exciting news

I'm proud to announce that my brother-in-law just played his first triple-triple during a Scrabble game today. He played the word "Picketer" and won 185 points. For those of you who aren't familiar with the game, a triple-triple is achieved when a word passes through two triple word scores on one play. So when you add up the points you triple the value of the word, then you triple the value of the tripled word. And, as in the case of any triple-triple play (usually), you get a 50 point bonus for using all your letters.

Great job Luke! We're all very happy for you, and want to be you (I've never had a triple-triple). Maybe someday...

oops

Yesterday on my way out of the house, I was half way to my car when I realized I was still wearing my slippers. I paused for a moment and considered going back inside to swap them out for shoes. After I preformed brief cost benefit analysis, I decided it would be more beneficial to continue on my way the YMCA. I was actually pleasantly surprised how well they functioned as shoes, and my feet were nice and toasty in the car.

work?

Anybody got any job suggestions for me?

scotts post

Check out this post by my dear friend Scott. Herein is the journal entry of our pastor on the night his father went to be with the Lord. Very sweet...

http://jscottalexander.wordpress.com/2007/03/07/john-pipers-father/

fish among fish

Our family is now officially a Mac using family. Luke, the beast has served me well, and may it serve someone else well (SPF) after you reapply the thermal paste. It's going to take some getting used to using a new operating system. I'm excited to learn more about how this new technological device can help our family serve the Lord in new and helpful ways.

think how we're saved and rejoice!

Today I was reading in Romans 5: 8-11

"...but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for the us. (9) Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. (10) For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. (11) More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

1. God saves us while we were still sinners. There was no merit or righteousness involved from our end in our being saved. Purely grace from the Father...amazing!

2. Notice whats happening in verse 8. God shows his love in that Christ died...this is almighty teamwork!

3. Since our justification is sure, God declaring us "not guilty," how much more sure is our salvation in the end! We can have confidence, because the work of Christ and God is perfectly effective. God accomplishes all his purposes!

4. Since Christ has reconciled us to God, how much more sure and sweet is our salvation in Christ! He reconciled us while we were still enemies...again, amazing!

5. Verse 11 stands out to me. Paul says "more than that [salvation in Christ]" is our rejoicing in God through Jesus Christ our reconciler. There must be some profound glory given to God when his saints rejoice in the work his Son did to bring us to himself.

I hope this encourages you today and spurs you on to rejoicing!

o holy night

I know it's no longer the Chirstmas season, but all the snow as of late has remined me of the Christmas songs. I recalled this version of O Holy Night that my friend sent me, I got a side ache the first time I listened to it. It's meant to be a joke...I hope.

Enjoy!

Listen here

suffering americans

Today I again realized how narrow-minded I am. My wife and I spent an hour talking about what kind of computer we should buy, discussion which would be the best investment and serve us best down the road. I feel like we handled it well and were trying to be down to earth with balancing needs versus wants and ease.

Shortly after this discussion I read and email from a dear brother wherein I was reminded about what's happening in Gulu, Unganda. There, most of the young children flee to the city every night for valid fear of abduction, brain-washing, and enrollment in a violent and evil resistance army. I remember from the video "Invisible Children" how three boys sleep in a part of the sewer system each night after the daily commute to the city. After they mop up all the stale and rancid water, they have a "dry" place to rest for a few hours before they head back out into the open.

Oh Lord, have mercy on me a sinner! And help your children in need! Give me grace to keep things in perspective and to think globally for your names sake.

Invisible Children

You always remain

Brand new song I wrote today. Expresses some of the way I've been feeling as of late. The Lord is faithful. Suggestions are welcome.



I'll go away somewhere I can't find rain.
I'll go away somewhere I can't feel pain.
You remind me of who I've always been.
You, oh You, remind of who You are...

I'll stay away, this place where I've been hiding.
Stay far away, can't face this world today.
Frail, broken-hearted, a contrite heart have I.
You, oh You, won't reject me, for who You are.

Dreams fade away today my heart has stains
Dream away today, for You don't change, You always remain.

You say, "Stay away, I bought this one from slavery."
Chains loose their sway when Jesus Christ proclaims...
"You, my child, your pardon's sealed in blood."
You, oh You, remind me of who I am in You.

Dreams came today to stay, my hearts been changed
Dream away today, for You don't change, for You don't change,
Oh You don't change, You always remain.

Fade to Light

My last song was quite popular so I thought I should post a few more. This song is called "Fade to Light" and was written last spring. Enjoy!



You are the only God who saves;
there is no God, God like You!
Why should my eyes behold what's worthless?
Why should my gaze not be on You?

You've given me new eyes to see Your beauty.
You've given me new eyes to behold You.
You've taken off the blinders, I see! O Lord, I see!

You made the darkness fade away to light,
You made the darkness fade away.
You showered me with grace, and gave to me new sight.
You shinned Your light and showed me the way.

I've seen Your likeness in my life,
still I don't know the things I do.
Your perfect character enthralls me;
I want to be Lord, just like You.

jewelery boxes

Hey mom,

What do you think of these boxes? They don't have the final finish coat on them but, I'm not particularly fond of how the stain turned out. I should have left them natural because that's easier. At this point they can still be sanded down and worked with. I think what happened is I didn't do a good enough job on the finish sanding and so the stain didn't take well on the top of the box lids. Let me know what you would like done. If you want to take a stab at staining them that is fine, I know you're better at that then I am. Hope you doing well, talk to you soon.

Minnesota winters are back!

Some shots from Thursday - posted mostly so my mom could see just how snowy it is down here - man I love Jeeps!