axe29: the blog of sam barnett

Denver 1.1

2009-07-09T11:43:00.000-07:00

i like this pic :)

last stop in denver

going down the summit

ESGRIMABIBLICO.com

2009-07-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

So Cal. Spanish UPCI Bible Quizzing

At the annual UPCI Spanish conference in Denver, CO three Bible quiz teamsrepresented So. Cal. Dist. and Section 1. How they faired:

Book of Luke

Individual

Maritza Salinas, 2nd highest national scorer Junior Div.
Sergio Barriga, 3rd highest national scorer Youth Div.

Teams

Iglesia Monte Calvario, Escondido, CA, Pastor S. Castañeda

3rd place Youth Div., coach R. Salas, Captain Sergio Barriga, Amaris, Lissette, Rosale,

Iglesia de Milagros, San Diego, CA, Pastor Eugene Dominguez

3rd place Junior Div., Coach Sherri Dominguez, Asst. Coach S. Barnett, Captain Maritza Salinas, Esther Zamora, Jacob Salas (Escondido) (this team nearly took it all by 5 points)

Iglesia de Milagros, San Diego, CA, Pastor Eugene Dominguez

4th place Youth Div., Coach S. Barnett, Captain Rachel Dominguez, Karla Gomez, Enrique and Eusebio Lopez, Diana Torres (Pastor Varela)

esgrimabiblico.com

The new year is on the book of Acts

Bro. Eugene Dominguez

Denver 1.0

2009-07-09T11:32:00.000-07:00

the drive from Colorado

the bothered to put a sign?

utah -

utah - Hna. Lexi

bible quizzing finals were last night!

2009-05-31T11:39:00.000-07:00

congrats to all the bible quizzers!!! pictures are going up on the youth blog and really good pictures will eventually go up on the bible quizzing website :)

class of 2009 CSTI Commencement Exercises

2009-05-27T01:46:00.000-07:00

does that sound cool or what??? lol

Thank you Jesus for I am so humble!

if I didn't invite you that means that I prob havent seen you in the last week and just wanted u to know that uninvited guests are welcome! call me up and say why didn't i get an invite I will be like bam! heres an invite ;p; and I bring you an invitation but there not needed to come! I try and print up some more tomorrow so if you'd still like one as a momento or what have you just ask this friday but basically here is what's going to be on em :)

Commencement Exercises

will be held

Friday, May 29^th 2009

7pm

Speaker

Presbyter Rev. James Ghiloni

address

The Anchor Church - Rev. James Larson

1765 Pentecost Way

San Diego, California 92105

directions

5 south

805 south

94 east

exit Euclid (North)

right on Federal

left on Pentecost way

up the hill on the left

Look what the Lord has done!

I am so blessed to have had an opportunity to go to bible school and to be able to meet the bare minimum graduation requirements :) hee he hee

I am so humble that God has given me these 4 years

and I would like to offer you an invitation

to join the small ceremony.

And if you can't make it well there is nothing

wrong with that, I really hope you

enjoy this nice little memento of it :)

...For out of the abundance

of the heart the mouth speaketh

Matthew 12:34

Whosoever therefore humble himself as this little child,

the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven

Mattew 18:4

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all

good works... Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

2 Timothy 3:16-4:2

thy word have I hidden in my

heart that I may not sin against thee

Psalm 119:11

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace...

Ephesians 4:29

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungoldy, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf shall not wither; and whattsoever he doeth shall prosper...

Psalms 1:1-3

Overweight camels in Alaska!

2009-05-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

So where I live, guaranteed, if you even want an ice cream, the most you'd have to wait is five minutes :) what does that have to do with overweight camels in alaska? u be the judge..!

I mean these things come in all shapes and sizes -vans, trucks, cars soup'd up.. you name it and they go by. That's bad enough but lets be real for just a sec! At what time does a San Diego Vendors' License expire? I would think NLT curfew time but here we go 10:08 right on the dot ICE CREAM TIME! So I guess my neighbors are keeping these guys in business because they stop across the street cause people come :) and they continue with he ice cream song to wake more people up lol oh here we go its almost 10:13pm and its making a second pass! I guess business was so good the first time, he thought he try his luck again! 10:19.... I hear him going by AGAIN lol this guys a riot! I wish I was in the mood for some Ice cream!

Who is the king of the Jungle?

2009-05-18T14:52:00.001-07:00

As of 2pm, I am on Paid Vacation!!! Thank you Jesus and when the middle of July rolls around, God will have given me 80 vacations days this fiscal year! I am so blessed and humble!

Pray for me I have to do my finals today.. study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth :)

God's going to heal my mom!

2009-05-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

God is so good! I had a wonderful weekend! Got to spend time with my cousins and their friends. I layed down at around midnight on friday night after doing a quick jog with stephanie.. but I guess I was thinking a lil too much cause i didn't fall asleep till like 2am :)

my mom wanted to be picked up at 7am bc everyone at her home was going to fresno so we had breakfast at a choo choo place in exeter. then we took a walk in downtown and i showed her all the murals.

The rest of Saburday was filled with shopping shopping and shopping! we went to real stores and got some really good deals but i enjoyed the thrift stores!

I really got blessed in church too! Agree with me right now and we are going to trust in God to heal my mom! Here are some pics of us...

2009-04-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

the milk man always delivers!!!!

2009-04-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

so yeah last night I stayed up till about 4, I really want to goto sleepy towne right now but I need to study. I will probably have to can-x music practice tonighter because I cut one of my fingers and just the deliberation of sliding it down the strings of my guitar the wrong way makes me cringe... interesting how guys deputize the art of being so tough and yet when something as simple as a laceration on their finger can render them incapacitated and wanting their mommy...que the dramatic music!!!

::Prayer Request #2:: Protection for 80,000 baptized believers in 750 Churches in Mexico

2009-04-28T22:02:00.000-07:00

From Superintendent T.W.Drost (Mexico): Please pray for our people during this serious outbreak of the swine flu in Mexico - which has expanded.

In news conferences, yesterday and today (Tuesday) government officials seem to be reporting a bit more honestly than before, and now they are confirming over 150 confirmed deaths with the swine flu in Mexico City, and over 2,000 confirmed infected. Thus far, Mexico is the only country that is reporting any deaths on account of the swine flu But, the m ore alarming news is that, they now have reported cases in over half of the 32 States in Mexico (the country) which increases the potential for greater harm. We request your prayers for the over 80,000 baptized believers that we now have in all of Mexico, in over 750 Churches. We are believing God for His protection. Also, the government has now directly prohibited any gathering of people (to reduce the spread of the desease), which means that we are not allowed to have services. This prohibition has been declared for the entire country. Various District-wide events, that had been planned for this weekend, and for some time in some of our Districts, have been canceled. That, of course, affects our people.

