Life lessons from Noah.

Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark...
One: Don't miss the boat.
Two: Remember that we are all in the same boat.
Three: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
Four: Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
Five: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
Six: Build your future on high ground.
Seven: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
Eight: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
Nine: When you're stressed, float a while.
Ten: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.
Author: Unknown

God bless, Joe

Life lessons from Noah.

And the answer is?

You are driving a bus. From the station, the bus goes 4 blocks and picks up 6 people. The bus then makes a right and go 2 blocks and pick up 4 more people. The bus then goes straight for a block makes a left and go for 2 more blocks, at that stop 4 more people get on the bus and 3 get off. The bus then goes 6 blocks before making a right and then going 2 more blocks, 7 people get on the bus and 5 get off of the bus. The bus goes 1 block and 1 person gets off the bus and 3 get on.

How old is the bus driver?

And the answer is?

A friend for all of us.

Over the years, I have been involved in a few youth ministries. Some of them good, some of them not so good. Some of them, the youth just didn't want to get involved, or there were some who tried to cause trouble or there were even some who just didn't care. I am very blessed to be part of the youth ministry at our current church. The youth there are great! I am not saying we don't have our problems, because we do. I am just saying the blessing out weigh the problems, 20 fold. A lot of these kids have a good head on their shoulders, they know what they want to do with their lives once they graduate high school. One such kid was Kurt.

I have known Kurt for, oh I guess about five years now. He was one of those guys who knew exactly what he wanted to do. Kurt wanted to join the Armed Forces. After he graduated, he did just that. I have tried to keep up with Kurt over the past few years but it has been hard. He has been all over the world, sometimes he couldn't tell us where he was going or where he has been. I would just be elated when I got a letter from him telling me of his latest adventures.

Like I said, it is hard to keep up with him and I have not spoken with him in a very long time. That is until the other day, someone gave me Kurt's email address. I wrote him a quick note, asking him how he was doing and if he needed anything. That was a week or two ago, today I got an email from him! It was short and sweet, you know, "I am OK." "How are you and the family?" Stuff like that. But the one thing in his email that stands out the most is this one comment, and I will quote it. "Things are alright here. Not a whole lot to say about it. I stay busy, but my needs are small, and my wants are smaller. I really couldn't ask for anything more than I have now, except maybe a safe return."

I don't know where Kurt is right now, I know he is in a desert in some faraway land, away from his friends and family defending our country. He is probably sleeping in a cot or in a sand pit somewhere. Eating MRE's. Not being able to take a shower everyday. Missing the stuff that we take for granted. But he says he doesn't need anything. I am just blown away by that statement. I guess because it is so selfless.

Luke 10:27 He answered, "'Love the Lord God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' and 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Then Jesus goes on to tell the story of the Good Samaritan. I never really thought about all of the people in that story. There was the robber, the religious men, the Samaritan, and the innkeeper. Jesus went to the cross for all of them. They had their good traits and their faults.

I am not saying Kurt is Jesus. Believe me, Kurt is far from being Jesus. I have some stories to tell but that is another article. But Kurt is willing to love his neighbor enough to go to war to keep our country free. I know, I know, I am not being politically correct. But he is willing to do it for the Democrats, Republicans, Liberals, people who do not believe in the war, people who do not support our troops, people who protest and call him names. Just like Jesus did it for the innkeeper, the religious men, the Samaritan, the robbers, me and you. I know this is kind of a stretch to make a point but I feel it needed to be said.

So if you do or do not believe in this war or any war, at least support the guys who are sent to fight for our country. They and the HEROS before them are the reason why we are allowed to disagree with each other and put our thought down on these blog things without being sent to jail. They and the HEROS before them are the reason we can go to church without the fear of being put to death. They and the HEROS before them are the reason why this country is so great. THEY are HEROS just like the men and women before them.

I know that this in not like most of my other posts. It is kind of a in-your-face, down to true life type blog. Kurt and others like him are out there in harms way, all they ask is for a safe return. Guys, when you are sitting with your families and friends having some quality time with them, say a little prayer for all of those in harms way. Ask the good Lord for them all to return home safe.

Kurt, man if you ever read this, thank you for taking the time and risking your life, so me and my family are free to do whatever we want. Thank you for keeping us safe from people who want to take this freedom from us. Thank you for being my friend. I WILL see you when you get home. Keep your head down and be safe. I love you man.

God bless,

Joe

A friend for all of us.

Napoleon vs. Fender.

