Runge's Soapbox

Last Day of School

2011-06-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

Brad Grad 2011

2011-06-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

Spokane Thunder - Champs at Moses Lake! (Again)

2011-05-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

Good job boys!

12 year-old Football Trick Shot Video

2011-04-24T18:14:00.000-07:00

A Biblical Worldview - Alistair Begg at Liberty University

2011-02-08T01:28:00.000-08:00

"A Biblical Worldview" delivered by Alistair Begg to the students and faculty of Liberty University on Jan. 21, 2011.

Slaves for Christ - John MacArthur

2011-01-12T22:24:00.001-08:00

(For faster downloading, switch to 360p after clicking on play.)

December Fun in CA

2011-01-10T10:57:00.001-08:00

Northern California

2010-12-30T00:47:00.000-08:00

Stella's Shasta Adventure from Jesse Rosten on Vimeo.

Here is work from Jesse Rosten. It is so cute...He sure knows how to make California look good.... It's not looking so bad this December....no snow. We had plenty of sun today, even took a walk!...so wonderful.

Safe and Beautiful Trip

2010-12-18T09:35:00.001-08:00

Kelly & Katie made it back from Hawaii. I'm excited to see more pictures and hear about their adventures while they were there. It's a great place to go in December, -back to the winter cold!

Kelly & Katie

Happy Birthday to Aunt Betty!!!

2010-12-12T14:41:00.001-08:00

Lunch at the Lighthouse!...Yummy.... Meanwhile - Katie is Whale watching in Hawaii!...notice wall in background.

Snow...and more Snow!

2010-11-30T16:41:00.000-08:00

Spokane is on the verge of breaking the record for the most snow ever in the city for the month of November. The current record is 24.7 inches, set back in 1955.
The National Weather Service keeps archives dating back more than 100 years. Already the area has received about 21 inches of snow this month.
Spokane only needs two more inches of snow by midnight to break the record.
So far, snow is piling up by the foot in Spokane. It is reminiscent of November 55 years ago when four inches of snow fell in Spokane on the last day of the month. That November is the snowiest on record and it was also a La Nina Winter just like this season has been forecasted.
KREM 2 News met with the National Weather Service to access their archives to find out how the 1955 snow developed in hopes of catching a glimpse of what we could expect this year. The outlook is snowy.
After November of 1955, December through March ended up with above normal snowfall. December, January, and February of the 1955-1956 winter stacked up like this: Even though each month saw less snow than November, they still measured more than the average 15 inches per month. In all, Spokane saw 83 inches of snow that year.
There is some good news, three of Spokane’s four snowiest Novembers on record saw all that snow melt before Christmas.
Chief Meteorologist Tom Sherry forcast Spokane’s snowfall would be more than average. That does not mean it will be like the harsh winters of two and three years ago.
In some of the snowiest winters on record, Spokane saw no more than 60 inches of snow.

Looking Cool at the Dentist

2010-11-13T12:59:00.000-08:00

Randy & Craig
Ashley got 2 teeth pulled

Outstanding....mouth Craig!

Looking awesome.. Bradley

Randy's Falcon Field Trip

2010-11-13T12:58:00.000-08:00

Ashley's 10th Birthday

2010-11-13T12:33:00.000-08:00

Craig & Brad's Field Trip

2010-11-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

Freedom Is Not Free

2010-11-11T09:38:00.001-08:00

How To Play Football

2010-11-05T22:09:00.000-07:00

We will miss going to the Randy's football game tomorrow, seems like such a short season compared to baseball. But we still have the HUSKERS! Go Big Red!!!!!

#33 Rungie!!!!

2010-11-03T12:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday To You daddy!!!

2010-11-01T13:29:00.001-07:00

School PIctures

2010-10-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

Bradley Kindergarten
Craig 2nd Grade

Ashley 4th Grade

Randy 6th Grade

Lions Took 3rd Place in Tournament

2010-10-15T00:24:00.001-07:00

Rinny, coaching Ellie this year. If being a mom isn't busy enough, Rinny is also the secretary and volleyball coach.

Ellie #2 Good job, we are all so proud of our little girl, on to basketball!

Football Clips

2010-09-18T22:48:00.000-07:00

Randy's Catch

A Dangerous Sport

Football Pics

2010-09-18T22:35:00.000-07:00

A fun day for a win! Randy's first time playing on turf.

It's a New School Year! For Everyone!

2010-09-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

My baby boy started school. How fast the time has gone. I am doing good so far, life is too busy right now to focus on being lonely.... I miss them all though..."my buddies"

Uncle Kelly's Birthday

2010-09-03T12:41:00.003-07:00

Uncle Kelly

2010-09-03T12:41:00.001-07:00

Window Rock

2010-09-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

What an amazing picture of Window Rock, taken by Herman McClanahan. God's handiwork is definitely seen here. -and to think that Dad slept in the "window" as a kid...crazy boy!

Larry Joe McClanahan

2010-08-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

Luke 23:43-

And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

Thank you Lord for giving us Larry. We love him and we miss him. Lord, we are looking forward to seeing Him with You when the roll is called up yonder.

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"To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen." - Jude 1:25-

click to see newspaper obituary:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/redding/obituary.aspx?n=larry-mcclanahan&pid=144517549

"When Dawns Eternity’s Golden Morn" written by Larry McClanahan with vocals by his daughter Kari Runge.

When dawn eternity’s golden morn
I shall then to heaven be borne.
I shall rest in the arms of my savior and friend,
By whose blood I have life without end.

