Sunday, December 21, 2008

Merry Christmas!


I was playing with our new camera and took this shot. It is Christmas Card perfect! These are Hank's "Bat Ears." He is so cute.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Motorcycle Video

TxDot just released a new video about motorcycle safety for drivers ed. It is fairly entertaining. Note the line: "Thats why your head swivels." (Again, another health educator moment.)

Monday, December 1, 2008

12 Ways to Health

Check out this great tune! Remember to stay safe and healthy this holiday season! (The health educator is coming out again...)

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Logs of Dogs!

Miss Aspen looking innocent...we know better!

Lacey closed her eyes!

Hank looking like an outdoor dog. We will get him that backyard someday.



Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Look Out Austin!

Austin - as you prepare to chase a dream of being in the nba, just remember that there are millions of other kids out there doing the same...like this 5 year old girl.
So keep practicing!!!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Any Good Movies Out There?

Theresa and I were looking for a movie tonight to go see.  Here were our choices by rating at the Bryan theater:
  • 7 rated R
  • 6 rated PG-13
  • 4 rated PG
  • 0 rated G
While we are not opposed to seeing movies based on rating alone, it did frustrate me that there we are getting fewer and fewer movies to go see that don't center around sex, drugs, stupid teen crap, or some other useless junk.  What happened to the movies that you could see and not feel like you immediately had to confess your sin?

Anyhow, to try to put a relaxing end to our ultra-stressful week we ended up renting a movie we knew and drinking tea from Chicken Express.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Hank

Did any of you hear about the Montgomery County Animal Shelter dogs? Well, they has such an influx of dogs being dropped off due to Hurricane Ike that they were going to have to euthanize over 100 dogs on Saturday (of last week). The email included a link to photos of the dogs...that was a mistake. I was ready to leave work early and go save a dog. Well, I called and they had such a strong response that they had adopted out all the dogs except 30. They also decided not to euthanize any of them because they had freed up so much room. I breathed a sigh of relief. I had dodged yet another opportunity to pay or $450 pet deposit.

Well, Eric was talking to a coworker today and found out that she had gone and taken 15 dogs from the shelter last Friday. She still had 5 dogs and wanted him to go out to her house to take a look. Well, we went. There were 5 dogs left. Three of them were hyper, one was not fixed and one was calm and fixed. We found a match! We need a calm dog for our little bitty apartment, and we didn't want to pay to get the dog fixed.

Meet Hank. He is about 1 year old. He isn't an Ike dog because he was taken to the shelter back in June. He is calm yet still acts like a puppy. He is great!



Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Surprise Fish

Well, when we bought our fish, we asked for two females. She warned us that it looked like one of them was pregnant. A week later we had 1 baby fish that we saved before they could eat it. Unfortunately, he didn't make it - we didn't know what we were doing.

Two nights ago I glanced at our fish tank and saw 2 little guys swimming around. Apparently, we did not get two females. This time I knew what to do, and the little guys are still going. I bought them a new tank because the filter on my old beta tank was not doing so well. Here are pictures of the new mollies in their new tank. You can actually see one of them swimming around. They are tiny!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Congratulations Eric!

Eric tied for 5th in a Professional Bowling Association tournament this weekend in Austin. Go Eric!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Goodness

Please respond to this post!

Genesis 1:4 - "And God saw that the light was good..."

How do you interpret the meaning of "good"?  I tend to think of the biblical "good" as some sort of binary definition where it either is good or not.  Meaning, things are either having sin or not.  Is man inherently good or evil?  Evil because of the presence of sin is what I think most of you will say.  Since that is the case, why then do people contend that the definition of the "good" being used in the bible is one different than having binary properties?  If we accept everything either has sin or doesn't, then we cannot have a spectrum of evilness to goodness.  It is either a sin or not.  It is either having evil or not.  

Our blog is not regulated like peleas5.  He is very capable of looking past abrasive speech or "debate" (like my own at times unfortunately due to my sinful nature).  I, on the other hand, am not.  Therefore please keep replies very polite and delicate if you disagree with someone.  I'm not here to facilitate strong disagreements since we are not in person having a discussion.



Late Addition:
One more thing I forgot to mention is I have heard from those that contend "good", even in Genesis, is measured on a spectrum is that it can therefore be implied that God did not have a perfect creation. I wonder if this could be how some evolutionists still claim to be Christian. The biggest problem I have here is that if you allow God to not make a perfect creation, then it seems He is imperfect. (Unless you suppose He purposefully did it imperfectly.) If He made an imperfect creation without the supposition being true, our understanding of Jesus' perfection and the perfection of our trinity seems to be put in jeopardy. Lastly, I realize some of you will be learning Genesis in Sunday School this semester. That is great. This means you will be able to better answer this right?!?!?!?!?


