One day I was at the airport waiting to board a plane to Scottsdale AZ. While I was standing in line to board I wondered just who out of all these people I would get to sit next to. Just then, a group of college cheerleaders walked up and began to wait. My jaw dropped. I though, man I sure hope I get to sit next...........................................Then I stopped. And prayed a simple prayer. I prayed, God, please sit me next to a Christian. Then I kind of chuckled because I thought it wasn't a very good prayer.
I was able to board the plane first due to flying so much I had obtained a high status. I was sitting in 1st class ( which is the way to go by the way ) and as people were boarding the plane no one had sat down beside me. Then the cheerleaders walked past. Still, nobody. I saw the lady about to close the door and thought, well, so much for my prayer. Just then, a man walked through the plane door and sat next to me. In his hands, he held a book. It wasn't a large book, paper back, orange in color. The title said Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis. I thought I was going to die right there on that plane. I couldn't stop staring at that book. I mean, God could have sat anyone next to me and I would have never known if he/she was a Christian or not. But this person was actually holding the words Christianity in his hands. I was floored. Then I wondered, does this mean I should talk with this guy? I'm not known for chatting while on a plane. I normally sleep. I figured if God wanted me to say something he would put the words in my mouth. So I feel asleep. Never spoke to him.Never felt I had to. That was the first time God showed himself to me. But there's more,,,,
So I get home and tell my wife. Then I text a friend of mine named Troy. He says " maybe that's God's way of telling you to get the book". I though, yea, maybe, but maybe not. Just then my wife was telling me to hurry up so we could get to bed. We always read first. I looked on the shelf and grabbed one of my books and picked up where I last left off. In the first paragraph of the book I was reading the writer was referring to another book that helped him change his life. He mentioned, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. WHAT???????? REALLY??????
OK, this was weird. I pull out my phone, look on EBay and found the book. Was like 15 bucks or something. Didn't order it but saved it for later. Two days later my wife is in the hospital having our second son. A friend of mine brings a gift.... any ideas as to what it was? Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. OK, I've had enough I told God. You have my full attention. I will read the book.
It took me about 3 days to complete the book as I could not set it down. The book did not change my life, not sure if it taught me anything I may not have already known. But I DO KNOW that the journey of getting this book is something that I will never forget. Thank you God, for showing yourself to me.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
I think my love for cars began early on. I remember having to hold the flashlight for my dad as he would make repairs to the family car/truck just so he could make it back to work the next day. Many nights I would duck and dodge sockets being thrown due to a stripped bolt or newly busted knuckle he just acquired. Then being offered 1.00 in cash if I could go find that socket. Oh the joys of being manly men.
My first true hot rod was a fully restored 1977 Camaro. My uncle had built it for my older cousin. It was very nice, clean, and perfect. Oh how I miss that car!! The car was bright red with black interior. I mildly hopped up 350 small block. I loved racing that race. I couldn't compete with the big blocks though. So I vowed if I were to ever have another, it would have to have a big block. Due to legal reasons I was forced to get rid of the car. LOL!!
Since those days I have tried to no avail to build another one. For a good while I was stuck on 1967-69 Chevy Trucks. My last one was over 50% done and I got sick of it. Night after night I would cut out rust, and weld in new patch panels only to discover a new rust problem. No matter how many panels I replaced more spots would be discovered. I simply gave up. I sold it piece by piece on Ebay. I took that cash and began looking for another project with less rust.
I knew of this Camaro a mile away from me that was sitting in a cow pasture. It looked very clean and looked to have all the parts with it. I would pass by this house every day seeing this car just sitting. It was a 1980 Z28. I have never been a big fan of the polyurethane front and rear bumpers on the 80 model. As time passed I finally gave in and found the guys phone number. I gave him a call and as most of you car goes already know the story the car wasnt for sale. I didnt let that stop me. I asked if I could at least swing by and look at it. He agreed.
I showed up the same day and he met me outside. We walked over to the car and he explained how much he loved the car and wanted to restore it some day. I opened the door and to my surprise the body of the car had zero rust. The window sections and all other areas of the car body were rust free. This is almost unheard of in south Texas. I verified the VIN # with my lap top to make sure it was a true Z28 and not some basic Camaro that some one had put Z28 emblems on. It was real. Just then, his wife came out side screaming that he had better sale that car!! CHA CHING!!! 20 minutes later I had my tractor backed up to it and towed it home.
I took the 454 big block chevy that I had left over from my 69 chevy truck project and fitted it to the car. Currently the 454 is 50% done and I have rebuilt to door hinges on the Z and just waiting for more money right now. PLEASE NOTE: Don't ever build a car from ground up unless you have an unlimited foutain of cash and arent scared to spend it. You can save tons of money if you just fly down to Scottsdale in Janurary and buy one already done at Barrett Jackson on a Wednesday or Thursday.