::Prayer request #1:: God protect the 5,000 baptized believers in Mexico City

2009-04-28T21:42:00.000-07:00

From Superintendent T. W. Drost (Mexico): Please pray for our people during this serious outbreak of the swine flue in Mexico City.

Although there were strong calls on the part of government authorities to refrain from having any type of gathering of people, our Churches in Mexico City had more-than-average attendance as people realize that "there is healing and hope in the house of the Lord". We request your prayers for the over 5,000 baptized believers that we now have in Mexico City, in over 75 Churches. We are believing God for His protection, as He protected the Children of Israel during all the plagues in Egypt. In the local Church that I Pastor, right in the heart of Mexico City, we had two different brethren reporting God's healing power as they had all the symptoms of swine flu during a whole day, but prayed and God healed them. These are times for God's people to discover how real His promises still remain and that, there IS power in the name of Jesus.

New Pentecostal Christians

2009-04-14T22:52:00.000-07:00

(SAN DIEGO, CA) Just wanted to do a quick testimony. My Sunday breakfast group has turned into bible study group! I just started a new Christian bible study for two young men (17 & 18). Both are already interested in doing a search for truth bible study immediately following this series -in which I would like to have two more young people join us.

This series is actually from a book titled, "New Pentecostal Christians" written by my Pastor, Rev. Eugene Dominguez, it is available in Spanish as well as English. The discussion was so intense that that 2 hours passed without much regard! haha.. I'll try not to make that a habit but I am not going to stop the Holy Ghost from having His way!

Please pray for our group. I believe that it is the Lord's will that these young men will soon start leading their own bible study groups.

Police Break up Prayer Meeting

2009-04-02T01:08:00.000-07:00

Monday, Mar 30, 2009 02:44 PM

On March 13-15th, Christian Life College hosted its annual "X-perience," where new and prospective students get the opportunity to visit the campus. This year we had 40 prospective students attend classes, sleep in the dorms, and eat at the food service.

On one of the last nights, Brother Richard Bishop, our Recruitment Director, took them and a number of existing students, to the Spaghetti Factory in Old Sacramento. There were over 60 young people at the restaurant.

[story continued on CLC's website]

Spanish Bible Quizzing

2009-04-02T00:38:00.000-07:00

Todos estan invitados

esgrimabiblico.com

IPUI Evangelismo Hispano

Invertiendo en nuestros hijos, la posesión más preciosa de la iglesia

EsgrimaBiblico.com

Torneo III

Sábado, 4 de Abril, 2009

6:00 pm

Director Eugenio Domínguez

Iglesia de Milagros.com

3064 Franklin Ave.

San Diego, CA 92113

619-338-8300, 619-985-2651

random photo time

2009-02-08T14:38:00.000-08:00

ah yes fun in between classes

this reminds me of the song,

"give me your eyes for just one sec"

i guess i don't see what is so funny :)

i guess my mom doesn't see what is so funny

finally she gets it ;)

1,000,000.oo

2009-02-08T14:18:00.000-08:00

fffffrrrrrriiiiiddddaaayyyyyy!!!! is finally here!

2009-02-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

well how is everyone doing? I am a little bummed cause I have to miss church and have duty instead. Right now I am working on a essay cause I am applying to three of the CSUs.

I am going to be moving from my apartment, so I think I will start on that tomorrow. Well I pray that everyones life is blessed and if I can pray for ya one way or another, don't hesitate to ask :)

Spanish Bible Quizzing - Socal District

2009-02-06T00:32:00.000-08:00

I should have all the pictures from the bible quizzing tournament on the youth blog by saturday.

SoCal Bible Quizzing

2009-01-28T15:04:00.000-08:00

(San Diego, Ca) The first Spanish bible quizzing tournament for the SoCal District will be held at the Church of Miracles on Saturday, January 31st, 2009 at 6pm.

The gospel of Luke is this year's theme. Saturday's tournament for the youth, ages 12-18 will cover 88 verses (Luke 4:16-30, 5:30-39, 6:20-49, 7:36, 15:1-32). The youth have 20 questions; 1-8 are worth 10 points, 9-17 are worth 20 points and 18-20 are worth 30 points.

The children's portion, up to age 12, will cover 67 verses (Luke 4:16-30, 6:20-38, 8:4-5, 21:1-33). The children have 15 questions; 1-6 are 10 points, 7-12 are 20 points and 13-15 are 30 points.

The Church of Miracles is located at 3064 Franklin Ave, San Diego, California 92213. The next tournament will cover more verses, in addition to the ones covered in this tournament. Each team has a chance to compete on the national level at the UPCI's Annual Spanish Conference. Rev. Eugene Dominguez is the director.

For more info, please visit the official website.

How does my hair look?

2009-01-25T02:57:00.000-08:00

here is a picture I painted

Hna. rae at christmas banquet

Hna. Maria

I did christmas retro haha

Three rivers and more

2009-01-25T02:45:00.001-08:00

me and heather in three rivers

heather and krista

dwayne me and my brother

no carbon copy hear

here's dwayne

home with the family

2009-01-25T00:24:00.000-08:00

My good friend, Johnny leading service.

my brother, cousin sean and moi

heather and yo

my cousins

my mom

time to meet Hna. Lexi!

2009-01-24T23:29:00.001-08:00

awwwww

2009-01-09T01:32:00.000-08:00

awwwwwww..

Starbucks Invasion

2009-01-09T01:15:00.000-08:00

pentecostal music : venezuelan food

2009-01-09T01:04:00.000-08:00

Sam's Hair

2009-01-09T00:54:00.000-08:00

3 different styles : 3 different dews

West Sac In-n-out Invasion

2009-01-09T00:42:00.000-08:00

As were speaking...

2009-01-09T00:23:00.000-08:00

I just got my camera downloaded so I plan to dump all the pics right now, then at work later I will type in all the details..

so in English, just the pics right now :)

2008-12-19T00:46:00.000-08:00

Well I drove up to Sacramento went with some friends to a wedding, then had some fun having 2 cell phones die with our two vehicles separated a few times in San Francisco. It was after midnight so we ate at In-n-out which, we could have had in hundreds of different towns on our way to San Fran. We went to fishermans warf and pier 39 and it was ccccc cccccc cccoollllldddd!!! We finally got back to Sonoma around 330 or so and went to church when we woke up in West Sac, I got to play my trumpet. Then to Dennys then to Starbucks.. Then I relaxed Monday, went to Olive Garden and Starbucks yet again I had a blast... always do...party to the fact that sometimes I am somewhat easily entertained.. (-haha somewhat)

Got to meet some new friends and see someone who looked like a celery stick haha a tall girl with a green sweater. I gave her snaps all the way! haha

I did six loads of laundry tues then drove to Exeter cause my brother wasnt ready to come with my home for the holidays.

