FlowTechnologies

God's blessings

2007-03-28T17:18:00.000-07:00

God has been so gracious to Steph and I these last couple of weeks. He has blessed us through the graciousness of family around us and friends who are very hospitable. Anything from giving us homecooked meals to letting us do laundry to much much more. Recently, we experienced God's protection and graciousness when Steph's car broke down-I think permanently. We had gone to see the movie "Amazing Grace" which is awesome! and I locked my keys in my truck- which unfortunately is not uncommon. On the way to my truck with the spare set of keys in Steph's car it broke down at Soledad next to Home Depot. Looking back I am so thankful that I was with Steph, that it was on that road, and God provided me help to push the car as a random jogger ran over to help me a guy named Juan who barely knew any English helped me and another random guy helped me push the car in to Home Depot where it is to this day. Then, God provided another car which we never dreamed of-we love it! Although, I being the genius that I am decided I would demonstrate the Dent proof panels on the car and found one of the two only spots on the whole car that is not dent proof and influenced someone to punch the car. What was I thinking? Well, here are some Manufacturers pics of the vehicle we purchased. It is a 2007 Saturn Vue, deep blue, not the red pictured above. I apologize for not recent posts and pics. I cannot find my camara as of yet but like everything else I own I assume it will turn up in a spot that is completely obvious in a couple of months.

Signing off,

Tyler and Steph

Engaged!

2007-02-19T01:01:00.001-08:00

I am so very thankful for my girlfriend...no, no, now I must remember to call her my fiance'. She said yes to the question. Yes, the question! that is the question with only four words. The question that is short yet so very sweet!---"Whats your favorite color?" Just kidding. She said yes to commit to marriage. We committed to marry each other. I am so blessed and thankful for her and can't believe all that has happened. I think we said we both feel a lot younger after being engaged. I think it is sort of like being a kid who gets to sit at the adult table at Thanksgiving dinner. Its awesome yet you dont quite know what to do or how to act.

Merry Christmas from Washington!

2006-12-24T18:26:00.000-08:00

Joey and I recently tried to construct a replica of the white house and washington monument. It was an intense day of gingerbread house building.

2006-12-24T18:20:00.000-08:00

Ginger Bread House 2006

2006-12-24T18:19:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from the White House

2006-12-24T18:11:00.000-08:00

Hotchkiss Christmas

2006-12-08T10:45:00.000-08:00

Hotchkiss....sometimes a name just brings a smile or tears to a person; and this name brings both. It is my dwelling place; my homestead as it were; my crib; pad; house; residence; abode; longhouse; temporary lodging; and habitat. It is my dormitory. It is full of many memories that I will cherish for years to come. One of these memories is the Hotchkiss Starlets CD; a long standing; generational tradition and is one of my favorite CDs to pop into "ye ol' ROM". Tonight the 5th Edition of the Hotchkiss Starlets CD came out and it is awesome. I would like to thank the mastermind/mixer/organize/leader of this years cd-Ben Blakey. Thanks man! Well, I love you all!
Tyler

2006 Christmas List

2006-11-30T15:20:00.000-08:00

-Fishing pole
-CA Fishing License
-Small socket set
-Sunglasses
-Boonie hat
-fixed knife
-Guitar picks
-Cool CDs
The Fray
Rudy Soundtrack
Etc.
-Books or biographies
Michael Owen’s Biography
Soccer coach biography
Cool magazine subscription
Soccer Journal
World
Time
-Movie Tickets for two
-Hockey Skates
-Soccer cleats
-Soccer Ball
-A couple pounds of Green Coffee Beans(www.sweetmarias.com)
-3 T-Shirts (Not quite sure why 3)
-Plastic Gladiator Sword
-2 soccer game tickets in spring or summer for Home Depot Center
-Slippers
-Basketball shorts

Do not feel like you need to get anything or be restricted to this list just thought the list might help. Love you all!

The Fate of the Tide

2006-11-29T21:13:00.000-08:00

Head Coach of Alabama was fired recently after a disappointing 6-6 record losing the last three. I think what clinched this decision was the recent loss the rivals Auburn in the traditional Iron Bowl. Although, it was a disappointing season I feel that maybe it was a bit hard to cut Coach Shula as it was their first season off a long standing probation that restricted their recruiting ability. Sorry Mike I wish you well!

Kenya

2006-11-16T23:09:00.000-08:00

Hey! Kenya pictures are up and running click on title to connect to the site.

uhmmm.

2006-11-16T22:34:00.000-08:00

Update...Hey sorry it has been so long without a post...I think two months. Dude what was I thinking? Well, things are going well. Life is busy and I hear it just gets busier. Just started a job for a street sweeping company. I work Friday nights once a week. Its pretty cool although very random. Picture this....hold up first close your eyes and then imagine this...well that doesnt really make any sense because for you to close your eyes would mean you couldnt read what I would like for you to imagine, so scratch all of that mambo jamambo. here it goes: you are walking in about 50 degree weather late at night by yourself. The streets that are usually streaming with cars are silent and the stores full of life and people on their cell phones are now empty. You are in a parking lot with a leaf blower strapped to your back and head phones in your ears. The life of a street sweeper; loud yet peaceful, late yet not tired, largely working by yourself yet providing very good conversation with the other sweepers late at night. For this job I got a new gadget for Christmas...I know I know lame to get your presents before Christmas yet alone before thanksgiving the holiday where its not even legal to listen to Christmas music before or put your tree up before (yet somehow Home Depot, Lowes and various drug stores get away with selling Christmas stuff it seems right after Halloween???) but this MP3 player is so fun to mess around with.
Also, the MadScience job is finishing up. Although it made life busier and class management was not in my dictionary, I will genuinely miss the kids in the classes I taught. I sort of grew an attachment for them...sort of like an extra arm or something. Anyways. This week we are learning about the weather and went outside to identify the different types of clouds. God's creation is amazing and there are so many different things I have learned from the elementary age curriculim that I have been teaching. Did you know that ultraviolet light is turned into visible light by some minerals and as a result they glow? I was amazed. Oh yeah, my Mad Science class equipment could have come in handy today as I am provided with some stuff called glowgerm basically a powder that glows in the presence of a blacklight. and it would have been so handy to use to figure out a code for a key pad used on a nearby neighborhood gate that cuts off traffic going through the valley I live in. Just put a little powder on the keys and wait till one car enters the code come back later with a blacklight and "voila!" I now have instant access to a once cutoff highway. It felt a little like CSI. All that to say is that I have enjoyed being a MadScientist. Well I love you all! Tyler