Friday, September 5, 2008

For My Political Nutjob Friends

You people that love Ron Paul missed him on Stephen Colbert tonight (Thursday night). I know it will say I posted this on Friday morning...but look at the time! Anyhow, perhaps youtube will have it if you guys want to watch.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

My New Job

Since I can't explain what my job is normal English, here is what the job description was for potential applicants:

Responsibilities primarily include economic modeling and data analysis support for outreach programs and applied research designed to improve public-sector, community, and business decision-making. Other duties will include responding promptly to subject matter requests on economic impact analysis from groups such as state agency personnel, commodity and trade associations, local government, county extension agents, and departmental administration. Individual and team efforts are required to plan, develop, and implement analyzes of economic impacts from changes in trade and trade policy, farm policy, value-added alternatives, or rural economic development incentives. It is expected the IMPLAN model will be used, in part, to facilitate the applied research necessary to meet unit goals in this area by providing the different levels of geographic aggregation desired by constituent groups.

Basically, it means impact analysis. So, if you wonder what I will be doing...this is the best I can give you because it all depends on what is needed.

Of course this means that Theresa and I were extremely blessed today by me receiving an offer letter after having an interview last week for the job. This is super news. I think my being fatigued is leading to a poor post, but this should help answer the questions I have fielded inadequately. Adios - Eric

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Stephen Curtis Chapman

Stephen Curtis Chapman will be on Larry King Live tonight at 8pm central to discuss the loss of his child earlier this summer and what his family has been doing to cope, etc. I think it is great that he is getting this type of press time to hopefully spread the gospel. If you have a chance, tune in.
Eric

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Effects of an idol

This is the best story I have found talking about the current Brett Favre situation.  I say Brett Favre situation because it is not about the team, it is about the individual.  Check it out.
I'm not saying the Packers have done everything right; nor am I saying Brett has done everything wrong.  But this situation clearly shows the effects of when we create an idol(s).  Fortunately for the rest of us, we don't live under this microscope of the media.  However, I bet we can all learn from it and perhaps see our own idols a little clearer; whether they be job related, money related, or whatever.  
I always have to check myself into right thinking about bowling.  Why do I try to bowl professionally?  Is it to look cool and win money?  Is it because I am so great?  NO!  This is a big struggle for me: remembering that the chief end of man is to glorify God and fully enjoy Him forever.  Bowling may be a lot of fun and I may have been given a little capacity for it, but if I don't have the right mind-set then it is all for naught.  It is very easy to do well at a tournament and think I am good or great or better than others or something.  Satan is always lurking.  However, if I take the talent God has given to me and try to hold credit for it, I am stealing and committing blasphemy.  The way I try to think of it is that the talent is God's and He just gave it to me for a bit to show how great He is.  It is my job to use it in a manner that still reflects all glory and honor to Him.  This is so hard for me!  Maybe you guys struggle with it too in something you do.  Maybe its not being a professional athlete or something.  Maybe its how pretty you are or how cool your house is or how well your kids behave or something.  We just have to keep remembering it is all God-given and all glory and honor should be given back to Him.  (By "we" I mean me)

...just a little rant from a guy who sees himself in the mirror and doesn't always like it...

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Eric's Lullaby

Eric sang this to me the other day. I thought it was blog-worthy...

Hush little baby, don't say a word
Eric's going to buy you some khaki pants
And if those khaki pants don't fit
Eric's going to buy you a membership to Aerofit.


Isn't he sweet....

Monday, June 30, 2008

Visitation & Funeral

Another quote from the boards:

Visitation for Mel is this Wednesday at Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan / College Station from 6-8pm.
The funeral is at Central Baptist Church in Bryan on Thursday at 2pm.

