tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113836372011-12-13T07:42:32.817-06:00Just a blog to share my thoughts, struggles and victories in Christ.Andynoreply@blogger.comBlogger2861100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-1860453162539591162010-09-17T07:23:00.001-05:002010-09-17T09:51:09.758-05:00

Mission Scripture - Philippians 2:3-5 (NAS)Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus... God - I will use the gifts of both the Spirit and who I am

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-21711749074757098262010-09-08T19:10:00.001-05:002010-09-08T19:10:20.523-05:00

Judges 3:31Fact is, if you aren't willing to take on 600 to 1 odds, you'll never achieve anything great. Nothing worth doing is ever easy. Significant achievements always involves a high degree of courage, focus, perseverance, and yes, risk.Pat Williams

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-69779928528027851062010-09-08T12:13:00.000-05:002010-09-08T12:13:00.487-05:00

I know it is a lot easier to accept Abby going to College today given she is commuting but obviously it is still a major milestone in "our" lives. Val and I have done our best to give her winds to fly and she is using those wings just beautifully! Fortunately, she has a better Father than myself that she relies on to soar to the greatest heights. I can't wait to see the path she takes as she

Andynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-28429837589670933872010-09-02T13:19:00.000-05:002010-09-02T13:19:08.625-05:00

"Your first encounter of the day has a more direct bearing on your attitude for that day than your next five encounters." Zig Ziglar I really believe this is a valid axiom.  Let's presume for a second that this is indeed the case. Many of our first encounters for the day is work email. Now I don't know about yours, but mine usually range from the I need help to the full blown "emergency." If

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-89688756583596153892010-09-02T12:03:00.000-05:002010-09-02T12:03:45.807-05:00

I've always had to deal with the spirit of Procrstination. Lately, though I have been doing much better and it's summed up well in an article by Rick Warren, Here are the five things to help: 1.  Stop making excuses2.  Start today3.  Establish a planned schedule4.  Face your fears5.  Focus on what you gain, not the pain For Details on each of the five go to: The cure for procrastination     

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-75824020577613952092010-08-30T11:09:00.003-05:002010-08-30T11:18:29.243-05:00

One of my Self Improvment goals is to remember names of people I meet: Researching what will work best for me but I'm starting with this one: http://www.wikihow.com/index.php?title=Memorize-Names-and-Faces&printable=yes I think steps 2 & 3 are the ones that will make the biggest impact on me. Steps Decide that learning names is your main priority. The main reason why you are not able to recall

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-72253987647084130322010-08-25T12:12:00.000-05:002010-08-25T12:12:32.375-05:00

I've decided to remove a lot of the sports followings on my Twitter account and replace the negative which most sports reporting is. Actually almost all reporting is negative. I've added a bunch of positive influences including: John Maxwell @johncmaxwellDave Ramsey @ramseyshowDan Miller @48DaysDanMax Lucado @MaxLucadoTom Stanley @thomasjstanley Zig Ziglar via his som Tom @TomZiglarC.S. Lewis @

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-82647762247087001932010-08-23T18:04:00.001-05:002010-08-30T17:16:25.236-05:00

Another book I am starting. Like the framework already.

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-34191212981332046572010-08-23T08:54:00.000-05:002010-08-23T08:54:17.897-05:00

I've started reading this book and it is FANTASTIC. I've been highlighting it and I've never highlighted a book so much, ever! I'll post some thoughts on it soon but if you are struggling with purpose in your work, this is a must read!

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-47354022872398821432010-08-21T12:29:00.001-05:002010-08-21T12:29:49.683-05:00

Control your own destiny by controlling what goes into your mind. The books you read, the thoughts you think, the television you watch, the conversations you participate in, the people you associate with, and the music you listen to combine to create your future. Are you sowing the seeds for the life you want five years from now?Dan Miller, 48 Days to the Work You Love

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-74570792087210549712010-08-20T20:28:00.001-05:002010-08-20T20:28:24.193-05:00

A man of character finds a special attractiveness in difficulty, since it is only by you coming to grips with difficulty that he can realize its potentialities.- Charles De GaulleAffliction that produces endurance, and endurance produces proven character, improving character produces hope. Romans 5:3-4

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-91518731063499797812010-08-13T21:25:00.000-05:002010-08-13T21:25:55.840-05:00

"Agape means a selfless love, you-before-me-love. It describes love as an act of the will; a choice I make. However, what we often mean when we say "I love you" is not "I've made a commitment to place your needs above above my own."" - James MacDonald, Lord Change My Attitude

Andynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-1519295140759103812010-08-13T21:05:00.001-05:002010-08-13T21:05:28.208-05:00

Theodore Roosevelt said, "it's not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbles or how to doer of deeds might have done it better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-60635134754990766212010-08-07T19:50:00.000-05:002010-08-07T19:50:55.810-05:00

Finished reading Tom Stanley's book, Stop Acting Rich. The book was excellent and Dr. Stanley's conclusions were based on a ton of research. Obviously, anyone who has read his other works,  already knew the conclusions that would be drawn. Most millionaires live well below there means. Discipline is essential to building wealth. Hyper-spending is diametrically opposed to building wealth, even

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-2344946114091198142010-08-07T19:32:00.000-05:002010-08-07T19:32:08.600-05:00

Got to spend the whole day with Tim. We went to Six Flags Great America and he went on his first major coaster, the Raging Bull. He was scared out of his mind but enjoyed it. Not sure if it would have long term effects or not. I don't know how many years I have left on Roller Coasters :-) but I hope to be able to share some more with him. Regardless, we spent most of our time at Hurricane Harbor

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-86891281565750100812010-08-03T08:36:00.000-05:002010-08-03T08:36:02.475-05:00

Message from 8/1/2010: http://podcasts.bbschurch.org/aw/1JohnP2.mp3 For Handouts and PowerPoint go to: http://bbschurch.org/messages/Elders/andy.htm

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-87774266529679287752010-07-31T08:36:00.000-05:002010-07-31T08:36:27.139-05:00

I had read the Millionaire next door a few months back. Great book guided by research that tells how Millionaires reached that level. Certainly nothing like the cultural expectation. They are not big spenders; living well within their means. So this book, "Stop Acting Rich... and start living like REAL Millionaires" is a follow up. They idea for me at least is to be able to accumulate wealth, not

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-30145745844027010522010-07-24T15:46:00.000-05:002010-07-24T15:46:51.342-05:00

I don't know if I'll read this book all the way through but I'm really struck with one of the chapters. John Maxwell describes how if a leader does not have influence over others, they really have short circuited any chance to lead. The main way to influence is the ability to relate to people. If you have trouble relating to people, you won't be a leader. I'm going to read this chapter again and

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-15205811353776845432010-07-10T20:59:00.000-05:002010-07-10T20:59:55.041-05:00

Just finished the book, Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear. A very good book and encouraging for those of us who face fear consistently in our lives. By nature, this is who I am but by the grace of Jesus, I found as I read, that I left many of those fears by the roadside of life. Anyway, I'd seriously encourage reading this if you struggle with fears in your walk of faith.

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-10546346890282292662010-06-15T22:13:00.001-05:002010-06-15T22:27:28.427-05:00

But we, unlike our friends in the animal kingdom, can choose to give our attention to things. You and I are not necessarily ruled by the things that grab or capture our attention. We certainly can be and have been. But we have a choice. We can give our attention to anything we choose to give it to. And that means we have the potential to harness this amazing principle to our benefit. This

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-33740369540843080072010-06-14T10:01:00.000-05:002010-06-14T10:01:01.209-05:00

Proverbs 18:24 (New Living Translation) 24 There are “friends” who destroy each other,       but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. I id not have the honor of having a brother although I have three sisters that I adore. I do marvel at people God brings into our lives. There are 2 friends that I have that are closer to me than any brother could be. They love me unconditionally. One of

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-30595088662922364492010-06-13T15:49:00.000-05:002010-06-13T15:49:00.415-05:00

Movies in general are not uplifting and certainly not inspiring for us to be more than we are currently. There is an old movie which I think anyone in the medical profession should see to inspire them to treat the person rather than the disease is, "People will Talk" starring Cary Grant. It's funny, provocative and inspiring in general. You can stream it with Netflix. So please watch it!

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-28516208573600343602010-06-11T22:59:00.002-05:002010-06-19T08:13:05.913-05:00

Prudent see danger and take refuge. That is the to do something about it. As we stated earlier, they act on what they see. Prudent people know that it's what you DO that makes a difference, not what you see. Seeing danger and doing nothing doesn't accomplish anything. Now, that may seem so obvious that you wonder why I bothered to state it. But as a preacher, I live in the world of nodding heads

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-44790974686841721932010-06-11T22:47:00.001-05:002010-06-11T22:47:53.053-05:00

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.The prayer:Lord, help us to see trouble coming long before it gets here. Give us the wisdom to know what to do, and the courage to do it.

