Windows 8

I downloaded Windows 8 when it first came out. I tried to be positive about it, but there were many problems with it. I didn't like that it turned on to a menu of programs rather than the desktop. I never used that other page except to go to the desktop. There are some things I like about Windows 8, but I was more comfortable with Windows 7. I finally downloaded something that helped me like Windows 8, because it makes it like Windows 7. I downloaded  a program called classic shell (http://www.classicshell.net/) and I am very very happy right now. I now have a START button on the bottom left corner like the old Windows. I turn my computer on to the desktop like before. But, I also have the open programs in the top left corner when I want them so I can find them. I also can use a program I use a lot that hasn't worked with the other Windows editions without a disk drive. I look forward to using my computer now and I am a fan of Microsoft again!!

Mega Churches

Countdown to when service begins.

Today I went to Bethel Church in San Jose, CA. I have often passed this church over the years and always drawn to it. I now regret not going to it before in the previous years I wanted to find a "home church". I did attend a singles group here many years ago. I was impressed with how friendly it felt and how nice everyone was. I was reluctant to attend service here because of the many scandals I have heard from mega churches over the years. It has always seemed like these type of churches were only about money and the people working at the church getting richer and the congregation getting poorer.

Huge from the outside

I got to the service about 15 minutes early. There are two services, one at 9:15 and one at 11:00. I went to the early one so I could do some secret shopping this afternoon. I had read on the internet that first timers should flash their lights at the parking attendants (that is how big it is) for special parking. There was a big sign with a guy standing next to it as I came in. I don't like being identified as a new comer so I didn't flash my lights. There was lots of parking so I thought there weren't going to be many people at the service, and it was early. I went in and there was lots of seating and not lots of people. I was comfortable. Five minutes before the service started a countdown started on the screens in front. By the time the service started the pews were full and there was a small band and a large choir on the stage. The music started and it felt good to be in a large church.

Lots going on

I had felt like religion wasn't as important to Christians in the smaller church. This was great, there was good music and there were a variety of different ages and races and ways of praising the Lord. The balcony had as much seating as the main floor and that was half full. The message was inspiring and people were taking notes. The last page of the bulletin was designed to take notes on. There was an outline on the sermon and spaces to fill in the blanks to help us follow the message. The minister wasn't as dynamic as I thought he would be, but that was good because it showed that the size of the church was because of the churches services to the congregation not just about the minister. The sermon was about CHANGE and I felt like they were speaking directly to me. It emphasized that sometimes you have to accept quick change and not always have to think about it. In the Bible it said a bright light came to Saul and all of a sudden his whole life was changed. He had no time to think about it, it was just changed.
I have been wondering if I could continue going to church after I start teaching on the weekends and this church has a lot of meetings during the week, and a thing on Sunday nights at 6:00pm.

Lots of screens to keep everyone informed

I won't abandon my search of different churches around the area, but I think I have found a way to continue going to church even if I work on Sundays!!

Acts 9:1-22

New International Version (NIV)

Saul’s Conversion

9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest ² and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. ³ As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. ⁴ He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

⁵ “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. ⁶ “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
⁷ The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. ⁸ Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. ⁹ For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
¹⁰ In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
¹¹ The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. ¹² In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
¹³ “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
¹⁵ But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. ¹⁶ I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
¹⁷ Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸ Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, ¹⁹ and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

How to become a Secret Shopper

VeriTES handles movie trailers

A few days ago one of the comments on my blog was a question on how I became a Secret Shopper. I have always been skeptical about all the rumors I had heard about secret shopping. People talked about being able to buy things and keep what you bought. Some advertisements talked about testing something and keeping what you tested. A few years ago my oldest sister told me she was doing this and I was sent a link to sign up. I started with car dealerships. I was told where to visit and what day and I would write a report on how the sales associate talked to me and showed me to the vehicle and they paid me $30.

Jancyn hadles Ross

I also did some assignments where I inventoried stores, electronic and ice cream stores. For the same company I am assigned to buy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Jack In The Box and then report on the cleanliness of the restaurant and bathroom. I also report on the service promptness and drive through. One assignment I haven't done yet is go bowling and have a drink at the bar. I am supposed to report on how the bartender handles the money and if he measures the alcohol. I don't like to drink so I haven't done this yet. I am also sent assignments to go to a casino for 3 days and gamble. They will reimburse me for playing the tables and slot machines. In addition they will pay me $600 for doing this assignment for them.

