Center of the Bible

What is the shortest chapter in the Bible? Psalms 117

What is the longest chapter in the Bible? Psalms 119

Which chapter is in the center of the Bible? Psalms 118

There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118. There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118. Add these numbers up and you get 1188.

What is the center verse in the Bible? Psalms 118:8

Does this verse say something significant about God 's perfect will for our lives?

Psalms 118:8

"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."


Amazing...

First Steps/Walking/Momma/Other Stuff

I dropped the ball on some major milestones. But anyway, here they are:


First Steps:

A couple of weeks ago (just after the 11 month mark), Kayley took her first official steps. A few times a day, Megan and I would sit a short distance apart and try to coax Kayley into walking over to us (usually we held a toy or object that she was interested in). At first, Kayley would take a step and basically stumble into one of us. After a few days of practicing with Mommy and Daddy, Kayley was taking a few steps without any assistance as she would let go of the coffee table or couch and venture a few feet on her own. She picked up fast...

Walking:

After a few weeks of new found mobility, Kayley is able to walk pretty far distances, stop and balance herself, and even turn directions. Although she is still pretty wobbly (and falls down...a lot), her walking seems to improve with each new step. If she isn't thinking about it or if we walk in front of her, she can walk on her own pretty good. As of now, Kayley will walk from toy to toy or room to room or piece of furniture to piece of furniture. It has been amazing to watch her progression over such a short period of time. Just from observations, it seems as though she is walking a majority of the time now. Or trying to anyways.



Momma:

Kayley said her first "word" (that means something to us anyways) this past week. I'm not sure that she has put two and two together, but Kayley has been saying the word "Momma" quite a lot now. She also says the syllables "Ba," "Ca," "Ga," and "uck." Still waiting on the "Dada!"

Other Stuff:

Over the past month or two, Kayley has picked up some pretty amusing talents. If you ask Kayley a question, any question, she will shake her head "No." It doesn't even matter if you ask, "Is your name Kayley?" Her answer is always "No" with a shake of the head. If you ask where her hair is, Kayley will raise her hand above her head and grab her hair. Kayley makes this "clucking" noise with her tongue if we do it. If she falls down, she immediately throws her hands up in the air to signal for a touchdown (my kinda girl). When she gets really excited, she'll scrunch up her nose and breath in and out really hard. She is getting better at understanding the word no. Usually she'll stop what she is doing...sometimes after a few repeats or a relocation to reinforce the concept. She uses her bumper in her crib as a pillow (it's now about as flat as a pancake). If she wants held, she'll crawl/walk over to your legs and start "climbing" up. Sometimes, usually when she is on the more tired side, she will put her head on the floor while she crawls. It's hilarious. She now dislikes her car seat, stroller, and high chair (doesn't like to be in one place for too long). She does better when "petting" animals. It is more pet and less grab now. She seems to recognize more people more often. Overall, she is still a really good baby except when she is tired or hungry. But, that is to be expected.

Pictures to come soon.

Happy Thanksgiving 2008

As a whole, America has been through a lot in 2008. We all have in our own ways. The economy, housing, war, unemployment, healthcare, a historical election, etc. But in light of those obstacles, we still have much to be thankful for. We have faith, family, and friends, which in most cases; is all we need. We are extremely blessed to live in such a beautiful world and to be loved by such an awesome God. As we find material and humanistic "goodies" to fulfill our wants and needs; be reminded that HE is all we need. The following is a good piece about how our eyes have been taken off the prize.

God Bless you and yours this holiday weekend.

Barack Obama won the presidency promising change. As we enter our national season of Thanksgiving, we should reflect on the goodness of permanence. Liberals morphed over the last three decades into "progressives." The idea of progress is a talisman of our times. I wonder why? Surely if there is one idea which should have died in the last century, it is the idea that progress is good. All the word implies is movement in a particular direction. That direction could be toward Heaven or toward the Inferno.

In the last hundred years we have watch the world plunge twice into wars which devoured tens of millions of souls whole; monsters who tried to exterminate Jews, Armenians, kulaks, and other innocents; people sell their birthright of liberty for baubles of government goodies; and the degeneration of education and media so that truth seems to have died in public discourse. Most change seems to be bad and the Chinese curse "May you live in interesting times" seems very wise.


At Thanksgiving we reflect upon material bounty in the form of turkey, pumpkin pie, green bean casserole, and corn bread stuffing. We lounge around after our holiday feast, watch football and nap. Americans, even in "hard" times, have all the goodies in life we need. The fretting about our economy, the worry about financial stability, the general insecurity about money -- these are all really very silly concerns in the big picture.


