Daring to be a Daniel

The Postmodernist Impassse

2011-10-15T08:24:00.000-07:00

I came across the following paragraph in a book I am currently reading, Justice That Restores (why our justice system doesn't work and the only method of true reform) by Chuck Colson.

I chuckled and thought you might enjoy it too. He is discussing the destructive impact of naturalism and, thus, postmodernism on our society. It's a worldview built on the theory that there are no absolutes, a story of existence without a sovereign God who supernaturally prescribed natural law and morality. Such a philosophy creates what Yale Law Schoool professor Arthur Leff calls "the great barroom riposte, 'Sez who?'"

Here's Chuck Colson:

"I encountered this firsthand when I briefed the editorial board of a major newspaper chain. I was invited to lunch to talk about criminal justice policies, but before the luncheon began, the publisher, a very distinguished pillar of his community, announced to me that he had led the campaign to take the Ten Commandments off the classroom walls in the schools of his community. When I asked him why, he told me it was a matter of tolerance. I replied that the Lex Divina was, after all, the root of American law, and, for that matter, the Ten Commandments were revered by Jews and Muslims as well as Christians and were thoroughly respected by Hindus as well. But to no avail. The publisher insisted that tolerance demanded the removal of any religiously motivated commands.

During the lunch, as reporters took notes, the same publisher asked me about recent studies that had shown that over half the students in school stole from one another. 'We must find something to do about this dreadful condition,' he lamented.

The thought probably occurred to him at the same moment it occurrred to me: 'How about hanging a sign that says you shall not steal?'"

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understooda it. (John 1:1-5)

Bethany reporting (again):

2011-03-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

Dan has been very busy with work and school lately, but you already knew that by the absence of any posts on here. While you are waiting for him to reappear, I thought I'd share a few pictures that show what else he has been doing this last month:

Picking oranges...

...juggling...

...enjoying the ocean's waves...

...dressing up for a wedding...

...playing guitar...

...kissing...

...enjoying the sun in Florida...

...making this girl feel like the luckiest girl alive...

...and growing in the knowledge and understanding of our Heavenly Father.

Ailing Thoughts

2011-02-16T13:09:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I get the feeling the aspirin companies are sponsoring my headaches.

So I am a bit under the weather and, thus, finally have the opportunity to update my poor neglected blog. I found the above quote online and just had to share it.

Despite my current state of health, life has been good. I've started my last year of law school, which is as greuling as ever, but at least I can start to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I am also happy to report that I had a fantastic holiday season. Please feel free to visit Bethany's Blog to view pictures of our first anniversary cruise.

That's all for now ...

Virginia Trails

2010-11-20T16:44:00.000-08:00

After spending some quality time with my books this morning, I thoroughly enjoyed quality time with my wife in the afternoon. We did a little hiking on the Appalachian Trail and saw some beautiful sights ...

I also enjoyed the view of the landscape from on top of Raven's Rock.

Fall is almost over now, but the countryside is still something to see. We just wish we would have discovered this lookout a little earlier when the brightest colors were in season.

Applause From Within!

2010-11-03T17:40:00.000-07:00

Upon common theaters, indeed, the applause of the audience is of more importance to the actors than their own approbation. But upon the stage of life, while conscience claps, let the world hiss! On the contrary, if conscience disapproves, the loudest applauses of the world are of little value.

- John Adams

Words of Comfort!

2010-10-15T18:23:00.000-07:00

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

-1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

A Day in Texas

2010-09-12T15:59:00.000-07:00

In conjunction with a school conference in Oklahoma City, Bethany and I got to sneek in a little vacation to see our Uncle Mark and Aunt Cathy in Dallas, Texas. We thoroughly enjoyed their warm hospitality.

We went out golfing in 100+ degree weather. It was Bethany's first time. Unfortunately, I was too busy watching her to remember to get any pictures. She looked incredibly cute with her little golf visor.

Uncle Mark was a patient teacher.

After visiting the 6th Floor Museum, we headed over to see some of the amazing cattle drive statutes.

Despite the heat, our time in Texas was wonderful!

Bethany reporting:

2010-09-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

to let you all know that my amazing man passed the Appellate Advocacy workshop with flying colors!! Way to go, Dan my man!

