A bill that would ban nearly all abortions in South Dakota and spark a challenge to the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision is heading to Governor Mike Rounds for his signature. Planned Parenthood, which operates the only clinic performing abortions in South Dakota, has pledged to challenge the measure in court if Gov. Rounds signs it into law.
Gov. Rounds' signature would mark the first time since the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion nationwide that a state legislature has passed such a sweeping ban. The bill, known as H.B. 1215, makes abortion illegal except to save the life of the mother.
The bill was sponsored in the House by Rep. Roger Hunt, a Republican, and in the Senate by Sen. Julie Bartling, a Democrat. The bill states that "life begins at the time of conception ..." and that "under the Constitution of South Dakota, a pregnant mother and her unborn child ...each possess a natural and inalienable right to life."
The legislators went through the proper legislative channels to pass the law, and did not depend on an activist judge to make law like the pro-abortion supporters do. Please click here to sign the petition to urge Governer Rounds to sign this improtant bill.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Monday, February 27, 2006
SPIRIT TV and Sky Angel Satellite
The other day, while searching for Chris Tomlin videos, I found out about SPIRIT TV and Sky Angel satellite. SPIRIT TV is a Christian music video channel available exclusively through the Sky Angel satellite service. SPIRIT features music videos from Third Day, MercyMe, Newsboys, Rebecca St. James, and other Christian artists all day, every day. Sky Angel satellite service is the world's only Christian owned and operated direct-to-home multi-channel satellite service. Sky Angel offers 36 Christian-centered and family-oriented TV and radio channels.
Phil and I saw Firewall at the Cinemark 24 at Jordan Landing last night. I rate it 3.5 (out of 5) stars. Harrison Ford is getting old and this movie wasn't as good as The Fugitive, but I still enjoyed it. I'm really looking forward to seeing 16 Blocks and Ultraviolet this weekend. My brother, Peter, emailed me about a new Keanu Reeves movie, A Scanner Darkly. It looks like it will be an interesting movie.
Phil and I saw Firewall at the Cinemark 24 at Jordan Landing last night. I rate it 3.5 (out of 5) stars. Harrison Ford is getting old and this movie wasn't as good as The Fugitive, but I still enjoyed it. I'm really looking forward to seeing 16 Blocks and Ultraviolet this weekend. My brother, Peter, emailed me about a new Keanu Reeves movie, A Scanner Darkly. It looks like it will be an interesting movie.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Sleeping Beauty is Awake and Walking!!
My cousin Amber is awake and walking!! I thank God for answering our prayers for her miraculous recovery. Please continue to pray for her. You can also leave her a comment on her blog.
I've added a link to M.C. Hammer's blog under Celebrities in the BLOG section in the column on the right. I've also added a link to the Counterterrorism Institute of America (located in Salt Lake City) under Personal Protection Specialist (Bodyguard) Training & Services in my LINKS section. I found their website through Packing.org.
I've added a link to M.C. Hammer's blog under Celebrities in the BLOG section in the column on the right. I've also added a link to the Counterterrorism Institute of America (located in Salt Lake City) under Personal Protection Specialist (Bodyguard) Training & Services in my LINKS section. I found their website through Packing.org.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Sociopath vs. Protector
Last Friday I finished reading Race Against Evil. Race Against Evil is the autobiography of David Race Bannon. David Bannon worked for Archangel, a special Interpol unit that "cleaned" (assassinated) child traffickers and child pornographers. Here is an excerpt from Race Against Evil:
Dr. Kim explained "Two percent of the male population, when given a legitimate reason or are pushed unnaturally, can kill without regret. They are like the protector of the innocents or a lioness," he said, watching me all the time. "She would never harm her cubs, but will kill without remorse to defend or feed them." He added that such men do not have the resistance to killing that is common in the other 98 percent of the population. "These men may be called sociopaths, but in the medical sense, not the popular vernacular. In a combat situation or as a policeman, this trait is desirable," he said, "and movies and novels glorify just this type of capacity to kill." Dr. Kim further explained that "Anti-social personality disorder," that is, the disorder of sociopaths, lends itself to rebellion against authority and highly assertive insistence on doing things in unconventional ways. In this sense, the sociopath is one who behaves in a way deemed inappropriate by society, but whose role is essential nonetheless. He added, "Just because a child molester is a sociopath does not mean that all sociopaths are child molesters. In a smaller way the school clown or the man who leaves a salaried job to be an artist might also be anti-social."
