SHUT UP AND FISH

I heard a great analogy on the radio today. Trust me, it sounded better than it will now. It was about progressing thru your faith. When you first start off on your journey it's like you are riding a bike alone. Then when you accept Jesus it's like you are riding a tandum bike. You have someone there helping you to pedal. Making it a little easier to get up the hills. There's someone to talk to on your travels. And as long as you're the one in the front seat, everything is fine. It's when you change seats and let Him do the steering that things get interesting. You're no longer going in a straight line. And you're not taking the easiest routes. You are just peddling, holding on, and following. I pray that I can change seats with Him some day. I can't wait to hear Him say--SHUT UP AND PEDAL

GOD BLESS

WAKING THE DEAD

Believe it or not I'm reading another John Eldredge book. He really does seem to stretch the words of the Bible. But all in all he does make some good points. I really can't disagree with his conclusions or how he goes about living. Or how he thinks Christians should live every day. But I just can't get over thinking it's more about the money he's making than it is about helping people. I don't know why I feel that way. And I'm sure I shouldn't be thinking that way but....

GOD BLESS

ASSBAG

I was driving home the other day and passed an older guy picking up leaves in his yard. Heres the conversation I had with myself....Wow, he's pretty old to be doing that........I should stop and help him......I'll go home and change my clothes first-knowing damn well I wouldn't go back....I am such an assbag!!......I'm really starting to piss myself off !

GOD BLESS

FISHERS OF MEN

After not steelhead fishing for 1 1/2 years, because of a shoulder problem, I decided to go again. So I'm fishing, relaxing, enjoying the scenery, reflecting, praying. Ya, everything but catching fish. Then I had this thought. I know why Jesus chose fishermen to follow Him. The poor saps were probably like me. Not catching a thing when some guy comes by and says to follow him cause he has something new to fish for.

GOD BLESS

RECALCULATING

I heard on the radio this morning how the Holy Spirit is like a gps. And how when you get off coarse you will hear.....recalculating. I sure can relate to this message lately. Seems like thats all I hear. Which means I ain't following directions very well. And it's really starting to piss me off. I sure am glad we have a patient God.

GOD BLESS

DEATH

My brother had a heart attack this week. He died and then was brought back to life. I hope I have the balls to have a conversation with with him about it. We really ain't very close. And the last I knew my brother doesn't believe in God. Or it could be that he's like I was. I believed in God, just didn't understand the part about having to accept the gift.

Any how, it sure makes you realize that you're not in control of the future. Or the present for that matter. I pray I can have a life changing conversation with my brother and all of my family. I don't know why it's so hard. Come on, it's great news, why not share it?

GOD BLESS

WHAT IF ?

What if God took vacations? What if He went away and didn't think about me for 12 days? I'm sorry to say that I just did that. I went on vacation and didn't take my Bible with me. It's not that I forgot to take it. But decided not to for a few different reasons. There was a Bible in the room. Total reading time 1/2 hour. My praying time was way down. Mostly, dear God please let this plane land safely! A sad state of affairs for sure.

Other than that Maui is the most relaxing and beautiful place I've ever been. I can't even put it into words.
Dear God, nice job!

CHURCH / BUSINESS

A church is also a business in a way. You're not making a profit, I hope, but still you have to pay bills and make payroll. My question is, how do you seperate the two? You have a hierarchy that gets together and makes all the decisions. Then they bring it forward and the congregation votes on it. But it seems to me like the decision has been made before the vote is even taken. How do you vote against something that's been on the fast track for a month or so? I understand you're praying about it and you're hopefully doing what the Lord wants you to do. But I would think some people would be led in the opposite direction. Shouldn't we at least wait till the vote is over before talking like it's a done deal? It just seems to me like you are running the risk of alienating some people.

I read in an annual report that if you are related to an employee of the church you can't be a part of the hierarcy. In a business this makes perfect sense. But for a church I'm not sure. We trust you enough that you can volunteer as much as you want. But hold on there, we don't trust you enough to make a decision on your relatives pay raise. I would hope a christian would make the same decision no matter if they are related or not.

