A quick note in passing...

...well, for reasons I will not expound upon here and now, I will not be blogging for the next week or so. I will be getting back into the swing of things around the 5th. In other news, my Panthers got walloped yesterday, at home... again. It's looking more and more like a 5-11, and maybe even (shudder) a 4-12 season! I keep hoping the Falcons will go on a winning streak so the Panthers can finish 4th in the NFC South... then, assuming the trend continues, they have a good shot at winning the NFC South next year (IF the Bucs win it this year, that will be 5 years running that the team that took 4th the previous season, wins the division the following year). I pray you all had a great Thanksgiving... Verse for today: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, ESV Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, [1] you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children [2] of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Where has the day gone!

Wow! Today has just flown by... in order to not forget to update my blog I thought I would post some things that I am thankful for this day...

1) I am thankful for my beloved wife. I still remember the day we met at the home coming football game for her college. I had been set up on a blind date with one of her roomates (long story there), and the three of us spent the entire game talking about the Soveriegnty of God! I don't think I saw three plays the whole game. She captured my heart the very first day we met. I still am not sure why she puts up with me... and I really mean that.


2) I am thankful for three kids. It just amazes me that God used me and my beloved to create three other human beings. Each one of them is amazing to me. And does God ever use them in my life! Joy, frustration, humility, love... and they are like mirrors into my soul and mind. God uses them to reveal sin in my life, to help me to better conform into the image of His Son, and there by - I hope - make me a better father and husband.


3) I am thankful for my career. When I met my beloved I was a carpenter's apprentice. Although I owned a little Ford Escort station wagon (a 'gift' from a church member I had never met), which was totaled a week later. She was always having to come down and meet me (we lived over 50 miles from each other), or I was having to catch a ride. When I moved to another state (actually closer to her) in order to pursue a college education and get married, I had no real job. Long story short, I have the job I have today, not because I knew what I wanted and went after it, but because God continually opened doors in my path.


4) I am thankful for my past. Specifically for my experiences. I grew up with divorced parents. I lived with my mother who struggled with depression and had attempted suicide several times. I never lived in any one place for more than two years. At one point, I lived in four different homes, and went to three different schools - all in one school year. I look back and I am just amazed at what God did and how He shaped me through those things. It is all by grace that I can say that my Lord is Jesus Christ, that He died for my sins, and that I can call Him friend/Lord/Savior. It is nothing done by my hand, or anyone elses.


5) I am thankful - and this really should be #1 on the list - for my salvaton. That God humbled Himself, came into the world to reveal the Father, and then paid the price of my sin so that I could know the Father.


6) I am thankful for the National Guard. God has used it to really shape me into a man who is responsible for his actions, and a man who takes service seriously. I have had the opportunity to serve my fellow man when they are most in need... and it is something I have really, really enjoyed. I have had the chance to travel (Honduras, Panama, Louisiana, Arkansas, California, Virginia, Maryland, New York, Florida, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Pennsilvania, West Virginia, Georgia). I have had the chance to meet Governors; fly in helicopters; repel off towers, helicoptors, mountains. I have had the chance to experience so many things that otherwise I would not have had the opportunity.


7) I am thankful for music. I really love music. Especially 'praise and worship' music. but I have found that i enjoy a lot of different kinds. Rock and Roll, Blues, Soul or Jazz, Irish and Scottish folk music. I especially enjoy the flute and piccilo.


8) I enjoy the internet. I have a been able to meet a lot of people, a chance to learn. A chance to 'see' a lot more than I otherwise might not have.


Well, I could probably go on, and on, but I need to wrap up for today... may God grant each of you a peaceful, and blessed Thanksgiving!



Verse for today:
Psalm 9:1-2, ESV
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

"Brothers"

A little over a year ago my Father-in-law asked me if I had ever watched "The Unit" (CBS, Tuesdays at 9 PM et/pt), and to be honest I hadn't up to that point. So, the next time it was on I made sure I was sitting down to watch it. In between bath time, and getting kids to bed (I am very grateful for DVR) I was hooked by the time the preview for next weeks episode came on. I was so hooked that I asked for the season-1 set when it came out, for Christmas (and I've asked for season 2 this year).

For those who don't know, the show is based off of the book "Inside Delta Force" by Eric Haney. The episodes cover a team of Delta Force operators and their wives.

