Pray for Denbert!! (Full Version)

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chemdude77 -> Pray for Denbert!! (9/27/2005 8:30:46 PM)

Please pray for DENBERT (AKA Denny). He has undergone surgery after a serious motorcycle accident. His wife is with him, and he still has his sense of humor. DarcyJo will keep us posted...



chemdude77 -> RE: A straight blast from the Pacific Coast (9/30/2005 5:40:53 PM)

I love Fridays (not the eatery, the day)[:D]

As I finish some work, I am listening to remixed '80s music (dance mixes--ever heard of Austrian musician Falco?[8D]). So now I give my age away....

An update on a little girl at our church who had a major stroke in July, 2004 (the day before the Fourth):

quote:

Dear Friends, family and prayer partners,

We headed out for therapy twice this week, went to the Chiro, headed up for a new scoliosis xray series & visit with her orthopedic surgeon and attended church. It was a full week though we paced our self well.

Our trips to therapy went well, the local trips for therapy were quiet and uneventful, no crying and getting upset for Fernanda. [On] our trip up Fernanda was real quiet, our trip home she was upset for one leg of the trip, I adjusted and moved her around halfway through the journey and she quieted down. Jake make a small adjustment to the chair when he installed it this week and it seems it worked! An answer to prayer indeed.

During Fernanda's therapy sessions and interactions with her family we are seeing some quick movement of her eyes and more head movement toward the person talking. Praise God!

The outcome of our trip reflected the scoliosis in her back is getting worse, something to be expected with neuromuscular scoliosis. Most cases progressively get worse until there is surgery. Please pray for Fernanda's scoliosis to stop.

The new Jesse McCartney DVD arrived this week, Fernanda has watched it likely four times already. It is a great distraction tool in therapy .

Thank you to Lynn , Sally , Karen and Linda for their extra help taking care of Elena this week. Thank you to Andrea for starting the outdoor garden outside Fernanda's room.

We continue to work with Fernanda daily on using the augmentative communication device, she loves having control of turning on the tape player to listen to Hilary Duff.

It is so heart warming to see Fernanda laugh at something being played on TV, a comment we make sarcastically that only Fernanda would appreciate. Cognitively she understands us and communicates to us with her beautiful smile.

Please pray for her abilities to advance enabling her to communicate to us in a more sophisticated way. Pray her mouth will relax to allow her to chew foods, her swallowing is going well though she needs more control of her mouth. Pray the scoliosis will stop; pray the baclofen trial will be scheduled soon and go smoothly. Pray for her whole and complete healing.


More at http://www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda ...



chemdude77 -> Wombats, Romans and Apartments (10/3/2005 2:09:49 AM)

Wombat--something about the word wombat makes me grin [:D] Nothing like watching wombats walk wistfully in the white snows of Australia--on Animal Planet [8D]

When it comes to apartment living (something I used to endure, until 1996), these complaints may sound familiar to millions:

"the fragility of their construction, the scantiness of their furniture, insufficient light and heat, and the absence of sanitation."

"The agents propped up a tottering wall, or painted a huge (ceiling) rift over, and assured the occupants that they could sleep at their ease, all the time that their home was crumbling over their heads."

"Insomnia is the main cause of death ... Show me the apartment that lets you sleep!"

"we are slaves to fashion, spending beyond our means, and often on credit" (!)

"One man digs an elbow into my side, another a hard pole; one bangs a beam, another a wine cask, against my skull."

Yes, life in the poor tenements of 1st and 2nd century Rome. [:'(] Garbage and sewage were tossed out onto passing pedestrians, tenements up to six stories high. Over a million inhabitants. Tony Perrottet describes some fascinating parallels to ancient Rome and NYC, quoting Juvenal, Martial and Tacitus.

(Tacitus had a hatred for Christians, and had some very slanderous views of the followers of the Way. If he was alive today, he would have a blog, a column in Vanity Fair and a radio show [;)] One can only hope he repented before he died)...



chemdude77 -> A few good men (10/7/2005 12:35:56 AM)

I am enjoying a good piece of fiction again, kind of an historical novel. Written by Steven Pressfield, titled Gates of Fire.

Barely three hundred Spartan warriors held off about 2,000,000 Persian invaders at the pass of Thermopylae (modern Greece).

The Spartans were betrayed by a Greek, the Persians found another entry point and overrun the brave warriors after about seven days. King Leonides' men inflicted casualties on the Persians and their conscripts (Egyptian, Indian, Central Asians, Semitics, Caucasians, etc). When the weapons were destroyed, the outnumbered soldiers used rocks, hands, feet and teeth.

Of course, the Persian navy's western fleet was wiped out by the Athenian-led naval forces. The critical supplies were lost in the waters off Salamis. Xerxes could not destroy Greece, and the Persian conquest was stopped.

Good book...



chemdude77 -> Pray for little 10 year old Fernanda (10/8/2005 5:18:38 PM)

From the family: Jake and Debbie have a long road ahead with their little Fernanda. A stroke in July 2004 left her completely paralyzed:

quote:

Dear Friends, family and prayer partners,

We had therapy out a couple of times this week; visited the chiropractor; Dad took her to a softball game in Salinas; and Fernanda visited California Children's Services (CCS) for a new hand splint.

