Handles Messiah

So this week I had an opportunity of a lifetime. My old highschool choir was invited to sing Handles Messiah. The College I go to sings in it as well, so on Sunday I and many of my good friends sang in it. It was a day I will never forget for a few reasons.


#1 I had the stomach flu. That made life fun. When I woke up on Sunday I was so very sick that I couldn’t even go to church. I was on deaths door. Ok, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but I was sick. When 3:00 rolled around I pushed myself up and took a shower and got dressed. On the way to the concert I started feeling better and better. I know God had something to do with it. By the time it started I felt %100 fine. It was amazing that I made it through without collapsing. 3 other people fainted during the concert. God really protected me.

#2 It was such a wonderful experience being able to sing to God in front of so many people. When you get 300 people singing the Hallelujah chorus it is really amazing!!

#3 The reception afterward was really fun. I got to talk with some friends and a lot of people tried to get me to join the advanced choir. That was a shock. Also they had free drinks and after the concert we all needed them.

That’s about it.

In Christ alone,

Josh Martin

Write About a Favorite Hymn

My favorite hymn is "Amazing Love", or "And Can it Be." Same song, two names.

1 And can it be that I should gain

an interest in the Savior's blood!

Died he for me? who caused his pain!

For me? who him to death pursued?

Amazing love! How can it be

that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Amazing love! How can it be

that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?



2. 'Tis mystery all: th' Immortal dies!

Who can explore his strange design?

In vain the firstborn seraph tries

to sound the depths of love divine.

'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;

let angel minds inquire no more.

'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;

let angel minds inquire no more.



3. He left his Father's throne above

(so free, so infinite his grace!),

emptied himself of all but love,

and bled for Adam's helpless race.

'Tis mercy all, immense and free,

for O my God, it found out me!

'Tis mercy all, immense and free,

for O my God, it found out me!



4. Long my imprisoned spirit lay,

fast bound in sin and nature's night;

thine eye diffused a quickening ray;

I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;

my chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

My chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth, and followed thee.



5. No condemnation now I dread;

Jesus, and all in him, is mine;

alive in him, my living Head,

and clothed in righteousness divine,

bold I approach th' eternal throne,

and claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Bold I approach th' eternal throne,

and claim the crown, through Christ my own.

 Verse 4 is my favorite. "My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee." That was what the experience of salvation felt like to me.

In Christ alone,

Josh Martin

An Interview with a Fellow Blogger

So, for my interview I did my once mortal enemy, but now very good friend, Katie Ong. Again, thank you Rose, for making us not hate each other.


Here it is….

#1 What is your name?

Katherine Ong

#2 Why did you start blogging?

So That I could help teenagers out in their walk with the Lord.

#3 How often do you blog?

Once a month

#4 Who are your two biggest inspirations for your writing?

Oswald Chambers, Paul from the Bible

#5 What do you plan to be when you grow up?

A paramedic

#6 What do you like most about your best friend?

How she is always ready to laugh

#7 What do you like most about the person giving you this interview?

His want to improve him self

#8 What do you like least about your best friend?

I like everything about my best friend

#9 What is your favorite past time?

Piano

#10 If you had to either watch “every girl should be married” or wear only the color hot pink for the rest of your life, which would you do?

If I only had to watch the movie once I would pick that first but if I had to watch it more then once I would rather wear pink.

In Christ alone,
Josh Martin

A Movie Review

Letters to Juliet


Review by Josh Martin

The movie “Letters to Juliet” was filmed mainly in the USA, but was partially shot on location in South Korea. The film was released May 14th 2010. The studio it was filmed at was, Bryant Park, Manhattan, New York City, USA. The music is excellent and has many popular numbers such as “I’m A Believer” sung in Italian. There were no special effects used in this film unless it was on the fantastic scenery.