His arguments sounded valid and even reasonable. I do not doubt that he believed them himself.
He laid out two equations on his notepad:
Dr. Kim explained "Two percent of the male population, when given a legitimate reason or are pushed unnaturally, can kill without regret. They are like the protector of the innocents or a lioness," he said, watching me all the time. "She would never harm her cubs, but will kill without remorse to defend or feed them." He added that such men do not have the resistance to killing that is common in the other 98 percent of the population. "These men may be called sociopaths, but in the medical sense, not the popular vernacular. In a combat situation or as a policeman, this trait is desirable," he said, "and movies and novels glorify just this type of capacity to kill." Dr. Kim further explained that "Anti-social personality disorder," that is, the disorder of sociopaths, lends itself to rebellion against authority and highly assertive insistence on doing things in unconventional ways. In this sense, the sociopath is one who behaves in a way deemed inappropriate by society, but whose role is essential nonetheless. He added, "Just because a child molester is a sociopath does not mean that all sociopaths are child molesters. In a smaller way the school clown or the man who leaves a salaried job to be an artist might also be anti-social."
His arguments sounded valid and even reasonable. I do not doubt that he believed them himself.
He laid out two equations on his notepad:
Aggression - Empathy = Sociopath
Aggression + Empathy = Protector
The protector, he explained, does not have a classification in the medical community because such behavior is not considered a disorder. "But take away the empathy and you have a sociopath."
I am a protector. I know that I could kill without remorse if I had to in order to protect an innocent person. I thank God for my protective nature.
Some people are afraid of me when they first meet me. I am 6'4" tall and I do have strong features, but I think it is my aggressive spirit that is what really scares people. I'm not necessarily talking about an outward aggressive behavior. What I am referring to is the other person's spirit picking up on my aggressive spirit. This scares some people at first. After they get to know me, and find out that I am an empathetic person, most people are no longer afraid of me or are less afraid of me than they were initially. After getting to know me, most people, especially ladies, also find out that I am also very protective.
David Bannon was recently arrested for criminal impersonation. I believe that David's story is true. If accomplishing nothing else, this book sheds light on the most terrible industry in the world. Please visit the Free A Child website to help them with rescuing and protecting children from child prostitution and trafficking.
Help the People of Darfur
For more than three years, ongoing violence in Darfur, a remote western region of Sudan, has forced nearly two million people to flee their homes in search of a more secure environment. While the international community helped the African Union (AU) to establish a peacekeeping force, these troops are in desperate need of financial assistance to sufficiently protect civilians.
Last week, the Bush Administration submitted a supplemental budget request to Congress that includes $514 million for peacekeeping, food aid, and other vital assistance for the displaced people of Darfur. This money will help protect civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict while also ensuring they have access to critical basic services, such as clean water and blankets.
The people of Darfur need our help more than ever. Civilians continue to suffer harassment, beatings, rape, and murder on a daily basis. Families are stranded in the camps, often far from their villages, fields, and pastureland. For them, life has become one long wait - for food rations, for limited amounts of water, and for peace. Congress must support the Administration’s request to help protect and sustain life in Darfur. Please do your part and tell your Representatives how important this issue is to you. Click here to tell Congress to support, at a minimum, the Bush Administration's request of $514 million to help the people of Darfur.
Last week, the Bush Administration submitted a supplemental budget request to Congress that includes $514 million for peacekeeping, food aid, and other vital assistance for the displaced people of Darfur. This money will help protect civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict while also ensuring they have access to critical basic services, such as clean water and blankets.
The people of Darfur need our help more than ever. Civilians continue to suffer harassment, beatings, rape, and murder on a daily basis. Families are stranded in the camps, often far from their villages, fields, and pastureland. For them, life has become one long wait - for food rations, for limited amounts of water, and for peace. Congress must support the Administration’s request to help protect and sustain life in Darfur. Please do your part and tell your Representatives how important this issue is to you. Click here to tell Congress to support, at a minimum, the Bush Administration's request of $514 million to help the people of Darfur.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Secure Our Ports
Our port operations in New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, New Orleans, Miami and Philadelphia have been, or soon will be, purchased by Dubai Ports World, a government-owned company in the United Arab Emirates, a firm that manages port facilities. The purchase was cleared by an obscure federal panel, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, with little fanfare.