Last night I finally was able to watch last weeks episode "Play 16", which was the follow up to "Five Brothers" the week before that. In Five Brothers the writers and producers did something that not many other shows are willing to do... they killed off an integral charecter - they killed Hector "Hammerhead" Williams. Although he was not one of the 'front three' (as I might call them), but he was a team member - and I really liked his charecter. Then in last weeks episode I really liked how the brough him back home.

This show does not have a large budget (I think), but they do a lot with what they do have. The story lines are interesting to me, even the home front side where they sort of talk about what the spouses go through is compelling. The one thing I do not like, and often skip over, is the extra marital affair of one of the main charecter's wife - and their commanding officer of all things!

The Unit kind of speaks to me. It's probably because I 'bleed Army green', and I have a deep respect for the kind of training and drive it takes to do such things. I have come to accept that I am not now, nor have I ever been, that skilled in - well anything. I have not been willing to discipline myself to that level of training and focus. I once began a work out regimine to attempt a tryout for the Special Forces group, but I quit early on because I was tired of being so tired.

Right now I suffer from some guilt. Earlier this year most of my unit was called to active duty, I was only one of four who weren't. I am now a REMF (please don't ask me to spell it out). Grant it, it's an important assignment - and it needs to be done, but when most of the men you trained with are called up - and possibly in harms way, but you are not...

Anyway... if anyone who reads this, who is either a member of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force - or a family member (epecially a spouse of a member) you have my deepest respect.



Verse for today:
John 15:12-17, ESV
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, [1] for the servant [2] does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Musical Monday... not yet... but hopefully soon

I've seen "Wordless Wendnesday", "Thursday Thirteen", "Friday Feast" on other blogs. They are generally a helpful 'tool' to help a blogger generate a post for at least one or more days a week. Although I've not looked very hard, I've not seen one called "Music(al) Monday" - not decided what I want to call it yet - and I was thinking about doing this from time to time. Basically a way to post a song, or about a song, that has been going around the void between my ears of late. Unfortunately, this is not the Monday to start that as I've not really had one bouncing around this morning. I mean, last week Jukebox Hero was doing a number on me... But this week I am not fully prepared to begin this. Over the weekend I was pondering what God has done in my life. Specifically my professional career. I was able to spend some time with a good friend from High School (we've known each other since 1983). By God's grace we got through High School, post High School, life, marriage, kids, and moving to remain within ten miles of each other (not necessarily all in that order). He is a manager of an auto parts store, and for the most part he is doing very well. Although they are struggling with his work schedule. Being the manager he tends to work a whole lot more hours, including most holidays, and for less money/vacation/etc. I know it bothers him that he is not able to spend as much time with his family as he would like to, especially on weekends. I guess it's one of those questions we may never fully know the answer too. I know I don't feel deserving of all that I do have, let alone why others are not as "blessed". Especially of those who I feel do deserve such things. Verse for today: Proverbs 19:1, ESV Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

I got nothin'

Well, at least not much. :) Not today anyway. The past three of four nights I've not been able to sleep very well. When I am really desperate I grab a spare blanket and crash on the floor next to our bed. I have no idea why, or how, that works, but I am usually out within five minutes - tops. Last night even that didn't work. I was too hot! On the coldest night we've had so far! So, around 1 AM, I climbed back into bed, folded back the blankets and slept with just a sheet. That did the trick... out like a light until it was time to get up this morning. I've started "The Cross of Christ" by John Stott (again). I think I am daunted by the size and depth of it. I constantly have to remind myself that I had no problem picking up "Lord of the Rings" and pretty much reading until I was done. Why is it that we have no trouble diving into projects, no matter how mundane, when it's something not of a theological bent - but when it comes to just picking up scripture, or a book like "The Cross of Christ", we waver?!? I also took home the book "Living the Cross Centered Life", by CJ Mahaney, last night (it's been sitting on my desk at work since I received it a few months back). CJ's writing has always been easy to read. When I've read his work in the past it was like drawing a sip from a cool refreshing glass on a hot day - easy to read, easy to absorb, and it feels like it penetrates through me. I also like the fact that the chapters are brief enough that I can delve into a chapter and finish it within 15 - 30 minutes. I'm thinking about doing a weekly commentary on this book... I dunno... I hope and pray that you all have a wonderful weekend. Verse for today: Matthew 6:5-8, ESV And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Family time at the movies

