Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Thanksgiving

Well, tomorrow is Thanksgiving day.  People all over will be gathering together to celebrate the day.  I this is a unique Thanksgiving for me and my family this year.  Usually for Thanksgiving, my family will gather with both sides of my parents' family. We will gather one day with the Webb side and another day with the Snow side.  However, this year is different.  With the recent passing of my grandfather, Thanksgiving is already different; but this year we are not in Missouri for Thanksgiving.  This year we are in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  We just arrived in Michigan earlier this afternoon.  We have come to Grand Rapids to celebrate Thanksgiving with my brother and sister-in-law.  My brother and sister-in-law have been living in Grand Rapids since June of this past year.  They moved up here this past summer so that my brother could attend Seminary here in Grand Rapids.  My brother is currently attending Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. 

We are very excited to be here for Thanksgiving.  Although this year is much different, we still have so much to be thankful for.  I am blessed beyond measure.  I am so grateful to have a wonderful, loving, and Christ-exalting family.  I am so thankful for my home, and to live in a country that allows me to be free.  I have a refrigerator full of food, clothing on my back, and warm, dry bed to sleep in every night.  I take so much for granted every day and I easily forget all that God has richly blessed me with.  I have so much to be thankful for, but the one thing that I will spend eternity being thankful for is my Salvation in Jesus Christ.  God has given me so much, but the greatest thing that He has given me is my faith and salvation that can only be found in His Son, Jesus.  I will spend the rest of my life and eternity celebrating and being thankful to God for sending His Son to die and raise again from the grave.  I pray that if you do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ, that you will not rest until you find your life and joy in Christ.

We all have SO much to be thankful for, especially after this year.  This year we have been confronted with an extremely deadly and damaging tornado, sickness, death, destruction, and separation.  However, we still have so much.  Take time this year to realize how much you really do have.  Stop and think about how much we have all been richly blessed with.  From our family to yours, have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Stink Bug Invasion

Fox News published an article recently about stink bugs.  A researcher from the University of Georgia is warning people that stink bugs could be making their way into their home.  Rick Hoebeke is an entomologist from the University of Georgia.  Rick is warning residents in the state of Georgia that stink bugs could be invading their house, seeking refuge for the winter.  He said that in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and other mid-Atlantic states the stink bug is already well-established.  Rick noted that the bugs have been known to come in such large quantities that residents have to sweep them off their porches and use buckets to keep them from coming inside. 

This article completely creeped me out!  Just the thought of this ever happening in or around my house makes me want to scream.

I am not a big fan of insects.  I enjoy butterflies and the occasional lady bug.  However, I HATE any other type of creepy, crawly, or flying insect.  One of my favorite seasons is winter for the simple fact that I hate bees and wasps.  Now, I love many different types of animals and I am not afraid to of dirt, I just don't like creepy insects.  When I first saw the title to this article, I wondered what it was about.  After I read the article, it made me never want to go to Georgia during this time of the year.  I don't know what I would do if I lived in Georgia and this happened at my house.  If I looked out the window and saw a swarm of stink bugs, I would probably freak out.  I don't mind the occasional bug here and there that I can easily kill with my foot.  However, when I think about having so many stink bugs that I have to sweep them off the porch, I want to run in the other direction.  I wonder if there is some type of spray or repellent you can put in or around your house to keep the bugs away.  I'm sure there is something you can do, but I bet it does not completely solve the problem.  Nevertheless, I would not want them anywhere near my home!

What about you, are you afraid of stink bugs?  What would you do if you had a massive amount of stink bugs trying to invade your home?

Astronaut School

Astronaut-Soichi-Noguchi-STS-114

Fox News published an article this week concerning NASA. NASA is now accepting applications fro astronaut school. The incoming class will begin training in 2013. The plan is for the incoming class to ultimately pioneer a new generation of commercial launch vehicles as well as "heavy-lift" vehicles. The good news is is that Rocket scientists are not the only people who can apply for the job. The requirements for the job area bachelor's degree in engineering, space, or math and three years of "relevant professional experience." NASA will be choosing 8 to 12 individuals to fulfill these jobs.

I enjoyed this article and I thought that it was very interesting. I am fascinated by NASA and all that they do. So, I found this article quite intriguing.

