"My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer."
Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
-----I am standing on a beach peering across a vast sea with a an unnatural purplish blue sky, dark blue clouds, and lighting bursting in the distance; the water is transparent yet thick as blue paint tossing about the wind; and the beach, the beach is a deserted, barren, and an empty thing, and I say thing because it seemed alive. There is nothing behind me but mountains and nothing in front of me but the sea and a dock which extended about 60 feet across the water. As I stared beyond the dark and corroded dock and into the distance wondering why I was there, a strong breeze brushed across my face and a warm glow of green and blue and yellow light shown throughout the horizon. I gazed further to see a figure in white robes. I had this strange desire to go out to him but I was afraid... A voice said, “come” and I ran to the dock and dashed across the planks. No longer could I feel the cool sand nor the harsh wood but the cool water beneath my feet. I was in amazement! I was walking on the water! I increased my stride as my desire to reach this person intensified. CRASH! ROAR! HISS! The wind began to shriek, the waves began to beat against me. Fear consumed and I began to sink! “God NO!” was all I could think then. -----I couldn’t understand… I knew I was dreaming but all I could do was watch myself drown. I tried with all my strength to swim back up but the sea was just too strong… I just couldn’t do it by myself. As I held my breath in my dream I held it in reality trying so hard to come back up for air but I just couldn’t do it. I felt so alone, so scared, and in such despair that I just couldn’t do anything. My sight began to fade, my life began to fade, and my dream began to fade. When my hope of reaching the surface was almost completely gone, SWOOP! Went a mighty hand, grabbing me by the chest, and out of the water. It was an incredible feeling… I gasped for air and awoke form my dream. -----It seemed so real. . . It seemed so real was all that I could think. As I pondered such an experience naturally I recalled the same experience Peter had as he walked on water out to His savior. It was a lack of faith and a lack of focus that caused Peter to hesitate and fall but it was Jesus Christ that gave him true strength and ability to do the impossible. It is my prayer that I can cut off my fear of drowning in a world of deep inequity and leap out with faith that God will catch me and never let me go. I want to do what He commands me without hesitation, never losing focus of His perfection, and always looking forward to my chief end--To glorify and enjoy Him forever. Amen
-----It’s a curious condition, something we all have, and something I don’t want anymore—human emotion: why bother having it? If it weren’t for love, there wouldn’t be any hate, if it weren’t for happiness, there wouldn’t be despair, if it weren’t for peace, there wouldn’t be any war. -----It’s been a rare occasion until as of late and there is nothing lonelier then a dinner table with empty seats. As I set my own table, and sat there in solitude, I couldn’t help but think, “For how much longer I will sit alone, for how much longer I will be by myself, and how much longer will I have a place to call home?” I’ve taken so much for granted—every blessing disregarded—because at that moment I was only thinking of myself. Did it occur to me at all that when I leave this wonderful home God has so blessed me with to go on and do my own thing that I won’t be the only one saying goodbye? Did I consider the feelings of those whom I claim to love and how my lack of existence would impact their lives? What would the world be like if I was to suddenly disappear; a better place perhaps? Questions. . . Is that all I can do? The minutes slowly drifted across my little rift of time; I pondered further, to try and come to a close, the last 18 years of my life. . . Was it all worth it? -----WAKE UP! I cried inside! Don’t you understand that this isn’t the end? You aren’t losing anything but why do you feel and see your world falling apart? Hold on to your emotions! Don’t let go! They make you who you are. . . Why are you in despair? Every bite was bitter sweet, painful, depressing. I couldn’t stand to think of a world without love because I realized that even though there is pain and misery I truly wouldn’t have any other way. It’s the pain that makes me stronger, faster, better. It’s love that I want most. . . But can’t have. . . Because I don’t deserve it. I don’t deserve my wonderful family, my wise parents, my fun-loving siblings, my encouraging friends. Hell and damnation is what I deserve! Lord I cannot fathom why you would love such a monster. Amazing was all that I could think of then. Although I live in a world full of imperfection, lies, deceit , dirty looks, and the things people use to say—it’s the curve that made my confidence crash—I still serve a God who will always love me no matter what and the only thing He asks in return is that I love Him back. I was so selfish. . . This is your life and it’s been all but ordinary; now sit inside your