The United Arab Emirates government is generally pro-U.S., but the September 11 hijackers traveled easily through the country, and Al Qaeda-linked groups have used its banking system. Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma is pleading with the administration to reverse the decision. At a press conference outlining his opposition, he said, "Handing the keys to U.S. strategic ports to a regime that recognized the Taliban is not a sound next step in our war against terror."
Several Senators and Representatives are calling for hearings into the matter. This is a matter which deserves a full and complete hearing. Ask President Bush to override the agreement and conduct a special investigation into the matter by clicking here. You should also contact your Senators and Representatives about this important issue.
The United Arab Emirates government is generally pro-U.S., but the September 11 hijackers traveled easily through the country, and Al Qaeda-linked groups have used its banking system. Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma is pleading with the administration to reverse the decision. At a press conference outlining his opposition, he said, "Handing the keys to U.S. strategic ports to a regime that recognized the Taliban is not a sound next step in our war against terror."
Several Senators and Representatives are calling for hearings into the matter. This is a matter which deserves a full and complete hearing. Ask President Bush to override the agreement and conduct a special investigation into the matter by clicking here. You should also contact your Senators and Representatives about this important issue.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Donnie McClurkin featuring Kirk Franklin - Ooh Child
I have replaced Kirk Franklin's "Looking for You" video on this blog with "Ooh Child" by Donnie McClurkin featuring Kirk Frankin. I like this song. I have it as the main ringer on my cell phone. Donnie McClurkin and Kirk Franklin are two of my favorite Christian singers. Also, because my brother Peter requested it, I made it so that the video doesn't automatically play when you come to my blog. From now on you will have to click on the Play button below the video to see the video.
Last Tuesday I saw a sneak preview of Freedomland. I rate it 2 (out of 5) stars. Samuel Jackson is a good actor. However, I only gave it 2 stars because although it was well-written, it was a very negative story. I'll probably see The New World and Glory Road sometime tomorrow or Wednesday.
They did a mandatory schedule change at Teleperformance. I was working 9 A.M. until 6 P.M. with Sunday and Friday off. Starting this week my new schedule is 9 A.M. until 8 P.M. with Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday off. I requested Sundays and Tuesdays off because I want to continue to go to church on Sundays and Bible study on Tuesdays as I have been doing for the past three weeks.
Last Tuesday I saw a sneak preview of Freedomland. I rate it 2 (out of 5) stars. Samuel Jackson is a good actor. However, I only gave it 2 stars because although it was well-written, it was a very negative story. I'll probably see The New World and Glory Road sometime tomorrow or Wednesday.
They did a mandatory schedule change at Teleperformance. I was working 9 A.M. until 6 P.M. with Sunday and Friday off. Starting this week my new schedule is 9 A.M. until 8 P.M. with Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday off. I requested Sundays and Tuesdays off because I want to continue to go to church on Sundays and Bible study on Tuesdays as I have been doing for the past three weeks.
Friday, February 17, 2006
My Cousin, Christopher Hopper
On Tuesday my cousin, Christopher Hopper, emailed me. He had found me through my comment on his sister-in-law, Amber's blog (you can read more about Amber here and here). The last time I saw him was about 15 years ago. It was good hearing from him.
Chris is an internationally acclaimed Christian speaker, worship leader, record producer, and recording artist with eight of his own music albums released worldwide and hundreds of other titles to his credit. He is a two-time ordained minister and travels extensively around the globe appearing before thousands of people each year, ministering the Good News of Jesus Christ. Christopher serves as youth pastor for New Life Christian Church and is the Director of Awakening, a national youth conference. He is also the author of Rise of the Dibor, the first book in The White Lion Chronicles series. Rise of the Dibor will be released by Tsaba House in June 2006.
Chris is an internationally acclaimed Christian speaker, worship leader, record producer, and recording artist with eight of his own music albums released worldwide and hundreds of other titles to his credit. He is a two-time ordained minister and travels extensively around the globe appearing before thousands of people each year, ministering the Good News of Jesus Christ. Christopher serves as youth pastor for New Life Christian Church and is the Director of Awakening, a national youth conference. He is also the author of Rise of the Dibor, the first book in The White Lion Chronicles series. Rise of the Dibor will be released by Tsaba House in June 2006.
The Definition of Success
Here is a quote that I found while searching for quotes about success the yesterday after talking to Dorothy about her feelings on success and frustration with her job:
The definition of success -
To laugh much;
to win respect of intelligent persons
and the affections of children;
to earn the approbation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to give one's self;
to leave the world a little better,
whether by a healthy child, a garden patch,
or a redeemed social condition.;
to have played and laughed with enthusiasm,
and sung with exultation;
to know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived -
this is to have succeeded.