The movie takes place in the broad countryside of Italy, although it starts in New York City. Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is a young girl working as a fact checker for the New Yorker who is engaged to a new restaurant owner named Victor (Gael Garcia Bernal). A trip to Italy is required to find suppliers for Victor’s business. While he is traveling to visit different food merchants, Sophie meets a group a ladies who call themselves Juliet’s secretaries. A wall with letters pinned to it more plentifully than the bricks catches Sophie’s eye as she goes sightseeing. She stays to try to find out what the purpose of the letters are when she sees a woman come and take the letters down and put them in a basket. Sophie follows this girl and meets four women called the secretaries of Juliet. They explain the purpose of the letters is to ask for advice on what to do with a relationship. Sophie falls in love with the idea and offers to help. The next day she goes to collect the letters and finds a loose brick. Behind the brick is a letter dating back fifty years. She answers the letter, not expecting a response, but ends up meeting the girl who wrote the letter. Claire (Vanessa Redgrave) and her grandson Charlie (Christopher Egan) come to try to find a man that was a teenage flame of hers. Claire, Charlie, and Sophie scour the Italian countryside looking for the man from fifty years ago. After doing some searching briefly, they find out there are more than seventy men with the same name. Throughout the trip Sophie and Charlie argue as to whether or not the journey is a good idea, because Charlie doesn’t want his grandma to experience anymore heartache. Over time the tension starts to give and they become fast friends. Overall this was a very good movie. It was a typical chick flick, while still being enjoyable. It wasn’t very compelling at the beginning, but as the plot thickens it becomes hard to move from your seat. The romance and views of the Italian landscape keep one very captivated. This happy love story which has many different aspects including humor is a great family film that comes highly recommended.

In Christ alone,
Josh Martin

Write about a Sibling and what I appreciate about them

I think I will write about my favorite bestest most wonderful and amazing (not to mention only) sister.
Jenny!
She is 21 years old and a senior in college. She's a second degree black belt and could own any martial artist except me. (and Chuck Norris)
She is 5' 6" and 5' 5" of that is sweetness.
What I am thankful for about her is...
Other than almost everything...
She's rich and gives me lotsof money!!!
Ok, maybe not.
She has been not only a sister, but a really good friend. She has a good sense of humor and knows how to give a world class message. That came in handy after football practice. (thats where I learned how to give one) From Jenny, not from football practice : )
And there you go.

In Christ alone,
Josh Martin

Poetry that I have writen

The Unspoken

When thou walketh in sunlight,

the rays dance upon thy brunet locks.

Never had I gazed upon one so fair,

nor seen one so, in such radiance.

Thou speech and manner doth baffle my comprehension,

I become flustered when thou art near.

Much travleth unsaid that wishes to be spoken,

and doth lay to rest in the depth of my heart.

My silence echoes the joy that I find in you.

If I speak, the echo is shattered as to be unpleasing to thou.

When will my heart find the sign?

It yearns for the day of grace fulfilled.

What some view as a pebble in the heap,

I view as a diamond in the rough.

Josh

Martin

In Christ alone,

Josh Martin

Some things that I am afraid of

One Word...


FINALS





I have 5 to do, so this is going to be a short post.

In Christ alone,
Josh Martin

Dessert Tutorial

First off, I don't eat dessert. (with few exceptions)
I don't eat chocolate at all. (with the exception of the recces piece) Don't ask me why, but for some reason I like those.

However during thanksgiving I do eat pumpkin pie.
So here is the tutorial on pumpkin pie:
Step 1: Go to the store and buy a pumpkin pie.
Step 2: Come home and follow cooking directions on the box.
Step 3: Wait.
Step 4: When it is done, eat the pie.
Step 5: (As was reminded me by a reader) add lots of whipped cream. (Thank you)

There you go. I know that was pretty sad, but I leave the actual pie baking to my sister and my best friend. :)

In Christ alone,
Josh Martin

My Favorite Season

This was a tough one. I like two seasons, fall and spring. I like fall because my birthday is on the first day of fall. (That made it easy to remember) Also football season is going and the trees are quite lovely (What? I'm not saying I want to build a summer home) Some of you might get that. Leave a comment and tell me if you do.
On the other hand there is spring which I'm going to have to say is my favorite. The joys of the greenness and rain and such. I am not the best with words, so I will use a quote of a very dear friend of mine.

"I love the smell of rain; how earthy and fresh it will leave everything. I love how it brings lovely thoughts of tea. I love walking in rain and getting all soaked. I love hearing the drops go pitter patter against my window. I love feeling the water on my face. I love having an umbrella to twirl around like Gene Kelly. In short: I LOVE RAIN! It’s the best part of spring."


Perfect way of putting it Rose :)
And yes, I did copy paste that strait from your blog. If any of you out there want to read it it is here ... http://throughmyrosyeyesi.blogspot.com/

That is my favorite comic strip.