Late night study session in OKC

And no, Dan has not forgotten his blog; at least once a week he mentions getting something posted here. Hopefully he will get a chance to do just that in the coming days, but in the meantime -- he is keeping busy with work, school, and making his wife feel very, very loved.

Are YOU thrifty?

2010-08-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

According to The Heritage Foundation, earlier this month Vice President Joe Biden told ABC News that the only thing wrong with President Barack Obama's first $862 billion economic stimulus was that it didn't borrow and spend enough.

...

My mom told me, "If you don't have something good to say, don't say nothin' at all." Thus I have no further comment at this time.

FYI: I'm going to be in Oklahoma City for an Appellate Advocacy workshop this week. I'll be giving my oral argument on Friday - which will be 100% of my grade. Prayers would be greatly appreciated.

Life at Conception: Let's be Consistent!

2010-07-16T15:11:00.000-07:00

"Relatives of the decedent conceived before his death but born thereafter inherit as if they had been born in the lifetime of the decedent." - Neb. Rev. Stat. s. 30-2308.

The above statute gives an unborn child the right to inherit property as long as he had been conceived at the time of the decedent's death . So the child can inherit property, but if you want to kill him - that's okay! This disgusts me.

NOTE: Occasionally in the study of law it is necessary to vent by way of short random blog posts filled with a mix of sarcasm and rage.

Happy Birthday to the Girl of my Dreams!

2010-07-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Darling!

Where do I start? How can I explain the great joy and support you have been to me since our relationship began? I can't, not in words. So ... we'll celebrate. You're 24! Congratulations - back to being 2 years ahead of me again.
Bethany, I love living life with you. I love your cooking! I love walks, games, and weekends with you. I admire and adore you're precious heart of gold, steadfast walk with the Lord, and joyful, sincere personality.

And in case anyone is wondering, Bethany is a BLAST to live with! Of course, conclusions are easy to state, but more difficult to prove. So I'll now present evidence to back up my assertion. The following are 24 specific examples of Bethany's amazingness:

1. She cherishes our time in God's word and in prayer
2. She laughs when I tickle her
3. She cooks delicious, mouth-watering meals
4. She sincerely cares for those around her
5. She's stunningly GORGEOUS!
6. She occasionally offers to read large boring law books to me
7. She keeps our house clean and refreshing
8. She never complains
9. She is an optimist
10. She is cheerful
11. She works out with me at the gym
12. She is patient and quiet while I study large boring law books
13. She smiles a lot
14. She laughs at my lame jokes
15. She has brown eyes
16. She plays the harp beautifully
17. She can type 100 words-per-minute but doesn't gloat over the fact that she can type 13 wpm faster than I can
18. She has a tender, submissive spirit
19. She follows my leadership and her thoughtful suggestions are wise and gentle
20. She gets lots of swag bucks and then uses them to buy my large boring law books
21. She is outgoing and friendly and loved by everyone who knows her
22. She usually doesn't scream when I make driving errors and tick off DC drivers
23. She doesn't encourage my rage when I am ticked off by DC drivers
24. She loves me

I rest my case. I love my wife!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Father's Day!

2010-06-20T17:35:00.000-07:00

Words cannot describe the great respect and admiration I have for my father. He has been such an incredible example. It is an irreplaceable blessing as a young man to be able to have a role model in a dad - someone I can can look up to and strive to be like.

Whether it's practical questions about the car, finances, and work, or discussions about God, girls, and life in general, my Dad has been an encouragement and source of wise counsel.

Thank you, Dad, for all the time you have invested in my life. Thanks for hitting fly balls, playing catch, shooting hoops, and splitting woods with me - just to name a few things. And yes ... thanks for all the effective discipline too : )

But most importantly, thank you for your godly example of how to have a real relationship with God and for leading the family in the ways of the Lord. Looking at the way you live your life confirms that Christianity is, as you say, "inside out."

And to my father-in-law. Thanks for all the time you've invested in my better half. I know that I have also benefitted from your godly example and leadership as well as your prayers before you even knew me by name.

Your effective discipline has also been much appreciated. It makes being a husband a whole lot easier when most of the spanking has been taken care of : )

I also sincerely appreciate your great faith and trust in God, which was clearly evidenced when you told me I could marry your daughter.

"Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck." - Proverbs 1:8-9

Travelocity!

2010-06-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's been awhile. The last month-and-a-half have been very hectic. Bethany and I have traveled to New York, Michigan, and Ohio. And smashed in between those three weekends we've had visits from some amazing friends. It's been a BLAST! We both thoroughly enjoy traveling and spending time with people. Unfortunately, my blog has been a bit neglected for which I apologize. I am going to make it my goal to get a post up at least every two weeks from here on out.

And here are just a few pictures of the last several weeks.

On the beach on Long Island, NY

I represented HSLDA at a small homeschool conference. We were able to spend a little time on the beach on Sunday after the Friday-Saturday conference had ended.

Leaving on a jet-plane with my sweatheart - heading to Lansing, MI for another homeschool conference where we both represented HSLDA.

The lights in our nation's capital are truly something to see. We headed in with some

great friends from Nebraska.

I love heading into DC, especially when I can do it with the most gorgeous

girl on the face of the earth.

Finals are coming up fast; they're just 2 weeks from tomorrow. Wow! Time really flies. And I just have to take a moment to say that living with Bethany is like a dream come true! She just makes life so much sweeter. I think she could write a book on how to be the perfect wife ... or at least on how to make your husband feel like he has the perfect wife.

In summary, I'm loving life. It's busy, but Christ is on the throne and the girl of my dreams is by my side!

Kill the bill!!

2010-04-17T16:49:00.001-07:00

We must, indeed, all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.

- Benjamin Franklin

My wife and I went into DC with her sisters and a bunch of my classmates to the recent Tea Party. Despite conflicting reports from the liberal media, there were probably 30,00-40,000 people gathered at the capitol.

"I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers and it was not there; in her fertile fields and boundless forests and it was not there; in her rich mines and her vast world commerce and it was not there; in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.” - Alexis de Tocqueville

Says who?

2010-03-12T17:24:00.000-08:00

The following statement is from the preamble of a bill to ban spanking with an instrument in Maryland:

“WHEREAS, Corporal punishment of children typically occurs when an adult

caregiver is angry, out of control, and often under the influence of alcohol or drugs,

and when consequently the violence is at risk of escalating to a dangerous level;”

See the full text of the bill at: http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/bills/hb/hb1084f.pdf

Speaking from my vast experience of being the recipient of corporal punishment, I have to disagree. While I did spurn correction and hate discipline, I am now exceedingly grateful for my parents' loving discipline. I will also note that they were NEVER under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Could this bill also be unconstitutional? Proverbs 23:13 says, “Do not withhold discipline from a child." I believe the Bible and am compelled by my religion to do what it says. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." While the plain language of this amendment only restricts the federal government the First Amendment has been applied to the states through the incorporation doctrine of the Fourteenth Amendment.

I do think that discipline should be given with love, wisdom, and restraint, but the Bible is clear that appropriate discipline is not only effective but necessary.

"He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." - Proverbs 13:24

Loving Life!

2010-03-01T14:59:00.000-08:00

WOW! It's been over two months already since Bethany and I were lighting our unity candle.

Life has resumed to it's busy state, but it is such a blast living life with Bethany. Take a moment and think about how amazing it would be to get to look into the most beautiful brown eyes on planet earth EVERY day ... yeah, it's that spectacular! But that's only the tip of the ice burg.

We recently celebrated our first Valentine's Day together. This picture was right before we went to Church. I thoroughly enjoyed taking Bethany out for a nice Chinese dinner. It didn't go quite as planned, but we made a memory that I will not soon forget. That, however, is another story in itself; it may or may not make it to my blog sometime.

Just a quick fyi, Bethany is AMAZING!

She's also an INCREDIBLE cook. My menu has quintupled which means I've got to start watching the weight - especially since getting to the gym has dropped a few places on the priorities list.

My sister Anna is here now, and Bethany's family comes into town tonight so I'm taking a few hours off school. I should have another blog post after they leave with some pictures (since my wife is such a fantastic photographer).

YES ... I am still alive!

2010-01-23T10:38:00.000-08:00

If you feel you have been let down by lack of posts recently, first, I sincerely apologize. However, please refer to my second career blog post on this blog *Disclaimer* for consolation.

