I attended a friend's wedding. The wedding really reminded me of the love Christ has for believers and the church.
  
  I'm sure there is a lot more to add here but I am going to end this updated now.]]> Thu, 10 Jan 2008 23:04:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2008/1/t-minus_three_days/ This is my second to last term at Kettering and at this point I am hoping to start some lasting relationships and impact the campus in a big way (through Jesus of course). I am really excited to see what 2008 has in store!]]> Mon, 31 Dec 2007 11:59:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/12/2007_-_a_year_in_print/
  2007 was a year on the move. For a brief recap: I moved 4 times (as usual) between Flint and Grand Rapids, made numerous trips to Indiana and Northern Michigan to visit family, spent a week in New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina relief, and drove out to Seattle, WA to visit some friends.
  
  I learned a lot about a lot :). I faced a coming of age and a “ways of this world” crisis (learning how to act and respond in the world of adults). I worked hard (school, work, and training for various races). I experienced some failures and disappointments (although not too horribly many). I sought for love and joy in the world (to no avail). Most importantly, I decided that where I was, was not where I wanted to be. I stopped using my transient position (in one place for three months then moving to another) as an excuse. I sought God and God did not forsake me (in reality, it was God who sought me). I have grown so much in and through Christ. I can honestly say that his love is good! I started listening to his voice and seeking friendship and guidance with the Holy Spirit. Throughout this growth, he has lead me with friendships and bible studies. I recently joined the prayer ministry team at my church, a missions team through a local prayer house, and regularly volunteer at a local community center/coffeehouse. God is showing me my gifts and abilities!
  
  In 2007, I did a lot of physical exercise. I started cycling (road cycling) as a hobby and cheap transportation to work (11 miles one-way). I rode in a 150-mile race for charity. I trained for a triathlon (swimming, biking, running). In August, I ran a 10-mile race in Flint, MI. In September, I completed my first triathlon (a Sprint sized triathlon). The hardest part of training was splitting time between working out and schooling (I was taking 20 credit hours or 5 classes). The diversion from the challenging school was welcome. I even had my best academic term while at college (3.9 GPA). In addition to the academic merits, I found purpose for my degree and am considering further education in an advanced field of Electrical Engineering.
  
  I made quite a few new friends this year too! I got to know some people both at school and in Grand Rapids, MI. I really hope to continue these friendships. I would like to be inspired by these friendships and inspire these friends.
  
  Traveling across the country was awesome! Going to New Orleans showed me that condemnation is not for man and we all need to love and help one another regardless of age, sex, race, religion, and social status. I also learned to judge less (the book and the cover do not always match). I learned how to relax and have a good time (It is the Big Easy after all). I felt my heart for the first time in a long time (more on this later). I could even feel God moving in that broken city.
  
  I really enjoyed my trip out West too. Experiencing the country is priceless. I still have a hard time believing that I drove 5,000+ miles in five days! I got to spend two days in Seattle, WA with my good friends Dan and Christie Ellis. The best parts of the trip included seeing the beautiful country, driving through rolling hills and mountains, and touring Seattle (not to mention being able to see the Cascade Mountain from anywhere in Seattle).
  
  I took many pictures this previous year. Thanks to my Christmas and Birthday present from my dad, an awesome camera. I Took 3,500+ pictures! Most of these are online at: http://picasaweb.google.com/reeseman04.
  
  This summer, I even started golfing! My grandparents took me out for my first round of golf. Surprisingly I did nearly decent! I look forward to this hobby in the coming year.
  
  My favorite football team, the Indianapolis Colts won the Super Bowl! Go Colts!
  
  This Christmas was on the best I have had in recent years. I really enjoyed spending time with my family and giving gifts to all sorts of people. Among all the blessings I have previously listed, God gave me a special Christmas gift (in addition to Christ). God gave me a new heart for Christmas! My old hard was filled with anger and had hardened and decayed from many years of apathy and struggles. After receiving salvation when I went to college, the hate and anger in my heart went away. This left my heart feeling empty and dead. Over the course of this previous year, God has successfully replaced my old heart with a new one. This came through many different experiences, situations, and prayers. I still have to learn how to use it but I can feel (something that I really could not do before, it was more like motions and should/should not’s). Through this gift, I feel that God is ready (and has started) to pour even more gifts into my life.
  
  This also comes at a time when I have really spent a lot of time trying to understand myself more thoroughly. Thanks to some guidance from a couple of friends, I have really started to understand who I am. As a part of this, God has taught me to look for contentment wherever life has placed me. This lesson is hard but the benefits of following the instructions are priceless!
  
  I hope to take all of my gifts and experiences from 2007 into 2008.
  
  2007 was a year that brought me closer to heaven, and 2008, I pray, is simply going to be great!
  
  Have a blessed New Year!]]> Mon, 17 Dec 2007 20:46:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/12/experience_the_joy_of_the_season_we_are_made_to_love/ Made to Love. Truly we are made to love! I have never experienced more joy than I have tonight. I spent most of the evening handing out gifts and coffee to p [...]]]> Toby Mac shouts as he raps in his song Made to Love.
  
  Truly we are made to love! I have never experienced more joy than I have tonight.
  I spent most of the evening handing out gifts and coffee to people on the streets of Grand Rapids. I was able to help some people experience God's love in a real (warm) way!
  
  "Anything, I would give up for you. Everything, I give it all away!"
  It's true, you give and offer to God and He will listen and accept your humble gifts! Even more amazing, He gives back! It might not be monetary or even physical but you know when God gives. You can feel it, taste it, know it.
  
