tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59932287808824455362024-02-19T01:12:43.424-08:00Analogous, religiously...Gotta love a good analogy. It's like being able to fabricate the last few pieces to a puzzle so that all can see the picture. See? There's another analogy.Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-82000208162163888272011-02-09T22:09:00.001-08:002011-02-09T22:09:24.660-08:00My Death DreamI was gonna die. I was in the hands of good friends and in a safe place, and i was gonna die. Not sure why, either. I can say this much: in my dream, my death was imminent, certain and necessary. All I could do was tremble/quake in fear while in the hands of my friends. I wasn't afraid of dying or death per se, but of loosing my wife and kids. It's the only thing in my mind in the dream. I'll Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-45580157148701232652010-05-07T06:10:00.000-07:002010-05-07T06:40:17.951-07:00What if God were make-believe?First thing's first, you should read the very real story that inspired this post. Please read: http://wretchedsinner.blogspot.com/2008/11/we-lost-baby-my-3-word-response.htmlI have friends who ascribe to the concept that God is great if you believe in Him, and that one way to God/heaven is as good as another. I have learned over the years the the varying concepts of God and the afterlife from theNewnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-2999214574603210162010-03-13T20:19:00.000-08:002010-03-13T20:20:21.087-08:00Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-52854762655098590542010-02-25T22:15:00.000-08:002010-02-25T22:36:12.177-08:00How our marriage ended... <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> ...and found new life:
I want to share this for a few reasons, the very first of which is to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. Ironic, how I choose to celebrate such a thing by sharing the lowest moment in our marriage. The great truth is that in our weakest moment is where God is strongest. Read on if you please... and Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-26198775930599161872010-01-14T07:31:00.001-08:002010-01-14T07:58:18.870-08:00Out of control, In controlFrom the end of the earth I will cry to You when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. — Psalm 61:2When you're feeling alone and hopeless, remember that God is in control.Prayer is an amazing tool. People debate over whether God answers prayers or if he hears prayers. People question their motives and question other peoples' motives. There's a lot to be said about Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-45926926674177990372010-01-06T05:27:00.000-08:002010-01-06T05:36:53.464-08:00"It takes more faith to NOT believe in God..."... than it takes to believe in God.The assumption here is that it takes a lot of faith to believe in God. The corollary seems to be that it doesn't take any faith to not believe. The arguement is made in many churches and houses of religious and philosophical debate that "It takes more faith to not believe in God than it does to believe in God." The suggestion here is generally made that you Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-69902299701123807942009-11-19T06:50:00.000-08:002009-11-20T05:50:35.501-08:00Government dollars at work?That is, your tax dollars.CNN article regarding Recovery.govThis article says, in plain english, that the website www.recovery.gov has inaccurately reported stimulus money spent and the jobs saved/ created in US congressional districts that don't exist."A report released Wednesday by the Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity said it found such errors on pages for all 50 states, Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-69850266047259146052009-11-09T13:17:00.000-08:002009-11-09T13:21:56.558-08:00Who do you say Jesus is?I've heard many teachers and theologians pose this question. I've heard them pose it themselves as well as reflect upon the chapter and verse where Jesus asked the same question. These theologians and teachers always come back with the same basic reflection what you, the people, "tend to say in response", but I'd like to hear it from you! I'll share some of the pat answers they give, and even my Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-39390824704894180292009-09-04T12:13:00.000-07:002009-09-04T13:27:27.577-07:00VocationIn merriam Webster's online dictionary, it's described thus:1 a : a summons or strong inclination to a particular state or course of action; especially : a divine call to the religious life b : an entry into the priesthood or a religious order2 a : the work in which a person is employed : occupation b : the persons engaged in a particular occupation3 : the special function of an individual or Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-4183552076059676852009-09-01T07:01:00.000-07:002009-09-01T07:06:20.912-07:00Much needed correctionIt was brought to my attention that I made an error in my wording in a prior post.When your child is dying and you can do nothing about it...In the paragraph that starts "Some clarifications...", 3rd one down, I said my wife and I condone the murder of Dr. Tiller. I was, most definitely, mistaking the word condone. We do not approve, applaud, or take pleasure of any kind in his murder. The post Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-14644006574519655032009-08-17T14:52:00.000-07:002009-08-17T14:58:41.102-07:00The Bible being taught in public schools?I was directed to an article from a Texas news station (thanks Nathan!):http://www.kltv.com/global/story.asp?s=10933571According to the story, the Bible is, by law, being taught in public schools in Texas. The reaction I saw to the article was one of sharp disgust and upset. I jumped into the conversation with both feet; suddenly, a question occurred to me that demands to be asked:What does that Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-39556508661458850872009-08-11T20:06:00.000-07:002009-09-01T07:01:03.174-07:00When your child is dying and you can do nothing about it...http://www.perinatalhospice.org/Below is a commentary I posted on someone else's blog. The original post was a response to the murder of the late-term abortion doctor, Dr. Tiller:I want to attempt a personal response while avoiding ad-homonym. wish me luck: My wife and I were sitting on the sofa one night recently when the story of Tiller’s murder was reiterated (why, I don’t recall). From my Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-47944672523212102302009-08-11T14:48:00.000-07:002009-08-11T15:01:31.168-07:00Willing to pay... to volunteer?So, my friend has this friend who volunteered at Hazeltine for the PGA tournament. I don't care much for golf, but this caught my attention: To volunteer, it cost her $180. She got passes to get in all week regardless of which days she's working, so I think it pays