I have recently been asked to write short articles for my church's Sunday bulletin. I decided that I'd share my work here. This is the first one, explaining Holy Communion.
Holy Communion is a time for reflection and remembrance of the redemptive work that Jesus Christ performed for each of us on Calvary’s cross ( 1 Corinthians 11:24). It also provides an opportunity for us to examine ourselves (1st Corinthians 11:28), ensuring that our hearts and lives are in direct correlation with the example and commandments that Jesus left for us to follow (John 13:34 & 35). Today as we take part in Holy Communion, let us be reminded that bread we eat symbolizes the body of Christ (Matthew 26:26). This same body that was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, chastised for our piece, and by whose stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). Though beaten and bruised He still remains the very bread by which we obtain life (John 6:51). As we drink from the cup symbolizing His blood (Luke 22:20) let us remember that without the shedding of His blood, there is no remission of sin (Hebrews 9:22 AMP). Thus Holy Communion observes and celebrates the process by which Jesus Christ became our sacrificial lamb (Isaiah 53:7, Revelation 5:12) and our earnest expectation of his return as King (Revelation 19:16).
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
this is only a test
this is a test of blogger for android. if it had been a real emergency you would have been given further instructions. this is only a text!
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.0
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
T-Mobile vs. Sprint
Currently, I have a cell phone with two service providers. My reasons are simple. T-Mobile has my personal line that I've had for abot 6 or 7 years (maybe longer). It has a 773 area code and some pretty important features:
300 Anytime Minutes with MyFaves (unlimited nights/ weekends starting at 9pm)
Wi-Fi Calling (Permits calls on a wifi network without using anytime minsutes)
Unlimited Internet (Also allows me to use my phone as a modem for my laptop)
All the other basics (call waiting, voicemail, etc)
About 4 years ago, I got a second phone on my parents Sprint plan which allows me to communicate with my family in Arkansas using a 501 area code. With both plans, I am using a Blackberry- a Tour on Sprint and a Curve on T-Mobile.
Although Sprint does offer an very nice "all-inclusive" plan, its missing some essentials that I'm trying to determine the value of. For example, with my parents current plan, I can't use my phone as a modem. Sprint would force me to upgrade to a much more expensive plan and require me to add an additional service that would be add $50 a month to the bill. Also, they don't offer calling over the wifi network. They do, however, offer unlimited calling to any cell phone. Is it a worthy swap?
Finally, Sprint's international per minute calling is significantly more expensive that T-Mobile. On the other hand, I can't even have my T-Mobile phone turned on when I'm international or I get charged for a voicemail being left (even if I don't check it). Sprint also allows me to text (if texting works in the other country) unlimited back to the USA for free (using my unlimited text bundle).
So what should I do? I'm not concerned about the $200 early terminiation for T-Mobile and I'm desperate to get rid of this $80 a month cell bill. However, I am concerned about the features that I'll miss out on by leaving T-Mobile completely. Her are the alternatives that I'm considering:
(1) Purchasing a pay as you go wireless card.
(2) Paying per use for internet use at airports & hotels.
(3) Purchasing a 3rd party software that allows me to use my blackberry as a modem.
(4) Using the International SIM card that I already own when traveling intenationally
(5) Seeing how this new Vonage for Blackberry works.
(6) Relying soley on my magic jack.
Either of these options,and moving my 773 line to Sprint with my parents plan, would save me about $50 a month. That $$$ could be added to my IRA or to pay off some bill. I'm determined to make a decision before my next billing cycle with T-Mobile.
300 Anytime Minutes with MyFaves (unlimited nights/ weekends starting at 9pm)
Wi-Fi Calling (Permits calls on a wifi network without using anytime minsutes)
Unlimited Internet (Also allows me to use my phone as a modem for my laptop)
All the other basics (call waiting, voicemail, etc)
About 4 years ago, I got a second phone on my parents Sprint plan which allows me to communicate with my family in Arkansas using a 501 area code. With both plans, I am using a Blackberry- a Tour on Sprint and a Curve on T-Mobile.