Well I'm not a member of a church anyhow so I guess it really doesn't matter. Just something I've been thinking about.
GOD BLESS

ONE YEAR

It's been one year since I became a Christian. I've been thinking about how I've changed. I've come to the conclusion that I havn't. Ya, I'm probably a "better" person. But looking at the big picture, I'm failing. I've been learning a lot. It's taking what I learn and putting it to use that I have a problem with. But I realize this is a journey. And if I can keep growing my faith, the Lord will take care of the rest.



In the past year I've heard a lot of people say, "the Lord spoke to me". And I wonder why He isn't speaking to me. But if I'm honest about it, it's not that He isn't talking, it's that I'm not listening. That is the hard part and it shouldn't be. I keep holding on when I should let go. And letting go when I should hold on. I need to start drawing some lines in the sand and see where the Lord takes me from there. Hey, that would make a good song.



GOD BLESS

CHRISTIAN MUSIC

I've been listening to Christian music a lot for a while now. Something I never used to do, which makes sense I guess. There are some really good songs out there. I heard one today called, empty me. It was an awesome song. It kind of summed up being a Christian. Empty me of me so I can be filled with you. Now to do it.

GOD BLESS

TOO MANY ADJECTIVES !

Why are Christians seperated into so many categories? Catholic-Lutheran-Baptist...... And then theres sub-catagories of each of them. Drinking Christians--Two time a year Christians---Sunday Christians. Isn't a Christian someone who believes Jesus died on the cross to pay their ransom? So why is there so much worry about the differences?

I understand the differences. I know theres different understandings of the Bible. But come on, we're all on the same team here. Let's just go out and try to "recruit" as many lost people as we can. I don't have to agree with you on if you should be baptized when you're young or old. But I can agree that you need to be baptized. We don't have to agree on the prayers we pray. Or the people we pray to. But we can agree that it's good to pray.

Let's just do what we're supposed to do as Christians ....GOD BLESS

REALLY

So if someone kidnaps a 2 year old girl, rapes her, kills her, I am supposed to pray for him? REALLY? And if he goes to jail, and hopefully gets raped 10 times a day, he truly finds God. Asks to be forgiven. He will be? REALLY? And again I say, It's a good thing I ain't God.

HUG YOUR KIDS AND GOD BLESS

I DON'T BELIEVE IN GOD.........ANYMORE

I've heard of and talked to a few people who no longer believe in God. And I think their reasoning is flawed. They seem to think that because bad things happen, it means theres not a God. And they also seem to think that Christians are perfect people.

My question is, why. Are they being taught wrong. Are they not looking for answers or did they look and still come to the conclusion theres no God? Just wondering.

GOD BLESS

OLD TESTAMENT

Ok, what's up with all the killing in the Old Testament? Joshua? Hello? That dude was kickin ass and takin names. I guess it was all ok since God was pretty much the corner man for him. But my question is why. Sure they were going to the land of milk and honey but why kill everyone in your path?

This may very well be the most stupid question yet but I really don't get it. I'll keep reading and maybe it will make more sense to me but I don't think so. Oh well if this was easy everyone would be doing it.

COPENHAGEN

I havn't had any chewing tobacco since last Wednesday. I've stopped chewing in the past only to start back up for whatever reason. So I won't say I'll never chew again. I will say I think I have a better shot at it this time.



I was talking about quiting for a long time this time. I really couldn't figure out why. I was praying about it, which I thought would make it easier. But it didn't. If anything it was harder this time than any other. Then I realized that although I was praying about it, my prayers were all about me. Just what I needed and wanted. If that makes any sence to you.



When I got that figured out it was much easier this time. My physical withdrawal from nicotine was not bad at all. I know, I can hear my old self saying "whatever!" But seriously there is no question in my mind who is responsible for this. Usually I will get blurry vision for a few hours, that never happened this time. I usually get this numbness and buzzing in the top of my head which usually lasts a good 24 hours. This did happen, but only for a short time. So I thank the Lord for making it possible for me to stop chewing. Also , thanks to my wife for putting up with my behavior for a few days as my being irritable was the same as always.