Another dosage of Neuronton was dropped from Fernanda's medication panel, she is now receiving just one 1/2 ml per day of the med. The adjustment this week to the reduction in medication is going well. I proposed to the doctor to drop the final dose and wait his reply. Fernanda continues to be on four other medications on a regular basis too.

The last two weeks the OTs have been pushing Fernanda with some new stretching exercises. They have added a stretch to elongate her left side as well as having her do more and longer stands using the side of her bed or a book stand. The standing simulates a standing frame though gives us more control to help put her in the alignment position she should be since Fernanda is not able to help provide the support in the standing frame. The new stretches are pushing her quite a bit, Friday morning she was pretty tired, the OT decided to give her a break. Her eye movement continues to grow and become stronger. She is doing a fantastic job tracking and finding objects.

Beth, her speech therapist worked with her four times this week, three of which on the communication device and once on swallowing therapy. (Debbie continues to give her trial pureed foods at least one time a day.) We continue to search on finding a position Fernanda can consistently and strongly turn on and off a communication device. Using her elbow is a new area we are exploring. Saturday morning Beth pureed a bagel with cream cheese and goats milk yogurt. It really did taste like a bagel. Her mouth movement is still real tight, we did not see her try to open her mouth purposefully.

The car drives are working great, no more crying!

The therapist at CCS made a new right hand splint for Fernanda to use during the day. She is doing pretty well in wearing them, some times she can wear both for as long as 30 minutes, the right splint is more of a struggle. The left splint may be worn without the right one on for as long as 2 hours. The therapist is concerned with the tendons in her wrists and encouraged us to do more range of motion on the wrists through out the day.

Chona, her night time care provider and I gave her two evening showers this week since her little tub used for washing her hair in bed deflated with a hole in it! The showers were a bit of a challenge for Fernanda, she wasn't as happy as she was when we gave her the initial shower though she sure went to bed and slept good for the night. Going to sleep was easier for Fernanda this week, likely the most consistent we've experienced.

The baclofen pump trial is scheduled for this Friday, October 7th. We are waiting on Doctor Giap to confirm all the details.

Please pray for her abilities to advance enabling her to communicate to us in a more sophisticated way. Pray her mouth will relax to allow her to chew foods, her swallowing is going well though she needs more control of her mouth. Pray the scoliosis will stop; pray the baclofen trial will go smoothly. Pray for her whole and complete healing. Continue to pray for all our needs both emotional, physical and material to be met.



chemdude77 -> The seven habits of highly-contented dogs (10/12/2005 8:38:14 PM)

How much time is wasted in corporate America? How much does a company spend to lock employees in a room for 8 hrs in a motivational seminar?

Want motivation? Pay a competitive wage. Don't use four-letter words when things go bad. Don't cut us down behind our backs. Do not use innuendo. And on the way to work, make sure the BMW uses the turn signal when it swings in front of me.

Cliches do not impress everyone. Motivational speakers have great quotes; I can read them in less than 5 minutes, without even losing productivity.

And I do not need to have the sweetened heretical poisons of the LDS in my library!!

And my Pomeranian agrees with me[8D] She never keeps a day planner, flops down on the carpet, chases the occasional mouse, stares at us when we eat, licks my nose, barks at the FedEx truck, and is awake before 6 AM. She enjoys motivational books, at least peripherally. The pages are dog-eared from nibbling [sm=icon_smile.gif]

I have no desire to chase mice and lick noses (or shoes). I want to be productive, and I want a professional workplace.

Now, if professional behaviour is a problem for CEOs and middle managers, we should consider putting the narcissists and sociopaths into the highly lucrative, rewarding field of no-holds-barred CAGE FIGHTING!

Hands, feet, knees, shins, grappling and elbows are permitted in the ring. Anger, verbal abuse and arrogance are pervasive. Imagine, having to put up or shut up!! Not everyone in the world is scared of verbally and emotionally abusive managers and CEOs.

However, use of the teeth or a motivational book is not permitted in the ring. The gloves are on [;)]

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There are meetings that evoke positive responses.

You know, meetings for prayer, meetings to plan a hike or camping trip, meeting at a pub, meetings at a good Chinese restaurant, meeting new people, informal sales meetings without slides[sm=icon_smile_tongue.gif], meeting a potential love interest. [sm=yummy.gif]

Then there are:

Department meetings[:'(]

I am not the only guy that feels antipathy towards the typical company/Dept/project meetings!!!!!!!

Now, I am sure there are HR and Project Management experts on CW, so I am not denigrating anyone. The methodology needs some tweaking, and I am sure someone on this board has a better way to convey vital info. But these are my opinions.

I remember a consulting firm (an e and a y) come to a biotech firm to discuss information flow. Of course, they wanted at least a weekly meeting to plan upcoming meetings. [sm=icon_smile_faint.gif][sm=icon_smile_faint.gif][sm=icon_smile_faint.gif][sm=icon_smile_faint.gif][sm=icon_smile_faint.gif]

With the advent of Thai and Indian buffets, multimedia, coffee shops, instant messenging, webcasts and email, why herd your employees into a PowerPoint presentation? Some of us like to flip back and forth, brainstorm, review the material, etc

I hate groupthink. Most Christians also hate it!!

Eric Nehrlich observes that

quote:

different people have different preferred methods of absorbing information. In my case, I prefer a random-access approach, being able to flip back and forth, rather than being held to somebody else’s idea of how I should view the information. Other people prefer graphical representations. Some people learn best through hearing, some by reading. It varies wildly. Meetings impose a linear auditory information transfer on everybody, which makes it inefficient for everybody.


