2012-05-19T13:40:38Z ricky blaha mail@rickyblaha.com Copyright 2012, ricky blaha SPHPBLOG www.rickyblaha.com My site will continue to be under construction for the next couple weeks/month. Thank you for your attention to this switch and for your readership.

this is "grace at work" ]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070711-210337 2007-07-12T00:00:00Z 2007-07-12T00:00:00Z
Not long after I had considered the thought of visiting, I was informed that a family from my church was going to be moving to Maine - only a few hours from NS. I further found out that they would be leaving the day after my graduation. So, I asked them if they could use help moving and if they wouldn't mind me hitching a ride. They were open to the idea and excited that they could serve in this way.

May 6, we began out journey to Bucksport, ME. We left around 7:00 in the morning with plans to spend the night with friends in PA. We arrived in good time in PA and were able to have a great time of fellowship with them in the brief time we were there.

May 7, we left for Maine around 8:30 and arrived in Bucksport just before dark. That night we stayed with relatives of the friends who were moving. I had a great opportunity to hear more about Canada and the culture and people from that area. My main purpose in going was to gain an experiential knowledge of the needs and people of the Maritimes. This is exactly what I was getting.

May 8, we spent most of the day unloading the two trucks full of stuff and setting up beds to sleep. It was a lot, but we got it done quickly and with out much difficulty. We even removed a stump from the front yard with the bumper of the moving truck (an added bonus.)

I will continue to share the rest at another time. But, for now, I will say that God is so good in every way: to advance the Gospel, grow His children, and further His Kingdom.

this is "grace at work" ]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070512-120704 2007-05-12T00:00:00Z 2007-05-12T00:00:00Z

Well, I finally made it...almost!!! Just a couple more weeks. I don't think that I was ever actually convinced that I would be at this point in my life. I am truly ready and excited.

I wanted to this to be open invitation to anyone who would like to come and celebrate with me what God has done in this area of my life. My parents are hosting a graduation party for me immediately after graduation. Here are the details.

When: May 5, 2007
Where: Grace Bible Church
107 West Rd.
Moore, SC
Map to Grace Bible Church
What to expect: There will be some food provided there. This is a drop in anytime between 1:00pm and 5:00pm. If you can only make it at for a few minutes, I would still love to see you.

If you have any other questions, please e-mail me at ricky@rickyblaha.com

I want to thank my friends Gwen and Tim for designing my groovy invitation. Thanks guys!!!

this is "grace at work" ]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070419-210846 2007-04-20T00:00:00Z 2007-04-20T00:00:00Z
Things are slowing down a bit from last week. I had mid-terms and many other extra-curricular activities. It was very burdensome. But, it is finished, and I am praising the Lord for all things.

I have less than two months left of school, and I will be graduating. I am growing more excited as the day draws near.

This is just a tidbit, since I had a break this morning. And as I say:

this is "grace at work"
]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070307-072930 2007-03-07T00:00:00Z 2007-03-07T00:00:00Z
Big Family in a Small House

this is "grace at work"]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070207-232140 2007-02-08T00:00:00Z 2007-02-08T00:00:00Z
Today, Pastor Danny Brooks of Heritage Bible Church preached. It was a glorious message. The message of the Cross was preached with relevance, accuracy and zeal from 1 Corinthians 1. It was medicine to the soul. I will post a link to the message so that anyone can listen to it, if they would like.

Praise God for his glorious Cross!!

this is "grace at work"
]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070129-205808 2007-01-30T00:00:00Z 2007-01-30T00:00:00Z Northland Baptist Bible College was getting married. It had been a while since I had seen him and the others from Northland who were there, so it was a great time of fellowship and encouragement. However, I had to take cuts from school for the first two days of classes. I did not realize how much it would set me back.

I figured that the first day of classes is merely a session of overview and hand-outs, so i did not think that it would be to critical to miss. However, I didn't really take into account the fact that I didn't have my syllabi or my textbooks and that I wouldn't even be able to get them until we were already into quizzable material. So, needless to say, I started out more behind than I had planned.

The other thing was that I wasn't really mentally prepared to come back. Probably because I was enjoying my time with my friends in PA too much, I was not ready to jump right into classes and books; but ready or not here they are.