GOD BLESS

THAT'S NOT FUNNY !

If you know me, you know I kid around about everything. I don't say things to hurt peoples feelings but, as my wife has informed me, sometimes I do. In the past when my wife would point it out to me, I would say "I was just kidding with them" she would say "They don't know that! " And I would tell her, "well I was kidding and they should know it so it's their problem." Then it would be on with my life never to give it another thought.

This past Sunday I said something to a couple as they were leaving church. Then my wife and I have our same discussion. "Did you know them?" Me-"Well I know him." Wife-" you shouldn't have said it." Me-" I was kidding them." This is where the same old story took a twist. I just could not stop thinking about it. Could I have offended them? I guess. Could they really have thought I was serious? I guess.

Well it bothered me enough that I decided not to wait till next Sunday to find out . I sent an email and I'm glad I did. Turns out his wife was very upset. I felt bad and an appology seemed so lame. I mean I probably ruined her day. It makes me wonder how many other times my wife has been right about this. Guess I need to start watching what I say to people. Or it would probably be easier to say I'm only kidding after everything I say.

PRAYER LIST

Now I know why they have prayer lists. I seriously have to start one. Start with family then keep expanding the circle. Seems like every day it's...Oh crap I forgot blah blah blah. I guess I didn't realize how much praying is involved here. And the more people you meet the more praying you're doing. And the closer you get to people the more praying because they suck you into praying for their circle. Maybe there is a blanket prayer that will cover everyone. Just kidding, but this could easily be a full time job. Oh well, if you read this I pray God will walk with you every step you take......... And you're out of the circle!

GOD BLESS

AM I DREAMING?

Friday night I'm going to a mens retreat at church. Saturday morning I'm going on an excursion with my class from church. When did this happen? This is way out of my comfort level. I can't remember, probably because it never happened, when the last time was that I did something with other guys and no drinking was involved. In my world it's what guys do when they get together. Golf - drink...fish - drink.... picnic -drink...go Christmas shopping for wives- drink, first, then maybe shop.

Usually I just wouldn't go to these functions. Mr. excuses could always come up with some reason not to go. But here I go. We'll see how it turns out. I'm sure it will be a good experience for me. If not I'll just hit a bar on my way home. I'm kidding.....I hope
GOD BLESS

READING VS. STUDYING

I've been listening to Chuck Swindoll on the radio in the morning. He's been going thru Romans from the Bible. It seems like when I hear someone else explain things from the Bible, I'm like, why didn't I get that when I read it? Maybe that's why theres Bible studies.

Then I realized I'm reading the Bible and not studying the Bible. Which sucks because the class I took at church had like 3 or 4 different ways to read the Bible. And by using any of them would have led me to the study part. So I guess I need to re-think my Bible reading time. Or being the lazy ass I am I can just keep listening to him.

BOD BLESS

WILD @ HEART

I'm just over half way thru the book Wild at Heart. And heres what I think so far. At times I love it. Then theres times I am scratching my head, wondering if I'm missing something. I almost gave up on it real quick but didn't. And I'm glad.

What I like is that it's a way of thinking that I've never done. I know I won't be able to put it in words but it is a good way to look at things. And one problem I have is making new friends, this book and class should help with that.

What I don't like is the guys view of God in some parts. First he says God is a risk taker. I don't agree. He also comes across at times like he thinks God NEEDS us to worship, love etc. Him. I think God will be just fine if I don't. God may WANT us to for our own good, but to say God NEEDS anything from me is crazy. He will quote stuff from the Bible that fit the needs of his point. They are in the Bible but if you go and read the whole passage, then not so much. In my opinion the book would still be good without doing this. For me he just looses credibility by doing it. But over all I like it.

GOD BLESS

Wild @ Heart

Wild at heart is the name of the class I am taking at church. It's only guys in the class. I think it will end up being good for me. But I also know it will be tuff for me. The idea is to get to know the guys and to be able to share your life with them. This is something I'm not very comfortable with. The way I was brought up, you dealt with your own problems. And you never took them outside of your family. And having a conversation with someone is not a strong point of mine. Maybe this class will help in these areas.



