Early this morning, our Buddy Bunny passed away. He had a personality of endless curiosity and boldness. Buddy would run up to any animal that came in the backyard, and try to play with them (despite whatever intentions said visitor initially came with). This resulted in a ton of funny moments with neighborhood cats, a few inappropriate ones with the younger ones he could catch (!), and a single harrowing encounter with a raccoon that Buddy miraculously survived.
Buddy liked Jessica best, and would come when she'd call - though he would often run up to me too - only to taunt me by running circles just outside of petting reach. But we still had lots of cuddles in between the games of chase. Buddy would flex into your hand as you scratched his sides for him, and if you did both sides, it was like he was dancing. What made it funnier is that this always started him reflexively licking - which he would do the entire time.
Buddy had one "wife" of sorts, my cousin's white Angora named Ghost from whom 4 offspring were born. He did have "strong feelings" towards our cat Roxy - who vehemently rejected his endless advances.
Overall though, Buddy lived a very happy life. He knew cats and chickens best, and loved his people. He was King of the Backyard - and was undoubtedly the best pet we've owned after Monster. We'll always remember our amazing Buddy Bunny...
Monday, October 10, 2016
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Contentment
Psalm 37:4
New International Version (NIV)
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
Enjoy serving the Lord,
and he will give you whatever you ask for.
Enjoy serving the Lord,
and he will give you whatever you ask for.
Amplified Bible (AMP)
Delight yourself in the Lord,
And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart.
The Voice (VOICE)
Take great joy in the Eternal!
His gifts are coming, and they are all your heart desires!
Take great joy in the Eternal!
His gifts are coming, and they are all your heart desires!
1 Timothy 6:6-8
New International Version (NIV)6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)6 Devotion to God is, in fact, a way for people to be very rich, but only if it makes them satisfied with what they have. 7 When we came into the world, we brought nothing. And when we die, we can take nothing out.8 So, if we have food and clothes, we will be satisfied with that.
Amplified Bible (AMP)6 But godliness actually is a source of great gain when accompanied by contentment [that contentment which comes from a sense of inner confidence based on the sufficiency of God]. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so [it is clear that] we cannot take anything out of it, either. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
The Voice (VOICE)6 This is ironic because godliness, along with contentment, does put us ahead but not in the ways some imagine. 7 You see we came into this world with nothing, and nothing is going with us on the way out! 8 So as long as we are clothed and fed, we should be happy.
Philippians 4:11-13
New International Version (NIV)11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
11 I am telling you this, but not because I need something. I have learned to be satisfied with what I have and with whatever happens. 12 I know how to live when I am poor and when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of how to live through any kind of situation—when I have enough to eat or when I am hungry, when I have everything I need or when I have nothing. 13 Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.
11 I am telling you this, but not because I need something. I have learned to be satisfied with what I have and with whatever happens. 12 I know how to live when I am poor and when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of how to live through any kind of situation—when I have enough to eat or when I am hungry, when I have everything I need or when I have nothing. 13 Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.
Amplified Bible (AMP)
11 Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. 12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. 13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
11 Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. 12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. 13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
The Voice (VOICE)
11 I am not saying this because I am in need. I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances. 12 I know how to survive in tight situations, and I know how to enjoy having plenty. In fact, I have learned how to face any circumstances: fed or hungry, with or without.13 I can be content in any and every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength.
James 4:1-3
11 I am not saying this because I am in need. I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances. 12 I know how to survive in tight situations, and I know how to enjoy having plenty. In fact, I have learned how to face any circumstances: fed or hungry, with or without.13 I can be content in any and every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength.
James 4:1-3
New International Version (NIV)
Submit Yourselves to God
4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
Submit Yourselves to God
4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
Give Yourselves to God
4 Do you know where your fights and arguments come from? They come from the selfish desires that make war inside you. 2 You want things, but you don’t get them. So you kill and are jealous of others. But you still cannot get what you want. So you argue and fight. You don’t get what you want because you don’t ask God. 3 Or when you ask, you don’t receive anything, because the reason you ask is wrong. You only want to use it for your own pleasure.
4 Do you know where your fights and arguments come from? They come from the selfish desires that make war inside you. 2 You want things, but you don’t get them. So you kill and are jealous of others. But you still cannot get what you want. So you argue and fight. You don’t get what you want because you don’t ask God. 3 Or when you ask, you don’t receive anything, because the reason you ask is wrong. You only want to use it for your own pleasure.
Amplified Bible (AMP)
Things to Avoid
4 What leads to [the unending] [a]quarrels and conflicts among you? Do they not come from your [hedonistic] desires that wage war in your [bodily] members [fighting for control over you]? 2 You are jealous andcovet [what others have] and [b]your lust goes unfulfilled; so you[c]murder. You are envious and cannot obtain [the object of your envy]; so you fight and battle. You do not have because you do not ask [it of God]. 3 You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask [d]with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires.