Intellishop who I work for mostly

The last few weeks I have started working for a company that has me go to movie theaters and report on the trailers that are shown during a movie. I have to go to all the different theaters the movie is being shown and list the trailers that are shown before the movie start. Today I started working for a company that has me buy something at Ross and then return it. I am required to report to them how the customer service was and the store's cleanliness. I enjoy doing this work, even if it doesn't pay much money. If anyone wants more information they can contact me or just search the internet for secret shopping, Intellishop www.intelli-shop.com, Jancyn http://www.jancyn.com, and a real fun company to work for is: www.amusementadvantage.com.

I love you

We often think about using the words, "I love you" with relationships with the opposite sex. We think about saying it to our girlfriends/boyfriends, husbands/wives, and children. I think the phrase gets overused. Korean language has two loves, one is Sarang which means a passionate love and another word (I can't remember the word) that means a deep and caring love. This is one case the English language is really lacking in being concise in what you want to say. I have dated women that have a different primary language than English. If their first language in Korean or Chinese or German to say I Love You in English doesn't touch them as much as saying it in their primary language.

I got a birthday card today from my daughter. It was really cute with a cat (because I have 2 cats) and when you pulled the cats tail it would sing Happy Birthday in cat's meows. The card from Jayne was very touching. At the bottom of the card she said, with sincerity, I love you. That brought tears to my eyes. I don't know if she had ever said it to me. Lindsey said it to me a couple of months ago and often says it in emails. Sarah will say it sometime, I hope. It makes me understand how important it is to say those three words to my mom, MOM, IF YOU ARE READING THIS I LOVE YOU! I APPRECIATE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME OVER THE MANY YEARS!

It makes me understand how important it is to say it to my siblings, SUE AND BETSY, If you are reading this I love you both very much. Both of you have contributed very much to who I am today. Thank you and I love you very much.

We all need to do that. We need to think of the people that have always been in our lives and let them know we identify their importance and let them know we appreciate it. I hope everyone that reads this contacts someone in their life that they haven't said those three words to and say them, before it is too late!!

Happy Birthday Mark

Today was my brother, Mark's, birthday. I visited him for the third time this week. His son, Andrew, was there today also. I didn't spend much time with Mark since I had to get back to work soon, but it was nice to see him so happy. a few months ago my mother and sisters and I had a plan to get Mark 60 birthday cards on his 60th birthday. Mark has been in a nursing home for almost 10 years. Can you imagine being in a nursing home when you are 50? Mark is usually looking for the negative in his life, but today he was happy to experience his birthday.

As Mark watched the birthday cards pile up this week his smile got bigger and bigger. I wanted to extend his birthday celebration as long as I could. We started with putting the stack of cards on a table near him and I opened them and told them who the people were, when I knew. The pile grew in the week. Today when Andrew came he brought a stack as large of cards he had sent to his address. My mom got her wish and there were over 60 cards hanging in his room when we left today.

The home he is in got him a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting which is what he asked for. I got him a CD player for audio books. I also checked out two audio books, two of the Sue Grafton books that I have been listening to this week. Maybe we can listen to the same book and then when I visit him we can talk about it! He has smiled more this week than I have seen him smile over the last 10 years. Every day he wakes up is one more day he has beat the odds. Last December he went into the hospital and we thought he wouldn't be going back to the nursing home.

He went back to the nursing home and really looked very weak. He improved a little and has stabilized since then. They are putting his bed up to 45 degrees these days, the first time it has been raised in 4 months. I look forward to seeing him each time these days. I will visit twice next week also, he lives 2 hours from me. Mark had a habit of complaining before and now he tries to make the people around him happy. Happy Birthday, Mark!!

Let's be JUST friends

I am wondering if any guy likes to hear that. Does a guy ever tell a girl that? I have heard many women say they want to be friends first then see if it blossoms into anything more. I really wonder if that is possible. If you are friends with someone is it possible for it to blossom. I have also heard women say they can't imagine dating a friend, once you go into the "friend" status it won't go to "relationship" status. I don't like being single because of these dichotomies. I have a few friends that are women I wish would be more than "friends". I thought if I was around them more they would see I was a great guy. I have had women that I really like that have said I was great and asked if I wanted to meet their sister or friend.