I found this funny today. You know how in every group you seem to always have the person that is at the center of everything? For me thats a good thing because it takes the pressure off of having to participate much. Well this class is no different. But if you're going to take up most of the class time with your answers to questions don't complain that the class isn't long enough. Dude the question was, what's your name and what do you do for a living. We don't need your life story at this time. Oh well I thought it was funny!

GOD BLESS

I GIVE UP

I know the answer to this question, I hope, but I'm asking anyhow. Would God ever give up on me? Will there ever be a straw that breaks His back? The answer is no, but it's just another thing about God that's so awesome.

The reason for having some doubt on this is like in Romans.....They gave up on God and therefore God gave them up. But I think this might have been when the people of Chorinth turned away from God.

God Bless

I SUCK AT THIS

I am so glad God is forgiving because I sure do need it! What the hell is wrong with me? Enough said, for now.

HERE WE GO AGAIN

I wrote about energy I'm wasting and todays sermon dealt with something I've been wasting energy on. This stuff happens to me all the time now. It's awesome when it happens. I really can't put the feeling into words but it's good. I hope I feel the same if it stops happening.

I've been wondering what Gods plan is for me. I mean really, why did He put in place all the things that had to be in order for me to be saved? I ask Him all the time. Let me in on it. What's the plan? Come on, let me in on it. And there was His answer in todays sermon. This is the plan. Me sitting here writing this is the plan. Every second of every day is the plan. Everything I say and do is the plan. There doesn't have to be some big event. Doesn't mean there won't be. Just means I need to stop waiting for "it" to happen. JUST FOLLOW JESUS

There were also a bunch of people baptized today at church. It was never really a big deal to me before I was saved. But now it's really something special. I'm so happy for them. I walked out where the people were after they got dunked. I wanted to see the expressions on their faces. It seemed like it went from total joy. All the way to, like I must have looked, what just happened?

GOD BLESS

WASTED ENERGY

I think I'm too worried about doing things the right way. Or I'm too worried about if what I'm doing is good enough. I started wondering who I'm trying to impress. I think it really only matters that I give it my best try. And no, this isn't Mr. Excuses looking for a reason to half ass my way thru this. But I'm spending too much energy worrying. Really it only matters that God knows I'm doing my best. And when I'm not I'm sure He will let me know.

GOD BLESS

CRAP

I got invited to take a class at church. My first thought was, yes I'm in. Then me being me, I started looking into what it's about. Here's the problem. I don't agree with some of the stuff that will be covered. The class is based on a book. I havn't read it but I did read many reviews. I know a review is just someones opinion but they all said just about the same thing. Over all it's probably ok. But to a new believer it may be a problem. I've been praying about it but really havn't been moved either way.

1-is this just me making excuses
2-will me taking class do any harm
3-will not taking class do any harm
4-can all the reviews be wrong
5-will me not taking class damage a relationship

Well I guess I will see where I'm led. Lord I pray you will give me a nudge one way or the other. And if not Lord I pray that I make the decision that will bring me closer to You. Amen

BOD BLESS

RISK TAKER

Was God taking a risk when He gave us free will ? My answer is no. You can call God many things, but to call him a risk taker, I think, is crazy. For me to parachute from a plane is taking a risk. The chute might not open, or if it does, I might break my leg when I land. But if I know what the final outcome will be, then I wouldn't call it taking a risk. If I know the chute will open but I will break my leg, then I have a decission to make. Is the ride down worth a broken leg? But it's not a risk.

God knows what the end will be. He knows that by us having free will, some will choose not to accept Him. He knows who those people are. To say God took a risk I would also have to say He doesn't know these things. And I'm not going to say that.

GOD BLESS

MR. EXCUSES

Todays sermon was about failure. Although I know of my failures, I have made it too easy for myself. I fail, ask to be forgiven then turn around and do it all over again. This coming from a guy who tells his grandaughters--If you are sorry for doing something you shouldn't keep doing it. Maybe I need to take my own advice.

