"Not I, but Christ."

Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise Thee. So I will bless Thee as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Thy name.  My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.

Psalm 68:3-5

Hello.  I'm still around thank God!  I really think that God has been watching over me lately.  Last month, January 28th, was a special time for me.  You see, I had been involved in a five car/truck auto-accident on the freeway.  It all started with the state patrol stopping three lanes to escort another vehicle from one side of the freeway over to the other side (where there was a shoulder).  Long story short, I was fully stopped in one of the halted lanes when this truck rammed into me from behind at about 40 mph.   The impact totalled my van and caused both front airbags to deploy, and also spin my vehicle counter-clockwise facing traffic.  I was taken to the hospital with leg injuries.  The very next day, I discovered that I had a strained neck.

One month later, I sit here with my right leg almost completely healed (97-98% I would say).  My neck is fine now.  I have no back injuries.  I am so very thankful that I'm in this condition.  It could have easily been worse. The truck could have hit me smack in the center of my rear (instead of my right corner) and that would have pushed me into the state patrol car which was crossing my lane at the time the impact happened.  God knows that I would have sustained front end damage, with the possibility of serious injury to both the patrol officer and myself. 

It all happened so fast.  One moment, I was diving about 50-55 mph in the center lane...next moment, I'm in a medic unit being transported to a nearby hospital.  Life is so short, and it can be shorter than we realize.  God has blessed me and is blessing me with His peace that is for certain.  God is good.  Boy is He! 

Life Is Precious, Handle With Care


Jack took a long look at his speedometer before slowing down: 73 in a 55 zone. Fourth time in as many months. How could a guy get caught so often?

When his car had slowed to 10 miles an hour, Jack pulled over, but only partially. Let the cop worry about the potential traffic hazard. Maybe some other car will tweak his backside with a mirror. The cop was stepping out of his car, the big pad in hand.

Bob? Bob from Church? Jack sunk farther into his trench coat. This was worse than the coming ticket. A cop catching a guy from his own church. A guy who happened to be a little eager to get home after a long day at the office. A guy he was about to play golf with tomorrow.

Jumping out of the car, he approached a man he saw every Sunday, a man he'd never seen in uniform. "Hi, Bob. Fancy meeting you like this."

"Hello, Jack." No smile.

"Guess you caught me red-handed in a rush to see my wife and kids."

"Yeah, I guess." Bob seemed uncertain. Good.

"I've seen some long days at the office lately. I'm afraid I bent the rules a bit, just this once." Jack toed at a pebble on the pavement "Diane said something about roast beef and potatoes tonight. Know what I mean?"

"I know what you mean. I also know that you have a reputation in our precinct." Ouch. This was not going in the right direction. Time to change tactics.

"What did you clock me at?"

"Seventy. Would you sit back in your car please?"

"Now wait a minute here, Bob. I checked as soon as I saw you. I was barely nudging 65." The lie seemed to come easier with every ticket.

"Please, Jack, in the car."

Flustered, Jack hunched himself through the still-open door. Slamming it shut, he stared at the

dashboard. He was in no rush to open the window. The minutes ticked by.

Bob scribbled away on the pad. Why hadn't he asked for a driver's license? Whatever the reason, it would be a month of Sundays before Jack ever sat near this cop again. A tap on the door jerked his head to the left. There was Bob, a folded paper in hand. Jack rolled down the window a mere two inches, just enough room for Bob to pass him the slip.

"Thanks." Jack could not quite keep the sneer out of his voice.

Bob returned to his police car without a word. Jack watched his retreat in the mirror. Jack unfolded the sheet of paper. How much was this one going to cost? Wait a minute. What was this? Some kind of joke? Certainly not a ticket.

Jack began to read: "Dear Jack, Once upon a time I had a daughter. She was six when killed by a car. You guessed it a speeding driver. A fine and three months in jail, and the man was free. Free to hug his daughters. All three of them. I only had one, and I'm going to have to wait until Heaven before I can ever hug her again. A thousand times I've tried to forgive that man. A thousand times I thought I had. Maybe I did, but I need to do it again. Even now.