For some time now my beloved and I have been seeing posters, and trailers for "The Golden Compass". We both like that general type of film, and the advertisers are doing a fairly decent job of promoting it. However, I have been reading things on the internet of late bringing forth somethings that concern me greatly. The movie is based off of a trilogy written by author Phillip Pullman. It is written that Mr. Pullman is an athiest who really does not like C.S. Lewis, or his books, or pretty much to do anything with religion in general. It is my understanding (from what I have read on-line) that the book that this movie is based off of has some serious anti-God threads, and in the end the children "kill God". (Read a snoops article here) Apparently the movie has really supressed these themes in order to make it more friendly for us "church goers". (On a side note: it's intresting to hear that the 'other side of the coin' faces such supression.) Originally we were planning on going to see it as a date night movie, but I doubt I will even do that now - not even NetFlix it.


We should not be surprised buy such things. The 'world' hates Christ (John 7:7), and as a result it is only natural for it to hate those of us who follows Christ (John 15:9). The enemy of our souls is a master at his craft (Genesis, Job, 2 Corinthians), and as a result he has managed to turn some to hate, and I do mean hate, those who seek after Christ. And sometimes the best way to attack something, is by deception and disguise.


Now, I have watched The Lord of the Rings and Narnia with my two sons, and there are definetly things that I need to talk over some things with them in those movies as well. But, isn't that the role of a parent? We can never completely protect them from the world (when I use this term it is in reference to the part of the world in opposition to God). Our actual role is to teach and to train (Proverbs 22). I guess what I am trying to say is this, whatever you do with your children, wherever you go, whatever you see, talk to them about it - and ultimately pray for them. God can, and does, use all things to teach and to train them. Our ultimate peace and joy will be at our destination, and not during the journey. But that doesn't mean that we can't stop and appreciate the view from time to time. Look for those little nuggets. :)






Verse for today:
Deuteronomy 11:18-21, ESV
“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, as long as the heavens are above the earth.

Rest interrupted

Well, my 'mini vacation' was interrupted by the telephone at 06:50 this morning. It was the midnight shift guys letting me know that the 'bossman' was very ill, and I would be needed to come in and attend all of the daily/weekly meetings for him. Such is life, but I've since talked with 'bossman' and he's agreed to let me take a replacement day saometime in the "near future". Who knows... I might be able to start my Thanksgiving break a little early? :)

Today has been a whirlwind, but here are some random thoughts...

For some reason the song "Juke Box Hero" (by Foreigner) has been playing in mind over, and over, and over again... I really have no idea why. So, I've played it a few times from a You Tube video. I don't get it... but it's like being unable to scratch an itch or something!



For the past week or so, I have really been turning over the subject of knowing, and being known by, God. The verses "“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’" (Matthew 7:21-23, ESV), has been something I dwell on from time to time. Not just for my own edification, but so that I can (hopefully) explain it others if asked. One particular sub-theme of this as been (for me) the act of repentence. Over at Steve Camp's blog (yes the contemporary Christian musician) there is an excellent post regarding this very subject. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to ponder such things.

I enjoy writing the occasional short story, but I have been 'dry' for about 3 months now. I have ideas and concepts... continuations of several story lines I've started, but it's just not coming out. At least not in a cohesive form. I'm itching to write... I've just not had the time to sit and plug (i.e. bang) away at it until I clear that hurdle. I've been trying to carry a notebook around to jot notes in... but I've not been disciplined enough to follow through on that. gotta get off my duff!

Speaking of discipline... I need to get out and start running again. I know this is not the normal time a year to start such things, but my back has sidelined me from doing any serious exercise since late April. I've already missed two APFT test times, and I don't want to go out (retire) on a profile - unable to complete my expected check marks. My back still has some aches, and I am still seeing a chyropractor once aq month, but he feels it should be ok to start light running, and even some sit-ups (the later filling me with dread even thinking about it).

Coming back to music before I close things out for today, if you are one who enjoys praise and worship music I can cannot recommend the blog Worship Matters enough. It is written by a man who leads worship in church every Sunday. For me it has been very insightful.

Well, that's all I have for today... God bless...