Eric

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Mel Wood 6-28-08

Below is the post I have put on the web forums Mel was a part of:

Thank you to everyone that prayed for and loved Mel. Earlier today Mel had to go back into surgery because of another complication. He has since passed on. A few minutes ago Debby called to tell me the news. Please continue praying for the family during this difficult time. When arrangements are made I will let you know.
Eric Manthei

If I haven't said it yet, Debby is one of his daughters.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Update on "Update"

Well, it has been an eventful while since I last posted on Mel's condition. Part of that is because it has changed so dramatically and part of that is because I have been a combination of lazy and out of town.
Nearly 2 weeks ago I went with a couple of friends of mine to bowl in a tournament in Killeen. We decided to stop by Temple on the way, added only about 20 miles to the round trip, and see Mel. Mel was doing ok I suppose. He was beginning to get some normal color back in his skin instead of the yellow he had turned. Also, he was seemingly making good progress and was on track for perhaps getting to go home after another week or so. Well, as it turns out, the next day Mel was found collapsed in the bathroom; I speculate he attempted to head there on his own. He was unconscious and immediately placed in ICU. He was put on life support for a couple of days until he could breathe and all on his own again. I'm saying these things very quickly and matter of factly and in doing so not doing justice to the scare and wonderment had throughout. Please don't misconstrue that as me saying it was an easy time for Mel or any of his family / friends. Everyone was very scared, worried, upset, fatigued, etc. As Providence would have it, this past Sunday, Mel was actually told he was ready to be put back in his own room for the normal recovery he was there for before the ICU stuff happened. Somewhere in the middle of the surprise ICU week he had to have another surgery to fix whatever caused him to collapse...fortunately that went well. A neat note is that this past Sunday the bowling alley held a benefit tournament for Mel. After all was said and done they were able to raise more than $20,000.00 for him and his family to offset the financial burden of being in a hospital, without work, etc, for so long. The Eagle had a brief article about the benefit on June 18th. As of now, Mel is back in a normal recovery room and en route to coming home for more rest and such in a week or so. Then chemotherapy...
(the article in The Eagles says prostate cancer, that is wrong, it is pancreatic cancer)

Again, I wrote this very matter-of-factly merely to catch you guys up on his condition. Your prayers can still be guided using what I said before about his family members and friends. Although, with all of the drama, I can't help but wonder if Mel has been shaken a little bit as well and just trying not to show it. Please pray the Spirit will be with them and that they will know Christ the Saviour.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Dog Training

Well the girls had their dog training graduation today. This was their eighth class. Here were the highlights:


  • Aspen barked at every dog, like usual

  • Lacey ignored the Great Pyrenees because they must be too big to be dogs

  • The crazy campus bird-chasers decided to shoot their "guns" in the middle of long sits and downs. It was a little distracting.

  • Lacey got 2nd place!

  • Aspen got 3rd place!

Even though they placed, we are still going to do another 8 weeks. They still need a lot of work. Here are some pictures from today.

Aspen Heeling

Lacey Heeling

The girls taking a break

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Need Motivation?

Wanna get healthy? Here are two ways to feel a part of something and get some accountability:
http://www.presidentschallenge.org/
http://www.50millionpounds.com/

Theresa and I will be starting one of these soon. If any of you want to join us as accountability partners or for motivation, let us know.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Lucky Bandana

Last week we had a 9:15pm softball game. It was virtually only players and a few wives. None of the normal kids were there. Before the game I decided I would wear a bandana over my head to the game. I have always kind of enjoyed wearing bandanas, but I never really do it consistently because I'm afraid of wearing the wrong colors and having someone mistake me for a gang member or something. Well, Theresa and I have been to Walmart, Target, and Hobby Lobby looking for bandanas I could wear without fear of anyone thinking I'm in a gang. The one I decided to wear to the game last week was particularly froofroo (spelling hammer?). I should have picked up on that since I got it from the little girls' section of Walmart. Regardless, I proudly wore it to the game, thanks to Theresa being able to fasten it safely to my head. Luckily for me, two things are true:
1) My wife is a good wife in that she doesn't mind if I look silly as long as I'm happy.
2) I'd rather someone think my bandana is froofroo and think I'm gay than think I am a gang member wearing the incorrect colors. I am a bit on the, "I don't particularly care what people think of my appearance" side of things, so since one choice was based on looks and one on safety, the type of bandanas I wear is an obvious choice.

Now to the point.

We won the game last week, 12-2. It was the first time I remember ever being on the winning side of a game with only 2 runs scored. Some of the female counterparts attributed the big W to the bandana.
This week, we won again, with me sporting the same bandana, freshly washed of course. The score this time was 6-4. Amazing that we could actually win a slow-pitch softball game with only 4 runs.
Needless to say, our success is clearly because of the bandana; at least according to a few of the females and my 'friendly' teammates who have given me 'nicknames'.

A funny part:
Tonight while Theresa was fastening it to my noggin, Miss Alexis asked her mother, "Why is Mrs. Theresa doing that? Mr. Eric looks silly!" Then after the game, Miss Alexis came to me and directly proclaimed, "You look funny Mr. Eric!" Ahh, children and their ability to say the truth! My response to Miss Alexis is that I may look funny, but at least I can tie my own shoes!!!