We all learn differently. How many folks retain everything from a 45 minute slide presentation?

I had to do this at my last company for potential customers, so I have been there. As a presenter and a presentee.

For those who wish to sell products and services to businesses using only PowerPoint slideshows, how often do we need to go back several slides and repeat what we said? Is it any different when you have a captive, resistant group of co-workers? [;)]



chemdude77 -> The Great Commission (10/15/2005 2:52:43 AM)

We had the privilege of hearing from a member of the Navigators, a Lebanese Christian scholar, Dr Nabeel Jabbour. He discussed missions to the Muslim world, and the Great Commission.

Nabeel Jabbour was born in Syria, grew up in Lebanon, lived in Cairo for 15 years and is now an American citizen. He received his degree in Beirut, and has studied Islamic fundamentalism for years.

Egypt is a major intellectual center for Islam; Osama and his #2 man were drawn into fundamentalism by Egyptian scholars and discipled by Palestinian muslims. The Muslim Brotherhood was formed in Egypt, and fundamentalist movements around the world were spawned from this organization. Of the over 1 billion Muslims, 7% are fundamentalist. That means roughly 70,000,000 Islamic fundamentalists.

Praying for the salvation of men, women and children in the Muslim world is crucial. Praying for our co-workers and neighbors is something we all can do.

Tracts can work for different demographics, it is true. However, for Muslims, relationships without a hidden motive may open up the opportunity to share the Gospel, and a chance to address the misconceptions about Christ and the church. Is this friendship evangelism? I do not know.

Seriously, how many of us became believers when someone took the time to befriend us, listen to us, care about us, pray for us?[:D] Dr Jabbour reminds us that by listening for an hour or two, doors are opened. He has seen it work.

Remember, the Muslim communities expect intolerance and suspicion, thanks to the pressure groups like CAIR. [:@] Again, let us make sure the Gospel is the cause of offence, as opposed to the evangelist [>:]

One guy in the group complained that he "does not have time for building relationships;" he is just "giving them the gospel." This is what we call a fossil mentality. (You know the mentality--"We have a way of doing things, I have been doing it this way for years".)

Another guy starts off his witnessing with an attack on the premise that Islam is the "religion of peace." He quotes from the Q'uran, with its commands to slay the infidels, and he engages the party in a debate. There is a time and place for debate. But educated Muslims and agnostics will raise questions about the conquest of Canaan, and the commands to Israel to massacre the women, children and men of Canaan. Be prepared.

For missions to 16-20% of the world population, it is estimated by some that less than 3% is allocated from total mission spending.

And remember that over half a billion Muslims (cultural, orthodox, fundamentalist) are non-Arab peoples (Caucasian, Indo-Aryan, Indonesian, Malay, Berber, subsaharan African, etc).

Pray for the salvation of our neighbors!! The ones across the street and the ones across the oceans!



chemdude77 -> RE: The Great Commission (10/20/2005 11:15:19 PM)

College football, hockey, the World Series, the NFL--all of these distractions [8D]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I am getting this strange interest in Central Asia. I am fascinated with the history, the mountains, and now I am looking for flight and travel info. The concept of travelling through corrupt Chinese border patrols and being an American in a predominantly Muslim area is a bit unnerving. [&o]
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I am thinking about our priorities as a nation. But our priorities as a church are also worth looking at. I desire to see the Gospel reach those held in the bondage of superstition and a religion of works.
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As I watch my nephew get ready to become an Army Ranger, I am deeply concerned. In the Beltway, the war is cheered on by men and women who would not send their own sons and daughters to Iraq, Somalia or Bosnia. Men and women that did not serve active duty. Men in patent leather shoes and Georgetown mansions, intellectuals who dream of invasions and occupations. It is easy to cheer on a bloody war from a Gulf Stream V, in between bites of filet mignon and sips of Amurrrican beer--hurrah for the Amurrrican firepower! McDonalds and armed roadblocks, ESPN and HBO... [sm=fireanger.gif]

I am disgusted when I read about the brutal murders of Assyrian Christians, communities that have been in Mesopotamia for centuries. Yes, Islamic terrorists have more freedom and support. The new constitution will be subordinated to Islamic law.

Within 20 miles of my home, we have an Assyrian church; within 3 miles, and Iranian Church is established. We forget the many Palestinian Christians in America; many have fled Hebron, Ramallah, Tulkarhm, and Jerusalem, despite their history in the Mideast.

Comparatively little evangelical money goes to Christian refugees or pastors whose churches were bombed. Again, with >1 BILLION Muslims, missions to 20% of the world population are lucky to get 5% of total missions spending. If Operation Blessing even provides aid to Arabic-speaking Christians, let me know.

But millions have gone to Israel, from churches and parachurch organizations. I still get pleas for donations from an organization that helps Jews migrate from Russia and Eastern Europe.

Nothing wrong with this organization or its goals. However, we do need to remember our priorities. To go and make disciples of ALL nations! We may not go overseas, but we can pray.

