#1 Pick

With the 1st pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, The Saint Louis Rams select... Sam Bradford, QB from Oklahoma University. Hear his testimony from I Am Second:

ALMOST (saved)- Video

The talented poets from The Passion for Christ Movement are back at it again. This young man by the name of Ezekiel set the mic on fire... enjoy.

WORD Wednesday IV

The Tabernacle

Keith and I are continuing to read through Exodus and instead of coming up with a set of questions and key terms, we thought it would be nice to explain our understanding of the Tabernacle as described in chapters 25-30.

The above is a diagram of the tabernacle with all its sections in place. The following are scripture references to the different sections of the tabernacle if you chose to look further into it.

• Main Altar/Alter of Offerings - Exodus 27:1-8
• Lavar/Basin of Water - Exodus 30: 17-21
• Holy Place - Exodus 26:33
• Table of Shewbread - Exodus 25: 23-38
• Candlestick/Menorah - Exodus 25: 31-40
• Altar of Incense - Exodus 30: 1-10
• Veil - Exodus 26:33
• Ark of Covenant - Exodus 25:10-22
• Holy of Holies - Exodus 25:22

Ark of Covenant - Only authorized people were allowed to touch the Ark (Ex. 25:10-22) Inside were stone tablets containing the law written by the Lord. The lid represents the presence of God and is the Mercy Seat. Once a year, high priest would enter the Holy of Holies and perform his ordinance at the mercy seat to make atonement for the people (Leviticus 16).
What did the Lord say to Moses about the mercy seat? (Exodus 25:22)

• The Lord told Moses that He would meet him and commune with him above the mercy seat. Moses is to receive more direction for his people here.

Table of Shewbread - (Exodus 25:23-30) Bread was changed each Sabbath day and eaten by priests. Jewish tradition had that there also be wine placed on the table (although this is not directly written in scripture. What can bread (and wine if it was there) represent?

• We believe the bread/wine to represent the body and blood of our Savior.

Sacred candlestick/lampstand - (Ex. 25: 31-40) Frequently called a menorah. The seven candle cups (seven is many times used in the bible to represent completion/perfection) were filled with olive oil, a wick was placed in it and lit. The parable of the 10 virgins can give us a small idea of what this might represent. What do you think?

• We think this could possibly be a means of telling all to be prepared. To light your lights and find your way to God. Because, 'ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.' (Matt 25:13) The 5 wise virgins had their oil for their lamps and hence were ready when their bridegroom came.
  
• Also we feel the candlestick to represent living by the light of the spirit. This is alongside the table of shewbread to represent living by his flesh as well. Live by the light and flesh of Christ!

Altar of burn offerings/Main Altar - All burnt offerings were performed on the altar (Exodus 27:1-8). Sacrifice was the first thing an individual did when entering into the tabernacle (if we wanted to progress further) What do you think the Altar represents?

• The altar represents sacrifice. In order for us to continue to grow and become closer to God, we must be in obedience and sacrifice (Romans 12:1) We must place the animal within us on the altar!

Altar of incense - Hot coals were placed on the altar of incense (Ex. 30:1-10) each morning and each evening when the high priest burned the incense. Read Psalms 141:2, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 8:3-4 and explain what this might represent.

• In our opinion the incense represent prayer. Prayer can only take us closer to God.

Lavar/Water Basin - Priests used the lavar for washing (Ex 30:18-21) in preparation for entering the holy places of the tabernacle. What do you think the Lord was trying to teach His people by putting the lavar in front the entrance to the holier places of the tabernacle?

• We believe that this means we must cleanse ourselves of all unrighteousness as we come closer to God. The lavar may also represent baptism.

Its amazing the symbolism the Lord uses to teach His people. Everything has a deeper significance. These are things we can apply in our daily lives as we strive to reach our Lord and Savior.

Giethoorn, Netherlands

We try to take advantage of the few days off Keith has during basketball season. Recently we were told about this little bit of Venice right here in Holland. It's an absolutely beautiful village located just about 40 minutes from where we live right now.



The village, Giethoorn, is made up of canals instead of roads. We rented a boat, they handed us a map, and we began our little voyage. The trip started off so nice, sailing through the town, waving at others, trying not to run into other boats. It was amazing to think that people actually LIVED there. We were cruising through a residential area, on small motor boat. Can you imagine that? Anyway, we were loving the town. Someway, somehow, we lost track of exactly where we were going. We were supposed to follow all the yellow arrows....... what yellow arrows?? haha! Well, we got to a big lake, no town in sight, no other boats in sight.. just open water and us in an oversized canoe. We were not by any means prepared to be out in open water. No life vests (we should have asked for some), no paddles (if our tiny motor engine decided to quit), and a weak looking map. Okay, so what? We can handle this.

Then, we get stuck, on some incredibly shallow water.... we're talking like an inch deep, it came out of nowhere! The boat is stuck, we don't want get out to push it, and there is no one to flag down for help. Luckily they gave us a stick. After much pushing, pulling, and prayer (with some laughs in between) We were free of the shallow water trenches. Village life was upon us yet again, and everything was good! We parked the boat, and went for some much deserved hot chocolate, and the best nachos we've ever had! (Not your typical snack combo, but it was BOMB!) We definitely recommend a trip to Geithoorn if the opportunity arises, but steer clear of shallow water.

World Autism Awareness Day

Autism is more than a word for us. Autism is more than a diagnosis. Autism in our home describes a way of life, a way of teaching, a way of nurturing, and it helps to describe our siblings. Keith and I each have a sister/brother that have been diagnosed with Autism. They lie on opposite ends of the spectrum, under the same umbrella. A blessing from God in each of our households.

We are each incredibly proud of our siblings and the accomplishments they continue to make in this lifetime. Today, April 2nd, is a day marked for World recognition of Autism. We could not think of a better way to acknowledge our siblings, than on a day of world recognition. From one side of the globe, to the other, we want you to know that we love you deeply and miss you dearly. Even though there are times when it is not said back, when it feels like the walls of Autism are thicker and higher than ever; we know, with one look, the spirit that dwells in your eyes and its screaming, "I love you too!"

Enjoying snow in TEXAS!


The coolest kid I know :)


This post wouldn't be complete if we didn't talk about all the other children in this world who have Autism. The Autism community is large, yet small, and being involved helps you to see the many faces of Autism. The incredibly vibrant spirit that lies within each and every child is a joy. Get involved, provide support to trusted charities, and most importantly support to the families of special needs children. Let this be one of many opportunities to serve our Lord!


One of many dear friends!

John 9:1-3

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.