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Thursday, December 19, 2013

My Speeches On Video

I took speech this semester, and all semester long I was planning on getting on video me giving the speeches I had to present this semester.  A couple weeks ago I was snowed in, so I finally filmed them and uploaded them to Youtube.  There are 3 of them.  The 4th one I ended up not finishing because we got snowed in, however I hope to soon finish it and film it as well and post it on youtube whenever I have it ready.  I also plan on re-shooting these.  The quality on these videos is a bit poor in my opinion. Enjoy!

I’M A CREATIVE INDIVIDUAL

 

HOW TO CHANGE A FLAT TIRE

 

THREE GOOD QUALITIES OF BEING LOYAL

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Heart of a Warrior By Jack E. Dawson

A couple months ago my brother and I were at the Great Passion Play attraction in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.  While we were there we came across an art exhibit of a Christian painter from near Joplin, Missouri by the name of Jack Dawson.  The painting that really caught my eye in the exhibit was “Heart of a Warrior.”  His paintings are full of christian symbols.  In this painting, Jesus is represented by the soldier, the toy lamb in his hand, and the face in the rock on the right side of the image, for example.  The description of the $5 copy I have reads

“The heart of a true warrior celebrates freedom for all.  Driven by a passion to relieve suffering and set captives free, the warrior goes to battle for others’ good, even at the cost of his own life.  The anguished face of captivity appears in the rock beside him as he kneels at edge of the world, reaching out in freedom’s name to those crying out for liberty.  A child approaches, trusting the extended hand that gave him the cookie he holds.  Now it offers another gift, a toy lamb that represents the sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God.  His own wounded and bandaged fingers proclaim ‘I love you’ in sign language.  The strong left hand defends ‘old glory,’ wind torn and bullet riddled, but still flying on its broken staff.  His weapons are ready for battle, but the warrior is equipped for ministry.  Beside him grow five poppies, honoring the dedication of the five branches of service.  As the light of Lady Liberty reaches out to the ‘tired poor huddled masses yearning to breathe free,’ the spirit of freedom rises from the smoke of the twin towers forming a cross that conveys the greatest freedom, God’s grace and mercy.”
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners. – Luke 4:18

One of My Favorite Movie Cars

This is one of my favorite movie cars.  I think any image it's in, it looks cool.  The DeLorean DMC-12 time machine from the Back To The Future series.  The Back To The Future Facebook shared this image and I thought I'd re-share it for everyone else's enjoyment.

My Wife And Step-kids Need Your Help This Christmas

my wife and stepkids need your help. they are struggling financially and my wife can’t afford to get them christmas presents this year. She set up a fundraiser on gofundme.com in hopes of raising money for Christmas. If you can find it in your heart to donate so they can have a good christmas and can keep their light bill on we would greatly appreciate it. thanks and God bless and Merry Christmas! http://www.gofundme.com/5aocg8

Friday, December 6, 2013

Record Snowfall In Arkansas

My pictures aren’t as great as some others I’ve seen but I just now decided to try to go outside and try to measure the snow and get a few pictures.   It is currently 17 degrees outside, and it’s supposed to get down to 0.  I have been told that this a record for Arkansas because it’s never this cold this early in the winter.

One measurement I took on the back of my brother’s deck showed 7 inches, but some other spots I checked showed 6 inches.  Walking, my foot was literally buried in the stuff!  not snowing now and I believe it’s supposed to be done snowing, but with the temperatures how they are supposed to be the next couple days, I don’t think this snow will melt very fast.  My dad has been having to drive in this mess – including ice.  He’s stopped for the night down in Little Rock, but will be coming home sometime tomorrow – He’s a very safe driver, but I ask for prayers that God keeps his hand of protection over him – along with anyone else who has to travel in this.
 

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Magazines, Brochures, and Fliers I created

I took Adobe InDesign this semester in college.  I like that program much better than Microsoft Publisher.  It’s more user friendly I think.  I put the portfolio for the magazines and brochures I created this semester on my SkyDrive.  The link to it is http://sdrv.ms/IJX6LV if you would like to check it out.

Fake National Geographic Magazine I had created

I had to put together a fake issue of  NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE for a class this semester.  The link shown should take you to the PDF file I created.  I also have it on my SkyDrive at http://sdrv.ms/1bGuLlE if you want to see it there instead.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Center campus a Glow

Here is the next project I had to do. It's supposed to be digital art that's related to North Arkansas College. Can what I did be considered art though? Lol. (note: the photo used is not mine, I don't know who took the picture. I just take credit for what I did to it.)

