Old Stuff!

So I was cleaning out some of my old stuff the other day and found these two post cards/thank you card style cards I had made when I was in middle school. I can't say it is the best drawings I have ever done but not to bad. Maybe I should try to recreate them and see how it would look today. Just my luck right now they would look like something Emily could drew LOL... jk

In His Grip,

-J

~Many Posts~

Well it seems this is post #251! I am not sure if that is a lot of post or not... I check out other peoples blogs and find they have 500 plus. Well I guess I would have had more but this past year has been crazy and I have been very bad about keeping up with things. Maybe in 2011 I can have 251 more post and who knows maybe a lot more!

In His Girp

-J

Books Books Books.....

It seems I can never finish a book once I get started reading it.. So I picked up another book this morning to start reading it and I looked over by the back of my desk and show two other books I started reading one a few months back and the other one about a year ago and yet to finish them. It's not that they are boring books in truth they are great books one I am planning on even picking a few sermons off of I am not sure why I can't read one all the way trough. I guess I am just not wired that way. Oh well so her I go starting another book... Maybe I can get is done this time. I also need to go back and finish reading my other two books.... Maybe it will get done.

In His Grip,

-J

New Beginnings Update!

Well, another year and another Christmas. sadly this year is one for the books as it was not the great of them all. This year I spent most of the time in the bathroom puking everything I had and at some point puking nothing but my brains. The flu went trough our house like a wild fire. As here we are and Emily is the last to have it and life as we know it has moved on and we hope to be getting things back together. We are all still very weak but our hopes is with much need rest over the past few days and with this week of rest for us all that we will be back to 110%. Here is a quick run down on how everything and everyone is. As you may have noticed there is no Christmas letter this year but hey when you have facebook is one really needed.... a few weeks back I posted a link to a news report about how facebook have taken away our letters and cards and it seems that it may be true. But not to worry we still plan on sending out some kind of "Christmas letter" but it may be later in the year. At that point at least we will have more to say then we had a puking Christmas....LoL

Well anyway Debbie as some may know lost her job and not just once but two times all within two weeks of each other. The family she was working for seems to be having some issues and at this point feel they need time away from each other. So that means Debbie will have to find somewhere else to work. But not to worry as it seems Debbie or should I say "Nanny Deb" has found a new home with new children or I guess it is really only one child to care for. She will be working a lot less but will have a lot more time to stay at home and work more on the company (CSRA Nannies)

Emily is growing like always and it seems she is still being smarter then us all. Is is always one to keep us on our toes but I do have to say she has the heart of "caring". It is great to always see her want to hold her little brothers hand when he starts to cry or to give him hugs when he gets upset. And then to see her want to ride Carolina like a horse or to play "free fall" off the chair onto her pillows.

Ethan seems to be slowly getting better about sleeping however at this point he has an ear infection as well as it seems he may have a GI issue that he will be seeing a doctor for in the next few days about... (guess he gets that from his daddy!)

Well with Debbie going back to work and with her working less it means she gets to work more in our company. This is something I have been wishing for for some time now as she has all the skills in sales and marketing. Plus one person can only do so much. With her taking over more with the company that means I can step back some and do more things I enjoy and work some on my own company I planning to kick off at the 1st of the year. With much talk over the past few months and even the past year is seems I may be starting a wood shop instead of a consignment store, sale or event. However it is not out of the over all plan but at this point that just does not fit our budget. It has been about two years from the last time I had a wood shop and it is something I have missed for a while. Our hope is it can be something that may bring in some income. But more importantly it is something that I enjoy doing. I am sure I will have more details to come....

oh well that sums up about all that is going in our part of the Ga woods. We are praying for a better year and that life will get back on it's tracks by Jan 1st.. Boy I love "new beginnings" guess we will have to see how this chapter in our lives plays out!

