Just Scratching The Surface

What will you do at 100+?

2009-09-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

Here's an article about the oldest man in the world 113. We always ask ourselves what will we do if we live that long. One of his keys to longevity was cutting back no meals.

By the Book?

2009-08-26T17:45:00.001-07:00

This morning I decided to go to my car on a break and listen to The Herd show with Colin Cowherd on ESPN. He has some interesting commentary on sports to say the least. In this particular segment, he was discussing the controversy with Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys and the recent issue of the score board/jumbo tron in their new stadium...this is an over $1 million dollar problem to fix btw.
He basically said that Jerry was recently quoted as saying something to the effect that the gigantic screen that was hanging low was like in baseball where dimensions of the field, etc aren't always the same and are just part of the field, if you will. Like the Green Monster in Boston is only 315 ft from home plate(a more common distance is 330 ft), and its something like 30 ft high!

Cowherd made an interesting point though. He basically said that, although Jerry Jones is a good talker and salesman, baseball and football just can't be compared when it comes to the rigidness of the rules. For instance, in NFL football, if one team's headsets go out, then the other team HAS to cut theirs off. In baseball, you can wear baggy pants and chains hanging down, but in foot ball EVERYTHING has to be unbiasedly equal. Baseball doesn't have instant replay and the coaches wear the same clothes as the players. I agree with Colin though, that Jones makes a good point, but I don't see the NFL buying this sell.

He also said that Jones is a hunch guy...like he built the screen on a hunch that it'd be alright, but again Colin was right that you just can't go one hunches all the time in life. Another excellent point was that if I'm not mistaken the NFL wants him to fix the problem...however, everything was in code and up to specs, so its really an NFL problem.

The point of me writing this summary, is that we are all responsible for our actions. Whether good or bad results or decisions in judgement, morality or ethics. Weather a government, corporation or individual, part of being an adult is realizing and recognizing that you goofed up(in this case the NFL with their specs of what is ok) and have to deal with the consequences or results. Which may involved having to do something that we adults also don't like to do...apologizing.

Decisions...

2009-07-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

What Wayen said:

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. "

-Wayne Gretzky

Generation M

2009-07-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

I'd like to change the name of generation X to generation M. M as in "maybe". I've notice a lot on facebook and I'm just as guilty, that often times the "maybes" for events out weight the "yeses" or "nos". I so often commit to things at the last minute...usually in the context of weekend plans or a purchase of some sort.

I suppose it goes with the territory in a way. I can only speak as an American and as an American, I'm constantly promoted to be a "consumer". However, in our relativistic society, absolutes are often times what you make of it....that is "my truth is my truth and your truth is your truth."

I think this bleeds on over into our daily lives and bigger decisions. When making decisions about, well anything, we think we have more options than the stars of the sky(car, house, career, spouse). On the contrary, I think part of being a man is having the forethought to say yes to sometime and doing it without regrets.

Sure truth can be relative to purchases...buy what you want, when you want, but if all areas of our lives are relative, then...I just don't know...perhaps the answer is maybe.

This and that and thus

2009-06-14T11:18:00.001-07:00

Yes, I realize I haven't blogged in a while, but its mainly do to lack of wanting to write publicly about anything pressing on my mind. So, since its been since January, I thought I would blog a little about this, that and what ever else.

Politics - Hard to understand sometimes what side people are really on...If you listen to one person he says he's the most "this" or "that" and the other guy(s) are completely different...liberal or conservative...

So, to me, if ever there were two places to understand the ends and outs about things by doing research, it would be politics and finance. Needless to say, I know for the most part where I stand on any given subject, but I tend to lean toward the side of "hey guys, stand on your principles and let the other guys dig their own wholes." To me, mudslinging is for wimps for the most part.

Christianity - I love to blog about my faith and theology and love(which is completely tied in btw), but I'm thinking about starting a separate blog that is more driven in that direction...good or bad, it seems a little strange sometimes to read/write a blog one day about how I the show The View is ridiculous and the next about the authority of scripture...

Sports - If I did another blog, it might be about sports, specifically on Baseball and football...but then again, do I really need to blog about something that is probably blogged about times infinity?? Its probably good to blog on something that you like a lot though. For instance baseball, which I am a true fan of...I could talk about the significance of Babe Ruth and the dead ball era or the laziness of today's players for years on in...but we'll see...sports are just fun though, they really, really don't have any true meaning to life, they are just games after all.

Marriage - No about myself necessarily, but about its significance in society as a whole...divorce rates baffle me completely and the break down of family is a modern tragedy, yet when will people start committing to one another and think less of themselves....Just some thoughts.

Collecting Your Thoughts

2009-01-31T14:26:00.000-08:00

I like to keep the main thing the main thing. Our pastor spoke on predestination last week and it has dawned on me lately that I don't think about it that much anymore. Yes, I'm a Reformed Calvinist....and yes I've labeled myself.

Side note: I'm simply amazed at how many people don't like to be "labeled" or carry a "label" these days. Almost to the point were no one is allowed to have any label, at all for the sake of not offending someone. Some says "I'm a baptist" in conversation and the listening audience says..."oh, well...I just consider myself a Christian. I don't subscribe to any denominations"...oooor "I don't like to use "labels". I suppose its because most "labels" have had bad stuff or a negative history in some way or form. Consider any denomination of any church, and you will find something negative in the past that it did, someone in it did, or something happening. Why? Because they're made up of humans people. That's the bottom line.

I don't advocate starring someone down as though they're lower than you if they don't subscribe to your denomination or whatever, I'm just saying that if you've been a member of a Methodist church for 5 years and deplore calling yourself a 'Methodist", don't worry there's really nothing wrong with it. See, anytime humans are involved there will be "bad" things that go on with a denomination...it doesn't mean we should divorce ourselves from its associations.

That does lead up to back what I was saying. This isn't a blog on Predestination(there's books on that)...but my short point is how learning about it coming to a satisfying conviction has allowed me to move on and love God for who he is all the more. In other words, unlike when I first discovered this topic and jumped at any conversation or debate about its meaning, etc, etc., I now just appreciate it and look at myself and say..."who am I to say I know more than anyone else. I am a great sinner, who has been saved by a great Savior, Jesus." That's all.

More on Idols

2009-01-02T13:16:00.000-08:00

Here are the notes that my pastor had for common idols in our lives. The scripture references used for the sermon were 1 John 5:21 and Jeremiah 2:4-18. I think these things are so important to understand.
Common Idols Life has meaning for me or I have self worth:

Power Idolatry – …if I have power and influence over others.

Approval Idolatry – …if I am loved and respected by others.

Comfort Idolatry – …if I have a particular standard or quality of life.

Image Idolatry – …if I have a particular look or body image.

Control Idolatry – …if I get mastery over my life in particular areas.

Helping Idolatry – …if people are dependent on me and need me.

Dependence Idolatry – …if someone is there to protect me.

Independence Idolatry – …if I am completely free from obligations or responsibilities to care for others.

Work Idolatry – …if I am highly productive by getting a lot accomplished.

Achievement Idolatry – …if I am being recognized for my accomplishments and excelling in life pursuits.

Materialism Idolatry – …if I have a certain level of wealth and nice things.

Family Idolatry – …if my kids and spouse are happy and especially happy with me.

Relationship Idolatry – …if Mr. or Miss Right is in love with me.

Suffering Idolatry – …if I only feel worthy of being loved or able to deal with my guilt when hurting or struggling.

Pleasure Addiction – …if I have something fun and entertaining to look forward to in the future.

Religious Performance – …if I am adhering to my religious moral codes.

Now, of course you won't find this definitive list in the bible, but it can certainly be concluded...However, if someone would like to point out specific scripture to the correct modes of baptism or the Lord's Supper, please do(JUST KIDDING...please don't attempt). I will say that what I draw to in my own mind is the parallel, if you will of Idolatry to Christian contentment.

Bear with me for a moment, I'll do a long blog perhaps on that subject anyway. I picked up one of the many many books that I'm labouring to get through at some point in life and read a couple of pages. The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, by Jeremiah Burroughs...a Puritan he was and a Puritan he did write as. The great thing about reading Puritans is that their intelligence level and meatiness of writing can pack two pages of what might take half a book to say these days. Anyway, the main point that I got out of those pages today was God, Jesus Christ is our contentment. No matter the affliction or suffering, God is to be our all in all and that is what he desires for us who are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ.

He says the key is this: "God has all things in himself, and you have God for your portion, and in that you have all and this is the mystery of contentment." Oh, to know God more, I might then know thyself more!

iDull

2008-12-21T18:37:00.000-08:00

My colleague Arnold gave me a CD with some Tim Keller talks on it the other week. I listened to the 1st one yesterday and sure enough it was on idols. Yes, that favorite topic that I love to avoid. Question, does anyone else read that first commandment about not having any other idols and sort of say to themselves "umm, sure no problem, ok, next". I do. Waaaay tooo much too. See, I think to myself "idol, I don't need no stinkin idol. I worship and serve the God of the universe. Who needs to trade that for an idol!"

What that thought is, is a load of garbage. That thought in and of it self has set up the self righteousness idol(and probably a few others). That thought is only placed on those moment when I'm thankful or in need of God for something. When I'm in a spot where my mind and heart is obviously directed toward God. That thought doesn't consider the times when I want happiness via every ones approval or happiness via success.

Our pastor at our church has been going over this very topic lately. I think John Calvin was a pretty smart guy to say the least, so I think he was on to something when he said that our hearts are idol making factories. So how can we stop this idolatry factory? Well, I suppose reliance on God. Realization that Christ is our only source of satisfaction anywhere and in all circumstance and living that out. Recognizing those idols in our life...you know the one thing I might add to Mr. Keller's talk might be that I'm in ultimate reliance on God to show me those idols and fill me with the Holy Ghost that I might overcome those idols. ehh, I'm still working on it...Lord help me.

Classically Trained?

2008-12-14T11:50:00.001-08:00

It might be a little early for new year's resolutions...but I'll give you one that I'm thinking I'll tackle this coming year. For a while, I've been wanting to get myself a little culture on and start reading some "Classics". I think my first endeavor will be The Count of Monte Cristo. After that I may try Les Mes. I don't know if it'll advance me any further in my culturedness, so to speak, but its a goal that I've had for a while. I figure, after all, a lot of those book were writen by very well respected, intelligent peoples of their time, and have stood the test of time as far as the books' staying power. From what I hear, a lot, if not most, of our modern books, stories, and even culture were and are influenced in a lot of ways by the "classics". Now, I haven't taken the time to "Wikipdia" the term "Classic" for the textbook definition, but I have a good idea of what they are. Usually there's a shelf at the local libray that says "Classics". Not only that, but I've noticed a great shelf at the local Borders of Classics that should be a great place to start, especially considered there are about 30 books on that self.

You know, Tell of Two Cities...Crime and Punishment...Dracula...Dante...Oliver Twist, and the list goes on and on. Suggestions btw are always appreciated for what should take priority.

Wait

2008-11-24T13:32:00.000-08:00

Hold on, back up. Weren't the plans I had as kid suppose to come true? Weren't the goals I had in high school suppose to come to reality one day? Like NOW? Weren't the expectations that I gave myself 3 weeks ago suppose to be on their way to fruition? No? Exactly. Cost benefit analysis of lives, hopes and expectations. My conclusion? Win or loose those small or large battles, it always comes back to Jesus. It may sound overly "religious" or even self righteous to say that, but I can only speak to what I know to be true.

How do I know its true? Good question...Answer. I know its true, because I know its true. Too dull of an answer? I can't help that, its the only one that my mind, heart and soul will answer. Sure, I know the evidences, the history(I like to think) and what the Bible itself says. Which, for all I know, may have been what God used toward opening my eyes to that reality. A reality exists weather you want to believe that its there or not. I think that the truth of Jesus and the gospel is reality and it has been shown to me.

Blog, blog, blog

2008-10-06T14:32:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in a while, but for good reason(s). After all, I suppose unless you come up with one of those catchy one sided genre type blogs that somehow, some way, everybody finds out about, its pretty much an open journal that other ppl can check out if they're bored enough...or something. Seems like my schedule, both the obligation schedule and the social schedule have taken up a lot of my time lately...probably a good time to reintroduce myself and others to the word NO. Life is so much about prioritizing. I want to go here...I want to see that...I want to do this, that and the other. So, if I'm not blogging much, its probably an indication that I have a life...or that I have bloggers block, or something.

Le Wow

2008-09-02T17:11:00.000-07:00

So, have you asked yourself lately "what is a sport that the French have given the world lately? I give you Le Parkour.

The Spirit

2008-08-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

The Beijing Olympics is a reminder of the first China-born gold medalist...Eric Leddell. Here is the wikipedia bio on him. If you haven't watched the movie Chariots of Fire, its worth seeing to get an idea of how the Spirit of God was in this man and his humbleness. Especially after reading stories of athletes over the last week or so of sore loser athletes, its a breath of fresh air to know that not all are that way. Of course, it was God's work in this life that made him a great man. Here's my lesson from Liddell.

If you read his bio, you'll see that he died of a brain tumor in a Chinese prison camp in WWII, at 43 years old. He is a reminder to me as a Christian that in fact our days are numbered and that we only have so much time in this world to impact it with the love of Christ. We have a freedom as Christians to be great or to be lazy or mediocre...to blame our circumstances, situations and trials as the reason for our fall(s). I see a man, despite his sinfulness and humanness, put God's glory and purposes above his own greatness...and that is humbling.

Thoughts on Skip

2008-08-12T19:51:00.001-07:00

The passing of Braves announcer Skip Carrey was surreal this week for me. It's sort of like when you realize a relative has gotten old and frail and will most likely pass sometime soon. It's still strangely awkward, and in some weird way, I think Skip was like a distant uncle to me. Throughout the vast amount of baseball games I watched over the years, I probably listened to his commentary and opinions of baseball and life more than any of my own uncles.

It feels like yesterday, but it wasn't. Growing up as a kid, I became a die hard baseball fan at 11, when my older cousin took me to my first game in 1987 to what was called the Walt Disney World Series(i.e. you get a free poster of Dale Murphy with Mickey and Goofy, which hung in my room for years). From there I was sold...as a young teen, my cousin Brian and I would spend weekends collecting, selling, and trading baseball cards and watching games. I guess that's where Skip would come in.

I remember watching games most nights of the week and weekend(what else can a 13 year old do in between playing video games and riding a bike?) I remember my mom coming in and turning the games off late at night when it was time for bed. Like it or not, you're kind of forced to like the announcer that's given to you by the television station. I was the fortunate teenager that had TBS Superstation in his town and they just happen to show the Braves EVERY night and for years I heard Skip, Pete Van Werren and Ernie Johnson(my favorite).

Pete was the analytical, smart professional. Ernie was the old school, yesteryear baseball guy that brought enjoyment to the game. Skip...well, Skip was the smart alick, know it all, tell it like it is and not to mention funny guy. Here's the truth of Skip to me thought, he brought what many baseball announcers lack these days...INTELLECTUAL honesty. Skip wasn't like the posh announcers these days(no names). There weren't back stores dramas to help the listener at home "feel" closer to the game. No, he broadcasted the game to help the listener understand what's going on in the game...good or bad, so thanks uncle Skip.

BB

2008-07-21T17:43:00.001-07:00

In case you needed some inspiration for the day...

HAHA!

2008-07-10T16:14:00.000-07:00

I think I may have found my new favorite show.

Aye we Adore

2008-06-27T03:44:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd share with you one of my favorite hymns of all time, Praise to the Lord, the Almighty. Words by Joachim Neander and music by Lobe den Herren

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near;Praise Him in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, who over all things so wondrously reigneth,Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!Hast thou not seen how thy desires ever have beenGranted in what He ordaineth?

Praise to the Lord, who hath fearfully, wondrously, made thee;Health hath vouchsafed and, when heedlessly falling, hath stayed thee.What need or grief ever hath failed of relief?Wings of His mercy did shade thee.

Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,If with His love He befriend thee.
Praise to the Lord, who, when tempests their warfare are waging,Who, when the elements madly around thee are raging,Biddeth them cease, turneth their fury to peace,Whirlwinds and waters assuaging.

Praise to the Lord, who, when darkness of sin is abounding,Who, when the godless do triumph, all virtue confounding,Sheddeth His light, chaseth the horrors of night,Saints with His mercy surrounding.

Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him!All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.Let the Amen sound from His people again,Gladly for aye we adore Him.

Woo Wooooo

2008-06-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

I find this news story to be nothing but a highlight. Notice when the car takes off in the wrong lane and then straight through a stop sign.

Life as it were

2008-06-19T16:55:00.001-07:00

Life defines experience sometimes and I think experience defines life sometimes too. Its sometimes crazy to think how at times life passes by like a freight train and at other times like a turtle crossing the desert plain. Busyness becomes habit and habit becomes busyness. Anxiousness is a terrible place to be, especially when anticipating something far away, or the appearance there of.

For instance, I think back to a thought I had once in 1st grade, that it would be sooooo long until I was a senior in high school, and that I would be so old then. Then next thing you know, you look back to being a senior in high school and think "wow, I was so young then." At any rate, I'm a true believer that God is not defined in our space and time as we see it, and neither is our Christianity in a way. Point being that the steadiness of simple faith in Jesus is what helps me to be anchored in a life that is often more like a roller coaster and less like a Sunday afternoon drive in the country...than I'd like it to be.

Thanks...for the fish

2008-06-04T18:13:00.000-07:00

Did you see Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy? I've always thought the introduction was hilarious. Just something funny to imagine if dolphins were aliens. Enjoy.(no charge for the subtitles)

I'm Voting Yes

2008-06-02T17:06:00.000-07:00

Let's talk politics...No, let's not. Well, I do like McCain...sorta/kinda/maybe...and that sums it up for me. He left a nice "oh, don't you worry, I'm the next Ronald Reagan" message on my answering machine awhile back. I'll believe that one when I see it. Perhaps he'll send us another $600 check this time next year of our own money! Here's an idea...FAIRTAX.

This is the year of temping expenses for me...that is, things I could buy, but absolutely don't need. A lot of bands have new albums out this year and my wish list for CDs keeps growing and growing. I've been to 2 concerts this year so far...Modest Mouse and Radiohead, and this month Modest Mouse comes back to town opening for R.E.M. Funny, is it weird to go to a concert where you want to see the opener more than the headliner?? Coldplay is coming in November and I'll try my darnedest to get that ticket as well. A lot of movies have come out that I want to see and have seen. More will be coming out soon, including the next Batman and 007.

As a matter of fact I just did a rough guestimate on my spending for those musical/movie entertainment enterprises that I love to indulge in and I came up with about a cool $500 to $600...and that's not counting a little traveling here and there. Hmmmm, this brings me to another thought. That's about 8 or so full tanks of gas I could be getting or 2 months roughly. So much for me thinking I'm not going to have enough money for gas.

Interesting Find

2008-05-21T21:23:00.000-07:00

I found this video and thought an interesting debate. I tried to find the video in its entirety, but this cross examination was all I could find.

My Theology 101

2008-05-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

My Theology is a dynamic theology. When people ask me "what do you believe about Christianity" or some question like that, where I figure in my head that they somewhat know what they're asking, I'll say "I'm reformed". "Oh, okay, well, what does that mean? they'll say." "Oh boy", is what I think. If I think its a "challenging" what is it question, I'll answer simply "I follow Jesus, or Jesus is my saviour, kind of answer...if I think they are genuinely wanting to know what it is, then I point them to a book or article(s).

Point being that I don't think reformed theology can be explained comprehensively enough with a flower acronym(Calvin never told anyone that he had 5 points btw) or a mangled summary statement off the cuff(or under 10 minutes), unless overly simplified..i.e. "God is sovereign". Like I said though, my theology tends to be dynamic because I don't think that I'm naive enough to believe that there is a completely comprehensive "RIGHT" answer system(what ever you want to call it) form of theology(example...dunk, sprinkle, pour), simply because we all know that there are mysteries to God and things that are just not known. Not to mention that I'm a sinful, forgiven, follower of Jesus and often times I'm praying for more faith and seeking to get closer to God and know him better. In other words I forget somethings that I have said "YES, this is what I believe about THIS or THAT "thing(s)". Having said all that, I'm reformed, covenant, Calvinist, whatever your word in theology because my conscience likes it the best:)

If you'd like to read a little more about Reformed theology though, here's a good article. As well as this one too.

Followers?...I think so.

2008-05-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

What's amazing about American Idol is the sales on itunes of all the singers that are on the show. I'll admit that I've bought 2 songs from a singer from the first season. Nothing else. I like the Daughtree(don't care to know how to spell the name) song in a "boy that crazy goofy song is stuck in my head" kind of way, but I don't want to buy it. I like Simon Cowell, I think he know what he's talking about for the most part. Here's the bottom line for me...this is pop music and these are cookie cutter, wantabe pop singers.

Now it all depends on your musical taste of course, which in my opinion should never be the same for everyone. The thing I like about music is that its like a treasure hunt. I've always got my ears peaked to hear a new sound that appeals to me. This usually comes in the form of lesser known music artists and singer song writers, not from some 16 year old kid who wants to be the next JT or Britney. So, if you're inclined for advice on hunting music...I suggest find what you like, what appeals to you...not what others say should appeal to you, kind of like paintings and movies.

Time Time

2008-05-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

Time can be such a cluttering thing sometimes...or lack there of that is. Went out of town for two weekends in a row. Add to "things" going on at night during the week, and you realized..."wow, I'm booked...a lot." Which seems to leave zero time for cleaning, organizing or any other thing I'm trying to catch up on, in or around to.
On a brighter side, I did go see Radiohead in concert on Thursday night. Here's a live clip of them.

One of My Favorite Things

2008-04-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

God's Providence...easily one of my favorite things. I can't quantify it, I can't really explain it very well or describe what it looks like or "IS" like, but I can say that its comforting. Its comforting when you belong to God, when Jesus has redeemed you and brought you into relationship with Him, that's when God's providence really takes off in my life and the more I understand it the more I'm thankful for it each and every day.
The reason? Well, I know that God is in charge...Of everything. The war is won! I loose so many battles each hour, day, week, month and year. You know what though, the war has been won by Christ. There is a victor and winner. Death has been destroyed by Jesus. We as Christians now have eternal life, here and now. God even allows us to share this news with people to bring our future brothers and sisters into the fold or following Christ and living forever.
So I love providence because I know that there are so many disappointments that come my way, and that will come my way. Reminders each day and night that somethings wrong and not right. Times when I just cannot seem to get out of this rut or that rut. Times where I wonder if some certain thing or another will ever have closure of any type. You know what I mean...relationally, financially, spiritual battles, obstacles...dead ends. With providence though, I know that God works ALL things to his glory and I can take the focus off of ME and understand that His glory is my purpose and not my small battles, weather won or lost.

The Costs

2008-03-26T14:28:00.001-07:00

Counting the cost of being a Christian isn't always something I think about, but I do when I think about evangelism. Without doubt, the sharing of my faith, weather through word, deed or both always strenghens or grows my faith. It tests me. It tests weather or not I really care about this stuff...it shows that I really don't have the out come, that is control the out come, in my hands. Its God' soveriengty that has the outcome. I'm the privileged vestal that gets to be a part of it.In evangelism, I have to be proactive. In ministry, service to others, putting others before myself, I have to be that "good" P word. Interesting that Proactive and procrastination are complete opposites btw, yet are used often in our time. I can fall asleep while praying, I can put off bible study, I can ignore conversations about Jesus, but when evangelizing/ministering, I have to be Proactive. Why is it such a powerful thing, ministring and evangelizing? I don't know accept that when we are evangelizing, its a great example of dipping into eternity and God's sovereign will.

At that point we are choosing the truth of Christ and telling others of living truth...living water. We can make attempts at reforming people, of correcting behaviours and showing people a better and more profitable way to live life, but we can't save their soul. The carpenter Jesus is the one who does that! And its not about smoothness or finesse either.God can and does use are most aweful, poorest, saddest, unrehearsed, stumbling attempts to bring people to himself. When we evangelize, we are expressing the purest form of love, God's love through Jesus Christ.

Thoughts on US

2008-03-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

I've taken a break from the Edward's book, but I've picked up a U.S. history book for the time being...and here are my thoughts. Thus far I've gotten to right before the beginning of the Civil War. I've come to this main conclusion as I look at what was accomplished in that first 60 to 70 years of U.S. History...This land is not ours, its God's land. We could have easily been a French or Spanish or Dutch country, yet God allowed the English to expand into this country and I think it no coincidence that he used it greatly to expand his kingdom as well, growing pains and all. So, I suppose "God's country" might be a good name for it.

Talk about a generation detached from the past. Anyone born in the 60s and young can only recount what their parents have told them of the "past" United States. We live in such a different place as our parents and especially our grandparents did. Yet live in a very similar place as well...or a place that is or could become more similar to their place.

This U.S. was a colony to the British at first, a chunk for the Brits to get their empire expanding teeth into as the rest of Western Europe was trying to get the lions share of the new world. As I've read it, it fascinating to read about the colonial Americans and the founding fathers...so idealistic, so forward and honorable thinking. The colonies were like a "pick your favorite living environment" colony. If you were a Puritan, there's a place, Dutch Reformed, a place, Catholic, a place, no religion, a place. Almost a place to go for those white folks tired of the old European way if you will.

So this colony grew up and realized that it didn't need the mother ship Britain to sustain itself, and fought for independence. From there though, its interesting to read into the "idea" of America that brought so many immigrants and foreigners looking to take the opportunity of America. How we annexed Texas and defeated Mexico for California. Then the controversy of slave states and free states. So many great things and hypocrisies, apathy and the gamut of factors that started this great country. The U.S. kind of reminds me of people...sinful, yet full of great deeds, selfish, yet willing to help. Basically a miss, improving here and falling there, yet truly blessed.

Technology at its Best

2008-03-05T19:57:00.000-08:00

Over the last few years I can't help but notice the small things that have come about in technology. From the iPod to the Zune, to the air purifiers, the motion detectors are something I can't seem to get used to. The bathroom at work has become the centerpiece of my reckonings lately. You walk in and the lights come on...You go to the urinal, and its WATERLESS(this is a profound mystery to me)...You go to the sink and the water comes out, without touching anything...and then you put your hands under the paper towel dispenser and sure enough, a perfectly sized paper towel comes out(which by the way, I recently gave it a test to see if it was smart by tearing a piece prematurely and of course it stop dispensing).

At any rate, here's my biggest beef with technology. I don't like technology to do what I like to do. Examples include locking my car doors, turning up, or down, my car radio...bells and whistles when my door is opened. I'm getting used to this whole modern John thing, I just need some technology to teach me not to hold my hands under a regular sink or towel dispenser and ask myself if its broke!

More Jonathan Edwards

2008-02-13T20:07:00.000-08:00

I'll let the words speak for themselves..

"The enjoyment of God is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but God is the substance. These are but scattered beams, but God is the sun. These are but streams. But God is the ocean (Works, II, 244)."

J.E.

Am I wrong?

2008-02-07T19:58:00.000-08:00

After work today I was going to meet up with 3 friends for dinner at 7:30. I had a couple of hours to kill, so I stopped by a great Christian bookstore that I try to stay away from(i want to buy a book everytime I go there.) So I looked through some Christian classics and theology books. I finally found a book that I really wanted to buy on the history of the Christian church in America. I sat down and started reading a great chapter on the Puritians in North America.

Anyway, I'm sitting there reading about John Owen and the Puritian struggle to live a life of holiness to God and establishing the Massacusattes Bay Colony after pursicution from England...and then I heard it. What? As I sat there, I looked up and could have sworn I was listening to an American Idol audition. I peaked up a little more and sure enough this girl(probably in her 20s), with head phones on, was just singing to the best of her ability with some song. Something like this "Jesus, you're all I need...Jesus, you're all I need! Louder and louder and louder and more prounced and more prounced. I almost felt like she was trying to IMPRESS everyone in the store. Surely she wasn't naive enough to think no one heard her or cared that she was singing(and badly).

I mean, where's the common courtesy here? I quote the movie dumb and dumber..."ever heard of the concept of "other people".The point is, after hearing the noise of that girl(in a book store), I can understand Simmons comments and faces all the more on American Idol...I'm glad she wants to praise the Lord, but I think she needs to keep it in the car, bedroom or with the congragation.

How about That

2008-02-01T20:15:00.000-08:00

My latest book buy was last weekend. I bought Jonathan Edwards, A New Biography, by Iain H. Murray. As many people out there, I'm a big fan of brother Edwards. Yet, this legendary, almost heroin, of a person seems distant to our American way of "being." Granted, he lived in the early to mid 1700s, but I see so many of the same struggles and commonlities of his day that are still around. I think I just find it interesting to read such well documented accounts of essentially a later New England, "English", Puritan, so to speak. Murray does a good job of transporting the reader back to the early 1700s town of East Windsor and to what would become Yale College, The Collegiate School of Connecticut, where Edwards studied.

Anyway, I've just started reading about his conversion during college. I suppose it's part of his literacy, but also God's spirit in him, because he writes some profound stuff. Here's one I read tonight:

"there is no such near or intimate conversation between any other lovers as between Christ and the Christian."

How's that sink in to society with strong to vanity and approval? At any rate, look for more quotes as I read along!

A Momentary Lapse of Reason(s)

2008-01-29T16:53:00.000-08:00

I think poor judgement and clouded thinking go hand in hand with life. Its not necessarily sin where talking about. Although sin does cause a lot of that, what about the hard times that cause it? The bible tells us to consider it pure joy when we face trails of many kinds, but that's not what I want. I don't want trails. When was the last time I thought "hey, this is a blessing! I'm going through trails!" Usually, it frustrates me to no end. Usually the thought process goes something like this for me..."crap! I just got through this, I just overcame that, I was beginning to go toward a more fulfilling path, and now I'm faced with THIS." So how do I consider it a blessing then? I believe its partly through getting over myself and my plans and considering God's mission and God's plan. How does that sound for spiritual?

Paul would be considered one of the most pious Christians that we can think of, yet we all know what a wretched sinner he thought himself to be. Amazing, because we often think or want to think, surely we are not all that bad. I honestly have to remind myself that I'm sinful, that I'm not a Glorified Christian yet, and I think we should all remember that we have a place and that God has a place...He is the creator and sustainer of the universe, I am the created and instrument of his Glory(or so I would hope).

That is the truth though, no matter how sinful this world gets. No matter how deprived it becomes, God's Glory will still be reached. The fact that we are called to willingly participate in bringing him Glory, is to me what will bring those trials to a perspective that understands those trials and can bring contentment in any situation or circumstance. Therefore, I know clouded thinking and misunderstanding will come. Poor judgement and mistakes are about as inevitable as sin it self in this world, which all points to Jesus and our reliance on him and once again...not ourselves.

Music....ahhh yes.

2008-01-10T14:59:00.000-08:00

From time to time I like to feature some of the music I like or listen to. Here's Radiohead. An alternative rock band from across the pond in England. This track is fromt their newest album In Rainbows. This band uses a lot experimental and innovative methods to making music. This track is called Jigsaw Falling Into Place. I don't know what kind of slide instrument they're using, but it's pretty darn stinkin cool. The second video is the song Bodysnatchers.

Am I Reaching Here?

2008-01-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

Ever thought about out most lofty goals of this life. Here's a question...what's one goal you most dearly hope to accomplish before you die? That's just it. We're going to die and we want to accomplish, that is, make our mark on this planet before we pass. So, if this is the end and what you accomplish and do here and now would follow reaching your most highest of goals. So if making your mark on this planet, whatever that may be, is the most significant thing you can do whilst here, then does that become your salvation or your heaven? That goal or that accomplishment or "end".

