Lakers!!!!!!!! Finally.
Dec 5, 2012
Aug 27, 2012
Jul 3, 2012
This has just been added to my prayer list!
Detroit to be hit by flesh and brain-eating zombie apocalypse (but only if live-action terror theme park is pushed through) | Mail Online http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2168161/Detroit-hit-flesh-brain-eatin...
Jun 21, 2012
When Girls Gone Wild Visits Your Church
So, I was looking out my church office window, and look who pulled into my parking lot.
Should I go and ask them if they need prayer?
Jun 19, 2012
The Orthodox and Protestant Views of Salvation: With Cool Theological Chairs
If you've ever wondered what the difference between Protestant and Orthodox views of salvation were, well ... here ya go:
Jun 6, 2012
Hey, Christian Girl ...
Justin Ibrahim let me know where he gets all of his edifying Christian lines ... Awesome.
May 27, 2012
Zombie Apocalypse Cometh!
Naked man killed by Police near MacArthur Causeway was ‘eating’ face off victim - Miami-Dade - MiamiHerald.com http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/05/26/2818832/naked-man-shot-killed-on-macart...
May 24, 2012
The Dullness of Power
Why is it the more powerful someone becomes, the less imaginative they tend to be? Power must dull the creative juices. Maybe, as the person in power grows, they have little need to impress anyone with their gifting. Thus, they just stop working their creative muscle. (Which I think is located in the elbow area, next to the funny bone).
It reminds me how some guys put on a great show in order to impress a young lady. They’ll open doors, buy them gifts, watch their P’s and Q’s, and act like a wondrous romantic. Then, after they secure the lady, for which they have hunted, they drop their facade and act, well, turdish. Once they rise to a place of power in the relationship they stop listening to those around them.
Maybe.
Perhaps, it’s because a powerful person is all about their Self. Their sense of beauty becomes limited. Instead of beauty being at the heart of their good and moral life, they have purposely, due to years of mistrust, hurt, and pride, hung a portrait of Self. Except with more hair and less body fat.
Sometimes, popular musicians lose their hunger to win over an audience and resort to riding the wave of their outdated number one hit. Did money and fame dull their creativity? Nah. It’s probably all the dope they smoked.
Hmmm, ... maybe the exact opposite of all I said is true. Perhaps, those who are not powerful have less responsibility and, as a result, more time to spend their waking hours daydreaming.
I don’t like that thought so much. It makes me feel a tad convicted.
Let’s stick with the fact that powerful people are dull and “over-Selfed.” Yeah, ... now I fell better about myself. Except, I believe I've been lacking in the creativity department for my overuse of the the words “perhaps” and “maybe” in the writing of this blurb. That’s probably due to the rise in power I’ve been experiencing lately . . .
. . . maybe.
CoCo Cool interactive spot for productivity ...
<br /><span style="font-size: 12px;">Click image to open interactive version (via Simply Business).</span>
May 15, 2012
JESUS BECAME A VIDEO GAME STAR
I've just started to play the game and ... well ... it might not be that bad. I'll report on it more ... I think the game is about to baptize me.
Game: http://www.facebook.com/JourneyOfJesus
Video of the game: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd2N2niXehE
Apr 30, 2012
Child Sacrifice
In San Diego, this past weekend, an 8-year-old boy was rescued by a lady who prevented the boy's father from successfully sacrificing him, while the child's mother and sisters watched.
Here's a link to the article: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Father-Sacrifice-Son-Mount-Hope-Cemeter...
The Bible tells us that God told Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. What a horrible concept.
Now, of course, we know that God was only testing Abraham and, eventually, kept him from continuing through with the sacrifice of his son. But what about Isaac? Do you think he trusted his dad after such an event?
From his perspective, it would seem that his dad went nuts. Imagine sitting at the dinner table later that night. Sarah, Isaac's mom, asks Isaac if he had fun hiking with his father. Isaac, who from this point on probably becomes a total Emo kid, mumbles the classic kid response: "it was cool, I guess." At which point, Abraham, in order to change the subject, asks his wife to kindly pass the fatted calf.
We are not given an actual insight into the emotions and mindset of Abraham and Isaac during this event. We do know Abraham trusted God. Some scholars believe that Abraham believed God would not actually have him go through with it, or, at very least, would resurrect him right after the event.
Regardless, child sacrifice is atrocious. Thankfully, we have a God who detests the practice as well.* That is one of the many things that set apart the God of Abraham from the other gods of his day. Those who worshipped Molech, for example, practiced child sacrifice. They would toss their newborn children onto a heated stone bowl that was part of a grotesque statue of the their god, Molech.
[[posterous-content:pid___1]]
When Yahweh stopped Abraham from following through with the sacrifice, such an event was unheard of in the pagan world. None of their gods would have ever been merciful in such a way as to stop a child sacrifice.
The greatness of our God is so wondrous, He even gave up His only Son as a sacrifice for us. No god is like our God.
As for the man in San Diego who tried to sacrifice his child due to a command his dead grandmother gave him, ... hmmm, nothing more needs be said. I am just thankful God had a person nearby who was able to intervene and save that child.