In His Grip

Jonathan

~Monday Blues~

So after a long weekend I woke up with a bad cold and it seems as the day moves on my head feels like it is going to pop or one might even say blow up! I had to go into town today to get the dogs check up after having her leg removed and it seems that she is doing great at least that is what the vet says. Debbie asked me to stop by the store and find some cookie cutters so after going to 2stores I was unable to find any so after getting gas at wal-mart I stopped in to check to see what they had and sure thing I found the one place that had something... However Debbie stated I went a bit overboard. I came home with a box of 101 cookie cutters, But hey it was a great price at only $10 and who knows maybe one day we will use all 101 cutters. So that was the highlight of my day for the most part. Oh I have to add while we where in Columbia, SC for the weekend we had the kids pictures. We got a few good ones and one we will be sending out to a few family members.

-J

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas....

Who knows maybe we will get lucky and have a white Christmas for once, but I won't count on it. There has been a few people in the area who has made snow. So I guess I could do that for Christmas this year for the kids but that is just too much work. Beside why would I want to go outside when I am warm.
Congrats to Patrick House for becoming our season 10's Biggest Loser! Everyone did a great job this year. Just wait for the new season 11, there is a lot of changes coming some I am not too happy about but It will all work out in the end I am sure. Like Bob says "This isn't about wining a game, it's about fixing what's broken". Some may or may not know by now but there will be two new trainers, who do you think they are? You may shocked to know that one of the trainers many people may know from one of the top fitness programs on the market today. Here is a hint: he is sure to work your Abs! Give up yet? Guess you will just have to wait... LOL Oh and I can't forget Jillian Michaels is leaving the biggest loser at the end of this next season but I have been told it won't be the last of her, she has a few new projects she is going to be working on and plus she wants to have more family time, She currently is looking at adopting a child.

Well time for me to get up and get to work. we are trying to get all our families and nannies placed before Christmas and in order to do that we have to get to work. My goal today is to get some time to sit back after work and just read some. I really should take more time to read more. I have become very lazy reading. I need to get back in the track of reading one chapter a day in a book. The problem comes when I can't make up my mind on what book to read... LoL

In His Grip,

Jonathan

Religious symbolism of The Twelve Days of Christmas

1 True Love refers to God

2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments

3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues

4 Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists

5 Golden Rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.

6 Geese A-laying refers to the six days of creation

7 Swans A-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the sacraments

8 Maids A-milking refers to the eight beatitudes

9 Ladies Dancing refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit

10 Lords A-leaping refers to the ten commandments

11 Pipers Piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles

12 Drummers Drumming refers to the points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

~Monday Morning Coffee~

Okay so it's not morning but hey at least I am able to a post done. I did have my coffee this morning and enjoyed every sip. I was able to sleep in this morning after a busy cold weekend. Emily had her Christmas play and was a very good sheep. She looked a little like a bunny but who knows maybe there was a bunny or two somewhere back then... LoL I was able to get a lot done today at least I think it was a lot. I cleaned bedrooms, kitchen, dishes, floors, den, and moved my office again for like the um some time. With it being cold out and it does not seem like it is going to get any better anytime soon I had to move my office inside the house again as it is just way too cold in the sun room. So everything is up and running and I really enjoyed listen to my podcast of Dave Ramsey. He said some really good stuff about small business, work, and finding your passion etc. So I guess my over all goals for today where made as the house is clean and I am ready for work this week. Oh Plus I made some good sweet tea. to most this may not be something that is that big of deal but in our house we only get to make it once a month or so... Big difference from growing up in a home that even if we had nothing else in the house to eat or drink we always had sweet tea. But don't worry I can't say I am that sadden to not have it all the time now as it is a great way for me to drink water. Oh well in other news.. oh speaking about news I am learning we live in a crappy town... sorry to those who like it but it has become every time I turn on the new the 1st thing is this person killed this person, or some new murder tonight. this place is up to like 35 something murders. oh and on tonight's news it was about a dad setting his child on fire... and someone else got ran over while walking on the street this week... What kind of city is this. Well in better news Debbie and Emily are now home so off to spend some time with them!

In His Grip,

Jonathan

Winter is here!

So it looks like we will have another full week of it being cold. I love a nice warm fire in the fireplace with the Christmas lights on while slipping my warm very good nightly coffee and listening to the snow fall..... Oh wait that's only in my dreams. How about freezing my butt off and in front of the loud space heater while listening to the children fight over toys and while watching my work papers falling off my lap as my office is too cold to go in so I have to use a lap table. Oh and lets not forget that the dog eating my shoes for dinner.... Awww Now that's sound a night more like it.... LoL Okay so maybe all nights aren't that bad but who said we live a calm life?!?! Got to love family times! speaking of family times here is a picture that I have to share.

