Designing Swimming Pools

I've been taking the online "Pool Studios" classes for about 6 weeks. Things started off really good, I was feeling like this project was going to be "A Piece of Cake". Around the 3rd week, I found out that "A Piece of Cake" was the wrong term. Progress was slowing down and at times I actually had to just get away from the computer and give my mind a rest. I do have unlimited access to software support through telephone, email, and training videos.

I am not the type of person who likes to ask for help, but I found a spot that I just could not figure out. I looked at the videos concerning that part of the project and they were pretty generic. I was needing some specific guidance and I emailed the support staff along with some pictures of what I needed to create. I was having trouble creating multiple roof lines on a specific part of a house that I was trying to duplicate. My answer was a little bit disappointing. They started off by saying roof lines can be very hard. (duh) He then gave me a CAD drawing of a house with multiple roof lines.

I needed to work backwards with that drawing to see how they were able to perform the task at hand. I have been deconstructing and deconstructing and deconstructing. Finally I think that I may have a breakthrough. I really should have known this project was not going to be "A Walk in the Park" because there are very few local companies that use this software to show customers what their house, pool, and landscaping can look like before any work is ever done. My friend, Ronnie Cue, uses this tool and makes things look so simple. He came over a few months ago to give me an idea of what is required to build virtual swimming pools. Ronnie is very talented and makes most things look simple or easy.

As I backed away from the computer this week I was thinking about my lack of progress. Psalms 23 came to my mind.

A Psalm of David.

23 The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

I was reminded that I should not expect “A Walk in the Park or a Piece of Cake”, but rather trials and tribulations. I am going to encounter days and seasons in my life that are character building. Just like walking through the valley in life, I will maintain a steady pace and push forward with my CAD training. I know that in time they will both end with success.

Much love, Dennis

God's Army

Army vs. Marines

Two Marines boarded a quick shuttle flight out of Dallas, headed for Houston. One sat in the window seat, the other sat in the middle seat. 

Just before take-off, an Army soldier got on and took the aisle seat next to the two Marines. 

The Soldier kicked off his shoes, wiggled his toes and was settling in when the Marine in the window seat said, "I think I'll get up and get a coke." "No problem," said the Soldier, "I'll get it for you." 

While he was gone, the Marine picked up the Soldier's shoe and spit in it. When the Soldier returned with the coke, the Marine in the middle seat said, "That looks good, I think I'll have one too." 

Again, the Soldier obligingly went to fetch it and while he was gone, the Marine picked up the soldier's other shoe and spit in it. The Soldier returned and they all sat back and enjoyed the rest of the short flight to Houston. 

As the plane was landing, the Soldier slipped his feet into his shoes and knew immediately what had happened. 

"How long must this go on?" the Soldier asked. 

"This fighting between our services? This hatred? This animosity? This spitting in shoes and peeing in cokes?"

I’ve heard it said that the only Army that shoots its wounded is the “Christian Army”. As members of the Army of the Lord, we should be more appreciative of our differences. Each one of us was wonderfully and uniquely created and equipped for a purpose. I know that I am preaching to the choir, but I believe that we are allowing the enemy, (Satan) to drive a wedge between the members of God’s Church. As with any army we have different factions equipped to perform specific tasks. We wouldn’t expect someone trained and equipped to drive a tank to crawl into the cockpit of a fighter jet and be successful. Neither should we expect cookie-cutter type Christians. We have been equipped differently and our differences should be celebrated because when we work together as a unit, performing the task that we have been created to do we are invincible. I really like the way that Romans 12:9-21 explains it.

Love in Action

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”  says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

I don’t know how many Christian denominations there are, but I know that each one has their own doctrine. I can’t tell you which ones, if any, are entirely biblical, because doctrines although Bible-based are man-made and subject to error. I’m sure that statement could be debated by many. My proposal would be to focus on the things that we agree upon. 

John 3:16  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

Much love, Dennis

MISSIONARIES

An archaeologist was digging in the Negev Desert in Israel and came upon a casket containing a mummy. After examining it, he called the curator of the Israel museum in Jerusalem.

"I've just discovered a 3000-year old mummy of a man who died of heart failure! the excited scientist exclaimed.

