Chirstmas Music Reviews

Today was another Christmas Music day for me for some reason. I decided to get the music ready for listening to and so I made some playlists in my iTunes and looked through my Christmas collection to see what I have.
I also took a look at new christmas music coming out or just recently release.
I found some new stuff:

Family Force 5 has a new Christmas Album out.

After previewing, I have found that this is not the Christmas music that I enjoy. I have really liked their past two albums, the sound has changed and I liked the new stuff, but this time, the sound for me is WAY too electronic. I don't mind occasional hints at electronic sounds and voices and such, but this whole album sounds the same and it does not have any variety to it. It all sounds made up and I don't like that much. So my review of this new album that came out the 6th, as a 2 out of 5.

My next review was of How Many Kings By Downhere:

This one I was not expecting to like that much. I do like downhere and their vocals and music, but I was expecting it to be too soft for my likings. I was wrong. Yes, they have a softer side than Fam Force 5, or the X Christmas, but it is a good sound and they have lots of variation. Their songs are catchy and very fun to listen to. They usually put a twist to the old standards and have a few of their own, new ones (included the title track- How Many Kings) that are done very well.

My next review is of the X Christmas Album:

This album was released last christmas and is all of the more rockier bands of Christian music. The bands included are everything from Thousand Foot Krutch (and their counterpart- FM Static) to Hawk Nelson, to David Crowder, to Anberlin, to the Almost, to Project 86, and KJ-52, and even more.
I did have some fun listening to this album last year on the way back from a concert, and trying to guess what bands they were, but I did not want to buy it just then because there were some songs that were kinda scary for me and didn't sound like christmas songs ( I think you will understand once you hear these few songs). But after a year and listening to samples again, there are still some that I would not buy on their own, but for the most part, the songs are good and very rock-y. I would recommend this album for the 10 or so good songs, rather than the 2 or 3 not as fun songs.

The next one I took a look at was Shane and Shane. Their new album last year as well, Glory in the Highest, is very well done.

It is a quieter album that seems to me to have some jazz/blues sounds to it and I am not all that into Jazz, but it still struck me. They have great vocals on this album and the ways of recreating some of those classic songs that everyone knows, is awesome. I am planning on getting this one sometime before christmas.


The next is one that I have had for two years now- MercyMe and their album- The Christmas Sessions.

This one is amazing. It is my favorite christmas album and has nothing even comparable to it since Amy Grant's Home For Christmas Album way back in the early '90s.

Their songs are great. They have wonderful vocals. Again, the old classics are put together in an interesting way that makes them brand new again. They have some new songs such as Jacob's Lulaby which is about Jesus' earthly father singing him to sleep and thinking about all he will do. And of course you gotta love an album with Christmastime is Here and O Holy Night.
The sounds are legendary and I would Recommend this to anyone who likes christmas music. I give it a 6 out of 5.

KROC

Today was a day with the fam. I has the opportunity this morning to attend a Men's Breakfast with Dad at his Church here in Spokane. Then we put up the Tent for tomorrows after-service time (But I really don't know if there will be that many people who'll want to stand outside and talk. It's gettin kinda cold over here) And then we met up with Mom and Kelli and headed towards the Davenport Hotel in Downtown. This is a pretty impressive hotel from the early 1900s and it has been remodeled and has lots of great pictures from 1919 and 1914 and such. Then we headed out towards Cour DAlene. We got some food in a little shopping-type mall at an Italian place and it had a Good Strumboli (kinda like a Calzone but different) then I had to kill an hour because the sister wanted to shop in this place that had only Girly stores, so I was incredibly bored for that hour. Then we headed to the KROC center- A Salvation Army Community Center where we saw all the things it had to offer. Lots and lots of stuff including a Leisure Pool, a Competition pool, athletic center, and theatre/Church.
Then we headed back to the basement and took a rest. Now it is off to a Dinner at the home of a couple in Dad's church. Should be fun, they are great people.

Oh, and there is a Brand New KROC Center in Salem now too, so I might have to check it out and see if I need to join.

Yesterday and Today

Another Great reason that I enjoy Jack in the Box so much- The workers there are AWESOME. I stopped on my way to Spokane for a Big Cheeseburger for $1.00 and asked if they had any dollar small soda drinks as well. He said that the cheapest size they had for  soda was $1.50. I was not planning on spending more than $2 so I said, no thanks. Then as I was paying, he gave me a cup and said "Don't worry about it" A FREE DRINK FOR ME! That was awesome. You sure would not find someone just giving away a drink at McDonald's (of course, at least McDonald's has Dollar drinks though too).

Anyways,
I am in Spokane right now spending time with family. Dad is up here doing an Interim job at Trinity Baptist in Spokane. And every week practically, he is driving down to Redmond to see mom and family, and so this week we (mom, Kelli, and I decided to travel up here to see him instead) so I drove from Salem to Biggs and met mom there. I left my car, and we drove up the rest of the way together. Kelli is on her way tomorrow via a plane trip. We had a good safe drive up to Spokane last night. Mom drove from Biggs to Kennewick, and we had dinner at Olive Garden, (In which we both didn't feel all that great afterwards) and then I drove her car the rest of the way.

This morning we went to a State park in Spokane and then headed to the church to say hi to the other secondary secretary, then it was off to a great lunch at Tomato Street Italian Restaurant.  I was a bit weary about this restaurant because I did not want to have tomatoes. (hehe) But it was a great lunch. Dad and I had what they call the Lazonni which is pretty much Lasagna with Pizza Dough Wrapped around it like a Calzone. We still have extra for dinner too.
Now it is time for a relaxing afternoon. Mom is sleeping and I am doing some homework stuff and a post of course.  We are also planning a trip to the Mall in northern Spokane sometime this afternoon.

A few weeks ago, I decided I wanted to have a comforter for my bed. Not just any comforter, but one that was fleece and homemade. Well I asked some friends to do this project for me if I got them the material. So that is what I did. I get to see my finished project tomorrow morning and I can't wait to use my new fleece comforter tomorrow night. Thank You Pillsbury's.

Castrato???

What gives it away? Is it my manly look? my Furry Physique? My Billowing Voice?My Gruff personality? Every time I am in an audition, people know I am a Tenor singer even before I sing??? How is that Possible>?? (I am just kidding, I know that its because of my HIGH voice that people know that I am a Tenor.)
I went in tonight for an audition for singing in the worship team at Salem First Baptist. Nate knew right away that I was a Tenor, even before I sang. WOW, How did he know.
It must be because of my voice. That same voice that people think that I have not gone through puberty yet. That same voice that when answering the phone at home, people think that I am my mother. That same voice that gets made fun of. But ALSO, that same voice that sings wonderfully. That same voice that has such a rich texture when singing, that makes people cry. That same voice that was given me by God. That same voice that I have been to Two All-State and one All-Northwest Choirs in.
I may have a high voice. I may not have much of a low range (None at all really). I may be teased about having a Castrato operation (an operation done a long time ago that "Fixed" young men so they would have high voices for the rest of their lives), But it is the voice that God has given me and I am not ashamed of it. I am proud of my high voice that cannot sing below a middle C. I am proud of what I was given and born with.
We should all be proud of our gifts that God has given us and not worry about what others think or what we would want to have as a gift ourselves.

It's Got Me Thinkin about It!

Guess who went down the Costco CHRISTMAS Aisle today?? Yup, you guessed it, ME. It was not even my idea, my mom's. And, of course it is starting to stir the feeling of Christmas in me. LOL. I know what you are thinking. I can hear practically all of you yelling at me "It is not Christmas yet, Tim. There are still 84 days until Christmas." (My sisters yelling the loudest of course, but I say Bah Humbug to them) But ya know what, I don't care.

It has started. 

I am even starting my christmas music- Hawk Nelson- The Bells on Christmas Day as I write this.

It really is quite an amazing time of the year. Sadly, this year I do not get to decorate a whole house as I did last Christmas. It really puts me in the mood. I have some great decorations for my house (AKA the non-existent one) and so I was thinking about doing some decorating of my room in Salem, but I think it would be smarter to just wait for home in Redmond to do that. It is so exciting though.

I can already smell the spiced Cider cooking in the crook pot- the aroma wafting throughout the whole house
I can see the ceramic houses dispersed all throughout the living room with no space for more (even though each year the collection gets bigger and bigger) (There are suburbs of this village all around the windows and coffeetables)
I can feel the chill of the snow on the ground in which I throw snowballs at my dog who tries to catch them in her mouth as if it were a ball.
I can taste the peppermint fudge that is a yearly tradition with my family. There is never enough.
I can hear the laughter of the family when all together and enjoying the company, talking about nothing in particular.
I can feel the emotion of Christmas morning when I cannot sleep and we have stockings, Special Cinnamon Rolls, the Christmas Story from the Bible (everyone reading a section and Justin reading about Maggie -Not the GPS), and Presents- In that Order.

Can you not see why this is the greatest time of the year; One I look forward to each year and want to start earlier and earlier each year??

