Happy Birthday To Me....Tomorrow
Yes, I will be 27 years old tomorrow. It is amazing how fast time flies. I can't believe I have been out of school for 9 years. I can't believe I have been at my current job for 7 years. I can't believe I have been married for over a year. Time truly does fly.
Last night, my parents (and my aunt Carol) came over to join us. I grilled burgers and some Sante Fe Chicken. They brought some baked beans, a birthday cake (graham cracker cake), and made some homemade ice cream, which I absolutely loved! I was hoping we would get to play a game of cards or something, but we had so much to visit about that we never quite made it back to the table after eating. I am so glad they were able to come over, it was wonderful getting to spend some time with them!
Today, we got up and took our new dog to the vet to get him checked out. After that, we went by a few garage sales. Then we lounged around the house for a few hours. Liz had to work at the chapel this evening, so it is just me around the house. Liz took Addy to spend the night with her grandma...she only lives a few miles away from the chapel and always loves being with Ann. We will meet back up with them tomorrow at church. I'm not sure if Addy is spending the afternoon with them or not? Sometimes things are so hectic that I can't keep up with things.
That is really all I had to say...can I quit having birthdays now? I am ready for them to stop. I haven't been blogging much lately...I just can't think of anything exciting to talk about and I feel like I just repeat myself. I don't know.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Liz and Me
1. Who eats more?
Definitely me...I can put food away, obviously.
2. Who said "I love you" first?
I don't remember...all that matters is that we love one another.
3. Who sings better?
Liz does...I love when she sings.
4. Who's Older?
Me...6 months and a day older.
5. Who's smarter?
We are both intelligent...though we are both smarter in particular (but different) areas.
6. Whose temper is worse?
That would probably be mine...sometimes I don't take criticism too well, especially after an already long day.
7. Who does the laundry?
Neither of us...seriously. We wash some when we run out, though we never have 1/4 cleaned at once.
8. Who does the dishes?
We both wash dishes.
9. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?
Liz does.
10. Whose feet are bigger?
Mine.
11. Whose hair is longer?
Obviously, Liz's.
12. Whose better with the computer?
Me...it is my job and all.
13. Who mows the lawn?
I do...I don't want my wife to ever do it. I feel it is the man's job. How could I feel like a man, being inside while my wife was in the heat mowing the yard?
14. Who pays the bills?
We both do.
15. Who cooks dinner?
We both do some...unless it is fast food.
16. Who drives when you are together?
Mostly, me. I drive probably 90% of the time...that is usually because Liz is putting on makeup on the ride.
17. Who pays when you go out to dinner?
Usually me, unless she has the cash.
18. Who's the most stubborn?
We both are. ;-)
19. Who is the first one to admit when they're wrong?
Neither!
20. Whose parents do you see more?
Liz's. She works in Choctaw on the weekends, so we usually end up spending the night. We both love my parents, and we can't wait to spend time with them.
21. Who named your dog?
We just kept the dog's previous name.
22. Who kissed who first?
Liz kissed me...yep.
23. Who asked who out?
Liz asked me out to a concert at Oklahoma Christian...she asked me the same day and I couldn't make it. The next time, I asked to meet her on my way back from Broken Bow...we had our first date then.
24. Who's more sensitive?
Liz is...though she will swear that I am.
25. Who's taller?
Me, by a centimeter.
26. Who has more friends?
We both have a bunch.
27. Who has more siblings?
Liz does.
28. Who wears the pants in the relationship?
I DO! No matter what she thinks.
1. Who eats more?
Definitely me...I can put food away, obviously.
2. Who said "I love you" first?
I don't remember...all that matters is that we love one another.
3. Who sings better?
Liz does...I love when she sings.
4. Who's Older?
Me...6 months and a day older.
5. Who's smarter?
We are both intelligent...though we are both smarter in particular (but different) areas.
6. Whose temper is worse?
That would probably be mine...sometimes I don't take criticism too well, especially after an already long day.
7. Who does the laundry?
Neither of us...seriously. We wash some when we run out, though we never have 1/4 cleaned at once.
8. Who does the dishes?
We both wash dishes.
9. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?
Liz does.
10. Whose feet are bigger?
Mine.
11. Whose hair is longer?
Obviously, Liz's.
12. Whose better with the computer?
Me...it is my job and all.
13. Who mows the lawn?
I do...I don't want my wife to ever do it. I feel it is the man's job. How could I feel like a man, being inside while my wife was in the heat mowing the yard?
14. Who pays the bills?
We both do.
15. Who cooks dinner?
We both do some...unless it is fast food.
16. Who drives when you are together?
Mostly, me. I drive probably 90% of the time...that is usually because Liz is putting on makeup on the ride.
17. Who pays when you go out to dinner?
Usually me, unless she has the cash.
18. Who's the most stubborn?
We both are. ;-)
19. Who is the first one to admit when they're wrong?
Neither!
20. Whose parents do you see more?
Liz's. She works in Choctaw on the weekends, so we usually end up spending the night. We both love my parents, and we can't wait to spend time with them.
21. Who named your dog?
We just kept the dog's previous name.
22. Who kissed who first?
Liz kissed me...yep.
23. Who asked who out?
Liz asked me out to a concert at Oklahoma Christian...she asked me the same day and I couldn't make it. The next time, I asked to meet her on my way back from Broken Bow...we had our first date then.
24. Who's more sensitive?
Liz is...though she will swear that I am.
25. Who's taller?
Me, by a centimeter.
26. Who has more friends?
We both have a bunch.
27. Who has more siblings?
Liz does.
28. Who wears the pants in the relationship?
I DO! No matter what she thinks.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Got Promoted!
I already blogged about my Saturday and how much work I got done. I will just talk about Sunday this time.
I think I told you a week or two ago that Liz and I serve during two other services, so we are there from 9:30am-2:30pm. The first service we are part of the Host Team...we are ushers, we greet people (open door, help find them a seat, etc) and at the end of service we take up the offering.
We attend the 11:30am service, then for the 1pm service...we serve in the LifeKids area. Two weeks ago I worked with 4 year olds (Liz rocked babies), then last week we were with ToonTown (6 years old-3rd grade). They let you move around to different classes until you find what you like...well we really liked that class...that is where we wanted to serve. We just help out with the kids and all. There is another couple in there like us...then there is an emcee and a dj/producer. The emcee does all the talking (besides the dvd) and creates all the kid interaction...the dj/producer is in charge of running the lights, sound board, dvd, just the man who makes the show go.
Well, we went into our LifeKids class today. The man who was the dj/producer for awhile said that he is now working Saturday nights and won't be in there. Not sure why he switched and they didn't have anybody ready to fill in. They went and got one of the employees of the church, he gave me a quick 2 minute intro to how it all works. Now I guess I'm the new dj/producer of LifeKids ToonTown. It went pretty well...there is a lot to do and remember. Liz said she couldn't even tell that it was my first time. Matter of fact, it went so well that she just thought it was a one button operation...that is until she came up there to where I sit and checked it out. I have a computer with a lot of sliders/buttons that controls the light show. I have a knobs for window shades and main lights in the room. I have the sound board that controls all the microphones and audio for the dvd players and program. There is quite a bit of equipment up there for a "class". It went really well, and it sounds like they just want me to do it. I got a promotion on my second week on the job...the guy showing me and the emcee both kept saying "did you like it", "how did it go", "is it something you'd like to do"....so I figure they want me to do it.
After church, we hurried home to get a ton of free homeschool stuff out of the garage. A few weeks ago, we were given tons of stuff from a lady in Edmond...we picked out what we wanted and passed along the awesome stuff. We met two amazing families (well the mom/wife and a daughter from each family) who were really good friends and came together. It even got to the point where we invited them inside to keep talking. They are each a large homeschooling family...one has 10 kids, the other 12 kids. With our talking in regards to birth control, we were just so interested in everything about them. They are awesome people and am glad to have met them.
Later, Liz and I went to eat at Golden Palace in Midwest City. After dinner, we met Jody (Liz's dad) so that we could get Addy and Chance. Addy went with Liz's parents after the 11:30 service so she could spend some quality time with them instead of attending a 3rd class that day. Chance is staying with us potentially for a month (minus weekends). He is going to work with me tomorrow morning for a job interview, which they more than likely will hire. If hired, he will work the rest of the summer until school starts. That will give him some much wanted cash and job experience. Plus, if things go well...they will have him back next summer after he graduates, giving him a permanent job. They might even train him to become a tech like me (he will start off as a cable puller) with his interest in computers...as long as he works hard and proves that he can do the job. If he slacks, I will haunt him...my name is on the line. haha!
That is pretty much it...good times!
I already blogged about my Saturday and how much work I got done. I will just talk about Sunday this time.
I think I told you a week or two ago that Liz and I serve during two other services, so we are there from 9:30am-2:30pm. The first service we are part of the Host Team...we are ushers, we greet people (open door, help find them a seat, etc) and at the end of service we take up the offering.
We attend the 11:30am service, then for the 1pm service...we serve in the LifeKids area. Two weeks ago I worked with 4 year olds (Liz rocked babies), then last week we were with ToonTown (6 years old-3rd grade). They let you move around to different classes until you find what you like...well we really liked that class...that is where we wanted to serve. We just help out with the kids and all. There is another couple in there like us...then there is an emcee and a dj/producer. The emcee does all the talking (besides the dvd) and creates all the kid interaction...the dj/producer is in charge of running the lights, sound board, dvd, just the man who makes the show go.
Well, we went into our LifeKids class today. The man who was the dj/producer for awhile said that he is now working Saturday nights and won't be in there. Not sure why he switched and they didn't have anybody ready to fill in. They went and got one of the employees of the church, he gave me a quick 2 minute intro to how it all works. Now I guess I'm the new dj/producer of LifeKids ToonTown. It went pretty well...there is a lot to do and remember. Liz said she couldn't even tell that it was my first time. Matter of fact, it went so well that she just thought it was a one button operation...that is until she came up there to where I sit and checked it out. I have a computer with a lot of sliders/buttons that controls the light show. I have a knobs for window shades and main lights in the room. I have the sound board that controls all the microphones and audio for the dvd players and program. There is quite a bit of equipment up there for a "class". It went really well, and it sounds like they just want me to do it. I got a promotion on my second week on the job...the guy showing me and the emcee both kept saying "did you like it", "how did it go", "is it something you'd like to do"....so I figure they want me to do it.
After church, we hurried home to get a ton of free homeschool stuff out of the garage. A few weeks ago, we were given tons of stuff from a lady in Edmond...we picked out what we wanted and passed along the awesome stuff. We met two amazing families (well the mom/wife and a daughter from each family) who were really good friends and came together. It even got to the point where we invited them inside to keep talking. They are each a large homeschooling family...one has 10 kids, the other 12 kids. With our talking in regards to birth control, we were just so interested in everything about them. They are awesome people and am glad to have met them.
Later, Liz and I went to eat at Golden Palace in Midwest City. After dinner, we met Jody (Liz's dad) so that we could get Addy and Chance. Addy went with Liz's parents after the 11:30 service so she could spend some quality time with them instead of attending a 3rd class that day. Chance is staying with us potentially for a month (minus weekends). He is going to work with me tomorrow morning for a job interview, which they more than likely will hire. If hired, he will work the rest of the summer until school starts. That will give him some much wanted cash and job experience. Plus, if things go well...they will have him back next summer after he graduates, giving him a permanent job. They might even train him to become a tech like me (he will start off as a cable puller) with his interest in computers...as long as he works hard and proves that he can do the job. If he slacks, I will haunt him...my name is on the line. haha!
