It is said about Moses in Hebrews 11.27 – “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen” (NASB).

When I was still a teenager, I saw this text and pondered on it. I prayed that God would show Himself to me, at least the same way how He showed himself to Moses, so that I could continue strong, as Moses did.

Later more places in the Bible captured my attention – all linked to immovability, steadiness, foundation. I learned that there is even a Name of God that reflects all these – The Rock. It is found for the first time in Genesis 49:24. Jacob gives the blessings to his sons, before dying. In the last 17 years he saw how God changed his son Joseph – from a fickle and proud teenager to a strong leader and a great man of God. And Jacob shows this in his blessing. “But his bow remained firm, and his arms were agile, from the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone [אֶבֶן] of Israel),” (Genesis 49:24, NASB). This Name is also found in Isaiah 28:16, referring to Jesus – “So the Lord and King speaks. He says, ”Look! I am laying a stone in Zion. It is a stone that has been tested. It is the most important stone for a firm foundation. The one who trusts in that stone will never be shaken.” (NIRV).

The challenge is to know God the same way like Moses did, and remain unmovable when anything else holds novelty and changeability as high values; to have a strong spiritual backbone, to let God make me “as a fortified city and as a pillar of iron and as walls of bronze”, like Jeremiah, let Him make my forehead as an adamant, harder than flint (Ezekiel 3:9), so that I would not be afraid or be dismayed, and once, in a day, to be able to set my face steadfastly towards a ‘Jerusalem’ (Luke 9:51).

This morning, on my way to work, at around 8.45am, I had a little accident.

I was early, (no, not running late for once!) & stationary. The lights changed, from red to green, but as with all morning rush hours, there was traffic galore, so needless to say i couldn’t move very far. I was barely hitting 10 miles an hr, & i must have slipped on something in the road (maybe oil, or rain). I felt my car slip. I slammed on the brakes, but smashed straight into the guy in front. Bummer! I knew i was going to hit him, so to try to minimise damage, i turned my steering wheel, & managed to hit his rear left end, thus damaging my drivers front side. Me, in my tiny Ford Ka, felt the brunt of the impact (obv!) & the other guy (Stuart) luckily was ok in his Audi A4 (read *Tank*). As this happened on a roundabout (literally just down the ring road from my home!) we drove on to the nearby lay-by, in which we both got out and inspected the damage. He got off lightly (a slight bumper scratch), & mine, however, is un-drivable I guess the main thing is that no-one is hurt.

I couldn’t stop shaking! I was fine, but thought ‘”fuck that’s my no-claims bonus gone!” (i’ve already had one accident, 2 yrs ago!) Anyway, i got out, & Stuart was ever so kind, he made sure i was ok, & we sat in my car (as the weather was crap) & exchanged details etc. We left on really good terms, & then we both drove away. I had to sit in traffic, behind him, for what seemed like forever, until the next roundabout whereby i could get off & go to my local garage for help. During my wait in traffic i called Mum. I didn’t tell her what had happened, but just left a message to get her to call me back. I appreciated she was in work, & there’s nothing she could do, but “turn your fucking phone on!” I then immediately rang my Love, Dave, he too didn’t pick up. So i rang the girlies @ work (i was due to start @ 9.30am!) & also left messages to say what had happened etc. I then got perhaps the most needed call i’ve had in a long time. Dave called & asked what was up…i explained etc. It was so good to hear his voice, he was so concerned, he calmed me down. Love.

Anyway, i got to my garage, & Ray (the owner, & a family friend) had a good look at it, removed some scary looking pieces of glass etc. He even had to use a crow-bar to pull the side-wing out from the engine! He told me to go through insurance-it’s going to cost too much otherwise. He said i could drive it home, but that’s it. I then called Dave & told him how i got on, & said i was on my way home. He said “which way?”, & as i said whereabouts i was, i saw him walking towards me! It was so good to see him! ^_^

He got in the car (still pissing it down!), kissed me (several times), & made sure i was safe! No one has ever done something like that for me. Dropped everything to see me, & make sure i was ok. X

We got home, he made me a v sweet cup of tea (he said i ‘was in shock’) & i relaxed (somewhat!). I love how much he cares for me! I spoke to Mum, told her everything, & she assumed i was driving too fast…i was to blame…blah, blah, blah…(defaults), informed the girlies some more, & then began the hunt for my insurance documents etc. I got it all sorted-i’ve lost my no claims bonus (i had 2 yrs!), i’ve lost my car (read *my life!*), some of my independence, & i have to wait until 2moro morning to receive a courtesy car. Other than that i’m ok! A little shaken up, but ok.

