Tribond

What does these three have in common?

A. All came from same city
B. All had sitcoms based in same city
C. share same birthday
D. like same NBA team
E. love to eat at KFC

Let's go Brew Crew

The Brewers won a big game yesterday in St. Louis. Here is my favorite player, Carlos Lee, saving the home run (and the loss) in the 10th inning. so What does Carlos Lee do in the top of the 11th inning? The picture on top is a home run trot in extra innings to win the game. So here is the tribute to the Panamanian Cattle rancher/baseball player!

Jesus Christ: The Resurrected Savior

Jesus Christ died almost 2000 years ago. Why did he die?
A) the Jews hated him
B) Satan wanted the Son of God dead
C) Judas betrayed him
D) Jesus wanted to die
E) You and I have sinned against Almighty God




Correct Answer: E. The only reason the Son of God came to earth was to die. You and I, my friend, have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Because of God's holiness and perfection, He hates sin. For many years, God accepted the sacrifices of bulls and goats as a temporary atonement, covering of the sins. But it wasn't enough. It was temporary, insufficient.
When the Son of God died on the cross, our sins were nailing him to the wood. He took our place, the judgement that should be on our heads was upon Him. The great news is that Jesus did not stay dead, no He rose again 3 days later. This empty tomb reminds us that Jesus is resurrected and alive today! How do I know He lives? He lives within my heart.
The message that brings salvation is that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved!!

Beware of the Wabbit

What is this picture?

A. Easter Bunny
B. Trick Photography
C. Veggie Eating, Garden Destroying, Leek loving mammal
D. Target of marked gunsmen
E. My Supper tonight



Answer: C and Dhttp://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060407/od_afp/afplifestylebritainfoodrabbitoffbeat;_ylt=AqaeCQt4FsD0IZZYOdPR0mGs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3ODdxdHBhBHNlYwM5NjQ-


story:

Bracket Buster

This man broke my bracket. Actually, his little band of followers in green broke my bracket. What is a bracket you say? Why, it is the pairings of highly established, credited, educational institutions in a competitive and gamely sportsmanship of roundball. The #11 seeded Patriots, from George Mason University have made it to the Final Four, thus ending millions of people's chances of winning their office pool. Because I believe gambling is a sin, my silly online brackets are now busted. But I am now a big James Madison, I mean George Washington, I mean George Mason fan. Their #1 Fan!!! Let's Win Saturday, win one for me!
For a history lesson, check this website out!
http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/B/gmason/gmas01.htm

Why I am a dog person

Does this cat look right to you? Apparently this cat has created havoc in Ct. Even attacking the Avon lady. I guess he liked Mary Kay better.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20060329/D8GL7P580.html

No I didn't see this

http://www.eonline.com/News/Items/0,1,18602,00.html?fdnews

Say it ain't so Luke...say it ain't so.
No I did not see this, but I have been on this road many times.

Why does God allow suffering?

Why does God allow suffering? Why do we experience times in our life when we experience pain and tough times?
Does God care? Did He turn His back on us?
In Romans 5, Paul tells us that there is a purpose to our suffering. He writes we rejoice in our sufferings. How can that be possible? Who in the right mind says they rejoice in their suffering? It doesn't seem logically possible, to enjoy suffering. Yet the Bible tells us we need to rejoice in our sufferings. How can we?
In Romans 5, Paul tells us that there is a process that takes place when we suffer. Our suffering produces perseverance and patience. Trusting in the grace of God during tough circumstances results in our patience and perseverance. Through our perseverance, God is building our character. Our integrity and character is built through adversity. And our character is producing hope, which is found in Christ Jesus.
Points to ponder when going through tough times
1) God is desiring your whole heart, mind, soul
2) We are made for eternity (Our suffering is momentary compared to the glory of eternity)
3) When we go through suffering God is conforming us to the image of His Son
4) The suffering and trials we experience are only part of the journey, not the destination.
5) Rejoicing in our suffering doesn't mean we love the process, but we trust God that He has a plan in our lives

Everyone should see this blog

www.gretchenjohnson.blogspot.com
it's an amazing website, especially b/c of the blog dedicated to our favorite dog in the world, Sadie!

http://www.tvacres.com/images/flash_dog.jpg

Against all Hope

In Romans 4 Paul tells us that against all hope, Abraham believed. God had promised that Abraham would have many descendants. One problem, he and Sara were old and they had no children. But the Bible says that Abraham believed, and that was credited to him as righteousness.

here is a picture of Abraham.

