Tuesday, November 4, 2008
My Fellow Americans
Make sure you go vote today...no matter who you vote for, exercise your civic duty.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Three Bean Chili
1 lb ground beef
1 47oz. can tomato juice
1 can chili beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can kidney beans
1 pack chili seasoning
chili powder (optional)
Brown ground beef, add chili seasoning mix, add chili powder if desired.
Pour tomato juice in crock pot, add beans.
Add seasoned beef to crock pot, cover, set time.
When done, dish out or pout into containers for later.
1 47oz. can tomato juice
1 can chili beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can kidney beans
1 pack chili seasoning
chili powder (optional)
Brown ground beef, add chili seasoning mix, add chili powder if desired.
Pour tomato juice in crock pot, add beans.
Add seasoned beef to crock pot, cover, set time.
When done, dish out or pout into containers for later.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
home on a Saturday night
Sitting at home on a Saturday night. Holly's sick, so I stopped over after taking care of a client. In the end I decided it was better to let her rest and I came home.
We've started the wedding plans, mostly the guest list. Who to invite, not to invite, who will we invite that won't show up.....barrels of monkeys.
Not much else going on. Watching the World Series and I'll be over at Holly's folks tomorrow watching the race since there's no Packer football.
We've started the wedding plans, mostly the guest list. Who to invite, not to invite, who will we invite that won't show up.....barrels of monkeys.
Not much else going on. Watching the World Series and I'll be over at Holly's folks tomorrow watching the race since there's no Packer football.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
How Chad met Holly
January 29th, 2005
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Chad was invited to a dance hosted by Wisconsin Lutheran College taking place at the Milwaukee Art Museum by a friend, Emily, who attended WLC. He was leery about going, as he was well beyond college age. Another friend, Dawn, pleaded with him to go, and to bring his roommate Ben so she'd have someone at the dance she knew.
Holly also attended WLC, and was a friend of Emily's, and was going to the dance.
Dinner plans were made for Genesis on South Highway 100, but Genesis was full and had a long wait, so dinner shifted to Applebee's on Highway 100, near the Home Depot.
Emily had arranged for Dawn and Holly to have rent-a-dates, but the boys were more interested in drinking than the girls.
When it came time to sit down at the restaurant, Holly, Emily, another friend, her fiance and the rent-a-dates were seated at one table, while Chad, Ben and Dawn were seated across the aisle. This table was deemed "The Leper Table" by Chad.
Shortly after dinner was served, Chad quietly asked Dawn if the Three (Chad, roommate and Dawn) could disappear and not be noticed. Dawn said no, so the Three were committed to the dance.
Holly, Emily and Dawn got into Holly's car, and Chad and Ben got into the Ben's car; the race was on. There was spirited driving from the restaurant to the parking deck next to the Art Museum.
Once inside the dance, the group moved onto the dance floor. Soon, however, the songs became slower, and Chad looked for one of the girls to dance with. Holly was nowhere to be found, and it seemed Emily and Dawn weren't interested in dancing with Chad.
Chad took a lap through the museum to wonder how long this hell would last. Only part of the museum was open, so the lap didn't last long. He made his way back to the party and proceeded to lean against a support beam and sulk.
Holly, wearing a magnificent red dress, approached Chad and asked "What's your deal?" (No...really, she did). Chad replied that he wasn't having any fun. Holly answered that they'd have to change that.
At some point, the group ended up on the dance floor together again. The music was fast and everyone was having some fun. Chad knew he had to take a chance; he took Holly's hand and pulled her to him so they were dancing close together.
When the music slowed again, Holly went to find a seat and catch her breath. Chad went to grab Holly something to drink. She thanked him and downed the soda.
Holly was still warm, so Chad suggested stepping outside to cool off. Holly had kicked off her shoes early in the evening, so Chad went to fetch them for her. They got their coats, and took the elevator up to the catwalk that leads across Lake Drive.
They walked across the catwalk, then past the War Memorial, and toward Veterans Park. Holly asked Chad questions about himself, and Chad was more than happy to answer and tell stories as they strolled down the lakefront.
At some pointed they turned to head back to the dance to rejoin their friends. As they crossed the catwalk, Chad knew that he had to make a move. As they approached the elevator, he asked Holly for her number. Holly smiled and gladly gave Chad her number.
