This is a great way to waste 2 or 3 hours
http://www.bandnamemaker.com/generator/?cw=
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
SUMMER 2008
Hi. My name is Jeff. I have a blog. I add new things once every 7 months. Below is our wondrous summer of 2008:
The Anaconda squeeze
Shakespeare would be proud!
.
I believe he can fly....I believe he can touch the sky..
Yao Ming took this for us on July 4
This baby gets great gas mileage!
Pretty adorable 'aint they?
Minor tractor mishap
"The Pretzel" has Cate mesmerized!
Alex is beside himself with glee!
Our backyard "living room"
Shannon, Me, Cori, Grammy and Jack at Comerica Park . Detroit played Kansas City and WON!
Joeys 11th birthday party on Aug.13 .
A heart warming pic of Jack and Papaw. I think this was at a Paintball/mini golf/go karts/kids rides place, but I can't remember.
I don't understand the masks either.
Please enjoy the jazz stylings of Funky Jack and the Gnat
The Anaconda squeeze
Shakespeare would be proud!
.
I believe he can fly....I believe he can touch the sky..
Yao Ming took this for us on July 4
This baby gets great gas mileage!
Pretty adorable 'aint they?
Minor tractor mishap
"The Pretzel" has Cate mesmerized!
Joey about to strike out the side with his wicked slider!
YaYa and Auntie Paula's visit in May
Alex is beside himself with glee!
Our backyard "living room"
Shannon, Me, Cori, Grammy and Jack at Comerica Park . Detroit played Kansas City and WON!
Joeys 11th birthday party on Aug.13 .
A heart warming pic of Jack and Papaw. I think this was at a Paintball/mini golf/go karts/kids rides place, but I can't remember.
I don't understand the masks either.
Please enjoy the jazz stylings of Funky Jack and the Gnat
Monday, May 26, 2008
Paul
2 Corinthians 2:23-28
23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
I leave you with the words of the Prophet Habakkuk:
17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
God Controls the Weather
I complain about the weather. I complain about the weather a LOT! What does my complaining accomplish? I believe it annoys others and displeases God. Essentially, when I complain I am telling myself and others within earshot of my grumbling that God is not doing a good enough job for me. ( Oh, poor little me. ) Truth is, God controls the weather and if He wants it to snow in April He will arrange for it to snow in April. I found this little tidbit below helpful:
A 12 Point Cure for Complaining
Complaining is unbecoming of the true Christian and yet we are proficient at it. The cure is found in these verses. In Christ we are never hopeless or forsaken. Every trial has meaning. Meditate on this cure in order to change both your language and your heart.
1. GOD COMMANDS ME NEVER TO COMPLAIN.
Do all things without complaining and disputing. Philippians 2:14(NAS)
2. GOD COMMANDS ME TO GIVE THANKS IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE.
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
3. GOD COMMANDS ME TO REJOICE ALWAYS, AND ESPECIALLY IN TIMES OF TRIAL.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Phil. 4:4; Rejoice always. 1 Thessalonians 5:16; Count it all joy when you fall into various trials. James 1:2
4. I ALWAYS DESERVE MUCH WORSE THAN WHAT I AM SUFFERING NOW¾IN FACT, I DESERVE HELL.
Why should any living mortal, or any man, offer complaint in view of his sins? Lamentations 3:39 Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:2-3
5. IN LIGHT OF THE ETERNAL HAPPINESS AND GLORY THAT I WILL EXPERIENCE IN HEAVEN, THIS PRESENT TRIAL IS EXTREMELY BRIEF AND INSIGNIFICANT, EVEN IF IT WERE TO LAST A LIFETIME.
The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Rom. 8:18; For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:19
6. MY SUFFERING IS FAR LESS THAN THAT WHICH CHRIST SUFFERED, AND HE DID NOT COMPLAIN.
Who when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. 1 Peter 2:23
7. TO COMPLAIN IS TO SAY GOD IS NOT JUST.
Shall not the Judge of all the Earth do right? Genesis 18:25
8. FAITH AND PRAYER EXCLUDE COMPLAINING.
I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
9. THIS DIFFICULTY IS BEING USED BY GOD FOR MY GOOD AND IT IS FOOLISH FOR ME TO COMPLAIN AGAINST IT.
And we know that all things work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
10. THOSE MORE FAITHFUL THAN I HAVE SUFFERED FAR WORSE THAN I, AND DID SO WITHOUT COMPLAINT.
…and others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. All these, having gained approval through their faith… Hebrews 11:35-39
11. COMPLAINING DENIES THAT GOD'S GRACE IS ENTIRELY SUFFICIENT.
My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9
12. THE GREATEST SUFFERING, THE WORST TRIAL OR DIFFICULTY, CAN NEVER ROB ME OF THAT WHICH IS OF GREATEST VALUE TO ME AND MY GREATEST JOY, NAMELY THE LOVE OF CHRIST.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered." But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39
____________________________
Copyright © 2001 Bill Izard. Adapted from the original publication. Distributed by Christian Communicators Worldwide, 201 Main, Parkville, MO 64152. Permission granted for non-profit duplication. All other uses require written permission.
