Friday, April 8, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
99 Stupid Questions & Answers .............. From The Nut Pushing The Buttons
NikonSniper (sassy self portrait)
1. why are you taking this survey?
This survey was sent to me by a blog follower ... so I did it. So, ... would I jump off a building if someone asked me? Yes, Dad! But only if it was a bloggie.
2. do you miss someone right now?
Uh, right now, uh, no. I’m alone though. Does that mean I am self-centered.
3. do you wish you could change the past?
Seriously, I’m 53, that’s the stupidest question I have ever heard. No one this age lacks regret.
4. what was the highlight of your day?
Seeing my latest granddaughter propped up with pillows in the living room.
5. who could you trust with your life?
Jesus. My wife. Maybe my kids on "good days" only. Perhaps a few friends when I am in town.
6. are you often misunderstood?
I am rarely understood is a better way to say it. I live to keep people guessing.
7. how many rooms are in your house?
Counting bathrooms? 15. I actually only live in about 2, sometimes 3.
8. what are you doing tomorrow?
Going to church. Working on taxes.
9. who did you spend the day with?
My Mom. Saw all my granddaughters today. Watched basketball with my oldest son and his wife.
10. do you live by a schedule?
No. I live by another house.
11. who do you have the most fun with?
I am happily married. I'll leave it at that. I am not stupid enough to answer that question wrong.
12. do you mow your own grass?
Yes, I guess I do … but only 4 times a year. I have a college lawn boy who does it all while he is home.
13. can you change a tire?
I can but I won’t. I would rather get photos of the guy from AAA doing it.
14. are you a push-over?
Gee, uh that sounds like you are asking me if I get to wear the pants around here. Maybe you are just asking me if my three daughters knew how to work me. Not sure I wanna answer that.
15. do you have any children?
Yes, We have 5 grown children.
16. are you in a relationship?
All human experience is some form of a relationship. So, no, I don’t live in a bubble. Yes, I am married.
17. what is your dream car?
A HumVee full of cameras and lenses.
18. what do you want for your birthday?
From a store? Nothing, for real, I want nothing. I get more out of being with my family.
19. describe the best day of your life:
Best day? Wow! They are all good. I won’t say some obvious things to appease the curious. Here's what I can say ... When I was little kid, I accepted Christ as my Savior. I don't remember the date but I know I did that. Ultimately, nothing else really matters compared to that!
20. have you ever been betrayed?
Oh yeah … even by some of my readers. That’s OK. It’s all good.
21. do you have many friends?
I have many friends in the “Hi, how are ya world”. But I think like all of us … there are some you let inside to challenge us. You know, … the honest ones that you know care for you … so you listen to their advice and observations. Our family is fairly close knit. There are 3 men that are very trustworthy in my life. God sent them to kick my butt, chew my ear off and just to sit and laugh with during tough times.
22. do you have any enemies?
I know there those who do not like me at all. I have not made war with them. If you read the things written on this blog, you might imagine that I have a lot of people who disagree with me. That’s OK.
23. do you watch a lot of tv?
No, I have gone 8 years with no TV in the house. There is a TV now but I do not watch it.
24. what do you do to relax?
Photography. Computer stuff. Spreadsheets.
25. do you tan?
HAAAAAAAAAA! I am Killer Whale white!
26. are you wearing make-up?
No, I only wear make-up when I wear high heels.
27. what are you looking forward to?
Heaven! All kinds of stuff. Seeing my Dad again. Vacations with my wife.
28. have you ever lost a loved one?
Yep. Closest one was my Pop back in 2007.
29. do you have a tv in your bedroom?
No.
30. do you shop at the dollar tree?
I do not shop. What is a dollar tree? Didn't God tell the Israelites He was sick of their dollar tree?
31. do you like to buy for others?
Actually, that’s probably a flaw of mine. No, I don’t. My wife does all of that usually. I did get involved more at Christmas last year than all other years combined.
32. is there anyone in your life, you wished wasn't?
If only I could just write someone’s name here and they would be gone! I am sure I would be that name for some people. Because I can’t write their name and have them disappear … I won’t be putting their name here. You know who you are! If you say that you are one of them the next time I see you … I’ll just say, “No, not you!”
33. what time do you wake up & go to bed?
By 10PM I am usually settling down even though I may not fall asleep for hours. I usually wake up at work after my second large McDonalds coffee.
34. do you like to be alone?
I am alone alot. I think it is good for me in some ways. I pray a whole lot more. But I don’t want to be alone-alone.
35. do you follow trends?
No. I don’t follow trends nor am I a trend setter.
36. do you think highly of yourself?
Well, I like me. I think that’s somewhat normal no matter who you are. That doesn’t mean I have to be first. It doesn’t mean that I even think I am good looking. It means more like … I am happy enough with me that I don’t really deeply care that I am different or considered weird by some. I am a this is me, take it or leave it kinda guy.
37. would you be president if you could?
President of what? The USA? Seriously, what a boring life! I would rather be the president of Nikon.
