1. I feel I am too concise.  I have never been a wordy writer.  If I can explain something in a sentence I’ll do it in a sentence.  I don’t like long explanations.
2. To me blogging was a fad.  A friend of mine started a blog about the same time that I did, and for a while we were the only two people I knew who had them  it made checking other peoples post really easy.  Since then at least a dozen or two people that I know have set up blogs, some post daily, while others only once.  For a while it felt cool being a trend-setter, but it didn’t make me want to blog more often, in fact it became a hassle to read everyone else’s blogs and then comment on them, and the more I stopped reading them the less I posted.
3. Web Designer.  Part of what interested me in blogging was the hacking of the themes and the personalization that I was able to get out of it.  And then helping others do the same thing.  My wife, brother, Tim.  I began to focus more on the themes and less on the content.  In the past 3 months I have undertaken a new project of building a website from scratch for Bethel.  I spend a lot of my free time working on that, (in fact if I wasn’t blogging right now I’d be working on it.  I wish I could send you all the link to give you the sneak peek but it’s far from done and I can’t show it off to the masses quite yet.  I foresee that project taking another 3 or 4 months depending on how much free time I have to work on it, but when it is done I’ll send word and the link.  On a side note if you are someone I know personally and are wanting more control over you blog and less restrictions let me know and I discuss options that I can offer you.
4. My Life is not an Open Book.  Some blogger share way too much information in their blog posts.  I am not a person who feels it is necessary to do that.  I could fill my blog with funny stories that might happen throughout my day but those stories would generally be of students from my class.  And with as plugged in as my students are to the internet it could be pretty easy for one of them to find out that I was talking about one of them, which is something that I feel would not be beneficial.  So I don’t publish stories of my students.
5. Because.

The list is not extensive, but those are my reasons.  I hope I don’t crush the feelings of the faithful unlinkedmedians.  I hope you have a Happy New Year.

- hold nothing back

1. The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.  2. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.  3. Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?  4. He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.  5. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.  6. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.  7. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.  8. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.  9. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.  10Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

2008 started of a little tough, Spencer my best friend, headed off to marine corps boot camp two weeks into the year with the promise that he would still be able to be my best man at my wedding, that same week I had to have some major dental work done and Renae had her wallet and computer stolen from her while she was at work.  Latter in February we had a scare, as Renae thought she might of had an infection in her feet, but fortunately it turned out to be nothing.  In March my parents visited during spring break and we went to visit Disneyland.  On April 30, 2008 I graduated from college.   I began working at Bethel Baptist School soon after graduation and God quickly lead me to an apartment in Garden Grove about 5 miles from Bethel.  On June 14, 2008, the love of my life became Mrs Renae Ashton.  Oh, and Spencer was able to make it to the wedding, barely.  I spent the summer working with the summer school program at Bethel and in September I began teaching 5th grade.  Renae and I are doing very well having just celebrated our 6 month aniversary of our wedding, we definatly enjoy married life.  For Thanksgiving we spent at Renae’s parents and Christmas with mine.  It was nice to have my whole family together for almost a week.

Well that was last year…  So this year what will be different?  What will be the same?

I have decided to set some goals some will be public, others private.  I hope that this will help me keep focused on the important things so here is a list of my public goals:

1. Grow in my relationship with God
2. Grow in my relationship with Renae
3. Read my Bible all the way through this year
4. Become consistent at journaling
5. See at least one unbeliever come to know Christ
6. Loose 10-15 pounds
7. Stop being a procrastinator
8. Read at least 4 Miscellaneous books
9. Visit 2 MLB stadiums that I have not been to yet.
10. Watch the SF Giants win the World Series.

So I think that will be my list.  So although I have never been one to make New Year’s Resolutions it appears that I have just done so.

hold nthing back.

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Photos Courtesy of Nea’s Heart.

I am sitting in my parents house, enjoy spending time with my family. There are nine of us here right now: my parents, John, Mary, Melissa, Daniel, Ruth, Renae and I. We have plans for the next couples days to go visit grandparents, take pictures, playing games, etc. I am so thankful for being able to spend time with my family. I would like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas. Let me know what you are doing for Christmas.

The salads were very good, it even came with a bread stick. For our entree’s Renae orders the bar b que bacon cheddar sliders with fries, and I order the 12 oz. Champion New York Strip Steak (medium). We both enjoyed our meals thoroughly. Then came time for dessert… a sizzling apple pie a la mode. It came out on a hot iron skillet where the brown sugar glaze was sizzling, the ice cream atop the apple pie drizzled with caramel and just in case the was a bowl of caramel to add at any time. It was amazingly delicious. Renae and I devoured it, and will no doubt be back just to have the dessert again.

So if you are going to TGI Friday’s and are wondering if you should get dessert. Don’t think about it, just order the sizzling apple pie a la mode.

“Creamy Ranch Breaded Chicken Pasta”

2 – Chicken Breast (Boneless Skinless) cut to bit size pieces
1 – Package of Noodles (Recommended: Rigatoni, Sea Shell, Bow Tie, or similar)
2 – Tablespoons of Olive Oil
1/2 – Cup Ranch Salad Dressing
1/4 – Cup Bread Crumbs
1/4 – Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Mild)
1/4 – Teaspoon of Garlic Salt (Lawry’s)
1/4 – Teaspoon of Basil
1/4 – Teaspoon of Chili Powder

In a skillet, grill the chicken in the olive oil, season with garlic, basil, and chili powder. In a medium to large sauce pan boil the pasta. Once the chicken and pasta are fully cooked combine and stir in the ranch, bread crumbs and cheese. Serve and enjoy! Serves 3 to 4.

