Nocular Girl

I went exploring outside with my noculars. I am Spy Girl!

Romans 2

Romans 2

God's Righteous Judgment

(1You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?)

Sometimes it is hard for me when I see someone looking gothic. I figure they are trouble. I do really know that they are just kids doing what they want maybe in rebellion against the parents. You just don't know the full situation because you never confront them. Next time, as I have been taught from someone that goes to our church that used to dress that way, say hi to that person. Ask them a ? be friendly. Then pray you see them again and do the same thing. Show love toward them and keep praying.

(9There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11For God does not show favoritism.)

Maybe I am just stupid but why the Jew first then the gentile? Does the Jew have a harder life to lead? All I know is try and do good every breath of your life. God knows we are not perfect, go to Him and pray for help in the areas you struggle. God loves us and He will help us.

The Jews and the Law

(17Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God; 18if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."[b])

Try very....Very hard to Honor God in all you do.

My How You Have Grown

Our little girl is growing up too fast! I thought I would post a few of my favorite pictures from the first year of Caylin's life!

Happy Easter!

Caylin loves posing for the camera!
I love my "prince" Daddy!
The girls!
Caylin took this picture of us!

Happy Easter! Our Lord has Risen! Our family celebrated Easter by going to church and spending time with family. Caylin had a few visits from the Easter bunny. The Easter bunny stopped at our house, Grandma's house, and Grammy and Pa Pa's house. This girl has enough candy to last until Halloween! Her favorite gift was "noculars". Now she can explore like Dora. She even had to sleep with them last night.

Coloring Eggs

Caylin LOVES to color eggs for Easter! We really could break tradition and color eggs throughout the entire year. Who says it is just an Easter tradition!

Last two Sundays

Church has been Awesome the last two Sundays. Last weekend was youth Sunday and I enjoyed the message, video clip to get us going, and also the music. The youth group did an excellent job! I have been to other churches where the youth does the music and it is more for me just like our youth did that Sunday.

March 23 - Easter Sunday
Are we going to recognize each other in heaven, and, if we do, will we feel sad when we do not see some of our family and friends there? I loved the way John pulled out scruiptures from the Bible and told us how we would recognize each other. Also how we will always be happy in heaven. I also loved the rest of his message. My brother discussed many other topics the rest of the day, I love that quality of my brothers. When we get together it helps me to think more about the bible and helps prepare uas for the future.

Thank you Lord for an awesome day!

Romans Chapter 1

Paul writes this book in the spring of 57 AD. In this first Chapter Paul made it clear we should Love God and His Son Jesus Christ:

(3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life [a] was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power [b] by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to faith and obedience for his name's sake. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. )

Paul is writing to everyone no one excluded.

Starting in verse 11 Paul wants us to come together so we can help each other.


(11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.)

I would be willing to help out each of you, I need you.

Next heading Paul titles:

God's Wrath Against Sinful Humanity

Paul writes how we know what is wrong but we do sinful acts anyway.


(18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of human beings who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.)


(32 Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.)

Paul then continues to write on how we also get others involved in doing sinful things as well and how they also approve them.

JC'S Points to Ponder:

God is talking to everyone through what Paul writes. I feel God is telling me to write to you. I want to let you know that God is real and without Him I can't live. Accepting Jesus is the only way to Heaven as Paul tells us and I am in agreement with Paul:

(3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life [a] was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power [b] by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to faith and obedience for his name's sake.)


Next point: We need each others accountability to live for HIM(Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit).

Last point: No excuses, we know from what Paul writes the more we continue in our sins the worse it gets. Don't continue to be lost forever, confess your sins to God and accept His Son Jesus Christ The Lord. I get into struggles with sin and I confess my sins to God and try hard not to do them again.

The Book Of Romans

The Content of the Book of Romans.

Paul begins by surveying the spiritual condition of all people. He finds Jews and Gentiles alike to be sinners and in need of salvation. That salvation has been provided by God through Jesus Christ and his redemptive work on the cross. It is a provision, however, that must be received by faith—a principle by which God has always dealt with humankind, as the example of Abraham shows. Since salvation is only the beginning of Christian experience, Paul moves on to show how believers are freed from sin, law and death—a provision made possible by their union with Christ in both death and resurrection and by the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Paul then shows that Israel too, though presently in a state of unbelief, has a place in God’s sovereign redemptive plan. Now she consists of only a remnant, allowing for the conversion of the Gentiles, but the time will come when “all Israel will be saved” (11:26; see note there). The letter concludes with an appeal to the readers to work out their Christian faith in practical ways, both in the church and in the world. None of Paul’s other letters states so profoundly the content of the gospel and its implications for both the present and the future.