Christ has changed that, hasn't he? He's promised eternal life, in an eternal kingdom with an eternal God FOREVER. Not 25, 68, 45 or 12 years, but infinity, forever. What do we have to do? NOTHING. We accept his eternal gift of salvation. He gifts it to us. Christ knocks at the door of our hearts, cracks it, and walks right on in and gives us an eternity with Him. He makes us automatic citizens of his everlasting kingdom.

WE get to walk with God in fellowship as Adam did not do. This time though, there won't be any fall. There won't be any serpent tempting us and us taking and eating the forbidden fruit. NOPE, this time, it'll be just us and God. No more worry, pain, heartache, trouble, hurt, crying, disappointment, struggle, SIN, cover ups, badness, blindness, unrest, depression, rejection, selfish ambition or vain conceit...you get the idea and could probably add to the list.

So my goals have changed. My perspective on going about those goals have changed. Does that mean that I no longer pursue goals as an end in and of themselves as though they are the pennical of my life and what my life is for? I would be lying if I said that everything I pursued in life were for God's ultimate glory. But its not about me keeping my promises is it? Last I checked, I'm not suppose to really make promises, but trust. I think its about God's promises that you can take to the bank WILL be accomplished.

Hello there.

2008-01-02T15:59:00.000-08:00

To those of you who have taken the time to read my blog over the last couple of years, thanks. Weather you agree or disagree with anything I say, you've taken the time to delve into my thoughts and life...only problem is I might just be making all this up;) That's the beauty of the blog, though, opinions. Hard facts are for databases and the news(at least should be), but the blog is where we go to get to the pulse of what's on people's minds. Heck, I wouldn't doubt it if I looked a blog I did awhile back I disagree with something I said.

I must say, some years can be a bit hum drum, but seems as though most years have many highs and many lows. I suppose its all on how you judge a high or low...did you become lackadaisical and lazy because everything seemed to go your way or did you become smarter and wiser because of all the trials? Not that I had many lessons or wisdom imparted on my soul, but if I had to summarize what I learned over the last year its this...God calls the shots.

God did, has and will always call the shots. What I get from God, and that being any blessing, lesson, gift, circumstance, whatever, is a pure act of his kindness and love and has nothing to do with my merit. At the same time, I realize that God has gifted me in certain ways and has called me to use my mind, body and soul to the best of my ability. Most importantly though, I'm reminded that I belong to God through Jesus and he loves me no matter what happens in this year the next or you name it...I belong to him.

The Eye of the Beholder

2007-12-29T11:47:00.000-08:00

To me, a movie is in the eye of the beholder. It's a lot like music. I saw the second National Treasure movie last week and liked it a lot. I've also ask some people what they thought of it and read some reviews and they hated it or disliked it or thought it was too predictable. Well, to me, that's the point of that movie. Its not made to wow you so much as it is to entertain you. Everyone has a different philosophy on what a movie should be. For instance, I think your typical slasher movie is a waste of film, but I like a good scary "thriller" movie, that is suspenseful or psychological, like I Am Legend is great. Same goes for chick flicks like The Holiday or Kate and Leopold. Yet, I can be entertained by a good movie like Notting Hill or My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

I usually try to see where the movie is going and not where I want it to go necessarily. On a 1 to 10 scale, I can be satisfied with most movies from a 6 to 10. I think though that some people I've come across think a movie has to always be a 9 or 10 or its just worthless. Two good examples for me for a 6 or 7 movie would be Gone in 60 Seconds and both National Treasure movies. They're not great, but I though they were entertaining and I could see where they were going. Usually I only count a movie as terrible or bad if its a meaningless plot(comedies don't count) or the acting is really offal or sounds rehearsed. My point is that a movie should be looked at from there the movie is trying to go, based on its own merits and not simply where we think or want it to go. Like I said though, its all opinions.

Better than a Flat Screen TV

2007-12-24T20:19:00.000-08:00

Tonight was a great Christmas eve. God provided. He didn't provide some present that I've been anticipating for months or some vacation that's been long over do. No, God provided Life. God provided Truth. God provided a Christmas eve service. God provided a friend. That was the biggy. Not just any friend, but one that I've been praying for often. I don't know where this friend is spiritually really, but I do see them pursuing hopefully what is truth, by trying to learn who God is and what he's about. All that you can ask.

So on the eve of the day that we celebrate the birth of the saviour of the world, I'm thankful for the simple gift of hoping that a friend has a better understanding of the gift that God offers in his son Jesus Christ. We need to realize that miracles are great, but not just the kind that heal disease and troubles. Even more, one of the greatest miracles, if not the greatest, is that God would transform a sinner into a saint. That is bring a spiritually dead human being in to a born again, spiritually alive, adopted child of God through Jesus.

We have this phrase at church called "God stories". Basically its where someone shares what God has done in their lives or something that was done in their lives through God, weather salvation or helping, etc. I don't think God stories have to always be exciting and flashing...I just think they have to be...well, Godly.

I want to share Christ in word and deed. Now there's a new year's resolution. How? I don't know. I think I've heard that one of the quickest ways Christianity spread through Europe during the Roman times was through love. That is, Christians were notoriously loving people. Perhaps a key to the Gospel, and a key to how I should share through word and deed.

Why Georgia, why not?

2007-12-20T16:49:00.000-08:00

I am driving up 85 in the
Kind of morning that lasts all afternoon
just stuck inside the gloom
4 more exits to my apartment but
I am tempted to keep the car in drive
And leave it all behind

Cause I wonder sometimes
About the outcome
Of a still verdictless life

Am I living it right?
Am I living it right?
Am I living it right?
Why Georgia, why?

I rent a room and I fill the spaces with
Wood in places to make it feel like home
But all I feel's alone
It might be a quarter life crisis
Or just the stirring in my soul
Either way I wonder sometimes
About the outcome
Of a still verdictless life

Am I living it right?
Am I living it right?
Am I living it right?
Why Georgia, why?

So what, so I've got a smile on
But it's hiding the quiet superstitions in my head
Don't believe me
When I say I've got it down

Everybody is just a stranger but
That's the danger in going my own way
I guess it's the price I have to pay
Still "everything happens for a reason"
Is no reason not to ask myself

If I am living it right
Am I living it right?
Am I living it right?
Why Georgia, why?

These are the lyrics to John Mayer's song from a few years back. I was told once by a friend that singer-song writers hate this song. I guess because as far as I know it's about John's struggle when he moved to Georgia in the late nineties to make it in the music business. That same friend told me that when he first heard John playing it was easy to tell that he had special talent. So that got me to thinking, if he had so much talent and was an exceptional musician, yet still struggled to make it in the music business, that just goes to show that there is a common struggle out there for what we want in life.

I find it to be a very refreshing song that shows the honest perspective of how we can feel sometimes about the uncertainty of the future. I have a lot of goals that I hope to accomplish and I think what he speaks to here really cuts to the heart of how I'm tempted to feel when things go way beyond how far and hard I thought they'd be. To give up. To move on to something that will get me by. To something that will let me "cruise" through life. Because the truth is, any of our goals in life may not come to fruition, but we can hope, and just as we should hope and strive for the future, self examination and a look at what reality is, is not necessarily a bad thing. Its not that we should give up. Perhaps these thought will motivate us all the more.

On the Fence

2007-12-16T19:25:00.000-08:00

Being on the fence can be hard. I'm on the fence about how I feel about being on the fence. Sometimes I like being on it and sometimes I despise it. Here's a great example...suburbia. I hate suburbia, yet I love it. I hate how disconnected it makes everyone feel, at least me, from true community. I hate that I have to drive for 35 minutes to see a friend and an orchestra has to be conducted to just get things to happen and together with those you know.

Yet, I like my space in life and suburbia offers that. I like having my own car. I like not having neighbors on top of me or around me that are loud or nosey. See, part of me thinks that I would love living in a tight nit community where I don't have to drive to get groceries, go to a job or even to see friends. Then I feel like the moment I did get that situation I would get tired or so many people living so close and never getting any space to spread out. I'm sure I would never miss traffic though.

I think a very hard thing, at least for me, to get used to if I did live in the old fashion European type close nit community would be that I would be forced to deal with EVERYONE around me. I couldn't avoid an old lady that was handicapped and needed help. I couldn't avoid a neighbor who's always alone. I couldn't avoid people that disinterest me as easily. Essentially, I think I would have to experience the ugly parts of real community that don't look so Norman Rockwellish.

Cause after all, isn't' a community a bit of an extension of our family life. Think about how 80+% of families are nowadays. It seems as though if someone doesn't come from a divorced home, they can tell you about their very dysfunctional family. To me, that has to be a mirrored representation, to some extent, of the community(s) at large...divorced(from each other) and/or dysfunctional. Our good relationships have become "professional", "politically correct" and not personal. Our families become acquaintances or feuds instead of sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and parents.

Of course, this is typically where I would point to the gospel and say look to Jesus and find your significance in him alone and nothing else. That is sooooo very true. But I don't think God works in a way that says "for get this world Gene, its the ghetto and its going to stay that way." Well, sure to some extent, but God is redeeming this world through his children everyday. Sure every thing in this world is essentially gravel, but God is redeeming his children everyday to be a light in this world, so I don't think there's any reason to be a monk that only preaches the gospel to each person he encounters and nothing else in life happens. No, I think life is to be enjoyed. "...Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control..." that's the fruit of the spirit according to Galatians 5:22. So my conclusion is that the more we're in sin and depravity and wickedness and selfish ambition and vain conceit, the more will see family and community dissolve over and over again. The more we're filled with the Spirit(and the fruits of), the more we'll redeem this thing called family and community.

Bubble time

2007-12-06T15:13:00.001-08:00

It made me laugh.

Insects? Hopefully not.

2007-12-02T14:11:00.000-08:00

Discontentment and failer are tough pills to swallow. Its amazing the goals and desires that I've had over the years that mounted to nothing or the things that I hope for but went flat like a tire. Yet life does not end with our failers and troubles and worries. I ran across this email the other day and I really liked it a lot.

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. -Robert A. Heinlein

I think I like it because it reminds me that there's more to life than this or that. I wasn't made for one thing. I wasn't made to just be "this type of person." Because I think I get caught in the trap of thinking to myself that I'm only one dimenional.

Well c'est la vie

2007-11-13T20:06:00.000-08:00

Sometimes life is what it is, weather we like the outcome or not. That's not meant to be a jaded or cynical, but truthful and realistic. I think that without the backdrop of God's grace and mercy in life, that statement is very jaded and cynical. The phrase "well, that's life" is a downer of a statement, yet when we have the backdrop of actually knowing what the purpose of this world and life is, we understand that all the things of life are ultimately to God's glory. So sure you didn't get the promotion, and that's life, however God is still good and his promises have not changed an ounce. God is just as good before that bummer of life experience as he is after the crappy experience. He was Holy and good and perfect in 1857 and saw you then in his perfect wisdom and he is Holy, good and perfect today in all his majesty! See, sometimes when I think about my sin and the sin of others, weather those sins be sins we commit willingly or sins we commit not even realizing that we are committing them, I know that they do not interrupt God's plan of redemption in history. Who can fathom how God works out all of our victories and defeats in life to accomplish his will in a most perfect way except to say that if we as Christians are proactive in our participation of his will, then he allows us, often, to experience the fruits of those endeavors. See, doing what pleases God, or doing what he has revealed in His word as good and righteous acts, etc. is a privilege and honor, not a burden. Evangelism, prayer, bible study, fellowship, acts of mercy and love toward our neighbor are like gifts that God gives us to experience his grace all the more in our participation. I suppose someone could take a break from those things, ignore them. Resent them even. Perhaps a season where we find ourselves in a tough circumstance or sin could keep us from doing what we know God would have us do, but he still loves us. See the phrase "c'est la vie " or "such is life" isn't so bad. I think I gave a long time ago in my Christian walk trying to figure out "what if I hadn't been in that sin" or "what if I had be stronger in my faith this or that could have happened." I think to sit back and to wonder about the what ifs isn't resourceful, but wondering "how can I do what God has called me to do" is much more fruitful toward God's will. Grace is free, but "working out our salvation" takes work. That is, sanctification(becoming more like Christ) takes both our will and work, as well as God's grace. Sorry, can't escape God's grace in this thing called faith, he's the author and perfecter!

A Sleeper Maybe

2007-11-09T17:48:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the movie Michael Clayton? Well, I think you should. I was directed by Tony Gilroy(you may know 3 little movies he worked on about a guy named Bourne). It stars George Clooney as Michael Clayton who is basically a "fixer" for a law firm and is trying to get his friend out of trouble. Here's the basic plot if you don't want to see the movie. It is rated R so expect rated R language and content. However, the movie is really good with plot sequence and how it unfolds events. It's hard to describe, but I kind of fills like you're watching the unfolding of events in real peoples lives and not characters that are acting on film. Anyways, there were enough gut wrenching twists and turns that made it a cool movie.

What to Do on a Saturday Night

2007-11-04T21:07:00.000-08:00

Went to see the band Mute Math play Saturday night with my friends Roy and David...we ran into some other friends along the way...I think good times were had by all:) One the highlights of the show had to be a girl that we saw dancing on the first row of the balcony...the only way to describe her dancing style was that she seriously looked like she was having seizures. These guys dance and go crazy all over the stage. Here's a sample of them from the David Letterman Show.

Better

2007-10-29T17:51:00.000-07:00

In reference to the last blog, I think God is in the working of providing some answer(s) or direction(s) that will help me in my niche journey. One of my pastors gave a great talk though on "finding" God's will in one's life. As I grow in my relationship with God and maturity(extreme overstatement) in my Christian walk, lately I find that I have to be proactive in listening to sermons or "talks" at church. Not that I'm smart or have been there or done that, I just find that I have to look for things that I haven't heard before and remind myself that I don't know it all and that my heart often times wants to forget the information that is taught in sermons. By the way, I don't really want to get into the details of the "directions" that God has given me, except I will say one is that I think it would be cool to one day(however many years) be in a teaching capacity within a church, weather full or part-time(whatever) and teach the doctrines of grace to people. This year God has taught me some incredible lessons and shown me a lot of grace. Anyways, I think one of the great perks of being a Christian is that if you're open minded enough for it, God will show you what's outside of your bubble of thinking and how far the trail can go.

Finding a Niche

2007-10-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

I'm wrestling with God, about what he wants me to do or be next. Both long term and short term. That's a tough place to be. Its funny, because when I talk to people and discuss where they are in life, it seems that often times they're in the same type situation. Maybe I need to hang out with more people that are more where they think God wants them. I think about what I want. I think I want what the rock band Coldplay wants. In one of their songs they sing "Everyone must find a place. Give me time and give me space. Give me real don't give me fake. Give me strength reserve control. Give me heart and give me soul" I think that's what we all long for "realness", strength, control, heart and soul. We also long for love. I think often times its easier to want to be loved then love others. Its easy to want to be accepted, yet much harder to accept others. We want close friends but not clingy friends. We want a boyfriend/girlfriend, but not a stalker. We want a niche, but have a hard time helping others find a niche. I guess that is where I'm going with this blog. I want to find my niche more in my ministry, because as Christians we all have a ministry. It so easy to read in the bible how love is the greatest thing, yet can be one of the hardness things to demonstrate or show others. I guess a hard part about showing love, is that you are giving up a certain amount of power or control by letting someone in to your kitchen, so to speak. If you give your time to someone, you're showing some amount of love(when trying to be "real" that is). If you're willing to engage someone in conversation or time, then you're show them love, and therefore making yourself more vulnerable. I must say, I truly respect a lot of famous people in that they have to put up with the vulnerabilities of their lives in order to be who they are in life. So, that's what I've made my assignment for the next few months, find and work toward my niche. Because after all, I think finding a place where we can love other people in order to show the love of Christ is a fine goal in my opinion. A friend in college once told me to do what you want and keep at it til God closes that door and then change the plan. Pretty good advice coming from a 25 year old if you ask me.

Just a Day at the Ballet

2007-10-01T19:31:00.000-07:00

Me likey.