Tax on Your Email?
AOL and Yahoo have announced plans to impose a per-email fee on organizations sending their constituents email. This fee/tax could muzzle citizen activism and lead to the end of free email. For more information and to sign a petition, please click here.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
The Guys' Rules
One of my co-workers at Teleperformance, Marlon, forwarded this to me today:
I just posted this to add some humor to my blog. I do respect women. I don't care about sports.
THE GUYS' RULES
1. Men ARE not mind readers.
1. Learn to work the toilet seat.
You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.
We need it up, you need it down.
You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.
1. Sunday sports.
It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides.
Let it be.
1. Shopping is NOT a sport.
And no, we are never going to think of it that way.
1. Crying is blackmail.
1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!
1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers
to almost every question.
1. Come to us with a problem only If you want help solving it.
That's what we do.
Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor.
1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.
In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days.
1. If you won't dress like the Victoria's Secret girls,
don't Expect us to act like soap opera guys.
1. If you think you're fat, you probably are.
Don't ask us.
1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways
and one of the ways makes you sad or angry,
we meant the other one .
1. You can either ask us to do something
Or tell us how you want it done. Not both.
If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.
1. Whenever possible,
Please say whatever you have to say during commercials.
1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions
and neither do we.
1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.
Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color.
Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.
1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.
1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing,"
We will act like nothing's wrong.
We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.
1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to,
expect an answer you don't want to hear.
1. When we have to go somewhere,
absolutely anything you wear Is fine... Really.
1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared
to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or golf.
1. You have enough clothes.
1. You have too many shoes.
1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!
1. Men ARE not mind readers.
1. Learn to work the toilet seat.
You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.
We need it up, you need it down.
You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.
1. Sunday sports.
It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides.
Let it be.
1. Shopping is NOT a sport.
And no, we are never going to think of it that way.
1. Crying is blackmail.
1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!
1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers
to almost every question.
1. Come to us with a problem only If you want help solving it.
That's what we do.
Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor.
1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.
In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days.
1. If you won't dress like the Victoria's Secret girls,
don't Expect us to act like soap opera guys.
1. If you think you're fat, you probably are.
Don't ask us.
1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways
and one of the ways makes you sad or angry,
we meant the other one .
1. You can either ask us to do something
Or tell us how you want it done. Not both.
If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.
1. Whenever possible,
Please say whatever you have to say during commercials.
1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions
and neither do we.
1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.
Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color.
Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.
1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.
1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing,"
We will act like nothing's wrong.
We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.
1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to,
expect an answer you don't want to hear.
1. When we have to go somewhere,
absolutely anything you wear Is fine... Really.
1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared
to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or golf.
1. You have enough clothes.
1. You have too many shoes.
1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!
I just posted this to add some humor to my blog. I do respect women. I don't care about sports.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
F.A.S.T. Women's Self Defense Seminar at M.T.I.K.
There will be a F.A.S.T. Women's Self Defense Seminar at the Muay Thai Institute of Kunponli on Friday, March 3rd and Saturday, March 4th. F.A.S.T. is an acronym for Fear Adrenaline Stress Training. F.A.S.T. Defense teaches women how to:
- Be aware of their external enviroment.
- Establish boundaries (how to say "No")
- Use the power of their voice and body language.
- Utilize the adrenaline rush caused by the fear that naturally arises in a stressful situation, not be paralyzed by it.
- Fend off an attacker with simple techniques in intense scenarios.
This nine hour class runs from 6-9 P.M. on Friday, March 3rd and from 10 A.M.-4 P.M. on Saturday, March 4th. The cost is $65 for M.T.I.K. members and $95 for non-members (nonrefundable due to limited space). This is a good price for this training. For more info call Julie Adams at (801)474-3136.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Marriage Protection Amendment
The U.S. Senate will vote on the Marriage Protection Amendment (MPA) in early March. This constitutional amendment will make marriage between one man and one woman the only legal marriage. Please click here to email your U.S. Senators now asking them to vote for the Marriage Protection Amendment! You can order your Marriage: One Man One Woman bumper sticker here.
Speaking of one man and one woman, you should go read Sawyer's post about the Gender of A Computer. It is so funny!
Speaking of one man and one woman, you should go read Sawyer's post about the Gender of A Computer. It is so funny!
