Growth Gems - Your Way To A Better Life!

So Far

2011-07-17T15:54:00.001-07:00

Classes going well so far. Reading several facinating books some history, some English Lit, some spiritual, but one in particular deals with Grace. Unmerited favor or kindness to another. What has happened to us as a world that we would rather bring violence rather than peace and Grace? History is being revised, otherwise the learner would understand we repeat it instead of changing it. We are better than that. Just sayin...

Terry Grondahl (27)

Memorial Day Thought

2011-05-30T19:30:00.001-07:00

Nice day. We celebrate those who volunteered to put themselves in harms way and did not come back. In harms way they had no illusion of what was important. We can only hope that our leaders have no illusion of what is important also. Terry Grondahl (20)

The Future, The Past, The Now

2011-05-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

So here we all are, being seniors, when once we were young. For me it is difficult to adjust to growing in wisdom, but this I do know, mistakes I made are not isolated because I and you see them daily. Can we learn to not decieve ourselves and to be gentle? Can we build love where love has not existed? Seems like a good quest and adventure. What do you think?

Honor, Joy

2011-05-11T22:48:00.000-07:00

I am enjoying the challenge before me, and am enjoying this class on motivation theory; no text just pure research. Love it. I am transitioning to a place called Birchwood; so many possibilities, time will tell. All is good. Love your life, love this day, love to others as yourself; to much hatred, wrongness. Choose joy, love and honor. Also, have a cup of coffee. Be kind, just and vision/goal oriented. Get a hug.

Terry Grondahl (21)

An Act of Joy in a Land of Shadows

2011-04-26T23:12:00.001-07:00

Learning much about organizations, more about business and even more about myself. I like who I have become and I like my ability to read the patterns of people. How do some in the light of good step into the shadow of darkness? When I think about it values come into play depicting where our heart truly lies. Despite our humanity we seek goodness, joy, love but are challenged by greed, power and distrust. Such is humanity and such is the world we are in. Do an act of joy today.

Terry Grondahl

Stuff to think about

2011-04-18T00:19:00.001-07:00

Financial Control

Measurement is what culture is grounded in and from a measurement there is an output. Generally listed as Social Indicators, Results measures and Process Measures (Anthony & Young, 2003). An example of Social Indicator would be the US Governments impact on our nation, to include the communities and it’s peoples. It does not have a good track record as it is better at splitting than uniting. Even as far away as Alaska the government doesn’t understand the people, nor seek to win their hearts, they just want to rule. Currently the government ruled that dirt roads in remote areas be called trails. The designation of a trail means no motorized vehicle travels on it. How are folks getting home or to their mine?

Results Measures is an attempt to express output related to an organizations objectives (Anthony & Young, 2003) or a way of patting itself on the back due to goal attainment (Anthony & Young, 2003). It is to my way of thinking that when a goal is achieved an individual moves on to the next goal. For instance when I earn my doctorate I do not see myself spending much time patting myself on the back as I have other goals with which this one relied on. Gung Ho!

Process Measures, also called productivity measure relates to an activity carried on by the organization (Anthony & Young, 2003) and relates back to what was discussed earlier in class in the discussion of responsibility centers (Anthony & Young, 2003). For instance Residential is a Profit Component of a larger team matrix which is a responsibility center.

What is interesting is that depending on the function follows the name under the umbrella of a theme whether it be sociology, manufacturing, of leadership all seem to have similar ideas under different headings. One unique example of that is inclusive of all of the above would be the business of Prisons. Here we have a multi-billion dollar industry with supportive businesses like courtrooms, attorneys, probation and a plan to recycle humans back into prisons by denying them gainful employment. The product is people. This would be difficult to outsource, but perhaps we will “insource” from other countries eventually.

Anthony, R. N., & Young, D. W. (2003). Management Control in Nonprofit Organizations (7th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin.

Terry

A Thing of Beauty

2011-04-04T18:53:00.001-07:00

Is there anything wrong with beauty? This is a very broad subject and has been filled with tall tales, none of which are worth a hoot. Guys look at girls and girls admire men. That’s it. A book is beautiful also, pages filled with wonder and knowledge such as Anthem. Awesome book and beautiful. Now is the time to appreciate, and contribute, not be a couch potato, passive staring at the wall. Get into life and live...those family members in Iraq...duck.

Terry Grondahl (29)

The Past…

2011-03-31T18:16:00.001-07:00

Life is funny. There is a time for everything under Heaven. Scripture I have found to be sound, fixed. The variable is me, driven by currents I cannot fathom. Now though is time to take care of some things from the past. It is time. Have you ever had something you wanted to do but knew you had to pace yourself little by little? Anything worth building takes time, patience and a determined heart, wouldn’t you agree?

Terry Grondahl (27)

Terry Grondahl (24)

2011-03-28T18:13:00.001-07:00

If I am correct we are involved in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Bosnia, did I leave anything out? Since I have walked the earth there has been war, never a peace. Would peace be boring? War would not be boring. Can an act of kindness exist in war? America has young men and women leaving whole but coming back needing prosthetic devices. We have not one a war since WW II. If we are involved with the military lets seek a win/win.

Terry Grondahl (24)

Make it real by saying it?

2011-03-27T17:11:00.001-07:00

Social Consturctism say it and make it real.

I Wonder 2

2011-03-27T16:22:00.000-07:00

I wonder why blogs vanish and why at times they seem charmed. I wonder about many things in life such as our ability to be absurd and our ability to design a war, implement it and as our young come back fit them with prosthetic devices. Life needs to be to live, love and laugh and perhaps think. I do more thinking than feeling at times, but there was a time I Greek danced in California. I think the place was called La Plaka in Santa Barbara. It was a time I enjoyed. Now the world of course has changed and there seems to be more fear that people have to live through.

I Wonder

2011-03-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

I wonder why in my life humans have not learned, or for that matter want to live in peace. Read history and see that since the begining of recorded time we are doing the same things over and over. Have you ever thought about this? I wonder why it is that people are so easy to decieve as a group and the group just follows blindly? I wonder why are leaders lack ethics, lack wisdom for that matter and cannot work together for their people, all people? I wonder...about a lot of things and someday maybe I will write about this in depth, but I fear the volume would be so thick that it would go unread; what about solutions? If a problem is spoken it should be spoken with a solution. I wonder what my solutions could be for without the cooperation of man nothing will change much. Yet, I have hope if we will but just speak out....

Alaska

2011-02-01T22:19:00.000-08:00

I have been in Alaska now for almost 2 years. In that time I have met fine people from different persuasions in life. I have seen moose wander the streets, bears from afar and caught a Halibut out fishing. I have received a new leg and that is good. I plan to continue my course of gaining knowledge and help people have better lives. I say on Facebook that each day try to do an act of kindness and that includes for you also. For some reason some folks are not kind to themselves and I don't understand this. Be kind to all including yourself. I haven't written in a long time. I should write more often. I can be a turtle sometimes.

In Repose

2010-08-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

I have often wondered at the word repose, often used, sometimes context rules with it though. For instance:"It was a tough week and the weekend will soon rule so I can repose." Repose is to rest, to be a peace with your spirit, your mind and your body. How many rest these days? Single moms work 2+jobs paying half to daycare centers. Thats after taxers take single moms for a ride. But getting back to your spirit, how do you bring rest to it. Many cultures promote a higher power that some may not be familiar with. My higer power is Jesus Christ. No change, no compromise, no judgement of others whose certainty in spirituality lies in a different place than mine. I am certain of my choice as they are of theirs. Certainty is like an anchor holding us to reality.

Repose in resting your mind through sleep, through reading or creative leisure. You and I need to rest. Let us repose this weekend.

Repose in your body means doing something physically different from your work week. Walk, or a physical leisure activity that is different from your work.

