Those who beat their guns into plows will plow for those who don't.
10.31.2005
10.27.2005
To Do List (to have been done yesterday):
On Day 1034...
- Confirm date and menu for Riverwood Christmas Party
- Make Chili for Saturday Night Party
- Confirm with Melanie to make sure she is bringing the movie
- Pack for Friday/Saturday Conference
- Make up beds for Saturday night guests
- Before doing 4 or 5, do laundry
- Do dishes
- Meet Mary-Lisa at 3 to pick up shoe boxes to wrap on Saturday night
- Make bread for Saturday night
- Confirm time to meet carpool for conference in Charlotte
- CLEAN HOUSE
- Apply for Lot 81 Water meter for it can close on Monday
- Make sure Drew has directions to conference center in Charlotte
- Make sure everything is in order for Lot 19 Closing tomorrow
- Go shopping - NEED Toilet Paper, toothpaste, tape & Christmas wrapping paper
- Breathe
- Get off computer!
L
A Splash of Color
On Day 1034...
We have decided that after almost a year of blogging, we needed a change of scenery. For those of you who know me, it was hard to change from black... my favorite, most dependable, can't go wrong, matches everything color... but I am branching out, and stepping outside of my comfort zone etc. :)
L
We have decided that after almost a year of blogging, we needed a change of scenery. For those of you who know me, it was hard to change from black... my favorite, most dependable, can't go wrong, matches everything color... but I am branching out, and stepping outside of my comfort zone etc. :)
L
10.26.2005
Just Like in the Movies
On Day 1033...
Yesterday, while A & I were having lunch, the waitress walked up to our table and said that a man at the bar had paid the tab and that she wouldn't be bringing a bill. Of course, some of the mystery was taken out of it since the amazingly handsome man was sitting across the table, but it was still unexpected and intriguing... and hey, we got a free lunch!
L
Yesterday, while A & I were having lunch, the waitress walked up to our table and said that a man at the bar had paid the tab and that she wouldn't be bringing a bill. Of course, some of the mystery was taken out of it since the amazingly handsome man was sitting across the table, but it was still unexpected and intriguing... and hey, we got a free lunch!
L
10.24.2005
Milk & Sirloin Steak
Here is an article that my dad just wrote for his church newsletter, The Spur. It has been an encouragement to me, I hope it is for your as well.
L
This process of growth and maturity is no different when Christians consider their new birth in Christ and spiritual maturity. There is no such thing as a mature Christian who has no interest in God’s Word; in fact a Christian disinterred in it is an aberration! The author of Hebrews admonishes against spiritual immaturity – “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again, the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:12-14).
The Holy Spirit given to us at the time of salvation will produce in us the desire to know His Word and to apply it – this is His purpose. David’s desire for God’s Word is obvious – “I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your Word”, “Oh! How I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119:16,97). Getting to know God & His Word, trusting & obeying it is as natural for the born again believer as it is the desire of a newborn for milk.
But we cannot stay spiritual newborns. Paul, once again, in his instruction to Timothy says “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15. It requires discipline, work and commitment to be able to understand and apply God’s word. These words and those in Hebrews above are not just for pastors, elders or ‘super Christians’; it is for every believer. This is the reason why Paul underscores the importance of elders/pastors being able to teach biblical principles in 1 Timothy 3 and those who ‘labor in the Word’ being worthy of double honor (1 Cor 5:17). He places much greater value in biblical answers (God’s wisdom) to issues than consensus or pragmatism.
It is my desire (and I am sure the other elders will agree) that we become a spiritually mature congregation, ready to handle sirloin steak. We want to SPUR you on in your growth and actually mean it when we sing “Thy Word is lamp to my feet and a light to my path”. In every church there is bound to be believers at every level, some newborns, some steak eaters and some in between. This is normal and fine as long as we don’t continue in a newborn diet for many years, when we should be eating solid food and feeding others.
