My Grandpa and Me

As I'm writing this post, I'm am going through mixed emotions of happyness and sadness. About four hours ago I found out that my grandfather had passed away not to long ago. I was fairly close to him and I know that he lived life to the fullest. I remember the days as a kid he would yell if I didn't do something right. My grandfather was an insurance salesman and a very good one. There were many days where he be gone away from his family while making a sale, but he loved his wife and kids. There is one picture of my grandfather, my dad and I in a grain truck where my dad place me as a little baby on top of the grain. It was my favorite picture of him. This past thanksgiving, I actually got to see him for the last time and he seem to be in pretty good spirits. Little did I know that he would be spending his last days on earth. The most important thing about him was that about two years ago, my mother had talked with him and was wondering if he accepted Jesus Christ as his lord and personal savior. He said that he had and he was ready to meet him. That to me (as well as my mother) meant more than all the money he ever made as insurance salesman. He is now in a better place as I will always remember the memries of my grandpa and me.

Veterans Day

People who know me know that I'm somewhat of a history buff. The holidays are approcahing and another holiday that doesn't get quite as much of attention is just six days away. I'll admit that I really didn't know how Veterans Day came to be, until I did some research. In 1919, The treaty of Vesailles ended WWI. However, seven months before the treaty was signed there was suspension between the allied forces and german forces coining the term "armistice". That started on November 11, 1918. The temporary suspension started on the eleventh hour on the eleventh day on the elventh month (try saying that three times fast). It was originally known as Armistice Day, but act in Congress in 1954 removed the word armistice and put in it's place Veterans Day. Just a short little history lesson. This week as we go through our daily lives if you happen know or see someone you know that served in the millitary. Tell them thanks for all they have done and that without them we wouldn't have the freedoms that we have today.

Tim "sad Bears fan" Crippen

True Friends

True friends....they all come different shapes and sizes. Your true friends are the ones who are upfront with you. True friends do things toghther. True friends can help in times when the chips are down. True friends they'll tell you when your fly is open. True friends always sees the bigger picture. True friends we'll let you share some of their clothes. True friends will always tell you how you feel. True friends can cook and clean house or they can do one or the other or they do neithier. True friends are never two faced. And most importantly true friends loved you no matter what.
-Tim "Won't you be my true friend" Crippen

Goldie the golden retriever

Today is a sad day for me. My dog Goldie past away early this morning. I knew she was suffering over these past few weeks, but her time had finally come. I buried her as soon as I got home from work today. I have had many great memories of Goldie, but the one I remember was last year about this time Goldie was walking with me and my dad. It had rained about four inches that day and Goldie (as all golden retrievers do) decided to go take a swim. Well, the current from the creek bed was really moving fast and she got caught up in it. I went into ditch to find her and she got swept underneath this huge pipe. Well, dad met her on the other side as she was paddling away to get to some grouding. She was all wet , but Dad and I had a good laugh at her expense. Goodbye old girl we'll miss you.

NFL Stadium Threat?

After long hard day at work, I thought this day has already made me mad. Until, I read an article tonight about some freaking terrorists sending an internet message saying be very afraid and that they plan to blow up seven NFL stadiums this weekend. After reading this I was really furious. I'm so sick of these people playing sick little jokes on our country . The people who send these messages should be track down and thrown into jail. After 9/11, we should take every threat seriously and not with any skepticism.
Tim"Red, white and blue rule" Crippen

Rural Carrier Academy

For four days, I have been training in Independence, Mo to learn how to become a post office on wheels. The academy trains in you in everything from learning how to case mail, scanning accountables and even preventing man's best friend from getting the best of you (if you know what I mean). Penny and Ronnie were great instructors and we even had a little fun in class which is great. I will admit, I don't know everything on the job, but as I start my route I should be even more knowledgeable in it. I also pass my written exam. This has been a blessing to me and I have to say thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers toward me...you don't knnow how much that means to me.

Tim

PS: Football prediction Chicago 36 Arizona 14

Learning to Drive again and the Chicago Bears Song

First let me just say what awesome retreat we had this past weekend. A much needed break for everyone. Remember when you were fifthteen and you were excited to get behind the wheel, fast forward sixteen years later, I get that same feeling again. I took my post office road test today in a LLV (Long Lasting Vehicle) as well as in my truck. The difference from what I experienced today compared to when I was first starting out was that I didn't have instructors yelling at me, they don't have emergency brakes in the vehicles and of course I have lot more experience driving. Yet, for some reason, I was still nervous. The instructors I had today were really cool and I was able to relax and be myself. Oh, if your wondering how I did.....Well, I passed the test in both of the vehicles. Thank You Jesus. It's on to the Rural Carrier Academy next week.

Now, the Chicago Bears are 4-0 and playing Buffalo this weekend. I know some of you are not football fans and some are. But if you have tune into a Bears game this year you have probably have heard of the Chicago Bears Fight Song:

"Bear down, Chicago Bears make every play, clear the way to victory! Bear down, Chicago Bears put up a fight with a might so fearlessly! We'll never forget the way you thrilled the nation with your T-formation. Bear Down, Chicago Bearsand let them know why your wearing the crown! You'rethe pride and joy of Illinois, Beardown, Chicgo Bears!!"

Prediction Bears 29 Bills6 DaBears!!

Angel food Ministries

Yesterday, I volunteer to help out in Angel Food ministries at our church. It was the first time our church had done this ministry and I was really surprised on just how coordinated and how many people volunteered to help out. I helped carried out the groceries to peoples' cars and the response from people who don't even attend our church who said thank you for helping carrying the food and thank you for this church for this ministry. Talking with them it seemed that they really appreciate this. I was really glad that I helped and enjoy my time out there.