One Word...Decaf

2007-09-28T16:35:00.000-07:00

What's orange, sad, and serious at the same time? Oklahoma Coach Mike Gundy at this press conference. Maybe I'm weird, because I know he's serious, but it makes me laugh. It's almost like a stand up bit. I am impressed with the man's passion though, whatever that is.

Tattoo/Taboo?

2007-09-23T13:15:00.000-07:00

Aren't tattoos a curious thing. I've never really given them much thought and pretty much grew up not liking them at all. The truth is, I still don't like them, nor want any. That isn't to say that I may never want one though. I mentioned that someone had one the other night and the girl next to me asked if it bothered me. Well, no it didn't. But she did ask a good question. Does a tattoo belong on a certain kind of person? I would guess not. It seems like there are gamuts upon gamuts of reasons why people love, hate and enjoy tattoos. When I was young the only people I knew that had tattoos were some uncles that had weird looking ones on their forearms. Nowadays, it seems popular with most anyone, no matter who they are. You see house moms to accountants who think that tattoos are cool. I've never really had a problem if someone wanted one or if they had one. I just really never aloud that I "liked" their tattoo. I have seen some that found tasteful or well done and of course its not too hard to find ones that are awful and make you want to ask why they got it. I once new a guy who had a tattoo of someones face on his neck...Still not sure what to think of that one. I once worked at a place where a lot of the employees had tattoos just about any and everywhere. I think working there helped in my acceptance of how people view them. It seems that people who would fall in the "artsy" category get them often times for the art aspect or design that they like. I've also wondered in the past if some people get them because it may help them to either be more "edgy" or look more "edgy." Good examples of the "edgy" reasons might be rock stars or bikers. So if one gets a tattoo to be more "edgy", is this suppose to be a warning for the rest of us that "hey, look out, I have a barbed wire around my arm, so don't mess with me." I don't know, but I think I like the artsy approach for getting a tattoo over the "edgy" approach. I'm sure there are many other reasons too, from peer pressure to wanting to fit in. From wanting to be different to just having a personal joy in getting them. Here's a question I've thought about, why is it that corporate society doesn't accept them(or male earrings for that matter)? So, that question makes me wonder if there's a social stigma that goes along with people who get tattoos and especially those that get them that are easily displayed? At any rate, I say if you want a tattoo, go for, just remember, its permanent!

Baseball Part 2: Interesting Stuff

2007-09-17T20:21:00.000-07:00

Baseball is one of the only sports(that I know of), where the defense has possession of the ball. There is NO time clock in baseball. There are NEVER tie ball games. A baseball game will be played until there is a winner. All the players play both the offense and defense(side note: they have a designated hitter in the American league so that wussy pitchers don't have to bat and washed up, lazy, fat fielders that can still hit can hit for them.) I should mention that there are 2 Leagues in the MLB(Major League Baseball). The National League and the American League. The National League is the only league that actually plays the game the way it should be played, where the pitcher bats. That is minus a designated hitter, but that's a rant for another day. I digress. There is no regulation for the outfield fence(all the other dimensions are regulated.) Why, you may ask. It helps make the game interesting and it forces the teams to adjust to the differences in the fields. Its also one of the few, if not only, where the coaches wear the teams uniforms. It was started because they had player/managers. Baseball is also about strategy, as opposed to muscling up on the other team and just being faster and strong(still doesn't hurt though.) In baseball though you don't have to be big, strong and fast. Little guys, big guys, fast guys, slow guys and heck, even fat guys play baseball. Baseball is also played in the best times of year, spring, summer and fall. Other sports like to put you in a stuffy arena or freeze your tale off in the middle of January. If nothing else, baseball fans are allowed to keep the ball if it goes in the stands!

Everything You Know Is Wrong

2007-09-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

Ever felt that way? I have and quit often at times. Of course I'm not talking about knowing 2 +2 =4. I'm not talking about knowing that you vacationed in Florida this summer. I'm talking about when we "know" something about "something". For instance, "I know if I do this, this outcome will happen." How about "if I say this to him, surly he will have this reaction." Then there's the worst one, "if I make this preparations and take these steps, then I'm easily going to have this." Yeah right. Those are the "know" things that I'm talking about. Isn't it funny how many of life's circumstances can involve that kind of "knowing". Especially the bigger issues of life. Dare I say the things that aren't in our control usually. A man can plan his way all he wants, but in the end, it is God who decides how the outcome will go. Not to say that you can't plan and anticipate all day and night with good intention. It's humbling to think that in the grand scheme of things I am not in charge of what is going to happen in the end. I think that is often times where the word of God is a great comfort to me when I understand what it is saying. My heart and mind may tell me that if I do a + b that it will equal c. Truth is that God may be thinking "no Gene, a + b is going to equal negative a". So how about them apples? I've thought often times "what if I had Bill Gates money? Would I spend 10% of that toward God's kingdom? Would I build sound Christian schools in inter cities? Would I put great moneys toward helping the weak, the sick, the widows and the poor?" Or would riches make me more like the rich young man that Jesus encountered in the Bible? My point I think, is that I could go through every possible circumstance of "what if's", but relying on God's providence and understanding will far out weigh my wisdom and understanding. It is as simple as the old adage that God is the author and perfecter of my faith, therefore he knows and gives me what I need. No matter how much I like or dislike it.

Baseball

2007-09-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

Baseball is easily my favorite sport. Baseball has been a part of Americana since the mid 1800s. It was invented in America way before basketball or football. I can't think of a sport that has more grandeur or aesthetic meaning then baseball. Have you ever tried to play it before? Playing it and watching it are completely two different things. When you watch the game, it looks easy, it looks simple. Some have described baseball as too slow and boring. There's a lot of people that don't like to read too by the way. No when you play baseball its fast, its intimidating and its about anticipation. Where else in life do you try to throw, catch and hit something that's traveling toward you at over 50 miles per hour? When you play the game the ball weezes at you, daring you to catch it if you can. It requires you to constantly be on your toes. That's how pitchers are able to strike out batters. They know the feeling a batter gets when a 96 mph fast ball is thrown compared to a 70 mph breaking ball. Don't let the leather gloves fool you either, you have to get used to the pain when you catch it. Being a batter is just as hard as being a golfer, no harder. Every person you talk to is different on their approach too. One of the best parts about baseball is that it keeps you honest. That is, the numbers show how good or bad you are really. I was a good hitter. A contact hitter. I'm not boasting, I was a terrible power hitter. I can say though that there is nothing like making contact with the ball in the batters box. My philosophy was simple...See the ball and hit it. The last time I played organized ball was for our club team in college. I hadn't really played since I was in middle school and somehow I had just as many or more hits and RBI's then most the guys on the team. As a matter of fact, I got the most improved player of the year(I didn't do well at first because I had to get warmed up, haha). The guys would ask me how I was always making contact with the ball weather fouling it of or getting a hit. I would always answer "I just see the ball and hit it."
At any rate, baseball is about all the things that it involves. It involves little league, high school, college, the minor leagues and of course the Big Leagues. Its a family sport and yet many of the aspects of the game and the players are "rough around the edges." There's movies, baseball cards and memorabilia that aren't even a part of the game. They just resemble the game and what it means. I think the simplicity and the complexity of baseball are what makes me enjoy it.

Stranger in a Strange Land

2007-09-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

Inspiration. Motivation. Conviction. Determination. Those words have always teetered on my emotional compass. What makes us as man not want to have those or lose those great things? Why do we get so lazy and lose sight of the thing in us that wants to be motivated or inspired. The thing that makes us want to perspire to get out there and "make it happen", despite what consequences may come. I watched a documentary on Discovery Channel about a lady in Colorado that had a disease and had to have both her legs amputated as a child. To watch this lady walk around on her hands and refuse to be in a wheel chair and have all her needs met by people is, to me, completely inspiring. It makes me think "what kind of excuse do you have for not doing anything that you think you are capable of doing???" The only answer I could come up with was absolutely nothing! Fear of failure and disappointment are two things that I know Satan and myself constantly remind me of when I think or strive toward achieving anything that might take work. The funny thing about being inspired, determined and motivated, is that it really, really takes unbridled conviction. I cannot count the number of times each semester during college where I would go back to my room and think "is it really worth it to stick it out here." Obviously it was worth it, but college isn't necessarily about being book smart so much as being smart enough to work for it. Anyways, to watch this lady's attitude and perspective toward life is nothing short of beautiful. She has a schizophrenic father and a mentally retarded brother that SHE takes care of. Not only that, but she has a husband(who is abled bodied) and a 5 year old son(who is abled bodied). I watched this and I could not believe my eyes and I could not believe my attitude compared to hers toward life. This lady knew how and worked on car engines and built a Mustang hot rod. It reminds me that I have no excuse for myself and that I am responsible for "making it happen" so to speak. It reminds me that I need to quit looking at my own perceived personality, mental and physical flaws and realize that those things do not matter and can be overcome if I strive. I think the coolest aspect of this lady though was her rich disposition. She was just real. Not necessarily sweet or modest or overly kind, but a very bottom line, this how things are, now deal with it attitude. Refreshing.

On a spiritual level, I guess its a reminder that the here and now will not always be the here and now, so why not go for any goal that you think God might have you accomplish...

Is Christianity Like Winning the Lottery?

2007-08-31T10:40:00.001-07:00

I think that's a pertinent question for any Calvinist or anti-Calvinist or apathetic to Calvinism person. I think God saves whomever he wishes to save from his eternal wrath. I think he does all the saving, every ounce. Therefore, would it follow that I have nothing to do, whatsoever, with my salvation? I think yes, I contribute absolutely nothing to my salvation. What about the will? How does my will to come to Jesus play in this role? I think the Holy Ghost enters/regenerates my soul, by which I am born again and therefore it gives me a will to come to Jesus or gives me the faith to believe in him. How does that play out? I honestly don't know...and I don't think any scientific method in the world can figure that one out. We do have a will, and from my understanding, a "seekers" decision to come to Jesus for eternal salvation and saving grace from God's wrath ALWAYS coincides with God's eternal predestining will. One of the cool parts about being a Calvinist for a number of years, 8 in my case, is that after a while, the whole "Predestination" discussion/argument is no where near as captivating and earnest as it was when I first accepted the doctrine. Not that it has no meaning or that I don't have interest or concern about it, I just don't have the gusto, to bring it to the discussion table real easily with my non-Calvinist Christian friends. Its something that I basically accept as law pretty much(sorry for the pun). I accept it, and accordingly though, if you believe that the Bible is the word of God, then you have to have some belief in predestination, since its talked about several times.

Back to the question of lottery though. Can someone sit back and say "I'm not a Christian! Don't want to be and never will be one" and nullify their odds of God's acceptance. Well, if you think that accepting Jesus is completely in your hands than yes. I personally think that's an impossible statement for someone to make, simply because if God wants to save you(trust me a good thing), then he will do it. I heard one reformed pastor say that when Jesus knocks on the door, it goes something like this; Knock, knock! It's me Jesus! Can I come in, I'm coming in, ok I'm in. I think that's pretty accurate, and certainly based on my experience with Jesus. It wasn't a question of "what are you going to give up Gene?" or "aren't you ready to accept Jesus as Lord and saviour Gene?". No, in all honesty, it was more like a realisation that went like this "WOW Jesus is Lord and I need you Jesus, save me!" Perhaps you remember it different or something. Back then I didn't really have a grasp of the "order of salvation" but I knew it was real. I knew I needed Jesus. I actually think its comforting to know that most likely it wasn't the point where I consciously said yes to Jesus, but that maybe sometime before or after that point Jesus entered my life. There's a relationship there though. God chooses us out of love for some reason...who knows why he ordained choose Jacob over Esau? Why, he picks this person over that person? I do know that he does it for some reason, and it is done out of love. Maybe you read this and think I'm completely full of it and don't know what I'm talking about. Maybe so, but I certainly hope that in the end if I get nothing else right, I got Jesus right!

Frugal Me This

2007-08-27T12:05:00.000-07:00

I'm always in the mood for a good bargain. My cheapness is only as deep as my desire to have something I really want. For the most part, on a scale of 1 to 10(10 being the cheapest person), I usually range between a 7.5 to a 9. I'm not completely cheap. I own certain luxuries that REALLY cheap people probably wouldn't foot for. I own an iPod. I just bought 4 new Michellin tires(not cheap tires). I buy Ralph Lauren Polo shirts sometimes(discounted of course). I eat out at over priced restaurants who's atmosphere is 10 times better than the food at least 3 to 4 times a month. So, as you can see, I'm not a complete Clark Howard when it comes to everything I spend my money on. However, I'm not Mr. Namebrand Man either. I usually go by the principle of "if its quality and/or longevity will last or is great, then it might be worth its price." I've heard that if you want to be really, really cheap, then you should always try get things for nothing or nearly nothing(especially retail items)whenever you can. Always buy a car 2+ years old(to keep from paying for the depreciation, although if you KNOW you'll keep it for 8+ years, then its okay.) Always match your companies 401k or go beyond(who doesn't like free money!) If you haven't read it yet, go pick up a copy of The Richest Man in Babylon. It was wrote years ago, but has some incredible principles of finance that have apparently been around since the times of the Babylonians! Being frugal is a tough act to balance. Especially in the social context in which we live. For women, I've heard that most young ladies like to update their wardrobe every year(or season). That can be a lot money over time. Housing is always going up(no house, no mojo, right?) Cars are expensive and most will eventually end up in a dumpster. Dating takes boo koos of cash to wine and dine a potential "mate." Let's not forget the vacation or traveling the most of us want to do in order to keep some sanity of some kind.

Even though I give into it and freely participate in it, our way of looking at things as "classy" so often have to be expensive in order to fit into a certain lifestyle. The Backberry's, the upscale house/townhouse, the high end Japanese or German cars, fashion's "latest" trends, seeing the newest movie opening week(for $10/ticket), 50 inch plasma screen TVs, eating at restaurants for $30 a plate, and the list goes on and on. The last sentence though looks soooo appealing to me(and I indulge way too often). How about eating from the $1 menu at a fastfood place(or at home...cringe), buying a 2002 Honda Accord(or Malibu...cringe), buy cloths at the discount store(or Thrift store...cringe), keeping a cellphone for 3 years, watching a movie at the $1 theater or renting later....again cringe. Not quit as appealing huh? Sure, we're not taking it with us, but I think about my spending lifestyle and that of some people I've known and we live like millionaires when we're really thousandaries(or hundredaries). I've heard this said before, "people WANT to be charged for something." I think that's true, very true. Yet, I do believe that people have the right to spend their money as they choose, but certainly shouldn't expect someone else to pay for your mistakes later. For instance, I've heard of "affordable housing". What does that mean? If someone can buy a house, no matter the cost, then its affordable. I'm trying to discipline myself to find that balance and look cool(if I'm honest) at the same time, all the time. After all, we can't just have income and live, somethings gotta go out for something and we don't want to be that guy who has the same furniture he bought in 1971.

Mixed Bizness

2007-08-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

Take a read at this Article. Its about a poll done on young people to see if religion plays a role in their happiness. I'm going to be honest, I found the results of this poll disconcerting. Statements like this "The poll's mission was to figure out what makes young people happy. And it appears religion helps." That's right, "religion helps" in happiness because that's what matters in life. Right? The single greatest point in life is that our happiness is met, right? How about this one "Sixty-eight percent agree with the statement, "I follow my own religious and spiritual beliefs, but I think that other religious beliefs could be true as well."" That means close to 70% basically think "what's right for you is a-okay." That is the philosophy that God/or a god is at the top of a mountain and that different people will choose different paths/religions to get to God. Sounds like genuine crap to me. Okay, the last statement here "When it comes to spirituality, American young people also are remarkably tolerant — nearly 7 in 10 say that while they follow their own religious or spiritual beliefs, others might be true as well." I don't mind tolerance, but if you say you're a Christian and then say that "other" religions might be true too, then you have completely misunderstood the Gospel and the person of Jesus Christ and why he came to earth. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father accept through me." That, to me, is plan English, or plain language.

