tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44435427887463372672024-03-13T21:59:24.866-05:00Urgent CareFunk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-88528556530449182962010-06-18T10:37:00.001-05:002010-06-18T10:37:41.698-05:00Acts of Random Kindness<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJRitbCR_Q6doxThJj7A-GHB95jjNfaKCR8IjfNqxo-RCFJbn-DhzIiSBQ1VK2p_NGO1G2YDQOwT_uS6-LT-E5Z7Pr-WiaD_9n3oTIF2pkTj-hg8LGZC7oBtBu9BH_T1EnYddnIYlrs0/s1600/IMG01252-20100618-1030-761699.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJRitbCR_Q6doxThJj7A-GHB95jjNfaKCR8IjfNqxo-RCFJbn-DhzIiSBQ1VK2p_NGO1G2YDQOwT_uS6-LT-E5Z7Pr-WiaD_9n3oTIF2pkTj-hg8LGZC7oBtBu9BH_T1EnYddnIYlrs0/s320/IMG01252-20100618-1030-761699.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484138346913128786" /></a></p>On Evan Almighty, God (Morgan Freeman) says that the way to change the world is to just do Acts of Random Kindness. Today, I went to java and ordered a Quad caramel latte.<p>Before the barista started making it I asked to cancel it cause I didn't have my bank card, and she says, "oh what a bummer! I'll make it for you anyway."<p>Free coffee taste so much better.<p>People amaze me. I am so lucky to have so many good people in my life and even random strangers I encounter.<p>Thank you God for making that young lady bless my day with her random act of kindness! Please return the favor by blessing her as well. Bless her all her life. LOL. Amen!Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-86183039351753464612010-05-06T12:51:00.000-05:002010-05-06T12:51:06.223-05:00Getting Real With ItWhen I write the rest of the world shuts off and I transcend into my mind. My mind is constantly filled with restless thoughts. Lately, my mind has been cluttered with a combination of good and bad thoughts, heavenly and earthly, healthy and toxic. <br />
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I feel and see the spiritual struggle within me. Satan's battle for my flesh and God's battle for my heart, the ultimate prize in the end being my soul. <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">Heh</span>, I'm the prize....the prize?<br />
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I never struggle with my identity in Christ. I know that I am forever saved, loved, forgiven.... My struggle is for my identity here on earth. A silly worry for those who are mature in faith and maybe not so silly for those who don't believe in the concept of God. I'm speaking as someone who is in love with God, has great faith and is still alive...here on earth. And this is my struggle, I am still very much human.<br />
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When I was baptized 6 years ago, I was to die to my flesh...take up "my cross" and be reborn. I was, that day...but I keep finding that dying to my flesh is a daily task, sometimes hourly for me.<br />
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I think that for me, being a young (relatively speaking) writer/artist/mom/wife/human, that the need to be accepted and loved by the majority IS important. At what cost though? For what good is a man if he gains the world but looses his soul? I get this scripture, believe it, long to live by it. I remind myself of this passage almost everyday, <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" goog-spell-original="eplacing">replacing</span> the word "world" with, <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" goog-spell-original="drunkeness">drunkenness</span>, sexual immorality, apathy, carelessness, etc, to relate to my daily temptations. The truth of the matter is that these things that <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" goog-spell-original="satan">Satan</span> tempts me with leave me feeling pretty shitty....leave me feeling like I'd rather die...so why don't I? <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" goog-spell-original="Spirituallly">Spiritually</span> speaking? Die to my flesh...how does/can someone ignore their natural needs to be loved and accepted.<br />
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My Christian friends will say, "well, pray Stephanie, ask and ye shall <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" goog-spell-original="recieve">receive</span>." <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">BLAGH</span>! Well, sure guys, easier said then done. I do. Does everything have to be a spiritual attack? Can it be that God made me human and that I'm not perfect. No matter how much I pray, how much I read scripture, how long I spend time with God, it will not make me perfect, it will not make me stop feeling my imperfect feelings. Let's get real. I believe and am okay with God letting me be imperfect so that I can seek him to comfort and correct me, teach me and walk with me. God, let's us fall so He can pick us back up... if we ask.<br />