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

16 Inspiring Songs That Honor JFK Pictures - The Tragedy That Shattered Camelot | Rolling Stone

*After John F. Kennedy’s assasination, our country went into utter chaos.  1960s started out nice and calm until than.  I’m not a democrat, but I do like what Kennedy stood for and tried to do during his presidency: get world peace, kill poverty, create equality in all of us.  Some songs mentioned in this Rolling stone article I heard of, some I haven’t.  all I didn’t know had parts that are influenced by John Kennedy.  1960s history I always enjoyed, but some of the things that we now have because of events back then probably weren’t good ideas.  people have too much of a “if it feels good do it” mindset, and put all caution to the wind due to it, and just don’t care and have no moral boundaries.

16 Inspiring Songs That Honor JFK Pictures - The Tragedy That Shattered Camelot | Rolling Stone: "16 Inspiring Songs That Honor JFK"

On Nov. 22, 1963, the Beatles released their second album, the Beach Boys played to a record-breaking crowd in Marysville, CA, and Elvis Presley wept with gal pal Ann-Marget as they watched the shocking news on television about President John F. Kennedy's assassination.
Before that day, rock and roll was still in its happy-go-lucky infancy. After that fateful convertible ride through Dallas, the '60s became The Sixties, and a fast-maturing rock and roll would help guide the cultural and political shift waged by a generation that began to question the ways of the world. As we recognize the 50th anniversary of the day JFK was shot this week, here are some of our favorite musical nods to Kennedy and the tragedy that shattered Camelot.


Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/16-inspiring-songs-that-honor-jfk-20131119#ixzz2l9zDJSP3 
Follow us: @rollingstone on Twitter | RollingStone on Facebook


'via Blog this'

President Obama omits "under God" in gettysburg address taping

*President Obama is very misguided and needs to definitely prayed for!

‘That is an affront to the people who died there’: President Obama omits ‘under God’ from taped Gettysburg Address – Glenn Beck: "President Obama omits ‘under God"

President Obama already made headlines today for skipping the 150th anniversary ceremony of the Gettysburg Address citing a scheduling conflict, and now it looks like there is controversy surrounding his taped reading of the address.
President Obama and several other famous faces from the worlds of politics, entertainment, and business recorded versions of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address for a project filmmaker Ken Burns produced for PBS. But in the video that President Obama recorded, two important words appear to have been omitted from the text: Under God.
'via Blog this'

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Loyalty

My recent speech for speech class was a motivational speech.  My teacher for this assignment gave us a topic to speak about.  My topic was “loyalty.”  The following is my speech.  I  plan on eventually filming these speeches and putting them up on youtube, so be on the lookout for them.

Ha! Loyalty. I don’t want to speak about no stinking loyalty. I have no desire to speak about loyalty. I would much rather speak about something else instead. Something I’m passionate about. What can I possibly teach you about loyalty? I want to do things my way, my rules. I don’t want to be loyal to this class, nor do I want to be loyal to anyone else for that matter! I just want to drop out…

When you think of lovalty, what comes to mind?...

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, “Loyalty” means “A feeling of strong support to someone or something.”

What I think about when I hear the word “Loyalty” are many great qualities that we all should have. Some of these great qualities might seem familiar to you because they might be your topic, but today I want to briefly cover three of them that seem to be the most important qualities of loyalty: dedication, love, and faithfulness.

First, let’s talk about dedication. I at first thought this was going to be a tough topic for me. As far as I know, I’m a pretty loyal person, but it’s nothing I really think about. And no matter how hard I try to do well at these things, I’m not a gifted speaker. I’m an introvert, and in public situations I’d rather be quiet and listen. Every time I have to come up here to speak, I try my best to do well – but I struggle. I can’t even memorize my whole speech, no matter how hard I try to. God has blessed me to be more open in public, but I still struggle badly with public speaking.

I thought I was ready to present my last speech, however the grade I got for it proved that I really wasn’t. But I didn’t want to give up., I wanted to remain dedicated to my degree plan, because it’s always been one of my dreams to work in the creative field, so why drop classes that are required over a lousy grade because of my faults? All that’s going to do is make me out to look bad and like a failure. What is that going to achieve?

I was also determined to do well in something for a change, so instead I’m going to keep pushing on and working hard because you shouldn’t let your faults bring you down. I see others who do better at things I would like to do well in, and it just makes me want to try even harder. I’m not a very smart person at all, and have had many setbacks in my life. We all have our setbacks at some point, but we should never give up. Giving up doesn’t lead to anything but failure. We should instead all remain loyal to our dreams and goals.–that is, be dedicated and do what we can to overcome our setbacks – even if it means doing something you really don’t want to do like getting up in front of speech class to give a speech when you’re not a gifted speaker. Sometimes throughout life we are presented with things we don’t want to do, but we have to be loyal and not argue about it and just do it. Arguing normally doesn’t accomplish anything.

