Moving Time

Hello Everyone,

i am moving my blog to wordpress.com my new address will be richemery.wordpress.com 

i am move to wordpress because i would like a bit more control over my blog, also i would like to know my stats of how many people are visiting and subscribed to what i post.  so please upgrade you bookmarks and i look forward to see you all at my new home 

Rich

Who are you Following?

Are you following your heart, your mind, or are you fully following God and what he has for you? Are you living a good life, or are you living a Great life? We can all live a good life by taking the first good idea that passes by us we could be doing good thing for God and our families and our communities. 

If you are wanting to have a Great life all you have to do is Pray and Listen. Talk to God! Does he want you to be helping in the kids ministry, youth church, or even McDonlads or Winners? What about that six figure carrier that you could be offered. All of those places are good but God is calling us to be Great. We should make sure that where ever we go we need to pray, ask God if that is where he wants us. Are we saposed to move our families to the other side of the world? Why are so many people settling for less then what God has called them to be. 

Lord that is my prayer that people that I meet people that I know would be willing and obedient to call on your name to know which direction You are calling them to be so they won't just be good in your kingdom but Great in your kingdom.

Not Art. Gospel.

If you are a creative person or just love God. Then you should check out Not Art. Gospel. 

You can an amazing representation of the sermon on the mount

Check it out!

Beaverton

Today is the Second day being here in Beaverton Oregon at the Fall Regional Conference.  Last night we listened to Pastor Jack Hayford Inspire us to walk through the door and Join Jesus for what he has called us to be 

A time of Change

My life is changing really really fast! With my new job at Northgate Foursquare I am always being challenged in a new way, not just with technical stuff like creating videos and graphics.  I am being challenged in keeping up with my devotions and keeping a reading plan outside of my devotions.  I am also challenged with my emotions keeping them in line and not get angry or upset when I am receiving criticism.  Also God is really teaching me patients.  I know this because right now we are trying to buy a place and somethings are going through really fast but others are really wanting to take there sweet time. (please be in prayer that Amy and I will have a place to live sooner then later)

To add to the life change Amy and I are having a baby as you know.  It is really exciting and also a little scary.  When I think about it I am always second guessing myself thinking that I might not be cut out to be a Dad, yet at the same time I am really looking forward to the baby coming because we are surrounded by some of the greatest people that in the world, with our church family and leadership as well as my real family with my grandparents and my Dad and Step-Mom in town.

The Big Announcement!

If you have not see Pastor Craig Millar's Blog yet for what the big surprise was well you better check out here!  He is going to be following a passion of his politics.  He is running for a seat on city council. Pastor my prayers are with you and good luck! you have my vote

SURPRISE

Big Surprise at Millar Time see if you can figure it out

A day in paradise!

On Saturday September 20 I went climbing here at Comox Lake it was amazing. Jason (remember he is not my wife) and I both climbed a rout rated 5.10 cleanly (no falling or using the rope to help you up the rout) if you dont understand the rating system click here.  also with us climbing was Matt he just got his climbing gear and used it for the first time.

i will try to post some sweet pictures later

I am BACK

Its been a long long long time since I have been here.  Allot has been going on in my life, I am still living at Jason and Kelsey's place (Thank You Friends!!)  I am really looking hard at a place and i am going to look at it agin on monday with my Dad.

My beautiful wife Amy has sent me some 3D pictures of our baby.  I will post them later today.  Also Amy will be up in Courtenay soon! 7 more days!

My new job is fantastic!  I get to work with some of the best people that I know doing what I love to do.

That is all for now but the posts are going to be coming more frequently now that there is internet at the house

talk to y'll soon

who is my wife

Pointed out to me in a comment from my last post my wife is Amy not Jason just to make that clear I am not married to Jason and here is a great pic of here

A New Chapter in Life

I know it has been a while since I have posted anything here on my blog, but life has been pretty Awesome.  I am in the process after finishing my job with Presentation Services, my beautiful wife, Jason and I packed up the apartment and moved it all to storage in Courtenay BC.