Pray for me.

And be careful, Jack, my son is all I have left."

"Bob"

Jack turned around in time to see Bob's car pull away and head down the road. Jack watched until it disappeared. A full 15 minutes later, he too, pulled away and drove slowly home, praying for forgiveness and hugging a surprised wife and kids when he arrived.

Life is precious.  Handle with care.  Drive safely and carefully.  Remember, cars are not the only things recalled by their maker.

Last night was a night full of mixed feelings.  I was driving to the fitness center to workout and had noticed that dozens of police officers were in downtown (in support for the Mardy Gras celebration - a often times routy event).  Cops had pulled several vehicles over and had given them tickets.   One of these motorcycle cops that had stopped another car all of the sudden, made a u-turn and flashed his lights behind me pulling me over..

"Sir, one of your headlights is out.  I need to see your license, proof of insurance and registration."

I had no idea that my driver's side headlight went out.  My passenger side light was very bright and it seemed that both lights were on.  It was totally my fault for not checking.

That was the first whammy..

The second whammy was when I tried to find my proof of insurance..

..

..

Where is that piece of paper?!   I was dressed in my workout clothes and didn't bring my wallet.  I DID bring my license, but failed to bring the insurance card!  BAD-BAD situation that turned out to be! 

nope, I didn't get arrested..hehe

I found a copy of my insurance AFTER he gave me the ticket..BUT it was expired in August of last year!  Somehow, I know that I'm insured, but somehow I had forgotten to place the updated card in the glove compartment.  how sad..

So, I was given TWO tickets..non-moving violations..

"Defective Headlight" = $101

"No Insurance Proof" = $538!!!

Yes, you've read that right...$538!  Not $5.38 or $53.80..(I wish)

Tip: Never leave home without your drivers license AND your proof of insurance! 

Guess who's setting up a mitigation hearing?  Here I go again, this will be the fourth time that I'll be seeing the judge in my lifetime..all of them have been for parking citations until now..this is my first headlight/insurance case to deal with.  

As I was handing my license to the officer, I asked him if this was classified as a "moving violation".   I don't believe that insurance companies like that type of stuff on their clients' records.   The officer replied, "No sir."   Thank God!! 

Pemco insurance company is the best place for auto insurance in my opinion.  They have a strict record and will not insure anyone at fault with an accident or traffic violation for the past five years.  If you get around that, their rates are really good!  

Talking about insurance.. I've had one accident where this person changed lanes from my right-hand side and ran right into me.  This person kept going and tried to do a hit and run on me.  I discretely (I think) followed her and caught her as she was going back to her car from a convenience store and she became nervous and furious at me stating that she wasn't involved in any accident.. she quickly went into her car (with LOTS of dents from previous accidents I presume) and drove off.  I called the police and filed a report.  So it turned out from the records pulled by the officer taking my report, that this lady has a history of accidents with NO insurance!  

Pemco was so quick on taking care of my claim and gave me a check for the total cost of fixing the dents!  I didn't have to pay any deductible!  That was pretty cool.   This Pemco insurance agent had indicated that the lady at fault would not return any of their calls.  Interesting.  It's illegal to drive without insurance in Washington state.  I wonder if that person has a valid drivers license. 

So here I am, with two expensive tickets left in my car as I enter the fitness center.   Man, the relief that a good workout can bring is amazing!  Working out certainly takes some of the stress away.  I felt great afterwards and have come to realize that God is STILL good, regardless of the circumstances that life brings before me.   Who knows but God whether or not the devil is mad at my training for the half-marathon (or full marathon depending on how I feel this September)?   Well, regardless, these negative events try to derail me but it's only causing me to be in prayer more and to seek Jesus for peace!