This week has been a little overwhelming on a number of fronts; however, God has graciously seen me through it. I am one week closer to graduation!!! I am still trying to gain my footing and am unsure of a lot of things in different areas of my life, but i was just reminded of the truth that he formed me. He knows my frame that I am just dust. And His thougthts of me and ways for me are far above me. They are too wonderful for me, I can't even conceive of them. Praise the Lord for his perfect wisdom and His power to carry it out. I am humbled to think that He would care for me.

Praising Him,

this is "grace at work" ]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070120-102822 2007-01-20T00:00:00Z 2007-01-20T00:00:00Z
Anyway, I thought that I would join the bandwagon and share the wonderful dream that I had. I hope that it is inspiring and will trigger some zeal in your hearts. :)

this is "grace at work" ]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry070115-202808 2007-01-16T00:00:00Z 2007-01-16T00:00:00Z
Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,
At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more.
When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,
And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.

and,

When Adam’s flesh and Adam’s bone
Sits at Cair Paravel throne.
The evil time will be over and done.

The event that signified the weakening of the White Witch’s power was the coming of Father Christmas. All of Narnia had been without Christmas for almost a hundred years. Father Christmas had been kept out of Narnia by the White Witch, but finally he was able to get in. Aslan was on the move. The creatures of Narnia new that with the return of Father Christmas, the prophecies would be fulfilled, winter would soon change to spring, and Aslan would soon reign as king.

Just like the coming of Father Christmas brought hope to the creatures of Narnia, so the celebration of Christmas for us is a season of remembrance of the hope that we have because of the incarnation of Jesus, the Messiah. Old Testament saints longed for coming of the Promised One. They were in bondage under the reign of the Prince of this world; and only the fulfillment of the prophecies of the coming Messiah gave them hope of freedom.

When the announcement came to the shepherds of good news (the gospel), the angels said that it was to all people. A Savior was born who was Christ (the Messiah), the Lord. Simeon, a priest in the temple who eagerly awaited the coming of the Messiah, when he saw Him, said,

“my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." (ESV)

The Promised Seed that was promised at the fall of man was here. He would conqueror death, hell, and the grave. He would bring light to the nations. He would reign as King forever.

Personally, I have loved the traditions of Christmas which I have observed from the time I was a child. However, recently I have been frustrated with the commercialization of Christmas. Christmas has become more of a time of celebration of tradition than a celebration of Christ. Where does the coming of Christ fit into Christmas anymore? Where does Christmas fit into the Gospel? Well, for the Old Testament saint, the incarnation of Christ was the Gospel. The coming of Christ was the promise to which they looked forward with hope. The incarnation was the fulfillment of many of the promises they had been given. Just as we look back at the cross for our promise of life, so they looked to the coming of the Messiah. We have much to celebrate. Remember the Christ that came in a manger. But, do not separate it from the cross and the empty tomb. All this is the Gospel.

I have heard people say that Christmas won’t be Christmas without snow. (Actually, being originally from Wisconsin, I have said the same thing many times.) But, more importantly, Christmas won’t be Christmas with out Christ. For Narnia, the coming of Father Christmas marked their freedom from the cold and snow, and they rejoiced as spring finally came again. Let us rejoice at the coming of our King who is light and life full of grace and truth.

this is "grace at work"

btw: in no way am I advovating Santa Claus as a part of the Christmas celebration, just in case anyone got that impression. I am merely using a parallel that I think is appropriate. C.S. Lewis hated the commercialization of Christmas as well. I do not think it was his intention either. ]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061225-165525 2006-12-25T00:00:00Z 2006-12-25T00:00:00Z
Over Christmas break I plan on working as much as I can to prepare financially for the upcoming semester. However, I hope to be able to relax as well, and enjoy the glory of God and be refreshed through His Word.

this is "grace at work"]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061216-113946 2006-12-16T00:00:00Z 2006-12-16T00:00:00Z
This Thanksgiving I was again reminded for all that I ought to be thankful. So often I can become discouraged and discontent with where I am in my life compared to where I think I should be. But, then reality sets in and I remember that outside of Christ I should be is at the other end of God's unleashed righteous wrath. Remembering this truth my heart rejoices in all that God has done, both His common graces and His redeeming grace.