Now being up in Courtenay I have been to the Northgate Foursquare staff retreat SHINE!  I was great going over everything for the next 12 months.  I never new how much planning was done before the new year started, it's great that we know this so we will always be on the same page throughout the year.  The second day of the staff retreat was unbelievable we went to Wild Play and did the high ropes course, and the zip line, and Pastor Scott and Pastor Matt did the bungy jumping.(see there videos below)

On Sunday we sent Fusion Youth off to Camp for the week.  Then for church we listened to Pastor Matt preach a great message keep your eyes open at ngate.ca for is message.

Today I excitedly went condo hunting with Karin and we look at 3 possible places to live I hope one will be the place to buy

My End with PSAV

I am officially finished work with PSAV it was good while it lasted.  I have learned a tone and made some good friends that I will never forget.  But with any job there are always thing that you are happy to give up as well.  below are some pictures of my office at the Delta and the last picture is of my office at the Habour Towers

yes that last pic has no window and no paint and the carpet is held down with tape great office eh

Going for the Gold

What's in a name?

What's in a name?  EVERYTHING!

Give me some suggestions on a great name for this blog

A Day at the Beach

The other day some of the young adults went to the break water in Victoria.  While we were out there we wondered out to the end of the break and I got the most lovely sun burn it was totally amazing my face was lobster red except for where my sun glasses were.  The best part of the who day was us being kinda mean, but it was still really funny, we were watching the tide come in a 2 pairs of shoes sat unattended on the beach, a pair of crocs and some puma look a likes.  as the owners were playing a little farther down on the beach, not paying attention to there shoes the water slowly crept up on there shoes.  It wasn't until a whole line of whale watching boats went by that we knew that the shoes would meet Davy Jones Locker.

The shoes did end up surviving but it was really fun to watch.

Photography

At different time over the past couple weeks have had people asking me about photography.  But first things first I am not a pro I just like to take pictures.  So see below for some great resources for learning how to use your camera how to compose a picture and some great inspiration to create some great pictures.  

Michael's Photography School - a great place to start, some great videos to describe different photography terms like aperture, exposer, ASA ISO.  Also he will some composition skills.  all form amateur to professional 

PhotoWalkPro - a great blog all about photography and as a side note of this site check out the Worldwide Photo Walk and if your city is not there add it and become and lead your own photo walk

Joe McNally's Blog - a great place to know what a real pro goes through with is traveling around the world shooting for people like National Geographic, New York Times, Nikon, Sports Illustrated, and thats just to name a few.  I also recommend watching some of his videos on youtube here

Strobist - for everything in flash and extra light gadgets for you camera

well thats my list i hope it helps you to get more involved with your camera and keep shooting

Great Links

Here is a list of links that you should visit if you are going any kind of design

Brusheezy!  if you need a fancy brush or just something totally off the wall check out this site

stock.xchng  great resource for all the free royalty free pics you will need

BittBox  a great blog that will offer you great textures type and any thing related to graphic design

Fuel Your Creativity a great blog just go look at it

Best Brands of the World search for logos of any company you can think of

its all about the heart

after that serious beautiful worship of my last post this will is sure to make you laugh

what are some of your favorite moments during worship?

Healer

A song that God has his hand on right now.  Watching the following videos and see what I mean.

I am Still ALIVE

I am still alive even though I have not Blogged in a week today.  This has really been the last thing on my mind.  As most of you know if not all you, I have been offered a position at Northgate Foursquare Church.  My Team and I will be looking after the church media, sound, video, graphics, and print. 

I am really quite excited to be moving back up to the valley, but for now it is all about getting everything organized for the move with packing and finishing up work and making sure that all the necessary people in Victoria Foursquare are ready to take over the youth ministry that Amy has been looking after and for me the keep helping out our audio guys.

If any one is in Victoria and they would like to help with some packing just send me an email. 

New Phone

Well today I went and got a new phone since in the end of august I will be moving to Courtenay to start my new job (it's going to be soooo SWEET) 

I got the new BlackBerry Curve, isn't is purdy!  I can Facebook Twitter and Blog all from my phone. Who needs a computer any more? (I do) any way if you need my new number send me an email 

Week in Courtenay

It’s always a tone of fun when I get the chance to go up to Courtenay so spend some time with friends and help out with student ministries. This week was one of those weeks it was totally awesome!