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Mel's own words

"I want to thank each and every one of you for your prayers and well wishes. Jim, when i read that you hung my banner this weekend, it meant more to me than you could imagine. Being honored by SASBA was truly a great honor, and congratulations to Randy for such awesome bowling!! I am scheduled to undergo some massive surgery tomorrow to bypass a bowel that is potentially blocked and causing my juandice. They also plan to hook up a permanent outlet to use when I am strong enough to start chemo. Debby will keep everyone updated on how things are going.Once again, thank you all for being an important part of my life. I never met a person in SASBA that I didnt like, even BIG AL HAHA.
May God bless each of you and your families and may you find peace in his everlasting love,
Mel Wood"

SASBA is the Senior All Star Bowlers Association. It is essentially a regional pro tour for seniors. There is no senior regional tour for PBA members, so this is the venue for those that are not on the national senior PBA tour. The banner "Jim" hung for Mel was the one he got when he won his first SASBA. SASBA has a tradition of hanging the banners of all previous winners at each event. It is kind of a neat sight.
Debby is one of Mel and Sue's daughters. Sue is his wife.
Randy is the guy that won the most recent SASBA.

If you are wondering my relationship to Mel, he was my coach growing up and pro-shop guy. He taught me how to work on people's bowling equipment and do repairs as well as lots of other information about the sport, how to attack different lane conditions, how to select the right balls, layouts, surfaces, etc. I still use him as a source for all of my bowling inquiries. In high school, while my parents were in league, I would help sell things and work in there for fun. It was funny when I would sell a ball, bag or some shoes to an adult, when I was just a punk kid. Now I'm a punk adult. Some things never change.

So this is the guy you have been praying for. Since you see his own words and perhaps understand the situation better, you hopefully have a good idea of what to pray for.

Eric

P.S. While Mel seems to be handling things well, some of his family members are not. Please especially pray for them.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Update on "Concern"

This is a continuation/edit of the "Concern" post. Well, it turns out the diagnosis is pancreatic cancer (spelling). So now we wait until sometime very soon (hopefully this week) Mel goes in for a biopsy in Temple to see how far it has spread and what the situation is. Please continue to pray for him and all those affected by this situation.

Happy Birthday Theresa


Here is a picture of Theresa on an adventure with me and my cousin Becca in 2005 in Bastrop.
She is pretty daring!!!
Happy Birthday Theresa!

Monday, June 2, 2008

10,000 Steps

There is a physical activity program that encourages people to get 10,000 steps in one day. I (Theresa) signed up to participate through my work. I will give occassional updates on how I am doing (your welcome Kyle;))

Day 1: 7,434 (this is even with dog training! I am going to have to walk the long way to the bathroom at work)


Everyone should join me!!! Buy a cheap pedometer and keep track of how you are doing.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Sneaky Theresa

Most of you know I worked at a pizza place in some capacity over the course of 3-4 years where we made everything ourselves except for our dough mix which came in bags and we just had to combine water and put it in the mixer then portion it out, etc. Well, you might assume that I would be the one to make the best pizza dough / sauce in the house because of that on-the-job learnin'. However, Theresa made some homemade pizzas tonight while I watched the A&M softball team win their game vs. Florida. My only help was in making sure the dough had risen appropriately and would be manageable when she was getting tense about it. Other than that, our dinner preparations were typical american preparations where the husband is watching the tube in the living room while the wife is on the phone with her sister and making dinner at the same time.
Anyhow, the point is, her dough and sauce were amazingly better than any of the ones I have made in the past. She refused to admit it though, which I thought was very polite...she must have been paying attention to the sermon today when Wade brought up humility. In any event, I kind of laughed at myself for getting smacked down with better sauce / crust by a novice. It seems silly she would need my assurance that the dough is workable and that the other ingredients will be good when she makes it taste better.
As an aside it is possible my vision is clouded by the thought that every meal she makes is my favorite meal. This would be because to me they are considered gifts from God. Afterall, Theresa is a gift of God so anything she does for me with love must be a gift from God; kapeesh?(spelling ninepoundhammer?)