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Where am I going with all this? I'm sitting here asking myself. Lets see...my identity...here it is...I am okay with being a sinner and a Christian. A Christian Sinner. Which we all are. (Heresy!!) I'm not saying that I'm okay with sinning, I'm saying that I accept that I am a sinner and that I suck and that I am still accepted by God. And that should be enough for me.<br />
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Maybe it is. I'm not fully convinced though.Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-52990822620072845422010-05-06T11:49:00.000-05:002010-05-06T11:49:03.621-05:00Where I'd Rather BeThis was written about a month ago and for some reason never published. I will publish it now.<br />
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The following is going to be an entry written while listening to Rancid's Let the Dominoes Fall.<br />
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Bare with me as my thoughts might become distracted by Tim Armstrong singing ridiculous lyrics in the background.<br />
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It's Easter Sunday around 10 pm. I sitting in the ramp office at work waiting for a plane that's over 2 hours late. The atmosphere is dense and outside is cold and windy. There are so many places I'd rather be right now. I will list a few.<br />
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<ol><li>Santa Monica, CA</li>
<li>Las Vegas, NV</li>
<li>My house, my back yard</li>
<li>My car</li>
<li>an imaginary art studio set in my new apartment 2 months from now.</li>
<li>First Friday</li>
<li>Heaven</li>
<li>The Gun Store</li>
<li>At the movies with my cousins</li>
<li>Having sushi with Brett Kasden </li>
<li>Having a beer with Brett Kasden </li>
<li>On the river</li>
<li>Seattle</li>
<li>The Warf</li>
<li>Time Square</li>
<li>Central Park</li>
<li>Over at Delta</li>
<li>India with Shauna McCullar</li>
<li>IHOP with Shauna McCullar</li>
<li>Geo Caching with Matthew </li>
<li>In bed with Matthew (meow)</li>
<li>Barn Bar</li>
<li>In the middle of the road on Washington and Mojave</li>
<li>On my roof with a hot cup of coffee</li>
<li>Destiny Church between 6-7p YESTERDAY</li>
<li>At a Counting Crows Concert</li>
<li>At a coffee shop playing chess with Matthew</li>
<li>I'd rather be high</li>
<li>Amoeba Records</li>
<li>Id rather be drawing outside</li>
</ol>Id rather be standing at the dmv in Vegas on a Friday at lunch time. Yeah. So even though that list wasn't written in order of preference, you get the picture of how little I want to be here. Life is suppose to be about living and when I'm here i'm waiting. I'm waiting for the clock to speed up and the plane to land so that I can get the fuck out of this place and start to live.Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-72491880495308166512010-05-03T13:47:00.000-05:002010-05-03T13:47:05.888-05:00Faux Obituary (it's not real people)Stephanie Holt, 72, of San Diego, died peacefully Wednesday.<br />
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She was born in to the late Ruben Valenzuela and Maribel Galvez, August 21, 1983 in Las Vegas, NV. She married her highschool sweetheart, the late Matthew Holt in 2002 and is survived by 3 daughters, Jade Romero, of San Diego, CA, Samantha McCullar, of Portland,OR and Elise Andrews, of Sacramento,CA. She also is survived by 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, as well as dozens of foster children and their children.<br />
<br />
Stephanie loved to travel and lived adventurously, fully trusting in her Lord, Jesus Christ, to provide for her family financially and spiritually. Because of her faith, she raised her children in a Christian home, and although critized by the Christian community as being a radical and babaric in her walk with Christ, was known by many for her love for orphans and the community that she created around her home in Southern California. <br />
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Stephanie and her late husband Matthew founded The Gathering, an art community within the neighborhood they resided in, promoting freedom to worship God through art, music and writing. Neighbors attribute the peaceful quality of living in the 1 mile radius of this block to The Gathering and many state that although The Gathering is founded on Christianity, they have never felt excluded from the community due to cultural or religious differences. The San Diego police department has recognized The Gathering for being a contributing factor to the decline of crime in the area and the San Diego Union Tribune has recognized The Gathering as the reason for the increase in property value in the neighborhood since its establishment in 2032. Her daughter Jade Romero has heired this non profit organization and will continue with its operation to promote community, faith, hope and love.<br />
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Stephanie has written several childrens book and an autobiography was published in 2054.<br />