Verse for today:
Phillipians 4:8-9, ESV
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

day 15 and all is... well... mush! :)

Have you ever been so tired your eyes hurt and your body is reacting at least 1/2 second slower than your brain because there some kind of disconnect between the two? Well, I'm almost there. :) This isn't the most tired I've ever been. I once hallucinated that there was an entire Infantry platoon marching not 30 meters from where I was pulling security (it was during a war games exercise - not the real thing). I mean I saw them, I heard them, and I almost 'shot them' (with blanks). It's not so much the fact that I've worked fifteen straight days now as much as it is the past three days I've had to come into work at 03:00 (AM). Ugh! But the good news is that yesterday and today I was able to work with my telco counterpart to get tomorrow's work done early! I will now be able to take the next two days off! Hurray! :) (and there was much rejoicing, lol) The weekend was pretty much routine type stuff... Saturday is a blur in my memory right now. If I remember something that was worth writing about I'll come back and update. :) Yesterday was a busy one. Due to working the wee hours I slept through morning service at church (in bed, not in the pew ;-) ), then got up and got dressed to head out to perform a salute for veterans. One great thing about being in an Artillery unit is being able to perform salutes for things like Veteran's day. Yesterday was at a small town's VFW post, and there were only about 20 people, but it was great - and they treated us like very nicely. They invited us in for some fried chicken and fixin's (for you Yankees, that's things like macoroni salad, baked beans... that sort of thing ;-) ), and all the drinks we could drink. The 'boys' were disappointed that I told them no beer. LOL Note: I would encourage every one to do more than say, "I support our troops". Get out and talk with them - get out and talk with Veterans. Don't talk politics, or weither the war is right or wrong. Just get out and talk to them. Take one a meal if they are older, or struggling. Make up a care package to send overseas. If you want to support the troops, please do not undermine what they are trying to do - and that includes giving aid to the enemy in the form of propaganda. If you don't support the war, that's fine, it is your right to disagree. But please be careful in how you voice your opposition - because a lot of time, careless thoughts, words, and actions, really do not make the soldiers feel supported - it makes them feel rejected. Rejoice in their triumphs, and seek to point out the good things that have been done. We live in America where we are encourage to voice our opinion - and it is our right and priviledge to elect officials to provide direction. But there are times, in our zeal (both left and right here), we fail to consider the consequences of our actions. Afterwards I drove home just in time to change, wash my face, and head over to Awana's to help out. In an odd way, I was glad to find out that there was a special Veteran's day service that alll of the Awana's would be at, and since my beloved was having trouble with DS2 (my 'Aspie'), I was unable to stay - which was fine by me. I really do NOT like the spotlight or attention my uniform brings. I like serving and doing that sort of thing - it's just that I don't like the recognition. I know what most (if not all of you) are going to say, that I deserve the recognition, etc. - but I really don't feel like I do. Not in light of what so many others have done. Right now I am just a RE soldier, and the one time I was deployed it was here in the states. I've done things like flood duty, etc. - but if you add it all up we're talking a few days over a very, very long time. The men and women who do that sort of thing, day in and day out - they deserve all the recognition. It just feels like I am robbing them of what they rightly deserve - so please do not try and argue with me on this... it only makes me feel worse. So, I get DS2 home and we sit and watch a little football (I had already known by this time that my Panthers lost to the Atlanta Falcons). It was nice. We munched on animal crackers and drank milk, and watched the Baltimore Ravens score a meaningless touchdown. I mean, they lost to a team that could not get in the endzone - but kicked 7 fieldgoals! Wish I had Shayne Graham on one of my fantasy football teams! I was sort of glad to see the Rams get their first win of the season against the New Orleans Saints - but a part of me still roots for the Saints. Their season's not done - not by a long shot in the horrible NFC South. I mean even the Falcons are only 2 games back at 3-6! I am not upset about the Panthers loss yesterday. I mean, they have two QB's on IR (Basanez & Delhomme), they have a hobbling soon to be 44 year old (Testaverde), another QB who has had 2 concusions and had come from a team that had basically allowed him to get pummeled (Carr), a QB who was an undrafted rookie free agent (Moore), and yet another who was signed on Friday (Olson)because it looked like they only had one healthy QB to send into the game on Sunday! For those of you keeping score at home - that six Quarterbacks! Earlier this season an offensive lineman for the Panthers was quoted as saying, "we take it personally when our QB gets hurt"! Well, by God, you had better be feeling about knee high to a grass-hoper right about now! Last week - seven sacks! This week, well I am not sure of the total, but it was at least two more that came on the final two possesion! And both times it basically prevented the Panthers of getting back into the game. If those offensive lineman had been samurai in feudal Japan, they'd have committed sepuko long before now. There are still seven more games for this club to play (at least), and most of them are going to be against tough opponents (@ Green Bay, @ Jacksonville, Dallas, @ Tampa Bay). I love Coach Fox, but I've heard his job might be in jeapordy... but how can you rate a Coach when you've had so much discontinuity at such a key leadership position as QB? There is plenty of blame to go around - and it all stops with the head coach to be sure - but I feel that Mr. Richardson should see this year as a scrub, let the coach know where he stands at the end, and give him one more season. Before I sign off... last night, I couldn't sleep (ever been so tired you hurt all over, and as a result you struggle to get your body to relax enough to go unconsious?) so I'm watching the Colts/Chargers game. Indy had come back from a sixteen point deficit, six interceptions, to be driving with less than two minutes to go. I'm seeing the Colts get to the less-than-one-yard line - finally my eyes are drooping and I decide to go ahead and turn off the TV. I mean why stay up when Payton Manning is driving to the doorstep with less than two minutes to go and they are only trailing my two points. I mean, even if the Chargers line holds, the Colts still have Adam Vinatieri - who is practically automatic. *click* Then, I get my tired old bones up and out of bed at 02:15 so I can get in to work. What is the first thing I see... he missed!?!?! Now, this long winded point is not to poke any kind of fun at Linda and her Colts - how can a man who roots for the Panthers point a finger and laugh? I really am stunned that they did not pull that one out. I didn't say anything about the loss to the Patriots last week - they are a really good team. Still, the Colts are not out of anything yet. I can still see a rematch between the Colts and Patriots - and the next time the outcome can easily be different. Ok, I'm going to wrap this entry up for the day... Verse for today: Mark 14:32-42, ESV And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” [4] And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