In Christ alone,
Josh Martin

Poll Answers

Real quick,
The answers for the polls I put up are...
Q: How old do you think I am?
A: 18
Good job!
70% of you got it right.

Q: What was the first sport you think I played?
A: Soccer
Sorry. You all missed. I started playing soccer when I was 5. I didn't start karate till I was 10, but I see how it could be hard to know that since I have never mentioned it and I always talk about karate.

Thank you for participating and good luck next time.
In Christ alone,
Josh Martin

Something that I could eat or drink every day for the rest of my life.

Chicken Tenders!

I could eat these forever.
The rich succulent white chicken and the crisp flavorful breading with just the right amount of spice and seasoning.
If they are warm.... Oh, now I'm really hungry.

In Christ alone,
Josh Martin

A Favorite Memory

There are so many memories that I love to relive. My graduation, piano recitals, playing hide and seek with neighbors, any class I ever had with Mr. Whalen. The list goes on forever. But here is one that I will always remember. I will try to get pictures as soon as I can find them. This was back in the day when only the rich people had a digital camera : )

My First Black Belt Test!
Date: February 9th 2008
Place: Grelley Colorado
Time: 8:00 AM- 5:30 PM
People Testing: 54
Level of Excitement: Off the Chart!

That day was the longest day of my life. 8 and a half hours of physical torture. But there were a few thing that were very interesting about that day. #1 If you know me and have been around me in a setting of high stress, you will know that I am the most nervous person on the face of the planet. However, that day, I was as calm as I have ever been. God really helped me and kept me safe and from hyperventilating (Which I do a lot!) #2 I got to do it with my little big sister. (3 years older, 5 inches shorter) That was fun.
Overall it was a really good day.
And there you go.

In Christ Alone, Josh Martin

Some quotes I like

“When I was fourteen my father was so ignorant I couldn’t stand him, but when I turned twenty-one I was amazed at how much he had learned in seven years.”


Mark Twain

“Treat a person as they are and they will remain as they are. Treat are person as if they were what they could be and should be and they will become what they could be and should be.”


Jimmy Johnson

Those are some of my favorite quotes.
In Christ alone, Josh Martin

A book review of a book I have recently read.

Now, this may be hard for some of you to grasp, but being in college, you don't have time for a lot of pleasure reading. I have only maneged to read one book for pleasure all semester and I didn't write a report on it. Sorry. Between the 39 papers I've written this semester and the 35 books I've read, I didn't have time to be original.
So here is one that I did for college.

Josh Martin 10/20/11


Chambers College: Four Christian Fantasists

The Golden Key

By George MacDonald

The Golden Key is an allegory by George MacDonald. He follows two main characters named Mossy and Tangle. As the book starts, Mossy’s Aunt is telling him about a golden key that can be found at the end of a rainbow. Mossy finds special interest in the key and one day sees a rainbow in the woods. He goes to it in search of the key. He gets there and finds the key lying in a patch of moss. A fish then comes to him and shows him the way to a house where he meets Tangle and her grandmother.

Tangle was also brought there by a fish. They are sent on a journey by the grandmother to find the door that Mossy’s key will open. They walk through the woods and across a plain. They see some shadows dancing and wish to go to the realm that they are from. After being separated, Tangle finds the old man of the sea. She then is bathed and sent to see the old man of the earth and then lastly to the old man of the fire. He tells her how to get to the land where the shadows are.

Mossy also finds the old man of the sea, but he sees a great king when he talks to him. He is told that because he has a golden key he may cross the sea and find the door. The door leads to Tangle and they reunite and find another key hole. Mossy turns the key and it vanishes before them, but the doorway leads to the land of the shadows.

The symbolism in this book is very interesting and I think obscure. I think the key represents salvation in a way. Both Mossy and his father find a key and go on a journey. I think the fish that go into the pot then come out with white wings are angles because later one guides Tangle through the mountain. The shadow land represents heaven. The different men that Tangle meets I perceive as different levels of purgatory. When she goes to the old man of the fire, she goes through a refining fire, I think because she doesn’t have a key, so her road is much harder. Because Mossy has a key, he gets to skip “purgatory”.