I been shopping with my mommy the last two days, went to an Italian Resturant, got taco bell, got pizza and had so much fun. wells fargo i am tired but thanks for extending those hours i will smell ya'll later. i will get some pics up tamaters. CYA and GB

"Do Not Remove"

2008-12-19T00:03:00.000-08:00

hey bro, at least take the

label off if your going to take this around with you....

"I'm not a pen"

Speaking of which - if its not yours..

don't touch it lol

these two were from my first trip to San Fran this year

random...yes I know

me and baby

2008-12-16T15:29:00.000-08:00

Random Photo time 2.0

2008-12-15T15:19:00.000-08:00

there is a lot of tripping hazards on a ship

my pastor, Rev. Eugene Dominguez

::random pic time::

2008-12-15T15:12:00.000-08:00

my precious mom!

this was the guy that always asked "did you see my keys"

I look really enthusiastic about this photo

it took me about 5 mins to make the welcome home sign for my Pastor

It's photo time!

2008-12-03T20:28:00.000-08:00

More family fun...

2008-12-03T20:20:00.000-08:00

Boogie man

2008-12-03T20:19:00.000-08:00

Me casa no es su casa! jejeje

2008-12-03T20:18:00.000-08:00

Me casa no es su casa 2

2008-12-03T20:15:00.000-08:00

Thou Shalt not kill

2008-11-26T15:41:00.000-08:00

I just got back from spending a week in Sacramento while I was given opportunities to meet some wonderful new people in Dixon, West and North Sacramento, Sonoma, Winsor, Ukiah, Lodi, Stockon and Los Angeles, play my trumpet in 8 different services, testify and preach, pray for people to receive the Holy Ghost, see God change peoples lives and not to mention my new car now has over 30,000 miles on it.

During this trip I was asked questions regarding my job in the military and being a Christian. I would like to address some of these questions today.

These pictures are reminders of the events that took place on the morning of Sunday, December 7, 1941, a surprise military strike was conducted against the United States primarily at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This was a Sunday meaning that the majority of the military present were probably authorized a "holiday routine" schedule to sleep in late, eat a late breakfast, go to church, etc.

However at 7:48 am, sailors and the like woke up to the sound of alarms, explosions and gunfire. This attack resulted in a lost of ships and aircraft either destroyed, sunk or damaged.... but I think the important factor was 2,345 military and 57 civilians killed and 1,247 military and 35 civilians wounded, because you can always build new planes and commission new ships.

#1 Do I like to kill people?

Absolutely Not. However, if a situation called for me to use my weapon in the line of duty I would. Not because I like killing people. It is my responsibility. Here is an example: Lets say the President of a country came to my ship. I would be given a job, and a order... lets say to protect him and would have to carry a weapon. Then, while he was here, someone presented a gun toward him to murder that president.

It would be my duty, obligation and moral responsibility to protect that president and use an appropriate amount of force needed to stop that murder from taken place. It doesn't mean I keep shooting till I run out of ammunition, reload and shoot some more! It means I use my weapon to disable him from continuing his course of action. So if I fire and he drops his gun and he then falls down to the ground, I stop shooting, make a quick assessment of my safety, that president's safety and the ability 0f the person to regain control of his gun. I would then secure the weapon he used and call medical so he can be treated. Even though that man tried to murder someone he would still be given medical care.

Lets look toward the word of God. Exodus 20:13 says "thou shalt not kill." (KJV)

Does this mean the police that have to use a gun are not going to heaven? No. It doesn't mean that. Look at the NIV version, "You shall not murder." The Hebrew word literally means “the intentional, premeditated killing of another person with malice.”

#2 Do I like war?

No! However, I do believe that war has a purpose. God often ordered the Israelites to go to war with other nations. God ordered the death penalty for numerous crimes. God is not against killing in all circumstances, but rather only murder. War is never a good thing, but sometimes it is a necessary thing.

Sometimes a war is necessary to prevent even greater evil. If Hitler had not been defeated by World War II, how many more millions of Jews would have been killed? If the Civil War had not been fought, how much longer would African Americans have had to suffer as slaves?

The bible says there is a time for everything. "A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace" Ecclesiastes 3:8.

God has given a man the responsibility for his family. In Eph.5:23, Man is designated as the head of the wife. Does this mean he can get free meals and be a freeloader who digs for gold with his finger while the wife works a job, cooks, cleans, takes care of the kids, and always dresses pretty for him.

No. I believe that the man has a big responsibility. As the head he has to provide for his family, love his family... uplift, lead, encourage, reward, support and protect his family.

I am not a violent person. I am a lover not a fighter if you will. But one day, if someone came into my house desiring to do harm to my family. I will not craw up into a ball in the corner of the room. I will not say "take the girl, do whatever you want with the kids..just don't harm me!"

While I pray for God to intervene, I will do everything in my power, even if it calls for me to lay down my life to protect my family I will.

These pictures from the attack on Pearl Harbor should help us remember the reason God created jobs like police and military. War had not been declared. Attacks like this are selfish and they never really accomplish the desired intent. I am not for war but I am for things like defended my country so my children will not have to worry that there might be a bomb on there bus. Anyways, if you like this subject enjoy this post cause I don't like talking about death and killing and things of the nature.

UC Davis

2008-10-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

I drove up to UC Davis to see my brother George. I rented a mustang convertible and it was only a couple hour drive from San Fransisco. Going over the bay bridge was out of this world! I plan to put some pics up next week. I got to be around the campus all afternoon. I really liked it. There were so many bikes that I thought a Lance Armstrong convention was taken place on campus. George kept asking me why I kept laughing. I couldn't help it. I guess the bicycle business is booming in Davis! Its a shame there wasn't more campus police I saw countless infractions that could have been written up! ha ha but yeah, I did have lot of fun. I haven't seen my brother in about 7 years.

praise break

2008-10-07T11:17:00.000-07:00

I decided since all of the smokers here at work get to go on smoke breaks all day, I should be entitled to a praise break! So I just want to thank the Lord for my new car that I bought! It is an 07 Lexus IS250. It is gray with black interior, too many features to name and I only paid 24k for it! It is really nice and I've been so happy no matter how hard work has become! Well, I better get back to work so I don't loose my job and not have any money for a car payment!

