never satisfied

Some new things

2006-10-18T23:58:00.000-07:00

Well, hello. It's been a while. Well there have been a few new developments in my life. First, I have a new cellphone. It a sanyo Katana, it's a super nice phone. Secondly, I have switched operating systems. I now am a Ubuntu user. Haha, I can make fun of Windows users. Thirdly, Amanda and I are now dating. I asked her dad tonight. YAY! Anways, this is just a small update. I might post a longer post later.

ARG!!

2006-09-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

I see them everywhere--I see them in class, on a couch in a corner, standing outside in the cold, or even in the infamous gazebo. They are the Maranatha dating couples. I must admit to having had a membership in this elite club once. I sat in the gazebo and on the couches. I went to the late night skates for the simple reason of the couple’s skate. I spent 6,000 minutes a month on my cell phone. And as I look back at the wasted time, I look around and see others suffering where I was.
Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against dating. It’s the quasi-married couples that evoke my distain. It all starts when they go “official” and feel like they must spend every waking minute together. All their free time must be spent on their cell phones or in writing notes or in thinking about writing notes or talking on their cell phones. They know they’ll be quizzed later on their time usage. Why didn’t you call me?
It’s getting out of control. I think now of all the time I wasted. I could have been playing video games, flying kites, or making s’mores. But seriously, when I could have been getting closer to God, hanging out with my guy friends, or when I should have been doing homework, I spent all my time on my girlfriend idol.
I was once a semi-married man. I was stuck in relational limbo. Pushed and expected to do things that have never been available before let alone expected. There were ways to act, things to do, things to say, and it all came so naturally. But shouldn’t that send up a red flag?
How many things that come naturally are good? Let’s see: eating, sleeping, sinning. Now you are thinking, Hold on a minute, did you just equate dating with sin? Well, yes and no. Dating is not a just a physical reaction, such as eating or sleeping. But it is an attitude and action, similar to sin. While I don’t think that dating is sinful, I do think that as sinners we have a natural man and we give our natural man is given a little too much leeway in our dating.
It all starts with a glance. They get to school after living in a small Christian community where they weren’t allowed to date, or there were no eligible members of the opposite sex. They get to school and are expected to find their spouse in a day and college is Old Country Buffet. Pick what ever you like from the line. Going from no dating to being expected to find you life’s mate pushed me over the edge too. The only question my parents ask about my relationship is found a cute girl yet? Before I came the school my freshman year my dad gave me some advise. Start saving for a ring now. What? Aren’t you jumping that gun a little early?
As good Christians, we know to keep our physical purity. But the protection of the heart is just as important as the protection of the body. To give a heart away prematurely is a emotional fornication. I gave my heart away to early and I know I won’t get part of it back. I look in the eyes of these couples and see them heading down the same road. These pseudo-spouses are giving parts of their hearts to every person they date and collecting a few on their
If kids aren’t being taught how to date, how will they learn? They needed somebody to show them, before they start dating, how to guard their heart. A break up shouldn’t be like a divorce and unfortunately most are. And it‘s so easy to get too attached.
I have since learned to guard my heart. I have my scars and I have my stories. I want to save these kids from what I had to go through. I want to keep these kids from a divorce of the heart. First loves rarely work out, despite what Sweet Home Alabama wants you to think. While dating my first girlfriend, I kept telling myself that we would beat the stats. We didn’t.
Love is blind and love is deaf. I didn’t listen to others that were smarter and wiser. I didn’t listen to the signs people told me they saw. I need to tell these kids to listen to what I didn’t. Dating should never be your number one priority and to many it has become so. Dating is an idol when his is what it becomes. Singleness is a gift, but not a permanent one. Enjoy it while you can. We’ll be married most on our lives, what’s the rush?

God ain't no pussy cat!

2006-09-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

This is the testimony I wanted to give in chapel, but every time I was about to stand up Dr. Oats said that we had enough. Since I couldn't use the Student Body (I'm back at Maranatha for those of you who don't know) I will use the whole internet as my private soapbox.