The Only Home I Know

The Only Home I Know.... (good song that I have sung before but also a description of Redmond/Bend)

Well, I am back home again for a wedding that is happening this Saturday. I got up on Tuesday and decided that I would  drive home then instead of Thursday or Wednesday because it would give me more time at home with family and I did not have anything to do in Salem except homework that I can do wherever I am. (The nice thing about mostly online classes)
So, I waited for the mail to come (around noon) and checked it, nothing for me (I am still waiting for my Sub letter to come in the mail so I could be a sub in the Salem District.) and then headed out to HWY22. I made a quick stop at Costco for some gas and a pit stop then headed in the direction of Home. The first bit was very very rainy. It was the worst rain I had ever driven in, but then it stopped. There was quite a bit of traffic on Tuesday heading home, that was a bummer. After about Idanah though, the traffic subsided. I was also worried about the construction flaggers that I had checked on that said there were two, both a 20 min. wait or more. BUT, luckily, the flaggers were very quick and I did not have to wait more than 3 minutes. By the end, I was zoomin along at my pace and that was nice. I made fairly good time and got home around 2:45.
Well, I got home and had a nice dinner with mom at the Pub. Gotta love the Pulled Pork Sandwitch. Very good. Then yesterday, I got up and had a nice easy morning and decided to get our HD cam ready for the wedding. I wanted to get all the files off of the camera so it had a fresh start. So I transfered all the items (Mostly Arianna Clips) onto my computer and made them into an Archival Backup DVD. I tried it out on the big screen and the video files looked awesome. It was great to see the clips in HD and that big.
So, now the camera is ready and I am waiting to do the Video for the wedding.
I also did lots of reading for my Homework/Classes yesterday.

Website Down

Just my luck,
I get up this morning to get online and check out the class stuff that was supposed to be there for the start of the term and guess what, I get on and download a syllabus for one class and then the website closes. It is down right now, and so there is no way to use the online classes yet. I am bummed because I wanted to get things done for my online classes this morning, but I could not.
So, now, I cannot even go to the WOU website to check on my class schedule or anything. It makes me wonder how long the site will be down.

Great weekend.

One of the great weekends.
From my former church, I used to help out with Middle School and High School Youth Groups, and one tradition that FBC Bend has had for a long time is going to SeaKrest Resort in Newport, each fall. They have some fun there for the weekend and then on the way home, drive back through Salem to hit Up Olive Garden before the trip home (although, my guess would be that this is the last year for that because the Olive Garden in Bend will be in opperation by this time next year.) So, I was thinking about their trip. I have been to the SeaKrest trip two years in a row, and thought of the group going this year. Since I am living in Salem, I thought I would contact the leaders and ask them if I could join in on the Olive Garden get-together since I am right here. They said yeah, but why not come for the whole weekend. I thought about it and decided that would be a good idea.
So, this weekend I went to SeaKrest, to hang with some old friends. It was a good time. Because of the way that my family left the church because of Dad's job and whatnot, I was worried that it might be a bit awkward seeing some of these people, but thankfully, it was not one bit awkward. It felt like old times, and the students loved seeing me there, especially my former MS Students that kinda grew up with me as their Sunday School leader.

Because I wanted to make the most of it, I left earlier than the others, to do some hangin' out at the coast on my own. I left on Friday, just after noon and went to Lincoln City. I did some shopping at the Goodwill where I looked for a Mo's shirt to buy among others, and found 5 Mo's shirts, all of which were too small for me. I was bummed. Anyways, I also went to the Outlet stores and had some fun there. I went to the Beach, and took some photos, and walked for a bit. I went for a dinner at the Lincoln City Mo's for Dinner of Clam Chowder. It was great. (If you want to know more about the Mo's dinner, go to my previous post that has more about that)
Then I left Lincoln City, and headed to Newport. I just tried to find stuff to do there, going the beach and some various stores. After quite a while, I just parked near SeaKrest to wait for the first van to roll on up. When they arrived, I parked and got out and waited to see how long it would take for people to see me. (Oh did I mention, that this was a surprise that I was coming). I just stood in the dark by the van as the students were getting out. The first looked over near me but just walked in, then another looked my way and said, wait, who is that, and then found out. It was a good reaction.
Anyways, we all got into the lodge and started to unpack, then watched some wonderful YouTube Vids.
The late van came and they were also very happy to see me. Saturday, I got up and had some breakfast, and just hung out for a bit, then I went with most of the Staff to plan out the rest of the day as some other staff was doing the teaching. We were getting ready for a Photo Scavenger Hunt in Newport's Bayfront. It was a pretty tough scavenger hunt and noone got all of the clues, but we all did well.
After the Scavenger Hunt, we went back to the lodge and rested. Some went around the lodge or walked down to the beach. Saturday night, I walked down to the Beach myself just to be by myself and take in God, and his Majestic creation. It makes you feel so small when you are by yourself on the beach that is dark and empty and you see the crashing of the Ocean and the Stars in the Sky. It was an amazing feeling, one that I had to just  sing out a song while I was there contemplating the AWE of God.
It was very neat to hear part of a reaction to the Creation trip this summer when one of the girls rededicated her live to Christ. Very powerful. Then afterwards during some free time I was noticing one of the leaders talking with one of the other girls, and they looked like they were having a serious convo. She ended up rededicating her life as well. Those two girls (and the many others) are reasons why we do events like Creation and SeaKrest. Powerful stuff.
Sunday, I got up nice and early so I could make it back home in time to shower and get ready for church in Salem. After Sunday School and Church, I met up with the group again in Salem at the Olive Garden and we had some good lunch. I had Soup, Salad, and Bread sticks and it was pretty much AMAZING. I am one who does not usually change my dishes when I find a good one at a restaurant. I just like having what I know is good. I usually get Pasta Fagiual (Spelling?). Well, not today. I decided to get one that is fairly new that I had not noticed before. It was Chicken and Gnocchi. IT WAS SUPERB. I would highly recommend this soup.

Now, I start school tomorrow. I have a class on Mondays from 4:30-7:15 on campus. I think it will be fun. The other classes I have are all online so I can do them whenever I feel like it. Perfect weekend for the start of a school year. Then, this Wednesday I am planning to head home to Central Oregon for a Wedding that is planned for Saturday. I need to be there by Friday night for the rehearsal, but would like to have extra time to see family and get ready for the wedding.

To the Girl at the Mo's in Lincoln City

To the girl at the Mo's in Lincoln City,

I understand that for some reason those types are comfortable (as I understand from some people who have worn them and talk about them), but please try to keep it covered. It is not something that I would like to see. Yes, you guessed it- your thong.
You see, things like that, some guys (not me) want to see, and if they see it, (not me) they will enjoy viewing it. BUT, there is a section of guys out there (ME) who would prefer NOT to see it (ME), and would not like those types of images in their head (ME). I know that it is odd to you that a type of guy (ME) would not want to see something that is meant to be a sexual type of thing, but we (ME) are out there.

So, next time you wear something of that nature, some of us (ME) would appreciate it if you would keep all parts of the underwear, under something, the pants, a long shirt that will not ride up (You already have enough riding up it would seem), something of that sort, that way we (ME) don't have to see that sort of thing.
Thank You For your consideration.

So, the story behind that letter of consideration is that I went to a Mo's in Lincoln City tonight for a marvelous dinner of Clam Chowder. So, the lady sat me facing a certain way at the table. Since it was just me at the table I was able to sit anywhere, which was a good thing, but she sat me down facing a larger view of the ocean/bay. I start to sit down and then I notice something that I would prefer I would not have seen, Yes you guessed it, the girl sitting at the table in front of me, with her back to me was wearing a certain (Very Tiny) article of clothing. Right away I knew I needed to switch sides. This was something that I was not willing to sit and watch the whole time I was eating my meal. So, I quickly switched sides and everything was much better. I did not have to view that and had a great meal, very quick because it was just chowder.
So, may that be a lesson to all those out there who wear these certain (Tiny) articles of clothing,

cover 'em up!

Rend the Veil

The portion of the Pursuit of God chapter that I read this morning was about Hearts. It spoke of the Temple of God, the Tabernacle. Talked about the different places within it, the part where the sinner could go, and then the holy place, and then the Most Holy of Holies, the place that was veiled off and only for the High Priest one day of the year when he would go in with a sacrifice to ask for forgiveness of sins for his life and the lives of the others. It mentioned how it was the very place that God dwelled.
Then when Jesus' work was done on the cross, the veil was torn and all were able to see inside the Holy of Holies.

Tozer talked about how God wants to draw near to us, but we are the ones who are stopping Him; We have a VEIL on our HEARTS! It could be many things, Selfcenteredness, Selfconfidence, selfpity, or many other sins as well. This really made me take a look into my heart and pray about what I might have up as a veil on my heart.


May we all find that thing, or those things, that are acting as a veil on our hearts that are keeping us from seeing the True holiness of God and ask God to take that (Those) veil away, painful, though it may be.

