"...So when we become discouraged about gaining control over a nagging sin, we need to turn to the cross. There we find not only the message of ..."

"...What Christ experienced, we experienced. When he died on the cross "to sin" (Rom 6:10), we were with him. When he was raised, we were with him. And it is because we share in what he did that we have a whole new relationship to sin. The Christian life does not begin in something we do; it begins in something Christ did, something that really happened. Because Christ has been liberated from the dominating power of sin, so have we. Because Christ has been raised to a new life, we have the power of a new life available to us. It is for these reasons, Paul insists, that we have both the potential and the responsibility to "walk in newness of life." So when we become discouraged about gaining control over a nagging sin, we need to turn to the cross. There we find not only the message of forgiveness for that sin, but also the power to overcome it." -- Douglas Moo in Encountering the Book of Romans, page 111

"At the end of the day, it's the influences you've had on your children and their children, and how you've lived your life that's most important..."

"At the end of the day, it's the influences you've had on your children and their children, and how you've lived your life that's most important...All of the other stuff - even though some of it was very important - will eventually fade away." -- Walter "Woody" S. Hogle Jr., Senior Vice President, International Business, Rockwell Collins quoted on http://www.rockwellcollins.com/horizons/volume14-issue2/executive-profile/index.html

Our 'works'...can never bring us into God’s favor. Only faith, the humble acceptance of God’s offer of salvation, can do so."

From "Encountering the Book of Romans: A Theological Survey" by Douglas Moo on page 86 regarding Romans 3:

“Our ‘works,’ whether done in obedience to the law (in regard to the phrase “doing the law” in v.28, compare the comments on v.20) or to some other moral code, can never bring us into God’s favor. Only faith, the humble acceptance of God’s offer of salvation, can do so. And just as a person receiving a gift has no right to boast, so the sinner accepting the gracious gift of salvation has not basis for pride in the accomplishment.”

The race does not go to the “swift,” but rather to the “methodical.” -- Bulletproof CPLD Design Practices

The race does not go to the “swift,” but rather to the “methodical.” -- Bulletproof CPLD Design Practices

“There is more to life than investing; there is more to life than work; there is more to life than school.” - Tom Grooms

“There is more to life than investing; there is more to life than work; there is more to life than school.”

- Tom Grooms

"There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep." - Homer

"There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep." - Homer

“Nothing will enter your life that God does not either decree or allow. And nothing will ever enter your life that, if you are willing to trust...

“Nothing will enter your life that God does not either decree or allow. And nothing will ever enter your life that, if you are willing to trust in him, he cannot work out for your good” -- Chip Ingram

"No matter where we are today or what mistakes we've made in the past, He has given us everything we need to glorify Him right now."

"We can each rest in the knowledge that God is sovereign over our life's situation. No matter where we are today or what mistakes we've made in the past, He has given us everything we need to glorify Him right now." - Josh Harris, Boy Meets Girl, page 41

"Sometimes the best words are the ones we don't say."

"Sometimes the best words are the ones we don't say." -- http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/2009/04/no-really-im-fine.html

Thanks for reading! I hope to take a LONG BREAK from blogging! :)

"Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's not a matter of circumstance, but of choice... Choose to live a life that matters"

"Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's not a matter of circumstance, but of choice... Choose to live a life that matters"

-- Michael Josephson

"You can't direct the wind, but you can adjust your sails."

"You can't direct the wind, but you can adjust your sails."

~Unknown

"There are no boring subjects, only disinterested minds."

"There are no boring subjects, only disinterested minds."
-- G.K. Chesterton (found on: http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2006/02/bored-read-this/)

"God is my father and I trust that His plan for my life will never fail. Even when I feel like there is nothing that can help me out of the hole..."

"God is my father and I trust that His plan for my life will never fail. Even when I feel like there is nothing that can help me out of the hole that I've dug for myself, God's hand is right there ready to pull me out. I love you Lord!"

-- Lydia Jorgensen

"Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren't very new at all."

"Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren't very new at all."

~Abraham Lincoln

"Truths are not relative. What are relative are opinions about truth."

"Truths are not relative. What are relative are opinions about truth." - Nicolás Gómez Dávila

"If you were to destroy in mankind the belief in immortality, not only love but every living force maintaining the life of the world would at once be dried up. Moreover, nothing then would be immoral; everything would be lawful... "

"If you were to destroy in mankind the belief in immortality, not only love but every living force maintaining the life of the world would at once be dried up. Moreover, nothing then would be immoral; everything would be lawful, even cannibalism."