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Concern

A family friend of mine since I was very young and can remember found out today he has a tumor on his pancreas...pardon the spelling. Friday he has some tests to take where he has to drink that weird fluid that colors your insides so they can see them on the screen. Then they are going to send him to Temple another day for a biopsy and whatever else they do. As I am not the family medical knowledge tank, I can't explain much else. All I can say is he has lost lots of weight and can't really eat without it coming back to haunt him. The outlook is uncertain right now without knowing if it is just a bump they can get out, or it could be cancer that will spread, or it could be cancer that has already spread. Prayers are good as is God.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Mountaineers from the Mountains

I know its a little late, but I wanted to wait a little bit before I posted about this in case our friends from West Virginia were irritated with their previous neighbors. For those of you that missed it, the Democratic Election was in WV last week. Following the election, which Clinton won by a crazy 40% margin, some people were asked what they thought of the candidates. I have two things to note, one serious and one in jest:
1) There are still many whites that don't consider blacks equal.
2) "In exit polls, one in five white voters said race played a role their decision – and more than 80 percent of those supported Clinton," so my question is for the 20% of whites who claimed racism and didn't vote for Clinton...did you mis-check the correct box?

There you have it. Racism is real even if we can't see it in our daily lives. Regardless of your political stance, as a Christian this is a huge problem that we must always be aware of in our own sinful hearts and our assumptions we make of strangers we meet. To me it seems there are only two distinct groups of people: the elect and the nonelect. Color of skin is certainly not one of them.

P.S. Since I've mostly written political thoughts on the democratic race lately you may be thinking I am a democrat. Well, I can tell you one thing about me: I hold no allegiance to either party. Rather, I take things issue by issue because I have problems with both parties that cause me to not feel comfortable enough to claim one. Just wait ye republicans, I shall give you some interesting thoughts when there is a little more news on them as November approaches.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

SCC

While SSC doesn't have the same ring or meaning as CCR, Stephen Curtis Chapman's family has had a tragic accident. For more, visit http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/. Thanks to Brian for alerting me. (em)

Monday, May 19, 2008

Oh To Be A Hippy

Lately I've been participating in a discussion over certain issues we hold dear to our hearts. Most of the issues boil down to the legitimacy of the Bible. Some of the discussions have been:
Person A: "2 Timothy 3:16-17"
Person B: Paul wrote that before the New Testament was compiled, so how can we include in it the New Testament?

All I can think of right now is how it would feel to be a hippy. "Peace and love man, yeahhhhh. *exhale"

Last night I was in this discussion to the point that I got a headache. This morning I was irritated by the responses over night. Now I'm just confused by the desire of some to dismantle the idea that the Bible is the Word of God.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

A Lesson From The Democratic Campaigns?

As many of you know, and for those of you that don't, an 11 year old boy from McAndrews, Kentucky recently sold all of his video games, his bike, and other random things from his closet in order to donate the money to Hillary's campaign at a rally held by Bill. He was able to amass a sum over 400 bucks! Not bad for an 11 year old. Apparently his mother thought the money was being raised for their family vacation. Needless to say, the parents gladly let the child go through with this and accompanied him to the rally on Friday in order to present his money to Bill in person; even receiving an autographed picture of Bill and Hillary for it!
(here is the story http://http://dailymail.com/News/election08/200805120073?page=1&build=cache)
So some of you might be thinking, Eric, this is sad. Or perhaps you are thinking, Eric, you're a nerd and a doofus. Well, here's what I am thinking...
Here is a kid who is a perfect example for us.
He has become so entrenched in politics and his opinion of right and wrong he is willing to sell all of his "toys" and sell anything else he can find that he doesn't need in order to help the cause he is in love with. Are we that way with our love for Jesus? Are we so trusting in Christ that we are willing to rid ourselves of the "toys" we hold dear as security blankets, you know, for the "just in case"? Do we have things in our lives we hold onto that we don't really use, don't really like, or are otherwise holding onto for no apparent reason; knowing that we could give them to Goodwill or sell them and use the money to glorify God? Or maybe we spend lavishly on things that are not that important Monday through Saturday, but come Sunday we are saying, "Well, 10% is biblical, so $300 (or $15000 depending on your income) is good enough". Are we just crossing checklists when it comes to our relationships and responsibilities to the church and God or are we so looking forward to giving of ourselves that we are like this young boy, searching through his closet for more ways to give?
This is SUCH A HUGE issue for me. You have no idea the ways of my heart. Sin twists me up so bad when I start lusting for new things or when I can't part ways with old ones. Instead of trips to McDonald's for $1 large Dr. Peppers 3-4 times a week I should be saving this money or giving it to a worthy cause.
To think this issue is only about money would be wrong. In our fallen world we are taught to be selfish with our time, thoughts, and...well everything! We must be weary, friends, of the sin associated with idle minds, bodies, and resources. Everything we have is a gift from God. Please remember that.