Chorus
Beautiful morn, wonderful day,
When my Lord shall call me away
I shall go to a land beyond the sky
And dwell eternally by and by

When my Savior bids me to his side,
Heavens portals shall open wide
I shall dwell in the presence of Jesus my King
And though all ages, his praises will sing

Chorus
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When I stand redeemed before the king
I shall then in glory sing
Of the love that brought me safely home
Of the Christ that made me his own
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Chorus

Pops In the Hospital

2010-07-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

Praying for Dad, while he is in the hospital, still not feeling great, he is surrounded by lots of family. Here is a picture of Dad & Malila resting....very cozy...

Action in the Sky

2010-07-27T00:51:00.000-07:00

I'll have to find out why these are so blurry, the kids are always discovering

new ways to touch the camera......

Thunderbirds

2010-07-27T00:31:00.000-07:00

There Is A Hope

2010-07-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

There Is A Hope
Stuart Townend, the British musician who wrote the well known favorite praise chorus: In Christ Alone. This praise hymn below is entitled There Is A Hope.
The lyrics are rich, both spiritually and theologically. Here they are:

THERE IS A HOPE
by Stuart Townend and Mark Edwards

There is a hope that burns within my heart,
That gives me strength for ev'ry passing day;
a glimpse of glory now revealed in meager part,
Yet drives all doubt away:
I stand in Christ, with sins forgiv'n;
and Christ in me, the hope of heav'n!
My highest calling and my deepest joy,
to make His will my home.

There is a hope that lifts my weary head,
A consolation strong against despair,
That when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit,
I find the Savior there!
Through present sufferings, future's fear,
He whispers, "Courage!" in my ear.
For I am safe in everlasting arms,
And they will lead me home.

There is a hope that stands the test of time,
That lifts my eyes beyond the beckoning grave,
To see the matchless beauty of a day divine
When I behold His face!
When sufferings cease and sorrows die,
and every longing satisfied,
then joy unspeakable will flood my soul,
For I am truly home.

May we heed these words this day and every day. May my life be defined by a hope rooted in the truth of Your glorious resurrection. May my dissatisfaction with "life as it is" remind me that I am called by You to embody a vision of life as You would have it. And may I always look forward, knowing that by Your grace, You will indeed lead me home. Amen.

Family Fun Festival

2010-07-10T22:58:00.000-07:00

Fun at the church today with sno-cones, popcorn, pie eating contest,

face painting....Well and so much more! I think we all had a good time..

God has always used mountains to show Himself to his people.

2010-07-08T12:15:00.001-07:00

'Narnia: Dawn Treader' Trailer

2010-06-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

(This bit of news is cool for kids and Narnia nerds like us!)

"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" will be in theaters this holiday season on December 10, 2010.

First Place 4 You Pops! Happy Birthday

2010-06-14T00:07:00.000-07:00

We played 5 games this weekend in Moses Lake, The Thunder took 1st Place

We had some very close and stress full games, Randy game through with some great hits.

Trophies are always awesome to get!

Way to go Boys!

The Randinator!

Nebraska Headed to the Big Ten!

2010-06-11T21:43:00.001-07:00

The Big Ten Council of Presidents announced unanimous approval today for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) to join the Big Ten Conference effective July 1, 2011, with competition to begin in all sports for the 2011-12 academic year. (Source: BigTen.org)

GO BIG RED!!!

2nd Year in a Row--Champions!

2010-06-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

Spokane City Champions 2010

Good Job Randy!

Bumping
#7

A ton of fun and hard work- our boys are the best!

Swagger Wagon

2010-06-06T22:20:00.000-07:00

Mr. Brent said he would never drive a van, -----Times have changed, but he doesn't drive a mini-van, he drives a "swagger wagon".....

Thunder Baseball

2010-06-03T10:52:00.001-07:00

For Past games, more pictures, and stats click here:

http://www.spokaneathletes.com/THUNDER_BASEBALL.html

End of the Year Field Trip

2010-05-25T22:08:00.001-07:00

Go Kris!

2010-05-16T22:05:00.000-07:00

Simpson’s Kris Warner slides into second base ahead of the flip throw by Patten’s Michael Nunez, left, to shortstop David Whiteside. The Lions had Warner in a rundown, but failed to tag him before he reached second. Warner came around to score the game-tying run in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Safe!

Simpson’s Kris Warner dives back to first base

ahead of a pickoff attempt

by Patten pitcher Larry Collins.

He Makes Us Smile!

2010-05-13T23:24:00.001-07:00

Aunt Katie and the "Mr. Landon".......

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T17:43:00.000-07:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Happy Mother's Day MOM......Thank you for being there, cause by being there you have showed all of your kids your love. As long as I have been around I have experienced such an amazing support & care for one another, what a cool legacy to pass down. Thanks for all, love all of us...

Happy Birthday Aunt Roz!

2010-05-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, this may not be the best picture in the world, but you get the point. We were glad to have spent our Spring Break with Aunt Roz, and this was a joyful event with Dad & Kalene out of the hospital! May the love of Jesus Christ be with you Aunt Roz today and always. Love all of us!

Just -a- Workin!

2010-04-19T22:10:00.001-07:00

These last couple of months have been really busy for Dad & Mom. Their latest project has been working on their house. They had the inside done…..thanks to Vince & Nelly….who did an awesome job. The had the kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedrooms, laundry room done….nice carpet & paint too. The house is small, but do we really need that much space? To me, it’s just more to clean. The house is so cute, after the outside of the house is put together; I believe they will be working on turning the garage into a TV room!! Yeah---, can’t wait to see the results. As you can see in the picture, there is plenty of wood to go around, they also had a few trees taken down, and if the ground dries us…the clearing will be complete then….Walla…beautiful! A nice place to play with the grandkids and rock the new baby.