In Tolkien’s “leaf by Niggle”, Niggle has a period of sanctification in purgatory, but Tangle seems to go through salvation in purgatory after she has died. I think that Tolkien does a better job in reflecting their life over their death because MacDonald doesn’t really stop the pace of the story when they die. Their death is almost the exact same as their life, which is very unbiblical.

There you go.
In Christ alone, Josh Martin

My favorite picture and why.

Now Rose is going to kill me for using this picture because of how blurry it is, but it is my favorite. We will be able to retake it in two years when we both graduate. Why is it my favorite? Because I got to share my graduation with my best friend, Rose Cassidy.
In Christ alone, Josh Martin

10 things that I appreciate about my Mother:

#1 She gave birth to me. I’m a bit thankful for that!


#2 She homeschooled me in a Christian manner. I’m a bit thankful for that too!

#3 She let me have the first snow day off from school so we could go play in the snow.

#4She is a great cook, even though she complains about it. I wish I was a better cook and could help her more.

#5 She has a pretty compassionate heart.

#6Her and I share the same sense of humor.

#7 She will often try to convince my dad that pizza is something that is needed, and not just a treat 

#8 She is a very safe and confidant driver. (much better than I probably ever will be)

#9 Now that I am in college, she doesn’t tell me what school I need to be doing. (Believe me, I appreciate that a lot)

# 10 She loves me!

In Christ alone, Josh Martin

Blog Challenge

Hiyo
So my good friend Rose asked me if I wanted to do a blog challenge with her. I of course said yes. If I had said no, you probably wouldn't be reading this right now.
So here is the challenge.
Post 1- 10 things you appreciate about your mother

Post 2- A favorite picture and tell why it is
Post 3- A book review of a book you have recently read
Post 4- Some interesting quotes
Post 5- A favorite memory
Post 6- Write about something you could eat or drink every day for the rest of your life
Post 7- Write about your favorite season
Post 8- A desert tutorial
Post 9- Write about some things you are afraid of
Post 10- A poem you have written
Post 11- Write about a Sibling and what you appreciate about them
Post 12- A move review.
Post 13- Post an interview with a fellow blogger
Post 14- Write about a favorite Hymn
Post 15- Write about what God has taught you in the past year
Post 16- Write about something you feel strongly about
Post 17- Post some of your own art
Post 18- Write about a tradition or old custom that you think should have survived to today
Post 19- Write about a country you would like to visit someday
Post 20- A craft tutorial
Post 21- Write about a person you look up to
Post 22- Post some of your favorite jokes
Post 23- Write about some Bible verses that have impacted your life
Post 24- Post irregular words
Post 25- Write about a day in the life of you
Post 26- Write about your favorite author
Post 27- Recommend some good blogs that you read
Post 28- Write about what you would like to do with your life in the future
Post 29- A favorite recipe
Post 30- Host a contest

Along with Rose I will be doing 1 post every two days.
You can follow Rose at http://throughmyrosyeyesi.blogspot.com/ And you can follow me here (as you already know)
If you want to join the challenge just let Rose or I know and you can copy the post schedule.
 
In Christ alone,
Josh Martin

Halloween

Why do we open the door for trick-or-treaters?

Candy is a reward right? So why would you reward people for dressing up as evil creatures? I do not agree with trick-or-treating at all!

In Christ, Josh Martin

Early Wine

This is a rough draft of the first section of my final paper for Med class.




Definition of wine in the Bible: Wine in the Bible is broadly used and can be uncertain as to whether it is alcohol or grape juice. Two terms are used in the Hebrew Bible.

Yayin: Yay-in, referred to as wine/fermented grape juice.

Tirosh: Tee-roshe, also spelled tiyrowsh, referred to as wine/unfermented grape juice.

The first use of wine in the Bible comes in Genesis 9:20-21 20 And Noah began to be a farmer, and he planted a vineyard. 21 Then he drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent. The Hebrew version says that he drank yayin and was drunk. Therefor Noah planted his vineyard waited for the grapes to grow and then squeezed them into grape juice and waited for it to ferment, thus creating an alcoholic drink. The effect of the wine was that Noah fell asleep. Wine has melatonin in it which is a hormone that can cause drowsiness and sleep.