Alabama is rolling on with 3-0 record.

2006-09-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

The Roll tide so far has taken down Hawaii (25-17), Vanderbilt (13-10), and Louisiana Monroe (41-7). Next they have to face the fierce Arkansas Razorbacks away this saturday. this will be a good game to watch as I believe both teams are about equal.

The Science of Science

2006-09-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

Science in Schools. How do you teach science? and how do you teach science in public schools? If I am required to be quiet about any sort of Creator or point to any sort of creation, how do I not go crazy? Why am I allowed to present a science theory or hypothesis and show the pro's and con's of it but cannot show the con's of the theory of evolution and cannot present the truth of Creation? Sorry, I am just thinking out loud and none of these things are applying to me presently. Just pondering/wondering. I start instructing a class for 1-5 grade at an elementary school this Friday. The lesson is on bugs; sounds like it will be fun. Bugs are awesome and I have a feeling it will bring a lot of reaction out of the girls in the class while the guys will love it. I just want to present this science class in such a way that the kids see the beauty and complexity of God's creation and that His general revelation leads them to believe His special revelation. I hope that somehow I can share God's special revelation with them in such a way to honor my boss and the school I am teaching at. Whats new with you guys? leave a comment.

Tyler
(Still trying to nail down a Mad Science name please leave a vote in the comments. these are the ones in the runnings but please feel free to come up with another: Terminator T; Mr. T; Mr. Ty the Science Guy; Tornado Tyler; and Ken suggested Test-Tube Tyler but that makes me feel awkward.)

School has started!

2006-09-06T15:20:00.000-07:00

Dude, I have been such a slacker with blogging....sorry about that. I want to give a quick run down of all that is happening and happened. (It may not make sense but here it goes.) I am back at school for senior year of college and classes are sweet. (Especially this sweet class on Medieval European history.) recently got a job with a corporation called MadScience. If you picture Bill Nye the Science Guy you know what this job is like. I will be working in the afterschool program and possibly preschool program as a Mad Scientist trying to get the kids excited about science; blowing things up with them; making slime with them. (Unfortunately Hydrochloric Acid is not included in the list of chemicals I can use with the kids.) But I am super excited! Please pry that I can make a positive impact on the kids, parents, and teachers. I actually get to go into the schools and teach. crazy, I know I still cant believe it; but somehow they are going to let me. Also, I have to think of a mad scientist name for myself. If have any ideas please post it in the comment board. Most of the names I have heard are like Spacey Susan or Crazy Steve or Mad Mike. I was thinking Tetrahedral Tyler but figured the preschoolers wouldnt understand. well I gotta go. Today is Stephanies birthday and I get the privelage to hang out with the birthday girl.
peace and love,
T-flo

Habari Yako (What is your news?)

2006-05-29T02:07:00.000-07:00

Hey just wanted to say hey to everybody. I am in Nairobi, Kenya right now inside of a sort of shopping mall. they have a nice computer lab that you can pay to use; its pretty convenient. I hope everybody is doing well! I will try to give a quick summary of all that is happening. My Dad, little sister and I flew into Nairobi and stayed a couple of days at a mission base. It was great to meet some other missionaries and get settled a bit before heading up north to Loyangalani, Kenya. We flew out in a bush plane into Loy a few days later and were met by our close friends; the Richardsons. We have had so much fun hanging out and visiting with them. Seeing their struggles and work has been so good. Let me give a quick glance of what Loy is like. Right now we are in their cold season(or post-rainy season) so it is not too bad for them although it is in the 90s-100s and rather hot and dry. Loy is located next to Lake Turkana on the east side and is made up of several tribes. (Turkana, Samburu, El Molo, and Rindili) As a result there are several languages but the overarching language that most people know is Swahili. After staying and working in Loy we all came down to Nairobi by truck on a safari. It was approximately two 9 hour days averaging 10 mph. That was awesome! We saw a giraffe, zebras, baboons, impala, gazelles, ostriches, and a herd of elephants and these wierd birds called birds of paradise. sorry for the short message but I better go. I will try to keep you updated. thanks for your prayers. peace from Kenya! (if you want to check out pictures try www.tmmrichardson.com)

KoreaTown, Los Angeles

2006-04-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

These past couple of weeks a project is under construction in which the Korean Work ethic is being studied. A friend and I have traveled down to Korea Town, Los Angleles a couple of times and have enjoyed some sweet Korean BBQ and Korean hospitality while studying the culture.

Random

2006-04-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

Do you ever think about yourself? I have noticed that it is too easy in my life to make things about me. When talking with someone am I listening to what they are saying or just thinking about how it makes me feel? Also, first impressions can be decieving. The way that person was acting could be for a vast amount of reasons; therefore, I should not base my whole opinion of him/her off of that impression. It is too easy to make the situation about yourself and harder to be understanding of what a person is going through or what else he/she could mean by giving that look or saying those words.
The first impression you get of someone can be totally different than the way that person is or what he/she meant. Communication is hard and I have found that I am not good at it. But I know that it takes work and is worth the work because relationships are built off of communication.

