Ever remember that show with Tim Allen?
Well...that has nothing to do with this post.
If you're looking to redecorate your home soon and need something to map out how it'd look...check these out (both free):
Google Sketchup [download required]
Dragonfly Autodesk [online and flash!]
It's like the Sims! Without...the sims.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Update
Update for this. Okay, for everyone that is worried. Apologies, I did not post the conclusion.
Even after talking with Pastor Scott, I felt incredibly burdened. It was indescribable...(and not the indescribable, unchangeable, you put the stars in the skies and you know them by name... indescribable).
Now, I realize that I have been sorely lacking in Bible reading, and prayer time. I spend all time with what I can only describe as "fake" prayer and full of worry.
I opened my bible to Psalm 67. That gave a lot of comfort.
On Zoe, I opened my bible to... Gal 6:9 (God is funny.)
So things are well. I am slowly coming back to things, and tackling the sources that have led me astray...despite them being "noble" things. So thank you all of my friends for your concern. God is gracious in dealing with me.
Even after talking with Pastor Scott, I felt incredibly burdened. It was indescribable...(and not the indescribable, unchangeable, you put the stars in the skies and you know them by name... indescribable).
Now, I realize that I have been sorely lacking in Bible reading, and prayer time. I spend all time with what I can only describe as "fake" prayer and full of worry.
I opened my bible to Psalm 67. That gave a lot of comfort.
On Zoe, I opened my bible to... Gal 6:9 (God is funny.)
So things are well. I am slowly coming back to things, and tackling the sources that have led me astray...despite them being "noble" things. So thank you all of my friends for your concern. God is gracious in dealing with me.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Things Richard learned at the Gym
- Good Life South Common has movies
- How to bench press properly
- How to encourage people more
- That one can exercise and build relationships
- Good Life South Common is bigger than Sq1
- Richard needs to buy a water bottle
- Sore muscles feel good
Argh...
C*: Hi, Richard. I was just calling to confirm numbers for your camp reservation next weekend.
Richard: Oooh.... about that... I was meaning to e-mail you earlier...
[ one incredibly awkward conversation later ]
C*: Well, if you want to move the booking later or want any more information, you know how to reach me.
Richard: Again, I apologize.... (incoherent mumbling)
*to protect the innocent
Prayers for whether camp will happen this Summer. Bookings need to be done a couple of months in advance, so even for August... we need to book...within 2 weeks or so.
Richard: Oooh.... about that... I was meaning to e-mail you earlier...
[ one incredibly awkward conversation later ]
C*: Well, if you want to move the booking later or want any more information, you know how to reach me.
Richard: Again, I apologize.... (incoherent mumbling)
*to protect the innocent
Prayers for whether camp will happen this Summer. Bookings need to be done a couple of months in advance, so even for August... we need to book...within 2 weeks or so.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Anxious?
Allow me to alleviate the anxiety of my affectionate allies by analyzing the accounts for my accruing apprehension. I assure you that I am abiding (or attempting to abide) in our awesome Almighty.
The things that worry me most:
My Family - Immediate / Extended
It saddens me to know that my immediate family will spiritually die. I am frustrated in the stupidity of the reasoning for my mother's lack of faith. My brother and father are different stories. I don't see God moving here.
My cousins are mostly non-Christian. There are a couple here and there that are Christians. God is moving here.
My Church - Zoe / SS / Youth
I know that God is working in the fellowship. I feel I have dropped the ball recently, though. I cannot get my act together spiritually, and thus everyone suffers. I have too many questions, and no answers. Too much work, and no rest. The stupid thing is, I do this to myself. In all seriousness, our fellowship is good. There are areas to improve, but we have solid Christians seeking out His will. Now, if I could lead to where I feel God has called us to go...that would be awesome.