38. are you an artistic person?
Not sure.
Maybe yes, if you ask that question again with a Boston accent.
39. do you think you have a good personality?
It’s good enough for me.
40. do most people like you?
No. I haven’t even met most people.
41. how do you feel about teenage parents?
Hmmm. Where is this going? I think they could have been studying for their ACT’s?
42. what makes you angry?
Noise. Mosquitos. Bills. Surveys.
43. are you a christian?
Yes.
44. what jewelry do you wear everyday?
None. No rings. No watches. No chains. No pierced stuff.
45. have you ever had feelings for a friend?
This is stupid.
46. are you a shopaholic?
No. Sometimes I am a buyaholic. I never shop.
47. do you sleep with a fan on?
Yes, even in the middle of the winter, I run two fans in our bedroom. The noise is bliss!
48. rather be too hot or too cold?
Too cold.
49. what is your idea of the best vacation?
Anything Australia. There are many other great places I would love to see. I always want vacations that bring new photographic targets.
50. are you a jealous person?
No. I have been jealous of things that I see are good in people. I am sure I have been jealous in bad ways too. But I am really not a jealous person.
51. do you like to dance?
I wish I knew how but I ain’t going to lessons. So, if I can’t get the automatic dance lessons chip stapled into my neck, I ain’t gonna get it.
52. are you very affectionate?
Yes, within my family only. I am not a huggy kinda dude. You know those people that automatically hug when the meet after work ... I am so not one of those people. I guess I am not a really touchy feely person.
53. have you ever been to court?
Yes. And I am proud of every time I have been there.
54. ever been to jail?
No. No convictions.
55. are you athletic?
Not no more.
56. do you have more girl friends or guy friends?
I have virtually no female “friends” outside of my direct family.
57. does anyone hate you?
Yes. OH YEAH BABY!
58. do you have a walk-in closet?
No.
59. how many shoes do you own?
I dunno. All of them I guess. I'm pretty sure I am done with the payments.
60. what will you name your children?
I already named them Erin, Joel, Tara, Kyle & Leah.
61. do you believe in fate?
I believe in Jesus Christ. I guarantee you He will do more for you than fate!
62. what are your dreams like?
I don’t usually remember my dreams.
63. do you work?
I go to an office but I actually sleep under my desk for 8-9 hours a day. It’s awesome!
64. what are you going to do after this?
Probably ... get fired!
65. who will be the next person to tell you they love you?
My wife? After she reads this nonsense online.
66. how many cities have you lived in?
Seven.
67. what color is you comforter?
Green. Geniuses pick green.
68. are you more realistic or idealistic?
Optimistic.
69. how often do you get on the internet?
Daily for sure.
70. do you have any phobias?
Yes, a bit of stupidquestionphobia.
71. do people judge you?
I sure hope so. Who cares.
72. how many times have you been in love?
Well, it's a long story. There was this cat we owned when I was five called Cocoa. It got hit by a car. Then we got this other cat and we named it ... uh, Cocoa. Does that count as one love or two?
73. are you judgmental of others?
I am sure that I am. Like I am starting to really think the person who wrote this is an idiot. Is that judging? Cause gee, I sure don’t wanna judge.
74. are you a stubborn person?
I can be if I need to be.
75. do you gossip?
Well, sure. That’s good, isn’t it?
76. what music do you most enjoy?
Probably old church hymns more than anything. Jazz too.
77. are you a drama queen?
Nope.
78. have you ever felt like your were going to die?
Yep.
79. have you ever been in a wreck?
Yep.
80. are you close with your family?
Yep.
81. what do people compliment you most on?
Pictures of stuff.
82. do you smile at strangers?
No, but I will for a little extra cash.
83. have you ever broken a bone?
Yes, I have broken my own bones and have also had the privilege to break them in others.
84. what makes you really mad?
The lack of leadership in this country.
85. have you ever been robbed?
Yes, but not at gun point.
86. what is your worst fear?
Fear itself?
87. do you have any prized possessions?
Well, my Fourth Place ribbon for the 1968 Elementary School Play Day that I received in the 4th grade is pretty stinkin’ special. I hope my kids bring it to me for one last look when I'm on my death bed. Oh, yeah, my family is a prized possession too.
88. have you ever been engaged?
Yes, for about 15 minutes out in front of the courthouse.
89. have you ever flown in an airplane?
Well, yes. Actually I have flown a bit.
90. do you have a green thumb?
No, but I wish I did.
91. would you rather go out or stay at home?
Stay at home … unless, I can go out to play.
92. what is your ideal career?
An incredibly funny photography field instructor that is also a world renown jazz pianist / plumber.
93. do you miss your childhood?
No. I keep very close to me at all times.
94. do you go to the beach every summer?
Nope. I go for pictures every time I am near the beach.
95. would you take care of your elderly parents?
OK, If I have to.
96. do you like kids?
Not always. Is that a bad thing to say? Of course, I like kids.