Crazy Tech Stats:

2008- Technorati.com listed 110 MILLION Blogs

Current- Technorati.com adds 120,000 New Blogs each day with 1.5 Million posts each day

WOW

YouTube- in early 2008- over 100,000 videos added each day.

The fastest growing age-group for using the internet is 2-5 year-olds. (Netday News 2005)

That's all just crazy right? 2-5 year olds. What the Heck?? I knew that computer users were getting younger and younger, but 2 year olds?? Man, in about a year or so, I am going to have to teach my Niece how to use the computer and internet.

Well, thats all for now, just wanted to share some crazy stats.

 

Cleaning and Old Times

This morning was a cleaning time. Every once in a while, I just need to take some time, turn on some music, go through and organize my room, or house, or whatever. And that time had come this morning. Honestly, if my mother was looking on she would probably not notice much difference, but it makes all the difference for me. Its just the way I am. I got my files in order and where I knew they were, and cleaned my workspace, my table tops ect.
I love organizing things. I just love taking the time to put things where they need to go.  Now, I am really ready for the school year to start next week. After that first week of school, then I am off to go home for a wedding of my good friends, Shawn and Megan. That will be a good week/end because I will get to see family, and then go to my old church on Sunday and the college group on Sunday night. That will be a good time of catching up with friends.

Its the Start, Yesterday

Yesterday was the first day that I was allowed on the "Moodle"- the Online environment for WOU. I was happy to get some emails from professors with the password in it so I could register the class and look at the silly-bus. (Aka- Syllabus, I just like calling it a Silly Bus) I got my outlines for the work that will be due in two of my three online classes. The other class I am logged into but there is nothing there yet.
It is fun to see what I will be doing this term and so far, it sounds like a lot of good times. I already have started on a few of the items in the first unit of one of the classes and am excited to get going on this "New Chapter" (I keep using that Phrase) of my life.

Today was a big day for Christian music. September 22nd was a day that released many new albums into the world. I got a few, but am saving a few for my Christmas Wish List 09. Hawk Nelson came out today with Live Life Loud, KJ-52 came out with Five Two Television, David Crowder Band came out with Church Music, Pillar came out with Confessions. All good bands, some more anticipated on my part than others. Other Recent releases were Thousand Foot Krutch with Welcome to the Masquerade and Skillet with Awake.
I would highly recommend any of these bands or Albums.

Tozer, the Man

Where is the SPARK? Where are the christians on Fire for God?
To be honest, in the past, and even now, I have felt that God is more distant than I would like Him to be. I remember very clearly, when I was in High School and I went on a Mission Trip to Southern California to a Program called SEMP- Students Equipped to Minister to Peers. That week down there at that college campus was an amazing time for me. I learned a lot about God, I grew closer to God, and I was pushed ot the limits for God while I walked up to perfect strangers asking them questions about their religious life so as to have Conversations about God. I really was changed Spiritually that week. Then I came back and was on FIRE for God. I wanted to change the world (or at least it felt like it), and then after a few weeks, it was back to normal, not a good normal, a dull normal.
It seems that often times that is what happens. We just get in this rut, especially if nothing is new. When I went to Latvia this Summer, I felt a bit of that, but not as much as I was expecting to.
Another example is a Brand New Believer, not someone who has gone to church all their lives, but someone who just comes to Christ at an age where they can totally comprehend everything, maybe in College. This new believer, when you watch them, they are reading their bibles and everything is new. Everything is exciting. They maybe have never heard of certain Bible Stories, or they have fresh ideas on biblical subjects and like to talk about them with others.

I want that back. I want that Fresh Fire, that Deep yearning for God. Lord, help me to grow closer to you. I have read numerous christian living type books, but one that I have heard quotes from recently, and been reccomended to me is The Pursuit of God, by A.W. Tozer.  I checked it out from my church Library on Sunday and started it tonight. It is very good.
In this first chapter, Tozer talks about that Fire. He mentions that we have become a society where you "Accept" God and that is that, You are a Christian. He says there is something wrong with that, that we need to also Pursue God.


"The whole transaction of religious conversation has been made mechanical and spiritless. Faith may now be exercised without a jar to the moral life and without embarrassment to the Adamic ego. Christ may be "Received" with the creating any special love for Him in the soul of the receiver. The man is"Saved" but he is not hungry nor thirsty after God. In fact, he is specifically taught to be satisfied and is encouraged to be content with little."
-Tozer- The Pursuit of God- Pgs12-13

May we all find that FIRE that was started in us created ONLY from God himself.

Where's the fireman??

I went to another church last night. This was Salem Alliance. I think it must be the biggest Protestant church in the area. It has some 5000+ people who call it their church home. They have 2 services on Saturday nights- 5 and 6:30PM. 3 Services on Sunday Morning 8, 9:30, and 11 and then one extra service at 9:30 in their old building they like to call the Cedar Hall. I did enjoy parts and others, not so much.
When I came into the building, I was greeted by a few people handing out stickers for their promotion of their Group Life. It was a Got Milk type sticker that said, Got Group? and being new, when they asked me "Are you a part of a group," I was thinking they were talking about this night, and I was confused. Anyways, I liked the idea of the promotion. They said while greeting that if someone had a sticker to ask them what group they were in. They had a video promotion of the group Life as well, that was done very well. I liked it. The worship was good. Again, I could not hear the background singers, just the worship leader, but the band did a good job. I think there were a few people up there who did not need to be there, ie. a person who was doing percussion other than the drummer, but it was still good.
The facility was nice, but there they were again, those pews have been practically everywhere I go. In Central Oregon, I do not remember many places still having pews and you would expect that a bigger more liberal type of place would not have pews, but I think they are more prevalent.
The pastor did an okay job of preaching. I honestly wasn't ALL that impressed, but he wasn't that boring. There was no PowerPoint and that was saddening, but the images they did have up for announcements and such were well done.
So, overall, the place was a bit too big for me, and the pastor didn't dazzle me. (And I need to be dazzled right?)

On my way home, I realize I need to put oil in my car, I can hear it chugging a bit, so I get home pop the lid and go upstairs to get some oil from my room.  This is at around 8PM at night mind you, and it is harder to see since we are not in summer anymore. So, I go back down to put the oil  in and I can't see well, but I know if I leave it til morning I will forget. So I try to do my best to pour the oil in the right spot. At first I am sloppy, but find my rhythm. Then all of a sudden, I see a fire start under my car. I have NO CLUE what to do. I try to blow it out, but this is not helping, I think about running inside to see if they have a fire extinguisher, and think thats not the greatest idea either. So, I just stand there helpess, thinking it is going to go out on its own. Well,... thankfully it does. I check inside the compartment and it looks out. I check underneath the car, and it looks out. so i carefully pour the rest of the oil in the car and check both places again for the fire. Then I close the lid and go upstairs.
Then I look out my window to make sure the fire is not started up again, about 6 times before I go to bed.
WOW, what a night. I don't think that there was any damage to my car, but I guess I will see.

Silver Falls and My Falls

I was bored today and a suggestion from a friend sounded like a good idea. She said I should go for a hike. I checked the weather and it was a perfect day for it, so I set out around 10:30 to go to Silver Falls State Park, just outside of Salem Area. It took about 45 minutes to get there. A few miles outside of the city off of HWY 22 and then 16 miles on 214. The place was great. Very beautiful. I got to see South Falls and Lower South Falls. There were also other falls, but I didn't feel like hiking all the way up to the North Falls and so on because I took a FALL myself.
I was walking down some steps and they were very slick and so I wanted to make sure that I held onto the railing, and right after I grabbed on pretty much, I took a fall. I landed on my butt and now it really hurts. I don't think its anything serious, but it is very painful with shooting pains whenever I use it (as in sit in a chair, get up, that sort of thing- Not what you were thinking, I am sure. hehe)

But, anyways, here is a link to some of the good pictures I took this morning. It is def. a good destination to go on a hike, but make sure that you don't fall flat on your butt.

http://picasaweb.google.com/timothykirkman/SilverFalls0909#

Pondering and Praying

I went to the Middle School Youth Group for First Baptist Salem last night.

The evening started with a get together for the staff at 5:30- we met, talked a bit about what would happen that night, and then prayed for about 15 minutes. This was a good time and it helped me to feel like I knew somewhat of what we were doing that night. Then the students were allowed to come in and play games, mingle, go in the gym and shoot hoops, whatever. It took me a bit of doing, but I was able to play pool with a young man, and also play table ball a few times with some students. That was fun and I got to know a little bit about them.

Then at about 25 after, we all gathered in the Gym and Brian talked about the night and what was going to happen. We played a mixer with playing cards and then got into groups for four teams for a Capture the Flag type of game, but with four groups instead of 2. I am not much into games and so this was not my favorite part, but the kids really enjoyed it and I think most had fun.

We played this a few times, and then it was time for singing. We all went back to the youth room and all the students found a spot to sit. We had one crazy song, and then there was what they called a Walk-on. We met Honis Jonas, the older brother of the Jonas Brothers and he started an upfront game with three people eating Chocolate Pudding from a Diaper. Its great. The students loved this. 