I have always been fascinated by what NASA does. I have always found outer-space an amazing concept and reality. I love watching anything that has to do with NASA or the universe. One year for vacation our family went to Florida and we were able to visit NASA. I was able to see where the rockets, and space shuttles are built as well as where they are launched. I was also able to do a simulation ride where I was able to get a better sense of what it felt like to be launched into space. I found it interesting in this article that this job did not require someone to be a rocket scientist. I thought that it was neat how it did not take an enormous amount of work to be qualified to apply to be an astronaut. I think that it would be amazing to take a trip into the universe. I don't know if that will ever happen, but I can dream, right? Nevertheless, I will continue to find the universe an awesome creation by God. I cannot think about the universe without thinking about God who created it all. I look forward to the day when I will see the Creator of the universe face-to-face.

How about you?  Would you like to apply for this job?  Do you find the universe fascinating like I do, or do you really not care? 

Party Time

Well, tonight is Friday night. What do "normal" 18 year-old young ladies do on a Friday night like tonight? Usually, young ladies my age go out on the town with their buddies, party, venture to the movies, or go over to a friends house. Tonight I am partying. Yes, I am partying with 35 second graders at the Webb City Skateland. This has been a very interesting evening so far. I am babysitting a second-grade boy from Joplin tonight. While his mother is out of town Christmas shopping and his father is finishing up at work, I am taking their son to a birthday party. There are roughly 30-35 elementary-aged children here tonight. I am sitting here trying to focus on these blog posts while the fog machine is pushing out white fog and the disco ball is moving at a rapid rate. I do have to admit that I am enjoying the cheap entertainment of watching these children skate around and wipe-out quite often. My only hope is that the little boy I am watching doesn't fall and break a bone! The party will be over at 6:30 tonight. Until that time comes, I will continue to work on these blog posts. Well I had better go, the "wipe-out" just began...this should be interesting. 

Friday, November 11, 2011

Another Duggar!

The Christian Post published an article about the Duggar family this week.  Michelle Duggar is pregnant again and is expecting her 20th child.  The parents revealed the new on Tuesday on the "Today" show.  Michelle Duggar was surprised when she discovered that she was pregnant.  She did not think that God would give them another baby.  However, they are very excited about the gift of another child.  Michelle's pregnancy with her latest child was a dangerous one.  She suffered from gallbladder problems as well as pre-eclampsia.  Baby Josie was born three and a half months early.  However, today both mother and baby are doing well.  Baby Josie is getting ready to turn two years old and Michelle says that she is in the best shape of her life.  Jim Bob Duggar broke the news to the family by lining the huge family up on the home's staircase for a photo and telling them, "Smile-Mom's going to have another baby!" 

I really enjoyed this article and thought that it was really neat.  I have always enjoyed hearing about the Duggars and I used to watch their show all the time.

I have always loved the Duggars.  There has just always been something fascinating about them to me.  I believe I enjoy the Duggars so much because I love what they stand for.  I always knew that if I watched their t.v. show that it would be clean and wholesome.  The Duggars are a Christian family that happen to live not far from us in Arkansas.  I have never met them but I would love to if I ever get the chance.  I also love the fact that they are raising their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.  They leave everything to the Lord, even the amount of children that the Lord will bless them with and I love that.  I would love to have a large family like theirs if the Lord so chooses to bless me in that way.  I don't know if the Lord will choose for me to have 20 children or not, but I want to be faithful and have whatever he desires for me to have.  I really respect the Duggars.  I hope that as I mature, that I can place me faith in Christ like they have.  God is the one who is in control and children are a blessing from the Lord.  While they may seem weird to world, I really respect them for what they say, do, and stand for.  So, congratulations Duggars! 

How about you?  Do you like the Duggars or do you think they are crazy?  Do you see children as a blessing from the Lord or as a bother to your own agenda?  I pray that you see children as gifts from God and that you seek to raise children in the fear, nurture, and admonition of the Lord.

This Past Week

This past week has been a crazy one for me.  I posted last week about my grandfather and how his health was declining quickly.  My grandfather passed away this past Sunday at about 5:30 in the morning.  Last Friday we knew that he did not have long to live, but we didn't realize it would be as quick as it was.  The cancer had spread to my grandpa's lungs and heart and was making its way to his brain.  By Saturday morning he was completely bedridden.  He was not able to do anything for himself.  We knew at this point that he could go at any time.  My brother and sister-in-law live in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  My grandfather wanted to see them but didn't think they were going to be able to come home.  Saturday morning we got them plane tickets and they made it into Springfield that evening.  By the time they got there, he was in terrible condition and hardly knew who anyone was.  However, the smile that came across his face when he discovered that Spencer (my brother) was holding his hand was priceless.  I am so grateful that my brother and sister-in-law were able to make it in before he passed away.  The following days after his death was filled with visits of many people and lots of food.  His funeral was held on Wednesday.  We were overwhelmed by the amount of people that came, brought food, and sent cards or flowers.  By Wednesday evening there were roughly 4 refrigerators full of food, a multitude of paper good items, and enough flowers to fill the house.  We were so blessed by the amount of generosity that many people showed us during this time. 

