Hot Coffee

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  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109
  
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  May
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  Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111
  
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  6

A few weeks ago I grabbed a cup of coffee from my favorite restaurant and hit the road. Only minutes away from my destination, I took another sip and then it hit me. All of the coffee landed in my lap, and boy was it hot, really hot. At this point all I could do is just enjoy the ride, any quick action could have been disastrous for me and anyone else lucky enough to be in a car on Cary Parkway that day.

Life sometimes gives us the same option. What do you do when something happens and it is painful, uncomfortable or just new. I believe if you let emotions set in and logic takes that back seat it can be completely disastrous.

Before Jesus was taken by the Roman soldiers he told all of his disciples that they would flee. Of course that was unthinkable and none of them “felt” that they would, and of course Peter said he would never do that. Jesus then told Peter how he would even deny him three times, which he later did. I wonder how Peter “felt” when he was asked about his relationship with Jesus, and how he later “felt” once he had denied Jesus, the third time.

Do we ever do that. Do we let emotions, although they may not be that misplaced, guide our decisions. Or, do we go to what is right as the foundation of our next decision? I hope that I am always strong enough to look for the right thing to do, although it may be uncomfortable, painful or new. I am glad on that day I was able to quickly understand that acting on my emotional state could have been dangerous. It could almost be considered wisdom – the convergence of knowledge and experience.

Whew …

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  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111
  
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  November
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  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111
  
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  8

What have I been up to? Well quite a lot since February. I have gone back to my previous career, realized that politics are quite tricky, seen myself spiritually get “drained”, and have wanted to spend more time with my family.

Beginning with work I was self-employed for almost a year and a half. For the most part I really enjoyed a lot of the flexibility that presented itself with the freedom of making my own schedule and decisions. I believe that I was able to grow and experience a lot of things that I might have never had a chance to unless I made the move. I definitely figured out more about myself during the transition. What began to weigh in on me especially around last November / December was our national climate was quickly making financial victims. I did not want to participate and be swiftly kicked in the butt by more circumstances. I am sure that some may say that I could not get away from my comfort zone, would tell them my comfort zone has been a part of me over half of my adult life. I left because I felt lead to not so much because I wanted to , and feel blessed that I was able to go back with welcome arms. I have never spoke about my decision to leave, but even that was a struggle – I really felt as if my spiritual hearing had gone deaf, but you never quite get some decisions until later, if even then.

Now, let’s talk politics. A few lessons learned this year:
1. I will continue to challenge the age old saying “Two things you never discuss, politics and religion”. No I do not like to lose friends and acquaintances over these two hot topics , but I think the issue has always been is that there is never any dialogue.
2. Current political parties do not reflect our society. Although, this will be a discussion for later, it is plain to see that there have been some paradigm shifts in our country.

Spiritually, I am still growing. I would be re missed to say that I have not had my share of challenges. This has been a weird season in my life, and however the course corrections play out, the wisest thing that I can do is to seek the Lord’s guidance.

Last but not least it has been a great year so far with my family. Jai-Li started soccer, Chris and Matt had a great football season, Josh is finishing up his football season, and Kevin went to States during last wrestling season. I have been trying to spend as much time with my family and be as good of a role model as possible, and still have work to go.

Finally, I think that this message is helping me to pull some things back into perspective.

Back To Basics

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  December
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  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109
  
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  14

During an interview I was asked what made me successful. I had a simple answer that I stick to today, ” I follow the basics, when all else fails go back to the foundational skills”. In our country, communities and families I think we need just the basics.

I was watching the news a couple of nights ago only to see people protesting a church for refusing to let women or men enter with clothing that may be considered questionable. I have mixed feelings about this because I do not think that a person’s clothing should be a barrier from going to worship, while at the same time Christians should be a little more conservative in their dress. Fashion is fashion and I think that there is a way to be stylish yet respectful. I am also curious to know how people view this in the public, I view it as a church having enough and making a stand to stand for something.  I think more people are looking for the right stand more so than a good idea.

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. – Joshua 24:15 NIV

Three American runners swept 1st through 3rd in one event during the Olympics, I am curious to see if anyone noticed  all three mentioned that they were blessed just to be there. Why is that important? China is still a communist country where Christians are persecuted daily. I hope their proffession of faith inspired those Christians. At the same time there is an observation for us here in the States. Not only is China a quickly developing country, world leader,and financial powerhouse, it is also the the fastest growth area for Christianity (even through persecution). I am curious, how long will the United States continue to erode her own values, and at what cost? What if we here in the States just went back to basics? Maybe this is a time we should refocus, and put our priorities in order?

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials . 7 These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6 -NIV

Just something to think about.

Quiet For Awhile

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  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111
  
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  September
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  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107
  
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  10

Well, I am not sure how many people read this blog, but I did not fall off the face of the earth. I actually have been working really hard, and at the same time going through some struggles. What do you do?  Read the rest of this entry…

Software Lesson

• 
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  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 112
  August
• 
  Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 112
  6

A few nights ago I was working on a project and ran into a problem that my brain could not figure out. I believe that I racked my brain just enough where I caved in and had to crack open the manual for a solution.

Read the rest of this entry…

What Do You Call Salt With No Flavor ?

• 
  Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 112
  July
• 
  Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 112
  14

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” – Matthew 5:13

Well what do you call salt with no flavor? A rock. How do I make a difference in the society that I live in? Am I salt or a rock.

Read the rest of this entry…

Faith… Hang In There

• 
  Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 112
  July
• 
  Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 112
  3

I saw this bumper sticker yesterday “Faith… Hang In There”, maybe there was more to it, but WOW I am not sure I agree. A few years ago when I started studying my Bible I did something really bold, I studied the book of Job while going through something really tough. This was one of the toughest studies that I ever tried and everday it was so hard not to lose myself in self pity. I mean how do you have faith when things are tough and falling apart.

Read the rest of this entry…

Father Recapture My Thoughts

• 
  Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 112
  June
• 
  Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 112
  28

There are times when I find myself thinking,”Where did that thought come from”, and I often pause. I am not pursuing the PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) way of life, but I am finding something very relevant in a verse from Romans:

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” Romans 12:2.

Read the rest of this entry…

A Marriage Secret

• 
  Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 112
  April
• 
  Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 112
  24

Marriage requires effort, as any couple married for longer than 2 minutes will attest. I have been thinking about some advice I received some time ago.

“May your fountain be blessed,
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.” -Proverbs 5:17

Read the rest of this entry…

Even the little things…

• 
  Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 112
  April
• 
  Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111
  
  Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /home/apowell6/public_html/20min/wp-includes/functions.php on line 112
  23

I had an interesting 20 minute drive yesterday.On this particular Tuesday I did something that I normally do not do. I went to lunch.

Read the rest of this entry…