When I got into town after my beautifully long train ride I was met by one of the coolest people that I know Jason Eliason (find his blog here) and along side him was the new kids pastor, Matt Delblanc (find his blog here). Once they had picked me up we went for lunch at Safeway, if you wondering you can get great pannines and subs there. We made our way back to the church so Jason and Matt could go back work while I just hung out distracting the rest of the office staff and interns. Then off to Jason and Kelsey’s (find her blog here) house for dinner and sleep.
The second day of my time up in Courtenay was great as well! To start the day off I went to the gym with Jay and Kels it was fun and was also my first time going to a gym to workout, thanks for the inspiration you guys rock! After that we got some breakfast and went to the church for 9 am. A little while after we got to the church Pastor Scott (find his blog here) took me out for coffee and we had a meeting about how my life is going how the family is what my plans for the future are, thanks for a great meeting Pastor Scott. After lunch I got to join Shift for one of their summer events and go mini golfing it was so much fun. My team was Alana a super cool young girl and it was her first day ever going to Shift, Campbell a funny guy who you just cant help but laugh when he or his brother are anywhere near you, and the one and only Breanne an ex Master’s student. Thanks for letting my help with the mini golf!

Day three, the main reason I went up to Courtenay in the first place. Today is the day that we have been waiting for. My beautiful wife went in for her ultrasound in the morning and by lunch time all of us in the church office were looking at a few of the first pictures of our new baby boy or girl, too bad I was not in Victoria to go with her. Also today is Noise Level, the first annual concert in the park put on by the Northgate Youth and Comox Pentecostal Youth. Thanks Jason and Mike! I was there to help out with this killer event. Pastor Corey and I looked after the entire audio portion of the concert from the set up to the mixing and the final strike. Pastor Corey worked the monitor mix as I did the front of house mix, thanks for the help Pastor Corey we couldn’t of done it without you. The concert went great! The first band up was Dialect 9 form the Comox Valley, great musicians with a unique sound. The second band was My Broken Hero form Port Albernie, another great band with some really fun lively stage presence Great Job to both bands. And finally to all the volunteers that helped put on the show Awesome job!!!

Day four, my last full day in Courtenay for this trip. Today holds one of the most unique events I have ever taken part in. Ice Blocking if you don’t know what that is you urge you to take a look at Kelsey Eliason’s Blog she posted a couple links to videos that will show you what ice blocking is all about. If you ever get the chance you should do it you will laugh cry and get a wet bum and it is totally worth it. This evening we went out to Pastor Scott and Naomi’s camp for a barbeque it was a great time hanging around the fire.

And finally today we got to the church for 9 am I said my byes went to lunch with Jason and Pastor Matt, and now I am on the train back to Victoria

RagamuffinTop Challenge

Hey everyone sorry there will be no update this week dew to the fact that i will be in Courtenay until Friday. will most defiantly have an update next monday

Check this Blog!

If you are in to Adobe's Photoshop, and in to any kind of photography you need to check out Scott Kelby's Blog, Adobe Photoshop Insider.

Scott's blog is the place to go. If you enjoy shooting buildings and interesting people you need to see todays post about some of the basics of copyright, model release and shooting in public.

Go visit his blog www.scottkelby.com

Best Office Prank Ever

Best Office Prank Ever - The most amazing videos are a click away

Running with Music

Just got back from a run, it was quite painful my right calf is killing me but I still went my full 5k just not as fast as i would of liked

RagamuffinTop Challenge

Time to check in. My eating sucked this week, because it being the last busy week at work there was not too much time to eat well i would only eat one meal a day and it would be too big and the food would not be very good. it would be burgers or fried food.
How many times did i get out running this week
3 times. but the 3rd time it was so hot out that i was only able to go 2.5 km and my right calf and shin was really quite sore

time to weigh in

Last week 241.2

this week 242.4

so i am up 1.2 pounds

does anyone have any good resources on healthy eating?

A Good Run

Just got back from a great run with my best time yet see below for my Nike+ stats

Abandoned Inspiration

Looking at pictures for inspiration on my own photography or photoshop projects is something that I really enjoy doing. Starting today I am going to try and post a weekly inspirational website, blog or photo album that has inspired me.