I spent this morning reading through a section of the Psalms. I was amazed at how many times and how specific the psalmist thanks and praises the Lord for His goodness and wonderful deeds. I hope that my relationship with the Lord turns me from my self-centered thoughts and ideas and causes me to delight in God in the same way. I am encouraged though to hear the psalmist wrestle with His own lack of dependence and understanding regarding his own situation. I can truly identify. However, by the end of the psalm, the psalmis heart changes and the Lord becomes his Treasure, his Helper, his Hope, etc.

Perhaps the most common psalm that I read around Thanksgiving is Psalm 103.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.(Psalms 103:1-5)

Read the entire psalm and be reminded of the benefits of God. We have God to be thankful for: give Him praise due to His name.

this is "grace at work" ]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061124-183655 2006-11-25T00:00:00Z 2006-11-25T00:00:00Z
But, for those of you who care, another event also occurred on this day. Almost 500 years ago, Martin Luther (not King Jr. - the real one) posted his 95 theses on the church door in Wittenberg Germany. This is marked as the start of the Reformation. The church door was the community bulletin board of the day. Luther, in an attempt to clarify the issue of indulgences, wrote 95 theses or arguments as to why this practice was unbiblical. Although Luther, and other fathers of the Reformation, had flaws in their lives and practice, their attempt to return to the authority of scripture has influenced Christianity tremendously to the present day.

This is not a celebration of these men or their works. It is merely a reminder to recognize the work of God in the lives of men throughout history for the praise of His glorious grace.

Last year I designed a Reformation Day page as a source of information about the Reformation. So if you want to know more about the Reformation, check it out.

this is "grace at work" ]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061030-140120 2006-10-30T00:00:00Z 2006-10-30T00:00:00Z
Unfortunately, many blogs out on the web have very little to offer that truly edifies and encourages. Many are filled with junk, opinions (which are like armpits - everyone has them, and they all stink!!!), and pointless information. Some people try to use blogs as their own little soapbox where they attempt to solve the problems of the world. (or create new ones, depending on how you look at it.) These blogs and the many others filled with junk are the blogs that create concern regarding the blogging world. Unfortunately, this is the case with most every medium. If it is not one thing it is the other.

As far as my blog is concerned, I never intended for it to be my own soapbox. I truly want to build up and encourage rather than create controversy and pointless discussion. However, I realize that I have done just that. Although some good has come through my last post and certain other previous posts, I realize that I have been somewhat controversial and opinionated rather than edifying. I am writing this post to restate to myself and to my very small and insignificant audience the purpose for this blog. It is my goal to edify and to encourage. By God's grace, I will attempt to do so from here on out. I have realized that I can unintentionally cloud the glory of God rather than cause it to shine out. Thank you for your consideration and understanding. And as always this is "grace at work." Fortunately it is still at work teaching me how to live "self-controlled, upright, and godly... in this present age." (Titus 2:12)]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061026-131549 2006-10-26T00:00:00Z 2006-10-26T00:00:00Z
Some seem to advovate that there is specific appropriate attire when attending church. The thought behind it is that the worshipper must be reverent. Therefore the conclusion is that the most appropriate dress is what we would by tradition call Sunday dress (suits, ties, nice dresses, etc.) because they define that as reverent attire.

On the other hand, others have reacted to the whole "Sunday dress" idea and advocate that the worshippers just "come as you are." I have seen a billboard with a picture of jeans and the caption over it say "church clothes." I have not investigated this advertisement too much, but I think their point is pretty clear. There is a deliberate identity that churches are working to establish with casual dress as a headline.

As I have been thinking through this, the thought keeps coming to mind that the only appropriate clothes for the church of Christ is the righteousness of Christ. We, as the true church, are only acceptable before God if we are clothed in Christ's righteusness. This is appropriate worship attire.