This last fall semester (2005) I had a trial in my life. Through this trial God really showed me a clear picture of myself, needless to say, I didn't like what I saw. To add insult to injury, I decided that to return to Maranatha in the Spring would not be a wise idea. So through finances and this testing, I didn't return. I am so glad God didn't allow me to return. Don't get me wrong I love Maranatha, I did eventually return. But I was so wrapped up with certain aspects of my life. I had made a few idols of my own, which is why I had this huge trail in my life. So during the spring semester and summer I had got to just learn about Jesus, see the real Christ. Since God had shown me my own short comings, I was given the opportunity to real focus on the correction of these significant faults. God use the fact that I could read at my job, and gave me several great titles that changed my life (anything about Jim Elliot). He also used the Internship to teach me about him while I was ministering to these kids. He used my leading songs in the handicapped class to teach me to be willing to do things that I am uncomfortable doing. He just streched me and caused me to grow. Now your probably wondering why the title of this post is "God ain't no pussy cat". The reason I named it that is that I am so grateful that God isn't just a plush Teddy-bear god. They tipping point for me was this incredibly difficult trial. And God used that. He is willing to do seemingly hurtful things (in our limited knowledge) to teach us and change us. He is not here to make us feel good, but to make us good. And to make us good we sometimes have to feel pain. In retrospect that trials was the best thing that has every happened to me. For some reason this remind me of the classic allegory of the Bible, CS lewis's Lion, Witch and Wardrobe. In the book the children are take to the beavers house. They get on the topic of Aslan and the following conversation takes place:

"Then he isn't safe?" asked Lucy.

"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver. "Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."

For me this is one of the most profound things I have heard. God isn't one to let us live our lives comfortably but not completely. God wants us be strive for Him. God doesn't want us to be nice, or to be safe, he wants us to be good. That is the way He is. To be good people though we will most likely have to taste the sting of pain. GOD is not here to make US feel good, but WE are here to bring HIM glory. When all is said and done those pains, those trials, those things in our lives that hurt the most, are the things that will shape and change us most. When we become more like Christ we will be glad we had those testing whether those testing brought you to God, or brought you back to God. Whether they added a new dimension to you life or removed a spiritual cancer. I am glad God isn't a pussy cat, but he is the Lion of Judah.

RANDOM FACTS (inspired by Hanni who was inspired by Jef who was, I'm sure, inspired by someone I don't know)

2006-07-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, Here is a post, it a filler post, cuz I'm writing one. You know the deep one's, the one's that change your life ( yes, I am aware that one's is not a word...but I like it). So here are some random facts about me.

~I love to draw

~I was on the Discover Channel

~I've been sued

~I love sushi, even though I live in a town that most people don't know what that is

~I have a strange desire to go bungie jumping...thanx 5takes.

~I've been in 2 car wrecks...OK I caused 2 car wrecks...been clean for 2 years now, though.

~If I was a dog I'd be a Golden Retriever

~If I was a car I would be a Magnum

~If I was a movie Dad I would Chevy Chase off the Vacation movies

~I used to have a Magic:TG card collection, and used to have a coin collection....and a stamp collection...I'm a collector....OK PackRat

~My personality type makes up less the 1% of the worlds population...long live INFP's

~If I lived in the Medieval Times I would be a Benevolent King

~I'm addicted to books

~I am an adrenaline junkie

~I can't spell worth beans

~I have a 52" chest...and it's not fat...mostly

~I wear size 14 shoes

~I was a very well decorated soccer goalie in high school

~I broke a persons leg in soccer

~I made a person need to be flight-for-lifed out of a prison school during a soccer game....all I did was stang there when he ran into me....he got a red card

~ummm...thas about enough

Well, there are a few weird and interesting facts about me, James Thomas E----- IV....yes that is my full name. This is far from a complete list, but just a few of the highlights.

Vlog

2006-06-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

OK, It's my first Vlog so just laugh and hope for improvements.

Kintaro Walks Japan

2006-06-08T21:12:00.000-07:00

I know it's long, but it's really good. I highly recommend this so...WATCH IT!!!

I'M BACK!!!!

2006-05-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

Well, hello all!! I am back. These last few weeks have been a crazy time of transitions, new opportunities, learning and growth. But they have been busy. Firstly I must say congrats to Taylor Hicks, i called it from the beginning, he has such a personality, and not a stuck up one. Congrats to BJ and Tyler from Amazing Race, called that one too. I would alss like to encourage all of you to watch tylers movie, Kintaro walks Japan. I will put up a post with an imbeded video soon. OK, so you all are wondering what new new in the life of James, and if your not, I'll tell you anyways. First bad news....backpacking is expensive, I'm going to do it, but it will not be easy getting the equipment. Yes Kintaro inspired me. I had to give up teaching the little kids on weds. nights and leading songs for the mental handicapt. BUT the good news I and now the interm youth pastor....kinda...i do all the stuff with out the title. So that is one of the things that has been keeping me busy, designing a ciriculum for a summer youth program...for scratch, all the activies, kids, promotion. We has a big summer bash planned and i need to get studing for my challenge. Secondly I have switched to full time at my job and my first shifts were midnights to 6am. So most of my day was shot from sleeping. Thirdly I am teachinf my self Japanese...not reason, except for the desire to learn it...and it will make me look smart. i hope to start up posting somewhat regularly...but I can't Promise. I hope you have a great day and talk to you soon. Chotto shituri shimasu. Sayoonara.