As they rode down the elevator, they were spotted by their friends. Emily rushed for the elevator door, eyes wide, wondering why Holly no longer had lipstick on. Chad got looks from both Dawn and Ben, but didn't care. The group split up to head home.
Dawn and Emily already had plans to come over to Chad and Ben's, while Holly had to head home to be up for church in the morning.
When Chad got home, he called Holly and left her a voicemail stating that he had a great time in spite of himself, and was looking forward to seeing her again.
When Dawn and Emily arrived at the boy's place, they began interrogating Chad, as Holly seemed to be quite enamored with Chad on the drive home. Chad asked the girls if they had invited Holly to Bible study at his church Sunday night. They replied that they had, but Holly wanted a more personal invite from Chad. Chad, in his true bold self, then pulled out his cell phone and called Holly a second time so he could invite her to Bible study.
This was the beginning of something magical to come.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Chad was invited to a dance hosted by Wisconsin Lutheran College taking place at the Milwaukee Art Museum by a friend, Emily, who attended WLC. He was leery about going, as he was well beyond college age. Another friend, Dawn, pleaded with him to go, and to bring his roommate Ben so she'd have someone at the dance she knew.
Holly also attended WLC, and was a friend of Emily's, and was going to the dance.
Dinner plans were made for Genesis on South Highway 100, but Genesis was full and had a long wait, so dinner shifted to Applebee's on Highway 100, near the Home Depot.
Emily had arranged for Dawn and Holly to have rent-a-dates, but the boys were more interested in drinking than the girls.
When it came time to sit down at the restaurant, Holly, Emily, another friend, her fiance and the rent-a-dates were seated at one table, while Chad, Ben and Dawn were seated across the aisle. This table was deemed "The Leper Table" by Chad.
Shortly after dinner was served, Chad quietly asked Dawn if the Three (Chad, roommate and Dawn) could disappear and not be noticed. Dawn said no, so the Three were committed to the dance.
Holly, Emily and Dawn got into Holly's car, and Chad and Ben got into the Ben's car; the race was on. There was spirited driving from the restaurant to the parking deck next to the Art Museum.
Once inside the dance, the group moved onto the dance floor. Soon, however, the songs became slower, and Chad looked for one of the girls to dance with. Holly was nowhere to be found, and it seemed Emily and Dawn weren't interested in dancing with Chad.
Chad took a lap through the museum to wonder how long this hell would last. Only part of the museum was open, so the lap didn't last long. He made his way back to the party and proceeded to lean against a support beam and sulk.
Holly, wearing a magnificent red dress, approached Chad and asked "What's your deal?" (No...really, she did). Chad replied that he wasn't having any fun. Holly answered that they'd have to change that.
At some point, the group ended up on the dance floor together again. The music was fast and everyone was having some fun. Chad knew he had to take a chance; he took Holly's hand and pulled her to him so they were dancing close together.
When the music slowed again, Holly went to find a seat and catch her breath. Chad went to grab Holly something to drink. She thanked him and downed the soda.
Holly was still warm, so Chad suggested stepping outside to cool off. Holly had kicked off her shoes early in the evening, so Chad went to fetch them for her. They got their coats, and took the elevator up to the catwalk that leads across Lake Drive.
They walked across the catwalk, then past the War Memorial, and toward Veterans Park. Holly asked Chad questions about himself, and Chad was more than happy to answer and tell stories as they strolled down the lakefront.
At some pointed they turned to head back to the dance to rejoin their friends. As they crossed the catwalk, Chad knew that he had to make a move. As they approached the elevator, he asked Holly for her number. Holly smiled and gladly gave Chad her number.
As they rode down the elevator, they were spotted by their friends. Emily rushed for the elevator door, eyes wide, wondering why Holly no longer had lipstick on. Chad got looks from both Dawn and Ben, but didn't care. The group split up to head home.
Dawn and Emily already had plans to come over to Chad and Ben's, while Holly had to head home to be up for church in the morning.
When Chad got home, he called Holly and left her a voicemail stating that he had a great time in spite of himself, and was looking forward to seeing her again.