A 12 Point Cure for Complaining
Complaining is unbecoming of the true Christian and yet we are proficient at it. The cure is found in these verses. In Christ we are never hopeless or forsaken. Every trial has meaning. Meditate on this cure in order to change both your language and your heart.
1. GOD COMMANDS ME NEVER TO COMPLAIN.
Do all things without complaining and disputing. Philippians 2:14(NAS)
2. GOD COMMANDS ME TO GIVE THANKS IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE.
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
3. GOD COMMANDS ME TO REJOICE ALWAYS, AND ESPECIALLY IN TIMES OF TRIAL.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Phil. 4:4; Rejoice always. 1 Thessalonians 5:16; Count it all joy when you fall into various trials. James 1:2
4. I ALWAYS DESERVE MUCH WORSE THAN WHAT I AM SUFFERING NOW¾IN FACT, I DESERVE HELL.
Why should any living mortal, or any man, offer complaint in view of his sins? Lamentations 3:39 Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:2-3
5. IN LIGHT OF THE ETERNAL HAPPINESS AND GLORY THAT I WILL EXPERIENCE IN HEAVEN, THIS PRESENT TRIAL IS EXTREMELY BRIEF AND INSIGNIFICANT, EVEN IF IT WERE TO LAST A LIFETIME.
The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Rom. 8:18; For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:19
6. MY SUFFERING IS FAR LESS THAN THAT WHICH CHRIST SUFFERED, AND HE DID NOT COMPLAIN.
Who when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when he suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. 1 Peter 2:23
7. TO COMPLAIN IS TO SAY GOD IS NOT JUST.
Shall not the Judge of all the Earth do right? Genesis 18:25
8. FAITH AND PRAYER EXCLUDE COMPLAINING.
I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
9. THIS DIFFICULTY IS BEING USED BY GOD FOR MY GOOD AND IT IS FOOLISH FOR ME TO COMPLAIN AGAINST IT.
And we know that all things work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
10. THOSE MORE FAITHFUL THAN I HAVE SUFFERED FAR WORSE THAN I, AND DID SO WITHOUT COMPLAINT.
…and others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. All these, having gained approval through their faith… Hebrews 11:35-39
11. COMPLAINING DENIES THAT GOD'S GRACE IS ENTIRELY SUFFICIENT.
My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9
12. THE GREATEST SUFFERING, THE WORST TRIAL OR DIFFICULTY, CAN NEVER ROB ME OF THAT WHICH IS OF GREATEST VALUE TO ME AND MY GREATEST JOY, NAMELY THE LOVE OF CHRIST.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered." But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39
____________________________
Copyright © 2001 Bill Izard. Adapted from the original publication. Distributed by Christian Communicators Worldwide, 201 Main, Parkville, MO 64152. Permission granted for non-profit duplication. All other uses require written permission.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Remembering Summer.....
Ok. It's March 3rd. It's gray and cold even though this morning it was 55 degrees. Yes, the ever popular " steady or slowly falling temperatures through the afternoon" scenario hit us today. The remaining snow is filthy black. I think I shattered a disc in my back attempting to stop from slipping on the ice. No, I didnt fall down. I shattered it by trying to STOP from falling. Weird. Alright. Now, winter........just quit it!
" Do all things without complaining"
I know. I know. Lord help me
Monday, February 18, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Jokes
Q: What's the difference between roast beef and pea soup?
A: Anyone can roast beef
A: Anyone can roast beef
Q: What goes clop, clop, clop, bang, bang, clop, clop clop?
A: An Amish drive-by shooting
A: An Amish drive-by shooting
Actual Newspaper ads:
Dog for sale: eats anything and is fond of children.
Stock up and save. Limit: one.
Man wanted to work in dynamite factory. Must be willing to travel.
Wanted. Man to take care of cow that does not smoke or drink.
Our experienced Mom will care of your child. Fenced yard, meals, and smacks included.
Auto Repair Service. Free pick-up and delivery. Try us once, you'll never go anywhere again.