HELP ME!!!!!

2006-04-30T14:06:00.000-07:00

PLEASE DO THIS!!! I actually know someone who got a free ipod from doing this so it isn't a skam, follow this like http://ipods.freepay.com/?r=29763201 and complete 1 of the things, most of them are free trial offers of services. Just sign up, wait for the comformation then cancel! Once you do that, if you can get 5 friends to sign up, you will get a free ipod also. AS I SAID I KNOW SOMEONE WHO DID THIS AND THEY DID GET A FREE IPOD!!! All i need is for 5 of you to do a trial, Please help a brother out!!! Thanx.

Things I will do for her

2006-04-27T21:07:00.000-07:00

Leave her cute text messages

Kiss her in front of your friends.

Trust her over everyone else.

Tell her she looks beautiful.

Look her in the eye when you talk to her.

Tell her stupid jokes to make her laugh.

Let her mess with your hair.

Just walk around with her.

Include her in everything you do.

When she crys do whatever to make her smile.

Forgive her for her mistakes.

Look at her like she's the only girl you see.

Tickle her even if she says stop.

When she starts swearing at you tell her you love her.

Let her fall asleep in your arms.

Get her mad, then kiss her.

Tease her and let her tease you back.

Stay up with her all night when she's sick.

Watch her favorite movie.

Kiss her forehead.

Write her letters.

Let her wear your clothes.

When she's sad, hang out with her.

Let her know she is important.

Let her take all the photos of you she wants.

Kiss her in the rain.

And when you fall in love with her, tell her.

And when you do tell her ... Love her like you never loved before.

Ode to Dave

2006-04-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

This one's for you buddy!!

without his make-up

and with it!!

Skillz IV

2006-04-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

I love watching people draw, and this dude is actually pretty good. It's just simple tribal designs, but its still fun to watch.

Draw!!!

2006-04-21T14:16:00.000-07:00

Draw me something then post as to what it is!!

Brain Wave Hash

2006-04-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

Well this post is just a whole mish-mash of thoughts that I would like to get out of my head...so I guess I'll put it in your's. I've just beening thinkin' lately about my life, how it's changed, what's made it change, how I can shange it for the better, where am I headed, that kinda stuff. Well, firstly I'm head to the mission field. Don't know where, I kinda always though south-east asia. recently I read alot of stuff about Jim Elliot, the man involved with Operation Auca. he has been such an encouragement to me, should me alot of stuff in my life that I can change, his life challenged mine. I read his biography wrtien my his wife, I read Thought the Gates of Splendor, also written by his wife, saw the movie too. It just really challanged me to what type of missions I feel called to. I alwayed asumed that I would just be a pastor in a foreign country, but now I have opened myself up to what ever God has for me, wether it be orphans in the jungles of Equador, or pastoral in Thialand. I am open to that which me has called me. Actually right now I'm trying to spend the next year in Peru, an 11-month intership/college. Don't think it will work out, but I'm trying to do it. It would be an amazing experience. To not just visit a foreign country, but to live there, to serve there. Right now, I just need to be open to God's leading. Hmmm...what else? Have you ever had a freind...or more then a friend, and then realize that they are more happy without you in thier life that when you were in it? Especially when you were more happy when they were in your life?? Well that kinda struck me today, not a pleasant pill to swallow, but I just have to realize that there is someone out there that will be moer happy with me in thier lives. Talked to an old friend last night for an hour or so. it was great encouragement. It made me regret not hanging around with him more in high school, looking back he was one of the few true Christians I knew...many were Christians by name and association, but few lived it. Hats off to you Kellen. Well I think thats enough ranting for a night...talk to ya'll later>

TADER-TOT Gun!!

2006-04-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

IT WORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I finally got my potato gun working. It took a while to troubleshoot, but it's finally working. It is a pnematic potato gun, so it uses air. It is also uses a diaphram, to let the air escape...so here it is.