Current and History Event featuring Mr. Landon

2010-04-15T15:36:00.000-07:00

Landon Isaac
The staff of Mercy Redding congratulate Kalene and Phillip on the birth of their beautiful son, Landon Isaac.
Born: March 22, 2010 1:18 am
Weight: 3 pounds 14 ounces
Length: 15.5 inches
Kalene and Phillip have chosen the name Landon Isaac for their beautiful new son
Origin: English
Original Meaning: "Open", "Grassy meadow"
Market Basket:
• Loaf of Bread: $2.49
• Gallon of Milk: $3.85
• First Class Stamp: $0.44
• Gallon of gasoline: $3.06
• New Car: $21750.00
• Average New Home: $265000.00
• Hospital Room: $0.00
Populations:
• Redding: 78490
• U.S. Population: 308814638
Today's Weather:
• Sunrise: 6:09 am
• Sunset: 6:24 pm
• Local high: 70 degrees F
• Local low: 41 degrees F
• The nation's weather extremes were 88 degrees recorded at Death Valley, California and -32 at O'Brien Creek, Alaska
Dow Jones:
• Dow Jones: 10741.98
Other Interesting People Born on this Date:
• 1891 - Chico Marx - Member of the Marx Brothers team who starred in a number of full-length comedy feature films including "Animal Crackers", "A Day at the Races" and "Duck Soup."
• 1908 - Louis L'Amour - American best-selling author of more than 100 books, mostly old west adventures.
• 1948 - Andrew Lloyd Webber - English composer whose works include musicals "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Evita", "Cats" and others.
Other Notable Events on this Day in History:
• 1765 - The fires of revolution were ignited as the English Parliament passed the Stamp Act, its first direct tax on the American colonists.
• 1806 - The Lewis and Clark expedition broke their winter encampment at Fort Clatsop near the Pacific Ocean and began their long journey home.
• 1861 - The School of Nursing at the Woman's Hospital of Philadelphia became the first nursing school to be chartered in the United States.
• 1960 - Arthur Schawlow and Charles Townes received the first patent for lasers.
• 1981 - U.S. Postage rates increased from 15-cents to 18-cents an ounce.

Landon Going Home!

2010-04-14T15:47:00.001-07:00

What a praise, our little buddy got released from the hospital this afternoon! He is ready to see the world.

2 Samuel 7:22 "How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears."

I'm with my "Mums"

2010-04-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

Grandma holding precious little Landon,

Little Princesses

2010-04-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

Ruth's girls, Alayna June and Alysia Grace, - Ready for the ball!

Little Man Says Hello

2010-04-08T08:00:00.003-07:00

He weighes 4 lbs 1 oz and eating off a bottle every other feeding. He looks really good too and just wanted to say HI!

Sure Landon is in ICU!

2010-04-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

Have A Blessed Easter

2010-04-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

Our Wee Little Man

2010-04-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

Landon, our littlest nephew, has his eyes wide awake holding his Grandma's hand(mom). I was unable to meet the little guy, only parents and grandparents are allowed. Aunt Roz made it up for a visit, she was able to see the tiny man. He will be in the ICU for about four more weeks, until his actual due date, or maybe sooner if he can put on some weight He is so cute!

Serious Situations (Yes that's plural.)

2010-03-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

Since our last post (Surprise Birthday!) there has been a lot that has transpired. Early Thursday morning we received a call from our family in California letting us know that Kari's sister, Kalene, had just fell into a diabetic coma only days after giving birth to her son. We also were informed that Kari's dad, Larry, was rushed to the same hospital due to shortness of breath and a feeling of tightness in his chest.
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By 11:00 am we were told that Larry had experienced cardiac arrest and that it was not likely that he would make it through the day. In fact, Larry had actually "flat-lined" and required CPR to be revived. Meanwhile, Kalene was still in very critical condition.
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Realizing the seriousness of the situation, we traveled overnight to California. Upon arriving, we learned that Kalene was slowly recovering and that Larry was on a ventilator to assist him with his breathing. Not long after, it was relayed to us that the doctors were soon going to remove the ventilator tube and that they needed to know whether it was Larry's wish to be revived if he was unable to breath on his own.
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Thankfully, Larry was able to breath without the help from the ventilator and within the next couple of hours his condition improved dramatically. In fact, when the doctor came in to provide an updated of Larry's progress he stated that the only explanation for the turn of events was "prayer".
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Throughout this whole situation it has been amazing to see the hand of God at work. You see, if Kari's dad had not needed medical attention, Kari's mom (Linda) would not have been at the hospital Thursday morning. After Linda admitted Larry into the hospital (prior to his going into cardiac arrest) she went to the maternity ward to check to see how Kalene was doing. It was Linda, and not the medical staff, who discovered that Kalene was very ill. She immediately informed the nurses who then responded to save Kalene's life!
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As things currently sit, Larry is recovering and it looks like he will soon be released from the hospital. His heart is weak and he still needs prayer, but he is improving. Also, Kalene is now at home and her blood sugar levels are stabilizing. She still is making daily visits to the hospital to see and feed her son in the NICU. As was stated in a previous post, the baby was born 5-weeks premature. By the way, the little guy will from here on be known as, Landon McDaniels!
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We thank you for your prayers.
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In His grace,
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The Runges

Surprise Birthday!

2010-03-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

What a surprise my family had (March 22nd) in the early morning at 1:05am. We welcomed a baby Boy, born to my sister Kalene and her husband Phil. "No Name" McDaniels was born 5 weeks early, weighing in at 3 lbs. 14 oz and 15-1/2". Momma and baby are doing fine, but "No Name" will be in the hospital for about 4 weeks!....(thanks Rinny)

CBN News: Money-Saving Tips from 'The Frugal Girl'

2010-02-23T12:10:00.000-08:00

CBN News - In this economic downturn, more and more people are looking for ways to be "frugal" and save money in unique ways.