As a disclaimer, I am not employed by any missions organization. [:)]



chemdude77 -> What part of NO do I not understand?! (10/21/2005 12:12:39 AM)

In 1998, three scientists won a Nobel Prize for their important work with Nitric Oxide (NO!!!!) in cardiovascular function. Of course, NO plays a big role in our immune systems...



chemdude77 -> Fernanda's Journey - PRAY! (10/26/2005 7:11:02 PM)

I have shared the story of Fernanda, a 10 year old whose life changed on July 3rd, 2004. Over 15 months later, communication and mobility are still not possible. Here is an update:

quote:

Fernanda is doing well in her progress…on the positive side we see increased eye tracking, good hand movement in her right hand activating the switch, calmer at bedtime, sleeping through the night with her splints on for 6 hours straight, calmer at changing times. Opportunities for improvement continue to grow during her therapy time. Fernanda has been fussier during the therapy session and has not shown any new volitional movement in her limbs or trunk. Just this last week we called her CCS therapist in to give Fernanda's routine therapist some feedback. The CCS therapist feels her therapist is doing everything she can to help promote activation of Fernanda's trunk. This is our goal to activate the trunk muscles to help Fernanda progress to the next
level.

Daddy took Fernanda out for therapy three weeks ago on one of his days off. Fernanda enjoyed the special time with Dad, mom enjoyed the extra set of hands.

Our regular weekly routine continues, two times out for therapy and the chiropractor, three times in for therapy at the house. Five visits a week from her special ed teacher and three visits from her speech therapist. Lynn M has joined us with visiting
Fernanda on a weekly basis working with her academically. Lynn brings a variety of material to work with Fernanda, including some she discusses with the 5th graders at her school in Morgan Hill.

The baclofen trial is confirmed for Thursday, November 3rd!

We went to the pumpkin patch here in Morgan Hill a couple of weeks ago, see the picture. It was a short visit since we arrived 5 minutes before it was scheduled to close. Who would have guessed it was closing at 6 pm on a Friday night in October?

Audrey has been training and helping Debbie hang the wallpaper in Fernanda's room. We are restoring it with the same wallpaper that was up before the construction started.

We've attended church three weeks in a row, Fernanda really seems to enjoy the time at church.

Thank you to Stephanie and Tina for hosting a very successful fundraising home party for
Fernanda. Stephanie's Silpada Designs jewelry was a hit at Tina's warm and cozy home!

A couple of families came by to visit, Lois and Danielle as well as Karen and Sarah . We had a relaxing and enjoyable visit with both families.

Sunday we attend Alejandra's softball tournament in Salinas, a four hour trip out of the house. Fernanda did so well the entire time, a big difference over our last outing to Salinas.

Please pray for her abilities to advance enabling her to communicate to us in a more sophisticated way. Pray her mouth will relax to allow her to chew foods, her
swallowing is going well though she needs more control of her mouth. Pray the scoliosis will stop; pray the baclofen trial will go smoothly. Pray for her whole and complete healing. Continue to pray for all our needs both emotional, physical and material to be met. Please pray for Fernanda participate in her therapy with her own movements. Pray for our therapists and teachers that work with her on a routine basis.



chemdude77 -> Quotes for the weekend (10/29/2005 12:39:54 AM)

An interesting quote from Samuel Rutherford:

quote:

Power, which holds itself in opposition to law, is evil and tyrannical. No one is required to be bound (by) it, and it may be legitimately resisted. There is no imaginable reason why wickedness can oblige anyone. We are under no commandment to suffer the abuse of wicked men...


One of Rutherford's works ended up in the hands of King Charles and the English Parliament in 1661, and they did what all tyrants and scoundrels in government do -- they burned the book. The concepts of limited government, separation of powers and the rule of law (LEX REX) influenced Hobbes and Locke, and ultimately, the Founding Fathers.

Reverand Rutherford also exclaimed some days before his death:

quote:

I shall shine—I shall see Him as He is-I shall see Him reign, and all his fair company with Him; and I shall have my large share. Mine eyes shall see my Redeemer: these very eyes of mine, and none other for me. This may seem a wide word; but it is no fancy or delusion; it is true. Let my Lord's name be exalted; and, if He will, let my name be grinded to pieces, that He may be all in all. If He should slay me ten thousand times, I will trust



chemdude77 -> RE: More thoughts for the fall weather (10/29/2005 4:27:18 PM)

Cool and breezy, rain on and off--how I enjoy the change in CA weather [:D]

I think back to the days before Al Gore invented the Internet[8D]

The days of living in constant fear -- fear of the neighborhood gangs, fear of corrupt law enforcement officials, but worst of all, fear of the leaders of our religious sect.

When I was 14, we were placed into a private "Christian" school, only to keep us out of an inner-city public school system. We were 140 lb, white and not aggressive enough. The "pastor" had accumulated hurting people, working-class folks from the south who grew up in oppressive churches and knew of nothing else, and recovering addicts. People made in the image of God, and people who should have heard THE GOSPEL OF JESUS, not lies and intimidation!

And because the pastor claimed that she "spoke directly to God and walked with angels," we were told not argue with her or ever question her. She, along with her family, were "God's annointed"--we heard stories of those who left the church or questioned her, only to be "struck down". Back then, we believed these lies from hell. Hey, take a scripture out of context, and you can really deceive a crowd.

We feared what the pastor or her children thought (also in positions of authority). Swimming with members of the opposite sex, alcohol, tobacco, TV, movies, ball games, dresses above the ankles, makeup--all were considered worldly and unChristian.