A second good quality of loyalty is love. Have you ever loved something or someone so much, that you would do anything for them or it? Some people love certain bands so much, that they would travel miles to see them play. They are loyal to those bands. Some people would love a certain film series so much they will wait in line at the theater in the cold to see it on opening day. Some people also love technology so much they will camp in parking lots to receive the first item on the shelf. these people love these things so much, that they are loyal to them. . Some people love their jobs so much that they would give up family time to be at work. Is some loyalty good? Probably not, but just use common sense and do the right thing, what or who should you love more? What or who is more important to you?

I met my wife 4 years ago, and we have had problems since the beginning of our relationship, but I love her very much that despite our problems I’m very loyal to her and I refuse to give up.

A dog is also very loyal to his master because he loves his master. A dog loves his master so much that he will just greet him each time he comes home, even when his master was only gone for a minute. If that’s not loyalty, I don’t know what is.

And finally: faithfullness. I found God recently. September 1st to be more specific, and have been trying to put him first in my life. It’s difficult at times, but I still try. He has actually changed my life! He has blessed me quite a few times since I started putting him first, and even though stupid things still happen that cause me to question my faith, I still remain loyal to God. I know I’m not the only one who questions my faith either. A friend of mine at my church questions his faith sometimes as well, as I’m sure a lot of believers do. His wife is pregnant, and they are having major problems with the pregnancy. That would cause me to question my faith also but he still remains loyal and faithful to God.

Even Job from the bible remained faithful to God. Satan wanted God to allow Satan to test Job, to see if Job will turn his back on God. God allowed Satan to, and Satan wreaked all kinds of havoc on Job’s life. Letting all kinds of bad things happen to Job. Job not once turned his back to God, nor did he curse God and remained loyal to him.

Faithfulness, love, dedication. These are Three of the most important words I think of when I hear the word “loyalty”. Whatever it is you are doing in life: relationships, school, or work, you should remain loyal despite setbacks, and not throw in the towel. You also shouldn’t rebel against certain things asked of you. If you remain loyal you will eventually achieve great things, and be happier. Why live life like a quitter when that doesn’t accomplish anything?

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Jesus Teaches About Worry

Matthew 6:25-34 "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life - whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear.  Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?  Look at the birds.  They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly father feeds them.  And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are?  Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

And why worry about your clothing?  Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow.  They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.  And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.  Why do you have so little faith?

So don't worry about these things, saying 'What will we eat?  What will we drink?  What will we wear?  These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly father already knows all your needs.  Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.  Today's trouble is enough for today."

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Quote of the Day For October 12, 2013

"Commonsense and good nature will do a lot to make the pilgrimage of life not too difficult."
--William Somerset Maugham

Verse of the Day For October 12, 2013

1 Chronicles 16:34 "Give thanks to the lord, for he is good!  His faithful love endures forever."

Cookin' On The Creek Logo

Recently, my intro to digital media class had a chance to create a logo for a client.  The Harrison Chamber of Commerce wanted a logo for the upcoming 4th annual “Cookin’ On The Creek” Festival.  My logo wasn’t chosen which is ok, but it wasn’t too bad.  what do you all think?

Friday, October 11, 2013

Changing A Flat Tire

Have you ever been driving along, and all of a sudden you start hearing that sound from your tires that doesn’t sound quite right?  Sometimes that sound can get even louder.  It’s a sound I can’t describe, and it makes you panicky wondering what’s going on, Folks, I had this experience recently.  Twice, as a matter of fact.  Obviously, I had a tire that went flat.  You can be on a crowded busy street somewhere, and you know you shouldn’t be driving on this tire, so what do you do, Right?

A couple months ago I had a flat while I was driving down the road and I started to panic wondering what I should do, and more recently I had a flat again but luckily I wasn’t driving down the road the last time.
Today, I’m going to demonstrate to you the best I can what you need to do to change a flat tire, that way when you do have one you don’t have to be like me a couple months ago and get panicky wondering what to do.

First off, don’t panic and find a safe flat area to pull over at.  Panicking will probably just leave you frustrated, and you don’t want to be frustrated while being on a busy road looking for a spot to pullover at.  Find a spot as quickly as possible, and then make your turn into that spot.