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Good Samaritan
Yesterday after leaving work, I noticed that my blinker wasn't working. I called the salesman from Menlove Dodge Toyota, James "The Professor" Montoya, and told him that my blinker wasn't working. He told me to call the main Menlove number in the morning to schedule a time to get it fixed.
On the way home I took highway I-215 West. I was in the far left lane and I noticed a car on the right shoulder with it's hazard lights on. I got off at the next exit, got back on the highway going east, got off at the next exit, and got back on going west again so I could see if the driver of that vehicle needed help. As I was getting close to where the car was pulled over, I started thinking about their hazard lights, and this reminded me of going to the bank earlier in the day.
Earlier in the day, after buying my car and before going to work, I stopped by my bank, Washington Mutual, to go to the ATM. I pulled up to the loading zone (parking is not plentiful downtown) and threw on my hazard lights. When I got back in the car, I forgot that I had turned on my hazard lights because they weren't blinking.
Back to my story - I pulled up behind the car (safest option because your headlights let you see what is going on in the car). I noticed that no one was in the car so I headed home. Then I "turned off" my hazard lights. My blinker worked after my headlights were "turned off". So that is why my blinker wasn't working - because my hazard lights were "on". So my being concerned about another person helped me figure out why my blinker wasn't working! :) That's the good news. The bad news is that my hazard lights are broken. :( Guess I'll just have to go get them fixed next week.
On the way home I took highway I-215 West. I was in the far left lane and I noticed a car on the right shoulder with it's hazard lights on. I got off at the next exit, got back on the highway going east, got off at the next exit, and got back on going west again so I could see if the driver of that vehicle needed help. As I was getting close to where the car was pulled over, I started thinking about their hazard lights, and this reminded me of going to the bank earlier in the day.
Earlier in the day, after buying my car and before going to work, I stopped by my bank, Washington Mutual, to go to the ATM. I pulled up to the loading zone (parking is not plentiful downtown) and threw on my hazard lights. When I got back in the car, I forgot that I had turned on my hazard lights because they weren't blinking.
Back to my story - I pulled up behind the car (safest option because your headlights let you see what is going on in the car). I noticed that no one was in the car so I headed home. Then I "turned off" my hazard lights. My blinker worked after my headlights were "turned off". So that is why my blinker wasn't working - because my hazard lights were "on". So my being concerned about another person helped me figure out why my blinker wasn't working! :) That's the good news. The bad news is that my hazard lights are broken. :( Guess I'll just have to go get them fixed next week.
Friday, February 10, 2006
My First Car!
Today I went to Menlove Dodge Toyota and bought my first car - a green 1997 Ford Taurus! I am so happy! I now have the freedom to go wherever I want to, whenever I want to. No more waiting on the bus or having to rely on other people for a ride. On the way to work today I listened to two Christian radio stations - 90.5 FM (Calvary Satellite Network) and 89.7 (K-LOVE).
Yesterday I added links to blogs by Matt Furey and Hock Hochheim under "The Warriors (Self Defense Experts)" in my Links section on the right side of this page. Check them out!
Yesterday I added links to blogs by Matt Furey and Hock Hochheim under "The Warriors (Self Defense Experts)" in my Links section on the right side of this page. Check them out!
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Dorothy
Dorothy is one of the Q.A. Agents (Q.A. = Quality Assurance - they're sort of like the Internal Affairs of Teleperformance) at my work. Earlier this week we were sitting next to each other at lunch and I found out that she is a Christian. She's had a rough week because as a Q.A. Agent, she isn't supposed to associate with her co-workers because she'll "lose her objectivity". She is a friendly person so this has been hard for her to deal with. I've prayed for her and given her encouragement throughout the week. Yesterday I suggested that she read Philippians 4:4-7. Reading it cheered her up.
Yesterday afternoon I called Scott, the Assistant Manager at The Depot, to see if I could come in after work for an interview instead of waiting until Friday. He said yes, so after work I went down there for an interview. The interview went well so I should get a call in the next week from Mark, the General Manager, for a second interview. They seem to have their act together and their average starting pay is higher than most clubs so hopefully I'll get hired there.
After the interview I went to the Megaplex 12 at the Gateway Mall and saw Underworld: Evolution. I rate it 4 (out of 5) stars. I'm not a big fan of horror movies, but it had a good plot and I like Kate Beckinsale. I still want to see Fun with Dick and Jane, The New World, and Glory Road. I'm looking forward to seeing Firewall, Freedomland, Ultraviolet, and 16 Blocks.