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-55094507369547543012010-06-11T16:30:00.000-05:002010-06-11T16:30:05.282-05:00

"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out." "Never mistake activity for achievement." "Adversity is the state in which man mostly easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then." "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-2463477473345387562010-06-03T06:31:00.000-05:002010-06-03T06:41:21.328-05:00

As I have been confessing this sin of laziness, I am becoming aware of how it blankets every segment of my life in small ways... Making the bed; leaving things in places they don't belong; leaving areas a mess (workbench, garage) it makes me angry at myself and I realize it much more how it affects Val's life. In the reality of 1 John 1:9 I am confessing and looking for His cleansing.So I look to

Andynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-15182116167199738102010-06-01T16:30:00.001-05:002010-06-01T16:30:13.674-05:00

Cars have problems can be fixed. Computers have problems that can be fixed; lawn movers have problems can be fixed. But generally speaking, people have directions that need to be changed. I talk to many individuals to discuss the problems. But they don't really have problems. They have chosen to move in the wrong direction. They don't need a solution they need a new direction.- Andy Stanley, The

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-92090476436519130142010-05-30T06:45:00.000-05:002010-05-30T06:45:24.370-05:00

I usually do not feel emotion of a coming event until the day it happens. I woke up this morning knowing it's Abby's graduation today. Of course, the pictures in my memory recall are when she was very small and not so much who she is today. I also can't believe I'm 'mentally' old enough to have a child graduating high school either. It doesn't seem nearly 30 years ago for myself. All I can say is

Andynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-8819941619672349772010-05-26T11:39:00.000-05:002010-05-26T11:39:10.359-05:00

The Principle of the Path : How to get from where you are to where you want to be.      Stanley, Andy Thou Shall Prosper : Ten commandments for making money       Lapin, Daniel (Daniel E.)

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-70158925931287571452010-05-26T11:29:00.000-05:002010-05-26T11:29:35.438-05:00

Objective: Reinforce the principle of Saving. This is a great book done in a scientific study setting. What has become obvious and cemented in thinking is the mindset and thinking of the "Spend it now" vs. "Save it now" mentality. How is it that someone who makes 40K a year is a millionaire and the person who is making $125K will never be? Simply by living below their means and investing. It's a

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-38122576425775435332010-05-26T11:22:00.000-05:002010-05-26T11:22:42.632-05:00

I've always been a reader of books that I believe will sharpen my mind and my attitude. I've just been a bit lazy about it. So I've decided once again to set aside the TV (I slipped into watching it more while recovering from pneumonia again) and will read instead.

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-64776374331752736782010-05-26T07:07:00.000-05:002010-05-26T07:07:41.440-05:00

While preparing for my last message for church and in conjunction with going through Financial Peace University, I've begun to be acutely aware of how my lazy nature has affected a great many areas of my life. Instead of doing so many things really well, I'd do just enough to get by. Evaluating and fixing my financial habits has really made me aware of just how much the sin of laziness has

Andynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-41728453986518937602010-05-25T13:21:00.000-05:002010-05-25T13:21:31.443-05:00

Started a series at our Church on 1 John. Part 1 covers chapter 1. MP3: http://podcasts.bbschurch.org/aw/1JohnP1.mp3Notes: http://podcasts.bbschurch.org/aw/1John1_Handout.pdfPowerPoint: http://podcasts.bbschurch.org/aw/1John1.pdf Personalization of my own experiences coming soon.

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-19073396948754317882010-04-04T10:13:00.000-05:002010-04-04T10:13:20.506-05:00

I find myself very sad to be away both from my family and Church family today. While I am happy and honored to serve at the Western Christian Believer's Conference, I found myself wondering what our Worship service was like; wondering what my good friend Joe's thought were in today's message. So Church family, know that I missed you today and that my thoughts were not far from you during the

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-1665521672639963672010-04-02T09:21:00.001-05:002010-04-02T09:23:18.835-05:00

Val has been saying for a while that maybe Gluten is the issue I have with my digestive problems, which in the last 2 weeks before this one, had become very bad. So I finally decided to heed her suggestion and stop eating anything with Gluten in it. Instant and spectacular results! So for five days now, I have only had one minor throw up! Six days ago it was horrible with one episode having me

Andynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-29527836937153704212010-03-01T10:40:00.000-06:002010-03-01T10:40:01.752-06:00

I usually sleep well. last night was not one of those nights. I think this quote from Babylon 5 sums it up: "Have you ever heard of the hour of the wolf? My father told me about it. It's the time between 3:00 and 4:00 in the morning. You can't sleep, and all you can see is the troubles and the problems and the ways that your life should've gone but didn't. All you can hear is the sound of your

