So much for regular posting, but honestly, not a lot changes for me on a weekly basis. I kind of like it that way anyway. This is my first Saturday off that I haven't been traveling somewhere since my last post though. The best weekend recently has to be March 20-22. I went to my home state, the beautiful country known as Kansas, for a wedding, but I spent the Friday before in Kansas City. It was my introductory experience of an event known as "Que-Fest". All day Friday, all three meals, each at a different BBQ restaurant. We started at Arthur Bryant's for brunch, Oklahoma Joe's for lunch, finished with Jack's Stack for supper. It was simply amazing. I hope to be able to join in for many more years to come. As for the other part of the title, tonight is Holy Communion in Washington, so that will be on my mind today for sure. I have always felt that Communion is a very important and humbling event, and look forward to it each year. I love the solemn atmosphere and the opportunity to really consider the vastness of the love of our God, and His sacrifice in order to justify, sanctify, and ultimately glorify each of those He calls His children. It humbles me to the utmost every time. I just pray for grace to do a better job maintaining that humility each and every day, knowing that I am weak but He is strong.
In Christ,
Ash
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Nuthin' much...
Well, I guess this is my attempt at somewhat regular posting. Once again, I'm at Mika's (an excellent coffeeshop by my estimation), having had yet more problems with my computer at home. This time I think it is more due to my screwing around with it than anything else though. Anyway, as the title of this post suggests, not any real news or incidents to write about. I was reading Proverbs 1 the other night, and the last half of that chapter struck me as especially relevant to my current situation.
Verse 22 - “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools
hate knowledge?"
This is Wisdom's question to start the passage, and most of the rest describes those that reject her reproof and correction. How often do I find myself as a simple scoffer? This scripture convicts me to really take my study of the Word more seriously that I may glean real truths from it. I do take comfort from the last verse in the chapter and know that I can rest in my Lord.
Verse 33 - "..but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
-Ash
Verse 22 - “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools
hate knowledge?"
This is Wisdom's question to start the passage, and most of the rest describes those that reject her reproof and correction. How often do I find myself as a simple scoffer? This scripture convicts me to really take my study of the Word more seriously that I may glean real truths from it. I do take comfort from the last verse in the chapter and know that I can rest in my Lord.
Verse 33 - "..but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
-Ash
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Random
Ok, so I think I might try to give this whole blog thing another go. We'll see how it goes anyway. I suppose there have been some things that have happened since my last post that are worth blogging about, even as mundane a life as I lead. Not that I wholly dislike mundane, I have certainly made conscious decisions that tend toward such a lifestyle.
As an update to my last post, I am now fully entrenched in the world of grease, oil, ATF, antifreeze, and cracked and torn up hands that is the auto mechanic. I have no immediate plans to change it at all. I am also now somewhat more comfortable with the geographic scattering of my family and friends. I have found God to be faithful in keeping love and friendships together despite the separation of miles. By now, 25 seems like a long lost memory, and certainly there are things that weigh upon my mind as other milestones of age rush to the present (anyone hear of that evil known as ...30?!?!?). Another development has more to do with how I perceive some less tangible things in life, namely my God, my salvation, and my calling as a brother to my Savior. I feel confident enough to name myself among...........the Reformed! Ok, now I've done it. This is a public blog, and now someone might find out. Oh no, what shall I do...hmmm, nope, not worried. To Luke, I have now added your blog to my feed, so hopefully I will be able to read and make constructive comments on the various articles and questions you pose therein.
As a side note, I sit writing this post at Mika's, the coffeehouse in Eureka. My computer at home has for some time had a gremlin that hinders me from google and its affiliated websites. It has evaded several concerted efforts of mine to remove it, and since blogger is now run by google, I have not been able to do anything but simply view my blog. I shall hopefully mount a successful attack on this gremlin, with the intent that I can then edit and post to my blog from home. If not, I guess I'll have to make an appearance at Mika's every other Saturday morning until something changes.
Peace and love to all the brethren,
Ash
As an update to my last post, I am now fully entrenched in the world of grease, oil, ATF, antifreeze, and cracked and torn up hands that is the auto mechanic. I have no immediate plans to change it at all. I am also now somewhat more comfortable with the geographic scattering of my family and friends. I have found God to be faithful in keeping love and friendships together despite the separation of miles. By now, 25 seems like a long lost memory, and certainly there are things that weigh upon my mind as other milestones of age rush to the present (anyone hear of that evil known as ...30?!?!?). Another development has more to do with how I perceive some less tangible things in life, namely my God, my salvation, and my calling as a brother to my Savior. I feel confident enough to name myself among...........the Reformed! Ok, now I've done it. This is a public blog, and now someone might find out. Oh no, what shall I do...hmmm, nope, not worried. To Luke, I have now added your blog to my feed, so hopefully I will be able to read and make constructive comments on the various articles and questions you pose therein.
