I think I need to learn how to win carnival games.
I went to the CNE tonight. The only game I won required no real skill on my part. I played the weight guessing game. The guy was pretty cool, he thought I weighed 186 lbs. I weighed a good 25 pounds more. My friends were all laughing. I am glad that it was so amusing for them. I am also glad, because I was kind of cocky and played for the $10 prize instead of the $5. You only get one shot with the weight guessing game...so I am thankful it worked out.
I played the shooting out the star game... Unfortunately my skills in counter-strike are not transferred over to real life.
I also threw rings at bottles in ring toss. I am kind of good at that game...but no win there. The funniest moment was when we started yelling "OOOHHH!!" for every close toss....even for strangers.
I whacked some moles, but my cousin Kevin has the quicker hand.
To conclude, I only won in the weight guessing game. So I suppose my talent lies in the ability to conceal my true weight, as well as stand very still and not laugh when he starts guessing the weight wrong.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Monies.
4 posts in one day. Epic.
Being cheap is the new cool. If you keep up with the economic news, you would know that the states are in some deep trouble. You can tell people are scared when newspapers start producing tonnes of articles talking about how to be frugal.
For instance, from the globeandmail.com:
"If you ask people, 'Can you afford that?' what people tend to think of is, 'Can I afford the payments on that?'"
- Ronald Wilcox, author of Whatever Happened to Thrift
It's frugal time, folks
"The number of news pieces devoted to frugality has almost quadrupled in the last three months," Melissa Tosetti, editor and publisher of the online magazine Budget Savvy, told PRWeek U.S. recently. David Johnson, CEO of the Atlanta-based PR firm Strategic Vision, says that while there are few mainstream outlets that have a dedicated frugality reporter, he is now fielding calls from food editors and consumer reporters looking for experts on stretching a budget, shopping online and saving on gas costs. The publication advises flacks that many clients "don't want to be attached to doom-and-gloom stories, so PR pros need to make sure that their pitches on frugality and cutting costs are upbeat in tone and pro-active on advice."
Veggie gardens?
"Growing your own vegetables sounds like a worthy endeavour," Terry Wolfley writes in the Fort Myers (Fla.) News-Press, "but several factors should be taken into account."
Ask yourself if you have the physical energy and planting space to grow some or most of your seasonal vegetables.
Don't be like a child at the holiday dinner table, with eyes bigger than your stomach. Plant and grow only what you can realistically handle and consume.
Unless you are growing vegetables solely for the enjoyment of gardening, leave crops such as potatoes and corn to the farmers.
It is best to grow only enough of certain vegetables to provide fresh harvest in season, for your family's and friends' needs.
Some garden produce, such as lettuce and other salad greens, may be planted every two weeks to ensure a steady supply during the growing season.
Use up all of your jeans
"Ruby Edwards presents her gardener's apron with the flair of an accomplished model on a runway," Paul Fattig writes in the Medford, Ore., Mail Tribune. The 81-year-old fashioned her apron from a pair of worn jeans. "The back of the pants are always good to use; they last longer than the fronts," she said. "I carry my garden tools in my apron. I never go into the garden without it." Mr. Fattig adds: "The economic woes may also be increasing the number of TWITS. That would be Totally and Wholly Informed Tightwads, a [local] frugality group created two years ago ... The group, which has no membership fees, now has nearly 40 members on its e-mail list who share information on local bargains, sales, free items and related issues."
Oh, really, Mom
"Frugality is no doubt a positive trait but can it be carried too far?" Sumiko Tan writes in The (Singapore) Straits Times. "My mother is the sort who won't let a tube of toothpaste die in peace. She has a small plastic device that has a slit where you slide the base of the tube through. It ensures you squeeze the paste from the bottom and work your way up, leaving nothing to waste. When we're down to the last blob of paste, she will insist that there is just that bit more to be used. So she'll cut the tube into two and scrape what little is left inside the two halves. There's usually enough toothpaste for another two or three brushings. It's a habit that drives me up the wall."
Ever thought of this?