SS and Youth are a whole new ballgame. I worry that the reason why MCAC has so many people leaving the church when they "grow up" is due to our lack of a solid Biblical foundation. We don't train our children, so what hope do they have when they encounter "real life". We are weak on Christ and "great" on promoting family values (on how to handle money, and who not to date.) and fun times.
My Future - Career / Rest/Fun Things
My mom gets mad at me when I take my career so lightly. In some weird way, I wish I was free to go do whatever. Sadly, people need money to live. (And with my outlook on the economy, it is not prudent to just take time off and play around). Thus, I need to plan out stuff.
I feel very guilty when I rest or do fun things. I do not think this is of God. Everything I buy, I second guess...I need approval. Every minute I spend on games, I worry what others think. This cannot be sustained. I have to answer to God and God alone. Is the route that He has paved for me, lined with endless theology books to digest and absorb? Or can a man be afforded some of the luxuries provided by a next-gen console?
There is probably more... but, this inescapable burden has been on my heart. More to come...as this captures only part of the story.
The things that worry me most:
My Family - Immediate / Extended
It saddens me to know that my immediate family will spiritually die. I am frustrated in the stupidity of the reasoning for my mother's lack of faith. My brother and father are different stories. I don't see God moving here.
My cousins are mostly non-Christian. There are a couple here and there that are Christians. God is moving here.
My Church - Zoe / SS / Youth
I know that God is working in the fellowship. I feel I have dropped the ball recently, though. I cannot get my act together spiritually, and thus everyone suffers. I have too many questions, and no answers. Too much work, and no rest. The stupid thing is, I do this to myself. In all seriousness, our fellowship is good. There are areas to improve, but we have solid Christians seeking out His will. Now, if I could lead to where I feel God has called us to go...that would be awesome.
SS and Youth are a whole new ballgame. I worry that the reason why MCAC has so many people leaving the church when they "grow up" is due to our lack of a solid Biblical foundation. We don't train our children, so what hope do they have when they encounter "real life". We are weak on Christ and "great" on promoting family values (on how to handle money, and who not to date.) and fun times.
My Future - Career / Rest/Fun Things
My mom gets mad at me when I take my career so lightly. In some weird way, I wish I was free to go do whatever. Sadly, people need money to live. (And with my outlook on the economy, it is not prudent to just take time off and play around). Thus, I need to plan out stuff.
I feel very guilty when I rest or do fun things. I do not think this is of God. Everything I buy, I second guess...I need approval. Every minute I spend on games, I worry what others think. This cannot be sustained. I have to answer to God and God alone. Is the route that He has paved for me, lined with endless theology books to digest and absorb? Or can a man be afforded some of the luxuries provided by a next-gen console?
There is probably more... but, this inescapable burden has been on my heart. More to come...as this captures only part of the story.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Order
Anyone up for a christianbook.com order in 2 weeks or so?
CAN will be on par with US by then.
Maybe I'll take the risk and buy that sennheiser hd555 from DakMart I was eyein' :P
CAN will be on par with US by then.
Maybe I'll take the risk and buy that sennheiser hd555 from DakMart I was eyein' :P
Friday, May 22, 2009
Adopted Responsibility
Something that happens all too often in my life:
Person A suggests event X.
Richard is invited to event X.
Richard ends up planning event X.
What kind of person am I? In all honesty, a sucker. I do not want to continue reinforcing this suckerhood. So when some stuff is about to go down, and you want to invite me. Sure, I'll come. I'll even encourage you, ask you if you need help, and THANK you for all the effort you put into planning. But, it's your event.
I suspect that my schedule will free up considerably.
Person A suggests event X.
Richard is invited to event X.
Richard ends up planning event X.
What kind of person am I? In all honesty, a sucker. I do not want to continue reinforcing this suckerhood. So when some stuff is about to go down, and you want to invite me. Sure, I'll come. I'll even encourage you, ask you if you need help, and THANK you for all the effort you put into planning. But, it's your event.