That is pretty much it...good times!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Cleaning Day!
Today, Liz and I decided I would stay home while she went to Choctaw. I feel like I got quite a bit accomplished by doing so, too. Here is what got done:
7 loads of laundry (washed, dried, and hung up...including 2 loads of much needed towels folded and put away)
2 loads of dishes in the dishwasher (washed and put away)...plus wiping counters.
Cleaned kitchen table, coffee table, and end table
Picked up most of the living room, master bath, master bedroom, and guest bath (there was still some I didn't get to)
Took 4 loads of trash out
Swept entry, kitchen, master bath floors
Mopped entry and kitchen floors
Vacuumed living and dining room floors
Grilled hot dogs & brats (not a chore, but it still took time this evening)
I'm pretty happy with all that I got done. I wish I could have gotten to Addy's room and the office...but I can't complain. I stopped cleaning by 7pm in order to cook, plus Addy was coming home. I picked up after I put her to bed...just didn't want it to look messy for Liz when she got home. The house is in better shape then when the day started...that is the point of cleaning, right?
Today, Liz and I decided I would stay home while she went to Choctaw. I feel like I got quite a bit accomplished by doing so, too. Here is what got done:
7 loads of laundry (washed, dried, and hung up...including 2 loads of much needed towels folded and put away)
2 loads of dishes in the dishwasher (washed and put away)...plus wiping counters.
Cleaned kitchen table, coffee table, and end table
Picked up most of the living room, master bath, master bedroom, and guest bath (there was still some I didn't get to)
Took 4 loads of trash out
Swept entry, kitchen, master bath floors
Mopped entry and kitchen floors
Vacuumed living and dining room floors
Grilled hot dogs & brats (not a chore, but it still took time this evening)
I'm pretty happy with all that I got done. I wish I could have gotten to Addy's room and the office...but I can't complain. I stopped cleaning by 7pm in order to cook, plus Addy was coming home. I picked up after I put her to bed...just didn't want it to look messy for Liz when she got home. The house is in better shape then when the day started...that is the point of cleaning, right?
Q & A - 30 Questions
1.ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT?
At work, we were unloading computers out of the company van at a client downtown. He pushed a box out while I was holding another one and the cardboard lid sliced right through my pants and I still have the scar on my leg. That was the second box and we had a ton. Needless to say, I kept working...we had to take them up to the 14th floor. After it was done, I went to the office...my supervisor told me that I needed stitches and would take me. I said I'm fine...and I'll just clean it and put a few gauze bandages over it. He cleaned it and did the bandages for me. I am so stupid when it comes to doctors...I should have went. I survived though.
2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?
Some pictures of Addy...there is also this cool design of Liz's. She bought some fabric and had her dad cut some wood squares...then she stapled the fabric over the wood squares. I think it is so cool...good idea honey!
3. DO YOU SNORE, GRIND YOUR TEETH, OR TALK IN YOUR SLEEP?
I snore some...I don't think I do any of the other. Well, I think I can have a conversation in my sleep, too. I don't remember some stuff we "talked" about during the night.
4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
All kinds...though all I really listen to is sports talk radio and usually LifeChurch worship music.
5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?
no...in the morning like 9 something.
6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
I want the house organized and ALL laundry done...you have no idea.
7. WHAT DO YOU MISS?
My wife at the moment...she left at 9:30am and it is 10pm.
8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION(S)
I don't know...I guess it would be pictures? I just am not into possessions.
9. HOW TALL ARE YOU?
5'10-5'11ish
10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
Not all the time...but I don't like tight places.
11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?
Nah...though I do kinda when it is in the middle of the night and you hear a loud noise. Then it isn't fun...going throughout the house trying to figure it out.
12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?
I don't know...I guess Pastor Craig and one of his powerful sermons.
13. FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
Pepperoni or cheese.
14. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I'm not hungry...I slaved over the grill making hot dogs and brats. I'm pretty full.
15. WHAT WAS THE MOST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
My wedding ring...I love to wear it. I'm proud that my wife is my wife!
16. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?
When I was in Jr High and first starting High School, I had to have Nike, Tommy, etc...then when I turned 16 and started working, my parents said I had to pay for my own clothes (along with car and insurance). From that day forth, all of my clothes pretty much came from Walmart, Target, or Old Navy (unless there was a huge sale or something).
17. FIRST JOB?
Sacker at Brannon's IGA in Midwest City when I was 16.
18. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL?
Yes...the things you do as a upper Elem/Jr High kid.
19. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED THIS OUT?
tucking Addy into bed, picking a few things up in the living room from when Addy got home, getting Addy a drink, and making the bed.
20. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
My personality. I get compliments all the time at work and from customers. My boss always tells me that he hears great things about me...he sends me into certain accounts when they are upset, just to get things corrected and smooth things over.
21. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
I can't believe that it is time for my birthday again. Time flies...my birthday is July 29th. Let's see...what do I want!?!?
22. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT?
I definitely want some!! I don't care the exact amount...children are a blessing from God, so however many I am blessed with!
23. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER?
Well, it used to be playing some sort of sport, playing the drums, and playing video games. I don't know what my "release" is anymore...mowing the yard?
24. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?
Remember the "My Buddy" doll? I think that was mine as a little boy...then this little device called Nintendo came out, I was all video games after that.
25. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
Ship, Shipwreck, Bulldozer (JR High), Draino (HS), Downtown (church b-ball league)
26. WHAT'S SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOWS?
My all-time favorite has got to be Everybody Loves Raymond. I really like Friends, Seinfeld, Frazier, Smallville (I have seen any the past two years), 24, Lost, Prison Break...I think that is about it?
27. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
twist (soft-serve) or homemade vanilla
28. LAST THING YOU WATCHED?
Well I am watching Seinfeld right now.
29. LAST MEAL COOKED AT HOME?
Well...this morning Liz asked me to grill hot dogs tonight. I spent 45 minutes doing so, but she was unable to make it home in time. Oh well...I enjoyed them fresh off the grill.
30. LAST MEAL EATEN OUT?
For lunch today I had McDonalds...last night Liz and I went to Olive Garden.
1.ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT?
At work, we were unloading computers out of the company van at a client downtown. He pushed a box out while I was holding another one and the cardboard lid sliced right through my pants and I still have the scar on my leg. That was the second box and we had a ton. Needless to say, I kept working...we had to take them up to the 14th floor. After it was done, I went to the office...my supervisor told me that I needed stitches and would take me. I said I'm fine...and I'll just clean it and put a few gauze bandages over it. He cleaned it and did the bandages for me. I am so stupid when it comes to doctors...I should have went. I survived though.
2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?
Some pictures of Addy...there is also this cool design of Liz's. She bought some fabric and had her dad cut some wood squares...then she stapled the fabric over the wood squares. I think it is so cool...good idea honey!
3. DO YOU SNORE, GRIND YOUR TEETH, OR TALK IN YOUR SLEEP?
I snore some...I don't think I do any of the other. Well, I think I can have a conversation in my sleep, too. I don't remember some stuff we "talked" about during the night.
4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
All kinds...though all I really listen to is sports talk radio and usually LifeChurch worship music.
5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?
no...in the morning like 9 something.
6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
I want the house organized and ALL laundry done...you have no idea.
7. WHAT DO YOU MISS?
My wife at the moment...she left at 9:30am and it is 10pm.
8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION(S)
I don't know...I guess it would be pictures? I just am not into possessions.
9. HOW TALL ARE YOU?
5'10-5'11ish
10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
Not all the time...but I don't like tight places.
11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?
Nah...though I do kinda when it is in the middle of the night and you hear a loud noise. Then it isn't fun...going throughout the house trying to figure it out.
12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?
I don't know...I guess Pastor Craig and one of his powerful sermons.
13. FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
Pepperoni or cheese.
14. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I'm not hungry...I slaved over the grill making hot dogs and brats. I'm pretty full.
15. WHAT WAS THE MOST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
My wedding ring...I love to wear it. I'm proud that my wife is my wife!
16. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?
When I was in Jr High and first starting High School, I had to have Nike, Tommy, etc...then when I turned 16 and started working, my parents said I had to pay for my own clothes (along with car and insurance). From that day forth, all of my clothes pretty much came from Walmart, Target, or Old Navy (unless there was a huge sale or something).
17. FIRST JOB?
Sacker at Brannon's IGA in Midwest City when I was 16.
18. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL?
Yes...the things you do as a upper Elem/Jr High kid.
19. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED THIS OUT?
tucking Addy into bed, picking a few things up in the living room from when Addy got home, getting Addy a drink, and making the bed.
20. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
My personality. I get compliments all the time at work and from customers. My boss always tells me that he hears great things about me...he sends me into certain accounts when they are upset, just to get things corrected and smooth things over.
21. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
I can't believe that it is time for my birthday again. Time flies...my birthday is July 29th. Let's see...what do I want!?!?
22. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT?
I definitely want some!! I don't care the exact amount...children are a blessing from God, so however many I am blessed with!
23. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER?
Well, it used to be playing some sort of sport, playing the drums, and playing video games. I don't know what my "release" is anymore...mowing the yard?
24. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?
Remember the "My Buddy" doll? I think that was mine as a little boy...then this little device called Nintendo came out, I was all video games after that.
25. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
Ship, Shipwreck, Bulldozer (JR High), Draino (HS), Downtown (church b-ball league)
26. WHAT'S SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOWS?
My all-time favorite has got to be Everybody Loves Raymond. I really like Friends, Seinfeld, Frazier, Smallville (I have seen any the past two years), 24, Lost, Prison Break...I think that is about it?
27. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
twist (soft-serve) or homemade vanilla
28. LAST THING YOU WATCHED?
Well I am watching Seinfeld right now.
29. LAST MEAL COOKED AT HOME?
Well...this morning Liz asked me to grill hot dogs tonight. I spent 45 minutes doing so, but she was unable to make it home in time. Oh well...I enjoyed them fresh off the grill.
30. LAST MEAL EATEN OUT?
For lunch today I had McDonalds...last night Liz and I went to Olive Garden.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
10 Things...
10 states you've been to: 1. Texas 2. California 3. Florida 4. Missouri 5. Arkansas 6. Colorado 7. Kansas 8. Minnesota 9. Illinois 10. Louisiana
9 things last purchased: 1. ice cream at Braums 2. dinner at Freddy's 3. swimming lessons 4. gasoline for my vehicular conveyance 5. gasoline for my wife's vehicular conveyance 6. groceries 7. lunch on Sunday 8. book from the church bookstore 9. lunch on Saturday
8 "Have-you-ever's?" 1. Have you ever dated a best friend? Yes, and I married her 2. Have you ever stayed up and partied 'til the sun rose? well church Lock-Ins and Lock-Outs 3. Have you ever kissed someone & regretted it? No 4. Have you ever lost someone you loved? Yes 5. Have you ever been dumped? I've been turned down, but never dumped. 6. Have you ever dumped a bf/gf? Yes 7. Have you ever ran away? No 8. Have you ever made out with someone on your first date? Yes...and I married her (haha!).
7 favorite restaurants : 1. Salt Grass Steakhouse 2. Golden Palace 3. Chili's 4. Texas Roadhouse 5. Cheddars 6. Victoria's 7. Tarahomaras
6 things you've done today: 1. drove to work 2. got up and down ladder several times 3. talked to my wife on the phone 4. ate the rest of my leftover pizza for lunch 5. got on the computer during lunch 6. finished this survey that I started yesterday
5 of your favorite things? 1. my wife (even though she beats me) and Addy 2. our families 3. our church, LifeChurch 4. games 5. sex...sorry, I just couldn't keep this off my list.