A gleaning of frugality tips from across the United States:
"I've refilled a ketchup bottle with packets after a fast-food trip." - Lori, Oregon
"I've saved plastic trays from TV dinners. I use those to heat food in or put cat food in." - Tammy, Alabama
"I make the kids save their plastic utensils, and I run the plasticware through the dishwasher for them to take with their lunches." - Kim, Colorado
"I dump the bathroom trash into the kitchen trash so I don't have to throw away the bathroom trash bag." -Stephanie, California
Being cheap is the new cool. If you keep up with the economic news, you would know that the states are in some deep trouble. You can tell people are scared when newspapers start producing tonnes of articles talking about how to be frugal.
For instance, from the globeandmail.com:
"If you ask people, 'Can you afford that?' what people tend to think of is, 'Can I afford the payments on that?'"
- Ronald Wilcox, author of Whatever Happened to Thrift
It's frugal time, folks
"The number of news pieces devoted to frugality has almost quadrupled in the last three months," Melissa Tosetti, editor and publisher of the online magazine Budget Savvy, told PRWeek U.S. recently. David Johnson, CEO of the Atlanta-based PR firm Strategic Vision, says that while there are few mainstream outlets that have a dedicated frugality reporter, he is now fielding calls from food editors and consumer reporters looking for experts on stretching a budget, shopping online and saving on gas costs. The publication advises flacks that many clients "don't want to be attached to doom-and-gloom stories, so PR pros need to make sure that their pitches on frugality and cutting costs are upbeat in tone and pro-active on advice."
Veggie gardens?
"Growing your own vegetables sounds like a worthy endeavour," Terry Wolfley writes in the Fort Myers (Fla.) News-Press, "but several factors should be taken into account."
Ask yourself if you have the physical energy and planting space to grow some or most of your seasonal vegetables.
Don't be like a child at the holiday dinner table, with eyes bigger than your stomach. Plant and grow only what you can realistically handle and consume.
Unless you are growing vegetables solely for the enjoyment of gardening, leave crops such as potatoes and corn to the farmers.
It is best to grow only enough of certain vegetables to provide fresh harvest in season, for your family's and friends' needs.
Some garden produce, such as lettuce and other salad greens, may be planted every two weeks to ensure a steady supply during the growing season.
Use up all of your jeans
"Ruby Edwards presents her gardener's apron with the flair of an accomplished model on a runway," Paul Fattig writes in the Medford, Ore., Mail Tribune. The 81-year-old fashioned her apron from a pair of worn jeans. "The back of the pants are always good to use; they last longer than the fronts," she said. "I carry my garden tools in my apron. I never go into the garden without it." Mr. Fattig adds: "The economic woes may also be increasing the number of TWITS. That would be Totally and Wholly Informed Tightwads, a [local] frugality group created two years ago ... The group, which has no membership fees, now has nearly 40 members on its e-mail list who share information on local bargains, sales, free items and related issues."
Oh, really, Mom
"Frugality is no doubt a positive trait but can it be carried too far?" Sumiko Tan writes in The (Singapore) Straits Times. "My mother is the sort who won't let a tube of toothpaste die in peace. She has a small plastic device that has a slit where you slide the base of the tube through. It ensures you squeeze the paste from the bottom and work your way up, leaving nothing to waste. When we're down to the last blob of paste, she will insist that there is just that bit more to be used. So she'll cut the tube into two and scrape what little is left inside the two halves. There's usually enough toothpaste for another two or three brushings. It's a habit that drives me up the wall."
Ever thought of this?
A gleaning of frugality tips from across the United States:
"I've refilled a ketchup bottle with packets after a fast-food trip." - Lori, Oregon
"I've saved plastic trays from TV dinners. I use those to heat food in or put cat food in." - Tammy, Alabama
"I make the kids save their plastic utensils, and I run the plasticware through the dishwasher for them to take with their lunches." - Kim, Colorado
"I dump the bathroom trash into the kitchen trash so I don't have to throw away the bathroom trash bag." -Stephanie, California
Inerrancy of Scripture.
This is another big one for me. I read an essay attacking what they call "neo-evangelists" (A lot of my friends and I would fall under this category according to this website, anyways)... people who claim to follow Christ, but end up diluting the Scriptures by accepting denominations with less than sound theology.
