David Ortega

I got home from work about an hour ago, we had this big wig corporate crew coming in to the store the next day to just check and make sure everything looked good and that everything was straight and operational. So what's the big deal? Well, nothing was looking good or straight or operational. Especially in my Deptartment, Home Theatre. So that meant staying after hours to clean-up. While I was straightening up one side of the isle my co-worker David Ortega was cleaning up the other side. I asked him, "Hey David, where do you go to church?" I knew that he didn't go to church but I was just obeying the Holy Spirit's impulse. He said that he didn't go to church. I asked

"Why?"

"Because I there isn't anywhere really good to go."

"Have you ever been to Lancaster Baptist Church?."

"No."

"Well, It's a great church and maybe you should come out sometime and check it out."

He talked about how he trys to be a good person and that he trys to do right. I explained to him that it doesn't matter how good we are, but that we are all bad and sinners by nature. I asked him if he was 100% for sure that if he died would he go to heaven. He said that he didn't and asked me if I did. I told him that I did because I was saved. He was familiar with the term. I quoted him John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." By the time I was finished quoting and explaining the verse to him he asked. So how do I get saved? Shocked I didn't know whether to go to the next verse which was in Romans. I basically told him and asked him if he would like to bow his head and accept Christ. He did. David Ortega got saved at about 10:30. I asked him how he felt. This question is always wierd because some people feel different and some people don't. He told me that it felt like he was lighter, that his heart is cleaner and that there is something inside him! How amazing is that! He told me that he had prayed that someone would show him the way and that for some wierd reason people have been talking to him about getting "saved." His uncle who was in prison, perfect strangers, and now me. I told him that God was answering his prayer and was trying to show him the way. I then talked to him about being secure in his salvation and what baptism meant. I asked him if he would like to come to church on Sunday to get baptized and he sayed, "Yeah, sure. Let me get your phone number." He wanted MY phone number so that he could call me about coming to church. We exchanged phone numbers and he is going to come to church on Sunday to get baptized and join. The reason why I am so excited was that it was so natural. It was the first time that I shared the gospel and the plan of salvation with anyone and it was so flowing. The Holy Spirit had full liberty through me, It's never felt so natural. I didn't care about what my other co-workers would think as they were walking around and sometimes hearing what we were talking about. It was like the whole world faded away and I focused in on his soul. I was texting Betty at the time and I stopped in mid conversation. I'm sure she'll understand once I tell her what happened. I was so excited that I called my roommate Matt Manney and told him. The Lord is really starting to shape my life, He is beginning to do something in me that I can not begin to imagine. It is both exciting and intriguing. I feel like a flower that is beginning to bloom. I've broken through the hard soul. I've established my roots and beliefs. As I grow I begin to see the son. The higher I climb the more I bloom. The more I bloom the more I able to bask in the security and warmth of that son.

Time Machine

Eric and I were thinking about putting going to a hardware store and getting some materials to make a time machine just like the one on Napolean Dynamite. Too bad someone else did it before us and made there own Time Machine. If you could go back in time once and change something when would you go? I think I would go back with the knowledge I have now to Greek days. That would be cool, I would be a general or warrior of some sorts. That would be my fantasy. But practically I would probably go back to Bible College as a sophmore and try to do things a little different. However, by wanting to change things you are saying to God that He made some mistakes and you wouldn't be the person you are today without those circumstances. UGHHH...I'm confused now.

God Teaching Me Things...The Hard Way

"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."
I Peter 5:10

Do you ever just get humbled sometimes? I think the last couple of days have been very humbling for me. God, through some situations is showing me things in my life things I need to fix. I have been living in mediocrity too long. I have been discouraged and lost focus. Lost my drive and ambition. Lost purpose in life. Part of it was my workload. I was a working a job full-time, going to school full-time, and was a boyfriend full-time. On weekends I would drive to Visalia, CA, a three hour drive one way, preach and teach, then drive the three hours back to start the week over again. No time for rest, studying, or homework. I did this for a whole semester and it wore me out. It wore me out physically, mentally, socially, and worst of all spiritually. I was spiritually drained. Only recently have I begun to "recharge." My eyes are starting to focus again and I am being renewed with purpose. Like a thirsty runner taking in a gulp of cold, fresh water. Unfortunately there have been some casualties in my endeavor to stretch myself. I forgot about my testimony, why I was in school, who I was serving and - well - I lost purpose. I almost forgot my first love, Christ. Was my plate full? Yes. Was it too full? No. God knew that I could handle it, He knew it would break me, however, He also knew that I would come back stronger and more refined. How I feel now is ten times more than how I felt before my taking on of this load. There's something there now. I just can't explain the work and the things that God is showing me in my life. My devotions are sweet. My prayers are felt. My burdens are real. My face is set. My goals are clear. I want to serve God. I feel the need to be better, to excel who I am. The past couple of days I have been reading books, meeting with people, and seeking council. What about? My future, God's plans, my development into the man that God is preparing me to be. God has been telling me that I need to be more spiritually focused. That mediocrity is no longer acceptable but only my best. That the only way to accomplish much for God is to strive to be my best for Him. He is telling me that character is the heart of the leader. His eyes are spiritually focused. His testimony is his resume. His guard is always up. He is vigilant and sober. His feet are solid, yet swift, bringing good tidings. His hands build walls of protection and destroy strongholds of the adversary. His mouth is a tool to glorify God and pray for his companions. He is a warrior against iniquity and a mentor to his peers. He is a teacher to those younger than him, and compassionate to those around him. A seeker of truth and a caster of vision. His goals are seen by others and they desire to be near him. I feel I am just beginning my journey to become this man.