1 
CLICK ON THE TITLE!
Hey guys I found this cool web site where you can decide who dances better, Napoleon Dynamite or Fender from the movie Robots. Just click on the title and it will direct you to the web page. Have fun, Joe

Link Napoleon vs. Fender.

Don't worry, be happy.

7 reasons not to worry.

Read Matthew 6:25-34. In my Life Application Bible, it paraphrases it for us.

1. The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life. (Matt. 6:25)

2. Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today. (Matt. 6:26)

3. Worrying is more harmful than helpful. (Matt. 6:27)

4. God does not ignore those who depend on Him. (Matt. 6:28-30)

5. Worry shows a lack of faith in and understanding of God. (Matt 6:31,32)

6. There are real challenges God wants us to pursue, and worrying keeps us from them. (Matt. 6:33)

7. Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry. (Matt. 6:34)

As you guys know, worry and stress go hand-in-hand. Please take these 7 points to heart. Trust in God and let Him carry your stress and worry. I know there are times when you might be "concerned" about things, but the Bible tells us, not only in Matthew but throughout its pages, that God will be there for you.

I WILL NEVER make lite of God's Word, I believe it is our guide through our daily walk here on earth. But if you still feel a little stressed, click on the title of this article and hit the pig, maybe that will help.

God bless,
Joe

Link Don't worry, be happy.

God knows!!!!

GOD KNOWS!!!!!!!
(Thanks to Tracy Faulkner)

When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts...
God knows how hard you have tried.

When you've cried so long and your heart is in anguish...
God has counted your tears.

If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by...
God is waiting with you.

When you're lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call...
God is by your side.

When you think you've tried everything and don't know where to turn...
God has a solution.

When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated...
God has the answer.

If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope...
God has whispered to you.

When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for....
God has blessed you.

When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe...
God has smiled upon you.

When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow...
God has opened your eyes and called you by name.

Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are facing...
GOD KNOWS!!

I don't think I need to say anything else!

God bless,
Joe

God knows!!!!

I have a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!

Needs more cowbell! 
This is just a taste of one of the best Saturday Night Live skits, ever. Click on title or link below to see what I am talking about. I know, I know, I am an idiot, that is why you keep coming back.

Enjoy,
Joe

Link I have a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!

Check out my guest map.

Hey guys, I have just added a guest map to my blog. Please check it out and place a pin on your place of residence. Leave me a note if you want to.

God bless,
Joe

Check out my guest map.

He is five foot two inches tall and he is only eight years old. (orginal)

Hunter! 
Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."

They say third time is a charm, I hope so because this is the third time I have tried to write this article. So here it goes.

Hunter, my oldest son, loves to play sports. He has played a few years of recreational baseball and soccer. This year I wanted him to try something different, so when he mentioned basketball, I was thrilled. As you can see by the picture, Hunter is pretty tall for his age. He is eight years old and is five foot two inches tall and wears a size nine men's shoe. So like I said, when he asked about basketball my pride swelled. It is a funny thing, pride, it seems to always turn to bite you.

When Hunter told me he wanted to play basketball, pride just coursed through my body. As most dads with a 5'2" tall eight year old would think, "He is going to be a natural!" So I signed him up. There was a church in our neighborhood that was sponsoring an "Upward" basketball program. For those of you looking for any type of sporting program to put you kid into, Upward is one of the best. I think they offer soccer, basketball and cheer leading.

Anyway, the very first night that I took Hunter to basketball practice my pride and ego was just off-the-chart. Let me explain, as we were walking through the gym all the coaches were watching us. We had to walk through the gym to the information desk to find out which team he was on. As we were walking through I noticed all the coaches were watching us. They were elbowing each other and pointing. Another little boost to the pride and ego. We found out Hunter's team was practicing on court three. As we walked in that direction I could see the coaches were getting excited to see him. They welcomed him with open arms.

That is when my pride turned to bite me. Hunter started his first practice. I was waiting to see slam dunks and behind the back passes. Guess what, Hunter can not play a lick of basketball. He can't shoot, pass or even dribble. Man, this pride thing really stinks. I wanted to hide in a hole somewhere.

I learned something important that day. It was not Hunter's fault that he couldn't play basketball, it was mine. I should have spent more time with him, teaching him.

So, I started working with him. After a few more practices and games he started to get a little better. He still couldn't dribble but he discovered one thing, he was taller than almost all of the other players in the league. He started blocking shots and getting rebounds. My pride, well, it started coming back to life. Only this time it was a little more subdued.