As a side note, I sit writing this post at Mika's, the coffeehouse in Eureka. My computer at home has for some time had a gremlin that hinders me from google and its affiliated websites. It has evaded several concerted efforts of mine to remove it, and since blogger is now run by google, I have not been able to do anything but simply view my blog. I shall hopefully mount a successful attack on this gremlin, with the intent that I can then edit and post to my blog from home. If not, I guess I'll have to make an appearance at Mika's every other Saturday morning until something changes.
Peace and love to all the brethren,
Ash
Friday, May 25, 2007
Too much
Ok, so I am sitting here on a Friday night, and I'm not even upset that I have nothing to do. I will probably read a book that I'm trying to finish, only to start the netx in the series (currently, book 7 of 11). Anyway, too much describes how my life has changed in the last couple of months.
#1. Graduated with honors from Parkland College, associates degree in Applied Science. Weird, I'm done with school (unless I decide to finish my ME degree :) ) I am going to miss hangin' at the 'Shaker in Champaign, there are some sweet fellas that live there. I just hope I'm not looking for a break from work 3 months from now.
#2. In relation to #1, I am now a full-time Certified Ford Auto Technician. I don't really know what that means to me yet, other than my life and health insurance is paid for, and I will have 1 week paid vacation 1 year from now. And hopefully less oil changes.:)
#3. I moved from Normal to Eureka, with Josh Gerber. I am so ready to live in a house with a garage, yard (back and front), patio, etc. instead of an apartment. One thing I've learned about Josh: he's a project maniac! He has ideas for about 5 years' worth of house remodeling projects that he is planning at any given time. The house will probably never be whole while I am living here. Oh, well. At any rate, I am so thankful to be 10 minutes from work, especially with gas nearing the $3.50 mark already this summer.
#4. On the subject of moving, my youngest brother very suddenly up and moved to Garden Grove, IA, a few months back, and more recently my parents bought a house in Bloomfield and are currently packing up at home. There will be an estate sale and land auction less than a month from now. I do not like to think about how I am going to feel about helping set up for the sale and realizing my home home ( my home is in Eureka now) will never be the same. I can get very sentimental about this kind of thing, and I guess it just builds up because I don't normally react with emotion (other that mock anger and violence, of course.:) )
#5. My oldest bro Tony also moved from Luke's condo to another house in Morton, although he is only temorarily renting until he can find a more permanent place to buy. He lives with some pretty cool guys, and I hope to kick back at his pad once in a while.
#6. I can't believe I didn't remember this until now. I turned 25 on Monday. It apparently has not really sunk in yet, or I am just getting old enough where birthdays don't mean much anymore. It is tough to think about a quarter century of my life is past already, and the pace of years seems only to increase. It seems only a few months that I have lived in IL, yet it is coming up on 2 years! On the other hand, my days in Manhappenin' seem ages ago. I recently saw a magazine in the store with an article on the 10 years since Princess Di passed away. A decade?!? Time really does play tricks on your memories.
Well, there are many other things that have changed, but this post is already too long, and/or I don't want to keep thinking about change. I tend to be resistant to changes in my life, and sometimes it is extremely difficult for me to deal with it at first (i.e. #4 above). So, I guess that is my life for the past 5 months or so, and I don't care if you think it's been boring, it's been a roller coaster for me. :)
#1. Graduated with honors from Parkland College, associates degree in Applied Science. Weird, I'm done with school (unless I decide to finish my ME degree :) ) I am going to miss hangin' at the 'Shaker in Champaign, there are some sweet fellas that live there. I just hope I'm not looking for a break from work 3 months from now.
#2. In relation to #1, I am now a full-time Certified Ford Auto Technician. I don't really know what that means to me yet, other than my life and health insurance is paid for, and I will have 1 week paid vacation 1 year from now. And hopefully less oil changes.:)
#3. I moved from Normal to Eureka, with Josh Gerber. I am so ready to live in a house with a garage, yard (back and front), patio, etc. instead of an apartment. One thing I've learned about Josh: he's a project maniac! He has ideas for about 5 years' worth of house remodeling projects that he is planning at any given time. The house will probably never be whole while I am living here. Oh, well. At any rate, I am so thankful to be 10 minutes from work, especially with gas nearing the $3.50 mark already this summer.