300 pounds

2008-10-02T01:40:00.000-07:00

I've seen a trash can in the alley of our church for about 4 weeks now. I just thought it was the neighbors and they just forgot about it. Then I seen a citation posted on the side of it. Man if curiosity killed the cat, I had forgot about only having my last life left! It read "exceeds 300 pounds" so I just thought the neighbors just had a lot of trash. This was of course, until my pastor told me that it was one of the ones the church was using.... that is a lot of trash (those little plastic communion cups run expensive now a days)

spicy synopsis on marriage and abortion issue

2008-10-01T23:08:00.000-07:00

Will Proposition 4 and 8 pass?

Here is the spicy synopsis...

Prop 4 requires doctors to inform the parent or guardian of a minor 48 hours before providing an abortion. Basically, a waiting period and notification ***adds a section to the Constitution
Prop 8 Eliminates right of same-sex couples to marry. Changes the California Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in California. Provides that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. ***adds an amendment to the Constitution

What do you think? Are you going to vote?

I am really for prop 4. I don't believe this would harm the minor. In retrospect, I think that it would be more beneficial then the latter. What I mean is I made some really brainless decisions as a minor and I really wish I had parents that would have given me both sides of a situation, you know, pros and cons and that they wanted to make an informed decision where benefits outweigh the costs. Not knee jerk reactions... When a minor does something the parents don't know about like abortion, how can the parents give their child direction? I understand many fear correction, but God justifies correction as love.

Anyway, no matter what your choices are, I believe you should get out there and vote! Just make sure you ask God to give you direction! lol God bless you... -Sam

Spanish Bible Quzzing

2008-10-01T22:58:00.000-07:00

I posted a link for the new so-cal district spanish bible quizzing website that bro. Melvin is doing. It look great right now but when it is finished, it is going to rock!

For more info check out this page...

Spanish bible quizzing on my youth's blog.

Sam wants to be out there!!!

2008-09-30T03:07:00.000-07:00

Good morning all! Just some more random thoughts. I know, I know.. structure will come one day people but for now it is how it is :)

First off, I am in the best mood I think I've been in all year! God is soooooooooo good! I couldn't imagine being or doing anything other then what I am doing now; serving the Lord.

I've been turning up the juice on my bible reading, not to mention reading christian articles and periodicals. There is however, one thing that I still would like to work on. This one thing is sooooooooo important that this is where you end and God begins. What you can't do, God does through you. I've asked God to help me this week to pray without ceasing! I've been praying alot but I have yet to reach that prayer warrior status. One of my teachers at CSTI was discussing prayer warriors and he said (paraphrasing a little here) that you need to find prayer warriors! Make them your friend, say I will definitely be YOUR friend! Then, all you have to say is pray for me and just that alone will get 30 mins to an hour of prayer, for you! Some people think that they are out there.. Well, I am here to say that I want to be out there. I want to get something inside me that refuses to stay the same! I want to continually be enriching and edifying my walk with God. I want to get a hold of the Holy Ghost like never before! It doesn't matter what the Washington Post makes fun of! If your not getting filled with the Holy Ghost every day, you need to take a moment and rethink what your priorities are and ask God for a new direction!

I was talking with my good friend Sean again after school last night and he reminded me of something that for some obscure reason, I allowed to overlook and just abandon in my prayer life. PRAYING UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS!!! Sure, the Lord likes to be called on when there is a need but come on people, lets put some time, focus and faith toward something that will rock our world. That reminds me.. at Camp Meeting in Santa Maria, we were praying for this young man, not much younger then myself. It was lasting for about 15 mins and most everyone was starting to stop because they were getting tired. Well, he was still praying and I wasn't going to let him down! I kept praying and kept praying and kept praying and finally something happened! He received the gift of the Holy Ghost. It is so beautiful when you see the spirit of God come into someones heart. It was evident that he was trying to receive it for a while. God is so good!

I felt led to tell my cousin were going to pray until something happens and she replied... Sounds great. I'm all for that. What will you be praying for? I started to wonder, do you ever fell like God wants to do something but you don't know what it is exactly? I did not take her question lightly! We need boldness! Put aside our own agenda for a moment mediate on God and seeking his will. God that my steps would be ordered in your Word! We are about to witness a powerful move of God. You'll know when it happens... You'll know when it happens.... You'll know when it happens...

Well, this was supposed to be about me doing some research regarding parental waivers and a possibility of a skateboard tourney but God was for a different direction!

Knowing the times San Marcos

2008-09-28T23:26:00.000-07:00

We had an awesome conference in San Marcos! Busy weekend, hey, I was either in San Marcos or sleeping this Friday and Saturday! Friday Night was awesome, In-n-ouut afterwards it was yum yum. Woke up Saturday and went with Carlos to El Cajon and then made our way up to San M again, I listened to David McGovern peach Friday's 180 service and it was off the hook. I loved his opening, all about the word sick, that Camero was sick.. preach it bro! Made it to chorus practice but had to leave when the church van was dropped off so I could pick up young people in San Diego. Got everyone in and was back up there a lil late to the youth service but we saw El Cajon's sing team do an awesome performance. The I got to play in Section 1 Spanish Youth Chorus's first performance for the afternoon youth service and El Cajon let me play during the general service. Then the choir sung for the that service too. I played so hard that I almost broke a blood vessel. I even got a headache, my first in about 2 years. (I think that was due to me standing between the two drummers all night) Sunday night, I was bearly able to play during church I was still sore. The conference was soooooooo goooodd, good preaching, good music, good times!

...I really got exicted about living for God!

2008-09-28T22:32:00.000-07:00

Ever since that service in Hollywood, I've been wanting to start a food ministry at my church. My heart was touched as this family came to our table. They had either had fear, expectancy, wonder.. it was something I just couldn't put my right index finger on it. I was sitting with my pastor and the ministers of that church. They were just looking at us so we asked the family if they wanted something to eat and their eyes lit up. We asked them if they went to church there and they said that it was their first time. There were somewhere around 300 in attendance. After service in their banquet hall they had plates of food and a cup of hortchata. My pastor was preaching and he call for anyone that was a visitor or had not received the Holy Ghost to come to the front and by the look of it there was about 50-75 people that came forward. That was just bits and pieces, but it lit a fire, a desire, to inspire.

My friend David from Southbay keeps giving me testimonies about how his food ministry is bringing families.