Just in case anyone is wondering, life is WONDERFUL right now. Marriage is AWESOME! I've been back to work for almost three weeks and back to school for two. While my schedule is very full again, I am so thrilled to have someone to come home to - especially when she's a cute brown eyed girl with a big hug and a long kiss waiting for me : )

Just a quick FYI: Bethany is an AMAZING wife! And and excellent cook too (not that I had any doubts).

Wow! As I think back over the last month, I don't know where to start. So I'll try and summarize:

12/19/2009 - Pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Dan Beasley

12/20 - 12/23 - Lake of the Ozarks - Osage Beach, MO

12/23/ - 12/24 - Branson, MO (celebrated Christmas with Bethany's family on 12/23 in Branson) - Omaha, NE (celebrated Christmas Eve with my family)

12/25 - 12/26 - Snowed in at my family's house : )

12/28 - Left for Virginia

12/28 -12/30 - Stayed two nights in Hebron, KY and visited the Creation Museum. It was a blast!

12/30 - Arrived at our new home, where I carried my new wife across the threshold!

1/5/2010 - back to work

1/11 - back to school

1/18 - 1/20 - Stayed two nights at Massanutten Ski Resort near Harrisonburg, VA

1/19 - One month anniversary

There it is in a nutshell. It is such a blast living life with Bethany. Even the little things like going to the grocery store become fun. Since words don't do her justice anyway, I won't try right now.

Final Final

2009-12-14T19:20:00.000-08:00

-- as a single man!
I could use all the prayer I can get. I have a Constitutional Law final tomorrow, December, 15, 2009, from approximately 5:30-8:30 p.m.

And then ... I fly home Wednesday morning to get MARRIED! : )

Isn't her t-shirt cool?

Counting the days ...

2009-12-06T16:33:00.000-08:00

And the count is currently at 12 days, 19 hrs and 57 minutes ... approximately : ) Over Thanksgiving, I had the incredible joy of spending 5 days with my AMAZING girl, her family, and most of my family.

I flew to Branson, MO where the weekend was full of family football, home cooking, and time to relax with my favorite person in the world.

We also had the pleasure of attending Silver Dollar City for a day. What a BLAST!

Bethany and I made it through our last airport goodbye before the wedding, and now it's back to the grindstone. I'm trying to concentrate and stay focused on school because my constitutional law final is just over a week away.

23 + 23

2009-11-03T17:31:00.000-08:00

23 days from today I get to see my fiancee's beautiful face up close and in person.

23 days from then we'll be pronounced man and wife.

The Beautiful Shenandoah River . . .

2009-10-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

But who's looking at the river?

It pales in comparison to that pretty little girl!

That's MY girl!!!

2009-10-22T19:40:00.000-07:00

The following is the gist of a conversation, via text messages, between Josh and Bethany (around a month or so before we got engaged) after Josh found out that I was at T.G.I. Fridays sitting in the smoking section (appetizers were half price if you sat in the smoking section).

Josh to Bethany: "Bethany, Dan is at a bar. What do think about that."

Bethany to Josh (after some probing to validate the information): "I just wish I was right there beside him."

Josh to Dan: "Marry that girl!"

Dan thinking to himself: GOOD IDEA

Fast Facts

2009-10-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

In case you've always wanted to know:

- Golf balls have 336 dimples

- Women blink twice as much as men do

- More people use blue toothbrushes than red ones

- 8% of Americans twiddle their thumbs

- Normal breathing rates fall between 12-20 breaths per minute

And by the way, there is a LOT of information you can live without : )

SHE IS . . .

2009-09-19T09:09:00.001-07:00

My girl

My companion

My fiancee

My friend

Isn't she GREAT??

Happy One Month Anniversary. . .

2009-09-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

since my last post (well, I guess I'm two days early). Over the last few weeks, I have been consumed with the following: BETHANY (need I say anymore), school, work, and . . . well not much else. Although I did have a couple great weekends visiting friends near Roanoke (Enquists -- with a few Nelsons visiting) and my classmates (Tyler and Elliot) near Madison, VA.

Two weekends ago, my amazingly spectacular fiancee came out for a visit - WOW! What a weekend! Just being together is a real treat. It had been 8 weeks since I had seen her. Thankfully, I'll be seeing her again in just 14 days :) if the good Lord's willing and the creek don't rise.