Day 12 of...

...a possible 16 now. :( Being on-call can be a real downer. I will be coming in to work at 3AM on the next four mornings. I am going to work hard on cutting that down to three if possible. To make up for it though I've asked for two days off next week. The good part of this is being able to draw a little bit of shift differential - just in time for Christmas. In other news my little Toyota Echo has been having problems with the 'check engine' light. It keeps coming on... cyclinder mis-fires. I've already put some money into it so I am now searching user forums for DIY tips. Perhaps more to follow on that. My beat up Panthers will take on the struggling Atlanta Falcons this Sunday. Even if they win it will be an uphill battle to win the NFC South. Both the Bucs and Saints have the inside track on that. Coach Fox has done some really good things - but if he gets them into the playoffs this year his contract needs to be extended! I'm pretty beat tired so this is it for today... Verse for today: Matthew 7:21-23, ESV Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Day 11 of 12

I am dragging this morning. Each morning seems to come just a little bit earlier. This daylight savings thing is really wearing on me. The "fall back" thing... isn't it supposed to give us an extra hour of sleep or something!?! - lol Since my body's internal clock is still working off of the old time system it still wants to wake up at it's normal time - but I am in effect going to bed one hour later. And the kids 'internal clocks' are also still set - so they are in effect getting up earlier than they need to... thus dealing with tired cranky kids while trying to get them to do their homework is wearing on the old nerves as well. But it's all good. We are coming into the 'Holiday stretch' where there is practically an extra day off every day of the week until sometime in February (I'm just kidding, but there are a lot of them between now and mid-February) - that, along with the vacation I have to "use or lose" should make up for the rest. :) But back to me being tired. I've been so tired this week that I've taken to drinking one 12oz Mt. Dew in the afternoon. This is really counter productive because, 1) it upsets my stomach a little, 2) the residual affect of the super-caffine they use keeps me up a little later at night, thus making me more tired the next day. It's reminded me of the months after DS2 was born. I was commuting over 100 miles to/from work, plus helping my beloved with DS1 and DS2. I was drinking 2 20oz Mt. Dew's a day! Soda in general is not really good for you, but I think Mt Dew is on a whole other plane. I love the taste (not as much as Dr Pepper, but that's a different story), and I do enjoy the extra energy that I get from it - but I can feel the after affects from it too. Last night I finally caught up on this weeks episode of Heroes. I think I am 'addicted' to this series. I am really getting into this show. I had suspected some of what was going to happen to Hiro, not the 'betrayal' of Kensei - but how the 'travel back' would end up. Also, this 'Adam' - I was all over that. Still, there are so many twists and turns it has really kept my intrest. Claire's dad... man that is a hate-love-dunno-hate kind of deal going on there. And the graphic novels on-line! Very gripping... some really good additional info there. Some of the charecters have "switched sides" (i.e. 'good' or 'evil'), but heroes like Hiro have pretty much remained 'true'. Over all it feels like the charecters are pretty human. There are times when it feels like the writers are hurrying things along - like Kensei's turn from drunkard to "hero" (but then it makes more sense after this last episode), or the relationship between Peter and Caitlin feels rushed. But then, these episodes are not like '24' - they do not 'flow' from hour to hour, but they can jump from day to day, or even weeks. My beloved does not like this series so I don't think it will be on any wish list, but I am really enjoying it so far. I mean, who did not dream of being able to fly, or run really fast, or do some other kind of super-human feat? Verse for today: Luke 13:22-30, ESV He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’ In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