Today when I got to work, Dorothy came and told me that she had a funny story. She told me that her alarm clock is set to a Christian radio station. This morning, while she was laying there with her husband, the guy on the Christian radio said that if you are feeling distressed that you should read Philippians 4:4-7! She started laughing and her husband asked her what was so funny, so she explained that I had suggested the same verses the day before. :)
I have added a few blogs to the "Brothers & Sisters in Christ (Christians)" section of my links on the right side of this blog. I've added blogs by J.M. McCarter, Jason & Kris, Chris, and Richard. Don't forget about Michael, Arnold, and Muddy. Tomorrow morning I am getting my first car!
Yesterday afternoon I called Scott, the Assistant Manager at The Depot, to see if I could come in after work for an interview instead of waiting until Friday. He said yes, so after work I went down there for an interview. The interview went well so I should get a call in the next week from Mark, the General Manager, for a second interview. They seem to have their act together and their average starting pay is higher than most clubs so hopefully I'll get hired there.
After the interview I went to the Megaplex 12 at the Gateway Mall and saw Underworld: Evolution. I rate it 4 (out of 5) stars. I'm not a big fan of horror movies, but it had a good plot and I like Kate Beckinsale. I still want to see Fun with Dick and Jane, The New World, and Glory Road. I'm looking forward to seeing Firewall, Freedomland, Ultraviolet, and 16 Blocks.
Today when I got to work, Dorothy came and told me that she had a funny story. She told me that her alarm clock is set to a Christian radio station. This morning, while she was laying there with her husband, the guy on the Christian radio said that if you are feeling distressed that you should read Philippians 4:4-7! She started laughing and her husband asked her what was so funny, so she explained that I had suggested the same verses the day before. :)
I have added a few blogs to the "Brothers & Sisters in Christ (Christians)" section of my links on the right side of this blog. I've added blogs by J.M. McCarter, Jason & Kris, Chris, and Richard. Don't forget about Michael, Arnold, and Muddy. Tomorrow morning I am getting my first car!
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
I Am A Soldier
While at church on Sunday, Pastor Terry read the folllowing poem:
The Lord Jesus Christ is my commanding officer.
The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.
Faith, prayer, and The Word are my weapons of warfare.
The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.
Faith, prayer, and The Word are my weapons of warfare.
I have been taught by the Holy Spirit,trained by experience,
tried by adversity and tested by fire.
I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for all eternity.
I will either retire in this army at the rapture or die in this army;
I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for all eternity.
I will either retire in this army at the rapture or die in this army;
but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out.
I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable.
If my God needs me, I am there.
If He needs me in the Sunday school to teach the children,
If my God needs me, I am there.
If He needs me in the Sunday school to teach the children,
work with the youth, help adults or just sit and learn.
He can use me because I am there!!
I am a soldier.
I am not a baby.
I am a soldier.
I am not a baby.
I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up,
pumped up, picked up or pepped up.
I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to.
I am a soldier.
No one has to call me, remind me, write me,
No one has to call me, remind me, write me,
visit me, entice me, or lure me.
I am a soldier.
I am not a wimp.
I am not a wimp.
I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders,
praising His name, and building His kingdom!
No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food,
praising His name, and building His kingdom!
No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food,
cards, candy or give me handouts.
I am committed.
I am committed.
I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around.
I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside.
I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.
When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing.
I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.
When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing.
If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead.
I will win because
I am a soldier.
My God has and will continue to supply all my needs.
My God has and will continue to supply all my needs.
I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph.
I can do all things through Christ.
Devils cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me.
Devils cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me.
Weather cannot weary me and sickness cannot stop me.
Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me.
Governments cannot silence me and hell cannot handle me.
I am a soldier.
Even death cannot destroy me.
I am a soldier.
Even death cannot destroy me.
For when my commander calls me from this battlefield,
He will promote me to a Captain
and then allow me to rule with Him.
I am a soldier in the army, and I'm marching claiming victory.
I will not give up. I will not turn around.
I am a soldier, marching heaven bound.
Here I stand!
I will not give up. I will not turn around.
I am a soldier, marching heaven bound.
Here I stand!
A Miracle
Here is an update on Amber from her sister, Natalie :
WOW....that's all I can say, after just returning home from spending the day with Amber. It's been less than a week since my last visit and she's improved so much. I'm completely in awe of God and His goodness!
