A slight variation on the above.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
My Latest Artwork Effort
As mentioned in one of my previous posts I've been a member of the Constitution Party for several years. There is an official TN chapter with an appropriate logo and approved trademarks etc. Well, I am trying to find a good replacement for my side van window decals and I think I have designed the perfect picture. Give me feedback. Suggestions on how to make it better are always appreciated.
A slight variation on the above.
A slight variation on the above.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Building Progress 6
The building is starting to go back together. They guys got all of the vertical posts reset as well as most of the horizontal stringers. The replacement roof trusses are ordered and should be in some time this week. Here is what it looked like on Friday.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Wednesday Night Service
Last night at church we had one of our deacons share the message. The pastor was under the weather and asked Cecil to fill in for him.
I am always amazed when pastors and preachers are afraid to confront real issues that all of us potentially face (or at least might be tempted by) in our lives (drinking, sexual impurity, abortion, lying, stealing, etc). We all know they are wrong, but the world is working hard to dilute that Truth. Well, Cecil wasn't afraid and hit straight on the upcoming election and our responsibility as Christian citizens of the USA. He used texts out of Romans 13 and I Peter to show some of what we are commanded as Christians with regard to government. He stressed obedience to the government and our leaders. His basic premise is that even though God selects who will serve and what forms of government exist we have a responsibility as Christians to be active and to vote for the candidate who most closely reflects our world view.
I'm not convinced that God does select all of the world's leaders but I do recognize and take comfort in knowing that He is ultimately in control of all things. Having said that I also know that He allows us to make mistakes and make poor choices and even sometimes suffer the consequences of those decisions. When I consider Stalin, Hitler, Mussolini, Mao and others of their ilk, I cringe to think that God would select them as leaders of any country. But, I do recognize my very limited scope of view and understanding of the big picture. I do know that He is in control and how He accomplishes His will is a mystery and beyond my ability to fully comprehend. I'm still not convinced that He selects all leaders though. In I Samuel 8 the people of Israel called out for a king and the Lord told them not to want a king because he would...
"11 "This is what the king who will reign over you will do: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. 12 Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. 14 He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. 15 He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. 16 Your menservants and maidservants and the best of your cattle [b] and donkeys he will take for his own use. 17 He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. 18 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day."
The Lord finally did as they wished and appointed a King over them. And indeed in Old Testament times the Lord did set up the kings of Israel but I don't see any evidence of Him selecting all of the leaders of all of the nations in the world. There are examples of Him using leaders who were not obedient to Him in spite of their wickedness (Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, etc) but not examples (that I could find) of Him choosing leaders outside of Israel. But the Bible is clear that we are to be obedient to the government. Jesus gave the ultimate example of that when He was obedient and even died on the cross submitting to the authority of a worldly kingdom. I guess if my Lord and Savior (who reigns and rules over all) can submit to a worldly kingdom what argument can I give to not do likewise. Obedience to the government doesn't mean not trying to change it for the better though. So if you think that the 2 party system we currently have is working and you have a real choice this Fall then simply vote, but if you think we need more options who truly reflect the views of the American people then consider getting involved. Check out the Constitution party. If you have never seen their platform you might be pleasantly surprised.
I am always amazed when pastors and preachers are afraid to confront real issues that all of us potentially face (or at least might be tempted by) in our lives (drinking, sexual impurity, abortion, lying, stealing, etc). We all know they are wrong, but the world is working hard to dilute that Truth. Well, Cecil wasn't afraid and hit straight on the upcoming election and our responsibility as Christian citizens of the USA. He used texts out of Romans 13 and I Peter to show some of what we are commanded as Christians with regard to government. He stressed obedience to the government and our leaders. His basic premise is that even though God selects who will serve and what forms of government exist we have a responsibility as Christians to be active and to vote for the candidate who most closely reflects our world view.
I'm not convinced that God does select all of the world's leaders but I do recognize and take comfort in knowing that He is ultimately in control of all things. Having said that I also know that He allows us to make mistakes and make poor choices and even sometimes suffer the consequences of those decisions. When I consider Stalin, Hitler, Mussolini, Mao and others of their ilk, I cringe to think that God would select them as leaders of any country. But, I do recognize my very limited scope of view and understanding of the big picture. I do know that He is in control and how He accomplishes His will is a mystery and beyond my ability to fully comprehend. I'm still not convinced that He selects all leaders though. In I Samuel 8 the people of Israel called out for a king and the Lord told them not to want a king because he would...
"11 "This is what the king who will reign over you will do: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. 12 Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. 14 He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. 15 He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. 16 Your menservants and maidservants and the best of your cattle [b] and donkeys he will take for his own use. 17 He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. 18 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day."