"Are you cold at night?"

Yesterday my beloved asked DS2, "are you cold at night". Most people who read this will know what she was asking. My beloved wanted to know if he was having trouble sleeping because he was too cold. She wanted to know if he had enough blankets, etc. His answer made me laugh. "Yeah, but then I heat it up and I have to move to find a cool spot." LOL - he was saying that he was getting too hot, and had to shift around so he could get cooler in order to get more comfortable. The acorn doesn't fall too far from the tree. We're both nuts. :) I'm in trouble. I will be leading the discussion for our Bible study Friday night and I've not even started to study up! *sigh* I still have 48 hours though... There is a really good blog entry over at "Preachers Preaching" about "Lazy Preachers" - in my case, I am being a lazy 'lay-leader'. Verse for today: Philippians 4:4-9, ESV Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

The joys of growing pains

Well, I decided to go ahead and "move" the 'Dojo' to the new Blogger digs yesterday afternoon, but I failed to follow the first rule in any form of data upgrades. BACKUP YOUR WORK BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING! LOL. (I'm yelling at myself here...)

What I failed to do was save a copy of the old HTML code. Blogger is great at moving all of the original content from the old to new, but what was not moved were some of the 'bells and whistles' that I'd added over time. Things like my little 'blogthings' (yes there are non-girly teeny-bopper ones), and the blog award that I'd been given, so I will be working on sprucing the place up some. I really want to add a graphic for the Japanese charecters for "Christian Samurai" (クリスチャン侍 - or 'Kurisuchan') - after doing a little research I am told that this is the 'most correct' way of expressing this concept. I had learn of two different ways of saying it, one was sort of diragatory (which was kind of an eye opener to the gaijin), but this one is 'more correct' in that it is basically a term that is used to describe someone who 'has the mind of a Christian' (or perhaps the mind of Christ?), with the last charecter referring to the term 'samurai'.

Oh, and before I forget... I saw a NOVA episode titled, "The Secrets of the Samurai Sword" - facinating stuff. For example, I had been unaware that the reason the samurai sword has the characteristic arc in the blade is because that it is made with two different levels of carbon in the steel. When the blade is cooled during the process of making it, the inner core cools faster than the outer shell and thus pulls it up into its distinctive shape.

Ok, well, I've rambled on long enough about nothing particularly important so I will just say this... remember to back up your work! :)



Verse for today:
Hebrews 4:9-13, ESV
So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.

Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any katana*, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

* Note: the text is actually, "...sharper than any two-edged sword, ..."

Day 8, and it's flannel pajama time once again

Man what a long weekend. Ok, it was not overly taxing, but I am pretty tired this morning.

With all the things going on I headed into my unit Friday night and as usual, I didn't get much sleep before drill (too many things running through my mind). Got up WAY before dawn on Saturday, "ran" for about twelve hours before the day was done, got to bed late Saturday night and up early again yesterday. Thank God for daylight savings time ;-). Sunday was sort of a repeat of Saturday (lot's and lot's going on for almost twleve hours), and then get home for the second shift. Once the kids were in bed I could barely hold my eyes open.