Just this last week, after school got out, Sean from Imperial Beach was telling me about his ministry that they started at church.. 'the truck delivering the food was going to get to our church late, so we went upstairs and started praying, we prayed for a move of God and when we went downstairs and we asked the people if there was anything they wanted for us to pray for and we were praying for everyone, well afterwards, a lady came to me and she said that she just got healed.." It was Monday night, nearing around 1130pm, we waited that late because a new student's mom had a long drive to make to come and get him. Well, this story that he had just shared with me really got me excited about living for God. I mean, I really got excited about living for God!

I've been praying, not only for this ministry, but for my youth ministry as well, that God would just give me some new direction in my life. What I have found out with my youth is what we've been doing is not working anymore. I really need some guidance from the Lord.

Never before rented, move in special

2008-09-27T23:20:00.000-07:00

Shopping is fun, please don't get me wrong! In my opinion, for what its worth, it was a funny experience. However, therein we have a problem because I've been known for thinking most everything is funny one way or another..

Anyway, this is my shopping experience. Out of hundreds of apartments, I came across a listing that said "never before rented." I then clicked to see the pictures and I found out why.. lol

Then, there was one that said something like 1 block from sdsu and then (in cap letters) REALLY QUIET!!! -hey! if its that quiet, why do you have to scream it in this ad? This phrase of course should be NOT REALLY QUIET (when in doubt of any situation, put a not or no in front of it) I am sure it is quiet, when all of your neighbors are in class... wait a min, all the apartments near sdsu say really quiet, hmmm

I enjoyed this one too.. Has newer carpet (that one really gets me excited about moving in..) newer then what? the rest of the apartments that you manage? haha! The same one said "bright kitchen with newer microwave" ok, first, now I am not no flight surgeon on a space shuttle going to Pluto or anything, but, this probably means that it is bright in the kitchen when u turn on the light. You don't have to be a flight surgeon or a space shuttle to figure that one out! lemme guess, the newer microwave probably looks as bad as the carpet!

This is why I got burnt out of looking for an apartment on Thursday!

highly offensive cartoon by Pat Oliphant

2008-09-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

"A political cartoon on the website of the Washington Post that makes fun of speaking in tongues is..."

-continued at theapostolicreport.wordpress.com-

------------------------------------------------

Offensive Cartoon Response from Washington Post

"A biblical scholar, pastor, and President of a United Pentecostal Seminary, Urshan Graduate School of Theology, David Bernard, has joined with others in writing letters of protest to the Washington Post for their recently published offensive cartoon..."

-continued at newlifeupc.org-

------------------------------------------------

Rev. Jones Secretary of United Pentecostal Church

International Responds to the Cartoon.

Talk about borderline blasphemy - this "cartoon" is the epitomy of it.

If this had been written about an aspect of the Muslim religion,

the writer would have death threats against him....

-from an email-

-------------------------------------------------

Dear Sir:

I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw the long-denied political bias of the editorial board of the Washington Post confirmed by the highly offensive cartoon by Pat Oliphant published on September 9th. I was shocked to discover the board also holds a religious prejudice as well. To single out those of us who are Pentecostal and revere as well as practice the Scriptural experience of speaking in tongues in such a calculatedly offensive way is disgusting. That it was published by a leading U. S. newspaper is beyond belief. Quite obviously the board's phobia of Governor Palin has caused it to lose its senses as well as its decency. To attack her on the basis of her political positions is certainly within your right, but to attack and ridicule her solely on the basis of her faith, a faith that is practiced by a significant number of Americans is indefensible.

A response by the millions of Pentecostals both in their future choice of reading material as well as at the polls can be expected from this unprovoked attack on a belief than spans many denominations of Christianity.

If such a deliberate disregard of the sincerely held beliefs of a significant segment of our population is fair game in the pursuit of a political agenda, how can the already tattered reputation of the traditional press in our country be rehabilitated? Your abrogation of your responsibility to respect and exhibit at least a minimum sensitivity toward other's beliefs relegates the fabled Washington Post to the sorry company of yellow journalism rags of the past.

I urge the editorial board to issue an immediate apology to the millions offended by this silly and disgusting cartoon.

Sincerely,

Jerry Jones

General Secretary

United Pentecostal Church International

Sunday funnies on thursday

2008-09-11T23:01:00.000-07:00

here are some hot bananas

this is why you paint once over dust,

twice over rust

this dog likes to sleep with 2 feet sticking up in the air

this heart-attack-on-a-plate was what they tried to feed me the other day

please don't close the door!

ha.. there are people in the navy that don't know how to read

2008-09-08T23:28:00.000-07:00

Today is 8 September and I just started CSTI again for my final year. I expect to have an awesome fall semester, with two teachers that I've never had before and two teachers that I have had each year the last 3 years. I've got some good goals to accomplish for the next few months. In these last few weeks been really busy with things like getting back from Hawaii, Camp Meeting, a Sunday School Workshop, a trip to Seaworld, youth service in Spring Valley, Section 1 Spanish Youth Choir practice, an awesome sectional youth bonfire at paradise point and wrapping it all up with the SFC offering. I will try and get some more pictures up this week but for now it is time for me to go to sleepy town...

Here are some bibile quizzing pics

2008-08-05T01:28:00.001-07:00

Sam's random photos of the month

2008-08-05T00:18:00.000-07:00

just admiring the my work after I painted the berthing.

this is Sam Barnett's demonstration of how a proximity bomb would work: it would get about this close before it would go boom :)

my question is out of all this madness, what is that green thing?

I guess she wanted to show me how clean she got her tongue ::))

its nap time!

2008-08-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

you gotta love those padded pews...

U.S. Navy releases Al Qaeda Terrorist

2008-08-01T03:43:00.000-07:00

The US Navy today announced
that it has released a senior Al Qaeda terrorist
after questioning him extensively for 27 days
while being held prisoner aboard a
US aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea
In a humanitarian gesture, the terrorist
was given $50 and a white 1962 Ford Fairlane
automobile upon being released from custody.
The photo below shows the terrorist on his way
home just after being released by the Navy.

straight from the desk of sam barnett...

2008-07-16T22:55:00.000-07:00

what if I am not actually driving the forklift? What if I am really just asleep? See girls are not the only ones that can sport big sunglasses...

---notice the forklift is still chained down---
No question about it, I am definitely awake in this photo.

In the navy if something is broke, you can either fix it

or put a note on it that says it doesnt work

your federal tax dollars at work!

this is one of my fav though

this sign is for people that dont have their perscribed glasses on...

words of wisdom from Samuel Barnett

2008-07-16T22:48:00.000-07:00

when you wake up in the morning, please,

do everyone a favor and take a long,

good look in the mirror and ask your self this question...

did I remember to lock my rack?

this is how thefts happpen people

Sam Barnett's chrome dome club

2008-07-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

Just because we have big heads it doesn't mean we
are air heads! However, I rather enjoy the candy
called air heads. My fav is green. Isn't amazing how
you can get an affordable piece of candy at mark down
clearance prices and it gets even more convenient when you
just charge it to your favorite credit card and with no interest
for 5 months.. umm what was I saying...? ---oh yeah---
WE ARE NOT AIRHEADS! We just have a lot of smarts
and you have to have a big melon if you smart...