Sometimes wine is used only for the purpose of putting someone to sleep. Genesis 19:32-35 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve the lineage of our father.” 33 So they made their father drink wine that night. And the firstborn went in and lay with her father, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose.34 It happened on the next day that the firstborn said to the younger, “Indeed I lay with my father last night; let us make him drink wine tonight also, and you go in and lie with him, that we may preserve the lineage of our father.” 35 Then they made their father drink wine that night also. And the younger arose and lay with him, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose.

Wine has its places of good use too in the book of Genesis. Genesis 14:18 18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. The High priests were ordained to us wine; therefor it isn’t a bad thing all the time. Like in the case of Isaac, Genesis 27:25 He said, “Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son’s game, so that my soul may bless you.” So he brought it near to him, and he ate; and he brought him wine, and he drank. Isaac is dying and the wine along with the good food makes what time he has left a bit easier. Proverbs 31:6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart.

The vow of the Nazirite is interesting in its approach to the wine situation. Numbers 6:3-4 he shall separate himself from wine and similar drink; he shall drink neither vinegar made from wine nor vinegar made from similar drink; neither shall he drink any grape juice, nor eat fresh grapes or raisins. 4 All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is produced by the grapevine, from seed to skin. Here they are not allowed to drink either yayin or tirosh. Vinegar is also a fermented substance. It is in many wines and Sherries. In the Bible vinegar is referred to as an alcoholic drink. Matthew 27:48 48And immediately one of them running and getting a sponge, having filled [it] with vinegar and fixed [it] on a reed, gave him to drink.

In Christ alone,
Josh Martin
Leave a comment please

Oh dear!

So the last paper I wrote for Biblical foundations of medicine was so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so awkward that I am not even going to post it. But for those of you who are still in high school, ENJOY IT!

If you are dying to know what the paper was about, read Leviticus 15 and then think about writing an in depth paper on it. "Bleck!" (which is french for "Yuhck")

Josh Martin

Cause and Effects Active in Salvation and Spiritual Maturity

Another week, another 30 million papers.
This one is for Critical Thinking again. I do a lot of papers for that class.


Cause: Why something happens.


Effect: The result of what happens.

⦁ The Cause and Effects of Salvation.

Salvation comes from God alone. Nothing that man has done can earn salvation. Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. How then can we be saved? Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. The only human who ever lived a perfect life died and took the penalty for our sin.

Christ died on the cross.

Cause: God has a love for His creation that we don’t deserve.

Effect: God sent His one and only Son to take our place in death. Salvation is now attainable through this action. We can know God and have fellowship with Him as He had intended in the beginning.

What we must do to receive the effects.

The gift of salvation is ours if we want it. God has made it so all can come to Him. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. However not all will choose to receive the gift. Matthew 22:14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

The Cause and Effects of Receiving Salvation.

Cause: God allows us to see that we are sinners and are in desperate need of a Savior.

Effects: We repent of our sins and are forgiven. There is a transformation from the old sinful heart to a heart that wants to live for God.

⦁The Cause and Effects of Spiritual Maturity.

When we have given our lives to the Lord we no longer want to satisfy the flesh, but want to serve God. Matthew 22:37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ We will still sin, but that’s because we have a sinful nature already inside of us. The difference is that we no longer enjoy it and if we ask for forgiveness, it shall be given to us.

Cause: The transformation we go through when we are saved makes us want to grow in the spirit and learn more about God every day.

Effect: We spend time reading the bible, going to church, having good Christian fellowship and praying. We want to get closer to God and honor Him in all that we do.

Josh Martin

Three Classifications for a Successful Life

Tell me what you think of this paper. Leave a comment and grade it honestly please. I value all your opinions.


Classification: A class is a group of things or situations that share one or more characteristics prescribed to determine membership in the class.


Having a successful life is in itself a classification. Here are three sub classifications that you need to have a spiritually successful life.

⦁Keeping priorities on the eternal. Matthew 6:19-20 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Great possessions such as money, cars, land and mansions will soon be forgotten and nonexistent. Everything in this world that is a possession that we consider to be a treasure will disappear with time. There is however treasures that will last for eternity.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. We do not know what we will earn in heaven, but we will be rewarded. Honor God in all that one thinks, says and does.



⦁Good influences. It is necessary to surround yourself with good company and uplifting fellowship. People that would fit into this class would be fellow church goers, friends and family, and teachers. Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. With bad leadership come bad followers. 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals.” To have a successful life spiritually it is necessary to stay on the straight and narrow. The journey of faith is not one to be taken alone.