When Dawn and Emily arrived at the boy's place, they began interrogating Chad, as Holly seemed to be quite enamored with Chad on the drive home. Chad asked the girls if they had invited Holly to Bible study at his church Sunday night. They replied that they had, but Holly wanted a more personal invite from Chad. Chad, in his true bold self, then pulled out his cell phone and called Holly a second time so he could invite her to Bible study.
This was the beginning of something magical to come.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
surprise!!
A couple weeks ago, Holly informs me that she has a surprise for me on September 4th, and to make sure I don't schedule anything. That's a Thursday, which is usually Dinner and Laundry. My directions are simple...come over to her place as soon as possible after work.
Wouldn't you know, Thursday was busy at the close of business, so I get out of work later than usual. It was raining, so I really couldn't speed with confidence.
We had dinner with her folks before heading out. As we drive, I start to piece together where I think were going, but don't say anything about it, just carrying on conversation.
Holly had gotten tickets to the Brewers game that night. Why? I had been wanting to go to a game, but didn't want to spend the money I've been saving for her ring. Thursday night was her treat. We sat in the bleachers, ate nachos and watched baseball.
I have the most amazing woman on the planet for a girlfriend.
'nuff said.
Wouldn't you know, Thursday was busy at the close of business, so I get out of work later than usual. It was raining, so I really couldn't speed with confidence.
We had dinner with her folks before heading out. As we drive, I start to piece together where I think were going, but don't say anything about it, just carrying on conversation.
Holly had gotten tickets to the Brewers game that night. Why? I had been wanting to go to a game, but didn't want to spend the money I've been saving for her ring. Thursday night was her treat. We sat in the bleachers, ate nachos and watched baseball.
I have the most amazing woman on the planet for a girlfriend.
'nuff said.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
what really matters
This has been a rather trying week for me. I was sick through the holiday weekend, and that threw a wrench in alot of plans.
Holly and I were going to head down to her sister's place for the weekend to hang out, and on the way down, stop by the jewelry store and pick up her engagement ring.
I know, tradition says that I'm supposed to buy it without her knowing, so that I can surprise her with it.
you know what Tradition...up yours.
When we found The Ring back in March, I knew what I was up against. I now had a price tag as my goal. The main thing I have going against me is my credit....it is, shall we say, less than exemplary. Holly, however, had credit enough, but not enough job to back it up. So, with my job and her credit, we can do this.
Well, since I couldn't go along Saturday, The Ring was put on hold. I talked with the sales rep at the store, and I had to at least put something down so that The Ring didn't disappear.
Tuesday, I get off work at 4:30, run to a local branch of my bank, take out some funds, and head down to Schaumburg, IL. I'm there before 7, make my down payment to put The Ring, then head back to Milwaukee.
Holly had called me during the day, and asked if I would find her a laptop for school, so I had a couple of leads I wanted to discuss with her and her folks. I was back in Milwaukee at 8:45pm, and we talked about what her system needs were, and I had a lead on a great laptop for that. Holly and I were talking and the subject of The Ring, and how soon to acquire it. I explained my plan, and to be honest, she wasn't thrilled with what I had in mind. The conversation ended quickly, as she had to get back to her homework, and I was tired and needed to head home.
I was upset. I had let Holly down, again; she was upset with me, that I could see; I was mad at myself for not having better discipline with my money. She called me a little later on and I didn't answer, so she shot me a text basically saying "You're mad at me, aren't you" I replied that I was mad, I just wasn't sure at who.
I had a hard time sleeping Tuesday night. Holly and I were planning to meet someone about a laptop, and I wasn't about to let hurt feelings get in the way. Holly was still upset as well.
The plan was to meet up with the laptop guy at 6:30 Wednesday night, so I was going to pick Holly up at 6 to go meet the guy. When I got there, I took her in my arms and told her that I loved her, and that my love for her hadn't wavered in spite of what had been said. I mean that. I do some pretty stupid stuff, and she stands by my side, helping me up off the ground, so why wouldn't I love her?
We get her the laptop, and I get it all set up. Love covers a multitude of sins, and when I left for home last night, we'd moved on past Tuesday night's conversation.
Bottom line: I love Holly, and would go to the ends of the earth for her. That's what really matters to me.
Holly and I were going to head down to her sister's place for the weekend to hang out, and on the way down, stop by the jewelry store and pick up her engagement ring.
I know, tradition says that I'm supposed to buy it without her knowing, so that I can surprise her with it.
you know what Tradition...up yours.