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-18467815070670694542010-02-16T10:30:00.001-06:002010-02-16T10:32:26.257-06:00

Enjoying work has been a real struggle for me lately. My productivity level has gone up a documented 65% in the last year. All the while, I've committed to working no more than 9 hours a day. This has not been easy to do as I could work 11 hours a day at a more realistic and less stressful pace. Anyway, the more requests that come in from customers, the more discouraged I tend to get unless I put

Andynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-11799041179411437372010-02-10T10:56:00.000-06:002010-02-10T10:56:07.084-06:00

I've known about the ability of Social networking to get the word out in real time about Major World events. This became reality for me with the MG 3.8 earthquake that hit 15 miles NW of us today. I felt awoken to the thought I was hearing Thunder; then thought maybe an airplane went down. Having felt minor tremors before, my thought shifted to a possible earthquake. So I grabbed my iPhone and

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-68498097383358472042010-02-02T10:49:00.001-06:002010-02-02T11:47:15.182-06:00

I like this article from Insight for Living:http://www.insight.org/library/articles/encouragement-healing/deal-with-fear.html quoting a portion of the article:"Another key to controlling your thought life is to control what goes into your mind. Negative thoughts feed the emotion of fear, giving it power. You can convince yourself that something bad will happen by thinking it will—and then, it’s

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-79503297914802684182010-01-29T11:26:00.000-06:002010-01-29T11:26:43.538-06:00

Thought this was an interesting number crunch: "The big reason that people say not to pay off your home is that you’ll lose your tax deduction. If you have a $200,000 loan at 5% interest, you’d pay about $10,000 a year in interest, which would give you a $10,000 deduction. If you make $70,000 a year, that deduction is saving you $2,500 in taxes if you’re in a 25% tax bracket. You are sending

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-77074831152025240852010-01-22T08:56:00.002-06:002010-01-22T08:56:51.648-06:00

A more detailed description that I emailed my 2 accountability partners, Joe and Brian: 1. Exercise. This has been going really well. I set a goal to get on the treadmill 5 times a week and have exceeded that. I mentioned this to Joe, but God should get all the glory for this because I used to HATE the treadmill. He has given me the desire to do it which in my lack of faith, amazes me. Why

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-90210667402833937112010-01-20T18:00:00.000-06:002010-01-20T18:00:34.419-06:00

The resolutions are still going well. I'm one day ahead in the Bible reading. I'm going to shift my exercise to walking briskly once after getting up and once in the evening. I like this for the morning better because walking allows me the focus to pray. Running takes much more mental energy at this point. The other issue is that with my weight being where it is, it hurts a bit to run. I still

Andynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-52006631377842620612010-01-12T22:44:00.000-06:002010-01-12T22:46:36.516-06:00

Plastic surgery Get ready to perform plastic surgery on your card. That's right you are going to take out your cards and a pair of scissors and cut up those cards there are at least three good reasons everyone needs this operation. 1. 78% of people don't pay off their credit card each month even though they swear they will.2. Consumers spend 12% more on general purchases then they would if they

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-78638924976637792712010-01-12T16:11:00.003-06:002010-01-12T16:17:41.402-06:00

It's of course a new year and I had set out to do some things differently this year. One was to improve my health. So far it's gone well. Cutting back on the volume of food. I'm especially thankful to be doing the treadmill regularly. I've set out to do 5 days a week and so far I have exceeded that. I've already noticed a little more room in my pants and shirts. I'm up to 2.12 miles in 30 minute

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-73543648231069819862010-01-07T09:52:00.003-06:002010-01-07T14:58:52.153-06:00

Well, I'm almost finished with "The Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey. Val and had taken some steps in the past to correct financial stability by selling our last home to move into a less expensive dwelling. I fully realize now it was just one of the first steps. We've taken a few more but now I know the final steps we need to take to retake our financial freedom. This book is tough to

Andynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-87360069905000726692010-01-05T08:30:00.004-06:002010-01-05T08:38:53.651-06:00

I've really liked the YouVersion bible for my iPhone. It gives MANY different versions. Recently they updated it to give dozens of different reading plans. I'm using the "Blended" version and set it to 1 and 1/2 years to read from start to finish. I love the ability to set your own timeline rather than it being just one year.