I have to take my hat off the our old dog Carolina. One of a kind Mountain view cur. (for more info about what that is check out Here We got her years ago while living in TN. I would have to say one of the best dogs we have had. She has become one of our oldest members of our family in dog years that is. She is around 77 years old again in dog years so that puts her around 13 in human years.

Old for the pup but as long as we have had her she had been the protector of our family. Even today the old girl or "Moma" as I like to call her still watches over us in every way.

Like she did with Emily she watches Ethan whenever he sleeps. If she hears him cry in his bed she goes to se

e what is wrong and lets us know he needs help. We have always called her our therapy dog. Now I must give a note or shout out to our newest pup Siena a 10 month old chiweenie was got while living in the upstate of South Carolina and has some of you may know was gone for a few days and came back with a hurt leg.

After a few weeks of trying to see if it can heal she had to have it taken off so now our little puppy who I now call "Hop" has only 3 legs. But is doing very well.

As Debbie calls her my lap baby or "Newadic" Dog (or however you spell that word) She is also one of a kind and loves me more then anyone I know.

When I leave she crys and trows herself into the door or wall until I come back as I have been told. Now that's true love! LOL How would one train a wife to do that.... Just kidding!

Now I can't leave out the other pets we had over the years but I will save that for another post.

In His Grip,

Jonathan

One Onion, Two Onion or Just a Bag!

For years I have been a fan of Onions. From as long as I can remember and even my family members I have eating Onions like apples. To this day I still have to get a bite of an onion when I am cutting it for Debbie for dinner. Some say I am just crazy but not only are they good (At least I think) they also can benefit you in a few ways. They not only block cancer dramatically as some people may know, they also lower cholesterol, thin the blood and warn off blood clots but they also fight chronic bronchitis, infections, hay fever and asthma. Eating just 1/2 a raw onion daily raised HDLs (good cholesterol lipoproteins) by 30 percent in a recent study. It is also known that onions calms animals down (or Emily) LoL!! An owner of a large group of old world primates said that she relies on onions to keep her primates healthy during the winter. Especially when primates have been exposed to viruses or when your monkey is in a lot of stress, onions can be the solutions. So that must mean I need to buy a monkey... oh wait I have Emily. And Yep only when she was a few months old at the time she was able to eat solid things I feed her small bits of onion and like her daddy she loved them. To this day and even tonight speaking on the topic I give her a bite when we are cooking with them. The biggest thing I have found is it keeps bugs away from you. (Ever hear about the Tick story when I was young) I will have to save that for another day. So Anyway Yeah I find eating onions can be good for you.

Are you ready?

You may know, you may not know but it is coming all to an end! Who do you think will be the biggest loser? Everyone is a winner when it comes to making a change for the better. It's all about taking that 1st step! Great job everyone and can't wait to see next season... I am told there is a few new ideas they will be trying out. Guess we will have to wait and see. As the Holidays as coming means more food, more putting on the pounds! Come January 1st everyone will make plans and commitments to losing and or eating better. Why not start before the Holidays! So here is my Pre-Holiday challenge. This season I am challenging everyone to lose just ten (10) pounds in 25 days. Who said you have to start Jan 1st.

In His Grip,

Jonathan

Changes all around!

The Christmas tree is up. The House is warm and everything is starting to feel like Christmas. So Why not make my blog feel a little more Christmasy (If thats a word) Also with the new layout and changes to Facebook hey why not get a bit if change. Well In other news It's Cold this week. Maybe we will get lucky and it will snow this year... Think it will happen again this year, at least I can hope. My goal this week is to be able to spend some time on my bike, now will it happen we will just have to see. I also have a busy work week here as I am on the search again for a mass pool of nannies and this time seeking some for a Live-In family I have. There has been talk about in January starting with senior care. There is nothing in stone yet but it has been put on the table for us to add to the company the first of the year. Oh well just another day in the woods!