When we found The Ring back in March, I knew what I was up against. I now had a price tag as my goal. The main thing I have going against me is my credit....it is, shall we say, less than exemplary. Holly, however, had credit enough, but not enough job to back it up. So, with my job and her credit, we can do this.
Well, since I couldn't go along Saturday, The Ring was put on hold. I talked with the sales rep at the store, and I had to at least put something down so that The Ring didn't disappear.
Tuesday, I get off work at 4:30, run to a local branch of my bank, take out some funds, and head down to Schaumburg, IL. I'm there before 7, make my down payment to put The Ring, then head back to Milwaukee.
Holly had called me during the day, and asked if I would find her a laptop for school, so I had a couple of leads I wanted to discuss with her and her folks. I was back in Milwaukee at 8:45pm, and we talked about what her system needs were, and I had a lead on a great laptop for that. Holly and I were talking and the subject of The Ring, and how soon to acquire it. I explained my plan, and to be honest, she wasn't thrilled with what I had in mind. The conversation ended quickly, as she had to get back to her homework, and I was tired and needed to head home.
I was upset. I had let Holly down, again; she was upset with me, that I could see; I was mad at myself for not having better discipline with my money. She called me a little later on and I didn't answer, so she shot me a text basically saying "You're mad at me, aren't you" I replied that I was mad, I just wasn't sure at who.
I had a hard time sleeping Tuesday night. Holly and I were planning to meet someone about a laptop, and I wasn't about to let hurt feelings get in the way. Holly was still upset as well.
The plan was to meet up with the laptop guy at 6:30 Wednesday night, so I was going to pick Holly up at 6 to go meet the guy. When I got there, I took her in my arms and told her that I loved her, and that my love for her hadn't wavered in spite of what had been said. I mean that. I do some pretty stupid stuff, and she stands by my side, helping me up off the ground, so why wouldn't I love her?
We get her the laptop, and I get it all set up. Love covers a multitude of sins, and when I left for home last night, we'd moved on past Tuesday night's conversation.
Bottom line: I love Holly, and would go to the ends of the earth for her. That's what really matters to me.
Monday, September 1, 2008
final thoughts from the weekend
Well, I survived.
This limited diet crap is for the birds.
I woke up this morning and felt great, but knew I shouldn't push my luck, so I kept to the diet.
To torture myself, I grilled at a friend's party. I was in charge of the hot dogs and brats. How's that for willpower? Making sure the meat was taken care without partaking....yeah..that sucked.
Holly has commanded that I take tomorrow easy, so I will.
I'm dying for a cheeseburger...or biscuits and gravy....
This limited diet crap is for the birds.
I woke up this morning and felt great, but knew I shouldn't push my luck, so I kept to the diet.
To torture myself, I grilled at a friend's party. I was in charge of the hot dogs and brats. How's that for willpower? Making sure the meat was taken care without partaking....yeah..that sucked.
Holly has commanded that I take tomorrow easy, so I will.
I'm dying for a cheeseburger...or biscuits and gravy....
Sunday, August 31, 2008
an update
Have I ever mentioned how much I hate being alone?
I really do.
I managed to take some food today and it stayed down, then went for a walk around the block, just to get out of my apartment for a little bit.
Then I decided to go farther...I got in my car and went for a ride. I promised myself that if at anytime the lightheadedness returned that I would come straight home.
I took a leisurely cruise down Bluemound til it merged with Wisconsin, then the zigzag by the War Memorial Museum down to the lakefront, where the Big Stage was being taken down.
Up the lakefront to Lake Park, then back down, to Wisconsin, Bluemound and then finally home.
It felt good to get out. I wanted to see the Harley's on Friday night, but didn't get a chance. There are still quite a few folks cruising around at the end of the weekend. Yes, most have gone home, but some are still here, taking in the last bits of the celebration.
I really do.
I managed to take some food today and it stayed down, then went for a walk around the block, just to get out of my apartment for a little bit.
Then I decided to go farther...I got in my car and went for a ride. I promised myself that if at anytime the lightheadedness returned that I would come straight home.
I took a leisurely cruise down Bluemound til it merged with Wisconsin, then the zigzag by the War Memorial Museum down to the lakefront, where the Big Stage was being taken down.