Why do we have denominations in the first place? Because, we don't agree on the interpretation of the text. We look at a hard to swallow bible verse, and say... "I don't agree with that" and go form our own church.
But, back to the topic at hand. The essay got me thinking...how much leeway is one given in his/her interpretation? I know many people who look at commands in the Bible, and say that is CULTURAL...and go on with their merry way. Is that disobeying a command by God? It says in 2 Tim 3:16, All Scripture is God-breathed.. but that pertained only to the OT. One could point out further, in 2 Pet 3:15,16, Peter said that the letters from Paul were inspired by the "Wisdom of God". We could be even more picky, and say...which letters of Paul were inspired by God's wisdom?
Scripture has to be inerrant. It has to be from God. Otherwise, why live by it? It is man's opinions and thoughts. You are free to agree or disagree with it. So are we maligning Scripture when we say certain passages are cultural and thus don't apply today? I don't know. However, if I were to err on the side of caution, I would take a literal approach as much as possible. So regardless of what we like or dislike about a certain verse, we should obey.
Future Richard Edit (Jan 20th 2010):
All Scripture is indeed infallible and inerrant. OT and NT. 2 Tim 3:16 covers all Scripture, because different Scriptures support one another. ie. Paul considers Luke of NT equal to Deuteronomy in 1 Tim 5:18.
Why do we have denominations in the first place? Because, we don't agree on the interpretation of the text. We look at a hard to swallow bible verse, and say... "I don't agree with that" and go form our own church.
But, back to the topic at hand. The essay got me thinking...how much leeway is one given in his/her interpretation? I know many people who look at commands in the Bible, and say that is CULTURAL...and go on with their merry way. Is that disobeying a command by God? It says in 2 Tim 3:16, All Scripture is God-breathed.. but that pertained only to the OT. One could point out further, in 2 Pet 3:15,16, Peter said that the letters from Paul were inspired by the "Wisdom of God". We could be even more picky, and say...which letters of Paul were inspired by God's wisdom?
Scripture has to be inerrant. It has to be from God. Otherwise, why live by it? It is man's opinions and thoughts. You are free to agree or disagree with it. So are we maligning Scripture when we say certain passages are cultural and thus don't apply today? I don't know. However, if I were to err on the side of caution, I would take a literal approach as much as possible. So regardless of what we like or dislike about a certain verse, we should obey.
Future Richard Edit (Jan 20th 2010):
All Scripture is indeed infallible and inerrant. OT and NT. 2 Tim 3:16 covers all Scripture, because different Scriptures support one another. ie. Paul considers Luke of NT equal to Deuteronomy in 1 Tim 5:18.
Hypocritical.
I have been Christian for a very long time. We learn a lot of lingo, things to do as disciples of Jesus. How often do we catch ourselves preaching things that we don't actually practice in our own lives? What's worse is when we compound our actions (or lack of actions) with pride. We should all take a deep hard look at ourselves and be truthful about where we are in our faith. Only then can we grow.
Unity versus Purity.
A recent challenge I have been feeling lately is in regards to unity of fellow believers. We talk alot about being a unified body of Christ. We are the church, believers that desire to bring God's kingdom to this earth. We want Jesus to be known to all the ends of the earth. This is good.
Unfortunately, sometimes I feel that the standards for being accepted as a member of the body of Christ are very low. What I mean to say is... when a fellow believer preaches about Jesus to someone... which "Jesus" is he preaching? For which "God" is he or she spreading the "gospel" for? Are they preaching a false gospel? Can you even tell?
The Scriptures speak often of false prophets, teachers that forsook the knowledge of God for their own worldly understanding. The game has changed for Christianity. There are some obvious members of other religions that are definitely not Christian. What I am concerned about the most, is the people in are own ranks, who claim to know a living God, but are agents of the devil.
Don't worry though. The Holy Spirit helps us discern between good and evil. So, if you feel the HS prompting you to do something or not do something...trust in Him.
Unfortunately, sometimes I feel that the standards for being accepted as a member of the body of Christ are very low. What I mean to say is... when a fellow believer preaches about Jesus to someone... which "Jesus" is he preaching? For which "God" is he or she spreading the "gospel" for? Are they preaching a false gospel? Can you even tell?
