ForeverRuinedfortheOrdinary

Christian Music

2006-05-30T10:15:00.000-04:00

“I recently came across the comments of an American pastor objecting to new trends in worship music: ‘There are several reasons for opposing it. One, it’s too new. Two, it’s often worldly…The new Christian music is not as pleasant as the more established style. Because there are so many new songs you can’t learn them all. It puts too much emphasis on instrumental music rather than godly lyrics. This new music creates disturbances making people act indecently and disorderly. The preceding generation got along without it. It’s a money-making scheme, and some of these new music up-starts are lewd [coarse, vulgar, rude] and loose’…This comment comes from a pastor in 1723 attacking Isaac Watts, regarded now by many to be the father of North American humnody.” Found this article in Worship Leader Magazine May 2006.

Makes you go hmmmm!

Anger

2006-05-10T09:51:00.000-04:00

Anybody can become angry, that is easy; but to be angry with the right person, and to the right degree, and at the right time, and for the right purpose, and in the right way, that is not within everybody's power, that is not easy. Aristotle
My mother used to say, "He who angers you, conquers you!" But my mother was a saint. Elizabth Kenny
The remarkable thing is that we really love our neighbor as ourselves: we do unto others as we do unto ourselves. We hate others when we hate ourselves. We are tolerant toward others when we tolerate ourselves. We forgive others when we forgive ourselves. We are prone to sacrifice others when we are ready to sacrifice ourselves. Eric Hoffer
Of the Seven Deadly Sins, anger is possibly the most fun. To lick your wounds, to smack your lips over grievances long past, to roll over your tongue the prospect of bitter confrontations still to come, to savor to the last toothsome morsel both the pain you are given and the pain you are giving back -- in many ways it is a feast fit for a king. The chief drawback is that what you are wolfing down is yourself. The skeleton at the feast is you. Frederick Buechener
Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be. Thomas A Kempis
I was angry with my friend
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe:
I told it not, my wrath did grow.
A Poison Tree ~ William Blake

Was I dealing with anger this week...maybe just a tad!

The Monkey Trap

2006-05-02T16:44:00.000-04:00

A coconut is hollowed out and attached by a rope to a tree or stake in the ground. At the bottom of the coconut a small slit is made and some sweet food is placed inside. The hole on the bottom is just big enough for the monkey to slide in his open hand, but does not allow for a closed fist to pass out. The monkey smells the sweets, reaches in with his hand to grasp the food and is then unable to withdraw it. The clenched fist won’t pass through the opening. When the hunters come, the monkey becomes frantic but cannot get away. There is no one keeping that monkey captive, except the force of his own attachment. All that he has to do is open his hand. But so strong is the force of greed in the mind that it is a rare monkey which cal let go. [J. Goldstein]

It is the desires and clinging in our own minds which keep us trapped. Can we learn from the monkey? What are you holding onto?

Will Power

2006-04-11T13:13:00.000-04:00

"...that there is is no such faculty as will power that can be relied upon becomes obvious to any student of human activity who would observe that it is entirely lacking in most people most of the time and only marginally operative in a few under favorable circumstances..." Dr. D. Hawkins
Hmmmm yup!

Constellation

2006-04-09T21:26:00.000-04:00

"Examine the so-called 'signs of the Zodiac' and 'constellations' which supposedly exists in the sky. If you photograph the starry sky at night and look at it with no preconceived notions, it is obvious that arbitrary lines could be drawn between any group of bright spots so as to produce the outline of any familiar figure or geometric shape. One can draw on a map of the stars a dog, a cat, quadraduplets, or whatever! These do not exist in reality in space; in fact, there is no such thing as a constellatin except to the imagination of the observer. From a different viewpoint in space, not a single one of the famous constellations with fanciful names can be seen by anyone!" Dr. David R. Hawkins
Okay then...that's more like it!

"The Essence of our Experience...

2006-04-07T16:50:00.000-04:00

...is change. Change is incessant. Moment by moment life flows by and it is never the same. Perpetual alteration is the essence of the perceptual universe. A thought springs up in you head and half a second later, it is gone. In comes another one, and that is gone too. A sound strikes your ears and then silence. Open your eyes and the world pours in, blink and it is gone. People come into your life and they leave again. Friends go, relatives die. Your fortunes go up and they go down. Sometimes you win and just as often you lose. It is incessant: change, change, change. No two moments ever the same." H. Gunaratana Mahathera

Such is life...and I love life!

Joy

2006-03-27T14:31:00.000-05:00

Maybe there’s something else to life than just getting what you want all the time . . . That something else is finding the joy within oneself, rather than as a result of life circumstances. Cheri Huber

Maybe? Hmmmm....most likely!

Suffering

2006-03-09T20:08:00.000-05:00

"To love is to suffer. To avoid suffering one must not love. But then one suffers from not loving. Therefore, to love is to suffer, not to love is to suffer, to suffer is to suffer. To be happy is to love. To be happy, then, is to suffer, but suffering makes one unhappy. Therefore, to be unhappy one must love or love to suffer, or suffer from too much happiness." Woody Allen

Well~that says it all doesn't it...I knew there was a reason for my condition...hahaha!

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY

2006-03-05T12:54:00.000-05:00

My poem for you…hahah…well an attempt!

One day I had a dream
Her skin the colour of cream
That day soon came to be
The birth of a daughter…happy me!
Hers was the world to discover
And the world rose up to greet her
Calling our attention
God gave us a champion!
All cannot help but be smitten
By the likes of “Nicole Dee Simmen”

I love you Nicole!

Hey I'm back...