Up the lakefront to Lake Park, then back down, to Wisconsin, Bluemound and then finally home.
It felt good to get out. I wanted to see the Harley's on Friday night, but didn't get a chance. There are still quite a few folks cruising around at the end of the weekend. Yes, most have gone home, but some are still here, taking in the last bits of the celebration.
bleah
so, my weekend got shot to hell Thursday night. It appears that I have viral gastritis...how I got it I have no idea.
I was at Holly's folk's house for the usual Thursday night, dinner and laundry and everything was going as usual. During the Packer game, I went to use the bathroom, and while in process, I had to brace myself, as I felt lightheaded.
I made it back to the couch and laid down. I felt disoriented. When my laundry was done, I collected it and got ready to head home.
At some point in the night, I woke up and knew I had to get to the bathroom. Nothing says fun at 3 am like hovering over the toilet.
At 6am I called into work, unable to stand for more than a minute or two. When I woke back up, I scheduled an appointment with my doctor, since I knew this was something I wanted checked out.
Basically, viral gastriris. I'm limited to a diet of bananas, rice, apple sauce, and toast, or BRAT. No spicy food, no greasy food, no dairy.
I spent Friday night at Holly's and slept rather well. After I woke up, the dizzyness returned. I decided that Holly should at least have some fun this weekend, so I asked her to take me back to my place so she could go down to her sister's as we had planned.
I spent Saturday baseball on Fox, college football on ABC and the Brewers game on a local station.
Around 10pm, I hovered again.
I slept ok through the night....waking around 3 am for a time, and then was up around 8:30.
I'm attempting to eat a fried egg...cooked all the way thru, cuz I'm craving solid food.
The Brewers game is on the radio in a few minutes, and the race is on tonight....we'll see what happens I guess....
I was at Holly's folk's house for the usual Thursday night, dinner and laundry and everything was going as usual. During the Packer game, I went to use the bathroom, and while in process, I had to brace myself, as I felt lightheaded.
I made it back to the couch and laid down. I felt disoriented. When my laundry was done, I collected it and got ready to head home.
At some point in the night, I woke up and knew I had to get to the bathroom. Nothing says fun at 3 am like hovering over the toilet.
At 6am I called into work, unable to stand for more than a minute or two. When I woke back up, I scheduled an appointment with my doctor, since I knew this was something I wanted checked out.
Basically, viral gastriris. I'm limited to a diet of bananas, rice, apple sauce, and toast, or BRAT. No spicy food, no greasy food, no dairy.
I spent Friday night at Holly's and slept rather well. After I woke up, the dizzyness returned. I decided that Holly should at least have some fun this weekend, so I asked her to take me back to my place so she could go down to her sister's as we had planned.
I spent Saturday baseball on Fox, college football on ABC and the Brewers game on a local station.
Around 10pm, I hovered again.
I slept ok through the night....waking around 3 am for a time, and then was up around 8:30.
I'm attempting to eat a fried egg...cooked all the way thru, cuz I'm craving solid food.
The Brewers game is on the radio in a few minutes, and the race is on tonight....we'll see what happens I guess....
Monday, August 25, 2008
Spent a fun day yesterday with Holly doing nothing but hanging out together. Took a walk at Lake Park, drove down to the airport and watched planes take off and land, made an ice cream run.
Now, it's back to work, then off for the Labor Day weekend to Illinois. That's right, I'm getting out of town for the 105th...well, Friday I'll take it in.
Now, it's back to work, then off for the Labor Day weekend to Illinois. That's right, I'm getting out of town for the 105th...well, Friday I'll take it in.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
867-5309
I'm thinking about changing cell phone providers when my current contract is up in February.
I'm tempted to go with AT&T, as they have some kind of magical phone.
I could stay with Sprint, and either go with their version of the magical phone, or something slightly less magical.
I'm looking for something with better input for calendar and text....basically, a fully keyboard. My Razr doesn't cut it for more than quick texts.
Going to AT&T would make it easier to add Holly's phone to a family plan as needed.
Thoughts?
I'm tempted to go with AT&T, as they have some kind of magical phone.
I could stay with Sprint, and either go with their version of the magical phone, or something slightly less magical.
I'm looking for something with better input for calendar and text....basically, a fully keyboard. My Razr doesn't cut it for more than quick texts.