#4. On the subject of moving, my youngest brother very suddenly up and moved to Garden Grove, IA, a few months back, and more recently my parents bought a house in Bloomfield and are currently packing up at home. There will be an estate sale and land auction less than a month from now. I do not like to think about how I am going to feel about helping set up for the sale and realizing my home home ( my home is in Eureka now) will never be the same. I can get very sentimental about this kind of thing, and I guess it just builds up because I don't normally react with emotion (other that mock anger and violence, of course.:) )
#5. My oldest bro Tony also moved from Luke's condo to another house in Morton, although he is only temorarily renting until he can find a more permanent place to buy. He lives with some pretty cool guys, and I hope to kick back at his pad once in a while.
#6. I can't believe I didn't remember this until now. I turned 25 on Monday. It apparently has not really sunk in yet, or I am just getting old enough where birthdays don't mean much anymore. It is tough to think about a quarter century of my life is past already, and the pace of years seems only to increase. It seems only a few months that I have lived in IL, yet it is coming up on 2 years! On the other hand, my days in Manhappenin' seem ages ago. I recently saw a magazine in the store with an article on the 10 years since Princess Di passed away. A decade?!? Time really does play tricks on your memories.
Well, there are many other things that have changed, but this post is already too long, and/or I don't want to keep thinking about change. I tend to be resistant to changes in my life, and sometimes it is extremely difficult for me to deal with it at first (i.e. #4 above). So, I guess that is my life for the past 5 months or so, and I don't care if you think it's been boring, it's been a roller coaster for me. :)
Monday, November 27, 2006
Ups and downs for November
Well, the month of November is nearly over, and Christmas is almost upon us. There have been some ups and downs since my last post, for sure.
On the up side, not too long after that post, Denver Rassi started repenting while I was hangin' at the Shaker one night (as I am tonight). I had been wondering how he could sit through and participate in the after supper bibles studies each week, and that particular night the conviction was fairly obvious. I don't think I will ever tire of the nervous butterfly feeling as we pray for a friend on the brink of letting Jesus into their heart. There seems to be a marriage mania going on, even among my relatively small circle of friends/acquaintances. I think Kenton started it. So, congrats to Tyler Scott (I believe his engagement was actually some time ago), Jon Ringger, Sasha and Carissa, Jake and Meika, and Andrew Gerber. God bless and keep you all.
On the downside, I was not able to get Saturday off from work, and so I could not go to Minnesota with the fam for Thanksgiving. This was a major downer, since it was quite unexpected. I was doing fairly well though, until my Aunt Lila (Mom's youngest sister, and has Down's Syndrome) left me a phone message. I could hear the smile on her face and the excitement in her voice as she repeated what Mom was saying in the background, like she misses me, she loves me, and wishes me a happy Thanksgiving. That made it a little rough for a while. I was able to spend Thanksgiving day with Heath and his family in Chilicothe, and then Saturday evening with the Knapp/Knobloch/Dietrich/Roth/etc. clan, so the holiday was far from a total loss.
On the lighter side, I am currently in a state of total body aches/pains. Apparently, my body thinks I am too old for nearly 2 hours of football after church on Sunday in Morton, but my brain didn't believe it (either that, or my brain won't believe that my body is woefully out of shape for such activities). I can tell you which one won the argument, but also that it will probably be a recurring one.
Well, I suppose that's about it for November, and I hope I don't lose the few faithful readers I may have left:)
On the up side, not too long after that post, Denver Rassi started repenting while I was hangin' at the Shaker one night (as I am tonight). I had been wondering how he could sit through and participate in the after supper bibles studies each week, and that particular night the conviction was fairly obvious. I don't think I will ever tire of the nervous butterfly feeling as we pray for a friend on the brink of letting Jesus into their heart. There seems to be a marriage mania going on, even among my relatively small circle of friends/acquaintances. I think Kenton started it. So, congrats to Tyler Scott (I believe his engagement was actually some time ago), Jon Ringger, Sasha and Carissa, Jake and Meika, and Andrew Gerber. God bless and keep you all.
On the downside, I was not able to get Saturday off from work, and so I could not go to Minnesota with the fam for Thanksgiving. This was a major downer, since it was quite unexpected. I was doing fairly well though, until my Aunt Lila (Mom's youngest sister, and has Down's Syndrome) left me a phone message. I could hear the smile on her face and the excitement in her voice as she repeated what Mom was saying in the background, like she misses me, she loves me, and wishes me a happy Thanksgiving. That made it a little rough for a while. I was able to spend Thanksgiving day with Heath and his family in Chilicothe, and then Saturday evening with the Knapp/Knobloch/Dietrich/Roth/etc. clan, so the holiday was far from a total loss.