97. where do you like to shop?
I never ever ever like to shop.
98. do you get sick a lot?
Nope.
99. do you take a lot of pictures?
Funny you ask.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
The Power Of Post-Processing Software
Did you ever look at your photos and wish ... "if only that or that _____ wasn't there"?
Did you ever get excited to see the print of a photo only to be disappointed that it really wasn't like you had hoped?
I have found that some of the very best tools to give your photos pop or to eliminate distractions are by using post-processing software.
Some call this cheating. OK. It is! But I paid thousands and thousands of dollars of dues in my learning process during the days of film. So, I'll do whatever I want for my remaining days of photography.
Truth said ... in order to get what you want ... you need the best possible original. That means it is worth taking classes on how to shoot, FIRST! You may find that it would be very helpful for a class in post-processing software NEXT.
Some programs are fun, free and very easy to use. Some cost a bit of money but may be well worth a modest investment. Keep in mind, none of these programs are worth a dime if you buy them and leave them on the shelf. They take work to learn.
First, I recommend the free downloadable software from Irfanview. You can google this and learn this program pretty quickly.
Second, I recommend using Photoshop Elements, latest revision available (I have 6.0). I believe the 9.0 version is already out. Pros use programs like Photshop CS5. Don't buy the full version of CS5 or CS6 without planning on studying it thoroughly. This is powerful stuff that usually is recommended for related careers.
If you decide to purchase Photoshop Elements, I still recommend finding a class to get a teachers overview of the product. Check out your local community college evening classes. You are well worth the education and you will be able to do many things with your photos to clean them up for presentation.
Here are a couple examples of the before and after using photoshop elements. In order to see these examples clearly, it is probably best to click on them to enlarge, then right click and save them to a folder so that you can toggle between the before and after photos to see the examples of what was done.
The first photo is on the San Antonio Riverwalk. The subject is the Riverwalk with my wife and daughter on the bridge. I have removed dozens and dozens of major distractions by several methods. I have taken what was a busy day on the Riverwalk and turned it into a more intimate version.
The second photo is a vacation photo that my son-in-law took on and evening in Mexico. The subject is simply a sunset over a waterscape. He was battling a lens that kept fogging up with salt and moisture in the air. This takes the edge off any photo.
Original File 1
Altered File 1 using Photoshop Elements
Original File 2
Altered File 2 using Photoshop Elements
Did you ever get excited to see the print of a photo only to be disappointed that it really wasn't like you had hoped?
I have found that some of the very best tools to give your photos pop or to eliminate distractions are by using post-processing software.
Some call this cheating. OK. It is! But I paid thousands and thousands of dollars of dues in my learning process during the days of film. So, I'll do whatever I want for my remaining days of photography.
Truth said ... in order to get what you want ... you need the best possible original. That means it is worth taking classes on how to shoot, FIRST! You may find that it would be very helpful for a class in post-processing software NEXT.
Some programs are fun, free and very easy to use. Some cost a bit of money but may be well worth a modest investment. Keep in mind, none of these programs are worth a dime if you buy them and leave them on the shelf. They take work to learn.
First, I recommend the free downloadable software from Irfanview. You can google this and learn this program pretty quickly.
Second, I recommend using Photoshop Elements, latest revision available (I have 6.0). I believe the 9.0 version is already out. Pros use programs like Photshop CS5. Don't buy the full version of CS5 or CS6 without planning on studying it thoroughly. This is powerful stuff that usually is recommended for related careers.
If you decide to purchase Photoshop Elements, I still recommend finding a class to get a teachers overview of the product. Check out your local community college evening classes. You are well worth the education and you will be able to do many things with your photos to clean them up for presentation.
Here are a couple examples of the before and after using photoshop elements. In order to see these examples clearly, it is probably best to click on them to enlarge, then right click and save them to a folder so that you can toggle between the before and after photos to see the examples of what was done.
The first photo is on the San Antonio Riverwalk. The subject is the Riverwalk with my wife and daughter on the bridge. I have removed dozens and dozens of major distractions by several methods. I have taken what was a busy day on the Riverwalk and turned it into a more intimate version.
The second photo is a vacation photo that my son-in-law took on and evening in Mexico. The subject is simply a sunset over a waterscape. He was battling a lens that kept fogging up with salt and moisture in the air. This takes the edge off any photo.
Original File 1
Altered File 1 using Photoshop Elements
Original File 2
Altered File 2 using Photoshop Elements
Prayers For The People Of Japan
Lord, we pray for your abundant provision and protection for the people of Japan. O Lord, be swift to save and pull some from the rubble. Be their strength in this time of need, we pray. Lord we ask that we might be used to assist in the hour of their need. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
GNT Limousine, Thanks Tom!
Some of you know I returned home from Los Angeles late last night.
On my way to LA last Tuesday, I left my hat in the limousine. I knew I better call the limo service right away because it was a Yankee hat. This kind of hat is regularily used to start fires in the Chicagoland area. I usually have to apologize to everyone for wearing it around here.