Light at the End of a Tunnel

2010-08-13T21:12:00.000-07:00

One final push and this class will be done! I will be invisible this weekend. Next week it ends. Huge papers to complete but then its over. Tough but good, I hit the wall a couple of weeks ago and my brain has been running on determination, like running the last five miles of a marathon. I sure miss running! But the weight room is proving a contender for my favorite one. Do your act of kindness!

Thinking Our Actions

2010-08-08T01:10:00.000-07:00

I like human dynamics, there is always the good, those with good intentions and a good spirits that do acts of kindness. Then there are those meaning well but tend to not think things through, and leave in their wake a wounded humanity. Which are you? Do you continue to do an act of kindness each day? Sometimes being patient can be that act.

You know, people are reading watered down literature. When you study the classics the depth of dialogue, the complexity of story no longer seem read in today's world. My opinion. I would like to see more complex story lines.

More thinking in conversation would be nice.

Jab We Met

2010-07-11T17:34:00.000-07:00

Each Days Challenge

2010-07-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

The depth of a person's heart is reflected in their action. Each day a person can choose an attitude that will determine the choices of the day and results will be action. I wonder if you have the courage to make a choice consistant with good sense, justice and kindness, laced with mercy.
Terry

Something To Think About...Again...

2010-06-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

This is going to be an off the cuff comment about a few things that have become a concern to me... The first is the oil...pouring out of hole in the gulf...not containable at this point. Doesn't matter who is to blame. At this point preserving the underwater environment would be a good goal that all would benefit from. From my perspective all the data is not being revealed about the situation. Also a concern is that the passing of time may desensitize people from really being concerned about the situation and this will pass into faded memory. I also think that there are all types of flavored political spins being applied that are not helpful. Listening to people who have knowledge of this type of thing would be good. We should not try to preserve the hole but close it entirely. This is a disaster of epic proportion.

Second concern: War. What are we doing? Whats our purpose in these countries we are in? I really believe we need to bring troops home. We are becoming enmeshed in two different cultures and this gives us a myopic view...unless these lands have something we want...do they? This cannot be about terror anymore..something else a foot....the greater the terror the more liberties are reduced...

Third Concern: Where are the Americans who will stay the course set in Action when the Constitution was formed and framed and signed?

Fourth Concern: With all that is of concern in this country why are we involved in other countries. We are broke. Yet, America seems to spend money it does not have. We need to fix this.

Fifth Concern: Why are you not reading and discussing and sharing your ideas?

I know you have some too.

A State of Illusion

2010-05-09T18:51:00.000-07:00

Over the past 20 or 30 years, even longer there has been a process of complex policies affecting American living, specifically our educational system. Who started it is uncertain, but today we can see the outcome of it's policies. American literacy has decreased significantly in 30 years as well as our ability to educate children. It is so bad that there are some advocating home schooling only. Teachers get the brunt of negative feedback, being judged for their competency rather than the policies that have tied their hands. But who stands up to be counted? We are silent. I believe cultural change is necessary, but all Americans must be on board, and not waver. We are the result of 30 years of designed cultural change in our nation, now what do we do about it? I try not to make assumptions without the data, but in living the outcome in our cultural groups we have a strong sense of the data. It is like smoke and mirrors. Maybe we need to go back to the fundamentals modified for our outcomes. I don't know. It would be nice to have a staff of 30 people and the funding to collect data and then...implement the change. Change would take about 100 years to get our dignity back. It would be by educating new generations. It will not happen in our day, but it could start in our day. New beginings are nice.

Defining

2010-04-20T22:00:00.001-07:00

Words
communicate difficulty into action and courage to change requires a courage to
see beyond that which would define us and a courage to interpret according to
reality. How would you define you?

Love

2010-03-27T18:40:00.001-07:00

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone  deeply gives you courage. ~ Lao Tzu
Are you loved or being loved? Perhaps healing from the pain of love? I just have one thing to say...have a cup of coffee, be still, know your heart is healing, it is a human condition.

Our Deepest Fear

2010-03-17T22:46:00.001-07:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most ... See More frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." by Marianne Williamson

Thinking Life

2010-02-13T15:58:00.001-08:00

I have decided I am not growing in age with poetry or grace, yet, I am growing wiser in life and grace. Challenges seemingly tsunamis in younger days are now but small wrinkles in time from the now perspective. We need to think through the meaning of our faith and life, independent of media toxins that dilute our trust in our own thinking. Are you ready?

Ethics & My Journey

2010-01-09T22:36:00.001-08:00

My journey to this place has been one of taking up many challenges. The short version is I have spent many years in the Air Force then the Marine Corps and following the Marine Corps I felt it was time for college. After college I utilized my counseling skills working in the trenches of humanity. Having seen leaders exploit profit and non-profit organizations I felt I needed to be in a position to create and enforce better policy. And here I am the next step in my journey and so far it has been a wonderful trip with Argosy and this is my second year.

   Currently I am in Alaska working for a non-profit. I am a clinician and manage their residences in place for the mentally ill. Earlier I was team leader for their HUD department that had gotten out of compliance, now it is under maintenance and in compliance. My journey has led me here to learn. The organization is undergoing a cultural change with a very ethical change agent. I joined this organization to experience a company that is changing to people centered rather than authoritarian. Under my leadership currently are two teams each with their own team leaders that come under my umbrella. It has been challenging, but necessary for my own development.

   Abiding by ethics, principles I live by, has saved my reputation on many occasions. In my time I have seen people with agendas that include only them at the expense of the people they were meant to help. In my own small way I would like to use my influence, leadership and ethical posture to influence local policy assisting people have a better quality of life. There is no substitute for good ethics.

   I expect this class to add to my knowledge of ethics and increase the sense of urgency to influence good principles in making policy and decisions. In terms of evaluating the learning outcomes of students I can only say that the effort for an instructor is every straining. I taught college for a bit and some students are natural integrators and some are not. Students have their strength and I would work at helping them think out of the box but also to know the various foundations from which knowledge is built. What will a student take away from the course that will make him a better member of community? This was important to me, that a student take something away and think.

   In my observation organizations face several problems. Greed is one then behind it or holding its hand is power. Both these create a draconian culture where people are objects and usually take on lots of trauma. Not good. There needs to be more open transparent communication top down and there needs to be accountability. Ethically centered accountability is intrinsic.

   Strategies utilized would be slow incremental re-education about what principles are and what makes them good to live by. It would be good for an organization to understand that principles at the front end will ensure sustainability at the back end. Those who determined that being ethical is not their thing would be let go from the organization. Part of the standards of behavior would be ethical in nature. Nurture the good and challenge the bad and press on. It is not an overnight strategy. A good faith effort would be required by all.

Easing into 2010 with Goals

2010-01-01T13:35:00.000-08:00

It is nice to be into 2010 and there is much to do in terms of development of myself as a mature person. We are always working on our self to become a better person than what we were the prior year. So I have developed a few goals I will share. Here they are:
1. Read 100 books
2. Walk 100 miles
3. Back to the gym
4. Press hard on school work
5. Work hard at work to accomplish purpose
6. Read the Bible through and join a church
7. Do an act of kindness each day
8. Manage my amputation and manage my diabetes
9. Hike and camp 20 times
10. Learn to fish and fish 40 times
11. Be more social as people are good
12. Put effort into 2010
13. Write papers, write articles and begin a book.
14. Watch less TV
15. Be active

Friend

2009-12-10T21:33:00.001-08:00

Hello my friend,
The term friend travels a lengthy journey through the halls of time, but the sense of “friends” has held strong the meaning and purpose in spite of culture or peoples. Friends are those rare individuals that cross our path while we journey hither and yon and make an impact on our life, while bonds are formed on principles and trust. Friend is a title not given lightly, though in many cultures it is tossed about like a wasted tissue, but in its most intrinsic form it transcends fluff and bridges into principles and eternity. You are my friend, a bond developed over time while God deals with each of us, forms us, uses us as He wills, a friendship developed in the fire of reality.