Shaken Song Story | Paul Baloche

Paul Baloche discusses the story behind the song “Shaken” from his newest release Glorious.

Order GLORIOUS by Paul Baloche by clicking HERE

Pride is an interesting thing; it is always present but sometimes it is so, so difficult to pinpoint exactly where it might be festering. My heart rots away and I am totally unaware of the reason. Since moving to Texas, I’ve spent much time wandering down those crooked paths of my mind and picking over some of the traits I’ve found along the way. This hasn’t been easy; sometimes I’ll blow the dust off these undiscovered things and be completely disgusted with what I’ve found. And other times, and this is much less frequently, I’ll grin a little and thank God for a simple work He’s done in my heart.

Always, though, there lingers that ugly beast of pride. It follows me everywhere I go, taunting me and (most…damaging-ly?) lying to me. My college pastor, Esca, gave a great message over the seven deadly sins, ending on this issue of pride. I couldn’t help but be shaken by it! How often does pride creep into such inconspicuous places and wreak so much havoc on my soul? I’m coming to find this is a huge issue for me, and for any future growth to occur I have to figure out how I can squash it.

Any ideas?

I think the first step is to be aware of it, to root pride out wherever it hides and expose its lies. And what a perfect example was presented to me tonight after listening to this message by Esca: Someone was trying to compliment me on my voice and ended up discouraging me to no end. What I realized is the intense amount of pride I have built up in my own opinion of myself.

So, instead of agreeing with her and thinking nothing of it, I am shaken to my core because “she just doesn’t see how good I am.” I have placed too much worth in my ability and not enough in His. Pride has tricked me into thinking that my identity and worth is found in my ability to sing well. What a silly way to think! This brings nothing but anxious thoughts, worthlessness, and self-pity to my already wearisome thoughts. Well, I can only pray that God deals with this horrible way of thinking and brings me back into reality, that I am nothing and that He is everything.

Platen als deze worden gewoonweg niet meer gemaakt.
Waar of niet?

Smeer de heupen en shaken maar!
(en ook lachen met de clip!)

He called me. Ahhhh. I was studying, when my cell phone suddenly rang. I was so shocked, because the room I was in was really quiet, and the noise surprised me. Another reason for my state of shock is that I didn’t realize that the call would actually reach me. I mean come on, I live in the most undependable country that ever existed. Don’t you even think about arguing with me, ’cause deep inside you know it’s true. :p

Anyway, my hand was really shaking when I answered it due to being surprised, and nervous I guess?
We had a minute and 39 seconds of awkward conversation. There was a lot of awkward silences, since I was waiting for him to talk, and he’s probably waiting for me to talk as well. Eh. I can’t help it. I don’t really talk that much. It’s not a big fat lie, I can get silent. [;

After the call, I slapped myself just to prove that it was real. I know, it’s a pathetic move. After slapping myself, I remembered how expensive the call was. So, yeah. I actually apologized ’cause I didn’t say anything that much. I feel terribly guilty. I have a convincing conscience, which makes a lot of stuff terrible for me.

Mm, yeah. That’s it.
My God, that’s the last time I will accept calls again.
I’m still shaken up from what happened.

Here’s one bike shop’s checklist to prepare for shaken. Of course, to a bike shop, shaken is a big money-maker because they can use the occasion to replace every part that has a spec of dust on it. YMMV. Added by John Crossley:

•ª‰ð®”õ‹L˜^•ë (Analysis and Adjustment Record)
• ˆË—ŠŽÒ‚ÌŽ–”‚Í–¼Ì (Owner Name)
• ZŠ (Owner Address)
• ŽÔ–¼‹y‚ÑŒ^Ž® (Vehicle Maker/Model)
• Œ´“®‹@‚ÌŒ^Ž® (Engine Model)
• ŽÔ—¼”ԍ† (License Plate Number)
• ŽÔ‘ä”ԍ† (Vehicle Serial Number)
• “_ŒŸ ã (Checked)
• •ª‰ð › (Disassembled)
• ŒðŠ· ~ (Replaced)
• C— ¢ (Repaired)
• ’²® A (Adjusted)
• ’÷•t T (Tightened)
• ´‘| C (Cleaned)
• ‹‹–û L (Lubricated)
• _ (Not Applicable)