I used a quarter to show you how big it is...and yes I used a toonie(spelling?) for my friend north of the boarder. It's not that big, but it is powerful. the average large combustion potato gun shoots at about 10-20 PSI. This one can get to over 100 PSI easily. I used about 60 for this test shot.

I used a normal foot pump to pump it up

I use a slug made of potato, shove it down in the pipe. Release a little air out the back, and WHAMM!! it goes flying. I'll post a video of it firing tomorrow, I'm just glad I got it working!!

UPDATE!!!

2006-04-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

This is just a simple message telling you all bout the updats that I currently have on my blog. Firstly is the TagBoard just to the left of this post. Please use it. I put alot of time into getting it, getting it working, and tweaking it. You don't even need to talk to me, leave little messages, questions, anything at all.
Secondly is my guestbook. I use www.statcounter.com to keep control of my site stats, and I constantly see hits from places I don't know anybody, so if you could just sign my guest book, my goal is to get someone from every continent to sign it. So Constrtuctive critism is also welcome, if you don't like something, or if you'de like to see something. If you have any questions about anything I have on my site comment on this post, use the Tagboard, or email me.

Breakfast at 2:30

2006-04-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

Well I had a midnight to 6 shift last night, was pretty nice, watch Manchurian Candidate, and Shall We Dance? Both great movies. So I woke today, and wanted breakfast, so i decided to throw a breakgfast party...but no one came...well i guess i would have need to invite someone, but whatever. Anywho made home-made pancakes, there were yummy.

So this was my killer breakfast, so lets all have breakfast!! I decided to eat outside on our deck to enjoy the warmth and relaxation, and so I could hear the birds sing to me thier sweet melody. This is the view.

Um...almost done...look at those pancakes...perfect!! I love to cook. Well all done, too bad your not here to help me clean up!!

A Posse!!

2006-04-17T18:20:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted a posse. Today was an especially boring day that made me think about my social life, because I horribly wanted to do something...but up here in I.Falls...there is no one. There is one guy in my church thats my age...but he is nothing like me, which makes it hard to agree on...um...anything. Like what movies to watch, what to do, where to go...it doesn't help that I'm not a sports nut, and the only website that he's ever been on is NFL.com. Nothing against him...it just that where not very alike...at all. Honestly, I have never really had a group of people like me too hang out with. See, I'm not normal. I am a living oxymoron. My interest always contradict themselves, for example I like chic flicks, but I love action. I love mindless humor, but I love to talk deep theology with people. Even at Maranatha..ny friends weren't really those kooky people that I am most comfortable around...sure I love sitting in my Dorm Sups room debateing Calvinism, but I would rather be out at a coffee shop, listening to Brilliant Geopgrapher, WHILE discussing the spiritual ramifications of a post-millenial escatology. i love being crazy, kooky and random, and for the most part I don't get to hang out with those kind of people...sure I have a few friend like that, BUT I have never had that group of friends...that since of belonging in a group. In High School I was a part of ever clique, the jocks, geeks, popular, unpopular, but i never belong to any of them...and none of them real wanted me in there groups...it was fine while I was there, but they hardly went out of thier way to stuff with me. I know this sounds like a stupid pity party, but it's not. i have actually made friends with this stupid blog. From England to the Philippines, while I might not be able too go have coffee with ya'll you do make me feel like I belong...so in a way I finally got that kooky group of friends!

A tennis star is born!!

2006-04-16T16:19:00.000-07:00

I played a bit of tennis today, my second time...ever. I have decided that I really like tennis. I mean I have always loved Ping-pong, I'll rock your socks if you know what I mean. So today me, my bro Jake, and Ryan went to play some tennis. I was kinda sad, I not being very good, and Ryan just plain not being good. It was fun though, to go outside get some exercise. I would love to pick this up, it's fun, makes you feel special when you play (because tennis is a rich person sport). Who knows maybe I'll even get good at it.

Skillz 3

2006-04-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite comedian, Pable Fransisco. He is so funny, I'm sure hie un-edited stuff is crap, but what comedians isn't. Hope you enjoy!