In His Grip,

Jonathan

Cool Facts about the Amish!

---

Practices of the Old Order Amish:

Practices shared by most of the Old Order Amish, the largest Amish group, are listed below. Some smaller Amish groups have adopted practices which are either more progressive or more restrictive.

• Language: Members usually speak a German dialect called Pennsylvania Dutch (Deutsch). High German is used during worship. They learn English at school.
• Education: Schools are one-room buildings run by the Amish. Formal education beyond Grade 8 is discouraged, although many youth are given further instruction in their homes after graduation.
• Appearance: Men follow the laws of the Hebrew Scriptures with regards to beards. They do not grow mustaches, because of the long association of mustaches with the military.
• Clothing: Men usually dress in a plain, dark colored suit. Women usually wear a plain colored dress with long sleeves, bonnet and apron. Women wear a white prayer covering if married; black if single. Brides' gowns are often blue or purple.
• Modern conveniences:
  • Vehicles: With very few exceptions, Old Order Amish congregations do not allow the owning or use of automobiles or farm tractors. However, they will ride in cars when needed.
  • Electrical devices: They do not use electricity, or have radios, TV sets, personal computers, computer games, etc.
  • Telephones: In-home telephones are not normally allowed. Some families have a phone remote from the house.
• Government programs: Most Amish groups do not collect Social Security/Canada Pension Plan benefits, unemployment insurance or welfare. They maintain mutual aid funds for members who need help with medical costs, dental bills, etc.
• Photography: They do not take photographs or allow themselves to be photographed. To do so would be evidence of vanity and pride. Also, it might violate the prohibition in Exodus 20:4, the second of the Ten Commandments: "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that...is in the earth..."
• Marriage: Marriages outside the faith are not allowed. Couples who plan to marry are "published" in late October. They are married in one of their homes during November or early December.
• Days of Celebration: They celebrate the traditional Christian holy days. They also observe a Fast Day on October 11.
• Religious services: These are held biweekly on alternate Sundays. One the "in-between" Sundays, members often attend another congregation's service, or visit friends or family. Services consist of singing, two prayers, Bible reading, a short opening sermon, and a main sermon. Each baptized male then offers a comment on the biblical correctness of the sermons.
• Communion services: These are held twice yearly, in the spring and fall. Before the service, a council meeting is held in which the attendees resolve any disagreements that they have with each other. They also discuss matters regarding proper lifestyle and conduct.
• Meeting places: Services are usually held in the homes of members. As a rule, they do not build meeting houses or churches. One source speculates that this practice may have been done "...out of frugality, perhaps out of necessity, or perhaps to emphasize that people (and not the building were really the church..." ₄
• Funerals: These are conducted in the home without a eulogy, flower decorations, or other display. The casket is plain, without adornment. At death, a woman is usually buried in her bridal dress. A simple tombstone is erected after burial.
• Rumspringa: Some Amish groups practice a tradition called rumspringa ("running around"). Teens aged 16 and older are allowed some freedom in behavior. It is a interval of a few years while they remain living at home, yet are somewhat released from the intense supervision of their parents. Since they have not yet been baptized, they have not committed to follow the extremely strict behavioral restrictions and community rules imposed by the religion. Depending upon the behavioral rules of their particular community, they may be allowed to date, go out with their friends, visit the outside world, go to parties, drink alcoholic beverages, wear jeans, etc. The intent of rumspringa is to make certain that youth are giving their informed consent if they decide to be baptized. About 80% to 90% decide to remain Amish

(So with all that said maybe Debbie will let me become Amish! LoL I don't think so maybe in a another life)

-Jonathan

Busy Saturday!!!

Yeah so today is going to be busy...

Up by 7:30 to pick up Siena from the vet by 8:00am

To return home to pick up Emily and Debbie and off to Church to drop Emily and Debbie off as Debbie have Woman's Prayer Breakfast

Then Emily have Sheep practice All While I have a CSRA Nanny Meeting with a new family. Then back home for lunch and naps before the big Carolina game that starts at 4:00pm

and if I am lucky I might get to run by next door for there Bake Potato and fire pit.

So Yeah very Busy today!