The curator replied, "Bring him in. We'll check it out."

A week later the curator called the archaeologist, "You were right about both the mummy's age and cause of death. How in the world did you know?"

"Easy. There was a piece of paper in his hand that said '10,000 Shekels on Goliath'."

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I have a couple of friends who are full-time missionaries outside of the United States. One is in Italy, Hannah, and Andy, in Ecuador. Another friend, Chris, is transitioning from stateside ministry to overseas service.  I have tremendous respect for them because they heard God speak and listened to what he asked them to do. I know that God equips those he calls, and he obviously knows what he's doing because these people have been very successful spreading the Gospel throughout the world.

Many other friends have been equipped to minister to people closer to home. Some visit people in prison, people trapped in substance abuse, people living in poverty, the homeless, hungry, those struggling with health issues and many other infirmities. All of these are done in the name of Jesus, because of a love that has been instilled in a newborn heart.

Romans 12:1-2

12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.


Love in Action

 Romans 9:12-16

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope,patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.


Much love, Dennis

Two of My Motorcycle Buddies

I'm leading off with a joke today so as not to detract from the seriousness of my post.

I am asking for prayers for 2 specific friends of mine who are both motorcycle enthusiast, just like me.

FYI, I know that this is not a picture of a Harley engine :-)

A mechanic was removing a cylinder-head from the motor of a Harley motorcycle when he spotted a well-known cardiologist in his shop.

The cardiologist was there waiting for the service manager to come take a look at his bike when the mechanic shouted across the garage "Hey Doc, want to take a look at this?"

The cardiologist, a bit surprised, walked over to where the mechanic was working on the motorcycle. The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and said, "So Doc, look at this engine. I open its heart, take the valves out, repair any damage, and then put them back in, and when I finish, it works just like new.

So how come I make $39,675 a year, a pretty small salary and you get the really big bucks ($1,695,759) when you and I are doing basically the same work?"

The cardiologist paused, smiled and leaned over, then whispered to the mechanic................................

"Try doing it with the engine running."
*********************************************************************

Greg Karber is a friend of mine from Houston.

We had never met until August 2006. He has family and friend ties to Fairview. Greg came to TIRR out of the goodness of his heart and offered any help that he was capable of giving. As it turned out he was an Angel sent by God to help us facilitate my departure from Houston. Greg was a tremendous asset and Christian friend when I was at TIRR in Houston.

Greg and his wife Jeannie

He was in an accident on May 10, and I am asking for prayers for his quick and complete recovery. He has a long road ahead of him, but I know that," He can do all things through Christ, who strengthens him".

This is a Facebook update from his wife, Jeannie.

5/28/14 Update on Greg:
First of all - Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers you have sent our way. They are still working.
I am back working most days now depending on Greg’s schedule. He was released last night after 17 days in the trauma unit at Memorial Hermann Hospital, downtown. We will still have a lot of doctor appointments and more surgeries on the foot later on, but for a couple of weeks, rest and healing.
For those who may not be aware, on May 10, 2014, Greg left work on his motorcycle around 5:30 p.m. and was hit by a car in downtown Houston. The major injuries are on his lower left side. He has now had 6 surgeries that I've sent updates on. His open wound is similar to what our military men and women come back with when they are hurt in the war. Greg has signed on with two different studies to help them study the surgeries he’s had done and how it can help these veterans.
The follow-up doctor appointments will start at the end of next week to determine how much damage is in the foot and what and how many surgeries it might take. We’re not “out of the woods” as they say, but he is in good spirits and wants to thank everyone for their prayers and good wishes.
God is good! We are blessed.
Love to all, Jeannie

*******************************************************

James Marshall before his accident

Another friend of mine also from Houston is going through some tough times. He was a professional Supercross racer and suffered a spinal cord injury at the San Diego race in January of 2006. He was a roommate of mine at TIRR in August of 2006. James was 21 when he had his accident, He recently turned 30. Over the course of the last 8 years he has grown spiritually and is giving back to the sport that he loves. He has many YouTube videos, most of them concerning his nonprofit organization called "The James Marshall Project". He helps raise money to aid riders who have gone through SCI and Brain Trauma. Right now he is in need of financial support for his living circumstances. Here is the link to his story. The James Marshall Project

Will you help us get James to Project Walk? Please contact April Sutton at (832) 892-8202 or email at projectoutlaw@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

 I also believe that the greatest gift is prayer. Thank you for the prayers for Greg and James.

