Got Fruit ?

Most of the past week has been spent revamping the look of the blog.  Why…  because I’m obsessive compulsive I suppose, at the expense of having a "normal" routine; which means going to sleep sometime before the sun rises.

There was another blog theme that I originally opted to go with last week.  I received a few positive comments on it, and would have liked to have used it, however there were some widgets that didn’t function as I anticipated out of the box (after WP2.5 install); getting them to function became too convoluted of an effort for me.

Another negative, was the amount functionality geared toward advertisement.  Just not part of the plan to have advertisements blanket the blog, so that had to go.

Another hiccup this weekend, came by way of opting for the WordPress 2.5 upgrade.  I read the instructions, (something we guys don’t normally do) and still had issues.  I think that’s where the trouble began.  Hey, that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it anyway.  End result, I couldn’t log on to my WP Dashboard, database was fouled up etc.  Did I say "Thank God for Back Ups?".

The next week will be spent re-mapping image links to their respective posts, specifically older posts prior to mid February.  Top commenter stats are now displaying properly, with Pistol Pete being the "Top Dog".  The "official" count on the race to the 100th commenter is sitting at 79.

With all of that said, Got Fruit has a new theme with a cleaner and leaner feel and is back up and running… of course you would know this already if you happen to be reading this right now wouldn’t you?

Grace and peace be with you.

I happened upon this quote while searching on-line for something suitable to put on the church marquee this morning.

There is nothing harder than the softness of indifference.
-Juan Montalvo

“But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then they all forsook Him and fled.
Mark 14:49b-50

There are times when, in the darkest moments of your life, the only comfort left for you is a word from God. Jesus faced the cruel injustice of a hostile world, but perhaps His deepest pain came when His closest friends deserted and betrayed Him. What could possibly sustain Him at such a dark moment? Jesus found His comfort in the Scriptures (Matt. 26:20-25, 31). The Scriptures kept everything in perspective for the Savior, holding Him steadfast in the knowledge that everything He was experiencing was according to His Father’s plan. Jesus could proceed with confidence because the Scriptures assured Him that the Father was in control.

The word of God will guide you in the same way. There will be times when events around you will confuse you. Those in whom you’ve placed your trust will fail you. Others will abandon you. You will be misunderstood and criticized. In these times of distress, when your devotion and obedience are put to the greatest test, you must let Scripture guide and comfort you. Never let the faithlessness of others determine what you do. Turn to the Scriptures and allow them to reorient you to God and His activity.

Even as a young boy, Jesus was already well acquainted with the Scriptures. He was never surprised by events; He lived with confidence because the Scriptures had prepared Him for everything that He would face.

If you will immerse yourself daily in the word of God, you will not be caught off guard when crises come. Your focus will already be on God, and He will safely guide you through your difficult moments.

Henry and Richard Blackaby
Experiencing God Day-by-Day

Then He came the third time and said to them,”Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough!”
Mark 14:41a

“It is enough!” How these words from the Master stung the disciples! They were given the opportunity to share a sacred moment with Jesus. They failed Him. This time, not even Peter had an answer for Jesus.

Jesus forgave them, and they went on to experience God working powerfully through their lives, but the unique moment with their Lord was lost. The angels had comforted the Savior on that lonely night as He prepared for the cross, not the disciples. Scripture indicates that the disciples later became diligent in prayer, but the memory of that night would remain with them for the rest of their lives.

Like the disciples, you receive unique opportunities to serve your Lord. There are times when Jesus will ask you to join Him as He is at work in the life of your friend, family, or coworker. If you are preoccupied with your own needs, you will miss the blessing of sharing in His divine activity.

God is gracious; He forgives, and He provides other opportunities. He will even use our failings to bring about good, but it is critical that we respond in obedience to every prompting from God. God does not need our obedience; He has legions of angels prepared to do His bidding when we fail Him. The loss is ours as we miss what God wants to do in our lives.

Respond immediately when God speaks to you. His will for you is perfect, and it leads to abundant life.

Henry and Richard Blackaby
Experiencing God Day-by-Day

Spent the past few days evenings/early mornings testing some different WordPress Themes. I feel that it’s time for something a little more streamlined.

Note to self: Thoughts on “feelings” for future post.

I think the term used by the artistic folk is “minimalist”.

Hmm? Wonder if I should have been sipping on a Starbuck’s Double Tall Grande Extra Foamy Low-Caff, Half & Half, Al Pacino Cappuccino, when I said “minimalist?

Anyway… another reason for the experimentation with a new theme is to implement some different widgets; specifically the “Top Commenter” widget, which still is flaky.

I’m really hoping to get the widget working correctly soon, as I would like to commemorate the “official” 100th comment (excluding mine of course) for the Got Fruit (?) blog, with something special. The final details have not been hammered out yet, but plans do include a giveaway. Additionally, I’ve been in discussion with the Finance Department, and it’s not been 100% ruled out to give away… A new car!

Maybe we’ll just go with a ticker tape parade along with press release & a photo shoot.

… don’t hold your breath.

Until then, be good & be blessed.