You tell me what is possible. All churches are flawed and will grind the teeth of the toughest Saint, yet it is a church we are called to be part of. A church is for those who want to experience the joy of worshiping our Lord and experience His greatness of purpose. It can be in a house, a great building or with two or three friends. We are asked by our Lord to forsake not the assembling of yourselves together so that we can learn and be empowered. What we learn from church is that all peoples are flawed and all greatness is empowered by our respect. There are no Saints in church, but there are saints and pirates in church. But the point is to learn and apply 1 Cor 13. Really that is the major thing we are called to do, love in action in spite of how we feel.

When our expectations become frustrated we get offended, hurt or angry, or better yet we get in attack mode and ravage the villages of those who have offended us. War we yell! With great gusto and energy we pick our brains for images of what we want to do to those who have offended us and take the Sword of the Spirit and ram it through them. We all do it at times, though in Scripture this is considered malice. In church where we meet with flawed, imperfect Saved and unsaved individuals, regardless of role, we view ourselves as righteous in the spiritual turmoil of Biblical Authority. Scripture tells us that our righteousness is as dirty rags. So why then does he have us in a church of a crowd like this? There are many reasons I think, but let me speak to but a couple.

I think one reason is to allow our person to rub up against other people, to form bonds, and to try our will and spirit. Are we patient? A reply might be, “Hell yes I’m patient, now move it!” I have found myself in this situation now and again. I think that as we allow ourselves to immerse ourselves a bit in a body of believers part of our anonmynimity begins to slide off and a deeper more purposeful flawed person emerges. Also, energies of a spiritual type blend in the harmony of other believers and there is music that grabs the soul with tenderness. This is worship. Takes time, and an understanding of our role within the body of these people, our brothers and sisters. We are one body and the church I seek will not be experienced until God is done with me here.

“I want God to use me.” This term is spoken a lot and with great fervor and energy. I fear for the person who should walk up to a person who just said that and say, “No you don’t, not really.” He or she may get scalped or get an emotional tongue lashing they did not count on. But, John Stuart Mills said in his essay “On Liberty” that in every opinion there is an element of truth. It is a simple matter to want to be used and serve, but it is an entirely other matter when it is not where we want to be used and to serve. At this point we are at a crossroads of maturity and growth. Do we mature or do we withdraw into our own ego? Do we in truth work towards maturity by doing what He wants rather than what “I” want? Or does a person throw a “I’m Pissed” cloak around themselves for the trials God is putting them through? Who is the Master and who is the tool? Does the tool say to the Master, “I want only to have this as my service.” But is not a tool used in both clean and non-clean places?

There is a Scripture which is easy to read but difficult to live for anyone at any level of maturity in Christ.
Jas 1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, Jas 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance…. (e-sword). This is the toughie for anyone to be able to achieve and cannot be on our own. It takes Jesus. It draws us nearer to the Master who as an artist creates a sculpture of beauty, so our Lord is sculpting our own soul. And sometimes it hurts, sometime is causes joy unending, but in the end we will stand before the Lord as we were meant to stand.

What you carry away from this will be up to you and your soul. I say this because you are my friend.

So what’s up?

Terry

An Artistic Delight

2009-12-08T00:45:00.001-08:00

Joy of Wolves

2009-12-05T00:14:00.001-08:00

Ozymandias of Egypt

2009-12-02T23:27:00.001-08:00

I MET a traveller from an antique land
Who said:—Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them on the sand,
Half sunk, a shatter'd visage lies, whose frown
And wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamp'd on these lifeless things,
The hand that mock'd them and the heart that fed.
And on the pedestal these words appear:
"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!"
Nothing beside remains: round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare,
The lone and level sands stretch far away.

This Young Lady Is Amazing

2009-11-18T19:12:00.001-08:00

Billions of Blogs

2009-11-09T06:14:00.001-08:00

There are billions of blogs on the planet earth, and each has a different perspective of what life is or should be. In this lifetime there is never enough time to read every blog there is or will be, and it would be absurd to think in our time we would. Because an individual is not keeping up, or is unaware does not mean that the blog has no meaning. Behind each blog is a message and a meaning. The blog may not come right out with what they are about, but if a person focuses on content then overtime the meaning will become apparent, the rest is window dressing. Out of the billions of blogs out there what do your blogs represent? The blogs you read and subscribe to, what do they represent? If you haven't thought about this then why not? How is it we with great thirst drink into our mind and soul that which erodes at the basic core of who we are without a question? Without a whisper? Do we help design our own suffering by what we do and do not take into our mind and spirit? Do we uphold or tear down the fabric of community and family without so much as a whispered no?

The Highwayman

2009-11-09T06:04:00.001-08:00

Did You Know?

2009-10-31T09:38:00.001-07:00

Over the Rainbow

2009-10-30T06:19:00.001-07:00

Being Sick

2009-10-24T10:32:00.001-07:00

One day I was full of energy, the next sick and with a headache/toothache/or something ache to boot. At one end a runaway train and at the other end pain so unrelenting a whisker fell out. As a result of these two experiences, I have a further appreciation for those individuals who have migraines. This reminds me of what a movie title might be: "Godzilla vs Komodo Dragon" and it doesn't matter who wins because half of my problem would end. So now, exhausted, but migrainless and the train a bit more in control, I must turn my attention to school work. All those who are ill have my empathy and my prayers. I will do homework, or muddle through it then sleep, or perhaps a combination. We will see.

Studying

2009-10-21T23:47:00.001-07:00

In the event I sleep to long I will have to write a big paper on Saturday. Then it is study and study more because next Thursday the new quarter begins and we may get our first snow.

My Son The Fisherman

2009-09-14T21:30:00.001-07:00

My son Adam has taken up fishing, he is loving it and does well at it. I have told him that fish here in Alaska are much bigger and when on the shore you compete with bears. He sure looks happy. All is well when you can gut a fish smiling. Good for you son!!!

Living

2009-08-30T14:47:00.001-07:00

I have learned volumes in life, mostly through bad choices, but also through kind people. I have learned not to lose faith in people; situations define hope, not the person. I have learned not to let myself be defined by by greed but by faith in man and woman. I have learned that legacy is more significant than ambition. Redemption is important.

Guilt

2009-08-27T07:40:00.001-07:00

Good Morning, It seems guilt for some rule the day at the expense of family, relationships and healthy living. Some feel guilty that they have failed someone, often an irrational feeling, but they will battle not to fail again. This, also, at the expense of loved ones and their ability to have a healthy life. It takes courage to change, but to start I encourage folks to just examine their life. Have a great day.

Travels

2009-07-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

I am in Soldotna Alaska and I am very impressed with the area. The weather has been mild with no heat wave like folks are getting in Everett and Seattle Washington. Traveling a long distance very quickly does take a lot out of a person but the adventure is worth it. I am still trying to get settled in my apartment and decorate it but it is going slow. I will say that I am very impressed with this Kenai area. I hope to write later.

Day 2 Alaskan Trip

2009-07-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

British Columbia is beautiful to behold, folks have been very nice when I stop and gas up. Well I traveled from 100 mile town to Ft. St. John North of Dawson Creek. The new road is great. I am again staying in a Super 8 motel. The price is fair and they are nice rooms with internet connection. I drove ten hours today which is three more than yesterday. Still getting around 25 to 27 mpg. Saw my first deer and my first wolf today. Hwy 97 is a fair road and there is some construction going on, moderate though. I would take it again. The Alaskan Hwy is VERY nice, certainly not what I remembered. It was a good day of driving the speed limit is max 100 kl/m which is 60 in the us. Went up mountains and went down mountains. If you have a skateboard you would love going down and sweat going up. It is 4:19 pm and it is dark due to rain..need I say more. Well I am signing off to sleep, tomorrows a big day.
Terry

The Price of Liberty

2009-07-07T09:44:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence ?
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.
Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor .
What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his Ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown , Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters.
He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was dr iven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.
Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't.
So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and
silently thank these patriots.
It's not much to ask for the price they paid.
Remember: freedom is never free!
I hope you will show your support by sending this to as many people as you can, please. It's time we get the word out that patriotism is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more to it than beer, picnics, and baseball.
Hope you and yours have a safe and happy 4th of July.
-----------
There is a cost to freedom we don't read about in school. The above was just a part of the cost individuals have paid to secure your continued freedom.

