Gonna play Triple Play Madness all March: Bracket up 16 Artists. Each day U vote on 2 artists with the winner moving on and receiving three songs in a row to start the 7AM hour. The list in no particular order: (THis is not the actual Bracket, just the list....)
Third Day
Casting Crowns
Mercy Me
David Crowder Band
Bldg 429
Kutless
Toby Mac
PC & D
Newsboys
Switchfoot
S C Chapman
Chris Tomlin
Franchesca
Brandon Heath
Need to Breath
Jeremy Camp
(brackets unvieled next Wed)
Who wins and who got left out...? Email us at ce@jq99.com
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Dream the Impossible Dream
There is so much to do when you connect with JQ. It is unfortunate that Chris & I can't officially enter the photo contest. But, if we could enter we definitely would. A while ago, we had a picture of Big Daddy stuck in the snow which would have been perfect for the "winter fun" week of the contest. Take last week's "sports" theme and this weeks "family portrait" and we have a contender. The Danielson men in all their purple glory. Alas, this ineligible photo, like the Vik's, will only be able to dream of what could have been.
Friday, February 19, 2010
We're #2!
Holland, MI falls into the number 2 slot for "Happiest Place to Live" and ABC hits the streets of Holland to find out how this can be. The harsh winter and high unemployment - how can people still be happy? ABC correspondent, Diane Sawyer, almost seemed dumbfounded. The locals, by and large, know the answer.
It gets back to not letting your circumstances dictate your attitude. The common thinking is "if only my situation would change, then I would be happy". If I had a better paying job, a nicer spouse, better behaved children, a bigger house, or if I didn't have this health issue". But, if we all thought like that, Columbus would have never set sail, we wouldn't have anesthesia during operations, and we would not be swimmng in Bibles, able to read God's word at a whim. Those who accomplished these great things, did so in some of the most adverse oppressive conditions.
So what makes you happy? If things you have make you happy, then the flip side would also be true - the things you don't have would make you unhappy. Hate to break the news, but the things you have will always be considerably less than the things you don't have. Sum total of the "have not" out weighing the "have", everyone by definition would be unhappy.
Most people who are looking for happiness, are mistakenly really seeking for joy. A contentedness beyond your circumstances. That "peace that passes all understanding" is a gift from God. Holding to the worldview that shows God alone is our provider. Not our employer, nor the government. Knowing that He loves us like a perfect loving father would. With a church on almost every corner, and a community that still embraces that worldview, God is still not only tolerated, but accepted and embraced. It gives the people of Holland peace for today, hope for tomorrow, and the opportunity to share that joy with those that feel hopeless. We recognize God's love in the midst of hardships and difficulties.
It is no Utopia, and the people are not walking around with halos over their heads but, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom! Recognizing that, makes for a pretty great place to live in this broken and fallen world.
It gets back to not letting your circumstances dictate your attitude. The common thinking is "if only my situation would change, then I would be happy". If I had a better paying job, a nicer spouse, better behaved children, a bigger house, or if I didn't have this health issue". But, if we all thought like that, Columbus would have never set sail, we wouldn't have anesthesia during operations, and we would not be swimmng in Bibles, able to read God's word at a whim. Those who accomplished these great things, did so in some of the most adverse oppressive conditions.
So what makes you happy? If things you have make you happy, then the flip side would also be true - the things you don't have would make you unhappy. Hate to break the news, but the things you have will always be considerably less than the things you don't have. Sum total of the "have not" out weighing the "have", everyone by definition would be unhappy.
Most people who are looking for happiness, are mistakenly really seeking for joy. A contentedness beyond your circumstances. That "peace that passes all understanding" is a gift from God. Holding to the worldview that shows God alone is our provider. Not our employer, nor the government. Knowing that He loves us like a perfect loving father would. With a church on almost every corner, and a community that still embraces that worldview, God is still not only tolerated, but accepted and embraced. It gives the people of Holland peace for today, hope for tomorrow, and the opportunity to share that joy with those that feel hopeless. We recognize God's love in the midst of hardships and difficulties.
It is no Utopia, and the people are not walking around with halos over their heads but, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom! Recognizing that, makes for a pretty great place to live in this broken and fallen world.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Lord, Save Us From Your Followers
We had the chance to preview this movie last fall, and while it has a great start in getting people thininking deeper, there was one thing missing. One can't help but see it was a glaring omission.