The 454 update is the block has been machined by Dennis Knowls (engine builder), the rods have been reworked, Keith Black 9:2.1 comp pistons are in. New oil pan, timing chain and cover. I have all gaskets. Just waiting to get the heads machined and its on!!! Needing about 2k for head work.
I will upload pics soon.
My first true hot rod was a fully restored 1977 Camaro. My uncle had built it for my older cousin. It was very nice, clean, and perfect. Oh how I miss that car!! The car was bright red with black interior. I mildly hopped up 350 small block. I loved racing that race. I couldn't compete with the big blocks though. So I vowed if I were to ever have another, it would have to have a big block. Due to legal reasons I was forced to get rid of the car. LOL!!
Since those days I have tried to no avail to build another one. For a good while I was stuck on 1967-69 Chevy Trucks. My last one was over 50% done and I got sick of it. Night after night I would cut out rust, and weld in new patch panels only to discover a new rust problem. No matter how many panels I replaced more spots would be discovered. I simply gave up. I sold it piece by piece on Ebay. I took that cash and began looking for another project with less rust.
I knew of this Camaro a mile away from me that was sitting in a cow pasture. It looked very clean and looked to have all the parts with it. I would pass by this house every day seeing this car just sitting. It was a 1980 Z28. I have never been a big fan of the polyurethane front and rear bumpers on the 80 model. As time passed I finally gave in and found the guys phone number. I gave him a call and as most of you car goes already know the story the car wasnt for sale. I didnt let that stop me. I asked if I could at least swing by and look at it. He agreed.
I showed up the same day and he met me outside. We walked over to the car and he explained how much he loved the car and wanted to restore it some day. I opened the door and to my surprise the body of the car had zero rust. The window sections and all other areas of the car body were rust free. This is almost unheard of in south Texas. I verified the VIN # with my lap top to make sure it was a true Z28 and not some basic Camaro that some one had put Z28 emblems on. It was real. Just then, his wife came out side screaming that he had better sale that car!! CHA CHING!!! 20 minutes later I had my tractor backed up to it and towed it home.
I took the 454 big block chevy that I had left over from my 69 chevy truck project and fitted it to the car. Currently the 454 is 50% done and I have rebuilt to door hinges on the Z and just waiting for more money right now. PLEASE NOTE: Don't ever build a car from ground up unless you have an unlimited foutain of cash and arent scared to spend it. You can save tons of money if you just fly down to Scottsdale in Janurary and buy one already done at Barrett Jackson on a Wednesday or Thursday.
The 454 update is the block has been machined by Dennis Knowls (engine builder), the rods have been reworked, Keith Black 9:2.1 comp pistons are in. New oil pan, timing chain and cover. I have all gaskets. Just waiting to get the heads machined and its on!!! Needing about 2k for head work.
I will upload pics soon.
Fitness/goals
What guy doesn't want to ripped? I, like so many others do. If a guy tells you he is fine with being over weight and out of shape what else will he lie to you about? I purchase Beach Body's P90X a few years ago. And like so many mine sat on the shelf for a good 6 months. I guess I though just by me making this purchase I would get ripped. Didn't happen.
So I pulled it off the shelf one night and put the first disc in. I didn't even bother with looking at the nutrition guide. I did the workouts for 2 weeks. I can recall drinking an ice cold Coke during my water breaks. After 2 weeks I noticed my weight had not changed so I gave up. Go figure!
I repeated this about 1 year later. I made it 6 weeks this time and again did not change any of my bad food habits. Again, no weight loss. I was feeling stronger but decided to give up.
Then, on May 21st 2012 my wife and I were watching "American Ninja Warriors". This was a show where these ultra fit guys were doing a very hard obstacle course and they were ALL ripped. Many of them were older than myself. While my wife and I sat and watched this I began to realize that I COULD get into this kind of shape. It was simply a matter of TELLING MYSELF I can. So I asked my wife is she was ready to dig deep and start P90X again. She agreed. And so the long journey began.
May 22nd 2012. Day 1. We looked over the nutrition guide and decided it was too costly to purchase the types of foods they listed. So we jotted down some healthy menu choices and began eating better. By May 25th I had stopped drinking Cokes all together. We flopped around on the floor trying our best for 3 months. Only missed a couple of days. She lost 20 lbs and I lost the same.
The 1st round of P90X taught us a lot about foods. Why to eat certain foods, when to eat. How often to eat. Etc.
We are now doing a Hybrid of P90X/Insanity. We love it.