Thank You

2009-06-23T06:04:00.000-07:00

Great news! Last night to do list down to three, bad news! This morning it grew to twenty. So what are the possibilities of today? Yesterday met with old friends and what will today hold? Friendship is precious, we should not abuse it. But, then again to error is human. Thank you Lord for your Grace.

Leadership

2009-06-21T15:56:00.000-07:00

Read A Poem

2009-06-19T03:54:00.001-07:00

The sun, its light, is peeking above the horizon, the darkness is losing its grasp. I am enjoying both the solitude of darkness and anticipating the adventures in light. I am in awe of creation, its guiding principles of the physical world, like a rising sun, and of life. Complexity, organizing and self-sustaining; and you and I get to experience sustainability and develop resiliency. Read a poem today and
smile.

Defoe - A Writer

2009-06-19T03:44:00.001-07:00

DEFOE is known to our day chiefly as the author of Robinson Crusoe, a pioneer novelist of adventure and low life. Students, indeed, remember that he was also a prolific pamphleteer of unenviable character and many vicissitudes. To his early biographers, he was not merely a great novelist and journalist, but a martyr to liberal principles and a man of exalted probity. His contemporaries, on the contrary, inclined to regard him as an ignorant scribbler, a political and social outcast, a journalist whose effrontery was equalled only by his astonishing energy. There is, probably, a measure of truth in all these views; it is certainly true that the novelist we remember was evolved out of the journalist we have forgotten.
http://www.bartleby.com/219/0101.html

A point about Friendship

2009-06-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

The day is good, a good day to write and stretch my brain around varied concepts. The hardest concept by far is friendship and what it means to be a friend. Friendship is not elusive but real and in this world real means also flawed. Being a friend means I tolerate their flaws as well as my own. Friendship is reciprocal, respect for each other. Guarding the relationship. Isn't life fun?

Be Diligent In Effort

2009-06-17T10:26:00.001-07:00

Scripture says to guard our minds and hearts diligently. We are guarding/protecting against the slow poison that infiltrates both mind and heart to create a sourness that permeates our soul. We must dispute negative thoughts in our head, strive to take the high road in friendships. Be tolerant, though difficult, and guide each step you take in life because you do not know how many steps you have.Be Kind, laugh & Love

Alaska

2009-06-17T10:16:00.001-07:00

Alaskan Gems

2009-06-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

Hi folks, I have just started another blog titled "Alaskan Gems" at http://alaskangems.blogspot.com/
I have accepted employment in Alaska and it looks like I will be leaving this summer. This blog will chronicle my journey to Alaska.
I hope you enjoy it. This blog will remain my primary.

Leadership Stuff

2009-06-14T12:08:00.001-07:00

11 keys to successful thinking:

1.         Cultivate Big-Picture Thinking
2.         Engage in Focused Thinking
3.         Harness Creative Thinking
4.         Employ Realistic Thinking
5.         Utilize Strategic Thinking
6.         Explore Possibility Thinking
7.         Learn from Reflective Thinking
8.         Question Popular Thinking
9.         Benefit from Shared Thinking
10.       Practice Unselfish Thinking
11.       Rely on Bottom-Line Thinking

http://johnmaxwellonleadership.com/

The Maxwell Leadership Bible is very informative and I highly recommend it for a great resource and knowledge of leadership.

Christianity In Crisis 21st Century by Hank Hanegraaff

2009-06-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

First this book was not what I expected. Mr. Hanegraaff takes a stand and supports it with Scripture and sound reasoning. It is an easy yet difficult book to read. I am going to quote Mr. Hanegraaff from his introduction: "And while change must come, it clearly will not come easily. Those who are dispensing spiritual cyanide by the megadose occupy powerful platforms within evangelical Christianity. They control vast resources and stand to lose multiplied millions if they are exposed. The stakes are so high that those who are plunging Christianity into crisis are willing to do and say virtually anything to silence opposition."
Scripture, our plumb line of truth, speaks of many deceivers coming to deceive because that is what they do. They say they are one thing when, in fact, they are something else entirely. This is what the book gets into and this is what makes this book difficult to read. The author cuts through the deception and supports his statements. Though difficult this is a must read for all followers of Christ.
Terry

Challenges

2009-06-13T14:43:00.001-07:00

One of the coolest aspects of living is working through the challenges that pop up, then need to be worked through in a solution oriented manner. Very cool, without these challenges life would be so boring and it is through these challenges that we mature. Very cool indeed. Challenges are opportunities.

Rights

2009-06-10T19:12:00.000-07:00

Rights

"Rights” is a term easily bantered around these days. Everyone wants them but what do we really mean when we say "rights"? These days we mean a lot of things when we say "rights". We have all kinds of "rights" movements in this country; we have animal rights, abortion rights, gay rights, and a host of others "rights". If all the people who want and demand their rights get “their rights” someone else will lose theirs.

For each person believing that they have rights it will cost someone else something. We have what we call "women's rights”, which we assume all women want, but not all women do. We can abort babies and call it "women's rights and abortion rights" but to do so will end “someone else's right" to live. We have the "gay rights" movement but how will that impact the "rights of families" and the "rights" of children and marriage.

You can't have "rights" without impact on society. Someone will have to settle for not getting their way. Perhaps the determining factor is not what rights you think you have but what is best for society as a whole and does the least amount of harm to the people as a whole. Has the word “rights” become a platform for getting your own way no matter what the cost is to other people groups? Have we become a nation of self- absorb people only seeing what we want and have lost the ability to recognize that if everyone has all the “rights” they want without limitation, this country will fall? What then? What good is it to have your own way if it destroys a nation just so you can have a “right”?

Perhaps we need to determine just what does the word “rights” really mean. Does it mean getting what you want? Is that a right? Or does it mean what is the greater good for all society? Where will you draw the line? If every person had their “rights” we would all be in big trouble. Rights without limitation does great harm. The goal of society is to protect, not harm, its people. If we keep going down this road that our nation seems to be on I am afraid of the long term results for our society as a whole.

Personally, I am a little tired of having everyone else’s rights forced upon me. I don’t shove my belief system on other people. I am conservative, that does not make me evil. I have opinions but I don’t force them on you but when it comes to harm done to people, born or preborn, healthy or sick or enslaved then I want them to have the freedom and right to live, to take their first breath, to live a life free of tyranny with a chance to use their God given gifts, to receive medical care when they need it from caring family member and doctors, and when it comes to slavery past or present we owe it to those people to attempt to set them free and help them live a life of freedom.

Freedom doesn’t mean life without restrictions, just as having “rights” doesn’t mean you can force others to accept whatever you may want in life. Freedom means we have to protect others from harm. Rights mean responsibility to care for others.

Lori

American Culture Disputed

2009-06-06T02:24:00.001-07:00

PART ONE By Person X Written To Me

It is comforting to witness changes in American leadership culture in the 21st century. Although America arose out of a desire to shake off religious and political intolerance of European nations, there was a time when a desire to recreate European style aristocracy by personal efforts as opposed to gentry by birth seemed to prevail. In those days, certain Americans made the same mistakes as their European counterparts in inculcation a belief that different peoples were to be treated differently; in the case of slavery, not as people at all. Times have changed, and Americans are beginning to realize the wealth we possess in our diversity.

