All posts tagged Items of Thanksgiving

Not Realizing What a Wonderful Possession We Have

by Alpha Omega Institute on March 7, 2013 in Johnsons from the Front with No comments

 

A Pastor friend recently told me this story (my paraphrase):

There once was a man named Waylon Pendergrass (a fictitious name not meant to incriminate any particular individual) who went out partying one evening and became rip-roaring drunk. In his drunken stupor, he decided to increase his income by committing burglary.

Waylon drove around the town neighborhoods for quite some time until he finally came upon a house that was completely dark. Seeing no vehicle in the driveway of said house, he came to the conclusion that nobody was at home, therefore a perfect place for his larcenous intent.

Waylon staggered around to the back of the house and smashed in a low lying window. After struggling through the broken opening, Waylon proceeded to stumble through the dark house collecting valuables which he stuffed into a bag. Once the bag was full, he then reeled back through the house and exited through the window by which he had entered.

Upon reaching his car, Waylon noticed that his burglary gloves were lying on the front seat. In a brief moment of sobriety, he realized that he had left fingerprint evidence throughout the house, which would surely point to his guilt. Already having a criminal record and not wanting to return to the “joint”, Waylon decided the best course of action would be to destroy the evidence, where upon he set the house on fire.

As Waylon drove away from the house, he had the thought that if he drove around the town in a random manner for awhile, he might further confuse the authorities. After wandering around the town for a short time, he became very drowsy and felt it was now safe to go to his home.

As he approached home, he was aghast to see his house surrounded by fire engines and police cars … his own house was on fire. Waylon realized that he had burglarized and torched his own home!

An alert police detective spotted Waylon, and upon approaching the vehicle saw the bag of “loot” in the back seat. Knowing Waylon’s background, the detective began to pull the stolen items out of the bag and laid them upon the hood of the car. Amazed at what he saw lying before him, Waylon stated, “Wow, I didn’t know I owned such good stuff!”

Moral of the story – how many times as Christians do we not know the wonderful possession we have in Jesus Christ. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Eph 1:7

 

Lanny Johnson

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing.  Thanks for your partnership.

 

Surprises in Arizona

by Alpha Omega Institute on March 5, 2013 in Nuttings from the Front with No comments

 

While Mary Jo & I were speaking in Arizona recently, we were happy to have had some special surprises. First was while we were having lunch just north of Phoenix with some good friends from Grand Junction, who happened to cross our paths (our first surprise).

The second surprise was when members of a peccary family (javelina) sauntered through the outside courtyard where we were eating. They are known to be unpredictably aggressive but we were glad that these were not (that day). However, our friends quickly made sure their dog was contained in their truck.

The third surprise was while we visited another friend who is in a rehab hospital in Sun City. A big coyote ran right through the middle of the rehab yard! I took a quick look around to see if the Road Runner was ahead of this Wiley Coyote.

An additional set of good friends, who are from Jackson Wyoming, surprised us when we were setting up for a program at the Arizona Christian University. They were staying in Phoenix and had heard we were going to be doing a series of lectures in the Phoenix area and wanted to surprise us. They did and it was great seeing them!

Another big surprise was the snow and hail storms that hit Arizona while we were in Prescott, Phoenix, and even Tucson. Hey!!! This is Arizona. We even brought short sleeve shirts to beat the heat but were surprised that we never got to put them on since it was so cold. Instead it was long sleeve shirts, fleece vests and coats! At least the roads were good! However, we were also warmed by the great group in Tucson (many more than they usually get). We were also warmed by the response of the elementary and middle school children in Prescott.

Part of the joy of being on the road as much as we are with creation seminars is not only the response to the message, but also the surprises of God’s wonderful creation, whether they be the marvelous scenery,  His created animals, the good friends we encounter or make (also created by Him), or even unusual weather.

We praise God for all of that!

 

Dave Nutting

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing.  Thanks for your partnership.

What is The Main Ingredient of WD-40?

by Alpha Omega Institute on February 19, 2013 in Johnsons from the Front with No comments

 

I saw this on a friend’s Facebook page and found it interesting. I have been using this stuff for a long time; I really like to use it to clean the grease and oil off of my hands, but didn’t know it had so many other uses. Here is a condensed version of the article.

What is The Main Ingredient of WD-40? Did you know? (Read to the end, to find out).