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A memorial service will be held Saturday at Mission Beach at 5p. An evening of celebration and rememberance of Mrs. Holt's life will be held by The Gathering community in their neighborhood at 7p. All are invited for an evening of community and love...the greatest being love.Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-45562925240139231122010-05-03T12:34:00.001-05:002010-05-03T13:53:55.539-05:00The Inevitable According to MeThis is the last paragraph of my autobiography...to be rewritten at any time and with as many revisions as I deem necessary.<br />
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Our life so far has been a tiring one. The kind of tired though that leaves you lying in bed, wide awake, wondering..."what next?" The kind of tired that is meerly physical and less mentally exhausting. The kind of tired that makes the outside look older then you feel. I'll be 71 years old tomorrow and our house is full of children varying from ages 12-24. It's close to one in the morning and I can hear the whispers and giggles of our new family who have contributed to the richness and happiness that is now our daily life. They call me blessed and yet I am the one who feels so blessed to have rescued these children from those institutions. In their brokenness, they overflow with generosity and compassion for eachother and the world that has rejected them so harshly. They have taught me unconditional love in my old age and continue to shape my character, to that which I can now call Christ-like. I am humble, patient, and kind. Willing to lay my life down for these kids who I now call my friends. I am no longer known for the clothes I wear or the things I own, I am known for the love I expell and that last forever.<br />
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<br />
Corinthians 13:13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-73638096992492802010-04-27T23:30:00.005-05:002010-04-27T23:40:42.254-05:00Repost "What Matters More 2.0"<a href="http://temptationofjoy.blogspot.com/2010/04/what-matters-more-20.html">http://temptationofjoy.blogspot.com/2010/04/what-matters-more-20.html</a> <---written by another blogger<br />
<br />
I like and agree with this blog.<br />
<br />
Excerpt from above link...My point in all of this is I believe Jennifer Knapp is still a christian. If she says she still has a relationship with God and is still spiritually motivated and has a community of believers that speak into her life, then I'll take her at her word and say yes she's a christian. She is on the same spiritual walk that I am. And I hate this idea that because she's gay, she's can't be a christian. You can be gay and christian. You can be an alcoholic and christian. You can be an adulterer and a christian. You can be a liar and a christian, a gossip and a christian, whatever and a christian. Why do certain sins carry such a weight that because we live in them, it cancels out our faith? If a christian lives in gossip no one is saying they're not a believer because of it. In fact most people wouldn't attack them for being a gossip... We've made some sins bigger then other. But Jennifer Knapp doesn't think her relationship is a sin. And it's not my place to judge her. Which I guess was my biggest issue with Botsford; his complete lack of love.<br />
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<a href="http://www.revolutionnyc.com/when-the-law-gets-in-the-way-of-love/">http://www.revolutionnyc.com/when-the-law-gets-in-the-way-of-love/</a><br />
Jay Bakker's sermon last week on Jennifer Knap's coming out and the Christian communities response.Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-36662287525203380452010-04-14T20:22:00.001-05:002010-04-14T20:22:34.076-05:00Jamais VuI was experiencing jamais vu right now. The opposite of deja vu. An eerie (yet exciting) feeling of being someplace you've been before but feel like you're there for the first time. I added the excited part cause I feel like when you're on vacation someplace new and your senses are heightened with all the new surroundings and its like you want to feel as much as you can and experience as much as you can all at once. That and the wet ground is making the air smell like fish. Which reminds me of the ocean. I think its actually cow shit which I'm relating to maybe...seagull crap. Hence the ocean smell. I like the ocean.Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-27700624317616952202010-04-04T08:05:00.003-05:002010-04-04T08:05:55.236-05:00ty for my sins. You are a loving and good God and we celebrate your triumph and completed promise today and forever.Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-45124550746464588192010-04-04T08:05:00.001-05:002010-04-04T08:05:52.458-05:00He has risen. Its Easter! The best holiday and celebration of the year!<p>Oh how I love Him!!<p>Thank you God that you sent your only son to take the penalFunk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-32931846867204823902010-04-01T09:35:00.000-05:002010-04-01T09:42:10.582-05:00First Cup of Coffee in a Month<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JdxVRE334OgTOCweYD8MIHuaqdEAuB4H3zDEuxzSTYntXzyNgUmctOEqAwNBtIBHyBcOV9slXqoQr0X5ds74_zDoniuDBcLQLh0WhmrUVTyS41LU_LiJfQEmKhWDVB1t-IbcWm3qUCA/s1600/IMG01024-20100401-0934-730583.