While she was out here, we had engagement pictures taken. I'm sure she'll do an exhaustive post when she gets a chance. But until then . . .

Isn't she gorgeous!?!

A visit from my parents . . .

2009-09-13T18:56:00.001-07:00

that I will always treasure.

A few weeks ago my parents came out for a visit. They celebrated 26 years of marriage, as of July 30, and decided to take a trip out east to visit Mt. Vernon and their third born son.

After spending a few days by themselves, they came to Purcellville on Friday night, August 7. We had a WONDERFUL time together. Friday night, I showed them around town, and we spent the rest of the weekend visiting battlefields and touring DC. It was great to see them, and I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with them. I am soooooooo grateful for godly parents! Thanks for visiting Dad and Mom!

Dad and I on the stone bridge at Atietem

Our Story...

2009-08-15T15:44:00.001-07:00

For those of you who don't know . . . I'M ENGAGED! Am I repeating myself??? Anyway, in case anyone is interested in reading another version of Romeo and Juliet, please visit my fiancee's blog

The one main difference is that Bethany is twice the girl Juliet ever dreamed of being. Enjoy!

Destruction From Within -- America's Fate?

2009-07-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves… Shall we expect some transatlantic military giant, to step over the ocean, and crush us at a blow? Never!—All the armies of Europe, Asia and Africa combined, with all the treasure of the earth in their military chest; with a Bonaparte for a commander, could not by force, take a drink from the Ohio [river], or make a track on the Blue Ridge, in a trial of a Thousand years. At what point, then, is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide.” - Abraham Lincoln

Simplicity and Clarity or Sophistication?

2009-07-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

Take the sentence, "The sky is blue." No junior associate would be so naive as to think this proposition could pass muster in a big law firm. He knows enough to say, "The sky is generally blue." Or, for extra syllables, "The sky generally appears to be blue." A senior associate seeing this sentence making corrections would say: "In some parts of the world, what is generally thought of as the sky sometimes appears to be blue." - Dan White, The Official Lawyer's Hanbook 177 (1983)

My fiancee...

2009-07-11T23:29:00.000-07:00

A girl's heart should be so lost in God that a man has to seek God to find it.

<3

2009-07-07T16:14:00.000-07:00

Here's another picture just because I'm totally in love (heels over head)!

I'm ENGAGED!!! WOW!

2009-07-07T15:57:00.000-07:00

WOW! It's so surreal, but it sure is real! I just asked Bethany Wissmann...yes BETHANY WISSMANN to marry me. And she said "I'd love to. It would be an honor."

She is amazing, attractive, beautiful, brown eyed (and that's a BIG plus), creative, cute, competent, cool, darling, exciting, energetic, fun, flexible, fantastic, fabulous, gorgeous, good looking, geeky, humble, honest, hott (with two t's), joyful, kind, loving, nice, noble, pure, precious, pretty, petite, queenly, radiant, small, special, smart, super, spectaculat, sensational, sympathetic, sensitive, spontaneous, truthful, terrific, tremendous, understanding, underestimated, virtuous, wise, wonderful, etc...I only wish I could describe her for you.

BUT the best thing about her is her heart for God. She's sold out for him! It's obvious.

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." - Proverbs 31:30

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T18:04:00.000-07:00

My role model, example, adviser, friend: MY DAD!!!

Thank you, dad, for all your wise counsel, discipline and love. Your faithful, godly life and example is such an inspiration. I owe you so much! The countless hours that you've invested in my life have helped mold me into the man I am today. You didn't just teach me how to have a relationship with God...you SHOWED me! THANK YOU!

God knew I needed a dad like you. I have no idea where I would be if you weren't my dad.

The Starfish Thrower

2009-06-11T19:48:00.001-07:00

There was this old man, walking along the beach. The sun was setting, and the tide was going out slowly. Then a boy came into view further down the beach. The boy was running back && forth on the beach, so the man walked towards him. As he approached the boy, the old man realized he was throwing starfish into the ocean, one by one. The man asked him,

"Boy, why are you doing that?" The little boy threw another starfish and explained,

"Well the tide is leaving, and if i don't throw these starfish back into the ocean, they will surely die." The man looked down the beach and the sandy shore revealed hundreds upon hundreds of starfish.

