Once a RINO, always a RINO

Shocked about Specter officially becoming a Dem? I'm not.

You are invited: Global Warming Beach Party at the EPA

Bring your spring colors, flip flops, and come crunch some granola with the Young Conservative Coalition!

Where:Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW DC (Located at Federal Triangle Metro Stop)
When: TODAY!!! 12:45pm-1:45pm

Incentives:
I'll be there (that should be enough)
LUNCH-- pizza and granola
Rounding out the environmental debate with market based solutions

Guest speakers:
Andrew Langer, President of the Institute for Liberty
Chris Horner, Author of "The Politically Incorrect Guide to Global Warming"

Leave your carbon footprint all over this!

Another reason I want a dog

So I can do amusing things like this:

Scottish Imports Stolen

Supposedly, Jennifer Aniston is dating Gerard Butler. Not possible:

Go read: Obama's New Book Series

Pied Patter has the breaking news on Obama's New Book Series. MUST READ.

Time in Ecclesiastes

I came upon this passage from Ecclesiastes last night while praying and a couple of things stood out to me...

Ecclesiastes 3: 9-14

⁹ What does the worker gain from his toil? ¹⁰ I have seen the burden God has laid on men. ¹¹ He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. ¹² I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. ¹³ That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. ¹⁴ I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.

1) This life on earth is a struggle. We toil away. We live in our sinful state. We have burdens here (vs. 10),
2) But I have hope, vs. 11, "He has made everything beautiful in its time." God is sovereign over our lives and when it will be made beautiful.
3) I cannot possibly know everything God has done from beginning to end. I need to focus less on "why" and more on following Him.
4) Satisfaction and good things come as a gift from God for me to enjoy. Nothing wrong with living a good life but remember where it comes from. In high school I worked at a shoe store and one day I remember watched a woman write a check for payment-- and on it she wrote, "Thank you Lord for these shoes." I didn't understand at the time why someone would do that, she earned that money, not God....I know now though. Everything is from the Lord.
5) God has a plan for my life, vs. 14, and nothing I do can add or take away from that plan. This is comforting to me because I so often get things wrong.
6) Lastly, everything is so that "men will revere Him." Everything we do, do it for the glory of God. My words, my actions, my thoughts, how I spend my time should honor Him.

Holding politicians accountable

I'm sure Congressman Gresham Barrett didn't expect this kind of reception last week...



Maybe Representative Barrett shouldn't have voted for the TARP bill and then say,
"The tyranny of excess debt must end, the gluttony of reckless spending must be stopped. And above all-- taxation without hesitation must be examined, exposed, and extinguished."

You can't say that you will end reckless spending and then vote for bailouts--- your conservative crowd WILL CALL YOU OUT on it.

And especially laughable, "I have devoted my life to the conservative cause."

Friday's Thoughts: Don't Mess with US

Bernard: Stimulate This

Bet Obama didn't think of this...

Raising taxes is like a stimulus
It creates a bunch of businesses to evade them.

Enjoy April 16th
(notice today is sunny?)

Introducing....BERNARD!

Born on the mean streets of Northwest D.C., Bernard has risen up from the projects and moved on to conquer the even meaner streets of North Arlington. He brings a fresh new perspective to the table--armed with a rich knowledge of pop culture originating solely from uncensored rap lyrics.

His comments will be short and are intended to provoke thought and response amongst the readers. Bernard is not politically focused, though he enjoys his bright pink polos and popped collars. His expertise: how to handle money and fashion.

In his spare time Bernard enjoys foreign cars, finance, awkwardness and steamed shrimp by the pound.

Bernard joins as a guest blogger, his first post going up in just a few minutes!

Shout out to welcome him in the comments!

Rocks: You're on notice, Mr. President

This is appalling. A new low of lows. This week, Obama made a speech at Georgetown University and asked that the monogram of Jesus be covered up while he spoke.

Luke 19:40...Jesus said, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

God cannot be stopped. EVEN THE STONES will cry out.

Obama you are on notice, the stones are watching.