Much love, Dennis

Twisters

I live in what is commonly known as tornado alley. I've seen tornadoes from as little as half a mile away, but fortunately I've not had to experience firsthand the devastation of a large funnel. In May 2011 many people in Oklahoma were affected by several outbreaks of twisters.  People lost their lives and many injuries ensued along with widespread property damage.

 On May 24, 2011 my wife was at work and my mother-in-law and I were home watching the weather. We have a scanner that allows us to listen to the local storm spotters. We heard them talking about damage to the Canadian campground at Canton Lake, about 20 miles SW of us.



These pictures were taken at Canadian campgrounds 3 weeks before the damage.

Yours truly & My Wife "Cheri"

 Notice all of the trees.

Cheri and her cousin Marla

Canadian campgrounds aftermath

The rebuilding is underway.

I have included a video that was taken by my friend Danny Giager.

In a few minutes they were talking about damage just southwest of Fairview, my hometown.
We soon saw this funnel from our West windows.

My mother-in-law put my full face street bike helmet on me and I backed into the reinforced shower. She went into the cellar. That tornado actually lifted up and dissipated just southwest of town. PTL

I like to end each post with something upbeat. I hope this doesn't detract from the seriousness of this disaster.

A family had twin boys whose only resemblance to each other was their looks. If one felt it was too hot, the other thought it was too cold. If one said the TV was too loud, the other claimed the volume needed to be turned up. Opposite in every way, one was an eternal optimist, the other a doom and gloom pessimist. Just to see what would happen, on the twins’ birthday their father loaded the pessimist’s room with every imaginable toy and game. The optimist’s room he loaded with horse manure. That night the father passed by the pessimist’s room and found him sitting amid his new gifts crying bitterly. ‘Why are you crying?’ the father asked. ‘Because my friends will be jealous, I’ll have to read all these instructions before I can do anything with this stuff, I’ll constantly need batteries, and my toys will eventually get broken,’ answered the pessimist twin. Passing the optimist twin’s room, the fatherfound him dancing for joy in the pile of manure. ‘What are you so happy about?’ he asked. To which his optimist twin replied, ‘There’s got to be a pony in here somewhere!’

Much love, Dennis 

FCA

Last Thursday was the end of FCA for this school year. I really enjoy meeting with these high schoolers. They are very diverse bunch. Some of them are always adding to the conversation and some sit and listen. One thing that I've never seen, is one of them not paying attention to what is going on. I'm sure it's because they have the option of attending and if they're not interested, they don't show up. Linda Zimmerman (The Group Leader) and I have talked about some of this bunch being very reluctant at the beginning of the year and now they are comfortable participating and praying out loud. That's very encouraging. One thing that I've noticed is that some of them wear Christian themed shirts.
Here are a few of my favorites

Sometimes T-shirts and bumper stickers can be misleading. Here is an example.

Driving along a busy street, a man became aware of an impatient woman who was tailgating him. She was so close that when he had to brake to allow some children to use a pedestrian crossing, she almost crashed into him. 

Furious at being delayed, she sounded her horn and began waving her fists in a disgraceful exhibition of a road rage. 

Before she could move off, she felt a tap on her window. It was a police officer who ordered her to step out of the car. 

He then asked her to come down to the station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and put in a cell. 

A couple of hours later, after vehicle checks had been carried out, she was told that she could collect her valuables and that she was being released without charge. 

The woman was extremely indignant at her arrest and demanded an apology. 

The officer responsible explained the reason for the mistake. "You see, madam, I pulled up behind your car while you're sounding your horn and loudly cursing the driver in front of you. Then I noticed the 'Follow Jesus, Not Me' sticker on the rear window, the 'God Is Love' sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the boot. Naturally, I assumed that you had stolen the car..."

Much Love, Dennis