"But boy, there are hundreds of starfish, you can't possibly save enough to make a difference." Then the boy carefully picked up a starfish, ran to the water and threw it as far as he could back into the ocean. He turned to the old man and said,

"I made a difference for that one."

It's that time of year again...I miss CYIA

2009-06-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

So many good memories!

A Visit From my Brother and His Family

2009-05-03T15:33:00.001-07:00

A couple weeks ago my brother, his lovely wife and adorable daughter trekked across the 1,200 miles between Omaha, NE and Washington, D.C. to visit me and some of Abby's family. WOW! What a great, fun, amazing weekend. We went into D.C. on Saturday. It was great! No books! No study! Just fun time with family!!! : )

We got to see a helicopter fly in. It was really cool. Not sure if our president was on the helicopter or not.

George Washington himself...or one of two statutes of him.

Caleb, Abby and Elise at the top of the Washington Monument

Caleb went down to the Washington Monument early Saturday morning and got tickets to go to the top of it. It was an absolute blast!!!

They even came out to Purcellville one evening. We went out to dinner, went to the Leesburg Outlet Mall, and then I gave them a tour of HSLDA. I wish I had more pictures. Next time they'll have to bring my girlfriend along : )

Thank you so much Caleb and Abby for visiting. It was AMAZING!

Airport Surprise! : )

2009-04-17T20:27:00.000-07:00

Whoever said airports are boring??? My first, fun, favorite and only girlfriend surprised me at the airport Wednesday evening when I flew home for a conference where I was representing HSLDA. My flight got in at 11:30 p.m. I was pretty tired, but excited to see my family. When I got to the baggage claim...(Well, the picture sums it up. Words can't do justice)

THANK YOU Bethany!

1 Picture = 1,000 words

2009-04-01T15:38:00.000-07:00

I have been absolutely amazed at God's blessing recently. Unfortunately, I don't have time to give you the details right now. But here's a hint...

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” - 1 Corinthians 2:9

Bethany Wissmann and I both covet your prayers for guidance and direction as we continue to get to know each other through courtship.

A Most Unusual Defense

2009-03-20T20:54:00.000-07:00

A lawyer defending a man accused of burglary tried this creative defense:

"My client merely inserted his arm into the window and removed a few trifling articles. His arm is not himself, and I fail to see how you can punish the whole individual for an offense committed by his limb."

"Well put," the judge replied. "Using your logic, I sentence the defendant’s arm to one year’s imprisonment. He can accompany it or not, as he chooses."

The defendant smiled. With his lawyer’s assistance he detached his artificial limb, laid it on the bench, and walked out.

The Team

2009-03-03T20:48:00.001-08:00

The Loudoun County Patriots JV Team

From left to right: (back row) Josh Messenger, TJ Martin, Coach Dan Beasley (that's me), Chris DeBlank, Logan McCauley, (front row) Ben Welty, Tarcy Corcoran, Justin Matzker, Daniel Oberlander

The season is over. We won our last game tonight 64-40. After loosing our first 3 regular season games we won 12 out of the last 13 to finish with a 12-4 record.

"For Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." - 1Timothy 4:8

Our 3 goals for the season:
1) Be a light
2) Give 100%
3) Win

As Long as You Are Glorified

2009-02-23T16:06:00.000-08:00

Shall I take from Your hand Your blessings
Yet not welcome any pain?
Shall I thank You for days of sunshine
Yet grumble in days of rain?
Shall I love You in times of plenty
Then leave You in days of drought?
Shall I trust when I reap a harvest
But when winter winds blow, then doubt?

Oh let Your will be done in me;
In Your love I will abide,
Oh, I long for nothing else as long
As You are glorified!

Are You good only when I prosper?
And true only when I'm filled?
Are You King only when I'm carefree,
And God only when I'm well?
You are good when I'm poor and needy.
You are true when I'm parched and dry.
You still reign in the deepest valley.
You're still God in the darkest night.

So quiet my restless heart, quiet my restless heart,
Quiet my restless heart in you.

Joy?