Global Impact video: Team Kenya

Earlier this year, I had the great opportunity to listen to Global Impact Team Kenya talk about their recent mission trip. They made a short video of their experience that I was able to find on the web (one the women on the trip posted it):


Kenay Team Video - Short Version from AnnieLaurie Walters on Vimeo.

I've watched this video several times and each time I am touched by the joy on the children's faces. It just reminds me that no matter what our circumstance we are commanded, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4).

Here in America (and other developed nations), people are turning away from God, disowning Him and spitting on His name. But the church is growing leaps and bounds in African countries-- so much so that African missionaries are now pouring into the United States and abroad. A place that has so little in the way of material comforts raises up thousands of followers for Christ every day. Praise the power of the Lord!

David Crowder Band-- You Make Everything Glorious
(first song on the video)
My eyes are small but they have seen
the beauty of enormous things
Which leads me to believe
there's light enough to see that

You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours

Name who said this!

I know this is late, but congratulations to Michael for being the first to correctly guess the picture game last week!

Answer: Washington Monument. (I took the picture at night and turned it...sneaky, sneaky).

Instead of a picture today, name who said this! (Googling it is CHEATING!)

“That’s no good, I can't steal from the fairly well off and give to the moderately impoverished! That’s not gonna swing, is it?”

Guess in the comments!

The inevitable: Taxes and Death

Today is the day-- APRIL 15th! You must file your taxes or file for that extension.

I did my taxes over the weekend (yes, I usually wait until the last minute) using FreeTaxUSA. I choose it because 1.) It sounds patriotic, and 2.) my AGI is not over $56,000 (I hope to change this one day soon!).

It amazes me the things you can use as an deduction. Here is an article on 25 Most Ridiculous Tax Write Offs of All Time.

There is a way to eliminate this painful process: Flat Tax.

Are you a fan? Why or why not?

With a flat tax, the rich actually pay more and the poor pay less.

Obama's tax plan does not ACTUALLY help the poor, rather, it just burdens the rich with more taxes. But wouldn't that help the poor? No. Just because the rich have more of the burden, does not alleviate the poor of any of their tax obligations.

In fact, it hurts the poor. The "rich"-- they provide jobs. They are small business owners that now need to layoff employees under Obama's tax plan. They are the ones that buy more goods because they have more disposable income... but now, they buy less which means that companies are selling less...which means the companies need to layoff due to the slow down in sales.

So let's just be done with it all and institute a flat tax. Oh wait, Obama won't do that because he doesn't actually want to help the poor...he wants to keep them dependent on him and big government.

For further reading, check out Forbes' flat tax plan.

RACEtoLIVEWeLL

Do you like clean water? Do you like to run? Do you want to be apart of change in this world?

Then come out on MAY 31st for RACEtoLIVEWeLL!

RacetoLIVEWell supports the mission of LASTWELL:
1) Provide clean water to the entire nation of Liberia by 2015, and
2) Invigorate our generation to share Christ with the church being the change in the world.

So why clean water in Liberia? Mothers in Liberia have a choice: do I give my child dirty water that might kill them or do I let them dehydrate? It's a sad situation...but one that we CAN change. Liberia is on the edge of Africa, therefore restoring and building wells there are relatively inexpensive!

Here are the numbers:
Restoring a well: $2,500-$3,000
Digging a new well: $5,000
Water for one year to a child: $1
Saving lives: Priceless

What can YOU do?
You can run!
You can support a runner!

This is change I can believe in :)

Things I want when I am sick...

You don't realize how much your love your toes until you stub one...well I didn't realize how much I want the following until sick,

1) eye mask
2) blackout blinds
3) massage
4) man friend (aka boyfriend) to bring me soup and just sit with me
5) jello

Atheist Investigates Christ: Lee Strobel

Must watch!

One central issue that decides everything: Did Jesus or did He not return from the dead?