-- Fyodor Dostoyevsky, "The Brothers Karamazov"

"You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body."

"You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body."

-- C. S. Lewis

"The sense of touch can convey love as nothing else can..."

"Just as punishment demands physical expression, so does love. The sense of touch can convey love as nothing else can. It is the first way we have of communicating love to our children as babies; cuddling a child tells him more than words ever could. The father's and mother's lap should be a familiar place for the child. Our love should be unashamedly 'hugging love,' as one child put it. Paradoxically, firm, even stern discipline goes hand-in-hand with tender, hugging love. For in both, the child snese the concern and love of the parrent." -- Larry Christiansen on page 122 of "The Christian Family"

"Jesus did many other miraculous signs... But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."

"Jesus did many other miraculous signs ...
But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." -- John 20:30-31

"Every body in the world is seeking happiness - and there is one sure way to find it. That is by controlling your thoughts. Happiness doesn't depend on outward conditions."

"Every body in the world is seeking happiness - and there is one sure way to find it. That is by controlling your thoughts. Happiness doesn't depend on outward conditions.

It depends on inner conditions."

- Dale Carnegie

"Nothing can seem extraordinary until you have discovered what is ordinary. Belief in miracles, far from depending on an ignorance of the laws of nature, is only possible in so far as those laws are known."

"Nothing can seem extraordinary until you have discovered what is ordinary. Belief in miracles, far from depending on an ignorance of the laws of nature, is only possible in so far as those laws are known."

-- C. S. Lewis - "Miracles"

“Do something everyday that scares you.”

“Do something everyday that scares you.”

-- Eleanor Roosevelt

"Thoughts are things, things have gravity, and gravity attracts."

"Thoughts are things, things have gravity, and gravity attracts."

-- Jon Bender

"The physical is the least important."

"The physical is the least important."

- Marlana, June 12, 2009 (not sure if this is an exact quote)

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life t

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”
-- Ashley Smith

"Parents should have their eye trained upon the future, and quit trying to win a popularity contest with their children. What your child may think..."

"Parents should have their eye trained upon the future, and quit trying to win a popularity contest with their children. What your child may think about you in the immediate context of discipline is relatively unimportant. What your child will think about you twenty years from now is the thing to take more seriously." -- Larry Christenson in "The Christian Family"

"No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth!"

"No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth!"

--Ronald Reagan

"The secret of man's being is not only to live but to have something to live for."

"The secret of man's being is not only to live but to have something to live for."

-- Fyodor Dostoyevsky

"Don't buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through. You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do. So there could never be a more beautiful you"

...
Well little girl fourteen I wish that you could see
That beauty is within your heart
And you were made with such care your skin your body and your hair
Are perfect just the way they are

There could never be a more beautiful you
Don't buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you
...

-- Johnny Diaz in More Beautiful You

“Envy is a symptom of lack of appreciation of our own uniqueness and self worth. Each of us has something to give that no one else has.”

“Envy is a symptom of lack of appreciation of our own uniqueness and self worth. Each of us has something to give that no one else has.” – unknown

"The word of man is the most durable of all material."

"The word of man is the most durable of all material." -- Schopenhauer (found on twitter: 9:59 PM May 27th)

"The price of success is perseverance. The price of failure comes cheaper."

"The price of success is perseverance. The price of failure comes cheaper." -- Anonymous posted about 8 hours ago on someone's twitter

"A desk is a dangerous place from which to observe the world."

"A desk is a dangerous place from which to observe the world." —John Le Carre

"Twitter is a useful tool. If you're a Christian and you use it I hope you actively consider how it can reflect the supremacy of Jesus Christ in..."

"Twitter is a useful tool. If you're a Christian and you use it I hope you actively consider how it can reflect the supremacy of Jesus Christ in your life. Ask God to help you use it to share the gospel and build up the saints." -- Josh Harris on Should We Use Twitter During Church?

"The grass may be greener on the other side, but it's just as hard to mow."

"The grass may be greener on the other side, but it's just as hard to mow." --unknown

"It definitely gives me a sense of urgency to make sure I’m making the most of my day and not wasting it on things that distract me from meeting..."

It’s encouraging to think about the opportunity we all have each and everyday to be or do something. Just because someone has tried and failed, doesn’t mean I will have the same result. I can be the one who succeeds at whatever it is I do. I have to try. Even if someone achieved a goal and succeeded, does not mean that my attempt will not bring a whole new dimension that could improve the current circumstances and change the world.