We live in a nation in which the biggest health problem for most Americans, including the poor, is obesity. We are not hungry. We are rather, like the Thanksgiving turkey, stuffed. The Pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving knew real hunger. Their bounty was relative bounty, and the food they ate was bland and modest compared with what any ordinary countryman today could muster from a quick trip to the supermarket.


We live in a nation in which the biggest psychological pain is boredom. Technology has given us a dizzying number of ways to feed our senses, yet Hollywood, television, popular music, and video entertainment reeks of banality and spiritual emptiness. Our agents of technological change, of electronic gadgetry dream up more and more ways to say less and less. At the first Thanksgiving leisure was the oddity and amusement was a small part of life.


America and the world have changed since then, but not completely for the better. It is not more free time or more stuff that we need. What we need is moral purpose. All moral purpose is anchored first in a clear awareness of our specialness as divine creatures. The natural sentiment which that awareness should produce is gratitude. We should enter our national season of Thanksgiving not moaning about what we have lack but thankful for what we have.


The notion of the perfectibility of humanity by material changes or scientific discoveries is an affront to the Blessed Creator of the Universe. If wealth, good looks, brilliance and comfort were all we needed, then He would have given those to us in a nanosecond. What God seeks instead is the perfection of our love, our interest in truth, our faith in His existence, and our thankfulness for his Creation.


Our hypnotic fixation on changing our world to make it Heaven is bound to lead not to the feeding of our real needs but rather to the temporary fix of a heroin addict. That is why despots, even despots with some good intentions initially, degrade so quickly into monstrosities: self-made gods. Every monster of the last century which gave birth to an ugly new state -- Mussolini, Lenin, Mao, Hitler, Castro -- promised above all action, change, progress. As we watch Obama seek to change America, we would do well to remember that change, like mutation, is most often hideous and harmful. Life is imperfection -- natural and normal. Our desperate campaign to make life perfect makes life ghastly.


What we need instead of change is gratitude. The simple blessing of being born in America is something that most people on this planet would give much to possess. The ordinary freedom which was the object of the Pilgrims is something purchased by those before us at great cost and which is frittered away by us with gaping indifference. The specialness of our very souls, made in the image of a loving God, transcends all the trite amusements we make.


We owe thanks to those who gave (and who are giving) their lives so that we may be free. We owe thanks to those before us who cared more for goodness than for goods. We owe thanks, always, for a Blessed Creator who blesses us still. There is no virtue in progressing from freedom or benefit in changing our moral principles. Change and progress are callous, soulless, indifferent processes. Let us instead embrace what is pure, noble, and timeless. Let us give thanks for what lasts.

~Bruce Walker

Oglebay

Kayley was sitting in Santa's chair admiring the Christmas tree.

She also liked the glowing snow man in the lodge.

Grandma K and Nana H were walking through the lodge with Kayley.

Mom and Kayley at the Festival of Lights.

A view of Oglebay.

Happy Anniversary

3 Years Married. 7 Years Together.

Thanks for everything that you do for our family. You are such an amazing wife and mommy. I can't imagine my life without you in it. Here's to many, many more years.

Love Always

17 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Me

17. I always tuck in my shoe laces.
16. My "K-9" teeth are half mine (porcelain caps).
15. My t-shirt collars have to be snug around my neck.
14. I've had two speeding tickets in my life.
13. I was baptised on July 9, 2005.
12. My favorite Kool-Aid flavor was discontinued because it resembled windshield washer fluid.
11. I saw the tornado that destroyed half of my Dad's business.
10. I think cheese tastes better after it has been sitting out for awhile.
9. I was a collegiate athlete and an All-Ohioan.
8. I was kicked out of marching band for not marching.
7. I once ran 6 miles with a stray dog next to me.
6. Flying is one of my biggest fears.
5. I sometimes crave chicken livers and A1 sauce.
4. I'd rather spend the day at the pool than at the ocean.
3. I've been stung by a jellyfish (relates to #4).
2. My Dad and I share the same middle name (Michael).
1. I got up on my skis the first time I ever tried to water ski, with my swim shorts falling off.

God's Greatest Work

Over His lifetime and beyond, Jesus Christ accomplished many great feats. When we read the Word, we are inundated with stories of miracles, hope and grace.

But through all of those acts of Passion by Jesus, which feat was greatest of all of them? Which miracle was the most miraculous? What deed gave the most hope? What sacrifice showed the most grace?