Is Paul the 12th Apostle?

After Judas hung himself, we see the Apostles looking for a replacement. Why did they need a 12th apostle? What was so important that they needed a 12th apostle?
In Matthew 19:28 there is a promise to the apostles, that they will sit on 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel when Christ sits on His glorious throne. These apostles knew they needed to choose the 12th man, because Judas did not truly belong to the 12.
In Acts 1, we see the apostles choosing Matthias as the 12th apostle. God showed the 11 that Matthias would be the man to be the 12th apostle.
In Acts 12, James the brother of John is killed by King Herod. But we do not see the apostles choosing a 12th?
Many people believe and teach that the apostles got it wrong, that Paul was the 12th apostle. What was the mission of the Apostle Paul?
Acts 9:15, the Lord Jesus Christ said to Ananias, "Go! This man (Paul) is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel." With Paul we see the mystery of this dispensation, never before revealed to Moses, David, Isaiah, and even the 12th apostles. It was that the Gentiles and the Jews would be equal, one new man. We see this in Ephesians 1,3, Colossians 1, and Romans 16:25.
So no, Paul was not the 12th apostle, he was the apostle sent to the Gentiles.
What does this mean? Paul tells us the plans God has for this dispensation, and what God desires for us to do.

July 17th: World Will Never be the Same

We are excited about the new bundle of joy God is forming right now. It is an amazing process, the 9 months of pregnancy. I believe that it is indeed a gift from God. On the other hand, thoughts of sadness and sorrow are for the millions of babies that were murdered before they could experience one second of breath out of the womb. I am also sad that many women are going through this process alone, without a husband at their side.

Biblical thought of the day: Jesus foretold of a terrible day of Tribulation in the future. He said that it would be terrible for pregnant women, having to run away for protection...
I'm glad we don't have to worry about the Tribulation...for Jennifer's sake (and chuggy's, and jill's, and sarah's)

have you hugged a deer today?

Psalm 42:1 "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God."

This is a powerful passage of Scripture. It reminds us of how desparate undomesticated animals are. They are seeking food, water, shelter, and sometimes escape from other predators. And yet, the psalmist compares the desire for water for a deer to the desire we need to have for God.
It is also a convicting truth as well. How often do I long for God the way an animal longs for nourishment? We become so wrapped up in life, in our jobs, with our family, with the newest philosphy, the hippest song, with American Idol, the Winter Olympics, with the 5 for 5 special at Arby's, with Twinkies, with the labor talks of the NFL and how it will impact the future of the Packers...let's get back to what is the important things of life.
This Psalm is very inspiring. "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God."

So today, if you see a deer, give it a hug. And may it be a reminder of the desire we need to have for God.

Best snack of all time

We love Twinkies here in the Records house. Actually, it's just me. And I only eat one per year. but boy, is that one sure good. Here are some fun Twinkie facts for you.
1)They were invented in 1930.
2)They were first filled with banana cream
3) They were switched to vanilla creme during the banana ration in World War II.
4) Half a billion are made each year.
5) They were named Twinkie after a revelation of a man seeing a road sign for Twinkle Toe Shoes.
Does anyone have a Twinkie story to share?

www.twinkies.com/recipe_list.asp?cid=1&recipetype=Twinkies

Prayer Meetings

I am now ready to die and go to heaven. The reason why I say this is because of a statement I heard tonight. Setting the scene: prayer meeting, around 8:23 pm, deep discussion about jealousy and envy. ok
"i used to be jealous of the San Diego Chicken. And then one week later he got sued for a $1 million."


Followed by total laughter, tears streaming down my cheeks....



I couldn't get past that first part...of all the people to be jealous of in the world...

Why we do not water baptize

Many people get baptized. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Jehovah Witnesses, Catholics, and various Christian denominations teach a water baptism of some sort. Some believe in a sprinking, others in complete immersion. Some believe it is necessary for salvation, others believe that it is a show of faith.

Why is there so much confusion? Who was this practice for?