wall of shame leaving what’s forgotten, you make it so hard to find a world, a home, you can call your own. -----My plate was now empty but the chair in front of me no longer was. I began to imagine my siblings sitting there sharing a coke, my parents sharing their wisdom, and my best friends sharing their dreams. I than understood that I wasn’t alone anymore and that I never was because no matter what my family will always love me and my friends will always be there. If not, I know for sure there is one person who will always be there for me: Christ Jesus, my Lord, my Savior, my Friend. I began to feel the comfort of His spirit within me, and the strength of His words as I reminisced their meanings. No longer was I afraid, no longer did I have doubt, and no longer did I feel alone. I used to feel that my efforts in friendships were in vain, that my involvement in the lives of the people around me was worthless, because every time you say hello that means you’ll have to say goodbye and that’s something I never want to have to do. I guess I still haven’t answered my question. . . Why bother with human emotions? -----Without love, without joy, without peace, without emotion: we would be nothing more than empty shells and thoughtless machines; however, there wouldn’t be any misery, we couldn’t feel pain, we wouldn’t hate, or go to war. Its human emotion that defines the greatness of God for it is only love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance that comes from Him and not hate, despair, war, intolerants, roughness, disbelief, or a lack of self control. God did not want to make us love Him rather He wants us to want to love Him and without human emotion that would be impossible. Although we would feel no pain, although every mistake in life we made would have no impact, and although every painful memory we may have hidden within would go away, life would have no meaning. Pain makes us bigger, better, faster, stronger, and love makes us the greatest things of all. To love even though there is pain, to live even though there is hate and stupid mistakes in this world, to laugh even though deep inside we are weeping makes us invincible. -----I use to think that everything I wanted to have, to do, to give, and to say, never really benefited my life; that it all sort of meant nothing because I just couldn’t see beyond myself. Now I realize that the fruit I have produced in the last few years has not only impacted my life but also impacted the lives of others and produced fruit in them; thus, I have discovered much more purpose and meaning to life. May I conclude that human emotion is very important and that I would be lost without it. There just isn’t enough love in the world and sometimes too much pain I guess that causes me to wish away my feelings, but I must always remember that this isn’t paradise (that’s yet to come) and it is in our diverse trials that worketh patients so that one day we will be made perfect and entire wanting nothing.
John 15 12- 27
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants for the servant does not know what is master is doing; but I have called you friends for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that what you ask the Father in my mane he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: a servant is not greater than his master, if they persecuted me, they will also persecute you, if they kept my word, they will keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account on my name because they do not know him who sent me.
O LORD, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar. Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all. Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me. Such knowledge is beyond me, far too lofty for me to reach. Where can I hide from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee? If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in Sheol, you are there too. If I fly with the wings of dawn and alight beyond the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand holds me fast. If I say, "Surely darkness shall hide me, and night shall be my light" -- Darkness is not dark for you, and night shines as the day. Darkness and light are but one. You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb. I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works! My very self you knew; my bones were not hidden from you, When I was being made in secret, fashioned as in the depths of the earth. Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be. How precious to me are your designs, O God; how vast the sum of them! Were I to count, they would outnumber the sands; to finish, I would need eternity.
That’s why…
What? You don’t see it? Although God knows everything, we do not and even if we could count the things God knows and is doing in our lives it would take an eternity! “But why?” you still ask. We mustn’t really trouble our minds with such incomprehensible inquirers but is such a question really so difficult for one to find an answer for? We just don’t pray because he told us too, we don’t pray because we have too (he already knows what were going to say, right?), we pray because we love too.