We feared one another, as the leader had religious informants, people who would run to the office and tattle. We feared the "elders" and ordained men who had deviate behaviours, and too many children were victimized. [sm=fireanger.gif][sm=fireanger.gif][sm=fireanger.gif] Thankfully, one is behind bars.

After leaving, I got a few nasty letters, threatening gestures on the streets, and was shunned by people who pretended to be friends. Back then, not alot of people knew or cared what I went through. I was a full time student, I was spending an hour on the treadmill, and I was drinking slim fast (hey, Tommy LaSorda and Dan Dierdorf lost weight with the stuff [:'(]). Down to 205, but I was an insomniac, afraid and paranoid.

Sadly, I joined other churches with less control and alot more superstition. We worshipped a god who could not move without our permission, a god who needed alot of caffeine and noise to wake up, a god who was in the same weight class as the devil and almost as powerful, and a god who was feminine. Alot of college groups enjoyed the extension of pagan feminism into the church. Our small group leader was sure that her rabbits could use telepathic powers to communicate, and that she could smell demons and angels. [sm=icon_smile_faint.gif][sm=icon_smile_faint.gif][sm=icon_smile_faint.gif]

That was not the end, and the terror was soon to come to an end. Stay tuned!



chemdude77 -> RE: More thoughts for the fall weather (11/3/2005 1:46:17 PM)

Christmas is coming. As for the exact date of Jesus birth, I do not know. But we celebrate Immanuel, and we rejoice: God with us, the God who tabernacled among us. The Greeks and the gnostics hated the material realm, and the idea of God in the flesh was, and still is, abhorrent. Eastern mysticism longs for escape from the physical world; God promises to redeem Creation, and we look forward to the resurrection [:D][:D]

Part II:

As mentioned, I spent time in a sect that held certain gnostic tendencies. People were expected to go to three services a week, sign in and pray in the "prayer chapel" one hour/day, and give at least 15%. And work for "secular" employees was something that was barely tolerated; those who were "close" to God worked for the church as a teacher, janitor, minister, counselor, school staffer, ad nauseum.

The idea of a graduate going into law, science, medicine, professional athletics or engineering was considered worldliness and compromise with the devil. We were expecting the rapture at any minute, and those who were watching TV, movies or listening to the wrong music got left behind. The woman pastor counselled spouses to "obey the calling" and quit their "secular jobs"--and were encouraged to leave the husband or wife who did not "heed the voice of God."

The church platform and all of the schools had the ISRAELI flag and the AMERICAN flag. The Palestinians were not liked or even acknowledged by this group, and Republicanism was preached from the pulpit. Rabbis came and held their services in the college.

Years at a pro-zionist "bible" college that paid, as of 1985, the lowest salary for teachers (avg $5000/year)! But as mentioned in previous posts, the president/pastor vacationed for two months out of the year to Europe and Canada, owned 5 cars and several expensive houses, one in Squaw Valley (worth >$1,000,000)!!

Does this make me a victim? Nope, I had alot of pride in my own works and in my own sacrifices. Deception had a hold, and I was blinded.

Check out what James says about proud people. I had an entitlement attitude toward God, and I thought that I had obligated Him to bless me. Of course, I defaulted on my debts, drove without insurance, had a low view of those who left that sect, and ignored His Word, until I needed to justify my behaviour. When ex-members had misfortune, I rejoiced - despite the warnings of Proverbs 17:5 - Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

I am amazed at God's mercy, as He did not allow me to end up on life support, get stabbed, shot, beaten, addicted--He kept me from killing myself and others (when you sleep with a .357 under your pillow, have a paranoia and nightmares, and you live in an apt, you have a lethal combination). [sm=icon_smile_yikes.gif]

This is why grace is so amazing; God loves and saves the wicked. The Lord of the Sabbath ate with sinners, He wept at the tomb, He wept over Jerusalem, He blessed the little ones, He touched lepers, He had a zeal for His house that would motivate Him to fashion whips and cords to drive out the robbers and thieves.

In the eternal perspective, were five + years wasted in a bible college that harbored a hostility toward intellectual or business pursuits? Does Romans 8 apply?



chemdude77 -> RE: More thoughts for the fall weather (11/7/2005 3:51:29 PM)

Feeling wintery -- well, for us, that means temps drop to 49 at night, and we get light rain. Never need a coat during the day...

Amazing how Americans complain about silly things--I do the same, so I plead no contest.

One exec in our metro newspaper lost his job as CFO, and complained about not being able to find any CFO jobs. He screamed out, "This isn't RIGHT!! I SHOULD BE IN MAUI this month, not looking for a job!!" Maybe I could take up a collection. [sm=yummy.gif]

I know there is an article in the Bill of Rights that guarantees two weeks in the tropics, and a beachfront view that includes supermodels, flying cockroaches and palm trees [sm=icon_smile_yikes.gif]

----------------------------------------------------

Interesting times in California:

We are in the midst of a credit boom, allowing many families to get home loans that they could not afford in the past. One broker has joked that anone with a pulse and a job could get a home loan--a mild exaggeration, but the qualifications for home loans have changed. Usually, these are not fixed-rate mortgages, but ARMs (Adjustable Rate Mortgages). Yes, interest rates are adjustable for these loans: some loan rates dropped during the first part of the decade. Some will adjust upward after a few months (teaser rates).