Jesus Name Above All Names

This is about 70 miles from Amarillo outside of town called Groom TX. (This must have been an awesome labor of love.) This picture of the crucifixion of Christ Sculptured from metal was made by a man near Amarillo, Texas. The man did this out of the kindness of his heart. Someone donated the land On which to erect them.

Who is Jesus?

HE IS JESUS

WHO IS HE?

IN CHEMISTRY, HE TURNED WATER TO WINE.

IN BIOLOGY, HE WAS BORN WITHOUT THE NORMAL CONCEPTION;

IN PHYSICS, HE DISPROVED THE LAW OF GRAVITY WHEN HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN;

IN ECONOMICS, HE DISPROVED THE LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURN BY FEEDING 5000 MEN WITH TWO FISHES & 5 LOAVES OF BREAD;

IN MEDICINE, HE CURED THE SICK AND THE BLIND WITHOUT ADMINISTERING A SINGLE DOSE OF DRUGS,

IN HISTORY, HE IS THE BEGINNING AND THE END;

IN GOVERNMENT, HE SAID THAT HE SHALL BE CALLED WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, PRINCE OF PEACE;

IN RELIGION, HE SAID NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH HIM;

SO WHO IS HE?

HE IS JESUS!

The Greatest Man in History

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.

Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher. Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.

He had no army, yet kings feared Him..

He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.

He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.

He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

I feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us!

Winter, Spring, or Summer

Caylin couldn't decide what season it was outside! This girl absolutely loves to play dress up! This was her magician outfit. Caylin changes her clothes at least a half a dozen times a day. I guess I have a clothes shopping buddy for years to come!

Bunny Trail

On Saturday we went to the Bunny Trail at OMS. (What a wonderful new school building. Our school district will also be building a new elementary and high school in the coming few years. Caylin will attend all new schools! ) This is an event where businesses throughout the community set up tables and hand out goodies to the kiddos and information about their business to adults. Caylin had a basket full of stuff!

Caylin's favorite part is playing on all the inflatables in the gym. She climbed up a slide that was almost touching the gym ceiling. She was all excited about sliding down the big slide. I don't know if she really liked coming down by the look on her face. She went on the obstacle course inflatable where she had to climb up a "rock wall" and slide down the slide to the finish. She is a go getter. She will try most things.

Easter Egg Hunt at OCC

Caylin went to the Easter Egg Hunt at church Saturday night. Caylin is in the toddler to age 3 group. They were each allowed to hunt for 52 eggs. Before Caylin would put an egg in her basket she shook the egg. She knew that if there was a sound there was something good inside, like candy. I asked Jeremy if he taught her to do that and he said no. She is too smart! We might (probably will) have our hands full when she is a teenager.

My Baby Needs A Walk

It doesn't matter to Caylin that there is blizzard like conditions outside, her baby needed a walk. I don't know how she managed to push a stroller in the snow. I guess she used her "mighty muscles" as she calls them.

Happy 33rd Birthday!

Happy Birthday Jeremy! I knew this picture would come in handy! Look at that lovely princess towel and those close shaven legs! Woo Hoo! I love you Jeremy! I love you Daddy! You're the best!

Snow, Snow, and More Ohio Snow

We are about one week away from spring and this past weekend it snowed over a foot and a half at least. The snow is beautiful, but I like green grass and flowers so much better!

Caylin helped Daddy make a snowman. He needed a little push to keep that ball moving. It was too cute! Caylin is such a good helper! Pictures are worth a thousand words!

Yummy Cupcakes

Caylin, Grammy, and I went to downtown Charleston to sight see. We parked our car along the river and walked about 5 miles. We walked up King Street and saw lots of nice shopping venues. The one place we wanted to go was the cupcake store. The place has 9 flavors of cupcakes daily. The icing is about 2 inches tall. One cupcake is 2.75, not cheap. I had the red velvet, Caylin had chocolate, and Grammy had pumpkin. They were all scrumptious!

We decided to take Jeremy and Pa Pa on Sunday to get cupcakes. They were so excited. I think their mouths were watering just thinking about it. When we got to the store, it was closed! We were all disappointed, even Caylin was sad! Here is a link to the website www.freshcupcakes.com . If you are ever in Charleston this is a must go to place. So Yummy!