- hold nothing back

Hold nothing back…

This morning I was told by a friend of mine that I was addicted to coffee, and I told him I could stop anytime and he said “sure!” So I told him for the next week I would not drink any coffee at all. Starting tomorrow morning and for seven straight days I will abstain from coffee to prove to Tim him that I am not addicted to it. In addition to not drinking coffee, I will post every few days, if not daily to let you know my success.

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hold nothing back

However since an aspect of how we celebrate Christmas is exchanging gifts, and since some people have been asking what I would like; I feel that this is the easiest way to let others know what I would like.

1. Journal
2. Dress Shirts
3. T-shirts
4. iTunes Cards
5. Books by John Piper
6. Pocket Knife
7. BluRay DVD Player

I’m not really sure what else I should but on the list so this will be it for now.

If you comment on this post put something that you want for Christmas too; so I don’t feel like the only one doing this.

Renae and I were on our way to Chino Hills to get her allergy shots (usually a 25 minute drive).  We hadn’t been on the free all that long today before we came across the the first accident we saw, a truck was flipped upside down on the other side of the freeway.  Our side of the freeway was crawling at 5 mph as we approached the accident, and once we passed it it increase to between 10-20 mph.  We continued at that pass for another 25 or so minutes before we were passed most of the traffic and were going almost to the speed limit. (Oh and that whole time we were in the carpool lane).  Once we made it up to the place to get her shots we decided we didn’t want to jump back on the freeway to sit in the opposite traffic (which was worse), so we went and walked around Target.  After that we left and got back on the freeway hoping the traffic was gone.  We’ll the flipped over truck was, but there were two other accidents – a downed motorcycle in the carpool lane and another accident off to the shoulder. That is when I thought to myself how thankful I am for God’s protection.

I have as of this month had my lisence for 5 years. I worked for Enterprise Rent-a-Car for over 2 years where my main responsiblity was transporting cars, I have had my share of close calls, but thankful to not have a single accident.  That was until 11 months ago yesterday when I got cut off and a van scraped my front fender and then took off.  The hit and run incident was not my fault so it doesn’t count for anything.  So in five years I have not had a single ticket or at fault accident, so I think it is worth my time to thank God right now for his safety and protection.

-

Hold Nothing Back

teaching is going good. there are 7 days of school until parent teacher conferences and then it’s thanksgiving.  i’m looking forward to thanksgiving, renae and i are going to her parents, ruth (my sister) might be there as well.  in 36ish days i’ll be in san francisco, to spend christmas with my family.

oh, and be in prayer for my grandmother. my mom’s mom recently found out she has lung cancer, she is starting chemo at 12:00 tomorrow. i know she would appriciate your prayer.

hold nothing back

i’m am still watching prop 8 praying that it passes.  the next 4 years in america will greatly alter the course of american politics.  i am waiting to see a speech from either candidate, wandering what will be said. praying that God will have mercy on america.

it’s 8:18 and i get a speech. “the end of a journey” McCain says.  very dignified so far. i really like McCain’s honesty.  “let there be no reason now for any american to cherish their citizenship in this greatest nation.”  he recognized our Creator.  he wants us to come together ( i am cautious about that).  “tomorrow we must move beyond it (disappointment). he says the failure is his. of course you wish the outcome was different.  (obama has 333 electoral votes; it takes 270 to wins)  mccain promises more peaceful years ahead. (palin should run in 2012).  very dignified. very well done. i’m impressed. he finished very strong. and very gracious.

well now i am waiting for obama.  the marriage amendment in CA is 57%-yes  and 43%-no with 4%-reporting it’s has a long way to go. to pass. i will keep praying.  right now nothing is happening. a lot of talking. i wonder what change is coming?

One radio commentator, Hugh Hewitt, said

“Every American ought to pray for wisdom and judgment for President-elect Obama, for his safety and the safety of his country, and for the continued prosperity and greatness of America.”

in the rally at grant park a minister came and prayed, another lead in the pledge of allegiance and now lady is singing the national anthem. now some audio introduction and music, the people are waiting anxiously.  “yes we can” the crowd chants. at least they are waving the american flags.  it’s 8:46 and music still playing.  brooks and dunn “only in america”  descent choice.   he’ll probably wait till nine.  wait no their is some dude in a black suit who just came to the back of the stage then he left.  then another and he is gone but wait some one is coming. he set something on the podium and walked out back stage. another song it’s 8:51.  there is activity by the back stage door.

i love the internet. all this is live on the internet.  i should be grading papers now. but i’m not.  (prop 8 has a 250,000 vote lead with only 10% of precincts reporting).

the crowd is chanting obama but they get another song at 8:55.  8:57 the song is fading out and an introduction. it’s the obama family. well dressed.  let’s here some of this change you have planned.  he kissed his wife but not on the lips. he is talking about a dream of the founders.  it’s 9:00.  he is not direct at all.  he talks around everything.  i am fearful about what you want to achieve.  oh change has now come.  he was gracious toward mccain-palin.  that’s good.  he is getting his girls a puppy. that’s important for everyone to know.  he’s not making any new revelations just congratulating the people who helped him.  the victory belongs to the people obama says.  he is hopeful to get there  (where was there?)  people are chanting again.  will you really be honest? summon that new spirit to pitch in and help each other.  “a new dawn of american leadership is at hand” he used reagen’s analogy of america’s shining light.  congrats to the 106 year old anne nixon cooper who voted.  he is starting the  “yes we can” chant  and some regal music by john williams

tonight history is was made an african-american has been elected president and in 2 months he will be president.   so congratulation president-elect obama, i will pray for you as my president.  thank you president bush for the 8 years of your presidency, a lot of things out of your control were happened in these years. and you were just that man for the job.  our God is still in control and His will is being accomplished.  may God bless you President Bush.  may God bless you President-Elect Obama and may God bless America.