God didn’t create robots: he created man with a will to choose to love Him or reject Him; however, God is sovereign choosing his sheep and doing as he pleases (which is a another very good topic). Everything we do for God our father in the name of Christ no matter how small or insignificant brings God joy and honor which is our primary purpose not only to glorify Him but also to enjoy Him forever.
In conclusion, I challenge all who read this to take a moment and consider the importance of just gazing at the stars just how you did when you first saw them so long ago and exclaim with genuine wonder, “Wow!” Don’t make a mess of things and look at life, the universe, and everything as if it were clockwork or some sort of machine, but instead realize that life is wonderful and God is big.
Well, to make it a little more official with Google Video and all I've decided to add pictures and even video to our funloving audio updates! Hope you enjoy it :)
Well, finnaly I have the ability to post what i've been, like, wanting to post forever!
It's a video, of course :)
Hope ya'll like it :)
Where have I been? Well, my system died and nothing has been working right but now I have a new systme and things are all better HE HE :) I'm so weird... Don't give yourself to much credit... Hey, don't interupt me! You, better shut your mouth or you just might wind up talking to yourself...
*Caugh*
... Okay... It appears that what's embeded isn't working so try the link...
My, my! Look at the time past and tell me you’re not amazed!
Forgive the lack of diligence to keep you up-to-date but quite frankly not much has happened for the last 4 weeks… Sheesh! I shutter to think it’s been that long already.
Well, to get to some more interesting aspects of life, its Thanksgiving time! And I’d like to take a moment to list five things I’m thankful for:
5: Well, without life it would be quite impossible to be thankful at all so I am thankful for life but (to be more direct) I’m thankful for the creator who gave me lungs to sing and hands to work for the His Glory! God my Father.
4: His Son Jesus Christ who died and rose again, who conquered death and vanquished sin for our eternity in heaven.
3: My family: My mother and father who’s wisdom and council ever strengthens me; my brothers who’s diverse talents and abilities never cease to amaze, impress, and teach me; my little sister who has brought great joy and imagination to my life who’s famine perspective sheds new light of what it takes to be good gentlemen and one day a good husband and father.
2: My friends: without friendship and companions to share life and joy; to fellowship and serve one another; to laugh and cry, win and loose, brake down and build up—life would be rather difficult and dull.
1: My God given talents and the many, many teachers, councilors, and elders who have (by God’s grace) raised me up and brought be to a high place of understanding and preparedness for the future world to come.
Hope you all have many things to be thankful and if you have never made a list I would encourage you to as you will find that blessings come in all shapes and sizes.
-----Hey ya’ll!!! We’re back and still kicking! We hope you enjoyed our audio update! We know we have a lot of fun putting it together for you and look forward to doing it again soon!!!
-----Many of you may know that Ryan and I spent the week in San Antonio for the Independent Christian Film Festival and Academy. I got a whole lot of good theology, technique, and technological benefits out of the entire thing and best of all got to spend some time, in person, with our very good friend Darby. It was indeed the best of times from watching film entrees to creeping people out with magic tricks to listening to sermon after next (thanks for doing that btw ;) I hope you got as much out of it as I did) but most of all we got to hang out and enjoy the time well spent. Funny story, while Ryan, Darby, and I were waiting by the escalator for no apparent reason Ryan decided to come up to some stranger and do a magic trick for him and he stuck around us since which made the week even better so Josiah if you get a chance to read this, it was a pleasure bumping into you ;). So for the rest of festival it was Ryan, Darby, Josiah, and myself and an abundant sack of wonderful memories to bring home. I think the best time we had was getting to listen to Ray Comfort and play a couple of rounds of Master/slave which I happen to be no good at… But I’m determined to beat you next time Darby! So watch out ;) At any rate, I wouldn’t have traded that week for any other week in the world! Thanks for making it extra special.
Well, we’re home now! Hope to hear from those of you who still blog soon!
-----Sometimes I wonder why the moon is new where the stars are shooting to when they're shooting through the skies. There are wondrous things that I would like to know like how they make the winds and turn the tides and then I wonder why I wonder so.