The Lord finally did as they wished and appointed a King over them. And indeed in Old Testament times the Lord did set up the kings of Israel but I don't see any evidence of Him selecting all of the leaders of all of the nations in the world. There are examples of Him using leaders who were not obedient to Him in spite of their wickedness (Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, etc) but not examples (that I could find) of Him choosing leaders outside of Israel. But the Bible is clear that we are to be obedient to the government. Jesus gave the ultimate example of that when He was obedient and even died on the cross submitting to the authority of a worldly kingdom. I guess if my Lord and Savior (who reigns and rules over all) can submit to a worldly kingdom what argument can I give to not do likewise. Obedience to the government doesn't mean not trying to change it for the better though. So if you think that the 2 party system we currently have is working and you have a real choice this Fall then simply vote, but if you think we need more options who truly reflect the views of the American people then consider getting involved. Check out the Constitution party. If you have never seen their platform you might be pleasantly surprised.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Going Back Up
The past few days the building crew has been going through lumber to see what was still sound and what would need to be replaced. They then moved all of the lumber off of the slab to make room for construction to begin again. Well, today was the day. The vertical main beams are mostly installed and braced. They horizontal stringers will go on next as the buildings frame is reconstructed. I have included a couple of pictures of the building starting to take shape again.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Rachel's Move-In Day and Praters BBQ
This past Tuesday the rest of the family (minus Beth and Jesse) loaded up and drive to Sparta to help Rachel move her belongings to the Sparta Casa de Jones. Some of the group also did some general cleaning and trim painting to make sure the room was ready for her. I think things went pretty well and most of her stuff is now in her new room.
After the work was finished we took a drive to Morrison and ate at Praters BBQ. Anybody in the local area needs to head over there. It is definitely worth the 45 minute drive for their pulled pork, BBQ ribs, and even the hot wings. From what I understand they have even catered/feed Al Gore (and if you've seen Al Gore lately you know he likes food as much as I do). So take it from Al and Brian - go to Praters!!
After the work was finished we took a drive to Morrison and ate at Praters BBQ. Anybody in the local area needs to head over there. It is definitely worth the 45 minute drive for their pulled pork, BBQ ribs, and even the hot wings. From what I understand they have even catered/feed Al Gore (and if you've seen Al Gore lately you know he likes food as much as I do). So take it from Al and Brian - go to Praters!!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Building Progress 5
Minor setback today on the building project. The guys had the complete skeleton of the building up and waiting for steel sheeting. The building isn't very strong without the steel in place. Last night we had some pretty good winds and strong rain with lightening storms. The building withstood the night and was standing strong until about 12 Noon today.
One of the neighbors was out on her porch watching the wind and rain come rolling in on a typical summer thunderstorm in these parts. She said she saw it start to lean under the strong wind and then the whole thing just toppled over onto itself.
Here is a video I took today after the fact. The guys came to inspect the damage and might be able to reuse some of the wood. It will set back the timing at least a week and will cost them a few thousand dollars.
One of the neighbors was out on her porch watching the wind and rain come rolling in on a typical summer thunderstorm in these parts. She said she saw it start to lean under the strong wind and then the whole thing just toppled over onto itself.
Here is a video I took today after the fact. The guys came to inspect the damage and might be able to reuse some of the wood. It will set back the timing at least a week and will cost them a few thousand dollars.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Building Progress 4
Well the roof rafters went up today. It is looking like a real building now. They still have to fasten and straighten out all of the rafters as well as position the tops to the rafters. Enjoy
Saturday Night Ribs
Greetings faithful readers (you must be bored reading this stuff). Tonight my good friend Cam decided to let me try out some of his rapidly becoming famous smoked BBQ ribs. He had half the pig on the smoker when I arrived and settled in on the patio. Of course older brother Ryan (with Sam, Allie and Abby) was there as well. Tara was fixing potatoes, salad and grilled vegies while Cam was perfecting his ribs.
Right about 6:20PM Cam grabbed the ribs from the smoker and the gang set about trying to eat all of the food laid out for us. We had a impromptu taste test since Cam and Tara had developed their own dry rub for the ribs. I could taste a slight difference in flavor but couldn't tell enough variation to vote one rub better than the other.
After a fine meal of ribs and fixings the ladies went inside and the three guys watched the cats stalk each other while we solved the worlds problems. It proved to be a great evening of fun and fellowship. We told Cam he would have to keep practicing on his ribs until he gets them right and of course we would be willing to come back weekly to be the official tasters. I'll have to wait until this weekend to see if our ploy worked.
Right about 6:20PM Cam grabbed the ribs from the smoker and the gang set about trying to eat all of the food laid out for us. We had a impromptu taste test since Cam and Tara had developed their own dry rub for the ribs. I could taste a slight difference in flavor but couldn't tell enough variation to vote one rub better than the other.