Who would disagree that we need to love, respect, and treat others with kindness? But the question becomes what do these things like love and respect look like. When you really love and respect someone, you will tell them the truth. Even if it's not easy. If Chris puts on an ugly shirt, I will tell him it doesn't look flattering. If I cook a dish that Chris doesn't like, he will tell me. Even if I slaved all day and I think it's great. Respectful and gentle, but never avoiding the truth.
Why tell the truth if it has the potential to make someone feel bad? Because if you omit the truth, you open yourself up to more problems. Chris realizes he doesn't look real great in that shirt. Now he sees that his wife has been lying to him and he looked like a dork in public. Or, I cook that dish again thinking Chris likes it...and you can fill in the rest. It breaks trust and we wonder -Why didn't they tell me?
Likewise, "Lord Save Us From Your Followers" takes us up to the edge of the pool, but we never really jump in. You can't dangle your toes in the water and call it swimming. While it can be uncomfortable to share the truth, it helps to avoid further problems. People trapped in the homosexual lifestyle do not need to like us. They need an opportunity to partake in salvation. Their sin is ultimately the same as everyonelse - unbelief. We too, at one time, lived in unbelief. Instead of believing in what God has said, we rationalize our own way as good and right.
Today's JQ verse is so perfect: John 3:17. "God sent His son into the world, not to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him". Christ came to "Testify to the Truth", John 18:37.
God does not ever turn a blind eye to sin. But he does offer salvation from that sin that separates us from Him. Why would anyone grasp onto a salvation they see no need for? At the end of the day (and the end of the movie), the evangelical Christian and the people trapped in the homosexual lifestyle both walked away feeling better about themselves. One did their spiritual duty of giving someone a warm fuzzy, and the other felt justified in their sin. What we did NOT see was the "transformation by the renewing of the mind" talked about in Romans.
Our goal as Christians is not to get people to like us. Jesus said, "They will hate us, but it is only because they hated me first". Jesus does not want us to concern ourselves with being liked by others. He is concerned with saving all those whom God has given to Him. Our goal must always be to point others to salvation from the sin that holds them captive. This is how we love our enemies. They may not like us very much, but we are still going to tell them the truth. Dan Merchant never leaves his comfort zone of - if they like me, maybe they'll like Jesus too. But that is the reverse order. It is not until they fall in love with Jesus that they will appreciate those who point the way to Him. Dan was able to get them to like Dan, but they all walked away still dead in their sin, with no desire to find forgiveness.
Who would disagree that we need to love, respect, and treat others with kindness? But the question becomes what do these things like love and respect look like. When you really love and respect someone, you will tell them the truth. Even if it's not easy. If Chris puts on an ugly shirt, I will tell him it doesn't look flattering. If I cook a dish that Chris doesn't like, he will tell me. Even if I slaved all day and I think it's great. Respectful and gentle, but never avoiding the truth.
Why tell the truth if it has the potential to make someone feel bad? Because if you omit the truth, you open yourself up to more problems. Chris realizes he doesn't look real great in that shirt. Now he sees that his wife has been lying to him and he looked like a dork in public. Or, I cook that dish again thinking Chris likes it...and you can fill in the rest. It breaks trust and we wonder -Why didn't they tell me?
Likewise, "Lord Save Us From Your Followers" takes us up to the edge of the pool, but we never really jump in. You can't dangle your toes in the water and call it swimming. While it can be uncomfortable to share the truth, it helps to avoid further problems. People trapped in the homosexual lifestyle do not need to like us. They need an opportunity to partake in salvation. Their sin is ultimately the same as everyonelse - unbelief. We too, at one time, lived in unbelief. Instead of believing in what God has said, we rationalize our own way as good and right.
Today's JQ verse is so perfect: John 3:17. "God sent His son into the world, not to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him". Christ came to "Testify to the Truth", John 18:37.
God does not ever turn a blind eye to sin. But he does offer salvation from that sin that separates us from Him. Why would anyone grasp onto a salvation they see no need for? At the end of the day (and the end of the movie), the evangelical Christian and the people trapped in the homosexual lifestyle both walked away feeling better about themselves. One did their spiritual duty of giving someone a warm fuzzy, and the other felt justified in their sin. What we did NOT see was the "transformation by the renewing of the mind" talked about in Romans.