2006-03-05T15:12:00.000-08:00

One of these is the location of "Full House" but I am not sure which one. (and we didn't get to see Uncle Jesse or Kimi Gibbler.)

2006-03-05T15:10:00.000-08:00

Pedaluma.

2006-03-05T15:08:00.002-08:00

The wharf.

2006-03-05T15:08:00.001-08:00

San Francisco

2006-03-05T15:08:00.000-08:00

The women.

2006-03-05T15:07:00.000-08:00

Steph, Sarah Jane, Mark and I were able to take a short trip up to Pedaluma to visit our friends, the Boys. They took us into to San Fran one day and this is in front of the "Full House"-house.

2006-03-05T15:06:00.000-08:00

And this is most likely the world's largest Sucker, known as the Chupa Chup.

2006-03-05T15:05:00.000-08:00

Steph and I were graciously given Los Angeles Kings vs. Dallas Stars tickets. This a one of three fights that broke out. The Kings won 6-5.

2006-03-05T15:03:00.000-08:00

Winter Camp 2006 for 168 Youth Ministries. Scott Burns spoke this year and it was sweet!

2006-03-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from the last couple of weeks. The first one is of very good friends, the Lathams, at the Getty Museum. Basically their house was a second home for me; (including eating their food for late night snacks-Digiorno Pizzas).

Thousand Pardons

2006-02-17T12:05:00.000-08:00

I am sorry that I have not updated the blog in so long...I hope I will soon. Not hope in the biblical sense where there is certainty and a sureness that it will happen but hope in the american culture sense relating a deep wish. (anyways Chuck Norris says I have to get off the computer so he can shop for some nija throwing stars on Ebay.)
Sincerely,
Ty

Trains, Planes, and Mario Karts

2006-01-04T11:35:00.000-08:00

This break has been awesome! God blesses me so much through friends and family it is overwhelming. The advice they give is golden; the jokes and humor they have is funny yet edifying. I was thinking about different types of humor the other day and I think my brother and sista-n-law have a very unique sense of humor that is very funny. They tease and make fun but in a very edifying way where you have to laugh at yourself. They have this thing that they are trying to start up where instead of saying the infamous "Your mom..." jokes they say "Chuck Norris says..."---I love it!
Also, the break has been full of playing a couple of classic games called Mario Kart and Mario Party. Mario Kart I have especially enjoyed as it has been souped up to meet our twenty-first century gaming standards. It now involves a whole new level of strategy where there is a driver and a backseat passenger on the same cart. The backseat driver utilizes the items he picks up like the homing missile "red shell". It is sweet and fun for groups to play. Not only that but you can switch drivers in the middle of play and you can steal other carts items by running into them. I highly recommend it.
This New Years weekend I was able to skidaddle on down to Texas and hang with Steph and her family and friends. It was awesome! We finished the fourth season of the TV series called "24" while we were there and it was off the hook. I enjoyed watching some very funny but cute home videos of Steph (Canadia??), and enjoyed meeting all of her family and friends that weekend. Got to see the location of John F. Kennedy's assissination and see a very cool restaurant that revolves to provide a scenic view of all of Dallas. We had quite an adventure with the train system there, but it provided many reasons to be thankful and great memories. (If you ever happen to see a sign that says "Do not enter." It is a very good idea to follow it.)
sincerely,
T-Flow

Scattered Thoughts

2005-12-23T07:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my sister's birthday. It was cool. My sister and her friend and I went sledding at this place called City Forest where they have constructed these iced louges that you can sled down. Then, that night my dad hooked up a pinata shaped like a flower to our chandelier. This was done out of neccesity as it was too cold to go outside to hit the pinata therefore we improvised. It was so funny watching my sister and her friends take a plastic bat and swing at this pinata hanging from the chandelier while my dad held the chandelier so that it would not fall off.
Colossians 3:22-23 was talking about doing everything heartily unto the Lord and not to men. It talked about in previous verses to not be men-pleasers. So often I do things to please people or be seen by them when my motive should be out of love for God and to please Him. Doing things heartily also takes away a lot of the comfort and laziness that I want and seek after. To do things heartily I have to pour myself out for my God because He is worthy!
Recently, I have been shown a website that is so cool called www.woot.com where they take a product, just one product, and sell it at discount until it is completely sold out and then they start on a different product. You may want to check it out as sometimes they have pretty cool stuff.
Last night for my sista's b-day party my dad grilled up some hamburgers outside our garage in 8 inches of snow. It was really cool seeing the snow all around while we were sitting around a fire grilling.
sorry for the scattered thoughts and hope you are well.
T-Flow

2005-12-14T10:17:00.000-08:00

The Getty Museum is really cool being up on a hill overlooking LA. You can even see the Pacific Ocean from the balconies. It is an art museum that the Getty family started and it contains tons of very famous painters paintings(...Rembrandt, Monet,) I thought one of the coolest things was the gardens they had. The structures remembered me of a castle and the gardens were everywhere. And its free. The museum is only accessible through a tram that you take to the top of a hill. It was cool!

2005-12-14T10:14:00.000-08:00

Sunset at the Getty.

2005-12-14T10:11:00.000-08:00

Steph and I went to a museum last Sunday afternoon that was really fun. It was a lot of fun going with her and afterwards we went to a place called Diddy Reeces in Westwood right across from UCLA. This place is famous for its ice cream/ cookie sandwiches which cost exactly a dollar. Many people will see movie stars down there and it is a cool place to hang out.

2005-12-14T10:06:00.000-08:00

The Getty

Follow Up!