I suspect that my schedule will free up considerably.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Apples of Gold
11 A word aptly spoken
is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Proverbs 25:11
Lord, may the words I speak be short and succinct. May it give grace to those who hear, and be like apples of gold in settings of silver.
is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Proverbs 25:11
Lord, may the words I speak be short and succinct. May it give grace to those who hear, and be like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Soft
The contemporary moral climate does not favor a faith as tough and fibrous as that taught by our Lord and His apostles. The delicate, brittle saints being produced in our religious hothouses today are hardly to be compared with the committed, expendable believers who once gave their witness among men. And the fault lies with our leaders. They are too timid to tell the people all the truth. They are now asking men to give to God that which costs them nothing.
Our churches these days are filled (or one-quarter filled) with a soft breed of Christian that must be fed on a diet of harmless fun to keep them interested. About theology they know little. Scarcely any of them have read even one of the great Christian classics, but most of them are familiar with religious fiction and spinetingling films. No wonder their moral and spiritual constitution is so frail. Such can only be called weak adherents of a faith they never really understood. (That Incredible Christian, 76).
A.W. Tozer
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Respect other Religions?
R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Should Christians 'Respect' Other Religions?
by Albert Mohler
excerpt:
While evangelical Christians face a different context to this question, the urgency is the same. We are not playing a diplomatic role as head of state, but we are called to be ambassadors for Christ and his Gospel.
In this light, any belief system that pulls persons away from the Gospel of Christ, denies and subverts Christian truth, and blinds sinners from seeing Christ as the only hope of salvation is, by biblical definition, a way that leads to destruction. Islam, like every other rival to the Christian gospel, takes persons captive and is devoid of genuine hope for salvation.
Thus, evangelical Christians may respect the sincerity with which Muslims hold their beliefs, but we cannot respect the beliefs themselves. We can respect Muslim people for their contributions to human welfare, scholarship, and culture. We can respect the brilliance of Muslim scholarship in the medieval era and the wonders of Islamic art and architecture. But we cannot respect a belief system that denies the truth of the gospel, insists that Jesus was not God's Son, and takes millions of souls captive.
read here.
by Albert Mohler
excerpt:
While evangelical Christians face a different context to this question, the urgency is the same. We are not playing a diplomatic role as head of state, but we are called to be ambassadors for Christ and his Gospel.
In this light, any belief system that pulls persons away from the Gospel of Christ, denies and subverts Christian truth, and blinds sinners from seeing Christ as the only hope of salvation is, by biblical definition, a way that leads to destruction. Islam, like every other rival to the Christian gospel, takes persons captive and is devoid of genuine hope for salvation.
Thus, evangelical Christians may respect the sincerity with which Muslims hold their beliefs, but we cannot respect the beliefs themselves. We can respect Muslim people for their contributions to human welfare, scholarship, and culture. We can respect the brilliance of Muslim scholarship in the medieval era and the wonders of Islamic art and architecture. But we cannot respect a belief system that denies the truth of the gospel, insists that Jesus was not God's Son, and takes millions of souls captive.
read here.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Coming Soon
This June...
There will be Mayhem! Mayhem! Mayhem!
All of Toronto will be bracing for the ultimate event of the summer...
Coming soon to a downtown office near you,
Richard ________ ______.
Queen's Park will never be the same.
Don't miss it.
....Well, I'll be there for a year. Let's do lunch.
There will be Mayhem! Mayhem! Mayhem!
All of Toronto will be bracing for the ultimate event of the summer...
Coming soon to a downtown office near you,
Richard ________ ______.
Queen's Park will never be the same.
Don't miss it.
....Well, I'll be there for a year. Let's do lunch.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Cd
Thank God for cdex.
I thought I was going to be stuck listening to cds for the rest of my life.
Good 'ol mp3 goodness. :)
I thought I was going to be stuck listening to cds for the rest of my life.
Good 'ol mp3 goodness. :)
Random Thoughts
These are some random thoughts that I don't want to develop into full discourse. Each of these could be developed into a full blog post, but I'm too lazy right now.