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Dozens of money saving Web sites and blogs have popped up recently -- including the site of 31-year-old Kristen. Check it out at www.thefrugalgirl.com.

FCA Interview with Drew Brees

2010-02-07T23:17:00.000-08:00

Sharing the Victory Magazine (FCA) sits down with New Orleans' Saints QB Drew Brees talks about faith, family and football.

State Song

2010-02-05T15:27:00.000-08:00

I remember Dad having this song in the van, when we were kids. Well, Ashley came home yesterday and she was telling me a song that they learned about the states. I started singing it for her, ---"That's it! she said"- They often wonder how I know certain silly things.... Me too- I guess... I haven't thought about this song in years! Here I am to share...Kari

Bradley and "Georgie" aka Yoshi

2010-01-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

Introducing Our New Pup!

2010-01-16T23:30:00.000-08:00

CBN News: Congresswoman Michele Bachmann

2010-01-16T11:34:00.000-08:00

(click on the image to go to the video page)

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CBN NEWS - January 14, 2010

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As the conservative movement searches for strong leadership, two women are among the front-runners.
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Sarah Palin is the most visible with a new book riding the top of the bestseller list and Congresswoman Michele Bachmann is gaining ground as one of the drivers of the "tea party movement."
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Despite attacks from the left, Bachmann hasn't given up and is armed with a strong faith that helps keep her going. (Click here to continue reading)
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(Soapbox Note: It seems to me that we have entered a new era in history. One in which women play a greater role in leadership. While I do see some positives to this, there is little doubt that a void in male leadership exists. Though this trend saddens me, I am thankful for the way that Mrs. Palin and Mrs. Bachmann have stepped up to fill the gap.)

The Bible Contains

2010-01-15T12:34:00.001-08:00

Bradley is 5!

2010-01-13T23:44:00.000-08:00

This little guy is not so little...a big 5 year old now!

A birthday among friends.....

Bradley was telling the kids that Jesus gave him the sunset for his birthday. What a Mighty God, - we have had fog all day, and look what happened.

Faith and Football

2010-01-09T13:07:00.000-08:00

You don't even have to be a sports fan to appreciate Texas Longhorns quarterback Colt McCoy! Colt get knocked out of the biggest game of his college career, but the lesson that we can all learn from how he handled it was a lesson that will stick with us far longer than a National Championship. Colt showed what it means to love God and let your light so shine before men. I am sure that Colt would have glorified God in his post game speech, if Texas would have won, but I am sure that it wouldn't have had the impact that his parting words . --His words, his heart, his display of sportsmanship brought inspiration to the nation. I hope that you'll take the time to watch this video.

(January 3, 2009 Antonya English, Times Staff Writer)
Tim Tebow had watched and admired Texas quarterback Colt McCoy from afar for quite some time, so when the two finally met last month, Tebow was excited about the opportunity. But their first conversation wasn't about which country music star each has on his iPod (although that came later) or who plays on the better team. It was about God and the profound faith each publicly professes on a regular basis. "No. 1 what I like about him is his strength to show his faith and not be ashamed of that," Tebow said. "We're very similar in that way. And I wanted to compliment him on his beliefs and how he's not ashamed to show it."

With the Warners

2009-12-29T13:29:00.001-08:00

Ice Skating

2009-12-29T12:59:00.000-08:00

Brent, Katie, & Kris on ice in North Idaho!

How cute!

Go Dubes.....

Being brave-

Frozen Lake

Peone Soap Barn

2009-12-17T22:21:00.000-08:00

Hello, just in case you might need a last minute gift or a birthday gift throughout the year You might want consider something from Peone Soap Barn... We have Bible study at these great peoples home. -We love them, so we just thought we would pass the word around... Kari

Hi, My name is Jeff Baxter. In 2008 , my wife Michell and I stared a small business call Peone Soap Barn. We are located in Mead Washington. and currently make goat's milk soap, lotions, paraffin wax candles and lip balm. Our desire is to dontate a portion of our proceeds to Water for Life. Water for Life International is a charitable organization dedicated to providing clean water to those in need. Their organization started in 2005 when they drilled 4 wells on the International Children's Care (ICC) campus which serves approximately 700 students and staff. This work was accomplished using a donated cable tool drill rip and volunteers. Water for Life exists because of donations and volunteers. Peone Soap Barn is dedicated to see that children around the world will receive fresh water from these wells. Help us support Water for Life. Every time you purchase something, your proceeds are donated to the drilling in Guatemala. Children will benefit from the clean water, decreasing the death rate, and increasing the number of happy, healthy children. Help us help them. Thank you.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/peonesoapbarn

Face Painting Kit

2009-12-17T15:20:00.001-08:00

Ashley got the coolest gift for her birthday, a face painting kit. She loves it...well she turned Bradley into a puppy, and she gave Brent a tatoo... Quite the artist isn't she?

Accident Praises

2009-12-17T15:13:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Anne...Aunt Muriel's grandaughter for the updates.
December 16, 2009
See has woken up! She can track our movements, and is saying some words (yes, no, and sure).
December 15, 2009
They took her off the respirator this morning. She is breathing on her own and doing well!!!
December 13, 2009
She is looking better everyday. The nurse stated if there was away to rate the type of respirator breathing she is on the lowest help of breathing. Also, the doctor said that it will be a long process, and her CT scan came back with her brain looking better.All we know is time will tell.