Was it Jesus curing the blind man? Cleansing the lepor? Giving someone the ability to walk that could not walk before?

No. It wasn't that.

Was it Jesus walking on water? His relationship with God the Father? His love for His Disciples?

No. It wasn't that.

Was it Jesus denying temptation? Turning water into wine? Feeding many with few?

No. It wasn't that.

Was it Jesus proclaiming His faith? Being beaten for a Love so deep? Hanging in agony as He questioned His God? Being crucified for the sins of this world? Raising from the dead? Offering eternal life through Him?

No.

Not even close.

The greatest work of God was Him putting His hand on a 22 year old man in Canton, Ohio and changing his life. For at that moment, God truly allowed him to live for something greater than himself. And with that, a promise to dwell in His house forever.

One Million Dollars

Food for thought...

Tonight, my Father-in-Law brought up a good point/idea regarding the recent economic bailouts/stimulus. Instead of handing over BILLIONS (almost trillions) of dollars to corrupt CEOs and failed businesses, what if the U.S. government gave one million dollars to each working family?

Think of the benefits. Working families would be able to get out of debt (payoff mortgage, car, student loan, etc.). Save money for retirement. Send children to college or private schools. Stimulate the economy through increased market spending. With 300 million Americans (obviously not all of those are classified as working families), the government would save over 600 billion dollars (mostly our tax dollars) and the economy would be instantly stimulated and debt free with a spending surplus.

Obviously, there would be certain negative effects, but just think of the possibilities. Something to ponder...

Grandma

And God called another Angel to His dwelling...

November 6, 1928 - November 13, 2008

Although you are gone, our love will continue to be strengthened by thoughts and memories of you. No words could ever express how much you meant to our lives. How amazing it must be to sit at the throne of God and have no pain or worries to burden your day. Until we meet again, you will always have a place in my heart. Thank you for giving us a love that can never be replaced.

"A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam. And for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world. But then it flies on again, and though we wish it could have stayed, we feel so lucky to have seen it...."

Grandpa,

You exemplify what it means to be a caregiver of God. Even though this is a hard time for all of us, I am so proud of the way you put the weight of the world on your shoulders and showed us all what true love is. God was reflected in all that you have done. You are so strong. So caring. So loving. You gave Grandma more than she could have ever asked for and I know that she is very gracious for your acts of kindness and love. She will always be with us and we will always be here for you. I'm glad that Megan, Kayley, and I got to spend so much time with you and Grandma over the past few weeks. Thank you for being such an influential role model for the family.

All Our Love

What Life Would Be Like

I wish I was more of a man
Have you ever felt that way
And if I had to tell you the truth
I'm afraid I'd have to say
That after all I've done and failed to do
I feel like less than I was meant to be

What if I could fix myself
Maybe then I could get free
I could try to be somebody else
Who's much better off than me
But I need to remember this
That it's when I'm at my weakest
I can clearly see

He made the lame walk and the dumb talk
And He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits while His heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like if we let Jesus live thru you and me

What if you could see yourself thru another pair of eyes
What if you could hear the truth
Instead of old familiar lies
What if you could feel inside
The power of the hand that made the universe You'd realize

That He made the lame walk and the dumb talk
And He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits while His heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like if we let Jesus live thru you and me

All our hearts they burn within us
All our lives we've longed for more
So let us lay our lives before the one who gave His life for us

He made the lame walk and the dumb talk
He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time
Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits while His heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like if we let Jesus live thru you and me

Let Him live through you and me

Joshua E

After having a conversation through this blog and through Facebook, I would like to thank Joshua E for apologizing and understanding my concerns regarding some of his comments that have been made towards me over the last few months. I appreciate your willingness to seek amends. I will not speak of those issues directly, but I believe that we have come to a common ground regarding those concerns.

Also, I would like to apologize to anyone who has felt that my dialogue was too brash or angry in spirit. To be honest, it was angry at times because that is how I felt regarding certain issues this past political season. It is hard to apologize for feelings and opinions. Although it is hard to interpret a person's tone on an Internet blog, I apologize if you have taken my responses and posts as angry. They were never meant to be that and I never intentionally attacked another person's character. I respect all people who view this blog and I thank you for doing so.

This site is for me to express my opinions. My opinions are views that I believe to be right. That's why I post them. When discussing those views, I will stand up for what I believe in. I am not always right. I have my downfalls just like everyone else.

Politics are evil, but they are a necessary evil.

