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Now, wasn't that worth Scrolling down here?

Ici commence notre aventure partagée.

"No man is master of himself at all times; therefore prudence and caution should ever be united to courage." - Adam Clarke

"It is good for us to shame ourselves out of our presumptuous confidence in ourselves." - Matthew Henry

"Let no man think he can do anything good, without the immediate assistance of God. Peter's denial should be an eternal warning to all self-confident persons: though there be sincerity and good will at the bottom, yet in the trial these cannot perform that office which belongs to the power of God. We should will, and then look to God for power to execute: without Him we can do nothing." - Adam Clarke

****

There is not one among us who has not been tempted at one time or another to act self-confident or to be presumptuous. We are all guilty of getting ahead of God or running on our own "steam", so to speak, only to eventually fall flat on our faces.

Prayerfully, this message will be a wake-up call to all. It will serve as a check to all rash behavior and cause us to realize our great need to spend time every day in the Presence of Jesus, being emptied of self and filled with His Holy Spirit.

John 13:36-38 records for us a conversation that went on between Peter and the Lord Jesus.

This is what it says:

"Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest Thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow Me now; but thou shalt follow Me afterwards. Peter said unto Him, Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thy sake. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for My sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied Me thrice."

After closely examining this conversation, we certainly would have to agree that Peter was sincere in what he said to Jesus. However, the problem was not with his sincerity. The problem was that he did not know his own strength. He presumed that because he was able to "leave the nets and follow Jesus," that he was surely able to lay down his life for Him as well.

Somehow he forgot about the time when Jesus called him forth to walk on the water and how he looked at his surroundings and immediately began to sink. He also forgot about the time when Jesus began to speak about going to the cross and enduring its terrible sufferings and Peter was the first to rebuke Him by saying -

"Be it far from Thee, O Lord."

Yet, here is this same vain and self-sufficient man boasting in the fact that, if need be, he would be able to die for Jesus.

"I am ready to go through the greatest dangers and difficulties to follow Thee..." - John Gill

Is that right, Peter? Will you be able to face the angry mobs for Jesus? If not, then how in the world will you be able to lay down your life for Him?

What Peter didn't realize was that Jesus had to die first for him before he could ever die for Him.

His sincerity and good will would not hold up against the worst fiery trial. He would need the Power of God. If he was to accomplish anything for the Lord, it would have to be attributed to what Jesus accomplished on the cross at Calvary.

Peter's dilemma was that he was still leaning on his own strength and not the Lord's. He still felt as though everything depended upon him. Nothing would get done unless he did it.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

At times, he demonstrated courage but not caution. He displayed a powerful and determined will power. But courage and will power would not suffice against the wiles and snares of the devil.

His failure in all of this was that he didn't look to God for His power from on high and, resultantly, failed miserably.

How about you?

Perhaps you are feeling a bit confident today because you left your so called "nets" for Jesus. In order to come to Him, it took a gigantic step of faith. You accomplished a great feat. Resultantly, you are feeling pretty good about yourself. In fact, you might even be feeling a bit elevated above your brethren. In your estimation, they didn't do as well as you did. In your own eyes, you are quite a "saint" because of your "total break" with the world.

One thing Peter failed to realize was that the grace of God in the command of Jesus - "Follow Me" - was the enabling factor in helping him to obey this directive. Peter was able to leave the nets that day when Jesus called him, not because of any strength or goodness in himself, but because of the strength, power, and grace in the words of Jesus.

The same is true for you as well. If you were able to undertake a gigantic leap of faith for God, it happened only because of His grace and not because you were feeling super-spiritual at the time.

You may have experienced this; when it came time to take the next step of faith, you perhaps didn't do as well. Things were a lot harder for you. You may have even failed miserably. Your over-confidence in yourself may have caused you to lean on your own "arm" rather than the "arm of the Lord."

In 1 Corinthians 10:12, you are given the command - "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."
Romans 11:20 also advises - "...Be not high-minded, but fear."

One who "thinks that he stands" is a person who supposes that he is so firm in the love of God and in the knowledge of His truth that he could never fall. He regards himself as being secure. Hence, he is disposed to rely upon his own strength. He also is "high-minded"and unduly exalted in his own estimation with a tendency to despise others.