Afterwords there were afew more crazy songs, and then a few worship songs. Then, it was time for the talk. Brian, the Middle School Pastor did a great job of teaching. He had some great illustrations really portrayed the message well. 

There were about 45-55 students there last night. Quite a crew.

I do have to say that even though I had fun, I am not sure that I am needed there. I would rather help out a place that I am needed more. Brian has around 8-10 volunteers who seem very involved, two of which are even studying to be Youth Pastors at Corbin College. I am sure that I could add to the group a little, but I would rather help out a ministry that needs more help and does not have that many dedicated volunteers. I don't know what that ministry is yet, but I intend to find out.

Part of me does want to help him in his ministry because I have been so involved in MS in the past, but another part says that I shouldn't help out just because I have in the past, especially if it is not needed as much. So that is what is going on in my life and what I am pondering and Praying about this morning.

Books, Kids, and the Rain

Ya know, when you are new in town and you are just renting a room, no utilities to pay, no bills coming to the house, its tough to get a Library card. I headed over to the West Salem Library today to just pretty much check it out. I found a book that I wanted to get- a book in HTML so I could try to learn myself some ways of tricking out my blogging, and I go up to the counter asking how I get a Library card and they have to have proof of ID with my address on it. I was not planning on changing my ID so it had my new address because I am not planning on living here all that long. I will not be using this address for hardly any mail, so we had to think of something creative. Anyways,  what we decided was that I would take my mail from the Willamette ESD in there and they would have to approve that as my Identification. We will see. But, that is kind of a bummer, because I wanted to get a book today so I could learn some new stuff while I wait for jobs and school to start. I guess I will just have to be patient.

Well, another topic, I got a chance to meet Brian Woolard- the Middle School Pastor at Salem First Baptist on Sunday and he was talking with me and asking questions about my past church experience. He asked how I came to FBC, and if I had been involved in any specific areas in my previous church. I guess I should not have started with that I was a MS Director for some time at FBC Bend, cuz the topic didnt get much further than that. He asked if I was interested in helping with his MS program. I originally said, I was, But I was also planning on checking out other churches. Then, a few days ago, when I decided to make FBC Salem my home church away from home, I emailed him back today asking if he still wanted me to check out the group and what time and all that.
So, I am planning on going in a little over an hour to the Middle School Program at First Baptist to check it out. I don't really know what to expect. I am pretty sure that it will take a while to get to know the kids, but that is just my personality. In any situation, I am excited to give it a shot.

BTW- Today is my first Rain day in Salem. How Depressing.

My Trip to the Capitol Building in Salem

Yesterday I decided to go to our State's Capitol Building and around town. It was a gorgous day and I had lots of good times walking around the district and also downtown. I took some photos of that day and I will share some of the best with you now:

If you have not been to the State Capitol, you need to take the time to go over there (I guess I should say, come over here, huh) and tour the place. The Endless Marble is overwhelming.

Thats all for now. If you would like to view more of my photos, you may view my picasa Album:
http://picasaweb.google.com/timothykirkman/Capitol0909#

NOTHING THERE

So, living in Central Oregon has it perks. I have been stricktly writing about Salem, and how great it is, what with its Escalators and its beautiful capitol building, and Jack in the Boxes.
But today, I am on a different kick.
I got an email yesterday that I do every tuesday. It was from my favorite local-nationwide automated movie renter- RedBox. I love this place because there are many of them and they usually have what I want for just a buck. Its great.
Yesterday was different. I get this email in the mid-afternoon and lo and behold, XMen Origins in on it. I have been waiting for XMen to come out and so I look online to Reserve a copy for myself. None to reserve, but I assume, they just aren't working right now and I will just need to go get one before everyone else does. So, I head out to my local McDonalds to find XMen- about two miles. NOT THERE, all sold out. So I try a different one, a few more miles, NOT THERE. So I go a few more miles, NOT THERE. This is getting worse and worse and I keep thinking if I go a bit further, I will find one and it will make my trip all worth it. So I keep trying and trying. NEVER FOUND ONE. I drove all that way and came back with nothing. I felt very defeated.
All this to say, in Central Oregon, I would not have had the problem. I would have found it or not and then went home, but in Salem, you can keep going and going.
I must have went to at least 4 places with a RedBox and came back with nothing. Very disheartening. So, those of you that use RedBox in CO, be happy that you can use it. I guess, next week I will just have to leave earlier in the day, perhaps the morning.

Make it My Home

Last night was a good night. I went to the Veritas Group from First Baptist Salem and really felt welcome. I got there and it was a bit awkward, because they were pretty much all new people for me, but I worked hard at talking with people and not just standing in a corner, and they worked hard at talking with me and including me as well. It was a good time to join the group because it was the kickoff and there were many new people there. After a few minutes of talking and getting to know new people, they started their group, this was by playing a game called Shuffle Your Buns. I am usually not a game person- especially since I am out of Jr High, but this one wasn't so bad, not too much skill needed. Still not my favorite thing to do, but I didn't mind it as much. Then we had a few worship songs by Caleb Ray- he is a Western Student and very good at singing and playing Guitar. They Matt Baker- the High School Youth Pastor gave a great discussion about the Psalms and Mirrors. He even broke the mirror he was using and used it as an illustration. It tied into the Worship theme that the church started on Sunday. He did a great job.
After the teaching time, we had more great worship. Then, we had dinner. That was great. For the time that we were eating though, it was a bit too much food. They should really think about just having a mid-range snack rather than dinner because we at around 8:30 or 9. But it was still good, there were Enchaladas, Mexican Rice, salad, and IceCream, woohoo.

I met a lot of nice people and have decided to make First Baptist Salem my church. They are even planning a trip to SeaKrest, which They Own. I was thinking SeaKrest was owned by First Baptist of Eugene or something, but No, Its FBC Salem. The thing is that I have to choose because I was planning on heading to a Skillet/HawkNelson/DecyferDown Concert of the 30th (Which is the first day of the SeaKrest trip). But I think I might be able to do both, and if not, I have seen Skillet and Hawk Nelson twice before. So Id have to give up the concert, but I think itd be worth it and I am sure we will have lots of fun on the Coast, good bonding experience.

Since all of you are wondering, No, there were no Red Heads there, BUT there was one girl that I am sorta interested in. No more on that topic though.

Here's the Plan

I'm torn. I feel as though my experience yesterday at First Baptist Salem was what I am looking for in a church. I also feel that I should give others a shot too. I tried to go to the Evangelical Church of Salem last night but found out that it was a different type of service. There were about 1-200 people there and this was a service for prayer only. It was not a worship time. It was not a teaching time. It was a Pray for those around you type. I was expecting a third service type of thing. I was thinking that I could get a feel for the church by going on a Sunday night instead of taking a whole other sunday morning. This was not true. But I did get the feeling that it would be a place that I would not enjoy that much. There were just some elements to the time I was there that didn't feel like I would be that comfortable.
So, actually, I walked out. I felt bad doing that because I am not one who does that sort of thing, but there was another sunday night service at FBCSalem that I also wanted to attend. So I felt justified walking out of one service to go to another. hehe
I went to the Sunday Night Service at First Baptist and there were probably about 2-300 people there in a smaller banquet style room (Rather than their large auditorium). It was mostly older people there. It reminded me alot of a FBCBend sunday night service that was had every once in a while. There were some missionaries there that spoke God's word as well as talked about what they were doing overseas. I wish that on the Evangelical Church website they might have explained what their Sunday Night Service was about and what it was for, because I would not have gone to it if I had known that and would have tried their Sunday morning service instead.

But, again, I am torn, because I enjoyed FBCSalem so much, and yet still want to give others a shot. The only one that is left for me that is really important is Salem Alliance and that is a HUGE church. I think I will still give it a shot, but probably next Saturday night. That way if I like it I could conceivably go to both Salem Alliance on Saturday Nights, and then FBC Salem on Sunday Mornings. So that's the plan.

Church Search 09 Part two

Well, today was a good contender for churches. I felt right at home, and was welcomed as well.

I went to First Baptist Salem this morning for Sunday School at 9, Church at 10:30, and a Meet and Greet for College Students after the service.