•ª‰ð®”õ‚ÌŠT—v (Analysis)
• ‚©‚¶Žæ‚è‘•’u
• ƒnƒ“ƒhƒ‹‚Ì—V‚сAŠÉ‚݁A‚ª‚½^ƒnƒ“ƒhƒ‹‚Ì‘€ì‹ï‡
• ‚©‚¶Žæ‚èŽÔ—ւ̍¶‰E‚̉ñ“]Šp“x
• ‚©‚¶Žæ‚èƒz[ƒN‚Ì‘¹^ƒz[ƒNEƒXƒsƒ“ƒhƒ‹‚ÌŽæ•tó‘Ô
• ƒz[ƒNEƒXƒsƒ“ƒhƒ‹‚ÌŽ²Žó•”‚Ì‚ª‚½

§Œä‘•’u@Brakes, hoses, pedals, etc).
• ƒuƒŒ[ƒLEƒyƒ_ƒ‹‚Ì—V‚с^ƒuƒŒ[ƒLiƒyƒ_ƒ‹j‚Ì‚«‚«‹ï‡
• ƒuƒŒ[ƒLEƒŒƒo[‚Ì—V‚с^ƒuƒŒ[ƒLiƒŒƒo[j‚Ì‚«‚«‹ï‡
• ƒƒbƒhAƒP[ƒuƒ‹—ނ̊ɂ݁A‚ª‚½A‘¹
• ƒz[ƒXAƒpƒCƒv‚̘R‚êA‘¹AŽæ•tó‘Ô
• ƒŠƒU[ƒoEƒ^ƒ“ƒN‚̉t—Ê
• ƒ}ƒXƒ^EƒVƒŠƒ“ƒ_AƒzƒC[ƒ‹EƒVƒŠƒ“ƒ_AƒfƒBƒXƒNEƒLƒƒƒŠƒp‚Ì‹@”\A

–€–ՁA‘¹@(brakes, wear & tear, etc).
• ƒhƒ‰ƒ€‚ƃ‰ƒCƒjƒ“ƒO‚Æ‚Ì‚·‚«ŠÔ
• ƒVƒ…[‚̐ “®•”•ªAƒ‰ƒCƒjƒ“ƒO‚Ì–€–Ձ^ƒhƒ‰ƒ€‚Ì–€–ՁA‘¹
• ƒaƒBƒXƒN‚ƃpƒbƒh‚Æ‚Ì‚·‚«ŠÔ^ƒpƒbƒh‚Ì–€–Õ
• ƒaƒBƒXƒN‚Ì–€–ՁA‘¹

‘–s‘•’u@(tires, rims, etc.)
• ƒ^ƒCƒ„‚Ì‹ó‹Cˆ³^ƒ^ƒCƒ„‚Ì‹T—ôA‘¹
• ƒ^ƒCƒ„‚̍a‚̐[‚³AˆÙó‚È–€–Ձ^•½‚ç‚Ì‹à‘®•ÐAÎ‚»‚Ì‘¼‚ٕ̈¨
• ƒ^ƒCƒ„EƒiƒbƒgAƒzƒC[ƒ‹Eƒ{ƒgƒ‹‚ÌŠÉ‚Ý
• ƒŠƒ€AƒzƒC[ƒ‹EƒxƒAƒŠƒ“ƒO‚Ì‚ª‚½
• ƒŠƒ„EƒzƒC[ƒ‹EƒxƒAƒŠƒ“ƒO‚Ì‚ª‚½

ŠÉÕ‘•’u@suspension, shocks, etc.)
• ƒVƒƒƒV‚΂ˁiƒNƒVƒ‡ƒ“ƒXƒvƒŠƒ“ƒOj‚Ì‘¹
• ƒTƒXƒyƒ“ƒVƒ‡ƒ“EƒA[ƒ€‚Ì‘¹
• ƒVƒ‡ƒbƒNAƒAƒuƒ][ƒo‚Ì–û˜R‚êA‘¹^
• ƒVƒ‡ƒbƒNEƒAƒuƒ][ƒo‚ÌŽæ•t•”‚Ì‚ª‚½