  So I implore you to start giving. Don't worry about the helping all 6 billion people on earth, just concentrate on helping! It's not doing everything, it's simply doing something.]]> Thu, 13 Dec 2007 15:30:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/12/to_feel_or_to_know/
  Being an engineer, I have a hard time feeling emotions. In many ways, this revelation has been truly revolutionary. In the last few months, I have accomplished more goals than in the previous years. I now know what I need to do and no longer wait for the correct feelings to influence my actions.
  
  Knowing is not everything but it goes a long ways. I have found it impossible to stand under pressure without the knowledge why I am standing.]]> Sun, 28 Oct 2007 19:19:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/10/what_it_means_to_be_a_christian_introduction/
  I am here to say that is not what Christians are. They created this public persona in the world. Inside and out, true Christians are so much more than this!
  
  In my experiences, I have been very successful at being the aforementioned “Christian.” I successfully differentiated my spiritual life from the “world” life. I all too often ignored the teachings of Jesus. I spent a long time thinking that I was doing what God wanted me to do.
  
  The general meaning of the word Christian is little Christ. People who say they are a Christian and do not portray Jesus (as the Bible portrays Jesus) is merely someone who goes to a church.
  
  The mini-Jesus (Christian) will step out of their comfort zone. They will help when needed: Encourage, comfort, feed, cloth, support monetarily, heal. (All of these with the help of the Holy Spirit)
  
  Most importantly, a Christian will love strangers as much as they love their friends. Genuine and true love for all humanity is the best way to be Jesus to a world in pain.
  
  Author's note:
  This is the first in what I hope to be a multiple part series on what Christianity means to me. The writings should challenge the conceived notions of Christianity for both the believer and the non-believer. I hope to avoid using too many clichés and “Chritian-ese” (words used in a Christian setting but not known to non-Christians). This should be a non-denominational writing (what I say should be able to be applied by Catholics and Protestants (of any type) alike). I want what I say to be rooted in the Holy Bible because I believe that it is the lifeline of all Christians. In the subsequent entries, I hope to include a plethora of references. I am human and will make errors, please feel free to point them out.]]> Sat, 15 Sep 2007 12:52:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/9/triathlon/ The swim was pretty tough, I was not prepared for the temperature of the water or the rough open surface. I pretty much panicked and was able to get through because I had no other choice!
  Other than the swim and the resulting slow transition time, I felt that I did fairly well.
  
  I came in 4/7 in my age group and 124/232 overall
  My times:
  Swimming:
  Place Time Pace
  166 14:05 2:49
  Transition 1:
  7:23
  Biking:
  Place Time Pace
  90 39:02 18.4
  Transition 2:
  1:24
  Running:
  Place Time Pace
  85 25:44 8:17
  Overall time:
  1:27:37
  
  
  This is the official triathlon thread for my first triathlon competition.
  I have been training for this since early July. Swimming six days a week and running or biking (although I got lazy on the biking) every other day. The training has been difficult and at times I felt like I might not be able to compete.
  I recently changed my breathing pattern in swimming and am not sure if I will be able to hold out with the newer, faster (but more demanding) style.
  I also seem to have some sort of minor congestion in my body, but I am feeling better with each day. Lord willing, I'll not even notice it during tomorrow's events.
  
  I am doing a Sprint Triathlon. It will involve a 500 meter swim in an open lake, a 20k (12.5 miles) bike, and a 5k (3.1 miles) run.
  
  My biggest concerns include: the temperature (it's supposed to be in the 40's), my slight congestion, and my dietary needs since I am a vegan and these sorts of things require a large amount of protein and carbs. I have been loading up, so hopefully that won't be a problem.]]> Tue, 28 Aug 2007 16:53:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/8/more_is_less/ My goal is to cut Facebook usage down to less than 30 minutes a day. This is going to be hard!]]> Sat, 25 Aug 2007 11:27:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/8/crim_2007/
  Once it got going though, Mike and I found a good pace at around 9:00 per mile. We held our pace and crossed at the 1 hour and 34 minute mark.
  
  We came in at an official 1:32:49. That equates to a 9:17 minute/mile pace. This is just above our goal, but I am still very happy with it.]]> Thu, 23 Aug 2007 17:42:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/8/the_sun_and_moon/ Date: 23 August 2007
  
  Face is bright, heart's delight
  Eyes see grey, your's today
  Dew on the grass, time's pass
  Sun in your hair, color's fair
  Lips of red, smile's fed
  Eyes are fire, love's desire
  Rain in the sky, cloud's fly
  Moon on your back, beauties’ track]]> Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:55:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/7/back_in_school/ Thanks to the Lord for giving me a good attitude, I'm looking forward to it!]]> Tue, 03 Jul 2007 19:04:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/7/summer_vacation_official_blog_entry/ Web Album My plans are as follows:
  • Spend the 4th in Indianapolis, IN
  • Hang out with D [...]]]>
    Web Album
    
    My plans are as follows:
    
    
    • Spend the 4th in Indianapolis, IN
    
    
    • Hang out with Dan Harel in St. Louis, MO on Saturday the 7th.
    