Sure there are other factors that must be considered when coming together as a diverse body. There are preferences and biblical mandates that help determine how to love each other (not an offence or stumbling block). But, to be acceptable before God all we need is to be in Christ. If we place a higher expectation on people than God does, we should check to see who are master is. Paul tells us that to ones own master a servant answers. God is each believer's master alone. We should not take the place of God.

So what is appropriate? We should check to see if we are clothed in Christ. Then we must let our love for God and others determine what is appropriate in the assembly.

this is "grace at work"

]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry061006-124323 2006-10-06T00:00:00Z 2006-10-06T00:00:00Z
I must to share a huge blessing that I received within the last couple of weeks. My initial plan when registering this year was to take classes this semester, next semester, and then finish by August. However, I was encouraged by a friend to try to get everything done these next two semesters, so I do not have to attend summer school. In order to accomplish this, I needed to take at least 20 credits this semester. I am not the most disciplined student, so this idea was suicidal. But, I decided to do it anyway.

After registering I began to try to do everything that I needed to do to finish my transcript processes. I embarked on a long but wonderful several week journey that had unexpected benefits. I transferred all my class credits from Greenville Tech, but when viewing my credits from Northland I decided to take a music theory placement test that would allow me to transfer credits that initially were not granted. When talking to the music office and the records office they determined, because I am not a music major, that they would transfer my classes with out needing to take a placement test. In other words, I was granted 9 credits from Northland that were not originally granted. This allowed me not only to plan on graduating in May, but it let me drop two classes this semester that I was taking just as electives.

I was so excited! God has blessed me with this for whatever reason, and I praise Him for His grace. Lord willing, I will finish this semester with 16 credits, next semester with 16 credits, and graduate in May. After eleven years, I will finally be finished. I am a blessed man!!!

I hope to write more often now that I am settled in with school. We will see :)

This is "grace at work"
]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060927-173404 2006-09-27T00:00:00Z 2006-09-27T00:00:00Z
I am in the computer lab at ole' BJU, but now I am off to work. I need to make money to survive in this world. All for now!!!

This is "grace at work"

]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060908-131854 2006-09-08T00:00:00Z 2006-09-08T00:00:00Z
I have had a good week. Last sunday my pastor preached a message from the first chapter of 1 Peter. It mainly focused on the Gospel of Christ, but I was suprised at the repeated reminders to rejoice. I was reminded that joy comes only from our life in Christ. Peter says us that we were purchased with Christ blood which is imperishable and not with perishable items such as silver or gold. We, who were once sojourners on this earth, now are residents in heaven. We are now beneficiaries of an imperishable purchase.

This just reminded me to rejoice in my life in Christ. My joy should not be set on the things of this world. Those things will fade away. Only Christ is my joy.

this is "grace at work" ]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060826-145503 2006-08-26T00:00:00Z 2006-08-26T00:00:00Z
I have attended four different schools now in my undergrad journey. However, last year, as I attended Greenville Tech I began to realize the similarities between schools. Greenville Tech is the first secular/public school I have attended with the exception of a semester of public school in the fourth grade.

In the midst of last year, I realized that all schools, both Christian and secular, have expectations. For example, Greenville Tech has cultural expectations, social expectations, moral expectations, and academic expectations. These expectations are the product of its people and culture. They may not be as high or as low as the expectations of every individual in that college, but it is a good representation. Consequently, Bob Jones University also has expectations (I pick BJU because it is the university that I will be attending this fall, and it is in the same city as Greenville Tech). It has cultural, social, moral, and academic expectations, also, that match its culture and people. But, like most Christian colleges, BJU has over the years created it own subculture producing it own unique people and expectations. Consequently, the expectation in this institution may seem odd and even burdensome to its students and surrounding community. Most of these rules/expectations are there simply to preserve order and enhance education. They are not meant to be Scripture.

The Gospel of Christ teaches that the law of God couldn't be met/fulfilled by men. Man's sin has caused the race of man to fall short of the standard of God's holiness. We did not meet God's perfect expectation. Therefore we deserved the full force of God's righteous wrath. But, by God's grace alone, Christ, the perfect Son of God stepped in and took God's infinite wrath upon Himself, so that we my be accepted by God. Consequently, as Christians, the basis with which we accept other people in this world is on the complete work of Christ. We cannot hold anyone to a standard other than God's holiness which was fulfilled by Christ's death and recieved through faith.