Animation - KillSomeTime.com - Numa Numa - American Idol - Flash Cartoon

Numa Numa - American Idol

The Next Star Wars Kid

Numanuma

Klingon Google

Klingona Google allows you to search google in the Klingon tongue.

Savetoby.com | Only YOU have the power to Save Toby!

Savetoby.com Is the most original website that I have seen in a very very, long time...It's also hilarious! Check it out. By the way, I credit my brother with finding this. Thanks Danny.

Acapella Nintendo

Nintendo Themes, a cappella

I watched this while I was at Betty's house with her brother Maui. It was pretty cool. Some weird stuff is going on in my life right now. I don't know if I should write about it, or what to say. I'm in shock, dazed, and confused. I'll write about it I guess when I can think straight. I've never felt so bad in my life. It happened Wednesday night and I thought it would be ok, I bottled up my emotions the next day went through the day, went to work. I don't know what happened but I started feeling sick, nauseous, wanting to puke. I started getting a headache, my eyes were throbbing. I finished my work told my boss that I had to go and that I wasn't feeling well. The minute I stepped outside I started crying. Tears streaming down my face, praying that God would help me and comfort me. I got to school, layed in bed crying. My best friend Eric called me and I asked him to come over and we talked for about an hour. He helped me out, a lot. I just don't know what to do I guess. Of course none of you know out there know what I'm talking so I'll just stop babbling. When I feel like things are better or ok maybe I'll write a little more about it. Everybody have a good day thought!

Also, teens in Visalia. Take care, give the new guy a chance. Don't compare him to me, we're two totally different people. I don't know who he is, I know that he goes to school with me, I don't know if he knows me but just figure out what God is trying to teach you. Focus on Him and don't forget to have your Caramel Macchiato, Chocolate Muffin, and your Table of Fellowship.

World of Warcraft

I was visiting my girlfriend Betty and her Brother and Nephew were both hooked on this game World of Warcraft. I checked it out, it was actually a pretty sweet RPG. I created my account and named my character Joemomma. Well, Blizzard didn't, for whatever reason, deemed that the name was innappropriate. Check out the letter they sent us.

Realm(s): Shadow Council
Old Character/Pet/Guild Name: Joemomma

Offense: Player violated the naming policy for a non-roleplay name on a role-play server

The name selected for this character, pet or guild is not appropriate as per our naming policy, and upon your next log in you will be able to select a new name. Unfortunately we will be unable to offer name changes for pets. If this notification is in regards to a guild name, the guild has been disbanded and will need to be reformed under a different name.

We realize that you have likely grown attached to this name and certainly know that a name change is a dramatic event. Despite this, we feel that the change is important as the naming policies have been created to try and make for a better world environment for everyone. For further information, please view the World of Warcraft Naming Policy and Terms of Use Agreement: (http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/policy/namingp1.html) and (http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/termsofuse.shtml).

* * * IMPORTANT * * *

For any concerns on this matter, please E-Mail WoWGMFeedback-US@blizzard.commailto:WoWGMFeedback-US@blizzard.com) and we will be happy to assist you.

We understand that while you may not have been aware of the naming policy when creating this character, but repeated attempts to create inappropriate names may result in disciplinary action. We thank you in advance for respecting our position.


Regards,
Rastor
Game Master
Blizzard Entertainment
http://www.worldofwarcraft.com



Customer satisfaction is a top priority here at Blizzard Entertainment, and we would like your feedback on the level of service you have received. Please feel free to provide such feedback at the following web address: http://www.blizzard.com/support/?id=eSurvey000&i=163&d=4/16/2005%2011:20:28%20PM&t=MAUIO@SBCGLOBAL.NET
(

Isn't that funny?  So I renamed my character to "Deathmug" which was of course more than appropriate.  How dumb is that?

Latest News Release from France

The AP and UPI reported that the French Government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from Run to Hide.

The only two higher levels in France are Surrender and Collaborate.



The raise was precipitated by a recent fire which destroyed France's
white flag factory, effectively disabling their military.