2nd Beach Trip and Sam Barnett's Birthday Party

2008-07-11T02:27:00.000-07:00

Sam's Birthday Party

2008-07-11T02:20:00.001-07:00

Hawaii fundraising - homeless style

2008-07-09T23:58:00.000-07:00

Sam's Hawaii Pictures 7.3

2008-07-09T23:47:00.000-07:00

USS BONHOMME RICHARD (LHD6)

USS RAINBOW

USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL

USS MISSOURI

Sam's Hawaii Pictures 7.2

2008-07-09T23:35:00.000-07:00

Sam's Hawaii Pictures 7.1

2008-07-09T23:23:00.000-07:00

Sam's Hawaii Pictures 7.0

2008-07-09T23:17:00.000-07:00

Man these birds are getting some action!

Sam's Trip to Bellows Air Force Base 2.0

2008-07-09T23:07:00.001-07:00

Sam's Trip to Bellows Air Force Base

2008-07-09T23:02:00.000-07:00

Sam's Hawaii Pictures 6.0

2008-07-09T22:59:00.000-07:00

Sam Barnett's Hair Styles

2008-07-09T13:25:00.001-07:00

Out of the many different hair styles that I have,
here are todays keynote examples....

(shown above) is the fluffy look.
notice that this look is exceptional with sunglasses.
also pay attention to the facial expression;
"wow"
that was simply put!

above is the "I just woke up look",
please people do not confuse this one
with the I want to go for a ride look

this is the Johnny Cash look

I created this one by just swishing my hair back and forth
I call it the swishing my hair back and forth look

last but not least.. this is the "I had to peel my ball cap off my head look..."
it kinda looked curly in a couple of places

Out to eat 1.1

2008-07-09T13:18:00.001-07:00

You know, when a person has over 6 packs of sugar-free gum,
on their person, it makes you kind of wonder what kind of life they are really living...

Out to eat

2008-07-09T13:08:00.001-07:00

Sam's Hawaii pictures 5.2

2008-07-09T12:47:00.001-07:00

Sam's Hawaii pictures 5.1

2008-07-09T12:39:00.000-07:00

Kehau discovers some of the simple things in life.... mooooooo!

Sam's Hawaii pictures 4.1

2008-07-07T17:05:00.000-07:00

I know in this picture, I look really short but try not

to believe everything that you hear off the mess decks...

thanks to the cook for all the yummy memories..

if you ever see a group like this playing patty cake,

and there it alot of room to walk around them...

don't!

Make sure that you go right in the middle ;)

Sam's Hawaii pictures 3.1

2008-07-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

more pictures from the 4 of july picnic...

Sam's Hawaii pictures 2.1

2008-07-07T15:53:00.000-07:00

It is a lot less work for you arms if you keep the plate as close to your

face as possible when you eat. That way there is a lesser chance

of injury to your arms during the duration of the face stuffing session

Footballs sometimes get stuck up in trees.. this is directly related to the basketball (of which your trying to knock the football down) gets stuck in trees. This leads to drastic measures of tree climbling. Please don't try this at home! Especially if you have trees there. Everyone should know about how tree climbing can effect your life. Please check out the website:

http://www.pleasehelpusstoptreeclimbingonceandforall.com

this is david; I have no idea what he is looking at...

this is what ross looks like when he rides a bike...

CLC goes to Hawaii 1.1

2008-07-06T17:25:00.001-07:00

CLC goes to Hawaii

2008-07-06T17:20:00.001-07:00

we need to pray for David and Ross... their not raising there hands ;)

Sam's Hawaii Pictures 1.1

2008-07-06T17:12:00.000-07:00

Sam's Hawaii Pictures

2008-07-06T16:59:00.001-07:00

Sam Barnett's 411

2008-07-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

here is the 411; Thursday I had duty. Friday, went to a picnic and had a wonderful time. I was a lil exhausted from duty, but still had a lot of fun; I played football, ate some bbq, messed around and most important got to hang out with some very cool friends in Hawaii. Saturday, went to Bellows Air Force Base and went to the beach area turtles' cove and played my guitar. I learned 3 new songs that I had never played before. After we left the beach, went to the golf course and I got my swing on (and I am not talking bout dancing either). I had never played golf before -with exception of mini golf- and I was telling everyone because I thought it was so cool that I did it for the first time in Hawaii. After wards, went to a Round Table Pizza. Now I have ate at Round table before in California, but I must say that one in Hawaii was one of the best pizza pies I have ever had! ---I must reserve first and second to Chicago and NYC--- Then we stopped by a Christian book store and I bought a few things. Later went to a youth service after my shower. Then, went to zippys. I had the zippdy do bop. I did a lil experiment with a couple glasses of water ---one with soy sauce and one with maple syrup and 5 squirts of Tabasco sauce--- David still wouldn't drink them even after all the offers, finally, I think the amount reached a hundred dollars and while they were talking I just reached for the glass and downed both of them. Just a word of caution - I wouldn't recommend anyone trying that. Someone did give me $11 dollars though.. I couldn't get the taste out of my mouth and I got me a Banana Fantasy for dessert. All in all the last couple of days I had a wonderful time and I got to chat with some very cool people. I will try and get a battery for my camera.

2008-07-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

Sam Barnett presents some 3rd of July Pictures...

This is supposed to be "troop" but someone thought that they would be funny and took off the 't' making a new and highly amusing word; "poop"

They took out 5 tables that we used to eat off of and installed these soda machines...

Here this tomcat fighter patiently waits for someone to take a picture of it...

the last one is the slushy machines.. wow! slushies...

2008-07-02T22:01:00.001-07:00

2008-07-01T21:55:00.001-07:00

2008-07-01T18:57:00.001-07:00

Sam Barnett is 'Secret Agent Man'

there is no telling how many outfits I go through a day...

2008-07-01T18:44:00.001-07:00

Sam Barnett is all for random photos... yes he is!

