 Strawberry Thrill Shake from Six Flags I know plenty of things that make me happy, but it seems no matter what I try in this life, it’s never “perfect”.
For example I recently finished months of HCG low-calorie dieting, and then went on a two night vacation with Haleh to Valencia California to visit Six Flags. I went from 282 lbs in October of last year, down to 219 lbs. Since I was not down to my goal weight, which is currently around 180 lbs, I decided before finishing my diet that I would start another one in June. So, back to the vacation, since we decided to drive there, and since I would be starting another diet soon, I believed that I could have “perfect happiness” if I allowed myself to eat all sorts of candy, snacks, and energy drinks while on vacation. I did enjoy myself the first night, on the drive there. To start things off, I had half of a King-size Sweet & Salty Snickers bar, followed by several handfuls of peanut-butter and cookies and cream “buddy” Chex mix. I also had nearly a whole pack of Swedish Fish, which I kept calling Gold Fish. At the next stop I was feeling candied-out, so I got a delicious bag of guacamole chips (the dip is in the chip, the bag said). I got more candy and snacks then written here, but I don’t remember it all. For dinner the second night, we went to Salt Creek Grill, near Six Flags. The appetizer bread was tasteless and while the butter was nicely whipped, it too was tasteless. My meal was meatloaf, which tasted “Ok” with a decent amount of salt I had to add. My two sides were Gorgonzola mac and cheese, not good, and the worlds hottest order of au gratin potatoes... they were also, just “ok” after they cooled down. The best thing there was the carrot cake I shared with Haleh after stuffing myself with dinner and appetizers. Dinner was very expensive, and totally not worth it. At Six Flags, I was super excited to get a seemingly delicious Thrill Shake which they stated packed 980 calories. The shake included, tasteless ice cream, strawberry syrup, about half of a strawberry pop tart, and an old fashion strawberry good bar (I think it’s called). The shake was a disaster. It might have been better if they would have blended it... but it was a 1 star experience as it was. It was ridiculously expensive, and totally not worth it, price-wise or calories. It did not make me happy. On the drive home, I ate less calories than the drive there, but that was only because I felt sick after two days of eating bad decisions. On my three day adventure, the scale said I put on about 10 pounds. Yikes! I was totally wrong about what I thought would provide me happiness. You’re probably saying “Duh!” but I bet you do it too. If not with food, then with something else. I believe that perfect happiness is not achievable this side of heaven. With our sinful & broken bodies and all of the sinful & broken bodies around us, I think life is a constant disappointment. Especially if you’re looking to this life to provide perfect happiness. I think perfect happiness is only possible without sin, and therefore heaven will be the only time I’ll experience it. But what even is perfect happiness? I think it consists, partially, of loving, meaningful relationships. Perfect happiness would either have no arguments or at least discussions where all participants communicate clearly and listen graciously. Perfect happiness would be where my cravings are for only healthy things. Perfect happiness would include a life perfectly balanced with fulfilling productive activities and peaceful rejuvenating relaxation. I believe that perfect happiness is spending eternity with a God, that is Himself perfect and loving. That’s my plan. If you’re not sure where you’ll be spending eternity, find out now.  Brandt Dary (T-Bell) & Scott Hill (Freak) taken on Scott's Polaroid camera. A couple of days ago at about 10:30 pm, I found out that Scott Hill passed away. Scott was one of my childhood best friends. We haven’t really connected in the past dozen years or so, but before that, we were certainly close!
Back in the day I used to spend the night at his hour and he at mine quite often. I remember that we snuck out often and rode our bikes to the Seatac Mall area in Federal Way, Washington. Once a police officer strongly advised us to go home but we weren’t breaking the law so we just laughed off his advise and did what we wanted to do. I remember that Scott would eat meals in the bathroom, while using the bathroom... I’ve always thought that was strange, but he did what he wanted. Scott and I were quite different people, but we had fun together, until we didn’t. One of the last times we spent time together was when Scott drove all the way down from Washington to visit me in my Phoenix apartment. It’s about a 24 hour drive. At that time, I was a pretty religious person. I had gone to a youth group and I believed that I was a Christian (I’m not sure I was actually one, but more on that later). I was very ignorantly, but passionately, trying to share Jesus with Scott. I don’t remember the exact words I used, but I told him things like how much better his life would be if he’d ask Jesus into his heart. I remember that he brought some girl with him to my apartment, as well as alcohol, and I was very judgmental and condescending about how Jesus wouldn’t like that. I annoyed Scott so much with my attempt to proselytize him that he turned around, without sleeping, and drove all the way back to Washington. I know my intentions were good, but I felt so bad about how I made Scott feel, that I wrote something