Oftentimes, because of his presumption, the "shame of his nakedness appears" (Revelation 3:18) - putting him to open shame.

This is what happened to Peter, and it can very well happen to you as well.

What is a great antidote for the sin of self-confidence or presumption?

The answer to that question can be found in Matthew 6:11 which says - "Give us this day our daily bread." This petition causes the praying saint to recognize his total dependence on God for everything - his physical needs as well as the spiritual ones. It stresses his total reliance on the Lord for even menial tasks. It also implies that God is the source of his strength, grace, and power and, without Him, nothing can ever be accomplished for good.

Perhaps you are one who has taken a giant step of faith for the Lord. Beware! Be cautious of what you say!

Just remember, today you may be feeling very bold; tomorrow you may face a circumstance that will cause you to look like a coward.

"Presumption is the greatest of all dangers..."

Therefore, hear and fear!
May God Bless His Word,

Connie - Walking In Truth

My new plan is to workout 3 days a week: Tuesday - Thursday for 2-3 weeks.  After that, I'll increase my workouts by one day a week for 2-3 weeks, and so on.  My ultimate goal is to do something active every day of the week, but I realize that I have to do it slowly in order to make it sustainable and realistic.

I want to spend the coming week looking up new recipes to try.  Cooking is such a joy for me, and I think it's going to be a new hobby.

I feel really positive and happy about all of the new systems I'm putting in place.

Great post about the importance of preparation and planning ahead.  I've been feeling the urge to get away and leave, but at the same time I'm preparing myself through seminary, the church plant, work, etc. for something else.  I don't know what that "something" is yet, but when I look at this as a necessary time of preparation so that I can "win" then everything changes. Plus, Bobby Knight said the quote :)

Insecurity Sucks!

Speaking of preparation...here's a bit of what the above post says:

Insecure leaders take everything personally (yep-check)

Insecure leaders spend too much time worrying what people think. (yep-check)

Here's what the post's response to insecurity is:

• Remember what God’s Word says about you. If insecurity is the bondage that holds you back, God’s words are the truths that will set you free. Believe them!
• People don’t think about you, the way you think they think about you. (read that again, slowly) It’s true, because they are too worried about what YOU think of THEM!

Finally, its printed and ready to be send out to our loved ones.

We're not sure if we have enough to give everybody.

But the fact that you're constantly/occasionally visiting this blog represents that YOU'RE ALREADY INVITED.

Some time back, we went NIE for our video.

Here's one of those behind the scene video.

Await for our big day!

Till then, please save up for our big day! Haha.. Just kidding.

Oh, and not forgetting to remind the helpers that the helpers' appreciation dinner will be on this Sat 18 October 2008. Thank God for all of you!

Hurry up and don't miss this great opportunity! The 'TenADay TenSquare PowerCapsule' will definitely help you to be thorough with your concepts and be well equipped to take on the CAT 08 challenge. In case of any queries/doubts please write to us: tenaday@gmail.com

Here are the details:

• Date: 1st - 8th November, 2008 (20 hour session consisting of 10 capsules of 2 hours each, 4 capsules to be covered on 1st and 2nd November)
• Location: Central location in Mumbai
• Details of the course: Capsules will be exhaustive sessions which will cover all the 3 sections (Quant, Verbal, DI/LR). This course is structured to lay more emphasis on concepts, time management skills, strategy and tips. It is assumed that the applicants of TenSquare PowerCapsule will have a sound knowledge of the basic concepts. Apart from this, the course material and TenADay D-day kit will also be provided at the venue.
• Faculty:Team TenADay
• Registration Charges: The registration charge for 'TenADay TenSquare PowerCapsule' is Rs. 4000. The payment details are given below. (Register Now)

Benefits:

• Interaction with Team TenADay and other TenADay champs
• Invaluable tips on time management, strategy building and other important aspects of CAT.
• Q&A and interaction session with the IIMA TenADay co-founders on how they cracked CAT, among them a 2 time 100 percentiler
• Do's and Dont's for the last 2 weeks and tips on how to push your percentile higher.