It was not all "pain and suffering" though. I went to a Panera Bread for dinner on Saturday night - I just love their food - and because I was in uniform they gave me 50% off! Man that was cool! I was also able to learn a few things over the weekend.

I was able to get the sections aligned under the respective Staff Sergeants so I do not have to worry about so much "direct intervention", and we were given a "Commander's intent" for the rest of the training year. It will be hard, but if we can pull it off, it should be very memorable for the guys, as well as for me (seeing that this is definetly my last year in uniform). I also found out that the guys that are detached will probably be back sooner than (I) expected. Which is a good thing. I also found out that my commander nominated me for the Honorable order of Saint Barbera. I am not sure that it will go through, but it was nice. I am not into things like 'orders' and all that, but it seems like a nice jesture - and I really appreciate the thought.

He also, and more importantly, nominated the head of our Family support group for the "Order of Molly Pitcher" - which is way over due. This woman has worked countless hours and taken a lot of time out of her schedule dating back to at least 2001. Even after her husband (the blankety-blank) left her, who is in my unit, she has remained a steadfast supporter of the troops. I hope she gets it.

Well, I am sure everyone who reads this blog (all, maybe, six of you) knowns now that we've turned the clocks back to "standard" time. It was wierd this year. Mostly because of the changes to the 'norm'. This year it ended a week later than usual, and will start again two weeks sooner next year. The more I think about it... I feel that "Day light savings time" should just become the norm. I used the think the other way, but then I realized that if we didn't do daylight savings... there would be times the sun would be up before 5:00 AM! But... now the sun will be setting before 5:00 PM! *sigh*... LOL

I actually had some good theological thoughts this weekend... but my tired mind is having trouble recalling them. I was able to listen to two out of three Cd's in a series titled "Christ and Him Crucified", by CJ Mahaney. It is a series that was done around the time the release of Mel Gibson's movie, "The Passion of the Christ". It is an excellent series and highly recommend it available for free MP3 download through the website, click on the links to each sermon). I might not get to expound upon my thoughts on it this week, as I am preparing to lead the discussion at our care group this week, but I am going to be talking about the "why's" of small groups so...

Ok, so I've rambled on long enough for today...



Verse for today:

1 Corinthians 15:3-6, ESV
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.

Day 5 of 12

Drill weekends are a pain in my tush. For over twenty years now I have endured this once a month 12 day work weeks. Just after I got married there were times when I went about twenty days without a day off. And now that we are making sure things are set and ready for the fellas to get back there is twice as much to do, with about a third of the men. I know this is short today, but a lot is going on... Verse for today: Proverbs 2:1-8, ESV My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.

HTML, part II - and a snipet about "Heroes"

Well, even before Susan was kind enough to remind me about how we can either allow others a chance at a blessing (by serving others, even if we are not in need), or we can squelch it - I contacted a friend of mine. I asked him if he does that kind of thing for fun, which he does. I just need to make the time to go meet with him and we can sit down and talk things over. Who knows, maybe I can have a spiffy page like my "blog friends" Susan and Linda. :) I have been keeping up with Heroes and The Unit again this year. With all the stuff going on I rarely watch the shows live any more. Especially because my beloved does not like Heroes - it disturbs her somehow. I've especially enjoyed Hiro and his journey through Feudal Japan (a real surprise, eh?). I'm not sure how many people would have known that "Kensai" means "sword saint", but the charecter is anything but. I do not want to give anything away one way or another. But it has been interesting that several charecters have been in New York - again - after some kind of disaster like occurance. The story is definetly ramping up for another kind of showdown next Spring. The Unit is fun because of my interest in Special Ops - especially military style ones. The producers have done a pretty good job in keeping costs down, while keeping the story lines interesting. I've especially enjoyed the season 2 cliff hanger, and the season 3 opener. Like the guys in dark suits and sunglasses would ever play fair. ;-) Those two shows, along with any NFL game I can get on the tube, is pretty much all I'm willing to watch on TV anymore. Just another rambling blog entry... Verse for today: Proverbs 1:1-7, ESV The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.