    
    • Leave St. Louis early Sunday
    
    
    • Spend the night in South Dakota at the Bear Butte State Park
    
    
    • Head to Everett, WA (Seattle area) to visit Dan and Christie Ellis on Monday
    
    
    • Hang out there for a couple days
    
    
    • Head back to GR starting Thursday
    
    
    • Camp north of Helena, MT at Black Sandy State Park
    
    
    • Plan to camp in Minnesota but get forced into a hotel by a tornado
    
    
    • Get back to Grand Rapids, MI sometime Saturday evening
    
    
    • Move in to Flint, MI on Sunday
    
    
    • Start Classes on Monday (not officially part of my summer vacation)
    
    
    My Trip's Route
    
    
    First Leg - Indianapolis:
    I arrived in Indy 8:00pm on Sunday (7/1/2007). I stayed with my dad and sister Monday and some of Tuesday. I played disc golf with my dad on Monday. I'm spending Tuesday night with my grandparents and then the 4th with my dad's side of the family.
    I went downtown for the fireworks. They were amazing.
    Thursday (7/5/2007), I went golfing, for the first time, with my grandparents. I had a great time and ended doing fairly well (something like 40 over par, but good for a beginner).
    Second Leg - St. Louis:
    I went to St. Louis to hang out with Dan Harel (a friend from college) for the day. I got in around noon. We went to the Confluence point of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. We then went to the Loop for dinner.
    Third Leg - Travel (to Seattle):
    I left St. Louis at 6:00am CST. I proceeded to drive through Missouri, Iowa, and most of South Dakota. South Dakota is a beautiful state! I visited the Badlands. They were amazing. I took some pictures that fail to do it any justice. After the Badlands, I went to Bear Butte to camp for the night.
    I left Bear Butte at 6:00am MST. I finished driving through South Dakota. Next Wyoming (gorgeous!) and then Montana. Although starting out a little plain, Montana got really beautiful. I tackled the Rockies and eventually came out in Idaho. A short while later I was in Washington State. Washington was kind of boring, until I got to the mountains. I think that mountains in general are beautiful. I finally got in to Everett (Seattle area) around 10:30pm PST. 1200 miles (17 hours) in one day!
    Fourth Leg - Seattle, WA:
    After getting some much needed rest, Dan, Christie, and myself headed to Seattle (they got out of work early to give me a tour). We went to most of the big sites of the city: the Public Market, Underground tour, Space Needle, etc. It is a very beautiful city!
    Seattle Web Album
    
    I spent Wednesday hanging out in Everett. I went on a 20 mile bike ride before Dan and Christie got home. Then Dan and I went on a shorter ride around the town.
    Fourth Leg - Travel (to Home):
    I left Seattle at 6:30am PST. I traveled to Black Sandy State Park in Montana. I decided to use three days to get back so that I could absorb the time change better (and to make the drive easier).
    I had intended to do three drives of similar length but I ran into severe weather (and saw a tornado!) right by my planned camping site in Minnesota. I decided it would be best to find a hotel. I drove to Monticello, MN (which is north of Minneapolis).
    The drive to Grand Rapids was fairly uneventful. It went well and I got in at around 7:00pm. I then cleaned and put away my camping gear, loaded my school stuff, hung out, slept, went to church, and finally, moved into Flint.
    
    I might go through and reword some of this, but as it is, it is my summer vacation!]]> Tue, 03 Jul 2007 19:00:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/7/home/ However, as I was driving in Indy, it dawned on me that GR had become my home. This goes to explain why it was so hard to pack up all my stuff this time.]]> Mon, 02 Jul 2007 10:46:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/7/summer_vacation/ I'm spending the 4th in Indianapolis with my family. After that, I plan to road trip out to the West Coast. I would like to do some camping on the way out and back (in places like South Dakota and Montana).
    Keep a lookout on my Picasa (Photography) site for pictures!]]> Wed, 13 Jun 2007 21:15:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/6/who_am_i/ Its people and their dreams
    
    Broken hearts that get no pity
    Young children and sad screams
    
    My heart is sometimes broken
    Reminds me who I am
    
    I am hypocrite and liar
    I see the soul I may have damned
    
    I want to play their song
    I want to save their life
    
    Alone I am nothing
    Alone I am only strife
    
    I'm not in a "good" mood at the moment. This poem's rhyming pattern sucks.
    
    ]]> Wed, 13 Jun 2007 15:08:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/6/music/
    Sigh, a lot things are going on. I have tutoring tonight. The sun is shining outside for the 5th day in a row.... so beautiful.
    
    It's hard to drive when you don't have directions!]]> Sun, 10 Jun 2007 18:59:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/6/ms_150/
    I got to meet some awesome new people (Jenny, Drake, Kyle, Rick, Lianne, Janet etc.). I also found out that I can bike 150 miles!
    
    The weather was gorgeous! I am a bit sun burned, very sore, and tired but will make it!
    
    Day 1: Left at 8:15 am and arrived in Holland at 2:40 (not counting rest stops somewhere around 16-17 miles per hour (I think)). I was probably running around 19 mph on a leg or two of the journey (WOW!).
    
    Day 1 Night: We went to Skile's Tavern. I found Jenny wandering down the streets and invited her to join us for the evening. We got to chat with our Power Partner Janet who had MS. She got to tell us about her life with MS.
    
    Day 2: Left at 7:30 am and arrived at Byron Center High (in Grand Rapids) at about 2:30pm. We probably went a little slower (like 14-15 mph). Instead of doing what I did the previous day, I slowed down and biked with Kyle and Jenny for the entire day.
    