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JdxVRE334OgTOCweYD8MIHuaqdEAuB4H3zDEuxzSTYntXzyNgUmctOEqAwNBtIBHyBcOV9slXqoQr0X5ds74_zDoniuDBcLQLh0WhmrUVTyS41LU_LiJfQEmKhWDVB1t-IbcWm3qUCA/s320/IMG01024-20100401-0934-730583.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455179397084425650" /></a></p>I'm so giddy.Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-17935312235209545262010-03-26T17:59:00.001-05:002010-03-26T17:59:29.744-05:00So apparently it is torn<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicv1-eLE0_NlVtSX-_joKOYVJk17atKvHWdWAQYo-_RlUFTDnKVcMXnZsKxqbMy8dpX3dibA797OhMIFqOMIB50BJ3GvlpK_fqnwfKtuOmmJVARCM-Y6WJg-51RCg4pdry38twlGZmgec/s1600/IMG01005-20100326-1559-769745.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicv1-eLE0_NlVtSX-_joKOYVJk17atKvHWdWAQYo-_RlUFTDnKVcMXnZsKxqbMy8dpX3dibA797OhMIFqOMIB50BJ3GvlpK_fqnwfKtuOmmJVARCM-Y6WJg-51RCg4pdry38twlGZmgec/s320/IMG01005-20100326-1559-769745.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453081044268717490" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYdq7TJHgO-vcSGkBC6t0cv-0_A-iD4oGDEPAmzFF812ZGAnJdL1d4EuYNiV4-Zhc77Hnhi3gMob7HuOj7Jtz5vErSvQngNFagktY3Opj2yte4053VmQ4E2qP-HoaMwxnfdGP4OUNtA4/s1600/IMG01007-20100326-1601-771970.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYdq7TJHgO-vcSGkBC6t0cv-0_A-iD4oGDEPAmzFF812ZGAnJdL1d4EuYNiV4-Zhc77Hnhi3gMob7HuOj7Jtz5vErSvQngNFagktY3Opj2yte4053VmQ4E2qP-HoaMwxnfdGP4OUNtA4/s320/IMG01007-20100326-1601-771970.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453081053103824802" /></a></p>I have an MRI to determine if I need surgery. I'm gonna go jog.Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-74650481272502996272010-03-21T09:44:00.001-05:002010-03-26T17:31:10.209-05:00A New DayIt's Sunday and to most people its the last day of the weekend instead of the 1st day of the week.<br />
Remember that?<br />
Ofcourse, the dreaded Monday lurks around the corner and Monday has taken Sunday's place as number one. To Christian's all over, today is the Sabbath, a day of rest. But God rested on the last day not the first. So....?<br />
Those were all random thoughts when Sunday came to my mind. Nevermind the rant. The point is today is different then yesterday. It's new! Joy comes in the morning and today it did once more. I've been struggling with grace lately towards certain people in specific. The lack of grace or opposition of extending it has made me resentful and bitter. Last night I sat at the alter and prayed for God to take this anger away and asked for forgiveness and peace. He was true to His promise to always comfort me and His spirit consumed me and I prayed harder. <br />
As I prayed hard and fast, images of people came into my mind like a super fast power point presentation. First, the people that have trespassed against me. God showed me their offenses and just as fast showed my offenses against them. Then that transitioned into all the people in my life that need prayer for certain things. From my immediately family to my extended family and friends it seemed like no one I knew was left without prayer.<br />
I wish I knew what I was saying. Praying in tongues is the most powerful thing I've ever done with God and in the end I'm left feeling at peace and very, very happy. Whatever the Holy Spirit in me prayed for I'm sure it was more genuine and perfect compared to whatever my own tongue could say. Even in the comfort of my own solitude I have a hard time saying what's in my heart out loud. Not cause I'm hiding from God but because I'm hiding from myself. Thank you God that you send Your Spirit to intercede for us so that our hearts can be revealed. <br />
Anyway. I feel great and thankful again. Ready to face new conflicts and roadblocks and also to receive joy and grace. Today is Sunday and it is the first day of the rest of my life.Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-65909963046362029082010-03-20T21:57:00.000-05:002010-03-20T21:58:03.041-05:00A Mad Tea Party<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8-9w5i_BcgNXiRq4D3e23uDilrM9nGqGxjjtmGGJHVDGtzpuDHStlg8pA57M4G1blJYVaTN5AI1WTYy8Dmq8a9c6gDQrXHFM1EqwqIDS0_0HKP10iTXE33xcw7G4_9bk0Gnbp5PWwfw/s1600-h/image-783042.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8-9w5i_BcgNXiRq4D3e23uDilrM9nGqGxjjtmGGJHVDGtzpuDHStlg8pA57M4G1blJYVaTN5AI1WTYy8Dmq8a9c6gDQrXHFM1EqwqIDS0_0HKP10iTXE33xcw7G4_9bk0Gnbp5PWwfw/s320/image-783042.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450916011628793362" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYxkTS0yjBbEuUvdQyoM2AHWDuplc67m-ciGuaeBEzcg5WvKOH3lCaoxqi-GoVYWyBt-ZT0OGvX30bkAXt9ZZVo6Rva4cjncVHzsZvgbqS2UXwcgpp2F3Fc8Hx4VJCAruiCkE4BsFxZc/s1600-h/IMG00959-20100320-1309-784589.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYxkTS0yjBbEuUvdQyoM2AHWDuplc67m-ciGuaeBEzcg5WvKOH3lCaoxqi-GoVYWyBt-ZT0OGvX30bkAXt9ZZVo6Rva4cjncVHzsZvgbqS2UXwcgpp2F3Fc8Hx4VJCAruiCkE4BsFxZc/s320/IMG00959-20100320-1309-784589.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450916016324908146" /></a></p>A very merry unbirthday to you!!!