I have many Yankee hats. This one was special because it came from my son, known as "Braff Zackton" on this blog. Braff is our diehard yankee fan along with his wife ... so I like this hat quite a bit.
The hat was returned earlier today and was carefully placed between the doors. Thanks Tom, you're the greatest. It doesn't even smell funny. Thanks GNT for sending this back out to me.
I'm tippin' my Yankee hat to ya Tom. Is that a good thing? Just glad to have it home again.
NikonSniper Steve
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tear Down Those Walls!
Some half baked thought here. That means I'm thinking out loud.
Did you ever have to lay it all on the line with someone?
Did you ever have to throw down and speak your heart?
Did you ever risk being mocked and ridiculed for what you believe?
Do you KNOW answers to problems people are having but fear they will think your nuts if you speak up?
The world causes us to be good at building walls! I have built walls for years. But I have also tried to live very candidly these last bunch of years.
When I was a kid … families used to hang out in the frontyard as much as the backyard. Back then, many homes were designed with large porches in front of the house. We used to have our names on our mailboxes, clearly declaring who we were. We used to know our neighbors. We used to drink iced tea on the patio with them and laugh till late hours. Now, that is no longer the norm. In America, those kind of relationships have become the exception! This all seems like a million years ago now.
Has “the system” shut down relationships in your world?
We avoid interaction with almost everyone. Now we have that handy dandy Caller ID to keep us from even talking to our relatives. You wanna talk to me? Get an appointment! The lyrics ring in my head. “Don’t call us, we’ll call you!”
Too many of us drive into our driveway after work and head straight into the garage, close the door and are in the house before we realize that we just crushed some kids bike that was left on the driveway while they were hopelessly ringing the doorbell trying to get someone to answer in an attempt to sell all that baseball candy. That was good sentence run on there, huh?
Hey kid, get lost!
As a nation we have removed the names from our mailboxes. We have taken our names out of the phone book.
In a world that is so communications savvy, … we sure don’t have very many REAL relationships, do we? This morning I spoke to my daughter in South Korea while I was barricaded in my San Diego hotel room. That's serious communications! It sounded like she was in the next room.
And yet, I am often guilty of picking up a ringing phone in our home and simply hanging up to get it to stop ringing. No one calls me on the house line. It seems we don't have time for people.
Do you think the Great Wall of China is big? They say you can see it from space. I believe the biggest wall most of us will ever see is the wall that we erect around ourselves. After all, I don't wanna risk anything by having a relationship that may hurt me. I don't want anyone to really know what hurts me. The world system is pushing us into closets. You are supposed to be invincible. If not, fake it! Protect yourself. Don't risk anything. Be politically correct and never talk about religion or politics. If something hurts, build a higher wall higher so it won't happen again.
Here are the words to the Alan Parsons song, “Don’t Let It Show.”
It goes:
If it's getting harder to face every day, Don't let it show, don't let it show
Though it's getting harder to take what they say, Just let it go, just let it go
And if it hurts when they mention my name, Say you don't know me
And if it helps when they say I'm to blame, Say you don't own me
Even if it's taking the easy way out, Keep it inside of you
Don't give in, Don't tell them anything, Don't let it, Don't let it show
Even though you know it's the wrong thing to say, Say you don't care, say you don't care
Even if you want to believe there's a way, I won't be there, I won't be there
But if you smile when they mention my name, They'll never know you
And if you laugh when they say I'm to blame, They'll never own you
Even if you feel you've got nothing to hide, Keep it inside of you
Don't give in, Don't tell them anything, Don't let it, Don't let it show.I am not picking on Alan Parsons here. I used to celebrate this kind of negative attitude toward the relationship with my own parents back when the song came out in the late 70’s. I loved the tune and the lyrics. It basically screams, “Who Cares?” If you really think about the words, ... it would really be difficult to imagine a more depressing way to live.
Friend of mine, people live like this everday. They live to be unknown. Not just with strangers. Some live like this even in their marriages! This song isn't just some, "Don't speak to strangers in the mall", song. It's like the national anthem for silent disfunctionalism.
I can still have days where I feel like that towards some people. Have you ever felt unjustly ostracized, banished, cut off or black-balled? You want to withdraw to protect yourself. That happened to me for years. I am very familiar with hurt and it has brought about silence in some relationships. Should I risk speaking again?
Is that you? Do you ever find yourself going there? Do you ever hide? Do you ever refuse to tell people things because of one kind of fear or another? Do you ever just walk past people saying nothing when you know you could be an encouragement? I don’t want to live like this way ... but sometimes I still do.
Why? Why do I even care? It's not cool to care.
I'll tell you why. It isn’t God honoring in any way!
I know many people from all walks of life read this blog. I know they read it … because they make comments to me about something they saw. It's always easier to discuss something you think was funny or a cool photo. Perhaps, I may be thinking specifically about you when I write these thoughts here.
But either way, there are thousands of you who understand that we are all guilty to some extent of losing sight of exactly how short life really is and what really matters.