2008-06-29T02:48:00.000-07:00

I made it too the last night of Camp Meeting in Hawaii.
It was off the hook! Friday, June 28th 2008: Christian Life College had musicians there and they really rocked the house. Rev. David Brott (Missionary Envoy) testified and Rev. Randy Keyes was supposed to preach but they Holy Ghost was moving and Rev. Keyes focused on a couple from El Salvador. The wife received the Holy Ghost but her husband could not understand English. However, God provided translators. The youth people felt a move of God and the front of the tent was crowded with young people that were dancing. It wasn't just a hip-hop-hip-hop, I just got-off-the-block kind of dancing, I mean there was a move of God unlike anything that I've seen before. Other cool events included the platform getting cracked during the course of the stomp for Jesus session, a bug crawled in a spot light and it caught on fire and special thanks to Johnny and Anna for the awesome steak and rice dinner.

Today I woke up feeling better than I have ever felt before and I got to read 44 chapters from the bible, followed by chocolate burnt waffles! What an awesome way to start a beautiful Saturday in Hawaii. I have to work on Sunday, but the fun will continue on Monday!

Thanks to everyone who that brightened my day! Really happy to see my Hawaiian friends again.
I hope everyone back in Cali are having a wonderful summer!

2008-06-29T02:21:00.001-07:00

sam barnett discovers that just from one uniform,
the possibilities...?
priceless.

2008-06-29T02:17:00.001-07:00

since I am in Hawaii again, it would be okay to post this as a token of my gratitude toward Ross and David...

2008-06-29T02:03:00.001-07:00

hey Steph question for you... what is up with the turtle?

2008-06-21T00:14:00.000-07:00

I saw an interesting poster today in the armory:

This department requires no physical fitness program. Everyone gets enough exercise:
JUMPING to conclusions
FLYING off the handle
RUNNING down the boss
DODGING responsibility
CLIMBING the ladder
PULLING the strings
STRETCHING the truth
BENDING the rules
PUSHING their luck...

2008-06-20T04:51:00.000-07:00

it might be interesting to note
that out of today's top 100 google search trends for USA,
the only one that I have ever googled is:

15.	first day of summer 2008

that must mean that I am behind the times... :(

*from the world's smallest fiddle
playing you a song: wa wa waaaa

2008-06-20T01:41:00.000-07:00

...it all started after my brother George took a psychology class in high school. A simple minded discussion would violently veer to the extent of the question "if a tree falls in the woods and there's no one around to hear it, does it make a sound?" The first thing I thought was something along the lines of 'what does this have anything do with a overweight monkey from Alaska...?' But honestly, would I dare saying something to that effect? Of course not! well, I might of ;) [as I was saying before I so rudely interrupted myself..] I guess my Christian psychology class that I took didn't exactly clarify it enough and I have yet to receive my graduate degree in common sense with a minor in thinking for myself, which strangely brings me to my whole point of this blog:

If a website isn't indexed by Google; does it really exist?

...to help enlighten us all to a better understanding of the question ::Sam Barnett:: asked google and they said something along the lines of...the page cannot be displayed. The page you are looking for is currently unavailable. The Web site might be experiencing technical difficulties, or you may need to adjust your browser settings. Please try the following: Click the Refresh button, or try again later. If you typed the page address in the Address bar, make sure that it is spelled correctly. To check your connection settings, click the Tools menu, and then click Internet Options. On the Connections tab, click Settings. The settings should match those provided by your local area network (LAN) administrator or Internet service provider (ISP).
See if your Internet connection settings are being detected. You can set Microsoft Windows to examine your network and automatically discover network connection settings (if your network administrator has enabled this setting). Click the Tools menu, and then click Internet Options.
On the Connections tab, click LAN Settings. Select Automatically detect settings, and then click OK. Some sites require 128-bit connection security. Click the Help menu and then click About Internet Explorer to determine what strength security you have installed. If you are trying to reach a secure site, make sure your Security settings can support it. Click the Tools menu, and then click Internet Options. On the Advanced tab, scroll to the Security section and check settings for SSL 2.0, SSL 3.0, TLS 1.0, PCT 1.0. Click the back button to try another link.

...so I guess we will never know...lol

*well, in conclusion, for those of you wanting some intelligent informative relevant and inciting information on this blog and not just a bunch of random gibberish that I manifested, sorry; I guess you might just hope to have better luck next year... just kidding but if you would please participate in the poll on the right :) lol =====>

2008-06-20T00:48:00.000-07:00

now.. was I supposed to cut the red wire or the blue wire?

Today was nice. I had about 8 hours of sleep and I went to the gym for a few minutes. Just a few minutes at which point I was kicked out because they had to clean it. Not to worry, I practiced my guitar for about a half an hour. I mainly concentrated on Your Love oh Lord by Third Day and Can't Get Away by Rush of Fools. I am trying to get a better struming technique down. Those songs really rock! After which I had about 1 and a half hours of cardio; rowing machine, stair climber, bicyle then the elipical. It was finished off with some pull ups and a nice spagetti dinner. When I started work, I checked out some red gloss paint and I touched up our berthing door with the red and then did a really good clear coat layer. I would like to do another coat in the morning so the painting on the door will look like glass. So far up until midnight-lunch I've inspected sprinker heads and been noting other discrepancys in the magazines. Well, I guess what I am trying to say is: please someone eat a taco for me and let me know how good it tastes..its almost been 5 days without one!!!

2008-06-19T06:03:00.000-07:00

I am currently looking for someone to go with me back in time.

This trip, unlike previous ones, will be for free because it is hard to find toilet paper in ocean size quantities. The only thing I ask is that you pack 18 lbs of cherry kool aid and try to find some instant water mix (if you have to invent it). In the mean time I will have to cancel my behind the wheel drivers instruction course to blind people (too many liability issues with that anyway). Oh yeah, one more thing: Due to the nature of this expedition, I will no longer be accepting SDSU students, unless you can get your hands on some sodium chloride-dihydrogen monoxide, I might be able to power my Equus asinus if I have enough of it. Please feel free to touch bases with me via smoke signal if anyone is interested...

2008-06-17T17:50:00.000-07:00

My new Nail Gun, made by Dewalt.
It can drive a 6-D nail thru a 2 X 4 at 200 yards.
This makes construction a real breeze…you can sit in your lawn chair and build a fence.
Just get the wife and kids to hold the fence boards in place while you sit back, relax with a cold ice tea, when they have the board in the right place just fire away.
With the hundred round magazine, you can build a fence with a minimum of reloading.
After a day of fence building with the new Dewalt Rapid fire nail gun, the wife will not ask you fix or build anything else.
Available for a little more is the 'band-aid magazine' for those near misses when fence building.

2008-06-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

Intercessory Prayer, We Miss You!
By Martyn Ballestero Sr.