4 people you can tell [almost] anything to: 1. Liz 2. Mom 3. Dad 4. Ann (mom in-law)
3 places you want to visit: 1. New York 2. Grand Canyon 3. Orlando (I've been a couple times, just want others to experience it...as long as it is not during the summer)
2 things you want to do before you die: 1. Have kids 2. See them all grown up with their own families
1 thing that you cannot live without: 1. my wife...she is my partner in life and I'm prepared to face anything with her by my side.
10 states you've been to: 1. Texas 2. California 3. Florida 4. Missouri 5. Arkansas 6. Colorado 7. Kansas 8. Minnesota 9. Illinois 10. Louisiana
9 things last purchased: 1. ice cream at Braums 2. dinner at Freddy's 3. swimming lessons 4. gasoline for my vehicular conveyance 5. gasoline for my wife's vehicular conveyance 6. groceries 7. lunch on Sunday 8. book from the church bookstore 9. lunch on Saturday
8 "Have-you-ever's?" 1. Have you ever dated a best friend? Yes, and I married her 2. Have you ever stayed up and partied 'til the sun rose? well church Lock-Ins and Lock-Outs 3. Have you ever kissed someone & regretted it? No 4. Have you ever lost someone you loved? Yes 5. Have you ever been dumped? I've been turned down, but never dumped. 6. Have you ever dumped a bf/gf? Yes 7. Have you ever ran away? No 8. Have you ever made out with someone on your first date? Yes...and I married her (haha!).
7 favorite restaurants : 1. Salt Grass Steakhouse 2. Golden Palace 3. Chili's 4. Texas Roadhouse 5. Cheddars 6. Victoria's 7. Tarahomaras
6 things you've done today: 1. drove to work 2. got up and down ladder several times 3. talked to my wife on the phone 4. ate the rest of my leftover pizza for lunch 5. got on the computer during lunch 6. finished this survey that I started yesterday
5 of your favorite things? 1. my wife (even though she beats me) and Addy 2. our families 3. our church, LifeChurch 4. games 5. sex...sorry, I just couldn't keep this off my list.
4 people you can tell [almost] anything to: 1. Liz 2. Mom 3. Dad 4. Ann (mom in-law)
3 places you want to visit: 1. New York 2. Grand Canyon 3. Orlando (I've been a couple times, just want others to experience it...as long as it is not during the summer)
2 things you want to do before you die: 1. Have kids 2. See them all grown up with their own families
1 thing that you cannot live without: 1. my wife...she is my partner in life and I'm prepared to face anything with her by my side.
Wordless Wednesday - Difference Of Man And Woman
Please leave me a comment if you're participating in WW so I can visit your site. Also, if you'd like to see other WW participants, go here
Please leave me a comment if you're participating in WW so I can visit your site. Also, if you'd like to see other WW participants, go here
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Hibdon Tires (A) Plus!
Liz and I have been battling a tire that keeps going flat on the SUV. We found a screw in it and plugged it (with the help of Liz's dad...he is so handy!). Everything was fine, then about 4 days later...flat again. Pretty much every 3-4 days the tire is in dire need of help. I was pretty fed up with it, so today I left the car and took the SUV. I figured during my lunch break I would go to Hibdons to have them look at it. They worked on it for a little over a hour. They cleaned up the spot we plugged and put the tire back together. He put some sort of liquid on there so that there would be bubbles if there was another hole. Sure enough, there was a little spot that you basically could not see....but you could see the bubbles coming from there. The tech fixed that spot up, too. I go inside to pay, just to be told there was NO CHARGE! Awesome! They spent a little over a hour on something to not get paid. From now on, I will be sure they get my business...I just wanted to pass along good service when I see it. Thank you Hibdon!
Another note: While I was there, I heard the lady at the desk and one of the techs talking. Apparently, this customer was wanting new tires for his vehicle. The dealership quoted him like $800. They were talking about dealerships ripping people off...apparently they were saying Hibdons price was $406 and the customer's price would be $509. Even after Hibdon's mark up, it is still way less than the dealership's price. Basically, you might just want to check around before you buy at the dealership.
Liz and I have been battling a tire that keeps going flat on the SUV. We found a screw in it and plugged it (with the help of Liz's dad...he is so handy!). Everything was fine, then about 4 days later...flat again. Pretty much every 3-4 days the tire is in dire need of help. I was pretty fed up with it, so today I left the car and took the SUV. I figured during my lunch break I would go to Hibdons to have them look at it. They worked on it for a little over a hour. They cleaned up the spot we plugged and put the tire back together. He put some sort of liquid on there so that there would be bubbles if there was another hole. Sure enough, there was a little spot that you basically could not see....but you could see the bubbles coming from there. The tech fixed that spot up, too. I go inside to pay, just to be told there was NO CHARGE! Awesome! They spent a little over a hour on something to not get paid. From now on, I will be sure they get my business...I just wanted to pass along good service when I see it. Thank you Hibdon!
Another note: While I was there, I heard the lady at the desk and one of the techs talking. Apparently, this customer was wanting new tires for his vehicle. The dealership quoted him like $800. They were talking about dealerships ripping people off...apparently they were saying Hibdons price was $406 and the customer's price would be $509. Even after Hibdon's mark up, it is still way less than the dealership's price. Basically, you might just want to check around before you buy at the dealership.
Tired Of All The Garbage!
As many of you know, Liz and I are trying to start a more frugal lifestyle. I don't want to get caught up in all materialistic garbage this world has to offer. I watched the message below....very, very powerful message regarding finances. My vision is I want to be out of our house by the end of next summer (get a cheap house and work towards our ultimate goal of a house on at least 5 acres), I want to work diligently towards getting things paid off (very limited eating out, take lunch to work, etc) by doing whatever it takes. I want my wife to stay home and take care of the house and kids...while home educating them (nothing else...no daycare, no chapel job). My vision is have everything paid off (except for house and MAYBE one car) by the time we get that house on an acreage. That is MY vision. I am tired of talking about it...I need to be a man of action. The future of my family and my vision is at stake...if we don't get there now, it will be too late.
For those who are in a financial hole...we know what it is like. We had more going out than coming in for the longest time. Remember, it is only for a season...trust the Lord! Matter of fact, Liz and I took a HUGE step of faith while deep in our hole. We gave. What!?!? Yes, you heard it...we gave. We started trusting the Lord and gave to the church and mission work. In the midst of a massive Goliath-like burden...we trusted the Lord and He delivered us. What did we do next...we gave more. I'm not saying this to toot my own horn...I am just offering you hope...hope that only the Lord can provide. He is testing you and your faith in Him...in the midst of it all, are you willing to let go and let God?
Father, I come before you today as a man trusting You. I can do nothing on my own, but I can do all things through Your Son who gives me strength. Lord, help us to keep our eye on the vision and not be distracted by the things this world throws at us. Give us strength to overcome temptation. May I be a man of action and a man who pleases You...may I be a husband and father that is leading my family towards financial release. I am tired of living in bondage...help me take a step of frugal living and overcome it. Thank You for your grace, thank You for your mercy, thank You for loving me! In Jesus name I pray, Amen!
As many of you know, Liz and I are trying to start a more frugal lifestyle. I don't want to get caught up in all materialistic garbage this world has to offer. I watched the message below....very, very powerful message regarding finances. My vision is I want to be out of our house by the end of next summer (get a cheap house and work towards our ultimate goal of a house on at least 5 acres), I want to work diligently towards getting things paid off (very limited eating out, take lunch to work, etc) by doing whatever it takes. I want my wife to stay home and take care of the house and kids...while home educating them (nothing else...no daycare, no chapel job). My vision is have everything paid off (except for house and MAYBE one car) by the time we get that house on an acreage. That is MY vision. I am tired of talking about it...I need to be a man of action. The future of my family and my vision is at stake...if we don't get there now, it will be too late.
For those who are in a financial hole...we know what it is like. We had more going out than coming in for the longest time. Remember, it is only for a season...trust the Lord! Matter of fact, Liz and I took a HUGE step of faith while deep in our hole. We gave. What!?!? Yes, you heard it...we gave. We started trusting the Lord and gave to the church and mission work. In the midst of a massive Goliath-like burden...we trusted the Lord and He delivered us. What did we do next...we gave more. I'm not saying this to toot my own horn...I am just offering you hope...hope that only the Lord can provide. He is testing you and your faith in Him...in the midst of it all, are you willing to let go and let God?
Father, I come before you today as a man trusting You. I can do nothing on my own, but I can do all things through Your Son who gives me strength. Lord, help us to keep our eye on the vision and not be distracted by the things this world throws at us. Give us strength to overcome temptation. May I be a man of action and a man who pleases You...may I be a husband and father that is leading my family towards financial release. I am tired of living in bondage...help me take a step of frugal living and overcome it. Thank You for your grace, thank You for your mercy, thank You for loving me! In Jesus name I pray, Amen!
Monday, July 09, 2007
Q & A About My Wife!
What is your spouse's name?
Elizabeth (Liz)
When did they become your spouse?
June 11, 2006
When did you know they were the one?
We talked for awhile on the computer before our first date. I would say the first date. I kinda knew while we were talking, but being together in person just sealed the deal...it just all came together.
Do they have any brothers?
Yes, 1 brother
Do they have any sisters?
Yes, 2 sisters
Are you happy?
YES, I love her so much!
Do they sing to you?
Yes...we sing more together. She has a wonderful singing voice, even if she won't admit it.
Do they dance with you?
Maybe for a second...we don't dance much.
Do you have children?
yes...Addy is 5 years old from Liz's previous marriage. She is so smart and a really good kid.
How many?
Just the 1 for now.
How many do you want?
BUNCHES! I don't know how else to say it. We want a bunch of our own and to adopt as well. We joke, saying we will need a 15 passenger van to haul us all around.
Do they tell you they love you or only say it after you do?
She says it to me often...and always after I tell her (I say it tons).
Are they romantic?
Yes...especially considering how busy we are. It isn't a matter of being romantic for us, it is a matter of when because there is no time. She works every Friday night and all day Saturday...then a lot of time is spent at church on Sunday, we grocery shop Sunday afternoon, along with mowing/yard work. If she is off from the chapel and we go out...then I feel like we really have a chance to re-connect and be romantic (even if it is just going out for dinner all dressed up).
Do they tell you that you're beautiful?
Well...she calls me a dork. Does that count?
Do you like their mother?
I guess she is ok. I say that because I know she will read this...haha! I really like her...she has the same sense of humor as Liz and myself. My only complaint is that she doesn't fix me meals, it is usually "there is stuff in the freezer, help yourself". With that aside, she is pretty fun. She is a good mother to her kids...she loves and has a great passion for her family. I really respect that...she just wants what is best for her family.
Do you like their father?
Yes. He is really handy! He is licensed to work on everything, basically from the foundation up. He does carpentry work, heat/air, ovens, refrigerators...just an overall handyman. I can ask him anything and he is always willing to drive down to Norman from Choctaw to take a look. That is one thing that I can say about him, that he is always willing to help out the family...I know he also wants what is best for the family. I think both Jody and Ann have done a good job and are awesome in-laws!
What is your spouse's name?
Elizabeth (Liz)
When did they become your spouse?
June 11, 2006
When did you know they were the one?
We talked for awhile on the computer before our first date. I would say the first date. I kinda knew while we were talking, but being together in person just sealed the deal...it just all came together.