Going to AT&T would make it easier to add Holly's phone to a family plan as needed.
Thoughts?
everybody's Irish
So, for a little while on Sunday, everybody on the Summerfest grounds was Irish. This weekend was Irish Fest. Lots of green, lots of Guiness, and lots of fun.
Holly tends to buy me something very cool when we go; a couple of years ago it was an NYPD tribute jersey that was worn by an Irish football team. This year it was the Irish national team's football jersey.
Saturday, Holly and I attended a wedding of a good friend of ours. Makes for a long day when the wedding is at 1, and the reception is at 5. I like the fast that Milwaukee isn't so big that we couldn't come back to my place between rounds and relax for a bit.
Holly tends to buy me something very cool when we go; a couple of years ago it was an NYPD tribute jersey that was worn by an Irish football team. This year it was the Irish national team's football jersey.
Saturday, Holly and I attended a wedding of a good friend of ours. Makes for a long day when the wedding is at 1, and the reception is at 5. I like the fast that Milwaukee isn't so big that we couldn't come back to my place between rounds and relax for a bit.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
priceless
Dinner at Saz's: $42
Gas to drive from Milwaukee to Green Bay and back: $30
Ice cream in Green Bay: $10
Spending a Saturday night in Green Bay just because we could: PRICELESS
Gas to drive from Milwaukee to Green Bay and back: $30
Ice cream in Green Bay: $10
Spending a Saturday night in Green Bay just because we could: PRICELESS
Saturday, August 2, 2008
an absolutely fabulous day
I'm sitting outside on the patio at Holly's folks's house, enjoying the awesome weather. The sun is out, there's a nice breeze, and there's a squirrell under the bird feeder feasting on leftovers. Holly and I went down to Whitnall park and picniced today, then returned home to visit with her parents.
It's days like this that refresh my soul and allow to me to stand (or sit) in the wonder of God and His creation.
It's days like this that refresh my soul and allow to me to stand (or sit) in the wonder of God and His creation.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
on moving...
So I've decided to stay where I am.
I didn't feel that the modest financial gain would benefit me being so far from my friends and all that I do.
As a friend commented, all it takes is one or two unplanned trips to Milwaukee to undo everything.
I slept amazingly well last night, which tells me that I made the right call. I wasn't so anxious about my decision that I tossed and turned as I had in previous nights.
Now, who has a broken computer for me to fix? ;)
I didn't feel that the modest financial gain would benefit me being so far from my friends and all that I do.
As a friend commented, all it takes is one or two unplanned trips to Milwaukee to undo everything.
I slept amazingly well last night, which tells me that I made the right call. I wasn't so anxious about my decision that I tossed and turned as I had in previous nights.
Now, who has a broken computer for me to fix? ;)
Monday, July 21, 2008
thoughts from Romans 1:1-17
Some thoughts as I read thru Romans 1 tonight. My thoughts will be in bold, emphasis in italics in the passage is mine.
Romans 1
1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4and who through the Spirit[a] of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God[b] by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
In his greeting to the Roman Christians, Paul re-enforces who Christ is, both in his human heritage (v3), and his Heavenly heritage (v4).
7To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul's Longing to Visit Rome
8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you. 11I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—
When was the last time we were eager to go to church and see other believers?
12that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.
When was the last time we were encouraged by another's faith?
13I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
14I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.
Paul had a willing and receptive audience in Rome. There were some Christians already there, but for the most part, Rome was ripe for the new idea that the Gospel presented.
16I am not ashamed of the gospel,
Are WE ashamed of the Gospel? Is Jesus an afterthought to our friends and co-workers?
because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,[c] just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."[d]
Salvation for everyone...no matter what he or she has done. No sin too small, or too big, for God to overlook. No sin too small, or too big, for Christ to forgive.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
the cost of living
I've recently been apartment hunting to try to lower my expenses. Mind you, my current apartment runs me $465 a month for my studio, storage in the basement and a parking spot and includes heat and water; factor in electric, total of $500.
Why would I move?
To save money.
My commute to work is 50 round trip, 5 days a week. 250 miles, almost all highway.
My car gets better than 30 miles per gallon, so just on driving to work alone, per month, I spend $133 (figured at $4 a gallon/30 MPG).