Roadblocks and Stepping Stones

2006-04-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

I recently got in touch with a long lost friend the other day, and honestly several long lost friends over the last few months. All this redicovery of the past had made me think alot about the past. Grade school, high school, college. Who I was and who I am. The boy that grew to this man. The challenges, hard times, good time, loves, friendships, testing, incadecant happiness, who have formed who I am. I have become a believer that you are a product of your envorment...to an extent. God uses those in you life, wether they be valleys or peaks, to mold us into the people that we must become. We are sent many seemingly rough stumbling blocks, but what we often don't realize is that those are actually stepping stones. What I meant when I said that I believe taht we are a product of our envirnment to an extent was that we will always have the choice of how we accept those things in our lifes. We can take them as we see them, death, finacial struggles, illness, work, perecution, we could get bitter and resent God for those, we could argue and complain letting these things pull us deeper into our own self-pity and destruction. OR we can take those same situations and realize that nothing we can do can change what happened, but we can learn and grow, and thank God for showing us his mercy to us though that situation. I have seen so many people get angry and resentful at God, saying that He didn't have to do that, that He could have stopped this, or that he caused the other thing, they all complain about what happened, so they're eyes are never opened to what's happening! Nothing can change what happened so look to whats happening. Look ahead.
One of the ways that I believe God uses to mold us into who He wants us to be is other people. From the 12 year old that you teach in Sunday School to your best friend, from you enemies to you significant other. Sometimes he even mixes method by using a friend in an hard situation. I know that one of the best things for me, was also the hardest. It's when I broke up with my girlfriend...actually she broke up with me. I grew so much through that, realized that I was putting her before God, that I was treating her wrong, that I wasn't focused or striving for the things that I should have been. And the emotional pain, made those things jump out, without that dark day in my life, I wouldn't be who I am now, I would be weaker, more lazy, spiritually dieing! God used that to waken me. God uses people to form who we are. Don't blind yourself to the fact that God is also using you to form other people. People watch you, especially as a Christian. You must but forth your best, you must be genuine, you must be love, you must show it. I find it so sad when I see Christians act like they don't have to live above reproach, when they say that things are between them and they're creator, while that is true, you also present a front to those you know and to those who see you. They should have no questions in thier minds where you allegance lays.
We need to take our lives by the horns do something with them, life doesn't start tomorrow, it started yesterday. We must take that which we are given, wether good or bad, and use it grow and to Honor Christ. We must use what we have to help others grow close to God, and to even meet Him for the first time. Other lifes depend on yours, in more way then one, can you say that you lift up, or do you hang your head in shame because you know you tear down.

Funny Picture of me and my friend Jesse

2006-04-14T16:39:00.000-07:00

This is me and my friend Jesse...I'm not really punching him, silly. I though this was funny and I found it on Maranatha's website. This was taken on our choir tour, this last fall.

Skillz 2

2006-04-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

Another guy with mad skills...and I'm sure you know who this is...

Again

2006-04-12T22:10:00.000-07:00

Yes, another new template. The old was looking a little...I don't femine...maybe I'm wrong. This time I went for the 3 column, minimalist...actually i just wanted the 3 column and I got stuch with the minimalist. So tell me what you think...and if you want I can give you that last template...free custom graphics, anyone??

Skillz

2006-04-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

This guys got some skills...I am so jeolous I wish I could play my guitar like that.

Backyard

2006-04-11T15:10:00.000-07:00

These are a few picture I took while out on a bike ride today. This is pretty much my backyard...we live on the river...enjoy!

Me and my new specs.

2006-04-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

Retrospect

2006-04-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been an interesting weekend. Firstly, when to a show called Hudson Shad (see picture). It was really good, they're a group of crooners...They were really good. I love that kinda music, my friends burning me a Sinatra CD, and I have Buble playing on this blog. I love older music I guess, I love the symphony, I love going and seeing it, that one thing I don't like about Hickville...um..International Falls, is that the nearest big city is like 5 hours away. So when I want to go to the symphony or a play or something, I have a ridiculous drive.
Anywho, I also work this weekend, did a 6pm-12am shift, it wasn't bad. But the next night I did the 12am-6am shift, It also wasn't bad (got to see some good movies...I love my job). So I hadn't slept at all, it was 6 in the morning and on my way home my tire went flat. Since we cancelled our cell phones (due to bad reception up here), and it was 6 on a Sunday morning, I did have the ability to call my dad, so I tried to change the tire. The last person to change the tires put on the lug nuts so tight that I ended up torqueing the nut into some spiral thing...So I ended up walking home. I was incredible tired, and it was a wee bit on the chilly side. So I walked the five miles home...The walk was so good. I listened to the menagerie of wild birds, watched the sun chase the night like some game of cosmic tag, saw bald eagles fishing in the lake, listen to the stillness of a night fading into the life of a new dawn, watched as God took his paint brush and painted a totally unique watercolor for the rising sun. It was a awesome walk.
Well, I'm off to go Mt. Biking with my friend Ryan, so later!!