2006-02-24T18:06:00.000-05:00

Gosh...it has been so long...probably lost all my fans! hahaha

UPDATE!
My practice has been moved to the back burner. I kept one client but am seeing her more in a mentoring role; she is a single mom and she enjoys and appreciates the input of a "veteran" mom.
My boys, Randy 19 and Johnny 16, are touring the east coast with their band Trouble With Ferguson or TWF. You can check them out at www.troublewithferguson.com ...make sure to click around the site, its pretty neat. They toured the west coast in January and John, Nicole and I followed them around for a week ~ this was the most intense experience I have ever had. Touring consists of driving (4-9 hours per day), unload, set up, play, sell merchandise, tear down, load, Denny's, maybe get started driving toward the next city or venue or sleep a little and pick it up in the morning and start all over. There is no room for "shopping"...that sucked...hahaha! But watching my boys maturing daily before my eyes was and continues to be amazing.
Last week Nicole, Danyelle (Randy's girlfriend), Erin (a friend of Nicole's) and I drove to New Hampshire to surprise the boys...I felt like a 16 year old...it was great fun.
My granddaughter continues to be a highlight in my life and she has grabbed a hold of my heart in a way that I truly hadn't expected; it has also brought Serena (daughter-in-law) and I closer...she is amazed that Carly, when upset, will settle quickly in my arms...I think I am great grandma material...hahaha.
Nicole has applied to three Universities and hopes to get into to Ryerson for their photography program...pray that God leads her clearly and gives her peace in making such important decisions.
We you probably didn't expect such a narration but you got one anyway.
PICS FOR YOU TO ENJOY

On the road to surprise TWF

A stop at Denny's...a must for Roadies

Waiting with anticipation to surprise TWF

Yup...they were absolutely surprised!

All for love!

Carly Lynn Montgomery

2005-12-20T11:01:00.000-05:00

Here she is...beautiful granddaughter! Her name is Carly Lynn, born Dec 19th, 2005, 4:21pm. 8lbs 4oz. We are all delighted!

BEAUTIFUL SERENA AND BEAUTIFUL CARLY

BABY CARLY LYNN MONTGOMERY

DAD'S HAND WITH DAUGHTER'S HAND

GRANDMA (love that name) and CARLY

And the winner is...

2005-12-12T16:14:00.000-05:00

Hey check this out...we are at John's Christmas dinner and after some instruction he, John, wins a dance contest...had to be there but hey...I'll share some pics and you can get some idea!

These are priceless...

Oh and here is one of us.

Lovely!

The Lost Heart

2005-12-07T11:06:00.000-05:00

"[Our] original shimmering self gets buried so deep we hardly live out of it at all...rather, we learn to live out of all the other selves which we are constantly putting on and taking off like coats and hats against the world's weather." Frederick Buechner

"The heart does not respond to principles and programs; it seeks not efficiency, but passion. Art, poetry, beauty, mystery, ecstacy: These are what rouse the heart. Indeed, they are the language that must be spoken if one wishes to communicate with the heart." John Eldredge

Would you say your heart is free? Do you paint? Write poetry? Play an instrument? Dance? Play?

TROUBLE with FERGUSON

2005-11-29T12:43:00.000-05:00

Hey people...please come and support this band...

Look for me at the merch table...

Ahhhh Winter!

2005-11-24T14:36:00.000-05:00

Winter has arrived and I thought I would share a couple of pics of tranquility .... yes, even in the winter!

Inviting isn't it...picture youself all bundled up with hat and mittens and a cup of hot cocoa!

Choose carefully...

2005-11-24T12:34:00.000-05:00

"In the Canadian northlands ther are just two seasons, winter and July. When the back roads begin to thaw, they become muddy. Vehicles going into the backwood country leave deep ruts that become frozen when cold weather returns. For those entering this primitive area during the winter months, there is a sign which reads, 'Driver, please choose carefully which rut you drive in, because you'll be in it for the next twenty miles.'" John Maxwell
What rut are you finding yourself in? Choose to change directions...twenty years down the road you'll be glad you did!
Or, not in a rut...watch the direction you choose next, that it doesn't become a rut...twenty years down the road you'll be glad you did!

Problems vs Solutions

2005-11-22T09:32:00.000-05:00

Have you ever asked yourself why our eyes are at the front of our heads and can only look ahead? Simple! There lies the solution to our problems...ahead and not behind. But we tend to always want to look back at the problem instead of looking straight ahead at the solution. Did you know you can only focus on one thing at a time? Think about it! When you have your eyes on the problem, you have turned your back away from the solution and your anxiety level skyrockets. The reverse is true, focus on the solution and your back is turned away from the problem and your anxiety level deminishes and is replaced by hope, peace and security.
For those of us who believe in Scripture, read Romans 11:1, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." The "problem" is the evidence of things seen which produces "fear"; the "solution" is the evidence of things not seen which produces "faith".
Idea inspired by FreeMeToLive.

2005-11-20T21:03:00.000-05:00

Things don't go wrong and break your heart so you can become bitter and give up. They happen to break you down and build you up so you can be all that you were intended to be.
[unknown]

Self-Image

2005-11-20T18:54:00.000-05:00

"It is impossible to perform consistently in a manner inconsistent with the way we see ourselves! In other words, we usually act in direct response to our self-image. Nothing is more diffifult to accomplish than changing outward actions without changing inward feelings." John Maxwell

2005-11-09T14:13:00.000-05:00

"A KEEN OBSERVER...once said, 'You Christians seem to have a religion that makes you miserable. You are like a man with a headache. He does not want to get rid of his head, but it hurts him to keep it. You cannot expect outsiders to earnestly seek anything so uncomfortable.'" (Hannah Whitall Smith ~ 1832-1911)

Touche! Believe me there are too many outsiders looking in today, 2005, that still think the same way!

2 in 1

2005-10-30T17:03:00.000-05:00

"These are my final moments, and I'm so unprepared."

These words are part of the story posted just before this one...and I was struck by them because of the unecessarity [not sure if that is a word] of them; ie: being so unprepared...there is a way to be prepared and that is through the person of Jesus Christ... "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me' [John 14:6]. This is a truth that if accepted there would be no need for being unprepared.
Because, the dilemma when faced with death is always, "is there an afterlife? Am I going to make it through those gates? Surely God will see how good I was! Etc., Etc., All based on "us". God tells us how we get through those gates, and it is not through our own doing. It is in accepting the gift He has so generously offered to us ~ free of charge ~ that is why it is a "gift"! The gift of LIFE...in His Son Jesus!
How about you, are you "prepared"?
Think about it a minute.... tic tic tic
We are all going to meet our Maker, the difference will be "prepared" or "unprepared"!
You choose!