<p>I have cool fun friends. We had tea and cakes, played croquet and watched 3 versions of Alice in Wonderland all in one day, including Tim Burton's in 3D. <p>It was all Joy's idea. Frabjous day! Collouh Callay!Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-53223206323783830472010-03-18T12:17:00.001-05:002010-03-18T12:17:43.332-05:00I love MN parks<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXSzK_vjUQ1lMX3SXsM8-wUT9rJkYrUX-BdaoKFhhdT83whuEd-5vnYg1KND7glH3R7R0-gxbAZ5Lh5Y1u9C-qBnmgCYjriMSU-UUbs70Efdqyq81YSd4UCbyArN9N4Vg-p5y6pCai8c/s1600-h/IMG00956-20100318-1216-763333.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXSzK_vjUQ1lMX3SXsM8-wUT9rJkYrUX-BdaoKFhhdT83whuEd-5vnYg1KND7glH3R7R0-gxbAZ5Lh5Y1u9C-qBnmgCYjriMSU-UUbs70Efdqyq81YSd4UCbyArN9N4Vg-p5y6pCai8c/s320/IMG00956-20100318-1216-763333.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450024289743353858" /></a></p>They have the coolest playgrounds. This is Silver Lakes newest Pirate Ship.Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-60722266856000708322010-03-17T00:44:00.000-05:002010-03-17T00:44:39.923-05:00Jade and Pinky Pie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij09mUtFX3kJZmOURVnN1J4ySd_-US9n-ps7OW21onHiYY-ERZYKi19tZxzhhWvwQtzGA22Xj0sBykOeiMu5o5aUI5FpQ3LBXUOxQltOtXCH2_6OCVkol9aGGmhNqV3yYmoQG_EkBt29k/s1600-h/Jade+2.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij09mUtFX3kJZmOURVnN1J4ySd_-US9n-ps7OW21onHiYY-ERZYKi19tZxzhhWvwQtzGA22Xj0sBykOeiMu5o5aUI5FpQ3LBXUOxQltOtXCH2_6OCVkol9aGGmhNqV3yYmoQG_EkBt29k/s320/Jade+2.jpg" /></a> Her eyes are beautiful.<div style='clear:both; text-align:NONE'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-45554644014212812452010-03-15T22:50:00.001-05:002010-03-15T22:50:06.419-05:00My Husband (PT 3)<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTQZaVr1vkX406DiInSiDDG5Xy7e3ZpIrVnyQnewVqluire7XtOhw9tmr-dX5vWtAPcSP4U9eCR-MinGdRfgRI04PHSHAidGThaYJuOr7cnfZDBD1TYiy0JHJMtAV_Uh3XTIkfR9Ev7w/s1600-h/IMG00949-20100315-2248-706420.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTQZaVr1vkX406DiInSiDDG5Xy7e3ZpIrVnyQnewVqluire7XtOhw9tmr-dX5vWtAPcSP4U9eCR-MinGdRfgRI04PHSHAidGThaYJuOr7cnfZDBD1TYiy0JHJMtAV_Uh3XTIkfR9Ev7w/s320/IMG00949-20100315-2248-706420.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449073999564221970" /></a></p>Is not photogenic.Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-58286211638332780002010-03-15T14:50:00.001-05:002010-03-15T14:50:06.976-05:00My Husband (PT 2)<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sCMBTVaTTadBIJDn412yVkNjplSOMJVgWM9BKBU4I0rgIGFOb27WDfNfnBGiJ-zJENinxa5qUagEWVQmzKTNgdE_5vNIr93DTe2WGesEo5E20Mqi4x285rzFk1uxbMYsDA9z0hWix5g/s1600-h/IMG00946-20100315-1447-706977.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sCMBTVaTTadBIJDn412yVkNjplSOMJVgWM9BKBU4I0rgIGFOb27WDfNfnBGiJ-zJENinxa5qUagEWVQmzKTNgdE_5vNIr93DTe2WGesEo5E20Mqi4x285rzFk1uxbMYsDA9z0hWix5g/s320/IMG00946-20100315-1447-706977.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448950307660190130" /></a></p>See! He's been home from work for 2 mins and he's already reading to both his kids. Using different voices for each character. Both kids are laughing on his lap. Perfect.Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-77818314707599379032010-03-15T14:43:00.001-05:002010-03-15T14:43:12.564-05:00Samantha the Bookworm<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uo_eRUY5dZfiItPm6ZU5ZRmgNiaOLuVm054piRtJ7-61UJ2y7uuMC4RbwxEmb4NJAihVBEBWYagdwfhnPM8pSHbwjno00fuZBy8yIHbSFQ24oqnFcnErdondWsiNTSHjVmVIfczCz2E/s1600-h/IMG00945-20100315-1438-792565.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uo_eRUY5dZfiItPm6ZU5ZRmgNiaOLuVm054piRtJ7-61UJ2y7uuMC4RbwxEmb4NJAihVBEBWYagdwfhnPM8pSHbwjno00fuZBy8yIHbSFQ24oqnFcnErdondWsiNTSHjVmVIfczCz2E/s320/IMG00945-20100315-1438-792565.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448948525492307250" /></a></p>Pulling out her dad's favorite book as a child. The Giving Tree.Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-58565433193798680632010-03-15T13:51:00.001-05:002010-03-15T13:51:55.869-05:00My Husband<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2Umk-iH4fyWtO8QbbX3TIXVnBMvHwFkJ_T-LZCctjn_9HUNYdIRUmE9ud2xKVjHAeqEWZdLv5UCwAPY9KBiNYu1P77u3J36QmQXa3ujwRXQ3JBpfzK6xJfAur1tf3dCv3moO4JXghxs/s1600-h/IMG00925-20100311-2121-715870.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2Umk-iH4fyWtO8QbbX3TIXVnBMvHwFkJ_T-LZCctjn_9HUNYdIRUmE9ud2xKVjHAeqEWZdLv5UCwAPY9KBiNYu1P77u3J36QmQXa3ujwRXQ3JBpfzK6xJfAur1tf3dCv3moO4JXghxs/s320/IMG00925-20100311-2121-715870.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448935310169296514" /></a></p>My husband Matthew is amazing. I grew up with him so I should know. We've been together for 11 years now and everyday is filled with exciting twist and turns.<p>Although I feel like I know him more than anyone in this world, he's still mysterious, leaving me to ask the "who are you?" question. His thirst to obtain knowledge and motivation to use it and share it, makes him a man who is always different, never afraid to change his outlook on things while keeping his integrity.