This is really funny!!!

2006-04-07T15:02:00.000-07:00

Attempt at a website

2006-04-03T21:17:00.000-07:00

This is my attempt at redoing my churches website? What do ya'll think? Spend several hours doing the all-original graphics. This is just a mock up to show the person running the current website...which is sorely lacking. So give me some constructive critisism. It a little plain, but when i Get the real info for the pages it will look better, and yes that is my dad...he's the pastor.

1000 and Counting

2006-04-01T21:00:00.000-08:00

YA, This blog has broken the 1000 pages views, if yu scroll to the very bottom theres a counter and it's over 1000...YA. I know this isn't a big deal, but it is to me....It's almost like I'm popular!!

Hmmmm....

2006-03-31T22:54:00.000-08:00

Well it 1 am Saturday Morning, I have mens prayer breakfast in less than 7 hours, I worked last nit...Well this morning from midnight to 6, so I'm running on less than 4 hours of sleep for the last 40 hours...hmmm. As you can see I revamped the look of the site, it looks more personalize, I even made the banner in photoshop. I'm happy, not just cause I'm sleep depraved and I made my blog look pretty, but I have a very good life. I have God who loves me even when I do stupid things, I have friends that allow me the privilege of being in there live and that trust me enough to let me try and help them, I have a family that loves me. I have many thing that interest me, so I never too bored, write now I'm trying to write a novel...fingers crossed. I love you all. You all have taught me so much, have helped me grow, have been the steel to sharpen my own. In this world of warring neon lights and human spiritual refuse, I have the ability to grow and learn and teach. Oh this responsibility, I think that class I've been teaching is going to be mine permanently and I think I will also be helping permanently in the friends class as their song leader. I am so unworthy, God help me, hear my prayer, you seem to delight in picking the most unworthy. Help me, I pray....I AM SO TIRED...I think I'm going to go to bed

How to put an MP3 song on your blog!!!

2006-03-31T13:08:00.000-08:00

OK, so heres that post I promised so that you all can put a song on your Blog. This is an original tutorial, so I didn't steal it from anybody. OK Lets get started...

First, you need to find a good place to host your files, I like www.filelodge.com its free 500MB with 50MB file limits and unlimited band width. If you don't understand what that means it means that you can have files that are upto 50MB and all you files total can eaqual 500MB.

Second you need to upload your MP3 onto the server.

Thirdly you need to make an M3U file, all this is, is a file that tells your computer to load part of the MP3 song and play it while its uplaoding the next part of the some...in essance it's allowing you to stream the MP3.

To make an M3U file, open up microsoft notepad...it must be notepad or another super-basic word prosessor...no Word. now type the URL of the uploaded MP3, just right click the uploaded MP3 in filelodge and select properties. Type the URL into notepad then press enter..if you don't it will mess up the song. OK, now save it as whateveryouwanttonameit.M3u...don't forget the .m3u and end of the filename. Now that its saved upload the .m3u file into filelodge.

Lastly copy this code into you blog template

Put your file name in the SRC ...both of them and save the template and your good to go. If your song plays a little jaggety recode the MP3 in a higher compression

SO thats how to put a song on your blog, if you have any questions, just ask.

The Meaning of Life??

2006-03-29T08:04:00.000-08:00

What is the meaning of life? Why were we created? Was it to be happy? Was it to simply exist? Was it to glorify God? I don't know but for some reason this is the topic I choose for the devotional I got to give at the last youth group/college activity. Those were the answers I got. I have to admit that the answer is pretty obvious, but in reality they are all right in a way. The purpose of creation is to glorify (Isa 43:6-7), so henceforth that is our purpose, but then that raises the question "How do we accomplish this task, how can we best glorify God?" "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. (Ps 40:8 KJV)" See the word delight in there? That word is peppered throughout the book of psalms as a way to describe our relationship with God, and his desired relationship with man. The best way we can glorify God is to delight in Him. The BEST way to glorify our heavenly Father is to be happy and content with who he is, This is not to that the Christian life will be a bed of roses, but to delight in God will help pull you through a hard time, rather then getting mad at Him. God doesn't delight in hurting us, he doesn't enjoy doing things that will upset us, but sometimes in order for us to grow or to learn a lesson those things must happen. Its how we react to those hardship, its how we show our delight, our joy, our happiness in Christ. That is how we can bring glory to God. Can you really glorify someone, if you don't delight in them, if you don't enjoy being around them, if you don't love them? NO! You can't. Can I be a true friend to someone who I dislike or am indifferent too? Nope. Heres an example of how delighting in God can change the out come of a situation to glorify God. Lets saw you are indifferent about being a Christian, who have your "fire" insurance, and you obey but not because you want to, but because you think you have too. OK? Now your at work and some of your co-workers are telling a bad joke, you know that wrong so you just leave, whats wrong with that you might ask...But how does that glorify God? Lets take that same situation , but this time you delight in God, you want to do something to serve Him. Ok, now your walking and you see those co-workers, but this time you confront them and tell them that that's wrong, sure they might laught or make fun of you, but that is so much more of a testimony, that glorifies God. You see a natural output of a delight in God is following his commandment, not because you have too (which is legalism) but because you want to love, honor and glorify the supreme ruler of your life. When there something that you love, and enjoy you will be so much m ore likely to tell someone about it.