2005-12-09T23:20:00.000-08:00

Well, you may have wondered what the last post was all about? Thats a good question, for Iam not quite sure myself. this is no excuse but it was three in the morning and I hadnt slept too much before. Today in chapel we had a little bit of a christmas celebration. Well I guess I should back up and explain chapel. Here at the college I attend we have chapel three times a week and they are exponentially sweet! This morning was our annual Christmas chapel where we break out some traditional Christmas carols and sing some cool Christmas hymns. IT was a good time to be reminded of Christ coming to earth and His humility and all that He gave up in heaven. The message today was on having a "righteous rest" over break. Sometimes, for me thinking of resting or sleeping I think that it is unspiritual or that I am not serving others or God by sleeping. But this is so wrong. I can sleep to the glory of God and should sleep to the glory of God and as a favorite preacher of mine says, "drink orange juice to the glory of God." (John Piper.) I cannot sleep selfishly but should sleep unselfishly so that I will be better able to serve later. I know from experience that although sometimes it seems necessary to stay up late usually I am wasted the next day and am not very good to anyone. (just ask guys on my dorm wing.) even as I type right now I think about the last couple of days and realize that right now I should go to sleep and get some rest. Hope you guys are good!

Sleep, Sleep, must...have..it.

2005-12-07T03:41:00.000-08:00

Sleep is essential to life
without it causes a lot of strife
between you and others
because you let everything
become full of bothers.

I need sleep my body cries out for it.
Tyler, give me that sweet time of rest
so that I can perform my very best

Missing three nights of sleep
is the same as taking LSD
is what I heard from another peep.

Get Sleep.

2005-11-11T16:56:00.000-08:00

I ran into Christian Bale one night from Batman Begins.

2005-11-11T16:55:00.001-08:00

Mark and Sarah Jane engaged.

2005-11-11T16:55:00.000-08:00

As Mark was proposing to Sarah Jane, Steph and I got the privalege of kidnapping Mrs. Honett and taking her to the grove to eat and hang out. I know this will probably surprise everyone but we got lost on the way there and really lost on the way back home.

2005-11-11T16:52:00.000-08:00

Steph carved the face sticking out his tongue and I wanted to shout out for Bama. Go Roll Tide!

2005-11-11T16:51:00.001-08:00

Pumpkin Carving Contest 2005

2005-11-11T16:51:00.000-08:00

Blake and Bekah's moving day. They cooked up some sweet waffles and we brought some OJ and enjoyed a time a fellowship while movin' some boxes as the Blekah couple move up north.

2005-11-11T16:49:00.000-08:00

Mustang Madness 2005

2005-11-11T16:48:00.000-08:00

Hotchkiss Men

Grace Today

2005-10-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

This week has been a great challenge and very hard. Everyone has weeks like this but what do I do with them? When homeword is piled up, and there are lots of events going on, and there are people that you need and want to see---do I trust in my own strength and orginazation and logic to get me through? No, I should look to God for strength. The same God who created heaven and earth by a word offers His help to those who seek Him. The Psalmist says, "I will lift up my eyes to the hills- From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth." (Ps. 121:1,2) Therefore, trust God for strength and help today and everyday. Sorry this post is so short as I have been the sultan of slacking with updating the blog. There will be more pictures and posts coming shortly but for now I must begin working on New Testament outlines for Dr. Halstead's class. Thanks and have a goo' one!!

2005-09-27T15:00:00.001-07:00

Michigan Adventure Theme Park

2005-09-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

Mi hermanas

2005-09-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

My cousins wedding

Rehrer's Memorial Service

2005-07-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

Good evening! Here is a memorial service message after the death of Bethany and Amy, Bill and Pam Rehrer in a tragic car accident in Texas. They were all believers and are now in Heaven with their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know it may be a lengthy post but please read.

Dearest Matt, Kara, Bjorn, Majesty and Plews,,

It is Sunday evening here in Madrid. As a church family we have cried tears and cried out to the Lord for the three of you as well as the others of your family who are grieving at this time. We phoned all the churches where Majesty ministered in their three weeks here in Spain to tell them of the sudden Homegoing of your loved ones. As we would describe Bethany the response was almost unanimously, “Oh, the girl with the smile”. We did not know Bill, Pam and Amy nor do we know Matt and Kara but God gave us the privilege of knowing Bethany for the three weeks she was here in Spain. In those few short weeks Bethany conquered our hearts with her sweetness and her love for the Lord.

Yesterday we phoned our Spanish pastor, Iñaki, to tell him of Bethany’s homegoing. This morning our church service was precious. It was a memorial service for Bethany. Let me share with you what took place. You may not feel like reading all of this right now but maybe later on you will be able to do so and we trust that then God will use it to encourage you and give you strength to face the days ahead without your precious loved ones. May knowing that a Christian community in Spain grieves with you and prays for you bless you today.

The service began with the singing of Majesty. I’m sure the translation in Spanish is very similar to that in English. Following that one chorus, pictures of Bethany and her time here in Spain were shown on the screen. Then followed Iñaki´s sermon entitled: A Funeral Sermon in Memory of Bethany. What follows is a translation of that sermon:

We began this week with the terrible news of the terrorist attack in London and we end the week with the very sad news of the traffic accident that took the life of our sister in the Lord, Bethany Rehrer together with her parents, Bill and Pam, and her sister, Amy. Bethany served the Lord among us just 20 days ago, living in the house of Dennis and Mari, and traveling with Larry and Rosana, singing in this very place where I stand today.

Do you know what the problem is with the death of Bethany? Why does it perplex us and make us especially sad? I know that you know the answer but let us say it with complete frankness. The problem with the death of Bethany is triple.