This week I came across a site called Opacity.  Tom Kirsch, also known as Mr. Motts, is an amazing photographer that specializes in abandoned building, factories and cemeteries.

check out his site here

Nike +

With our money that the government gave us both Amy and purchased some new running shoes, and I also got the NIKE+.  Now I can keep better track of my running performance and make sure I am always improving 

my first run with nike+ plus

RagamuffinTop Challenge

Time to check in and see I have have gotten any closer to my goal of 180 lbs.

this week

Running 3 times

10Km walk

drum roll please ...

last week 243.3

this week

well i was hoping to be below 240 but at least there was a loss of 2.1 lbs

Running with Music

I just got a new toy the 3rd generation iPod nano, the silver one it goes with my MacBook Pro, its great!  The best part is now I have some music to run to.  Now I need to figure out a playlist of great running music

What kind of music do you work out to? 

Where does the Time Go?

What I have noticed about this month, the glorious month of June, is that it has the longest day of the year!  So would that not mean that I would have more time to do stuff?  No, I don't think so. The craziness of work is just getting worse for the rest of the month. To put that in perspective all my revenue is double what it normally is, and to continue on that this week I have one group that has come in and is more then doubling what my average week would take in.

if you are wondering when I get my devos in well i need something to do on the bus:)

RagamuffinTop Challenge

Well, this week really sucked with work and trying to work out I did not get out on any runs and I even had a cancel my work out that I would of had after work at the Delta but the conference ran late and we had stuff to do at the other hotel.

I don't have a picture this week my camera is full from this weekend!

but I have gained 1.3 pounds this week

My goal for this week is to loose 7 pounds, run at least 3 times and go to the gym at least 1 time and go climbing at least 1 time

Long time No post

Well, as you know it has really been a long time since I have posted anything.  I will give you a run down of my week.   WORK!  I have been working behind the tech table for CSDMS Canadian Society of Diagnostic Sonographers.  So what am I actually doing at my tech table?  I load allot of Power Point Presentations, trouble shoot almost as many presentations as I load on the the show computer.  Also I need to be running the audio for up to 4 wireless mics in a mixture of handhelds, lavs(lapel), and headset mics.  Still there is more stuff going on.  I am also running a video record on a basic DVD recorder ( I am always afraid it wont work, because there is no way I can tell if it is working properly)  so that is pretty much what I have been doing for the last few days about 13 hours each day.

The Conference is at some points quite interesting, and at some points quite boring, and again as some points quite disgusting.  One of the things that i found interesting was on the first day of the event when they were talking about ultrasound and some of the machines.  Did you know that you can actually see your baby in the womb in 3D and in real time. It was pretty neat.   

I should get back to work 

RagamuffinTop Challenge

Well, I guess it is time for me to check in.  This is my first week of the challenge, it was a good week there was more weight loss then I would of guessed I could do.  so what did I do this week well I went Climbing 2 times and I went running 3 times. 

so lets see how I did.

Last Week 

This Week

So i am down 8.8 pounds

only 62 more to go!

Pray BC

Today I took part in Pray BC it was AWSOME!  There were about 150 people or so in worship and prayer on the legislative lawn.  During the afternoon there was pryer for the different parts of the government, the police and other security enforcement, our military and men and women overseas.  There was also prayer for the teachers and education, and finally we prayed for the local church and its leadership.

To see the local church come together as one body is great and now my prayer is that there will be more of the church participating in events like this and see double the people in the next Pray BC event 

IT'S A GIRL!!

New member to the Tapley family! Peter and Karina just had a baby girl Alicia Marie Tapley 

Here are the stats

time: 7:09 pm

weight: 8 pounds 5.2 ounces

Karina is doing well and her and Alicia are both healthy

Congrats Peter and Karina

Vision

Vision is a picture of the future that produces passion.

-Bill Hybels

Serving

This morning God put the act of Serving on my heart.  I don't know why he put it there but I am most defiantly going to pray about it.  Until I know why He put it on my heart I figured I would post something about serving in my life and how it changes who we are as people of this world.