M.A.D.D.

2005-10-30T16:22:00.000-05:00

WENT TO A PARTY, MOM

I went to a party, and remembered what you said.
You told me not to drink, Mom, so I had a sprite instead.
I felt proud of myself, the way you said I would and that I didn't drink and drive, though some friends said I should.
I made a healthy choice, and your advice to me was right.
The party finally ended, and the kids drove out of sight.
I got into my car, sure to get home in one piece.
I never knew what was coming, Mom, something I expected least.
Now I'm lying on the pavement, and I hear the policeman say, the kid that caused this wreck was drunk, Mom, his voice seems far away.
My own blood's all around me, as I try hard not to cry.
I can hear the paramedic say, this girl is going to die.
I'm sure the guy had no idea, while he was flying high.
Because he chose to drink and drive, now I would have to die.
So why do people do it, Mom ~ knowing that it ruins lives?
And now the pain is cutting me, like a hundred stabbing knives.
Tell sister not to be afraid, Mom;
Tell daddy to be brave.
And when I go to heaven, put “Mommy’s Girl" on my grave.
Someone should have taught him, that it's wrong to drink and drive.
Maybe if his parents had, I'd still be alive.
My breath is getting shorter, Mom
I'm getting really scared.
These are my final moments, and I'm so unprepared.
I wish that you could hold me Mom, as I lie here and die.
I wish that I could say, "I love you, Mom!"
So I love you and good-bye.

MADD ~ Mothers Against Drunk Drivers

Post this on your site…may save a life!

ATTRIBUTES CONT'D

2005-10-18T15:03:00.000-04:00

Okay...time for another attribute. I am putting this one on its own because of its importance and significance.
SOVEREIGN ~ God is totally, supremely, and preeminently over all of His creation. There is not a person or thing that has escaped His control and foreknown plan! See Psalm 103:19; Daniel 4:34-35; Isaiah 40:23; 46:8-11.
MY BIRTH; MY CHILDHOOD; MY ADOLESCENCE; MY EDUCATION; MY MORALITY; MY SPIRITUALITY; MY ADULTHOOD; MY SAFETY; MY THOUGHTS; MY MARRIAGE; MY MOTHERHOOD; MY CAREER; MY FRIENDSHIPS; MY HEALTH; MY SICKNESSES; MY WEALTH; MY DEATH ~ and everything in between that led from one developmental stage to another ~ ALL under the perimeter of God's Sovereignty! See Genesis 41:16; Psalm 103:19. This does not mean that I will not feel fear, anger, or even depression...it means that God is constent...He knows and is in control. It does mean that I can take comfort and believe that He, almighty God knows what He is doing seeing He created me and planned all of my days even before I was conceived! Nothing and no-one can "twart" His plans and purposes for my life; see Job 42:2.

Beloved!

2005-10-15T21:36:00.000-04:00

Today I attended a ladie's retreat day at our church and was blessed, truly blessed.

Did you know that our relationship with Christ can be seen as an ascent experience, like moving up a ladder? Let me explain ~ at least this is how I heard it for myself:

First there is the Clay/Potter Relationship...we sit like a lump unsure of Him
then there is the Sheep/Shepphard Relationship...we begin to follow Him, trusting Him
then there is the Servant/Master Relationship...wanting to be obedient and do more for Him
then there is the Child/Father Relationship...He disciplines and loves us and we respond
then there is the Friend/Friend Relationship...Bearing all to Him knowing He is there
and then, there is the Beloved/Lover Relationship...He is the lover of our soul ~ ultimate!
(remember to look at this as an ascention...a moving on up towards the greatest possible relationship with Christ possible)

The message for us today was Christ telling us, "I have enough workers, I want lovers!" All of the above are absolutely necessary for a healthy and strong relationship with Him but how many of us actually see ourselves in a Beloved/Lover Relationship with Christ? Being so totally in love with Christ that the excitement of it cannot be contained and people all around know that we are in love! I saw this in the speaker today...just awsome!

The problem is not with the Lover...it is clear througout Scripture [especially Song of Solomon] that He loves me/you and He sees me/you as His Beloved...it is I/possibly you who do not "get it"... I am going pursue this type of relationship and when it goes from my head to my heart all those who know me will know that I have connected with the eternal Lover of my soul...He is waiting...I am coming!

CONGRATULATIONS...

2005-10-14T18:00:00.000-04:00

Kevin and Lindsey(nee Weening) Brown on the birth of their first child ~ Kaleb Preston ~ born yesterday at 6:09am weighing a whopping 11 pounds 6.9 ounces...Hello! He measures 24-3/4 inches. But he is soooo beautiful, here is a pic:

Praise Almighty God! Love Love Babies!

ATTRIBUTES...

2005-10-12T22:41:00.000-04:00

Hey, I have been studying (PUP Genesis Part 5) the attributes of God and thought, "Surely those who read my blog will be interested!"...at least very curious...and if not, here is what I have learned so far anyhoooo!

There are two categories of attributes: 1. The natural attributes of God that relate to God inwardly as He is in Himself (there are 11) and 2. God's moral attributes which show God's relationship to His creation (there are 13) ~ 24 in all.

Here are the first four:
OMNISCIENT ~ God knows all. He has a perfect knowledge of everything that is past, present, or future. See Job 37:16; Psalm 139: 1-6.
OMNIPRESENT ~ God possesses all power. He is able to bring about anything that He has decided to do with or without the use of any source beyond Himself. See Job 38:4-40; Job 42:2; Psalm 33:6-9
OMNIPRESENT ~ God is present everywhere, in all the universe, at all times, in the totality of His character. See Proverbs 15:3; Jeremiah 23:23-24
ETERNAL ~ God has no begenning, and He has no end. He is not confined to the finiteness of time or to man's reckoning of time. He is, in fact, the cause of time. See Deuteronomy 32:40; Revelation 1:8; Isaiah 57:15

Okay you may have been familiar with these but it is always good to be reminded of His attributes; it is in knowing God [His character, attributes, and sovereignty] that we can begin to rely and trust in Him!