“®—Í“`’B‘•’u@(transmission, etc.)
• ƒNƒ‰ƒbƒ`EƒŒƒo[‚Ì—V‚с^ƒNƒ‰ƒbƒ`‚̍ì—p
• ƒgƒ‰ƒ“ƒXƒ~ƒbƒVƒ‡ƒ“‚Ì–û˜R‚êA–û—Ê
• ƒgƒ‰ƒ“ƒXƒ~ƒbƒVƒ‡ƒ“‚Ì‘€ì‹@\‚Ì‚ª‚½
• ƒvƒƒyƒ‰EƒVƒƒƒtƒg‚̘AŒ‹•”‚ÌŠÉ‚Ý
• ƒvƒƒyƒ‰EƒVƒƒƒtƒg‚̃Xƒvƒ‰ƒCƒ“•”‚Ì‚ª‚½^
• ƒvƒƒyƒ‰EƒVƒƒƒtƒg‚ÌŽ©ÝŒpŽè•”‚Ì‚ª‚½
• ƒ`ƒF[ƒ“‚ÌŠÉ‚Ý
• ƒXƒvƒƒPƒbƒg‚ÌŽæ•tó‘ԁA–€–Õ

“d‹C‘•’u@(electrical)
• “_‰Îƒvƒ‰ƒO‚̏ó‘Ô
• “_‰ÎŽžŠú
• ’f‘±Ší‚̏ó‘Ô
• iŠp‘•’ui’xŠp‹@\‚ðŠÜ‚ށBj‚Ì‹@”\
• ƒoƒbƒeƒŠ‚̉t—Ê
• ƒoƒbƒeƒŠ‚̉t‚Ì”äd^ƒoƒbƒeƒŠ‚̃^[ƒ~ƒiƒ‹•”‚̐ڑ±ó‘Ô
• “d‹C”zü‚̐ڑ±•”‚̊ɂ݁A‘¹

Œ´“®‹@@(engine)
• Œ´“®‹@‚Ì‚©‚©‚è‹ï‡AˆÙ‰¹
• ’ᑬ‹y‚щÁ‘¬‚̏ó‘Ô
• ”r‹C‚̏ó‘Ô
• ƒGƒAEƒNƒŠ[ƒiEƒGƒŒƒƒ“ƒg‚̏ó‘Ô
• •Ù‚·‚«ŠÔ
• ƒGƒ“ƒWƒ“EƒIƒCƒ‹‚̘R‚ê^ƒGƒ“ƒWƒ“EƒIƒCƒ‹‚̉˜‚êA—Ê
• ƒIƒCƒ‹EƒNƒŠ[ƒi‚Ì‹l‚Ü‚è
• ”R—¿˜R‚ê
• ƒLƒƒƒuƒŒ[ƒ^‚̃Šƒ“ƒN‹@\‚̏ó‘ԁ^
• ƒXƒƒbƒgƒ‹Eƒoƒ‹ƒuAƒLƒ‡[ƒNEƒoƒ‹ƒu‚̏ó‘Ô
• ”R—¿ƒtƒBƒ‹ƒ^‚Ì‹l‚Ü‚è
• —â‹p…‚Ì—Ê
• —â‹p‘•’u‚̐…˜R‚ê^ƒ‰ƒWƒG[ƒ^EƒLƒƒƒbƒv‚Ì‹@”\

“”‰Î‘•’u“™@(exhaust, meters, horn, etc).
• “”‰Î‘•’u‚̍ì—p^•ûŒüŽwŽ¦Ší‚̍ì—p
• Œx‰¹Ší‚̍ì—p^Ž{ù‘•’u‚̍ì—p
• ŒvŠí‚̍ì—p
• ƒGƒOƒ][ƒXƒgEƒpƒCƒvAƒ}ƒtƒ‰‚ÌŽæ•t‚¯‚̊ɂ݁A‘¹^ƒ}ƒtƒ‰‚Ì‹@”\
• ŽÔ˜gAŽÔ‘̂̊ɂ݁A‘¹
• ƒVƒƒƒVŠe•”‚Ì‹‹–ûŽ‰ó‘Ô

‚»‚Ì‘¼‚Ì“_ŒŸ€–Ú (other)

The experience with the automated reservation system–If the shaken is done by the “user” then you can only make the reservation by the automated system now. Here’s how.

