Everyone meet Mia the newest member of our family.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
Awakening Festival
All the leaders of Awakening Festival, who made it possible. The only ones I know are Mike and his wife Jen and far left. Jen is hold their daughter Tristan
.
The top three pictures are of the band Ashes Remain,
very nice guys, and I happened to score a CD from them
Blogawakening (Mike)
The band Mainstay
Justin, the leadsinger of Mainstay, very nice guy,
was suffering from a concussion.
Stacy, Sue, and Dave
Founders of Awakening Festival: Mike, Jen, Danielle and Paul
The Headliner: Toby Mac
Backstage at Toby Mac
Friday, September 14, 2007
More Pictures
The start of the flag ceremony, the reverently pass "Old Glory" down the line and then give the flag to Grandma to keep.
Retirement Ceremony
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Breastplate of Righteousness
The breastplate is a key piece of armour which is the front portion of plate armour covering the torso. It has been an armour mainstay since ancient times and was one of the last pieces of functional armour to be used on the battlefield because it protected the vital organs. Which vital organs are we talking about? Mostly the heart, lungs, and intestines.
In Exodus 28:15-30 describes the breastplate in detail which the Levites used for their priestly garments: Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the work of skilled hands. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. 16 It is to be square—a span long and a span wide—and folded double. 17 Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; 18 the second row shall be turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; 19 the third row shall be jacinth, agate and amethyst; 20 the fourth row shall be topaz, onyx and jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings. 21 There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.
22 "For the breastpiece make braided chains of pure gold, like a rope. 23 Make two gold rings for it and fasten them to two corners of the breastpiece. 24 Fasten the two gold chains to the rings at the corners of the breastpiece, 25 and the other ends of the chains to the two settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front. 26 Make two gold rings and attach them to the other two corners of the breastpiece on the inside edge next to the ephod. 27 Make two more gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod. 28 The rings of the breastpiece are to be tied to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband, so that the breastpiece will not swing out from the ephod.
29 "Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD. 30 Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron's heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD.
Exodus 39:8-21 also describes the breastplate:They fashioned the breastpiece—the work of a skilled craftsman. They made it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. 9 It was square—a span long and a span wide—and folded double. 10 Then they mounted four rows of precious stones on it. The first row was carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; 11 the second row was turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; 12 the third row was jacinth, agate and amethyst; 13 the fourth row was topaz, onyx and jasper. They were mounted in gold filigree settings. 14 There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.
15 For the breastpiece they made braided chains of pure gold, like a rope. 16 They made two gold filigree settings and two gold rings, and fastened the rings to two of the corners of the breastpiece. 17 They fastened the two gold chains to the rings at the corners of the breastpiece, 18 and the other ends of the chains to the two settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front. 19 They made two gold rings and attached them to the other two corners of the breastpiece on the inside edge next to the ephod. 20 Then they made two more gold rings and attached them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod. 21 They tied the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband so that the breastpiece would not swing out from the ephod—as the LORD commanded Moses.
Key point for the breastplate was significant in that it was used in decision making. So taking a step back, when we give our lives over to Jesus, we give our life with a loving heart, we are making a decision to follow Him in all we do. Which then leads into righteousness.
Romans 8:10 TNIV But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life [ Or you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive] because of righteousness.
1 Corinthians 1:30 TNIV It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
Philippians 1:9-11 TNIV And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Putting this important piece of armour on, this breastplate, you make a decision with all your heart to love, and follow Jesus Christ, to be obedient, and have His will be done in your life.
In Exodus 28:15-30 describes the breastplate in detail which the Levites used for their priestly garments: Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the work of skilled hands. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. 16 It is to be square—a span long and a span wide—and folded double. 17 Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; 18 the second row shall be turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; 19 the third row shall be jacinth, agate and amethyst; 20 the fourth row shall be topaz, onyx and jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings. 21 There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.
22 "For the breastpiece make braided chains of pure gold, like a rope. 23 Make two gold rings for it and fasten them to two corners of the breastpiece. 24 Fasten the two gold chains to the rings at the corners of the breastpiece, 25 and the other ends of the chains to the two settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front. 26 Make two gold rings and attach them to the other two corners of the breastpiece on the inside edge next to the ephod. 27 Make two more gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod. 28 The rings of the breastpiece are to be tied to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband, so that the breastpiece will not swing out from the ephod.
29 "Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD. 30 Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron's heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD.
Exodus 39:8-21 also describes the breastplate:They fashioned the breastpiece—the work of a skilled craftsman. They made it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. 9 It was square—a span long and a span wide—and folded double. 10 Then they mounted four rows of precious stones on it. The first row was carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; 11 the second row was turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; 12 the third row was jacinth, agate and amethyst; 13 the fourth row was topaz, onyx and jasper. They were mounted in gold filigree settings. 14 There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.
