Saturday, April 23, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
April 19, 1995
Where were you on April 19, 1995?
On April 19, 1995 at 9:02 am, the lives of 168 innocent men, women and children were inhumanely taken from this Earth by the gutless acts of pure hate and terror; not to mention the more than 600 others injured and scores tramatized by these events.
On this day I was at work as a 19 year old in Marion, Kansas. I was employed by Marion Hometown Foods. I learned of the events of this tragedy over my lunch break and was forever changed. A few days before the events transpired in Oklahoma City, the Ryder truck used in the bombing was parked in our parking lot. Terry Nichols purchased some oranges and sent a fax from our fax machine. He was a frequent customer of our grocery store and worked as a farm hand at a rural Marion farm. Terry Nichols lived in Herington, Kansas a mere 28 miles from Marion. He seemed like a typical resident in rural Kansas; quiet and somewhat reclusive.
Seeing that Ryder truck parked in our parking lot didn't really concern me at the time, but it did seem a bit odd for it to be parked there. How many moving trucks have you seen parked in grocery store parking lots in small rural towns? I would have to say the number would probably be very minimal. While it wasn't completely strange, it did leave an imprint in my mind. And as the events unfolded over the next several days I soon realized that I had been in the presence of pure evil and blessed that my life was protected.
On October 3, 1994 the Martin Marietta Rock Quarry north of Marion was burglarized. A drill and drill bits found in Terry Nichols' home were matched to the markings on locks at the Quarry. Taken from the Quarry were 229 sticks of tovex sausage explosive, 93 rolls of Primadet, non-electric blasting caps, and 544 electric blasting caps. No ammonium nitrate was taken. Five rolls of Primadet, non-electric blasting caps were found in Terry Nichols' home, and three more were found in Michael Fortier's home. After this occured my grandfather and dad had a discussion and felt like someone was going to cause a lot of harm somewhere. And who would have thought 6 months later this horrible incident would occur in Oklahoma City.
Things were really put into perspective when two FBI agents arrived at our grocery store later that week to interview the management at our store. That is quite nerve racking to know the FBI shows up in your small town grocery store looking like Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones from Men in Black.
This tragedy has affected so many lives and there are so many friends and aquaintances of mine that have been forever changed and to hear their stories is unbelievable. And to think that while this tragedy happened in Oklahoma, the plotting and design of this terrorist act took place less than 30 miles from where I lived and left an imprint in my mind forever.
May we never take for granted our freedoms and the life that God has given us. And may we never forget that there is a great evil known as Satan who goes around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. If you have ever doubted that there is a Satan and a hell, then reflect on this tragedy and 9-11 and may your eyes be opened.
On April 19, 1995 at 9:02 am, the lives of 168 innocent men, women and children were inhumanely taken from this Earth by the gutless acts of pure hate and terror; not to mention the more than 600 others injured and scores tramatized by these events.
On this day I was at work as a 19 year old in Marion, Kansas. I was employed by Marion Hometown Foods. I learned of the events of this tragedy over my lunch break and was forever changed. A few days before the events transpired in Oklahoma City, the Ryder truck used in the bombing was parked in our parking lot. Terry Nichols purchased some oranges and sent a fax from our fax machine. He was a frequent customer of our grocery store and worked as a farm hand at a rural Marion farm. Terry Nichols lived in Herington, Kansas a mere 28 miles from Marion. He seemed like a typical resident in rural Kansas; quiet and somewhat reclusive.
Seeing that Ryder truck parked in our parking lot didn't really concern me at the time, but it did seem a bit odd for it to be parked there. How many moving trucks have you seen parked in grocery store parking lots in small rural towns? I would have to say the number would probably be very minimal. While it wasn't completely strange, it did leave an imprint in my mind. And as the events unfolded over the next several days I soon realized that I had been in the presence of pure evil and blessed that my life was protected.
On October 3, 1994 the Martin Marietta Rock Quarry north of Marion was burglarized. A drill and drill bits found in Terry Nichols' home were matched to the markings on locks at the Quarry. Taken from the Quarry were 229 sticks of tovex sausage explosive, 93 rolls of Primadet, non-electric blasting caps, and 544 electric blasting caps. No ammonium nitrate was taken. Five rolls of Primadet, non-electric blasting caps were found in Terry Nichols' home, and three more were found in Michael Fortier's home. After this occured my grandfather and dad had a discussion and felt like someone was going to cause a lot of harm somewhere. And who would have thought 6 months later this horrible incident would occur in Oklahoma City.