The Scriptures speak often of false prophets, teachers that forsook the knowledge of God for their own worldly understanding. The game has changed for Christianity. There are some obvious members of other religions that are definitely not Christian. What I am concerned about the most, is the people in are own ranks, who claim to know a living God, but are agents of the devil.
Don't worry though. The Holy Spirit helps us discern between good and evil. So, if you feel the HS prompting you to do something or not do something...trust in Him.
Monday, August 18, 2008
God speaks
Some random things God said to me today:
I told you to work in Zoe (University Fellowship), not in Xara (High School Fellowship). Obey the things I ask.
I want you to lead for a reason. (Of course He doesn't tell me the reason).
Trust in me and my power. (When I prayed for two girls to come to Frosh Connexion).
Stop joking around to hide your inadequacies...don't you know I can use you?
Work at work. You'll be a more effective minister of My Word if you worked at work. So Jesus time is now at home.
Spread around responsibilities.... you have to reach your family, as well. You can't do that if you're not home.
I told you to work in Zoe (University Fellowship), not in Xara (High School Fellowship). Obey the things I ask.
I want you to lead for a reason. (Of course He doesn't tell me the reason).
Trust in me and my power. (When I prayed for two girls to come to Frosh Connexion).
Stop joking around to hide your inadequacies...don't you know I can use you?
Work at work. You'll be a more effective minister of My Word if you worked at work. So Jesus time is now at home.
Spread around responsibilities.... you have to reach your family, as well. You can't do that if you're not home.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Knowing God
Today was probably one of the most awkward-est days in my life. I spent the day with Kevin, my cousin, and his girlfriend, Clemence. Furthermore, Vince and his girlfriend, Sam, joined us later. So I was pretty much 5th wheel the entire day. This is compounded by the fact that I am older than all four of them. They were sympathetic... at one point Sam asked me when I was going to get married. In retrospect, I am glad that God gave me many embarrassing moments in my life so I could handle today with relative (dis)comfort.
Anyways, Kevin and I went to Clem's church for service. Pastor Ian is pretty interesting. He reminds me of Pastor Nelson... he definitely has the "aura of fear" going on. (Aura of fear = no one speaking to answer a question asked, because they are afraid of being wrong.) He talked about John 6 and related it to John 21. It was a pretty cool Sunday class. He also spoke about blessings during the service. Blessings are cool.
Also went to Church Without Limits. Pastor Brendan wasn't there. Another girl preached. It was pretty awesome. She talked about our Purpose... and Why did God save you? (which was tied to our purpose...). Does God know you?
So...the entire day was pretty neat. Granted, it sucks to be 5th wheel...I am glad I went today. I really felt God's presence in the churches I visited. I really feel that desire again...to KNOW God. I wish I had more words to say. But, I don't. I want to know you Lord....intimately, personally, unashamedly...
Anyways, Kevin and I went to Clem's church for service. Pastor Ian is pretty interesting. He reminds me of Pastor Nelson... he definitely has the "aura of fear" going on. (Aura of fear = no one speaking to answer a question asked, because they are afraid of being wrong.) He talked about John 6 and related it to John 21. It was a pretty cool Sunday class. He also spoke about blessings during the service. Blessings are cool.
Also went to Church Without Limits. Pastor Brendan wasn't there. Another girl preached. It was pretty awesome. She talked about our Purpose... and Why did God save you? (which was tied to our purpose...). Does God know you?
So...the entire day was pretty neat. Granted, it sucks to be 5th wheel...I am glad I went today. I really felt God's presence in the churches I visited. I really feel that desire again...to KNOW God. I wish I had more words to say. But, I don't. I want to know you Lord....intimately, personally, unashamedly...
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Quotables
I think there is a curse on the leadership of Zoe. I am dead serious.
Awkward sayings of the night:
Scene: Over dinner at Congee Wong's with Pat, Eleasa, Selina, Tammy, Esther, Felix, Richard.
Tammy: I just started work as a pharmacist.
Richard: Really? Do you think you could hook us up with free drugs?
Tammy: I don't know...what are you offering?
Richard: I can offer you free children.
*Laughter*
Tammy: *incredulously* You're giving away kids? What...are you a teacher?