~Ethan's Psalm~

^{-Psalm 89-}

¹ I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever;

with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known

through all generations.

² I will declare that your love stands firm forever,

that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

³ You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one,

I have sworn to David my servant,

⁴ ‘I will establish your line forever

and make your throne firm through all generations.’”

⁵ The heavens praise your wonders, LORD,

your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.

⁶ For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD?

Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings?

⁷ In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared;

he is more awesome than all who surround him.

⁸ Who is like you, LORD God Almighty?

You, LORD, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

⁹ You rule over the surging sea;

when its waves mount up, you still them.

¹⁰ You crushed Rahab like one of the slain;

with your strong arm you scattered your enemies.

¹¹ The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth;

you founded the world and all that is in it.

¹² You created the north and the south;

Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name.

¹³ Your arm is endowed with power;

your hand is strong, your right hand exalted.

¹⁴ Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;

love and faithfulness go before you.

¹⁵ Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,

who walk in the light of your presence, LORD.

¹⁶ They rejoice in your name all day long;

they celebrate your righteousness.

¹⁷ For you are their glory and strength,

and by your favor you exalt our horn.

¹⁸ Indeed, our shield belongs to the LORD,

our king to the Holy One of Israel.

¹⁹ Once you spoke in a vision,

to your faithful people you said:

“I have bestowed strength on a warrior;

I have raised up a young man from among the people.

²⁰ I have found David my servant;

with my sacred oil I have anointed him.

²¹ My hand will sustain him;

surely my arm will strengthen him.

²² The enemy will not get the better of him;

the wicked will not oppress him.

²³ I will crush his foes before him

and strike down his adversaries.

²⁴ My faithful love will be with him,

and through my name his horn will be exalted.

²⁵ I will set his hand over the sea,

his right hand over the rivers.

²⁶ He will call out to me, ‘You are my Father,

my God, the Rock my Savior.’

²⁷ And I will appoint him to be my firstborn,

the most exalted of the kings of the earth.

²⁸ I will maintain my love to him forever,

and my covenant with him will never fail.

²⁹ I will establish his line forever,

his throne as long as the heavens endure.

³⁰ “If his sons forsake my law

and do not follow my statutes,

³¹ if they violate my decrees

and fail to keep my commands,

³² I will punish their sin with the rod,

their iniquity with flogging;

³³ but I will not take my love from him,

nor will I ever betray my faithfulness.

³⁴ I will not violate my covenant

or alter what my lips have uttered.

³⁵ Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness—

and I will not lie to David—

³⁶ that his line will continue forever

and his throne endure before me like the sun;

³⁷ it will be established forever like the moon,

the faithful witness in the sky.”

³⁸ But you have rejected, you have spurned,

you have been very angry with your anointed one.

³⁹ You have renounced the covenant with your servant

and have defiled his crown in the dust.

⁴⁰ You have broken through all his walls

and reduced his strongholds to ruins.

⁴¹ All who pass by have plundered him;

he has become the scorn of his neighbors.

⁴² You have exalted the right hand of his foes;

you have made all his enemies rejoice.

⁴³ Indeed, you have turned back the edge of his sword

and have not supported him in battle.

⁴⁴ You have put an end to his splendor

and cast his throne to the ground.

⁴⁵ You have cut short the days of his youth;

you have covered him with a mantle of shame.

⁴⁶ How long, LORD? Will you hide yourself forever?

How long will your wrath burn like fire?

⁴⁷ Remember how fleeting is my life.

For what futility you have created all humanity!

⁴⁸ Who can live and not see death,

or who can escape the power of the grave?

⁴⁹ Lord, where is your former great love,

which in your faithfulness you swore to David?

⁵⁰ Remember, Lord, how your servant has been mocked,

how I bear in my heart the taunts of all the nations,

⁵¹ the taunts with which your enemies, LORD, have mocked,

with which they have mocked every step of your anointed one.

⁵² Praise be to the LORD forever!

Amen and Amen

~~Happy Birthday Bella~~

I have to give a shout out to my mother! It's her birthday today and she will turn 60!...... Okay so I am joking she won't really be turning 60 but hey at least she will be one year old then she was last year! Here are a few things I know about my mother!