P.S. if this doesn't make sense don't worry...these are just a little scope into my brain and what I'm struggling with right now so if nothing else is clear in this post, please pray for me to be less selfish!
P.P.S. don't expect an autographed picture of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit like the kid got of his heros...be happy with an undeserved salvation and that knowing the act of righteous giving of yourself makes you like a picture of Jesus to those to whom you give...

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Theresa

Over the last 24 hours Theresa has lost around 5lbs; which to put into perspective for the rest of us is around 4-5% of her total body weight. She has some kind of stomach issue where she can't keep fluids or solids down. She is seemingly getting a little better, so we are hopeful. Apparently a couple of people at work last week had similar problems. According to them it only lasted around a day so she should be better tomorrow. Anyhow, if you are reading this blog then you obviously have enough time to pray for her to get well and me to care for her properly, so please do so!
Eric

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Petless

Well, we have lost both of our pets in two days. Gordy, the hamster, died last night. He was old. Flash, the fish, died this evening. He was old, too. Here is a picture of Gordy. He is actually hanging out with Eric's cousin Becca in this picture. He was a cutie!

Saturday, May 3, 2008

New Job

Now that my finals are OVER, I can actually post about my new job. I went to Fort Worth in April for the American Alliance for Physical Education, Health, Recreation, and Dance national convention. While I was there, my internship supervisor emailed me because there was a job posting at the Brazos County Health Department for a health educator. I screamed and danced and then downloaded the application and filled it out. My wonderful sister-in-law, Kristina, faxed the application for me since I was still in Fort Worth on a Thursday night. Well, I got a call the next Friday to schedule an interview for Monday. I was a basketcase that whole weekend (and the next week after the interview). I went to the interview on Monday and was offered the job the next Friday. Now, I have never quit a job before, so I was feeling really bad about leaving Scott & White. I learned a lot at Scott & White (good and bad), but it is time for me to move on. I don't want to stay there forever, and this new job is exactly what I want. I have always wanted to do health education in a community setting. There is nothing that say "community" more that county health department.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Being in the world not of the world according to Sinclair Ferguson

"We are often told not to be negative (notice the negative!). But this is bad counsel for those who would follow Christ. In his kingdom, being positive implies also being negative. Belonging to his kingdom means rejecting all the claims and the characteristics of this world's kingdoms. It means having a feeling of not belonging because you are 'strangers [aliens] in the world' (1 Peter 1:1)." (From The Sermon on the Mount, Kingdom Life in a Fallen World.)

When I was reading a week or so ago I stopped on this page because I felt he had just said something so profound that I had to mull it over for a while. Maybe this quote won't strike you how it did me, but it is certainly a good point either way.

Eric

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Funny Music

Ok. Last November Theresa sent me an email containing a link to youtube. If it had not been from her, I probably would not have clicked it because some of my friends are a bit sketchy. Anyhow, after cleaning out my inbox today and finally stumbling on it again, I decided to post it here. I know many of you are former band nerds, choir geeks or orchestra snobs, so here you go. I also seem to remember a particular brew-known talking about it a while back at the retreat. For the mothers, he says damn and ass each once and tells someone he will see them in hell. Anyhow, enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdxkVQy7QLM

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Waiting for the Franklins

So I was piddling around thinking of all the wonderful things to say as we await the Franklins' news. Lo and behold, (I used that phrase for you ninepoundhammer), I found something to keep me busy other than my homework! Anyhow, I stumbled across a couple of jokes that I used to enjoy long ago that I had forgotten. Perhaps these will help you one day when you are lacking any thought processes in your brain at all:
1) Two ropes walk into a bar. The bartender says to the rope "Hey! we don't serve ropes in here" so one of the ropes left. The other rope frayed up his hair and tied himself in a knot. The bartender said to the rope "Are you a rope?" and the rope said "Nope, I'm afraid not".

2) Why was the Tomato blushing? Because he saw the salad dressing.

Ok, that's about all I got. Back to homework and answering Theresa every so often when she asks, "have they posted yet?"