<p>My favorite part about being married to my best friend is his sense of humor and quick wit. He's sensitive to my feelings (unless the joke is gonna be really good) but still he is not afraid to give me shit when I'm my high horse and I need to be knocked down. He pushes me to the limit and backs off when I've had enough. He's not that good at mind reading yet but he's also smart enough to not assume things as most people tend to do.<p>He is obsessed with making us happy, and that means, providing and protecting us from anything that might make us the opposite of this word. And unlike some men who can't wait to go on that hunting trip or fishing for the week, he looks forward to spending time with his kids and hanging out with his wife. I see and feel the difference between his relationship with our girls and my fathers relationship with me. It is genuine and not burdensome. He longs to be with us and we long to be with him.<p>I'm a lucky girl to be with such a fun, sexy, caring and smart man. Thank you God.Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-42375568454314633122010-03-15T01:46:00.001-05:002010-03-15T01:46:41.230-05:00I should be asleep<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEp1vNGdFiOosEyFT65cwO-r68VFzJVY3Wk1TRLpt9q1MwGqK6ORNol6_FDJjeP1_mPGkJb_BWTD_w4qCSPk8OVQf1b1FwpC3jSc2ww_I3WCmDVtWAH5c2hRGxExxSfbS9y6M7jD62FA/s1600-h/IMG00941-20100315-0145-701231.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEp1vNGdFiOosEyFT65cwO-r68VFzJVY3Wk1TRLpt9q1MwGqK6ORNol6_FDJjeP1_mPGkJb_BWTD_w4qCSPk8OVQf1b1FwpC3jSc2ww_I3WCmDVtWAH5c2hRGxExxSfbS9y6M7jD62FA/s320/IMG00941-20100315-0145-701231.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448748418160783682" /></a></p>Goodnight.Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-30071775881979873742010-03-15T00:57:00.000-05:002010-03-15T01:03:30.459-05:00Don't Worry<em>When we make our own misery, we sometimes cling to it even when we want so bad to change, because the misery is something we know. The misery is comfortable.</em> -Dean Koontz, One Door Away From Heaven<br />
<br />
I'm a mess on the inside. My brain doesn't work like I think it should. I over analyze and pick apart stuff that I shouldn't. In turn, my heart hurts...constantly. I try to find answers to questions that don't have any. Mostly because I make up scenarios in my head and/or assumptions.<br />
<br />
My life is not boring.<br />
<br />
But I sometimes think it is. I must. If I didn't think it was boring, then my imagination wouldn't preoccupy itself with made up stories that only make me feel depressed. There's a quote, I'm not sure who said it but it's so true in my case, it says, "<em>worry is the misuse of your imagination</em>." That's what I've been doing lately. Worrying.<br />
<br />
Gandhi said that "<em>there is nothing that waste the body like worry. And anyone who believes in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever</em>."<br />
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Amen Gandhi.<br />
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So how do I stop? The worrying? My imagination? My idle hands?<br />
<br />
The other night, I felt anxious. I had trouble driving and kept almost missing turns and my depth perception was off. I found myself tuning people out and I would zone into this empty space in my mind and after a short while of just dwelling in that nothingness I would snap out of it and think to myself, focus Stephanie. Focus on anything else but that space between. So I read.<br />
<br />
2 hours after I picked up "A Boy Named It", I had read it completely and was half way through it's sequel entitled "The Lost Boy". These books made me ashamed of my worry and I fell asleep grateful to have the life that I did. The next morning, as I was awakened by a very full bladder, I immediately started to worry.<br />
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The following is a list of the worries that I worry about. Take note, that these thought go through my head faster than you can read them, each with great detail (that I make up) which adds to my misery. Hence the opening quote of this blog entry;<br />
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<ul><li>Sleep Deprivation: This is in part from just waking up after staying up late writing nonsense blogs.</li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li>My Love Life: Although it is perfect, right now, I worry that someday it'll end and that will be miserable.</li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li>My Kids: I worry that I'm not giving them the best childhood ever. This worry lingers in my head longer then other worries 'cause I'm usually neglecting them while I'm busy worrying. </li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li>Money: 'Nuff said.</li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li>People: I worry that people don't like me even though I don't like most people. I like being liked and worrying about not being liked by some people makes me hate them. And that is miserable.</li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li>The World: I think about the different issues in the world and how I'm not doing anything to make a difference. I think about abortion, human trafficking, orphans, unloved kids, lonely seniors, hungry vets, abused animals, sick homeless people and how instead of doing something I'm just worrying about them which doesn't help one bit but make me feel unappreciative, selfish and lazy and in addition makes me feel miserable.</li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li>Myself: I worry about my mental health after I worry about the above things and how if I keep worrying about these things and making myself crazy that I will indeed become crazy. And that worries me.</li>