She is one of the last Southern Bells of the South

She loves the #4

She likes to drive white cars

She sleeps more then a new born baby

She is a fan of sour candy warms!

She hates dogs (unless it's Carolina aka our dog)

She loves being a grandparent

And she doesn't know what a DVR is!

Yep Thats my mother one of a kind.

Again Happy Birthday!

~New Beginnings~

Just some updates on how things are going. Baby Ethan is doing well! Emily is still enjoying her little brother and doing very well with a little one around. She loves to compare her baby dolls with him and feed them while mommy feeds Ethan. Debbie's mom and dad came to spend a little bit of time with us this past weekend and week. It was a big joy to have then around. Besides spending some great time with the kids and the fellowship we also got a lot done on our house. I would have to say about 75% of the work that needed to get done got done. It's nice to have someone who know what they are doing and can do it right the 1st time. Shame we didn't hire the right people. If there is ever a next time we will use different people. Debbie is back to work watching to boys and I am trying to do a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I am trying to read all my 100 of emails and interview a few new nannies as well as review some new families we have over the past two week while we where closed. Oh did I state that we have the Christmas tree and all our stuff up. It's not a lot this year but again when your in a small house as we are this year a little is a lot. My goal was to do a little out side this year and start to build a nice display however I am not sure if I am going to make that goal but again this is only the 1st of the month.... maybe it will get done. The over all goal is the have my light display show along with music. Maybe one year!! While working with Debbie's dad this week on our house I got to find all my tools again and so miss my wood shop I had a few years back. If I had the wood I would build one but again that will have to wait for now. But I was glad to get some time to find all my tools an stuff and find I had a lot of stuff. I would like be able to get everything in order again. Well I guess that is about it for now... I know I am poor at blogging and keeping everyone updated on "life in the woods" I will try to do better!

In His Grip,

Jonathan

~Welcome to our World~

Well if you didn't know by now and I am not sure how one could not know but our son was born Monday Nov, 22 2010 at 1:55pm in the after noon. After months of waiting Debbie and I are over joyed with the birth of our son. Ethan Raymond Matthew Rogers was born at 9 pounds 11 oz. and 23 inches long, he was not a little guy! Given both prize for biggest in Debbie's family and biggest baby for the week at the hospital. After around 7 hours of labor and 48 hours in the hospital we are home at last. Now for must needed rest for mommy and daddy!!!

A little about is name

Ethan a Hebrew name, A cymbal-player in King Davids court and author of Palms 89. Ethan means strong and optimistic, or solid.

Raymond comes from my grandfathers name.

Matthew comes from his/ "Ethans" grandfathers name (Debbie's father)

So it is a great mix in families and very strong name that I think he can be proud of. Like Emily we will keep updated pictures. Emily loves her new brother and seems to enjoy the idea of being the big sister (Lord Please keep Emily from killing her brother) She has welcomed him with open arms and likes caring for her baby dolls while mommy cares for Ethan.

Now time to pray for rest and Debbie would take some time to rest and heal. She is super mommy and super wife and does too much.

Oh and a few days ago I was told I have gray hair :( I wonder if that means I have more gray hair now the Ethan is born??

And No it was not planned that we would have two children who have 1st names that start with Es, we just love the names!

In His Grip,

Jonathan

Christmas Decorating Services Now Offered!

Too Busy working 40 hours a week? Lost in Christmas lights? Needing Help? Or Just Don't know where to start?

Let me Help!! After many years of requests, this year we are offering Christmas decorating services. Turn your house into the winter wonderland or an elegant house for the holidays. From fun to show stopping there are no boundaries to what your home can be this holiday season. The best part is we are affordable unlike other companies who charge a flat fee no mater how small the area you may have. Each price we give is custom built around what you really need and want. Also unlike most companies we come back and pack up all decor and put it away for you.

For a Free In-Home Consultation

Email Us Today!

JonathanDavidStudios@gmail.com

NO EXCUSE FOR PASTORS!

(A post from my Xanga Page Dated: September 26, 2005)

There are many reasons why God would not want you, but don't worry. You're in good company!