I have an announcement to make...I don't want happiness. Sure that sentence at the top of my blog says happiness can only be found in the Lord, but I don't want "earthly" happiness, I want Godly happiness. That, in my opinion, is roughly translated to contentment. That is what I want, I want contentment in the Lord, because I know, despite my lifestyle, that happiness/contentment is, indeed, ONLY found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. That contentment may not involve any "happiness" as it were as far as earthly happiness is concerned. I think we as Christians have to be aware and expect the probability that God may involve us in some seriously unhappy and trifle experience and/or life as a follower of Jesus, but that he provides real contentment in the midst of that pain and suffering. In other words, its about God's glory and not our earthly happiness. Its about God's bizness and not our own selfish desires.

Want to Help Poor Countries? Here's an Idea.

2007-08-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

This story was featured on yahoo today about Kiva. They're a start up money lender for poor people all over the world to get a loan. People can contribute as little as $25 at a time. Interesting concept for sure.

The D Word

2007-08-20T18:46:00.000-07:00

Denominations. Almost every Christian is a part of one and almost every Christian hates talking about them. I almost loath the response I get when I pose a question to a new acquaintance, "so what church do you go to?" They say, "I go to Holiness Tabernacle Trinity Community Church". Then I say the dreaded question. I see them almost cringing as I ask, "so, what denomination is it." Usually, I get a few varied responses. Sometimes I get lucky and they happily admit to and answer the question straight forward, "its a Methodist church", or whatever. Then the other half of the time it is "its a Methodist church...buuuuut, I don't really think that's a big deal, you know denominations are so silly" or "I just like the church, I don't care about the denomination." Or even worse, "I don't really know, I'm not into the whole denomination thing." Well, guess what? I do care about them! Yes, I'm freely admitting everyone and perhaps endangering myself from being included into theological credibility. I'm sorry, no I'm not. I'm glad I care about denominations. I like my denomination. I think they do church well. I don't think they practice "religion". Believe it or not, denominations are not a sin(well, some might think it).

The denomination is pretty much an American innovation. Kind of like the car. It was invented in Europe, but America mass produced it. Oh, and I have a reason for liking the denomination and I can say it in one word...CHOICE. Now, I know some of the denominations have had checkered pasts and presents. You know the "don't come to our church unless you're wearing a tie or unless you are not wearing a tie types." But don't throw out the baby with the bath water. Perhaps one of the largest reasons behind America's success besides a powerful military and a free market economy is our view of religion. Unlike most countries that were around before America, our country actually gives its people the right to believe how they want to believe. The masses or government do not tell people, "you believe this way or you will suffer or die(at least in a spiritual since)." And that my friends is what the denomination is all about. Although, I think we as evangelical Christians should be on the guard about the differences between a cult, sect and a denomination. In Christianity we have the Gospel. We have the major tenets of the Gospel. Then we have the minor tenets of the Gospel(mode of baptism, views on election, worship music, etc.) As long as we, as Protestant Christian denominations agree on the majors, I think we are one church. Its the minors that make us denominations. Those minors are important, just as micro economics is important in economics. Here is my "thing". If there were only one Protestant church, whatever it was, that the government declared to be the only one allowed, you tell me what it would look like.?? So sure, it does get a little silly that there are more denominations to choose from than snow flacks at times, but the key is to get in a denomination that majors on the majors and minor on the minors. The only skeptical thing I believe about the minors though, is that sometimes I think churches can add or take away from what might be considered biblically acceptable minors and add or subtract from the minors. Then, they are in danger of becoming the evil D word.

Hard to put a Finger on

2007-08-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

At lunch today we had a discussion about community. Actually, it was particular to one of the guys at the table and his thoughts about how he had great community with a group of non-Christians in a town once. He said that he experienced great community there and that (in summery)it was more "authentic", so to speak, then he has gotten out of a lot of Christian communities that he's been around. I would somewhat agree or see where he's going with that thought. As I wrote in a previous blog, I think EVERY situation is different. Sometimes within the church or a community of believers, you may just not find that connection with people there that you would like. Here's the tricky part. What do you do about it. I think you seek it out, yet you also love the ones you're with, so to speak. Remeber you're not perfect either. I've experienced incredible relationships and friendships with other Christians and at times I've experienced the most stale community that I can imagine with my Christian peers. Everybody is different and everybody comes from different backgrounds and circumstances. Thus, everybody has a story and everyone thinks and views things differently. A few observations that I've noticed of the secular community(one that really doesn't profess Christianity) is authenticity and spontaneity. With spontaneity, not a lot of difference, but maybe more relaxed and "take life as it comes to you" attitude, which can be a nice way to look at things sometimes. With authenticity, I've noticed with many non-Christian co-workers that the authenticity is almost always real, very real. That doesn't mean righteous, Godly or even good for that matter. What it means is "what you see is what you get." A refreshing thing, even if it can be an ugly or gross thing. If I'm honest, some of the best spiritual conversations and general appreciation that I've received from people have been through some non-Christians that I've known, who essentially accepted me for who I was and appreciated my consistency in my faith, even if they didn't buy it.

Now this story would be completely different if all the non-Christians I knew were overtly against what I believe. At any rate, that's all well and good, but I suppose many of us Christians forget to keep that authenticity and spontaneity after conversion and trade it in for one sided conversations that have to revolve around a spiritual theme. The huge advantage though for being in a community of Christians(no matter what their social repore) is that Christ is center and that you have redemption and God as the commonality in your lives. I really enjoy hanging out with married Christian couples(happy ones anyways). Especially those that have been married for many years. I almost always get that same authenticity and spontaneity from them. Perhaps because they've had to reveal all their crap to each other. Their husband eventually finds out that they cuss in traffic. The wife eventually finds out that he(the husband) struggles with being racist. Its too easy to look the part as a single maverick. Not to say that every Christian should get married to experience authentic relationships and community, I just think you have to be more proactive and remember that Jesus is our saviour and not us, and that no matter what others may think of your ugliness, sin, struggles and short comings, you are a flawed person and they are too. There really is no scale for cool points as Christians. I think I write all this because it is so easy to condemn the non-Christian community and say "LEARN from us." The truth is we have a new life in Jesus(we're not the same as they are spiritually) and we are the only humans who will last for eternity and we can conquer many sins. Other wise we're not all that much different then they...I don't know, to be continued, maybe.

America's not so bad after all

2007-08-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

Often times in the media and in movies or just in conversation, we hear people speak of all the things that are wrong with America. I for one, love this country. It certainly has its problems and there are many things about its economy and political polices that are always being debated, but I still think it is a model for countries that want a free society. The reason I bring this up is because I found this article about some African nations and the problems they're having. It sounds basically like chaos to me.

Also, here's something to steer your noodle. Some scientists say they have broken the speed of light.

Why not a second blog in one Day

2007-08-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight I'm bored...there is nothing on tv but a pre-season football game. So I decided to step out of the box and watch an old movie on Turner Classic Movies. Its called The Glenn Miller Story with Jimmy Stewart. It was made in 1954. I'm sort of having culture shock watching it. Maybe its just Hollywood of that day, but its amazing to watch the courtesy and respect that each other gives one another. They show the streets and buildings and retail stores and EVERYTHING is clean and not dirty looking. The dialogue is very "true" so to speak. Everyone, especially Jimmy, seems to have a very "make your yes, yes and your no, no" way of going about their business and life. I'm sure it stunk because just about everyone smokes in the movie. Perhaps joy would be the word I would describe on the actors faces and personal integrity on a lot of their faces. Not that this was a Utopian society or "the good ole days", but quite frankly I'm jealous of what I see. I see people having a good time, enjoying life and showing purpose. I know by all accounts that not all of it is Hollywood. I was privileged enough to grow up around a lot of "old timers" as a kid. Faith in Christ is what matters, but I think what I see in this movie and what I remember about all the stories and tellings of the "old timers" is that, in those old days, they certainly lived under a time where God's common grace among men was very prevalent. The culture in America has changed so dramatically since the late 1960s, that it just feels odd to watch what the culture was like in this 1950s film. Of course, for whatever reason, the 60s came and society changed, but its interesting to watch this movie and see "things" as they were back then. There is no better place for a Christian to be in during any time period than where God wants him to be. I'm a firm believer that Christians can have an impact on society for the good. By living our faith in the Holy Ghost, by loving people as Christ loved people and certainly by dying for Christ when needed(perhaps even putting a redemptive change in over drive). Who knows...I do know that those times weren't all rosy and great, but there were certainly redeeming elements then that we no long have that motivate me to continue to run the good race.

Not always fun to talk about

2007-08-13T07:24:00.000-07:00

Today and this month is back to school time for many kids. Public schools are where most parents send their kids these days. I'm not necessarily a fan of the idea of the government running our education system. I think a voucher system, which has been working well in Europe for years, is a better alternative. I'm not so naive to think that I know all the ends and outs about the good and bad of a public school(government school) system. Outside of the military, I haven't really observed many things that the government does well, except collecting or raising taxes. Taxes are needed to some extent though, among other things. The key phrase being "to some extent." Free enterprise and a free market system has been the key to the United States success as a Nation and in helping many countries come out of poverty, weather one likes to admit it or not. Back to the government school system though. I was reading from Neal Boortz on his opinion of the government schools, and he gives an entire chapter from one of his books on the topic. Now, I think you have teachers that probably don't see anything wrong with a society that is basically "share and share a like", but the right to private property is something we should never take advantage of always. I think many teachers teach in the public school system because they want to make an impact on kids and teach them to think for themselves. However, I think Neal brings up some very good points to ponder and think about. I think the main thing for parents to keep in mind though, is that weather pubic, private or home schooling, it is their responsibility to show their kids what being an educated, well rounded individual is and no one elses! If you would like a quick look at the result of how government and "public" or "community" owned property works out, please go visit your nearest government own housing complex in your town.

Every Situation is Different

2007-08-10T06:35:00.000-07:00

I used to think that the baby boomer generation was the most messed up generation theologically speaking. The older and more experienced I'm getting though, I'm apt to say that it just all depends on the situation for each person. Christianity is very simple and very complicated at the same time. The Christian subculture however is very simplistic to say the least. As a matter of fact, I would argue that if a person wants to be accepted among a group of Christian friends or acquaintances, he merely has to code in a few Christian code words to be accepted. Words like d-group or discipleship can go a long ways in being "accepted" in to the "safe" or "on the same page" crowd. The opposite can be true to be "rejected" from the safe crowd. If a person shows a struggle with alcohol, he may not be fully accepted until he has "beat the sin" or gone cold turkey. If I said certain curse words or had a "out of the box" attitude toward a certain situation, it could jeopardize the "safe" standing. The problem with signing in, so to speak, into a group of Christian peers with lingo or key words and phrases that show you are well educated in the phraseology of good and up standing Christian talk, is that it doesn't reveal a damn thing about that persons personal integrity or character. I can talk about Christian discipleship and talk about quite times and "God is doing this in my life" or "I'm being very prayerful that God is going to "show up""(did I just do a double quotation?) or sitting at a table and being sure to bless every meal , snack or drink before you partake all day, but is that the attitude of your heart? I think that Jesus wants us to judge by the fruits in our lives, not just by the words we say. (side note: I'm not speaking of any one paticular group. I've seen that pattern in myself, groups and individuals all around over time in different situations in my 14 years of being a Christian.) I have found in the past that a number of "non-believers" most likely thought I was judging them. They were right, I was judging them. I wasn't, however, judging them the way they thought I was judging them. I was merely looking the fruit(or lack there of) and actions of there lives to see if they were without Christ(because often times they said they knew him). They thought I was judging them a "bad" person because they slept with their boyfriend or got drunk on Friday night. They thought I was judging them "bad" because they would "cuss" around me accidentally or because they didn't go to Church on Sunday. Nope, I wasn't judging them "bad" morally, I was judging them dead spiritually because I saw a lack of Jesus in their lives. One key I found with some people is that once they realized the issue for me was that they didn't know Jesus, then it didn't concern them to "act" good around me, which was nice of them. So I think what I'm constantly trying to do, is figure out how I can, as Jesus did, sit down with prostitutes and tax collectors and drunkards and tell them about the kingdom of God and of Jesus without them felling like I give a rip roaring rip about their morality. Breaking God's Law has its consequences, but if they don't have Jesus and think they do, then "good behaviours" are the least of their worries. Because the truth is, my "good" track record in the grand scheme of things(even after conversion) isn't necessarily any better than a lot of people outside of Christ when it comes to number of "sins" or morality. There are a number of sins I struggle with that some non-Christians probably don't. However, I can actually do good things as a Christian and I can do bad things also. Non-Christians have to realize that Christians aren't trying to be perfect. We have to help them realize that our perfection is bound to Christ's perfection. A non-Christian can only do bad things as a non-Christian...I've heard it said that a non-Christian can not not sin. That is, their best deeds that tower over my best deeds are still a despicable sight to God, because when he looks at them he doesn't see Jesus, bottom line.

It Appears that Mr. Ringo is an Educated Man

2007-08-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to develop a "culture" steak in me lately. My success rate so far has been moderate at best and sorry at the worst. I'm currently reading a book on Economics to get me started. I probably took a total of 4 economics classes in all of middle, high and post-secondary school, and yet I feel like an infant in my stratosphere of Economic knowledge. I think its probably a combination of growing up a slacker in a slacker government education system. The best part of my college education, in my opinion, was that I feel like for the first time while there, I got the point that education was my responsibility ultimately and not some parent, government or society at large. I feel like I've been playing catch up since then. I discovered Reformed theology my fourth year of college and since then have tried to pack my "self-education" in with books by old reformers, the puritans and modern theologians that i respect. The best part about reading the Bible and the Puritans even, is that its some pretty darn sophisticated stuff. I feel like I get an English lesson every time I read a book by a Puritan author.

Oddly enough, the movies have been a part of my inspiration for wanting to "culture" myself more. In the movie "The Count of Monte Cristo" the main character's mentor in jail promises to educate him in Economics, Philosophy, Mathematics, etc. That's just it! Appreciation for those disciplines is the key. I think teachers and parents often times want their kids to "know" that stuff and not "appreciate" it. I watched the movie "Tombstone" last night. In it, a Southerner by the name of Doc Holiday is one of the most intriguing characters of movie. I did a Wikipedia search for him and found out that not only was he a gambling, gun slinging, foul mouthed outlaw(sort of), he was an educated man with a degree in dentistry and studied everything from Latin to the Classics at a school in Valdosta, Georgia. Wisdom is a great thing. Godly wisdom even better. So, my plan is to eventually delve into reading the Classics and other famous novels. There's a whole shelf at Boarders of books I haven't read like Tale of Two Cities, Moby Dick, David Copperfield, etc. Again, its sad, but as someone who actually does art work, I haven't been to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta since I was a kid...sheeesh. At any rate, I think as easy as those things sound, with email, Internet, traffic, commitments, etc, etc, etc, I wonder if they just had more time back in the day to take in more "culture."

Count It a Blessing

2007-08-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

It's funny how critical I can be of people at times, weather friends or family, but especially acquaintances. That's a weird group of people. They usually have the lest amount of attachment to me among people I know, so I think an indifferent opinion can come or go at any time. In other words, if I hear about something great they did, I'm easy to praise. If I hear about something bad they did, I'm easy to doubt their character and question their motives. It's easy to point out the flaws of family and friends for sure. I don't spend enough time praising them or appreciating them. Over the last year or so, there have been some friends who have absolutely inspired me greatly. Take my friend Kelly. She is a liver organ transplant recipient. I only got to know her a few months after the surgery. She's only 22 and has lived with the new liver for 2 years now. She is an attractive woman physically, mentally and spiritually. Watching her faith in Jesus during her recovery process and the way she lives for TODAY is very refreshing to say the least. Just looking at her, you would have no idea what she has gone through. I think I've learned from her the preciousness of life and that the life we have NOW is a gift of God that can be taken away at any moment. The interesting thing about that last thought though, is that in addition to that gift, it helps me to understand that we are still waiting on for our future hope in Christ and our glorified bodies one day with him on the New Heaven and New Earth! Another friend has given me perspective too(I won't mention a name), but she is very flawed(aren't we all). I think she's in a waiting period of counting the cost of following Jesus, or living her life the way she wants to. I think once the Holy Ghost takes someone, its done and the person is born again in Christ. However, that period of uncertainty and wavering between "is Jesus calling me? what does all this mean" shows me that there is a spiritual battle that goes on that I can't explain. Either way, it has proved good to be her friend and answer the questions that rattle her brain as she struggles. Its difficult and educational for me because I don't have the struggles she has, but she has an incredible fortitude for being genuine with people, somewhat of a rare gift these days. I also have another friend(no name either), and he has shown me a lot by way of how to deal or handle myself in many ways. Let me explain. We were coworkers a few years ago and he was sort of my boss. He understands a lot "about" Christianity, but I don't think he is a Christian. However, the amount that he taught me about dealing with people, co-workers and myself in relation to the job and life was invaluable. I could not have learn a lot of the intangible things that he taught me about not being "flakey" or constantly "sitting on the fence" with life through any books(something that a person in their early 20s can struggle with). Anyways, those are a few examples of some of the people that teach me and help me understand life better. That's what's cool about getting to know people, it makes you want to get out there in the world and experience it.