In the first place, it disturbs us especially because it is the death of a young person, full of life and full of goals and dreams not yet fulfilled and this is always more painful.

Secondly, it disturbs us because it is the death of a believer in Christ who was serving the Lord and who had concrete plans to dedicate all her life to serving God in the years ahead. Yesterday on the The Master’s College Web page, under Majesty, I read a short biographical note of each member of the group. In Bethany’s note she expressed her desire to dedicate her life to serving the Lord through the ministry of music. Her boyfriend, Bjorn, who also served here in Spain with Majesty in June, was in India and Bangladesh on Friday, serving as part of a mission team. He is considering preparing himself to possibly serve the Lord in that part of the world as a doctor someday. Most likely, Bethany would have gone with him, to one of the poorest areas of the world, to serve the Lord. Therefore, we know that Bethany was not a girl who thought of the future in egotistical terms. She had wonderful plans of service to others and to God, and that leaves us all the more perplexed.

In the third place, her death disturbs us because it was an absurd traffic accident. It is a death that we feel makes no sense. She didn’t die on the mission field giving testimony of her faith; nor did she die after a long illness which could have been an example to others of confronting adversity; nor did she die after many fruitful years of service to the Lord. Her death was sudden, in a traffic accident, and we ask, “Why?”

We ask that question because we like to know the territory we walk, to have answers, to know why things happen. But the truth is that we do not know and this humbles us; it puts us in our place; it shows our ignorance and our smallness; and if it wasn’t for the mercy of God it would even cause us to doubt the Lord.

God is in Control

In response to those who question our faith in moments like these our only response is that found in Psalm 115:2-3:

Why should the nations say, “Where, now, is their God?”
But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.

This may seem to some an easy answer that helps us to get on with our lives, but the truth is that we, as Christians, simply rest in the sovereign will of a God who, being the Father of those who have been redeemed by Christ, has the absolute control over the universe in which we live. And to say this is to say something very important.

Because this means that that which the world calls a terrible accident, a fatality that provokes despair and discouragement, a tragic coincidence before which they can only curse the bad luck, is not for us. For us it is the specific will of God; it is the mysterious design of a God who loves His children, but whose ways are often very difficult for us to understand. Romans 11:33-34 says:

Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!
For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His
Counselor?

So we do not known why certain things happen, but we known that they do not happen by chance, and we do not curse this chance, nor do we lament bad luck, because we know that God our Father has complete control over the lives of His children.

God has a Purpose

We also know something else that is of great comfort in the face of life and death. All things in the life of a Christian have a purpose, even those things that are most incomprehensible for us: the glory of our God and of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When Paul reflects on the mystery of the divine purpose, he doesn’t end his phrase where I would’ve ended, but he continues saying in verse 36:

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

Deep down we all think that we are the protagonists of the universe; we all tend to think consciously or unconsciously that life revolves around us and our plans. But moments like these upon which we are reflecting on today remind us of something very important that we just read in Scripture: this universe is from Him and through Him and to Him; this universe has a Ruler and has a purpose. We are of the Lord and we have been redeemed for His glory. In Romans 14:7-9 we read:

For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself;
for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord;
therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end
Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead
and of the living.

We are the Lord’s. Our life and our death belong to and have as their purpose to bring glory to Him, and this should fill us with joy because God, the supreme good of the universe, means that our life and our death have a purpose that is more elevated and noble than we can ever imagine – to serve and glorify God.

So we know at least two things that should be a comfort for us in midst of our sorrow: nothing happens by coincidence or by accident to the Christian, but all is by the hand of Him who said in Matthew 10:29-31.

Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall
to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head
are all numbered. Therefore do not fear; you are of more value than
many sparrows.

Secondly, the purpose in our lives and in our deaths point to the glory of Him to whom we belong and who is the true protagonist of the universe. In I Corinthians 6:20 we read:

For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

Accidents do not exist in the lives of Christians. Our God does all things according to the design of His will. As well, our lives and our deaths have a higher purpose which is to give glory to God. And there is a third thing that offers us comfort this morning:

We Will Live Eternally With Christ

The death of our dear sister, Bethany, reminds us that the fear of death is not something only the elderly or ill experiment, but it falls as a shadow over the healthy and young. The universal fear of death is born in the lack of assurance regarding that which awaits us after death.

The true problem that death presents is the threat of the absence of a significance that is ultimate and personal for us. If death is the end of all our goals, dreams, memories; if it is the end of all the love we feel for our loved ones; the end of our personality, then our life really will not satisfy us. We know that we live and die for God; that we were created for His glory. But God Himself created us with a desire to live eternally with Him; to see the end of old age and the pain of death and to live a full and eternal life where we will discover the ultimate purpose of things and rejoice together with our Creator.

If this hope did not exist, we would faint. After all we would look at the death of our loved ones and our own death with discouragement. But what joy and what a contrast to read at this point the words of the Apostle Paul, a man who had not built his faith on fairy tales or myths but on the foundation of a personal relationship with the risen Lord, and having seen God’s power working in him and through him. Paul, at his age and facing great risks, saw his proximate death and wrote with a firm hope in II Corinthians 4:16-5:8:

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner
man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for
us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the
things which are seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things
which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if the earthly tent which is our
house is torn down; we have a building from God, a house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed
with our dwelling from heaven; inasmuch as we, having put it on, shall not be found
naked. For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we
do not want to be unclothed, but to be clothed, in order that what is mortal may be
swallowed up by life. Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who
gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. Therefore, being always of good courage, and
knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord – for
we walk by faith, not by sight – we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather
to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.