As elders we want to provide the opportunities for everyone to grow in the grace & knowledge of Jesus Christ. The primary one being the Sunday Morning bible study at 9:45 am. We strongly encourage the members and those who call OVCC their church home to make an effort to participate. It may mean curtailing late night Saturday night activities. It does take discipline and effort to grow, just as in any athletic endeavor, which we take for granted. However, as we do this, God promises spiritual prosperity! – “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers” (Psalm 1:2-3)
We are currently in an 8-week video series by John Piper called ‘The Blazing Center’, in which he masterfully communicates how our desire for happiness and God’s desire to glorify Himself are not at odds. It is not too late to join! Let me Spur you on to spiritual maturity & prosperity!
L
MILK & SIRLOIN STEAK
by Ramesh Krishnan
I have fond memories (and videos) of feeding my children as they graduated from the nursing stage to real food; well, that is, if you can call applesauce and formless, mushy vegetables & fruit from little bottles, real food. It was entertaining to see them discover new tastes and textures. However, I was sure glad when they grew to desire and enjoy food that grownups ate and could feed themselves. You would wonder if our family had it all together, if you walked in and saw my wife spoon-feeding my twenty year old. I cannot imagine what my sons would look like today if they never got beyond applesauce – stunted and malnourished.
by Ramesh Krishnan
I have fond memories (and videos) of feeding my children as they graduated from the nursing stage to real food; well, that is, if you can call applesauce and formless, mushy vegetables & fruit from little bottles, real food. It was entertaining to see them discover new tastes and textures. However, I was sure glad when they grew to desire and enjoy food that grownups ate and could feed themselves. You would wonder if our family had it all together, if you walked in and saw my wife spoon-feeding my twenty year old. I cannot imagine what my sons would look like today if they never got beyond applesauce – stunted and malnourished.
This process of growth and maturity is no different when Christians consider their new birth in Christ and spiritual maturity. There is no such thing as a mature Christian who has no interest in God’s Word; in fact a Christian disinterred in it is an aberration! The author of Hebrews admonishes against spiritual immaturity – “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again, the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:12-14).
The Holy Spirit given to us at the time of salvation will produce in us the desire to know His Word and to apply it – this is His purpose. David’s desire for God’s Word is obvious – “I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your Word”, “Oh! How I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119:16,97). Getting to know God & His Word, trusting & obeying it is as natural for the born again believer as it is the desire of a newborn for milk.
But we cannot stay spiritual newborns. Paul, once again, in his instruction to Timothy says “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15. It requires discipline, work and commitment to be able to understand and apply God’s word. These words and those in Hebrews above are not just for pastors, elders or ‘super Christians’; it is for every believer. This is the reason why Paul underscores the importance of elders/pastors being able to teach biblical principles in 1 Timothy 3 and those who ‘labor in the Word’ being worthy of double honor (1 Cor 5:17). He places much greater value in biblical answers (God’s wisdom) to issues than consensus or pragmatism.
It is my desire (and I am sure the other elders will agree) that we become a spiritually mature congregation, ready to handle sirloin steak. We want to SPUR you on in your growth and actually mean it when we sing “Thy Word is lamp to my feet and a light to my path”. In every church there is bound to be believers at every level, some newborns, some steak eaters and some in between. This is normal and fine as long as we don’t continue in a newborn diet for many years, when we should be eating solid food and feeding others.
As elders we want to provide the opportunities for everyone to grow in the grace & knowledge of Jesus Christ. The primary one being the Sunday Morning bible study at 9:45 am. We strongly encourage the members and those who call OVCC their church home to make an effort to participate. It may mean curtailing late night Saturday night activities. It does take discipline and effort to grow, just as in any athletic endeavor, which we take for granted. However, as we do this, God promises spiritual prosperity! – “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers” (Psalm 1:2-3)
We are currently in an 8-week video series by John Piper called ‘The Blazing Center’, in which he masterfully communicates how our desire for happiness and God’s desire to glorify Himself are not at odds. It is not too late to join! Let me Spur you on to spiritual maturity & prosperity!
10.22.2005
What to do with a new Credit Card???