Although Sprint does offer an very nice "all-inclusive" plan, its missing some essentials that I'm trying to determine the value of. For example, with my parents current plan, I can't use my phone as a modem. Sprint would force me to upgrade to a much more expensive plan and require me to add an additional service that would be add $50 a month to the bill. Also, they don't offer calling over the wifi network. They do, however, offer unlimited calling to any cell phone. Is it a worthy swap?
Finally, Sprint's international per minute calling is significantly more expensive that T-Mobile. On the other hand, I can't even have my T-Mobile phone turned on when I'm international or I get charged for a voicemail being left (even if I don't check it). Sprint also allows me to text (if texting works in the other country) unlimited back to the USA for free (using my unlimited text bundle).
So what should I do? I'm not concerned about the $200 early terminiation for T-Mobile and I'm desperate to get rid of this $80 a month cell bill. However, I am concerned about the features that I'll miss out on by leaving T-Mobile completely. Her are the alternatives that I'm considering:
(1) Purchasing a pay as you go wireless card.
(2) Paying per use for internet use at airports & hotels.
(3) Purchasing a 3rd party software that allows me to use my blackberry as a modem.
(4) Using the International SIM card that I already own when traveling intenationally
(5) Seeing how this new Vonage for Blackberry works.
(6) Relying soley on my magic jack.
Either of these options,and moving my 773 line to Sprint with my parents plan, would save me about $50 a month. That $$$ could be added to my IRA or to pay off some bill. I'm determined to make a decision before my next billing cycle with T-Mobile.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Time Managment
I often find myself in this scenario-
When I'm at work, I can think of a million things that need to get done. Whether it be organizing my office, fixing the broken candle holder, or faxing off the documents for my reimbursements...the list can be endless. But the moment that I get home, I don't have the energy or enthusiasm to do anything.
Lately, I've been questioning the reason for the misbalance in my life. Am I spending too much time stressing but not doing or am I overwhelmed with this unfulling job which is draining all of the energy from me. Don't get me wrong- I know that having a job, considering the current state of affairs, is a major blessing. But what if its affecting your mental health and peace of mind?
This weeks' interview really made me realize how I could be doing so much more than "pushing paper". I could actually be in a position where I am challenged and leave the office with some sense of accomplishment. In addition, I could actually use the skills and knowledge that I obtained in all those years of school.
But back to my management skills...
So I picked up this book on organizational solutions and I'm studying time managment skills through articles on the net. I'm also going to put my Blackberry to even greater use by organizing my entire day for one week. This includes planning meals, time in prayer and study, completing laundry, and extracurricular activities like Scrabble.
This is all a part of my goal to bring balance to my life this year and into the future. I find that I can get so engulfed in one or two projects that I loose sight of other things that need to be addressed.
If at the end of the day, I can be more efficient and effective, life will be so much better.
When I'm at work, I can think of a million things that need to get done. Whether it be organizing my office, fixing the broken candle holder, or faxing off the documents for my reimbursements...the list can be endless. But the moment that I get home, I don't have the energy or enthusiasm to do anything.
Lately, I've been questioning the reason for the misbalance in my life. Am I spending too much time stressing but not doing or am I overwhelmed with this unfulling job which is draining all of the energy from me. Don't get me wrong- I know that having a job, considering the current state of affairs, is a major blessing. But what if its affecting your mental health and peace of mind?
This weeks' interview really made me realize how I could be doing so much more than "pushing paper". I could actually be in a position where I am challenged and leave the office with some sense of accomplishment. In addition, I could actually use the skills and knowledge that I obtained in all those years of school.
But back to my management skills...
So I picked up this book on organizational solutions and I'm studying time managment skills through articles on the net. I'm also going to put my Blackberry to even greater use by organizing my entire day for one week. This includes planning meals, time in prayer and study, completing laundry, and extracurricular activities like Scrabble.
This is all a part of my goal to bring balance to my life this year and into the future. I find that I can get so engulfed in one or two projects that I loose sight of other things that need to be addressed.