The best thing I did while doing my full round of P90X was get on Beach Body website. I set up my profile and found a thread to join. By joining this thread I was teamed up with many others who were struggling just like me. I found another world full of people I could relate to. The thread was ran by Coach Bill Nichols. He is an awesome coach and later approached me about coaching. My 1st reaction was no. I felt I didn't have the time. After a couple more attempts I decided that coaching would be a great way for me to stay focused and help others. It was a great choice. I love being an Independent Beach Body Coach.
I think if I had to pin point any one item that I like best about coaching I would be torn to pick between two. Helping others and learning about foods. I love learning about foods because the food part is 70% of fitness. In order to reach your fitness goals you MUST be able to know about food.
So I pulled it off the shelf one night and put the first disc in. I didn't even bother with looking at the nutrition guide. I did the workouts for 2 weeks. I can recall drinking an ice cold Coke during my water breaks. After 2 weeks I noticed my weight had not changed so I gave up. Go figure!
I repeated this about 1 year later. I made it 6 weeks this time and again did not change any of my bad food habits. Again, no weight loss. I was feeling stronger but decided to give up.
Then, on May 21st 2012 my wife and I were watching "American Ninja Warriors". This was a show where these ultra fit guys were doing a very hard obstacle course and they were ALL ripped. Many of them were older than myself. While my wife and I sat and watched this I began to realize that I COULD get into this kind of shape. It was simply a matter of TELLING MYSELF I can. So I asked my wife is she was ready to dig deep and start P90X again. She agreed. And so the long journey began.
May 22nd 2012. Day 1. We looked over the nutrition guide and decided it was too costly to purchase the types of foods they listed. So we jotted down some healthy menu choices and began eating better. By May 25th I had stopped drinking Cokes all together. We flopped around on the floor trying our best for 3 months. Only missed a couple of days. She lost 20 lbs and I lost the same.
The 1st round of P90X taught us a lot about foods. Why to eat certain foods, when to eat. How often to eat. Etc.
We are now doing a Hybrid of P90X/Insanity. We love it.
The best thing I did while doing my full round of P90X was get on Beach Body website. I set up my profile and found a thread to join. By joining this thread I was teamed up with many others who were struggling just like me. I found another world full of people I could relate to. The thread was ran by Coach Bill Nichols. He is an awesome coach and later approached me about coaching. My 1st reaction was no. I felt I didn't have the time. After a couple more attempts I decided that coaching would be a great way for me to stay focused and help others. It was a great choice. I love being an Independent Beach Body Coach.
I think if I had to pin point any one item that I like best about coaching I would be torn to pick between two. Helping others and learning about foods. I love learning about foods because the food part is 70% of fitness. In order to reach your fitness goals you MUST be able to know about food.
Spiritual
Some of the thing's I will be saying here have never been spoken before. My journey with my creator began when I was 4. As hard as it is to beleive it's true. I grew up in Baptist churches.
Have you ever sat and tried to think of your very 1st thought? I have. Many of them are simply "flashes". I can recall being 3 years old and playing outside at our babysitter house. Across the street was our school. My older sister and her friends were sitting in the grass palying and talking. I was in the driveway. I walked acroos the street and walked through the big ditch to get to where they were. I feel in the ditch and sliced my left wrist open on a broken bottle. I didn't know it happend. I got up, and continued walking towards them. I remember vividly one of the girls standing up, pointing at me and screaming. Just then, I felt my left arm go numb and it began to tingle. Like when your foots asleep. My hand seemed as if it were about to fall off. The next memory I recall is the babysitters husband (Mr. Seward) came to help me and wrapped my wrist in some kind of towel or shirt. Put my in their white Caddilac Eldorado and drove me to the hospital. The I remember the OR lights. And then the cast. My dad was flown in by helicopter as he was working on an offshore oil rig. I was later told that I would only have 30% feeling in that hand but since I was so young I wouldnt really notice it.
My next memory is when I was about 4. I recall living on Berwick Street near Uvalde and I10. I was at the end of the driveway, (what is it with all these driveways?) on a red trycicle. I asked Christ to come into my heart. I may not have understood the full extent of what I was asking but I will never forget.
I now strive every day to learn more about Christ and grow closer to God. My biggest fear is that one day I will be at the end of my road and look back on my life and wonder what it was all for. Will I have many regrets about the things I spent so much time on?
Do yoy know that most everyone you ask will claim that they beleive that there is something more out there. That there must be some kind of creator to have "created" this thing we know as life. And most people will even admit to beleiving in God. I beleive in God and firmly beleive that he sent Christ to pay the debt we could not pay. And through faith we are saved. Faith that Christ died for our sins and rose again 3 days later. We cannot buy our way into heaven, we cannot work our way into heaven. Good works is a result of "true faith".