If another woman asks me to be her friend I will shudder. I don't know anyone that starts as friends and then starts dating. Can you imagine dating a friend that you have complained to about a relationship you have had. I don't know anyone I have started with that has evolved into more, at least not since junior high school. If there is a "spark" then you should pursue it and not hold back hoping there will be a chance for a small glow to grow bigger.

Single life gets more complicated as you get older and I don't expect it to get easier, because we are getting older every day.

Thank you!

25 cards right now

My brother's birthday is Thursday, April 25. I visited him today, April 22, and there were a pile of cards waiting for him in the Activity Office. I wanted him to know that he wasn't forgotten and I brought them in and opened the envelopes. The lady in the Activity Office said she had planned to read him all the cards on Thursday so I just opened them to let him see them and I told him the lady would be in later to read them to him. I haven't seen him smile so much for a LONG time. He was very proud that he got so many cards.

Random picture

I know there will be more cards arriving later this week. Mark's son also has had some cards sent to him house and he will bring them on Thursday. I will be visiting Mark again on Wednesday and Thursday this week. I want to thank everyone that sent cards. Some were sent by family, Some were sent by friends of family, some were sent by cousins we haven't seen for many years, like 50 years, and some sent by cousins we literally have never met. Some cards were sent by internet people I have never met, some were sent by high school friends I don't even know if I talked to in high school. I know this will be a very good week for Mark, Thanks to YOU!!

New soccer stadium for the San Jose Earthquakes being built

Today was a long day. I left my house at 6am and drove to Sacramento where I worked for 2 hours then visited Mark. I drove back to San Jose and had a couple of meetings then drive to Monterey to stay before I work in Salinas tomorrow. Tomorrow will work in Salinas in the morning and then visit a school in San Jose and then work in Marin in the afternoon. Wednesday I will work in Sacramento in the morning and then go home and then go back to Sacramento on Thursday. Friday I will work in Fremont. I guess I have a busy week coming up.

Stand if you can

First Presbyterian Church of Santa Clara

This morning I went to the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Clara. This was the first church I have been to this year that asked visitors to identify themselves, I refused to. I don't want to have anything special done because I am visiting a church for the first time. It was nice when I was leaving when the minister shook my hand and thanked me for attending today. He asked if I was new to the area and I told him I wasn't new to the area just shopping around for a church I liked. This church was like a combination of the previous two churches I had been to, music wise. They had a traditional organ that played before the service then also had a music ensemble that played during the service.

I like this church because they had a time when everyone went around shaking hands and greeting each other. I like that. Before the service began this lady came by and said hi also. I felt welcomed. I was surprised when they said, "Please stand, if you can, for the singing." This church had many old people and not many young people. At 57 I felt like I was in the young group. The service seemed up beat and I liked the message. This seemed like a dying church. The pews were empty and most the people were older.

Sarah at church when she was 4

I have often passed this church over the years. I like the inspirational message on the board outside this church. Today is read, "As you run keep your eye on the Lord." I wonder if they were talking to me directly. The sermon was, "How Much are the Wages of Sin." I really liked the minister in this church and he made a lot of sense in his message. I liked when he talked about the saying of "It is easier for a camel to go through an eye of a needle than a rich man to go to heaven." I have heard other people talk about a place in the middle east called the eye of the needle and it was difficult for a camel to go through it. This preacher said that the bible was literally talking about a sewing needle and that it was impossible for a camel to go through it!! He said the only way to get to heaven is by accepting God as your Savior.

The bumper sticker on my car when I was in high school

I liked the way he said that. The emphasis of what he talked about was many things in the bible is about what we HAVE and the bible reinforces relationships. I had a good time in church today!!

Matthew 19:16-20:16

New International Version (NIV)

The Rich and the Kingdom of God

¹⁶ Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”
¹⁷ “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”
¹⁸ “Which ones?” he inquired.
Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, ¹⁹ honor your father and mother,’^[a] and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’^[b]”
²⁰ “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

²¹ Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
²² When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
²³ Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. ²⁴ Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
²⁵ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”
²⁶ Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
²⁷ Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”
²⁸ Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. ²⁹ And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife^[c] or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. ³⁰ But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

20 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. ² He agreed to pay them a denarius^[d] for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

³ “About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. ⁴ He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ ⁵ So they went.