In light of my preface, I do not agree with your statement: "...America has always been a beacon of hope and change." From a historical perspective, America has been a bastion of dread for people who were forced into giving free labor to sustain American style aristocracy. Later, it was a place where free people were not really allowed their rights as free people simply because they had the "misfortune" of being descendants of non-white ancestors. America was initiated by people with noble intent. It gradually descended into a culture of gross hypocrisy and disregard for human dignity. However, the current culture is a hopeful one. Although America has not quite completed its mission of equal recognition of the inalienable rights of all men, it is well on its way to doing so.

PART TWO My Response

Very interesting comment in light of world history. America, it could be said, is an experiment and as such had to begin someplace. However, lets be honest with our own intellectualism. There has never been a culture without conflict or a struggle for power and the suppression of some level of society. In light of this for it to be said that American culture is hypocrisy is intellectual hypocrisy. What I mean by this, and don't take this personal, is that America is still becoming. We have conflicts and have had to face ourselves in the mirror, and we do this and we morph and change. Is it perfect? No, of course not, but neither is America unchanged. The glass in America is half-full, and like any culture there are those who have their own agenda. I recognize this, but despite these growing pains we still take in peoples of the world and we still have people wanting to immigrate to America as well as other countries, who have their own issues. The thing is X, America is a spec in history, like other nations, but one thing we all have in common that gives me hope for not only America but other cultures as well is this: We all want to go home to our families at the end of a day, we want to love and be loved and we want to be respected, to name a few. This is not hypocrisy but being authentic. Perfect? Far from it. Pretending? Not at all. Hope, for not only our future but that of the worlds nations? Absolutely. I am glad you did not agree with the statement, in America disagreement is common and you do not get shot for it or put in prison or tortured. So we may have to agree to disagree.
An here we have that option.

The power of Belief

2009-06-05T04:34:00.000-07:00

If You Believe You Can, You Can
If you think you are beaten--you are.
If you think you dare not--you don't.
If you want to win but think you can't,
It is almost a cinch you won't.
If you think you'll lose--you've lost.
For out in the world we find
That success begins with a fellow's will;
It's all in the state of mind.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the one who thinks he can.

Author Unknown

Age is a Funny Thing

2009-06-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

Age is a funny thing. I have been told that I have aged well. I ponder this and wonder if I am a wine waiting to be drank, or a wood being petrified. Within the context of mind and spirit I feel young, yet the body protests when I attempt activities I did years ago. Age is a funny thing and with experiences sprinkled on a life perhaps a better way to see age is like a book being read many times by many people. Perhaps someone's life will be changed by different and healthier choices. This I know, the core of a person's principles are developed over time and matured through life's challenges. I hope I am aging well, making better choices than before and helping others to live better lives than they have been.

Life & Joy

2009-05-31T15:26:00.001-07:00

Life, in spite of strive and challenge is a great place to be and from this we need to make a conscious choice to bring in to our life joy. Joy is that inner spiritual exuberance that defies measurement. Every day you wake up and and say to yourself, " I can do this" and then take a step and do it. Don't wait for life to do you, you must act on life and seek happiness and joy. Also on you quest, never quit. It is always to soon to quit as you don't know what is around the next corner. Trust in God and have faith in his purpose in your life. However, having said that, let me say this, you need to be "doing" and not sitting around waiting for life. Life my friend is waiting for you! So jump in and work hard, love hard, play hard and reflect with others on your journey.

Balance

2009-05-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

Balance is not easily achieved, even for the most athletically inclined among us. Walking on a curb doesn’t always come easy for a three year old or for any of us as we get older, but even those of us who have managed to master that skill we still find ourselves losing our balance in the daily walk in life. In life we just get to keep relearning that skill, especially as we walk with Jesus. When my children were young, they often held my finger as they walked on curbs and balance beams. They didn’t need me to try to walk it for them. They really didn’t need my finger at all but it made them feel more confident until they were ready to let go. I was still close enough if they thought they were going to fall.

That is what a true friendship does for us. It helps us keep our balance when we lack confidence or we are scared. They come along side of us as a reminder of things we already know for the most part. It gives us hope even at the way at times gets narrower or if there are gaps. It is in fact what God does for us too. How kind of Him to send people to encourage us on the way, to help us get our compass back on track.

The act and art of balancing is a learned thing and we often need coaches to help us do just that. God comes along sometimes through other people who help point us in the right direction, or lend a hand through the tough spots. When we fall off He picks us up and we start all over again, usually with someone to encourage us along the way. Thankfully we don’t have to balance alone all of the time.

Lori

Sharpening Attitude Through Pain

2009-05-16T15:52:00.001-07:00

Study, read, and be in pain; study, and read, be in pain; study and read and thank God for the the pain. Even pain can be the trail for an interesting adventure. No attitude is honed without a sharpening tool and prayer is sharpened by adversity and necessity.
Terry

Saying Jesus is your Lord & Savior

2009-05-14T20:41:00.000-07:00

Scripture says that no man can say Jesus is Lord unless he has the Holy Spirit in him.

1Co 12:3 Wherefore I make known unto you, that no man speaking in the Spirit of God saith, Jesus is anathema; and no man can say, Jesus is Lord, but in the Holy Spirit. (ASV)

1Co 12:3 Therefore I am informing you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus is cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. (HCSB)

1 Co 12:3 Therfore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says,"Jesus is accursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit. (NASB)

Barnes Commentary
And that no man can say ... - That is, that it cannot occur, or even happen, that anyone will acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah who is not influenced by the Holy Spirit. The meaning is, not that no one has physical ability to say that Jesus is Lord unless aided by the Holy Spirit, since all people can say this; but that no one will be disposed heartily to say it; no one will acknowledge him as their Lord; it can never happen that anyone will confess him as the true Messiah who has not been brought to this state by the agency of the Holy Spirit.

Clark's Commentary
And that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord - Nor can we demonstrate this person to be the Messiah and the Savior of men, but by the Holy Ghost, enabling us to speak with divers tongues, to work miracles; he attesting the truth of our doctrines to them that hear, by enlightening their minds, changing their hearts, and filling them with the peace and love of God.

Mathew Henry Concise Commentary
No man can call Christ Lord, with believing dependence upon him, unless that faith is wrought by the Holy Ghost. No man could believe with his heart, or prove by a miracle, that Jesus was Christ, unless by the Holy Ghost.

Life Application Study Bible
Anyone can claim to speak for God, and the world is full of false teachers. Paul gives us a test to help us discern whether or not a messenger is really from God: Does he or she confess Christ as Lord? Don't naively accept the words of all who claim to speak for God; test their credentials by finding out what they teach about Christ.

What do you think?

Scenes of Beauty

2009-05-09T15:17:00.001-07:00

Real Life.. !! - These bloopers are hilarious

The Last Lecture - Randy Pausch

2009-05-05T10:34:00.001-07:00

Expressive Rejection of Jesus Christ

2009-05-04T23:51:00.000-07:00

Terry:I looked at the art, and from communications from around other parts of the world and there seems to be an open expressive rejection of Jesus Christ and I wanted your perspective. No other spiritual figure is receiving this treatment. What do you think?

Alba's response: Yes you're right about that one.There are many forms of art today that have this form of rejection towards Jesus.Black metal for example worships Pagan gods and hates Jesus.Gothic subculture rejects Jesus too. I believe that it's difficult for people to accept God's existence or Jesus itself.As if believing in God would be too "archaic".

Terry:Fine points, do you have a perspective on why other spiritual leaders are not rejected?

Alba does not live in the US. Her understanding is clear and her observations cut to the core of what is happening worldwide in different ways and through different mediums. Christ is being rejected through the expressive channels of the arts.

Alba has courage. Now perhaps it is time for Christians to have courage and take up the mantel of challenge and express Christ through the arts. The world need hope and really needs Christ.
Terry

Jamie Pugh a singer from Britains Got Talent 2009

2009-05-04T22:38:00.000-07:00

Talent abounds in Britain,
Jamie Pugh is very good. Conquered his fear and performed outstanding.