Having said this, when an institution or people who make up an institution put their own expectations on people without exercising the grace that has come through Christ, they can present a false understanding of the Gospel of Christ. However, institutions have authority to which students submit. And, being human, students also have expectation which infringe upon the authority of the institution. When the expectation of the student and the institution conflict, the student must set aside his expectations so that the grace of God may be clearly seen. Student who demand their rights and their expectations and do not defer do not exhibit the Gospel of Christ. Although it may seem that institutional rules are burdensome, students must defer demonstrating God's grace.

I know that this is a long post. If you are still reading, I thank you. But as I return to school, I must remind myself of the Gospel of Christ. It is my worship to God to deny myself, my wants, and my desires so that the grace of God may be seen through me. May I say now, I will not do this perfectly, so if any BJ student is reading this, don't expect perfect submission. But it is my desire to live with this understanding and to exalt the Gospel of Christ by the power of God. ]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060817-235459 2006-08-18T00:00:00Z 2006-08-18T00:00:00Z
On the other hand, I am excited about returning to school because it is my last and final year. After fours colleges and three different majors, I will at last be finished. I tell people that my education hasn't come through the classes as much as it has been the through the process. After twelve years of this leg of the journey, I will be prepared to enter the next.

Perhaps the greatest truth that God has used to prepare me for this last year has been His faithful illumination of the gospel of Christ. The gospel of Christ has become more real to me than ever before. I can return to school with kids almost ten years younger than me, submit myself to the seemingly burdensome rules and yet rejoice in all this for the sake of Christ. It is my pride that will keep me from boasting that I have opportunity to display the Gospel of Christ to those whom God will place in my life this year. Certainly my weaknesses are great, but I have all the more reason to boast in the cross of Christ.

If you scroll down a few posts to the one entitled "Mr. Clean goes camping," you will see a recent picture of me. In case it is not obvious, I shaved my head for the summer. Well, due to certain rules at BJ, I cannot be a student with a shaved head, so over the last month I began to grow my hair back. In Acts, Paul took a vow, shave his head, and entered into the temple for the sake of the Gospel. He was willing to put his comforts aside so that Christ might be lifted up. This is my chance to let my hair grow back out and enter into BJ for the sake of the Gospel. I am sure that Paul, by far, had a better understanding of the gospel than I do, but hope that even through this year, God will continue to illuminate my heart and mind to the truth of the Gospel.



Quick update: my laptop is still in the shop, we just got high-speed at home just in time for my desktop to die. So, I am using my lifelines - my family and the library.


This is "grace at work"]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060807-191159 2006-08-08T00:00:00Z 2006-08-08T00:00:00Z

So the question is, from all those readers who may still be interested, where have I been? Good question! I must say that part of the reason that I have not written recently is because my laptop is still in the shop. I have not been able to scrape together the money to get it out, so there it remains. I hope, though, to get it out soon. Secondly, this has been a unique summer for me. I don't know that I can quite explain it. But, God is teaching me much about growing up and "the real world." Ok, so I am 28 and I ought to be out of school, married, and well on my way to fulfilling the American dream. Well, the reality is, for me, life comes slow. So here I am wrestling through areas of life that many younger than I have already wrestled through. Yet, it is not the American dream that I am pursuing. God is preparing me to be godly. (This is definitely not American or even earthly, but heavenly.) And, godliness, for a person whose natural tendency is to be self-righteous, self-indulging, and self-centered, will have its difficulties. However, God remains faithful to His task of sanctification in my life, and, consequently, I am persevering. I have focused my time and attention on this area of growth in my life, so that I may learn all that it is that God is teaching me. (Lest I sound extremely spiritual, God has revealed to me areas of indiscipline and disorganization as well, which would be another reason why I haven’t written lately?)