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-1225442264789363402010-01-03T07:32:00.006-06:002010-01-03T11:20:19.462-06:00

There are times as a parent where you question your abilities and tactics. It has been at those times I've fallen on my face and prayed for God to take over. I'm so glad He has. Abby has grown so much in the last two years. In December of last year, she was part of a team that led a worship at her school about "Worship through the Arts." I won't embarass here by adding a lot more other than a few

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-45222554822349196142010-01-03T07:28:00.003-06:002010-01-03T07:32:08.370-06:00

"The Total Money Makeover" by Ramsey, Dave"Financial Peace Revisited" by Ramsey, DaveBible - Book of MarkPHP 6/MySQL programming (for church website)

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-78433096616294545702009-12-31T10:22:00.003-06:002009-12-31T10:44:07.870-06:00

I've got to admit, that my own Spirit of Christmas has been lacking for a long time. No doubt it is a focus on the negative aspects of time and shopping. Val and Abby of course have has the proper spirit but it really took my son to get to to embrace that spirit. It starts with Tim and I going shopping and the attitude he brought. I found myself enjoying the shopping experience by putting aside

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-3881047078048158562009-12-29T07:49:00.005-06:002010-01-08T12:35:13.608-06:00

Gave a Message on redeeming the time this past Sunday. It was an interesting subject to think about this past month as I had to evaluate where I was spending my time. I found that I killed a lot more time than I had thought I had imagined.Message | Notes | PowerPointI ended up finding some really good quotes which I share here:The great dividing line between success and failure can be expressed

Andynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-80015847247710484792009-12-26T08:19:00.002-06:002009-12-26T12:07:11.971-06:00

I really enjoyed Christmas this year. I think I got to see it again through a child's perspective by watching Tim soak in the holiday for the last month. It has been a really wonderful thing to behold and I'm glad to have regained that spirit. I sure have enjoyed shopping, giving and receiving presents. I was just giddy as a schoolgirl when I opened one of my presents. It brought back a

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-858133120947310352009-12-26T08:10:00.001-06:002009-12-26T08:11:40.406-06:00

Earlier in the month, Tim and I went to see Star Wars live in concert. It was one of those experiences that both Tim and I will treasure for a very long time. We enjoyed each other's company and boy the music was just phenomenal! - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-85224419567276435912009-12-26T08:07:00.001-06:002009-12-26T08:14:23.883-06:00

Well and trying out a new method to to create my blogs. I know that especially my parents asked to keep my blog up-to-date and now there's a couple of iPhone applications that should allow me to do voice recognition and I can paste the text in my blog. So i'm using Dragon Dictation and blogpresslite.

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-70497750432500821272009-08-20T07:18:00.002-05:002009-08-20T07:25:31.775-05:00

Sermon - Change Your AttitudeChange Your Attitude Workshop, Part 1Workshop Booklet PowerPoint for SermonHistory of how it came to be:Article for the Berean NewsViewpointsWith thoughts marinating for my Sermon on Change My attitude, I was struck by John Maurelli’s Sermon on Thankfulness for other people. Often the good things that that you and I deliver spiritually have a rich history that God has

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-16591826497234052972009-08-20T07:14:00.004-05:002009-08-20T07:18:36.348-05:00

I am thankful to God for a lot of things:For a good jobFor a church that cares and allows expression of different opinionsFor fellow Elders that are different from one another yet still work as oneFor Val who loves me and my children with all her heartFor Abby who has a compassionate heart. I can't see what paths God uses it in.

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-29075298599884064792009-04-10T08:00:00.002-05:002009-04-10T08:04:11.232-05:00

Sometimes it takes a bunch of things to go forward with waht you know is right. I've known for a while that I needed to take better care of my body consistently. So far here's what I've done:1. Cut out Soda... this has been the hardest but I don';t need the nutrasweet in my system.2. Exercise... Been treadmilling for a month now averaging 6 days a week.3. Just started juicing again.Now to limit

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-12185958917720411402009-03-05T10:25:00.000-06:002009-03-05T10:26:25.822-06:00

You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you." - James Allen

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-27170206263211336512009-01-22T09:52:00.000-06:002009-01-22T09:53:23.727-06:00

"Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all."William Temple

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-41408470630627016612009-01-20T16:36:00.003-06:002009-01-20T16:37:04.629-06:00

My sermon from Sunday:http://podcasts.bbschurch.org/aw/WhyWeGive.mp3

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-53411270343821015722009-01-20T07:53:00.001-06:002009-01-20T07:53:54.664-06:00

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99555344

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-72972571783338689332009-01-07T08:27:00.004-06:002009-01-07T08:39:53.240-06:00

Success isn't how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started.I've often thought about this concept. I think too often we compare ourselves to perfection but I believe we need to look abck from time to time to see the vast distance we've come over our Christian walk.