like this in my journal “I will never again open my mouth for the purposes of sharing Jesus with someone.” But, a few short months later, something happened... I got saved. I became a Christian myself. I went to church and heard a different type of message. Not the normal “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life” message I had heard before. But a message that actually helped me see why Jesus, and specifically his death on a cross, mattered. I heard from a guest speaker at our church that God has a standard of goodness and if you don’t meet up to it, it’s called sin, and if you die in your sins, the destination is not heaven, but hell. He went through God’s Ten Commandments and I realized for the first time that I wasn’t a good person, but in fact, I was a liar, a thief, an adulterer (Jesus said if you look with lust, you’re committing adultery in your heart), and a murderer. Jesus said if you hate, without just cause, you’re a murderer. I realized I wasn’t good... but Bad. God opened up my eyes that if I got what I deserved, it wouldn’t be a reward, but a sentence. It was then, and only then, that what I already knew (that Jesus died for sin) wasn’t just generally nice news for sinners, but really really good news for me. So... back to Scott. I sadly do not know where Scott will spend be spending eternity. Of course, I hope it’s heaven. I know that unless we believe in the Good News of Jesus, it doesn’t apply to us. And it’s not really believing..... because demons believe in Jesus and it doesn’t help them... it’s trust. I don’t know if Scott trusted that Jesus’ death on the cross paid for his sins and therefore he received forgiveness from God. But I do believe that wherever he is, he wants you to know the truth. I believe he wants you to consider your life, and all that you’ve done... I believe he wants you to realized that God demonstrated His love towards us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. I believe he would want you to know that you broke God’s Law, but (if you’ll in Him) Jesus suffered and died on the cross for you. I believe Scott would want you to know that Jesus didn’t just die, but that God raised Him from the dead three days later. I believe Scott wants you to pray to God, read your Bible and find a good church family and friends. It is my prayer and hope that Scott is indeed resting in peace, by the Grace of God. I hope to some day see him again and reminisce about other fun memories.  I am Brandt Dary, and I am Perfect.
I realize that I was not born the morally perfect human being that I see myself as, nor have I lived a life which actually warrants the label of ‘Perfect’. However, I have the CHOICE, no, the right, to identify as a morally perfect person. Just like people that were born girls, may now identify as men, I equally have the right to be labeled something I am not. And I choose “Perfect” — However, in my tolerance, I will also accept “Flawless”, “Sinless” or “Mr. Never Done Anything Wrong” — (As long as it’s not said sarcastically). From now on, you are intolerant if you see me as a liar, a thief, or an adulterer (* even though I am guilty of doing those things, multiple times). My past shall not be the only exclusion. If I do something to you in the present that is wrong, you will need to immediately forget it and consider me as perfect, or you are being judgmental. If you say anything negative about me, since I am perfect, it may be considered hate speech (depending on your local laws). There is one label that we should all be willing to place on ME, at this point — “Ridiculous”. What I’m saying is nonsense. Sure, who wouldn’t want to be labeled as “Perfect”? But the bottom line is, we are not. We are all guilty of sin. Sin is breaking God’s Law. You know, the 10 Commandments: Thou shall not steal, thou shall not bare false witness, thou shall not covet or commit adultery. Did you know that Jesus said “everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”? Who of us can say we’ve never looked at another with lust? Or Lied? or Stolen? We’re not perfect. More accurately, we’re sinners. It’s appointed once for us to die, and after comes judgement. The Bible warns that if we die in our sins, there will be hell to pay: literally. So how will you do on Judgement Day? There are two ways you can die and get in to heaven. The first way is to be Perfect in thought, word and deed. This was only accomplished by one person in history: Jesus Christ. So the first way, is to BE Jesus Christ… The second way is to ‘go through’ Jesus Christ. We broke the law, but God demonstrated His love towards us in that while we were still sinners, He sent Jesus Christ to suffer and die on the cross, in our place, for our sins. The Bible says instead of thinking we’re perfect, or good enough to go to heaven, we must repent and put our trust in Jesus Christ. Once we are humble, God will give us the grace of forgiving us all of our sins, and labeling us “Perfect” because of the life and death of Jesus Christ being accredited to our account. So, you’ll never be perfect on this side of heaven, but if you’d like to be perfect in God’s site, receive His free gift of salvation by faith (trust) alone in Jesus Christ. Read your Bible daily, and obey it, then attend a local Bible believing Christian church. Now that I’ve repented and trusted in Christ: I’m Perfect (by God’s grace, in His sight)
So, again, happy two weeks. That's what's going on around the world.
Paul had a desire for those who hadn’t seen him face to face to be encouraged and be loving.