</ul>There is a lot more to this list but it seems as if you might of gotten the picture. I'm a worrier. You know what's funny? The whole time I was writing this blog I was worried that it sucked because I'm tired and a bit delirious right now. I'm gonna post it anyway and not worry about it. ; )Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-45585139117846832832010-03-14T23:19:00.000-05:002010-03-14T23:45:00.281-05:00'Life's a Bench!'The link below takes you to an article in the PostBulletin that announces a art project the city has for putting paintings on city benches. I'm sooooo applying. Wish me luck.<br />
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<a href="http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=2&a=443060">Arts Council plans 'Life's a Bench!' project</a><br />
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I'm really excited about this.Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-25947492016380886482010-03-09T17:44:00.000-06:002010-03-09T17:44:58.727-06:00Time After TimeTime seems to pass just the same without facebook readily available to me. Its been almost 3 days since I've logged in and honestly I don't miss it. I do, however, find myself needing to write down my thoughts through out the day with no where to post them right then and there. <br />
<br />
There is this blog. <br />
<br />
But blogger mobile seems to be rather picky on what days it will work. Often times I find myself writing down something for a good chunk of time and sending it, then later discovering that it was never delivered. Ofcourse I always realize this after I delete my posts from my phone. <br />
<br />
Since I deleted my Facebook account I have written two good full length blogs and sent them via email to my blogspot. Neither were delivered and both can never be duplicated. The release that I got from writing these never read before blogs quenched my need to express my feelings through words. Although I'm a bit disappointed that they were deleted, they did much good to my spirit and my writers itch. <br />
<br />
So here I am again. Typing away on my Blackberry while two little girls climb over my legs and use them as monkey bars and balancing beams. They are my inspiration that nurture this vise that I call "urgent care". And if anything good ever came from me deactivating my Facebook account its this... I will be writing a lot more now...I hope.Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-75422050886690651752010-02-11T13:47:00.001-06:002010-03-15T01:12:09.910-05:00My God people!!!I am so happy that my perception of God is not shaped by the opinions of others who have made him into a restrictive and oppressive God. Some Christians and non believers, who have influenced so many to believe that God is anything but good all the time, are just tools used by satan to mask the truth.<br />
<br />
I am a free thinker who looks at the facts based on my PERSONAL experiences and not the opinions or theological ideas of others who use scare tactics or religion to control the minds of the masses.<br />
<br />
The God who made me is my friend and biggest fan. He is my protector and counselor. The Father who comforts me and cheers me on. The one who puts me on time out when I'm being bratty and extends his arms for a hug when my timeout is over. He is the reason why life is worth living in every circumstance and anytime I've tried to do it without Him I fall flat on my face and the world looks gray and dirty. But when He's around everything lights up and hues get brighter and my heart feels complete.<br />
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Oh I'm in love with my maker and he's in love with me.<br />
<br />
And I don't need to know the "facts" that man made up cause God is infinitely unfathomable. Its ridiculous to believe that men know everything about anything, especially about God. But I am humored by the fact that there are so many out there who believe they know enough. I will never know enough.<br />
<br />
And maybe I'm silly for believing the things I do...its really weird, I'll be the first to admit. And I'm okay with being weird, a bible thumper, a Christian (Gasp!). For if they persecuted the Son of God, they will surely persecute me...and I will rejoice!<br />