I also can come up with an excuse for every failure. Like drinking. Although I don't drink as much as I did before I still drink too much. Although I don't think drinking is bad in Gods eyes, I do cross the line into drunkiness. This is when I feel I failed. The problem is I'm not a guy who can have one or two beers then stop. The only time I can do that is when I only have one or two left in the fridge. It is nothing for me to drink 12 beers. That is why I buy 12 packs. Cause if I bought more I would probably drink more.

So the solution seems to be easy, stop drinking beer! This is where Mr. excuses comes in. I could come up with many. If I'm honest I know none of them would be right. I'm pretty sure this is the path God wants me to take.

GOD BLESS

IN A FUNK

I seem to be in a funk lately. It started right after Easter. I'm not sure why, but I keep having a feeling like I'm not doing this whole thing right. Or like I'm not doing enough. Or when I do something "good" it doesn't seem to be good enough. I really can't put my finger on it. Oh well I'm sure theres a reason. And I'm sure I'll find out soon enough. Just wanted to get that off my chest. Thanks for listening----Oh It was my pleasure

GOD BLESS

GOOD FRIDAY

It was one year ago on Good Friday that started the ball rolling for me becoming a Christian. Leading up to it I knew it would be very emotional for me. But I didn't realize how much. On Thursday I didn't think I would be able to go to the Good Friday service. I really felt ashamed that it took me 47 years to accept the Lords Gift. But I knew I couldn't hide my shame from God if I went or didn't. So I went and was glad I did.

During communion I was sitting with my eyes closed praying. A pastor walked by and put his hand on my shoulder. It totally freaked me out. I had to ask my wife if someone touched me. It was funny after I knew, as it happened not so much.

Thank you Lord for taking my place on the cross!

OSAS

I find myself re-thinking the once saved always saved part of being a christian. From my reading of the Bible and from the research I did on this I was sure I was right. Everything seems to say that when you become a christian you are saved. Nothing you do after that can keep you out of heaven. I'm not talking about wanting to follow Jesus after becoming a christian or just skating by. Just believe, accept = heaven.

I got involved with a conversation on face book. A guy who "was" a christian now seems to not believe in God at all. Not sure what happened to change his mind, but from reading what he was saying, it is changed big time. I had to stop reading after a while cause it was heartbreaking really. I realize he can ask for forgiveness and be ok. But if he dies before that I'm not sure.

I guess my thinking is right. But it's just not as cut and dry as I'm trying to make it. In any case I pray he does whatever he has to do to make it right with God. He seemed like a nice person. And while I was reading and commenting it was a very civil discussion. But it was hard to read.

GOD BLESS!

TITHE

I want to say right off that I do not and never have given 10% of my income to the church. I am however working towards it. Although I always new about it I was always cold to the idea. And really it's a pretty good chunk of change to be giving away. Especially now the way the economy is. Who can afford to give away 10% of their income when they ain't even sure if they will have a job next week? I can see why so many churches struggle when it comes to this.

It seems to be very easy to come up with reasons for me not to tithe. But now that I'm on this journey, I feel myself looking for reasons to tithe. What really got me going on this was when a pastor said, "Does God need your money?" "No." "Has God ever not been able to do something because He didn't have enough money?" Seems God will be around wether I tithe or not. The church and all the good it does however might not.

Heres a couple of things I came across while "researching" this on the internet. Seems I'm not the only one looking to explain away tithing.---Tithing is an Old Testament law, since we live by the New testament it no longer applies.---Is it 10% of gross or net? But I guess if you are asking these questions you ain't doing it for the right reason anyhow so why bother.

