a few weeks ago i posted a small movie of a lego man waving. unknown to me the link was bad but now it is good so go on down a few posts and check it out
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Friday, December 17, 2004
Controversy and Replication
I was reading “The Writers Almanac” this morning and discovered it was Gustav Eiffel’s birthday (Wednesday December 15th 1832).. In his day Eiffel was a famous designer of the iron structures. He designed the internal structure of the Statue of Liberty and many beautiful bridges. We know him for his famous tower in Paris, “The Eiffel Tower” built for the Universal Exposition in 1889.
As construction began in 1886 so did the controversy. Many artists, writers and Parisian thought the stark design was an atrocity and an affront to the beautiful architecture and design of Paris. Pamphlets and newspaper articles were written but construction went on. When the tower was completed in March 31st 1889. The controversy and opposition died down once the tower was completed and the positive response it received from the throng of visitors who first visited the tower.
This once derided tower is now reproduced in mass quantity. You find Eiffel Tower clocks, paperweights and snow globes. It shows up in artwork and is a must see for anyone who visits Paris.
Sound familiar?
It reminds me of the Cross. We don’t know who built the cross that our LORD died on. We do know it was controversial in the beginning. How could the LORD and KING of the universe be executed in such a manner only common criminals and scum die that way? Some didn’t believe that the physical Jesus died but his spirit was not on the Cross. Over the centuries the controversy has died down. Now you find the cross reproduced everywhere on t-shirts, on jewelry, artwork, hats and bumper stickers.
Even though it has been reproduced millions of times, the Cross has not lost its power. The power is not in the reproduction but in who died on the original! When one stops and thinks about what happened on that old rugged cross hundreds of years ago the power of that moment returns. Every Sunday when we eat Communion together we remember that our LORD died for our sins. That powerful and controversial event’s impact can not be diminished.
(For more information on the Eiffel Tower visit the official Eiffel Tower website and for more information on the Cross read Matthew thru Revelation in your Bible.)
As construction began in 1886 so did the controversy. Many artists, writers and Parisian thought the stark design was an atrocity and an affront to the beautiful architecture and design of Paris. Pamphlets and newspaper articles were written but construction went on. When the tower was completed in March 31st 1889. The controversy and opposition died down once the tower was completed and the positive response it received from the throng of visitors who first visited the tower.
This once derided tower is now reproduced in mass quantity. You find Eiffel Tower clocks, paperweights and snow globes. It shows up in artwork and is a must see for anyone who visits Paris.
Sound familiar?
It reminds me of the Cross. We don’t know who built the cross that our LORD died on. We do know it was controversial in the beginning. How could the LORD and KING of the universe be executed in such a manner only common criminals and scum die that way? Some didn’t believe that the physical Jesus died but his spirit was not on the Cross. Over the centuries the controversy has died down. Now you find the cross reproduced everywhere on t-shirts, on jewelry, artwork, hats and bumper stickers.
Even though it has been reproduced millions of times, the Cross has not lost its power. The power is not in the reproduction but in who died on the original! When one stops and thinks about what happened on that old rugged cross hundreds of years ago the power of that moment returns. Every Sunday when we eat Communion together we remember that our LORD died for our sins. That powerful and controversial event’s impact can not be diminished.
(For more information on the Eiffel Tower visit the official Eiffel Tower website and for more information on the Cross read Matthew thru Revelation in your Bible.)
Thursday, December 16, 2004
mohammed helped me
it seems that great religious leaders are helping me. as you know jesus helped me at staples the day after thanksgiving.
well today at target mohammed helped me. actually he found lisa's 1 hour photos and checked me out in a retail way. now i just have to wait for someone with jewish, hindu or pagan leaders name to help me. when that happens ya'll will be the second to know
well today at target mohammed helped me. actually he found lisa's 1 hour photos and checked me out in a retail way. now i just have to wait for someone with jewish, hindu or pagan leaders name to help me. when that happens ya'll will be the second to know
Friday, December 10, 2004
quiet friday night
it is a quiet friday night here at the byrd house. the kids are playing legos on the wonderful table my folks gave them. tyler is happy on the floor sitting up very well. lisa is getting better but is still feeling bad. i am ok but in a thoughtful mode more on that later.
all in all it is a quiet night at the byrd house. hope all is quiet with you.
all in all it is a quiet night at the byrd house. hope all is quiet with you.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
ug we are all sick
this weekend was good but now austin, tyler and sarah are sick arg! life is crazy but you gotta loving
Monday, November 29, 2004
lego man waves
having some more fun with legos check out the lego man waving. that is austin's hand reaching for the lego man at the end. i had planned on having him walk back the way he came but was thwarted by a 2 yr old!