Scripture says to love all others as you would love yourself. But I don't. I want to, but I don't. So what does that mean? Does it mean I'm not saved? I think it probably means that I'm not very mature in the word. I used to travel a lot for work. I was at the airport here in Houston once and while sitting waiting to board the plane I was watching people. You wouldnt believ that diverse crowds at the air port. Rich people, poor people, ugly, cute, black, white, brown, tan, purple, yellow, smelly, big, tall, all kinds of people from all parts of the world. I would sit and judge. I would size them up just by the way they looked. I asked God right then, help me love these people. Then I recalled soemthing I once read in a book. The writter told a story about this same issue. He said he was in his office one day speaking to one of the church members. This church member was going through the same thing I was. The guy asked the church member to walk over to the window and look outside. (They were in a high rise building over looking a large city). The church member replied, "I see people, cars and building". The man said "wrong", tell me again, what do you see. This time the church member went into great detail about seeing red cars, people wearing suits, the color of each building etc. The man again said, "wrong". Let me tell you what I see. I see unsaved people. When I look out this window and see all these people I look at them as being unsaved. And it breakes my heart. This is what has taught me to learn to love people. By doing this you will also see how important it is to tell them the gospel. You know the truth, and they dont. Many of them have never been told. All you have to do is speak. But many dont. So they live the sin of silence. We are all wrong for not telling someone. They may burn in hell for ever simply because they have never accepted Christ as their savior.
When is the last time you have told someone about Christ?
Have you ever sat and tried to think of your very 1st thought? I have. Many of them are simply "flashes". I can recall being 3 years old and playing outside at our babysitter house. Across the street was our school. My older sister and her friends were sitting in the grass palying and talking. I was in the driveway. I walked acroos the street and walked through the big ditch to get to where they were. I feel in the ditch and sliced my left wrist open on a broken bottle. I didn't know it happend. I got up, and continued walking towards them. I remember vividly one of the girls standing up, pointing at me and screaming. Just then, I felt my left arm go numb and it began to tingle. Like when your foots asleep. My hand seemed as if it were about to fall off. The next memory I recall is the babysitters husband (Mr. Seward) came to help me and wrapped my wrist in some kind of towel or shirt. Put my in their white Caddilac Eldorado and drove me to the hospital. The I remember the OR lights. And then the cast. My dad was flown in by helicopter as he was working on an offshore oil rig. I was later told that I would only have 30% feeling in that hand but since I was so young I wouldnt really notice it.
My next memory is when I was about 4. I recall living on Berwick Street near Uvalde and I10. I was at the end of the driveway, (what is it with all these driveways?) on a red trycicle. I asked Christ to come into my heart. I may not have understood the full extent of what I was asking but I will never forget.
I now strive every day to learn more about Christ and grow closer to God. My biggest fear is that one day I will be at the end of my road and look back on my life and wonder what it was all for. Will I have many regrets about the things I spent so much time on?
Do yoy know that most everyone you ask will claim that they beleive that there is something more out there. That there must be some kind of creator to have "created" this thing we know as life. And most people will even admit to beleiving in God. I beleive in God and firmly beleive that he sent Christ to pay the debt we could not pay. And through faith we are saved. Faith that Christ died for our sins and rose again 3 days later. We cannot buy our way into heaven, we cannot work our way into heaven. Good works is a result of "true faith".
Scripture says to love all others as you would love yourself. But I don't. I want to, but I don't. So what does that mean? Does it mean I'm not saved? I think it probably means that I'm not very mature in the word. I used to travel a lot for work. I was at the airport here in Houston once and while sitting waiting to board the plane I was watching people. You wouldnt believ that diverse crowds at the air port. Rich people, poor people, ugly, cute, black, white, brown, tan, purple, yellow, smelly, big, tall, all kinds of people from all parts of the world. I would sit and judge. I would size them up just by the way they looked. I asked God right then, help me love these people. Then I recalled soemthing I once read in a book. The writter told a story about this same issue. He said he was in his office one day speaking to one of the church members. This church member was going through the same thing I was. The guy asked the church member to walk over to the window and look outside. (They were in a high rise building over looking a large city). The church member replied, "I see people, cars and building". The man said "wrong", tell me again, what do you see. This time the church member went into great detail about seeing red cars, people wearing suits, the color of each building etc. The man again said, "wrong". Let me tell you what I see. I see unsaved people. When I look out this window and see all these people I look at them as being unsaved. And it breakes my heart. This is what has taught me to learn to love people. By doing this you will also see how important it is to tell them the gospel. You know the truth, and they dont. Many of them have never been told. All you have to do is speak. But many dont. So they live the sin of silence. We are all wrong for not telling someone. They may burn in hell for ever simply because they have never accepted Christ as their savior.
When is the last time you have told someone about Christ?
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