Refer a friend to TenADay and tell them about the TenSquare PowerCapsule. Click here to refer a friend

Payment Options:

Direct Transfer to our ICICI account
You can directly transfer money to our ICICI account. Please deposit using internet banking only and do NOT deposit cash. Please send us a mail with your userid, name of the product you want to buy and the transaction-id for the online transaction. Our account details are as follows:

Name: Quetzal Online Private Limited
Account Number: 002005020824
Branch: Mumbai

Online payment through Credit Card: To make the online payment, click here (Register Now)

Cheque or Demand DraftYou can also send us a cheque or demand draft drawn in favor of "Quetzal Online Private Limited". Please write your name, userid and email on the back of the cheque or demand draft. The postal address for sending the cheque or demand draft is as given below

Quetzal Online Private Limited,
G Wing, 312-A, Kailash Industrial Complex,
90 Ft. D.P. Road, Behind Godrej Residential Colony,
Vikhroli (West), Mumbai - 400 079

I've created a presentation worksheet for you to use to help you capture all the logistical details (date, time, audience, etc.) of your presentation and to help you focus on the goal of your presentation.

Try it out, see if you like it, and let me know if it works for you (or if you have suggestions for improving it).

Peace,

Lee

A unique feature of this race is that the start is signified by the firing of a canon – at this point I’d like to say this race should NOT be run by people prone to fright or heart attacks since I almost jumped out of my skin, being unprepared for how a canon sounds from roughly 10 metres away.

Pushing hard from about the 5km mark I managed to come in at 51 minutes although I could feel I had pushed it and felt mildly nauseas when I was done, something which hasn’t happened to me since school Physed classes.

After the race I was chatting to an older gentleman who had also done the 10km run and who had come in at 46 minutes, he was 76 years old!! This reminded me of WHY I run and one of my motivations for having started on this journey which has resulted in me loving the sport and trying to persuade other people to start running too.

My next race is the Grape Run which is the first half marathon I ever did. I anticipate it being rather emotional but I’m excited to see how much I have improved in a year, on the same course.

Guidelines

As we build our partnership, there are a few guidelines to help us remain focused, committed, strong and productive. We’ll discuss these together to make sure we’re on the same page.

1. Confidentiality -Coaching is a confidential relationship. I will keep notes and copy of the records of our sessions to help me coach you most effectively; however, these notes, and the content of our sessions, will never be shared unless you request it. I abide by the International Coach Federation Code of Ethics and I respect your confidentiality and adhere to a strict code of ethics. Unless required by law, I will not share details of our conversations with anyone in any way or divulge the nature of our relationship without your prior permission. Everything about our coaching relationship is completely discreet, even the fact that our coaching relationship exists. On the other hand, as these are your sessions, you should feel free to discuss and share our conversations with whomever you feel will also help and support you.

2. Trust - Partners need to be able to count on each other. Therefore, during our conversations, I promise to shut out all other distraction to focus on you. I commit to being available during our scheduled sessions and to respond to your emails within one business day (except during announced vacation times). As the client, you promise to do any “homework” we may agree on and to call me at the specified time. We both promise to give the other 48 hours notice in case of cancellation, and we’ll reschedule the session.

3. Integrity - Successful coaching depends on honest communication. I will share honest feedback with you and ask that you do the same. If the sessions aren’t working for you, in terms of format, pace, or structure, please say something so we can adjust our working style.

4. Fees – The coaching fees are outlined in the Coaching Options. Discount and sales promotions are available and applied as outlined in the Coaching Options. Coaching relationship commence with the payment of fees.

5. Referrals - I love referrals. With the personal nature of this alliance, being referred is one of the greatest compliments I could receive from you. If you refer someone and they enter into a coaching relationship, you will receive a thank you gift and a bonus session for free.

Coaching Sessions

We’ll set a consistent day and time, and you’ll call me from a comfortable location where you can concentrate on our call. There are no refunds or reschedules for missed calls without notice (exceptions for life or death emergencies). If I am suddenly unavailable, you will receive an additional and free coaching session.

1. Scheduling Sessions: Our sessions will be scheduled by you or me via Online Appointments Scheduler at THEMILLIONAIRECOACH.ClickBook.net. You will receive confirmations and automatic reminders of your appointments via email. You may cancel or reschedule your appointments online with 48 hours notice. You and I will be automatically notified of such changes.