Friday, November 26, 2004
jesus helped me at staples the other day
staples had a wireless router on a great sale the other day and i went to pick one up for the church. well they had sold out so i asked a clerk if they had any more in stock. they didn't but they special odered one for me.
i was thinking to myself "this guy is so helpfull i wonder what his name is." so i looked at his name tag. his name was "jesus" i had to suppress my laughter.
so now i can say that jesus helped me at staples the other day.
i was thinking to myself "this guy is so helpfull i wonder what his name is." so i looked at his name tag. his name was "jesus" i had to suppress my laughter.
so now i can say that jesus helped me at staples the other day.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
happy thanksgiving
i know millions of people are posting this on thier blog but i don't care.
happy thanksgiving!
happy thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
legos come alive
here is a fun little stop action movie me and my daughter sarah made: lego 3 wheeler 05.mov
Sunday, November 14, 2004
the century oak
last christmas we were in california w/ lisa's parents and one day by the pool i wrote this short story.
Century Oak
Mark rode down the road on his bike. He squinted his dark eyes as he rode, fast and faster down the hill and then up again. He was on his way to Mary’s house. They were going he climb the Century Oak. Te Century Oak was an oak tree planted by the families who founded their town. It was the oldest living thing alive.
Mark rolled up to Mary’s. Opened the gate to her fence and ran up the walk to her door. On the way he stopped to get a flower for her. He put the flower behind his back and strode across the porch.
Knock, knock, knock
Mary opened the door; she was wearing overalls, boots and a white t-shirt. She had dark eyes like Mark and was tall and slender. She opened the door. Mark gave her flowers and Mary gave mark a hug. They were the best friends in the world. They raced down the walk through the gate and onto their bikes.
It was two miles from Mary’s to the century oak. They rode together past Mary’s family’s farm. Then they rode across the new wooden bridge and across the old stone bridge. Finally they rode up the last rise before the rolled into town to the tree.
They knew the tree was old and climbed it often, always wondering what this tree had seen during its long life. The lowest branches were just over Mark’s head. Being the tallest he jumped and climbed on the first branch. Then he reached down and pulled Mary up. Limb after limb and branch after branch they climbed higher and higher. They were a few yards short of the op when the branches became too weak to hold them. So her they stopped each on a branch looking out over their world. They could see their whole town. Looking west they saw the road they had rode on. The church was to their right. Its white steeple was easy to see. Next they saw the general store. Then the courthouse, its golden dome shone brightly in the late afternoon sun, the other side of the road went east out of town. They saw the hotel, stables, mechanic, gas station, the bank, and finally the post office. It was a complete circle with the Century Oak and them in the middle. As they watched the Road they saw horses, cars, bikes and buggies coming and going. They looked further out to the west and saw the old stone bridge, the new wooden bridge and the windy creek that flows under them to the Great River, Mary’ farm and beyond that Mark’s farm. Turning around and following the Road again they could see the Mill and the Power House out in the Great River.
Mark and Mary loved this view, their world all around them. They talked about the people they could see and made up stories about the strangers. Mark reached in his pack and pulled out some biscuits for them. Mary had lemonade in a bottle. They ate and drank up in the Tree as the sun began to set and the winds began to blow. Mary felt the wind blow thru her short red hair. She looked over at Mark as it moved his long black hair.
Before it was too dark they climbed back down as the fireflies came out. Branch by branch and limb-by-limb they made their way down to their bikes.
Evening was deepening as they pedaled hard to beat the sunset. With the fireflies out it was as if they were riding past stars. Over the old stone bridge and the new wooden bridge rolling up to Mary’s house. Mary thanked Mark for a great day and gave him a hug and went inside.
Mark climbed back on his bike and made his way home. The sun had set and Mark rode by moon and star light all the way home. While he was still a way off he could see his porch light and could smell the diner his family was cooking.
THE END.
Century Oak
Mark rode down the road on his bike. He squinted his dark eyes as he rode, fast and faster down the hill and then up again. He was on his way to Mary’s house. They were going he climb the Century Oak. Te Century Oak was an oak tree planted by the families who founded their town. It was the oldest living thing alive.
Mark rolled up to Mary’s. Opened the gate to her fence and ran up the walk to her door. On the way he stopped to get a flower for her. He put the flower behind his back and strode across the porch.
Knock, knock, knock
Mary opened the door; she was wearing overalls, boots and a white t-shirt. She had dark eyes like Mark and was tall and slender. She opened the door. Mark gave her flowers and Mary gave mark a hug. They were the best friends in the world. They raced down the walk through the gate and onto their bikes.
It was two miles from Mary’s to the century oak. They rode together past Mary’s family’s farm. Then they rode across the new wooden bridge and across the old stone bridge. Finally they rode up the last rise before the rolled into town to the tree.