⦁Dependence on God Being dependent on God is the most important classification to having a successful life. To be dependent on God, one must forsake the flesh and the desire to lean on their own understandings. John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease." 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Leaning on the God in heaven is the only way to have a successful life.

 
Josh Martin

Thesis paper for Biblical foundations of medicine

This is the most awkward paper I have had to write and the reading for the class was 10 times worse. (NO JOKE!)


Thesis: Hospital births should be preferred for mother and the child


I do not agree with this thesis. Listed below are the reasons I am against it:

⦁ God made women fully capable of bearing children and when doctors get involved they often cause complications. A home birth is a natural way to be fruitful and multiply the way God intended. Doctors will often do things to a child when it is born that is not necessary. That leads to point two.



⦁Every birth is individual and should not be processed as if it were a standard routine. When a few babies have a condition, hospitals will often adapt and start treating all babies as if they have the condition. Therefor your child could be subjected to treatments that are potentially harmful. Every birth is a miracle given to us by God and should be treated that way. A home birth offers security, privacy, and individual attention to detail.



⦁Hospital births became popular because of the relief from pain that it offered. For some women pain can be a very intimidating thought. The thought of a painless birth might sound too good to be true, but many are willing to try. In a hospital during the excitement of labor, you can’t be fully aware of everything going on around you and the doctors could possibly try a new procedure without informing you fully of what may happen.



⦁Health is greatly improved. In a hospital there a many more germs, which over time have grown accustom to the disinfectants and are much stronger than average germs. Why would you put a new born baby in a location that could be detrimental to its health? A midwife is just as capable of taking care of a new born baby as a doctor is, because midwives are either trained by another midwife for a good period of time, or certified as a nurse.



⦁The benefits of a doctor. Having checkups to make sure a baby is healthy and the process is going correctly is very important. When having a high risk pregnancy a doctor can be very helpful if something were to go wrong such as the loss of too much blood. If a catastrophe were to happen, hospitals are equipped with the correct tools to be of great assistance.

Conclusion If it is a low risk pregnancy it would be more beneficial to have a home birth. However there is risk in every pregnancy and every birth. Being ready to transfer to a hospital if the worst should happen is not a bad idea. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;

Josh Martin

Define a good definition

Here is a paper I turned in today.


Lexical Definition: A statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol.


⦁What a definition is not. It is not a repetitive statement that repeats itself to the point of repetition.

It should not be too negative and point out only what it’s not.

It should not use the word that is being described.

It should not describe the word in terms that no one can understand.



⦁A good definition: Strait to the point.

It should give synonyms of the word being described.

It should cover only what needs to be covered to make it clear.



How definitions are viewed in scripture 1 Corinthian 14:20 Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.

We are told here in 1 Corinthians that we need to think maturely and not blow off the responsibility. We are to make ourselves clear and not speak in riddles. State what needs to be known and not what doesn’t.



The importance of a good definition Pretty much everyone looks at a word differently. If I say “target” you might think of a shooting range while I’m thinking of a store with overpriced clothes. If this misunderstanding isn’t cleared up, who knows where the conversation will end up? A clear meaning of a word is important so that confusion can be cut to a minimum and costly mistakes can be avoided.



Conclusion A definition is worth taking the time to understand.

Josh Martin

Critical Thinking

So, I decided to post some of the papers I have to write for College. My apologies, but you cant copy them and use them yourselves: )
This one is for my Critical Thinking and decernment class. And here we go!!!



Critical thinking is the ability to be able to think under pressure and in hard or difficult times. In the Bible critical thinking is exemplified multiple times. Such as seen in the book of Job, as he goes through his trials.


Job had land, family and wealth, but most of all, he enjoyed his relationship with God. When Job suffered attacks on his faith, there was a prime opportunity to see his true character. After he loses everything he has in no time at all, Satan attacks him with his health and one thing that was surely one of the most important things he had-- his wife.

Job 2:9-10 Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die." 10But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?"[a] In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

When Job’s helper-completer turns against him and God, Job has to do some critical thinking. He can either join his wife, curse God and die, or he can optimize his faith. After everything he just went through, it would have been much easier to give in to the peer pressure, but because of his undying love for God he was able to make the right decision.

Another example of critical thinking is King Saul. In 1 Samuel, Saul is ordered to destroy the Amalekites. 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them.