off. Saying/ reading it out loud is still rather bewildering to me."You want to volunteer? Sure. $180 please.""You want a week's passNewnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-90975478080385385112009-07-31T05:27:00.000-07:002009-07-31T05:57:45.464-07:00Fisherman, Fisher of Men.I write this one for those who never read the bible and for those who love this part as much as I do.Many people think Jesus was a good teacher and not much more. His message was peace and love, "do unto others", and "love your enemies, love your neighbors". He was all of that, but he was much more.Jesus' real message focused so much more on showing God's glory to others. Share the the power and Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-61290469369210730412009-07-19T20:26:00.000-07:002009-07-19T21:21:52.787-07:00A Fine Line Between Worship and IdolatryA good friend sent me a quote the other day. He is reading "Open Ice" by Jack Falla. I'll not commit the injustice of trying to repeat the quote; read the book and you'll know it when you see it. It's about Falla observing the Sistine Chapel ceiling artwork. Witnessing the painting of the creation of water made him think of ice, from which we get hockey. It really was a pretty amusing quote, and Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-21094046350387655952009-07-13T17:10:00.000-07:002009-07-13T18:06:05.973-07:00Of Napping and Anger ManagementSome thoughts regarding napping: I'm finding that I have 2 primary options come nap time: the couch in the living room, or the bed in, well, in the bedroom. There is a third option, but that's simply falling asleep where I am, and that's not so cool. So here is what I'm learning: The basic factors in the decision are intended length of nap and peace and quiet required.The Shock NapThere is the Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-64133386098640926762009-07-09T20:22:00.000-07:002009-07-09T20:52:59.516-07:00Responding to "What the un-churched don't like about Christians""What the un-churched don't like about Christians" a blog post by Thom RainerIf you're reading this, please hit the blog link above and read that first. It should take you 5 minutes - I don't mind waiting.My request of you now is this: Tell me what you think. Agree or disagree? What side of the equation are you, Christian or not? Churched or unchurched?For people new to me, let me tell you: I Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-34778566942522628472009-07-08T05:42:00.000-07:002009-07-08T06:41:49.366-07:00It's the 'H' word for "Nights in Rodanthe"I try to use it sparingly. About people or food I'll (almost) never use it. When I use it the most often is regarding washing the dishes...The above is stated to assure you that I say this with much thought and intention: I hate the movie "Nights in Rodanthe". The movie was predictable but I don't mind a predictable movie. It was a sappy chick-flick but I don't mind that either. What I hated Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-48026561211642591402009-06-30T05:31:00.000-07:002009-06-30T05:39:43.333-07:00Faith and Reason(Blog at Stand to Reason)Greg Koukl is a Christian apologetics guy over at www.STR.org. His latest blog really sums up one of my biggest frustrations of being a Christian. The whole blog post is this:Faith is not what we fall back to when reason isn't available. It's the conviction of what we have reason to believe.Spiritual things have become so trivial to the everyday life that no one seems toNewnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-43212566980792418212009-06-29T18:16:00.000-07:002009-06-29T19:47:12.869-07:00Narcolepsy - an open ended reflection...I posted on twitter last Saturday that I had a no-narco-nap day. It was pretty nice, I have to say. When you have narcolepsy, not being tired is a great thing. It's like what you've heard about the blind, how their hearing and other senses get more acute, stronger. For me, I get tired quite often. It's not all the time, but often enough that when I'm fully awake I can get the feeling like I'm Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-70039926587444105092009-06-25T13:46:00.000-07:002009-06-29T18:13:32.554-07:00What Timothy gave up for Christ's sakeSomewhere around the end of Acts chapter 15 and the beginning of Acts chapter 16 the apostle Paul meets Timothy for the first time. This would be the same Timothy for whom the 2 books later in the Bible would be named.I was listening to a podcast that read through that particular passage when something struck me as funny (not funny - haha, but funny - huh?). These two meet each other and Paul Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-41555402307458030312009-06-20T10:06:00.000-07:002009-06-23T15:20:59.653-07:00The Wisdom of GamalielI always pronounced it guh-MAY-lee-ul, but apparently it's pronounced GAMMA-lyle. So who is he and who cares, right?From theBible:Acts chapter 5, v33-395:33 Now when they heard this, they became furious and wanted to execute them. 5:34 But a Pharisee whose name was Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the council and ordered the men to be put outside forNewnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-71539959889861852242009-06-19T21:26:00.000-07:002009-06-19T22:08:44.413-07:00Ever held a life in your hands?We were swimming at the pool this evening. My 3 yr old daughter was adrift in a floaty ring and when all backs were turned, it tipped. She went under for a second or two when grammie and mom both shouted. I turned and dove in from across the pool. I came up underneath her and lifted her out. She coughed and wimpered a bit, but was fine. It was terrifying, yet (for the most part) we managed to Newnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-7475429038804690042009-06-19T19:19:00.000-07:002009-06-19T20:25:55.462-07:00Narco-sleepyThis is what my good buddy has always called it. Narco-sleepy, and my narco-sleepy pills.I have narcolepsy. I've started reading other blogs on this topic and I now say with confidence that mine is a low-grade narcolepsy. As I get to know these many ways of sharing information, I'll have to link them - they are quite an insight to the disorder, if you care to read about it.So I offer some insightNewnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5993228780882445536.post-7887397563969844722009-06-14T12:02:00.000-07:002009-06-14T12:44:37.431-07:00The chair analogyI heard this analogy last week. It originates from John MacArthur and my paraphrase of the analogy goes like this:The question is about putting your faith in Jesus. What does it mean, what is it like? This question seems simple to the average christian, even to non-believers who know a thing or three about Christianity. Lets look at Jesus like we do a chair, for a minute. (Here, John MacArthur isNewnikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10776726789119792171noreply@blogger.com0