I started out by going in the wrong building. There are two major buildings to FBC, the main one with the sanctuary, then there's the other building with classes, the Youth room, and the Gym. I took a look around and then figured it was the wrong building so I went out to the other building and took a look around. I did not remember from my online search what classroom they met in, so I asked up at the Welcome Center and I met a gentlemen who helped me find it. Turns out that I met, Wayne Bernard, Yes, THE Wayne Bernard. The same Wayne Bernard that is father to Chris Bernard, my old Youth Pastor at Redmond First Baptist. It was great to meet him. He led me to my College Sunday School Class. The Sunday School class was good, a small group class with a teacher of whom did very well. He was a good leader.
After the Sunday School I went looking around the church. There were many classrooms. LOT AND LOTS. They have a Downstairs, main level, and upstairs, then there is the extra building that I mentioned before. Big Church.
I then proceeded to find my seat in a Pew, YES, an actual PEW. I thought those all had been burned. Oh well. I found my seat at my usual spot, about the third row back on the end.
The worship set was good. The Worship Pastor has a great voice and plays guitar very well. The instruments were very good as well. No instrument stuck out. Good sound levels, loud, but good. The vocalists did an alright job, but I could not hear them too much even though there were about 5 of them. We did around 4 songs, 3 of which I knew, and the new one, was new for them as well.
During the greeting time, it was a good short time, not awkward and I met some nice welcoming people around me, and also the Lead Pastor sought me out to say hi because I was sitting alone.
Pastor Mark Hanke did a great sermon as well. He talked about Worship. They started just today a series on Worship. Worship of Michael Jackson, or U2. Many people do not think that worship happens outside of a religious service, but he pointed out that Everyone worships, just not all worship the right things. He did a great job of preaching.
The media was good. There was no video this morning, but the Visuals were good on the PowerPoint.
After the church service, I joined in on a meet and greet for Varitas- the college group that meets on Monday nights. This was a big turnout. I would say that they probably had around 60 or 70 people in that room. I got to meet some great people, most of whom go to Willamette. At first it was a bit awkward, but after a while I got more comfortable. A few of the pastors came into the group as well and I got to meet them. This was a good time, and I was surprised at the numbers of College-aged students there.

I think this church could definitely become a contender for the coveted spot of my joining them in worship to God.

Church Progress so far (Granted its the first)

I got the schedules mixed up. I was planning on heading over to Salem Alliance but went to West Salem Foursquare instead because they started at 6 instead of 6:30. I just had my heart set on taking in a worship session at 6 and did not want to wait for 6:30.

The evaluation that I felt:
Beautiful building- not traditional- not too contemporary- fairly new
The pastor- younger than I was expecting or am used to- Did a good job- not much from the Bible though- We read the passage- 1 Cor. 12 on One Body many Parts
Worship- Pretty good- I knew 3 of the 5 songs, so not too bad. I could not hear the two ladies that were supposedly singing with the leader, good set, nice loud sound, weird intro that lasted too long for the start of the service. Overall though, pretty good.
Media- AWESOME VIDEO about the pastor doing everything to get the worship service ready all to say that he can't do everything, they need people. PPT was pretty boring though
General Atmosphere- WAY WAY WAY too long of a greeting time; I think it should be a minute at most, they gave 3 minutes. I was distracted by whisperers during prayer. They had an extra long prayer time before the sermon that got a bit uncomfortable.

Overall for the Service, I liked it alright, but it is not a church that I would feel comfortable in for a long period of time.
I will keep all my scores of readers posted on my progress in finding the right church for me.

Questions with an Answer (to at least one)

Tonight's main question for me is which church to go to for a Saturday Night Service??
I have pretty much two options that I have found so far that sound alright; Salem Alliance, and West Salem Foursquare.
Most of the churches that I am interested in have sunday night services. That is interesting to me, because in Bend, I didn't know of any that had a Sunday Night Service except for Journey: Most were Saturday Night Alt Services.

So those are my two choices. SA I think has a bigger crowd- from just the websites I have seen. 4SQ is much closer. I could walk there if I went on a continuing basis. I think that SA would be closer to what I believe spiritually, but I don't know that for a fact. It has a College Group. I believe there is only one pastor at 4SQ, where at SA there are like 30?? Lots at least.

I think I will attend both eventually, probably tonight, and then next Saturday. So, because of that fact, I don't think it really matters where I go, cuz I'll go to both.

I think since it is closer to what I believe in Spiritually, I will plan on Salem Alliance tonight, and then West Salem Foursquare next weekend.
Thanks for helping me figure that problem out.

Next Question- Why is it so freakin hot over here? A big problem is that it does not get down in degree level at night like it does in Central Oregon. Bummer.

Guess what I have in the City in which I live.

I just have to say a few things.
I LIVE IN A CITY WITH AN ESCALATOR. Need I say more. Ya know, being from a smaller area, my sisters and I, mostly me, LOVED going to Portland or places like that because we could go on the escalators and Elevators and such. Maybe that is too RedNeck for you, but its the truth. And secretly, I still love Escalators, so I am so stoked to live in a big city that has a few malls that have escalators. Lots of fun. I just got back from the Salem Center, just checkin it out to see what I could find. Its quite a big place considering its in a the downtown sector. I had lots of fun this week looking around the area and trying to learn where things are.
It will be great once bend has its first escalator. That will be a big step for the Central Oregon Area.

I tried to go to the Capitol today, and that did not work. I wanted to take pictures because it is such a beautiful day, but I had forgotten that there was a protest in the area for the Tea Party stuff about Obama. Much to your surprise I am sure, I did not join them, not because I don't feel the same way, but because I try not to be so political and I HATE CROWDS.
SO I will just have to go take pictures some other time. One thing I did learn from a Friend on Facebook- the city is called the Capital, but the actual building is called the Capitol. I have never really realized that. I always used them interchangeably.

Well, that's all for Now, It is very exciting.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001- BY NATHAN WARNER

I was in a poetry class in the fall of 2001 and we created this book of our poetry and I would like to share with you one of those poems:

THE SKY WAS BLACK
AND FILLED WITH SMOKE AT
FIRST THOUGH IT SEEMED
A JOKE. LIKE IN THE MOVIES
OR A BOOK THE SCENE WAS
CHAOTIC AND THEY GROUND
SHOOK. MY EYES WERE
ASTONISHED AND MY MIND
WAS BLOWN AS I REALIZED
THAT THEY HIT US AT HOME.
NOTHING COULD BE DONE
BUT TO WATCH IN HORROR
AS OUR COUNTRIES HEART
FELL TO THE FLOOR. WE
LOVE OUR FREEDOM AND
THE PRICE STILL TOLLS
WHEN THE WORLD TRADE
CENTER SO UNEXPECTAEDLY
EXPLODES. THIS HURTS US
DEEP BUT PULLS US TIGHT
AND THE ENEMY WILL SOON
LEARN OF OUR AWESOME
MIGHT. THEY CANNOT BREAK
US. ONLY TRY, BUT TO JUSTIFY
THIS TERRIBLE ACT THEY ALL
SHALL DIE. THEY MAKE NOT WAR
BUT ONLY STRIFE AS THEY
SO COWARDLY TAKE A LIFE.
THEY GAIN NO RESPECT BUT
THATS NOT THEIR GOAL,
THEY WANT ALLAH TO TAKE
THEIR SOUL. THE AY THE SUN
WAS BLOCKED OUT OF THE SKY
WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER
HOW MANY OF OUR COUNTRYMEN
WERE FORCED TO DIE

That poem was written by Nathan Warner and it depicts how I feel about these events that happened.

Freedom, Not for the Weak

Today is a day of Rememberace. Today is a day of Freedom. No, today is not the fouth of July, our independance day; Today is what they call, Freedom Day. September 11. 9/11. It's been 8 years since September 11, 2001 and people are still remembered on this day. For me, this day will always remind me of when I was in High School. It was around 7:30 in the morning and I was being the good student, ha

ngin out in the HS Library, surfin the web before school started. Then, a bunch of teachers come into the library and pull out a tv and turn it on to a channel, any channel really, and I look to see the horror of one of our World Trade Center Towers with black smoke coming out of the side of the Tower. Then, to my dismay, I witness Live, first hand, a plane fly right into the Second Trade Center Tower. It was bone chilling. When I saw this sight, I was mortified. I had no clue why this was happening and had never felt that way before. It was almost unreal to me, but I knew that this was not like the normal things I saw on movies or TV, this hit home.
Please take time to remember what happened on this day. Remember our Brave, strong, couragous, Police and Firefighters who ran into those buildings to help as everyone else ran out.
I enclose the following photos below in remembrance of this infamous day.

Part Deaux on New Chapter

Now that the Background is out of the way, Lets talk about Bob, Oh, I mean the move day.
I was planning on Moving in on Labor Day. So I could be ready, I was packing up my things and loading them on our tiny little Red Fred Meyer Trailer on Friday, getting ready for Monday. It was all packed up and loaded by Friday night, except a few things that I was planning on using on Saturday and Sunday. There was my room possessions sitting out in the grass in a trailer (in a non-backup position, because I can do it, but would rather not have to back up the trailer, Im not good at that) and it made me think of all the fun I was going to have in this New Chapter of my life.

So, I got up fairly early (but not 4 or 5am early as per usual) and got out on the road. The trailer was covered just in case of rain even though it was not expected to rain in Salem that day, and I in the car with a few fragile items. I said my goodbyes and left onto the road.
The drive was clear as could be. I had very little traffic until I got into Mill City and further into Salem. This was great because I didn't really have the yearning to get stuck behind slow cars or have to pass many people with a trailer on, so it was a great thing. I had to stop in Mill City to get my rent money from an ATM and also to reapply the tarp where it had come loose. I did this and I was glad I stopped when I did because right after I reapplied the tarp, it started to rain pretty heavily. I tried to push through the rain so as not to get my stuff wet. There were still some open areas and a few items did get a bit wet from the rain. Luckily though, the rain stopped just out of Stayton and I had a dry morning bringing my stuff into the house.