2. Calling In: The coaching sessions are 55 min long and are conducted over the phone. Please call me at the scheduled time on + 1 (712) 432 1607, access code: 718880# or via Skype at moonshine_smiley.

3. Preparation and Reflection: Preparing for our coaching session will allow you to optimize your results and our time together. Please email me a completed copy of the Pre- Coaching Preparation Form at least a couple of hours before our call. After our call please complete the post-coaching section and also return this to me by email within 12 hours.

4. Cancellations: Cancellations without 48 hours notice are considered forfeiture of your scheduled coaching time and can not be rescheduled.

Coaching structure – Coaching success is based on setting and maintaining expectations:

1. On coaching alliance: Our relationship will be a partnership, formed for your benefit and focused on helping you achieve your goals. Coaching is founded on the belief that each of us is functional and ready to move forward, finding our own answers. Please keep in mind that coaching is not therapy or counseling, nor is it management consulting or mentoring. If, as we move forward, you feel the need for additional support in any of these areas, an appropriate referral will be made.

2. On coaching services: As a coach, I will help you better define and clarify your goals, your strengths, and your values. We will work together to strategize a plan of action for you to achieve your desired results, and I will hold you accountable for your actions. In the end, you alone are accountable for the results you achieve. Remember that you are always free to consider and reject ideas or suggestions I may make as part of our conversation. You are in charge of the actions you take and the choices you make!

3. On client benefit from coaching: Each time we talk, we will focus on your agenda. Come to each coaching session prepared to focus on one of your goals, or some aspect of your goals. The great thing about coaching, which makes it so different from consulting, counseling or mentoring, is that you decide what we talk about and what you want to do next. The process of change can create normal feelings of distress and frustration. I will support, encourage, and guide you in this process. While you are the driving force behind your success the possibilities with our designed alliance are endless.

Commitment of parties

Coaching relationship is successful when the client achieves lasting and positive effect as result of the coaching partnership. My ultimate goal is for our relationship to be successful. If for any reason you feel that you want more out of our alliance, I will do my best to adjust my coaching style to assist you. In order for us to have a successful relationship both parties need to be committed to taking fair share in fulfilling their roles. They are as follows:

1. Coach

1. The coach agrees to serve as a professional coach – to partner with the client to identify and achieve their personal and/or professional goals.

2. As your coach, I cannot guarantee results. You will create powerful results by having the courage and determination to make the decisions and to take the action in your life.

3. During the time we spend together in our coaching sessions, I will devote my time, thoughts and energy to you, exclusively

4. I am trained as a coach, not as a psychotherapist or physician, and I am not trained in diagnosing psychological or medical conditions. If any issues come up for you that should be handled by a licensed therapist or physician, I insist that you must attend to your health by contacting the appropriate professional.

5. If ever I say or do anything that upsets you or doesn’t feel right, please bring it to my attention so that we can resolve it as soon as possible. My objective is to have a coaching relationship that is fully open, honest, real and trusting.

6. As your coach, I will bring attentive listening, understanding, belief in you, and commitment to your success. You can expect me you challenge you, offer fresh perspectives, make requests (including assignments), acknowledge your wins, and guarantee utmost confidentiality in this powerful relationship.

7. I will encourage, motivate, guide and help you achieve your successes.

8. I will engage in direct and personal conversations. The client can rely on the coach to be honest and straightforward in asking questions and making requests

9. I WILL NOT give advice. It is up to the client to make his or her own solutions, with the support, guidance and utilization of tools from the coach. Outcomes are the responsibility of the client.

10. I acknowledge that I may obtain confidential personal and/or business information from the Client and agrees to keep and maintain such information confidential and not to disclose or use such information without Client’s prior written consent.

2. Client

1. The client is motivated and committed to taking action on their determined personal and professional goals. The client realizes that anything less than their intentional full participation will not lead to my success.

2. The client accepts full responsibility for themselves and any actions they might take as a result of coaching.

3. The client understands that the power of the coaching relationship can be granted only by the client, and the client agrees to do just that - have the coaching relationship be powerful. If the client believes the coaching is not working as desired, the client will communicate that belief and take action to return power to the coaching relationship.