May this touch you in some way, may it awaken a desire to know Him more.

With His love,
Linda

Hey, Hey, I'm back!

2005-10-03T15:12:00.000-04:00

Life happens and blog gets pushed to the back burner...time for an update...if only I could remember EVERYTHING that has happened since the last post!

Private counseling practice is moving along...do you know of anyone who could benefit? We all do! Anyway, you could pass this telephone number along...416-830-2730; confidential number, and I would love some referrals!'

In-depth bible studies have resumed...this year I attend one, as well as host it, and I am leading one.
The one I attend is a study on kings and prophets, "A Divided Heart, A Divided Nation". A look at 1Kings 1-15 and 2Chronicles 1-13. Hearing and understanding God's message to His people through the voices of HIs prophets during those times...recognizing how it affects us today.
The one I am leading is a study on Joseph...covering Genesis 37-50 and dealing with, "Keeping Your Focus When Your Dreams Are Shattered"...can you relate or what!?

Shattered dreams and common misconceptions...hmmm!

The other interesting thing is that the Simmen family met the Baxter family here visiting their son/brother Pete from Bordertown, Australia. Dad and mom or Pastor Noel and Sandra pastor a church in Bordertown called Highway Chrisitan Centre; they came with their son Sammuel who has great talent on the keybaord and their daughter Emma ~ a handsome family and very personable. I will have pics later~

Read a piece of Scripture that really spoke to my heart last week, "From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live" (Acts 17:26-27). We have a distinct destiny...a future, a hope, a calling, determined by God! Do we dare go against it! If we but accept God's purpose for our life as a blessing, Proverbs tells us that it makes one "rich" and that He, God, adds no sorrow to it! We do that ~ adding the sorrow that is! (Proverbs 10:22).

May Almighty God reveal Himself to you in some way today and everyday!

Poison

2005-09-13T10:42:00.000-04:00

Here is an excellent quote on resentment...
"To have resentment towards someone is like taking poison and hoping the other person dies!" Author unknown

Background noise for conversation...

2005-09-12T01:45:00.000-04:00

because the silence lasts too long...(R.Simmen/J. Dean TWF song liryc).

Silence is a four letter word to this post-modern generation. I have been studying on the subject of silence. Amazing how little of it I experience in a day with a household full of teenagers. But I have to admit that I also have to consciously choose not to turn the T.V. on, or putin a music or teaching cd. And when I do finally keep everything off, I tend to end up with a telephone in my hand! Then, if I am aware of that and put it down, I turn to this divice and run to my email... and we won't speak of the noise in my head...blah, blah, blah... Interestingly enough, as an introvert that is almost a contradiction...for when I am alone and the house is quiet and I just give in to silence , that is when I am most at peace! But for some reason, I have believed the lie that the silence lasts too long! Yet,

T.S. Eliot wrote, "Where shall the world be found, where will the word resound? Not here, there is not enough silence." And,

Richard J. Foster in Celebration of Discipline adds, "We fear so deeply what we think other people see in us that we talk in order to straighten out their understanding." He also states that the fear of being alone drive us to noise and crowds.

What do you think?

Adrian Razo

2005-09-11T01:36:00.000-04:00

Tonight was interesting. John, Johnny, and I went to Chapters to visit Nicole on her break. There was an artist there by the name of Adrian Razo. Very sweet! Totally fell in love with the band, I bought their cd and I would encourage you all to go to their website, click here... Adrian Raso and check them out. They are playing at Chapters all over ~ Richmond Hill, Toronto, Guelph (they are from there); if you are near where they will be playing, worth it! Very personable band, energetic and fun! Adrian is a great story teller! Okay, I think I made my point!

New Bird

2005-09-10T22:16:00.000-04:00

Hi ~ sad to tell you that our bird, "Paris" died while we were away...she caught a cold...but, we couldn't leave such an beautiful cage empty, that was too sad soooo we bought another bird. She is totally different. She is a Parakeet ~ a "Quaker", fitting isn't it?

I have named her "Dorinda" means beautiful gift in the Greek!

Here is a pic:

Yes, lovely isn't she? That nest was on a window sill outside and we brought it in and she gravited to it on her own...sweet!

Great Quote

2005-09-05T15:23:00.000-04:00

Was listening to a teaching CD and heard this quote...the woman read this out of a card:

Outside: "Just think you are here not by chance but by God's choosing. His hand formed you and made you the person you are. He compares you to no one else, you are one-of-a-kind! You lack nothing His grace cannot give you. He has allowed you to be here at this time in history to fulfill His special purpose for this generation."
Inside: "How thankful I am that He has allowed me to be here at the same time as you!"

I wish I could find that exact card because I would buy it and send it to many very special individuals in my life, especially those that that God has allowed me to "parent"! Because parenting, I am constently discovering, is not only an opportunity to teach, nurture, and influence those you love greatly but also an opportunity to learn, be nurtured and influenced by their unique God-given gifts, talent and personalities.

William, Randy, Nicole, and John. You are One-of-a-Kind individuals with so much to give, you are a blessing to me and to those who truly get to know you!

I also want to mention that being influenced and influencing is a daily minute-by-minute occurence ~ whether you are aware of it or not...become aware! Become grateful for the people God has placed in your life for such a time as this...and remember,
BREATHE IN AND BREATHE OUT ! Enjoy the experience!

Reflection

2005-08-30T23:47:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

The past few weeks I have had many occasion to reflect on "life" as it were!

The title of this blog is "Forever Ruined For The Ordinary". Came from a book I read that had me really reflect and determine that much too much time is spent on things that do not really matter ~ had made me very keen and aware! Anyway,I have to admit that lately I have found myself (once again) immersed in the ordinary and that is when I feel the most anxious. Worrying about everything, from how I look, what I am wearing, what I am doing or not doing, what I am eating, what my friends think of me, will my marriage survive another year, five or ten!, what do my children think of me, how do my children's decisions reflect on me...do you get the drift...the common theme? ME, ME, ME!

Then, while driving, a thought ~ actually an "awareness" came to me and it literally made me pull over: "I breathe, my sister does not; I am alive, my sister is not!"