- Moses stuttered.
-- David's armor didn't fit.
--- John Mark was rejected by Paul.
---- Hosea's wife was a prostitute.
----- Amos' only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning.
------ Jacob was a liar.
------- David had an affair.
-------- Solomon was too rich.
--------- Abraham was too old.
---------- David was too young.
----------- Timothy had ulcers.
------------ Peter was afraid of death.
------------- Lazarus was dead.
-------------- John was self-righteous.
--------------- Jesus was too poor.
-------------- Naomi was a widow.
------------- Paul was a murderer. So was Moses.
------------ Jonah ran from God.
----------- Miriam was a gossip.
---------- Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
--------- Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal.
-------- Elijah was burned out.
------- John the Baptist was a loudmouth.
------ Martha was a worrywart.
----- Mary was lazy.
---- Samson had long hair.
--- Noah got drunk.
-- Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse?
- So did Peter, Paul--well, lots of folks did.
But God doesn't require a job interview. He doesn't hire and fire like most bosses, because He's more our Dad than our boss. He doesn't look at financial gain or loss. He's neither prejudiced nor partial, judging, grudging, sassy, nor brassy, not deaf to our cry, nor blind to our need.

Satan says, "You're not worthy."

Jesus says, "So what? I AM."

Satan looks back and sees our mistakes. God looks back and sees the Cross.

Sure--there are lots of reasons why God shouldn't want us. But if we are in love with Him, if we hunger for Him more than our next breath, He'll use us in spite of who we are, where we've been, or what we look like.

Let this Bless you this week,

In His Grip,

Jonathan

Too Funny to pass up!

Here is a real call log I heard about a few months back. It's very long but very funny if you read that whole thing. It is a true call taken place by a 17 year old.

Lawyer: Good afternoon Blackson Law Firm, how can I help you today?

Guy: Yes I need a Lawyer.

Lawyer: Okay Sir how can I help you?

Guy: Well I was in injured in an accident.

Lawyer: Okay you were injured in an auto accident?

Guys: Yes a nice SUV I just upgraded to. It was a mess. I lost all my points and everything it. So what can you guys do for me... I saw your ad on a TVand it said "one call thats all".

Lawyer: yes sir what I can do is set you up for a meeting for come into our office for free... I just need to ask you a few questions.

Guy: Sure

Lawyer: were you the driver?

Guy: yes and I was speeding

Lawyer: what was the date of the accident?

Guy: it happened two days ago.

Lawyer: what city and state did it happen in?

Guy: well it happened in LA but I am from New York, It's hard to explain. But I was driving around and yeah... I don't know what to say.

Lawyer: how many vehicles were involved in the accident?

Guy: Six

Lawyer: was a business or commercial vehicle involved?

Guy: a Mailman's car got hit a little.

Lawyer: Okay I am so sorry to hear that sir.

Guy: that is okay he made it out alive... I was the only one who was injured.

Lawyer: what were your injures?

Guy: I broke my toe, I had my legs crossed and when I hit the brakes I broke it. and I woke up with a rash but I don't know if that was from the accident.

Lawyer: did you have to get treatment or taken to the hospital?

Guy: Yes, I had to go to the hospital, they didn't think I was going to come our alive.

Lawyer: with a broking toe and a rash?

Guy: yeah and a hurt arm.

Lawyer: oh okay.....

Guy: it's not good at all

Lawyer: where you taken to the hospital by Emergency vehicle or EMS?

Guy: No I had to walk.

Lawyer: Sir you had to walk with a hurt arm, a rash and broke toe?

Guy: yes I did but it was only a few blocks over.

Lawyer: who was at fault for the accident?

Guy: I was, But I did have a few drinks before I went driving.

Lawyer: Did the Police come to the accident?

Guy: Yes

Lawyer: you didn't go to jail? for DUI or six cars being involved and a mailman being hit.

Guy: the mailman's car got hit not the person. and No the time the police got there I was at the hospital. So they don't really know it was me.

Lawyer: Did the police give anyone a ticket or warning?

Guy: I don't know, I was not there. I didn't go back, I didn't even get my car.

Lawyer: Okay did you have Auto insurance?

Guy: No

Lawyer: did anyone else there have Auto Insurance?

Guy: I don't know I just left.

Lawyer: did you miss work due to your injures?