They knew the tree was old and climbed it often, always wondering what this tree had seen during its long life. The lowest branches were just over Mark’s head. Being the tallest he jumped and climbed on the first branch. Then he reached down and pulled Mary up. Limb after limb and branch after branch they climbed higher and higher. They were a few yards short of the op when the branches became too weak to hold them. So her they stopped each on a branch looking out over their world. They could see their whole town. Looking west they saw the road they had rode on. The church was to their right. Its white steeple was easy to see. Next they saw the general store. Then the courthouse, its golden dome shone brightly in the late afternoon sun, the other side of the road went east out of town. They saw the hotel, stables, mechanic, gas station, the bank, and finally the post office. It was a complete circle with the Century Oak and them in the middle. As they watched the Road they saw horses, cars, bikes and buggies coming and going. They looked further out to the west and saw the old stone bridge, the new wooden bridge and the windy creek that flows under them to the Great River, Mary’ farm and beyond that Mark’s farm. Turning around and following the Road again they could see the Mill and the Power House out in the Great River.
Mark and Mary loved this view, their world all around them. They talked about the people they could see and made up stories about the strangers. Mark reached in his pack and pulled out some biscuits for them. Mary had lemonade in a bottle. They ate and drank up in the Tree as the sun began to set and the winds began to blow. Mary felt the wind blow thru her short red hair. She looked over at Mark as it moved his long black hair.
Before it was too dark they climbed back down as the fireflies came out. Branch by branch and limb-by-limb they made their way down to their bikes.
Evening was deepening as they pedaled hard to beat the sunset. With the fireflies out it was as if they were riding past stars. Over the old stone bridge and the new wooden bridge rolling up to Mary’s house. Mary thanked Mark for a great day and gave him a hug and went inside.
Mark climbed back on his bike and made his way home. The sun had set and Mark rode by moon and star light all the way home. While he was still a way off he could see his porch light and could smell the diner his family was cooking.
THE END.
Friday, November 12, 2004
unfinished short story
i don't know when this was written and i don't know where it would end so i give it to the world to do with as it pleases
Unfinished Short Story
Look deep into space
What are you seeing?
It is beyond you or me
But he knows?
Yes he knows
He knows the when and where
He knows the how and why
I know it, I see it.
How long
As long as I remember
What are you?
Who are you?
I am the one
The one who runs with the night
I am trapped in my power
He is sad
Yes he is
For he did not ask to be what he is
It is not a gift but a curse
No, you are wrong
It is a gift to those who need your help
Stop pitying yourself
No, how dare you add to my sorrow
I do not add to your sorrow
Instead I give you a way to joy
Yes joy that is what I miss
And what you need
Yes
Help
Yes!
He woke up, the dream over. “Thank you” he thought as reality opened around him. Stumbling through the house he entered the kitchen. Going through his normal morning routine of making coffee. He finally looked at himself in the mirror but was it him? He thought he could see a woman. Where had he seen her before? “The dream, what dream? Of course she is in my dream. Wait how?” He stood there starring at himself. Reaching for the faucet he began to get ready for work
Walking to his car the wind seemed to have a voice, a faint but audible voice. “Help” nothing more than “help” is what the wind asked for. “Don’t lose it now. Business meeting think business meeting.” He said to himself to calm his nerves. “I’ll call Valerie and talk to her. She know about this stuff
Unfinished Short Story
Look deep into space
What are you seeing?
It is beyond you or me
But he knows?
Yes he knows
He knows the when and where
He knows the how and why
I know it, I see it.
How long
As long as I remember
What are you?
Who are you?
I am the one
The one who runs with the night
I am trapped in my power
He is sad
Yes he is
For he did not ask to be what he is
It is not a gift but a curse
No, you are wrong
It is a gift to those who need your help
Stop pitying yourself
No, how dare you add to my sorrow
I do not add to your sorrow
Instead I give you a way to joy
Yes joy that is what I miss
And what you need
Yes
Help
Yes!
He woke up, the dream over. “Thank you” he thought as reality opened around him. Stumbling through the house he entered the kitchen. Going through his normal morning routine of making coffee. He finally looked at himself in the mirror but was it him? He thought he could see a woman. Where had he seen her before? “The dream, what dream? Of course she is in my dream. Wait how?” He stood there starring at himself. Reaching for the faucet he began to get ready for work
Walking to his car the wind seemed to have a voice, a faint but audible voice. “Help” nothing more than “help” is what the wind asked for. “Don’t lose it now. Business meeting think business meeting.” He said to himself to calm his nerves. “I’ll call Valerie and talk to her. She know about this stuff
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
true citizenship
i am writting this before i have voted and before any winner is projected because i think that many christians miss something important and i don't want to sound like i am glouting because the candidate i voted for won or like i am a sore losser because my candidate lost.