I got to my new residence and met with Peter Chanda, my new home owner that I rent from and met with him again and met his son. He had me fill out some paperwork about the house, a contract, and a checklist and such. Then we got to it. I was planning on just unloading myself but Peter was kind enough to help out. He helped me get my big stuff.
In his house, I have been asked to take my shoes off while entering. I asked if I could, just for this unloading time, keep my shoes on so I would not have to keep putting them on and taking them off every time that I enter and exit. He said No, its okay. I had no clue if that meant No, but thats okay, or if he meant, no, That's Okay (as in its fine to do that this time). But, he meant the first one, I was asked not to keep my shoes on. So, we brought stuff to the front of the house in loads and then I took my shoes off and from the front of the house brought them into my room. I thought that was funny, but hey, its his house.

Throughout the day, I was working on my room. I had to get as much done as possible on that day. I was sweating like a pig (Do pigs sweat? If not, where do we get that from?) By the end of the day, I got most of my job done.
One thing that I was planning on buying in Salem was a 4 ft. table. I found a Costco in my GPS and so I was following the directions to this costco to way out in the boonies where there was NO COSTCO. I was very frustrated by this time. I just had to get dad on the phone to get online and tell me an address for a Costco so I could go to a different place. So he did, and I went there no problem, but there was a problem because Costco was not open on Labor Day. Boo. So I had to go to Walmart instead. I got a table and Chair at Walmart. Big mistake. The chair was fine, but the table was WAY too wobbly. So, on Tuesday, I took it back and got a REAL table from Costco, for even cheaper price than from Walmart. The moral of the Story, always trust Costco, Never Walmart.

So, that is part two of my story on my New Chapter in my Life.

Dude, where's my stuff!

I have to say that being where my stuff is is the best place to be. As I have written previously, I moved my room items to Salem on Monday, Labor Day. I got it mostly done in that first day and then the next day was finishing touches and getting a few items and registering as a Substitute Teacher in the Salem Area.
Then, on Wednesday, I drove back to the other side of the state to go home and drop off the trailer and spend some time with my family again as Dad was planning on being back in town from Wed. until Friday. So, great time to spend with parents right. Yes, well, it has been, but I also have been bored. I dont have my room items to keep me busy. Granted, I have my computer- I wouldn't be able to get along without my computer- But I have none of my movies to watch, None of my books to read, ect ect ect. Anyways, I am back off to the Salem Town starting on Friday or Saturday. (I Haven't decided yet)

One thing that I did yesterday which was kindof a highlight, I went to the Goodwill to find some new shirts for myself. I will have to go there more often, because I found some great ones; Some for Subbing- polos ect, and some for casual- tshirts and the like. I got about 8 shirts for around $35. Gotta love Goodwill.

Aftermath of a Movie

As I wrote last night, I watched Julie and Julia and it was very good. It made me interested in the subject and it was based on a true story so I looked up the actual blog that was kept and it is still available on the internet, not posting any more, but nevertheless, still here.

http://blogs.salon.com/0001399/2002/08/25.html
This is the link to the first post, which is quoted in the movie, pretty much word for word.

But, it got me thinking, What could I do? What could I blog about for that long that would be beneficial to me. Granted, I am not a talented writer, and I am not expecting to have a whole movie made about it or anything such as that, but it still sounds fun. I am fairly loose on my blog postings. I might do quite a few in a row, and then forget about it for a long time, and then do some more, and then leave it again, and so on. What should I write about for a whole year.

Tim Stamp of Approval

Another movie to Recommend to allyall is Julie and Julia. If you ever enjoy cooking, this movie is for you. But it also is a movie for someone who knows nothing of Julia Child except the impression from Bill Cosby from the Cosby Show. It involved Norah Ephron and so automatically it was good for me because she is the one responsible for Sleepless in Seattle, and You've Got Mail. These are timeless Chick Flicks, and sometimes you just need a good Chick Flick. I know that there are guys out there that are not ready to admit that, but for me, I have to say, for the most part, I LOVE Chick Flicks.

This movie was about a young lady who works at a job that she does not enjoy and is seeing all her friends succeed. She decides to find an outlet. She loves to cook and so she and her husband think up an idea for a Blog. Going through Julia Child's cookbook, every recipe, in one year. At first, it seems easy to her, but after a while, it gets tougher, and it even strains the marriage. But, what I love about this movie, is that even though it strains the marriage, they don't take the easy way out and get a divorce; they forgive and forget and their marriage is stronger for it.

Well, again, I highly reccomend Julie and Julia. It has the Tim Stamp of Approval. This movie is also very clean and I even recommend it to my grandmother- that says alot.

My New Room in Salem

Gotta have the computer desk set up. It is, afterall, where I will be spending loads of my time- HW, Online Classes, Email, Surfs Up

The bed, lookin all pretty

Of course all the DVDs I have way too many of.

New Chapter Background

A new chapter of my life starts today. I have been working on making this happen for some months now, and it is finally here. I have moved to Salem, Oregon to work on continuing my education in a Masters Degree.
A few months ago, I was thinking about pursuing a higher degree to be more marketable in my field of Education because I have been a licensed teacher for over three years now, and have yet to find a permanent job. This has been frustrating, because, although I enjoy substitute teaching, I have not felt as fulfilled from it, and have felt somewhat unwanted in the job market. So, I decided because there is still a jobless market out there for teachers, that I would instead try to find out more about getting my masters degree. I searched online for different programs and sadly there were none that I wanted to take near Central Oregon, where I have lived much of my life. So, the question was, do I want to take strictly online stuff or go somewhere else. I decided the latter. I found a program that was right up my ally, a Masters Degree Program offered through Western Oregon University. I was attracted to this program because it is a more specialized degree in a field that I enjoy and am comfortable with. I will be pursuing my degree in Information Technology. I also thought it was very fitting having a BA from Eastern Oregon University and then a MA from Western Oregon. East Meets West. Now, if I ever go back for a Doctorate (Which I have no inclination to) I will have to go to Southern Oregon University. ;)


So, I found my school and now the task was to get into the program. I found out that my cum. GPA was not up to par for WOU, so I had to take a test called the MAT- Miller Analogies Test. This was fairly simple looking but ended up being a pain. I took it at the testing center at UofO, so I had to drive all the way over to the valley for a 1 hour test. I get home to find out that my score was 4 points under what was required by WOU. So, I get a study manual and work hard at learning all these different analogies that no one ever knows, and I drive all the way back over to the valley for another 1 hour test. I complete the test to find out that I had improved by 3 points. One measley little point away from the required number given by WOU.

By this point, I have the feeling that God was saying, Now is not the time to do this program. I pursued the opportunity until this point, but after that I just felt that God was shutting the door and saying NO. So I said Alright God. It seems like you do not want me on this endeavor, so I will let it rest and think of something else. Maybe I will just substitute again, and try to find fulfillment in that area. So, I let it rest.


Then, a few weeks later, lo and behold, I get an email from someone from WOU saying that my scores were enough of an improvement that they were willing to admit me into the program at WOU. So, I say WOU HOO. hehe. I accepted and Praise God for the open door. Its amazing how God works if we let him. Sometimes, it is our job to sit back and wait to let God's will intercede. At this point, I was feeling God's presence in the direction that I was taking and so I took the leap.

One thing that was quite a hinderence for me was family and friends at home. Also, I was getting very involved in my new church and so I did not want to leave that. But, because of my feeling that God had opened a door, I had no other option (and gladly) went through the door to my new chapter.

Then came the housing. I was praying to find a place to live in West Salem so I would be close to WOU but also close to substitute positions in Salem Area. I kept looking on Craigslist and at first there was not much there. Then I found this one house that was $350 a month and all-inclusive. The only thing was that the person who listed it did not mention if he was a male or female. I was not interested in sharing a house witha female because I think it would be awkward, so I contacted the person asking more about them. HE called me and I got a hold of him and met with him on a trip over to the valley to see the campus as well as see about subbing in the districts. It seemed like a good fit and so I thought about it, called him up and asked to live there. God is good.

So that is the background.

My Video I created of Inflitrate by Worth Dying For

New, but not all frills

There are some excellent parts to Housesitting. Ya know, you get to see how others live, you stay in new places, you get to meet new dogs- sometimes good-other times not, and use stuff like Blu-Ray and big flat screen tvs.
But, there is also a down side to housesitting too. You never can, as much as you plan out, remember to bring everything you need. You always forget something. You also don't have everything you need at your disposal. You feel like a guest in a home, which can be frustrating at times, its not your own bed.