Do they have any brothers?
Yes, 1 brother
Do they have any sisters?
Yes, 2 sisters
Are you happy?
YES, I love her so much!
Do they sing to you?
Yes...we sing more together. She has a wonderful singing voice, even if she won't admit it.
Do they dance with you?
Maybe for a second...we don't dance much.
Do you have children?
yes...Addy is 5 years old from Liz's previous marriage. She is so smart and a really good kid.
How many?
Just the 1 for now.
How many do you want?
BUNCHES! I don't know how else to say it. We want a bunch of our own and to adopt as well. We joke, saying we will need a 15 passenger van to haul us all around.
Do they tell you they love you or only say it after you do?
She says it to me often...and always after I tell her (I say it tons).
Are they romantic?
Yes...especially considering how busy we are. It isn't a matter of being romantic for us, it is a matter of when because there is no time. She works every Friday night and all day Saturday...then a lot of time is spent at church on Sunday, we grocery shop Sunday afternoon, along with mowing/yard work. If she is off from the chapel and we go out...then I feel like we really have a chance to re-connect and be romantic (even if it is just going out for dinner all dressed up).
Do they tell you that you're beautiful?
Well...she calls me a dork. Does that count?
Do you like their mother?
I guess she is ok. I say that because I know she will read this...haha! I really like her...she has the same sense of humor as Liz and myself. My only complaint is that she doesn't fix me meals, it is usually "there is stuff in the freezer, help yourself". With that aside, she is pretty fun. She is a good mother to her kids...she loves and has a great passion for her family. I really respect that...she just wants what is best for her family.
Do you like their father?
Yes. He is really handy! He is licensed to work on everything, basically from the foundation up. He does carpentry work, heat/air, ovens, refrigerators...just an overall handyman. I can ask him anything and he is always willing to drive down to Norman from Choctaw to take a look. That is one thing that I can say about him, that he is always willing to help out the family...I know he also wants what is best for the family. I think both Jody and Ann have done a good job and are awesome in-laws!
ESPN!
ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports, is at it again. How many times have we flipped to their station and saw spelling bee tournament, hot dog eating tournament, dogs jumping off docks, and extreme close-ups of poker hands? Well, that is old news...this Saturday, I noticed they will be airing the Paper, Rock, Scissors Championship!
That is ridiculous. I love ESPN...but really only during football season. I can't wait...less than one month before football practices start. At least, then I will have a real sport to be excited about! I mean come on...I can't believe there would actually be a televised audience that would support such a stupid tournament. Yep...you heard it here, I guess Paper, Rock, Scissors is a now considered a highly skilled sport. Crazy!
ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports, is at it again. How many times have we flipped to their station and saw spelling bee tournament, hot dog eating tournament, dogs jumping off docks, and extreme close-ups of poker hands? Well, that is old news...this Saturday, I noticed they will be airing the Paper, Rock, Scissors Championship!
That is ridiculous. I love ESPN...but really only during football season. I can't wait...less than one month before football practices start. At least, then I will have a real sport to be excited about! I mean come on...I can't believe there would actually be a televised audience that would support such a stupid tournament. Yep...you heard it here, I guess Paper, Rock, Scissors is a now considered a highly skilled sport. Crazy!
Friday, July 06, 2007
Friday's Feast
Appetizer - What was the first job you ever had?
I helped my dad quite a bit during the summers when I was a kid...though I won't count that. I will just say my first job was right after I turned 16...I worked at Brannon's IGA as a sacker.
Soup - Name a profession you have always wanted to try.
Growing up, I always wanted to be a professional football player. I also really wanted to be a PE Teacher and Football Coach.
Salad - Name a profession you would NEVER want to try.
Anything that requires me to be stuck in small confines for a long time (navy, astronaut, etc.)
Entree - What is your favorite sound in the world?
The sound of the net (both nylon and chain) when the basketball swishes through.
Dessert - If there is a Heaven, what would you like to hear from God when you arrive?
First, there is a heaven...Second, I want to hear "Well done, thy good and faithful servant!"
The Friday's Feast chef is away, gathering new recipes and letting special questions simmer. Michael is hosting this week, so visit him over at Valtool's Box and set up your own feast!
Appetizer - What was the first job you ever had?
I helped my dad quite a bit during the summers when I was a kid...though I won't count that. I will just say my first job was right after I turned 16...I worked at Brannon's IGA as a sacker.
Soup - Name a profession you have always wanted to try.
Growing up, I always wanted to be a professional football player. I also really wanted to be a PE Teacher and Football Coach.
Salad - Name a profession you would NEVER want to try.
Anything that requires me to be stuck in small confines for a long time (navy, astronaut, etc.)
Entree - What is your favorite sound in the world?
The sound of the net (both nylon and chain) when the basketball swishes through.
Dessert - If there is a Heaven, what would you like to hear from God when you arrive?
First, there is a heaven...Second, I want to hear "Well done, thy good and faithful servant!"
The Friday's Feast chef is away, gathering new recipes and letting special questions simmer. Michael is hosting this week, so visit him over at Valtool's Box and set up your own feast!
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Honor God With Your Body!
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit… Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
I just started watching a series called Life Development Plan. I skipped ahead to week 5 because of the title "Physical Life". My wife and I have talked about this quite a bit lately. We have recently given up soda in our house already, but there is so much more to it. Think about this:
8 out of 10 people over 25 are overweight.
More than 60% of Americans are overweight or obese.
The number of overweight Americans has doubled since 1980.
The number of overweight adolescents has tripled.
Obesity is 2nd only to smoking as the top preventable cause of death.
If things continue as is, obesity will overtake smoking as number one.
78% of Americans are not meeting basic level activity recommendations.
EVERY BODY ENDS UP SOMEWHERE.
FEW BODIES END UP SOMEWHERE ON PURPOSE.
It isn't just about making healthier eating habits and drinking water either (though think about this, if you order water instead of soda everytime you eat out and instead invest that money...you will be able to put 2 kids through college. WOW!). Three things that we should do:
1. REGULAR CHECKUPS.
Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick…’ Mark 2:17
2. CONSISTENT EXERCISE.
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8
3. DEFEAT ADDICTIONS.
Everything is permissible for me-but not everything is beneficial… I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12
I never go to the doctor...never. I am going to make it a priority to go have a physical and checkup once a year. Addictions? It could be smoking, beer/liquor, dipping, overeating, caffeine, etc...but we can overcome ANYTHING.
My wife and I talk about it a lot like I said earlier...we say, "we don't want to be the fat family." See there is a difference between talking and doing...and I know there is a problem, now it is time for me to make some changes because my body is the temple of God and I want honor God with my body. Check out this video...
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit… Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
I just started watching a series called Life Development Plan. I skipped ahead to week 5 because of the title "Physical Life". My wife and I have talked about this quite a bit lately. We have recently given up soda in our house already, but there is so much more to it. Think about this:
8 out of 10 people over 25 are overweight.
More than 60% of Americans are overweight or obese.
The number of overweight Americans has doubled since 1980.
The number of overweight adolescents has tripled.
Obesity is 2nd only to smoking as the top preventable cause of death.
If things continue as is, obesity will overtake smoking as number one.
78% of Americans are not meeting basic level activity recommendations.
EVERY BODY ENDS UP SOMEWHERE.
FEW BODIES END UP SOMEWHERE ON PURPOSE.
It isn't just about making healthier eating habits and drinking water either (though think about this, if you order water instead of soda everytime you eat out and instead invest that money...you will be able to put 2 kids through college. WOW!). Three things that we should do:
1. REGULAR CHECKUPS.
Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick…’ Mark 2:17
2. CONSISTENT EXERCISE.
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8
3. DEFEAT ADDICTIONS.
Everything is permissible for me-but not everything is beneficial… I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12
I never go to the doctor...never. I am going to make it a priority to go have a physical and checkup once a year. Addictions? It could be smoking, beer/liquor, dipping, overeating, caffeine, etc...but we can overcome ANYTHING.
My wife and I talk about it a lot like I said earlier...we say, "we don't want to be the fat family." See there is a difference between talking and doing...and I know there is a problem, now it is time for me to make some changes because my body is the temple of God and I want honor God with my body. Check out this video...
Monday, July 02, 2007
Birth Control
My wife and I have been discussing birth control and if it is something that God really wants us to do. You can read her blog on this topic by clicking here.
First, here is a sermon I found about Birth Control...then I did a search on LifeChurch's page and found a sermon video. So first, a sermon I found....then beneath that, it is also talked about on the LifeChurch video. (hint: LifeChurch video doesn't agree with Genesis 38 verses about Onan being applicable here...also it deals with a few different questions, so only the first 11 minutes are dealing with birth control directly).
Let's dive on in...
1. Children are a blessing from the Lord
Scripture is full of such verses; it doesn't take much scratching to dig up a host of passages which refer to children in this light.
Psalm 127:3-5 Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
Genesis 25:21 Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.
Exodus 23:25-26 Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span.
Genesis 33:5 (Jacob meeting Esau)Jacob answered, "They are the children God has graciously given your servant."
Psalm 128:1-4 (ESV)1 Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! 2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you. 3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. 4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.
These are general statements of God's attitude toward children. There are those who would say that we can limit blessings, that the Bible refers to many things as blessings, including wealth and belongings, and that we definitely should limit such blessings.
It's all in what you compare the blessing of children to that this argument rises or falls. Which of us would suggest we limit our blessings when it comes to forgiveness of sins? If you compare children to money, then, by all means, limit it. But if you compare them to forgiveness of our sins, they're a blessing to seek without number or end. If we compare God's gift of children only to material blessing, we make an inherently biased comparison.
Those who would still argue that it is appropriate to limit the Divine blessing of children must at least admit that only some blessings are limitable. If you choose to include children among blessings such as possessions and wealth which are limitable because of their negative potential, on what basis do you do so? The Bible clearly warns against the pursuit of material items. Where does the Bible warn that love of children is a root of any evil?
Finally, sometimes, limiting God's blessing is sin. The prophet Elisha urged King Joash to strike the ground with the arrows as a sign of his defeat of the Syrians. Joash hit the ground three times and Elisha rebuked him for not doing so five or six times. By hitting the ground only three times he brought Israel just three victories over the Syrians rather than five or six. When God seeks to bless, who are we to limit His blessing?
2. Fill the earth and subdue it still applies
Children are a Divine blessing. They are eternal beings created in the image of God. They bear the image of God. This much is positive instruction on our topic. But there is more from a positive point of view. There is the command of Genesis 3 that man should fill the earth and subdue it. Have we finished this task? Is the world filled and subdued? If every man and woman on earth were placed in the state of Texas, the population density would be less than that of New York City. Fly over the west or over Canada or over Alaska and you will see that despite the fear-mongering prophets of Malthus spreading their messages of doom, the world is far from full. World population density today is 30 people per square mile. That's less than half the population density of the USA where we average 75 people per square mile. And the USA is far from over-populated.
Moreover, the story of the 21 st century, if you have read any recent demographic studies, (see Atlantic Monthly article from August, 1999) is going to be a story not of population explosion, but of worldwide population decline beginning in about 2040. In fact, the increase in world population over the last century was not the product of increased fertility, but of increased lifespans.
3. The Law specifies times of impurity that coincide with maximal fertility
We learn still more about God’s attitude toward birth-control from other passages. The Levitical laws of purity address the proper time for sexual union. From the onset of menstruation, we are told in Leviticus 15:19-24, a woman is unclean. She remains unclean throughout the issue of blood, and for seven days after the issue has stopped. Thus, for an average of 12 to 14 days from the onset the woman is impure. The net result of the seven-day post-menstruation unclean period is this: according to an obstetrician/gynecologist...