as a christian and a follower of the LORD JESUS CHRIST i have a king and i am part of the Kingdom of God. It really doesn't matter who sits across the river in the white house because they really don't have any power over me. that person is not my KING he or she is not my LORD. the president of the united states of america doesn't rule the Kingdom of God.
the Kingdom of God is an unstoppable kingdom with no physical or temporal boundaries. The Kingdom spreads all over this planet and has existed before the usa and will exist long after this worlds passes. citizens of the Kingdom are united together thru the blood of the SON, the LORD JESUS CHRIST.
as a christian my allegiance is not to the democratic nor republican party. as christians our concerns should not be of the polotics of this world but of going about the buisness of the Kingdom!
as a christian and a follower of the LORD JESUS CHRIST i have a king and i am part of the Kingdom of God. It really doesn't matter who sits across the river in the white house because they really don't have any power over me. that person is not my KING he or she is not my LORD. the president of the united states of america doesn't rule the Kingdom of God.
the Kingdom of God is an unstoppable kingdom with no physical or temporal boundaries. The Kingdom spreads all over this planet and has existed before the usa and will exist long after this worlds passes. citizens of the Kingdom are united together thru the blood of the SON, the LORD JESUS CHRIST.
as a christian my allegiance is not to the democratic nor republican party. as christians our concerns should not be of the polotics of this world but of going about the buisness of the Kingdom!
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
the corolla
i posted a comment on www.guiroo.com but couldn't put the picture that would go along with it so here it is now for your viewing enjoyment
Monday, October 11, 2004
i am home
got home last night and rushed to the building to teach snl. lisa had strep this weekend and now austin does. of course stuff like this happens only when i am out of town.
it sounds like at least one of the guys is a definate to apply to acu and the other 2 are maybes. all in all this weekend was a success!
it sounds like at least one of the guys is a definate to apply to acu and the other 2 are maybes. all in all this weekend was a success!
Saturday, October 09, 2004
hanging out at paul's
we are chill'n at paul's studio aka his garage. the tour was great and so was lunch with the addmissions guy.
just hanging in out in campus
just finished our tour of campus and we are about to eat and talk to our addmission guy
Friday, October 08, 2004
i am in abilene
i am in abilene for the weekend showing acu off to the 3 seniors from the youth group
Thursday, October 07, 2004
walked this road before
so far i have come!
so far i have to go!
so far have i come?
so far have i to go?
the road behind is short
the road ahead is long
is the road behind short?
is the road ahead long?
i follow Him
who has walked this way before
who has walked this way before?
everyone has...
no one has...
only One has...
...walked this road before
so far i have to go!
so far have i come?
so far have i to go?
the road behind is short
the road ahead is long
is the road behind short?
is the road ahead long?
i follow Him
who has walked this way before
who has walked this way before?
everyone has...
no one has...
only One has...
...walked this road before
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
I Love My Dad
On Monday I changed the front brake pads on Lilly. We love to name things; my Palm Pilot is Sparky, our van is Bluebyrd and our white station wagon is Lilly. I went to auto parts store and bought the pads. Then I jacked up the car and pulled one of the front wheels off. I found the 11/16th socket, my grandpa’s ratchet and started to undo the bolts that hold the pad housing. They were stuck hard. I figured that a manic tightened those bolts. So I did what any good son should do I called my dad for help. He recommended that I spray some WD40 in there and wait. So I sprayed some WD40 between the bolt and housing and waited. It worked great!
I have lots of great memories of my father and I working on cars. We rotated tires, changed oil, changed spark plugs and did all kinds of things together on our family cars. A lot of my joy of doing things for myself with my kids comes from those experiences. Monday Austin helped me with the lug nuts on the wheel. Ashley and Sarah have helped me build and/or fix things in the past. I know Tyler will be there with me as well. I could almost start a handyman service with my kids and I as the handymen/women.
I also have lots of great memories of when my Father and heaven and I worked together. We didn’t rotate tires, change oil or spark plugs but we He allowed me to be a part of some great things. One of my favorite things that the Father does is allow me to be a part of someone’s salvation. Whether I am answering questions that a young person has or I am the one with the privilege of baptizing a young person. That is the Father at work. The Father also allows me to help teach teens and students every week. When I start a new lesson I pray that it will not be my message but the Father’s.
I am not the only person the Father works through here at Falls Church. Each one of you is an instrument in the Father’s hand. We are all like tools he uses to fix people whose lives are broken. You and I are the hands and feet of the Father. When we put our pride and selfishness aside He does great things through us. Not that we are great but He is great and in His greatness uses us to do great things. Great things are not always big and splashy sometimes they are small and intimate. So even if you are not an elder, deacon, ministry leader, preacher or youth minister, you are still and instrument in your Father’s hands.
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