Jamie Pugh

Terry

Sue Son - Violinist - Britains Got Talent 2009

2009-05-04T22:23:00.000-07:00

Ms. Son is phenomenal

Listen to her play here - Sue Son

Terry

A Day in April

2009-04-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day, full of "can do" energy and excited about trying out L.A. Fitness. I have missed the gym. Still seeking employment, I must look out of this area, unfortunate. It is God's plan and I am all for it wherever it may lead. My life has been an adventure of purpose seeking to help one person at a time make better choices to improve their life. My purpose is unchanged. A beautiful day. I will write.

Family is important, something that seems diminished in America, but throughout the world family is important. The dynamics within a family give purpose, energy to our life. Think of what you do for individual family members over time and what they in turn do for you. Families have their own distinct personality, different from other families as different as snow flakes. People need family.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1666834696&ref=profile

Fireproof

2009-04-27T13:51:00.000-07:00

Fireproof is a movie about relationships. I have to tell you that this movie will make you smile, laugh and cry while communicating skills, ideas and Grace. I heartily recommend this film. I hope you will find this movie and get it. I understand this can be located at www.dove.org have a great day.

This space will give you time to think.

Fireproof... Love-Dare. This movies has purpose and meaning and drama with a beautiful ending. Many people avoid watching it, many do not want to change the tension or their own ways in a relationship. Many do not want to Fireproof anything they cannot control. I wonder why this is? Does our own misery justify our righteousness? We lie to ourselves and others if this is why...see the movie if you want to move beyond lies, deception and saddness.

Terry

Hope Vs. Hate

2009-04-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

There are many people out there who hate, deceive, manipulate and with great subterfuge murder, cripple and spew more hate. This is what we read about, what we expect to read and see. Yet, another side is evident throughout the world and this is one of kindness, moral goodness, actions that care, smiles inspiring hope. We do not read about this or see this reported in the media. To bad. We need hope, kindness.
I see the expressions on peoples faces when an event has touched their heart and tears roll down their faces. There is a joy that strengthens the heart. A joy that transcends understanding by our mortal minds but a joy we experience and in the here and now know.
Psa 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.

Something to think about and act upon. It is a challenge yes, but when you accept Jesus as your Savior the challenge is made doable. Keep the faith my friend and do not give up on yourself nor on God. Let him work in your life and say "yes" to God and no to man.
Terry

Native American Wolves & return to innocence

2009-04-20T16:25:00.000-07:00

Roxana Saberi an American Citizen of Iranian heritage, A journalist, imprisoned.

2009-04-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/19/world/middleeast/19iran.html

This young woman accused of being an American Spy is sentenced to eight years in an Iranian Prison.

A Beautiful Moment

2009-04-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

I would like to refer the readers of this blog to this site to listen to Susan Boyle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Susan Boyle What a performance!

This Young Lady Has Something To Say

2009-04-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

An Excellent Talk by Elizabeth Gilbert: A New Way To Think About Creativity

2009-04-11T13:42:00.000-07:00

Faith and Pop Culture by Christianity Today, Thomas Nelson Publishers

2009-04-10T22:30:00.000-07:00

Faith and Pop Culture by Christianity Today
In a post-modern world with all its bells and whistles this text is excellent for any group not wanting to be a puppet of technology but a critical thinker of Jesus Christ. Divided into several chapters this group Bible study tackles such areas as literature, culture, television and movies to name a few.
What I enjoyed about reading this study is that it takes critical thinking serious and has an inductive flavor to it, based on the evidence what do you choose to believe. The other aspect of this book that is excellent is that it presents arguments based on Scripture references and these can.
I heartedly support this group study text as I think it has been well done. There is a challenge for all levels of maturity. A new believer will benefit from this as well as the Christian who has years of maturity. Good conversation will abound in a group using this study.

Terry Grondahl

August Rush

2009-04-04T23:43:00.000-07:00

I want to briefly recommend to your viewing delight the movie "August Rush." This is an excellent movie based on the symmetry of music and a young mans search for his parents. This film will have you smiling, crying and mesmerized with delight at the end. See this movie.

My Redeemer Lives- A Father & A Son & A Triathlon - Excellent

2009-04-03T16:04:00.000-07:00

Every One Needs A Hero

2009-04-03T02:20:00.000-07:00

Semper Fi

2009-04-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

Boating & Your Soul

2009-03-31T20:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Reader,
    I have a passion for boating. When in California, many many years ago I sailed with one old fella in a Regatta off the coast of Oceanside and following that I worked on a fishing boat for a bit. Back in 2003 and 2004 I sailed with a former Marine named Billy. He was a master in sailing. We sailed the local NW waters and I loved it. The experience is similar to riding a motorcycle in that you are in control. Billy was always repeating bits of seamanship with me and some bits he repeated many times. His favorite by far was that "You only drown once" so make sure your boat is shipshape. He would put effort into keeping his boat ready for eventualities that come into life unexpectedly.
     I really liked Billy, he was very salty and crusty but had a love for sailing. Billy was independent and didn't like the idea of growing old. He had many things he wanted to accomplish and do, but his body was a casualty of age. I have never met a man who put so much effort into getting so much out of life, he was amazing.
     Still, I am drawn to boats here in the Northwest and it gnaws at me sometimes. I plan in the future to take courses that will prepare me for cruising and look forward to them. I want to be safe and I don't want anyone dying on my watch. Life is sacred and like my friend Billy who said, "You only drown once" in this life we only live once, and what a tragedy to arrive at the Pearly Gates and be asked "what did you do in life?"
   So a principle evolves from Billy's wisdom. We need to be prepared so we do not drown, but let me ask you something, if you died where would your soul go? The question of Jesus presents itself and I would hate to think that you have taken care of your boat but have neglected your soul. Consider accepting Jesus into your life against that day when you cross to the other side, and when that day comes I hope you are ready.
   I will spend my time pondering living on a boat and how that will compare with Heaven or Hell. To those who have read this have a great day and be blessed. Put effort into this life and do not let a day go by without saying a kind word to someone or doing one simple act of kindness for another.
Terry

Time Management

2009-03-29T16:42:00.000-07:00

Habits & Rituals

2009-03-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

It seems that life requires structure and in part this structure is maintained by habits and rituals we establish. We adhere to these habits and rituals automatically without much thought and to add complexity our emotions are blended in giving strength to them. If what we are doing in life is not working for us then we seek change, and change does require courage because what we do is change habits and rituals that have possibly entrenched themselves in our life. Are you wanting to change? Let me know.
Terry

Book Review "This Is Your Brain On Joy by Dr. Earl Henslin

2009-03-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

     This book will take you on an adventure of the brain in laymen terms. Dr. Henslin is an articulate individual with a vast array of experience in psychology. His first major insight involved John 9:1-7. "All brains are not created equal." All hi s life he had believed that all brains were normal, but he came to understand that they are not. He began to follow the work of Dr. Daniel Amen and brain imaging finding the images very valuable to his work.

       His book is about increasing your joy through (1) Enriching your outer world, (2) Enriching your inner world and (3) Enriching your body-mind chemistry. He speaks of prayer and praying for others with joy. This book blends spirituality with what the brain does and how your life can have more joy.

      This book is well worth the read for anyone. If you have depression, anxiety or other challenges in your life this book will help you to overcome with joy. I would encourage you to read the verses and try to understand the relevance of his work. This book is well worth having and utilizing.

Terry Grondahl

Which Ever Way The Wind Blows

2009-03-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

     It has been one of those weeks where life is like the wind when it suddenly blows little whirlwinds of leaves, dirt and things around in a circle, disappears and then suddenly starts up another one close by. I was always fascinated by those things when I was little. I would watch them in wonder as they scooted across the street and then lay down quietly only to reappear again. There was a fun kind of annoyance with them especially if they got too close and blew dust in your eyes; I was still fascinated by them.