If at the end of the day, I can be more efficient and effective, life will be so much better.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
2010 Handbook
HANDBOOK 2010
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours
10.Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Know and keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give or do something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:
32. Do the right thing! Integrity is not what you "believe" it is defined by how you live your life!!!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful. Your character is defined by the company you keep. What type of friends are in your core circle? Are they assets or liabilities?
34. GOD heals everything. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
Last but not the least:
40. Please share this to everyone you care about, I just did.
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours
10.Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Know and keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give or do something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:
32. Do the right thing! Integrity is not what you "believe" it is defined by how you live your life!!!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful. Your character is defined by the company you keep. What type of friends are in your core circle? Are they assets or liabilities?
34. GOD heals everything. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
Last but not the least:
40. Please share this to everyone you care about, I just did.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Countdown to baby!
After a long awaited 9 months, my cousin will be delivering a little ______ tomorrow morning. The reason for the ______ is because she and hubby, like the Jacksons', decided that they wanted to be surprised with their little bundle of joy. Well that's just fine, if you're not a planner, like myself.
For me, this decision has been a nightmare (although I'm convinced its a boy). But how can you really shop for anything besides diapers, onsies, and bottles without knowing the sex? Over the last few months, I've looked at several shops, both on- and off-line, with great hopes of finding items in yellow and green. No such luck! It appears that baby clothes and bedding are extremely gender specific. As if to tell expectant parents who want to be surprised, "just get over it and find out the sex already".
As this is the second couple that I've known to do this surprise thing, I've considered if this is something that I'd do. It's a hard decision because I really don't like to be surprised and I prefer to plan almost everything. However, I consider that the technician could be mistaken, then I'd have planned for in vain. I guess its a decision that I'll make when I get ready to have children. Until then, I'm just enjoying watching others bring little ones into the world.
For me, this decision has been a nightmare (although I'm convinced its a boy). But how can you really shop for anything besides diapers, onsies, and bottles without knowing the sex? Over the last few months, I've looked at several shops, both on- and off-line, with great hopes of finding items in yellow and green. No such luck! It appears that baby clothes and bedding are extremely gender specific. As if to tell expectant parents who want to be surprised, "just get over it and find out the sex already".
As this is the second couple that I've known to do this surprise thing, I've considered if this is something that I'd do. It's a hard decision because I really don't like to be surprised and I prefer to plan almost everything. However, I consider that the technician could be mistaken, then I'd have planned for in vain. I guess its a decision that I'll make when I get ready to have children. Until then, I'm just enjoying watching others bring little ones into the world.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
What does that spell?
I've always enjoyed a good board game and Scrabble is no exception. Although you can pretty easily find people who will play the board game on occassion, its quite a different story to find friends that will committ to a nightly game online. For a while, I'd been considering buying the travel game to play at home as well as take with me on trips. On Black Friday, I finally made the move.
Since I was in Little Rock visiting the parentals, it was an excellent opportunity to introduce them to my favorite game of all. After one round they were HOOKED, especially my dad. A few days after I returned home, they received their newest electronic purchase in the mail...a Dell laptop. Right after having them download Yahoo IM, I introduced them to the Internet Scrabble Club, which allows you to play all the Scrabble you want for free.
It has been a fabulous experience, especially for my dad who is really just learning how to use a computer. Now I can feed my Scrabble addiction at least 3 or 4 nights a week and spend time with the fam without being in the same location.
Next lesson for dad....EMAIL!
Since I was in Little Rock visiting the parentals, it was an excellent opportunity to introduce them to my favorite game of all. After one round they were HOOKED, especially my dad. A few days after I returned home, they received their newest electronic purchase in the mail...a Dell laptop. Right after having them download Yahoo IM, I introduced them to the Internet Scrabble Club, which allows you to play all the Scrabble you want for free.
It has been a fabulous experience, especially for my dad who is really just learning how to use a computer. Now I can feed my Scrabble addiction at least 3 or 4 nights a week and spend time with the fam without being in the same location.
Next lesson for dad....EMAIL!
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