Whatever it is that we want to accomplish we must take full advantage of it as if today were the only day we had. It definitely gives me a sense of urgency to make sure I’m making the most of my day and not wasting it on things that distract me from meeting that goal. I cannot sit back and do nothing. As a Christian, I am aware of a hurting world. If I did nothing, nothing would change.

Everyday is a gift from God and I’m sure we all want to thank Him for that as we wake up each morning and look to change the world!"

- Nate C., in "{BE[cause]} Prayer Requests May 24 - 31" email.

"Today is a most unusual day, because we have never lived it before; we will never live it again; it is the only day we have."

"Today is a most unusual day, because we have never lived it before; we will never live it again; it is the only day we have."
-- William Arthur Ward

"It doesn't matter how many say it cannot be done or how many people have tried it before; it's important to realize that whatever you're doing..."

"It doesn't matter how many say it cannot be done or how many people have tried it before; it's important to realize that whatever you're doing, it's your first attempt at it." – Wally Amos

“The world is not dangerous because of those who do harm but because of those who look at it without doing anything” – Albert Einstein

“The world is not dangerous because of those who do harm but because of those who look at it without doing anything” – Albert Einstein

"I have no time for TV."

"I have no time for TV." -- Marlana

"Happiness is elusive for those who seek it. It is much easier to do the right thing and learn how to enjoy doing it..."

"Happiness is elusive for those who seek it. It is much easier to do the right thing and learn how to enjoy doing it..." -- Chris on "To Marry or Not To Marry"

"Patience is a bitter plant, but it has sweet fruit."

"Patience is a bitter plant, but it has sweet fruit." -- possibly an old German Proverb

"...If you're waiting for the girl to make the first move you're a wimp!! Why make her shoulder the risk of rejection? Be a man..."

From "Homeschool ALUMNI - View topic - You guys are a bunch of pansies!!:

"...If you're waiting for the girl to make the first move you're a wimp!! Why make her shoulder the risk of rejection? Be a man..." -- Hannah Louise

"...They see kissing as an act of physical intimacy -- a gateway drug to greater physical intimacy and involvement..."

From "True Lips Wait? Sexual Abstinence, Romantic Longing, and Monogamous Lips":

"...They see kissing as an act of physical intimacy -- a gateway drug to greater physical intimacy and involvement..." -- Albert Mohler

"Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true."

"Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true." -- Leon J. Suenes about 16 hours ago

"Give up simplistic thinking. Allow God to take you through the complexities. You will find life on the other side to be much more simple."

"Give up simplistic thinking. Allow God to take you through the complexities. You will find life on the other side to be much more simple." -- my good friend Doug Hudgins

"How important is trust for a leader? It is the most important thing. Trust is the foundation of leadership."

"How important is trust for a leader? It is the most important thing. Trust is the foundation of leadership." - John Maxwell about 10 hours ago

"One concern when Christians go in to a counselor is that no one asks them of they are sitting under the ministry ofthe Word (in church)"

"SF: one concern when Christians go in to a counselor is that no one asks them of they are sitting under the ministry ofthe Word (in church)" about 7 hours ago

"They say 'never stop believing in yourself.' You can't be a Christian unless you stop believing in yourself."

"They say 'never stop believing in yourself.' You can't be a Christian unless you stop believing in yourself." -- DeYoung (via @devon_k)7:51 PM May 24th

"The goal of your youth ministry should be boring testimonies."

Kevin Deyoung: "the goal of your youth ministry should be boring testimonies." (via @kirkwhitworth)7:45 PM May 24th

"The gospel is not about what you have to do for God, it's about what He has done for You."

"The gospel is not about what you have to do for God, it's about what He has done for You." K.d. #thisisnext (via @reformadoblog)7:49 PM May 24th

"Success is relative: It is what we can make of the mess we have made of things."

"Success is relative: It is what we can make of the mess we have made of things." -- T.S. Eliot (found on http://twitter.com/motivational/status/1919934880)

"Almost everyone in this country "likes" Jesus because they think of Him as Bono in a bathrobe."

"Almost everyone in this country "likes" Jesus because they think of Him as Bono in a bathrobe." [Kevin DeYoung] #thisisnext 7:55 PM May 24th

"I’ve come to realize that this isn’t what I want out of life. Rather, I want to develop a “wealthy money mindset.”"

From What’s Your Money Mindset?:

What’s Your Money Mindset?