The "normal" menstrual cycle is supposed to occur every 28 days. Day 1 marks the first day of the cycle. 7 days of bleeding. Ovulation occurs only once a cycle and in the normal cycle will occur on day 14. If conception occurs then no more periods for 9 months. If conception does not occur then two weeks go by and the lining of the uterus is "shed" or expelled and the process begins again.
It is interesting that with the Levitical laws, God has insured that sexual relations are timed to occur at the best time for ovulation and conception. Andrew Folley, M.D.
These are passages from which we begin to extrapolate God's attitude toward birth control, and there are many more like these. But is there a passage which actually addresses the issue directly? We see God's "yes" to children in Scripture, and on that basis alone we can say a great deal. We see God's desire for children, His positive approach to pregnancy and childbirth, his proscribing sex during menstruation, and during the least fertile period immediately after menstruation. But is there more in God's Word? Specifically, is there a Divine "no" to birth control?
Scripture's Explicitly Negative Statement
Genesis 38:1-11 (ESV) 1 It happened at that time that Judah went down from his brothers and turned aside to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. 2 There Judah saw the daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua. He took her and went in to her, 3 and she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Er. 4 She conceived again and bore a son, and she called his name Onan. 5 Yet again she bore a son, and she called his name Shelah. Judah was in Chezib when she bore him. 6 And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. 7 But Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord put him to death. 8 Then Judah said to Onan, "Go in to your brother's wife and perform the duty of a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother." 9 But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his. So whenever he went in to his brother's wife he would waste the semen on the ground, so as not to give offspring to his brother. 10 And what he did was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and he put him to death also. 11 Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, "Remain a widow in your father's house, till Shelah my son grows up -- for he feared that he would die, like his brothers. So Tamar went and remained in her father's house.
This passage is often presented in churches as addressing something other than the issue we are considering. To grasp the purpose of this passage it's vital we understand correctly the sin Onan commits. We are told in verse 10: "10 And what he did was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and he put him to death also."
What did Onan do that was wicked in the sight of the Lord? This is the vital question we are left to answer at the end of these verses because we're not given an explicit answer in our passage.
Two theories have come to dominate thinking about this passage today: one a modern explanation and one the explanation of the Church universal for 1900 years up till the mid-20 th century. In recent years, many have suggested that the sin of Onan was his failure to provide offspring for his dead brother.
The second explanation is the one which has dominated church history, yet it is almost unheard-of in circles today. By this explanation, what Onan did which was wicked in the sight of the Lord was his specific method of denying Tamar a child. This explanation says that it was Onan's practice of coitus interruptus, the only common and universally available form of birth control in ancient times, which lies at the root of his sin. By this view, God punishes Onan with death not for denying his brother offspring but for spilling his seed upon the ground.
Some people mention a third theory about the sin of Onan, but it's narrowly held and seems to have arisen largely as a result of people rejecting the first of the explanations without being willing to embrace the second. This theory says that Onan is punished because, in effect, he commits adultery. Had he done his duty in regard to his brother in good faith, he would not have been guilty of adultery, but because he does not do his duty, he is guilty of adultery.
Whatever Onan's sin may be, it is certainly a grave offense in the eyes of God. God puts him to death for it, causing him to join the select ranks of Nadab and Abihu, Ananias and Sapphira, Uzzah, the sons of Korah and just a few other individuals whom we are specifically told in Scripture God punished with death for their sins. We need to understand this about this sin of Onan at the outset: it is not one of those sins worthy of "few stripes" in the judgment of God. This sin is deeply offensive to God, so offensive that God does not permit Onan to live after committing it.
Would God treat adultery in this fashion? Yes. After all, the penalty for adultery in the Mosaic Law is death by stoning. But it diminishes the likelihood that this is the sin for which God puts Onan to death when we read on in Genesis 15 and find that after these things take place, passing his daughter-in-law, Tamar on the road and thinking her a prostitute because of the way she has disguised herself, Judah has relations with her without being put to death by God. If Onan's sin was adultery, then certainly his father Judah should die by the hand of God when he commits the same sin with the same woman -- a sin, compounded in the Law of Moses by the fact that intercourse between a father and a daughter-in-law is condemned as incest. But Judah lives.
Further reducing the likelihood that adultery is the sin of Onan... By the Levitical law of levirate marriage, Tamar becomes Onan's wife when he goes into her--the surviving brother takes the widow as his wife and then goes in to her according to Deuteronomy 25:5-6,
If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the dead man shall not be married outside the family to a stranger. Her husband's brother shall go in to her and take her as his wife and perform the duty of a husband's brother to her. And the first son whom she bears shall succeed to the name of his dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out of Israel.
By the levirate code, marriage precedes the sexual act. It's not the lack of a legal relationship between Tamar and Onan that's the problem in our passage, it's something done within that relationship.
I will spend no more time on this third explanation. It has never gained traction for the simple reason that it's illogical -- forged, I believe, out of a need to explain Onan's sin as something other than birth control by those who admit the difficulty of explaining God's wrath upon Onan coming down as a result of his failure to do his duty to his brother.
Judah lives after committing adultery and incest with his daughter-in-law while Onan dies: either God is simply treating them differently despite their committing the same offense, or the offense in each case is different.
Is there a clear distinction between the offense of father and son in Scripture? In fact there is. One spills his seed, the other does not.
Which leads us back to our original two choices. Either the sin Onan commits is his failure to give his brother an heir, or it is his spilling of his seed, intentionally committing a sexual act without permitting a child to be born of it. Let's assess these two possibilities individually beginning with the first, the failure to give his brother an heir.
Onan's sin his failure to provide an heir for his brother…
Is Onan's sin his failure to provide an heir for his brother? Think with me about this for a moment. On what basis would we say that it was Onan's duty to do this? The Levirate law of marriage? The law we find in Deuteronomy 25?
Deuteronomy 25:5-6 (ESV) 5 If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the dead man shall not be married outside the family to a stranger. Her husband's brother shall go in to her and take her as his wife and perform the duty of a husband's brother to her. 6 And the first son whom she bears shall succeed to the name of his dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out of Israel.
It's all right there the evangelical world says today. He has a duty. He failed his duty. He dies for his disobedience.
But there are problems with this approach. First we have the problem of an anachronistic reading of Scripture: what is the Biblical timeframe in the story of Onan? The days of the patriarchs, right? When is the law of Levirate marriage given to Israel? Over four hundred years later when God gives His law to Moses. The Levirate laws simply do not exist at this point. There is no written command from God demanding that Onan fulfill such a duty.
Of course, it doesn't have to be written to be true. There was no written law against murder either at this time, yet God still held men guilty of it and punished men for it. God's law existed before He gave the written law to Moses. How did man know God's commands before He gave His written law? They knew it, because in the words of Paul,
Romans 2:12-15 (ESV) 12 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them.
Before the law was given, man had the witness of God in his heart, upon which God had written His precepts. This is the testimony of Romans 1 and 2. But here's the problem. All law prior to the giving of the written law to Moses was moral law. None of it was ceremonial or civil. Ceremonial and civil law came down from the mountain with Moses. If God held a man guilty of lawbreaking prior to giving His written law to Moses, it was not for violating ceremonial law or civil law, but for violating the moral law which He had written upon the human heart.
And that law has not passed away. It remains written on human hearts to this day. Nothing written on human hearts then fails to be written upon the hearts of lawless men today. Those today who do not have God's law are still punished by God for breaking the precepts and commandments written upon their hearts that existed before the Mosaic law. That law stands for all mankind until this very day. It is the basic moral law of God. It is universal. It is unchanged and undiminished.
But if it's true, as Evangelical preachers of the last century have nearly-universally suggested, that Onan's failure to provide an heir for his brother was the sin for which God put him to death, why do we not fulfill this law in our own day? Why are we not adamant that living brothers must provide heirs for their dead brothers in this same way? If this is truly why God put Onan to death, then this is a timeless principle for all mankind which obtains today every bit as strongly as it did in the day of Onan.
We must understand this about the Law: ceremonial law is fulfilled in Christ and thus no longer is required of us today. The civil law of Israel, laws of the nation such as the years of Jubilee and so forth have also largely passed away.
Whatever law Onan broke, it is certain that it was moral. It was the will of God written on the human heart. And if the law he violated was a pre-Mosaic requirement by God that brothers provide heirs for their deceased brothers, then it remains binding in our own day. It has not lapsed. It has not been rescinded. If it was written on the hearts of men before the law of Moses, then it is written on the hearts of men today. It is non-civil, non-ceremonial, timeless moral law, preceding both the nation of Israel and the written law of Moses.
The question of timeframe is a serious blow to the position that Onan's sin was failing to provide an heir for his brother. Most Evangelical interpreters of this passage never seem to recognize the anachronism implicit in their applying the levirate code of marriage to Onan. So here's the question -- is the levirate law of marriage (found in Deuteronomy 25:5-6), that a brother must marry his brother's widow to provide for his brother an heir, moral or civil law? If it's civil law it didn't exist before the Mosaic law was given. If it's timeless moral law, written on men's hearts, then we are as guilty as Onan if we fail to heed it today.
Things get still harder to explain for those who hold to the position that Onan died for failing to do his duty to his brother… What punishment does the Law of Moses specify for the man who fails to do this duty?
7 And if the man does not wish to take his brother's wife, then his brother's wife shall go up to the gate to the elders and say, "My husband's brother refuses to perpetuate his brother's name in Israel; he will not perform the duty of a husband's brother to me." 8 Then the elders of his city shall call him and speak to him, and if he persists, saying, "I do not wish to take her," 9 then his brother's wife shall go up to him in the presence of the elders and pull his sandal off his foot and spit in his face. And she shall answer and say, "So shall it be done to the man who does not build up his brother's house." 10 And the name of his house shall be called in Israel, "The house of him who had his sandal pulled off."
The punishment for such sin in the law of Moses is an act of public humiliation. Yet in Genesis Onan is put to death for his sin.
The more we examine the question of whether Onan was put to death for refusing to give offspring to his brother, the more untenable the position appears. At the very least we must say that if it was sin before the written law was given, it remains the requirement of God today. Yet I don't hear proponents of this view arguing for a return to the Levirate law of marriage.
Onan's sin his spilling of his seed…
It would seem that this leaves only one possible explanation for the sin of Onan, yet shoot down one bird and a dozen more appear. Once they discard the theory that Onan's sin was his failure to provide an heir for his brother due to their recognizing the anachronisms and faulty assumptions required to hold such a view, they don't necessarily automatically embrace the classic view of the Church. Instead they say, "Well, all right, if it wasn't his failure to provide an heir, it was his disobedience to his father… it was his unkindness to Tamar... The list goes on and on. And of course, the problem of this one deed being pulled out for such negative note in the Word remains with any of these other arguments. If this is failure to respect his father's wishes, why does Onan die for it when Ham, who uncovers his father's nakedness -- showing much greater disdain for his father than Onan -- does not?
We could go on and on. But we don't need to. And the reason we don't is that there is one explanation for God's intense wrath at the sin of Onan that coheres logically and Scripturally, that fits all the conditions of our passage and that flows perfectly from the historical setting of these early chapters of Genesis. Surprisingly, or perhaps not so surprisingly, the one explanation we are left with is the universal understanding of the Church of the sin of Onan prior to the 20th century. This position understands the sin of Onan -- his wickedness in the sight of the Lord -- as his deliberate engagement in sexual union without permitting the procreation of a child from that union: his spilling his seed upon the ground.