I am now 53 years old. I am pretty much done with games. Sorry, folks. I guess I am what I am by now. This is it! This is all there is. I can’t hide. Those closest in my life know exactly how flawed a man I am. Many you already have proof that I am looney! I plead GUILTY as charged.
When I tell someone about Christ, I risk failure, I risk exclusion, I risk accountability and I also risk ridicule.
Failure
Exclusion
Accountability
Ridicule
Hey that spells FEAR!, … not bad for a guy who chewed a lot 0f lead base paint chips.
I could talk about all of these fears at length.
Today, I just want to address the fear of accountability.
The fear of accountability can cause us to avoid speaking for Christ because we know we are not perfect. Once you become a Christian, you STILL fail big time! We continue to fall short of what God wants for us.
The fear of accountability can keep you from sharing Christ and the good news of the gospel message with anyone. I believe it is because we fear we will be called hypocrites every time we stumble.
As a Christian, I should progress in the difficult areas I struggle with in life. I might get better. I might control my temper more. I might not kick the dog as much (so to speak). I might yell at fewer people in traffic. But the standard that most people attach to the declaration of being a Christian is to be perfect or. ... SHADDUP! If you aren't perfect and you don't shut up ... you're charged with being a hypocrite! That sucks!
Big problem here. We aren't going to be perfect in this life.
Jesus knew that! And yet He still told us to go into all the world and tell people about Him. See Matthew 28:19, 20. Imagine that! Jesus knew I would be a flawed individual ... and yet He still is willing to use me. I don't have to be perfect ... I just have to be forgiven. I just have to trust in Him. WOW!
The fear of being held accountable by people can stiffle and silence even the most loving and caring Christians. This is why we need to live our lives in a manner worthy of our calling. That is convicting!
We need to be more concerned with our accountability to God than with what people think about us. We will all stand before the judgement seat of Christ. See 2 Corinthians 5:10.
Laying it on the line is not easy.
I care about YOU.
I do not have a lot of time left here, when you consider the water of good years that has already gone under the bridge. Time is running short.
I don’t want to stand before God and just wish that I would have told YOU about the free gift of eternal life Jesus offers (John 3:16).
I don’t want to think that it was me who needed to pull down my Great Wall and tell you that, “JESUS IS ALIVE and HE IS COMING BACK”.
I pray you would place your faith in Him! I can't keep quiet.
Some of you may look at me and think, … Gee, if that’s what being a Christian is, ... no thanks!
Please don't look at me thinking that I am a picture of the goal. I am clearly not the goal!
The Bible tells us to "Fix our eyes on Jesus". I'm not immitating you ... and you shouldn't immitate me. We aren't role models for Christianity. Christ IS! Read Hebrews 12:2.
I only know that our lives are a process of being transformed into the likeness of Jesus after we become a believer in Him. Sometimes, that transformation is 3 steps forward, 2 steps back. The process is very long, especially when you are stubborn. The process is happening in me ... but not fast enough for your wishes. I also want to say that I truly am sorry that I may have disappointed you as a Christian. I will try to yield more to the Spirit in my life in days ahead.
But listen up, … just a bit more.
I am not flawless. And I don’t have to be.
I strive to become more Christlike,
not because I am trying to be good enough to earn salvation ...
rather because I want to thank Him for what He already has done for me.
I already know I am going to heaven.
Most people believe that God saves good people. If that were the case ... you could never know if you were good enough. You would just be guessing.
The Bible teaches that God is saving those who trust in Him alone.
God is saving people that realize their effort will never be worthy and are calling on Him to be their Savior. Scripture teaches that those who are trying to be good enough on their own are failing.
I'm not "good enough" now ... nor will I ever be!
You want to know if you're going to heaven?
Try reading the book of 1st John.
In the concluding remarks of 1st John, John gives his purpose for writing the letter saying, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life". 1st John 5:13
Are you getting this? The purpose of writing was that you can know that you have eternal life. So many faiths today teach ... "be good and hope for the best".
The Bible teaches that you can know with certainty that you are heaven bound. I would sure want to read the rest of what John said in 1st John because it ends with a declaration that I could know with certainty that I have eternal life.
If it was possible to be good enough to go to heaven, … Why would God send His precious Son to endure death on a cross? Read Romans 3:20. Why would God allow His Son to endure the cross if He wasn't serious about punishing sin? God laid my sin on His Son because there was no way I could do anything worthy of its payment. I could never be good enough. Jesus paid it all on the cross for you and me. I have accepted His payment for my sin.
Christ made the only possible payment for sin. Please don't live your life trying to be good enough. God has made it clear that obedience to the law was never a way to earn heaven. Read Romans 3:20 again!. Even in the Old Testament people were saved by faith. Read Hebrews Chapter 11.
Jesus came and poured out His life for you. Jesus is offering you life. Will you accept it? Will you trust Him?