Fun Times at the Beach

Ha, Ha, Daddy! We know how to post to your blog too!

We had a great time when we went to Charleston! We went to Isle of the Palms a couple of times when we were gone. Caylin loves the beach as well as Jeremy and I. Caylin squeels, "The beach, the beach!" She even put her feet into the icy cold ocean. It was 76 degrees out, but the water was freezing.

RGF At Arnold

Dave At Arnold Bike Race

Arnold Classic

March 2nd race for $10,000 dollars is what we were told in Septmber of 2007. I was told to pray for good weather and that is just what happened. The Lord knew I needed some motivation to lose my annual 30 pounds of winter fat. Well I wish I would have listened to Him. I knew I was going to be in a hurt box for this race. Yes this was my first race of the year and lets just hope it is my last race of crushing the pedals with my 200+ pound body. 2 weeks before the race I had put in less than 45 hours since the end of October, and I was all of a sudden praying for a winter strom like in the good old days, when you built snow forts 12 feet tall and tunnels that lasted from the front yard to the back yard.

God had something else in mind. He knows that I am weak and that I still have a hard time realizing He creates miracles in us all. He wants me to get it through my thick skull that I can do it if I focus on Him. Well March 2nd 2008 was another miracle day for me. I Felt so much better than the week before. The week before I went to SC and put in 9.5 hours in 3 days. That was more hours than I put in since the 2nd weekend of January. The Lord had helped me get through SC training camp and motived me to get on the trainer like my wife told me to do since the new year,God has tried for years and He works through others. She was right I can get on the trainer for at least a 1/2 hour each night and that is better than nothing.

So my legs Felt good for the race and I wish it would have been an afternoon race cause it was 18 degress warmer but it was still a warm 37 degrees. The wind was blowing pretty steady on the back stretch. The course was a little technical for only having four turns. Lots of unmarked pots holes and manholes beat up the bikes pretty good. Well not my bike, that Felt is solid and handles with ease. For this bike being 15.7 pounds it sure is smooth to handle. Since I have done one crit I can now say that this bike truly is the best bike I have been on. Felt has also improved there technology by creating a sprinters bike as well. I have the FC Felt which is the same as the F2. I have to say I can't wait to ride the F1 sprinters bike because this FC is the best sprinters bike out there!

My Dad told me he got video of Arnold and I thought that was awesome. I just missed getting a glance of the Governor. I warmed up and the bike wasn't shifting right so I just made sure it would drop to my 11 before the race started. At the line I took notice of the stitches on my front tire and thought for sure I would have a flat. My teammates looked like they were all ready. Even though they said Dave wasn't coming I still looked for him at the line, wondering if we had to help him pin his number on or tighten his helmet. He always puts his gloves on during the race. It doesn't matter if we are at Bike Jam or the local races. He has even had to sprint for a couple of miles cause we already started the race.

Anthony gets today's illegal start award, both feet clipped in and I wasn't going to say anything he was in front of me. I looked down again and noticed I was in the little chain ring as we took off. Best start I have had in awhile but I backed it down cause I didn't wan to burn all my matches, to late. Should have though cause Kirk went early and no one was with him. Bob Martin went to the front that I took notice of and pulled him back with the help of Andy's and one of Jared's teammates. I tried some stupid stuff early and didn't learn from my mistakes from the past. Jared went up to Kirk while I was still catching my breath from a couple stupid attempts, you don't know until you try several times. Then I got lucky, after I pulled for a hard 1/2 a lap with a group of 8 just in front of the field. When the field caught us Dirk started to take off while I was on his wheel. Dirk's team yelled at him and as he pulled over I took off with Rolf on my wheel into the headwind.

Rolf was so strong and I couldn't help him to bridge up to the front two, Kirk and Jared. We were at 6 seconds for a long time and I Felt like quiting so I told Rolf. Rolf took over for a mile or a little more and the field was on our heals for the longest time. Since Rolf thought we could stay away I didn't give up. It seemed like every time I turned around Roadhouse was on the front. I was wondering what Roadhouse was doing cause they have all these awesome riders and no one went with Jared and no one went with Rolf and I. I determined it was early and no one was in shape, sort of like myself. Then Roadhouse sent Dirk up to us and it appeared he was in no mans land for awhile. Dirk sat on us for over 5 miles and decided to attack Rolf and I with two laps to go. Thanks to my teammates the field was no where close now.