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-90934179448140295762009-01-06T09:48:00.005-06:002009-01-06T10:41:01.654-06:00

A few years ago my friend Mark said to me, "Why don't you just choose not to..." At the time I was not ready to embrace that concept. One of the biggest issues I have to deal with is being lazy as evidenced by my propensity to sit in front of the TV and veg out. Through a string of recent events and revelations, I now understand this concept.I have the power of God working in me to accomplish

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-29513216942251308912009-01-06T09:45:00.002-06:002009-01-06T09:47:08.755-06:00

Found this a very helpful audio segment for the new year:How To Make New Year's Resolutions Stick

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-59498325822212177422009-01-03T13:57:00.002-06:002009-01-03T14:02:00.947-06:00

Started reading "Outline of Universal History" in Book format again. Finding it's very interesting to read and ask some of the 'why' questions. I'm homing in on 100 AD - 400 AD

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-85305764600806904592008-12-30T08:03:00.002-06:002008-12-30T08:06:14.799-06:00

I've being challenged BIG TIME with a book called: "The Treasure Principle" by Randy Alcorn. The book is about the attitude of giving. The challenge comes from how much to give. I recommend reading this.

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-45402959270146281142008-12-30T07:59:00.002-06:002008-12-30T08:03:28.886-06:00

I've recently decided to cut back on TV but the shows I do enjoy the most are cooking shows and in fact, they have driven my desire to creatively cook. Made a pretty good baked cod last night with a tomato/onion/garlic/parsley/thyme base. I am looking forward to the creative side of cooking rather than just following recipes.Making delicious food for others to me is one of the greatest 'temporal'

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-80982634987772765082008-12-29T21:04:00.001-06:002008-12-29T21:06:10.532-06:00

We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.C.S. Lewis

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-5342881612224469692008-08-25T14:24:00.001-05:002008-08-25T14:24:30.919-05:00

What seem our worst prayers may really be, in God's eyes, our best. Those, I mean, which are least supported by devotional feeling. For these may come from a deeper level than feeling. God sometimes seems to speak to us most intimately when he catches us, as it were, off our guard.- C.S. Lewis

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-89536759272742858122008-08-24T20:17:00.002-05:002008-08-24T20:25:59.441-05:00

I've been mightily impressed with how simple IMHO the Gospel is becoming. It boils down to relationship. God to human; human to God; human to human. I've had a few experiences recently which really bring that point home. The most emphatic is a book given to me by my parents for my birthday: We Would See Jesus. It really emphasizes how everything in the Christian walk is subordinate to that

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-14270414836867264152008-08-12T11:31:00.001-05:002008-08-12T11:31:55.180-05:00

Traditions are group efforts to keep the unexpected from happening. - Barbara Tober

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-71420069452260910212008-07-17T07:55:00.004-05:002008-07-17T08:01:53.206-05:00

My good friend Mike who has a PHD in education did a workshop for some educational conference and had this section on dealing with stress which I will endeavor to blog about for dealing with my own stress.Stress Yes, stress is needed for growth, but when there is too much stress, everyone suffers. How can we handle it? One way that people of all different worldviews, spiritual backgrounds and

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-51214416224698571862008-07-16T22:54:00.003-05:002008-07-16T23:07:19.777-05:00

The more I read the Bible, the more I am understanding how much God has summed up in His son. Those Christians who are committed disciples know this but I beginning to understand how much we add on as essential. It's Jesus plus _______ or Jesus plus ______. It's hard to come to the reality of He is all in all. We have so many things we place as add-ons whether it's doctrine; rules and regulations

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-5268969385772420782008-07-09T08:18:00.006-05:002008-07-09T08:34:03.384-05:00

Got back from a week at the Berean Christian Conference which was a great time! I'll include my blog here:Navigate BCC: Home | 2008 Conference | 2007 Conference | 2006 Conference SocialThe Bus ride from Lombard I sure enjoyed the bus ride. It was my first time on the bus and it was very relaxing. I enjoyed horsing around with Brooks who is a very cute 3-4 year old. Spent a few hours with

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-67889111119537726492008-07-09T08:17:00.002-05:002008-07-09T08:18:15.818-05:00

It's time to resume the blog. It's not that I haven't thought much about it 'cause I have. Been to embarrassed to resume it with all the time that's past.

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-47169848863402414512008-02-14T13:24:00.000-06:002008-02-14T13:25:35.502-06:00

Strength does not come from winning.Your struggles develop your strength. When you go through hardship and decide not to surrender, that is strength.