Our Christmas and Birthday and Anniversary presents all rolled into one...or two as the case may be. Once every year the local bike store sells off its selection of rentals at half price, and it's a cutthroat event. We arrived 2 hours before the store opened and we were still not the first in line for the bikes. By the time the store opened there were 30 people in line for only 12 bikes at the sale price (I got one:) Once I found the only bike big enough for me, I had to watch it every second, or else one of the "lurkers" would jump from the shadows and grab it from me. And we got Leah a brand new one so that we can spend some outdoor time together. This afternoon we broke them in with a trip through the Biltmore. The weather was perfect, sunny, 60 and a bit windy, exceptional weather for enjoying the changing leaves. What more could we ask for from a christmas/birthday/anniversary present?
A
Am I in the Bahamas?
On Day 1029...
Where am I, and where have they taken the fall? Although I have not lived here during the fall, I have visited enough to know the basic weather patterns in the area, or so I thought. Yet, this year has me completely baffled. I know I blogged a few weeks ago about how fall was here, but I was sadly mistaken. It wasn't coming at all! Yes, we still have pumpkins and chrysanthemums but the "feeling" is all wrong.
Here in Asheville, the leaves are just beginning to hint at changing. And the high yesterday was 82 degrees!! That's right... 82!!! You know something has gone terribly wrong when are drinking a pumpkin spice latte in shorts and a t-shirt.
Well folks, do not be dismayed... I think fall is finally going to make her appearance. A cold front is supposed to move in tonight and the high for the next two weeks shouldn't go above 65... and the trees are finally getting the hint. So, after months of anticipation, fall is finnnaallllyyyy here, and it is going to be gorgeous... even if it doesn't start until November.
L
Where am I, and where have they taken the fall? Although I have not lived here during the fall, I have visited enough to know the basic weather patterns in the area, or so I thought. Yet, this year has me completely baffled. I know I blogged a few weeks ago about how fall was here, but I was sadly mistaken. It wasn't coming at all! Yes, we still have pumpkins and chrysanthemums but the "feeling" is all wrong.
Here in Asheville, the leaves are just beginning to hint at changing. And the high yesterday was 82 degrees!! That's right... 82!!! You know something has gone terribly wrong when are drinking a pumpkin spice latte in shorts and a t-shirt.
Well folks, do not be dismayed... I think fall is finally going to make her appearance. A cold front is supposed to move in tonight and the high for the next two weeks shouldn't go above 65... and the trees are finally getting the hint. So, after months of anticipation, fall is finnnaallllyyyy here, and it is going to be gorgeous... even if it doesn't start until November.
L
10.20.2005
10.16.2005
Birthday Boy # 1
Happy Birthday Dad! Doesn't he look young for being the father of 5, 4 of which are boys?? (or maybe it would be better stated... one of which is me??) We love you DDAAADD! L
Birthday Boy # 2
My Dad's 35th Birthday present... Happy Birthday Nate, I hope you have a great day... and if any of you live in Utah... stay off the roads - He's a wild one!!!! L
10.15.2005
The Things I Won't Miss...
About Studying For The Contractor's Exam:
1. Flashcards
2. Dinner at Barnes and Noble
3. Powerpoint Presentations
4. An Overstuffed Bookbag
5. Sore Eyes
6. Strange Dreams from too much Coffee
7. No Sleep
8. Cluttered Truck
9. No Time With My Wife
10. No Weekends
Besides, who needs to know that the MINIMUM bearing depth of a Bar Joist is 2 1/2 inches?
And Now on to Grad School....;)
A
1. Flashcards
2. Dinner at Barnes and Noble
3. Powerpoint Presentations
4. An Overstuffed Bookbag
5. Sore Eyes
6. Strange Dreams from too much Coffee
7. No Sleep
8. Cluttered Truck
9. No Time With My Wife
10. No Weekends
Besides, who needs to know that the MINIMUM bearing depth of a Bar Joist is 2 1/2 inches?
And Now on to Grad School....;)
A
Cubical F
On Day 1022...