Praying for Aunt Muriel - Car Accident

2009-12-10T11:30:00.000-08:00

Rescue personnel tend to the driver of a Mini Cooper that crashed head-on into a cement truck on Deschutes Road in the Bella Vista area Wednesday morning. The driver, Muriel Elliott, 63, of Redding, suffered major injuries and was in critical condition Wednesday night at Mercy Medical Center in Redding. Cement truck driver William Hiller, 48, of Redding suffered minor injuries in the 9:15 a.m. collision, California Highway Patrol officer Kurt Heuer said. Elliott reportedly crossed the double line and hit the cement truck about a half-mile south of Highway 299, Heuer said. The force of the collision ripped off the front axle of the cement truck and threw the Mini Cooper down a ditch. The truck was one of two traveling to the wind-farm project in Burney to deliver cement, said John Ledford, who was driving another cement truck and was two vehicles behind Hiller. “We were coming down this stretch, and she pulled dead in front of him,” Ledford said. “She tried to pull out of the way, but there was nowhere to go.” The wreck remains under investigation.

More info at:

http://www.redding.com/news/2009/dec/09/head--crash-reported-bella-vista/

Is it Well With Your Soul?

2009-12-02T13:04:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite Hymn..... playing it again!

What is Heaven like?

2009-11-25T09:27:00.000-08:00

Heaven is a real place described in the Bible. The word “heaven” is found 276 times in the New Testament alone. Scripture refers to three heavens. The apostle Paul was “caught up to the third heaven,” but he was prohibited from revealing what he experienced there (2 Corinthians 12:1-9).
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If a third heaven exists, there must also be two other heavens. The first is most frequently referred to in the Old Testament as the “sky” or the “firmament.” This is the heaven that contains clouds, the area that birds fly through. The second heaven is interstellar/outer space, which is the abode of the stars, planets, and other celestial objects (Genesis 1:14-18).
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The third heaven, the location of which is not revealed, is the dwelling place of God. Jesus promised to prepare a place for true Christians in heaven (John 14:2). Heaven is also the destination of Old Testament saints who died trusting God's promise of the Redeemer (Ephesians 4:8). Whoever believes in Christ shall never perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
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The apostle John was privileged to see and report on the heavenly city (Revelation 21:10-27). John witnessed that heaven (the new earth) possesses the “glory of God” (Revelation 21:11), the very presence of God. Because heaven has no night and the Lord Himself is the light, the sun and moon are no longer needed (Revelation 22:5).
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The city is filled with the brilliance of costly stones and crystal clear jasper. Heaven has twelve gates (Revelation 21:12) and twelve foundations (Revelation 21:14). The paradise of the Garden of Eden is restored: the river of the water of life flows freely and the tree of life is available once again, yielding fruit monthly with leaves that “heal the nations” (Revelation 22:1-2). However eloquent John was in his description of heaven, the reality of heaven is beyond the ability of finite man to describe (1 Corinthians 2:9).
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Heaven is a place of “no mores.” There will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more sorrow (Revelation 21:4). There will be no more separation, because death will be conquered (Revelation 20:6). The best thing about heaven is the presence of our Lord and Savior (1 John 3:2). We will be face to face with the Lamb of God who loved us and sacrificed Himself so that we can enjoy His presence in heaven for eternity.
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(Source: Got Questions Ministries)

Happy Birthday Rinny!

2009-11-16T22:58:00.000-08:00

Evening Praise
Giver of all, another day is ended and I take my place beneath my great redeemer's cross, where healing streams continually descend, where balm is poured into every wound, where I wash anew in the all-cleansing blood, assured that Thou seest in me no spots of sin. Yet a little while and I shall go to Thy home and be no more seen; help me to gird up the loins of my mind, to quicken my step, to speed as if each moment were my last, that my life be joy, my death glory.
I thank Thee for the temporal blessings of this world—the refreshing air, the light of the sun, the food that renews strength, the raiment that clothes, the dwelling that shelters, the sleep that gives rest, the starry canopy of night, the summer breeze, the flowers' sweetness, the music of flowing streams, the happy endearments of family, kindred, friends. Things animate, things inanimate, minister to my comfort. My cup runs over. Suffer me not to be insensible to these daily mercies. Thy hand bestows blessings: Thy power averts evil. I bring my tribute of thanks for spiritual graces, the full warmth of faith, the cheering presence of Thy Spirit, the strength of Thy restraining will, Thy spiking of hell's artillery. Blessed be my sovereign Lord!

November with Pops & MiMi...Lila too

2009-11-13T17:38:00.000-08:00

Ashley's Slumber Party

2009-10-26T22:01:00.000-07:00

Ashley is 9!

2009-10-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

It's my little girl's Birthday. It rained the morning of her birth.....too bad, the doctor had to quit early his golf game that day. I remember him being dressed rather nice to be delivering a baby. Ash was born in Red Bluff, and after Gramps took everybody to eat Fish at the Lighthouse, everybody came over to see us. The room was scented of fish, but the love was overflowing as we welcomed our sweet baby girl.

Systematic Theology, Pt. 15

2009-10-19T22:39:00.000-07:00

"The Doctrine of Last Things - 3" - Tom Nelson,

pastor of Denton Bible Church (Denton, TX).

Systematic Theology Series - Message 15 of 15.

Rosenberg: Is there an alliance against Israel?

2009-10-09T15:09:00.000-07:00

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The video above is from an address that Joel Rosenberg gave to the students and faculty at Liberty University on September 30, 2009. His topic was the 2,500 year old prophecy from Ezekiel 38-39 and the curious similarities between the Russian-Iranian-Libyan alliance that is emerging today.