One key passage that helps us understand God is found in Ephesians 3. The Apostle Paul tells us that he was given the mystery of the dispensation of grace, the church age. It was not revealed to anyone else in the past, but is now being revealed. One grievous error in many churches is that they believe Matthew 28 was the last message Jesus gave his followers. They do not realize that all of Paul's letters should be "red letter", because Jesus Christ gave Paul the message of the Dispensation of Grace. The mystery is that the Gentiles and Jews are now equal, this is something we do not even see in Acts 2, as it was still God dealing with Israel.
Paul lets us know that it is not the physical rituals of the law that God wants, but the spiritual realities He has replaced with. For example, Pauls says in Ephesians 4:4-6 that there is only one baptism for today. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 Paul tells us that we are baptized into the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. Yet, in Ephesians 1:13-14 Paul writes that the Holy Spirit enters us at the moment of faith, of salvation. Paul even says that (1 Cor 1:14-17) that Christ did not send him to water baptize. If he is the apostle to the Gentiles (which he claims to be), then in our following of his example (1 cor 11:1) we should look to his ministry as an example in this dispensation.

She Passed

Congrats to my sister on passing her boards. Look how happy she is after coming out of the examination room. If you look closer, you can see all the study materials she used in preparation.
Jenn and I are excited that she is moving out to NJ to be our pediatrician. We are looking forward to chuggy giving our new baby and Sadie their vaccinations. Congrats Chuggy!

What's in your Wallet?

Give Me $10,000 or Sadie GeTs iT!


How much are you worth? If something bad were to happen to you, how much would your spouse pay to get you back? If your favorite puppy would be stolen, how much would you pay to get her back? I love my dog, but if the price is to high, someone else can have that wonderful dog that loves to jump and lick human skin. There is always a price that we would be willing or not willing to pay for a dog. But what about humans?
The Bible tells us that we are very valuable to God. So valuable, that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, paid the ransom that we owed. This ransom cost Jesus everything. He did not withold anything from us. Romans 3:22-28 tells us that we receive this sacrifice through faith, not by works. It is a fascinating study, and I recommend that you pull out a Bible and read it.

The only way to heaven is putting your faith and trust into the finished work on the cross, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The moment of salvation, you have been forgiven, and the ransom of your sins has been paid. Amen.

What Makes me Special

Because I have been receiving heat to not only update this mindless tomfoolery, but also to write about why I am weird, I will answer my critics.
Why I am unique:
1) when i was a little baby the nurse stuck needles in my eyes. to this day, i am afraid of hospitals and needles
2) I believe in conspiracies (JFK, Northern Galatia theory of Galatians, pop rocks and pepsi, how did Senator Palpatine become the Emperor (Darth Sidious and when did everyone know?) did Leia really know Luke was her brother? )
3) i loved watching the old Dukes of Hazzard, just enjoyed the good ole boys (that is Tom Wopat, Luke Duke)
4) some people think i obsess about food, like what i am going to eat for the next meal. but this goes back to my early infant state, when i was unable to eat. also when i was a little lad, i would cry when the spoon hit the bowl, i knew the food was almost gone.
5) i love popcorn, so much i like to eat it everyday. i even bought a popper off of ebays

feel free to add what I omitted

Just put the bunny Down

So once again, I have encountered a "famous" person. See, I was raised in southern Illinois, a rural area. We never encountered anyone who was in
TV or the movies. So when I come across people in NYC, I am always a little suprised. It has been well noted in other blogs, that I have seen Adam Sandler, Jack Nicholson, Alyssa Milano, Joe Torre, and President Bush's motorcade. Now to be added to this list: Mr Nicholas Cage.
As Ben and I were walking down 5th ave, i heard this whispering "nic cage, nic cage". I look up to see Mr. Nicholas Cage and his wife? (we don't really know who was with him because we couldn't believe it was him). Mr. Cage made eye contact with me and we kept walking in the opposite direction. The funny thing is, in NYC, everyone looks down or straight. Therefore, he could virtually go unnoticed while walking down 5th ave without a disguise. However, I am from rural Illinois, so I try to be nice to everyone. Therefore I am always looking to say hi or give the proverbial nod of the head. Anyway, this is the face I saw, maybe with less smirk.
The funny part of the whole story is Ben kept referring to him as "Nic Cage" (as if he knows him personally)!!