A short form of the gospel message can be found in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8a where Paul records the following: "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance : that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also" ...So many of the people mentioned in that passage knew Christ personally. They saw Him! And many gave their lives refusing to deny that he rose from the dead. Why?
Because, they had seen the risen Jesus. They were emboldened by seeing the risen Savior. Yes, they knew that JESUS IS ALIVE!Romans 1:16a says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes”.
Hebrews 12:2 says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”The world wants you to go into your garage, into your house and out into your backyard and firmly plant your head into the earth so that these words cannot penetrate your heart. The world wants you to keeping building your wall. God is trying to break through to you. Will you listen?
NikonSniper Steve
Did you ever have to lay it all on the line with someone?
Did you ever have to throw down and speak your heart?
Did you ever risk being mocked and ridiculed for what you believe?
Do you KNOW answers to problems people are having but fear they will think your nuts if you speak up?
The world causes us to be good at building walls! I have built walls for years. But I have also tried to live very candidly these last bunch of years.
When I was a kid … families used to hang out in the frontyard as much as the backyard. Back then, many homes were designed with large porches in front of the house. We used to have our names on our mailboxes, clearly declaring who we were. We used to know our neighbors. We used to drink iced tea on the patio with them and laugh till late hours. Now, that is no longer the norm. In America, those kind of relationships have become the exception! This all seems like a million years ago now.
Has “the system” shut down relationships in your world?
We avoid interaction with almost everyone. Now we have that handy dandy Caller ID to keep us from even talking to our relatives. You wanna talk to me? Get an appointment! The lyrics ring in my head. “Don’t call us, we’ll call you!”
Too many of us drive into our driveway after work and head straight into the garage, close the door and are in the house before we realize that we just crushed some kids bike that was left on the driveway while they were hopelessly ringing the doorbell trying to get someone to answer in an attempt to sell all that baseball candy. That was good sentence run on there, huh?
Hey kid, get lost!
As a nation we have removed the names from our mailboxes. We have taken our names out of the phone book.
In a world that is so communications savvy, … we sure don’t have very many REAL relationships, do we? This morning I spoke to my daughter in South Korea while I was barricaded in my San Diego hotel room. That's serious communications! It sounded like she was in the next room.
And yet, I am often guilty of picking up a ringing phone in our home and simply hanging up to get it to stop ringing. No one calls me on the house line. It seems we don't have time for people.
Do you think the Great Wall of China is big? They say you can see it from space. I believe the biggest wall most of us will ever see is the wall that we erect around ourselves. After all, I don't wanna risk anything by having a relationship that may hurt me. I don't want anyone to really know what hurts me. The world system is pushing us into closets. You are supposed to be invincible. If not, fake it! Protect yourself. Don't risk anything. Be politically correct and never talk about religion or politics. If something hurts, build a higher wall higher so it won't happen again.
Here are the words to the Alan Parsons song, “Don’t Let It Show.”
It goes:
If it's getting harder to face every day, Don't let it show, don't let it show
Though it's getting harder to take what they say, Just let it go, just let it go
And if it hurts when they mention my name, Say you don't know me
And if it helps when they say I'm to blame, Say you don't own me
Even if it's taking the easy way out, Keep it inside of you
Don't give in, Don't tell them anything, Don't let it, Don't let it show
Even though you know it's the wrong thing to say, Say you don't care, say you don't care
Even if you want to believe there's a way, I won't be there, I won't be there
But if you smile when they mention my name, They'll never know you
And if you laugh when they say I'm to blame, They'll never own you
Even if you feel you've got nothing to hide, Keep it inside of you
Don't give in, Don't tell them anything, Don't let it, Don't let it show.I am not picking on Alan Parsons here. I used to celebrate this kind of negative attitude toward the relationship with my own parents back when the song came out in the late 70’s. I loved the tune and the lyrics. It basically screams, “Who Cares?” If you really think about the words, ... it would really be difficult to imagine a more depressing way to live.
Friend of mine, people live like this everday. They live to be unknown. Not just with strangers. Some live like this even in their marriages! This song isn't just some, "Don't speak to strangers in the mall", song. It's like the national anthem for silent disfunctionalism.
I can still have days where I feel like that towards some people. Have you ever felt unjustly ostracized, banished, cut off or black-balled? You want to withdraw to protect yourself. That happened to me for years. I am very familiar with hurt and it has brought about silence in some relationships. Should I risk speaking again?
Is that you? Do you ever find yourself going there? Do you ever hide? Do you ever refuse to tell people things because of one kind of fear or another? Do you ever just walk past people saying nothing when you know you could be an encouragement? I don’t want to live like this way ... but sometimes I still do.
Why? Why do I even care? It's not cool to care.
I'll tell you why. It isn’t God honoring in any way!
I know many people from all walks of life read this blog. I know they read it … because they make comments to me about something they saw. It's always easier to discuss something you think was funny or a cool photo. Perhaps, I may be thinking specifically about you when I write these thoughts here.