4. All actions and decisions belong to the client and the client alone is responsible for the results of these choices.

5. How far the client goes and how fast they get there is up to them

To go to OECD's Reviews of National Policies for Education - South Africa - Click Here! (only available at a cost from OECD)

The difficulty lies in the fact that I am going to do multiple trips in the region with completely different climates; ranging from -20° to 45°, from dry to wet seasons. For that I need different gear each time so I should prepare a specific pack for each trip at my base camp in Kathmandu. This could be the methodology to travel….we will see.

Carrying all the outdoor stuff back to the house of my friend was another funny happening...we looked like mules packed with plastic bags. Imagine Antwerp on a Saturday afternoon; full of tourists, people doing their shopping and the terraces packed with people enjoying the sun. Once at home we started to unpack the stuff and I tried to fit everything in the backpack. It was amazing to discover how much you can get into it… In the end the backpack was bigger than me but it still felt right when caring across the living room ;-) I am very grateful for staying at the house of my friends John and Katrien. They have supported me so well during my preparation and staying over there is always a pleasure!

http://www.furst.nl/wow/index.php?q=node/61

Next will be Maraudon.

1 Deuter backpack 50+10 Act Lite - 146,50 euro
1 Sewing kit (compiled by me) - N/A
1 Pair of earplugs (gift for the subscription of the Wire magazine) - N/A
1 Lifeventure neck wallet - 11,85 euros
1 Eagle Creek inflatable pillow - 23,20 euros
1 Ferrino towel - 12,50 euros
1 Ferrino waterproof document bag - 3,95 euros
1 Lifesystems water neutralising tablets - 8,95 euros
1 Lifesystems insect repellent - 8,95 euros
1 World Atlas & Almanac by Insight Atlas - 16,50 euros
1 Ferrino cup - 12 euros
1 Ferrino poncho - 6 euros
1 Ferrino backpack raincover - 15 euros
1 Frendo headlight (1 led) - 19 euros
1 Glue stick - 3 euros
1 Box of matches - 0,20 euros
1 Deuter First Aid Kit - 19 euros ***
3 Pairs of wooden door stoppers - 1,90 euros
1 Leatherman tool - N/A
1 Maglite mini torch - N/A
4 Tea lights - 1 euro
1 Pack of wet tissues - 0,60 euros
2 Universal bath plugs - 1,50 euros
1 Spoon, fork, knife camping combo - N/A
1 Spare set of shoe laces - N/A

*** A different post will be made explaining exactly my medical pack + the extras I am planning to take with me.

UPDATE

1 Quecha square cotton blanket  - 7,95 euros

Here we go, let's get the basics right. The data about certification is spread out across Adobe's website. I am getting all the requisite info for my certification here. To make it easier, I am making it a question & answer mode.

Q: What Certifications are available from Adobe?
A:
Adobe Certified Expert
Adobe Certified Professional
Adobe Certified Associate
Adobe Certified Instructor
It could be a little confusing, as the website says it's a ACP exam for Flex 2 but the PDF you download says ACE exam for Flex2. Just remember the exam name.

Q: What is the Certification Path?
A: Here is a visual

Q: What is the Flex certification exam called?
A: Adobe Flex 2 Developer Exam

Q: What will the exam consist?
A: It will consist of 65 multiple-choice questions. The exam duration might be between 1 to 2 hours. I am not sure how many you need to get right to pass the certification.

Q: Exam Fees?
A: 150$ as of date.

Q: What are Adobe Flex 2 Topic areas & Objectives of the exam?
A:

Following is a detailed outline of the information covered on the ACE Exam.

1. Flex Application User Interface (UI) Creation
Identify and describe the basic UI controls used in a Flex application.
Identify the purpose of UI containers and when to use them.
Identify how to change the look and feel of a design by using API styles and style sheets.
Recognize how to customize changes, control-related presentation layouts
and navigation in an application by using view states, and using transitions and effects.

2. Flex System Architecture and Design
Recognize how UML and Use Cases are used in object-oriented design.
Identify the relationship of design patterns with respect to system architecture.
Recognize and describe event-based programming model in events.
Identify how to build loosely-coupled components.
Recognize how Inheritance, Encapsulation, and Polymorphism works.
Recognize the structure of a J2EE architecture.