"I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid."  (John 14:27)

"Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us – they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." (Romans 5:1-5)

"Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Great one-liners!  Enjoy! 

Forever

I'll Worship at Your Throne
Whisper my own love song
With all my heart I'll sing
For You my Dad and King
I'll live for all my days
To Put a smile on Your face
And when we finally meet
It'll be for eternity

And Oh how wide You open up Your arms
When I need Your love
And how far You would come
If ever I was lost
And You said that all You feel for me
Is undying love
That You showed me through the cross

I'll worship You my God
I'll worship You my God
I love You
I love You
Forever I will sing
Forever I will be with You
Be with You

Shortly after opening my eyes to start my day, the very first song that popped into my head is this song.  Hillsong has two versions of this song.  The one that I favor is the one off their United Live "Best Friend" album (click on the "Listen Now" link to sample tracks).  Both are great songs but I like the vocals slightly better on the Best Friend album.  Very catchy, soft and worshippy song.   Other songs that I love on this album are "Saving Grace", "Stronger Than", "Jesus Generation".  Great stuff.

At Sunday morning service, my pastor told us a story that I'd like to share with you  (and log onto my blog..hehe).  It's the famous story of The Ginger Bread Man..

I remember the story of the Ginger Bread man
I don't know where I've learned it but
when I was a child, I heard this story about this little girl
and she was baking ginger bread cookies with her mom and
she said,

"Hey mom, could we make a gingerbread man?"

and her mom said, "Sure!"

and so they made this gingerbread man
then, to the little girl's surprise and delight,
the gingerbread man came to life and jumped out of the pan,
and onto the counter,
onto the floor,
and started running to the door, singing

"Run,run as fast as you can! 
You can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man!"

ran out the door, crossed the yard,
the girl's running behind him,
running for the gate,
down the street,
yelling,

"Run,run as fast as you can! 
You can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man!"

Well, he's a fast guy you know.
He's running down through town and the little girl is running after him.
Pretty soon, he gets so far ahead, that she can barely see him.
All she can hear are echoes,

"Run,run as fast as you can! 
You can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man!"..

Pretty soon, he's gone.
The little girl, so sad, starts to walk back home
It took hours.
She gets to the middle of town, and decides to rest at the bakery.

She goes in and sees the display,
and there's this gingerbead man in the window..
She runs in and tells the clerk,
"That's MY gingerbread man there!  Give him to me!"

and the clerk goes, "I've bought that! Today!
Someone has sold me that gingerbread man. 
You have to give me 93 cents if you want that gingerbread man."

"No, you don't understand!  I've made that gingerbread man!  He ran away!", she proclaimed.

"Nope..93 cents", replied the clerk.

so she goes home to her piggy-bank and brings it back to the store
and pours out everything in her piggy-bank
counts it all up..93 cents.

The clerk takes her money and gives her the gingerbread man.

She clutches the gingerbread man,
walks out the door,
and says,
"Now you're twice mine!
First I made you,
and then I bought you!"

That's the story of our lives isn't it?!  God made us, we ran away, he redeemed (bought) us via our Savior Jesus Christ!  We're twice His, we're not our own.  We're twice His!  He's our creator and our redeemer!   I remember a lot of times when I knew that God wanted me..being a little kid and laughing at anyone who "preaches" to me about anything "religious".  All it takes is that leap of faith though, and once that leap is made, wonders happen within.  Changes take place and priorities are not as they once were.   You know what I'm talking about if you're a believer in Christ Jesus.     Man, it's quite a voyage that I'm on! ..life is worth living!

Isn't it great how we can look at things from a new and refreshed perspective?  Even some stories told to us as children can be viewed in God's light!  To me, that's incredible.  Seek Him and you shall find..   God bless you and have a great week!