This is just a line to let you know how things are since you’ve gone. It’s not the same without you, nor will it ever be. Although our lives seem shallow and empty when you’re not here, we’ve learned to make up for you in other ways. We’ve learned to live without you.
We now run the aisles, leap for joy, jig to the music, sing catchy choruses, and tap our feet in time to the rhythm of the drums. We use sticks, banners, black lights and our sign teams do a tremendous job acting out recorded music. We’ve learned to worship without you.
The prayer rooms are mostly silent now. Those that do go there, for the most part, come away dry-eyed. A lot of praying now is chanting and singsong style. That’s how we know we’re in the groove. We pray memorized phrases that come automatically. We love what we call Prayer Walks. Most of us don’t even close our eyes anymore during prayer. We just walk and pray while we look around. We pray because it is required. No one prays till they break through anymore. We just pray till our ten minutes are up.
Family altars are almost unheard of now. You can’t imagine how busy we are and how hectic our schedules have been. It’s unbelievable. We get up in the morning and never stop till we go to bed at night. We do try to make it to church most services and get some praying in there during the service, but prayer at home is kind of out of the question. That may be another reason you haven’t heard much from us.
Oh sure, we still believe in prayer, as such. But not very many of us are anxious for you to come back. (You were always the polite type, you know, never forcing yourself on anyone. You never came uninvited. You only left because you were ignored.)
The sad truth is you’re not really needed anymore. You see, most of us have hospitalization insurance now. (It sure takes away that old desperate feeling we use to have.) So now, there’s no need to pray more than the few minutes it takes to drive to the Emergency Room. Also, we don’t have to ask for our daily bread like we used to. We now have better jobs with good benefits and government programs to fall back on.
If we lose our jobs, there is always Unemployment or Welfare. If we retire or become disabled, Social Security now supplies our needs. So, you can see, we’re doing OK. Other things have filled the void in your absence. Sure we miss you. But we’re getting over it some how. Actually, we’re too busy to entertain you right now, even if you tried to come back. I hope you understand.
We are having revivals now without you. It’s not hard. The pastor fasts and prays, along with a couple others. The evangelist preaches mostly just to sinners now. Most of us try to get to church in time for the first song or two. We justify the fact that the number of new converts is down. Yes, there seems to be diminished conviction, less lasting victory, fewer miracles and many young people are backsliding. We agree, however, that it’s not us that are at fault here; it’s just the times we’re living in. It’s like this everywhere.
As your friend, I’m writing this to you, knowing how much it must hurt you to have folks say they miss you… and yet in their material and intellectual progress, they’ve weaned themselves away from the haunting memory of you.
What hurts, I know, is that we were children you personally raised. You were always there when we needed you. (But now… we don’t.) You taught us about faith. You taught us about miracles. You taught us about a move of God. You taught us about revival. You taught us about how to touch God. Thank you for that, but you see, this is a new day and we are trying to go to the next level. Our services are structured differently now.
Do you know… can you believe, that now when you are ever mentioned in church, everyone gets real quite? They all feel guilty I’m sure. It’s like they experience a momentary twinge of guilt while they consider their part in your disappearance. Once in awhile some even get misty eyed when we talk about the old times you shared with us. But all that feeling vanishes along with the pizza right after church.
No, Intercessory Prayer, your coming back really wouldn’t work right now. We’re too blessed. We’re doing too well. We’re comfortable. In your day, you served your purpose, but the sentiment of most today is that we can manage OK without you now. We’ve got better clothes, cars, homes and prettier and bigger churches than ever.
By the way, do you remember all the folks of yesteryear coming into the sanctuary with red-rimmed eyes? Remember the baggy looking knees in men’s’ suits? Remember all night prayer meetings? Remember the depth that was in worship? Remember when sinners couldn’t sit in their pews any longer, and would run to the altar? Remember when you could feel unity and brotherly love? When folks helped bear one another’s burdens? When the saints didn’t watch the clock? When they could hardly wait to enjoy the after service atmosphere, praying around the altar until the wee hours of the morning? Boy, those were to good old days. We call that “Old School.”
Well, it’s pretty much all gone now. But you ought to see our new Hammond C-3, our new drum set with a cage and everything. Electric bass guitars are just awesome and the electric guitars too. We use Praise Singers to help cover up the fact that our congregations don’t sing like they should or used to. We let them do most of our worship for us. Our Choirs just do terrific on the new style songs. Old saints don’t like the new songs much, but the younger crowd seems to like them. Many music directors don’t even know some of your old favorite songs, so they don’t get played much anywhere.
You would be proud of our church buildings. Carpet on the floors, there are pews now instead of benches and they are padded too, besides. The arched beam are beautiful, we also have the loveliest of imported chandeliers. Our pastor has polish too. He doesn’t preach long. We are more concerned about sermon length now, than content. Our pastor spices up his sermons with cute sayings… but I guess that’s progress for you. “Win some, lose some.”
Speaking of “lose some”, we’re losing a surprising percentage of our young people. An unbelievable number of marriages have gone on the rocks. Many lives have been in jeopardy. But that’s to be expected I guess. Teenagers seem to be at war with their parents and want to dress more and more like the kids at the public school. Our youth meetings may not have much in the way of prayer, but we have great icebreakers, skits and games.
We have plenty of medicines nowadays to help our aches and pains. What more could we ask for? Sure we miss you, but I guess we really don’t NEED you right now.
I hope you’re not offended. I don’t mean for you to be. You’ll always have a special place in my memory. You were very kind and generous to me. You sure got me out of some hard times. I can’t thank you enough! Still, this is a generation now that doesn’t know you at all. Your coming would probably scare them.
Remember the night when my mother sat at the piano bench and you joined her there? Remember how she wept and groaned in the Spirit and slumped to the floor during the revival service and how some tried to call the ambulance because they thought she was sick? They never knew you and her were talking.
That’s what I mean. A good many never got to know you well. And most never knew you at all. Those that knew you personally have waited so long to talk to you that they are now, to say the least, embarrassed.
So while we are trying to work out our feelings about you, and see where you might fit into our plans in the future, you might try your luck someplace else. Try Brazil, Ethiopia, or how about the Philippines? You might have better luck in Third World Countries, or behind the iron Curtain. You might even luck out and find someone to talk to you in some little storefront on the other side of the tacks. Surely someone somewhere needs you.
We’re terribly sorry, Intercessory Prayer, we miss you, but we really don’t NEED you… right now!

2008-06-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

today my ship needed some gas so we did a replenshipment at sea. The price we paid was about $3.19 per gallon, which is a little bit cheaper than at the gas station. The only catch though was that we took on 800,000 gallons... add that up and it is roughly 2.5 million dollar fill up!

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that is why (if you notice below) I wash my windows when I fill up my jetta :)