3. Flex Application Programming Fundamentals
Identify the properties and relationships between classes and objects and how they work in Flex.
Identify how to display data in Flex.
Identify how to manipulate data in Flex.
Recognize how to validate data by using built-in and custom validator classes.
Recognize how to create and use ActionScript classes.
Identify the purpose and uses of handling events in Flex.
Recognize how to use XML data in Flex.
Recognize how to create and use custom components in Flex.
Recognize how to display data using diff erent chart types, formats, and legends.

4. Interacting with Remote Data and Flex Applications
Recognize how to use Remote Procedure Call (RPC) services.
Recognize how to manage data using Flex Data Services (FDS).
Q: More information?
A: Check out the comprehensive link:
http://www.adobe.com/devnet/flex/articles/flex_certification.html

Sounds crazy, but It is just dawning on us that we are leaving the country and our kids in a few days for two weeks. We have already had a few meltdowns with the kids, and Kristin nearly had her own yesterday.

Thus it is with anticipation and a definite sense of mixed feelings that we retire early.

I don't know about you, but I am excited! Good books, good music, and good times are all on their way!

-Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.

The last mentioned of the Fruit of the Spirit, self control is the one most people would probably prefer to leave out. It can often be the hardest to practice, and it encompasses all the preceding Fruit of the Spirit. Perhaps that is why it was mentioned last; to leave it afresh in your mind. We know that a lack of SELF-CONTROL has a detrimental effect on us, but it also affects our relationships; those we come into contact with.

~Proverbs 25:28- Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.

Without self-control in our lives, we become vulnerable to all kinds of problems. Anything out of CONTROL in your life can harm others and cause damage in relationships. Including (but not limited to):

-Uncontrolled anger

-Uncontrolled lust

-Uncontrolled spending (The #1 cause for divorce is financial stress & money problems)

-Uncontrolled drinking

-Uncontrolled ambition (The workaholic who’s never at home with the family)

-Uncontrolled tongue

~How do we obtain self-control? Here are 9 key ways that will help in maintaining your self-control:

1) Master your moods- Keep you attitude in check, do what’s right even when you don’t feel like it; live by commitment, not by emotions

2) Watch your words-Put your mind in gear before you talk.

-Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

3) Restrain your reaction- How much can you take before you lose your cool?

-Proverbs 19:11 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

4) Stick to the plan- If you don’t determine how your time is spent, others will; Remember though, we are to follow God’s will & His plan 1^st. Have control enough to be in it.

-Ephesians 5:15-17 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

5) Manage your money- learn to live on less than you make; invest the rest. The value of a budget is that it tells your money where you want it to go, instead of wondering where it went.

-Proverbs 21:20 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.

6) Maintain your health- (to the best of your ability) Thus, you can accomplish more & enjoy your achievements.

-Psalm 38:3 Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; my bones have no soundness because of my sin.

7) Avert your eyes- This one’s tough. You can’t control everything you see, but you can control how much you look at it

-Matthew 5:28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (I’m pretty sure the same standard applies to ladies looking at men; sorry, you’re not off the hook)

8) Don’t allow anger to bring sin- like it plainly says in Ephesians 4:26, "In your anger do not sin" God let us know that we will get angry, but we must release the pressure before the top blows, no matter how we’ve been wronged.

-1 Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

9) Know when to “Cork the Bottle”- The Bible doesn’t specifically say that we can never drink, but it’s clear that we are not to get drunk.

-Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

~Now, where do you need self-control?

 Discipline today will help you determine success tomorrow. We must realize that we cannot accomplish this on our own, but we need Holy Help.

-2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

The key to self-control, is giving up control to God. With Him in the driver’s seat, you’re sure to get where you need to be. The more our progression, the further He’ll take us.

-Matthew 25:23 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

 There is tremendous potential to be used in positive ways that honor Christ. In reality, we are still subject to sin and death. Although we are not totally evil ourselves, we are still susceptible to weakness & fleshy desires. Our body can be used for good if the flesh is not in control.

-Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship..