Obama Wins the Nobel Peace Prize (Why?)

2009-10-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

Despite taking office only two weeks before the nomination deadline, the world has been so smitten with Barack Obama and "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." Specifically, Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee citing his "outreach to the Muslim world and attempts to curb nuclear proliferation." (Source: Townhall.com)

Soapbox Note: While he may not be the antichrist, Barack Obama is a major advocate of "one-worldism". And today he received the Nobel Prize for that very reason. It is important to note that he is not the first sitting president to be given the award. In fact, both Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt won the prize while they were in office. Wilson was awarded in 1919 for helping to found the League of Nations and Roosevelt won 1906 for his work ending the Russo-Japanese War. I find it interesting that Obama is in the same company with Wilson and Roosevelt. After all, it was Roosevelt who was the pioneer of the modern progressive movement in the US, and it was Wilson's League of Nations idea that was the seed which grew into the United Nations. If you think about it, Obama is kind of a ideological hybrid of these two men. He embodies the social collectivism of Roosevelt with the internationalism of Wilson. Under Obama's leadership not only will individuals continued to be stripped of their rights domestically, but internationally America will relinquish even more sovereignty to global governance. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if the extremely liberal leaning Nobel Committee gives him another one next year.

Spokane Valley Christian School Mourns Player’s Death

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

There was sorrow in the halls of Valley Christian School and the remainder of the football season was up in the air Monday following news of the death of player Andrew Fremont “Drew” Swank.
Swank, a 17-year-old junior, was pronounced dead Sunday following a head injury suffered when he was blocked and hit the ground during an eight-man football game on the field of defending state champion LaCrosse-Washtucna on Friday.

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“He was just a great kid,” said coach Jim Puryear, who, with his assistant Mike Heden, traveled to Kahlotus, Wash., to console the Tigercats player who delivered the block. “It was a fluke thing. We wanted (the opposing player) to know it was nobody’s fault.”

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The Panthers have postponed this week’s scheduled game against St. John-Endicott. Players met Monday afternoon to discuss the future of their season, athletic director Chad Kimberley said.

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“We’ll not make anyone do what they don’t want to do,” Puryear said. “If they want to go on we’ll keep coaching.”

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Players were wearing their jerseys Monday at school, where a small memorial had been set up in the foyer.

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Panthers coaches said the play came near the end of the first half, close to their sideline. Swank was blocked and fell awkwardly, his head whipping back and striking the ground.

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He was taken first to Ritzville, then air-lifted to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, where he underwent surgery to alleviate bleeding and swelling.

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“It is with heavy hearts that Valley Christian faces the loss of one of its students,” the school said in a prepared statement. “We are confident that Andrew is with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Swank family wishes to convey their heartfelt thanks to all for their continued prayers and support.”

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Don and Patti Swank, of Hauser Lake, said in a statement that they’ll donate their son’s organs “so others’ lives can be saved.”

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Andrew Swank is also survived by four sisters and three brothers.

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Valley Christian fielded its first football team in 2007. Swank, then a freshman, was on the initial roster. He played a wing back on offense and defensive back. He also was selected this year to compete on the school’s Knowledge Bowl team.

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“He started some towards the end of last year,” said Puryear, “and was coming on really well. Our biggest challenge was getting him somewhere on time. He was just a great kid with a great smile.”

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Valley Christian dropped to eight-man football this year and was playing its third game of the season. LaCrosse-Washtucna coach Jeff Nelson, whose team has won five state B-8 titles in the past seven years, expressed his sorrow over the death.

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“Right now my concern is for their family, their school and my kids,” he said.

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This spring, state lawmakers imposed new regulations on youth football programs. The act requires adoption of policies for the management of concussion and head injuries and liability insurance for schools and youth organizations. Washington Interscholastic Activities Association is working with school districts to develop guidelines.

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Puryear said he completed the first clinic coaches are required to take educating them on the issue. He said Valley Christian spent extra money for quality helmets.

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In 2004, the Seattle Times wrote a story following the death of a Seatac high school football player, DeShawn Smith, from a similar head injury. The story noted that such football deaths are rare.

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The Times said that Smith was the 11th high school player in Washington to die of a football injury since 1936. Five years later, another is gone.

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“My heart is broken for Drew’s family,” Puryear said. “My brother died, and I know what they are going through. I’m praying for them.”

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A medical expense fund has been set up at Spokane Teachers Credit Union and through Valley Christian School.

(Article Source: Spokesman Review)

Soapbox Note: Please be in prayer for Drew's family and friends.

Systematic Theology, Pt. 14

2009-10-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

"The Doctrine of Last Things - 2" - Tom Nelson,

pastor of Denton Bible Church (Denton, TX).

Systematic Theology Series - Message 14 of 15.

Randy Birthday Pictures

2009-10-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

One Girl
Seven Boys
The Last Warm Days of Summer
Wild Ride

ROSENBERG: APOCALYPTIC STORM FORMING OVER MIDDLE EAST

2009-09-29T07:55:00.000-07:00

Events are moving so quickly in the epicenter it can be difficult to keep track of, much less understand the big picture. So here it is in a sentence: An apocalyptic storm is forming over the Middle East.

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Consider the data points:

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1) Iran has just been caught secretly building a 2nd uranium enrichment facility on a military base in the religious capital of Iran, a city known as Qom.

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2) A growing number of Western military analysts say the design of this new facility — and its secrecy, and location — clearly indicates it was being built by Iran for the purpose of creating nuclear weapons.

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3) Iran has thus been caught in its third lie since 2002 with regards to building secret nuclear development facilities in Natanz, Arak, and now Qom.