To catch up though, I am entering my fourth week of house sitting, but not all for the same people. When I am done, I will have house sat for three different people. It has been great because I have saved money on gas, however, it magnifies the disorganization in my life (which is slowly clearing.) My brother and I went hiking/backpacking with some guys from my church. That was a great time as well. Here are some photos from the trip. I will share more about my summer later, but for now I can truly say that this has been "grace at work." ]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060715-011838 2006-07-15T00:00:00Z 2006-07-15T00:00:00Z

David reminds me that God formed me in my mother's womb. And before I was born, He ordained all my days. What comfort we have in the Sovereign Creator. I must not/can not fear; only trust.


I have had a wonderful birthday. It is no longer the cakes, party, and balloons that make a wonderful birthday, but, rather, the friends and the fellowship. I spent the day working and fellowshiping with those who God has placed near me. The value of trivial things pass with age, and the value of that which lasts becomes acknowledged. I praise God for His sanctifying grace.


This is "grace at work"]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060629-222226 2006-06-30T00:00:00Z 2006-06-30T00:00:00Z

My father struggles with areas of his life where he feels that he has not fully succeeded. My dad never finished a BA degree in college. Additionally, he has been given a couple diseases that have hindered him from participating as much as he would like in the more physically demanding areas of our lives as his children. Yet, my dad has faithfully and fervently participated in the planting, watering, and reaping of the spiritual lives of his six children. To this day, my dad has successfully taught six children to love God. This is far greater than any diploma. To borrow from the Apostle Paul, we , his children, will be my dad's glory and joy in which he can boast in the presence of Christ. We six children are a product of my dad's love, faithfulness and pursuit of godliness empowered by the grace of God. Diplomas will rot and burn up. Lives last for eternity. My dad has chosen to invest in the latter.


So today, on this Father's Day, I praise God for my dad. I praise God that in His great wisdom, He gave me to the man who is my dad, for he has most effectively pointed me to Christ.


I love you, dad. Happy Father's Day]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060617-233704 2006-06-18T00:00:00Z 2006-06-18T00:00:00Z his site from our family campout. It was quite an eventful weekend. Hopefully my brother will share his encounter with the North Carolina police force.


Pre-Memorial Day Campout

Campout Gallery Two ]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060527-134422 2006-05-27T00:00:00Z 2006-05-27T00:00:00Z

This picture was taken last weekend when I went camping with my family. We had a great time. In the picture I was warming up water for hot cocoa. It looks as if I was still waking up.


So, what do you think about the summer look?


]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060526-220622 2006-05-27T00:00:00Z 2006-05-27T00:00:00Z previous post you will read one of the reasons. The other reason, is that my laptop crashed. I thought it was just my cooling fan, but after expert examination I was informed that my hard drive crashed. Aaahhhh!! O well!!! At the moment, it is still at the repair shop, because I lack the funds to get it out. So there it sits idle, somewhat like my blog.


But, like General Douglas MacArthur said, "I shall return."


this is "grace at work" ]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060526-162431 2006-05-26T00:00:00Z 2006-05-26T00:00:00Z

About six years ago, I was addicted to movies. I loved movies. I wanted to see all the new movies that came out, and then, I would buy them. It was dispicable. God brought me to the place where I determined not to watch any movies for a long time so that I could break my addiction. I didn't watch movies for over a year. Instead, I devoted more time to reading theology books and studying my Bible. At the end of the year, I tried watching a movie. It didn't have near the same affect on me that it had had previously. In fact, I didn't really enjoy it much at all.


A couple weeks ago, I began to realize how much time I actually spend e-mailing, blogging, and browsing. I was doing it all the time. I knew that I was becoming addicted. Unfortunately, it was taking my time and focus away from other things that were far more important - school, God, ministry. (Note: for those of you who I had regularly e-mailed or who regualry read this blog, please don't feel bad or guilty. This is something that God has shown me in my life. I needed to learn priorities and moderation. This is a big lesson that I am continuing to learn. God is giving me victory.) I needed to devote my time to other things more important. E-mail/blogging relationships are good and helpful when they are kept in proper perspective. I was not keeping my priorities in perspective.


God, in His grace, is helping me regain a proper view of my priorities. I my not post as often, but that is ok. I do value the relationships that I have with those of you frequent this blog and who regularly e-mail me. Thank you for your friendships and encouragement. Bear with me as I struggle through finding the proper balance.