1 Corinthians 15:17, "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins."

The Four "E's"
Execution-- Jesus was dead on the cross
Early-- accounts/reports so early rule possibility of mere legend (creed 1 Corinthians 15:3-6)
Empty-- even enemies of Jesus conceded tomb was empty
Eyewitnesses-- appeared to over 515 people

Lee's conclusion: it would take MORE faith to remain an atheist than to become a follower of Christ.

John 1:12, "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

Ezekial 36:26, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY!

Friday Thoughts: Michael Scott

The past two Friday Thoughts have both been by British men, so in breaking with that theme, today's:

Michael Scott

...From the British inspired show, The Office.

If you don't watch, YOU SHOULD. Every Thursday at 9:00 p.m. on NBC. DVR it or Hulu.

My favorite line from last nights show,
"Who would’ve thought that the thing that would save this company would be work... and pancakes?"

And a few of my other favorite Michael Scott thoughts....

"Do I want to be feared or loved? That's a good question. I want both. I people to be afraid of how much they love me."

"David, I will be honest with you. I do want the credit without any of the blame."

"When I discovered YouTube, I didn't work for five days. I did nothing. I viewed cookie monster sings chocolate rain about 1,000 times."

"{on helping Holly} She's my friend,and ultimately my strategy is to sort of merge this into a relationship without her even knowing."

"I just don't want my employees thinking that their jobs depend on performance. I mean...what sort of place is that to call home?"

"I have an enormous amount of trouble trying to get people to come to my place. I hate it. I can't tell you how much leftover guacamole I have ended up eating over the years. I don't even know why I make it in such great quantities. "

If you have a favorite Michael Scott quote, throw it in the comments for all to enjoy!

I'm not just sittin' by the phone waiting for Him to call!

I received this someecard from a friend.. and while he probably meant this to be sarcastic, I hope for the return of Jesus-- but until that happens, I know He is here with us. And in the time that we anticipate His return, He has tasked us with a great responsibility to build His kingdom.

Before Jesus returned to heaven, the disciples anxiously questioned Him about when He would return. He had risen from the dead and spent 40 days among them-- eating with them, letting them see Him alive-- and instructing them to do His work. But still-- they desired knowledge and security in knowing exactly when to expect His return.

{kinda like how I need to know before company arrives...}

Acts 1: 6,

'So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"'

And Jesus responds, Acts 1:7-8,

'He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."'

Jesus didn't want us to focus on when the kingdom of God would arrive-- instead, He wanted them to focus on the duty that He had given them-- focus on doing fulfilling the duty until the time arrives, whenever it arrives.

What is the duty then?

Jesus makes it clear in v.8, "you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem...and to the ends of the earth". He instructed the disciples to be witness for Christ, starting in their backyard, Jerusalem, and spreading out in concentric circles to eventually share the message of Jesus Christ to "the ends of the earth."

So while we celebrate Christ rising from the dead-- remember the duty that He calls us to here in our backyard of Washington, D.C. and to the ends of the earth in preparation for the day that God may look upon you and say (taken from Matthew: 25:23), " Well done good and faithful servant! Come and share your master's happiness!"


*part of this blog inspired by Pastor Lon Solomon's message on "Jesus' Ascension and Promised Return," December 8, 1996.

It's gettin' hot'n here...soo

The president's new science adviser said Wednesday that global warming is so dire, the Obama administration is discussing radical technologies to cool Earth's air such as....

Giant ice cubes in fun shapes.
Create a hole in atmosphere to let cool space air in.
Systematically and genetically alter warm blooded human beings to become cold blooded.
Americans turn up their AC and open their front doors, yes Mom, we are going to cool the outdoors!
Time travel machine to the ice age.
Most yummy meat comes from animals that create methane gas, we need a bailout that buys steaks for all.

Are you wondering how egging the metro went!?

FANTASTIC!

Last night, Frontliners took to the streets of Arlington to share Christ with our community. We handed out plastic eggs and cards with information on Frontline. I know several of us had engaging conversations with Arlingtonians about what Christ offers and a few of us even had the opportunity to share a testimony!

If you were apart of the egging, please feel free to share your stories in the comments!