Brethren, how fantastic is the assurance that we have as Christian in the Lord. Death is without a doubt a traumatic experience, but for us it is also the door to eternal life, the moment we meet Christ face to face. We are left behind here on earth sad because of the death of Bethany and her family, just as Christ was saddened by Lazarus death. But we know that they are in the presence of the Lord, and that one day we will all be clothed in glory to live in a renewed universe and life eternal.

Conclusion

Therefore, brethren, we know that we are in the hands of a good God; that our life and our death are for His glory and that finally we will one day be at His side free from the weight of sin and of death.

The deaths of Bethany and her family cause us to remember that we should be prepared to go into the presence of the Lord at any moment. Bethany has presented herself before the Lord having dedicated her last months of her life to glorify the name of God with the gifts God had given her, using them in His service. The Lord decided to call Bethany into His presence knowing that His daughter had plans for her future that included a life dedicated to serving Him in India, Bangladesh or wherever He would lead, renouncing many things to serve Him. If He called us could we say the same? Or would we be found living for ourselves and making our own plans? I do not doubt that one day, when we see things from God’s perspective, we will better understand his design.

In the meantime, we must know that Bethany’s death was not a fortuitous event, but it was by the will of God, according to His inscrutable ways and for His glory and the glory of His Son Jesus Christ. Bethany, Bill, Pam and Amy are now with the Lord, with joy unspeakable that we can barely imagine. They are contemplating Him who does all things for the good of those who love Him, and all this has been possible because of another death, the death of God Himself – God made flesh who came to pay with His own life our sin. He came to give salvation free and to give a sense of life and death to all those who repent of their sin and put their faith in Christ Jesus, who paid the punishment we deserved.

As we remember with pain but with hope the death of Bethany, Bill, Pam and Amy, we are going to proclaim the death of Christ who by His sacrifice gave us the gift of hope and a sense of life and death for all those who believe in Jesus. We will remember this now as we partake of the Lord’s Table together.

After the Lord’s Table we sang several songs. One was directly from Romans 8:34-39; followed by a song from Psalms 27:1-5. Bethany’s picture from the website was put on the screen a time of prayer followed. I wish you could’ve heard as various men led in prayer for Matt, Kara and Bjorn. When Jose Luis prayed he broke down completely as he prayed for Bjorn. The service ended by singing a song I haven’t heard in English but is called “Lord, Your Name is Exalted”.

After that song Iñaki asked me to read Bjorn’s email but I was unable to do so. Iñaki read it, translating as he went along. He also read the three Scriptures Bjorn included in his letter. As a benediction Iñaki read Psalm 23.

There were many tears and hugs among the church family. You may think it is strange that in such a short time each member of Majesty because so precious to us – that Bethany´s smile and sweetness would conquer our hearts but that was the case. There were several unsaved friends there. Our dentist particularly came because she had spoken to Bethany for quite a while. Isabel´s son is studying in Austin, Tx so they had that in common. We will continue to pray for you and that the death of your loved ones will bring much fruit for His glory and the salvation of souls both in Spain and in the USA.

If ever you can come visit we would love to have you in our home. God bless you and strengthen you.

In bonds of God´s love and grace,

Larry and Rose Anne Thornburg

Abrasive Vs. Embracive

2005-07-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

hey, the other night our Pastor explained how that relationships are a balance of being embracive and abrasive. We cant embrace everything someone does because we are all sinners and that is when a true friend and one who loves would be abrasive, of course you do that with a balance of grace and truth and with kindness, but far too often I am embrasive of everything someone does or I see something that is wrong and just reject that person rather than being a brother and being abrasive with them. This is a balance that I think we need in relationships. The only one whom we can fully embrace in everything is God because He is perfect and holy and without sin therefore when we embrace others entirely we could be putting them up with God so lets have a balance and a proper view of ourselves seeing our sin and need for our Savior God. What do ya'll think?
Peace.

24

2005-06-29T06:58:00.000-07:00

This summer has been awesome! I love being at home with my family and church. it is awesome to be with people who know you so well and that are very wise. God has taught me a lot and I am so thankful for that, even when I have had bad attitudes or the wrong expectations God has been working on me. He is so good! well, lately my older sister and I have started season two of the show called 24. This show is crazy! It never lets you breath and you are always at the edge of your seat. If you could think of the most dramatic event that would happen then this show is full of them. It is set up as one day in the life of Agent Jack Bower who works for the counter terrorist unit (CTU). If you get a chance take some time to watch it.
signing out, tyler

Kabobs

2005-06-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

well, hows everything going? Today we will be grilling up some kabobs, I think with pineapples and rosemary and other stuff. Ive never done this before but I am pumped about grilling it. I think everything is better grilled. In fact if you ever want to buy me a present buy me a grill. so far the summer has been going good! I think I am just now getting used to not having a job this summer and spending time at home. i am now listening to a sweet song by Reliant K called "Never Underestimate" talking about how in our sanctification sometimes we feel like we will never be free from sin but that we should never underestimate God's saving power. I love it! well, I hope you all are doing good!
signing out, Tyler

Summer 2005

2005-06-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

Coming off of school is funny and can be quite a change. For example, it is weird to have such a scheduled life and then drop it all at once. Sometimes I think it is harder to get things done when you dont have a busy schedule. I wonder why this is? Is it because I have so much time that I put things off? sometimes I think it is because I really dont know what I am going to do that day or should do and it makes it hard to do things when you dont know what to do? I dont think this makes sense. It is a good time to study for upcoming classes, read books and hang out with friends and family. I have gotten to hang out with some older men from our church. We worked on sealing the parking lot and its sweet because they have been treating me to lunch everytime I am up there. It is cool to get to hang with them. I hope your summer is going well!
Tyler

2005-04-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

We tried to make a awkward tourist picture for Ken and Beth

2005-04-26T17:01:00.001-07:00

The coast

2005-04-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

Driving along interstate 1.