I felt that last night. I had a major headache and was looking all over for some asprin and it took a long time to find. Also, there are some kitchens that do not make sense to me. I am used to being able to find the things I need in the Kitchen, and so coming into a new one, I can't find things easy. It seems that they are not intuitive, but it could just be me.

So, the conclusion that I have come to, is that Housesitting is fun, new, and advantages, but also has a down side.

A long anticipated wait

Today was a great morning. I got to go to my favorite fast food restauraunt right here in Bend, Oregon. Before today, I would have to go all the way across the mountain to get to this certain chain of Fast Food Restauraunts. Granted, it was incredibly crowded today because Jack in the Box just opened up this morning. I have enjoyed Jack in the Box, ever since I was introduced to it all those years ago when I was a Senior in High School. Finally, someone had the smarts enough to bring one to Central Oregon. BTW- Jack in the Box online has something called Jacks Office and you can do some fun stuff with that. Call people and leave stuff on their phone from Jack and what not.

I do have to say that today wasn't the greatest day for the Jack in the Box in Bend just because of the scores of people there. It took a while to get my food, but on the first day, you have to expect that of a new restaurant. I would def. give Jack in the Box another try and would request you do the same, because they do have good food.

"You're trying to SELL God, IM trying to Save Him"

To those interested in my opinion on movies (Trust me, I have a vast amount of movie watching experience) I would like to go on record saying that Saving God is a pretty good movie.

The premise of the movie is about Armstrong Cane. He is a man just out on parole from Prison for murdering a man. He is also the son of a Preacher, and one who, himself, grew up in the church. He turns from his ways and becomes a Preacher himself. He gets out of prison with both parents deceased, and takes his fathers fledgling church congregation and tries to turn it around. At the start of the task, there are around 25 attenders of this smallish church.
To top all of that, He is also based in the hood of the South. The church is located in a very bad neighborhood and he sees drug dealers outside his doors everyday. His goal is to start the church growing "One Soul at a Time".

During his pursuits he converts a young man going down the wrong road, and helps him to realize his potential to some degree. He also has to deal with a Drug Boss in the hood who is terrifying everyone.

This movie is a great one. I was kind of expecting a low-budget- "Christian Movie" but I feel that, even though some of the acting isn't the greatest, and there are virtually all no-name cast, It was a good movie. One to recommend at least. This is a fairly recent release (I think) but I had never heard of it before, so it did not get much publicity and what-not.
I do have to say that I enjoyed seeing Ving Rhames (the Big Black Dude from Mission Impossible) again. He did an excellent job as this character.

PS- the title of the blog is a line from this movie when Cane is talking with another preacher who has a Flock of 3500 and a BMW. I really like that line because it shows his heart for being real and standing up for what is real.

Infiltrate

There are a few songs that REALLY REALLY get me. This song that I am about to put lyrics to, is almost not a song, because it is pretty much a poem with music in the Background, but every time I hear it, I get goosebumps from it. You should take a listening to it because just reading the lyrics is not even good enough. The song is called Infiltrate by Worth Dying For. It is the last song on their first self-titled album. You should take a look.

I'm a part of the fellowship of the unashamed.
I have Holy Spirit power.
I've stepped over the line.
The decision has been made.
I'm a disciple of His.

I won't look back,
let up, slow down,
back away, or be still.
My past redeemed,
my present makes sense,
my future is secure.

I'm finished and done with low living,
sidewalking, small planning,
smooth-knees, colorless dreams,
tame visions, worldly-talking,
cheap-giving, and dwarf goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence,
position, promotion,
applause, or popularity.
I don't have to be right,
first, tops, recognized,
praised, regarded, or rewarded.

I now live by faith,
lean on His presence, walk by patience.
I am uplifted by prayer and labour by power.

My face is set.
My gait is fast.
My goal is Heaven.
My road is narrow.
My way is rough.
My companions are few.
My God reliable.
My mission is clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised,
detoured, lured away,
turned back, deluded, or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice,
hesitate in the presence of my adversaries,
negotiate at the table of my enemy,
or ponder at the pool of popularity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up,
until I've stayed up, stored up, prayed up,
preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus.

We will fight for You.
We will die for You.
We will go for You.

We will fight for You.
We will die for You.
We will go for You.

Emotions are on HIGH

There are quite a few feelings and emotions going on in the house today. Kristin, my sister, and Justin, Brother in Law, and Arianna, Niece, are heading to a new location. Justin has a new job in Bremerton, WA (for those of you know dont know where that is, it is near Seattle) and so he starts the first of September. They have been working hard, loading up their house and packing, and getting ready for the big move, and now yesterday and today are the days.
Kristin just left with Arianna, and the whole house is feeling down. I am not taking it as hard as others because I know that I will see them again soon. I guess the rest just feel that seeing them in October and Thanksgiving is just too much of a wait.

There were lots of tears this morning as the Maroon Subaru pulled away to head up-state. There will be even more, when Dad leaves for Spokane this morning as well. He had a short trip this time, but knew he needed to be here for mom as Kristin and Justin left. SO, Dad is heading to Washington as well starting around 10 or 10:30am this morning.

Kelli and Mom are going to be taking it harder than I, but they will spend alot of the day together, I am sure. There was talk of doing things in Bend together. As for me, I have a few things I will do in Bend myself, but on my own. I would rather be by myself because I have had family around alot these past few days.

Preparations and Schedules- Just my Forte

So, I am getting ready to go on a trip to the Oregon Coast with a few others. Last year, I went all by my lonesome, and trust me it was SOOO worth it. It was nice to go all by myself and my dog and just enjoy God's Majesty. I was able to go at my pace and not have to wait for anyone, which was a nice change of pace from normal vacations I have taken.
So, I went last summer, about this time, from Central Oregon all the way up into Washington, then over to Astoria, across the Astoria Bridge (Just to say that I did) and then all the way down into california, Driving along Highway 101 all the way, spending two nights at campgrounds, and then up from Northern California into Southern Oregon and back home. It was a very quick trip and I had alot of great memories (not the greatest pictures though, sad I know) and so I wanted to go again this year.

This year it is different though. We are only going from Astoria to the middle of the coast and then home in 4 days. So it will be a slower trip but we will get to take in more sights. And this year there will be three of us going. I was hoping for more of my friends from my Church group to go, but it was just too late in the season and people are busy. The rest of them are all missing out though, they have no idea. Anyways, so we are leaving tomorrow morning and then getting back on Saturday sometime.

I have had fun, trying to find good things to do in those towns along the coast. I looked into hikes and area attractions. I also was taking the reins in cooking menu and schedule. Also making sure that we have everything we need (because Lord knows that Kelli isnt going to do that sort of thing) and so I have been looking around for an extensive Camping checklist, and that I get all the items we would need. Also, I went to get all the provisions for the trip. I hope we don't forget anything we might need.
I really enjoy doing those preparations and schedules though, it is fun trying to figure out all the stuff we wanna do or take or eat.

Im Just Sayin....

So if you think about it, what type of restaraunt should have workers who can speak Spanish? You guessed it, a Mexican Restaraunt. Well, I was at Taco Bell today after worship service (Yes I know that Taco Bell is not authentic mexican food, but still...) and there were a man there trying to order and he wasnt getting very far because they could not find someone who could speak Spanish to find his order. Well anyways, Im just sayin...

Rating of a C-

As I said in my last post, I do not spend money on movies unless I know it will be good. I had an inclination that a movie was good tonight and had a want to go see a movie. I thought the previews for Funny People looked good and I usually like Adam Sandler, even though he can be a bit crass on most of his movies, so I decided to go see this new movie in the wonderful atmosphere of the Old Mill Regal 16 Theatres.
I was grossly dissappointed at this movie. It did not seem to be very attractive in sharpness of quality, and the content, although some parts were good and funny, many parts were not worth watching. I give it a thumbs up and a thumbs down.
The plot is alright, not riveting, but not too bad. The main character is George Simmons and he is a comic (much like Sandler) who started out on the stage and went into movies (Some good and some bad) but most people know him and love him. Then he is diagnosed with a disease that is like cancer that will take his life eventually. He is given experiemental drugs to try and he goes through some rough patches but comes out clean. He then decides to change his life at this event, but doesnt do a great job of it. His friend/worker notices the things that he was supposed to change, turn out to get worse. By the end, He fires his friend/worker and they are not on good terms, then at the very end they are good again.
A major part of the story is in comedy clubs and so Simmons and his friend/worker both are doing stand up comedy as well as viewing other acts and this is a major part of where the language and sexual stuff come out. Many of these comics are talking about crass issues that I did not appriciate. Also there are a few short sex scenes that made me uncomfortable to be in the theatre. I was worried that this movie would be bad because it was rated R, and I was right to be worried.

If I could cut out the bad parts and leave the stuff worthy (in my opinion) to be on the silver screen, then the movie would be about 15 minutes long, and I think it would even still work together.
One thing that was kindof fun to see was all the celebrities in the movie. Not only was Adam Sandler in it, also many new up and coming comedy actors are in it. There were also many cameos from Sarah Silverman, to Tom from MySpace, to James Taylor, to Ray Romano, and many many more. Some of whom I could not even place, but I could tell I should have known them.