15 For the breastpiece they made braided chains of pure gold, like a rope. 16 They made two gold filigree settings and two gold rings, and fastened the rings to two of the corners of the breastpiece. 17 They fastened the two gold chains to the rings at the corners of the breastpiece, 18 and the other ends of the chains to the two settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front. 19 They made two gold rings and attached them to the other two corners of the breastpiece on the inside edge next to the ephod. 20 Then they made two more gold rings and attached them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod. 21 They tied the rings of the breastpiece to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband so that the breastpiece would not swing out from the ephod—as the LORD commanded Moses.
Key point for the breastplate was significant in that it was used in decision making. So taking a step back, when we give our lives over to Jesus, we give our life with a loving heart, we are making a decision to follow Him in all we do. Which then leads into righteousness.
Romans 8:10 TNIV But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life [ Or you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive] because of righteousness.
1 Corinthians 1:30 TNIV It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
Philippians 1:9-11 TNIV And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Putting this important piece of armour on, this breastplate, you make a decision with all your heart to love, and follow Jesus Christ, to be obedient, and have His will be done in your life.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Helmet of Salvation
Helmets, what are they? what are they used for? what purpose do they serve? well the obvious being a form of protective gear worn on the head and were among the oldest forms of combat protection. Combat you say, well once again we must refer to Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
When we put on the helmet of salvation we are protecting more than just our heads, we are also protecting our minds. Our minds can only occupy one thought at a time, whether its positive or negative. An example would be say your driving down the road and some cuts you off, are you going to get irate, and allow anger to lead or are you going to instead pray for that person who cut you off, and ask the Lord to bless them, pray for their safety, and their salvation. Which then leads me to the next part; Salvation.
Salvation is a free gift that Jesus Christ freely gave us when he died on the cross.
Exodus 15:2 TNIV"The LORD is my strength and my defense [ Or song] ; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Psalm 62:2 TNIV Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
1 Thessalonians 5:8 TNIV But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
2 Timothy 3:15 TNIV and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
This is just a beginning of what the Lord has laid upon my spirit to share.
God Bless
When we put on the helmet of salvation we are protecting more than just our heads, we are also protecting our minds. Our minds can only occupy one thought at a time, whether its positive or negative. An example would be say your driving down the road and some cuts you off, are you going to get irate, and allow anger to lead or are you going to instead pray for that person who cut you off, and ask the Lord to bless them, pray for their safety, and their salvation. Which then leads me to the next part; Salvation.
Salvation is a free gift that Jesus Christ freely gave us when he died on the cross.
Exodus 15:2 TNIV"The LORD is my strength and my defense [ Or song] ; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Psalm 62:2 TNIV Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
1 Thessalonians 5:8 TNIV But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
2 Timothy 3:15 TNIV and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
This is just a beginning of what the Lord has laid upon my spirit to share.
God Bless
Battle Ready
Do you ever take a moment and wonder why the Lord commands us to put on the Armour of God on every day? It says in Ephesians 6:12-13 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
The Holy Spirit has lead me to post bible studies on each piece of the Armour of God, but before I do, I want to share with you what Lord did in my life to prepare me for battle. You may say, but arent you already prepared for battle by putting on the Armour of God every day? Well yes and no.
About six months ago I was having trouble sleeping, at first I would have no problems falling asleep, but staying asleep was the issue. I'd wake up every few hours so essentially I was getting only 2 to 3 hours asleep a night, this went on for about 3 or 4 weeks. It felt like I was fighting an up hill battle and I wasnt getting any where on my own. One Saturday morning I was laying in bed about 6 am wide awake knowing my son was going to wake up shortly and I was exhausted, and I lay there in bed praying, "Lord please let my son sleep in so I can get some more sleep, I am so tired and have been tired for so long, what is going on, why have I been so tired?" The Holy Spirit answered me in a very loud voice, well at least it was loud to me, "I'm preparing you for battle!" at that point I was very wide awake. Needless to say I was on my knees in prayer asking for guidance and His will be done.
So the Holy Spirit has laid upon my spirit to share all aspects of the Armour of God
The Holy Spirit has lead me to post bible studies on each piece of the Armour of God, but before I do, I want to share with you what Lord did in my life to prepare me for battle. You may say, but arent you already prepared for battle by putting on the Armour of God every day? Well yes and no.
About six months ago I was having trouble sleeping, at first I would have no problems falling asleep, but staying asleep was the issue. I'd wake up every few hours so essentially I was getting only 2 to 3 hours asleep a night, this went on for about 3 or 4 weeks. It felt like I was fighting an up hill battle and I wasnt getting any where on my own. One Saturday morning I was laying in bed about 6 am wide awake knowing my son was going to wake up shortly and I was exhausted, and I lay there in bed praying, "Lord please let my son sleep in so I can get some more sleep, I am so tired and have been tired for so long, what is going on, why have I been so tired?" The Holy Spirit answered me in a very loud voice, well at least it was loud to me, "I'm preparing you for battle!" at that point I was very wide awake. Needless to say I was on my knees in prayer asking for guidance and His will be done.
So the Holy Spirit has laid upon my spirit to share all aspects of the Armour of God
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