     Sometimes I think my life is like that too. I watch as things get stirred up around me and for a moment I am caught up in the whirlwind wondering where I will land next for a calm moment. Sometimes it is like getting swept up into a difficulty and other times sweetness. Lately life has been windy enough to cause me to squish my eyes together as I try to focus on what I need to do next. It all feels like guessing of course, which it is, with your eyes squinched shut, trying to keep the dirt out but still see. I would say that that is part of the fun of it except at the moment it’s not.

     Experience so far has taught me that I can be sure the whirlwinds of life don’t last forever or go on through eternity, the fun parts and the hard parts, both end and a new adventure takes their place here. Heaven for sure will have adventure. So, while I am in all this “fun” I am waiting to see where I will land and what it will look like, will I end up in disaster with things scattered around me or will it look much like it was before all this got started?

     Thankfully, God is faithful and merciful. He has pity on me in my weakness and I need Him in the tiny whirlwind or the great storms of life, in the fun stuff or the hard work. I am so grateful that He sees the bigger things of life and handles my storms and whirlwinds. Today may be filled with difficult situations but tomorrow isn’t here yet, we shall see what will become of the day. A peek around the corner promises that God doesn’t change no matter what is there. There is a sense of anticipation as I wait to see what God will do. I think I need to go and pray and invite Him into the situation and see what will happen next.

By Lori

Book Review

2009-03-02T12:40:00.000-08:00

I have started reading the book "This Is Your Brain On Joy" so far looks and reads like it will be a good book.
Terry

Photos

2009-03-02T12:13:00.000-08:00

Find more photos like this on Wilderness Awareness School Village Center

A Question

2009-02-28T13:48:00.000-08:00

Here is a question for you folks:

Ok, agape love is action based on 1Cor 13 right? We could agree that love is action reflected in behavior an individual chooses. Does this make sense so far? So if love is action vectoring towards that which is positive and Godly then could we say that Hate is vectoring away from that which is positive and Godly? If so could we say that apathy is a form of hate found somewhere on the vector? If we agree on this could we say that a Christian Culture that is immersed in apathy are making choices in behavior on a vector moving away from that which is positive or Godly?

Terry

What is Important?

2009-02-28T09:24:00.000-08:00

These days one has to wonder, in the day of modern technology why is it so difficult to find what one needs. You could spend hours surfing the net and never come up with what you were really looking for. We seem to be zipping along at break neck speed often missing the things that are most important in life. Do we forget there is a real world out there that isn’t a cyber world as we get lost in the images of our screen? As we are searching for our information that we sat down to look up it seems it takes up a lot more of our time. I wonder if we are missing real life.

I wonder if simple things are gone or if we have forgotten how to live and be families anymore. After all, cell phones are not real ways of parenting, and TV watching, even if done together as a family isn’t the same as being with each other and talking. It is not uncommon anymore to see someone driving along looking like they are talking to themselves or see someone standing on a street corner yelling and for all the world looking like they have lost their marbles, even though they are actually talking on the telephone. I see young adults, youth, walking down the street text messaging and I wonder if they are at all aware of life around them. I don’t know how they make it home.

I wonder if we even know what families are because it is not every man for himself. It is about being together, sharing life together, making good memories and instilling values. There is a depth of caring that comes from that, that teaches us worth. There is a whole world out there that is suffering because of our tendency to indifference. I hope that we all wake up soon and realize that as long as we stay lost in our individual lives we will miss the most important things life is about, caring for one another and bearing one another’s burdens. It is so easy to get caught up looking for other things that we lose track of what is really important, our relationship with God, our families, and a world full of needy people who are just waiting for someone to care. You won’t find them in the computer screen or the cell phone. Try really talking to someone, meeting someone else’s need, it is much more rewarding.

Lori

Seeking Work

2009-02-28T08:24:00.000-08:00

There is a certain amount of Godly preparation in looking for work. First the mind is prepared to be in a state of constant observation and mental gymnastics. Second the emotions are prepared to be in a state of tension and a roller coaster of frustration. Third the Spirit is prepared to deal with powers and principalities that would seek to destroy the hope of working. Fourth the body is prepared to deal with the ups and downs of the first three. Such is seeking work. Perseverance in the storm called life is necessary, because we never know what is around the next corner. It is always to soon to become hopeless and it is a great time to know my maker a bit more closely. Prayer is always nice but takes on a fresh power when unemployment lasts a bit longer than, what I would hope, necessary. We need to remember that "It ain't over till God says it's over!" And in the challenge of man verses environment God does not throw in the towel. So we will persist and overcome.
Terry

Perseverence In the Writing Craft

2009-02-23T15:28:00.000-08:00

Today has been a uniquely challenging day for writing. The challenge has been overcoming a chest cold. Coughing, sneezing and feeling the blahs while staying on course and in tempo wit h writing. What keeps me at the desk writing is perseverance an d a feeli ng of necessity to write. Keep me in your prayers as I continue to write and make deadlines.

Joy of Walking

2009-01-28T12:47:00.000-08:00

There is a certain peace in walking. Being out of a wheelchair and back on my feet has given me insights into myself and our culture. When on our feet we are mobile and in command of where we go and for the most part when we want to go. But, in a wheelchair you are dependent on folks to take you where you want to go, and it may not be exactly when you want to go. An upside to being in a wheelchair is that you get to understand what a friend is and how to know a friend. Not by words but by action. Like love in the New Testament is not understood as words but by action. Same thing here and friends are appreciated.

Walking is a robust activity stimulating to the mind, body, spirit and imagination. It is a time for creative reflection and future thoughts. When the body is in motion it is stimulated and so is the brain for that matter. Whether its cold or hot walking has a place in life. The mileage accumulates so if you walk a mile a day that is seven miles in a week and twenty eight miles in a month! Like putting time in a savings account.

Perhaps now is a time of change. As I have said before change takes courage and time. But if you read back on my blog about the ant you will note the ant never quits and neither should you. Make a choice to develop yourself this year.

History is Made

2009-01-20T18:21:00.000-08:00

Think and Make It Happen - A Book Review

2009-01-19T13:40:00.000-08:00

Think and Make It Happen is a book written by dr. Augusto Cury and published by Thomas Nelson.

This is by far one of the best books I have read depicting the mannerisms of Christ and how individuals can apply them to their own life. The book reads easily and his main points are outlined at the beginning of each chapter. This is a book that will give hope to your life as well as control of your life. This is the perfect book to have on your nightstand and read before going to sleep so that you can begin to apply the principles upon waking up.

I am in the process of applying these principles to my own life. Change always is a bit uncomfortable, but when you follow these principles reflecting how Christ dealt with situations, you will be successful. You can read this book and mature as a Christian and as an individual. This is a must own book.
Terry Grondahl

Miracles

2009-01-14T17:19:00.000-08:00

I would guess that miracles for the most part are all around us, we just don’t see God’s divine hand in the affairs and chance meetings in our lives. I think that often we don’t see it because we don’t recognize it when it happens. Perhaps we just look for the answer to a prayer the way we want it and the reality of the miracle is that it doesn’t turn out quite the way we think it should; much later we come to realize that the miracle was that God was in it at all. I think we all tend to want what we think is the answer instead of letting God arrange the events of our lives. Miracles are simply a way of seeing God work His plan into our lives without us trying to tell Him how to do it.
by Lori

What is Christmas to You?

2008-12-23T16:06:00.000-08:00

Sharing in the Atonement

God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ . . .

—Galatians 6:14

The gospel of Jesus Christ always forces a decision of our will. Have I accepted God’s verdict on sin as judged on the Cross of Christ? Do I have even the slightest interest in the death of Jesus? Do I want to be identified with His death— to be completely dead to all interest
in sin, worldliness, and self? Do I long to be so closely identified with Jesus that I am of no value for anything except Him and His purposes? The great privilege of discipleship is that I can commit myself under the banner of His Cross, and that means death to sin. You must get alone with Jesus and either decide to tell Him that you do not want sin to die out in you, or that at any cost you want to be identified with His death. When you act in confident faith in what our
Lord did on the cross, a supernatural identification with His death takes place immediately. And you will come to know through a higher knowledge that your old life was "crucified with Him" (Romans 6:6 ). The proof that your old life is dead, having been "crucified with Christ" ( Galatians 2:20 ), is the amazing ease with which the life of God in you now enables you to obey the voice of Jesus Christ.