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4) Ahmadinejad refused four times during his NBC News interview last week to rule out the building of nuclear weapons.

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5) A.Q. Khan — the father of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons development program – has just admitted selling advanced nuclear weapons blueprints years ago to Iran for millions of dollars.

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6) The latest IAEA report indicates Iran has enough low-enriched uranium (LEU) to produce enough high-enriched uranium (HEU) by 2010 to produce two nuclear weapons.

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7) Iran has just spent the weekend testing “its most advanced missiles” capable of reaching Israel.

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8) Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad began his speech to the U.N. by praying for Allah to hasten the coming of the Islamic Messiah, which according to his theology requires the destruction of Judeo-Christian civilization as we know it.

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9) Ahmadinejad spoke more openly about his End of the World theology during his U.N. speech than ever before.

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10) Ahmadinejad was asked for the first time by an American reporter to describe his relationship with the “Twelfth Imam” and admitted on camera that he is communicating with this mystical Shia messiah.

Humanly speaking, war is coming. The West does not seem determined enough to stop Iran from getting the Bomb. So unless the Lord intervenes, Israel might soon feel compelled to launch a preemptive strike against Iran. It won’t be easy, and the entire region could go up in flames.

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The stakes couldn’t be higher. So... let us commit ourselves to prayer and fasting for the peace of Jerusalem and the physical and spiritual salvation of all of Israel and all of Iran.

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Note: On Wednesday, I (Joel Rosenberg) will be delivering an address on this gathering storm and its implications for the U.S., Israel and our allies before 10,000 students, faculty and staff at Liberty University.

(Source: Joel Rosenberg’s Weblog)

Soapbox Note: Over time, I have become more of an isolationist in terms of U.S. military action around the world. Don't get me wrong I believe that we need to develop, and maintain, a very strong military force to protect against outside aggression. However, it has become my conviction that the U.S. ought not to attempt to be the policeman of the world. Or, for that matter, be a part of a larger coalition (such as the U.N.) that has a similar aim.

With all that being said, I hold to one exception in my isolationist stance - Israel. In Genesis 12:2-3 God said to Abram, "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you"

If America is ever going to be a "dog in the fight", let it not be in nation building all over the globe. Rather, let us stand in support of the nation of Israel.

For more on this topic read the article "Should Christians support the nation of Israel?" at GotQuestions.org.

CNBC: US May Face 'Armageddon' If China, Japan Don't Buy Debt

2009-09-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

I don't normally post anything from NBC, but this interview with Tiger Management founder and chairman Julian Robertson is well worth watching.

Happy Birthday Ellie!

2009-09-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

Our little EllzieBells is growing up so fast. Born first and not the last. Curly hair, little kisses, & tiny feet. Now she is a teen, but still our beauty queen. She likes to smile, but it will hurt her cheeks after a while. Growing so tall, she likes to shop at the mall. She is so sweet, Happy Birthday now let's go eat!......

Systematic Theology, Pt. 13

2009-09-16T04:50:00.000-07:00

"The Doctrine of Last Things - 1" - Tom Nelson,

pastor of Denton Bible Church (Denton, TX).

Systematic Theology Series - Message 13 of 15.

The United States of America: Republic, or Democracy?

2009-09-16T04:37:00.000-07:00

A Republic, if You Can Keep It
(Article Source: Townhall.com)
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Christopher Merola
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
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This Thursday, September 17th, 2009, will be the 222nd anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution. We have come a long way as a nation in that time, but have we gone the way our founding fathers intended us to go?
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In his farewell address as the first and arguably the greatest President of the United States, George Washington made many references to our nation preserving its liberty by not becoming too entangled in foreign affairs.
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Washington had endured a serious conflict as our nation’s first President. France and Britain were trying to convince the new nation to take a side in their long-contested war. So tense was this conflict that Thomas Jefferson, a supporter of France, resigned as Washington’s Secretary of State when Alexander Hamilton, a supporter of Britain, convinced Washington to sign on to the creation of a central bank.
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Washington’s farewell speech was forward looking. He spoke of the dangers of our nation’s foreign entanglements, which could result in our government’s policies being influenced by foreign affairs and not the nation’s domestic needs. Washington’s warning held somewhat steady until the beginning of the 20th Century. Beginning with World War I and then continuing with World War II, the United States became a major player in the world’s affairs and has not looked back since.
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Washington believed we could not truly be a free people if we allowed foreign affairs to be on an equal footing with domestic affairs. Washington was not a protectionist. He actually argued for free trade as he wrapped up his farewell speech. Washington was simply concerned that our nation would neglect the freedoms and liberties of our people if we let the opinions of foreign nations dictate our public policies.
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America has seemed to stray from the founder’s vision on foreign affairs over the last century. America has strayed from the founder’s vision on domestic policy as well.
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In 1913, the Congress of the United States passed the 17th Amendment to the United States Constitution. This amendment then went to the legislatures of the states for ratification. The 17th Amendment took the power to appoint US Senators away from the state legislatures and allowed for the direct election of Senators.
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On the surface, this seems like a fair policy. A closer look, however, shows that the balance of powers between the US Senate and the US House has been eliminated. By making the Senate a mirror image of the House, the Senate no longer has the ability to look out for the best interests of the states. Federalism, which limits the power of the Congress to federal matters and allows the states to have greater independence, has been dealt a serious blow.
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Furthermore, the states have little to no recourse when the over arching arm of the federal government dictates the affairs of the states. That is precisely what has occurred these last 96 years.
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Prior to the 17th Amendment, Senators looked out for the concerns of their own states. This was a Republican body of legislators that kept the US House, a Democratic body of legislators in check. For the last 96 years, we have operated more like a Democracy, not a Constitutional Republic as our founding fathers intended.
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James Madison, known as the father of the United States Constitution to many historians, had this to say about the dangers of Democracy in the Federalist Papers (Federalist Number 10):
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“Hence it is that such democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths.”
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Listen to what John Adams had to say about Democracy:
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“Democracy will soon degenerate into an anarchy, such an anarchy that every man will do what is right in his own eyes and no man’s life or property or reputation or liberty will be secure..."
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Democracy is supposed to be about equality, but since it is rule by a majority, it does not take much for a majority of bad ideas to rule the day.
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Thomas Jefferson had this to say about the failure of a Democracy:
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“A Democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.”
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Now listen to what Ben Franklin had to say about a Democracy:
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"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!"
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Again, listen to John Adams on Democracy:
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“Remember, Democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a Democracy yet that did not commit suicide.”
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Only in a more Democratic government could the majority of people elect a highly unqualified president that spends more money than all previous presidential administrations combined. Only a Democracy can lead to Congressional bailout after bailout to supposedly fix the institutions that the same government damaged in the first place.
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Only in a Democracy could a majority of people cry for “change” and see the auto industry, the banking industry and quite possibly the health care industry be run by the federal government -- all at the expense of our currency and a runaway deficit that has seemed to have crossed the point of no return.
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This year, Gary Demar, in his publication: Whoever Controls the Schools Rules the World (American Vision: Powder Springs, GA, 2009,102), quoted Alexander Fraser Tyler, a professor in Edinburgh, Scotland in the 1800’s. Tyler, who also went by the alias of Lord Woodhouselee, had this to say about the failure of Democracy (Elements of General History: Ancient and Modern. Oliver and Boyd, 1870):
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"A Democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A Democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every Democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, (which is) always followed by a dictatorship."
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In 1787, at the close of the Constitutional Convention, on the final day of deliberation, someone asked Benjamin Franklin what kind of government our founders created. Franklin said, “A Republic, if you can keep it.” Franklin and the other founders knew that a Republic, which is rule by law, specifically the US Constitution, is the only way to provide the check and balance necessary to protect us from the “mob rule” of which Jefferson spoke. It is a Republic that we have strayed from for all these years, both on the foreign and domestic fronts. It is only a Republican form of government that can save our nation from falling apart.