2009-02-14T19:37:00.000-08:00

“People and nations are forged in the fire of adversity.” ~ John Adams

This past week I have faced adversity: Long days and short nights filled to overflowing with work and school. However, it was espesialling challenging because of the tragedy that happened last week. I don't that I'll ever forget receiving that heart-stopping phone call. It seems as though time should stop, if for no other reason, to honor Alaina's life. But the clock keeps ticking, and life goes on.

Because of being home in Nebraska for the funeral of my beloved sister-in-law, I missed a whole week of school and had a LOT of catch up to do. It was difficult to focus. Memories of her continued to flow like a river through my mind. But my books weren't reminiscing with me. I had no choice but to go on, knowing that God is still God and trusting His perfect plan.

A few verses came to mind:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. - James 1:2,3

Be Joyful always - 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Consider it joy? That doesn't make sense! Joy, in a time like this?

True joy is not effected by outward circumstances. By God's grace we can go on - and praise Him - even though we are crushed by the circumstances that surround us. I choose to worship Him because He is God! He is the same God who blesses me and loves me, and who gave His only son so that I can live with Him.

Here are 3 GREAT reasons to have joy when we face trials and adversity:

1) It develops our faith and perseverance
2) It Brings glory to God
3) It is a powerful witness to those do not know Christ

It's funny...because it's true...

2009-02-12T20:40:00.000-08:00

"We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle." - Sir Winston Churchill

It Still Hurts...

2009-02-08T20:02:00.000-08:00

"If only my anguish could be weighed and all my misery be placed on the scales! 3 It would surely outweigh the sand of the seas" - Job 6:1-3a

Tears came to my eyes after walking into my bedroom here in VA and remembering the phone call I received during the wee hours of the morning last Sunday.

I know that Josh is feeling more pain now than he ever has before (which is really saying something). This was very evident when he read the following verses from Job at Alaina's funeral. Alaina was his wife, recreational companion and closest earthly friend. As I watch my brother hurt, and writhe with pain inside, I grieve for for the loss of a sister and close friend. But I think I hurt worse when I think about what Josh must go through in the weeks to come.

We know that God is in control, and that he allowed this to happen for a reason. He is no less great just because he has taken Alaina from us, and I will trust Him. But it still hurts. We appreciate all of your prayers, and I plead with you to continue to lift Josh before the throne of God.

"If he snatches away, who can stop him? Who can say to him, 'What are you doing?'" - Job 9:12

"Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" - Job 2:10

"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." - Job 1:21

"But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." - James 4:5

My President is on my Prayer List

2009-01-28T05:46:00.000-08:00

January 20, 2009 was a historic day for our nation. The United States of America elected its first African American president. I didn't vote for him; we don't hold the same, or even similar, beliefs; we have seemingly nothing in common, not even the same skin color; and it's difficult to know for sure whether we were both born in the United States.

BUT he was elected, by the vote of the people of this free nation, as my leader - the president of the United States of America - of which I am a citizen.

I owe him a debt, as I do every living person on this planet, of love. He is my authority, and I will pray for him faithfully. Will you join me?

"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men." Titus 3:1-2

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time." - 1 Timothy 2:1-6

God is sovereign. He was not surprised, or shocked that Barak Husein Obama was elected president, and He is, as He always has been and will be, in complete control.

"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases." - Proverbs 21:1

I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future!

The Office

2009-01-19T18:37:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of my office. There's normally a little jar containing jelly beans on the little cabinet, but they're gone at the moment. They're compliments of my amazing sister, Esther. I get an occasional visit from others in the office who have a sweet tooth.

I know, it's kinda bare at the moment, but the book shelves are slowly filling up with old law books, and I'm working on getting more pictures on the walls. But hey, I'm a bachelor and I don't have a ton of extra time.

Disclaimer

2009-01-18T20:01:00.001-08:00

Thank you for visiting the blog of Daniel Trust Beasley. I hope you enjoy your time here. Please feel free to visit this blog often, and to leave comments every time you visit. There is, however, no guarantee that it will be updated on a regular basis. When you are frustrated and upset with Daniel because of his failure to post frequently please refer to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

Hey everyone, if there's anyone out there. Just wanted to let you know that posts could be few and far between. But I wanted to have a way to keep you all updated with how I am doing, and what is happening in my life, so I started a blog. Thanks for checking in.

Be Joyful Always!

2009-01-18T19:51:00.001-08:00

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Wondering what God's will is? Well...now you know.