Every once in a while our Lord gives us a glimpse of what we would be like if it were not for Him. This is a confirmation of what He said— ". . . without Me you can do nothing" ( John 15:5 ). That is why the underlying foundation of Christianity is personal, passionate devotion to the Lord Jesus. We mistake the joy of our first introduction into God’s kingdom as His purpose for getting us there. Yet God’s purpose in getting us into His kingdom is that we may realize
all that identification with Jesus Christ means.

From: http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php

For years Oswald Chambers has stimulated our minds and stirred the depth of our soul. And such a season as it is now we need to have both stimulated and stirred. Every night and every day there is an unseen battle being waged against the light, against Jesus Christ; though we fight not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers in high places (Ephesians) Christians put this battle in a compartment labeled "Later-Can't be Bothered Now." Figure that out and let me know the reasoning behind it.

This time of the year Christians, your friends and mine, are in need of a kind word. Kind words go along way towards easing the stress of the season. Remember it is not about materialism or comparing yourself with the neighbors, it is about your relationship to Jesus and with each other. So smile, hug, celebrate and above all be kind.
Terry

Merry Christmas

2008-12-22T20:34:00.001-08:00

I will be making a conscious effort to wish everyone

a Merry Christmas this year ...

My way of saying that I am celebrating

the birth Of Jesus Christ.

So I am asking my email buddies,

if you agree with me,

to please do the same.

And if you'll pass this on to

your email buddies, and so on...

maybe we can prevent one more

American tradition from being lost in the sea of

"Political Correctness".
From my cousin Julie

E-Sword a free Bible Program

2008-12-07T22:47:00.000-08:00

Bible programs seem to be raining on us these days. I have got to tell you though that the best program to date that I use is E-Sword. This is a great program and responds well in Vista or prior Windows versions. This program can be found at http://www.e-sword.net and is well worth a look see.

This programs comes with an assortment of Bibles, Commentaries and Dictionaries. You can create a reading plan, your own study notes or add books in top format. This is a fine tool, Rick Meyers, the creator constantly is adding updates and more modules. The internet abounds with sites offering modules for free. Many are good and some require some discernment. This is an excellent program and I highly recommend it.
Terry

Kingdom of the Occult, Published by Thomas Nelson, Book Review

2008-12-05T20:26:00.001-08:00

>The Kingdom of the Occult by Walter Martin, Jill Martin Rische and Kurt Van Gorden published by Thomas Nelson.

When I received this work to review I initially thought it just another book on the Occult. How wrong I was with that initial assumption. I have found the text to be scholarly, readable and most convicting. The authors approach to the Occult is threefold (1) historical analysis of key facts connected with the rise of the occult, (2) theological evaluation of the occult’s major teachings, and (3) apologetic contrast from the viewpoint of biblical theology, with an emphasis upon exegesis and doctrine.

Immediately the dimension of darkness is discussed as being one of “spiritual darkness” controlled by Satan and his hosts. This section describes the condition of Satan and his demons giving Biblical proofs that reinforce the reality of Satan but also how an individual is affected by this darkness.

The text enters a history of Satan from historical past through the present and into the future. Most people find Satan hard to wrap their brain around because they have become numb and accepting of Satan’s dimensional darkness. This book is structured in such a way that the numbness will give way to old knowledge. The reader leaves this book considering the strategies of Satan and the effect his reality has on people today.

Spurring the reader towards personal self examination of the highest kind when experiencing the occult happens naturally because even though an individual experiences a phenomenon it does not make it valid as a standard for truth according to the authors. They are right and this is where the follower of Jesus must decide to have Scripture as the plumb line of truth or not; and if not then truth is avoided while an individual tickles his own fancy. But the choice to tickle ones fancy can have dire consequences for that person.

Throughout this book Scripture is referenced in abundance supporting the truth that God finds the occult detestable in all its forms. Once a person, for what ever reason, enters the world of the occult it then becomes a matter of Satan seducing them away from Christ. Even in today’s church, ideas, according to the authors, are infiltrating the congregation. A few of these ideas are: (1) Personal experience is emphasized over the ultimate authority of Scripture, (2) Key Biblical doctrines are reinterpreted, (3) The modern church becomes the new Israel, (4) Tolerance of all faiths is tolerated at the expense of doctrinal integrity and (5) Spiritual maturity is ignored in favor of emotional experiences. For all Christians these ideas need to be reflected on and perhaps we all need to hold up a mirror to ourselves.

Change must start with a person understanding Scripture and that this is a war, one that Christ has won with His blood while we dilute it with our lack of study, understanding and critical thinking. If we turn off our brains we can succumb to any ideas that anyone throws around.

If you ever had any doubts that Demons were real this book will bring things into focus. The doctrine of Demons is an area folks don’t hear much about these days and I have to ask myself why after reading this book. One paragraph goes like this, “The Church must face hardship, work to spread the gospel, and do all the duties of its calling, so we can say, along with the apostle Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:27). That must be the testimony of every Christian: the great race, the course, and the faith…”

Defining the Demon. According to Dr. Martin the word demon is derived from the Greek word daimonion, meaning an evil spirit or spirits, comparable in meaning to pneumatic too akathartoo, meaning unclean spirit. Jesus rebuked unclean spirits and equated demons with them. What do demons do? Well a few things would be: They disseminate errors among men, and seek to seduce believers, 1Ti 4:1. As seducing spirits they deceive men into the supposition that through mediums (those who have "familiar spirits," Lev 20:6, Lev 20:27, e.g.) they can converse with deceased human beings. Hence the destructive deception of spiritism, forbidden in Scripture, Lev 19:31; Deu 18:11; Isa 8:19. "Demons" tremble before God, Jam 2:19; they recognized Christ as Lord and as their future Judge, Mat 8:29; Luk 4:41. (e-sword)

From Bible Believers Commentary: Luke 8:28, 29 When he (the demon) saw Jesus, he begged Him to let him alone. Of course, it was the unclean spirit who spoke through the pitiful man. Demon-possession is real. These demons were not mere influences. They were supernatural beings who indwelt the man, controlling his thoughts, speech, and behavior. These particular demons caused the man to be extremely violent—so much so that when he had one of these violent convulsions, he broke the chains that were intended to restrain him and ran off into the wilderness. This is not surprising when we realize that cooped up within this one man were enough demons to destroy about two thousand pigs (see Mar 5:13). Luke 8:30, 31 The man's name was Legion because he was possessed by a legion of demons. These demons recognized Jesus as the Son of the Most High God. They knew too that their doom was inevitable, and that He would bring it to pass. But they sought a reprieve, begging Him that He would not command them to depart at once into the abyss.

This book lays the foundation for offensive strategy against Satan, it is important to all of us in the context of culture to have an understanding of the occult to better sidestep snares and take offensive action. As you read this book reality begins to settle on your mind in terms of being in battle where our resource for victory is Jesus Christ. Kingdom of the Occult is a fine work examining all aspects of the occult within the context of culture. Also this book has a multitude of resources and notes which clarify information.

Terry Grondahl, MA

The Kingdom of the Occult by Walter Martin, Jill Martin Rische and Kurt Van Gorden

2008-11-17T22:24:00.000-08:00

My newest challenge is to read "The Kingdom of the Occult" and give a credible review of this book. I have read three chapters so far and am very impressed. I move on to Chapter Four and once I complete the work I will put the review up here and on Amazon. This is a work that every Christian should read and think about because many Christians are influenced by demons by their own agreement to be influenced.