Phone 03-5461-2288.

Wait till after the system finishes the introduction, press ‘0′

Wait one second, then enter service number ‘9111′

Then enter the date – press ‘01′ for the first of the month,@’02′ for the second, etc, etc

Press ‘1′ for morning, ‘2′ for afternoon

Enter the number of bikes to be done (obviously, ‘1′ if just you). Listen to see if that time is full (MANPAI; –ž”t) or not. If so – try another day/time sequence. You can try about four times, then the system says to get off and re-dial.@If NOT manpai – then you need to input a secret PIN number (you choose four digits), then it will tell you the reservation number (YOYAKUBANGO; —\–ñ”ԍ†) which you will need during the inspection. You can cancel the reservation up until 2:00pm of the previous day. This is what you would use the PIN number for I assume.

The world of what shaken (vehicle inspection) seems shrouded in mystery. What it is, and what one needs to do to get one’s bike past it. As it turns out, it can be very easy to do yourself. Here is a report on two netter’s experience going through shaken in Tokyo. These notes have been edited (by Jeffrey Friedl) for the FAQ. Re: getting Jeff McAffer’s bike shaken’ed. Original message posted by Rex Harris on 7 Jun 95. Heavily edited, with many things from Jeff’s posts added in.

It was so simple!

Shaken (Basically, just 4 steps!)

=======

PREP

====

About a week prior, Jeff called for an appointment at 03-9458-9237. [you must now use an automated system at 03-5461-2288 -- see next message in this FAQ]. They will give you a reservation number – don’t forget it. You can fill out the forms any time you want, but you need the reservation to get the actual check done. Jeff also pre-paid his city tax, which maybe you could do here but we didn’t. After we were done with the shaken, we both felt that this time and day of week (Wednesday at 1:00pm) was pretty optimum. Wednesday – most shops are closed so very few bikes will be doing the shaken and 1:00pm is right after lunch – so you go early and you can be at the front of the lines. Be sure to bring ALL of your paper work for the bike.

We arrived at 12:30pm. The place was really easy to find, right on Kaigan Dori kinda near Haneda Airport.

FIRST

=====

We walked into the closest building to the main road (this is actually just in front of the EXIT of the facility) and found we were at the right place. (Note the time: ~12:30pm, the place was empty and we just glided through.) Everybody here was very helpful too. In this building, we went to counter #16 [YMMV about the counter numbers] and picked up the shaken forms to be filled out (25 yen). Then went to the end of the counter to #16 to pay for his insurance (jibaiseki hoken, 27,800 yen). Then we slide back to #15 and handed the lady the forms to be filled out (1,300 yen). Two minutes later we slide down the counter to #13 to pay the weight tax (jyuuryou zei – 5,000 yen) plus 1,400 for the inspection fee. This completes everything at the first building and all expenses. Grand total 35,525 yen . That’s everything! And we were out of there within 10 minutes.

Then we move the bike to the far left back corner. Recommend just moving it directly into line for the bike check (middle back building – can’t miss it), line number 1 &/or 2.

SECOND

======

Then go to the BACK left building (building D) and wait till they finish lunch (12:45). Get in line now before the rest of the people arrive. It still wasn’t that bad though. You have to put your paper work on the bottom of the stack in front of window #2 (youyaku kakunin) for checking, then get in line for window #4 for picking it up again. This finishes this step – this was the worst but not bad at all really.

Then you get to go over to the next building (#7 — they are all really very close together) and a guy checks your reservation number and stamps your paper work. He also reviews your maintenance records at this time. Make sure you check all the right boxes, etc in your manufacturers manual/maintenance log booklet.

On this, Jeff McAffer wrote:

I didn’t have all the boxes checked even though my shop did the check. Note that this was just a regular maintenance check that you do every 3,000 km or so. Not something specifically for shaken. They want the check to be sometime recent. Mine was in March (3 months ago) which might have been pushing it. Anyway, the guy just told me to check the unchecked boxes and sent me on my way. Cool!

Then you walk back to the bike at the actual inspection area. The time now is about 1:08pm.