That is all that matters...everything else is either an asset or a liability. What I do or say or think needs to reflect my "gratefullness" to God for living and breathing!

Life on Juliet and Trouble with Ferguson!

2005-08-15T13:36:00.000-04:00

Update on my two favorite bands...

Life on Juliet, Johnny's band, is playing in a Battle of the Bands on Thursday night August 18th, 2005 at the El Mocambo...this is very exciting because they were approached by SuperNova (an organization that searches for new talent) when they heard their recordings on PureVolume. I remember attending the Elmo Combo when I was a teen...yep, its been around a very long time! John and I also went there about 5-6 years ago to support another youth in a Battle of the Bands and it was quite an evening. Johnny is presently at a cottage and returning the day before...relaxed or what? I know he will do a very good job and if they win, they win recording time which is always important in the life of a musician. I pray he finds God's favour and the favour of man. Pray for them will you?

Trouble with Ferguson, Randy's band, is traveling (and the family is following as groupies) to Pensylvania to play at a venue called Purple Door ~ something like Kingdom Bound in Darien Lake... TWF sent their demo cd to the Purple Door along with 80+ other bands and they won along with 3 other bands. They get open up for a main band on the Friday and so out of the four picked, they get the best time slot to play in. You can check out Purple Doors website at Purple Door and click on the "new this year" red square!

Life on Sherwood Glen certainly is not dull! Pray for us! I will keep you posted.

Cottage Life...

2005-08-12T20:32:00.000-04:00

Well it's official, I love cottage life. I/we had a very good week. The weather could not be better and the cottage was beautiful. We fished, swam, canoed, watched movies, played a game, put together puzzles, listened to the guitar, had conversation, read books, and ate really really well! A few pics attached for your viewing:

John...very proud but dad wouldn't let him keep it!

Hubert...water boy!

Will and Serena...love is canoeing together!

Guess who won...no not me, Hubert the youngest and brightest!

Randy and what he loves to do best!

Robert, Moi, and our Mommy!

Nicole...doing one of the things she loves most!

John (my man) and the foooodddd

Looking forward to many more such vacations with the people I truly love the most! I am very blessed and thank God every day!

Integrity

2005-07-26T14:13:00.000-04:00

Lately I have been thinking a lot on this subject. It is a topic that is not discussed much but can and is so crucial to life!
Integrity is not to be confused with reputation. Integrity is about character and reputation is its shadow. In John Maxwell's book Becoming a Person of Influence, he quotes William H. Davis, "Reputation is what you are supposed to be; character is what you are...Reputation is the photograph; character is the face...Your reputation is made in a moment; your character is built in a lifetime...Reputation makes you rich or makes you poor; character makes you happy or makes you miserable...Reputation is what men say about you on your tombstone; character is what the angels say about you before he throne of God!"
Integrity is about making choices ~ it comes from the inside. Anytime you compromise your integrity, you do yourself harm. To become a person of integrity, you have commit yourself to honesty, reliability, and confidentiality. Don't sell your integrity at any price! Determine that from the beginning and you will not get caught! Don Meyer states, "It is always easy to do right when you know ahead of time what you stand for!"
Have a great week!

creatures

2005-07-26T12:46:00.000-04:00

Hi...well I have to admit, it takes me way too long to update this blog but what can I say except that life gets in the way and that is a good thing!

9 little cameleons were born since I spoke to you last. They are absolutely adorable. Here is a pic:

Say this isn't adorable!

We have also celebrated John's 50th birthday...(actual birth date is the 28th of July)...on Friday, July 22nd. It was a "surprise" and I believe we pulled it off. It was a good time. We celebrated at the Villagio ~ NW corner of Weston Road and Rutherford Road ~ in the Plaza; if you ever go there, speak to Edegio and he'll take care of you.

Saturday, we (as in the Simmen family~which includes the Montgomery family) are leaving for Butterfly Lake situated between Bala and Port Carling ~ yes, the Muskokas! We've rented this cottage:

I've decided that no matter the weather, I will make the most of this time with my family, whom I love so very much and whom are determined to live independent lives and for which I am very grateful!

Update....

2005-07-07T23:40:00.000-04:00

Well I thought I could ~ I was going to say should but shoulds are always an imposition and because I could, I will! Update I mean!

Randy and "Troupble with Ferguson" (new band name)...travelled to Bushnell, Illinois and played for an event called "Cornerstone" ~ many high profile Christian bands were represented there and they had an incredible opportunity to put themselves out there. They came back elated and believe good will come of it. This week they finish writting up songs and are recording four extra songs - I guess that is 7 in total for a CD. I have not heard the last four but the first three were amazing. Check out their website www.TROUBLEwithFERGUSON.com or go to www.purevolume.com/troublewithferguson to hear their songs.

Johnny celebrated his 16th birthday on Sunday! Yeah! And today wrote and passed his G1. What's a few more grey hairs! I am excited for him. His band, "Life on Juliet" is also doing amazing. They are writing new material and are recording their first EP this week ~ actually started last weekend and they complete it this weekend. I can't wait to hear it! They can be heard on purevolume as well, www.purevolume.com/lifeonjuliet.

My mother and I went to Buffalo today to pick up John's mom. My behind is sore but all in all it was a fun day trip. I am looking forward to spending the week with Dee, she can be quite comical.

Well that will be it for now and will return soon...a baby cameleon was just born and I must join in on the celebration...watch for pics...

The Look of Resentment in Your Eyes...

2005-06-30T13:23:00.000-04:00

How can I bear it?

Truly I can't!

Quote

2005-05-19T20:38:00.000-04:00

"Don't give up...even Moses was a basket-case"

Encouraged? You bet!

Mother's Day

2005-05-19T20:24:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone...long time since I've jotted something here and yes Mother's Day is long gone but I have been floating on some nice little cloud since that day and decided it was time to share. Below you can have a look at what I got from William and Serena:

Yes, you guessed it, I will be a grand-mother this year, December 2005. I am very excited and I pray for a great and healthy pregnancy for Serena and especially a healthy baby. Believe it or not, it took me a minute to realize what the bootie represented...and so apparently the bear was to confirm my suspicion.