“Water Displacement #40″
The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953, by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a ‘Water Displacement’ Compound. They were finally successful for a formulation, with their fortieth attempt, thus WD-40. The ‘Convair Company’ bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts. Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you.

WD-40 Uses:
1. Protects silver from tarnishing.
2. Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4. Gives floors that ‘just-waxed’ sheen without making them slippery.
5. Keeps the flies off of Cows, Horses, and other Farm Critters, as well. (Ya gotta love this one!!!)
6. Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7. Removes lipstick stains.
8. Loosens stubborn zippers.
9. Untangles jewelry chains.
10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12. Keeps ceramic / terracotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13. Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16. Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on both home and vehicles doors.
18. It removes that nasty tar and scuff marks from the kitchen flooring. It doesn’t seem to harm the finish and you won’t have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19. Remove those nasty Bug guts that will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly!
20. Gives a children’s playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21. Lubricates gearshift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers…
22. Rids kids rocking chair and swings of squeaky noises.
23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31. Removes grease splatters from stovetops.
32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35. Removes all traces of duct tape.
36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37. Florida’s favorite use is: ‘cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.’
38. The favorite use in the state of New York, it protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it’s a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose.
Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.
40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41. It is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray it on the marks and wipe with a clean rag.
42. Also, if you’ve discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! The lipstick is gone!
43. If you spray it inside a wet distributor cap, it will displace the moisture, allowing the engine to start.

As for that Basic, Main Ingredient … it’s FISH OIL!
Once again … looking to God’s designs to solve problems!

 

Lanny Johnson

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing.  Thanks for your partnership.

The Cosmic Hope of the Evolutionist

by Alpha Omega Institute on February 12, 2013 in Nuttings from the Front with No comments

 

The search for extra-terrestrial life has preoccupied astronomers for years. Its discovery is the hope of evolutionists. I emphasize the word “hope” because it’s, well, uh, … purely hope.

There is reason why this hope is so needed. To the ardent evolutionists, finding life elsewhere in the universe will be proof positive that life evolved here on Earth and therefore, there is no God who created us in the first place. I would say there is a “disconnect” in logic there, but that’s their hope.

The first step in finding life out there is to find a suitable planet which also has a suitable star that is not going to fry it. Are there suitable environments? Perhaps, but read the following one-liners which express pure hope in last week’s Associated Press article by Marcia Dunn entitled Closest Earth-like planet “stroll across the park.’ (I’ve emphasized in bold their hope.)

“Earth-like worlds may be closer and more plentiful than anyone imagined.”

“. . . nearest Earth-like planet may be just 13 light-years away.”

“That planet hasn’t been found yet, but should be there . . . “

“. . . their planets could be much older that Earth and their potential life forms much more evolved.”

“Future spacecraft should be able to locate these planets . . . “

Keep in mind, they haven’t even found a suitable planet yet, but their hope is certainly that some future generation of Earthlings will find it and life as well.

I can only hope, that the “wishful hope” of these evolutionists doesn’t keep them from experiencing the Blessed Hope of eternal life that is available to us right now through the Lord Jesus Christ.  Yes, that is faith.  However, the Bible says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb 11:1)

Note the words “substance” and “evidence” – two things the article didn’t mention.  However, our faith is in the substance and reality of Jesus Christ who actually lived and who gave tangible evidence (through actual physical miracles) that He is the son of God.  Since this is true, we can trust that the promises he gave us which includes that Blessed Hope of eternal life. As John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  Our hope is in the risen Savior.

Now that life is something worth putting your hope in!

 

Dave Nutting

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing.  Thanks for your partnership.

Creation in Mexican Drug and Rehab Centers

by Alpha Omega Institute on January 3, 2013 in Nuttings from the Front with No comments

 

Two of the locations where Mary Jo & I had opportunity to speak while in Mexico last month were at drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers. Both of these facilities were “lock up” facilities, meaning that the people in there were not allowed to leave. These centers were last chance facilities in lieu of actually being put in prison.

In other words, we had a captive audience for the creation and Gospel message. Of course, while we were there, we were also locked in close quarters with them. As some of them looked like pretty rough dudes, we were very happy that the crowd was quite attentive and responded quite well to what we were saying. There was also quite a mixed group from two 10-12 year old boys, several young ladies, and men up to at least 50 years old.