2005-04-26T17:00:00.001-07:00

2005

2005-04-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

Right off interstate 101

2005-04-26T16:59:00.001-07:00

On the road

2005-04-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

Dan and Melody Talcotts before heading out to San Onefra to surf

2005-04-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

Ken and Beth's

2005-03-14T14:10:00.000-08:00

This last Saturday a Mr. Tim Thiesen and his awesome family invited a bunch of us to go skeet shooting and hang out at thier home in Fresno, CA. We enjoyed some sweet shooting, sweet grilling, and some sweet fellowship. It was sweet!

2005-03-14T14:06:00.000-08:00

Skeet Shooting at the Thiesens. Matt Mumma was bustin' some caps.

2005-03-13T15:57:00.000-08:00

The spring party was awesome! It took place at a police academy. I had no idea what to expect since it was at a police academy but the place was really cool. Half of the party was outside and half was inside. The outside part had a stone courtyard surrounded by stone walls with paths and staircases that lead up and through some woods. I dont know if that description makes any sense but it was really pretty. It was really fun going with Stephanie. Sometimes things that dont go according to plan end up being the most exciting event thats ever happened to you, and this was like that because I ended up getting lost again. God is good and gracious and helped us get back to the college safely and gave us a really fun night walking around the CalTech campus and eating Quizno's out on a hood of a car(???) and going to the party.

2005-03-13T15:48:00.000-08:00

Spring Party 2005

colds and such...

2005-03-06T21:27:00.000-08:00

The other day I got a cold and I didnt think it was that bad but it got worse. having the cold has made me wonder about Gods fatherly discipline in His childrens lives and how you know if its discipline or a trial to persevere through. I think one thing is sure in both cases you must examine your life for sin and confess and repent of it. well...today I got to sleep in; read watch a movie called the Terminal; read some more; sleep some more; eat some more; and run to get some cold medicine and snacks. It was a good day! The cold made it hard but it was still a good day. Tyler

2005-02-27T23:29:00.000-08:00

Recently some friends and I saw an oppurtunity to utilize a giant "jar" that we had and attempt to turn it into a fish tank. We bought a Red Fin shark; African Dwarf Frog; Bubble Eyed gold fish; and sucker fish. The shark has recently died although he was funny to watch because he turned upside down and swam backwards. The tubes are coming from an air pump we use to give them air and keep the water moving although some have said that it looks like the fish are on IV's or life support.

2005-02-27T23:26:00.000-08:00

Winter Camp 2005

2005-02-27T23:25:00.000-08:00

This is at Big Bear Mountain coming back from the Placerita Baptist Youth winter camp 2005. It was awesome! Scott Ardavanis spoke on transformation, and edification, and John richanrds spoke on following through with commitment. It was very refreshing and awesome to see God work in the lives of the guys I was with. There were huge snowball fights and some sweet tubing.

Hospitality

2005-02-17T12:59:00.000-08:00

The other night my youth pastor had me over for dinner and it was awesome! I love times to get to hang out with these people. Many times to pick their mind or to just hang out. His wife cooked spagetti and croissants and that is one of my favorite meals. I was just thinking about how that they were very hospitable to have me over and feed me and how that is such a cool, loving thing to do. well there is a school art show coming up that will eventually be an auction where they sell the best pieces of art, and tonight some friends and I are going to attempt to throw something together to enter into the contest for fun. Picture this: a box of crayola crayons, a picture frame, and many non-artists coming together with crazy ideas. I have no idea what is going to come out of this but it will be fun to make it. If you have any art ideas that have to do with crayons and a picture frame please post a comment.
thanks.

Orphans and Widows

2005-02-09T13:01:00.000-08:00

Today in chapel the speaker, Scott Ardavanis, spoke on james 1:26-27. I dont know if you have ever thought about those in other countries who have no food or homes or are dying or the very people we see in our own country who are homeless and without food and jobs. I havent really thought about them. This morning made me see how many people are in need. Kids without parents and a home. Widows and Single moms without any assistance and are taking care of kids who need a job or food. God is compassionate and will defend the orphans and widows and commands us to defend and take care of them as well. I dont know...this morning just made me want to open up an orphanage right away or create a business where it would provide a lot of good wel paying jobs for these people in order to take care of them. well, I am typing this is government class and better get back to taking notes. have a good day!
Volia

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

2005-02-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

Today. Iam now in a Critical Thinking and Problem Solving class and Iam not really sure what we are doing. Sometimes it seems like this class has definitions for things that are obvious just so that you have to learn them and spend time studying. I dont know though, I think I am just beating this class down; it must have some sort of value for thinking or learning that I have not seen yet. Last night my roommate and I watched an episode of the show "24". It is the fourth season and it was a good one.
The other day someone mentioned a coffee shop that had closed down nearby the college and mentioned buying it out and making it like an outreach to the community. It seems like it would be really cool to make it a business that had a cool place to hang out and could employ a lot of the college students or give people good jobs and the customer a good product and service. I dont really even like coffee but wondered about opening it up. If you have any ideas please give me a call.
Tyler

2005-02-07T23:19:00.000-08:00

The Grove

The grove

2005-02-07T23:08:00.000-08:00

The other night I got to go with an awesome girl named Stephanie to dinner and a place called the Grove. It was awesome! After many attempts to get on the interstate and being lost for a while we finally got there. We walked around for a while and it was really cool. They had christmas lights up and really cool stores and the street was closed off to cars. They had some really expensivo' restaraunts that we got to walk around in, and actually toured the parking lot for a while because it overlooked Hollywood and was really pretty.