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-40715713214784651282007-12-31T11:30:00.000-06:002007-12-31T11:32:35.534-06:00

Ron Frye now has a web site for people to obtain some of his writings.http://www.christianrespondent.com/It includes books: The Nature of Man and My Christian QuestIt also has some downloadable books and articles too.

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-28544144535746624752007-10-16T13:55:00.001-05:002007-10-16T13:55:19.172-05:00

In a real dark night of the soul it is always three o'clock in the morning, day after day. - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-7720219669299047922007-09-25T09:09:00.000-05:002007-09-25T09:11:15.160-05:00

I've just purchased Images Plus which will allow automated multiple exposures. My next targets will be M13 through the the SCT and the California nebula with a 85mm lens. Hopefull Thursday night.

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-91862443955930121992007-08-22T10:15:00.000-05:002007-08-22T10:21:04.222-05:00

I'm not much for blogging about Politics but there is a podcast regarding the Farm Bill, or what should be called the 'Food Bill' that EVERYONE should listen to. It really has major effects on us all:- Why is junk food so cheap?- Why are we subsidizing SUVs?- Why is our food not so fresh?- Organic food is not always?- Vitamin C issues?- Why getting Local, Fresh, Food is almost impossible.Great

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-28730408052792593672007-08-20T12:55:00.000-05:002007-08-20T12:56:54.922-05:00

The test of courage comes when we are in the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority. - Ralph W. Sockman

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-73557018420815574792007-08-20T12:46:00.000-05:002007-08-20T12:49:28.629-05:00

I've been treating Monday's as my personal day off, so to speak. The evenings I have left open to enjoy whatever comes to mind. Mostly, that's watching 3 episodes of Star Trek Enterprise. Bottom line is that I find myself having been much more fresh than I have been in a long time. It took a bit of getting used to though. I had to fight off the feelings of guilt that I should be doing something

Andynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-91463682428759322172007-08-18T08:47:00.000-05:002007-08-18T08:55:51.981-05:00

Here's the sermon I gave at CBC on a Humble and contrite Heart. \Click here for MP3PowerPoint Slides; Acrobat Slides

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-90084892963037106862007-08-14T10:13:00.001-05:002007-08-14T10:29:16.831-05:00

I've been thinking a lot about change recently. There were 2 sermons at CBC on change which added to my deliberation. Seems to me that I'm fast approaching a few changes on a few fronts. I'm looking forward to it. I don't know what it entails but I love being on the journey. I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is they must change if they are to get

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-79144562921245159692007-08-09T10:51:00.000-05:002007-08-09T11:00:12.367-05:00

I enjoyed spending some time with Dick and Beth although not at the same time. I love both of these people! Lots going on in their lives for which I'm committed to praying for.Especially liked having Lori and the kids stay with us for a day and 1/2. She's good people (yea, I know sister's aren't supposed to count!)Also enjoyed Joel's girlfriend Melissa. She is such a hoot!Gene Watson shared a lot

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-26017887279626647972007-08-09T10:23:00.000-05:002007-08-09T10:43:28.614-05:00

In early July I was able to attend and serve at the Berean Christian Conference in Grove City, PA. I gave a Sermon on the three servants from Matthew 25 which you can listen too. There was some difficulty with the sound so you'll have to strain to listen.I give it a B- grade. Your mileage will vary!The whole conference in available via iTunes.

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-43636058877519435842007-08-07T09:58:00.000-05:002007-08-07T10:03:37.618-05:00

I again so enjoyed spending time with Laurie, Faye, Dad and Mom. I often stole away to spend time chatting with them, praying with them. I don't think I can put into words how big an impact L & F have had on me. I really don't like the prospect of not knowing when I'll see them again.I guess the biggest impact is the consideration and expansion of my spiritual boundaries. They are probably

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-78861757293511249402007-08-06T12:32:00.000-05:002007-08-06T12:50:24.759-05:00

I had sky high hopes for the conference theme this year on Humility. I have been enlightened to know that Humility provides the foundation for all other Christian Qualities and expected that it would deeply penetrate the hearts of many.My take is that it deeply penetrated the hearts of those who were already in the humble state of mind yet did not seem to impact those needed it most. Sunday

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-86493784416267221542007-08-06T08:36:00.000-05:002007-08-06T08:37:42.183-05:00

Been thinking and learning more about prayer lately. This quote sums up where I'm heading:Quotation: Prayer is not a way of making use of God; prayer is a way of offering ourselves to God in order that He should be able to make use of us. It may be that one of our great faults in prayer is that we talk too much and listen too little. When prayer is at its highest we wait in silence for God's