On the lighter side, I am currently in a state of total body aches/pains. Apparently, my body thinks I am too old for nearly 2 hours of football after church on Sunday in Morton, but my brain didn't believe it (either that, or my brain won't believe that my body is woefully out of shape for such activities). I can tell you which one won the argument, but also that it will probably be a recurring one.
Well, I suppose that's about it for November, and I hope I don't lose the few faithful readers I may have left:)
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Oops, I forgot
So maybe that last post got my writing juices flowing or something. I completely forgot about some things I wanted to blog. Last weekend I made a last-minute decision to got to Indy. One Mr. Wales gave me a call Thursday night to ask what I was doing for the weekend. Mangold's was closed that Saturday, so I had no plans (except to try and get a haircut). I was up till 2:30 Friday morning doping laundry and packing for the weekend. I left from Champaign after enjoying a delicious but rushed meal at an authentic Mexican restaurant called Dos Reales (It was ruhed because I was reminded of the time change 5 mins after ordering). The main reason for my going to Indy was that the Kellenberger's (Kent, Ryan, Scott, and Ned) were staying at Jonathan's for the Outreach, and thay needed a sixth man for Rook (Best card game ever). So I drove to Indy, played Rook (Ryan and I won, Friday AND Saturday nights), and decided to got to the Outreach while I was there. The weekend was a blessing, as I was able to meet new people and renew old ties.
I stayed in Champaign Sunday and Monday at the Shaker, and was introduced to a not wholly unfamiliar way of college life. Good times were had by all.
I would be remiss if I were not to mention the passing of a dear brother and former member of the BTR. Goodbye, and we'll miss you, Kenton.
Seriously now, God bless the two of you in your new lives as one in Christ, Amen.
-Ashcrash
P.S. - Please do not assume this flurry of posting to be indicative of the future of this blog. I am sure you would be sorely disappointed if you did so.
I stayed in Champaign Sunday and Monday at the Shaker, and was introduced to a not wholly unfamiliar way of college life. Good times were had by all.
I would be remiss if I were not to mention the passing of a dear brother and former member of the BTR. Goodbye, and we'll miss you, Kenton.
Seriously now, God bless the two of you in your new lives as one in Christ, Amen.
-Ashcrash
P.S. - Please do not assume this flurry of posting to be indicative of the future of this blog. I am sure you would be sorely disappointed if you did so.
Random musings
Well, I am not sure how to start this post as it has been almost 11 months since the last one. What the hey, I'm just hangin' at the Shaker at U of I and decided to give it a whirl. I am a little disappointed, however. It just happens that on one of those rare occasions that I am able to be in Champaign for church that most of the yg is taking tests, studying for a test, or went to Cissna for church. Bummer. It was very slim tonight. No problem, though, as good times can always be found at the Shaker (How could they not with 10 crazy guys in one house?). Sorry I don't have much to say, but that's what happens when you leas a life of such glamour and excitement as I.
'Till next time (who knows?),
Ashcrash
'Till next time (who knows?),
Ashcrash
Monday, December 19, 2005
Cell phones + water = bad
Ok, this post is going to be an attempt to explain the necessity for me to get a new phone.