By the way, although I talked about weather or not those people were Christian, it doesn't make them less human if they aren't Christians and being a Christian does not give one greatness as a person or "goodness" so to speak. I've known my share of Christian snobs who although we have much in common, I'm not the lest inclined to learn anything from them. I think the key is humility and remember our place. The world will be perfect once again in the New Heaven and New Earth, but in this world, knowledge(worldly knowledge) and experience means almost everything. Christ is the only advantage we have in this world as a Jesus follower, and that advantage is a spiritual advantage. There is no disadvantage from taking the nuggets of knowledge that both Christians and non-Christians can give you. We can be blessed by the secular and non-secular.

2007-07-31T07:01:00.000-07:00

Albums that Arnold B. will NEVER own (#1 in a Series)

Ifyouwanttodistroymysweeter...

Maybe a Touch of Narcissism

2007-07-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

Piggy-backing on my last blog, I found this article on an interesting(ridiculous) lawsuit from Texas where a girl's family is suing because she was cut from the high school cheerleading tryouts. I think the author does a good job of illustrating the narcissism that so much defines many Americans these days. He says in the article "in it(a lawsuit) we see some of the devastating consequences of our "rights" oriented culture and what happens when narcissism replaces reason and, ultimately, Christian truth." As I mentioned in the last blog about how many nominal Christians will justify their "ways' or sins by basically defaulting to any number of excuses, especially the "that's just me" or "that's just how I am" excuse. If your happiness is the ultimate end to why you live your life, then I would guess it follows that most(if not all) means can justify then ends. So if the means can somehow not break a persons own moral compass(which is regulated by that person's own standard), then they are perfectly justifiable for getting to the ends. The author does however make a mistake in two ways. One he almost assumes that theses parents care an ounce about the Word of God and two he talks about fairness. The only fairness that anyone deserves bluntly speaking is Hell. The gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is the ultimate merciful act of God toward mankind. All the other gifts that humans receive, a new car, making the cheerleading squad, happy marriage, being elected to office, having a good job and making friends is simply an act of God's grace. Its called common Grace and I think the family in this article, as well as the nominal Christian...and Christians should remember that ALL gifts on earth are from above. Also, that God sends "bad things" to teach his children a lesson or because its just simply a part of his plan.

The Make-up of the Nominal Christian

2007-07-27T06:27:00.000-07:00

I'm intrigued by the Nominal Christian. I read this definition today..."When a person who claims to be a child of God, begins to impose his or her own opinions on any decision that needs to be made, even if those personal views are diametrically opposed to the clear and plain teaching of Holy Scripture, then that person without doubt proves that he or she is a nominal Christian." Here's another "Nominal Christians are those who call themselves Christians but in fact have not yet been born of God. " That's right, not yet been born of God. A scary place to me. I ran into this with several friends before. Whether its sex outside of marriage(adultery) or cheating at school or getting drunk on occasion(or often), and basically justifying it with statements that basically amount to..."I can't help it" or "that's just how I am". I love that statement above "diametrically opposed to the clear and plain teaching of Holy Scripture." Essentially that's what is going on when someone "softens" or makes "light" of their sin as though God is so gracious and kind that he'd rather see our happiness or menial satisfaction, then honoring him or following him and his law. This is not significant to the nominal Christian. I don't even think that to them, its not even a matter of "Jesus forgives me, that's why I can do what I want." I think its a matter of them not really caring that what they do or how they live their lives is indeed "diametrically opposed to the clear and plain teaching of Holy Scripture." I wonder often times if certain freedoms that a Christian has become looked at as ok to abuse by the nominal Christian because they think that freedom has no end. For instance, one that has sex outside of marriage may ask a Christian "do you think sex is a sin". They may ask "do you think drinking is a sin?" or "is dancing and gambling a sin." Unfortunately, some Christians would answer yes to all of the above. But I think that sex, dancing, gambling and drinking are all ok in the right context...that's right, even gambling. The Bible speaks extensively on the subjects of lying, drunkenness, adultery and gluttony. Yet I think the nominal Christian has a want to make the freedoms that a Christian has into license or even prohibition, so as to perhaps justify their means of "being in the world and of it", instead of "not of it." In other words, I think they like having their cake and eating it too. Either way, my biggest concern and fear for the nominal Christian is that they don't 1) understand what being born-again really is and 2) they are in fact not born-again. They come so close to the knowledge and fulfillment of being a Christian, yet are as lost as Paul before his conversion while persecuting Christians. One of the dangers of addressing a nominal Christian in areas concerning their lives is that you might be labeled a prude or a legalist by them and therefore have the potential to lose their confidence in the friendship. I think it certainly takes some effort to tread lightly or speak softly, yet carry a big stick, so to speak. Because after all, if they aren't Christians, we have to start with the Gospel(THE good news) before we can rebuke them like we would a Christian. I don't know if this author is spot on in this article on everything, but he makes some good observations of the nominal Christian...Here are a couple of his thoughts and I'd like to hear some of yours too.

"The biggest and most tragic aspect of the Nominal Christian’s thinking is that he thinks that he is truly good and accepted with the Lord."
"2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
The Nominal Christian would squirm when he hears that statement. He would rather be a people pleaser than a God pleaser. He would rather save face than admit he is wrong when is confronted with the Truth of God."

Recent Observations

2007-07-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

So I drove by this church I visited a few times a few years back. They had this sign out front that said "BBQ Saturday, EVERYONE Invited." I have absolutely no motivation to go back and visit that church. Why you may ask? Well, here it is...I visited a few time about 5 years ago. It was small and quaint. Same denomination, and same theology as well, but the sermons were so surfacey to me that it wasn't funny. I'd find some general principles that I agreed with, but the depth was basically "do good, love God and love your neighbor." Anywho, the thing that really turned me off though, was on more than one occasion the pastor would round out the sermon by asking everyone in the audience to take hands and he would try to instigate everyone into singing something acapella...NO JOKE. The one I remember the best was him trying to go into..."he's got the whole world in his hands." I thought to myself..."what kind of circus is this? Am I in some Disney movie?" So when I go by there now and see that sign, my mind just automatically registers a sarcastic "yeah, right. I'll come out and visit." Then I wonder if the new visiters will be impressed with the acapella.

I know another pastor who likes to have "children's" church in front of the congregation. Question? What use, if any, is there in doing that? It doesn't benefit us and I can tell most the kids aren't listening to a word. Other than some grins and laughs from the adults, I see nothing beneficial. Next observation. Holding hands while praying at the dinner table. Is this tradition? We didn't pray before we ate at my household growing up and I don't see any scripture for it. I was at a restaurant recently after helping a friend move a fellwo church member's stuff. Anyways, she feed us lunch at a restaurant and one of the guys there wanted EVERYBODY to hold hands as we said the blessing...huh? I can see a family in the privacy of their own home or a couple at dinner, but a group of 8? The restaurant prayer is an awkward thing to me, not because we're praying in a public that might give a strange look, but because its usually loud and I can't hear the person praying. Its even more weird when they go into a long, more specific prayer and I can only catch bits and pieces of what they're saying.

It All Passes

2007-07-21T19:13:00.000-07:00

U2 is one of my favourite bands by far. I'm spent Saturday night alone. I watched "Under A Blood Red Sky", a VHS of a concert that they performed at Red Rocks amphitheatre out in Colorado. The year was 1983. As I watch the video, the band members look really young, the VHS technology, even the color technology of the day, it reminds me of the passing of time. To some extent, I've pretty much grown up next to this band. They started in 1978 and throughout the eighties a lot of their songs rang through my brain growing up in Elementary, Middle and High School. Its weird to watch and listen to this. It takes me back to 1983 in 3rd grade...The hope, dreams and aspirations that I had, even as a youngster. I'd say this feeling comes on me a few times a year. Its usually jogged by looking at old pictures, watching old movies(like this) or any number of memories that are set off by some circumstance. Back to what I was saying. It makes me think of "where I was" so to speak in my thinking, my psyche, as a 7 year old boy. The protection of being a kid...not knowing much or understanding much. Not worried about bills or girls. Not fearing "what can I accomplish" with my career.

Most of my immediate desires were pretty much first hand, but I remember thinking on deeper levels(sort of) as a 7 year old. I remember thinking about how fragile life was. I can specifically remember being in my second grade class, and sitting at the table with my other classmates. I remember having a feeling that "life is good, we're here together", I guess a sense of joy so to speak. My childhood was filled with a lot of those kinds of memories. Fun times and bad times are part of everyones childhoods. I had a lot of good times. I remember the joyful times and I remember the fears of childhood too. I remember fearing death or that my parents might die or just learning about not being liked or being bored with being a kid. Praise my parents for staying together and not divorcing like so many do. So when I think that some kids have gone through the horrors of abuse as children, or divorce, any of the terrible gamuts of "things" that kids go through these days. I can not imagine how that resonates later in life. Anyways, the safety feeling I had then as an 8 year old jogged me on Saturday. That feeling that the future is all ahead of me. That life is a hill to be climbed, not a barrier to get passed. I guess my point is that it all passes and that we should savor the joy and good times that we have whilst they're here.

Interesting note...the thing that mattered to me the most then was probably friendships. I grew up around siblings and cousins and our time together was more important than impressing or getting ahead or to the top so to speak. I also think I understand what Paul meant in his epistle about nature revealing God through creation. I was told who Jesus was and God was, but I wasn't redeemed back then. Yet, I think I had a sense and "knew" that God was there as a kid.

People that are a waste your Time

2007-07-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

People that don't...
...Answer their cell phone...ever
...Call back if they didn't answer
...Have voicemail
...Leave a voicemail
...Know how to take a compliment
...Know how to take criticism
...Email back...ever
...Look you in the eye when you talk to them
...Listen, yet say they do
...Listen because they're looking over your shoulder for the person they really want to talk to
...Use their car's blinker before a turn
...Flush a toilet
...Smile when you greet them
...Live unless they're in a clique
...Think you are nearly as cool as they are
...Want to see or talk to you by ignoring you
...Have the time to meet up and talk
...Understand what trust is
...Care about you unless you become useful to them
...Like you unless they become friends with your friends
...Help you unless it makes them look good
...Leave a good tip to a good server
...Understand that they're not the most important person in the world
I should know, I've been each one of those people one time or another...except for the blinker thing.

What Following God's Will Can Do For Others

2007-07-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

At the end of my college days, I was getting frustrated with para church jargon and "talks" that were basically all the same...basic. I stumbled upon Reformed University Fellowship through a friend and met the pastor Dave Wilson. He spoke on the first chapter of John and I had never gotten so much depth out of one bible study. So much so, that it kind of scared me and I didn't go back for another month or so. Then I became addicted to learning more and more(more on that later). His teaching really changed my world view and he taught me how to have fun and keep my sanity as a Christian. He is planting a church in Denton, TX now, here's the site http://www.dentonpres.org/. Also, I found a link on his site for those that love endless reading assignments about Christian Classics, Christian Classics Ethereal Library.

Chocolate is Good

2007-07-13T15:18:00.000-07:00

So my mom went to Hershey PA last week with family and of course she went through the old Hershey factory to see where it all happens. She said the town smells like chocolate when you drive through it and the light posts along the road are shapped like Kisses. I wonder if they put the smell in the air on purpose. Also, I told her that she had to bring me some chocolate back as well. Here's the psycholoical part. This stuff is the freshest chocolate I think I've ever had! Now, I'm trying to decide if its my brian telling me, "its good and fresh and wonderful because its untainted and fresh off the press", or is there something to having it brought staight to me from a relative first hand without hours of trucking or shipping. Beats me, but it was some darn good chocolate! Can anyone confirm my theory that its because I got it straight from the factory?

Side Note: She brought me back something called a Whoopie Pie. Basically like a Hostess Chocolate Cup Cake. Actually it tasted a little better, but you gotta feel for the folks that have to admit that they make whoopie for a living...sorry=)

Wow, just wow.

2007-07-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

I came across this article today. Apparently the Pope is saying that the Catholic Church "has the fullness of the means of salvation." Wow, just wow... According to their new "doctrine of faith", "Christ 'established here on earth' only one church." I think I'll put off a rant for now. I apologize to my Catholic friends out there, but I just don't buy the "Rock" verse interpretation.

What's up with names?

2007-07-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

My thought for the day. Why are so many names the same?(disclaimer...no offense, you'll see what I mean.) Why are there so many Ashley's, Jennifer's, Sarah's, Laura's and Megan/Meagan's?? Why are there so many Brad's, Matt's, John's, Jason's and Joe's?? Its like with each new person I meet, I feel like I could just through out, "hey Matt" or "hey Jennifer" and have a 90% chance that the response will be "how did you know that was my name?" Who can count the number of Matt, John, Jennifer and Ashley's I've meet in my life time! I know like 5 that go to my church alone, not to mention cousin and girls that I knew in college and high school. Oh, and let's talk about Matt and John...let's not, they may very well out number the the sands on the beach. I'm proud of my name...Gene. I've known only a hand full in my life and most of them are over 50 now. Sorry if you have one of those common names that I mention(and in all likelihood, you do), but it baffles me. I guess from 1970 to 1990, there was a 20 year period where parents were given incentives or something for naming their kids that.(maybe someone older can answer that one) I'm happy with my folks. No common names there, well, not a Matt, John or Ashley anyways. Here are some suggestions for those out there that aren't to common you might want to consider...Will, William, Bill, Bart, Garrett, Jerry, Steve, Stephen, Tal, Tom, Thomas, Jeff, Fred, Rich, Paul, Aaron, Cliff, Michael, Mark, Douglas, Doug, Frank, Cal, Ryan, Daniel, Scott, Henry, Nick and Stuart. For the Girls...how about Tracey, Conney, Amanda, Clair, Melissa, Marry, Mendy, Mallory, Lacy, Sherry, Sandy, Cassie, Morgan and Catherine. Of course there are name dictionaries out there too, to choose from. I personally want to stay away from giving any kids I have one day names that want to sound cool(like Spence or Chase) or names that you invent or something, or overly used biblical names like Peter, Calab, Sarah and Ruth. Why not use an Ezra or Esther! How about Joshua or Levi or Simmon. If you can't find one you like, just keep digging and please stay away from the Matt's, Johns, Jennifers and Ashley's...I think there's plenty of those out there. And please don't give your kids names that sound or could be last names like Carter or Jackson or Cantrell.