The "Feel-Good" Gospel

The Christian Post published an article this week about Joel Osteen.  Joel Osteen is a televangelist, author, and pastor at Lakewood Church in Texas.  Many critics of Joel argue that he has watered down the gospel and downplays sin.  Joel responded by saying that he has been following God's calling for his life and that involves teaching about prosperity.  In an interview with ABC News, Osteen said, "I believe God, Jesus, died that we not just go to heaven but that we excel in this life. I never think you make money your goal. … God wants you to excel. Just keep him in first place and God will open up doors you never dreamed of."  When asked about his new book,  Every Day a Friday: How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week, Osteen said, "I read some studies that said that people are happier on Friday," Osteen explained. "I thought, You know what? We should be happy every day. That's a choice that we can make."  Osteen said that people need to hear about the goodness of God and not that God is mad at them. 

This article makes me want to throw-up in my mouth.  I am serious.  There is nothing that makes me more sick than a man who preaches a "feel-good" message and says he is preaching the gospel.  This is not the Gospel.

Joel Osteen is seen in today's society as a nice, positive, uplifting man who happens to be a Christian pastor of an extremely large congregation.  There is so much to be said about this topic, but I will try to keep this as brief and clear as I can.  Joel Osteen has indeed watered-down the Gospel.  If you do not talk about the sinfulness of man, then you are not talking about the Gospel.  The Gospel is only for sinners.  If you are not a sinner (which if you are breathing and reading this post, then you are a sinner) then you do not need the Gospel.  I will explain to you the true, unadjusted Gospel.  First and foremost, you and me both are sinners.  We were born sinners and we will die sinners.  All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  Romans 3:11-12 says, " as it is written: None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one."  Sinners, like you and me, have no hope of ever going to heaven and we will die in our sins and spend an eternity separated from God in Hell (2 Thessalonians 1:9).  But wait, while the wages of sin is death, the gift of of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).  The good news is that God sent is one and only Son to die on a cross and pay for our sins.  God placed our guilt and our sin on his perfect, sinless Son Jesus Christ.  Jesus bore the wrath reserved for us.  2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."  If you will believe upon Jesus Christ and place your faith and trust in Christ alone, you can be saved (John 3:16).  Believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved (Acts 16:31).  However, know this:  Jesus does not promise you an easy, smooth, or comfortable life that is filled with happiness and prosperity.  Mathew 7:14 says, "For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."  Luke 9:23-26 says, "And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels."  God does promise us life and joy.  Happiness is based on circumstances by joy is based on Christ and all that He has done for us.  You should also know this, that if you desire to be saved or believe that you have been saved, yet you do not love reading God's Word (the Bible), you do not have a love for the church or a desire to be apart of a body of believers or other Christians, and are not different from the world, then know that you were probably never saved.  If you are saved or you want to be saved, then know that you should be different.  There should be evidence of Christ in your life.  You should desire the things of the Lord and to do his will.  If you do not desire these things, then you should know that you are probably not saved.  Ultimately, that is between you and the Lord, but God says that those who are His will be different and bear fruit that prove that they follow Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17, John 15, just to name a couple).  I pray that if you are not saved, then you will come to know Christ.  Come and discover the life that can be found in Him.  Let Christ rule over your life and watch your life change.  It will not always be easy and filled with "happiness", but it will be filled with Christ, joy, and life.  Come to Christ.  If you are already a Christian or are just beginning your walk with the Lord I would recommend the following pastors:  John MacArthur, Paul Washer, Voddie Baucham, R.C. Sproul, John Piper, Ligon Duncan, Albert Mohler, and Steve Lawson.  These a few men that you can find on the Internet.  They are wonderful preachers and teachers of God's Word.  Many of them also have great websites with wonderful resources you can use.

So, are you a disciple and a follower of Christ?  If not, I plead with you to come to Christ.  Come and taste and see if the Lord is good.  If you are a follower of Christ, I encourage you to examine your life and see where you are with the Lord and if you need to make some adjustments.  In all things, to God be the glory.   