2005-02-05T08:53:00.001-08:00

Drum line

2005-02-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

Drum line

2005-02-05T08:52:00.000-08:00

It was the day of Febuary 5 in the year 2005 when the Master's college chapel dismissed and came through the double doors only to find...people playing the drums and crocket and basketball with tents set up everywhere. This was the pre-game event that a bunch of guys at the college dedicated themselves to do. They would sacrifice their warm beds for the ground in order to support out b asketball teams. IT was also a ton of fun!
2-5-05

2005-02-05T08:51:00.000-08:00

hey hows everything going? well, let me just say that I am so thankful the friendships God has given me and put in my life. The other day they brought me out to a restaraunt called BJ's and we got giant cookies with ice cream on top that are as one of my friends would say, "rhombus!" I am not sure really what this word means but we have been trying to bring it into people's vocabulary to replace "cool". anyhow hope everything is going well for ya.
Tyler
Have you ever heard of Pazookies?

Eye of the Tiger

2005-01-30T16:19:00.000-08:00

recently, a friend invited me to go to these free boxing lessons with him at a local community center. We went fot the first time the other day and it was awesome. The guy who has been training us is named Gilbert and he is really cool. He has boxed for a really long time and was in the army for quite a while for the military police. He was trying to teach us the one two and many different types of punches and then got us working out running stairs and shadow boxing. I thought it was going to be just lessons but when I got there he put us to work and I was beat. Usually while I have been working out I have been daydreaming and imagining Rocky Balboa, and then reality sets in when I got knocked in the side of the head by one of the trainers gloves. It has been a lot of fun and I am thankful for the oppurtunity to be in this program and its cool to meet people outside of the college, nothing against the people at college.
Peace out.

2005-01-23T19:45:00.000-08:00

Hotchkiss

Truth and Life

2005-01-23T14:47:00.000-08:00

well today is the Sunday after this week at college we have called Truth and Life. It is a cool week where pastor's come in and we get a chance to hear Gods word. A cool Scotsman named Sinclair Fergeson and a guy named Peter Jones along with John MacArthur spoke on glorifying God. Then one night we had a night of worship which was awesome. It was cool because everyone was singing out really loud. Also, today was the first day back to youth group at Placerita Baptist Church and it was cool to see everyone again. I think my roommate and I will be getting some fish to put in this huge glass jar.
Good day!

Nintendo Mario Bro's

2005-01-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

This winter break my sister and I have been playing a lot of Nintendo. It is awesome! Its so old but Mario Bro's has been sweet. usually when you get to about the fourth level the graphics start going bad and Mario cant see where hes running anymore and you die. But its still been a lot of fun to play.

168 Youth Group

2005-01-15T20:41:00.000-08:00

Tonight I was looking at our Youth Group web site from Placerita Baptist Church, we are called 168. for 168 hours in one week that we should use for God's glory. Well, it was just awesome to see how God works in people lives. He changes us, saves us, and forgives us when we deserved nothing but His judgment. Now we look forward to an eternity of fellowship with Him in Heaven and worshipping Him with other believers. But we don't have to wait to go to heaven to worship Him with other believers, and I was just reminded of that looking at Youth Group pictures. We can worship God now through giving our lives to Him and living our lives out of a love for Him along with other believers. I don't mean to ramble on but I was just so encouraged to see what God is doing in the Youth Group and in His church over all the world. It is exciting!

2005-01-12T13:31:00.000-08:00

This is the journey of a salmon onto the dinner table. I guess I just wanted to talk about a really good recipe for grilling salmon. This art of grilling the salmon was passed onto to me by my brother Ken and friend Scott Burns. First, when selecting the salmon look at what specific kind it is. It seems like they will all end up tasting good but it is the difference between "good and gooder". Pacific Salmon is generally better tasting than Atlantic Salmon although King Salmon seems to be by far the best. Above all farm raised salmon seems to not have as good as a flavor as a salmon caught from the wild. Second, in preparation of grilling, select and get an untreated cedar board from you local Home Depot or Lowes and cut a piece big enough to hold your salmon fillet and above all one that will fit on your grill. Soak this board in water for approximately 24 hours. When ready to grill take the board salt one side and place the fillet skin side down on the board's salted side. Season the salmon thoroughly with Lemon Pepper and place on the grill. Close the grill lid and let cook for about 10-12 minutes. Finally, to check it place a knife in the middle of the fillet and slowly and gently lift. If the fillet easily cracks apart rather than staying together or ripping apart than that is a good sign it is done. Thanks and enjoy!
sincerely, an anonymous salivating salmon eater

2005-01-12T12:30:00.000-08:00

The Big Snow

2005-01-12T12:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2004

2005-01-12T12:28:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2004

Ice Fishing 2005

2005-01-10T23:20:00.000-08:00

This was the begininng of the journey of some fishermen. This journey started in the state of Michigan on a frozen scenery of ice in Sugar Springs, M.I. This journey was awesome: filled with good fellowship between believers and awesome fishing. We were going for Pike which to legally keep have to measure 24 inches in length. Between the eight of us we ended up catching 16 fish.
Ice Fishing 2005

2005-01-10T23:18:00.000-08:00

Fishing Hole 2005

2005-01-10T23:17:00.000-08:00

Ice Fishing Trip 2005

purpose of FlowTechnologies

2005-01-10T21:56:00.000-08:00

Hey, welcome to the website.
My name is Tyler Flower and the name of this website is FlowTechnologies. I realized after I created the website that the name Flow technologies sort of sounds like it should be a toilet company, so my apologies. The only reason I picked this name is because my friend Evan and I tried to create a skimboard company and that was the name we came up with. One thing I hope is that this website will glorify God in its existence. I didnt want it to be focusing on me but on God and just give an easy way to get in contact with me and get updates and pictures since sometimes I can be very hard to get a hold of by phone. have a good day! T-Flow