"Wither is God?...I will tell you, we have killed him- you and I. All of us are murderers...God is dead" -Niezche

OK, I do not believe that God is dead, but this statement made a few hundred years ago sums up the modern state of many Christians. We act like God is dead. If we acted like God was with us 24-7 like he is, I guarantee that every Christian would act differently. Besides Sunday, wed. And 5-10, maybe 30 minutes a morning, Christ is incredible not integrated into our lives, and those that do have Him integrates and called fanatics. That which we delight in is that which most occupies our minds. Hobbies, the latest TV show or movie, that new best-seller, that new game, sleep, WORK, MONEY. These are things that we delight in and that it seems in not Christ. We need to delight in God, we need to act like God is with us always, we need to be a light to a dark world, and a salt to a decaying world, We are not taking the precious gift God has given us. We bury it in the ground till our masters return. We are wasting our life's on ourselves. WE MUST LEARN TO DELIGHT IN GOD.

A song, and a better sidebar!

2006-03-23T20:53:00.000-08:00

Well if you couldn't tell I added a song to this site, I love this song, it a song that I hope to fulfill. Its "Fly Away" by David Phelps, that dude in the picture. Anywoo, tel me what you thing, if its annoying, i can always change it or turn it off. i also updated my sidebar, added a few more friends (hope you don't mind), and a few more sites, and a whole new catagory, Spiritual Growth, these are just a few of the sites I visit regularly. They have to do with all things Spiritual. I also just joined a fan ring for Dean Koontz, he is my favorite non-spiritual author, I love good horror books, I know I'm weird, i recommend "Life Expectancy" and "Odd Thomas" those are two of my favorite novels from him. Anyways, my classes for tomorrow got cancels, so I need to work on my devotional for a youth group activity, and I'll probably but a real post instead of these stupid short update posts, so I'll see ya'll later!

O! Canada

2006-03-18T06:43:00.000-08:00

Right now I'm am posting from a hotel lobby in Dryden, Ontario. We are here for a church hockey tournment. It's been pretty fun, but Canada's kinda weird. Low ceiling, narrow doors, and funny money (Hey, that rhymned...hehe). Well, I've always wanted to goto a foreign country, so now I have. The hotel workers have a cool acsent and I'm jealous. I want a acsent too....its so cool. This has to be the worlds slowest computer, but it's free internet so I'm not going to complain. But it is frustrating, I've spent over 1/2 hour trying to post this plus a picture of a Canadian Flag, but I don't think I can get the flag to work....it would just take too long for it to load, so.... Later, Ya'll

YAY!!!

2006-03-17T09:02:00.000-08:00

I GOT A JOB!!!! I am now a a tollbooth worker. i work on the tollbooth between US and Canada...weird, huh?

Good-Bye

2006-03-15T19:42:00.000-08:00

My Great Grandfather, Dr, James Wooster died today. It was not unexpected, and he is in a better place, away from his pain. Grandpa was a missionary for many year, and the first president of Northland Baptist Bible College. He was godly an that loved the lord. Surely he will get, "Well done, thy good and faithful servant."

The Gang

2006-03-09T20:04:00.000-08:00

Well here's a picture of the gang. It's me, ryan, Bailey, Courtney, Josie, Z, and Sarah. These arn't all the kids but the ones that were here last night.