Monday, March 31, 2008

March 30th

Funny how certain dates throughout the year may have a special meaning for you. For me, I'll never forget March 30th because it was that day 4 years ago I was sworn into the Air Force on my way to basic training. Theresa and I had just started dating about 4-5 months prior and there I was off to the military. You could say that wasn't the best of situations for either of us; being apart without me being able to write or call until I had "earned" that right. Something to realize is before I left we pretty much talked to each other all day - every day except while one of us was at work or in class. This was a shocker. Well as Providence would have it I would be diagnosed with Asthma while in basic training and last a mere 22 days. If you have never had an induced asthma attack in a hospital where they then want you to do breathing tests you can't do even when you aren't having an attack you don't know what you are missing. So after 2.5 weeks I was sent to the crazy people squadron. 319...the place where all the run aways, drug test failures, liars, suicidal people and oh yeah, sick people were. What did I do all day everyday during that time? I scrubbed the same stairwell each day with a little hand brush thing then would go and sweep the outside covered areas near the building. The cool thing about this time was since I was "normal" I got to do some neat things like paint an office near the sergeants' meeting room. While we were in there they told us they were not our training sergeants anymore but they were our bosses. So we got to talk to them like normal people, with the obvious courtesies of their higher ranks. We didn't have to adhere to the obnoxious basic training rules, just normal Air Force rules. They even ordered us delivery pizza and gave us each 2 hours in the local mini store. It was nice to be in the crazy squadron and not be crazy, comparatively speaking of course. Oh yeah, while at that mini mall trip, I stuffed my face with junk food and Dr. Pepper for the first time in 3 weeks or so. The next day, I pooped 12 times before lunch! Twas not fun. Luckily I could escape to the restroom without any of the sergeants knowing so they didn't know I was sick. If that was the case my exit papers would have been stalled and I would not have been able to get out as quickly. There were some people who were in 319 waiting for their exit papers to go through and it took many months even over a year in a couple of cases (usually the guys with legal problems like the druggies). The military has a certain way of if you make it mad, they might accidentally move your papers to the bottom. Anyhow, my papers only took a little over a week to process and April 20th I was told I was going home the next day. So April 21st came and there I was back in Bryan. I'm leaving out many fun details, but this is the main idea of what life was like, and why March 30th has a different meaning for me and Theresa. It marks first of many days where two people 3 hours away cried themselves to sleep and one of them prayed every night something would happen that would force me to get discharged and I simply just prayed that I wouldn't die the next day. Luckily, I didn't go crazy and got discharged happily and got to keep my income I had made; unlike the druggies and liars who got to pay the military back! The night I was to return home Theresa and a couple we had come to hang out with once a week or so to play games or eat or whatever were going to be meeting at McAlister's for supper. I called her from the airport and asked if they could push it back to 7 so I could make it. Of course they obliged.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Quotes of the Day

Here are a few good quotes I read today from Chapter 11 of When I Don't Desire God by John Piper

"The deepest foundation of our joy, as justified sinners, is that Christ died for our sins and thus revealed the smiling face of God for all who believe." - All I can say is "Praise be to God!!!"

"He identifies one of the great causes of our blindness (to everyday blessings) as self-absoprtion... How much happier you would be if you only knew that these people cared nothing about you!" - So true, how much do we miss because we are wondering how we look to everyone else.

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." -Psalm 19:1

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Adventures

Should you desire to learn of an epic expedition that took place right here in our very own Bryan / College Station look at http://www.xanga.com/pelleas5 and read the post on bicycle adventures. Your heart will be gripped and your breath will be stolen as you read about how Josh and Eric narrowly prevailed a certain demise at the hands of a path of poo and a creek of doo(m).

Friday, March 7, 2008

IT SNOWED!!!!

It actually snowed this morning in College Station, Texas!!!! This was my first time ever to see snow falling from the sky. I have seen it on the ground but never falling. Here are my pictures to prove it:

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Eric's new Bike

Eric got a new bike. This is a much nicer bike than the $50 Target bike he had before (but it isn't too hard to get nicer than that!) Thanks to Josh and the Newton brothers for helping him pick it out. Well, here are some picture with Eric and his new bike (and a green balloon because our neighbors were having a dinner party).


Tuesday, March 4, 2008

hmm

Soooooooooooooooo...
you ever get that feeling inside your head where you tell yourself, "Fine! I'll do it!"?
That's where I was this past week on two fronts.
One:
I uninstalled and cancelled World of Warcraft. This was not an easy task...just ask Theresa.
Two:
I grabbed my trombone and music and started playing again.

I don't want to get into a lot of the insides of these issues right now, but when you guys are reading the prayers or confessions of sin at church about "talents wasted, time wasted", etc...yeah...I might know something about that.

I must say, it is refreshing to finally not be stubborn with God about a couple of issues he has been talking to me about for a long time. The 2nd came a lot easier than the first...again ask Theresa sometime. It is amazing how I can admit how He is sovereign and omnipotent, yet I still try to do things my way and justify them somehow.