People listen to me _
I realize that I have a lot of influence on people. I can attract attention via jokes and stuff. I am big...I take up space...so people have to look at me. What do I do with this influence? Tell jokes. :/
I don't want to be typecasted as the spiritual guy who has to always shape and push for things. What of responsibility? If God gives you a talent or ability to work with, are we not to fully devote its use to God. I pray that I will be diligent in seeking opportunities to not only speak of the Word, but act on it.
Ministry _
Note to self: Learn to stop trying to appease others or my Christian image. Appease God and Him only.
Condemnation _
Which kind of stems from the above ministry and stuff. I have trouble dealing with being loved unconditionally. It is weird to say that eh? I know what I read, that God loves us despite our inability to do anything.
It was easier for me to do things for God, when I was working out my salvation in fear and trembling. But, obedience is a result of justification... not a working towards. How does one stay motivated to do works for God when the prize is already won?
Sigh, I know nothing.
All Talk, No Walk _
Again... need to do more for the Kingdom, rooted in God's love, not in vain conceit or selfish ambition...but God's perfect love.
Guilty in Rest _
I have an irrational fear of resting. Why rest, do more for the kingdom! Rest is needed and important. I fear condemnation from others when I rest, why not do more?! Note to self: ignore people.
People listen to me _
I realize that I have a lot of influence on people. I can attract attention via jokes and stuff. I am big...I take up space...so people have to look at me. What do I do with this influence? Tell jokes. :/
I don't want to be typecasted as the spiritual guy who has to always shape and push for things. What of responsibility? If God gives you a talent or ability to work with, are we not to fully devote its use to God. I pray that I will be diligent in seeking opportunities to not only speak of the Word, but act on it.
Ministry _
Note to self: Learn to stop trying to appease others or my Christian image. Appease God and Him only.
Condemnation _
Which kind of stems from the above ministry and stuff. I have trouble dealing with being loved unconditionally. It is weird to say that eh? I know what I read, that God loves us despite our inability to do anything.
It was easier for me to do things for God, when I was working out my salvation in fear and trembling. But, obedience is a result of justification... not a working towards. How does one stay motivated to do works for God when the prize is already won?
Sigh, I know nothing.
All Talk, No Walk _
Again... need to do more for the Kingdom, rooted in God's love, not in vain conceit or selfish ambition...but God's perfect love.
Guilty in Rest _
I have an irrational fear of resting. Why rest, do more for the kingdom! Rest is needed and important. I fear condemnation from others when I rest, why not do more?! Note to self: ignore people.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Buffalo/Woodbury Trip Recap
So... I haven't written anything about my trip. I was waiting for pictures from my friends to materialize on facebook. There are some, but nothing that would really enhance the story.
The following takes place from May 5th - 8th.
Dun dun.
Tuesday, May 5th:
richard's house _
mother: You're endangering the family!
richard: I'll have to take the risk. I'm the... driver.
mother: You're a loose cannon. Look at what you are bringing. All candy! So unhealthy! You'll die of sweets if not swine flu!
richard: ...
mother: It's dangerous to go alone. Take these. (flu masks) [gamer reference]
richard: um thanks.
Wednesday, May 6th:
the border guard _
guard: Hello, and where are we off to today?
richard: Buffalo, going to do some shopping... and then woodbury.
guard: How long will we be staying?
richard: 2 days.
Jacky: 3 days, 2 nights.
richard: 3 days, 2 nights.
guard: ...Cheektowaga?
richard: what?
guard: can you open your trunk, please?
richard: ...okay.
* guard searchs trunk *
guard: who do you work for?
richard: I work for the government. The rest here are students.
guard: ...
richard: Do you want my business card?
guard: no.
richard: ...
guard: You can go on through.
shopping @ fashions outlet and walden galleria _
I saw this cool yellow hoodie for $40, I did not buy it. I regret it. The end.
the motel _
Good chat with girls and Jacky. Some follow up possibly.
