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!
Friday, February 10, 2006
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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