God’s mystery is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasure of wisdom and knowledge. Paul was concerned that the Colossians wouldn’t be tricked by others with plausible arguments. Paul is there with the Colossians in Spirit. We should walk in Christ with ____ which it the same way we received him… Grace, faith, repentance… ? It’s our responsibility to make sure that no one teaks us captive to anything anti-Christ. In Christ dwells the fullness of deity. (Divine status) Christ is the head of all rule and authority. Being in Christ is a spiritual circumcision. Our (water ?) baptism is symbolic to Christ’s death and resurrection. God raised Christ from the dead. We were dead in trespasses and God made us alive having forgiven all of them. God was able to forgive us our trespasses by “nailing it to the cross” - We broke the law, and Jesus paid our fine. Because of what God did in Christ, we aren’t to allow judgment from others regarding food, drink, festivals, or the Sabbath. These rules of the past were a shadow of things to come, but Jesus is the substance - He’s the real deal. We don’t need to worship angles (and I’m sure other places tell us to explicitly not). We don’t need to do asceticism, which is severe self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence, typically for religious (New Oxford American Dictionary) Since we died in Christ, we don’t need to follow rules like “Don’t touch” or “Don’t taste” These rules seem like they might even be beneficial, but they actually don’t help in stopping the indulgence of the flesh… I think this means that they may seem like they would help you with ‘holiness’, but they actually don’t. Paul wrote Colossians along with Timothy.
They wrote it to the fellow believers in Colossae. God is the Lord Jesus Christ’s Dad. Paul and Timothy pray for the Colossians. The Colossians are loving towards other saints. The Colossians love others because of their hope of what’s in Heaven. The Colossians and everyone in the whole world had heard the Gospel at that point. The Colossians understood the Gospel as the grace of God. The Colossians heard the Gospel from Epaphras. Epaphras told Paul and Timothy about how the Colossians love in the Spirit. Paul and Timothy prayed without fail that the Colossians would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. They want them to walk in a way that pleases the Lord; doing good works and growing in knowledge of Him. Paul and Timothy give thanks to God that the Colossians have been qualified by God to share in the inheritance. God delivered us them from darkness and placed them in the kingdom of Jesus. It is in Jesus that we have reception, the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus is the image of God. God is invisible. Jesus was the “firstborn” of all creation. Jesus made everything everywhere for himself. Jesus is greater than all things, and is responsible for holding all things together. Jesus is the head of the church, which is called the Body. Jesus is the firstborn from the dead. The fullness of God dwells in Jesus: which pleases God the father. Through Jesus is reconciliation to all things by the blood of His cross. The Colossians were at one time alienated and hostile towards God, and did evil things. Since Jesus died on the cross for them, the Colossians are now reconciled by the death of Jesus because they are presented Holy and blameless. This will be shown by the fact that you will continue to be stable in their faith. Again, the gospel had been proclaimed in all creation, under heaven. Paul is a minister of the Gospel. Paul is happy about his sufferings because they were done for the sake of the Colossians. His job, given to him by God, is to make the word of God fully known. The mystery which Paul wants to make known to the Colossians is that Christ dwells in the believers, saints. Paul considered the sharing of the Gospel to be “warning people” … so sharing the Gospel, isn’t simply telling the “Good News.” The goal is to present everyone (to God) mature (or perfect) in Christ. Paul works hard to accomplish these goals and he recognizes that his strength is by God who powerfully works in him.  Apple's iTunes Match Failed Me I was so excited to finally buy iTunes Match from Apple. It always seemed like a great service for a good price, but when Apple added ad-free listening to iTunes Radio, it was the push I needed.
If you don't know, iTunes Match is supposed to totally simplify your experience by allowing you to essentially upload all of your music once to iCloud so that from each of your Apple made devices you can download what you want, or stream, without ever needing to "sync." I really wanted to like, and use iTunes Match. I made the purchase of $24.95, watched and waited as iTunes on my computer uploaded and matched thousands of the songs that I own to Apple's iCloud servers. I then turned on iCloud on my iPhone only to find out that I was missing songs. What's the problem with iTunes Match? Well, for some dumb reason, Apple decided that songs that are uploaded to iCloud must be 96 Kbps. If you don't know exactly what that means, like me, it means Apple demands that your music be a certain quality in order for it to be uploaded to iCloud and work with iTunes Match... I had over 4,000 files ("songs") that didn't qualify because they are spoken messages (Sermons, etc.). Apple's Tech Support only offers you the work-around of re-encoding your low quality files to higher quality 96+ Kbps files... this is just stupid. Besides the fact that there would be no reason to upgrade a low quality song to a higher quality file, because of course that's not possible - plus, in my attempts, it increased the file size almost four times So, for example, there was 317 sermons (Chuck Tracks) that I wanted to upload to iCloud to use with iTunes Match, and they totaled about 2.5 GB. If I was to "upgrade" them to make Apple allow them, they would have taken up more than 10 GB. This means, on my 32 GB iPhone (which really only gives me about 30 GB) I would be using up one third of my storage. Apple, please don't limit what I can upload to iCloud to use in iTunes Match. I really want to use iTunes Match, but these limitations will not meet my needs. I haven't done my normal Bible notes recently, because recently I started Bible Boot Camp with my church, Redemption Gateway. I have still been reading and studying the Bible daily.
Speaking of Bible Reading, he's a new app for those who are involved in the Prof. Grant Horner Bible Reading System. This is an iPhone App for the Prof. Grant Horner Bible Reading System. Check it out. It's available for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. |
Photo from Dustin and Jenae