Some fear becoming grandparents but just as I longed for children when I was very young, I also longed and looked forward to becoming a grand-mother. Okay, I think I made my point, I am very happy and let me also say that so are the parents-to-be!

Hey "Congratulations" to all upcoming Grand-maman's out there!

Bumper Sticker warning!

2005-05-05T19:25:00.000-04:00

An honest man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection. The tailgating woman hit the roof, and the horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, finger printed, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects. He said, I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'Choose Life' license plate, the 'What Would Jesus Do?' bumper sticker, the 'Follow Me to Sunday-School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk. Naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car.

Priceless!! For sure!

Do you...

2005-04-27T16:36:00.000-04:00

...live your life in such a way that you could easily sell your parrot to the local pet shop?

INSANITY!

2005-04-27T11:38:00.000-04:00

Insanity is doing the SAMEthing over and over again and expecting DIFFERENT results! Hello!

LOL ~ laugh out loud!

2005-04-18T23:28:00.000-04:00

A guy is driving around and he sees a sign in front of a house:
"TALKING DOG FOR SALE"
He rings the doorbell, and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard.
The guy goes into the backyard and sees a Labrador Retriever sitting there.
"You talk?" he asks.
"Yep," the Lab replies.
"So, what's your story?"
The Lab looks up and says, "Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young, and I wanted to help the government; so I told the RCMP about my gift, and in no time at all the government had me jetting from country to country, to sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping. I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running. But, the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I wanted to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security work, mostly wandering near suspecious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals. I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired."
The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.
"Ten dollars."
The guy says, "This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?"
"Because he's a liar. He didn't do any of that crap!"

Okay, you've got to be rolling on the floor right now! Hilarious! That is my contribution to adding more laughter into this world.

Hahahhahahahhhhahhhaaaaahhhaaaaahhhahaaaaa!
Come LOL!

What is it do YOU...

2005-04-16T11:57:00.000-04:00

...want more of in the world?

I thought that was a good question. Went to LIFEfest yesterday, a health, nutrition, beauty and fitness expo ~ presented by Shoppers Drug Mart. The largest lifestyle show ever held in Canada! The purpose: To help women enhance and achieve balance in their lives. There were many booths promoting products from pain killers to spas. There were keynote speakers throughout the day (weekend); people like Lily Tomlin, Erin Brockovich, Richard Simons, Debbie Travis, and Kimberly Rodrigez whose life was changed forever because of the TV series Extreme Makeover.

In my opinion, I am not sure "balance" was achieved...maybe I don't understand? But to me the theme seemed to promote "beauty" more than anything else. Like we don't encounter this kind of bombardment already ~ everyday! They did have booths that touched on other aspects like exercise, organizing your home, pets, and some spiritual elements, but "beauty", extreme "beauty" was still the main focus.

Back to my original question, (see you thought I'd lost it!), "What is it do YOU want more of in the world?" Two "Life Coachers" asked this question to a small crowd. Some answers were pretty interesting, aside from the pat answers like, "I would like to see more PEACE" etc... someone said, "Laughter, I would like to see more laughter!" That resonated with me. It would be good to see more people laugh, really good belly laughs. But you know, the answer to that question then is, "What are YOU going to do to bring more 'laughter, peace, compassion, awareness, love, understanding' etc., into this world?

Let me know what your "more of " is and what you think you could do to have more of it. Also, let me know if you've been to the expo and what you thought about it.

May all that is good of God be yours!

Johnny and "Life on Juliet"

2005-04-06T23:10:00.000-04:00

I thought I would introduce you to my youngest, Johnny. He is fifteen. He is kind, thoughtful, personable and greatly talented. He plays the drums (his first love) and also plays guitar. He writes songs and music. Just recently the school he goes to had a talent show and the concecus was that "Life on Juliet" (the name of his band) was by far one of the best talent represented.

This is "Life on Juliet" playing their accoustic guitars, Johnny wrote the song and the music, (actually, he and Mitch worked on it together, fine tunning it). I wish I could let you hear it, it's pretty good! From left to right: Ian, Johnny, Jordan and Mitch.

AND

This is Johnny on the drums...wicked! as some say. There were quite a few poeple yelling at him to do a drum solo that night...makes me proud!

Johnny (and I am the only one that calls him that, his name is John ~ but so is my husband's name and it makes it easier for moi!) has a great sense of humour and good leadership skills; I am looking forward to seeing what God has planned for him unfold!

The "E.P." is mastered...

2005-04-01T18:33:00.000-05:00

Randy, a member of Madison Avenue ~ a great band!

....Aeds (no longer)......Randy........Jordan..........Matt...
Check them out! Just click here and then click on Sunday Night Drive E.P. and have a listen.
I truly believe you wll enjoy them, they have a great sound!

AND TROUBLED MINDS...

2005-03-27T15:05:00.000-05:00

Can know His peace!

The King of love is my delight, His eyes are fire, and His face is light
The First and Last, the Living One, His name is Jesus
And from His mouth there comes a sound,
That shakes the earth and splits the ground
And yet this voice is life to me, the voice of Jesus
And I will sing my songs of love
Calling out across the earth
The King has come; the King of love has come
And troubled minds can know His peace
Captive hearts can be released
The King has come; the King of love has come
My Lover’s breath is sweetest wine, I am His prize, and He is mine
How can a sinner know such joy? Because of Jesus
The wounds of love are in His hands,
The price is paid for sinful man
Accepted child, forgiven son, Because of Jesus
And my desire is to have You near
Lord You know that You are welcome here
Before such love, before such grace
I will let the walls come down
Stuart Townend & Kevin Jamieson

WOOHOO!~~HE IS RISEN!~~HALLELUJAH!

HE'S BACK...YEAH!

2005-03-23T12:35:00.000-05:00

Randy came back on Monday March 21st, actually it was more like Tuesday the 22nd.