~Hubie: from the Pebble and Penguin
-----There are many of you who may not be the greatest fans of Disney but I grew up with several of these films one of them being the Pebble and the Penguin. The protagonist of this story is Hubie which is struggling to find that perfect pebble for the love of his life, Marina. Hubie is shy and always hesitant in letting Marina know how he truly feels but also conflicted with the intimidating antagonist Drake who wants the dazzling Marina only for a trophy. Realizing toward the climax of this colorful tale, Hubie comes to terms that Marina truly loves him back and that she rather have the penguin he truly is than a silly materialistic pebble. Mustering incredible strength through his many trials, Hubie finds his way back to defeat the horrible Drake and live happily ever after. At times I feel very much like Hubie but on many scales. Incline your ears to hear my story which I can assure the depth will wax your minds to a better understanding of who I am and what I stand for. Bright fame is my name, a wagon maker is the meaning of my middle, and an oak tree meadow defines the last—[my name is Robert Wayne Oakley and these three things I strive to be: kind, fun-loving, and passionate.]
-----Hubie, although very timid, was very kind hearted to everything and everyone that surrounded him. There’s never a time where I don’t considered the feelings of my family and friends. Kindness many would define as simply being nice to others or doing good deeds; on the contrary, Kindheartedness reveals to me a much deeper meaning. Compassionate ways of thinking, a considerate mindset, and selflessness must embed their worth to the mind if any is to consider doing unto others as they would have done unto them—this defines my outlook of true kindness. I aspire to be kind to my family: kind to my parents, siblings, and distant relations. Whenever in need of someone to talk to, whenever in need of someone to listen, whenever in need of anything—I’ll do my best to be there for my family and friends. I take to heart the many teachings of my family and friends and Savior Jesus Christ. I am a firm believer in the sacrifice of God’s one and only son who He sent to die for our sins which was much more than an act of kindness. It is written, “That all have come short to the glory of God but who so ever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”By the many teachings of my Parents, the experiences I’ve had with my family, being the eldest of six, and by dwelling in the words of the Lord I have leaned the importance of being responsible, obedient, and kind, as well as, playful.
HUBIE: Sometimes I wonder if there'll ever be someone right for me, someone who may wonder too who's wonderful Like y-y-y-y-I don't know. Like y-y-y--you must be bored to tears with all this wacky nonsense.
MARINA: Oh, no! I don't think its nonsense at all even if you are a bit wacky.
-----Hubie’s most remarkable characteristic trend is his stutter. Although I don’t stutter aloud, I feel that I do sometimes inside, but any chance I get to unwind, have fun, and enjoy life I waver the thought of having to worry about what I’m going to say and try to make the best of times. I may not be the heart of the party (which is the way I prefer it) I do my b-b-b-best to make those that surround me interested and happy. If I can get them to smile at a worthy cause and not to make them chuckle due to some embarrassment or vain jangling, I’ve completed my task of (hopefully) remarkable joy. It brings me great pleasure to be merry with the ones I love which inspires me to one day be a loving husband and Father. I admire little children because they constantly remind me to have childlike faith and always gaze upon the world God has made with wonder. I hope to one day raise a family of my own, a family dedicated to the Lord and each other. This leads me to share my passionate desires.
-----Clumsy, apprehensive, but passionate—Hubie didn’t have many talents but knew his place and wasn’t going to let anything stand in the way of his dreams much like his comrade Rocco the Rock hopper. Rocco wanted to fly but as everyone knows, penguins can’t fly! This wasn’t going to stop Hubie or Rocco from using their abilities to achieve their goals. Sometimes there are things we can’t achieve, certain task we are unable to perform but that doesn’t stop us from trying our best. The Lord has blessed me with many talents some of which are hobbies such as Graphic art and Photography. He has also blessed me with the gift of writing and leadership. I love to write and I feel that I was born to lead: only by the grace of God may I use these gifts for His glory! God has created man in His image; likewise, man has a longing to create. Although man’s inspiration and originality is dependent on the creator, God wants us to glorify Him through our artistic ability which is one of my passionate desires. To write, to paint, to shoot, to direct all for the glory of God—these are only a few things I long to do.Throughmy God ordained vision which He reveals more and more to me each day do I long to lead and direct understanding that a good leader is a good servant, responsible, and wise. It is my goal to write inspiring stories that reveal the wonder of the Lord and to one day direct films that will touch millions of lives. Above all else, however, I want to be a man who follows God and performs His great works, a man of God in my home, and around my friends—the people I love.