And Then....And Then

2007-07-06T07:17:00.000-07:00

I haven't really been in the mood for blogging much lately. Not for a lack of opinions or concern over my usual topics. I don't hesitate to touch any topic that I have an opinion on, especially political or religious. I'd like to start blogging more on biblical topics soon as a matter of fact. After 67 prior post, if you're new, there's plenty to back read or catch up on. I would be lying if I said I didn't get a little frustrated with what I see as problems in the world. I'm sick of our government talking about homeland security when they won't even take the right course of securing our boarder(build the FENCE!). I'm fine with Bush "finishing" the job in Iraq, but I have to admit, what does "finishing" the job look like? What's the measuring stick for a well trained Iraqi security force and if civil war is inevitable, can we stop it? On the other side of the coin, it seems folly to me to just pull out like the dems wanted. Speaking of government, when will they realize that the Fairtax is the real answer to the tax problems(http://www.fairtax.org/.) I meet people all the time who say their not into politics...What? How can that be? Even if you don't care an ounce about foreign policy, government pork spending programs, or election campaigns, you should care about your money. If you haven't realized it yet, the government is the only legal entity in this country that can take your money by force. They make and abolish the laws that give you freedom. I would think that would concern people enough to care a little. Pop quiz, name your 2 U.S. senators and one House Representative, and don't cheat.

Our media and a great number of our populous are extremely, overly concerned with Paris Hilton's jail sentence. People, she is nothing to get excited about! She is not that great looking, she has no known talents and very little personality. Celebrity gossip might be the most ridiculous thing in American history...next to people over 18 not voting. I do get tired at times with a lack of fervor within American Christianity. That is, I get tired that people only want convenience, or want the parts of Christianity that they like or that feel good(preaching to the choir). They want to throw out confession, sin, repentance and obedience. They just want the love, the grace and forgiveness. Which is fine, but have we as a church decided to throw out the "whole counsel of God" and replace it with teaching people that there's no discipline, there's no sin, there's no confession, there's no right interpretation? Our pastor was telling us a while back that church discipline is a rare thing nowadays. That, to me, is amazing...does your church practice it? Why not and on what Biblical grounds can you give for not practicing discipline? Well, not a very good blog, but those things are out there.

But mommy, I don't want to be late for school!

2007-06-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have a redneck side...enjoy!

What do Georgia and Switzerland have in Common?

2007-06-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

The following article illustrates how similar states compare to different countries economies in GDP. California would be around the 8th largest economy. Pretty crazy to think about.

Man O Man

2007-06-18T20:43:00.001-07:00

I blogged a few weeks ago about going to see Modest Mouse in concert...well, I found a clip from the opening band, Man Man, on YouTube and thought I'd share for you music fans. This band was insane! They wore war paint, played any and everything and didn't stop between any songs. It kinda just sounds like they're making noise, but I kind of like it for some reason.

Here is Modest Mouse as well.

Bling Bling

2007-06-14T06:33:00.000-07:00

I found this article today on msn.com about engagement rings. I'm not sure exactly where this author is going with her opinion, or that I agree on her opinions, but I think she does makes some great points on how people have come to view wedding rings and the hype behind getting one for American women. I mean, it seems like the price keeps going up and up for a man, one month, two month, three months salary...interesting to think about anyways.

Now for the craziest item of the week

2007-06-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

Still not convinced that just about anything and everything can happen? I've had my share of Murphy's Law, but in this story, a man was pushed for 4 miles, at 50 miles per hour, IN HIS WHEELCHAIR. With what, you say? Try a SEMI...

How do you know?

2007-06-05T18:58:00.000-07:00

My pastor is a reasonable guy. He has the smoothest delivery from most pastors I've seen. I also think he has an excellent way of introducing people to what are known as the doctrines of Grace. I've had many conversations with people that say they didn't know or understand Reformed theology until they came to our church and heard our pastor's teaching. I think he has a great way of explaining things in a contemporary way, especially to the baby boomer generation and the generation Xer's. Anyways, he has a way of taking complicated or hard subjects to digest and shows you how to divide it up nicely. I came across one of his "Points To Remember" today. It was entitled "How do you know for sure you're a Christian?" Weighty stuff and the subject of discussion often times, and certainly something many Christian's probably struggle with in their own minds. Here are his 3 points, which I won't go into his explanations(his text was 1 John chapter 2).

1. Do you love God? (Moral Test)

2. Do you love God's people? (Rational Test)

3. Do you love the truth? (Doctrinal Test)

That's my pastor, simple, yet in depth and plenty to chew on.

"Now that was an Attention Getter"

2007-06-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

I've been a baseball fan since an early age. For those of you that are part of the "baseball's too boring" crowd, there's a lot more to it than throwing the ball across the plate and running the bases. It's just a real fun game. Anyways, here is another reason I like to watch it. Some times the bench clearing brawls and umpire-coach arguments are worth the price of admission. This coach is a NUT!

Sweet Vainity...and then some

2007-06-01T07:13:00.000-07:00

Well, with summer time arriving, I figure its a good time to rant a little on one more taboo subject...at least for girls in their teens and twenties. About a year or so ago, I went to lunch after church and saw a friend of mine and one of her good friends from school. I couldn't help but notice that these two young, beautiful, Caucasian 20 somethings were much, much, much darkish reddish from being out in the sun. I looked at her and said "umm, you ever heard of sun block or sun tan lotion???". Her reply, "AH, what's that?" sarcastically of course. Yup, the two had purposely spent the entire day before baking their lovely skin(with NO sunblock) in the hope of being more lovely then they already were. She's a great girl actually and not vain, but that attitude is something that I've seen since high school from girl after girl, who seems to think that beauty arrives with the burning of the pigment of her skin. Check out this article for a real taste of what sun expose is really all about. There's a great comparison picture of a girl in normal light and then under a UV camera. I seriously think if you're somebody that purposely abuses your skin like that, you might as well become a chain smoker and enjoy the tobacco, because it won't kill you nearly as fast as skin cancer from baking your skin all the time.

The South

2007-05-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

As a southerner, I have so many bias about the south. Of course, I think its one of the coolest places to live, but I haven't lived anywhere else. In my case, I live in Atlanta, sort of, so my view of the south is a little off compared to the other parts. I went to college in a rural community in Georgia. I think the time I spent in that rural community, I became more familiar and appreciated more the heritage that is the southern culture. I've experienced a lot of that culture through my family. My father's side is generations of southerns(back to Cherokee Indians), so I certainly have it in my blood. The town I grew up in was is now a suburb of Atlanta, but prior to the 70s, it was just a rural country town 25+ miles from Atlanta, and thus was your typical southern communities. You know, the community where everybody knows everybody. There were a few very wealthy families that had tons of money and land. There was of course the local Southern Baptist church and the Methodist Church...and of course, the plethora of independent baptist, Methodist and Pentecostal churches. I only saw the remnant of this age of that town. I didn't grow up in that town though, my dad did. I grew up in a town where the old farmers and land owners would sell off there land to developers to expand the grow metro Atlanta area. No, my understanding of the old town is second had from my dad and his old friends. The stories of my grandfather inviting everybody over to his house after church for some good ole country eatin. Stories of my dad in the 1950s elementary school, where there was one room with all grades. Dirt roads and hand waves from folks on their front porches. Heck I grew up in my family with 5 dogs running around everywhere. Biscuits! Cornbread, mash potatoes and gravy, fried okra, fried chicken. I had 4 southern aunts and everyone of them would make you slap your grandma with their cooking abilities. People leaving their windows and doors unlocked at night without fear of burglars. Raising chickens in the back yards, with tomato patches...and tons of other gardens. The communities too, knew each other well. Neighbors knew neighbors, and people cared. Yup, that's just a glimpse of what I was told. Me, I got to experience some of that, mainly through my dad's family, cousins, etc. But my cousins and I didn't get to experience most of it on any level really, nor will our children especially. Which, sometimes makes me want to move out to the country if I have kids one day. So that they can get community possibly. No, I grew up in the suburbs, where we worried about looking good, getting good grades, competing in sports(all the time), watching T.V.(all the time) or just waiting for the next "in" thing to do. It wasn't all bad, but it really wasn't about living in "community" so to speak. So the south...the south isn't all great of course, NO place is for that matter. Jim Crow laws and racism. Poor towns with little opportunity. Abuses of all types plagued many a community as they do all over the world. There is truth though, to southern hospitality. I've meet many people from other parts of the country who move here and say that they couldn't believe how nice southerners were when they came here. Either way, with all its faults and lumps, southern culture will always have an impact in American culture. Who knows what the future will hold for the south. Unfortunately, the culture itself seems to be slowly disappearing in many ways. I like accents, they help distinguish people. From an Irish to Brooklyn accent or a Boston to English accent, its cool to here how people talk. The southern accent is loosing ground though. Especially with television that's produced in New York or California, more and more of us sound like where from the Midwest, with not much of an accent. My accent is nowhere near as thick as my grandfather's. So more and more people keep moving to the south. It seems inevitable that the south will keep changing. I hope though, that as it does, it doesn't drawn out the culture, but helps reshape and mold it to a newer, better hospitable south. Sure the south isn't perfect and people make fun of it and a lot of people don't like it, but I think I always will.

People Hurt

2007-05-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

People hurt, plain and simple. I stumbled across a blog that an old friend of mine from college wrote the other day. I'm not going to re post it, out of respect for her, but it was painful to read, because it involved a lot of hurt. In her case, it was the pain and hurt involving her marriage. She basically went into some details about the emotional and non-emotional(mental I suppose) pains and hurts she's had in her marriage. Often times, I find that hurt and pain on a physical level can be somewhat easier than on a mental level. No one wants to go into marriages, jobs, friendships or whatever knowing that there's going to be tremendous pain and hurt involved. Each person is different, with different circumstances, views, perspectives, backgrounds, bias, and on and on. So one mans hurt is another mans bump. One man's trash is another man's treasure. Her blog was an eye opener though for this non-married guy. How can we know about that other person in the future. Marriage is a funny risk. Seems like the only one, where we bound ourselves to something that's not an object. Marriage is a different issue. God doesn't look lightly on divorce at all, certainly not for "irreconcilable" differences. So, pain is a part of life and we all have different struggles and heartaches. My heartache might be that annoying guy that just wants to listen to Elton John on the radio all day at work. Your heartache in life might be that you dad keeps trying to take advantage of you financially whenever he gets a chance. I think that's where Grace can come it greatly. Kind of like where Job was in the Bible. Sure some of his friends might have had legit reasons for his hurt, but Job didn't care or agree. He knew who God was though, and he knew that God was greater and more mighty than any of his external circumstances. Needless to say, I have my thorns, pains and hurts, but I find that often times, for me a Job attitude is the only thing that gets me through...the attitude that "crap this sucks, and hate it to no end, but praise be to God that he is great! I hope my friend finds rest in her struggle and pain, and I hope God keeps redeeming marriages with those kinds of pains.

Missions...what to say?

2007-05-22T17:12:00.001-07:00

I was looking online at some pictures a friend of mine had from when she lived in the Philippines as a child. Her parents were missionaries there, and it hit me as I looked at it. This family was there for the gospel, plain and simple. I never have had a chance to talk to her about what exactly they do there, but she is about to go over and join them real soon(end of this month). Back to what I was saying though. She had pictures of the locals walking around this city, that looked cramped and pack, with little carts and bicycles going about frozen in the pictures. As I look at it though, I was reminded that their culture there is not a product of Christianity, even though maybe a little from the years of missionary work. I find the difference in this picture I saw of the Philippines and a picture of say any American city, is that with the American picture, I think I might not judge the people as non-Christian(ok sometimes). When I looked at her Filipino picture, the thought came to my mind, "most of these people in this street probably don't know or care about the things of God." That's completely unfair of me though. I need to quit looking at "other" places as the mission field and look at "my" place as the mission field(including my own heart). Perhaps a picture of a crowed street in Charlotte, NC from 1948 might have a large populous of Christians, but I have to keep reminding myself that that time period is over. We are in a post-Christian society in America, with maybe the exception of some pocket cities and towns. I would love to say that's a false statement even in the Bible Belt where I live, but I as a native, I understand the Bible Belt culture. Believe me, just because there's a church literally on almost every corner, it does not mean that there is a Christian on every corner. Too many Southerners wear Christianity as though it were a skin color, hair color, or birth right. Many, are what some would call Saved by Jesus, but Jesus is not their Lord(which is not saved.)

That is the Holy Ghost though. He moves and blows where he pleases. So what is a harder field to harvest for the gospel? The heathen remotest areas of the world or middle America where most might make a claim to Jesus' grace? I personally think the latter. In the latter, I have to deprogram myself. I have to think, "everything you know is wrong, but Jesus" so to speak. Because in the midst of a post-Christian society where the gospel could be found on even a bubble gum wrapper, I have to know that the fresh, saving Gospel of Jesus Christ can save even someone who thinks he's a Christian but is not. The weird thing about spiritually dead people(anyone not a Christian), is that they can intellectually understand the Gospel and even lay claim to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It's almost like a physically dead man being able to talk to you, yet still having no pulse and not realizing he's dead...a bit scary. Where as tons and tons of Asian people, for example, are not Christian, know it and accept it, or perhaps haven't heard it yet. Granted the Gospel can be understood by a non-Christian to the extent that he can realize what its premise is and what its implications are, but only when the Holy Ghost engulfs his soul does he truly Understand and accept Christ Lord and Saviour. Maybe its inevitably in society that as more and more people become Christians, the Gospel becomes a common reference, so to speak(which isn't necessarily a bad thing). I think the challenge though, is simply making the Gospel crystal clear to everyone we can. That is where I think a post-Christian society struggles, because it thinks it understands the Gospel, but usually understands a "false" Gospel, one where a person can be saved by a plethora of options, mainly by doing good works. This to me is the Churches fault and the believers who make up the church. Christ left the charge of discipleship to the Church, not individual evangelists, movements or para churches. Somewhere, the church preached the Gospel wrongly, and it preached a false gospel to many people. I subscribe to the Reformed faith. You may be a 2, 3 or 4 point Calvinist or Anti-Calvinist, but one of the many reasons I favor the Reformed interpretation of the Gospel is that most every time I find a non-Christian who has been explained the Gospel from a truly Reformed view they are able to assess their spiritual make up in reference to Jesus and the Gospel. The Reformed faith is simply an interpreting tool to understanding the Gospel to me(and it could have its flaws, which I uaully have a hard time finding.)

So when I think of that city in the picture, I want to remind myself that the Gospel does not discriminate in any manner. It(Christian revival) could very well shift in its progress from a Western to Eastern Culture, which isn't necessarily a bad thing(and is kinda already happening). I also have to remember that with knowledge, I'm given responsibility, and in the case of Jesus' atoning sacrifice, I have a responsibility with each non-Christian that I minister to, to explain to them the simple, yet complicated, reality of Jesus' birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and eternal rein. Basically discipleship and helping people understand the full counsel of God's word and the person of Jesus Christ(including myself).

Its either Heavy or Weighty...

2007-05-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend I thought more on my reading of C.S. Lewis' book Mere Christianity. What hit me was his chapter where he wrote about age and how we view time. Of course I don't remember all the details, but he reminded me that God is not contained in our sphere of time. He's not limited to our chronology if you will. I suppose it would be difficult for the brightest human out side of the Lord himself to understand how God really views time, in our sense of it. For instance, does he view 1950 as any different from 1984 or 1903 from 1778? That is, with his infinite knowledge and understanding, can he peek, so to speak, into September of 1960 and see the events played out in its present form(as though it is the present or actually is?), although they have already past in our reality that we live in currently? Obviously, we have no time machine outside of our recording equipment, but that is one of those things that makes you go hmmmm. Just as well, if say Jesus doesn't return before 2036, can God look into that time as the present moment of its happening?

Lewis didn't speak of this in his book, but some friends and I were discussing this theory(sorry, I don't remember its name), that basically tries to explain what may happen to Christians when they die. Something to the effect that when they die, they are somehow automatically transferred to the resurrection of the dead spoken of in the Bible, where they are united with Christ and the other believers. I suppose this is the opposite view that holds believers are automatically with Christ in the "heavenlys", are fully alert, and then wait there(so to speak)until Christ comes back and take the alive that are in Christ. So, if the former is indeed an accurate summation, that would seem to be a time warp of some sort. Either way, its something to me that brings comfort in many directions. Mainly the one, where I know that this life is not all that there is, and that despite the days troubles, trials, heartaches, heartbreaks, and tears my saviour is coming back and is going to take me and you that are in Christ to our real home, with our new, real bodies, that don't deteriorate like these knockoff models we're in now. When we're in our Glorified states, I suppose Adam himself would stand in awe of God's fully redeemed and glorified children! So as we age and see the wrinkles multiplying year after year, and look around and see that there's always someone younger, faster, stronger, smarter, and ready to take our place, we can take comfort in knowing that God knows that our souls are as fresh as they were when he wrought them alive in Christ at our redemption! Then the best part is that we get a bonus and receive our inheritance that God has promised to those in Christ, where we get a new body that's just as fresh as our souls and an entire new Earth! So, maybe it would be great to have the wisdom of a 60 year old in the body of a 20 year old, but who really cares when we realize that the war has been won, despite how many battles we lose.