Love of the Lord Endures

In all that I have found
Your evidence abounds
I've always sensed Your fingerprints
If I just look around
And yet this grand display
Will all soon pass away
So I hold onto the mighty truth
That Your love is here to stay

The love of the Lord endures
The love of the Lord endures
If there's one thing I can be sure
It's that the love of the Lord endures

Life has let me down
In wealth joy, can't be found
I've looked for peace in all of these
But I have always found

The love of the Lord endures
The love of the Lord endures
If there's one thing I can be sure
The love of the Lord endures

When I stumble, when I fall
When I'm walking ten feet tall
Your love is there day after day
Even at the worst extreme
Or after I have been redeemed
Your love is there
And it won't let me go

The love of the Lord endures
The love of the Lord endures
If there's one thing I can be sure
It's that the love of the Lord endures

The love of the Lord endures

Forever, Forever

This is my favorite song on her album with her track "Desperate" being a close second.  This track really features her beautiful solo voice while the georgeous piano piece plays in the background.  Did I tell you that I'm a sucker for piano pieces? 

Man, the Lord is SO AWESOME!  I've had Joy Williams' song in my head all morning..  As I sing this song, I thank Christ for helping me in life.  One praise report that I have in mind is a very recent one..

My van had been towed away when I had realized the sign saying "NO PARKING 7-9 AM".  I had parked in this spot that previous evening.  I had somehow missed the sign and thought that it was a free spot as several cars had parked on that side of the busy street that evening.  Well, the next rush hour morning, that whole side of the street had been completely cleared of every vehicle.  I had found myself standing there thinking, "Who stole my van?!"  until reading that sign..(duh!)..

What a lonely feeling it was to be without a vehicle.   The next question had surfaced, "Who towed my van?!"  There are many tow companies in Seattle and one of them was Lincoln Towing so I called them first.  Sure enough, it was there!  Greatfully, I found a friend who had driven me to the yard.  Do you know that song "Reunited" by the couple Peaches & Herb? 

Reunited and it feels so good,

Reunited and it's understood..

We both are so excited cause we're

Reunited hey-hey..

Yeah, picture this..a dreamy scene where, in slow motion, I'm running to my van with arms open wide..lol..well, I had reunited with my loved one for big $$..like $108!  It's good that I don't do this often!    Did you know that even if you get to your vehicle on time, if that tow truck has it's equipment attached to your car/truck, you have to pay them $$ to release it!  It's been a few years ago, but I remember that situation!  Lesson of the story, it doesn't pay to be late.  (grin)

So, you're probably wondering why this is a praise report?  I'm getting there..

On my van window, there was little piece of paper..lol.  Yep, you guessed it, a parking ticket.  It was pricey too!  They're about 35-45 bucks depending on the severity of the infraction.  Promptly, I sent the ticket in the mail requesting a hearing to explain the circumstances.  I wasn't trying to wiggle out of being guilty; I was but wanted to have this fine reduced if possible.  I was late to pickup my car, but the ticket was made out at 07:03 a.m.!!!  Now three minutes is pretty prompt of the meter maid/cop do you not agree? 

So here I am, before the magistrate explaining to him that I was indeed late, but I was very surprised of the promptness of receiving the ticket.  It would have been nice to have a larger grace period..lol.  I didn't laugh in front of the judge, but he agreed that the city is trying to increase their revenues but we still have streets out there needing servicing.  City is prompt giving tickets but slow responding to street maintenance. 

Now comes the blessing..

This judge noticed my clean record and said, "You don't have to pay this.  I'll grant you this one time only.  You may go.  Happy holidays."   "Happy holidays"?   Why do more and more people say that?  Being politically correct is a drag.   I say, MERRY CHRISTMAS!   It's not a problem for me to say that..I'm not afraid to let others know that I'm a Christian (though saying Merry Christmas doesn't necessarily mean that you are one).  (sigh)  Times are changing..  

Yes, the Lord is good!  Christ has blessed me again by making a grim situation turn out happy!  He works behind the scenes and helps those who look upon Him.

