Have you ever tried to think of a hobby or past-time that you could do with your kids that would be fun? I was thinking about this about 2-3 years ago, and was trying to think of something that I have always wanted to try or do, since I was a kid.

What I did was get a nice telescope (a decent one goes for about $250+) and started looking at the night sky. It’s hard to get my kids out in the cold, and I only have time to do it every so often, due to viewing conditions or other things goin on. When I do though, it is really cool! Also, when I showed Saturn to my kids, and they could see the rings of the planet, for about the next year, my daughter every morning would point to stars and ask, “Dada, is that a planet?!!” It’s neat to be able to do something like this with my kids, and I enjoy it as well.

There a lot of things you can do, and any time spent with your kids is going to be a good time!

If you are interested in Astronomy. check out Astromart, which has some forums for beginners and also has classifieds where people sell stuff. There is a link to it here on my page. A good retail place is Orion, and is where I bought my 1st telescope.

Clear Skies!

The only computer game I play anymore is Guild Wars. Actually it is the only game I play at all, really, though I occasionally play an old X-Box or PS1 game. It is fun, I am in a Christian Guild (though have not done much with that) and play when I have some free time. I would recommend it. It is an online game, so you have to be careful for kids, of course.

The graphics are real cool, and it is Dungeons/Dragons type of game. You can play alone or with friends. If alone, you can add computer players to your party.

All in all, its pretty darn cool to see people running around from other countries and locations. Take a look at Guild Wars dot com, and see what you think. It is about the only good one out there that is not subscription based, which means you buy once, and then play all you want! That is COOL!

This week at Woodstock First Baptist, Johnny Hunt mentioned a good representation (I thought) of what the offer of God’s grace and salvation can be likened to. I have always tried to think of one, since I had talked with a friend during college about it, and he said that he had a hard time accepting a loving God who would let a relative of his go to hell, cause that relative was a “good” person.

Basically, the offer of God’s grace and the gift of salvation is like a signed check that God has given each and every one of us. It is up to us if we want to accept His gift, and escape the “poverty” of our sin. There is nothing more to it than that. We just realize that we are sinners, need God, and “cash the check” (ask for forgiveness & salvation) God is not “sending” us to Hell, in fact, it is the last thing he wants for us. He wants us to accept his “Check” so much that he sacrificed his Son for us!

It is too often, we think we can get out of the “poverty” of our sin on our own. We work our whole life with this “check” in our pocket, and try to do it on our own. We need to realize that we will die poor, and never live the abundant life we could.

Also, once we “cash the check”, it almost like we then have a “line of credit”. Even Christians will still try to work on their own, and refuse to use the Holy Spirit to lead their lives. They will still go to Heaven, but their life will not be a fulfilled as it could be.

Don’t leave the check in your pocket. …and dont be afraid that once you cash it, you will owe it back. It ain’t a loan, its a gift. No-one can take it away, and no strings are attached. Once you get the gift of salvation, your life will change, and you may want to do more for God, but the Lord works in all our hearts in different ways.

Don’t leave the check in your pocket! (click the “Got Jesus?” link on the right for more info)

I am making a new 2008 effort to take some time each morning before I dive into work to read the Bible a little (via Bible Gateway, btw…) and think about it to make some comments. Generally, prior to this, I have always had some time when I get in real early to work to either dive right into work, or talk a little with my freinds.

Since I’ve started this, its funny how many other things I’ve suddenly had an interest in. All of my hobbies have all came back to mind with a force, and I can think of 150 things I would rather be doing than reading the Bible and thinking about it.

Coincidence? I don’t think so… So if this happens to you, just remember what ol’ Jack Burton always says at a time like that!

…I mean stick to your guns, pray that the Holy Spirit will support your efforts, and give you strength and focus to do what is right.

(Jack Burton…he kills me…!)

2003 Saab 9-5 Aero

A sweet ride…finally after years of the Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra!

Links:

• Saab Central
• Saab 9-5 Electrical FAQ
• MP3 Player Connection Mod (Method 1)
• MP3 Player Connection Mod (Method 2)

After finding MAME while looking for old Arcade Machines to purchase or refurbish, I was hooked once I tested it on my home computer…MAME completely simulates all of the old arcade machines I loved to play when I was a kid. Growing up on the Jersey Shore, I used to hang out at Pt. Pleasant and Seaside Heights boardwalks. Just let me say that many hours and quarters were lost improving my skills and competing on those games. Also, to add to my habit, I would work at my folks store, which was connected to Doug’s Arcade. Every lunch was spent in there with 2 chili-dogs, fries, coke and Donkey Kong (or some other game, wonder why I have high cholesterol?)

Back to the point…MAME allowed me to enjoy all those games that you can’t find anymore, for free! Also, since most of them are relatively tame, it will be a great thing to share with my 2 kids, as they grow up! (…of course my wife will play a game or two to amuse me, if I beg)

Enough about that, I will give you the rundown of how I built the machine you see below. Hopefully, you will take the plunge and make a machine of your own. I am just a hacker, and if I can do it…let’s just say that it should make you pretty confident.

On to the research…