God Bless.

But God...

Last weekend, Megan, Kayley and I tried out a new church in the area. During the service, Pastor Bennett said something that really got me thinking about the awesome power and grace of God. He said that out of all the words in the Bible; there are two words that standout above all the rest...

BUT GOD

Those two words have an amazing impact on all of our lives. In fact, those are life changing words.

BUT GOD gave us the gift of life...
BUT GOD gave us a second chance to defeat sin...
BUT GOD sent His only Son so that we may have eternal life...
BUT GOD showed us His love and Grace...
BUT GOD forgives us of our sins...
BUT GOD can heal your broken heart...
BUT GOD can give you the strength to continue on...
BUT GOD comforts our souls in times of need and despair...
BUT GOD knows the story of your life and the plans that He has for you...
BUT GOD gives us examples of caregivers and a servants heart...
BUT GOD shows us the power of believing...
BUT GOD can change the world...
BUT GOD can turn darkness into light...
BUT GOD can change the heart of man...
BUT GOD opens up His arms and allows us to find rest in Him...

And most importantly:

BUT GOD so loved the world that He sent His only Son so that we may have eternal life with Him in the Kingdom of God.

Hypocrisy

Over the last few days, I have sifted through a wide range of emotions regarding the recent presidential election. As most of you know, I disagree passionately with the political views of Barack Obama. However, I did all that I could to stand up for a cause I wholeheartedly believed in.

Although I disagree with Barack Obama the politician, I have to support Barack Obama the person. Will my views change? Maybe. But, the only person that can change those views is Barack Obama himself. I want to see this "agent of change" in action. I want to see him reaching across the aisle to help the American people. However, only time will tell.

I admire what Obama has accomplished. I admire the history of the event. I admire the passion he instilled in his supporters. No matter what the outcome tells me, this is still America. We are still Americans. God is still in control.

I pray for Obama to lead with morals and values. I will pray that he leads us in a new, refreshed direction. I will pray for him to bring us together and not drive us further apart.

God Bless America.

On a side note: This election season has been very humbling from a political and Christian standpoint. Because of my political views, I was often viewed as vindictive, unAmerican, uneducated, and unChristian. Since when were we not allowed to believe in a cause greater than ourselves.

Although I get around 100 new readers a week, a few people decided to make this there stomping ground. However, I would like to thank those four people for educating me on the view from the other side. Our differences make us stronger.

President Barack Obama

This picture could go one of two ways. First, Barack Obama's liberal agenda could destroy the very make-up of what makes us American. Second, he could actually do what he has promised for 21 months (moved to a centrist position) and not what he has actually done in his short political career. His political philosophies are dangerous to free market capitalism. In his "victory speech," he was already speaking as if he promised too much.

As for John McCain:

From a blogger friend:

"There is much to be learned from John McCain. He has proven to be a man of great integrity among many other things:

He is an example of unwavering standards
He is an example of a straight talker - one who doesn't see the need to dance around issues
He is an example of one's actions matching their words
He is an example of what it means to fight for America
He is an example of what it means to uphold the morals that this nation was built upon
He is an example of strong character
He is an example of a truly remarkable man
He is an example of HUMILITY
He is an example of what it looks like to have a servants heart
He is an example of what it means to be AMERICAN.

Although he did not win, I'm honored to have supported him throughout this entire election...

Thank you John McCain for the example you have proven to be. Americans are sure going to need it in these coming years."

Election Eve

By now, some of you have already voted...some of you already have your minds made up...some of you are still on the fence.

Whatever your situation may be, the voters will speak their mind on November 4th. Unfortunately, I do not believe those minds have been fed the truth during this election season. What else is new?

For the past 22 months, I have done everything I can to expose Barack Obama for the political fraud that he is. The evidence is undeniable. The records and words speak for themselves. I have tried to expose Obama for the staunch liberal, non-reformer, non-bipartisan, non agent of change that he has consistently demonstrated during his short political career. I have studied his background, his records, his policy issues, and his political philosophy more than almost anything I have ever studied in my life.

This election is that important...

Your vote is that important...

However, no matter what happens at the polls tomorrow, God is the ultimate Word and the last answer.

I'll leave you with a quote:

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and independence.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.

~William J. H. Boetcker~

Walk This Way

Kayley (at almost 11 months) is SOOO close to taking her first steps. It seems like she has been ready for almost a month. In order to help those little legs out, we bought her a Little Tykes shopping cart. Here she is taking her "first steps" without our assistance.