Friday, November 4, 2011

Modest is Hotest

MSN published a news article about fashion this week.  The "librarian" look is what is in-style this season.  Fall fashions are taking cue from decades past and take a demure, feminine path.  The buttoned-up, modest look is now considered a new trend.  High-waisted, plaid skirts that reach at least to or below the knee are now in style.  The new trend is similar to Jackie Kennedy or some might say your school librarian.  For now, low-cut, revealing tops are out and high-collar covered blouses are in.  Clothes are fitting below the knee and up to the neck.  Tis the season for a modest look.

I loved this article.  I was honestly astonished when I saw this article come across the screen of our internet homepage.  Therefore, I just had to post it.

I was amazed when I saw the article roll across that the "librarian" look is now the in-thing for style.  Fashion always repeats itself.  What was in style decades ago is now back making a appearance.  I honestly get so sick looking at young ladies, and women who dress as if they just walked off the street, if you know what I mean.  They wear the tightest, shortest, and most low-cut articles of clothing.  I get even more irritated when they then proceed to complain about how all men are just basically sick-minded individuals who only have one thing on their mind and treat them so badly.  Well sweetie, if you wouldn't dress like a piece of meat, then that would help solve almost all your problems.  I know that there are sick-minded people out there, both men and women.  However, if you really want to be treated with dignity, respect, and honor then quick dressing, looking, and acting like an animal!  I am so happy to see the "modest" style come back.  I know that it probably won't last long, but I hope that some ladies will begin to see that if they will just put on some more clothing, then they will possibly be treated with more dignity and respect. 

Ladies, before you go on and complain about how men treat you and look at you, then stop and look in the mirror.  If your clothing is suctioned to your body, showing more than half of your legs, and revealing more than a hands-width of your chest from your neck, then go back into your closet and put some more clothing on.  I dare you then to see how you will be treated.  You may not draw as much dramatic attention, but you will draw the attention of those who will more than likely treat you with dignity and respect.

My Grandfather

Lately my family has been struggling with the sickness of my grandfather.  My grandpa, my dad's dad, has had kidney cancer for the last four or five years.  We have known all along that the cancer would eventually take his life.  There is no cure for kidney cancer if it is found outside of the kidney, which is what my grandfather had.  They took out his kidney several years ago and the doctors told us that the cancer would return somewhere at sometime.  Several years went by and it has now returned.  For the last year, my grandfather has been battling this cancer that has now made its home in his bones, lungs, and possibly his brain.  This last month has not been easy for our family.  My grandpa has gone downhill extremely quick.  There is no longer anything they can do to try and fight off the cancer. 

We have been making many trips to Seneca, Missouri to see my grandparents lately.  We were there last night and we are getting ready to go down there again tonight.  We know that it is only a matter of time before he passes, so we want to be there to help my grandmother and grandfather any way we can in these last days.  We don't know how long he will live, but we want to spend as much time together as we can.  My dad has both a brother and a sister.  My uncle lives in Nixa, Missouri and my aunt lives in Kansas City, Missouri.  Thankfully we have been able to see each other a lot and be together quite a bit through this journey.  The whole family will be there tonight when we go down to see my grandparents.  I am so thankful for all the prayers, encouraging notes, and trips that people have made to reach out to my grandparents during this phase of life.  I know that no one is ever ready to say goodbye to a loved one, but with God's grace we will walk this journey knowing that Christ is supreme.  May God be glorified even in our weakest moments.   

Panda Turns One

Fox News published an article about a panda bear this week. Atlanta, Georgia's Zoo is housing a giant panda bear that is celebrating his first birthday. The cub's name is "Po." The celebration for the cub started at 11 a.m. on Thursday. The first 100 guests to visit the panda will receive a special prize. Po was the only panda bear to be born in the United States this past year. Po was also the third baby panda cub to be born at the Atlanta Zoo. Only four zoos in the United States have giant pandas which are leased from China.

I thought this was a neat article. I have always thought that panda bears were unique and cute animals. I would love to go see and pet a panda bear.

I have always thought that panda bears were neat animals. Pandas are so cute, cuddly, cozy, and sweet looking. I know that there are probably some very unfriendly panda bears. I mean, they are "bears" for a reason. However, they just always seem so sweet and nice in the pictures or videos that I see of them. I would like to actually see a panda bear in person and be around one so that I could see if they are friendly or not. I would guess that if they were raised around humans, then they would be fairly nice. I think it would be neat to go to the Atlanta zoo and see the celebration take place. This would be a great event to take the family to, as well. I hope that the event goes well and that the panda has a nice birthday.

What do you think about panda bears? Would you like to attend this celebration for Po, or would you rather just stay home?