Serving the church body is something I could not live without.  I say this because if I did not start to serve right away, after giving my life into the Lord's hands, I would not be a part of the church anymore.  My reasoning is that being able to serve gave me a spot to belong weather it was going to be helping set up chairs for church, preparing a stage for youth ministries or helping the children in Sunday school find the scripture in their bible.  Then after going through Pacific Master's Commission serving changed for me.  The change was for the better to be thrown into a ministry that I never thought I could of and significant help, and found out that just being willing to serve is the only thing you need to know.  Sometimes you're serving is giving an ear to listen to people tell their story, or maybe you will be asked to go into a dish pit or clean up after the soup kitchen is finished.

So Pretty much what I am saying is open up your heart and allow God to place you where you can make a difference by serving wherever you are

Blog Stalking

I was stalking around Pastor Scott's blog Souljourn, and i went to some of the blogs he has links to and found a great post form Ben Arment's blog History in the Making

What You "Complain About is Your Calling to Fix

I'm gonna go on a little tirade here... leadership is paying attention to your complaints and then doing something about it. I read a blog post over the weekend by someone complaining about others not taking action on something he could dohimself. You don't get a license to act like a leader by passing acivil service test or by being knighted by John Maxwell. You become a leader by acting on your complaints.

Whiteboard was a solution to my complaint about multi-day, long-session conferences away from my family. So what's your complaint? If you can put your finger on it, that's your calling. Maybe nobody else can see the problem because God wants youto do something about it. Quit waiting on other people. In the words Ben Stiller in Starsky & Hutch, "Doh it." Okay, I'm done."

When God answers!

Our Father in heaven

Yes?

Don't bug me.  I'm Praying.

But you called Me.

I called You?

I didn't call you I'm Praying.

Our Father in heaven

You called Me again.

What?

You called me.

"Our Father in heaven"

Well, hear I am. What's on your mind?

But I didn't mean to.

I was, you know , saying my prayers today.

I always say the Lord's Prayer

It's what I always do

All right, go on.

Hallowed be your name

Hold on, what do you mean by that?

By what?

"Hallowed be your name"

It means... ahhh... umm...I don't know what it means.

How should I know it's just part of the prayer.

What does it mean?

It means Holy, Honored, Respected

Cool, that makes total sense.

Thanks.

Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Do you really mean that?

Sure, why not?

What are you doing about it?

I don't know.  Well, nothing I guess

I just thought it would be cool if you had control of everything down here like you have there. We are pretty messed up down here.

Yeah, I know.

but, do I have control over you?

I go to church

Thats not what I asked.

What about your temper?

I know you don't have that in line, and what about how

you spend your money, and the shows you watch on TV?

Hold on a second! Stop picking on me!  I'm as good as the other people in the church you know.

HEY!  I thought you were praying for MY will to be done?

If we are to see my will done it will have to start with the 

people who are praying for it.

like you.

Right... I guess i do have some stuff to work on.

Now that you said that I can think of some others too.

So could I.

I never really thought about it until now.  I would like to 

get rid of those problems.  I would like to really be Free!

Great!

We will work through it together. 

I'm proud of you

I should finish up here it is taking allot longer then usual

Give us today our daily bread

You need to cut out some the that bread.

you are overweight as it is

Hey! What gives? I am trying to say my prayers and you 

are bringing up my problems again.

Prayer is a dangerous thing, you might get what you asked for.

Remember you called me

Keep praying... well, go on

I don't know if I want to.

Why not?

I know what you're going to say.

Try me.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

What about Jeff?

I knew it! He has been spreading roomers about me!  I am going to get back at him!

What about your Prayer?

well... I... I didn't mean it

At least you're honest.

But holding onto that anger and resentment is a pretty heavy

load isn't it. 

Yes, but it will be gone and I will feel great as soon as I get even with him. He will wish he had never met me.

No, you will not feel be great, you will feel much worse.

Revenge is not sweet.

I know you're angry but I can change that.

Really, how?

Forgive him.

Forgive Jeff and the sin and anger will be his problem, not yours.

You will have settle the problem on your end.

You're right, like usual.

I do want to he right with you after all.

All right,  I forgive him.

How do you feel?

Well... I actually feel really good.

You know I will get to go to bed happy tonight. I haven't been getting much rest lately.

I know.

You are not done with the pryer yet. Continue

Right,

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

Great, I will do that.

Just don't put yourself in a place to be tempted.

What do you mean?

You know what I mean.

Finish your prayer.

For yours is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory

forever Amen

Do you know what brings me Glory?