“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. ⁶ About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’
⁷ “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.
“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’
⁸ “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’
⁹ “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. ¹⁰ So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. ¹¹ When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ¹² ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

¹³ “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? ¹⁴ Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. ¹⁵ Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’
¹⁶ “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Another movie

Last night I did another secret shopping gig at the movies. I was required to watch Oblivion at three different screens. I really didn't like the movie. It might have to do with me not sitting and just enjoying the whole movie, but I don't think so. This was a large budget movie with Tom Cruz and lots of special effects. The special effects weren't that good, the story wasn't so good, and the acting wasn't that good. I like when movies bring out my emotions and the only emotions this movie brought out was boredom. Even at the climax of the movie the only thing I thought about was the movie was almost over.

I was surprised that Tom Cruise was so bad, he couldn't interest me at all in his actions or his emotions. I usually like Tom Cruise, but I don't think I will be interested in seeing any more of his movies. I was so disheartened with this movie that I turned down the opportunity to see the movies next week for free. You know it is bad when I don't even want to see a movie for free. Next week I'm supposed to see Pain and Gain and The Big Wedding. Even the trailers I saw didn't interest me and that usually showcases the best part of the movie.

Being Humble

I had previously said how you should know how good you are even if you are humble. Everyone should feel good about themselves, if they don't then they aren't being humble they are just being shy and withdrawn. For the past few weeks I have tried to put out the word that my brother Mark has a birthday at the end of the month and tried to get everyone I could to write him a birthday card. I will visit him next week on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday to check on it. He has already received 2 or 3 cards including a birthday card from the President of the United States. Some people found out that today was my birthday.

I would have loved to advertise that today was my birthday and gotten all the cards and the noteriety that Mark has gotten through Mom's great idea. Instead I went to my daughter's softball game and sat alone and then took her to a college night where she went off with her friends and waved good-bye to me. I ate dinner alone and then went to Safeway and bought a banana cream pie and ate it while watching American Idol. I stayed up late so I could "enjoy" the whole day. The difference is I will have another birthday next year and probably the next. I have some good birthdays and some that are only ok, but none that are bad. My brother may only have one more birthday so I think it should be memorable.

I believe in myself. I don't need to tell anyone if I am good or if I do something right. I don't need to take the credit about doing anything because I know what I did and am happy just knowing I did something to improve someone's life. I would rather not have credit for doing something, but would rather give someone else that credit because then two people are happy and not just the one that everyone did something for. I really hope Mark gets a roomful of cards and he appreciates this act of kindness from all these people that took the time to send him a card.Being humble is good and can often put you in a situation to help others without others resenting you

Humility

I am a great guy! I would never tell anyone that. I am one of those people that tries to be humble. I look at humility as a virtue. A person that brags about themselves is usually hiding the truth, they tell you what they want to hear not what they really think. One problem with this is we start believing what we are telling others. I really am a great guy, but I always thought that was wrong to say so I started believing what I told everyone not the real truth about myself. We look at what around us as normal and don't realize what normal is for other people. My youngest daughter is one of the top students in her school. She doesn't realize that herself because everyone else around her are the other top students in her school.

Don't steal the rocks

When I ask her if she knows how smart she is she will tell me about her friend that is smarter than she is. Sarah has been selected to represent her school at Girls' State in California. Most people don't know what that is and Sarah doesn't really know what a great accomplishment that is. There are 500 girls in California going, the best from every high school in California. When she goes she should look around because those girls will be the future leaders of California and maybe the United States. I want Sarah to forget about humility. I want her to realize she is one of the best in the whole state of California. I want her to tell people how good she is. I think if she doesn't say it herself, she won't realize how good she is. I think that is important for everyone to realize, you don't have to brag about yourself, but you should be able to say what your accomplishments are.

Wait for a while before it hits you

Snow on the road

I was in an accident this morning. Snow was on the road and I watched the other car slowly slide into me. It was really slow motion. I drive a small car for work and it was a little scary watching the larger car slide into me. I was worried about falling over a cliff, literally. After the accident I called AAA as the other lady called the police. An hour later AAA came and then the CHP came and took a report. By then I was able to drive my car up the hill to the school I was supposed to be at 2 hours earlier. When I was at the school they had a drill for students to practice if there was a gunman on campus. I have been involved in those drills in other schools and I was able to make suggestions from what we had learned as we did it.