The Voice (VOICE)
Worldly wisdom may promise the good life, but it leads to chaos and destruction every time. Ultimately true wisdom comes from God.
4 Where do you think your fighting and endless conflict come from? Don’t you think that they originate in the constant pursuit of gratification that rages inside each of you like an uncontrolled militia? 2 You crave something that you do not possess, so you murder to get it. You desire the things you cannot earn, so you sue others and fight for what you want. You do not have because you have chosen not to ask. 3 And when you do ask, you still do not get what you want because your motives are all wrong—because you continually focus on self-indulgence.
Things to Avoid
4 What leads to [the unending] [a]quarrels and conflicts among you? Do they not come from your [hedonistic] desires that wage war in your [bodily] members [fighting for control over you]? 2 You are jealous andcovet [what others have] and [b]your lust goes unfulfilled; so you[c]murder. You are envious and cannot obtain [the object of your envy]; so you fight and battle. You do not have because you do not ask [it of God]. 3 You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask [d]with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires.
The Voice (VOICE)
Worldly wisdom may promise the good life, but it leads to chaos and destruction every time. Ultimately true wisdom comes from God.
4 Where do you think your fighting and endless conflict come from? Don’t you think that they originate in the constant pursuit of gratification that rages inside each of you like an uncontrolled militia? 2 You crave something that you do not possess, so you murder to get it. You desire the things you cannot earn, so you sue others and fight for what you want. You do not have because you have chosen not to ask. 3 And when you do ask, you still do not get what you want because your motives are all wrong—because you continually focus on self-indulgence.
Matthew 6:31-34
New International Version (NIV)
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
31 “Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. 33 What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need. 34 So don’t worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Tomorrow will have its own worries.
Amplified Bible (AMP)
31 Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ 32 For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. 34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
The Voice (VOICE)
31 So do not consume yourselves with questions: What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear? 32 Outsiders make themselves frantic over such questions; they don’t realize that your heavenly Father knows exactly what you need. 33 Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things will be given to youtoo. 34 So do not worry about tomorrow. Let tomorrow worry about itself. Living faithfully is a large enough task for today.
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
31 “Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. 33 What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need. 34 So don’t worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Tomorrow will have its own worries.
Amplified Bible (AMP)
31 Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ 32 For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. 34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
The Voice (VOICE)
31 So do not consume yourselves with questions: What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear? 32 Outsiders make themselves frantic over such questions; they don’t realize that your heavenly Father knows exactly what you need. 33 Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things will be given to youtoo. 34 So do not worry about tomorrow. Let tomorrow worry about itself. Living faithfully is a large enough task for today.
Saturday, July 23, 2016
When can we get a dog?
My desire to get a dog doesn't seem to ever fully go away. Jessica wishes it would because to get one would cause her great suffering from the smell... And my ongoing wanting for one makes her feel like she cannot ever make me content.
I don't want to make her feel like she cannot please me if she cannot grant this wish. How would I feel if there was something Jessica always wanted but I could never give without great discomfort? Wouldn't I be hurt that she would want something that would cause me problems? I would feel helpless, and a false-guilt, like I'm the bad guy for always saying no.
Maybe I just need to pray daily to be happy without a dog... Ask God to change this desire in me...
I recognize that I do need to relearn the secret of being content in any and every circumstance. Dog is not my God. Dog is not my spouse, or kids.
But don't they each fill different holes/needs in life?
Do I want a dog because I'm depressed, or am I depressed because I still want a dog?
Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
I know that a dog doesn't solve any problems in life, and that I have to go to God for my comfort and help... But I guess I feel like a dog helps me get there- helps me to seek God.
A dog to me represents unconditional love. Positivity every morning. The best listener. One who feels with and for you. In those ways, it reminds me of those quality of God. A dog gets me (prayer) walking and makes me want to play...
So when would it be right to reconsider getting a dog?
-when my job is secure
-when we are out of debt
-when I've saved up enough for initial costs ($2k)
-when Bella has no accidents
-when I have time to train it and help it integrate into our family (PTO)
-when there is nothing else crazy going on
-when I get advice first : outside perspective about the readiness of our family for adding a member. Do others see us as ready? What potential problems am I blinding myself to?
-when Buddy and Roxy are gone(?)
-when I'm doing well spiritually: consistent with God and content in life, so that I'm not seeking a dog out of desperation or need for an emotional escape
What is the REALITY of owning a dog vs the IDEAL in my mind of what it is like...