Saul went and gathered an army, went on his way and later in the chapter, attacked. 1 Samuel 15:8 8 He also took Agag king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were unwilling to utterly destroy them. But everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed.

When he did this it greatly displeased the Lord. Saul had a chance to do the right thing or the wrong thing and sadly he chose to disobey God. Saul said that he would sacrifice the animals to God, but Samuel says in verse 22 “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.” Unlike Job, Saul gave in to the pressure and decided to keep all the good things available and because of it he lost his throne.

The quality of critical thinking is something that must be developed. It is an essential thing to have in life and without it we would all end up trying to please the flesh and not God.

Josh Martin

For Now

Hey everyone,
So this summer was very very very very very very very busy! That's life when you get a job. So sorry I haven't been posting. Anywho, College started today. AHHHH!!!!! Scary it was.
Ok, I'm calm now. So because of my full schedule I will not be posting much for a while. I thank you all for following this blog and not dropping it when I dont post for 6 weeks. Good luck to all you out there who are in school. I am praying for you, and would be very grateful if you would pray for me.

In Christ alone,
Josh Martin

BAM!!!!!!!

Bam, most people would use this word when they do something cool or like pone someone in a game. Thats not how I think of it!

B
A
M

Hmmm, What that means to me is BE A MAN!
Now I know that I only have like 5 followers who are guys, but this is for you. Girls don't worry, I have stuff for you in this post too.

They say that chivalry is dead. Do you agree with that? Leave a comment and tell me if you think that chivalry is dead. I think it is! And I am going to blame the girls for that one. Girls, yes, you killed chivalry! Back in the day when girls wore ten layers of close and stayed at home with their mother and learned how to make a good help mate someday, men had ample opportunity to be chivalrous. Now with all these Career women who do everything for themselves, they don't give us guys any chances to be chivalrous.

Now guys, It is our job to protect the honor of girls and try to please them if we can as long as we don't compromise ourselves. So if there is a door to be opened..... Try to open it before the girl notices. Girls, I know that you are always thinking, (and usually talking) and you notice that the door needs opened, but for crying out loud!!! Give the poor guy a chance!! Guys, Take the chance!!

Okay, now everyone is happy!

Josh Martin

P.S. Don't forget about that new blog "Rain the whole year round"! It has growing popularity and I'm sure that they would love for you to join them! http://itsarainydayandiloveit.blogspot.com/

Contest winner!!

And we have a winning picture! Sorry I haven't posted on it sooner, but my email has been down and I just got it up again.

So here is the picture

This picture has everything I was looking for in this contest!

And the winner is Miss Jenny!!!!
The picture was taken in Downtown Loveland Colorado.

And well, there you have it. Thank you all you people who would have entered but didn't because it wasn't raining. I'm sorry and if I ever do another contest like this I will have it later in the year when there is more rain.

Josh Martin

May God bless you!

P.S. don't forget about that great new blog "Rain the whole year round" with those two great writers Tim Sanders and Evelyn James! http://itsarainydayandiloveit.blogspot.com/

An Amazing New Blog!!!

Okay people, this just in.... There is a new blog sweeping the nation, or it will anyway if you help it get there! So, the Aurthur's name is Tim Sanders, (great guy) and he has a writing partner who's name is Evelyn James (great girl).
I know they would love it if you started following their blog and help spread the word!!

So here is a link http://itsarainydayandiloveit.blogspot.com/

Now if this was not a good blog, there is no way I would endorse it, but I think this is going to be a really cool blog!! So lets help the get going shall we?

Isaiah 41:6 Everyone helped his neighbor, And said to his brother, "Be of good courage!"

Josh Martin

Graduation!!!

Yes!
It has finally happened!!! After 11 long years of school, I am now starting 4 more years. Wait.... Well anyway my graduation was on Thursday and I am now a proud owner of a high school diploma!!!

Me and Steph

Me and Rose

Me, Mrs. Kautz and Todd

I could not have done this without, first of all my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!! Second, My amazing parents for home schooling me. And third, friends who believed in me and were a constant encouragement like Rose and Todd!

Thank you everyone for your help and support.

Josh Martin

The Award...... or so they say

Hello all you out there in blog land.

Exiting news... this just in... This blog has won its first award!! Yay!! Always only for my King has won the......