-----At times, many would call me a perfectionist a name which I resent greatly; however, it is the truth and probably one of my greatest weaknesses. Although I aspire to be kind hearted, fun-loving, and passionate about a great many things, I am far from perfect. I know I will fall and falter but I also realize that this is simply part of the growing process. When I do stumble, I pray for wisdom for it is written, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask it of God who gives it to all many liberally.” And I also pray for forgiveness from God and those whom I failed. It brings me great comfort to know that my family and friends are there to catch me when I crash and it brings me abounding joy to return the favor by being kind, fun-loving, and passionate.
In order to win the grand prize our video needs as many votes as it can get so tell every living soul you know to register and vote for our video. We need a lot of votes and every vote counts.
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I sincerely hope you enjoy it and please remember to check the Insomnia Website periodically as the voting will begin soon!
Thanks for your support and God bless
HEY EVERYONE!!!
KEEP READING!!!
I'VE ADDED TO THE POST
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Follow the link and tell everyone you know to VOTE!
Just like to thank you all for your support! I mean, you're part of the reason I'm here; without you, this would be simply life stuck in a box...
Anyway, I promised to give out one of my prised resources of music, Video Game Remixes, and other things...
First of all (and if you like game music) Try Mp3realm and search for any of your favorite game music...
Not a video game fanatic like me? Well try these and see if you like them
Zelda (or the legend of Zelda)
Mega Man X
[Final Fantasy]
(My most favorite video game and music for that matter)
(Keep in mind, there are like over 10 (ten) Final Fantasy adventures)
The best music would have to be Episodes II, III, VIII , and X
As mentioned in a post, Breath of Fire has some really good selections...
But most of it you'll just have to browse over and pick and choose (I mean, some of it I can't bare to listen to) but on occasion you're bound to find something you like...
Earth Bound is a good game to search as well.
And as one more fact, many of these games are from the old SNES (Super Nentindo) and playstation systems.
Finally, some links to some sites FULL of game music
1/2 cup diagonally cut asparagus spears (1-inch pieces)
1/4 cup whipping cream
4 tsp. minced fresh garlic
1 pkg. (4 oz.) ATHENOS Crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese
1 pkg. Mushrooms (suggestive: Portobello)
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
COOK pasta as directed on package.
MEANWHILE, heat oil in small skillet on medium heat. add Mushrooms and cook for 2 to 5 min or until lightly brown and crisp.
DRAIN and rinse pasta. Place in large skillet. Add tomatoes; cook on medium heat 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add chicken, broth, asparagus, cream and garlic; mix well. Cook and stir 5 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened. Add mushrooms, cheese and basil; mix well. Cook 2 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Although it's highly unhealthy it's an investment that promises high risk but massive reward!
Do yourself a favor and try it sometime I know you're going to like it!
I don’t know… Ever since school started and ever since I got a job, life has seem to go blasting by… I fear I’m missing out on way too much. I need to do something exiting!
Like have an epic adventure with all my friends where we transport to some demission of infamous wonder!
How about an epic adventure of fantastic aura blistering with suspense and conflict!
We all long for something… My something?
To have an adventure…
The ultimate adventure…
An adventure full of obstacles to conquer, enemies to defeat, battles to win, and someone to woe and sweep off their feet!
This is my fantasy…
This is my final fantasy!