When I saw this I thought it would make an interesting picture. I took it while on a walk with Betty and her twin Sister Ninfa. The day before Ninfa was going to have her baby. It was the week of my Spring Break

Almost stepped on this snake on Easter Sunday. It was cool. My brother and I played with it and got video of it striking our shoes.

Waterfall

My second attempt

Panoramic photo of Robert Mondavi Winery, My first attempt at taking 4 photos and stitching them together using photoshop.

Birthday

Well, April 30th will be my 21st Birthday. I always wondered what I would be doing for my 21st Birthday. It seems like such a pivotal and important time in a person's life. At least that's what I thought. It's really almost no big deal. I kind of feel bad that it doesn't feel important. My mom asked me what I wanted to do for my Birthday, I jokingly said, "Go to Las Vegas and gamble." She laughed but then proposed that we take a family trip to Rosorito in Mexico. The thought of going with my family and my brother's girlfriend's family didn't thrill me. However my mom asked if it was possible if Betty could come. Hmmmm....I thought. That would be great! So I asked her and she thought that would be cool. I got really excited, bought the plane tickets and I can't wait now until Thursday when I pick up Betty, then Friday take the family trip to Mexico to celebrate mine and my brother's (his birthday is on April 29th, wierd huh?) birthdays. I'll keep everyone posted, It's going to be great!

Long Time No Talk

Hey guys, how are you all doing? I know I haven't written on my blog in a long time, I've just been so busy with working full time and going to school full time and squeezing time in for other things. A lot of things have changed in the last couple of weeks. Yes, Betty and I are still together. Things at Best Buy are going really good. I'm helping a lot of customers buy stuff. I worked two departments for a while, Home Theatre and Computers. I can't work in the computer department with a clear conscience. I was selling people junk, like e-machines and stuff. Plus I had to try and get them to buy Norton Anti-virus and Spyware programs. I felt bad because these programs don't really work all that great and they cost money when you can download better working programs for free. However, I'm working in Home Theatre now and hopefully, if they come through with their promise, I'll be working full-time meaning more hours and benefits. This is good for a guy that's saving up to get married. Yes, married. Hopefully. So that covers work.

School is something else. Why am I laughing? Well, Greek and History of Civilization mainly. I have a 58% in Greek. This is the class from hades. I'm doing my best though so there are no regrets. History of Civilization is just funny. The main teacher Dr. Rasmussen has left the class to go on "business trips" of some sorts leaving in charge a substitute. I won't say his name out of consideration but this guy isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, and here is a list of more trite euphamisms that come to mind. He can't pronounce words and gives us the terms straight out of the encyclopedia. Then when the normal teacher comes back he puts it in his own words, of course much more condensed, and basically you fail the quizzes and tests. So that puts a little harder spin on things. Ministry?

Well, I'm not going to Visalia anymore. It is almost a relief and disappointement all in one. I loved the teenagers, the retirement home, and the church family up there however with work and school it was nearly impossible. 6 hours in the car alone just driving at night took most of the weekend away. Pastor Bennefield called me one day last week and basically told me that he had replaced me. I just hope that you guys (teenagers) are doing ok, and if you ever need any help or counsel or just want to talk you can e-mail me or post a message on my blog. Seriously! I went to visit Betty last weekend. I drove up there and spent the night at her brother's house. I miss her a lot and the distance puts a hard strain on our relationship. We'll make it though, we just have to keep communicating and I just have to put a little more effort in trying to get up there to see her. I lover her a lot and don't want anything to happen to the relationship that we have now. I just need to invest a little more and make a little more effort. I'm flying her down for my birthday this weekend. She'll be getting here on Thursday, Friday my family, her, and I are going to go to Mexico to celebrate my 21st birthday. It's going to be blast and I can't wait! We'll be there until Sunday afternoon and she'll be flying home on Tuesday. I'm really glad that she is coming. It will be a help to our relationship.

My friend Eric and Jacques are going to be doing something really soon here with their girlfriends. I'm sure you can figure it out and I know that they don't read my blog but I don't want to spoil any surprises if you know what I mean. I've started a new little hobby. I'm adding or writing articles on Wikipedia. This means that I am officially a Wikipedian. Here's one that I helped with Robert Mondavi. I took that picture and edited it in Photoshop. I took that picture while in Napa visiting Betty during my spring break. Her dad took us around the valley and we stopped at this winery. Napa is such a beautiful place. I think about it often.

So that's where I am now. I've also started giving people this blog site at Best Buy so that I can start writing technical stuff if I start getting annoyed of answering the same questions so you might see some more stuff like the article about internet security popping up. Well, It's 12:42am and I have to wake up at 5:30am to get ready for work. Talk to you later world.

Who is Strong Bad?

Find out who Strong Bad is so you can be hip.