My wife and I have been discussing birth control and if it is something that God really wants us to do. You can read her blog on this topic by clicking here.
First, here is a sermon I found about Birth Control...then I did a search on LifeChurch's page and found a sermon video. So first, a sermon I found....then beneath that, it is also talked about on the LifeChurch video. (hint: LifeChurch video doesn't agree with Genesis 38 verses about Onan being applicable here...also it deals with a few different questions, so only the first 11 minutes are dealing with birth control directly).
Let's dive on in...
1. Children are a blessing from the Lord
Scripture is full of such verses; it doesn't take much scratching to dig up a host of passages which refer to children in this light.
Psalm 127:3-5 Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
Genesis 25:21 Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.
Exodus 23:25-26 Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span.
Genesis 33:5 (Jacob meeting Esau)Jacob answered, "They are the children God has graciously given your servant."
Psalm 128:1-4 (ESV)1 Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! 2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you. 3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. 4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.
These are general statements of God's attitude toward children. There are those who would say that we can limit blessings, that the Bible refers to many things as blessings, including wealth and belongings, and that we definitely should limit such blessings.
It's all in what you compare the blessing of children to that this argument rises or falls. Which of us would suggest we limit our blessings when it comes to forgiveness of sins? If you compare children to money, then, by all means, limit it. But if you compare them to forgiveness of our sins, they're a blessing to seek without number or end. If we compare God's gift of children only to material blessing, we make an inherently biased comparison.
Those who would still argue that it is appropriate to limit the Divine blessing of children must at least admit that only some blessings are limitable. If you choose to include children among blessings such as possessions and wealth which are limitable because of their negative potential, on what basis do you do so? The Bible clearly warns against the pursuit of material items. Where does the Bible warn that love of children is a root of any evil?
Finally, sometimes, limiting God's blessing is sin. The prophet Elisha urged King Joash to strike the ground with the arrows as a sign of his defeat of the Syrians. Joash hit the ground three times and Elisha rebuked him for not doing so five or six times. By hitting the ground only three times he brought Israel just three victories over the Syrians rather than five or six. When God seeks to bless, who are we to limit His blessing?
2. Fill the earth and subdue it still applies
Children are a Divine blessing. They are eternal beings created in the image of God. They bear the image of God. This much is positive instruction on our topic. But there is more from a positive point of view. There is the command of Genesis 3 that man should fill the earth and subdue it. Have we finished this task? Is the world filled and subdued? If every man and woman on earth were placed in the state of Texas, the population density would be less than that of New York City. Fly over the west or over Canada or over Alaska and you will see that despite the fear-mongering prophets of Malthus spreading their messages of doom, the world is far from full. World population density today is 30 people per square mile. That's less than half the population density of the USA where we average 75 people per square mile. And the USA is far from over-populated.
Moreover, the story of the 21 st century, if you have read any recent demographic studies, (see Atlantic Monthly article from August, 1999) is going to be a story not of population explosion, but of worldwide population decline beginning in about 2040. In fact, the increase in world population over the last century was not the product of increased fertility, but of increased lifespans.
3. The Law specifies times of impurity that coincide with maximal fertility
We learn still more about God’s attitude toward birth-control from other passages. The Levitical laws of purity address the proper time for sexual union. From the onset of menstruation, we are told in Leviticus 15:19-24, a woman is unclean. She remains unclean throughout the issue of blood, and for seven days after the issue has stopped. Thus, for an average of 12 to 14 days from the onset the woman is impure. The net result of the seven-day post-menstruation unclean period is this: according to an obstetrician/gynecologist...
The "normal" menstrual cycle is supposed to occur every 28 days. Day 1 marks the first day of the cycle. 7 days of bleeding. Ovulation occurs only once a cycle and in the normal cycle will occur on day 14. If conception occurs then no more periods for 9 months. If conception does not occur then two weeks go by and the lining of the uterus is "shed" or expelled and the process begins again.
It is interesting that with the Levitical laws, God has insured that sexual relations are timed to occur at the best time for ovulation and conception. Andrew Folley, M.D.
These are passages from which we begin to extrapolate God's attitude toward birth control, and there are many more like these. But is there a passage which actually addresses the issue directly? We see God's "yes" to children in Scripture, and on that basis alone we can say a great deal. We see God's desire for children, His positive approach to pregnancy and childbirth, his proscribing sex during menstruation, and during the least fertile period immediately after menstruation. But is there more in God's Word? Specifically, is there a Divine "no" to birth control?
Scripture's Explicitly Negative Statement
Genesis 38:1-11 (ESV) 1 It happened at that time that Judah went down from his brothers and turned aside to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. 2 There Judah saw the daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua. He took her and went in to her, 3 and she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Er. 4 She conceived again and bore a son, and she called his name Onan. 5 Yet again she bore a son, and she called his name Shelah. Judah was in Chezib when she bore him. 6 And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. 7 But Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord put him to death. 8 Then Judah said to Onan, "Go in to your brother's wife and perform the duty of a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother." 9 But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his. So whenever he went in to his brother's wife he would waste the semen on the ground, so as not to give offspring to his brother. 10 And what he did was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and he put him to death also. 11 Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, "Remain a widow in your father's house, till Shelah my son grows up -- for he feared that he would die, like his brothers. So Tamar went and remained in her father's house.
This passage is often presented in churches as addressing something other than the issue we are considering. To grasp the purpose of this passage it's vital we understand correctly the sin Onan commits. We are told in verse 10: "10 And what he did was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and he put him to death also."
What did Onan do that was wicked in the sight of the Lord? This is the vital question we are left to answer at the end of these verses because we're not given an explicit answer in our passage.
Two theories have come to dominate thinking about this passage today: one a modern explanation and one the explanation of the Church universal for 1900 years up till the mid-20 th century. In recent years, many have suggested that the sin of Onan was his failure to provide offspring for his dead brother.
The second explanation is the one which has dominated church history, yet it is almost unheard-of in circles today. By this explanation, what Onan did which was wicked in the sight of the Lord was his specific method of denying Tamar a child. This explanation says that it was Onan's practice of coitus interruptus, the only common and universally available form of birth control in ancient times, which lies at the root of his sin. By this view, God punishes Onan with death not for denying his brother offspring but for spilling his seed upon the ground.
Some people mention a third theory about the sin of Onan, but it's narrowly held and seems to have arisen largely as a result of people rejecting the first of the explanations without being willing to embrace the second. This theory says that Onan is punished because, in effect, he commits adultery. Had he done his duty in regard to his brother in good faith, he would not have been guilty of adultery, but because he does not do his duty, he is guilty of adultery.
Whatever Onan's sin may be, it is certainly a grave offense in the eyes of God. God puts him to death for it, causing him to join the select ranks of Nadab and Abihu, Ananias and Sapphira, Uzzah, the sons of Korah and just a few other individuals whom we are specifically told in Scripture God punished with death for their sins. We need to understand this about this sin of Onan at the outset: it is not one of those sins worthy of "few stripes" in the judgment of God. This sin is deeply offensive to God, so offensive that God does not permit Onan to live after committing it.
Would God treat adultery in this fashion? Yes. After all, the penalty for adultery in the Mosaic Law is death by stoning. But it diminishes the likelihood that this is the sin for which God puts Onan to death when we read on in Genesis 15 and find that after these things take place, passing his daughter-in-law, Tamar on the road and thinking her a prostitute because of the way she has disguised herself, Judah has relations with her without being put to death by God. If Onan's sin was adultery, then certainly his father Judah should die by the hand of God when he commits the same sin with the same woman -- a sin, compounded in the Law of Moses by the fact that intercourse between a father and a daughter-in-law is condemned as incest. But Judah lives.
Further reducing the likelihood that adultery is the sin of Onan... By the Levitical law of levirate marriage, Tamar becomes Onan's wife when he goes into her--the surviving brother takes the widow as his wife and then goes in to her according to Deuteronomy 25:5-6,
If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the dead man shall not be married outside the family to a stranger. Her husband's brother shall go in to her and take her as his wife and perform the duty of a husband's brother to her. And the first son whom she bears shall succeed to the name of his dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out of Israel.
By the levirate code, marriage precedes the sexual act. It's not the lack of a legal relationship between Tamar and Onan that's the problem in our passage, it's something done within that relationship.
I will spend no more time on this third explanation. It has never gained traction for the simple reason that it's illogical -- forged, I believe, out of a need to explain Onan's sin as something other than birth control by those who admit the difficulty of explaining God's wrath upon Onan coming down as a result of his failure to do his duty to his brother.
Judah lives after committing adultery and incest with his daughter-in-law while Onan dies: either God is simply treating them differently despite their committing the same offense, or the offense in each case is different.
Is there a clear distinction between the offense of father and son in Scripture? In fact there is. One spills his seed, the other does not.
Which leads us back to our original two choices. Either the sin Onan commits is his failure to give his brother an heir, or it is his spilling of his seed, intentionally committing a sexual act without permitting a child to be born of it. Let's assess these two possibilities individually beginning with the first, the failure to give his brother an heir.
Onan's sin his failure to provide an heir for his brother…
Is Onan's sin his failure to provide an heir for his brother? Think with me about this for a moment. On what basis would we say that it was Onan's duty to do this? The Levirate law of marriage? The law we find in Deuteronomy 25?
Deuteronomy 25:5-6 (ESV) 5 If brothers dwell together, and one of them dies and has no son, the wife of the dead man shall not be married outside the family to a stranger. Her husband's brother shall go in to her and take her as his wife and perform the duty of a husband's brother to her. 6 And the first son whom she bears shall succeed to the name of his dead brother, that his name may not be blotted out of Israel.
It's all right there the evangelical world says today. He has a duty. He failed his duty. He dies for his disobedience.
But there are problems with this approach. First we have the problem of an anachronistic reading of Scripture: what is the Biblical timeframe in the story of Onan? The days of the patriarchs, right? When is the law of Levirate marriage given to Israel? Over four hundred years later when God gives His law to Moses. The Levirate laws simply do not exist at this point. There is no written command from God demanding that Onan fulfill such a duty.
Of course, it doesn't have to be written to be true. There was no written law against murder either at this time, yet God still held men guilty of it and punished men for it. God's law existed before He gave the written law to Moses. How did man know God's commands before He gave His written law? They knew it, because in the words of Paul,
Romans 2:12-15 (ESV) 12 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them.
Before the law was given, man had the witness of God in his heart, upon which God had written His precepts. This is the testimony of Romans 1 and 2. But here's the problem. All law prior to the giving of the written law to Moses was moral law. None of it was ceremonial or civil. Ceremonial and civil law came down from the mountain with Moses. If God held a man guilty of lawbreaking prior to giving His written law to Moses, it was not for violating ceremonial law or civil law, but for violating the moral law which He had written upon the human heart.
And that law has not passed away. It remains written on human hearts to this day. Nothing written on human hearts then fails to be written upon the hearts of lawless men today. Those today who do not have God's law are still punished by God for breaking the precepts and commandments written upon their hearts that existed before the Mosaic law. That law stands for all mankind until this very day. It is the basic moral law of God. It is universal. It is unchanged and undiminished.
But if it's true, as Evangelical preachers of the last century have nearly-universally suggested, that Onan's failure to provide an heir for his brother was the sin for which God put him to death, why do we not fulfill this law in our own day? Why are we not adamant that living brothers must provide heirs for their dead brothers in this same way? If this is truly why God put Onan to death, then this is a timeless principle for all mankind which obtains today every bit as strongly as it did in the day of Onan.