Anyways, Funny People- not as good as I was hoping. There were also a few couples who it seemed like they just got fed up with the crassness and left in the middle of the movie. I did not do that, but was thinking about it quite a bit. It was also too long of a movie. It was about 2 hours and 30 min. Too long for a movie for me unless it is an epic movie that is really good.

Shots fired at the McDonalds Drive Thru

So there I was (I learned at EOU that that is the only way to start a good story) eating lunch at McDonald's on the East Side of Bend after a great free movie. I go outside after I am done eating, which is pretty soon because I usually feel weird and don't take my time when I am eating by myself at a restaraunt (Even McD's), and lo and behold there is a pretty big line for the Drive Thru. So, I get in my car and then I hear this yelling of profanity. I take a quick look and a lady that was trying to get into the drive thru was not really in line (If you take a look at the Drive Thru line its in an awkward place) anyways, she was trying to get in on the other side and to her credit, it did look like it was legitly her turn to go, but this person in the actual line did not let her in, so she is FREAKING OUT. She is yelling profanities at this car and not letting up. She even gets out of her car to walk up to this car and try to talk to the person in the car, then it looked like the person gave in and was about to backup (right about the time when I was trying to get by in my car- almost backed up onto me, then she starts walking back to her car and the other car pulls up further to get farther ahead in line and then I left but it looked like she was getting mad again.
So I go over to Office Max to get practically free items for 1 cent or 20 cents. I get out of Office Max and take a look over by McDonald's and there was a police car. Now, I am not saying that the car was there because of the crazy lady in the Drive Thru line, but it was just funny to me that right after that schirmish there was a cop car with its lights on. That was the first thing that I thought of when I came out and saw the lights.
I just thought that was funny. If you don't find the hilarity of this story, I am sorry that I wasted your 2 minutes in reading about this Crazy Lady in the McDonalds Drive Thru. \


(Disclaimer- there were no shots fired at McDonalds (at least that I know of)- it was just a cleaver title to get you interested in the story)

Little Kiddies

Visa is Right- The best things in Life are Free.
I am one of those people who does not like to spend money on things, especially when I have none. I was never known for spending money on frivolous things (Unless they were big things that were toys, ie-electronic items, or DVDs- I have WAY too many) anyways, I am what you would call a tight-wad so I was never known to go to many movies because they are just outragiously expensive and I for sure was NOT going to be spending money on concessions there (sneak em in if I have to) and certainly not going to go to the same show again, even if it is the best movie in the world, Ill wait for it to come out on DVD and buy it.
All that to say- I got to go see a movie yesterday and it was free. Regal Cinemas show "Family Films" each Tuesday and Wednesday morning at 10AM during the summer time. Yesterday I went to Madagascar 2 and it was great getting into a movie for free. I was there just in time (because I had to wait for a car to get out of surgery at U-Haul putting on a Hitch) and there were kids galore. Ya know, this whole free movie thing was meant for families, and they show kiddy movies, and so I was in a line to get a ticket with many families with young kids. It was a bit awkward to be alone in this and ask for one ticket to go see a kiddy movie without any kiddies. But it was totally worth it and I did go to join a family with kiddies.
It was great sitting in that cinema and just listening to all the kids in the audience laughing and singing "I like to Move It, Move It" all together. It brought out a great feeling in me. At a normal movie, I would be at bit disturbed hearing all this chatter in the audience, but not this movie, It was a movie for those kids, so who was I to be upset. I had a great time and am planning to go back today for another movie.
If you have a chance next summer, got to some of these free movies, even if you dont have little kiddies because it brings out the little kiddy in you. (And who wouldn't want that)

Tim the Tool Man???

So, I have always been very saddened by the fact that I am not good at mechanical/electrical/fixing items. I have a long line of good craftsmen/woodworkers/electritions/pretty much anything with your hands- men in my family. My father is just pretty much in one word- AMAZING at anything fixable (except Plumbing, he HATES having to do Plumbing, anyways) and he can do anything, pretty much;
Fix a car
repair electrical items
fix a computer
create beautiful woodwork
leatherwork
ect ect ect
and my grandfather the same. He was actually an electronics and woodshop teacher at a high school. And it goes back even further, back many generations that I don't even want to think about.
Now dad was great at showing me how to do things, he let me participate in changing the oil, building a deck, staining, painting, varnishing, souldering, ect but I never had the knack for it. I always wanted to help, but usually I didn't do it good enough for dad's standards (Being the perfectionist that he is, AND that I'm not) or I would just get bored with it or I would need help from the master.
I just kept on saying that the Mr. Fix-it Gene is dormant in my body, Im just a carrier.

But guess what I did this afternoon W/O any help from Dad???
Well, lets back up a bit and tell the whole story.

I have my Maggie (a Magellan GPS). I love Maggie; she helps out when I am lost and makes the car ride go quicker. Well, anyways, Maggie has been acting up lately, not charging when she is supposed to and I have to kinda push that power cord in too much and it has been loose. Well today was the final straw for Maggie. She just gave that power input way and it fell into the insides of her. I thought for sure that Maggie was a goner but I might be able to do open-case surgery.
So I Rush Maggie home to open her up to take a look. Sure enough, it was something that is fixable. But the question was, was it Tim Fixable or Mr. Fix-it Fixable. I didn't want to ruin Maggie so I thought about waiting for Mr. Fix-it to get home in a week or so, but then I got some courage, and dove into the problem. It really was a simple fix, the power input had lost its connection to the motherboard so I knew that I needed the souldering tools. I got them out and warmed up and it took some precision (Perfection from an UN-perfectionist) but I made it. I gave it a shot and it was still a bit off, so I took another shot at it and, BAM, Maggie's all better and back to Life. She is charging right beside me now and looking better than ever.

So, needless to say- This might not have been the most difficult thing to fix, but I did it all by myself and am proud of myself for doing it right. Megan- Highlight, BAM!

Oh, and the Title, I just thought it was funny that Tim the Tool Man Taylor has the same first name as myself and I am so bad with tools usually. Not today.

Ode to the Red Hot

Ode to the Red Hot

You have served me well
You have given it your all
(which was not that much)
Ode to the Red Hot

I'll remember you fondly
your oil drips
your clutch slips
your starter problems
your turned milk smell
Ode to the Red Hot

The Gas mileage
the hundred thou count
the countless trips
the blastin music
Ode to the Red Hot

Where did I not go with you?
We coasted through the coast
We whinnied up the mountain
We zoomed through the Grande Rhone Valley
Ode to the Red Hot

The zips and swerves around the corners
No one could keep up with you
I will miss those narrow street-wide U-turns
with your radius laughing
at anyone who dared to follow.
Ode to the Red Hot

You took me through those college years
the long trips to EOU and Back Home
the cruising trip to Joseph
and many trips around LaGrande
Ode to the Red Hot

Your hot and sticky seat
on those warm summer days
with no Air Conditioning
and only the wind to cool
Ode to the Red Hot

How I will miss the tiny car that IS the Red Hot!

For those of you that did not know, I called my car the Red Hot because it is tiny and it was Red. Yes, I know it is very good logic. Anyways, my little Red Hot has been increasingly getting worse and worse for wear in the recent years. It started with a clutch problem, the second gear was not working well, it took a little extra finesse to use it correctly, then the car many times, would not start up correctly, I would have to put the car in the gear that I needed it to go in and then start it up and rev the engine enough to keep it going and pretty much pop the clutch to go. Then another issue arose just fairly recently, the oil started leaking on the thing. I have had to put in extra quarts of oil a few times in between the oil changes. I always have to keep an extra quart or two in the car at all times.
But anyways, I had plans to run the car to the ground- which I have done a good job of that- and save up money for a new one-which i haven't done a good job with that because of a bad subbing year and also getting ready to go back to school. Luckily, my father was also in the market for a new car. His is not totally out like mine, but he has been saving up money for a future car purchase. Recently with his new job that he is driving to Spokane and back to Central Oregon every week, he was more serious about looking for a replacement car. So we have been looking for fuel economical cars that have AC, and Cruise, everything else was not as needed. I have been looking on Cars.com and also on Craigslist. I found one when he was out of town in Spokane. It was a Ford Focus at Robberson Ford in Bend. I found it on Craigslist priced at 12,995. Then went to Robbersons website to find an internet price at 9995. There was also an eprice that I signed up for, and someone called from there saying they have a better price- 8995. So we made an appointment to see it this morning. Dad and I went and took my car. He had wanted to trade my car in to get rid of it and then give me his older car. After testing it, we saw it was good and went after it. There were only a few things that were not ideal, but for the price, it was amazing.
So, long story long, (Not short obviously) My little Red Hot is in their hands and we got a new car.
I am excited for my dad and his new car. From the time Focus' wer introduced, I loved the look of them.

So, Farewell Little Red Hot!