Monday, November 09, 2015
Nov 9 - 2015 The day of Monster's passing
Today my beloved kitty passed away. Monster was like a dog to me - loyal, playful, intelligent, comforting. Monster was affectionate without being sycophantic. He would play tag, lick my head, jump in bags, tolerate cuddling children.... he was the BEST CAT EVER.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
10th Anniversary Indoor Skydiving
We had a BLAST going to Half Moon Bay for our 10th Anniversary, and one of the highlights was doing some Indoor Skydiving!
Monday, October 08, 2012
God ALWAYS comes through...
It seems so sadly silly that we humans have such a short memory-span. If I look at my past, I can clearly recall numerous ways that God has come through and provided for me... yet I still manage to get nervous, fearful, and short-sighted. Good thing he's patient and likes to impress his children! (I can kinda relate there)
One day before my company CS was announced to be acquired, I received notice of a job from a colleague that I'd worked with for just 3 months right out of college at WP. There's no reason she should have remembered me, except that God put me in her mind! She and our old manager (who I really liked) both landed at this company called WR.
The next day, the company I was at announced the acquisition publicly, and I learned that Kaiser coverage would end for employees of the new company. This would have forced my hand, in having to search.
I applied for the SDR position at WR, and got an interview even though there were 2 others ahead of me that had already completed the interviewing process. Our face to face meeting went well and Trushar seemed like a person that I'd do well working under. We setup tentative time to have a follow up call for the next day at 630pm.
After receiving no response from Tru by noon, I decided to give him a quick call - and surprise him by initiating a Mock Call...
I dialed. He answered. I said, "Hello, is this Trushar?" (Yes) "This is Tim Crose from WR. I was just exploring your website and it looked to me that your company does quite a bit of work in the embedded development space..." From there we continued role playing for a few minutes and he loved it. Towards the end I said, "Listen, I'd really like to setup another call with you and perhaps pull in some of my more technical counterparts to discuss a potential fit with WR. Will tonight at 630 work for you?" (Trying again to confirm our previous arrangement). Tru said "No - I don't think that will be necessary." I said, "Ok, well what next step will work best for you:?" Trushar said "Well I'm going to get you an OFFER!"
And the rest was history.
God provided for my family once again - and though the environment was WAY more technical than I'd ever been exposed to before, He protected me from being overwhelmed or discouraged thanks to Trushar (a great manager) and the fact that I already had friends inside!
I'm just getting close to the 1 month mark at this new job - and already it seems too good to be true.
Thank you, Heavenly Father! You're a great Dad.
-TC
One day before my company CS was announced to be acquired, I received notice of a job from a colleague that I'd worked with for just 3 months right out of college at WP. There's no reason she should have remembered me, except that God put me in her mind! She and our old manager (who I really liked) both landed at this company called WR.
The next day, the company I was at announced the acquisition publicly, and I learned that Kaiser coverage would end for employees of the new company. This would have forced my hand, in having to search.
I applied for the SDR position at WR, and got an interview even though there were 2 others ahead of me that had already completed the interviewing process. Our face to face meeting went well and Trushar seemed like a person that I'd do well working under. We setup tentative time to have a follow up call for the next day at 630pm.
After receiving no response from Tru by noon, I decided to give him a quick call - and surprise him by initiating a Mock Call...
I dialed. He answered. I said, "Hello, is this Trushar?" (Yes) "This is Tim Crose from WR. I was just exploring your website and it looked to me that your company does quite a bit of work in the embedded development space..." From there we continued role playing for a few minutes and he loved it. Towards the end I said, "Listen, I'd really like to setup another call with you and perhaps pull in some of my more technical counterparts to discuss a potential fit with WR. Will tonight at 630 work for you?" (Trying again to confirm our previous arrangement). Tru said "No - I don't think that will be necessary." I said, "Ok, well what next step will work best for you:?" Trushar said "Well I'm going to get you an OFFER!"
And the rest was history.
God provided for my family once again - and though the environment was WAY more technical than I'd ever been exposed to before, He protected me from being overwhelmed or discouraged thanks to Trushar (a great manager) and the fact that I already had friends inside!
I'm just getting close to the 1 month mark at this new job - and already it seems too good to be true.
Thank you, Heavenly Father! You're a great Dad.
-TC
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Last night I had my own "Inception" experience: I had a dream within a dream! In the 1st layer, I was asleep in bed with my wife Jessica Crose (on a boat?) and in the 2nd layer I was an astronaut crashing back to earth in a ship or space station... (that's a first!) ...at some point there was also extensive motorcycle and dirt bike activity - I think I was racing along Joshua Struwe and Matt Sustaita. When I woke up from layer 2, my uncle John Sullivan came into the room, grabbed me out of bed and threw me over his head! I flipped (love my dream reflexes!) and that woke me up from layer 1 as well. DANG. That was pretty exciting. Hafta try to do that again!!!
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