We must understand this about the Law: ceremonial law is fulfilled in Christ and thus no longer is required of us today. The civil law of Israel, laws of the nation such as the years of Jubilee and so forth have also largely passed away.
Whatever law Onan broke, it is certain that it was moral. It was the will of God written on the human heart. And if the law he violated was a pre-Mosaic requirement by God that brothers provide heirs for their deceased brothers, then it remains binding in our own day. It has not lapsed. It has not been rescinded. If it was written on the hearts of men before the law of Moses, then it is written on the hearts of men today. It is non-civil, non-ceremonial, timeless moral law, preceding both the nation of Israel and the written law of Moses.
The question of timeframe is a serious blow to the position that Onan's sin was failing to provide an heir for his brother. Most Evangelical interpreters of this passage never seem to recognize the anachronism implicit in their applying the levirate code of marriage to Onan. So here's the question -- is the levirate law of marriage (found in Deuteronomy 25:5-6), that a brother must marry his brother's widow to provide for his brother an heir, moral or civil law? If it's civil law it didn't exist before the Mosaic law was given. If it's timeless moral law, written on men's hearts, then we are as guilty as Onan if we fail to heed it today.
Things get still harder to explain for those who hold to the position that Onan died for failing to do his duty to his brother… What punishment does the Law of Moses specify for the man who fails to do this duty?
7 And if the man does not wish to take his brother's wife, then his brother's wife shall go up to the gate to the elders and say, "My husband's brother refuses to perpetuate his brother's name in Israel; he will not perform the duty of a husband's brother to me." 8 Then the elders of his city shall call him and speak to him, and if he persists, saying, "I do not wish to take her," 9 then his brother's wife shall go up to him in the presence of the elders and pull his sandal off his foot and spit in his face. And she shall answer and say, "So shall it be done to the man who does not build up his brother's house." 10 And the name of his house shall be called in Israel, "The house of him who had his sandal pulled off."
The punishment for such sin in the law of Moses is an act of public humiliation. Yet in Genesis Onan is put to death for his sin.
The more we examine the question of whether Onan was put to death for refusing to give offspring to his brother, the more untenable the position appears. At the very least we must say that if it was sin before the written law was given, it remains the requirement of God today. Yet I don't hear proponents of this view arguing for a return to the Levirate law of marriage.
Onan's sin his spilling of his seed…
It would seem that this leaves only one possible explanation for the sin of Onan, yet shoot down one bird and a dozen more appear. Once they discard the theory that Onan's sin was his failure to provide an heir for his brother due to their recognizing the anachronisms and faulty assumptions required to hold such a view, they don't necessarily automatically embrace the classic view of the Church. Instead they say, "Well, all right, if it wasn't his failure to provide an heir, it was his disobedience to his father… it was his unkindness to Tamar... The list goes on and on. And of course, the problem of this one deed being pulled out for such negative note in the Word remains with any of these other arguments. If this is failure to respect his father's wishes, why does Onan die for it when Ham, who uncovers his father's nakedness -- showing much greater disdain for his father than Onan -- does not?
We could go on and on. But we don't need to. And the reason we don't is that there is one explanation for God's intense wrath at the sin of Onan that coheres logically and Scripturally, that fits all the conditions of our passage and that flows perfectly from the historical setting of these early chapters of Genesis. Surprisingly, or perhaps not so surprisingly, the one explanation we are left with is the universal understanding of the Church of the sin of Onan prior to the 20th century. This position understands the sin of Onan -- his wickedness in the sight of the Lord -- as his deliberate engagement in sexual union without permitting the procreation of a child from that union: his spilling his seed upon the ground.
10 Things About Grocery Shopping
Grocery shopping seems like a harmless enough activity. It’s a chore, but it’s one that most of us do at least once a week, without giving much thought to what’s going on behind the scenes at the supermarket.
How we shop has become a science that’s studied endlessly. “Market researchers have worked for years to come up with ways to make sure shoppers see as many products as possible, because the more they see, the more they buy,” says Marion Nestle, author of What to Eat: An Aisle-by-Aisle Guide to Savvy Food Choices and Good Eating.
So to make yourself a smarter shopper, learn about the top tricks and other secrets lurking at the supermarket.
1. The shopping carts have cooties.
According to studies done on shopping carts, more than 60 percent of them are harboring coliform bacteria (the sort more often associated with public toilet seats). “These bacteria may be coming from raw foods or from children who sit in the carts,” says Chuck Gerba, Ph.D., a microbiologist at University of Arizona. “Just think about the fact that a few minutes ago, some kid’s bottom was where you are now putting your broccoli.” According to studies done by Gerba and his colleagues at University of Arizona, shopping carts had more bacteria than other surfaces they tested—even more than escalators, public phones and public bathrooms. To avoid picking up nasty bacteria, Gerba recommends using sanitizing wipes to clean off cart handles and seats, and to wash your hands after you finish shopping.
2. Dates are open to interpretation.
Except for baby formula and food, product expiration dates are not required by Federal regulations (some states, however, have their own rules requiring product dating). Labels that give a “Best if Used By” date are more of a suggestion than a safety issue—the food will taste best if eaten by the date on the label, but won’t necessarily be unsafe if eaten after that. If a product is stamped with a “Sell-By” date, that is how long the store should display it. Once you bring it home, perishable products (like meats) should be kept refrigerated and used within a few days. For more detailed charts explaining the shelf life of various products, go to USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
3. Kid-friendly food is purposely placed within their reach.
Anyone who shops with a child (or several) in tow has to keep an eye out for products the kids grab and toss into the cart. “I always tell parents never to bring a kid to a store,” says Nestle. “The packages with the cartoons on them are often placed on low shelves where even toddlers can reach for them.” A trip down the cereal aisle will confirm this. “Sugary cereals are at kid’s eye level, while the healthier, all-bran options are usually on the highest shelves,” says Tara Gidus, R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. It’s the same situation at the cash register, where candy and gum are strategically placed to encourage impulse buys by adults and kids can easily grab low-lying products.
4. They cut up food so they can charge more.
In the produce department there are luscious-looking slices of pineapple and melon, veggies cut up and ready for cooking or salads. At the meat counter, chicken breasts and beef are cut into chunks and marinated—ready for immediate grilling. There’s no denying that these pre-cut foods can make life incredibly easy. And nutritionists agree that if they get people to eat more healthfully, there’s nothing wrong with them. But realize that you’re also paying a tremendous premium—sometimes up to twice as much as uncut versions of the same food—just so you don’t have to bother picking up a knife.
5. Good-for-you foods require bending and reaching.
Not surprisingly, grocery store eye candy (which sometimes is actual candy)—those foods with enticing come-ons and delectable photos on the packaging that aren’t on your shopping list—are prominently placed to encourage you to reach for them. Even in the pasta aisle, you’ll find the most popular noodles (including packaged mac and cheese) at eye level. Look up to the highest or lowest shelves if you want to find healthier whole wheat options.
6. End-of-aisle displays are there to distract you from your mission.
“Food companies pay the stores to place their products where they can be seen most easily—such as in a display at the end of an aisle,” says Nestle. That prime real estate is likely to hold high-profit items or grouped items (such as marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers for s’mores) designed to inspire impulse buys. And although sometimes those aisle-ends are used to promote sale items, we will buy even when there is no discount. “People are 30 percent more likely to buy items on the end of the aisle versus in the middle of the aisle—often because we think what’s at the end is a better deal,” says Brian Wansink, Ph.D., director of the Food and Brand Lab at Cornell University and author of Mindless Eating.
7. Bargains aren’t always a bargain.
Who can resist an offer like “buy five, get one free,” or “three for $1”? Apparently, very few people can. “Any time you see numbers in a sign, you’re likely to buy at least 30 percent more than you may have purchased otherwise. “So if you go looking for soup and the sign says “limit 12 per person,” chances are you’ll purchase several more cans than you intended to buy,” he says. And of course, if you buy more than you need, it’s not necessarily a bargain. Or worse yet, it could lead to over-indulging. “Mindless shopping leads to mindless eating,” says Wansink. “Once the stuff is in the house, you’ll eat it whether you really want it or not.”
8. You’ll walk the store the way they want you to.
There’s nothing haphazard about the layout of your grocery store. Sure, some of it is practical (like refrigerated cases along the periphery or meat cases in the back by the store’s loading dock), but some is carefully calculated to help you part with more money. Walk in the front doors and chances are you’re faced immediately with hard-to-resist items (not on your list) like fresh-cut flowers or just-baked loaves of bread. Just try walking past them en route to a carton of milk without tossing something extra into your cart. In fact, research has shown that 60 percent to 70 percent of what ends up in our carts is unplanned.
9. The salad bar can make you sick.
Raw produce at the salad bar, pre-made salads at the deli counter and other pre-cooked prepared foods all have the potential for harboring harmful bacteria (like E. coli, salmonella and Norovirus). “The biggest contributors to unsafe food are foods that are held at unsafe temperatures, handling of food by individuals with poor hygiene, and refilling partially used containers of perishable food with fresh food,” says Michael Doyle, Ph.D., director of the Center for Food Safety and Quality Enhancement at University of Georgia. He recommends that consumers pay attention to cleanliness, freshness (all prepared food should be thrown out if not sold by the end of the day), and way food is stored (cold foods need to be kept at 41 degrees or below; hot foods at greater than 135 degrees). As for those bulk bins of candy and trail mix—while it might be a bit gross to think about people reaching in and “sampling” the goods with their dirty fingers, according to Doyle, the risk of catching anything from them is very low. “Harmful microbes are not likely to grow in bulk-bin foods because most of those foods do not contain enough moisture to support microbial growth,” he says.
10. They don’t always clean as often as they should.
Health inspectors routinely visit supermarkets to look out for the red flags that may signal unsafe conditions for your food. But you can do a little snooping yourself. Flies in the produce or meat departments could be depositing bacteria on raw food. Roaches scurrying across the floor could also be harboring dozens of different diseases. And of course, check the shelves and products for dirt and grime—cans that are covered in dust may be an indication that they’ve sat around past their shelf life.
Grocery shopping seems like a harmless enough activity. It’s a chore, but it’s one that most of us do at least once a week, without giving much thought to what’s going on behind the scenes at the supermarket.
How we shop has become a science that’s studied endlessly. “Market researchers have worked for years to come up with ways to make sure shoppers see as many products as possible, because the more they see, the more they buy,” says Marion Nestle, author of What to Eat: An Aisle-by-Aisle Guide to Savvy Food Choices and Good Eating.
So to make yourself a smarter shopper, learn about the top tricks and other secrets lurking at the supermarket.
1. The shopping carts have cooties.
According to studies done on shopping carts, more than 60 percent of them are harboring coliform bacteria (the sort more often associated with public toilet seats). “These bacteria may be coming from raw foods or from children who sit in the carts,” says Chuck Gerba, Ph.D., a microbiologist at University of Arizona. “Just think about the fact that a few minutes ago, some kid’s bottom was where you are now putting your broccoli.” According to studies done by Gerba and his colleagues at University of Arizona, shopping carts had more bacteria than other surfaces they tested—even more than escalators, public phones and public bathrooms. To avoid picking up nasty bacteria, Gerba recommends using sanitizing wipes to clean off cart handles and seats, and to wash your hands after you finish shopping.