Things were really put into perspective when two FBI agents arrived at our grocery store later that week to interview the management at our store. That is quite nerve racking to know the FBI shows up in your small town grocery store looking like Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones from Men in Black.
This tragedy has affected so many lives and there are so many friends and aquaintances of mine that have been forever changed and to hear their stories is unbelievable. And to think that while this tragedy happened in Oklahoma, the plotting and design of this terrorist act took place less than 30 miles from where I lived and left an imprint in my mind forever.
May we never take for granted our freedoms and the life that God has given us. And may we never forget that there is a great evil known as Satan who goes around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. If you have ever doubted that there is a Satan and a hell, then reflect on this tragedy and 9-11 and may your eyes be opened.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
6 Word Saturday
"Started A New Job This Week"
I started a new job this past week and thus have been extremely tired and have not felt like posting lately. The training of my job has not been horrible, but the fact of the matter is when you sit and watch someone do their job this can be very boring and draining. Not only did I start a new job, but this job requires me to commute an hour one way and therefore not only does my day consist of working 8 hours, but also driving a minimum of 2 hours. So to be completely honest with you, I have been extremely tired in the evenings and haven't spent much time on the computer. I promise to write more in the days and weeks ahead, but I have definitely a break from the norm.
I started a contract position with Hertz Corporation and will be doing something I have never done before. The majority of my job will consist of working within the Quality Assurance department. I will be spending most of my time testing scripts, debugging scripts and writing test cases. Hertz is launching a new computer application within their organization regarding the rental process and my job is to assist and ensure that this system is bug free and works as it is designed to do. I know it may sound boring and technically there is a lot of redundancy involved, but I am blessed to have a job and the ability to provide for my family. I am looking forward to the knowledge and skills that I will learn while doing this particular job.
I am hoping to write at least 2-3 posts this next week, so stay tuned and see how things play out on my end. May you have a blessed weekend and week ahead. Remember this next week is very important. It is Easter week. It is not a week to focus on chocolate bunnies and hunting plastic eggs, it is the celebration of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ took a beating that would kill most men and took upon himself all sin, sickness, disease so that we may have life and have it more abundantly. I am eternally grateful for the sacrifice He made for me. I am not against chocolate bunnies and egg hunts and think it is a wonderful opportunity for families to bond and spend time together. I definitely intend to have my fill of candy, but will not forget the sacrifice made and will be celebrating the life I have in Him.
Blessings!
Family Man
Blessings!!!
I started a new job this past week and thus have been extremely tired and have not felt like posting lately. The training of my job has not been horrible, but the fact of the matter is when you sit and watch someone do their job this can be very boring and draining. Not only did I start a new job, but this job requires me to commute an hour one way and therefore not only does my day consist of working 8 hours, but also driving a minimum of 2 hours. So to be completely honest with you, I have been extremely tired in the evenings and haven't spent much time on the computer. I promise to write more in the days and weeks ahead, but I have definitely a break from the norm.
I started a contract position with Hertz Corporation and will be doing something I have never done before. The majority of my job will consist of working within the Quality Assurance department. I will be spending most of my time testing scripts, debugging scripts and writing test cases. Hertz is launching a new computer application within their organization regarding the rental process and my job is to assist and ensure that this system is bug free and works as it is designed to do. I know it may sound boring and technically there is a lot of redundancy involved, but I am blessed to have a job and the ability to provide for my family. I am looking forward to the knowledge and skills that I will learn while doing this particular job.
I am hoping to write at least 2-3 posts this next week, so stay tuned and see how things play out on my end. May you have a blessed weekend and week ahead. Remember this next week is very important. It is Easter week. It is not a week to focus on chocolate bunnies and hunting plastic eggs, it is the celebration of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ took a beating that would kill most men and took upon himself all sin, sickness, disease so that we may have life and have it more abundantly. I am eternally grateful for the sacrifice He made for me. I am not against chocolate bunnies and egg hunts and think it is a wonderful opportunity for families to bond and spend time together. I definitely intend to have my fill of candy, but will not forget the sacrifice made and will be celebrating the life I have in Him.