I've got a lead on a place in Oconomowoc, 4 miles from work. Eight miles a day round trip. Forty miles a week. $585 a month, heat AND electric included.
So what's the problem?
I currently live 3 miles away from my girlfriend. This is the woman I want to marry. Currently, our schedules only allow us to see each other a couple of times a week, Thursdays for laundry at her folk's house, and a couple of days during the weekend.
Now it's a scheduling issue, but if I move 30 west, it's a logistics issue.
Would I be saving enough money to make it all work out?
Why would I move?
To save money.
My commute to work is 50 round trip, 5 days a week. 250 miles, almost all highway.
My car gets better than 30 miles per gallon, so just on driving to work alone, per month, I spend $133 (figured at $4 a gallon/30 MPG).
I've got a lead on a place in Oconomowoc, 4 miles from work. Eight miles a day round trip. Forty miles a week. $585 a month, heat AND electric included.
So what's the problem?
I currently live 3 miles away from my girlfriend. This is the woman I want to marry. Currently, our schedules only allow us to see each other a couple of times a week, Thursdays for laundry at her folk's house, and a couple of days during the weekend.
Now it's a scheduling issue, but if I move 30 west, it's a logistics issue.
Would I be saving enough money to make it all work out?
Monday, July 7, 2008
aftermath of the weekend
Hope you had a good holiday weekend...here's how mine went:
worked on the 3rd, over to Holly's for dinner, at which she and I decided to go to the fireworks on the lakefront. We tried a new location this year: the South side. The booms were a little late, but otherwise it went well. We were home in 20 minutes after the fireworks done.
For the 4th, picked up my buddy Curtis, and we joined Holly's Dad at the Holz Chevrolet car show. Nine-hundred cars, mostly classic muscle and some antique. We were able to case the grounds in about 2 hours.
Drop off Curtis at his place, then back to my place to pick up the fixin's for taco salad. Make that over at Holly's house for the get together that afternoon. It was a hit :P
Saturday I had a client in the morning, then bummed around my apartment. Went over to a friends house to watch the race from Daytona, then home.
Spent Sunday with Holly, just hanging out. After church, we had lunch at BW3's Mayfair, then listed to the rest of the ballgame at my place. Made a quick custard run, then went for a ride around town. Stopped to see some friends over in Oak Creek, then home to get ready for the work week.
Not entirely interesting, but then, if it was all interesting, how would we appreciate the differences??
worked on the 3rd, over to Holly's for dinner, at which she and I decided to go to the fireworks on the lakefront. We tried a new location this year: the South side. The booms were a little late, but otherwise it went well. We were home in 20 minutes after the fireworks done.
For the 4th, picked up my buddy Curtis, and we joined Holly's Dad at the Holz Chevrolet car show. Nine-hundred cars, mostly classic muscle and some antique. We were able to case the grounds in about 2 hours.
Drop off Curtis at his place, then back to my place to pick up the fixin's for taco salad. Make that over at Holly's house for the get together that afternoon. It was a hit :P
Saturday I had a client in the morning, then bummed around my apartment. Went over to a friends house to watch the race from Daytona, then home.
Spent Sunday with Holly, just hanging out. After church, we had lunch at BW3's Mayfair, then listed to the rest of the ballgame at my place. Made a quick custard run, then went for a ride around town. Stopped to see some friends over in Oak Creek, then home to get ready for the work week.
Not entirely interesting, but then, if it was all interesting, how would we appreciate the differences??
Thursday, July 3, 2008
waiting vs. anticipating
Holly and I were out for a walk Monday night, and we were talking about things pertaining to our church. I mentioned that I didn't feel like I was waiting for something, but that I am anticipating something.
She asked me to explain the difference.
Waiting....merely passing time until the next event, like at the doctors office; you wait to see the doctor.
Anticipating...expecting something to happen...like Christmas. You don't wait for Christmas, you anticipate it.
I'll be honest, I don't know what I'm anticipating, but I think it's gonna be cool.
She asked me to explain the difference.
Waiting....merely passing time until the next event, like at the doctors office; you wait to see the doctor.
Anticipating...expecting something to happen...like Christmas. You don't wait for Christmas, you anticipate it.
I'll be honest, I don't know what I'm anticipating, but I think it's gonna be cool.
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