Our goal as Christians is not to get people to like us. Jesus said, "They will hate us, but it is only because they hated me first". Jesus does not want us to concern ourselves with being liked by others. He is concerned with saving all those whom God has given to Him. Our goal must always be to point others to salvation from the sin that holds them captive. This is how we love our enemies. They may not like us very much, but we are still going to tell them the truth. Dan Merchant never leaves his comfort zone of - if they like me, maybe they'll like Jesus too. But that is the reverse order. It is not until they fall in love with Jesus that they will appreciate those who point the way to Him. Dan was able to get them to like Dan, but they all walked away still dead in their sin, with no desire to find forgiveness.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Digging Deeper
It's already Wednesday! We're reading Hebrews 6. Read it everyday for the next 5 days in a row. (at a minimum) What great and wonderful things does God show you that you did not know?
Monday, February 15, 2010
Ode to DFW International Airport
This morning was the most tired we have been in a long time. We had a performance in Tucson over the weekend. To save money, we booked a flight with a layover in Dallas on our trip back to Michigan. We don't understand! It's like one of those math word problems that is really more of a riddle. You know...
A plane leaves Grand Rapids at 12:15 p.m. est.
It stops for a connecting flight in Chicago and
arrives in Phoenix at 6:30 p.m. mountain time.
If the travelers stop at DFW International airport on the return trip,
what is the probability they will never see Michigan again?
Bonus Question: Taking two flights totaling 5 1/2 hours in the air is LESS expensive than one 2:45 minute flight. How is this possible?
Nonetheless, we enjoyed Arizona immensely, but we are back in the snow and lovin' every minute of it. Absence does make the heart grow fonder.
A plane leaves Grand Rapids at 12:15 p.m. est.
It stops for a connecting flight in Chicago and
arrives in Phoenix at 6:30 p.m. mountain time.
If the travelers stop at DFW International airport on the return trip,
what is the probability they will never see Michigan again?
Bonus Question: Taking two flights totaling 5 1/2 hours in the air is LESS expensive than one 2:45 minute flight. How is this possible?
Nonetheless, we enjoyed Arizona immensely, but we are back in the snow and lovin' every minute of it. Absence does make the heart grow fonder.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Revenge of the Nerds
Like a stealth bomber, he's extremely bright and unassumingly quiet, but deadly. Jeremy got us good. All morning we took calls from people mooing, purring, and gobbeling at us. This was Jeremy's creative way of giving us a hard time while dolling out points to anyone willing to join his evil empire. However, we are at a tremendous disadvantage since Jeremy is the keeper of the rewards points. He can deal them out at will. We too, love to give points away, but it all has to be coordinated through others including guess who - that's right - Jeremy.
Oh well, like iron sharpens iron, we will just have to hone our prank skills now that Jeremy has fired the first shot. It's been a little while and we're a little rusty. So if you have any ideas as to how we can prank Jeremy, email us at ce@jq99.com If you can think of a way to trick him into giving away points BEFORE he realizes he's been pranked, that would be the Ultimate!
This is all in FUN. Nothing malicous. Keep it undercover and email us your suggestions ASAP.
Oh well, like iron sharpens iron, we will just have to hone our prank skills now that Jeremy has fired the first shot. It's been a little while and we're a little rusty. So if you have any ideas as to how we can prank Jeremy, email us at ce@jq99.com If you can think of a way to trick him into giving away points BEFORE he realizes he's been pranked, that would be the Ultimate!
This is all in FUN. Nothing malicous. Keep it undercover and email us your suggestions ASAP.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Digging Deeper
The chapter we are reading over and over and over and over again for the next week is
Isaiah Chapter 40.
Spend the next several days reading this chapter and see how God takes you DEEPER!
Isaiah Chapter 40.
Spend the next several days reading this chapter and see how God takes you DEEPER!
Savings Angel Top 3 Deals - Every Tuesday!
**FRISKIES PARTY MIX (2.1 oz)
Regular price: $1.29
Sale price: $1.25 at Family Fare
Coupon: $1 printable at SavingsAngel Coupons.com
Final Price: 25 cents
SavingsAngel says: At this price you can treat your cat to a party!
**GILLETTE FUSION MANUAL RAZOR. No Rainchecks
Regular price: $9.99
Sale price: $6.99 at Target
Coupon: $4 (February 7 Proctor & Gamble Insert) PLUS receive a $5 gift card when you buy 2 (Given at register)
Final Price: 49 cents
SavingsAngel says: A smooth shave at a smooth price.