Richard: No... I work for the government.
*More laughter*
Tammy: I am going to Las Vegas.
Felix: We should go to Las Vegas.
Eleasa: Yeah, Las Vegas Road Trip.
Felix: We can count cards like in 21.
Richard: ...or we could get married... *Looks at Felix* ...not to each other.
*Awkward pause...and laughter*
So I'm going to practice speaking less.
Awkward sayings of the night:
Scene: Over dinner at Congee Wong's with Pat, Eleasa, Selina, Tammy, Esther, Felix, Richard.
Tammy: I just started work as a pharmacist.
Richard: Really? Do you think you could hook us up with free drugs?
Tammy: I don't know...what are you offering?
Richard: I can offer you free children.
*Laughter*
Tammy: *incredulously* You're giving away kids? What...are you a teacher?
Richard: No... I work for the government.
*More laughter*
Tammy: I am going to Las Vegas.
Felix: We should go to Las Vegas.
Eleasa: Yeah, Las Vegas Road Trip.
Felix: We can count cards like in 21.
Richard: ...or we could get married... *Looks at Felix* ...not to each other.
*Awkward pause...and laughter*
So I'm going to practice speaking less.
Monday, August 11, 2008
on Appearance
"A good man often appears gauche simply because he does not take advantage of the myriad mean little chances of making himself look stylish. Preferring truth to form, he is not constantly at work upon the façade of his appearance." - Iris Murdoch
I absolutely deplore clothes shopping. I have a friend who has not shopped for new things for a long long time (x years where x > 2). He keeps his clothes in good condition and avoids spending money frivolously. He is very active in social justice. I would also say he is a very Godly man.
For me, there is the constant questioning of whether I actually need new clothes or if I am buying it just for the flash and the glitz. Thus, I haven't purchased anything new for a long time. I desperately need a new pair of walking shoes, but I'm too lazy to get it. Plus, I feel kind of vain turning down this pair or that if I don't like it. (And all of the sales lady seem to size me up and know that I'm the type to not spend monies...I must have "cheap" plastered on my forehead.)
Furthermore, I have tons of clothes in my closet already. I only wear about 10% of it though. My mom keeps buying me stuff, and I keep telling her to stop buying me stuff...but she just tosses it in my closet anyways. Pretty much, everything I buy I wear. Anything she buys is hit or miss...but, she says it is such a great deal!!!! (...which means I would give it to my dad.)
My hugest beef with clothes and appearance in general, is that society idolizes it beyond all recognition. "The clothes make the man". People should invest time in building up their character. Unfortunately, the returns on character are not so easily realized as the looks of envious peers coveting the latest designer jacket. And many of us have fallen into this trap, including myself.
I was thinking about adding in an obligatory..."where do we stand as Christians" remark. But, my regular readers are smart enough to know. Or the Spirit will reveal it to them. :)
Saturday, August 9, 2008
On Visioning
http://www.churchsolutionsmag.com/articles/church-vision-cast-communicate-evan-mcbroom,p2.html
I don't know about you...but if I were to dictate a vision for a church... part of it would involve waiting on God and hearing His will. Albeit, something people can't miss would be God.... hopefully.
I don't know about you...but if I were to dictate a vision for a church... part of it would involve waiting on God and hearing His will. Albeit, something people can't miss would be God.... hopefully.
Permission to Post
When did we become a nation of cowards? Why is it always... someone else first? We should set up a committee! We should get training! I swear...is it cowardice or stupidity?
Why are our actions always based on someone else's?
I will love my wife if she submits to me.
I will submit to my husband if and only when He is a Godly man.
I will evangelize to others when my other Christian friends start doing it.
I will live my life for Christ when others demonstrate the same thing.
Don't you know that give those people power? Once you make your actions contingent on another's...you give them power over your life.
Stop comparing your life to others. The situation you are in is unique to you and you alone. The blessings and trials you experience are for the shaping of your life so YOU can be more Christ-like.
All that matters is your relationship with God. Fix your eyes firmly on Him, trust Him, submit to Him, and know that He is good.
Why are our actions always based on someone else's?
I will love my wife if she submits to me.
I will submit to my husband if and only when He is a Godly man.