What a "lively discussion of ideas" is to Me.

2007-05-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

Two blogs in one day. I was inspired by my comrade Arnold's blog on other cultures compared to our American culture. Mainly by a comment my other comrade David wrote about the French and conversation...or their "lively discussion of ideas". I love conversation...no you don't understand, I long for good conversation that is beyond the how's the weather and did you see the ball game today. No, I long for the consistent meeting of friends and discussions about the deeper more heavier things in life...No preference really on topic, because to me, conversation is only partially about exchange of information, it about the fellowship you get from your pals. See, for those introverts out there that only like to exchange information when you speak, real conversation is about talking, if that makes sense. Not to just hear your voice, but to learn and experience each other as human beings. It's called interaction and its not about getting the facts, but expressing the mind and feelings. Of course I speak in generalities, but here are a few things that, to me "lively discussion of ideas" should not be about, for the most part. 1)It is not about "one upping" your conversation partner(s). I almost feel like repeating that, because I don't know what it is nowadays, but seems like every other conversation I get into when I tell a story or talk about an experience, the response is "well, let me tell you this." You explain how you want to go camping this summer sometime because you haven't been in a while. Soooo then your conversation partner proceeds to explain or exclaim how they went camping 40 times last summer.(almost to give you a warning or something to not go into that subject because they are so well verse that you can't convey any new information on that topic). To me one upping is a perfect conversation killer, because you're basically trying to verbally out punch the person....which is not what a "lively discussion of ideas". 2)Conversation is not about YOU. Its about talking and listening. Another conversation killer is the perpetual one sided conversation. The person who does all the talking, but doesn't really say any thing is like the person who hears, but doesn't listen. So, again a "lively discussion of ideas" is not about making the other person feel like they're simply a sound board for you to hear yourself ramble. 3) Interesting conversation is NOT about gossip. Yes, its easy to talk about everybody else's problems or roomers, but once again it not a "lively discussion of ideas". Gossip is about making yourselves look good compared to the victim of your gossip. Kind of like one upping someone who's not there.

Anyways, I'm no expert on what a"lively discussion of ideas" is really all about, but I like to think I know what I like when it comes to interesting conversation. To me it is enjoyable first and foremost. The topic can be about tragic things even, but its still about exchanging perspectives. Religion and Politics are hard to talk about, so I try to save those for closer friend, but if you go in ready for a good time and not a heated argument, then I think it can be enjoyable. My personal favorite is Theology, not religion. To me there is no better conversation then talking about the deeper things of God(not that we can really go all that deep as humans). My second favorite is probably when I can talk with folk(s) about the good and enjoyable things in life. But I feel semi-deprived in a sprawling suburbia here in the ATL. Everybody is spread out and usually no less than 30 minutes away. I must admit it would be grand to live within minute of my mates and be able to call up at a moments notice and have a "lively discussion of ideas". Perhaps we'll figure out how to do it one day.

Let's talk about Amnesty and disrespect for "the great unwashed"

2007-05-18T08:15:00.000-07:00

Yes our wonderful power driven, appeasement government has decided to once again try to grant Amnesty to illegal aliens. For those that don't care to hear my rant on this, here's the article.

If I think about it from a dire perspective...If I'm living in, say Nazi Germany in 1939 and I'm a Jew, it is perfectly acceptable to permit that person on a fast tract to coming to America considering we know that that person is about to be slaughtered. Our illegal aliens aren't here for that reason, they're here for economic reasons. I have complete sympathy for the Latino peoples that want to come here and be able to support themselves and families. But if we have a free gate where anyone can come on in, then how are these people ever going to learn to demand that their countries change if they can simply piggy back off of our economy, among other things. Bill Gates can give some of his wealth away, even alot, but it has limits and my point is that our country has to have its limits and ENFORCE them.

By the great unwashed I mean the common people citizens of America. By amnesty I'm talking about our government's complete refusal to honor our laws concerning illegal immigration and allowing most likely 20 million illegal aliens, criminals, the basic rights to citizenship that we have as American citizens. You will never hear me call them undocumented workers, illegal immigrants or any other politically correct term. Should I call a drug addict a misinformed consumer? Millions and millions of people in this world desire to come to our country, assimilate and become a part of our country LEGALLY. That's the difference. As long as America is as free as it is and has the opportunity that it has it will always be a place where people want to come and gain opportunity.

Solutions? A fence? Yes, a fence obviously needs to be built to keep illegals out. What about the cost of deporting them? So, we have the richest government in the world. If we can spend billions on pork barrel projects for senators trying to keep their constituents happy, then we can use our yellow public school buses for a massive journey to Mexico...After all, our government had no problem deporting the rightful owners of parts of our country to Oklahoma a few years back(trail of Tears) and without transportation. "What about the jobs that we Americans just don't want to do?" Tough tootie fruity...its called the free market...someone will pay the price and if that means housing prices and whatever else goes up, well I guess we'll just have to suck it up. Unfortunately though, the American general public tends to be great sleeping giant most of the time until something blows up in its face. So, who knows what could happen until we demand that our laws be enforced by the people we elect to enforce them.

Now for the ridiculous item of the Day

2007-05-15T07:06:00.000-07:00

"The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) has placed a professor on forced administrative leave and has recommended that he be terminated for e-mailing a Thanksgiving message to his colleagues last November." Why you ask? Was it some sort of harassing, derogatory, hate email? Read this article and see if you can find a double standard at this school.

The hairball vs. the tortoise, and then some...

2007-05-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

I found this to be pretty funny.

Speaking of funny...ever seen super models play the violin, really good. I wonder if they can make their hair blow in the wind just so in concert too...hmmm

And the winner is....

Problems with Drinking

2007-05-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

Did you hear about the teenage quarterback from Brookwood High School that was killed in an auto accident last Saturday night? Turns out he was driving while intoxicated after attending a Cinco De mayo party, that was supervised by parents. What a tragedy indeed, and who knows why they allowed him to drive drunk, even if he just had a buzz. I have a theory on teenage alcohol binge drinking and abuse. From my understanding, Europeans have much lower "abuses" if you will, then Americas, but consume just as much alcohol or more. Why is this? I think one explanation has to do with our laws and attitudes towards drinking in this country. Most kids under 18 know they're still under their parents care and might accept laws prohibiting drinking, etc. But after 18 though, most move out, go to college and start "being" adults. So, in our country, you can join the military, leave home and vote before 21, but cannot drink. That to me is a built in cause for rebellion in and of itself. Sure, most 18 year olds I meet aren't the most mature folks I've meet, but they're not dumb, and its safe to say they can usually take care of themselves if they had to. I don't understand the 21 rule? Is there some magical brain growth or something, compared to 19 or 20? It was 18 for years and years prior to the 70s. I think parents can actually serve alcohol to their own children if they desire(doesn't sound strange at all, hah?) Plus, we have hyper sensitivity to drinking that many zealots have had toward alcohol for years now. So that has caused many people to view alcohol as a taboo of sorts. What? The bible only says that drunkenness is a sin, not drinking alcohol. So, if you combine 1)drinking is a taboo and 2)unreasonable laws for adult consumption of alcohol, you get the inevitable...drinking abuses(which can obviously go throughout adulthood.) I only write this because I saw it in college and I see it played over and over again by those between 18 and 21...they know they're adults, society laws treat them as adults, yet when it comes to alcohol, we lead them to water, but they can't drink(no pun intended). This can obviously lead to rebellion? Why? Because to me, that's what can happen to someone who feels semi-deprived. So perhaps the law should be changed back to 18.
Who knows how it would play out if the age was turned back to 18 for legal possession. Here was my own experience in college though. I would see time and time again people under 21 drink all the time or binge drink(Party)...then after they turned 21, no big deal anymore. Sure a lot would continue, but the partying itself would "loose" its mystique.

Have You heard of this Yet? Oy Vey!

2007-05-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

Have ya'll heard or researched the Fair Tax Act, or HR25 before congress. Congressmen John Linder is the main sponsor. If you haven't read The Fair Tax book yet or don't want to, check out this article on it. I wouldn't mind if my purchasing power increased by as much as 20 to 40%, would you?! I haven't read the book yet myself, but here's the website where you can get all the info on it you need. There's certainly no perfect solution to our current system, but a "real" flat tax or some consumption tax(such as the Fair Tax) seems like the logical solution. Now if we can just get people to quit watching Entertainment Tonight, reading People Magazine and watching American Idol for 5 minutes and petition their congressmen. Shalom

Celebrity Worship is True

2007-05-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, last week, I wrote how I like to check out Neal Boortz's news blog. There is just some funny commentary on there. I was reading it today and he wrote this on the Paris Hilton crap that's been in the news, I couldn't have put it better myself...

"You've heard by now that Paris Hilton is going to jail. She has to spend 45 days in some luxury jail cell in the Hollywood area for basically flipping off the law. Paris thought that the very same laws that ordinary poor ugly people had to follow just couldn't apply to her. To the surprise of absolutely nobody Hilton has blamed her troubles on someone else. It's all her publicist's fault. So he's been fired.
Now for the pathetic part ... as if Paris Hilton isn't pathetic enough.
Joshua Capone, a Paris Hilton fan, has written a letter to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger asking him to step in and keep Paris Hilton out of jail. Get ready to lose your last meal, because I want to share with you a line from Joshua's letter:
"She provides hope for young people all over the U.S. and the world. She provides beauty and excitement to our otherwise mundane lives."
And you think our culture of celebrity worship isn't a problem. "

Bravo Neal...

Weekends...well, they're fun

2007-05-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you're highly anticipating what I did over the weekend...right? Well, needless to say, weekends always seem to be feast or famine. Either there's a 1000 different social or activity type things to do or everybody's out of town and nothings on TV. Friday night...saw Spider-Man 3 and helped "supervise" middle schoolers at church(and still had an offer to see another movie after). Saturday...slept til 11:30ish, watched new cool DVD for 2hrs and went to a concert. Sunday...church, went home and slept for 3 hrs and then went to friends to watch movie, and then what feels like 5 minutes later, back to Monday...sigh.

Details? Spider-Man was good, maybe better than the 2nd one at least, although one friend compared it to fertilizer. The middle schoolers...loud, random, funny, i played dodge ball and felt like Adam Sandler on the playground. The concert...Modest Mouse...sorry if you don't know who they are, but they're an Indie Rock band who have become more well known lately. Although, they're rough around the edges lyrically, I like the "sound" of their music. If you've heard of the Smith's, they acquired their lead guitarist. Anyways, the concert was really good and they had an opening band call Man Man who was crazy(look them up on iTunes, eccentric to say the least). I don't know if I've ever smelt so much non-cigarette smoke in my life, so that was a little annoying. Some idiots also had the bright idea that it would be cool to dance around on stage whilst the band was trying to play(i mean a lot of them). I mean that's why I paid $37, to see teens and 20 somethings prance around on stage and block the view of the band. Movie Sunday night...Children of Men, really not a bad flick...i enjoyed it cause it was different, but its not for those who want there spirits lifted or want the most ferry tale endings. The new DVD? Planet Earth, awesome video!! Well, if you gotten this far, sorry you're day has been so boring, cheers!

Soooo...Exactly How Much is Too Much Ms. Roberts???

2007-05-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

So as I was eating breakfast this morning and"Good Morning America" was on. Those morning shows really aren't about the news. It seems that they're usually about 75% cooking, pop culture worship, opinionated shows. Which is fine, just don't claim to be a news program if you aren't. I dare anyone who watches the news to watch the Brit Hume Report on Fox News and find a conservative bias there(its often claimed). I think its on my mind because of a report that Robin Roberts gave about CEO's salaries that Forbes put out. Here's the article. I just did not like how she handled the story, and think she really just wants people to be mad and petition the government to "do something". Steve Jobs is at the top, making $647 million! I don't have the transcript, but basically as she was interview this "expert" about the analysis, she keep saying that it was ok that these CEO's made all this money if they "earned" it or "worked" for it, or something to that effect. What? What is wrong with this lady? Of course these CEOs deserved the money, because that is what the companies decided to pay them!!! In my opinion, basically she just wants to see people who make huge amounts of money regulated....somehow. By whom would these great news anchors like these people's salary to be regulated? That would be the GOVERNMENT. Its called wealth envy. Would Ms. Roberts rather see alllll that money redistributed EVENLY through out the company so that Mr. Jobs doesn't get SOOOOO much money??? Would she rather see the retail sales guy at the Apple store at the mall making $200,000, so its more "evened out"? The answer is that there is no answer, except what the company deems right and necessary! I'm no economist, but capitalism is capitalism, and companies have the free right to pay CEOs whatever they deem correct and if it blows up in their face, then its their fault, period. Athletes make enormous amounts of money too, but sooo what? If we don't like it, then don't buy in to it and don't go to games. Wealth is meant to be earned, not re-distributed by the government...that is the bottom line. This isn't to bash Robin Roberts, but to say that she needs to just say what she thinks instead dressing something up.

If she thinks the government should regulate employee's salaries for companies, then just say it. If what they make isn't "fair", then please define fair for me?

Perspectives for the Day

2007-05-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading C.S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity" for the first time. Although I found it very insightful in many areas, I must admit that I didn't understand where he was coming from in other areas. I found that I even disagreed with his perspective in many areas of the Christian life, but it could be because I don't understand the language he is using. The parts that I related to and/or agreed with though rang very true in my mind though. Here's a few paragraphs from his chapter entitled Counting the Cost, where he is basically explaining how when God is doing a work or helping us along, he will do to his satisfaction and not ours, enjoy...

"That is why we must not be surprised if we are in for a rough time.When a man turns to Christ and seems to be getting on pretty well (in the sense that some of his bad habits are now corrected), he often feels that it would now be natural if things went fairly smoothly. When troubles come along-illnesses, money troubles, new kinds of temptation-he is disappointed.These things, he feels, might have been necessary to rouse him and make him repent in his bad old days; but why now? Because God is forcing him on, or up, to a higher level: putting him into situations where he will have to bevery much braver, or more patient, or more loving, than he ever dreamed of being before. It seems to us all unnecessary: but that is because we have not yet had the slightest notion of the tremendous thing He means to make of us.

I find I must borrow yet another parable from George MacDonald. Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first,perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on: you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently he starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of- throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards.You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself."

Nerds Take Up Arms

2007-05-02T18:02:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of this game called World of Warcraft, sorry I have from some friends that play it. A friend sent this obscure virtual, "gaming", cyberspace conflict. I'm still confused for some reason??? I guess its inevitable that people will find "something" to fight about.

World Of Warcraft Player Claims A Bounty On His Head In And Out Of Video Game
Posted in PC Games by Klink on the April 30th, 2007
Electronics and computer video game chat can cause trouble. Please watch what you say to people online. PC games are just that, games.
Mexico City, Mexico-(MH)-Mexican World of Warcraft player Bronco Carson reported to local police on Saturday that 3 men broke into his home and beat his arms with clubs and smashed his computer. It was supposedly in retaliation for Carson stalking and repeatedly killing one of the attackers wife’s character during computer video game play.

Carson admitted to police that he had been “making it hard for her to get far in the game.” He said that after repeated online threats from the woman, she sent her husband and friends over to his house to “take care of him.” Carson later said that he had made the mistake of telling her where he lived and “if her husband was man enough to just come meet me to settle this.”