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-53212803533700568432007-07-24T14:10:00.000-05:002007-07-24T17:19:02.746-05:00

Well, as is probably apparent, I've been giving a lot of thought to humility the last month. The key for me is the thought from Philippians 2:2-4 with the focus on, "Consider others as more important than yourself."I have found that by making that a conscious choice throughout the day a real key to living in the Spirit. The most pronounced effect for me has been in the car. By treating other

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-25468281028027737522007-07-24T13:24:00.001-05:002007-07-24T17:46:50.518-05:00

Had a very nice birthday yesterday! It was funny because I had completely forgotten about it given I haven't been tracking the calendar dates lately. Sunday night, Val reminded me much to my surprise.Got home after work and there were preparations underway. Timmy made homemade Tomato soup. He was so excited to do that for me. Gift giving is one of his love languages for sure. It was quite good!

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-69485984603380397732007-07-24T12:35:00.000-05:002007-07-25T06:55:16.439-05:00

Steve and I had our 1st nasty encounter with a homeless person. It was actually someone I had personally helped over a year ago and apparently he did not recall it as he showed no recognition of me.Anyway, he was given the choice of sitting in our service to receive the $20 we'll give as our one time gift to anyone in need. He was being extremely belligerent and stubborn with Steve who was doing

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-37557440294333724752007-07-20T06:38:00.001-05:002007-07-20T06:54:56.987-05:00

A while back I blogged about our church entertaining a change and style on how we celebrate the memorial of the Lord's Supper. As a long history, we celebrated once a year on the date of the Passover. The Elders studied the subject; we had 2 studies on it as a church.Conclusion as a Church: no unanimityThe reason for this is quite clear, at least to me. While I personally draw the conclusion that

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-50967314607357074742007-07-19T07:57:00.000-05:002007-07-19T07:58:18.376-05:00

To refuse awards is another way of accepting them with more noise than is normal. - Peter Ustinov

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-77458200683867412592007-07-18T21:47:00.001-05:002007-07-18T21:47:54.061-05:00

The word meditation conjures up many different images for Christians depending on what you've been exposed to. If you've only heard things like transcendental or eastern then you've probably have some alarms ringing in your head whenever you hear the word mentioned. But here is the meaning of the word:http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=meditationmed·i·ta·tion 1. the act of meditating

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-88505120126004994002007-07-18T21:43:00.000-05:002007-07-18T21:44:40.200-05:00

We may find professors and ministers, evangelists and workers, missionaries and teachers, in whom the gifts of the Spirit are many and manifest, and who are the channels of blessing to multitudes, but of whom, when the testing time comes, or closer intercourse gives fuller knowledge, it is only too painfully manifest that the grace of humility, as an abiding characteristic, is scarce to be seen.-

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-54491263547453690552007-07-18T20:38:00.000-05:002007-07-18T20:39:08.772-05:00

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcwch6r9_0d9r94h

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-52708547376449965562007-07-18T15:08:00.000-05:002007-07-18T15:11:05.429-05:00

When we see that humility is something infinitely deeper than contrition, and accept it as our participation in the life of Jesus, we shall begin to learn that humility is our true nobility, and that to prove it in being servants of all is the highest fulfillment of our destiny.- Andrew Murray

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-81023823375811323992007-07-17T11:40:00.000-05:002007-07-17T15:07:04.170-05:00

Thought I should make a Thanksgiving list:That Jesus was humble and meek.That Jesus is not powerful and avails me of His power.That I have a wife I can and do love, and that she loves me! Go figure why she would.That humility is the most chief virtue.That I finally know that Humility is the most chief virtue.My children are turning out better than I deserve as a father.That I have parents who

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-30896790958940540822007-07-10T09:09:00.000-05:002007-07-10T09:16:46.963-05:00

Well, there were many blessings a BCC but without a doubt, the biggest for me was spending time with Laurie Iannaconne. I've always been attracted to older Christians who have been through many and varied expereinces. Laurie is no exception here. He not only offers a humble spirit but a significantly diverse Christian background which in my estimation is most valuable. Spending time with Him and

Andynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11383637.post-26120693473171722232007-07-10T09:06:00.000-05:002007-07-10T09:09:19.183-05:00

There have been 2 fairly major items during the last 2 months that have been filling my time. One I'm not ready to share publicly for a while as it's a sensitive subject. The second was getting ready for the Berean Christian Conference held June 30-July 7. I had a study and a Sermon there to prepare for.

Andynoreply@blogger.com0