The message we gave was definitely a creation verses evolution message (What’s the Evidence?). It was coupled with the fact that they are not the products of accidents. Instead they are uniquely created in the image of God. Some of these men and women have been told that, or at least have thought, they are worthless. However, they responded well to knowing that they are important to God since they were created by Him. Questions after the presentation continued for quite some time afterwards. One of the men, who was actually originally from California, told me that the presentation was so very important. He said that what I had presented “blew my mind.” The last time I heard that exact phrase used by a participant was many years ago. It was from a “former” atheist who had heard Mary Jo & I speak 7 years prior. The former atheist, who had become a deacon in his church, asked if we knew what we were doing. He then said, “You guys are running around the country blowing people’s minds. (PTL! And Lord, allow us to keep doing that!)

We certainly hope and pray that these men and women who were at these rehabilitation centers, find this material, and a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ to be a real spiritual “mind-blowing experience” and that they can be set free from their addictions which physically “blow their minds.”

 

Dave Nutting

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing.  Thanks for your partnership.

Extreme Low Tide on the Gulf Coast

by Alpha Omega Institute on January 2, 2013 in Johnsons from the Front with No comments

 

Florida Fighting Conch

My wife and I are collectors. We love to collect seashells and fossils. So when we were in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, we hit the beach almost every day looking for new types of seashells we have not found on other beaches in our travels. Early one morning, my wife met another collector who shared that there would be an extremely low tide in two days time.

Because more of the beach is exposed during low tides, we find that is the best time to find shells. What we found during the extreme low tide was absolutely amazing.

We found Florida fighting conchs lying all over the beach … alive. I guess I had always thought they were like snails and just crawled around on the ocean floor, but it turns out they are like clams and live buried in the bottom. During low tides, they dig out of the sand and lie on the top of the sand until the next high tide covers them with water. One of the shells I always like to find are Lettered Olives, and again I thought they just crawled along on the seafloor. But seeing them in action, I learned they are also burrowers.

Sand Crab

The tidal pools left by the very low tide were a wealth of new discoveries. By wading very slowly through the shallow water, we were able to see many sea creatures that you normally don’t get to see during normal tides. We saw 5 different kinds of crabs, sea anemones, sea urchins (disguised with shells and leaves stuck to its spines), sea worms, sea stars, baby flounder, baby sand dollars, and many other sea critters.

On the beach that day was a great diversity of life, yet it was such a small, minute part of God’s overall creation. It brings to mind Psalm 40:15 - Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

 

Lanny Johnson

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing.  Thanks for your partnership.

Just Like Dad

by Alpha Omega Institute on December 19, 2012 in Nuttings from the Front with No comments

 

Walking the beach while on vacation, I saw a heart-warming site – a father standing with his son looking out at the waves and ships on the horizon. The thing that struck my heart was the way the son was standing. He purposefully looked at his dad and then assumed exactly the same pose, with hands behind his back, left hand resting in the right, gazing out at the ocean. (I would have loved to take a picture, but I didn’t want to disturb the moment for this father and son.)

Watching this boy of about 9 years – seeing the way he was watching and imitating his dad – caused me to reflect on the importance of the example we set for our kids and grandkids. They are watching us! Do we really want those following us to be “just like us,” or are there some areas we would cringe to see them copy? How important it is that we live consistent, God-honoring lives before them.

But then, I got to thinking – how can we become people worthy of following – we who are weak, fallen, and often struggling in various ways ourselves? Only by doing what the boy on the beach was doing – by looking intently at our Father – by seeing Him in the life of His Son, Jesus, our perfect example – and by deliberately, by the power of the Holy Spirit, imitating Him. Only then will we be worthy examples of humility, faith and endurance for our kids and others to follow. As Paul says in I Corinthians 11:1, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” (NASB)

“ . . . let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith . . .” (Hebrews 12:1-2, NASB, emphasis added)

 

Mary Jo Nutting

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing.  Thanks for your partnership.

Seed of Salvation at Epcot

by Alpha Omega Institute on December 18, 2012 in Johnsons from the Front with No comments

My mother, wife and I have just gotten back from a wonderful 2 week vacation to Florida. While there, my mother treated my wife and I to a day trip to the theme park Epcot, part of Walt Disney World, near Orlando, Florida.