Early morning

I worked with the 74 students at North Tahoe High School until noon and then headed home. First I went to the office where I got the work car and filled out the paperwork. When the accident happened I was not emotional and took control of the situation. I did everything I was supposed to and made sure everyone was safe, there ended up to be 4 cars that slid into the side of the road. When I got to the school I had to be calm and make a professional presentation to all the Sophomores in the school. It was hard to make a good presentation that big a group. It worked out very well.

Spring flowers when I got home

As I was driving home I started thinking about what happened in the morning. I started realizing how it felt to watch that big car slowly slide into me. I pulled off of the road and started shaking a little. I remembered how it felt to slide down the hill and worry about going over the cliff. I lost it! I got myself together and stated driving again and was listening to the radio about the catastrophe that happened during the Boston Marathon. Today I work one of my running shirts under my dress shirt in remembrance of the people hurt and injured. The news casters on the radio were talking about how the day of the bombings they had work to do. They had to report the news and help others on the day of the bombing.

Gazebo

 Most soldiers are able to cope with problems when they are attacked. Fireman run into running buildings when they are needed. I think everyone does what they need to when they are needed and then after they deal with what just happened. The same thing happened to me today. The same thing happens with a policeman when faced with a problem. When they are needed to perform they do and then when they are finished it hits them what really happened. I hope everyone realizes that they need to take the time to cope with things after everything slows down. I will not work as hard for the next couple of days to deal with my emotions after the accident today.

Lake Tahoe

Cold and sunny

I drove to Lake Tahoe today because tomorrow I will work in North Tahoe High in Tahoe City, CA. It was an interesting drive. When I left San Jose it was warm and during some of the trip I had the air conditioner on. After 2 hours of my 4 hour drive it started getting cold. After 3 hours it started snowing. I got up to the lake and it was very cold and snowing, but the snow didn't stick.

Cold and snowing on the way up

 After I checked into my motel I walked down to the lake and it had stopped snowing and the sky was blue. I really liked that. I like to take pictures around here, and I have probably taken the same picture several times because I come up here often.

Pine cone in the snow

On the drive up here I listened to some audio books. I have been listening to the books by Sue Grafton (Alphabet mystery series).

clouds

 Since I was listening to an audio book I didn't hear the tragic news on the radio that there were explosions at the Boston Marathon. My heart goes out to the people that were hurt or the families of the ones murdered.

looks cold

My Church is better than Your Church

Santa Clara First Baptist Church

Today I went to Santa Clara First Baptist Church. I have often driven past this church and even park in it's parking lot when I go to events at my daughters' high school. This church seemed exciting and involved in the community. Sarah has many friend that go to this church by she and they were busy today in a conference. I got to the church a little early and went in and sat down. This church had been recently refurbished and they didn't put in pews, but put in chairs instead.

Sanctuary uses chairs instead of pews

When I sat down, 10 minutes before the service, not many people were sitting down. By the time the service started there were many people. They didn't have an organ, instead they have a music ensemble, 4 guitars, drums, and a keyboard. Hymns were led by the singing group and it was very entertaining. The weekly events were presented by a man in front of the stage. More singing and then the minister presented the message from the stage.

Seemed like a stage not a pulpit

This church was very nice and friendly. Before the service a man that I had recognized came and talked to me. He didn't know who I was and introduced himself. His kids have gone through school with me since Kindergarten. He has twin daughters the same age as Sarah. It was nice to talk to him and he made me feel welcomed. When the group was singing on the stage I felt like I was at a concert, but not like I was involved in the service. The church program had 6 pages of activities for members during the week. It included 3 lines about what the message was about. No bible verse was used to base the message on, but they used the Declaration of Independence. The minister then talked about the future goals of the church and their ministries. After the message the music group performed again and we all left.

long hallways in old buildings are cool

This was a nice church and would be real nice to belong to. The service goes with a week of devotionals. You can't sit in one service, you have to get involved to be part of the service. I would love to have a family to take to this church, it seems like it would be a great place to grow up. The biggest problem I had with it came from the song choice. It seemed like all the songs were about their God was better than other churches God. Many of the songs talked about, "OUR God" and what their God could do that other Gods couldn't do. I didn't like that. I want to hear that God is God, and the difference with other religions is how they praise God. I felt uncomfortable about that.

Cool looking tree

James 1:22-25

New International Version (NIV)

²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.