"A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest."
John 10:10

Almost FRIDAY Picture!

Congratulations to Kimmie for getting yesterdays picture! She knows how much I love that place :)

Answer: hangers at The Container Store.

Don't let her win today though!

You know where to put your guess!

TOP TEN NEW DEFENSE PROJECTS

I read IMAO (courtesy of Allysen)...and this post is just funny-- especially #9 (I not so secretly desire a Snuggie)...

With Obama cutting missile defense, what will Obama spend all the defense related money on? Here’s what he’s currently thinking:

OBAMA’S TOP TEN NEW DEFENSE RELATED PROJECTS

10. Classes to teach Marines to be more concerned about their enemies’ feelings.

9. Camouflaged Snuggies.

8. New ways to distribute propaganda to the enemy that apologizes for Bush.

7. Automated drones that can safely seek out high-priority targets and give them a hug.

6. Tree-planting missiles.

5. New guns with a special safety feature that keeps them from firing if pointed at a person.

4. Preventing nuclear attacks by posting signs specifying that nuclear missiles are not allowed.

3. Bio-degradable tanks.

2. Study on the effects of replacing camouflage with tie dye.

And Obama’s number one new defense related project…

Genetically engineering a unicorn.

EGG the METRO!!

There will be an EGG THE METRO today at Rosslyn-Courthouse-Clarendon-VA Square-Ballston metros at 6:00 p.m. 'til we run out of eggs!

Look out!!

Ok, don't let Allysen get this one!

Congratulations, AGAIN, to Allysen for getting the answer correct on the last picture game!

The answer: Kennedy Center.

But that means that we can't allow her to win yet again! You guys can get this one:

Guesses go in the comments!

QandA: Part Two!

Question:
Where is salvation for those who don't hear the Word or who lived in pre-Christian times?

This is really a two part question-- first, I will answer, "Where is salvation for those who don't hear the message about Jesus?"

God clearly reveals Himself to us-- Romans 1:20,

"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 men are without excuse."

The book of Romans goes on to explain that although God clearly reveal Himself to us, in our sinful nature, we reject and rebel against God, Romans 1:21-23,

"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles."

Deuteronomy 4:29 explains that those who seek after God WILL find Him,

"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul."

So where does this leaves those that already call themselves Christians?

Instead of debating the fate of those who have never heard, we, as Christians, should be doing our best to make sure that they hear. We are called to spread the Gospel throughout the nations (Acts 1:8). The fact that we know people reject the knowledge of God revealed in nature must motivate us to proclaim the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Only through accepting the God’s grace through the Lord Jesus Christ can people be saved from their sins and rescued from an eternity apart from God in hell.


It is interesting that the first instruction Jesus gives to the disciples (Simon and Andrew), Mark 1:17,

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

And the LAST instruction Jesus gives after He is risen, Matthew 28:18,

"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Ultimately, God is all powerful and all knowing. He see's to it that ALL have the opportunity to receive Him or reject Him.

I will answer the next half of the question about salvation for those before Christ in my next post. Look out for it!

Can you guess this?!

Congrats to Allysen for answering the last picture correctly-- it was the inside of a metro. Looks like I stumped y'all on it ;)

I promise a real blog post soon, I've just been really busy!

Until then...a new picture for the game!

Guesses in the comments!

Try this!

Yesterday's answer: the side of the State Department building in Rosslyn. Congratulations to Kimberly for being the first to answer correctly (it might help that she also works nearby...).

Interesting fact: this is actually a piece of art, I maintained for the first year of working in Rosslyn that it was metal on the outside of the building to deflect the rays of spies trying to hack into the State Department.

Turns out, they are actually steels disks and pins on injection molded plastic panels.

Here is another example of Ned's work in Holland:


Today's picture...

You know the drill!

The file name doesn't reveal the answer!

Yesterday's answer to the picture game: Key Bridge, the connector between Virginia and Georgetown. Congratulations to "Anonymous" for being the first to answer correctly!

Today's picture is a little more challenging....

Guess in the comments!