When you find a spot, make sure it’s flat enough so that when your car is jacked up it doesn’t end up rolling over.  Pull over and be sure to turn your hazard lights on, so that people passing by you can drive by with caution.

                        Second, you should grab all the tools that you will need from wherever they are stored in your vehicle.  There should be 3 things in your car that you will need to change your flat:  a jack, a lugnut wrench, and your spare tire.  I personally wasn’t going to bring in the spare tire, because I didn’t want anyone in the school wondering why someone was walking around in the school with a tire.

Your next step is to take the flat tire off.  First, Loosen the lugnuts most of the way using your lugnut wrench, but make sure not to loosen them completely.  Since the lugnuts are usually on pretty tight, my suggestion is to use your foot on the lugnut wrench to start loosening them since your foot is probably much stronger than your hands are. – and be sure to remember that famous phrase: righty tighty, lefty loosy.

Next, find a sturdy spot under your car near where the flat tire is to place your jack, and then start jacking your car up.  Jack it up just high enough so the tire is off the ground.  Then take the lugnuts off the rest of the way, either with the lugnut wrench or your fingers, and then remove the old tire.

Now we’re ready to put our spare on.  Take the spare tire and place it on the axle, matching the bolts on the axle with the holes on the rim of your spare, and be sure the tire is flush with your axle, this helps make sure it’s on straight and won’t damage your car.

put your lugnuts back on, and hand tighten them.  Make sure the tire stays flush with your axle.  When you tighten the lugnuts, be sure to tighten them in a cris-cross fashion so that the tire stays straight.  In other words, tighten this one, and then tighten this one, and then this one, and so forth.

Now lower your jack, and then use your lugnut wrench to tighten the lugnuts the rest of the way, again making sure that you tighten them in a cris-cross fashion.  Be sure to use your foot on your lugnut wrench when tightening them as well to make it even more tighter so that you don’t risk your spare tire falling off.
After you put all your tools away, and stowed away the old tire, you are now ready to be back on your way.  Turn off your hazard lights, and then make your way back into traffic safely.


Today I demonstrated to you what you need to do to change a flat tire, safely and effectively if you ever needed to change one.  If you get a flat, you probably shouldn’t just keep driving, you will risk a blow-out, endangering others.  Just pull off to the side of the road and just change the tire.  Just 10 minutes can save your car and lives.  Thank you.

Monday, September 23, 2013

James 3:1-12

Today’s lesson in Sunday school class is one all of us probably struggle with.  We need to learn to control your tongues and watch your words.  The words you end up saying might end up being hurtful, sometimes it is probably best to just stay quiet. 

Dear friends, today’s Christian life lesson is found in the book of James, Chapter 3, Verses 1 - 12; and let me tell you - I sat down and read the complete book of James this past week - There is some great stuff in there!  I also advise you all to read all the books the Apostle Paul wrote as well: Romans, Acts, Philippians, Ephesians, etc.  Such great things to learn can be found in those books as well!  Remember Philippians 4:13 “I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHICH STRENGTHENS ME!”

 

JAMES 3:1-12:

“Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.  Indeed, we all make many mistakes.  For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.
We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth, and a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong.  In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. 
But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.  And the tongue is a flame of fire.  It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body.  It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue.  It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.  Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.  And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth.  Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!  Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water?  Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs?  No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.”

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Bob Dylan’s “Pressing On”

Bob Dylan has always been one of my favorite musicians, and I have no clue what his beliefs are currently, but in 1980 he found God and put out a couple of pretty good Christian records: “Saved” and “Slow Train Coming.”  This particular song of his I first heard a few years ago when an artist I never heard of by the name of “John Doe” covered it for the soundtrack to the fictional dylan biopic “I’m Not There.”  The song is called “Pressing On” - one of my favorite Christian songs!

“PRESSING ON” by Bob Dylan

Well I'm pressing on
Yes, I'm pressing on
Well I'm pressing on
To the higher calling of my lord.

Many try to stop me, shake me up in my mind
Say, "Prove to me that He is Lord, show me a sign"
What kind of sign they need when it all come from within
When what's lost has been found, what's to come has already been ?

Well I'm pressing on
Yes, I'm pressing on
Well I'm pressing on
To the higher calling of my lord.

Shake the dust off of your feet, don't look back
Nothing can hold you down, nothing that you lack
Temptation's not an easy thing, Adam given the devil reign
Because he sinned I got no choice, it run in my vein.

Well I'm pressing on
Yes, I'm pressing on
Well I'm pressing on
To the higher calling of my lord.