It all started when I was in KC for the annual Wales' Christmas bash. As usual, our Friday evening was spent at the Plaza, first eating supper, then browsing the shops for awhile. We ate at Uno's, which is a great place to be introduced to Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Well, after supper, nature called. I knew that my cell didn't always stay clipped in its belt holster, but I wasn't quick enough on the draw, and - ploosh - I'll let you decide what happened there. This is accident #1, of three basic accidents that happened that night. I'll just say that all three had to happen for the night to turn out as it did. If any two of the three had occurred, no problem. So, my phone's zapped, and I don't know anyone's number in my head anymore. Accident #2: I'm browsing in Barnes and Noble (big surprise :)) and I check the time and realize I'm supposed to be back at Uno's right now. No big deal, when is the last time a group of around 30 people managed to meet and leave within 10 minutes? Apparently, it was that night. So I get to Uno's at 7:50, ten minutes late, and no one in sight. Hmm......... I start to think maybe I got the time wrong. I then realize that Accident #3 had already occurred earlier: the vehicle I arrived in had left soon after supper, so nobody that was left would have missed me on the ride home. So, I went back to Barnes and Noble for a while, thinking that If anyone did miss me and come back, they would probably know to check here. Well, it's not easy to relax in a situation like this, so I went back to Uno's, got a mocha from across the street, and decided to wait it out. Finally, at around 9 pm, I figured it was probably going to be up to me to get to Wales'. Another problem: I don't remember their address. After some intense memory searching, Glenwood comes to mind, but I don't have a clue how to get from the Plaza to anywhere I know. I started to take a closer look at the taxis all over the Plaza. Hmm... $2.20 + $1.70 per mile....I remember Tina saying something about 19 miles to the Plaza according to Mapquest....I have $36 and change in my wallet.....figure 20 miles....wow, that's close...Anyway, for the first time in my life, I hailed a cab. I told him I barely had enough for a 20 mile fare, so he knew I was interested in the shortest route, not the fastest. Anyway, I made it to Wales', with nothing but the change to spare after I paid the cabbie. I missed the whole gift exchange, but since I had put a gift in the pot, there was one left for me. It was a whole bag of gummi worms, gummi bears, sour worms, etc., which I ended up accidentally at Tom and Tina Fehr's place anyway. :( Oh, well.
On the bright side, I was not under a cell phone contract, so I just decided to get a new phone and forget about trying to collect an insurance claim on my old one. It's a better phone anyway, and Alltel ended up giving it to me for nearly half price (that's after the discount for a two year service agreement).
So I guess that's the long way around to say that I don't have anybody's number for my contact list, since my old phone was unresponsive to any and all resuscitation attempts. :(
Therefore, if you would like me to have your number, please respond via comment, or, if you don't want the few people who read this blog to also know it, by e-mail. ;)
It all started when I was in KC for the annual Wales' Christmas bash. As usual, our Friday evening was spent at the Plaza, first eating supper, then browsing the shops for awhile. We ate at Uno's, which is a great place to be introduced to Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Well, after supper, nature called. I knew that my cell didn't always stay clipped in its belt holster, but I wasn't quick enough on the draw, and - ploosh - I'll let you decide what happened there. This is accident #1, of three basic accidents that happened that night. I'll just say that all three had to happen for the night to turn out as it did. If any two of the three had occurred, no problem. So, my phone's zapped, and I don't know anyone's number in my head anymore. Accident #2: I'm browsing in Barnes and Noble (big surprise :)) and I check the time and realize I'm supposed to be back at Uno's right now. No big deal, when is the last time a group of around 30 people managed to meet and leave within 10 minutes? Apparently, it was that night. So I get to Uno's at 7:50, ten minutes late, and no one in sight. Hmm......... I start to think maybe I got the time wrong. I then realize that Accident #3 had already occurred earlier: the vehicle I arrived in had left soon after supper, so nobody that was left would have missed me on the ride home. So, I went back to Barnes and Noble for a while, thinking that If anyone did miss me and come back, they would probably know to check here. Well, it's not easy to relax in a situation like this, so I went back to Uno's, got a mocha from across the street, and decided to wait it out. Finally, at around 9 pm, I figured it was probably going to be up to me to get to Wales'. Another problem: I don't remember their address. After some intense memory searching, Glenwood comes to mind, but I don't have a clue how to get from the Plaza to anywhere I know. I started to take a closer look at the taxis all over the Plaza. Hmm... $2.20 + $1.70 per mile....I remember Tina saying something about 19 miles to the Plaza according to Mapquest....I have $36 and change in my wallet.....figure 20 miles....wow, that's close...Anyway, for the first time in my life, I hailed a cab. I told him I barely had enough for a 20 mile fare, so he knew I was interested in the shortest route, not the fastest. Anyway, I made it to Wales', with nothing but the change to spare after I paid the cabbie. I missed the whole gift exchange, but since I had put a gift in the pot, there was one left for me. It was a whole bag of gummi worms, gummi bears, sour worms, etc., which I ended up accidentally at Tom and Tina Fehr's place anyway. :( Oh, well.
On the bright side, I was not under a cell phone contract, so I just decided to get a new phone and forget about trying to collect an insurance claim on my old one. It's a better phone anyway, and Alltel ended up giving it to me for nearly half price (that's after the discount for a two year service agreement).
So I guess that's the long way around to say that I don't have anybody's number for my contact list, since my old phone was unresponsive to any and all resuscitation attempts. :(
Therefore, if you would like me to have your number, please respond via comment, or, if you don't want the few people who read this blog to also know it, by e-mail. ;)
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