Anyhow, the point of this post is just to remind you guys of one thing...
Don't be dumb and try to fool God or ignore Him...
He doesn't go away! (which is an amazing blessing!)

Eric

Friday, February 22, 2008

Smelling like a Pineapple

Years ago my mother gave me a set of Bath and Body Works Iced Pineapple lotion, body splash, and shower gel for my birthday. I loved this scent!!! Unfortunately, it was only a summer scent and it disappeared shortly after that.

Fast forward to today: I have been using yucky boy bar soap because I ran out of my supply of shower gel from the semi-annual sell, so I decided to use the last of a gift card and pay full price for some shower gel ($9.50!!!!). Well, I just finished three bottles of Honeysuckle (which I love!), so I decided to try something else. We were perusing through the Pomegranate, Sweet Pea, and Cherry Blossom. Then lo and behold, they have Fresh Pineapple! I nearly screamed in excitement. I can smell like a pineapple again!

Well, this may seem silly, but this scent brings back good memories. My mom had put the set of Iced Pineapple on the end of my bed, so I awoke to my new and exciting present. It was exactly what I wanted that year. It was a big girl present. My mom has always known how to make me feel special. (Well, I am still not sure how to take the fire extinguisher she gave me for Christmas!)

Friday, February 8, 2008

Read it!

If you have not read When I Don't Desire God by John Piper, READ IT! Amazing. Totally changing my life from the view of passive to active Chrsitianity. This is a great book for those who wish their spiritual life is better but don't know what to do about it. Piper spells it out plainly. Go to www.desiringgod.org to get the book!

Fight for Joy!

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Praise God!

Matt is Back!!!

He got back Monday night. Very exciting.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Football

Well, this is Eric again. I was happy to see the Giants win. Yes, I'll say it again. I was happy to see the Giants win. Some of you may think wow, this guy is happy the Giants, the division rival of the Cowboys, the team that beat the Cowboys in the 2nd round of the playoffs, etc etc; he is happy they won? Indeed. I like the storylines. I'm irritated with the Patriots' egos on the defensive side of the ball. I appreciate Plaxico Burress...A LOT. Eli...well he is Eli. It is nice to see the little brother win it all. The best comment during the game by the commentators is a from a conversation between Eli and Payton...
Eli asks: Do you have any advice for me before the big game?
Payton replies: I think you are past advice from me.

This is great. I am happy people will be off his back. He is his own player. Payton would never have escaped the pass rush on the game winning drive like Eli did on that miracle of a third down play. That was amazing. Tony Romo-esque.

For me picking who I wanted to win was more of picking the lesser of two evils. Sure the Giants defensive line irritates me...particularly one of their more vocal guys...But overall, I'm glad Tom Brady will no longer be Mr. Perfect and people will quit having their man-crushes on him. Eli and his boys deserve their credit for being the ones to slay the beast.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Flash Update

Flash is doing much better. His eye is still a bit larger than normal, but it looks much better. The antibiotic really seemed to help. The box I bought had 8 packets made for 10 gallon tanks. Flash's tank isn't even a gallon, so I only used half of one packet. If anyone has a fish emergency, I can make house calls!! (Except if you are not in the Bryan-College Station area, Helen!)

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Popeye

We actually bought an antibiotic for our Betta because he has a disease called Pop eye. If it is caused by tuberculosis, it will get better, but he will die :(. Hopefully, it is only caused by a bacterial infection and the antibiotic will make him all better. Eric thought it was silly but has had an unusual affinity for Flash since he attacked a moth about a month ago. This picture is not actually of Flash, but it is a fish with Pop eye. Flash is much more handsome than this fish, even with his HUGE eye.

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Arkansas Pictures

Here are some pictures from our Anniversary trip to Queen Wilhelmina in Arkansas. We has a lot of fun and I recommend it to people who like to hike around a lot.


Here is Eric on one of our hikes. It snowed a few days before we got there. It was really pretty, yet slippery.





Here is the crazy twisty road we had to go up to get to the top of the mountain where the lodge is located.





Here is a picture of us at one of the outlooks. This was pretty much the view from our room in the lodge.


My snowman!!!


Eric likes this picture. Notice how small the trees are on top of the mountain. They called them "dwarf oaks."

This is Eric kicking a snowman. Don't worry, the snowman was already down.

Look at all the snow!

We hiked about 3 miles one way on a 100+ mile trail. Instead of hiking all the way back on the trail, we walked on the road. It took us about 2 miles and 30 minutes. The lodge is actually on top of that mountain in the distance and Eric is "running" towards it.