Sir, you are in cubical F. Not exactly the words you want to hear when sitting down to take an exam. However, despite the setback A passed the North Carolina General Contractor's Exam without a hitch... now on to the next hurdle! L
10.12.2005
Memories of DC
I am having a nostalgic moment for some reason, and am looking through old pictures from our DC days. For those of you who have not seen the WWII Memorial in Washington DC, you really should, it is amazing. However, this will give you a little piece of it. I took this last Christmas when my brother was in town, and I just had it blown up to hang on our wall. It is not as good as the real thing, but it will do until I can get back there. L
10.10.2005
Same Song, Second Verse
On day 1017...
As I mentioned earlier, we have been interviewing for the sercretary position recently. After many interviews, and most of the painful, we finally found one that would work. Unfortunately her name was Leah, so that made everything quite difficult, but we were learning to live with it.
Well, two weeks ago today we arrived at the office to find a note from Leah saying that after much prayer she had decided that this was not the job for her. (I am not sure why, during all of her prayer, she didn't see the necessity of showing common curtsey and giving her employer 2 weeks notice... 24 hours would have even been nice... but apparently she didn't). So after a week Eric finally called a temp service and a week ago we interviewed Barbara. We interviewed her at 3, called the temp service at 4, called her at 4:30 and she started the next day at 9. She didn't present the most professional appearance (nose piercing and cigarette breath) but it was better than nothing and she definitely seemed competent. So, last Tuesday I begin the training process once again, explaining everything and how the seven companies were interrelated etc.
Thankfully she had been great! She is quick to catch on, and even knows how to print labels! (Unlike the last one.) So, in the end, it was worth a week of going without a secretary and two days training to have one that is FAR FAR better than the last. (The fact that her name wasn't Leah was a HUGE step in the right direction.) I just hope that I don't have to train anyone else any time soon...
L
As I mentioned earlier, we have been interviewing for the sercretary position recently. After many interviews, and most of the painful, we finally found one that would work. Unfortunately her name was Leah, so that made everything quite difficult, but we were learning to live with it.
Well, two weeks ago today we arrived at the office to find a note from Leah saying that after much prayer she had decided that this was not the job for her. (I am not sure why, during all of her prayer, she didn't see the necessity of showing common curtsey and giving her employer 2 weeks notice... 24 hours would have even been nice... but apparently she didn't). So after a week Eric finally called a temp service and a week ago we interviewed Barbara. We interviewed her at 3, called the temp service at 4, called her at 4:30 and she started the next day at 9. She didn't present the most professional appearance (nose piercing and cigarette breath) but it was better than nothing and she definitely seemed competent. So, last Tuesday I begin the training process once again, explaining everything and how the seven companies were interrelated etc.
Thankfully she had been great! She is quick to catch on, and even knows how to print labels! (Unlike the last one.) So, in the end, it was worth a week of going without a secretary and two days training to have one that is FAR FAR better than the last. (The fact that her name wasn't Leah was a HUGE step in the right direction.) I just hope that I don't have to train anyone else any time soon...
L
10.08.2005
Catching Up!
On Day 1016...
Well, this week has been crazy at work and since I A is gone for the day at a contractor's seminar in preparation for next week's NC General Contractor's Exam, now is the perfect time to catch up on all of the things I have been putting off all week and hopefully get ready for next week as well. So here is my TO DO LIST for today:
1. Update Quicken
2. Get started on updating Christmas List
3. Put roast in crockpot
4. Bake bread
5. Clean Kitchen (dishes, stove, floor)
6. Clean all bathrooms
7. Sort through, organize and file the papers lying all around the house
8. Vacuum
9. Go grocery shopping
10. Do laundry
11. Drop off drycleaning
12. Go to farmer's market for eggs and fresh veges
13. Return calls
14. Check Ross for picture frames
15. Buy pillows
16. Make up extra bedroom for guests
17. Go to the grocery store
18. Take out Garbage
19. Buy organizer at walmart
20. Return movies
21. Make it home in time to have dinner ready when Dave, Jen & A get here!
L
This Zetterholm To Do List is officially sponsored by the American Express Skymiles Credit Card... racking up the points one dollar at a time!
