Fireplace Recess Project

This is the dilemma that I ran into ... I bought a new curved HDTV that came with a curved base - I loved the design - but the curved base doesn't fit well on the mantle.

The only solution I had was to buy an expensive wall mount to get my TV over the fireplace ... which was literally one of the only available places in our one bedroom apartment.

This wall mount was about $150 from HHGregg, very versatile - with an adjustable arm for a low profile look or also able to be extended out about one foot. This solved my issue and I trusted it to support my TV. UNTIL ...

My wife & I recently bought a house with a recess over the fireplace. My intention was to use the aforementioned wall mount for the TV again.  Unfortunately, the recess was about 2' deep - and again the wall mount - fully extended was only about 1'.






So here's what we did ... of course I searched Pinterest for solutions, but could find any relative /helpful pins ... so hopefully this will help any others with similar issues.

We created a frame out of 2-by-4s that fit nicely into the recess and braced the mount in the center.  Secure this at the front of the recess in a number of ways (i.e. L brackets, or directly into frame of the recess with screws or wood nails). The arm extension allows for us to still get to our other consoles and and boxes that we left behind the TV in the recess.

The last piece of 2-by-4 pictured was cut and used to brace the install to the back of the recess (wedged in behind). Feel free to inbox me with any other questions about the install .. tried to be descriptive without being too lengthy.  God bless. 

Get this, get it ALL

     So I heard an analogy earlier about understanding the importance of the fundamentals.  This particular person was talking about how standing by the fundamentals was more beneficial - even though it may seem practical to add your own flavor to a particular task at times.  He compared this to basketball in that it is faster to run with the ball, but in doing this you neglect the game's rule of dribbling resulting in a turnover.  In the same manner, we lose touch with the vision that Christ has for us when we are overtaken by self-righteousness/(fulfillment), pride, or other pursuits.

Here's what the Bible says .. 

Proverbs 4:7
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Wisdom and understanding are the fundamental elements to success in anything.  (Also see Ecclesiastes 7:12)  Wisdom helps us to understand better the "when, what, where, how" questions that lead to sound  judgements.

Most importantly we should apply this truth to our spiritual development.  Seek out ways in which you can learn and apply the Word of God in your life ... it WILL prove to be the difference maker in your life.  Don't worry about the process .. you don't have to be the biggest, fastest, or strongest when you focus on the fundamentals.  Staying true to the basics will keep you in the path of righteousness.  His Word says that righteousness preserves life (Proverbs 12:28).  

Wisdom. Get it! Got it?

New Year's Resolve

With 2014 just hours away, the thought of New Year's Resolutions come to mind.  This post will not be a list of things that I plan to do differently in the New Year.  However, I will encourage you to commit to whatever it is with diligence, because the reward is great!

Most people have great ideas on things that they could change for their betterment,  The problem lies in their commitment to stick with it.  So with this New Year, let's look at our RESOLVE.

What is it that drives us to want to change, and how do we maintain our engagement with our initial desire for improvement?

There is One that I know to be Unshakeable, Unmovable, & Consistent in EVERYTHING … so that's where I look for my RESOLVE.  If it needs fixing, why not seek the manufacturer? He's my solution, my determination, and my aspiration!

Whatever it is for you this New Year, resolve it in Him.  You can't go wrong. 

Psalm 37:5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Special Day : Special Person - Rickey Darrell Youngblood

We learn so much from others in life - be it directly or indirectly.  We come to share traditions, experiences and memories.  This somewhat helps to shape us into the functional beings that we are.  

While the influence of your life wasn't a direct pour into my life, the things that I've learned from you through others will always be cherished.  From you I've witnessed a true gift - the ability to selflessly put others' needs before your own.  The special care and attention that you give each person you come in contact with is a true testament to the nature of Christ within you.  You understood the importance of servitude and sharing life's joys.  Even in death, you knew the appreciation of life. 