THIRD

=====

You move your bike up to the inspector, he strikes the bike in various areas with a metal bar to check for loose bolts around the brakes & axles, chain tension, etc. Checks lights, signals, tires. Jeff had a new back but the front was no problem), horn, turn engine off and on.

Jeff blew it here, but everything turned out ok. His bulb is a two colour bulb – yellow with blue highlights. It must be solid white or solid yellow. We promised we would change it later and the inspector said ok.

Then roll the bike forward onto a simple track that is flush with the ground and they spin the front wheel up to ?40km/h and check the speedometer. Then with the rollers stopped you apply brake and the try spin rollers. Then slide the bike forward for the rear – same brake check. happening. I have to say I don’t understand the brake test. Unless they have some really sophisticated measuring formula or something it is utterly trivial. I mean, I barely applied the brakes…

Then roll the bike forward again and they check the headlight brightness and adjustment. Jeff did not have his professionally adjusted and it was fine.

FOURTH

======

This completes the shaken inspection. Next he had to go to the second floor of building A window #6 and pick up his sticker. Walk down stairs and apply sticker to number plate and you are FINISHED! (Time: 1:25pm) 34,700yen, less than an hour and it was all sooooooooo painless! I can’t believe that the shops charge you for this, nor can I believe how insignificant the checks are. You probably need a bit of Japanese but there really isn’t that much to say. You don’t have to write anything and with this guide, you don’t really have to understand what anyone says. Of course, if there are problems… As a side note. My [Jeff McAffer] feeling was that they were a little easier on me because I’m not Japanese. Perhaps they were not sure if I would understand what they said? Dunno. Anyway, everyone (except the old bat in building D) was *very* nice and helpful. Even the mechanics from shops who were also doing shaken were volunteering help and advice. This potentially horrible experience has turned into probably my best experience with a Japanese bureaucracy!

======

Automated reservation system

Acts 4:13-31

When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken. Acts 4:31

Peter and John were in danger. The religious leaders in Jerusalem opposing the gospel had warned them to cease their missionary efforts (Acts 4:18). When the apostles reported this to the other believers, they immediately held a prayer meeting.

What  happened next is thrilling. The believers first praised God. Then they asked for boldness that they might continue the work. The results were dramatic. The house shook, and the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit. They boldly witnessed, enjoyed spiritual unity, and gave unselfishly to those in need (Acts 4:31-37).

I’ve never felt a building shake at a prayer meeting, but I have seen God’s power at work. When I’ve tried to help repair a broken marriage or a divided church, I’ve asked those involved to pray. Sometimes they refused. Others, though, they mumbled carefully worded prayers. Those meetings failed.

But occasionally someone would pray in earnest. Almost immediately the atmosphere would change. Confession and forgiveness soon replaced charges and countercharges.

When we pray sincerely, praising God and seeking His glory, great things happen. Prayer must always come from the heart.—herb vander lugt

Dissension’s fuse is easy to ignite — it fuels our anger, yet it dims the light: help us, we pray, humbly to seek Your Name, and in pride’s place restore the Spirit’s flame. —tlg

Sincere intercession is the key to God’s intervention.

I love David’s dedication and confidence in the Lord. He was a great, humble man, and I love reading the book of Psalms because he was so strident in his belief and trust in God. He had that child-like faith that gives you peace and is necessary to please the Lord. I wish that I had half of the courage that he had.

“I will praise the Lord who counsels me, even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”  Psalm 16:7-8

You may wonder how I come up with the Daily Inspirations. Well, when I am doing my personal Bible Study each morning, I ask the Holy Spirit to give me revelations as I read. I ask God to speak to and through me. So certain scriptures jump out at me, and I meditate on them, and write what comes to my heart. From reading  Psalm 16:7-8, this is what came to my heart:

In John 16:33, Jesus tells us that we will have trouble in this world. Christians, non-Christians, Believers, and non-believers a like experience trials, heartache, pain disappointment, failure, and loss. But as Christians and Believers we have an advantage…God. And we are not supposed to succumb to Satan’s deception of hopelessness, anger, fear, and anxiety because we trust the Lord. Just like David trusted God and exhibited and expressed his trust, devotion, and love in the book of Psalms.