A 1% increase could raise the monthly payment by hundreds of $$$ (in CA, many homes are purchased with a 5% down payment, or lower). We do not know how long this will last; interest rate hikes, along with increased fuel and heating costs, could affect alot of families; this depends on what percentage of the net income is spent on housing (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance).

But remember that property values follow three trends:

--they can appreciate
--they can depreciate
--the can remain at the same assessed value

It is possible to live in a house that has appreciated in value by 6% (or more) in a year.

California housing prices have gone up over the past several years (SF-SJ-Monterey-Santa Rosa). People purchase homes as investments. The increases in sale prices and the historically low rates on ARMs have enabled folks to cash in their equity. If you rent out the property after a few years, you have your tenants' rent paying off the loan.

It is also possible to live in a house that is worth less than the loan amount. For folks that put practically NO money down, with monthly payments only applied to interest, a drop in property values means that the occupants have NO equity (or worse, they own a depreciated asset, and they owe more than what the property is worth). An adverse family event, such as a layoff or a catastrophic medical emergency, could prevent a family from fulfilling loan obligations. Also, the refinancing boom allows families to pull cash out of the house.

(This reduces equity, but some families with use the cash to invest in additional properties and pay off high-interest debt. Some families use it for vacations, college expenses, new cars, new boats, and other items that are not investments--except for the college education. Either way, the interest portion of the refi is tax deductible, unlike credit card debt.)

Some lenders will attempt to work with the families, as the foreclosure process in California costs the lender tens of thousands of $$! However, in many cases, a family could walk away from the house and the loan. Too many foreclosures could affect too many lenders.



chemdude77 -> RE: More thoughts for the fall weather (11/15/2005 12:05:21 AM)

The holidays are starting soon. Should I start sending out those CW Christmas cards? [8D]



chemdude77 -> November, November (11/18/2005 11:24:57 PM)

My SIL is in the hospital. Perhaps related to MS, she suffered a seizure last night, and was still unconscious after 15 hours. The results of the EEG should be in tomorrow [&o] After her last seizure, she lost one year of her memory. Thankfully we have good doctors and a good medical center, unlike the last time.

------------------------------------------------

Out pastor is leaving in January for a church 500 miles away. Sometimes, bad news comes in multiples. We are glad he has accepted a call to build up and lead a congregation to new levels.

He has moved us out of our intellectually comfortable zone. He is outreach focused, without neglecting the needs of those in his care.



chemdude77 -> MS needs to be cured! (11/19/2005 2:51:18 PM)

My SIL cannot open her eyes, and she cannot move her left side. She cannot remember who visited her 10 minutes ago, and she is on a ventilator. Her family is in town, and the nurse on nightshift would NOT LET HER MOM STAY WITH HER LAST NIGHT!![sm=fireanger.gif][sm=fireanger.gif]

Someone who is fading in and out needs to know that SOMEONE is near her. The rest of the staff is very good, very competent. As far as the hour restrictions, most of the nurses are flexible for immediate family. My bro is going through a real tough time, as there are three kids involved.

The EEG and CAT scans look normal, but we are not sure about her hypothalamus, due to the years of a wacky core body temperature issue. Her temp is over 100, and an elevated core temp adversely affects MS patient mobility and coordination.

If you remember nothing else, remember to pray for Michele. Six + hours of seizures may mean permanent paralysis...



chemdude77 -> A feel of absolute helplessness... (11/20/2005 5:04:34 PM)

I visited my SIL, as she drifts in and out of consciousness. They took her off of the ventilator, and she can breathe on her own, but she now may have pneumonia--her temp is over 100, her eyes stare off into nowhere, and she can't remember who visited her. Her mom is with her, and I did not know what to say, except, "we are praying for you".

Aren't I useful?[&o] No answers, no healing powers.

Not easy to watch someone younger than you, incapacitated and unable to communicate. ICU is a tough place to be. And my bro has spent three days at the medical center, and he is self-employed. This has been a tough road for him. And my niece is really upset--she is 6.

The holidays are coming, and we wonder if she will be home with the family.



chemdude77 -> Thanksgiving (11/24/2005 10:19:41 PM)

As I grow a little older, I am beginning to think of all of the blessings I have in life. Family to celebrate the holidays with, health, vision, and a dog with a loud bark for a small body[8|]

I spent my holiday with my sister-in-law's family, a LARGE Italian family. My SIL will not be out of the hospital until December[:o] She cannot swallow and her diaphragm muscles are weakened. She can only drink viscous liquids. Her memory is still faulty, so her husband uses movies to test her memory. Last seizure wiped out a year of memory, so her hubby showed her "50 First Dates" (guess what the plot is about).