And though you've gone on to celebrate with the Father, you've left a gift here that keeps giving … I only hope that my life shares some of the remnants that you left behind.  

So on this day, Happy Birthday to you!

Tread On Serpents

Time and time again I'd heard this phrase, but never really stopped to consider its meaning.  If I could only share a tangible depiction of this power …

The Lord has granted an extension of His power to all of the extremities!

In the opening passages of Luke Chapter 10, we find the Lord speaking on the harvest and the need for laborers just before he gives instruction to go … 

He says (and I paraphrase),  "What we have in store is abundant!  We need people to do the work."  Only to follow immediately with a comment about the dangers of such and being lambs among wolves!?

How many people are apprehensive because of the danger and uncertainty that comes with your assignment?  Don't turn back, keep reading because the HARVEST IS GREAT!

Luke 10:19 

"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."

Serpents and scorpions are noted for their bite/sting and the pain that is associated with it; even more so are the dangers implicated by being unaware of these creatures.  YOU now have authority over the serpent and the pain! The caution that you once had to take in watching where you stepped is overcome.  Fear can no longer influence you.  Intimidation is powerless.  Go BOLDLY because of the power that He's granted.  

If that wash't proof enough for you, He added that YOUR power is over all that of the enemy.  NOTHING can hurt you.  NOTHING can hinder you.  NOTHING should stop you.

Anytime you are called to something, worry not on the perils of the assignment.  For whom He calls, He also equips.  Now that you have a better understanding of your power, don't look back … just GO!  It matters not what lies ahead.

Your Bread Isn't Enough

QUICK POST:  Remember His Word is HIS WORD!

So, it's that time of the month.  After bills, Holiday shopping, and other expenses but just before the next pay cycle - money is TIGHT.

With few groceries in the house, I thought to myself "I have a loaf of bread, I can make some stuff happen." Sandwiches, PB&J, etc.  (you get the idea ..)

BUT, …

I was reminded of Matthew 4:4, (& Deuteronomy 8:3)

It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

And on an even sweeter side note for the biblical scholars, this same Word was spoken/written in Deuteronomy (old testament) much much earlier.  The validity of His Word is verified even in its consistency!

If you need proof, just look here.  Not only did He extend this Word over us, but even Jesus was covered by this Word when he was tempted in the wilderness.  

Forget not that bread (physical food) isn't enough to sustain you! You have to know, understand, & rely on His Word - for HIS WORD is LIFE.  

So I was in class the other day and my professor asked if anyone knew of any human that lived to be centuries old.  As a precursor, he added, “not speaking religiously, but scientifically.” 

 

Thinking of the religious background from which I’ve built my morals and values around since birth, I began to think of some of the biblical figures of whose age awed me growing up.  The very first of course was Methuselah – the Bible’s oldest mention of a person’s age at 969 years.  In Genesis 5 we can read about others who aged similarly such as Noah, who lived to see 950 years of age.  

These facts are amazing; they’re almost too difficult to fathom.  IF I anticipated longevity of this magnitude I would LIVE IT UP.  This idiom is defined: “to have an exciting time; to do what one pleases—regardless of cost—to please oneself.”

Almost instantaneously, my thoughts of awe transitioned to thoughts of concern.  What does it say about the state/amount of sin in our world today when we have people dying at early ages?  The Bible tells us: 

Romans 6:23 (KJV)

 ²³For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God’s promises are true.  That means there are costly repercussions for sin – DEATH (nigga DEATH? - DEATH!!) However, alongside that promise is the one of hope and fulfillment.  God promises everlasting life through Him – we just have to believe in and accept Jesus Christ as His son.  

How’s that for a cost of living?  Hebrews 13:8 declares God, as the same yesterday, today, and forever.  The same requirements/promises that allowed Methuselah and Noah to age are the same that hold true to us.  I’m trying to age something like that.  This was a friendly reminder to think about those pestilent temptations that could easily lead to sins (Hebrews 12:1).  But who am I to say … Go ahead. LIVE IT UP.