To imagine a world of magic and mystics, dragons and trolls, hobbits and hearty songs, dwarves and their crafts; gryphon riders and airships, space battles and laser swords; elves and their charming beauty, fairies and their mesmerizing talents. My final fantasy is to open my eyes and see it all come true, to sail upon a ship, a ship that will take me anywhere! To travel to the last star and back, to live a life remarkable…
My fantasy is a reality and well within the making!
My adventure is happening right now!
It’s just depends on the way you look at it…
Perhaps I won’t slay dragons or defeat corrupt kings or save damsels in distress…
But perhaps the battles to be won are the ones inside… maybe this adventure isn’t as epic as I’d like it to be but would I really trade this life for more?
Not a chance!
I am well content with the friends I have, I am madly compassionate of my family, and wouldn’t give it up for anything!!!
This isn’t my life to live anyway…
It’s the almighty creator’s…
Allow me to do thy great will o Lord! And work through me so that I may bring thee glory! Amen.
Well, honestly not much happened this year but I'll do my best to jot down what I think is most memorable ;)
1. The Blog Phenomenon! Who do I have to blame for getting me hooked on blogging? Brooke, was it you? I think the only reason I got started was because I was lead to the HBF... No wait! I know, I got myself started but I wasn't really bloging I was just show casing my graphics on Blogspot and that's were John told me about HBF! So it's Johns fault!
Thanks John for getting me started! ;)
2.Graphics: As you may all may already know, I'm a graphic artist! A pretty good one if I may so boldly say but I'll let you decide ;) I've done quite a few graphics over the summer; exploring new realms of abstract, creating amazing subject footage including my best of yet "Nenaglarelendil," web design and redesign, and hopefully much more to come!
3. Boy Scouts I'm a Boy Scout of America. Summer camp this year was exiting and although every year before seemed somewhat the same, this year turned out to be quite fresh and exciting! I was recently elected the Senior Patrol leader (highest leadership position ) for the next six months, I put together this quarters video slide show, and we just had our semi-annual planning meeting for next years events.
4.La Madeleine I am an honest employ set at an honest pay at a La Madeleine Bistro and Cafe'/Bakery! Not my choice of vocation but it's my bread and butter for now. I have to say I was extremely fortunate to of had the training before hand not offered to anyone else applying as of now meaning to say I am now a trainee...
More Highlights to come
Okay, where was I?
O Yea!
5. Hearing from Darby! I must say it was quite a highlight for me to hear from such a good friend :) It was a most pleasant and unexpected surprise. I hope everyone will get to meet her someday :)
6.My Book 500 GB External Hard Drive! I recently purchased a 500 GB External Hard Drive and for those of you who don't realize how extremely huge that is think of storing up to 100,000 songs of about 4 min in length! 500 BILLION Bytes!!! I'll never run out of space again!
...
Not! I'll probably be buying another by the time Christmas rolls in...
7. Goodness! Is it possible I did or experienced at least ten memorable things? Rowan was born! That is most defiantly a highlight for me! I am so glad he is finally here!
8. I am on the road and dangerous! I have a driving license and a car! that's pretty cool! I've been cruising for six months now!!!
9. Cinenosin Film Academy I am part of a fresh, new film academy making an effort to reach homeschooling high school students across the nation. I can't wait till the San Antonio Film Festival!!!
10. I got my Wisdom Teeth Removed!!! Yea...
I wouldn't really consider that a huge highlight considering I got sick at the same time of recovery but I guess it's the thought that I won't have to do it again EVER again that makes it worth remembering...
Well, there you have it! Ten things I found most memorable of Summer 2007... If I left anything out of significants it wasn't anything personal... Please remind me!
O! Here is a bonus!
Spending some AWESOME quality time at the Boriacks!!! I shared some moments there most memorable...
Should I go into detail?
Maybe next time...
THREE HUNDRED!!!
THIS... IS... SPARTA!!!
BRAVE HEART!!!
FREEEEEEEDOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!!!
For an Irish to speak to his equal he is forced to speak to the almighty...