New Year Resolutions...

Jonathan Edwards has some great ones. I am stealing from him while adding a couple of my own... (placing them in an order that seems most beneficial to me.)

Resolved, To study scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive, myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

Resolved, That I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God' s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved, to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved, to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.

Resolved, To, in accordance with Paul's first letter to the Corinthians (9:27), buffet my body, and make it my slave, through exercise and the denial of self, to prove to myself that I, through the power of the Holy Spirit, am able to overcome my flesh and persevere, striving for holiness, knowing I will never attain it completely in this world.

Resolved, When I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

Resolved, To think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

Resolved, Never, henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God's.

Resolved, To be the best husband to Sarrah that I can be, in thought, action, and most importantly, prayer, to continually lift her up, that God may continue to use her as an instrument, not only in my own life, but in the lives of all whom she comes in contact with.

Resolved, Very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness, of which I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance.

Resolved, To inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent,- what sin I have committed,-and wherein I have denied myself;-also at the end of every week, month and year.

Resolved, If ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

Colorado

Sarrah and I spent the past week in Dillon, Colorado (our future home - God willing!). We skied for 3 days in Breckenridge - amazing!! Can't wait to go back!! Merry Christmas!

Understanding Hebrews

Starting with chapter 1 verse 1.

"God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways"

God Spoke

Formerly to the prophets ................................. Now by the Son
Then to the fathers ......................................... But now to us
Then at various times .................. Now as at the end of the times
In many ways ............................................ Now by the Word


God, allow me to continue on this path you have put me on once again. Do not let me stray... keep me in the center with you!

Blast from the Past...

I found this in an old trunk in my Mom's garage this weekend... Oh the nostalgia...

Since playing its first gig in April of 1993, Denton, Texas' alternative rock phenomenon ting has made some major headway, and impressive feat for a band so new on the scene.

Favoring an energetic, melodic sound built on the foundation of acoustic and electric guitars, ting boasts a lineup that includes vocalist Matt Gibbings, acoustic guitarist Shane Yarbrough, electric guitarist David Trammel, bassist Jameson Longanecker and drummer Clint Stapleton.

Captivating live performances have earned the group a large, loyal following in Denton, Dallas, and Ft. Worth in addition to praise and support from more established artists like Austin musician David Garza.

Furthermore, ting's debut cassette, a five song sampling of infectious guitar-pop, will soon begin a second printing. The cassette features audience favorites like "talk-awhile" and "friend" and promises to raise the band's stakes significantly.

For more information, contact ting at:

p.o. box 9417
denton, tx 76203
(214) 520-2982

Our Look-A-Likes

Shane...



My Sarrah...

10 Years Ago Today...

Happy Birthday to me...

I'm 10 today!!!

Mi Gatos

I honestly have no idea how Abraham did what he did. He had to take his son and be ready to sacrifice him... I only had to give away my cats of seven years. Tough to do, but I know it is the best for our household and especially for Sarrah. Getting the fur out of this house will be an amazing thing... They will be missed...

My Job...

My current job is really getting stressful. I work anywhere from 60-80 hours a week, and it's not nearly enough. I have about 150 unreturned emails to address from the past week, and over 70 vm's. I have 2 projects that needed to be completed last week that will take at least a day for each one. And, the last project I had was/is a complete disaster. This is not of my own fault, but because we haven't had an accounting system to actually put the a/r in. I've been working from 2:20 am and its now almost 7pm. I'll do the same almost everyday this week. That means I'm making about $7.29/hr. Not worth it for the amount of stress...

Father in Heaven- thank You for my job! I am soo grateful that You delivered me from a lifetime of bartending into the 'real world'. You allow me to provide for Sarrah, while being able to spend great time with her! Thank You! I know that You will continue to provide for me and us, but You know how I fear the unknown. I pray that if transition is on its way, please make it easy. Sarrah needs the absence of stress at this time in her life, especially until we get her Veldona. I pray for that as well... You know she needs it... thank You for allowing us to host the Austin's!!! I pray that Sarrah was an encouragement to Melanie, and I pray for Rob, that he may begin to learn how to lead his household and Melanie lets him... thank You!

Joining a Church Plant?

My friends, Jonathan and Robie Dodson are starting a church in Austin, TX. They have asked us to join their team. What does this mean? Is this something we could possibly do? In order for this to happen, our debt would have to be paid off, and things like our house, my Mom, Sarrah's insurance among other things would have to be taken care of. Is God capable of this? Of course... Is this where He is calling us? Not sure... Baby steps... Need to be faithful just where I am...

My job... crap! Looks as if that isn't looking so good anymore. The financial position of the company is pretty bad and I believe the higher-ups to be unethical and lacking in integrity. Nearly fraudulent... if that is really the case, I feel the need to get out of there. Guess we'll see... I pray for something that allows me to take care of Sarrah as I'm supposed to. Guess my 250K shares won't be worth too much... bummer.

Our Anniversary Month

June is the month where many of Sarrah and I's 'firsts' occurred. Yesterday was the 3rd anniversary of our first kiss. This gives us cause to celebrate! Yesterday, Sarrah gave me a new John Deere hat as well as a note. She really is the sweetest woman on the planet.


I'm not exactly sure how to do this yet, but I have to get rid of my cats. They are soooo dirty, and leave so much fur in our house, I really don't have a choice. They are very sweet, and I do love them, but they're beginning to drive me crazy, and they are extremely bad for Sarrah's health. I really hope to have them gone by the end of the month -max...

In the Beginning...

Well, we'll see where this leads. I wonder if I will get back into the music thing again? Sometimes I miss it, most of the time I don't. I really just want to run, bike, ski and hike, live in Colorado with my wonderful wife and my dog, although I wish he was a better dog. He's smart, I think, but he does the stupidest things... much like his daddy! And he doesn't listen, and his attention span is that of a lobotomy patient. Again, like his daddy! :) I should spend more time with him...