My mastercard moment

New Radiator to replace the old one ... $285
New rear brakes, cylinder drums, brake fluid line and labor ....$345
Sports Illustrated magazine to read while waiting in the shop ....$3.99
Knowing that God is in charge of your finances ......priceless
There are some things money can buy for everything else there's Jesus

9/11.. .... A time to reflect and move forward

On September 11, 2001 ......I remember working in Wichta, Kansas and talking with my news co-workers on how I was looking forward to vacation time in NYC in just four days. That morning; however, changed not only my vacation plans, but also it made me think of why would anybody want to do this to our country. In every generation there is an event that people don't forget on where they were, what time and what they were doing that day. For my grandparents it was Pearl Harbor, my parents it was the shooting of a president and for me it's 9/11. At the time, I was going through so many emotions I didn't know what to feel. A year later, I did take that NYC trip and when I visited ground zero, I remember in the center or near the center there was two steel beams that formed in the shape of a cross that was still standing. I took a photo of that cross and I turned to my roomate and said "Do you think that is a sign that God was watching over those people?" He turned to me and smiled, "Oh yeah he was definately watching over his people." I'm not really good with words on how to move forward, but I think Billy Graham might be able to help. Here is a portion of his sermon that he gave at the National Cathedral days after the attack. "Yes, our nation has been attacked. Buildings destroyed lives lost. But now we have a choice whether to implode and disintigrate emotionally spiritually as a people, and a nation, or whether we choose to become stronger through all of the struggle to rebuild on a solid foundation. And I believe that were in the process of starting to rebuild on that foundation. That foundation is our trust in God. That's what service is all about. And in that faith we have the strength to endure something as difficult and horrendous as what we've experienced this week.
--Billy Graham Sept. 14, 2001

Goodbye summer, Hello Fall

Labor Day Weekend to some people is consider the end of summer. Although, it officially doesn't end until Sept. 23rd. This past weekend, I went down to my alma mater in Pittsburg, Kansas to see my friend Dan. We didn't do any fishing, but we did do some clay shooting which I haven't done in over ten years. I talked mostly politics with him being that he is a candidate for state representative, but he realizes he has tough road ahead of him and he truly believes that he can win the seat. He talked with me about my spiritual life and he asked me the one question "What are you doing for Heavens Sake?" In other words, what are you doing for the Kingdom of God and not the Kingdom of Tim. Well; I said, I don't know where God is going to use me. On one hand, I think god is going to use me here and then he leads me into this direction. Then there are times where I think there is something else that is hidden that Christ will lead me there. I told Dan that I honestly don't know, but one thing for certain I do pray about it. And wherever the Lord leads me I will follow. This weekend gave me a chance to not only meet up with some good friends, but gave me a chance to reflect on my life on just how far I have come in my own spirtual journey. I hope you all had great weekend and may God bless you.

"Invincible" made me want to punt

I'll admit I'm sucker for sports movies, especially the ones that are down on their luck and somehow the main character makes the team. Here's one where it's a combination of "Rocky" meets "Rudy" it's called "Invincible". Mark Whalberg plays Vince Papale, a part time subsititute teacher and bartender whose life goes from bad to worst. A friend of his persuades him to try out for the Eagles after Dick Vermeil (Greg Kinnear) declares open tryouts for the Philadelphia public. The story is good, but for some reason the acting was quite convincing. Sure mark whalberg is a good actor and he did show some athletic moves, but I was waiting some tear jerking moment and I didn't see it. If anybody steals the show it's the supporting cast who act and talk like Philly fans. Anyway, Invincible left me wanting to punt instead of going for it on fourth and inches. If you want to see a football movie here are my top five suggestions.
1. Rudy 2.Remember theTitans 3.The Original Longest Yard 4. Friday Night Lights 5.Brian's song ,I know there are other football films and if you want to post your Top 5 go right ahead.

Expectations

I read in an article that a high school student in Kansas did a rare feat. He scored a perfect score on not only the SAT, but also the ACT. While reading this it got me to think about world expectations versus God's expectations. This high school student probably had pressure from eithier his parents, his peers or he puts pressure on himself so that he can get into a good college. That's the worldly view, in God view it's another matter. In Philipians 1:20, Paul writes "According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death." In this world we expect to get a good job, get married, have kids and retire. All those things are good, but if they don't have a Christ center life it means nothing. I know recently in my own life, I feel like this high school student trying to live up to certain expectations. God's expectations for your life are so much greater than you can imagine, if you just put him into the center of your life.

From World Trade Center to the Jerk Line

Dear Fellow bloggers,
I just recently saw the Oliver Stone movie World Trade Center. I must say that I had my hesistation of seeing it, Mainly, I thought this was going to be more of a political movie and it's just Hollywood trying to make another buck. The story is about two NYC cops who had risked their lives of saving people while the World Trade Center is on Fire. This true story on film wasn't a political statement at all, in fact, with recent events that happen in Great Britain in just reminds us as country that were still just as vulnerable as we were nearly five years ago. I know some people who say they will not see the film because they don't want to relive. That is pefectly fine because the film has some tough moments that may be too tough to swallow. Overall, the film is pretty good and I give it 4 out of five candy bars.

Now, the jerk line
I recently read an article about the NFL Cincinnati Bengals football team about how you as a fan can call from your seat and have annnoying fan being removed by calling the jerk line. You heard right it's 318-JERK and security will give the fan a warning the first time, but if he continues they are escorted out of stadium. Here's a thought without dealing with all the hassles, just go to a buddy's house watch the game and you won't have to deal with any annoying fans or having beer spilled on you.