I learned something else during this season, aren't Christians somewhat like Hunter and his basketball skills. This may be a stretch but hold on I will explain. When we become Christians, most of us do not have a clue as what God expects of us. Does He want us to be preachers, missionaries, lawn care professionals, baby sitters or even Sunday school teachers? You see most of us do not know what our God given gifts are. That's when we have to be a little more like Hunter, you have to spend time with your Father. Learn what He is offering you. Find the thing or things you are good at and work at it. You may not be called to be a preacher but maybe God wants you to hang out with some youth. Just be a goofball with them, listen to them and when they need it, be there for them. That is what He has done with me. And I am a better person for it.

As for Hunter, the season ended with two wins and eight loses. He only scored 6 points all year. He still can't dribble or pass. But what a rebounder! I am very proud of my son. He tried his best at everything and became a little better at the big things, the things everyone cheers for. But it was the little things he really excelled at, the things he was born to do.

I wonder what God says about us when we can't do the big things well but we do our best at the little things.

God bless,
Joe

He is five foot two inches tall and he is only eight years old. (orginal)

Baby got book.

Hey everyone. I love this new thing where I can add videos. I would like to thank my friend Morris for sending this to me. This is a very funny video. I also want to thank the man who made it. www.whiteboydj.com

I hope you like it!

God bless,
Joe

Link Baby got book.

Napolean Dynamite meets the Skit Guys.

Hey everyone, click on the title or the link below to watch the new Napolean Dynamite video.

Enjoy,
Joe

Link Napolean Dynamite meets the Skit Guys.

20 Ways to maintain a healthy level of insanity.

1. At lunch time, sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars. See if they slow down.

2. Page yourself over an intercom. Don't disguise your voice.

3. Every time someone asks you to do something, ask if they want fries with that.

4. Put a garbage can on your desk and label it "IN".

5. Put decaf in the coffee maker for three weeks. Once everyone has gotten over their coffee addictions, switch to espresso.

6. In the memo field of all your checks, write "`For my dog, Pepe".

7. Finish all your sentences with "In accordance with the prophecy".

8. Don't use punctuation.

9. As often as possible, skip rather than walk.

10. When going past the movie theater in your Cadillac. Roll down your windows and play rap music real loud.

11. Specify that your drive-through order is "to go".

12. Sing along at the opera.

13. Go to a poetry recital and ask why the poems don't rhyme.

14. Put mosquito netting around your work area and play tropical sounds all day.

15. Five days in advance, tell your friends you can't attend their party because your not in the mood.

16. Have your co-workers address you by your wrestling name, Rock Hard.

17. When the money comes out of the ATM, scream "I Won, I Won!"

18. When leaving the zoo, start running towards the parking lot, yelling "Run for your lives, they're loose!"

19. Tell your children over dinner,
"Due to the economy, we are going to have to let one of you go."

20. When standing near a crowd yell, "Hey, Eldon." (Or any onther made up name.) Watch their response.

What is you favorite way to maintain a healthy level of insanity? Please leave a comment if it is different than one listed here. Or if you like one of the ones listed you may comment on that also.

God bless, Joe

20 Ways to maintain a healthy level of insanity.

A Miracle of War

During the Korean war, one man was hurt badly on the battlefield of Heartbreak Ridge. His buddies were in a foxhole about 50 yards away when the man was hit by sniper fire in an ambush.
As the fire continued, the other men discussed amongst themselves what to do. But since the sniper fire was too intense, to crawl out and bring back their wounded buddy would mean almost certain death.

For a while no one would move. The men in the foxhole could hear their wounded friend yelling for help.

Then one of the men in the foxhole began to look intensely at his own watch. He could not keep his eyes off it. All others in the foxhole noticed this, and began to ask questions. But the soldier with the watch remained silent.

All of a sudden, the man with the watch jumped out of the foxhole, and crawled over to his wounded buddy. He then grabbed him by the nape of the collar, and very slowly made his way back to the foxhole, all the while sniper fire whizzing around. Both amazingly did make it back to the foxhole without another bullet penetration.

After the sniper fire had died down, the man who saved his wounded buddy was asked why he waited so long to crawl after his wounded friend. To which he responded: "My mom said every day at the exact same time she would be praying for me. And according to my watch, I left the foxhole exactly when she started praying."

Author Unknown


Guys, never under estimate the power of prayer.

God bless,
Joe

A Miracle of War