God uses our trials to prepare us for greater things, bigger blessings. And if we lack the dexterity and faith to properly get through those trials (by leaning on and trusting in God), God deduces that we are not ready for the next blessing. If we choose to worry instead of pray, then we are not ready. God is not going to set us up for failure. So even though He enjoys blessing us (Isaiah 30:18), He is not going to give us more than we can handle. We are constantly growing. God is patient. When we grow to the next level, we are blessed accordingly. I like God’s system. I don’t want anything that I’m not ready for because I don’t want to mess it up.

God promises to lead and guide us, to order our steps, and show us the way to go (Isaiah 30:21). He cannot lead us if we are leading ourselves, following the world, or doubting. Jesus stands behind us only to carry us. He is not a follower; Jesus is the leader. When we spend quality time with God reading His word, praying to Him, and listening to Him, we can hear His counsel. In 2004, I was unemployed. It took two months for me to get quiet enough to hear God tell me to apply for unemployment. I’d been fretting and stressing and filling my mind with my problem, so my focus was not on God; therefore, I couldn’t hear Him. But when I hunkered down, quieted myself, stilled my mind, and focused on God, I was able to hear Him. Mind you, I could have had unemployment months before, but I never thought of it myself, and I wasn’t calm and focused enough to hear God’s counsel. When we are fatigued, stressed, and looking elsewhere, we cannot hear God. We must be focused on Him to hear Him. Focus on God by spending time with Him. Don’t just talk to Him. You don’t want to have one-way conversations with God. Listen for Him. Be at peace. Be still. Read the Bible, and before you begin reading, pray first for revelations and guidance. Praising God before you read is also good because it brings God’s presence.

When we meditate on God’s promises, which are outlined in the Bible, and believe and trust in Him, we will not be shaken because we will begin to see things with our spiritual eyes and not our flesh.

During this time of economic upheaval, it is easy for Satan to induce fear, trepidation, and anxiety. And we inturn allow it to seep into our consciousness, which counteracts faith and trust. But if we listen for God’s instructions and feed our spirit with His presence (Bible, prayer, praise), then fear is beaten away by the knowledge of and our trust in Him.

Many Blessings,
Trina
09/11/09

© 2009 KaTrina Love Abram

I been there..

So.  Everything that could go wrong has abruptly decided to do just that.  The electricity in my house had to be completely rerun ue to the fact that my ex was completely drunk when he did it.  There was melted plastic and wires running everywhere in my walls.  I cringe.  And it all started cause the dryer broke and a mountain of laundry presented itself.

Anyway, the guy that I’m with right now fixed it all for me, taking a mean blow to my wallet, considering the fact that I just got laid off this week.  So, pinching all the pennies together, I’m trying to see how long I can last before the bottom of my finances falls out.  It’s not looking good.

So anyway, Guy and I are driving, pulling out of a Walgreen’s parking lot, and out of nowhere, the rear tire just deccides it’s no longer fond of my car and tries to leave.  What actually happened was something with the emergency brake, it stripped all the lugs and stems.  I’m abundantly lucky I wasn’t on the expressway doing 70.  I in all actuality would have rolled my SUV.

So Guy, being good natured and a hands on guy, gets my car working yesterday.  I really am glad he’s a guys guy and knows how to do things like that, because between all the shit going wrong in my house and my car, he’s saved me well over a thousand, if not a few, dollars.
So yeah, couple all that with the daily bullshit I deal with, with the divorce and whatnot, and you have a pretty haggard woman.  I’m so tired of all the shit!  Honestly.  I try every day to be a good person adn to better myself.  But it seems like all I get is the short end of the stick.
But, enough of my pity party.

I’m fine.

As long as I keep saying it, it’s bound to come true.

According to Onboard, Heikki Sorsa left Burton for Weekend Snowboards and Bond Limited Outerwear!

Marion's missing teeth

By Cara Sulieman

A PENSIONER is suing her council after losing her front teeth in two separate falls on the same stretch of pavement.

Marion McKeller, 82, faces an eye-watering £1,000 dentist bill after losing five teeth when she fell on wobbly paving slabs on Easter Dalry Road in Edinburgh.

Now she wants the council to repair the cracks on both sides of the road so others don’t fall victim.

She said: “The state of the pavement is just shocking. It is uneven and there are dips in it up to two inches deep. Even when you are being careful it is incredibly easy to fall down.

“Lethal”

“It was flagged up years ago, but it continues to deteriorate.

“You have to worry because there are a lot of old people who go back and forth everyday using Zimmer frames and sticks.