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Hooray for God who is everthing other than what your enemies told you He was. Boo to you Satan and your weapons against the people who believe your lies. But lies are washed away with truth and you have already lost the battle.Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443542788746337267.post-67373016958627339332010-01-28T12:32:00.001-06:002010-01-28T12:32:39.832-06:00Sock Folding Induced Comas and Love<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8T2i03v6zwd9n2iorAaeOKD0SKGpt7t6VSzGOAS3ZPgbRWqf4uqEoHKW4l0Ll0WgR1faknZg6wnzT800E5bC1x5ty1j-_u2FjxLGrbhUConQKxY1pMcdLpcFItU96SdQw2_mqZ0Sp0pc/s1600-h/IMG00589-20100123-1329-759833.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8T2i03v6zwd9n2iorAaeOKD0SKGpt7t6VSzGOAS3ZPgbRWqf4uqEoHKW4l0Ll0WgR1faknZg6wnzT800E5bC1x5ty1j-_u2FjxLGrbhUConQKxY1pMcdLpcFItU96SdQw2_mqZ0Sp0pc/s320/IMG00589-20100123-1329-759833.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431860425094299650" /></a></p>My mind is racing today...<p>Life changes so rapidly and constantly and even though I complain of mediocrisy, I don't think I can handle more then what's on my plate. <p>Just when I think the day is taking forever to end I realize that there's not enough hours to get things done. Most of it is my inability to function in the morning. But if I want to be honest with myself and you, the reader, I'm just a lazy person.<p>I get into ruts. I wonder if that's the right word by definition. Is there a definition to a rut? Cause my ruts last years and break for a few months and start back up again. Can someone be in a constant rut? Or is that I'm just a mess with brief periods of productiveness? The latter of those two questions makes more sense now that I write it down.<p>So right now you are all reading an entry written in the beginning of a season of productiveness. Although the season started on the 1st of 2010, it is still early in its stages and this is where I dream... a lot. We dream... actually. The fun part about getting into this season is dreaming with Matthew. This is also coincidentally a period where I fall in love all over again with my husband and that butterfly, funny, ticklish feeling in my stomach returns. <p>I looked up the definition of marriage online just now and the first response I got was this...the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce). I didn't add that last part. It's sad that someone else did though. The last 8 years of my life with Matthew have been challenging. Not a constant challenge, and definitely more good times then bad, but its not easy putting two imperfect people together and expect a perfect marriage. It doesn't happen anywhere no matter how good your church families make it seem when Sunday service is over, they're back to reality. Finances, screaming kids, messy houses, sleep deprivation, whatever... These factors contribute to a loss of passion. Passion for eachother I think is the first to go and then just a general loss of passion for life. The mundane tasks of keeping a house sorta puts you in a dish washing coma, standing there, in front of the sink, exsisting...sorta.<p>Now I don't want to scare you unmarried young kids and young couples. Marriage isn't a death sentence. In fact... I think marriage is the start of the most important and exciting adventure of some peoples lives. Possibilities are endless and you always have this person there encouraging, supporting, laughing and crying with you the whole way through the game. Unfortunately your team mates work schedule sometimes gets in the way of you achieving some goals. Sometimes you gain smaller, cuter, and smellier team mates that really aren't that helpful but give you more purpose for achieving said goals and therefore motivate you to keep going. The best part of this disfunctional team is that when part of the game is completed, its far more victorious and wonderous because of the obstacles that you were able to overcome. Nevermind that gameplans never work completely in life and that one of your team members might be a 26 lb, perfectly round, queen of attitude. <p>I can't count how many times I have fallen in and out of love with my husband anymore. I'm not hesitant to say that I know he feels the same way. We've been together for 11 years now and life has thrown us some curve balls in this short time. Never can I say that we have ever seized being best friends or eachothers biggest fan. We have hurt eachother more deeply then anyone else ever could or ever would. But I know that God made us to be together for the rest of our lives and that's really exciting and frustrating at the same time. (More exciting) I like the idea of leaving a good legacy of our team for others to appreciate and relate to. One that's real, crazy, dangerous and loving like life is suppose to be. I love that my husband is my best friend and my partner through this journey of figuring it out. And I'm thankful that when I do get into these sock folding induced comas, that he's there to turn me around so I won't get bed sores. LOL. That was corny. I'm leaving it in. <p>Peace!!Funk Master Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427070397254670794noreply@blogger.com0