    Sorry for the scatteredness of this entry, I am very tired right now :)]]> Tue, 05 Jun 2007 13:50:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/6/more_love/ God loved us first, He loved us so that we can love one another.
    Only through love will the world see that we are Christians.
    If you want to do the work of the Father, you must show love.
    We must know love to show love.
    More love.
    If we want to see God work, we must see God love.
    Through love will the mountains move, will the blind see, and the sick walk.
    God is love. John did not say, "God is power." Through His love comes His power.
    More love.]]> Sun, 03 Jun 2007 22:05:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/6/first_loved_to_love/
    This seminar has deeply impacted me. It has taught me to personalize God's love, look to see where He had been in the day ("God-sightings"), to pray as Jesus prayed, and to measure myself up to God's standards instead of the world's. I have tried to go over as much and practice as much as I can in order to apply it to my life (and not just let it fall by the way side).
    
    If you are around a Vineyard and you hear of Mark Fee coming to town, I highly recommend going.]]> Fri, 25 May 2007 23:52:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/5/biking_miscellaneous_update/
    In other news, I found out that I live right by a prayer house! I want to spend a lot more time there. In fact, I plan on visiting them tomorrow to hang out, worship Jesus, and pray for those who need (whether or not they know it) prayer. It is also a great way for me to understand the gifts that the Spirit has given me!
    
    Further news, this being long weekend, I am not planning on doing anything other than hanging out in Grand Rapids. Various ideas were tossed around but staying in town seemed the best. I will hopefully be able to serve communion at the Vineyard on Sunday also, I really like being able to give out of myself to others (although I have a really hard time showing it in close contact with other people).]]> Tue, 22 May 2007 22:46:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/5/new_orleans_still_on_my_mind/ Then I think to myself, if water from earth can flood out the rich and the poor, the young and the old. It floods Jews, Christians (Protestants and Catholics), Islamics, Buddhists, etc. There is no line that water won't cross when it comes flooding through.
    Then I thought, how much more so can water from heaven flood! It can cross all of those lines. However, it won't leave nasty, horrible devastation and abandonment. Instead it will bring healing and love!
    I just spent the last 20 minutes on Google Earth finding all of the places I visited when I was down there, each house, the French Quarter, the field we played softball on, and the church we stayed at. I am sad for the city, I pray for the city, I want to return to the city. Unfortunately, devastation isn't just from floodwaters. Tonight reminded that while I'm not in New Orleans, I need to bring Jesus to the poor, the proud, the needy, the sick, the disillusioned, the lost.]]> Mon, 21 May 2007 22:13:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/5/monday_update/ I biked in to work (3rd time so far).
    I also biked to our software game today. I put down 28.2 miles today (1/3 of what is needed for 1 day of the MS 150!).
    
    In other news, my struggles at work continue as I have fried a 3rd board that I am trying to interface with. I am going to play it safe and wait until a hard board (used to hardware interface) arrives, thus eliminating most of the floating wires!
    
    In the down time from that project, I got to work on the website again (how I love to do that)!
    
    Anyways, I think that my aching body (I tweaked a muscle in my back in softball :() wants some rest (and I'd imagine that I used too many exclamation points!).]]> Sun, 20 May 2007 12:46:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/5/the_world_as_we_globalized_it/
    The World as We Globalized It [Revised - Graded] (124KB)]]> Sat, 19 May 2007 13:48:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/5/ethnic_dining/
    Each Saturday (or Sunday..) (that I am in Grand Rapids at least), I try to get to a nice little (preferably not a chain) restaurant.
    
    April 29: I went to the Bombay Cuisine in Eastown. I can't remember the name of what I got, but it was good. Unfortunately, their diner prices are too high (they have a nice, less expensive lunch buffet though). They also have two-for-one draft beers from their bar.
    
    May 12: Little Africa, an Ethiopian diner. They serve all their food on flat bread (like a pancake but more flexible). They have great prices and everything is at least vegetarian friendly. I would recommend their hot tea.
    
    May 19: El Chisme, a Mexican diner. They weren't vegetarian friendly, but I made by getting a taco dinner. It was good food, the chips and salsa were mediocre. Decent prices and it gives you the feeling that you are in a real Mexican restaurant when you are the only native English speaker in the building!]]> Wed, 16 May 2007 08:22:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/5/biking/ Today was my first day of biking in. The ride, although hard at first, levels out for a nice enjoyable ride.
    
    The best part of my trip this morning was passing a gas station that was selling gas for $3.48 per gallon! The high prices reminded me that a fair amount of people decided not to buy gas yesterday. As a result, I'm sure a lot of them hit the pumps today and paid a high price (although I don't know how much gas was yesterday or before that). Anyways, I think that if people want to make an impact, reduce the use of fossil fuels for a prolonged period of time!]]> Sun, 13 May 2007 18:43:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/5/word_of_god_speak/ I have still been searching to see if I am where God wants me to be. I also wanted guidance for whether or not I should volunteer my time to help 16-24 year olds get their GED or high school Diploma.
    This morning, while receiving communion, the host who was serving it prayed over me and after he finished praying said that he felt God wanted him to tell me that God was watching over my life. If I was wondering about my direction in life I shouldn't worry because God was keeping watch.
    God is faithful to those who love and seek after Him!]]> Sun, 06 May 2007 23:24:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/5/cincinnati_weekend_trip/ Blue Wisp Blue Wisp (thanks to Dyah for the plug). I really enjoyed the jazz music at the club.
    
    Saturday, Tim and I helped out with the Vineyard's Good Sam run where we went to the Over-the-Rhine community to feed the homeless. That was an awesome experience but as Neal (a guy from the Cincy Vineyard) said, it gives you mixed emotions. On one hand you give hope and food, on the other, you get to leave and they don't. The streets are hard and the love of Jesus is harder to see when you have grime being kicked in your face on a daily basis. It is also hard because everyone who went to help that day had an incredible amount more than these people.
    