His flight was to arrive at 11pm but was late 1 hour 10 minutes. He was delayed another 2 hours because his luggage was left behind in Houston... plane was overloaded and they randomly removed 47 pieces of luggage and Randy's was one of them... we have yet to see its return! Worse part was that when they first arrived in Honduras, their luggage did not arrive with them, they got them 3 days later... But in true Randy form, he came through those arrival doors with a great smile on his face...in shorts and sandals...(brrrr) but a great smile!

Here is a quote Randy put on his website about the trip:

"This trip was amazing.
Amazing and sad;
Like those world vision commercials that everyone changes the channel from.
Only no remote!"

Makes you want to say, "HMMMMMM" doesn't it?

He took some pictures, this is one of my favourites so far, there are more to come...

These children were always greeting the work crue.

Randy says they worked hard and accomplished a lot. He also said he would go back in an instant.

I thank God for his safe return and also pray He would lead Randy to many more adventures of service in His name.

Chris B. Wood

2005-03-19T13:59:00.000-05:00

May he rest in peace.

I met Chris at Starbucks. He was my favorite "Barrista". He always greeted us (because we were often there as a family) with a genuine/contageous smile and always full of questions.

Yesterday was his funeral. He was 25 years old. He died (from what I gather) pneumonia. Shocking to say the least!

John, Nicole and I attended his funeral. It was held in a small country church in Tehcumseth just a little north of Bradford, at HWY 27 and 88. The attendance was incredible...standing room only ~ in the aisles and outside as well. Cars parked alongside the country road lined both sides and as far as the eye could see. I am not exagerating, I wish I'd had my camera...it was a sight to see.

Short life? Yes! But Chris, according to those who spoke, was a magnet for laughter, kindness, jokes, signing and dancing, and most importantly making every moment count. He made sure that everyone he met, no matter where he was, would not forget him and if that was his life mission, he accomplished it!

Glad to have met you Chris...you are an inspiration!

COMMENTS

2005-03-14T15:25:00.000-05:00

Helloooo! Anyone out there? Actually, I have a friend that cannot get into the comments part of this blog and so I was wondering if anyone else is experiencing the same problem. If you are, please email me linda_simmen@rogers.com or click where it says e-mail below, beside the comment box. Or if you can leave a comment, do so so that I know it is working...just a quick headsup! I am new to this and want to make sure all is in order! Thanks.

Have you ever...

2005-03-14T00:54:00.000-05:00

met someone and felt like you were looking at your own reflection? Not in outward appearance but in life experience and philosophy and even character traits. A TWIN! I have just met such a person and it is an awesome experience. It has awaken an childlike excitement in my heart and best of all, my sentiments are an echo of her own. It is a realization that you don't have to apologize for anything, you can be 100% real. Not to say that I don't endeavour and desire to be real in all of my relationships (because believe me I do) but lack of similar life experiences or understanding of such experiences seem to dictate a need to alter parts of myself somewhat so as to not offend the other! I do not know if this makes any sense to anyone else but to tell you the truth I would not have come to this realization had I not met this person. I am grateful and looking forward to a long and healthy rich relationship. How can it not be, we are sister's in the Lord and therefore a God-given gift! Here's to you GB!

Does Evil Exist?

2005-03-11T19:25:00.000-05:00

I just received this email and honestly...can't help but sharing it. It is a little long but please read on!

The university professor challenged his students with this question. "Did God create everything that exists?" A student bravely replied, "Yes, he did." "God created everything?" the professor asked. "Yes sir," the student replied. The professor answered, "If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principal that our works define who we are, then God is evil."

The student became quiet before such an answer. The professor, quite pleased with himself, boasted to the students that he had proven once more that the Christian faith was a myth. Another student raised his hand and said, "Can I ask you a question professor?" "Of course," replied the professor.

The student stood up and asked, "Professor, does cold exist?" "What kind of question is this? Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?" The students snickered at the young man's question. The young man replied, "In fact sir, cold does not exist. According to the laws of physics, what we consider cold is in reality the absence of heat. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-460° F) is the total absence of heat; all matter becomes inert and incapable of reaction at that temperature. Cold does not exist. We have created this word to describe how we feel if we have no heat."

The student continued, "Professor, does darkness exist?" The professor responded, "Of course it does." The student replied, "Once again you are wrong sir, darkness does not exist either. Darkness is in reality the absence of light. Light we can study, but not darkness. In fact we can use Newton's prism to break white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color. You cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn't this correct? Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present."

Finally the young man asked the professor, "Sir, does evil exist?" Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course as I have already said. We see it every day. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil." To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is not like faith, or love that exist just as does light and heat. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's Love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light." The professor sat down.

The young man's name --- Albert Einstein

And LIGHT dispersed darkness!

2005-03-10T18:00:00.000-05:00

Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,
For I will yet praise Him,
My Saviour and my God.

Rojoice not over me, O my enemy;
When I fall, I will arise;
When I sit in darkness,
the Lord will be a light to me...

He pleads my cause and executes judgement for me.
He will bring me out to the light.

Why are you downcast, O my soul?

Mercy Saw Me

2005-03-10T14:47:00.000-05:00

by Craig Nelson

The years had left scars,
And the scars have left pain,
How could He recognize me,
For I wasn't the same;
I knew I should pay and I knew the price,
For justice and law had demanded my life.

O but His tender heart heard my desperate cry,
And He saw all my past through merciful eyes!

For sin had stolen all my dignity,
And all my self esteem;
But I was made brand new again,
When mercy looked at me.

Whatever you've done, you can't go too far
That His eyes of mercy can't see where you are.
He loves you too much to leave you alone.
You're flesh of His flesh and bone of His bone.
And His heart cries out for your heart today.
See yourself through His eyes and then you can say,

Beautiful, that's how mercy saw me,
For I was broken and so lost;
Mercy looked at all my faults.
Justice of God saw what I had done,
But mercy saw me through the Son;
Not what I was but what I could be,
That's how mercy saw me!

THIS SONG KEEPS ME SANE!

Honduras/Tugucigalpa

2005-03-09T12:09:00.000-05:00

Randy, 18, left for Honduras this morning. He left the house with dad at 3:30am and his flight left around 6:30am. He is going with 15 other classmates (only 3 guys) and 4 adult leaders. Some of you have supported him financially and for that I thank you very very much. Others of you are and will support him in prayer and for that I am equally grateful, it is coveted!