~How can we be living sacrifices?

-Self-discipline isn’t in our nature. Spirit-Control, not self-control, makes the difference. The Holy Spirit can control the things I can’t. Ask God to help you, through the Holy Spirit, to help you do right in His eyes.

-Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

-Open the door to let the Holy Spirit fill you, and close the door of flesh to Satan by confessing sin & claiming Christ’s crucifixion.

-Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

-Renew your mind with God’s word

-Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

-Allow the Holy Spirit to help you master your emotions (with the fruit of the Spirit); Present yourself as an instrument of righteousness.

  -Romans 6:12-13 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.

  -Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, & strength.

 -Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

-The key to self-control is surrendering control. Surrender your control to God; allow Him to move in your life. Who better to run your life, than the One who made your life?

“Fruit of the Spirit- Self-Control” Bible Study prepared by Justin Lessard. Email: ferventservant1@hotmail.com

Web: http://justinlessard.wordpress.com & http://www.myspace.com/justinlessard

If you wish to use this study, all I ask is that you leave the credit info lines, including the name, email, & web address, above.

Having packed the most of the things I need, I notice that there is some space left on the top of my backpack and I wonder... was I THAT good in packing?

Obviously the answer is no.

What about the camera? I already own a Canon EOS350D one with the following lenses:

Tokina 12-24mm

Canon 50mm 1.8f

Canon 100-300mm

Canon 24-70mm L

Lensbaby 2.0

From those, I will have to carry one. The winner up to now is the Tokina one (a wide angle lens). But then, why not get the 50mm one too? There I go I start adding things up again... And then sometimes I think of the possibility of buying a good compact one... but it's just not the same ;)

Any thoughts?

Since pdra will be driving for the first 3 hours, she won't be updating this blog for another few hours or so. Let's pray hard that 3 network doesn't fail on me and that pdra can update whenever and wherever she wants.

Cya everyone!!

Whatever. I'm in the games studio for some last minute errands right now. Feeling pretty tired at the moment, let's hope I survive the long drive later.

With all the crazy events going on in the world today, questions about the end times are popping up everywhere. The rapture seems have become a prolific topic in conversation, especially among students. A student from my youth group recently brought up a question about the end times. He asked which theory is more credible, pretribulational or post tribulational rapture. I would have loved to sit him down and explain every aspect of the book of Revalation so that all his worries would be assuaged. But lets face it, most of us that have read Revalation came out of it more confused than we went in. So I followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit and told him what I believed is the most relavant answer for those that are confused. I would encourage any students reading this to seriously consider the view about to be presented, as it is an effective way not to explain the end times, but to be as spiritually prepared as possible for them.

If I had to guess, most people presume that all Christians will be raptured before the period of tribulation begins. The reason I would guess this is because I myself thought that way for a very long time. This theory grew wiith the advent of the Left Behind series. It is called pretribulational rapture, literally rapture before tribulation. Let me be clear, there is absolutely nothing sinful about this view, in fact I pray desperately that this view is indeed correct. But, we cannot know for sure. Even the most theologically sound pastors admit that they struggle with theories on this issure.

What I would suggest to anyone struggling with this is to embrace a post tribulational rapture theory, rapture after the tribulation, and pray that you are wrong. But prepare to be right. Allow me to say it like this. If we prepare to suffer and endure the tribulation, and that is indeed what happens, then we are prepared for what is coming. After all, we know that "In this world, we will have struggles", John 16:33a. So we must prepare for them, resting in the peace that we can "take heart, for [Christ] has overcome the world" John16:33b. To me, it just doesnt make sense that Christians from ages past would endure such unbelievable suffering, yet those that make it to the tribulation would be pulled out of harm's way. So I believe we should prepare for the worst in case it should came, for then we will be ready. If we prepare to be raptured before the tribulation, we are giving ourselves an excuse to become lukewarm. How easy it is to think, "everything will be ok, I will be gone when that happens." But what if we aren't gone, and we have been believing we wont be here when things get bad. Then we are unprepared and it will be much harder. If we are prepared and the rapture comes before, then wonderful, we can rejoice that we were wrong. But I believe we don't have the luxury of relying on a pretribulational rapture when we don't know for sure if it will occur.