Thank you Lord for working in my life and for blessing me with your love and companionship!  I love You and love everything about You!   I look forward to when I'm worshipping You forever!  For You made us to worship you and I'm in bliss to be in Your presence!  Lord, I give myself to you..fill this temple with Your Spirit and strengthen me so I may live in You the way You want me to.

And we can be confident that He will listen to us whenever we ask Him for anything in line with His will.  And if we know He is listening when we make our requests, we can be sure that He will give us what we ask for. ~ 1 John 5:14-15

Our hope is sure, for God hears our prayers!

This is a picture that I've taken yesterday of the Space Needle with the Olympic Mountains in the background.  It was REALLY crisp and clear out..about 28 degrees Fahrenheit outside!  Brrrrrr!

The Visitor

What a story!    I hope this has brought a little smile on those faces of yours!   God bless.. 

Here's another good one I couldn't resist from posting..

The Master Weaver

Our lives are but fine weavings
That God and we prepare,
Each life becomes a fabric planned
And fashioned in His care.

We may not always see just how
The weavings intertwine,
But we must trust the Master's hand
And follow His design,

For He can view the pattern
Upon the upper side,
While we must look from underneath
And trust in Him to guide......

Sometimes a strand of sorrow
Is added to His plan,
And though it's difficult for us,
We still must understand

That it's He who fills the shuttle,
It's He who knows what's best,
So we must weave in patience
And leave to Him the rest.....

Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why--

The dark threads are as needed
In the Weaver's skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.


From a Hallmark card, Author Unknown

Hoping that everyone is having a peaceful and God-blessed Christmas season.  Hey, it's guaranteed to be blessed!  The blessing of Christmas is our salvation! ..Christmas day isn't the exact day that Christ was born, but still, this is the time of year where we celebrate His birth into the world.  Without Christmas and Easter, we would be such sorry sinners..not knowing true salvation and not coming to feel joy, love and peace in Him.  Thank You Jesus for Your love for us! 

Isn't He

Isn't He beautiful?
Beautiful, oh isn't He?
Prince of Peace,
Almight God,
isn't He?
isn't He?
Isn't He?

~John Wimber

This is an old story but I thought it was worth posting.  God bless!

Did God create Evil?

At a certain college, there was a professor with a reputation for being tough on Christians. At the first class every semester, he asked if anyone was a Christian, whereupon he proceeded to degrade any poor soul that timidly answered "Yes," mocking his/her statement of faith.

One semester, he asked the question and a young freshman raised his hand. The professor asked, "Did God make everything, young man?"

He replied, "Yes sir, he did!"

The professor responded, "If God made everything, then he made evil."

The student didn't have a response and the professor was happy to have once again proved the Christian faith to be a myth.

Then another student raised his hand and asked, "May I ask you something, sir?"

"Yes, you may," responded the professor.

The young man stood up and said "Sir, is there such a thing as cold?"

"Of course there is, what kind of question is that? Haven't you ever been cold?"

However, to the professor's surprise, this young chap replied, "Actually, sir, cold doesn't exist. What we consider to be cold, is really an absence of heat. Absolute zero is when there is absolutely no heat, but cold does not really exist. We have only created that term to describe how we feel when heat is not there."

Then the young fellow continued, "Sir, is there such a thing as dark?"

Once again, the professor responded "Of course there is."

And once again, the young man replied "Actually, sir, darkness does not exist. Darkness is really only the absence of light. Darkness is only a term man developed to describe what happens when there is no light present."

The final question posed by our young friend went like this, "Sir, is there such thing as evil?"

The professor responded, "Of course. We have rapes, and murders and violence everywhere in the world; those things are evil."

The student replied, "Actually, sir, evil does not exist. Evil is simply the absence of good. Evil is a term man developed to describe the absence of good. God did not create evil. It isn't like truth, or love, which exist as virtues like heat or light. Evil is simply the state where good is not present, like cold without heat or darkness without light."

The professor had nothing to say.