What would really make me happy?

No, but I would like to know.  I really want to please you.

I have messed up so many things, and I want to truly 

follow you. I can see how great it is, so please tell me

how to make you happy?

You Just did.

RagamuffinTop Challenge

After watching Pastor Scott's Chubby Little Hunchback Reports and learning about the RagamuffinTop Challenge has really inspired me to get my but in gear and to be health and fit. 

Right now I would guess my weight is about 243 lbs. and my goal is to be at 180 lbs or below.  This week I will get a better that is not  plus or minus 10 pounds

I will post weekly what I have done and what my weight is for that week

New Milestones

For everyone that has really enjoyed going to the Milestones Restaurant here in Victoria.  Since there reopening after there renovations in the late spring there service has really gone to the crapper.

When we first got to the hostess desk they were pretty quick and we were seated within 5 minuets.  Once we were all seated the rest of the service truly sucked.  It took about 45-50 minuets for the server to come and take our drink order and because she took so long she also took our dinner order.  About 15 minuets after our order our drinks (3 iced teas and a water) arrived at our table.  Now for the good part.  Our dinners (3 burgers and 1 pasta) didn't arrive at our table for another 45-50 minuets after our drinks arrived, so just over an hour after we ordered.  Now that the food has finally got to our table noting was hot one of the burger buns was soggy.  Once we had the manager called all they would do if take 20% off the bill which was about $3.50 off each dinner.  Needless to say I will not recommend Milestones to any of my clients again.

I guess we will stick with Rick's Grill when we want to go out for a nice dinner and John's Place for a great burger.

The SUN

Why do we always think we are so much stronger then the sun?  We sit outside at the beach, Starbucks, or a restaurant patio and try to fight the sun with our noses.  How smart do you need to be to know you are going to lose that battle EVERY time?

Yesterday my wife and I and some friends hung out on the Starbucks patio for about 6 hours just talking about life.  Then the clock hit about 5 pm or so.  We all decided that it was time for dinner so we went to Milestones (see my next post to learn about the great services) for dinner and yes we sat out on their patio for dinner in the sun.  By the time we left form dinner we all have spent a good full 8 hours in the direct sunlight so needless to say 3 of us went home with looking like freshly cook lobsters.

Just Because I can, here is some of that useless information that I like to look up.

~the sun's mass is 2 x 10(to the 27 power) tones

~about 75% of the sun is hydrogen and the rest is mostly helium

~gravity holds the sun together

~the weight of the outer layers of the sun causes the density of temperature to increase towards the center to about 15 000 000 degrees celsius

 

What's Happening to Us!?!?

As most of you know I use Victoria's public transit all the time.  One thing that always gets my attention is when people are sitting one to a seat and not allowing anyone else to sit, also when people sit in the front seats that are reserved for people with disability.  More often then not you will see people arguing with a young mother with her baby in a stroller because there is some person trying to make a point that the mother is not disabled.  Did the baby walk onto the bus by its self?

What are you doing to stop this form happening?  How can I make a difference? Unfortunately we can't make people change,  we should do what we can and be the better person.  Just get up and allow that elderly person have your seat, put your backpack on your lap or at your feet.  Just have the respect for other people that you would want them to have for you.  

These kind of things are not just happening on my bus.  Look around when you are going to school, work, where ever.  Be patient, allow someone to cross the street, hold the door open when going to the mall.  It's all really simple just have some common courtesy on everyone you see

Long Words

We all know some long words like supercalafragalisticexpialadoshus the longest word that EVERY kid knows.  And a lot of people know about antidisestablishmentarian-ism from high school social studies.

Did you know that the longest word in the english language is 45 letters long.  Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis

What does it mean you ask?  Well, it's a lung infection that you can get from a volcano.

Here is a great place in New Zealand a hill 305 meters summit with a name that is 85 letters long.  

Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu

I don't know about you but i am thinking that it's little overkill for the name of a hill. What do you think?

Because People Ask

Because I read so many blogs, and have been ask a few too many times if i am ever going to start a blog I figure I should just give it a try and see what happens.

I will try to post something new every few days to try to keep up to date with useless information, and possibly some profound thoughts that may either make you think or at least make you think I'm going nuts.

Check back often because you never know when the next post is going to be!