Her uncle lived in our area for decades, and has seen so many changes. Vineyards, family owned shops, canneries and orchards have given way to industry, housing developments and nightclubs. The kids made gingerbread houses, we ate orange juic, Galliano and Vodka cake (yes, a bundt cake with a Harvey Wallbanger cocktail mixecd into the frosting and the cake!!![:D])

I rearended a car yesterday, and messed up a hybrid car while damaging my own front end. And I have a deductible...[&:]

But I did not hit a Porche, Ferrari, Bentley or a Lambourgini. No verbal abuse, no violence, no injuries. Collisions involving tons of metal and fiberglass can be serious--this was not![:)]

James Bond is driving a T-72 tank (movie buffs, please correct me if I am mistaken) through St Petersburg. Pierce Brosnan doesn't get his hair tussled or his suit damaged after running over trucks and buildings. No deductible or rate hikes for Bond, I am sure...



chemdude77 -> December!! (12/1/2005 5:48:29 PM)

Wind, thunder, heavy rain, and the sky is real dark. I like this!!! [:)][:)]

Sucrose consumption is up for me, as we get food and gifts from family. And we got a Mac G3 so we can help our dad do website design. [:D]

Considering my track record with vehicles, I am considering a mule or a camel for transportation [sm=yummy.gif] Tanks are not allowed, and probably won't fit in the carport.



chemdude77 -> RE: December!! (12/8/2005 11:28:58 PM)

We just got through putting in Vinyl tiles in my SIL bedroom. We need to get some additional PT equipment in here, and we HAVEN'T PUT UP a tree or any decorations yet [sm=icon_smile_yikes.gif]

For Californians, 49 F is cold [&:]

I picked up my Oracle study material again. Lord willing, I start school in January--ONLINE CLASSES!! Oh, yeah!

My 10 year old nephew is already taking calculus! Very sharp guy...



chemdude77 -> RE: December!! (12/10/2005 2:56:32 AM)

A security expert made an observation during a lecture: anyone, no matter how passive in appearance, will fight for something. "Woe to the enemy that crosses that invisible boundary." Yes, everyone has a point at which they will fight and even kill, when that option is available. For most of us, that involves a clear and lethal threat to our families.

This bodyguard has protected actors and musicians, and served as a peace officer for more than a decade; he noted that there are levels of awareness. Any soldiers or law enforcement personnel on CW already know this, and could give me a good lecture any day [:)] Is there anyone who has not experienced fear? If they deny this, they are lying.

Often, our mind is only focused on a small aspect of our environment. Do we assess our surroundings, the people hanging around the parking lot, the doorways and staircases, the alleys, the commerce of the area (or the lack thereof)? For those who are alone, escape is an option. But what if you are with a loved one?

Paul addressed the churches in militant language, not in terms of physical warfare, but spiritual warfare. Christ warned the church in Pergamum that He would come and FIGHT against the enemies within the church (REV 2:16). Christ is described in terms of a faithful High Priest in Hebrews, and He is described in Rev 19:11 in military terms, as He judges and wages war in justice. Men, great and small, will crawl into caves in terror to escape the wrath of the Lamb in the Day.

For the redeemed, His appearance will not bring the abject terror--the Lord is our defender and our King. He will right all wrongs committed against His children.

Sobriety, threat assesments, awareness of our surroundings, understanding the times, seeking advise from those wiser, discernment, threat assessment, paying attention--these are what enable us to avoid traps, snares, ambushes, dangers, injury, and confrontations. This is true for our walk with Christ. I am not as aware as I should be, but I have come a long way.

So, the essense of self defense is: to protect others from the ravenous predators, even if it means risking injury and death to save another life. Yes, we are ro protect our family, friends and neighbors when it is in our power. It means ignoring insults and verbal abuse on the streets. It means avoiding a fight when possible. It also means walking with a measure of confidence.

Of course, when it comes to persecution FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL, we are to endure, and bless our persecutors. But in proclaiming the truth and standing upon His Word, without renouncing Christ, we are fighting. But those weapons are not physical--they are effective against principalities and powers.

Carjackers, predators, thugs, bullies, deviates and senseless beasts are not attacking us for the Gospel, but to steal, plunder, violate, torture, enslave, subjugate and even kill. Yes, there are people that enjoy spilling blood and inflicting pain.



chemdude77 -> RE: December!! (12/11/2005 2:25:31 AM)

Ever have those loaded questions thrown at you?

Sometimes, any answer is the wrong one. No comprehensive final exam can be as terrifying as the following questions:

"Does this dress make me look fat?" --Guys, run away or stuff some caramel in your face. [;)]

"Do you think she's pretty?" If a girlfriend is asking about a good friend of hers, this may require some wisdom on the fly. [sm=elephant.gif]

There are questions that tend to bring tremendous discomfort because of their timing.

I am blessed with a good fellowship, a good place for worship, and a pastor that cares (and he is leaving in January [sm=icon_smile_sad.gif]). They have helped me during some tough years. And we have grown over the years.

So how can I say this without leaving the wrong impression? For the past three years, the same people ask me the same question every Sunday after service: "How is your job?"

Do they really want the answer? They have good intentions, and it is nice that they are thinking of me--or at least one facet of my life. And at least they are not bugging me about my marital status. [8|]

I just say "Fine" and I walk in the other direction. I used to give the condensed answer or the detailed specifics. Invariably, the standard reply is given, without delay: "Well you should just be glad you have job!".

I wanted to say:

No kidding, save 20 seconds of my time, don't ask the question, just hold up a sign in the church when I enter the front. [sm=icon_smile_faint.gif]. Apparently, someone is not listening..

I keep my mouth shut and move toward the cheezits and lemonade, away from the inquisitors [sm=catinhatsmile.gif][sm=catinhatsmile.gif]

If we expect people to truly take a day of rest and assemble for worship, why ruin it? If we would regularly fellowship with other believers during the week, we would build relationships and GET RID OF THE SUNDAY SMALL TALK!!!