"What is the greatest hindrance in your spiritual life? And what are you doing to address it?"
Thursday, May 7th:
Woodbury _
The trek to Woodbury. What was supposed to be a 4-5 hour drive, turned out to be 8 hours. I don't know how that happened. We had good road talks, though. Arrived at 5pm. The mall there is pretty epicly huge. I found a bunch of good deals.
After the mall, we ate at Applebees! Followed by looking for our next hotel.
Then, we saw Star Trek. Yes, that's right. It was pretty spectacular. Although, I have several trekkie complaints. On a completely different note. Our lead car had difficulty finding the theatre. The instructions were followed perfectly, yet... for some reason... a U-turn was requested. My car took the lead soon after.
Friday, May 8th:
The long ride home. Friend got a speeding ticket. :(
Other random stuff _
- One of our group members decided his number #2 was of greater importance than the five people waiting to do number #1. We were not amused.
- We spent $10 on $1 tolls, because we kept making wrong turns and having to make detours.
- One of the key phrases chimed by our beloved GPS, maggie: "When possible, make a legal U-turn"
- Radios are a God-send when going on roadtrips with multiple cars.
- $1 McChickens, $1 McDoubles, $1 Sundaes, $1 2x Apple Pies - ZOMG, crazy.
the haul _
1 pair of pants from Banana Republic
1 pair of boxers from Banana Republic
1 sweater from Nautica
1 sweater from Banana Republic
1 sweater from DKNY
1 Activewear Longsleeve from Ralph Lauren
1 shirt from Kenneth Cole
1 zCover from Apple Store
2 Worship CDs from FYE
the conclusion _
Fun vacation. Stressful, I did a lot of driving. Would I do it again? Definitely. Next time, a vacation where I don't drive as much. :P
Also, there was the opportunity to talk to a lot of people there. I really hope and pray that they stay strong in the faith. Transitions in life tend to wreak havoc on people's spiritual lives.
The following takes place from May 5th - 8th.
Dun dun.
Tuesday, May 5th:
richard's house _
mother: You're endangering the family!
richard: I'll have to take the risk. I'm the... driver.
mother: You're a loose cannon. Look at what you are bringing. All candy! So unhealthy! You'll die of sweets if not swine flu!
richard: ...
mother: It's dangerous to go alone. Take these. (flu masks) [gamer reference]
richard: um thanks.
Wednesday, May 6th:
the border guard _
guard: Hello, and where are we off to today?
richard: Buffalo, going to do some shopping... and then woodbury.
guard: How long will we be staying?
richard: 2 days.
Jacky: 3 days, 2 nights.
richard: 3 days, 2 nights.
guard: ...Cheektowaga?
richard: what?
guard: can you open your trunk, please?
richard: ...okay.
* guard searchs trunk *
guard: who do you work for?
richard: I work for the government. The rest here are students.
guard: ...
richard: Do you want my business card?
guard: no.
richard: ...
guard: You can go on through.
shopping @ fashions outlet and walden galleria _
I saw this cool yellow hoodie for $40, I did not buy it. I regret it. The end.
the motel _
Good chat with girls and Jacky. Some follow up possibly.
"What is the greatest hindrance in your spiritual life? And what are you doing to address it?"
Thursday, May 7th:
Woodbury _
The trek to Woodbury. What was supposed to be a 4-5 hour drive, turned out to be 8 hours. I don't know how that happened. We had good road talks, though. Arrived at 5pm. The mall there is pretty epicly huge. I found a bunch of good deals.
After the mall, we ate at Applebees! Followed by looking for our next hotel.
Then, we saw Star Trek. Yes, that's right. It was pretty spectacular. Although, I have several trekkie complaints. On a completely different note. Our lead car had difficulty finding the theatre. The instructions were followed perfectly, yet... for some reason... a U-turn was requested. My car took the lead soon after.