But either way, there are thousands of you who understand that we are all guilty to some extent of losing sight of exactly how short life really is and what really matters.
I am now 53 years old. I am pretty much done with games. Sorry, folks. I guess I am what I am by now. This is it! This is all there is. I can’t hide. Those closest in my life know exactly how flawed a man I am. Many you already have proof that I am looney! I plead GUILTY as charged.
When I tell someone about Christ, I risk failure, I risk exclusion, I risk accountability and I also risk ridicule.
Failure
Exclusion
Accountability
Ridicule
Hey that spells FEAR!, … not bad for a guy who chewed a lot 0f lead base paint chips.
I could talk about all of these fears at length.
Today, I just want to address the fear of accountability.
The fear of accountability can cause us to avoid speaking for Christ because we know we are not perfect. Once you become a Christian, you STILL fail big time! We continue to fall short of what God wants for us.
The fear of accountability can keep you from sharing Christ and the good news of the gospel message with anyone. I believe it is because we fear we will be called hypocrites every time we stumble.
As a Christian, I should progress in the difficult areas I struggle with in life. I might get better. I might control my temper more. I might not kick the dog as much (so to speak). I might yell at fewer people in traffic. But the standard that most people attach to the declaration of being a Christian is to be perfect or. ... SHADDUP! If you aren't perfect and you don't shut up ... you're charged with being a hypocrite! That sucks!
Big problem here. We aren't going to be perfect in this life.
Jesus knew that! And yet He still told us to go into all the world and tell people about Him. See Matthew 28:19, 20. Imagine that! Jesus knew I would be a flawed individual ... and yet He still is willing to use me. I don't have to be perfect ... I just have to be forgiven. I just have to trust in Him. WOW!
The fear of being held accountable by people can stiffle and silence even the most loving and caring Christians. This is why we need to live our lives in a manner worthy of our calling. That is convicting!
We need to be more concerned with our accountability to God than with what people think about us. We will all stand before the judgement seat of Christ. See 2 Corinthians 5:10.
Laying it on the line is not easy.
I care about YOU.
I do not have a lot of time left here, when you consider the water of good years that has already gone under the bridge. Time is running short.
I don’t want to stand before God and just wish that I would have told YOU about the free gift of eternal life Jesus offers (John 3:16).
I don’t want to think that it was me who needed to pull down my Great Wall and tell you that, “JESUS IS ALIVE and HE IS COMING BACK”.
I pray you would place your faith in Him! I can't keep quiet.
Some of you may look at me and think, … Gee, if that’s what being a Christian is, ... no thanks!
Please don't look at me thinking that I am a picture of the goal. I am clearly not the goal!
The Bible tells us to "Fix our eyes on Jesus". I'm not immitating you ... and you shouldn't immitate me. We aren't role models for Christianity. Christ IS! Read Hebrews 12:2.
I only know that our lives are a process of being transformed into the likeness of Jesus after we become a believer in Him. Sometimes, that transformation is 3 steps forward, 2 steps back. The process is very long, especially when you are stubborn. The process is happening in me ... but not fast enough for your wishes. I also want to say that I truly am sorry that I may have disappointed you as a Christian. I will try to yield more to the Spirit in my life in days ahead.
But listen up, … just a bit more.
I am not flawless. And I don’t have to be.
I strive to become more Christlike,
not because I am trying to be good enough to earn salvation ...
rather because I want to thank Him for what He already has done for me.
I already know I am going to heaven.
Most people believe that God saves good people. If that were the case ... you could never know if you were good enough. You would just be guessing.
The Bible teaches that God is saving those who trust in Him alone.
God is saving people that realize their effort will never be worthy and are calling on Him to be their Savior. Scripture teaches that those who are trying to be good enough on their own are failing.
I'm not "good enough" now ... nor will I ever be!
You want to know if you're going to heaven?
Try reading the book of 1st John.
In the concluding remarks of 1st John, John gives his purpose for writing the letter saying, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life". 1st John 5:13
Are you getting this? The purpose of writing was that you can know that you have eternal life. So many faiths today teach ... "be good and hope for the best".
The Bible teaches that you can know with certainty that you are heaven bound. I would sure want to read the rest of what John said in 1st John because it ends with a declaration that I could know with certainty that I have eternal life.
If it was possible to be good enough to go to heaven, … Why would God send His precious Son to endure death on a cross? Read Romans 3:20. Why would God allow His Son to endure the cross if He wasn't serious about punishing sin? God laid my sin on His Son because there was no way I could do anything worthy of its payment. I could never be good enough. Jesus paid it all on the cross for you and me. I have accepted His payment for my sin.
Christ made the only possible payment for sin. Please don't live your life trying to be good enough. God has made it clear that obedience to the law was never a way to earn heaven. Read Romans 3:20 again!. Even in the Old Testament people were saved by faith. Read Hebrews Chapter 11.
Jesus came and poured out His life for you. Jesus is offering you life. Will you accept it? Will you trust Him?