I will evangelize to others when my other Christian friends start doing it.
I will live my life for Christ when others demonstrate the same thing.
Don't you know that give those people power? Once you make your actions contingent on another's...you give them power over your life.
Stop comparing your life to others. The situation you are in is unique to you and you alone. The blessings and trials you experience are for the shaping of your life so YOU can be more Christ-like.
All that matters is your relationship with God. Fix your eyes firmly on Him, trust Him, submit to Him, and know that He is good.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Seeking band of merry men (and women)
I need a loyal band of people to go on adventures with me.
My character stats are: (explanation) -> I rolled 4d6k3.
STRENGTH: 17
DEXTERITY: 11
CONSTITUTION: 11
INTELLIGENCE: 15
WISDOM: 14
CHARISMA: 12
I am sure no one is going to respond to this post.
EDIT: Because, it pertains to D&D...not because no one will go on adventures with me.
RE-EDIT: I should have just removed the EDIT out.
RE-RE-EDIT: GEEK!
My character stats are: (explanation) -> I rolled 4d6k3.
STRENGTH: 17
DEXTERITY: 11
CONSTITUTION: 11
INTELLIGENCE: 15
WISDOM: 14
CHARISMA: 12
I am sure no one is going to respond to this post.
EDIT: Because, it pertains to D&D...not because no one will go on adventures with me.
RE-EDIT: I should have just removed the EDIT out.
RE-RE-EDIT: GEEK!
Streamed Thoughts
All my thoughts in unedited form for a minute:
A lot of people these days are quick to offer advice.
Why are people so focussed on dating lately?
I miss Mario Strikers.
I need to learn how to invest my monies.
Damn, my Dad's music is annoying.
Oh, I know this song.
....so in love with you, whatever you want me to, all I neeeed...
Okay, less of that...
[maybe I'll do this another day... when the music isn't ruining my mind.]
A lot of people these days are quick to offer advice.
Why are people so focussed on dating lately?
I miss Mario Strikers.
I need to learn how to invest my monies.
Damn, my Dad's music is annoying.
Oh, I know this song.
....so in love with you, whatever you want me to, all I neeeed...
Okay, less of that...
[maybe I'll do this another day... when the music isn't ruining my mind.]
Monday, August 4, 2008
Press on Towards the Goal
For those of you that aren't really in the know, I have felt God has called me to lead the University fellowship at my home church. I am really excited and pumped, and I can see that people desire change. I love the people in my fellowship, they are so awesome and talented and truly blessed by God. Keep me in your prayers, as I try to allow God to work in me more than I have ever before.
To tell the truth, I have never felt so much fear in my life. There is the responsibility of leading other brothers and sisters in Christ, vision casting, and stepping out before everyone else. It is frightening, because this matters to me. I can feel the Holy Spirit tugging at my heart, prodding me relentlessly about Zoe. And God is faithful. He answers all my prayers, despite being so weak and so hesitant.
God spoke to me today. He promised me struggles. He has called me to work in Zoe much like Nehemiah was called to re-build the wall of Jerusalem. And Nehemiah faced hardships, the enemies of Israel mocking them, the noble class Jews oppressing their fellow brethren, and always the constant threat of their enemies launching an attack while they were in the building process. I know there will be tests ahead, I know there will be trials. I pray that He gives me the resolve to stand firm. I pray that I rely not on my strength, but His alone.
To tell the truth, I have never felt so much fear in my life. There is the responsibility of leading other brothers and sisters in Christ, vision casting, and stepping out before everyone else. It is frightening, because this matters to me. I can feel the Holy Spirit tugging at my heart, prodding me relentlessly about Zoe. And God is faithful. He answers all my prayers, despite being so weak and so hesitant.
God spoke to me today. He promised me struggles. He has called me to work in Zoe much like Nehemiah was called to re-build the wall of Jerusalem. And Nehemiah faced hardships, the enemies of Israel mocking them, the noble class Jews oppressing their fellow brethren, and always the constant threat of their enemies launching an attack while they were in the building process. I know there will be tests ahead, I know there will be trials. I pray that He gives me the resolve to stand firm. I pray that I rely not on my strength, but His alone.