“It is potentially lethal.”

The retired teacher first fell on the pavement on June 25 when she was walking from the Somerfield store towards the west end of Easter Dalry Road.

In that accident she lost her two front teeth, cut her face and grazed her hands and knees.

“Sad day”

And in the second fall last Wednesday, Marion lost another three teeth and received more bruising and cuts.

She said: “I am very stiff and very shaken. It’s a sad day when you can’t even trust the pavements outside your home.”

Marion has now asked for nearby CCTV footage to help in her claim for compensation from the council, but said that the money is not what it is about.

She said: “That is not the real point. The area is a death trap.

“I am not a tottering old woman. I am fully able, yet I still fell even when I was bring very careful, walking like a cat on a hot tin roof.

“I fear for other elderly people in the area. The pavements are in dire need of a fix.”

Marion reported the first fall to the council, but a spokesman said that a private utility company was responsible for the area.

He said: “On inspecting the sire, we discovered that her fall was due to a sunken manhole cover belonging to a utility company.

“We immediately issued a defects notice to the company, requiring that they make the necessary repairs, but this has yet to be actioned.

“We have since contacted them once again to remind them of their responsibility.”

Marion’s second complaint about her more recent accident is still being investigated.

It was a quiet Sunday in Casablanca during the summer of ‘82. Billy Hamilton was feeling like a zombie after eight pegs. The bitter-sweet memories hit him like a tidal wave. He, the Millionaire No. I of the 20th century would never see his fiancée again. Mona Lisa, the Parisian, whom he had considered his perfect lady, had had her oxygen line reduced to a string of bubbles by a barracuda off the Great Barrier Reef. And what he would never forget was that snake-in-the-grass, Antoine’s smile as he sneered, “Lucky dip, Americano!”

Uncle Sam Vanderbilt patted Billy consolingly.

“Sonny boy needs an old fashioned remedy to get him out of this limbo,” he thought.

Uncle Sam left the same afternoon for Los Angeles, traveling incognito.

“Mrs. Harvey Wallbanger is expecting you, Sir,” announced the butler at the door of the baronial mansion. The grand old Irish lady, widow of the Demolition Man, fixed Billy’s photograph with a gimlet eye.

“Why not?” she said at last with something approaching a smile.

On the evening of July 4th, Billy, in a mental fog, drove his Bugatti “82 through the London fog to Claridges to meet Uncle Sam. He cut a dashing figure in his white polo neck sweater, blue jacket and black velvet trousers, though his eyes were a trifle bloodshot. With his combination of classic good looks, the charm of Adonis and a Harvard college education, he was no Rambo but seemed like the answer to any maiden’s prayer.

On his arrival, Billy was escorted upstairs to the Paradise Ballroom where Uncle Sam introduced him to Mrs. Harvey Wallbanger and her niece.

“I’m Roberta Burns – Bobby Burns to friends,” smiled the American beauty. Her voice was like black magic and she was dressed in a white satin gown and silk stockings. The sweet girl, brought up in the lap of luxury, had an angel face as smooth as wax and the curves of a roller coaster. Billy could hear the melody of eight bells ringing in his head.

Uncle Sam chewed delightedly on his Havana cigar. “Absolute T N T – she’s a corpse reviver!” he congratulated himself.

Their wedding, held at Brooklyn, was almost called off due to a lover’s tiff.

“Billy! You prize idiot!” roared Uncle Sam. “Send her a peace offering – a Rolls Royce or a Bentley.”

The honeymoon was at the blue lagoon of a Hawaiian island.

“Whiz bang!” exclaimed Uncle Sam.

“Bully for you!” echoed Mrs Harvey Wallbanger.

And that was a happy end indeed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS IS NOT A COCK AND BULL TALE BUT A COCKTALE – EACH HIGHLIGHTED SET OF WORDS IS THE NAME OF A COCKTAIL.

DISCLAIMER: This is only an example of creativity and is, by no means, encouragement to drink.

As a lecturer at a hotel management institute years ago, I happened across a couple of attractively illustrated books on cocktails. While idly flipping through them I was struck by the weird and wonderful names within. It was only natural that my wild imagination took over and the end result is published above. By the way I’m a teetotaler – who said teetotalers can’t have fun with the fizz?!

© Sosha Srinivasan