I'm not sure how long it will take to get there but I'm going to keep walking in that direction.
GOD BLESS

TESTIMONIAL

Barb and I went to church tonight to tell our story of becoming Christians. It will be put together with our baptism. We both knew going in that it probably would not come off well. Come on, your talking about someone who died on a cross to save you. How do you get thru that without choking on every other word? Luckily they plan on weaving our daughters story in with ours. And also our son in law will be editing it. So my prayer is that between them they can come up with something that will encourage someone to take a step towards salvation. GOD BLESS

OLD TESTAMENT

Started reading The Old Testament. Have to be honest and say this is a tough read. There are parts that really have me paying attention. Then there are parts that make me ask the question, does anyone really remember this? Like when they start talking about the family trees. I can't even get my daughters names right half the time. I got Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. Other than that I'm lost.

Now I'm at Exodus. Going along fine. The part about Moses is great. I always loved the movie 10 commandments. Then bang, we're talking about building tabernacles and how many cubits high and long. And how many times each cloth is folded. Luckily there are pictures in my Bible. Now I know why I was told to start with the New Testament.

After reading about the ten commandments I was so happy that I actually new them. Or so I thought. I'm looking at them and start to count them. Wait, theres only 9 of them. Read them again. No, thats 10. So I write them down. Umm theres only 9. I'm not kidding when I say I had a good 15 minutes into this. Here I was lumping together--no other Gods before me and shall not make carved images. I don't think I ever laughed at myself so hard! Oh well I thought it was funny.
GOD BLESS

GOD

The subject of Feb. sermons was God. His mercy-love-power-faithfulness. It was an eye opener for me. Have you ever sat back and thought about what's going on here? I can see why people don't buy into it. It's just totally amazing stuff. God loves me so much that He had his Son die on a cross for me. Really? Me? He must have some big plans for me. How do you pay that back?

Here's a few things that stuck with me this month.--Grace is getting something you don't deserve. Mercy is not getting something you do deserve.--We are like spare change in Gods pocket, He can spend us however He wants--No matter what I do God will be faithful to me--God loves me just the way I am, not a cleaned up better version of me.

So I'm thankful for Gods grace. I pray for His mercy. I hope He doesn't have to buy anything with me that costs too much. Unless theres a lay away plan! I pray that I don't test His faithfulness too much. And I hope He is happy with the cleaned up version of me in the future.

GOD BLESS

DO I TRUST GOD ?

I've been asking myself this question a lot lately. I have come to the conclusion that I don't. I'm at a point in this journey where it's easy to talk the talk. But it's another to walk the walk. I still do things I shouldn't and don't do things I should. And it's all because I don't trust God. I'm not throwing in the towel. I guess it will take more praying and learning. And I pray one day I can totally trust God.

GOD BLESS

REALLY ?

Last weak at church we were talking about sin and confessing our sins. Actually we were listening to a pastor talk about it. He talked about how we kind of throw all our sins together and ask them all to be forgiven. He talked about how we should be more specific when we confess and ask for forgivness. It all sounded like good advice and helped me get on a path when I ask to be forgiven. And I ask a lot.

Then he said something that struck me as odd. He said if you have an addiction to something, which I do, the reason you can't break the addiction is because you don't believe God is enough for you. Your addiction is taking the place of God. Really? I never thought, before putting a dip in my mouth, hey maybe if I read the Bible I wouldn't need this. I chew because I like to chew. The addiction came after. I don't think it has anything to do with God. That being said I do believe I will need Gods help to break this addiction.

Here is my reasoning for questioning this. Couldn't this be applied to everything I do? Is my going fishing taking the place of God? I fish for many of the same reasons I chew. Mainly they both relax me. Does it mean I can't find relaxation thru God? No. I fish because I like to fish. I'm sure the word addiction has a lot to do with what the pastor said. I'm just having a hard time figuring it out.

GOD BLESS

UNDERSTATEMENT

When I started this journey a pastor said "It's not going to be easy!". That was the understatement of the year. I knew it would be hard just didn't realize how hard. Every day, many times a day, choices have to be made. And it's a choice only I can make. I'm usually pretty sure what the right choice is, It's the actually doing it thats usually hard.