Hoduras is located in Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Nicaragua and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Nicaragua. Honduras, one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere with an extraordinarily unequal distribution of income, is banking on expanded trade privileges under the Enhanced Caribbean Basin Initiative and on debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. While the country has met most of its macroeconomic targets, it failed to meet the IMF's goals to liberalize its energy and telecommunications sectors. Growth remains dependent on the status of the US economy, its major trading partner, on commodity prices, particularly coffee, and on containment of the recent rise in crime (taken from http://honduras.com/vital-statistics/).

The purpose of the trip is to build walls for a school in Tugucigalpa, Honduras' Capital, and to represent Christ in other areas of service as well. Randy brought along his "gueetar" so that he can lead in worship and certainly, to entertain his fellow students.

Makes my heart proud! Randy is a very unique and confident individual and very creative both in music (writing lyrics and music) as well as art (pen and ink drawing). I know he will be a great asset on this trip and I pray for safety, health, and most of all that this trip will change him for the better and forever ruined for the ordinary!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICOLE

2005-03-05T13:03:00.000-05:00

Nicole is 17 today.
She was born in Newmarket at 12:03pm...official in 2 hours.
She is beautiful, she is very intelligent, and extremely talented.
I am very proud of her! And...
I LOVE HER SO MUCH!
My prayer is that she comes to believe Jeremiah 29:11 and Jeremiah 33:3.

Challenged!

2005-03-04T18:50:00.000-05:00

The last couple of days have been challenging for me and as I sit here, alone in my home, I am struck with a sense of "nothing". Has that ever happened to you? And then the minute you acknowledge that feeling of nothingness, a flood of thoughts and emotions come to trespass on that void...huh!

Today, I received a e-letter and e-cards from a dear friend of mine who moved to the United States of America last year...I'll call her PK! It was really good to hear from her and I couldn't help but think that there was a time when I never thought we would or could ever be friends. Its true! My my... God worked hard on this one (our friendship that is) and I am so grateful! She is contagious with enthusiasm, love for life, and most importantly love for the Lord. I instantly felt rejuvenated after reading her letter. Keep in touch PK! You are a boost of sunshine (no pun intended, she lives in a sunshine state!).

In obedience to God I had to write a letter to someone really dear to me this week. It took me five days to compose, edit and finally send it. It was a truly humbling experience. Now, I have to wait...okay, I thought writting the letter was difficult, the waiting...ouch!

John C. Maxwell in Today Matters states, "It may be trite, but today is the only time that you have. It's too late for yesterday. And you can't depend on tomorrow. That's why today matters!" He also says, "We overexagerate yesterday, overestimate tomorrow, and underestimate today". I can relate! How many times have I said, "I could have, should have...", or "tomorrow I will...", and "I'll start Monday!", and in doing so how many times have I done nothing on that day! Frankly too many...

Here is an example: my sister, Chris, was diagnosed two years ago with terminal cancer. At first I was shocked, in disbelief, and in a hurry to get a lot of things done or said. She was not to make it the year! When she reached the year and beyond, I relaxed. Then, all of a sudden, she is in Paliative Care and time seems to be running out quickly, again! But, I was told that from the hospital, when the time came, she would be transferred to a Hospice. This is a place where you spend your last "30" days... So when Chris was transferred to the Hospice on a Thursday night, my mind started thinking "30" days... On the Friday I visited her new home and just talked about trivial things, I thought I had at least "29 more tomorrows"... she died the next morning, Saturday the 29th of January, 2005. I unfortunately overestimated tomorrow... there were things left unsaid and undone. Believe me, it is a lesson of a lifetime and for a lifetime...no longer will I overestimate tomorrow! I love you Christianne!

Forever Ruined For The Ordinary!

Johnny and Me

2005-03-02T19:23:00.000-05:00

John is here teaching me how to add pictures to my blog and so he gets to be the lucky first family member on my site! Stay tune for others...this was at William and Serena's wedding October 9th, 2004.

Welcome!

2005-03-02T13:09:00.000-05:00

I have just emailed some friends to inform them of this site. I wanted to let you know what you can expect from this site.
1. What's new with me or with the Simmen household.
2. Pictures...not too many but some!
3. My experience with Christ.
4. I will love comments and feedback about the site ~ even some gentle debates.
5. I will add some links to other sites.
Hope you enjoy the site!

Forever Ruined for the Ordinary

2005-03-02T12:10:00.000-05:00

I thought I would explain the title of my blog. I took it from a book title that I am in the process of reading, "Forever Ruined for the Ordinary" by Joy Dawson, a must read for any Christian. I have read a number of books since becoming a follower of Jesus Christ in 1989 and I may have read numerous on the same topic...hearing and obeying God's voice...but I guess there comes a time when you are absolutely ready to "hear" and ready to "obey" rendering you totaly "ruined for the ordinary"!

I heard a story that will explain what I mean: Once there was a person (A) who worked for a company for 10 years. Another person (B) worked for the same company for three years. The person with three years experience was promoted over the person with the ten years experience. This angered person A and he went to his boss asking for explanation, he said, "I have 10 years experience and B only has 3 years experience, what gives? The boss simply said, "You are correct in that you have been here 10 years but you only have 10 X 1 year experience.You have shown no initiative. B has 3 years experience and deserves the promotion. Person A had not shown any growth beyond his first year of employment...he merely went to work and collected his paycheck.

I believe we can do the same with our walk with Christ...ask yourself, "How long have I been a Christian? How much growth or experience do these numbers really represent? Have I become complacent or disengaged? Am I being deceived?

I can only speak for myself and although the numbers total 16 years since 1989, the number is much lower in relation to growth...there has been some inconsistency which I plan on correcting from this moment on...for me, it only requires keeping my eyes on the prize...keeping my eyes of my beloved Saviour.

With a little help...

2005-03-01T21:29:00.000-05:00

I want to thank Randy and Nicole for helping me with some of the finer details of this blog and am looking forward to post, post, post...comments will also be appreciated!