    After that, Tim and I got lunch at Taco Bell and watched Spider Man 3. Darker than the previous two, Spidey three closes some plot holes and progresses the story line. The movie contained at least one quotable, Spidey's first encounter with the Sandman ends and Spidey says to himself, "Where do these guys come from?" The classic question asked by audience members since the beginning of time! It was an engaging moving that I recommend watching (if you have the time and money).
    
    Tim took me on a tour of the company he works for. Interesting things involving inventory and distribution (ie. conveyor belts).
    
    We then played games in the main area of his apartment complex before retiring for the night.
    
    Sunday, we headed to the Vineyard to see Tucker get baptized. A guy gave an awesome testimony about how God saved him from the clutches of death and delivered him from mental and physical trauma and drug abuse.
    After the baptism, we went to eat lunch at the Macaroni Grill. I got some pasta and some good sauce (mmmm... mmmm...). I got to meet a few people in addition to catch up with the Katrina Team I met in New Orleans.
    Further along in the day, I parted ways with Tim and went to play softball with Neal and Tucker. The weather was magnificent! The scrimmage was pretty fun.
    
    Following that I left for home at about 6pm and got back to GR at about 11pm (yeah yeah 5 hours,,,, don't ask if I broke any speed laws, ok?).
    Along these lines, I verified my hypothesis that I can make it from Cincinnati to Grand Rapids on one tank of gas (I didn't stop past Cincy for gas).
    
    
    And then I wrote this blog! I have to unpack my stuff still, peace out!]]> Tue, 01 May 2007 21:34:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/5/your_shadow_proves_theres_sunshine/ Work has been one deluge after another. I have really let the world get me down. My insistence to focus on "should be" and "should have been" scenarios really left me feeling empty and bitter.
    It all came boiling up inside me today when I overheard my boss talking about how my 40-hour only work ethic was annoying and needed to stop. There language made me really upset.
    I called up one of my coworkers (who leads the small group I attend) to ask for advice. He recommended that I stop focusing on what is outside of my control (situations at work as well as the "should/could be's"). He also mentioned that I should try to come into work with a positive. Lord willing, I will be able to shake off the doldrums of the previous week and focus on the goodness of God.
    Maybe I will look down and see that my shadow really proves there is sunshine.]]> Wed, 25 Apr 2007 11:10:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/4/rain/ Luster, luster, all gone in the bluster
    Dreary, dreary, good for when I'm weary
    
    Drip, drop, the love of God does not stop
    Future, past, rain lets the present last
    Sun, shine, pour through the clouds divine
    
    Easing, easing, clean air I'm breathing
    Flourish, flourish, oh how you nourish
    Rain, rain, I appreciate the sun again]]> Sat, 21 Apr 2007 23:54:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/4/good_times_in_gr/ Fri, 20 Apr 2007 23:27:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/4/live_by_god/ Like heroin, coke, or meth
    
    False lines you feed yourself
    There is only one wealth
    
    The answer for the question
    Go to the Blessed One
    
    Life on the line
    Fatality if its mine
    
    The dogs get the crumbs
    Heart of God changed by moms]]> Sun, 15 Apr 2007 17:58:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/4/new_orleans_the_complete_trip/ Album 1 Album 2 Monday - Our first Monday in New Orleans was a beautiful day. Highs in the [...]]]>
    Album 1
    
    Album 2
    
    
    Monday -
    Our first Monday in New Orleans was a beautiful day. Highs in the low 70's and cloudy for most of the day (Great working working weather).
    We were assigned to work with a Beacon of Hope station headed up by a wonderful lady named Sharon. We were told we would be doing house work in a "well-to-do neighborhood". Some from the group, myself included were quite skeptical as we did not feel that we were down here to help out some rich guy. Although the most important thing to remember is really that we are here to help and if we get caught up in the details we won't be doing a good job.
    All of the apprehension was immediately destroyed, much like the houses we were driving past. Although a more affluent neighborhood only 20% of the residents had returned. Most houses were still showing the flood lines and the spray paint saying they had been cleared.
    The feelings of seeing such devastation 1 1/2 years after an event are still almost overwhelming.
    We ended up working on 4 lawns, we cleaned the lawns and mowed them. Each house looked like a jungle when we started and looked a lot better (with a mountain of junk) when we left. The work was hard but fulfilling.
    I hear that the neighborhoods we are going to visit today are even worse.
    We headed down to the French district to check out some local music that night. I enjoyed my first cigar and cup of Guinness (good stuff).
    Well everyone, it is time to head on over and get some grub. I will updated shortly.
    
    Tuesday -
    Today we went to work on a house that had been ravaged by Katrina. No one had entered the house in almost two years! The experience was quite sobering. I can't imagine how the people feel. They lost everything!
    We started by taking out the personal possession and furniture. We eventually got down to the carpet and flooring. It took a little while to get down to bare floors. The walls were covered in black mold so we wore face masks. It was a very humid mid-60 degrees. I was wearing a jacket to shield myself from the rain and debris. By 3:30 we had managed to clean out the junk in the house and start tearing down the drywall. The house is probably ruined as the roof leaks and the timber was termite infested.
    Tonight we don't have much planned, most of us are plumb tuckered, probably just rest and sleep to hit the house (or maybe go to a new house) hard in the morning.
    