Guy: I am a Student

Lawyer: do you have a lawyer helping with you with this?

Guy: No that is why I am calling you guys.

Lawyer: Okay now I need to get your contact info to set up a office meeting, okay?

Guy: Okay, I am just really mad because I lost all my points on Xbox 360 Live and I just need to get them all back you know....

Lawyer: Sir.....

Guy: Yeah, Man I was about to get a high score too now they are all gone.

Lawyer: So.... This accident happen on the Xbox 360 game?

Guy: Yes it was a video game accident.

Lawyer: ......Ohhhh.......Ok.....well sir we can't take your case.

Guy: well it was not my fault... we really do have a case... we can sue LittleMan223 for all his xbox points.

Lawyer: ..... yeah......*Click*

Guy: Hello?

Fall shows up this morning!

This morning I went outside and felt the nice cool air. I think I could even see a leaf turning colors... Okay maybe that's a bit much but the trees will be turning soon if these temps keep up. We had a long 117 days of 90 degrees and above (more like 95 to 100) record. Debbie and I went into a store this afternoon and it even smelled like Thanksgiving. I am so ready to cut pumpkins and bake a turkey.... YAY it's coming soon... maybe I can put up my Christmas tree. I guess I can wait a few more months, but for now I will enjoy this fall air. Debbie came home and made pumpkin bread and boy where they good. I fell in love!! Now I have to stop eating it or I am going to gain 100 pounds. In other news Gods is good as He always is. We always say things happen in His timing and boy is that ever true even I would have to say he showed up on the last day of the month... However I guess all that matters is He DID show up! With meetings done last night and one this morning and one on the books for next week, one sale made and 3 more we are in hopes and prayer for, This weekend and week has turned out to be great. Now with Baby Rogers #2 growing and Emily learning more words each day and works is starting to look like it might fly life is getting better... Even in the mist of the storm. But we can see a peck of hope and light. In other news. The cows are out and the dogs are at home on the Farm.... LOL I will have to tell the stories of the dogs and cows are a later time. But now is the time to spend with the family and a movie.

In His Grip,

Jonathan

Making God convenient?

I could say some much about this...... However I am going to have to save it for my next book. What has happen to our Churches? and the thing is people like this... I hate to say I live in the same city of this church and I even know people who go to it. This is one of biggest churches in town and so highly talked about... So sad that this is what Church has become....I am waiting for the stripper poles next. remember Matthew 7:14 "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

If you can't see the video you may have to view this post on my blog...

Going to get a Flu shot This year!

Okay every year I always make some post about how I hate flu shots so to get it out the way early this year here it is. This is funny but if you think about it, it is all true.. I have been telling people for years not to get the flu shot... I have never had one and won't get one! Maybe I am just a tree hugger or crazy but hey I'm still alive. It's Funny how many people I hear get the flu after having the shot... I don't want that crap in my body, sorry.

Online Study Coming!

A few months back I started the study "Gripped by the Greatness of God" by James MacDonald and found it to be a great awaking into How great God really is. Sadly with leaving our jobs in the upstate and returning back to our small hometown in GA, with the move and all the "joys" (as I roll my eyes) of moving and starting a new business and trying to get planted back in the community things got way off track and I lost my study in the move. Over the past few weeks I found it again and ready to start back. However in do that I am going to start over and create a online study to share posted on my blog (http://www.southerkafes.blogspot.com/). It seems over the past few months to a year not many people are blogging as much these days and I myself have gotten slack about doing it. One of the main reason I even stated blogging was not really for anyone else but for myself. It is a great way for me to think and slow down my busy life. (I have a "busy" life....ya right!) So anyway over the next 7 weeks I am going to be doing the study of Gripped by the Greatness of God and I welcome all who wants to join this great online study. With this fast world of technology and the world of Internet more and more people are reading and doing things from their computer so what a better way to host and do this study online.

I would also love to hear from you throughout the study so post post post!!!

In His Grip,

Jonathan

New Hobby!

My wife requested that I get a new hobby! So I did....

More details to come but here is a hint:

Call me Lego Man!

I have many ideas for my 1st projects, here are a few ideas:

All done with Legos!