After a fine meal of ribs and fixings the ladies went inside and the three guys watched the cats stalk each other while we solved the worlds problems. It proved to be a great evening of fun and fellowship. We told Cam he would have to keep practicing on his ribs until he gets them right and of course we would be willing to come back weekly to be the official tasters. I'll have to wait until this weekend to see if our ploy worked.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
July 4 Celebrations
Happy Birthday America. I was able to go over to the Millers/Lowerys/Templetons anual July 4th cookout. What a great time of food, fellowship and fun. Teterman even brought out his banjo for a while and we had fun listening to him pick and grin. The night ended with the fireworks show put on by the local Catholic Diocese followed by the City of Sparta's show.
It has been 232 years since we declared our independence and 225 years since it was earned (Great Britain's signing of the Treaty of Paris). What an incredible adventure for Americans living at any time in our history. I can't think of a 50 year period in our history where something historic and significant hasn't taken place. The great state of TN was added as the 16th state in 1796. Other states were added over time as the country continued Western expansion and growth.
Not long after our independence we fought the War of 1812 against the British. While the war basically ended in a stalemate with neither GB taking back over any part of the new country not the USA gaining any territory in Canada where some of the battles occurred and disputes continued on where the territorial lines should be drawn.
Again, soon after this war ended, we were again at war this time with Mexico over TX (The USA annexed Texas in 1845) and other land along the Southwest part of our growing land. The Mexican-American war lasted from 1846 to 1848 and ended on February 2nd with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
13 years after the end of the Mexican_American War we found ourselves in a new war. The war between the states (war of Northern Aggression, Civil War, etc.) was fought from 1861 to 1865. The war ended with the surrender of General Robert E. Lee in April of 1865. The war costs millions of dollars and more importantly over 618,000 Americans were killed (360,000 Northern soldiers and 258,000 Southern soldiers).
I could continue to list significant events and wars in our nations' history but suffice it to say we have a bloody history. As many have said before, Freedom is never Free. I extend my thanks to the men and women who today are in harm's way so that those of us here at home can continue on with our regular activities safe and secure.
This nation is not perfect (and might get worse here pretty soon) but it is still the greatest nation on earth. I pray that we will turn back to our creator and submit to God's authority (outlined in the Declaration of Independence -selected sections - "When in the course of human events...the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them...that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, ...And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence...").
It has been 232 years since we declared our independence and 225 years since it was earned (Great Britain's signing of the Treaty of Paris). What an incredible adventure for Americans living at any time in our history. I can't think of a 50 year period in our history where something historic and significant hasn't taken place. The great state of TN was added as the 16th state in 1796. Other states were added over time as the country continued Western expansion and growth.
Not long after our independence we fought the War of 1812 against the British. While the war basically ended in a stalemate with neither GB taking back over any part of the new country not the USA gaining any territory in Canada where some of the battles occurred and disputes continued on where the territorial lines should be drawn.
Again, soon after this war ended, we were again at war this time with Mexico over TX (The USA annexed Texas in 1845) and other land along the Southwest part of our growing land. The Mexican-American war lasted from 1846 to 1848 and ended on February 2nd with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
13 years after the end of the Mexican_American War we found ourselves in a new war. The war between the states (war of Northern Aggression, Civil War, etc.) was fought from 1861 to 1865. The war ended with the surrender of General Robert E. Lee in April of 1865. The war costs millions of dollars and more importantly over 618,000 Americans were killed (360,000 Northern soldiers and 258,000 Southern soldiers).
I could continue to list significant events and wars in our nations' history but suffice it to say we have a bloody history. As many have said before, Freedom is never Free. I extend my thanks to the men and women who today are in harm's way so that those of us here at home can continue on with our regular activities safe and secure.
This nation is not perfect (and might get worse here pretty soon) but it is still the greatest nation on earth. I pray that we will turn back to our creator and submit to God's authority (outlined in the Declaration of Independence -selected sections - "When in the course of human events...the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them...that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, ...And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence...").
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Building Progress 3
Today was an exciting day as the guys finished the wall's framework and prepared it for the giant roof rafters. Here is a little clip of the progress to date.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Building Progress 2
Last week the guys finished the concrete slab and after a week to cure were back at it Tuesday (yesterday). I went out today and took some short video clips of the progress so far. I will try to take a video clip each day as the work progresses. It is amazing how fast it goes up once they get going. The video below shows some more of the radiant floor tubing before the concrete in this section was poured.
Here is another clip of the guys nailing the horizontal bands on the end wall. The concrete is complete and the walls are going up. This end of the building is where my apartment will be. On the end there will also be a lean-too building that is 12 feet wide by the full 60 feet length. I am planning to install sand bags and 1 inch plywood so that I can use this room for an indoor pistol shooting range. It should be excellent and allow me to keep up practice on my shooting skills.
Here is another clip of the guys nailing the horizontal bands on the end wall. The concrete is complete and the walls are going up. This end of the building is where my apartment will be. On the end there will also be a lean-too building that is 12 feet wide by the full 60 feet length. I am planning to install sand bags and 1 inch plywood so that I can use this room for an indoor pistol shooting range. It should be excellent and allow me to keep up practice on my shooting skills.
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