So, the conditions of winning this blog are this: You must list 7 things about yourself.

So, here they are..

1 My life belongs to the Lord and I have not regretted it for a second.

2 My favorite verse in the Bible is Matthew 16:26

3 My favorite book in the Bible is Romans

4 My favorite word is “Foliage”

5 My middle name remains a secret to almost everyone. (if you know it, consider yourself special)

6 I highly enjoy writing

7 I have been blessed with the best friends in the world!!!!!

I would like to pass this award on to someone else now. And the winner is……………………

Anna from “Living for Christ”

http://livingforchrist1.blogspot.com/

Okay Anna, your turn to take the award and say seven things about yourself, then pass it on.

2 Timothy 2:4 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.


Thanks for reading and don't forget about the contest. It ends soon. However, I am changing the ending date from the 10th to the 16th. Two reasons, 1 I have too much school to do, and 2 It isn't raining much right now. So, the 16th!

Josh Martin

Photo contest

Hey all I know I almost never post, and I'm sorry about that. Its not easy trying to graduate early. There are a ton of dead lines. Anywho, Almost every blog that I follow has done a contest (most of which I've entered) so I think I've decided to do one. (and its not just to fit in. I couldn't care less about that) So here is the contest..... I want you to find a picture of a rainy street. Now I'm going for the old fashioned look. Try to think, brick paved streets and a sidewalk cafe' and its night time in Paris with lots of lights. Something like that. (its ok if all those things aren't in it) Just send me an email at Dallas9romonfl1@q.com Please, a max of 2 pics per-person. The contest will end April 10, so don't delay. And one more helpful hint, Don't just get on google images. I will recognize the pic immediately if you do. First prize will be me putting your pic and a link to your blog on mine. Second prize (assuming two people enter) will just have your name and a good job. 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. Good luck, please enter, and have a good day. In Christ alone Josh Martin P.S. You get kudos if you take the picture yourself.

God's Mountains

This post was a request from one of my followers. I was glad to do it for her, and would gladly consider any ideas you might for future posts. Just leave a comment below in the comment box.


Jeremiah 4:24
I beheld the mountains, and indeed they trembled, And all the hills moved back and forth.

Thanks for watching.

Josh Martin

P.S. Some of the pictures were taken by my sister aswell. (I didn't have my camera yet)

Not a normal post for me.

Normally I only talk about thing which are spiritual, but today I am doing a recipe. And it will have something to do with the Bible!

Seeings how I'm not much oh a cook, I can only give the ingredients, but not really how to cook it.

The recipe is "scalloped potatoes and ham"

The ingredients are:
5, 1/2 Potatoes
1 cup of milk
1/2 cup of butter
1/8 cup of flour
1/2 ham steak
(for one person)

After you put all this in a cooking pan, I asume you put it in the oven. I know that you cook it till the potatoes are soft. (I love it when they are soft, not crunchy)

And thats all I have for you.

Ezekiel 24:10
Heap on the wood, Kindle the fire; Cook the meat well, Mix in the spices, And let the cuts be burned up.

Josh Martin

A prayer answerd

Hello.
In regards to my last post, Mariel did not leave the country!!!!! I thank you for all your prayers! She stayed here in the state, but did not return home. Please keep praying for her and her family! I have no idea what is going on in her life right now, but I know she needs the Lord to help her.
Josh Martin

Urgent prayer request!

Hello all of my 15 followers.
So I have a prayer request for you.
I know this girl named Mariel. She just turned 21. Last friday, she went missing. No one knew where she was for a couple days, but her parents found her 2 days ago. I cant give you many details, but she is with some bad friends and might leave the country. If she leaves, there is a very good chance that she wont come home alive.

Please pray for her and her family!

Josh Martin

2 TT r sq

Sometimes life seems like a geometry formula. First you think "What the???" and then you try to break it down a little. Eventually you think you have a pretty good idea of what life is and what it's all about. But if you had to take a test right now and find out the circumference of a circle using that formula, could you do it?

I don't think I could. Not yet anyway. I don't understand life yet, and I don't know anyone who does. If you do understand life, give me call and explain it please. But just like I know what the formula is, I also know who Jesus Christ is. I know He has saved me from hell, and I love Him for it.

I don't think a lot of things will make sense during my life, but someday they will. I look forward to that day even more than learning how to use the formula the right way.

Josh Martin