Girl wanted to assist magician in cutting-off-head illusion. Blue Cross and salary.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Cheeseburger in Paradise
Friday night my lovely wife, lovely sister, lovely step-mother and lovely father....wait, no....he is not lovely- he is very masculine, hip, cool, phat and looks a little bit like Sean Connery - but younger. Well, his beard looks like Sean Connery's. Alright, where was I? ok. Anyways, we celebrated dads 67th birthday at cheeseburgerinparadise. I have to admit we had a great time. We laughed, we cried, we told stories of our sailing days on the Great Lakes. Actually, Dad did sail the Great Lakes for U. S. Steel back in the early 60's. He was a cook . Growing up I recall dad cooking every now and then and adding "mystery ingredients" . (Today I no longer have stomache lining.)
Anyways, I ordered the Baja Burger, cut it in half, gave the other half to my better half and then stole half of her chicken strip Jerk wrap thingy. I also ordered the sweet potato chips and washed it all down with a Samuel Adams Boston Lager. ( pronounced: "lahgah" )
Oh yeah.....One more thing: When I was in 7th grade, I won a free record album by being the 10th caller on WKMI AM 1360. Guess what I won?? Son of a Son of a Sailor by Jimmy Buffet. Guess what song was on that album? You guessed right! "Cheeseburger in Paradise". Heres the sad part: I asked my dad to bring me to the station to pickup the record but IT WAS CLOSED.
I never got my record.
So now you know why I am so messed up today.*
* Keep your comments to yourself
Monday, January 21, 2008
Super Bowl prediction
The New England Patriots fall flat on Feb. 3 allowing the New York Giants to squeek out a 21- 17 win. If I am wrong I will promptly delete this post and swear it never existed.
Side note:
World Series- The Detroit Tigers beat the Chicago Cubs in 7. MVP: Curtis Granderson
Side note:
World Series- The Detroit Tigers beat the Chicago Cubs in 7. MVP: Curtis Granderson
Michigan Haiku
Michigan Haiku by Jeff Furtaw
Boy, it's really cold
Fifteen degrees was the high
I can't feel my face
Boy, it's really cold
Fifteen degrees was the high
I can't feel my face
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Attention All Dieters!
Tic tac's are only 2 calories per mint. TWO Calories! wow.
PS. Is it DietErs or DietORs?
PS. Is it DietErs or DietORs?
Friday, January 18, 2008
Consider it pure joy......
James 1:2
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds...
Recently I was faced with a situation that caused me much anguish. I immediately found myself with a small ball of nerves tied up in my stomache. My mind raced with all of the potential negative results this situation created. "How will this turn out"? I asked myself. "What can I do"? Then I proceeded to outline every possible scenario from every possible perspective that this situation would lead to. I tried listening to Sports radio to get my mind off my trial. Well, that brought temporary relief- about 10 minutes worth. Next, I decided to rely on my good friend "worry". He had been a faithful companion for much of my life. Then, our Lord broke through my nonsense and whispered James 1:2 to me. I cracked open my Bible and read the entire passage in context. I fell down on my knees and literally cried out to my Holy Father to assure me that He was in control of EVERYTHING. I openly practiced my theology. I lived it out. I remember being told by Timothy ( or was it Peter?) that everything pertaining to life and godliness has already been granted by God to His children. I found this "issue" fading into the background as I honestly considered it "pure joy" that I was suffering for Christ sake. I rejoiced in knowing my Father in Heaven is running the show and that I would endure for His glory and my good. Praise the Lord!
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds...
Recently I was faced with a situation that caused me much anguish. I immediately found myself with a small ball of nerves tied up in my stomache. My mind raced with all of the potential negative results this situation created. "How will this turn out"? I asked myself. "What can I do"? Then I proceeded to outline every possible scenario from every possible perspective that this situation would lead to. I tried listening to Sports radio to get my mind off my trial. Well, that brought temporary relief- about 10 minutes worth. Next, I decided to rely on my good friend "worry". He had been a faithful companion for much of my life. Then, our Lord broke through my nonsense and whispered James 1:2 to me. I cracked open my Bible and read the entire passage in context. I fell down on my knees and literally cried out to my Holy Father to assure me that He was in control of EVERYTHING. I openly practiced my theology. I lived it out. I remember being told by Timothy ( or was it Peter?) that everything pertaining to life and godliness has already been granted by God to His children. I found this "issue" fading into the background as I honestly considered it "pure joy" that I was suffering for Christ sake. I rejoiced in knowing my Father in Heaven is running the show and that I would endure for His glory and my good. Praise the Lord!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Christmas and Overeating are over
Things I miss:
1. Laying around during the Christmas season eating.
2. California weather
3. Chico ( I'm changing my first name to Chico this year)
4. All of the Talley family!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
A Willows Christmas
On Tuesday morning December 18, 2007 my family ( Cori, Alex, Casey, Joey, Holly, Cate & Jack) and I drove our 1999 Suburban west down I-94 with the goal of reaching Midway Airport located in downtown Chicago, IL. God brought us safe and sound to our destination with plenty of time to spare. The plane took off on time and we arrrived in Oakland, CA at 7:00 pm Pacific time. We were greeted by Grandpa and Grammy Talley and their Dodge pickup truck along with a light rain and 50 degrees. Boy, it was good to see them again! As I followed Grandpa back to their home I realized something: I drive like an old lady. I put this new information to good use later as I followed behind Jon in San Francisco. My humble apologies to pedestrians and commuters throughout the city by the bay . Anyways, we arrived in Willows, CA safely looking forward to a good nights rest. The next day found us relaxing with Grandpa and Grammy preparing for our trip to Chris, Trish and baby Seths place in Susanville, CA. Shortly after leaving Chico and a second visit in 2 days to In and out Burger in-n-out.com/
we found ourselves at an elevation of 5,000 feet with the most spectacular views. I cannot truly describe fully the experience of driving up into the Sierra Nevada mountains. As our ears popped we were subjected to numerous stunning views of snow laden pines , distant peaks and ranges brushed with sunny highlights. ( wow...pretty descriptive eh?)
After roughly an hour we reached the town of Chester ( hometown of Chuck Norris' wife) where the Talley family recently purchased a cabin. (I think it looks like Santa workshop.) It's difficult to describe the feeling we all got as we approached this little red sided, green trimmed cottage in the mountains. God graciously blessed us with this special time. Well, the trip only got better as we arrived at Chris & Trish's shortly after dusk. They have a beautiful home and an even more beautiful family .
( Please note the cutest baby in
the universe) After 2 days in Susanville we made the trek back to Sunny Willows.
One evening we received and early visit from St. Nick!
We celebrated Christmas first by worshipping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ the night before at Opengate Christian Fellowship Where Grandpa is pastor. ( Did you know "pastor is Spanish for "Pork"?) Christmas morning we all joined together for a reading from the book of Luke by Grandpa followed by the opening of gifts. Jon's friend Exzavier ( sp?) joined in on all the fun and festivities. side note: Thanks for the big bag of peanuts ! Did I mention that the Worlds cutest toddler was in our midst? Delia Talley had a blast playing catch with her cousins Casey, Joey and Alex until she took the hard, green plastic ball to her cheek bone.
After a few minutes she was over her injury and back at it!
As you can see from the picture Grammy love her Grandkids...and I think the kids are a bit fond of their Grammy ;) We finished up the vacation with a trip to one of Sacramento's finest malls where the little ones purchased Build a bear items and the older ones bought a really cool, odd game for their new "Wii" called wario .
It was a great blessing to see all of Cori's family together. I am especially thankful to God for giving us a new heart with which to worship and serve Him! The 10 days in California were a fantastic time of fellowship and fun. I can't wait to go back! Pray that God blesses us with diligence, wisdom and overflowing work.
we found ourselves at an elevation of 5,000 feet with the most spectacular views. I cannot truly describe fully the experience of driving up into the Sierra Nevada mountains. As our ears popped we were subjected to numerous stunning views of snow laden pines , distant peaks and ranges brushed with sunny highlights. ( wow...pretty descriptive eh?)
After roughly an hour we reached the town of Chester ( hometown of Chuck Norris' wife) where the Talley family recently purchased a cabin. (I think it looks like Santa workshop.) It's difficult to describe the feeling we all got as we approached this little red sided, green trimmed cottage in the mountains. God graciously blessed us with this special time. Well, the trip only got better as we arrived at Chris & Trish's shortly after dusk. They have a beautiful home and an even more beautiful family .
( Please note the cutest baby inthe universe) After 2 days in Susanville we made the trek back to Sunny Willows.
One evening we received and early visit from St. Nick!
We celebrated Christmas first by worshipping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ the night before at Opengate Christian Fellowship Where Grandpa is pastor. ( Did you know "pastor is Spanish for "Pork"?) Christmas morning we all joined together for a reading from the book of Luke by Grandpa followed by the opening of gifts. Jon's friend Exzavier ( sp?) joined in on all the fun and festivities. side note: Thanks for the big bag of peanuts ! Did I mention that the Worlds cutest toddler was in our midst? Delia Talley had a blast playing catch with her cousins Casey, Joey and Alex until she took the hard, green plastic ball to her cheek bone.
After a few minutes she was over her injury and back at it!
As you can see from the picture Grammy love her Grandkids...and I think the kids are a bit fond of their Grammy ;) We finished up the vacation with a trip to one of Sacramento's finest malls where the little ones purchased Build a bear items and the older ones bought a really cool, odd game for their new "Wii" called wario .
It was a great blessing to see all of Cori's family together. I am especially thankful to God for giving us a new heart with which to worship and serve Him! The 10 days in California were a fantastic time of fellowship and fun. I can't wait to go back! Pray that God blesses us with diligence, wisdom and overflowing work.
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