I really don't think that this is the kind of post that gains readership, O well!!


Meanwhile, (back at the ranch) God has been doing some wonderful things in other areas of my life. I will attempt to share those as God gives me the time and the words.


May I, once again, thank God for His amazing grace!!!]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060516-232206 2006-05-17T00:00:00Z 2006-05-17T00:00:00Z

T4G Photo Gallery ]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060429-111745 2006-04-29T00:00:00Z 2006-04-29T00:00:00Z

I cannot sum up all that has been preached or taught today or last night. I could not do justice to the gift of grace that has been offered through the careful yet powerful handling of the Word of God by these faithful men. I can only say that God has been exulted and that His glory has shined as a magnificent light in our hearts. Tonight, John Piper concluded today's Gospel feast by calling men to deny all of self and pursue God and His glory. If anyone has read Piper's books, they will know that this John's battle cry; however, tonight, he had a keen, relatively, unusual awareness of the implications of this call to all of God's men as he set before us an example of sobriety and earnestness while instructing ministers of the Gospel to passionately proclaim the Word of Christ. I don't believe that I have ever heard a greater appeal to live selflessly yet aggressively for the glory of God. This was indeed momentous.


I could go on indefinitely, but I can't, because I must sleep, so I won't. However, I must reiterate that this conference, I believe, is a landmark event in true church history. I have had that privilege of hearing some of greatest preachers of our time who have represented the majority of Gospel-centered evangelicals. Additionally, it is a thrill to me to attend this conference with men who represent even a broader scope of evangelicals. Over 400 Sovereign Grace pastors/interns are in attendance; many Gospel preaching Presbyterian, Baptist, Bible and Community churches are represented; and it was encouraging to see leaders of main-line fundamentalism in attendance as well - Dave Doran, Tim Jordan, Sam Horn and Dan Davy. I hope that this demonstrates their desire to keep Christ central despite minor disagreements. Praise be to God for His marvelous grace.


Tomorrow, there are only two more sessions, but they are bound to be dynamite. C.J. Mahaney speaks first followed by John MacArthur. May God bless His word and may He annoint His messengers with His Spirit to proclaim His Word. ]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060427-214257 2006-04-28T00:00:00Z 2006-04-28T00:00:00Z my church. However, I believe that my schedule will soon be simplified after completing my finals next week. I attended my last classes for the semester yesterday. I am almost finished!!


Right now I am sitting in a hotel room in Louisville, KY. I have taken a few days before my finals to attend a conference called "Together for the Gospel." I have been looking forward to going to this conference for a while. I originally decided not go, but when I found out friends of mine were going, I figured that it would be a great opportunity for good fellowship. The line-up of speakers that are scheduled include some of the greatest pastor/teachers of our day. This, I believe, is one of those landmark events in church history that once again points us to the cross of Christ.


The purpose of this conference is to bring men together because of the truth of the Gospel of Christ. This conference will demonstrate the ability for divers men to assemble together because of the unity of truth rather than mutual compromise of truth. Christians need to remember that we are one because of the reconciliation that we have with God through Christ and not because they agree on tradition and standards of living. Christ blood identifies us before God and sets upart from the world rather than our self-righteous pious lives.


Ok, enough of my preaching. I guess I can do that on my own insignificant blog. I have to leave in a few minutes to hear some real preaching, so I need to run. Hopefully I will get the opportunity to give some updates about the conference. If not, I will post some information on how to get copies of the messages.


Grace]]> http://www.rickyblaha.com/pblog/index.php?entry=entry060426-123852 2006-04-26T00:00:00Z 2006-04-26T00:00:00Z joy ) you can view these pictures from Albania in your own home.


I said this before in an earlier post, but for anyone interested in receiving hard copies of any of these pictures feel free to email me at mail@rickyblaha.com. The pictures are numbered next to the caption. Just let me know what the number of the picture is that you want and how many, and I will get those to you. O, and let me know the best way that I can get them to you (if you are out of town).


Thanks for your patience. God will glorious bless those who persevere to the end. (I don't think that that is exactly referring to my blog, but O well). Let me know what you think.


This is "grace at work"


Albania Photo Gallery

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