Back when the WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? wrist bands were popular, I remember thinking how hoky they seemed. Now I know why you don't see them around. People knew what He would do but it's the actual doing it thats a problem. I think mine would say I KNOW WHAT JESUS WOULD DO--LORD GIVE ME THE STRENGTH TO DO THE SAME--AND IF I DON'T, PLEASE FORGIVE ME. Ok, that's not gonna fit on anyones wrist.

I heard a quote the other day. I don't remember who said it. And i'm not sure if this is actually the way it was said. But it went something like, It's not the parts of the Bible I don't understand that I have a problem with, It's the parts I do. But I do take comfort in the fact that God loves me just the way I am. He knows who I was, who I am, and who I'm gonna be. He also knows what I did, what I'm doing, and what I'm gonna do. And still He loves me. Is He awesome or what? God Bless!

OOOPS !!

I seem to learn something new about this stuff every day. Although I think I'm right about the "brownie points" in my last post, I now believe they are not for us to use in heaven. They are our gifts to God. That would be why some are burned up. Only the ones He approves of will be accepted. Good enough reason for me not to just skate thru and make it to heaven. Nothing worse than showing up for a party empty handed!

In other news, I tried to stop chewing yesterday. Total fail. That nicotine is powerful stuff. If you never had to stop you really can't appreciate how hard it is. I've heard them all from non users. "just stop!" "how hard can it be?" "you must not really want to". I'm thinking I may have to go with the nicotine patch. And pray more for the strength to stop.
God Bless!

FIRST SUMMARY

These are my first thoughts on what I think the Bible is telling me. I have only read the New Testament. And I'm pretty sure I'm not getting all of the message. First off I think that once you know you are a sinner, believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive your sins, accept God as your Lord and Savior, you are saved. There is nothing you can do, good or bad, after, that will change that. So I was way off when I used to think that you had to be more "Christian like" to go to Heaven. You can be a total ass bag and still go to heaven.

That being said, I think that if you're only goal is to get to Heaven then you can go ahead and live how you want. But by following God's Word you can live a better life while on earth. Also I think if you follow you are building up what I call, brownie points. There are places in the Bible, and of coarse I didn't look them up, where when getting to Heaven you treasures, prizes are burned up. And only some make it thru the fire. I compare it to high school. Ya you can skate thru and pass, but the people who work at it will get the better prize. Better grades, scholarships, jobs. What I havn't figured out is how these brownie points play out in heaven.

That's my take on it. I don't think I'm too far off, but let me know if I am. God bless. I'm gonna go study!

WHAT ??????

I've been reading The New Testament part of the Bible. Making good progress. But I can see that this isn't a read it one time kind of a book. I have to admit I don't understand a lot of it. But I am giving it my best shot. I now know why there are Bible study groups. I will probably look into that some time. But I feel like I need to know a little more before getting into that.

As I've been getting closer to the end I have been having a feeling like I should skip forward to Revelation. I don't know why. I had no idea what it was about really. But I finally did. I was having trouble understanding before but this was something else. I mean you have seven headed horses, fire shooting out of everywhere, plagues, locust with scorpian stings, earthquakes.

I guess I thought Revelation was about Heaven. And I think it is. Only it's not the Heaven I had pictured. You know, the angels, and fluffy clouds thing. There is gonna be some nasty stuff going on when the time comes. Ya when you make it to the end it will be nice. But before you get there, theres going to be quite a show going on.

At least that's my first take of it. This is definately a re-read..God Bless!

NEW YEAR

I stopped making resolutions years ago. They never seemed to last very long. It's funny that the last one I made is the only one I've ever been able to keep. It was to stop making new years resolutions. This year I'm going to call it, something to do every day of this year.

This year I'm going to talk to God every day. It kind of freaks me out to know that He already knows if I will actually do it or not. This is something a lot of people probably already do. But I don't. Well unless you count praying before going to bed. Or praying when I get up. That's not what I mean by talking to God. I mean stopping and thanking Him. Or looking at something He created and thanking Him.

Ok this seems to have gone from talking to God, to thanking Him. But He already knew that. Here goes 365 reasons to thank God. And no I won't list them. Even you had to know that.

Have a blessed new year!