Blessings!
Family Man
Blessings!!!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Six Word Saturday
Nothing Like Trying Out Something New.
Well I am going to try something new. It is called Six Word Saturday. Describing my activities for the day in exactly six words. Well at least the title will be six words. :) This week my 6 words is exactly what my title says, nothing like trying out something new. Read on to discover the new activity that I embarked upon today.
Today was one of the Saturday's that you don't really want to do anything. It was very warm outside and the wife with my oldest was out finding treasures while at garage sales. I was in the cool of the indoors watching Toy Story 3 on Netflix with my 4 year old son while the youngest slept. We ended up eating some chicken nuggets and chicken strips while dipping them in Buffalo Wild Wings signature sauces. My favorite is Mango Habanero. It has burn, but follows with a burst of sweetness.
Later in the afternoon we decided to drive over to Norman, home of the Sooners and check out the
We have always talked about going, but have never gone before. For someone that wants to do a lot of remodeling or projects, this is definitely the place to go. The prices are very reasonable and it supports a great organization that builds homes for those who are in need of a home and shares the message of God's love. http://www.habitat.org
The only purchase we made today was two cans of spray paint, but at $1.99 a can, you can't beat the price. That is even cheaper than the spray paint on sale for $2.99 @ K-Mart.
We will definitely make a trip back soon. I now know where to go for project supplies. We soon headed back home; sleepy from the heat. Me and my mighty Micah man made a detour to
to purchase some key ingredients for our dinner. My wife then prepared a wonderful pasta meal with bread and salad. It was so good, I couldn't help but enjoy a second helping.
It was nice to get out and spend some time with the family today even if it was a quick trip over and back. I hope the rest of your weekend is one full of rest and relaxation. Enjoy the time with your family and we will see you soon!
Family Man
Well I am going to try something new. It is called Six Word Saturday. Describing my activities for the day in exactly six words. Well at least the title will be six words. :) This week my 6 words is exactly what my title says, nothing like trying out something new. Read on to discover the new activity that I embarked upon today.
Today was one of the Saturday's that you don't really want to do anything. It was very warm outside and the wife with my oldest was out finding treasures while at garage sales. I was in the cool of the indoors watching Toy Story 3 on Netflix with my 4 year old son while the youngest slept. We ended up eating some chicken nuggets and chicken strips while dipping them in Buffalo Wild Wings signature sauces. My favorite is Mango Habanero. It has burn, but follows with a burst of sweetness.
Later in the afternoon we decided to drive over to Norman, home of the Sooners and check out the
We have always talked about going, but have never gone before. For someone that wants to do a lot of remodeling or projects, this is definitely the place to go. The prices are very reasonable and it supports a great organization that builds homes for those who are in need of a home and shares the message of God's love. http://www.habitat.org
The only purchase we made today was two cans of spray paint, but at $1.99 a can, you can't beat the price. That is even cheaper than the spray paint on sale for $2.99 @ K-Mart.
We will definitely make a trip back soon. I now know where to go for project supplies. We soon headed back home; sleepy from the heat. Me and my mighty Micah man made a detour to
It was nice to get out and spend some time with the family today even if it was a quick trip over and back. I hope the rest of your weekend is one full of rest and relaxation. Enjoy the time with your family and we will see you soon!
Family Man
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Happy 31st
 |
| the siblings. Ashley, Austin and I. |
She is definitely a blessing in my life. If I were to describe her in 5 words they would be: Creative, Beautiful, Sincere, Humorous and Modest. I love my sister very much and am very proud of the woman she has become. Not to mention, she is the mother of my only niece.
 |
| the sisters - Ashley, Michele, Maryna |
She is a wonderful momma who works hard to support her little butterfly and is training her up in the ways of the Lord. It brings a smile to my face to see the fun and creative things the Lord allows her to share with others.
I am not only proud, but am honored to be called her brother. I love you Ashley! Happy 31st Birthday. May the Lord bless you with many, many more.
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