Friday, May 8th:
The long ride home. Friend got a speeding ticket. :(
Other random stuff _
- One of our group members decided his number #2 was of greater importance than the five people waiting to do number #1. We were not amused.
- We spent $10 on $1 tolls, because we kept making wrong turns and having to make detours.
- One of the key phrases chimed by our beloved GPS, maggie: "When possible, make a legal U-turn"
- Radios are a God-send when going on roadtrips with multiple cars.
- $1 McChickens, $1 McDoubles, $1 Sundaes, $1 2x Apple Pies - ZOMG, crazy.
the haul _
1 pair of pants from Banana Republic
1 pair of boxers from Banana Republic
1 sweater from Nautica
1 sweater from Banana Republic
1 sweater from DKNY
1 Activewear Longsleeve from Ralph Lauren
1 shirt from Kenneth Cole
1 zCover from Apple Store
2 Worship CDs from FYE
the conclusion _
Fun vacation. Stressful, I did a lot of driving. Would I do it again? Definitely. Next time, a vacation where I don't drive as much. :P
Also, there was the opportunity to talk to a lot of people there. I really hope and pray that they stay strong in the faith. Transitions in life tend to wreak havoc on people's spiritual lives.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
QOD
“People tell me judge not lest ye be judged. I always tell them, twist not scripture lest ye be like satan.”
“How could we have such a low view of the gospel of Jesus Christ that we have to manipulate men psychologically to get them to come down and pray a prayer? …How many times have I heard evangelists say, ‘It’ll only take five minutes.’? No, my dear friend, it will take your life–all of it!”
“We’re just trying to attract people and then we’ll gradually bring them in further and further. That is what the cults do, that’s not what Jesus did. Notice that in the gospels every time a great crowd is following Jesus, he turns around and says something so radical to them that most of them walk away. Of course Jesus probably would not get invited to teach evangelism in most churches today.”
-- Paul Washer
Time to start watching Paul Washer videos on youtube.
“How could we have such a low view of the gospel of Jesus Christ that we have to manipulate men psychologically to get them to come down and pray a prayer? …How many times have I heard evangelists say, ‘It’ll only take five minutes.’? No, my dear friend, it will take your life–all of it!”
“We’re just trying to attract people and then we’ll gradually bring them in further and further. That is what the cults do, that’s not what Jesus did. Notice that in the gospels every time a great crowd is following Jesus, he turns around and says something so radical to them that most of them walk away. Of course Jesus probably would not get invited to teach evangelism in most churches today.”
-- Paul Washer
Time to start watching Paul Washer videos on youtube.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Ultimate Rejection
"Mr. Watts, I only wish I could admire the casket (jewelry box) as much as I admire the jewel."
-Elizabeth Singer to Isaac Watts in response to his request of her hand in marriage.
Ouch.
-Elizabeth Singer to Isaac Watts in response to his request of her hand in marriage.
Ouch.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Waiting
As I sit here, waiting for my PC to back up its contents. I am reminded again that if you strive to own material possessions, they will eventually own you.
Holiness
"The best way for any one to know how much he ought to aspire after holiness, is to consider, not how much will make his present life easy, but to ask himself, how much he thinks will make him easy at the hour of death."
From "Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life" by William Law
From "Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life" by William Law
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Garbage Generation
"The application to the problem addressed in the present book is this: If mother-headed homes generate most of our crime, delinquency, illegitimacy, educational failure, drug addiction, infantilism, gang violence, sexual confusion and demoralization--as they demonstrably do--why should not our society adopt policies which make fathers heads of families?"
Warning: LONG.
The Garbage Generation
Although it is a social paper hosted on a Catholic website, this paper outlines many problems with the female-headed household. Another vote for Biblical headship. :)
Warning: LONG.
The Garbage Generation
Although it is a social paper hosted on a Catholic website, this paper outlines many problems with the female-headed household. Another vote for Biblical headship. :)