It's a crazy world.
*"There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead." - Deuteronomy 18:10-12.
Apr 24, 2012
Prison may just be the best form of retirement ... if you live in Norway.
Norway has a lower rate of recidivism than our own beloved United States of America. Could it be that they are just a calmer people over all? Perhaps. But I'm telling you that if we had prisons like the ones they have in Norway, people would be literally killing each other to get inside. (Which is pretty much what you have to do anyway).
Watch this video and marvel at the simple fact that the prison you are about to see is home to chainsaw killers, child molesters, murderers, and jay walkers.
Apr 9, 2012
Attack of the Hill People
This picture shows the true roots of the Antelope Valley. Here, in 1910, hundreds of Antelope Valley Hill People raid the lower throngs of the flatlands to wage their annual Easter Bunnycide. Eventually, PETA stopped this insanity a few decades ago. Now, with nothing else to do, the descendents of the Hill People roam the local WalMart in the wee hours of the night while spreading creepiness and uncomfortable glances with each step they take. [[posterous-content:pid___0]]
Apr 5, 2012
Love this: "Use a Cell, Go to Hell"
For all of those who tire of hearing phones go off in church, during weddings, or funerals ... enjoy:
Apr 3, 2012
Oakland, OJ, and Ono
Three items have caught my attention today.
The first, is the horrible shooting at Oikos Christian school in Oakland. A reality where school shootings are a normal part of life is very troubling. How horrific to envision those poor students and teachers having to undergo such a living nightmare. I pray God brings great healing to that little community and especially to those who have lost loved ones or were injured in the attack.
The second item of intrigue is the new book coming out claiming OJ Simpson's innocence. It aims to prove the killer to be Jason Simpson, the son of OJ and Nicole. Before you start laughing keep in mind that Dan Rather is promoting this book. OK, now you can laugh.
The third item is not so tragic. (Well, I guess it might become a tragedy. We'll see). Apparently, John, Paul, George and Ringo have four sons who are willing to form a band. A sort of "Beatles 2" thing. I wonder if they'll have a Yoko Ono problem. Genetically speaking, this might be worthy of a listen. But, I'm pretty sure it will be awkward. If genetics are the key, Kobe Bryant's father played 8 years in the NBA. But, then again, Luke Walton, another NBA player, is the son of NBA great Bill Walton. So, I guess it just depends.
Mar 27, 2012
When Acting Crazy is Part of the Plan
We all know someone who is a little off. Chances are they might be family members, neighbors, or even fellow employees. Or you.
I live in a place known as the Antelope Valley and, to be kind, there are many, um, flavorful people here. There are those who might wear tinfoil upon their heads, to make sure that the government cannot read their minds, while there are some who dress in such a way that could only be described as "People-of-WalMart-Worthy". (For more info on that, please visit www.peopleofwalmart.com).
This desert has a tendency to breed crazy. That being said, there are thousands of wonderful, good-natured, folk who live here as well. It's just that they have learned to stay indoors where it's not so crazy and, thus, are not seen around town that much.
But sometimes, and this is just sometimes, acting crazy might be the appropriate plan of action. King David did this once when he was escaping from King Saul by going to see King Achish of the land of Gath. Once there, the people of Gath warned the King that David was one who is esteemed even more than Saul. (Saul and the people of Gath did not get along too well). This freaked David out and he chose a simple escape plan: he acted nuts.
Here is the story from 1 Samuel 21:
10 That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath. 11 But the servants of Achish said to him, “Isn’t this David, the king of the land? Isn’t he the one they sing about in their dances:
“‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?”
12 David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath. 13 So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard.
14 Achish said to his servants, “Look at the man! He is insane! Why bring him to me? 15 Am I so short of madmen that you have to bring this fellow here to carry on like this in front of me? Must this man come into my house?”
David acted crazy so as to escape death. Smart. When I was in high school, I escaped the wrath of certain bullies by using humor to calm them down. I think all of us have a few tricks we've learned to curtail the malicious intent of others. But, on a much smaller scale, what tricks do we employ to escape getting in trouble when we're late, forgot to do something, or simply failed? Do we lie, make excuses, or play dumb? Or do we own up to it and take it?
Some of us are really good at owning up to our junk while some of us, um, not so much. Where do you find yourself on this scale?
Mar 26, 2012
Wow.
My family and I have just become part of a great church. It's called Journey Church and it is located in the Antelope Valley.
I've never, in nearly 20 years of ministry, received such a wonderful and warm welcome into a new church family. It's humbling.
Cup Cake Bar .... Gift Cards ... Wow.
To our new church family, THANK YOU!! You have truly blessed us beyond our wildest expectations. We cannot wait for all that the Lord has in store for us as we partner together in ministry, friendship, and life.
Thanks Again,
The Grundy Clan
Mar 22, 2012
Drama on a Vacation
Our family, along with the Schultz clan and half of the Bartram tribe, are experiencing a wonderful vacation up here in the snow covered community that is Mammoth. But this beautiful experience encountered a bump in the road that caught all of us by surprise.