    Wednesday -
    We returned to the same house as Tuesday. The weather was much nicer (it was BEAUTIFUL to be exact!). We ripped out the remaining dry wall. During an effort to shut off the water, Tom and I lifted a large storm drain cover that was on the side of the road. It slipped off the bar I was holding it up with and landed on my right foot. Luckily, my foot seems to be okay, just very sore. We felt very down cast and unmotivated since the house was not worth saving. We hosted a weekly community cookout in the 8th ward for devastated persons in the area. It was an awesome experience to help the hungry and needy.
    
    Thursday -
    Our team only (no Cincinnati team) went to an elderly lady's home to perform post gutting work. We painted on Kilz paint to destroy the remaining black mold spores. We also helped her replant her flower bed. She then took us on a tour of the 17th street and Industrial canals (which breeched). She showed us flood devastated neighborhoods. We also visited the docks on Lake Pontchartrain. This might have been the most surreal moment of the trip. There were still dozens of boats slammed against the harbor walls and stacked on top of each other. Most of the boats had to cost 40,000+ dollars. This cemented the idea that both the rich and poor were devastated. That night we visited the French district without much happening.
    
    Friday -
    Meeting back up with the Cinci team, we went to a duplex to finish the gutting work (Cinci worked on the duplex Thursday). The owner was a little late in arriving so we played a game of softball at the field by the duplex. It started out with a shovel and duct tape ball game but a neighbor let us use his bat and ball. We hit the ball around and invited in a neighborhood kid. It was pretty fun (even though Tom beamed me in my bad foot with a fast low pitch). We then finished gutting the house. That night we returned to Harbor Seafood (the same place we started out at on Monday). Our waitress Aengele (pronounced Angel) waited on us again, she is without a doubt the cutest, sweetest, most upbeat waitress ever! That night I got about 1 1/2 hours of sleep because the tent was really humid and hot.
    
    Saturday -
    We set out to return to Grand Rapids. As always, the return trip is bitter sweet. We rode through some rain and then cloudy weather. We bunked in Effingham, IL.
    
    Sunday -
    We ate breakfast at the Matoon Cracker Barrel. Our waitress Ashley made true on her promise to tell us what an obscure object on the wall was from last week's Saturday (it turned out to be a cow holding mechanism for milking)). The return trip was good and nothing bad happened.
    
    Summary -
    There are so many stories that I cannot even begin to tell. The awesome experiences, stories, and jokes that were shared amongst the six in our group. Not to mention the interactions with people in New Orleans.
    I left some of my heart in the South. I would be a liar if I didn't say that I missed it. The manners, the relaxed nature, the manual labor of gutting houses, and some of the cute girls that I met whilst there.
    I feel truly blessed to have spent the last eight days with five wonderful gentlemen Bill R., Bill F., Tom, Paul, and Pat. I also am very glad to have met members from an Anaheim Vineyard church and the Cincinnati Vineyard.
    In summary this was one awesome trip! I learned how beautiful the south is and New Orleans (especially in the spring time). I was able to work where God is working. I was able to feed the hungry and help the needy (not on my own mind you).]]> Sun, 08 Apr 2007 22:03:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/4/trip_to_new_orleans/ After more corn fields, we got into Southern Illinois. That is a really beautiful part of the country. Rolling hills and rocks with scenic forests and pastures.
    The Mississippi is almost breathtaking coming down from the hills. We crossed right about where the Ohio spills in.
    The road leveled out again and Missouri and Arkansas were just one big flat patch of sparse trees and fields. I found out that the lone trees are actually boundaries and that port is the left side of a boat (because port and left both have four words).
    We got to Memphis just as the sun was setting. We pushed through to Hernando, MS before bedding down.
    The following morning we headed out. Mississippi is truly a beautiful state. Rolling hills, meadows and pastures. We decided to cross Lake Pontchartrain to enter New Orleans. That was exciting as the van bounced around the entire time (like 15 miles). Entering New Orleans, we saw a few FEMA trailers but the roads we traveled were fairly well restored (we head out tomorrow).
    We went to a seafood restaurant for dinner. I had a side of boiled potatoes, corn and mushrooms (was pretty good). The placed, as I'm told, served great seafood (Fisherman's Harbor). They served a really good draft beer by Adita.
    Anyways, I must endeavor to sleep or something. I hope to keep you all informed with my future assignments. I will try to post pictures online.]]> Mon, 26 Mar 2007 07:07:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/3/first_day_of_work/
    I want to shine with the light of Jesus for all the world to see.]]> Tue, 20 Mar 2007 20:34:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/3/finals_week/
    I'm a little intimidated by a couple of my exams. I should be okay throughout them though. I am not in danger of failing any classes but need good grades on my exams to make Dean's List.
    
    I am riding some momentum in Circuits II, seeing how I received a 102 on my last test in the class!
    
    Only 4 days before this term is over!]]> Sun, 21 Jan 2007 11:39:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/1/moral_and_verse_for_the_week/ Matthew 6:34): "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, [...]]]> Live life one day at a time, because tomorrow might never arrive.
    
    Verse (Matthew 6:34):
    "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." (MSG)]]> Tue, 16 Jan 2007 20:45:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/1/basketball/ CIA finished the season out with a strong showing against Theta Xi. The game ended with 52-32 (CIA over Theta Xi). CIA looks to continue this momentum into the post season.
    
    Game four:
    CIA won their game against SAE 54-13 to improve to 2-2 on the season.
    