Happy Birthday to My Randy Boy!

2009-09-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

Survey of the Bible, Hr. 7

2009-09-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

(Click the image above to watch now.)

Learn the Bible in 24 Hours by Dr. Chuck Missler

"The Monarchy"
Samuel, Kings, Chronicles

Hour 7 of 24

Systematic Theology, Pt. 12

2009-09-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

"The Doctrine of the Church - 3" - Tom Nelson,

pastor of Denton Bible Church (Denton, TX).

Systematic Theology Series - Message 12 of 15.

Go Ash!

2009-08-30T13:43:00.001-07:00

Jon and John

2009-08-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

Here is Jon and Senator McCain. Deon with the long hair is the boy they adopted. Aint this cool. Daniel is other boy they are trying to adopt.

You have to hear from him what they did. Jon told me it was the best time Senator had.
Senator slept under the stars and he enjoyed the sites.
The frybread was the best so I was told.

The Grandgirls

2009-08-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

Bowling Today

2009-08-18T16:46:00.000-07:00

Social Healthcare: Keep the Pressure On!

2009-08-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

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Co-op's Are Not The Answer

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with private co-op's. However, publicly established private co-op's are not the answer to our healthcare situation - increased free market competition is. Let the market work without government manipulation. The fact is that privately established co-op's, like Group Health, have been doing quite well by providing affordable options. Uncle Sam will only foul things up.

What we need is a reduction of government involvement. A medical version of Freddie and Fannie won't bring about positive change in healthcare (remember the housing debacle?). Urge your elected representatives to not accept this "co-op baby step" to social medicine. Who knows, maybe they are actually listening.

Additionally, keep in mind that we are only talking about 15% of Americans that are without health insurance (how many are illegals?). That means the remaining 85% are insured. While there is no doubt that we would all like costs to go down, is that a reason to surrender our freedoms to government control? Would more private competition among insurers across state borders help to lower costs? I think that it would.

Finally, we need to understand that our lifestyle choices are the real problem effecting good health. Poor health is most often due to things like smoking, physical inactivity, and unhealthy eating. These lifestyle choices can lead to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and a multitude of heart and cancer conditions. If we truly want to lower our costs, and gain a measure of security when it comes to our health, then we should place more importance on our lifestyle than we do on our health insurance. And we don't need a bureaucrat to hold our hand. For crying out loud, put out the cigarette, drop the chips and remote, grab an apple and go for a walk! We know what we ought to do to be healthy.

For more information about lifestyle and healthcare, read this article at SmallGovTimes.com.

Survey of the Bible, Hr. 6

2009-08-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

(Click the image above to watch now.)

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Learn the Bible in 24 Hours by Dr. Chuck Missler

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"In The Land"

Joshua, Judges, Ruth

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Hour 6 of 24

Systematic Theology, Pt. 11

2009-08-17T14:33:00.000-07:00

"The Doctrine of the Church - 2" - Tom Nelson,

pastor of Denton Bible Church (Denton, TX).

Systematic Theology Series - Message 11 of 15.

Ronald Reagan On Socialized Medicine

2009-08-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

From the 1961 Operation Coffee Cup Campaign against Socialized Medicine as proposed by the Democrats, then a private citizen Ronald Reagan Speaks out against socialized medicine.

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRdLpem-AAs)