Why bring the unwelcome tension into the church??? Look at our fellow brethren and sisteren! Are we not more that brute beasts? Are you not God's own redeemed children -- with feelings, talents, gifts, and interests outside of the corporate world?

-------------------------------------------------------------

Some churches have a detailed set of rules and codes just for the Lord's Day. It is real easy to hold the strict Sabbath observance, while ignoring the weightier matters of justice, mercy, love, kindness and compassion.

Maybe we can write another feel good hymn:

Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, punch the time card, shut out the lights. I put my time in the pew, whaddabout yeeeewwww? Hoorah... [sm=frog.gif]

I believe that in Christ, EVERY DAY IS HOLY before God. The idea of one holy day and six common mundane days is problematic. We assemble (weekly, at least) for prayer, teaching from the Word, fellowship and the breaking of bread (and to take an offering). We are to be LIVING SACRIFICES, shining as lights in a dark world.



chemdude77 -> December!! (12/17/2005 1:45:17 PM)

From Jake and Debbie, whose daughter suffered an embolism in the brain in July 2004. Many of you have joined us in prayer for her in the past year:

quote:

Dear Friends, family and prayer partners,

We have had two visits at our home with Speech and Language Specialist in Alternative Communication Devices (aac) from Parents Helping Parents. During the two visits she observed Fernanda while working with her speech therapist as well as had Fernanda try out a few different devices. Next week the specialist will return with more devices and a sales representative from a local company ( http://www.greattalkingbox.com/complete.htm ) who makes the devices .

Going to sleep at night is getting better. On a more consistent basis she is able to fall asleep without crying. She sleeps well through the night while wearing her splints from 4 - 6 hours straight. The splints support her hands, fingers, wrists, ankles and feet to ensure they stay in the proper position. If her tendons shorten in these areas she will lose mobility. Lengthening the tendons involves surgery which Fernanda does not require at present and we'd like to obviously avoid.

Therapy sessions at the clinic are consistently going well. She is staying calm during the transfers and during the session. On the off days from outside therapy Fernanda is working on laying on her tummy at home for 30 minutes and do range of motion. The Neurontin is back at the full dose it was in August before we starting the weaning.

A couple of weeks ago we went out to see Chicken Little at the movie theater and then picked up our Christmas Tree. Fernanda and especially her baby brother and sister love to look at the tree lights and decorations. Last weekend Fernanda and family enjoyed a Christmas presentation at the Bethel Church in San Jose with Mrs. Sousa (Fernanda's former principal) and husband. The play had plenty of loud and varying sounds, Fernanda enjoyed the 90 minute production, it did not bother her a bit.

It has been several months since we have seen her dentist thus we paid a visit to him a week ago. Dr. M. McKeever gave Fernanda a mini cleaning and checked out each of her teeth. A couple of days before our visit Debbie pulled out a very lose baby tooth. The Dr. said we were doing very well with cleaning the outside of her teeth and encouraged us to use a bite block stick to do more cleaning in the inside of her teeth. This is not her favorite activity since the bristles of the tooth brush vibrating on the top and bottom of her mouth does not feel very well to Fernanda's hyper sensitive mouth. A day after our dental visit while brushing Fernanda's teeth another tooth came out. Luckily mom noticed and was able to pull it out of her mouth quickly with out it being swallowed!

We paid a visit to see Dr. Bains Fernanda's orthopedic surgeon who is monitoring the scoliosis. The curve in her back has increased from 46 degrees in May to 66 in September and 81 at our visit this week. Dr. Bains discussed with us options and went over the details of the surgery. He had talked with Dr. Pang (the neurosurgeon) about the bacolfen pump earlier last week. Next month we are going to see Dr. Pang for a presurgical evaluation for the pump. We proposed to Dr. Bains possibly doing both the pump and scoliosis surgery at the same time. He has never done a surgery with both and said he would need to think about it and discuss it with Dr. Pang. We expect to hear back from them at the beginning of the year. The scoliosis surgery is a 5-7 day hospital stay and will take all day for the actual surgery. The bacolfen pump surgery is a couple hour surgery with a one night stay in the hospital.

A few friends came by for visit this week, Anna and Claire Parker as well as Carole Rado with Zorra. It was a busy Monday though Fernanda loved the visitors. During the holiday season please stop by for a visit, Fernanda would love to see each of you!

Fernanda's and the Hernandez Family wish list has been updated. We added a food scale we'd like to help us measure the food we will be feeding her, a exercise machine to stimulate more blood flow through her legs and arms and miscellaneous household needs. http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7

Our prayers continue for Fernanda to advance in abilities to communicate to us, relaxing her mouth to enable her to chew foods and receive her nutrition orally. Pray for us in our decision making process in the upcoming surgery(s) for the scoliosis and bacolofen pump. Pray for Fernanda's spirits as Christmas Day draws near, on the holidays she is often sad and depressed. Pray for Fernanda's whole and complete recovery. Continue to pray for all our needs both emotional, physical and material to be met. Please pray for Fernanda participate in her therapy with her own volitional movements. Pray for our therapists and teachers that work with her on a routine basis. Thank God for her calm nature during therapy, going to sleep easily and for her mouth starting to relax during speech.

Coram Deo,

Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda



chemdude77 -> RE: December!! (12/23/2005 2:55:20 AM)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I have yet to visit a mall this month [sm=icon_smile_yikes.gif]

Enjoy your evening!

It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time [sm=icon_smile_tongue.gif]



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