    Game three:
    CIA lost their second consecutive game. Although the game was close during the first half, Team America pulled away in the second. CIA was mercied 42-21 shortly after the two minute warning.
    Game two:
    CIA lost a hard fought game to FIJI. Despite struggling in the first half, CIA rallied to force the game down to the last possession. The final score was FIJI 38 - CIA 35.
    
    The 2007 Intramural Kettering University Basketball Season tipped off tonight.
    
    The CIA team won their game against the Delts by a score of 43-33. Although the game was close, CIA had the lead for most of the affair.]]> Thu, 11 Jan 2007 11:31:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/1/ai_me/ Mon, 08 Jan 2007 09:25:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2007/1/my_birthday/ Sun, 31 Dec 2006 23:02:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/12/happy_new_year/
    Conversely, I really wish that I could get out and make friends. I feel that I am stuck in this track of being alone and withdrawn. We are called to social and spread the good news, but I just seem to be in a circle of sleep, eat, and work.
    
    I guess that if I were to make resolutions for the New Year, I would want to keep traveling the unknown roads: Stopping to help the car with flashers on, walking across the room in order to meet someone at a party (the few that I actually go to), helping the poor, donating to a charity, or volunteering for my church.
    
    I have said publicly that talk is easy and action is hard. I'm not entirely sure why people try to argue with me on this point. It's like James says, "show me your works without faith, and I will show you my faith through my works." I feel the same way for talk.
    
    Heading into the New Year, I ask the Spirit to guide and humble me. I can get consumed with perfection and self gratification. I want to be more like the person who says, "I am willing to lay down whatever needs to be laid down for the Lord's work to be done."
    
    I also want to live out the realization that shortcuts do not lead to love. In a world where life is busy and point A is too far away from point B, we apt to take the shortest route possible. In doing this, we are jeopardizing our friendships and relationships not only with our families but with our friends also. Furthermore, while dashing towards our destination, we fail to help out our fellow human beings. Just like our parents, we fail to form new friends, intimate friends. Unlike our parents, we form less friends and possibly no intimate friends.
    
    Are we really destined to live alone? Are we in a position where we can say to our neighbor, "I don't need you?" and by saying that we are saying, "and you don't need me!" The great lie of American society is that self is the most important thing to preserve. Quite the opposite of this lie, we need to lay down all things that make us selfish and become selfless. If this is not true then Jesus didn't know what he was talking about when he said, "True loves knows nothing greater than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend."
    
    Ultimately in the New Year, I want nothing more than to live in God's good will and follow Jesus's examples in life, love and compassion.]]> Tue, 26 Dec 2006 20:37:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/12/east_is_really_just_west_of_north/ I got to spend time with my mom. She got me a cool NOAA weather radio (yay me being a weather geek!).
    
    I have two weeks left for work and then I go back to school! Once again, I can't believe how fast time is flying by...
    
    Digressing from order again, I feel that I am being shaped for something big in the future. The only trouble is that I keep fighting that shape! God tries to work me one way and I fold the other :(. I just want to surrender all to God and pray that the Spirit can lead me to a place where in my life where that is possible.]]> Fri, 24 Nov 2006 18:04:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/11/happy_thanksgiving/ Happy Thanksgiving.
    
    It has been a long time since my last update. I have been keeping busy with work. I go back to Kettering in January (I'm not very excited about that...).
    
    As for recent events, I went to (and am currently in) Indianapolis for Thanksgiving. It was cool hanging with the family, but they didn't have much that I could eat.
    
    I'm still single as ever with no signs of changing :S.
    
    I don't think much else is rocking, if I think of anything I will be sure to post an update.]]> Mon, 18 Sep 2006 11:01:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/9/taco_bell_ingredients/
    http://www.shwatchdog.org/images/tacobell-ingredients.pdf]]> Sun, 10 Sep 2006 18:02:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/9/baptism/ Sat, 09 Sep 2006 17:33:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/9/pandora_internet_radio/ Sat, 09 Sep 2006 10:35:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/9/busy_days/ I have finished writing the rough draft of one of my research papers. The paper is due on Tuesday and I must present my findings to the class.
    
    Similarly, another research paper is due on Monday with a presentation.
    
    In addition to papers, I have a good amount of homework that should keep me busy all weekend!]]> Tue, 29 Aug 2006 14:33:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/8/moral_and_verse_of_the_day_august_29/ Exodus 20:1-17 -What do these mean to Christians?]]>
    Verse of the day: Exodus 20:1-17
    -What do these mean to Christians?]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2006 13:59:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/8/moral_and_verse_of_the_day_august_28/ John 6:61-65]]>
    Verse of the day: John 6:61-65]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2006 13:50:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/8/moral_and_verse_of_the_weekend/ 1 Corinthians 9:24]]>
    Verse of the weekend: 1 Corinthians 9:24]]> Tue, 22 Aug 2006 19:49:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/8/moral_and_verse_of_the_day_august_22/ John 5:2-17]]> Wealth shouldn't be counted in dollars.
    
    Verse of the day:
    John 5:2-17]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2006 13:40:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/8/moral_and_verse_of_the_day_august_21/ Psalm 42]]> Looking down is a good way to gauge your progress and a sure fire way to slow you down when you start climbing again.
    
    Verse of the day:
    Psalm 42]]> Sat, 19 Aug 2006 14:57:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/8/research_paper/ Tue, 15 Aug 2006 23:25:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/8/the_moon/ I don't have music for it outside of my head (it's Jack Johnson-esque).
    