We are staying in a wonderful three story condo surrounded by snow. Our children have been running around and frolicking in the icy mirth and forgetting, quite well, that they soon have to return to the desert.
Anyway, the manager appeared and informed us that our children are not allowed to play in the snow. (Sad, but such is life). As this was going on, however, a lady came out from her condo and informed us that she hates our children.
?!?!?
That's about all I'm going to say about this adventure. What would you do in this situation? Unfortunately, I missed the entire ordeal for I was finishing reading the Hunger Games. If you could imagine, things had the ingredients to become very explosive.
Mar 15, 2012
Forgiveness is a Thing of the Past
We all know that there are different levels of forgiveness. Some of it is not that hard to do. Especially, over minor offenses that are coupled with an apologetic perpetrator who desperately wishes to correct any wrong they committed. Then there's the jerks on the freeway who cut you off and apply discouraging finger gestures toward your person. There's a special place in the afterlife for them. I'm not sure where it is. But I've been told it's very hot all times of the year.
Anyway, ...
If you've read enough about healing and forgiveness, then you probably know that it is a healthy thing to forgive people even when they don't ask to be forgiven. But where's the fun in that? I know, I know, ... we are to forgive the sins of others so our Heavenly Father will forgive us of our sins. I got that. Heck, I've even preached that.
Forgiving others just so we can move on in life is a healthy and beneficial discipline that all of us need to embrace. However, the one aspect of forgiveness that people tend to share with me that I don't always agree with is when they expect me to contact the person who has wronged me in order to share with them that I forgive them.
What?
I mean, there are some extreme cases where I believe that is an appropriate path of action. However, when the other person doesn't have the strength of character to approach the one they've wronged and ask to work it out, I don't believe it's always necessary to be the "strong" or more "mature" one and lead the way toward freedom, reconciliation, etc. by calling them up on the phone and letting them know that you forgive them. (Unless, of course, God tells you to do just that).
But when do we know it is the appropriate thing to do? Such an action could come across as smug or even lead to a new realm of anger or fighting.
Imagine being on the receiving end of that phone call:
"Hey, Bob, I'm just calling to tell you that I forgive you for being such a jerk. I know you were wrong and hurt me but I'm being the bigger person by letting you know that I ... yes I ... have thus chosen to forgive you of all wrong doing toward my person. So go and sin no more."
Here is my conclusion on the matter: If you wish to set someone free then go for it. If you believe it doesn't really matter one way or the other then I would still lend toward the setting of their persons free. However, if that person is a leader of others then I would not be so gungho on contacting them. I believe that such action needs to be prayerfully considered. For example, calling them up and letting them know that you do forgive them may, in fact, be the answer to their prayer. All of us feel awkward when it comes to reconciliation. And they may just not know how to bridge that gap. Yet, I believe there are times when calling them up and setting them free does not help them to grow. Consider the possiblity that they are the ones who, if they so desire to be set free or work things out, need to be the ones who call. They must "cowboy/cowgirl up." It's like many things in life that we just have to do ourselves. Like asking someone out on a date. Don't have your friends do it for you. You have to.
Regardless, in all things, seek God for direction as well as those around you who know when you're just being stubborn.
Mar 13, 2012
A typical "footprints in the sand" sort of thing
Throughout this last year my family and I have gone through quite a bit of stress. We're not the only ones. It seems as if stress and worry have eroded the joy and happiness of many of our friends and family.
I've heard from many people during this last season of life how God will not give us more than we can handle. My response has been that it is not God with whom I am worried about giving me more than my family can handle: it's all the junk and dysfunction that others bring my way (plus my own shortcomings) that brings me concern.
There's a lot of hurt, angry, and mean people out there. And, as we've seen on may bumper stickers, hurt people hurt people. And mean people, well, ... you know.
The Apostle Paul has the gift of causing all of us to realize that we do not have it that bad. During his time on earth, Paul was persecuted, beaten, shipwrecked, jailed, despised, and a plethora of other things that brought him sorrow after sorrow, but, after so many difficulties, he was able to say that:
"8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4)
Life with God and without God is filled with both difficulties and joys. Yet, for those of us who follow our Lord, we know first hand that He will be with us through all things and will never forsake us. In that we can find hope, trust, and, though it may seem absurd, joy.
Even as I sit here writing this I find myself swamped with wanting to share so many insights and experiences we have endured throughout the 2010 to 2012 bumps in the road. Yet, I can agree with Paul on this: we may be pushed to places we will find extremely difficult and painful. But we will make it to the other side and see that God was with us through every step of the way.
Jan 1, 2012
Toronto Vineyard Madness: Don't Go Beyond What Is Written
During the Toronto Blessing years many people went flat out whacky in church. Roaring like lions, fillings being turned to gold, and hysterical laughing filled the church services while repentance, salvation, and order took a nose dive.
Here is a confession from one of the Vineyard pastors in Toronto who led his church into that deception. Pastor Paul Gowdy's repentance is heartfelt and his article provides some disturbing insight into the "crazy" that was the Vineyard Toronto Blessing. It's sobering.
http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=13427&for...
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