Ode to the ungrateful, for you are a fool

2006-03-04T20:40:00.000-08:00

Ever just felt like everyone you know is just passing by you? Well thats kinda how i fell right now. All, or at least most, of my friends are at Maranatha, all having a great time, while I sit at my house and do nothing. There are a total of 2 people in the church around my age, not including my brother, and one of them is a 15 year old girl, need I say more. Needless to say, I'm kinda bummed right now. I would gladly trade TV, easy classes, movies, and the ocassional ski trip to be back at maranatha. You don't realize what a group of godly friends means to you until you don't have it. I love and miss all ya'll. I miss the challenging, the iron sharpening iron, I miss hanging out, the TBN in Tims room. I took for granted the blessing i had been given...but I will be back....just not for a while, anyways. For all of you who are complaining about the rule, for those of you who think of the "legalism" you are looking in the wrong place. Focus not on the negative, consider it the small price to pay for the plethera of oportunities and friends and goldly atmosphere and learning and growth. There are many that evny you and where you are. God has given you such a gift, don't overlook it and leave its opportunities untapped because you are so busy looking at the"negative". Endure, enjoy, and reap the reward of the blessing God gaves you. It may not all be easy but it all is good.

Amazing Story

2006-02-27T08:19:00.000-08:00

Your need to watcht this video...it's incredible.Its about an autistic by how get to play in a basketball game... Video.

Movies

2006-02-20T21:06:00.000-08:00

As you can see I've added a new feature to my side bar...my movies. I am an amateur

filmmaker. Not very good but I enjoy it...it's a hobby. The First one is called Orange Peel Massacre...it's just a cheesy "horror" move that I made...one day I'll make a good one. And the Second is my hymn story for my songleading class. The reason I put these on here is for my friend Rob, he want the see them again, so i thought why not...might as well just post 'em...so I did.

The first one I made in hight school using just a regular point and click digital camera..not a camorder( that why the there black stops...different framerate)...my friend picked the music, I had originally edited it, but that version got lost, so he re-editied it...with his own little spin...thanx John. Heres are some screenshots...so you know what your getting yourself into if you actually watch it.

The murdered...a must for any horror film..this is my friend Jacob Job. One of the three actors I con....um..convinced to be in my movie. Oh and I made the script as I went so it's kind random.

This is the villian...John...the picture above is also him. He's a funny dude...and these are funny pictures of him

My next film is my hymn story. I did it on John Newton and him writing Amazing Grace. Most of these are urban legends, but it was moer excting, cause nobody really knows what happened

So this are my first try at film making...but definately not the last...I have a better camera...and actual camcorder, nice editing suite, and a good idea. I'm working on the script and choreagraphy to a an action/kung fu movie...just a cheap one, with cheap effect...what can you expect from a $0 budget...but it will be fun. I'll get my brother, and Ryan Davis to most of the acting...I'll probably be behind the camera again, but who knows maybe a cameo? So expect that by the end of the summer. So this is a little bit about me, and the weirdness know as James.

Beauty and the Geek

2006-02-16T20:15:00.000-08:00

So, your probably wondering what with the free advertising from this ( <--- ) show. Well, I really like this show, I like the idea behind it, take 8 beautiful women (though not the sharpest tools in the shed) and 8 geeky guys, and let them teach eachother about the other world. The guys learn to be social, not so caught up in intelect, learn to be comfortable with themselfs, and to gain self confidence. While on the girls side the learn that not just "hot" guys are the guys that you want to be with. they learn to be less snobby and learn to rely less on thier looks. So I just really like this show, I was also a fan of the "Average Joe" series. i just like to see the underdog, the guy who doesn't look like he has what it takes, but when you take off the outside, he has more then enought heart to win any girl. In a way I feel like those guys, I don't have the looks, but atleast they have the smarts. I like to see one of my people reach beyond there dreams to get what they deserve. But I do find it sad that the beautiful girls need to be attracted to a show like this by winning money. The in a way acceptance is only the after though, or only gotten by first wanting a prize, then learning the truth. Us geeky guys got hearts( I took the "how geek are you?" quiz on the website, and it said I was very geeky). To show that a geek can be so much more masculine, than some stupid jock. That its not "weird" to not worship football, or sport in general. I guess to not be pressured, on threat of being a social outcast, because you don't conform or don't look good enough. It's nice to know that when push comes to shove, that the geek will win the beautys heart.

A Test Run

2006-02-14T21:03:00.000-08:00

I've beening thinking about switching my blog here for a while noe, but didn't cause my freinds were on xanga, and I had a lot of cool blobrings that I was a member of. Anywoo, Marantha Blocked Xanga, so i guess I'll give this beast a test run, to see if I like it. So, here we go.