Written by Matt - 20 Comments

I come from middle-class roots and was brought up with what I’ve recently heard referred to as a “middle-class money mindset.” By that, I mean that I’ve been primarily concerned with:

• Getting an education
• Developing a skill/career
• Honing that skill
• Using that skill to work and trade time for money
• Saving that money
• Working to a ripe old age, and then retiring
• Living happily ever after

More recently, I’ve come to realize that this isn’t what I want out of life. Rather, I want to develop a “wealthy money mindset.” By that, I mean that I want to:

• Embrace the concept of compounding interest
• Always spend less than I earn and avoid debt
• Save/invest as much of my income as possible
• Achieve financial independence
• Spend my “work” week pursuing my passions
• Never retire, but rather continue pursuing my passions
• Give generously

Wealth is, of course, a very personal concept, so your definition might differ from mine. That’s fine — to each his own!

...

Read more: http://www.fivecentnickel.com/2009/05/21/whats-your-money-mindset-dfa/.

"It is better to Believe than to Disbelieve. In so doing you bring everything to the realm of possibility." -- Einstein

"It is better to Believe than to Disbelieve. In so doing you bring everything to the realm of possibility." -- Einstein (found here: http://twitter.com/Positive_Thinkr/status/1919824114)

"Fretting springs from a determination to get our own way. All fret & worry is caused by calculating without God"

"Fretting springs from a determination to get our own way. All fret & worry is caused by calculating without God" -- Oswald Chambers (found on: http://twitter.com/atgiggleswick/status/1918881032)

"But what teenagers remember most are gifts of time and the heart, not the wallet."

Key statement: Jeanne Mayo shared a great statement in her article "musings on the recession" - "But what teenagers remember most are gifts of time and the heart, not the wallet."

-- Mark E. Eades on http://jrhiguy.blogspot.com/2009/05/mag-report-group-may-jun-2009.html

"For every distortion you have about God there is a corresponding consequence."

"For every distortion you have about God there is a corresponding consequence." -- Andy Stanley (for more see: http://salt.elijahlofgren.com/2009/05/elijahs-notes-from-andy-stanley-session.html)

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does..."

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." -- 1 John 3:1 (New International Version)

"I am thankful for... doctors that listen to you and not just think they know everything."

"I am thankful for... doctors that listen to you and not just think they know everything." -- http://paizlee.blogspot.com/2009/05/swd-33.html

"God is so good! I cannot begin to imagine the blessings he bestows upon me every day, I only wish I'd see them for what they were more often"

lisasca God is so good! I cannot begin to imagine the blessings he bestows upon me every day, I only wish I'd see them for what they were more often about 4 hours ago

"Joshua Harris "Men trust God by risking rejection. Women trust God by waiting." Carolyn McCulley #thisisnext"

Joshua Harris "Men trust God by risking rejection. Women trust God by waiting." Carolyn McCulley #thisisnext (via @JoyPeeler)

16 minutes ago

"Come to the edge, he said, They said: We are afraid. Come to the edge, he said. They came He pushed them and they flew."

"Come to the edge, he said,
They said: We are afraid.
Come to the edge, he said.
They came
He pushed them
and they flew."
-Guillaume Apollinaire

"Therefore, every single woman who is contemplating marriage, should put her best efforts into preparing - whether she has a potential husband in view

"It's amazing how swiftly God can work the most incredible changes in our lives, and there is no way we can know His plan. Therefore, every single woman who is contemplating marriage, should put her best efforts into preparing - whether she has a potential husband in view or not. Even if you don't know it, he might be already on his way and when he arrives, you will be so glad that you put time and thought into preparation of mind, heart and soul, as well as into practical work of your hands which will be useful in a home of your own."

-- Mrs. Anna T. Read more on http://ccostello.blogspot.com/2009/05/on-to-married-life-with-good-start.html

"Those who believe they believe in God, but w/o passion in the heart, w/o anguish of mind, w/o uncertainty, w/o doubt, and even at times..."

"Those who believe they believe in God, but w/o passion in the heart, w/o anguish of mind, w/o uncertainty, w/o doubt, and even at times w/o despair, believe only in the idea of God, and not in God Himself."
- Miguel de Unamuno

"The reward for conformity is that everyone likes you but yourself." - Rita Mae Brown

"The reward for conformity is that everyone likes you but yourself."
- Rita Mae Brown

"Treasure the present because you never know how much you might miss these times someday, or realize how much of a gift they really are until they..."

"Treasure the present because you never know how much you might miss these times someday, or realize how much of a gift they really are until they are gone." -- Tara Joan

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out.."

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen."
-Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or..."

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." -- 1 Corinthians 13:4-6

"People are like stained glass windows: they sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed..."

"People are like stained glass windows: they sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light within."
-Elizabeth Kubler-Ross