A short form of the gospel message can be found in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8a where Paul records the following: "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance : that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also" ...So many of the people mentioned in that passage knew Christ personally. They saw Him! And many gave their lives refusing to deny that he rose from the dead. Why?
Because, they had seen the risen Jesus. They were emboldened by seeing the risen Savior. Yes, they knew that JESUS IS ALIVE!Romans 1:16a says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes”.
Hebrews 12:2 says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”The world wants you to go into your garage, into your house and out into your backyard and firmly plant your head into the earth so that these words cannot penetrate your heart. The world wants you to keeping building your wall. God is trying to break through to you. Will you listen?
NikonSniper Steve
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The Future IS Bright In Christ
Prayers for you who are hurting. Prayers for those who need jobs. Prayers for you who have severed relationships that need repair. Prayers for you who are heavy burdened.
We all have trials. Boy, I sure do! And we can spend so much time worrying about tomorrow.
If you are struggling with worrying about the future. Read Matthew 6:25-34 over and over.
If you feel like you are doing well right now ... stop and pray for those in need. Try to think of any ways that you can encourage and help those who are done ... and do it!
This week I saw another political poll. I am not taking sides with any political party here. Let's just say ... I only believe in a political party that is yet to come. It won't be here until Jesus reigns on earth.
The poll I saw simply asked, "What is America's most concerning issue RIGHT NOW?"
5,634 votes for "Get America out of debt"
4,879 votes for "Fix the economy so businesses can create jobs"
2,000 votes for "Fix or repeal the health care law "
1,964 votes for "Secure our borders"
1,499 votes for "Promote patriotism and a belief in God"
918 votes for "Reset the nation’s moral compass"
211 votes for "Fix our public education system"
193 votes for "End the war in Afghanistan"
166 votes for "Step up the fight against terrorism"
157 votes for "Strengthen the military"
79 votes for "High speed rail for most of America"
24 votes for "WiFi access for America"
19 votes for "Secure the Internet from attack"
These issues hit all of us! In America, both sides of the political aisle seem to clueless and leadership voids. No offense intended, ... but the world is already crying out for real leadership.
I am not saying that there is no one who has leadership value in America. There are those whom I believe are outwardly well intended. They just seem to be harder to spot.
Look at the world. Keep your eyes on Egypt. Do you think this situation will end up being positive? It might, but I doubt it. Corruption in America and throughout the world is at an all time high.
I am a simple person, ... and I have learned painfully to trust no one in my world other than my family and a relatively small circle of friends. Think of it. How many names of people would you write on a sheet of paper saying I totally trust this person?
One day this will all be fixed!
The Bible says there is a coming kingdom that shall never end.
The older I get ... I long for this day.
In Isaiah 9:6-7a, it reads ...
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
No matter where you are tonight, no matter what your situation, no matter how lost you feel ... JESUS IS the answer. The Future IS bright when you choose Him!
God bless.
NikonSniper Steve
We all have trials. Boy, I sure do! And we can spend so much time worrying about tomorrow.
If you are struggling with worrying about the future. Read Matthew 6:25-34 over and over.
If you feel like you are doing well right now ... stop and pray for those in need. Try to think of any ways that you can encourage and help those who are done ... and do it!
This week I saw another political poll. I am not taking sides with any political party here. Let's just say ... I only believe in a political party that is yet to come. It won't be here until Jesus reigns on earth.
The poll I saw simply asked, "What is America's most concerning issue RIGHT NOW?"
5,634 votes for "Get America out of debt"
4,879 votes for "Fix the economy so businesses can create jobs"
2,000 votes for "Fix or repeal the health care law "
1,964 votes for "Secure our borders"
1,499 votes for "Promote patriotism and a belief in God"
918 votes for "Reset the nation’s moral compass"
211 votes for "Fix our public education system"
193 votes for "End the war in Afghanistan"
166 votes for "Step up the fight against terrorism"
157 votes for "Strengthen the military"
79 votes for "High speed rail for most of America"
24 votes for "WiFi access for America"
19 votes for "Secure the Internet from attack"
These issues hit all of us! In America, both sides of the political aisle seem to clueless and leadership voids. No offense intended, ... but the world is already crying out for real leadership.
I am not saying that there is no one who has leadership value in America. There are those whom I believe are outwardly well intended. They just seem to be harder to spot.
Look at the world. Keep your eyes on Egypt. Do you think this situation will end up being positive? It might, but I doubt it. Corruption in America and throughout the world is at an all time high.
I am a simple person, ... and I have learned painfully to trust no one in my world other than my family and a relatively small circle of friends. Think of it. How many names of people would you write on a sheet of paper saying I totally trust this person?
One day this will all be fixed!
The Bible says there is a coming kingdom that shall never end.
The older I get ... I long for this day.
In Isaiah 9:6-7a, it reads ...
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
No matter where you are tonight, no matter what your situation, no matter how lost you feel ... JESUS IS the answer. The Future IS bright when you choose Him!
God bless.
NikonSniper Steve
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