So with two laps to go Dirk takes off and of course he wasn't going to work with Rolf and I because his teammate Kirk was going to win the race right? I knew Jared could sprint and if Jared didn't put himself into the red I knew he would have a good chance of victory. Well once Dirk went I thought I was done. Rolf couldn't get Dirk's wheel and I was already thinking 5th place is awesome so I wanted to give up. Then I thought about all the fans cheering for me everytime I passed the start finish line the whole race. It seemed like everyone knew I was out of shape looking 30 pounds overweight and struggling the whole race, they were right. If it wasn't for all the fans, my teammates, and family I would have looked back and sat up trying to catch my breath again. Rolf caught Dirk in the head wind, and I knew that if I didn't catch them soon it was all over.

Somehow, someway,(miracle) I caught them both right at the start finish with one to go hoping, praying they would not attack. As I went by the start finish Dad yelled sit on their wheel and I did. Rolf lead the way but the speed dropped tremendously, Praise the Lord! My legs actually Felt good now, probably the best they Felt all day, which makes a lot of since. I kept thinking when do I go, when do I go, as Rolf was trying to get Dirk to come to the front. Dirk was so occupied with Rolf's wheel he had no idea when I was going to go. I think Rolf and Dirk's wheels touched four times in 200 meters in that head wind.

Well we were getting close to the 2nd to last turn and I wanted to be in the lead into the last turn cause my last crit in 2007 was not a good one. I waited till one more erratic move from Rolf right before the 2nd to last turn. Getting close now you better go....., go, go, go, wait.....now go. I almost clipped both Dirk and Rolf on the outside when I went, not really but when you have more room you should use it. Now it is time to see how my new bike works. Every little part of the bike was being flexed to the core as I am using every muscle in my body. Oh no a little strain in my left calf, sheww.... it's ok keep going harder.... faster. Faster then this their going to catch you. Ok slow down last turn.... you don't want to lose your cookies in the last turn Cookie Monster. Not that slow! Now push it harder, come on is that all you got GO!!! Don't finish till you cross the line GO!!! Yes..... Thank you Jesus!

Homemade Cookin!!!

Going to SC for cycling was well worth the trip. As soon as we got there we took Caylin to the beach, even though it was raining. She was so excited, she kept saying were going to beach! Then Dad and I were dropped off by my Mom, Wife, and Daughter. Dad and I rode out in the rain for over an hour and I thought I would get cold, but with the temps close to 60 I even hosed down all the bikes with water after the ride. That night RGF, The Fernandez's, The Grimm's all went out to eat Seafood, Yummy! I couldn't wait for that! The Seafood was very good.

Saturday we rode for 3 hours mid day and it was a nice 76 degrees. After Dad and I rode back to the hotel we took Caylin to the beach and played for over an hour. Wonderful day thank you Lord. Well after that the day wasn't over yet Dad and I get back on the bikes again and rode a hard two hours. I bonked and thanks to Bob and Busa I could start to get my eye sight back. Just kidding it wasn't that bad. When we finished my Mom, Wife, and Caylin all came over to the Fernandez's for Homemade Lasagna!!!!!!!!!!! Mrs. Fernandez cooked the best Lasagna ever!!! I had one whole plate and a half a plate of Lasagna. The Pieces of Homemade Lasagna were Enormous!!! Did I mention it was the best tasting Lasagna ever!!!!! Ok I am definitely bragging now. The sizes were at least 7 inches long 6 inches wide and 6 inches deep. She feed all 14 of us what a wonderful woman. I am so blessed to have been invited to there home. Thank you Fernandez's.

The next morning we rode for 3 hours and again beautiful weather. No traffic smooth roads and I rode myself into the ground so hard that I didn't want to ride again that night. We all dicide to hook up at the bike store in downtown Charlestown. They had Mr. Fernandez Picture frames of races that he won from major races in the shop. How cool is that! We said our good bye's and thanked the Fernandez family for such a great weekend and we missed them as soon as we left.
Later that day we saw alot of historic sights in Charleston and played at the beach with Caylin. Some very memorible times and thanks to Dad we have video of it and pics. That night we had all you can eat Seafood at Giligan's and that is also a great place, but nothing like Homemade Lasagna from Polo's Mom.