    The Moon
    
    Oh I see her,
    How I see her,
    Shining brightly,
    oh so brightly
    How I see her,
    the moo-oo-oo-oon
    the moo-oo-oo-oon
    
    Oh I love her,
    How I love her,
    Shining brightly,
    Smiling lightly,
    In the sky so brightly
    so bri-hi-ightly
    so bri-hi-ightly
    
    Then one day I,
    went outside I,
    looked to the sky I,
    Did not see her
    shining brightly
    so bri-hi-ightly
    so bri-hi-ightly
    
    Gone, oh so gone,
    no light in the sky,
    no reason why-i-i,
    how I missed her,
    longed to see her,
    the moo-oo-oo-oon
    the moo-oo-oo-oon
    
    Then I saw her,
    Oh I saw her,
    I saw a sliver,
    I saw a shiver
    a glimmer I sawww,
    shining brightly
    so bri-hi-ightly]]> Mon, 14 Aug 2006 17:33:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/8/quick_update/ Sadly, I got a 75 on my first of two tests in my Signals and Systems class :(.
    
    I am awaiting the results for my Fields test.
    
    I have a lab practical and a midterm tomorrow :). Later this week I have another midterm.
    
    I got a haircut today and bought some clothes that were on sale at Old Navy.]]> Fri, 11 Aug 2006 23:46:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/8/concert/ It was pretty good (and only $5!).
    The bands were Jars of Clay, Third Day, and Michael W. Smith.
    Jars of Clay were horrible, poor song quality and no crowd participation.
    Third Day and Smith were incredible! Very engaging and they rocked!]]> Thu, 10 Aug 2006 07:42:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/8/half_way_through_kettering/ Sun, 06 Aug 2006 12:55:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/8/sunday_means_fasting/ Sun, 06 Aug 2006 12:52:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/8/big_saturday/
    First off, I went to see "Click", the new Adam Sandler movie. It was a fairly good movie except it showed that you get a second at life which is not really the case.
    
    Secondly, I went to see the Detroit Tigers play the Cleveland Indians in Detroit. It was an awesome game! I hadn't been to a ball game in a number of years. We had great seats, four rows back from the field and between third base and the left field wall. The game was even more awesome since the Tigers won with a walk off homerun!]]> Tue, 01 Aug 2006 15:07:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/8/spiritual_birthday/ With that said, I will be celebrating my second spiritual birthday on the 4th of this month!]]> Wed, 26 Jul 2006 13:46:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/7/new_speakers/ ]]> ]]> Thu, 20 Jul 2006 11:53:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/7/school_update/ Mon, 10 Jul 2006 21:18:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/7/first_day_of_class/
    Today was also my first day at the library, I spent 2 1/2 hours putting books back on the shelves! It was ridiculous!]]> Sun, 09 Jul 2006 17:42:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/7/classes/ It should be good though, I got into all five classes that I wanted to enroll in. That also means that I will jump a class level next school term (Senior instead of Junior).
    
    Anyways, as far as this website goes, I need to make a couple of improvements soon, but I will when I feel like it.]]> Fri, 07 Jul 2006 16:05:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/7/getting_ready_for_school/ I have my books purchased and my loans applied (and accepted) for.
    So now all I need are some really hard classes. I hope that I don't find those for a while ;).]]> Thu, 06 Jul 2006 15:46:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/7/thinking/
    Update:
    My presentation went very well last Thursday (it went 1h and 20m longer than expected!), I think that I clearly communicated my thoughts on computer technologies.
    
    My trip to Indianapolis was amazing. I got to spend time and catch up with a large majority of my family. (I even did a 5 Star Suduko puzzle in 40 min.!). I look forward to returning there in the future.
    
    I am currently back in Flint. I helped out the IT department today and met a couple new students. I need to unpack my belongings and go shopping. I just purchased my books for this term (at half.com).]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2006 16:47:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/6/wednesday_really/ It seems like yesterday was last Wednesday!
    I really need to start packing and getting ready to trek back to Flint, but for some reason, I can't find the gumption.
    
    Tomorrow at work I am giving a presentation on computers, I hope that all goes well.]]> Mon, 26 Jun 2006 20:39:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/6/last_monday/ Sun, 25 Jun 2006 21:11:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/6/what_a_nice_weekend/
    I look forward to finishing this upcoming week and go on vacation. I pray that I can do so without any conflicts at work (which might be inevitable due to my back pay situation).]]> Fri, 23 Jun 2006 21:26:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/6/ahh_praise_god_for_the_weekend/
    In other news, my running is going well. Tim and I ran for 25 minutes today. The river is a beautiful place to run by.]]> Fri, 23 Jun 2006 10:04:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/6/end_of_the_term/
    I am in a good mood, I feel free. I give all the credit to God because my depression lifted during a healing prayer. My goal for the rest of the work term is to be positive and focused on others as much as possible.]]> Tue, 20 Jun 2006 19:27:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/6/fast_tuesday/ I beat Tim for the first time in chess today too, it kind of felt good. I have been playing a bit of chess lately and I think my stragizing is paying off.]]> Sat, 17 Jun 2006 10:43:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/6/its_warm_out/ Fri, 16 Jun 2006 21:19:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/6/friday/ I spent an entire day working on this web site.
    The good news about such an announcement is that I have "finished" the blog system and created a registration system.
    Maybe someone else will use this at some point in time.]]> Fri, 16 Jun 2006 10:57:00 -0004 http://blog.webphactory.net/2006/6/first_post/
    Not much to report. I am working the bugs out of things and adding features as I need them.]]>