2. Dates are open to interpretation.
Except for baby formula and food, product expiration dates are not required by Federal regulations (some states, however, have their own rules requiring product dating). Labels that give a “Best if Used By” date are more of a suggestion than a safety issue—the food will taste best if eaten by the date on the label, but won’t necessarily be unsafe if eaten after that. If a product is stamped with a “Sell-By” date, that is how long the store should display it. Once you bring it home, perishable products (like meats) should be kept refrigerated and used within a few days. For more detailed charts explaining the shelf life of various products, go to USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
3. Kid-friendly food is purposely placed within their reach.
Anyone who shops with a child (or several) in tow has to keep an eye out for products the kids grab and toss into the cart. “I always tell parents never to bring a kid to a store,” says Nestle. “The packages with the cartoons on them are often placed on low shelves where even toddlers can reach for them.” A trip down the cereal aisle will confirm this. “Sugary cereals are at kid’s eye level, while the healthier, all-bran options are usually on the highest shelves,” says Tara Gidus, R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. It’s the same situation at the cash register, where candy and gum are strategically placed to encourage impulse buys by adults and kids can easily grab low-lying products.
4. They cut up food so they can charge more.
In the produce department there are luscious-looking slices of pineapple and melon, veggies cut up and ready for cooking or salads. At the meat counter, chicken breasts and beef are cut into chunks and marinated—ready for immediate grilling. There’s no denying that these pre-cut foods can make life incredibly easy. And nutritionists agree that if they get people to eat more healthfully, there’s nothing wrong with them. But realize that you’re also paying a tremendous premium—sometimes up to twice as much as uncut versions of the same food—just so you don’t have to bother picking up a knife.
5. Good-for-you foods require bending and reaching.
Not surprisingly, grocery store eye candy (which sometimes is actual candy)—those foods with enticing come-ons and delectable photos on the packaging that aren’t on your shopping list—are prominently placed to encourage you to reach for them. Even in the pasta aisle, you’ll find the most popular noodles (including packaged mac and cheese) at eye level. Look up to the highest or lowest shelves if you want to find healthier whole wheat options.
6. End-of-aisle displays are there to distract you from your mission.
“Food companies pay the stores to place their products where they can be seen most easily—such as in a display at the end of an aisle,” says Nestle. That prime real estate is likely to hold high-profit items or grouped items (such as marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers for s’mores) designed to inspire impulse buys. And although sometimes those aisle-ends are used to promote sale items, we will buy even when there is no discount. “People are 30 percent more likely to buy items on the end of the aisle versus in the middle of the aisle—often because we think what’s at the end is a better deal,” says Brian Wansink, Ph.D., director of the Food and Brand Lab at Cornell University and author of Mindless Eating.
7. Bargains aren’t always a bargain.
Who can resist an offer like “buy five, get one free,” or “three for $1”? Apparently, very few people can. “Any time you see numbers in a sign, you’re likely to buy at least 30 percent more than you may have purchased otherwise. “So if you go looking for soup and the sign says “limit 12 per person,” chances are you’ll purchase several more cans than you intended to buy,” he says. And of course, if you buy more than you need, it’s not necessarily a bargain. Or worse yet, it could lead to over-indulging. “Mindless shopping leads to mindless eating,” says Wansink. “Once the stuff is in the house, you’ll eat it whether you really want it or not.”
8. You’ll walk the store the way they want you to.
There’s nothing haphazard about the layout of your grocery store. Sure, some of it is practical (like refrigerated cases along the periphery or meat cases in the back by the store’s loading dock), but some is carefully calculated to help you part with more money. Walk in the front doors and chances are you’re faced immediately with hard-to-resist items (not on your list) like fresh-cut flowers or just-baked loaves of bread. Just try walking past them en route to a carton of milk without tossing something extra into your cart. In fact, research has shown that 60 percent to 70 percent of what ends up in our carts is unplanned.
9. The salad bar can make you sick.
Raw produce at the salad bar, pre-made salads at the deli counter and other pre-cooked prepared foods all have the potential for harboring harmful bacteria (like E. coli, salmonella and Norovirus). “The biggest contributors to unsafe food are foods that are held at unsafe temperatures, handling of food by individuals with poor hygiene, and refilling partially used containers of perishable food with fresh food,” says Michael Doyle, Ph.D., director of the Center for Food Safety and Quality Enhancement at University of Georgia. He recommends that consumers pay attention to cleanliness, freshness (all prepared food should be thrown out if not sold by the end of the day), and way food is stored (cold foods need to be kept at 41 degrees or below; hot foods at greater than 135 degrees). As for those bulk bins of candy and trail mix—while it might be a bit gross to think about people reaching in and “sampling” the goods with their dirty fingers, according to Doyle, the risk of catching anything from them is very low. “Harmful microbes are not likely to grow in bulk-bin foods because most of those foods do not contain enough moisture to support microbial growth,” he says.
10. They don’t always clean as often as they should.
Health inspectors routinely visit supermarkets to look out for the red flags that may signal unsafe conditions for your food. But you can do a little snooping yourself. Flies in the produce or meat departments could be depositing bacteria on raw food. Roaches scurrying across the floor could also be harboring dozens of different diseases. And of course, check the shelves and products for dirt and grime—cans that are covered in dust may be an indication that they’ve sat around past their shelf life.
Weekend Reflection!
Work...yep, that pretty much described it. I guess it really only describes it because it is Monday and the last thing I remember is all the work I did last night. We'll get to that in a few minutes.
Friday...well, I will pretty much have to start with my lunch break, so you will know what I had to unload on Friday evening. Liz was given a whole bunch (and I mean a whole bunch) of free textbooks, workbooks, posters, supplies, etc for homeschooling...the only catch is it had to picked up at noon on Friday. I spent my entire lunch break there and filled the entire SUV floor to ceiling, front seat to back door...there was enough room for me to squeeze in there (and the lady said in a week or two she will have another load ready for me)...not to mention that I loaded this all up in the rain, and the boxes had been sitting outside for a few days in the rain. Friday when I got home after work, I unloaded all of that in the garage. After unloading that, I had to load up a swimming pool/filter we bought last year at a garage sale (we did intend on setting it up...but too much of a hassle, especially with DHS regulations with in-home daycare), so we decided to take it up to the in-laws. After loading that up, I had to go inside and pack our bags to take up to Choctaw...again, Liz had a weekend full of weddings and it is only a few miles away from the in-laws' house. Stayed there Friday night...
Saturday, Liz and I went by a garage sale or two before taking her to the chapel. After I dropped Liz off, I went to pick up Chance, brother in-law, who just got back from a two week trip with a friend. I had to meet Liz after that wedding was over and help her clean up, then we went back to her parents' house. After a little bit, I left back to Norman to help someone move...my absolute favorite thing to do (*sarcasm* haha!). This was the easiest move (for me) because I was only needed to help with one trip...a couch, a queen sized bed, chair, a couple other items that fit in the vehicle). After that, I headed by the house to pick up a few things, a few stores, then I headed back to Choctaw with a stop to pick up some BBQ on the way to take back. We stayed Saturday night out there....
Sunday, we got up and ready for church. After our normal 11:30am service, Liz and I started volunteering to serve in the kids area for the 1pm service. Liz was with the babies and I was with 4 year olds. The mom/daughter combo I helped out told me that I helped them on the best/worst day (depending on whose view it is, haha!) because there were 16 kids (they usually have about 10 they said) and the "not usual" ones weren't exactly sure how to behave. Next week, Liz and I will be working together with 5 year olds (I think it was), which means we will be working in Addy's class. After church, we all went and ate at Sante Fe...then the real fun kicked in. I went up to a truck stop to help Liz's dad, Jody, and her brother, Chance, do some carpentry work. I don't ever mind helping out Jody do that kind of work...it is good experience, but it is definitely hard labor. Honestly, I wish I could go with Jody every Saturday (while Liz works the weddings) and do some work on the side to make some extra money. Anyway, this truck stop was getting a new huge air conditioner installed. Here is what all we did. A new load-baring wall had to be installed, then some "above the ceiling" work. A beam had to be cut, install some 2 x 6's and some ply-wood....basically we made a square opening for the new unit in the ceiling. Also, for the load baring wall that was built, we had to sheet rock that before we left. It wasn't too bad, when all was said and done. I got home about 10pm...I missed out on dinner, but I wasn't too hungry anyway (until about 11 or so while laying in bed). I got home, took a shower, cleaned the kitchen, made the bed, then got in bed. That was pretty much my weekend...good times!
Work...yep, that pretty much described it. I guess it really only describes it because it is Monday and the last thing I remember is all the work I did last night. We'll get to that in a few minutes.
Friday...well, I will pretty much have to start with my lunch break, so you will know what I had to unload on Friday evening. Liz was given a whole bunch (and I mean a whole bunch) of free textbooks, workbooks, posters, supplies, etc for homeschooling...the only catch is it had to picked up at noon on Friday. I spent my entire lunch break there and filled the entire SUV floor to ceiling, front seat to back door...there was enough room for me to squeeze in there (and the lady said in a week or two she will have another load ready for me)...not to mention that I loaded this all up in the rain, and the boxes had been sitting outside for a few days in the rain. Friday when I got home after work, I unloaded all of that in the garage. After unloading that, I had to load up a swimming pool/filter we bought last year at a garage sale (we did intend on setting it up...but too much of a hassle, especially with DHS regulations with in-home daycare), so we decided to take it up to the in-laws. After loading that up, I had to go inside and pack our bags to take up to Choctaw...again, Liz had a weekend full of weddings and it is only a few miles away from the in-laws' house. Stayed there Friday night...
Saturday, Liz and I went by a garage sale or two before taking her to the chapel. After I dropped Liz off, I went to pick up Chance, brother in-law, who just got back from a two week trip with a friend. I had to meet Liz after that wedding was over and help her clean up, then we went back to her parents' house. After a little bit, I left back to Norman to help someone move...my absolute favorite thing to do (*sarcasm* haha!). This was the easiest move (for me) because I was only needed to help with one trip...a couch, a queen sized bed, chair, a couple other items that fit in the vehicle). After that, I headed by the house to pick up a few things, a few stores, then I headed back to Choctaw with a stop to pick up some BBQ on the way to take back. We stayed Saturday night out there....
Sunday, we got up and ready for church. After our normal 11:30am service, Liz and I started volunteering to serve in the kids area for the 1pm service. Liz was with the babies and I was with 4 year olds. The mom/daughter combo I helped out told me that I helped them on the best/worst day (depending on whose view it is, haha!) because there were 16 kids (they usually have about 10 they said) and the "not usual" ones weren't exactly sure how to behave. Next week, Liz and I will be working together with 5 year olds (I think it was), which means we will be working in Addy's class. After church, we all went and ate at Sante Fe...then the real fun kicked in. I went up to a truck stop to help Liz's dad, Jody, and her brother, Chance, do some carpentry work. I don't ever mind helping out Jody do that kind of work...it is good experience, but it is definitely hard labor. Honestly, I wish I could go with Jody every Saturday (while Liz works the weddings) and do some work on the side to make some extra money. Anyway, this truck stop was getting a new huge air conditioner installed. Here is what all we did. A new load-baring wall had to be installed, then some "above the ceiling" work. A beam had to be cut, install some 2 x 6's and some ply-wood....basically we made a square opening for the new unit in the ceiling. Also, for the load baring wall that was built, we had to sheet rock that before we left. It wasn't too bad, when all was said and done. I got home about 10pm...I missed out on dinner, but I wasn't too hungry anyway (until about 11 or so while laying in bed). I got home, took a shower, cleaned the kitchen, made the bed, then got in bed. That was pretty much my weekend...good times!
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