Yesterday Amber received a smaller tube in her trech, making her voice audible. But today I was expecting to hear only a faint "robotic" type voice that this usually makes. However when Hilly and I walked in Amber said "Hey guys!" -- in her own beautiful voice! I was amazed. Thank you Jesus! She's much more peaceful and happy because she's able to communicate. :)
She was chatting away all day and performed well in all her therapy sessions showing great improvement. The speech therapist pointed to me and said "who's that?" Amber replied "That's Natalie Hopper, she's Christopher's sister." She then answered similarly about Hillary and then added "they're really MY sisters, though." Later on she stood on bent knees for 20 seconds!!! She is now having some feeling in her right arm/hand, and moved them yesterday and today! Her humor and sarcasm is definitely all there, she joked around with us and even remembered "inside jokes"....she kept us laughing a lot, all day.
Amber's short-term memory is really jumbled and she has trouble remembering what happened just the day before. But her long-term memory is all there (she even was showing Hilly how to work her digital camera). She was never at a loss for words or lacking in her vocabulary throughout the day. Her Dad has asked for her to be taken off of the Ritalin drug, as this is causing a lot of side affects.
They are still only letting family visit Amber, for various reasons. Please continue to pray for the large tumor at the nape of her neck that it would heal -- it is inoperable at this time because she's so fresh from a brain injury.
Lastly, one of the nurses (who's a Christian) from Strong came to visit Amber today at her new hospital. She was totally in shock at her progress. She said "I've seen all of Amber's catscans -- she's supposed to be a vegetable. My friend was on duty for ten hours the night of Amber's accident. He said that people come in with internal injuries and guts open and they can fix that. But brains can't be fixed -- they don't just heal up." Well apparently -- they do!! Praise you Jesus!
Thank you all for praying for Amber's complete healing! I told her again today how many people love her and are praying for her and she said "will you please thank the ones that you know, Natty? Tell them I love them."
"Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"
-Psalms 107:21
Please continue to pray that God will completly heal Amber.
Today I got a call back from The Depot, a new club/concert venue next to The Gateway Mall in downtown S.L.C. I have called them a couple of times in the past week to see if they are hiring Security. Today Scott called me to set up an interview on Friday.
Tonight Patience picked me up after work and we went to a Bible study group at Kim and Ryan's house. Kim and Ryan also go to church at Calvary Chapel. It's been a long time since I've been to a Bible study. It was good to have that Christian fellowship that has been missing in my life for a long time. It was also good getting to know Patience better. I am grateful that God has brought her into my life.
WOW....that's all I can say, after just returning home from spending the day with Amber. It's been less than a week since my last visit and she's improved so much. I'm completely in awe of God and His goodness!
Yesterday Amber received a smaller tube in her trech, making her voice audible. But today I was expecting to hear only a faint "robotic" type voice that this usually makes. However when Hilly and I walked in Amber said "Hey guys!" -- in her own beautiful voice! I was amazed. Thank you Jesus! She's much more peaceful and happy because she's able to communicate. :)
She was chatting away all day and performed well in all her therapy sessions showing great improvement. The speech therapist pointed to me and said "who's that?" Amber replied "That's Natalie Hopper, she's Christopher's sister." She then answered similarly about Hillary and then added "they're really MY sisters, though." Later on she stood on bent knees for 20 seconds!!! She is now having some feeling in her right arm/hand, and moved them yesterday and today! Her humor and sarcasm is definitely all there, she joked around with us and even remembered "inside jokes"....she kept us laughing a lot, all day.
Amber's short-term memory is really jumbled and she has trouble remembering what happened just the day before. But her long-term memory is all there (she even was showing Hilly how to work her digital camera). She was never at a loss for words or lacking in her vocabulary throughout the day. Her Dad has asked for her to be taken off of the Ritalin drug, as this is causing a lot of side affects.
They are still only letting family visit Amber, for various reasons. Please continue to pray for the large tumor at the nape of her neck that it would heal -- it is inoperable at this time because she's so fresh from a brain injury.
Lastly, one of the nurses (who's a Christian) from Strong came to visit Amber today at her new hospital. She was totally in shock at her progress. She said "I've seen all of Amber's catscans -- she's supposed to be a vegetable. My friend was on duty for ten hours the night of Amber's accident. He said that people come in with internal injuries and guts open and they can fix that. But brains can't be fixed -- they don't just heal up." Well apparently -- they do!! Praise you Jesus!
Thank you all for praying for Amber's complete healing! I told her again today how many people love her and are praying for her and she said "will you please thank the ones that you know, Natty? Tell them I love them."
"Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"
-Psalms 107:21
Please continue to pray that God will completly heal Amber.
Today I got a call back from The Depot, a new club/concert venue next to The Gateway Mall in downtown S.L.C. I have called them a couple of times in the past week to see if they are hiring Security. Today Scott called me to set up an interview on Friday.
Tonight Patience picked me up after work and we went to a Bible study group at Kim and Ryan's house. Kim and Ryan also go to church at Calvary Chapel. It's been a long time since I've been to a Bible study. It was good to have that Christian fellowship that has been missing in my life for a long time. It was also good getting to know Patience better. I am grateful that God has brought her into my life.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Patience
Last night I went to bed early (at midnight ;) ) and woke up around 10:00. I called Tony (he used to do Security for concerts with me; I saw him when I went to Calvary Chapel for the first time) to see if he could give me a ride to church, but he didn't answer his phone (I found out later that he was already at church).
Back in December I met Patience on MySpace.com. We have sent each other messages a few times and discovered that we both go to Calvary Chapel. She usually goes to the middle service at 10:00 A.M. The few times that I've gone to Calvary Chapel, I've gone to the last service at 12:00 noon. Well last night was Patience's brother's wedding so she was up late and slept in until 10:00. I gave her my cell phone # a couple of weeks ago.
So, at 11:45 I got a nice surprise - Patience called me! She called to let me know that she was going to the 12:00 service instead of the 10:00 service and asked if I was going. I told her that I wanted to go but didn't have a way to get there. She offered to come pick me up. So she picked me up and we went to church together. After service was over we stayed for the Chili Cook Off. Then she dropped me off at GoodGame. John will be coming down in a little while so we can play some Counter-Strike: Source on the Clever Dragon server.
I'm really glad that I got to meet Patience in person. She is a beatiful person inside and out! I hope I get to know her better.
Back in December I met Patience on MySpace.com. We have sent each other messages a few times and discovered that we both go to Calvary Chapel. She usually goes to the middle service at 10:00 A.M. The few times that I've gone to Calvary Chapel, I've gone to the last service at 12:00 noon. Well last night was Patience's brother's wedding so she was up late and slept in until 10:00. I gave her my cell phone # a couple of weeks ago.
So, at 11:45 I got a nice surprise - Patience called me! She called to let me know that she was going to the 12:00 service instead of the 10:00 service and asked if I was going. I told her that I wanted to go but didn't have a way to get there. She offered to come pick me up. So she picked me up and we went to church together. After service was over we stayed for the Chili Cook Off. Then she dropped me off at GoodGame. John will be coming down in a little while so we can play some Counter-Strike: Source on the Clever Dragon server.
I'm really glad that I got to meet Patience in person. She is a beatiful person inside and out! I hope I get to know her better.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Saved By Grace, Through Faith
I believe that I am saved by grace, through faith.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -
and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -
not by works, so that no one can boast.
I do believe that if you have faith then it will show in your works. I believe that works are the result of your faith and that without works faith is dead.
As the body without the spirit is dead,
so faith without deeds is dead.
While using the Next Blog feature (click the Next Blog button in the top right corner) earlier today, I came across A Follower's Journal by J.M. McCarter. He has written an interesting post about Grace.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Please Pray for Amber
Please pray for my cousin (she's my cousin, Christopher's sister-in-law), Amber. She got into a really bad car accident on Dec. 15th of last year. She was in a coma. On Dec. 27th, the top two neuro-surgeons in the northeast told her parents that her condition had deteriorated so much that they gave her a 0% chance of recovery; a 0% chance of ever coming out of the coma once the narcotics were lifted; and if she somehow did come out of the coma, a 0% chance of ever regaining any cognitive or physical control of her body. The damage to the brain stem and cortex were so severe that they termed her condition a "complete brain disconnect" - not even reflex response could be recovered (yawning, twitching to stimuli, etc.).
Well God has performed a miracle! Amber has come out of the coma and is aware of her surroundings. She recognizes her family and she is able to mouth words! Please pray that God continues to heal her to full recovery.
Also, please pray for this girl and her brother and mother. Her brother and mother are drug addicts. She is an atheist, but God cares about atheists too!
Well God has performed a miracle! Amber has come out of the coma and is aware of her surroundings. She recognizes her family and she is able to mouth words! Please pray that God continues to heal her to full recovery.
Also, please pray for this girl and her brother and mother. Her brother and mother are drug addicts. She is an atheist, but God cares about atheists too!
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