We began the day by visiting several attractions in what is called ‘Future World’.  As we traveled through a ride/exhibit called Spaceship Earth, I was saddened, but not really surprised that we were presented with our “evolutionary” beginnings. It is very hard to go anywhere in the secular world without hints, suggestions, or declarations of the evolutionary worldview. Therefore, when it came to the next attraction, Universe of Energy – “a ride with Ellen DeGeneres as she goes back to the dinosaur era “, I decided to pass … after all, I have seen almost all of the stuff Disney has put out about dinosaurs, and it sure does not fit with what I believe.

After several more ride/exhibits through ‘Future World’, we traveled on to ‘World Showcase’, where the cultures of many different countries are portrayed. We were able to see several well done presentations, learning a little more about each culture; however, I found the main focus at each area seemed to be to get people to spend lots of money on trinkets, food, and drink.  But it is very easy not to spend money if you don’t have any, and the good news … the drinking fountains and toilets were free.

The real highlight of Epcot had to be the evening “Candlelight Processional” at an outdoor amphitheater. There a full orchestra (complete with strings, winds and drum), accompanied with a splendidly robed choir of 300 wonderful voices, gave an hour long musical rendition of the favorite Christmas carols. Between each song, Andy Garcia, a well known Cuban/American Hollywood actor, read from the gospel of Luke about the birth of Jesus. Near the end of the presentation, Mr. Garcia shared the gospel message (a very watered down version, but still the gospel message).

The grand finale was Handel’s Messiah (also known as the Hallelujah Chorus). This great song of praise had the crowd of at least a 1000+ standing to their feet. I know that it is tradition to stand for this song, but no one is forced to sing along … yet the vast majority of the spectators were singing along with the choir, loud and strong!

So, was the seed of salvation planted on any fertile hearts that evening? That is a question only God can answer, but I do know that even with a watered down message, seeds were planted. And for that I give praise!

 

Lanny Johnson

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing.  Thanks for your partnership.

With a little help …

by Alpha Omega Institute on November 30, 2012 in Stepaneks from the Front with No comments

 

Sue, Joel, and I left Colorado on Sunday Nov. 25 to fly to Mexico.  We spent the first few days helping our daughter, Kim, and her husband Jasson pack up their family and house in Guadalajara, Mexico.  We have been primarily helping take care of their three young boys, as well as giving their house a fresh coat of paint.

Thursday we traveled to Tepic, about 3 hours away, unloaded the cargo, and helped them get settled in their new home.  Two other UIM pilots were also there to help.  It is a big job since there are multiple stairways and tight spots to navigate to get the furniture from the house to the trailer.  But it has all gone well so far.  It has been a blessing for us to be able to be here to take part in this project.  In the evenings I have been teaching on various creation topics.  The trip has been mixed with work, babysitting, teaching, and a whole lot of family.  It has been a blessing in so many ways.

 

Rich Stepanek

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing.  Thanks for your partnership.

 

Those Important Ants

by Alpha Omega Institute on November 21, 2012 in Johnsons from the Front with No comments

 

My wife has a real problem with ants that move into the house. She has ant traps tucked all over the house (hiding them as best she can from the grandkids) and anti-ant powder sprinkled next to the foundation wherever she suspects they might sneak inside. It is not that she dislikes ants … she just doesn’t like them getting into our food supply.

I am not an ant expert, but I have identified 5 different varieties of ants on our property. Four of these live in the ground … very tiny black ants (these are the ones that like to move into the house), medium size black ants, large black ants and large red ants. We also have at least one variety that is very large and lives in our globe willow tree (carpenter ant?).

The sheer number of ants in the world is truly amazing. Scientists have estimated that there are about 10 million billion ants in the world – more than there are amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals combined.1

God created ants with important useful functions.  Here are just a few those skills:

  • They can be gardeners, scattering and planting more seeds than any other creature.
  • They dispose of 90% of small dead animals.
  • They turn, drain, and enrich most of the earth’s soil (more than earthworms).

We might think ants are pests most of the time, but they have a very significant role in maintaining a healthy earth.

1Most information in this blog from http://www.creationmoments.com/radio/transcripts/those-amazing-ants

 

Lanny Johnson

If you would like to see if an AOI seminar is right for you, or you would like to help the work of Alpha Omega Institute, please visit our website events page or our donate page. Keep up to date with what AOI is doing.  Thanks for your partnership.

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