Well, this week has been crazy at work and since I A is gone for the day at a contractor's seminar in preparation for next week's NC General Contractor's Exam, now is the perfect time to catch up on all of the things I have been putting off all week and hopefully get ready for next week as well. So here is my TO DO LIST for today:
1. Update Quicken
2. Get started on updating Christmas List
3. Put roast in crockpot
4. Bake bread
5. Clean Kitchen (dishes, stove, floor)
6. Clean all bathrooms
7. Sort through, organize and file the papers lying all around the house
8. Vacuum
9. Go grocery shopping
10. Do laundry
11. Drop off drycleaning
12. Go to farmer's market for eggs and fresh veges
13. Return calls
14. Check Ross for picture frames
15. Buy pillows
16. Make up extra bedroom for guests
17. Go to the grocery store
18. Take out Garbage
19. Buy organizer at walmart
20. Return movies
21. Make it home in time to have dinner ready when Dave, Jen & A get here!
L
This Zetterholm To Do List is officially sponsored by the American Express Skymiles Credit Card... racking up the points one dollar at a time!
10.07.2005
Overheard...
On Day 1015...
Overheard in our office today while discussing purchasing office furniture:
Eric: It doesn't really matter to me what chair it is.
Leah: Really?? I don't believe it.
E: Well, I do prefer to sit on leather as opposed to cloth.
L: Isn't that a quote from The Princess and the Pea?
L
Overheard in our office today while discussing purchasing office furniture:
Eric: It doesn't really matter to me what chair it is.
Leah: Really?? I don't believe it.
E: Well, I do prefer to sit on leather as opposed to cloth.
L: Isn't that a quote from The Princess and the Pea?
L
Company Camaraderie
Last night we had a company dinner at the Bistro at Biltmore. The food was amazing, but I still have a hard time justifying spending so much money on one dinner (although the fact that I didn't pay made it a little easier). The best part about the evening was just sitting and talking with my mother-in-law and our Site superintendent's wife. We all tried to find some gender-neutral conversation topic, but after about 5 minutes the conversation split guys/girls. Sewer lines aren't really my thing... :) L
10.06.2005
Fall is Here!
On day 1014...
I love everything about fall, the pumpkins, the cool, crisp mornings, the leaves changing, hot chocolate, sweaters and jackets... and of course Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Lattes!
Out west, fall began at the end of August and the leaves peaked at the end of September, but not in A'ville. It was 80 degrees and sunny until about two weeks ago, and now it has been 65 or 70 during the day for two weeks, and it should stay like that for almost another month (although it is becoming cooler and cooler in the mornings). I love the west, however I am quickly becoming accustomed to this weather.
L
I love everything about fall, the pumpkins, the cool, crisp mornings, the leaves changing, hot chocolate, sweaters and jackets... and of course Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Lattes!
Out west, fall began at the end of August and the leaves peaked at the end of September, but not in A'ville. It was 80 degrees and sunny until about two weeks ago, and now it has been 65 or 70 during the day for two weeks, and it should stay like that for almost another month (although it is becoming cooler and cooler in the mornings). I love the west, however I am quickly becoming accustomed to this weather.
L
10.05.2005
10.04.2005
The Little Blue Hero
After many years of faithful service we have said goodbye to my ever-running Ranger. When my grandfather gave it to me, it was with an apology because it wouldn't last for more than 6 months...but it was something. After many vigorous scrubbing sessions the farm smell was at least bearable and dust didn't billow from the seats every time I sat down. However, the little blue beast proved his worth, he carried me to work and back for 2 1/2 years, and took many a trip to NC, and then served as A's work truck for another 8 months once we moved. (I must say, I think he was happier covered in mud). And, after all of that, we were able to sell him for a decent price. Who would have thought that a Ford would last 274,957 miles ...and he is still going...
L
10.02.2005
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)