**PEPPERIDGE FARM GOLDFISH (6.6-8 oz)
Regular price: $2.19
Sale price: $1.50 at CVS
Coupon: 75 cent printable for original, pretzel, parmesan or flavor blasted xplosive pizza varieties only at www.pepperidgefarm.com
Final Price: 75 cents
SavingsAngel says: Your kids will love the snack that smiles back.
Monday, February 8, 2010
U go Tebow!
So the Tim Tebow commercial played, and the silence is deafening. I’m having a hard time finding anyone who has honestly watched the commercial and found it offensive. Of course there are those who will say, “the superbowl is not an appropriate place to run such an ad”. Really, since when has anything been considered not appropriate for TV. We watch wardrobe malfunctions and people in their underwear all day long. But a mother who loves her son, beats the odds, and wants to encourage others to do the same is not appropriate? Are we insane? There’s always the “it’s not Mr. Tebow we find objection with, it’s the Christian pro-life agenda we don’t like”. Really? I’ve always wondered what was so offensive the –Love your neighbor, the pray for peace, or the don’t lie or steal part? Confusing isn’t it.
But most confounding and scary of all, is the thought that if there are people holding opposite views on something, the best thing to do is not talk about it. Get the discussion out of the public square and keep your own views to yourself. Countless numbers of men and women have given their lives in order to give people the freedom to express ideas, have open dialogues. Clearly those who call themselves pro-choice are in reality only accepting of one choice, abortion. All others must be quieted.
Jesus’ mother, Mary, was a prime example of a child coming into the world under less than perfect conditions. Facing public humiliation, condemnation, and even death, Mary was strong enough to say yes. Modern-day America has no excuse! We need to stop telling women they can’t do it. They aren’t strong enough to do it and that there will be no one there to help them. This is the epitome of looking down on women.
Why so passionate?, you ask. In part, because we have a story in our family similar to Tebow’s. There are countless others out there too. Like Israel Houghton - the guy who wrote “How Great Is Our God”. A worship song sung in churches across the country every Sunday. So you go Tebow!!! Never stop telling your story.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Jacob's last full day in Haiti
Today was our last chance to talk with our son Jacob in Haiti with Living Water International. They will finish the last two wells today before packing up and heading back home to Michigan. Total of 8 wells completed with the potential for each well to serve upwards of 50,000 Haitians. That's a lot of water! Water for drinking, growing food, and sterilizing and clean up.
When asked what Michiganders should be praying for, for the Haitians. Jacob said that as they get these wells working again, the people are still living in tents. The buildings have been demolished. Please continue praying for those basic necessities.
Also, when asked what the people's response is once the wells are up and running, Jacobs response was "shear thankfulness... when these people see Americans coming, they know that help is on the way".
What an awesome way Michigan has become the hands and feet of Christ!
Tune in this afternoon to The Big Show with Big Daddy Troy West for Jake's final report.
When asked what Michiganders should be praying for, for the Haitians. Jacob said that as they get these wells working again, the people are still living in tents. The buildings have been demolished. Please continue praying for those basic necessities.
Also, when asked what the people's response is once the wells are up and running, Jacobs response was "shear thankfulness... when these people see Americans coming, they know that help is on the way".
What an awesome way Michigan has become the hands and feet of Christ!
Tune in this afternoon to The Big Show with Big Daddy Troy West for Jake's final report.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Stimulus Junkies and Man's Best Friend
Talking with Dan Seaborn today, a great comparison was made. One I had never thought of before. We all see the stimulus money being spent hand over fist. We complain about it. We recognize the dangers. But, are we guilty of it ourselves as parents. Dan's advice was to identify with your children, but resist the temptation to bail them out at a moments notice. We can help children through difficult situations without fixing it for them. Let them know they are no less loved, but allow them to learn from the consequences of their mistakes.
Maybe we can take a que from our four-footed friends. Dogs truly are man's best friend!
Check out this youtube video.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XivhwO_zWWg
Instead of relying on our government, our possessions, or even our parents, rely on the God who never fails.
"Woe to those who rely on Egypt, to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Isreal, or seek help from the Lord." Isaiah 31:1
Maybe we can take a que from our four-footed friends. Dogs truly are man's best friend!
Check out this youtube video.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XivhwO_zWWg
Instead of relying on our government, our possessions, or even our parents, rely on the God who never fails.
"Woe to those who rely on Egypt, to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Isreal, or seek help from the Lord." Isaiah 31:1
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
